bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma miR-195-5p predicts the severity of Covid-19 in hospitalized patients
Authors: Moatar Alexandra Ioana , Chis Aimee Rodica , Romanescu Mirabela , Ciordas Paula-Diana , Nitusca Diana , Marian Catalin , Oancea Cristian , Sirbu Ioan-Ovidiu
Published: August 2023

Predicting the clinical course of Covid-19 is a challenging task, given the multi-systemic character of the disease and the paucity of minimally invasive biomarkers of disease severity. Here, we evaluated the early (first two days post-admission) level of circulating hsa-miR-195-5p (miR-195, a known responder to viral infections and SARS-CoV-2 interactor) in Covid-19 patients and assessed its potential as a biomarker of disease severity. We show that plasma miR-195 correlates with several clinical and paraclinical parameters, and is an excellent discriminator between the severe and mild forms of the disease. Our Gene Ontology analysis of miR-195 targets differentially expressed in Covid-19 indicates a strong impact on cardiac mitochondria homeostasis, suggesting a possible role in long Covid and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) syndromes.
Tropical leg lymphedema caused by podoconiosis is associated with increased colonisation by anaerobic bacteria
Authors: Neidhöfer Claudio , Nkwetta Derick Lekealem , Fuen Bangsi Rose , Yenban Njodzeka Flora , Mbiatong Nancielle , Nchanji Gordon Takop , Korir Patricia , Wetzig Nina , Sieber Martin , Thiele Ralf , Parcina Marijo , Klarmann-Schulz Ute , Hoerauf Achim , Wanji Samuel , Ritter Manuel
Published: August 2023

The non-filarial and non-communicable disease podoconiosis affects around 4 million people and is characterized by severe leg lymphedema accompanied with painful intermittent acute inflammatory episodes, called acute dermatolymphangioadenitis (ADLA) attacks. Risk factors have been associated with the disease but the mechanisms of pathophysiology remain uncertain. Lymphedema can lead to skin lesions, which can serve as entry points for bacteria that may cause ADLA attacks leading to progression of the lymphedema. However, the microbiome of the skin of affected legs from podoconiosis individuals remains unclear. Thus, we analysed the skin microbiome of podoconiosis legs using next generation sequencing. We revealed a positive correlation between increasing lymphedema severity and non-commensal anaerobic bacteria, especially Anaerococcus provencensis, as well as a negative correlation with the presence of Corynebacterium, a constituent of normal skin flora. Disease symptoms were generally linked to higher microbial diversity and richness, which deviated from the normal composition of the skin. These findings show an association of distinct bacterial taxa with lymphedema stages, highlighting the important role of bacteria for the pathogenesis of podoconiosis and might enable a selection of better treatment regimens to manage ADLA attacks and disease progression.
Diapirs of crystal-rich slurry explain granite emplacement temperature and duration
Authors: Copley Alex , Weller Owen , Bain Hero
Published: August 2023

The mechanism, temperature, and timescale of granite intrusion remain controversial, with wide-ranging implications for understanding continental growth, differentiation, rheology, and deformation dynamics. In this paper we present a method for determining intrusion emplacement temperature and timescale using the characteristics of the surrounding metamorphic aureole, and apply it to the Skiddaw granite in northern England. The estimated emplacement timescale (0.1–2 Myr) implies magma transport velocities of 1–100 mm/year. At the absent or low melt fractions relevant to our estimated emplacement temperature (580–650 $$^{\circ }$$

∘

C), such velocities are incompatible with pluton formation by successive injections through dykes. Instead, our results indicate the intrusion of a diapir of crystal-rich slurry, solidifying before emplacement, with a rheology governed by the solid crystals. The emplacement depth is likely to be governed by the depth-dependent rheology of the surrounding rocks, occurring close to the brittle-ductile transition. The wider implications of our results relate to (1) the appreciation that much of the chemical and textural characteristics of plutons may relate to pre-emplacement crystallisation at depth, passively transported to higher crustal levels, and (2) an explanation of the difficulty of seismically imaging active plutonism.
Combinations of lifestyle behaviors and cancer risk among Korean adults
Authors: Luu Ngoc Minh , Bui Thi Tra , Tran Thi Phuong Thao , Nguyen Thi Huyen Trang , Oh Jin-Kyoung
Published: August 2023

Combinations of lifestyle behaviors may lead to different cancer risks. This study aimed to identify the latent classes based on lifestyle behavior trajectories and to investigate the association between these latent classes and cancer risk. Participants in the 2002–2003 National Health Insurance Service general health examination were included. Data on smoking, alcohol drinking, body mass index (BMI), and physical activity measured four times between 2002 and 2009 were analyzed. Incident cancer cases were tracked from 2010 to 2018. Patterns of alcohol drinking, smoking, BMI, and physical activity and latent classes based on trajectories of smoking, alcohol drinking, BMI, and physical activity were identified. Among 2,735,110 adults (1,787,486 men and 947,624 women), 111,218 (69,089 men and 42,129 women) developed incident cancer. Six latent classes of lifestyle behavior were identified, with Class 1 (healthy class) involving only 0.2% of men and 0.5% of women. The highest risk class in males tended to be steady light drinkers and steady moderate smokers, have steady low frequency of physical activity, and be obese. This class showed a 1.47 times higher (95% CI = 1.29–1.69) risk of all cancers than did the healthy class. Among women, there was only an association between the highest risk class (tendency to be non-drinkers, light smokers) and colorectal cancer (HR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.02–2.83). Only a small percentage of participants maintained a long-term healthy lifestyle. Identifying classes of behavior combinations and their links to cancer development is therefore critical for cancer prevention.
A deep learning framework to scale linear facial measurements to actual size using horizontal visible iris diameter: a study on an Iranian population
Authors: Pirayesh Zeynab , Hassanzadeh-Samani Sahel , Farzan Arash , Rohban Mohammad Hossein , Ghorbanimehr Mohammad Soroush , Mohammad-Rahimi Hossein , Motamedian Saeed Reza
Published: August 2023

Digital images allow for the objective evaluation of facial appearance and abnormalities as well as treatment outcomes and stability. With the advancement of technology, manual clinical measurements can be replaced with fully automatic photographic assessments. However, obtaining millimetric measurements on photographs does not provide clinicians with their actual value due to different image magnification ratios. A deep learning tool was developed to estimate linear measurements on images with unknown magnification using the iris diameter. A framework was designed to segment the eyes’ iris and calculate the horizontal visible iris diameter (HVID) in pixels. A constant value of 12.2 mm was assigned as the HVID value in all the photographs. A vertical and a horizontal distance were measured in pixels on photographs of 94 subjects and were estimated in millimeters by calculating the magnification ratio using HVID. Manual measurement of the distances was conducted on the subjects and the actual and estimated amounts were compared using Bland–Altman analysis. The obtained error was calculated as mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 2.9% and 4.3% in horizontal and vertical measurements. Our study shows that due to the consistent size and narrow range of HVID values, the iris diameter can be used as a reliable scale to calibrate the magnification of the images to obtain precise measurements in further research.
Ionic liquids with reversible photo-induced conductivity regulation in aqueous solution
Authors: Zhang Yige , Xie Xiaowen , Liu Jianliang , Tang Boyuan , Fang Can , Liu Xiaoming , Dai Zhifeng , Xiong Yubing
Published: August 2023

Stimulus-responsive ionic liquids have gained significant attention for their applications in various areas. Herein, three kinds of azobenzimidazole ionic liquids with reversible photo-induced conductivity regulation were designed and synthesized. The change of electrical conductivity under UV/visible light irradiation in aqueous solution was studied, and the effect of chemical structure and concentration of ionic liquids containing azobenzene to the regulation of photoresponse conductivity were discussed. The results showed that exposing the ionic liquid aqueous solution to ultraviolet light significantly increased its conductivity. Ionic liquids with longer alkyl chains exhibited an even greater increase in conductivity, up to 75.5%. Then under the irradiation of visible light, the electrical conductivity of the solution returned to its initial value. Further exploration of the mechanism of the reversible photo-induced conductivity regulation of azobenzene ionic liquids aqueous solution indicated that this may attributed to the formation/dissociation of ionic liquids aggregates in aqueous solution induced by the isomerization of azobenzene under UV/visible light irradiation and resulted the reversible conductivity regulation. This work provides a way for the molecular designing and performance regulation of photo-responsive ionic liquid and were expected to be applied in devices with photoconductive switching and micro photocontrol properties.
Bivalent structure of a TNFR2-selective and agonistic TNF-α mutein Fc-fusion protein enhances the expansion activity of regulatory T cells
Authors: Inoue Masaki , Tsuji Yuta , Ueno Reira , Miyamoto Daisuke , Tanaka Keisuke , Moriyasu Yuka , Shibata Saya , Okuda Mei , Ando Daisuke , Abe Yasuhiro , Kamada Haruhiko , Tsunoda Shin-ichi
Published: August 2023

Recently, TNF receptor type 2 (TNFR2) signaling was found to be involved in the proliferation and activation of regulatory T cells (Tregs), a subpopulation of lymphocytes that suppress immune responses. Tregs mediate peripheral immune tolerance, and the disruption of their functions causes autoimmune diseases or allergy. Therefore, cell expanders or regulators of Tregs that control immunosuppressive activity can be used to treat these diseases. We focused on TNFR2, which is preferentially expressed on Tregs, and created tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) muteins that selectively activate TNFR2 signaling in mice and humans, termed R2agoTNF and R2-7, respectively. In this study, we attempted to optimize the structure of muteins to enhance their TNFR2 agonistic activity and stability in vivo by IgG-Fc fusion following single-chain homo-trimerization. The fusion protein, scR2agoTNF-Fc, enhanced the expansion of CD4+CD25+ Tregs and CD4+Foxp3+ Tregs and contributed to their immunosuppressive activity ex vivo and in vivo in mice. The prophylactic administration of scR2agoTNF-Fc suppressed inflammation in contact hypersensitivity and arthritis mouse models. Furthermore, scR2-7-Fc preferentially expanded Tregs in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells via TNFR2. These TNFR2 agonist-Fc fusion proteins, which have bivalent structures, are novel Treg expanders.
Feasibility studies of multimodal nonlinear endoscopy using multicore fiber bundles for remote scanning from tissue sections to bulk organs
Authors: Bae Hyeonsoo , Rodewald Marko , Meyer-Zedler Tobias , Bocklitz Thomas W. , Matz Gregor , Messerschmidt Bernhard , Press Adrian T. , Bauer Michael , Guntinas-Lichius Orlando , Stallmach Andreas , Schmitt Michael , Popp Juergen
Published: August 2023

Here, we report on the development and application of a compact multi-core fiber optical probe for multimodal non-linear imaging, combining the label-free modalities of Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering, Second Harmonic Generation, and Two-Photon Excited Fluorescence. Probes of this multi-core fiber design avoid moving and voltage-carrying parts at the distal end, thus providing promising improved compatibility with clinical requirements over competing implementations. The performance characteristics of the probe are established using thin cryo-sections and artificial targets before the applicability to clinically relevant samples is evaluated using ex vivo bulk human and porcine intestine tissues. After image reconstruction to counteract the data’s inherently pixelated nature, the recorded images show high image quality and morpho-chemical conformity on the tissue level compared to multimodal non-linear images obtained with a laser-scanning microscope using a standard microscope objective. Furthermore, a simple yet effective reconstruction procedure is presented and demonstrated to yield satisfactory results. Finally, a clear pathway for further developments to facilitate a translation of the multimodal fiber probe into real-world clinical evaluation and application is outlined.
Identification and subsequent validation of transcriptomic signature associated with metabolic status in endometrial cancer
Authors: Sidorkiewicz Iwona , Jóźwik Maciej , Buczyńska Angelika , Erol Anna , Jóźwik Marcin , Moniuszko Marcin , Jarząbek Katarzyna , Niemira Magdalena , Krętowski Adam
Published: August 2023

Aberrant metabolism has been identified as a main driver of cancer. Profiling of metabolism-related pathways in cancer furthers the understanding of tumor plasticity and identification of potential metabolic vulnerabilities. In this prospective controlled study, we established transcriptomic profiles of metabolism-related pathways in endometrial cancer (EC) using a novel method, NanoString nCounter Technology. Fifty-seven ECs and 30 normal endometrial specimens were studied using the NanoString Metabolic Panel, further validated by qRT-PCR with a very high similarity. Statistical analyses were by GraphPad PRISM and Weka software. The analysis identified 11 deregulated genes (FDR ≤ 0.05; |FC|≥ 1.5) in EC: SLC7A11; SLC7A5; RUNX1; LAMA4; COL6A3; PDK1; CCNA1; ENO1; PKM; NR2F1; and NAALAD2. Gene ontology showed direct association of these genes with ‘central carbon metabolism (CCM) in cancer’. Thus, ‘CCM in cancer’ appears to create one of the main metabolic axes in EC. Further, transcriptomic data were functionally validated with drug repurposing on three EC cell lines, with several drug candidates suggested. These results lay the foundation for personalized therapeutic strategies in this cancer. Metabolic plasticity represents a promising diagnostic and therapeutic option in EC.
Basidiomycota species in Drosophila gut are associated with host fat metabolism
Authors: Bozkurt Berkay , Terlemez Gamze , Sezgin Efe
Published: August 2023

The importance of bacterial microbiota on host metabolism and obesity risk is well documented. However, the role of fungal microbiota on host storage metabolite pools is largely unexplored. We aimed to investigate the role of microbiota on D. melanogaster fat metabolism, and examine interrelatedness between fungal and bacterial microbiota, and major metabolic pools. Fungal and bacterial microbiota profiles, fat, glycogen, and trehalose metabolic pools are measured in a context of genetic variation represented by whole genome sequenced inbred Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel (DGRP) samples. Increasing Basidiomycota, Acetobacter persici, Acetobacter pomorum, and Lactobacillus brevis levels correlated with decreasing triglyceride levels. Host genes and biological pathways, identified via genome-wide scans, associated with Basidiomycota and triglyceride levels were different suggesting the effect of Basidiomycota on fat metabolism is independent of host biological pathways that control fungal microbiota or host fat metabolism. Although triglyceride, glycogen and trehalose levels were highly correlated, microorganisms’ effect on triglyceride pool were independent of glycogen and trehalose levels. Multivariate analyses suggested positive interactions between Basidiomycota, A. persici, and L. brevis that collectively correlated negatively with fat and glycogen pools. In conclusion, fungal microbiota can be a major player in host fat metabolism. Interactions between fungal and bacterial microbiota may exert substantial control over host storage metabolite pools and influence obesity risk.
A study of the long term changes in the electromagnetic environment using data from continuous monitoring sensors in Greece
Authors: Manassas Athanasios , Apostolidis Christos , Iakovidis Serafeim , Babas Dimitrios , Samaras Theodoros
Published: August 2023

Owing to the advancement of wireless technologies, there is a strong public perception of increasing exposure to Radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF). The aim of this study is to determine the evolution of EMF in the environment, and consequently, human exposure to them, over a period of about two decades, spanning from the end of 2003 until February 2022. The study is based on data collected by two non-ionizing radiation monitoring networks in Greece. The networks consist of fixed EMF sensors that register the RMS electric field value every 6 min, on a 24 h basis. We used the Seasonal–Trend decomposition method using (LOESS), known as the STL method to decompose the time series into trend, seasonal, and noise components. Additionally, since the sensors include frequency filters for separating the cellular frequencies, the recorded data were used to identify the exposure contribution by cellular networks in comparison to other EMF sources. The study indicates that RF-EMF do not explicitly decrease or increase but rather fluctuate over time. Similarly, the contribution of mobile cellular networks to the total field change over time.
Artificial dielectric beam-scanning prism for the terahertz region
Authors: Strecker Karl , Otto Matthew , Nagai Masaya , O’Hara John F. , Mendis Rajind
Published: August 2023

We design and fabricate an artificial dielectric prism that can steer a terahertz beam in space and experimentally investigate its behavior. The artificial dielectric medium consists of a uniformly spaced stack of metal plates, electromagnetically equivalent to an array of parallel-plate waveguides operating in tandem. At an operating frequency of 0.3 THz, we observe a maximum beam deflection of 29°, limited by the precision of the available spacers. Spring-loading the spacers between the plates allow us to scan the beam continuously and dynamically over a range of 5°. The measured beam intensity maps at the input and output of the device reveal very good Gaussian beam quality and an estimated power efficiency of 71%. As a possible real-world application, we integrate the prism into the path of a free-space terahertz communication link and demonstrate unimpaired performance.
A pan-cancer analysis of lipid metabolic alterations in primary and metastatic cancers
Authors: Liu Guoqing , Yang Yan , Kang Xuejia , Xu Hao , Ai Jing , Cao Min , Liu Guojun
Published: August 2023

Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancers, but pan-cancer level roles of lipid metabolism in cancer development are remains poorly understood. We investigated the possible roles of lipid metabolic genes (LMGs) in 14 cancer types. The results indicate that: (1) there is strong evidence for increased lipid metabolism in THCA and KICH. (2) Although the overall levels of lipid metabolic processes are down-regulated in some cancer types, fatty acid synthase activity and fatty acid elongation are moderately up-regulated in more than half of the cancer types. Cholesterol synthesis is up-regulated in five cancers including KICH, BLCA, COAD, BRCA, UCEC, and THCA. (3) The catabolism of cholesterols, triglycerides and fatty acids is repressed in most cancers, but a specific form of lipid degradation, lipophagy, is activated in THCA and KICH. (4) Lipid storage is enhanced in in kidney cancers and thyroid cancer. (5) Similarly to primary tumors, metastatic tumors tend to up-regulate biosynthetic processes of diverse lipids, but down-regulate lipid catabolic processes, except lipophagy. (6) The frequently mutated lipid metabolic genes are not key LMGs. (7) We established a LMG-based model for predicting cancer prognosis. Our results are helpful in expanding our understanding of the role of lipid metabolism in cancer.
Rapid diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction based on reverse transcription-accelerated strand exchange amplification of miR-208a
Authors: Zhao Ying , Zhuang Linlin , Tian Peilong , Ma Ming , Wu Guoqiu , Zhang Yu
Published: August 2023

A novel reverse transcription-accelerated strand exchange amplification (RT-ASEA) method to detect the early biomarker miR-208a of AMI in 15 minutes was developed with high sensitivity, strong specificity and a wide linear range.
Structure sensitivity in Pt-catalyzed hydrodeoxygenation of multi-oxygenated lignol model compounds
Authors: Marlowe Justin , Ford Peter C. , Abu-Omar Mahdi M. , Christopher Phillip
Published: August 2023

The valorization of multi-oxygenated model lignols through hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) over Pt/SiO2 catalysts is sensitive to Pt surface structure, with well-coordinated and under-coordinated sites facilitating distinct reactions.
Anti-symmetric exchange and hydrogen evolution in titanium halide monolayers
Authors: Zala Vidit B. , Shukla Rishit S. , Gupta Sanjeev K. , Gajjar P. N.
Published: August 2023

The present work shows photocatalytic activity of magnetic TiX3 (X = F, Cl, Br) monolayers for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), in the framework of density functional theory (DFT).
g-C3N4 coupled with 2,4,6-tris(4-aminophenyl)-1,3,5-triazine via π–π interactions enhanced visible-light photocatalytic H2 evolution from water splitting
Authors: Li Chen-Chuang , Ullah Ikram , Wang Gang , Xu An-Wu
Published: August 2023

The TAPT/CN photocatalysts formed from g-C3N4 and TAPT through π–π interactions and H-bonds to enhance the photocatalytic activity. TAPT act as a hole relay and thus elevate the transfer rate of holes from g-C3N4 to TEOA; this in turn promotes visible-light-driven H2 generation.
Non-classical crystallization of CeO2 by means of in situ electron microscopy
Authors: Zschiesche Hannes , Soroka Inna L. , Jonsson Mats , Tarakina Nadezda V.
Published: August 2023

The approach of comparing in situ liquid-phase electron microscopy study of ceria formation to results from gamma radiolysis covers the influence of orders of magnitude different dose rates and adjustable irradiation on non-classical crystallization.
Disclosing gate-opening/closing events inside a flexible metal–organic framework loaded with CO2 by reactive and essential dynamics
Authors: Monti Susanna , Trouki Cheherazade , Barcaro Giovanni
Published: August 2023

A look inside the MOF shape-changing tunnels: diffusion trajectory of a guest CO2 molecule.
Correction: Synaptic plasticity and non-volatile memory characteristics in TiN-nanocrystal-embedded 3D vertical memristor-based synapses for neuromorphic systems
Authors: Yang Seyeong , Kim Taegyun , Kim Sunghun , Chung Daewon , Kim Tae-Hyeon , Lee Jung Kyu , Kim Sungjoon , Ismail Muhammad , Mahata Chandreswar , Kim Sungjun , Cho Seongjae
Published: August 2023

Correction for ‘Synaptic plasticity and non-volatile memory characteristics in TiN-nanocrystal-embedded 3D vertical memristor-based synapses for neuromorphic systems’ by Seyeong Yang et al., Nanoscale, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR01930F.
Mechanistic aspects of reactive metabolite formation in clomethiazole catalyzed biotransformation by cytochrome P450 enzymes
Authors: Kamel Emadeldin M. , Tawfeek Ahmed M. , El-Bassuony Ashraf A. , Lamsabhi Al Mokhtar
Published: August 2023

Clomethiazole is likely to contribute to the mechanism-based inactivation of P450 by forming clomethiazole epoxide or hydroxyl adducts, rather than further metabolization to adverse reactive metabolites in its catalyzed biotransformation pathways.
Photoelectrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction stimulated by the surface plasmon resonance effect of copper and silver surrounded with MoS2
Authors: Tian Yuanyuan , Qi Chengnan , Zhou Ruihua , Li Dan , Han Tao
Published: August 2023

A self-supported photocathode exhibits superior stability and enhanced photoelectrocatalytic performance. The band structure of MoS2 was engineered to enable efficient capture and utilization of photoelectrons generated from the SPR effect.
Removal of arsenic with functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs-COOH) using the magnetic method (Fe3O4) from aqueous solutions
Authors: Khorasani Alamdari Masoumeh , Nadiri Ata Allah , Ghaforian Hossein , Sadeghfam Sina
Published: August 2023

Here we show superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles coated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are easily synthesized, highly stable, biocompatible, with outstanding magnetic features. The effect of pH, contact time, contaminant concentration, and adsorbent amount on the adsorption process was measured.
Light-activated microtubule-based two-dimensional active nematic
Authors: Zarei Zahra , Berezney John , Hensley Alexander , Lemma Linnea , Senbil Nesrin , Dogic Zvonimir , Fraden Seth
Published: August 2023

By introducing light-activated motors, we spatiotemporally pattern nematic defect structure and flow in two-dimensional microtubule nematics.
Non-Rouse behavior of short ring polymers in melts by molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Li Yedi , Yao Pu , Guo Hongxia
Published: August 2023

The physical origins of non-Rouse behaviors for the short ring polymer melts.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Treatment Distribution and Biofeedback Effects on Speech Production in School-Age Children With Apraxia of Speech
Authors: Preston Jonathan L. , Caballero Nicole F. , Leece Megan C. , Wang Dongliang , Herbst Benedette M. , Benway Nina R.
Published: August 2023

Purpose:

This study examines how ultrasound biofeedback and intensive treatment distribution affect speech sound generalization during an evidence-based treatment, Speech Motor Chaining, for children with persisting speech errors associated with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS).

Method:

In a 2 × 2 factorial randomized controlled trial, children ages 9–17 years meeting CAS criteria were randomized to receive (a) a distributed treatment (20 sessions twice weekly over 10 weeks) or intensive treatment (20 hr in 5 weeks, with 10 hr in Week 1) and (b) treatment with or without biofeedback. Due to the COVID pandemic, some participants were randomized to distributed/intensive telepractice treatment only. The primary outcome was percent target sounds correct on untreated phrases (i.e., generalization) at the 10-week time point. More than 50,000 narrow phonetic transcriptions were analyzed.

Results:

Forty-eight participants completed treatment. Intensive treatment significantly increased generalization at all time points. The effect of biofeedback was significant at 5 weeks from the start of treatment but not significant at the primary 10-week time point. However, when comparing each group immediately after their 20 hr of treatment finished, generalization was significantly greater in intensive over distributed treatment and greater in ultrasound over no-ultrasound treatment (with a significant interaction favoring intensive treatment with ultrasound). Only the advantage of intensive treatment remained significant 5 weeks after groups finished treatment. There was no significant difference between face-to-face and telepractice modalities.

Conclusions:

When the number of treatment hours is fixed, an intensive schedule of Speech Motor Chaining facilitated greater improvement than a distributed schedule. Ultrasound biofeedback initially accelerated learning, but the benefits may dissipate as treatment continues or after it ends.
Multi‐agent reinforcement learning based transmission scheme for IRS‐assisted multi‐UAV systems
Authors: Mei Yumo , Liu Chen , Song Yunchao , Wang Ge , Liang Huibin
Published: August 2023

In this paper, a transmission scheme based on multi‐agent reinforcement learning for intelligent reflecting surface (IRS)‐assisted multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) systems is proposed. The proposed scheme is based on reinforcement learning and alternating optimization algorithm, which can effectively improve communication quality and ensure fairness. The scheme is divided into two parts. In the first part, the multi‐UAV cooperation problem is modeled as a markov decision process. The objective of each UAV is to maximize the minimum user channel gain. To achieve stable strategies for all agents, the Multi‐agent Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (MADDPG) algorithm is applied to train UAVs trajectories to reach the Nash equilibrium. The MADDPG algorithm is centralized trained at the base station and executed in a distributed manner by each UAV, ensuring efficient and effective coordination among agents. In the second part, an alternating optimization algorithm is formulated to optimize active and passive beamforming. Considering the non‐convexity of the fairness objective, by using auxiliary variables and semi‐definite relaxation method, the problem of maximizing the minimum user achievable rate is transformed into a feasibility problem. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme can effectively train UAVs trajectories and improve the communication performance of all users fairly.
Constrained distributed online convex optimization with bandit feedback for unbalanced digraphs
Authors: Tada Keishin , Hayashi Naoki , Takai Shigemasa
Published: August 2023

In this study, a distributed primal‐dual bandit feedback method for online convex optimization with time‐varying coupled inequality constraints on unbalanced directed graphs is proposed. A multiagent network is considered in which agents exchange the estimations of the dual optimizer and the scaling variable with their neighbors. The scaling variable is used to resolve the bias of the estimations caused by a directed communication network. Each agent does not have prior knowledge of the loss function, and its value at a queried point is sequentially disclosed to each agent. Each agent performs a projected subgradient‐based primal‐dual algorithm to estimate the optimal solution. It is confirmed that both the expected dynamic regret of the loss function and the cumulative error of the constraint violation achieve sublinearity using the proposed online algorithm with the two‐point bandit feedback.
A maximum efficiency point tracking control method for ultrasonic motors with temperature compensation
Authors: Zhao Lei , Cai Chunchen , Mao Xuefei , Wu Dengyun , Zhang Jiyang , Yu Zhuoming , Feng Ying
Published: August 2023

To compensate for the influence of temperature on the efficiency of an ultrasonic motor (USM), this paper proposed a maximum efficiency point tracking control method for temperature drift by analysing the relationships between the maximum efficiency point and the voltage and frequency of the driving circuit. The method first calculates the frequency update step of the driving circuit by the polynomial surface fitting method, considers the influence of temperature rise on the voltage‐efficiency‐frequency characteristics, and then adjusts the frequency in real time to compensate for temperature effects. Simulation and experimental results show that our method can improve the USM performance at the maximum efficiency point under changing temperature. Maximum efficiency point tracking algorithm with temperature compensation algorithm achieves maximum efficiency in experiment.
A broadband dual‐polarised antenna with L‐shaped strips for long‐term evolution/5G application
Authors: Wu Rui , Lin Jian‐Hong , Chen Fu‐Chang , Xue Quan
Published: August 2023

A broadband dual‐polarised antenna with L‐shaped strips for long‐term evolution (LTE)/5th generation mobile networks (5G) is proposed in this article. Based on the principle of multi‐mode resonance, wide bandwidth is achieved with L‐shaped strips and H‐shaped strips. The metal strips and dipoles are printed on the same substrate, which also contributes to antenna miniaturisation. The short pins are designed for impedance matching and improving isolation. The metal reflector is designed to control beamwidth and increase gain. A prototype was fabricated using an easy Printed Circuit Board technique to verify the proposed design. Low‐profile of 0.2λ0 (λ0 is the free‐space wavelength at the centre frequency) is achieved. The measured results show that the relative bandwidth is 74% (2.3–5.0 GHz) at Voltage Standing Wave Ratio <1.8 while the isolation is more than 24 dB covering the LTE/5G modern band. In addition, the in‐band average gain is 9 dBi.
Virtual synchronous generator‐based control of modular multilevel converter for integration into weak grid
Authors: HosseinNataj Saeed , Gholamian Sayyed Asghar , Rezanejad Mohammad , Mehrasa Majid
Published: August 2023

Integrating Power Electronics Converters (PECs)‐based renewable energy sources can establish a weak grid due to the substantial inertia reduction leading to severe frequency fluctuations. In this paper, a control strategy based on the Virtual Synchronous Generator (VSG) concept is designed for a three‐phase Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) connected to a weak grid. The proposed VSG control approach improves the frequency response during transient mode, resulting in a 66.7% enhancement at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC). The proposed strategy is shaped within four control loops wherein the VSG‐dependent output current control possesses the duty of enriching the MMC output current tracking capability. Focusing on the MMC output current‐based transfer function, the effectiveness of this capability is guaranteed using the frequency domain analysis including the Nyquist and Bode diagrams. Moreover, a comprehensive discussion was carried out regarding the impact of VSG on the voltage of submodule capacitors and the circulating current. Simulation results in MATLAB/Simulink environment validate the accuracy and weak grid‐connected MMC performance under the proposed VSG‐based control technique. To further verify the superiority of the proposed strategy, two control techniques including Droop and SEBIR are compared with the VSG proposed controller.
Interpretable data‐driven contingency classification for real‐time corrective security‐constrained economic dispatch
Authors: Yu Yaowen , Gao Yijie , Li Yuanzheng , Yan Ying
Published: August 2023

High penetrations of renewable energy are crucial for low‐carbon power systems. However, the higher volatility of renewable power generation pushes real‐time operations closer to equipment limits. It is thus important to utilize flexibilities in the system through corrective security‐constrained economic dispatch (SCED) that allows generators to take corrective adjustments after contingencies. The corrective SCED problem, containing a large number of contingencies, and corresponding post‐contingency decisions and constraints, is very large in scale and difficult to solve using purely model‐based methods within the strict time limits of real‐time markets. To accelerate the solution process, this paper develops a novel interpretable data‐driven contingency classification method. Historical data and their potentially useful patterns are utilized in interpretable data‐driven decision tree classifiers. To directly consider continuous features, such as net load values, and to consider imbalanced datasets without much additional complexity, Improved Strong Optimal Classification Trees (ISOCTs) are developed with new branching threshold constraints and category weights in the objective function. ISOCTs are then embedded into a hybrid model‐based and data‐driven framework to guarantee the accuracy of the real‐time active contingency set and the resulting security of dispatch decisions. Numerical testing results demonstrate the classification accuracy, computational efficiency, and interpretability of the proposed approach.
UltraDigit: An ultrasound signal‐based in‐air digit input system via transfer learning
Authors: Yang Mengxue , Zhang Junbao , Wang Xuebing
Published: August 2023

With the popularity of smart devices, people pay more attention to the experience of text input. The authors propose an in‐air digit input system, namely UltraDigit, which enables users to input digits in the air using acoustic signal via transfer learning. Different from other technologies, UltraDigit can obtain the finger movement through a speaker and a microphone built in the smartphone, which does not need the assistance of other hardware. In addition, the authors use the idea of transfer learning with a small amount of data to train classification model, which achieves good performance with low training cost (such as time cost and data cost). Experimental results show the average accuracy of digit recognition is 92.9%, which verifies the validity of the ultrasound signal‐based contactless digit input.
A Bayesian track management scheme for improved multi‐target tracking and classification in drone surveillance radar
Authors: Ahmad Bashar I. , Harman Stephen , Godsill Simon
Published: August 2023

In this article, a simple, yet effective, Bayesian scheme for tracks maintenance, promotion, and deletion in drone surveillance radar is presented. It enables the simultaneous tracking of the target body and micro‐Doppler components that originate from the motion of rotors (if any) onboard an unmanned air system. This not only delivers more accurate multi‐target tracking, but also substantially improves the radar automatic target classification capability (e.g. discriminating between drone and non‐drone targets). Challenging and diverse real staring radar datasets are used here to demonstrate the efficacy and benefits of the proposed track management approach.
Application of PCA-LSTM algorithm for financial market stock return prediction and optimization model
Authors: Mi Yanxiang , Xu Donghai , Gao Tielin
Published: August 2023

Accurately predicting stock returns can help reduce market risk. This paper briefly introduced the long short-term memory (LSTM) algorithm model for predicting stock returns and combined it with principal component analysis (PCA) to improve the prediction accuracy. Simulation experiments were conducted on 80 stocks, and the PCA-LSTM model was compared with back-propagation neural network (BPNN) and LSTM models. The results showed that the PCA analysis method effectively identified the principal components of variable indicators. During the training iteration convergence, the PCA-LSTM model not only converged faster but also had smaller errors after stabilization. Moreover, the PCA-LSTM model had the highest prediction accuracy, the LSTM model was the second, and the BPNN model was the worst.
Temperaturmanagement nach Herz-Kreislauf-Stillstand
Authors: Finkbeiner Sandra , Fink Katrin , Busch Hans-Jörg
Published: August 2023

Was ist neu?

Uneinheitliche Datenlage zur optimalen Zieltemperatur. Fiebervermeidung ist die derzeit einzige Maßnahme mit nachgewiesenem Nutzen, um nach einem Herz-Kreislauf-Stillstand das Überleben mit gutem neurologischem Outcome zu verbessern. Unklarheit besteht, ob und welche Patienten von einer niedrigeren Zieltemperatur profitieren. Die ERC-Leitlinien von 2021 empfahlen für alle Patienten, nach inner- und außerklinischem Herz-Kreislauf-Stillstand eine Zieltemperatur von 32−36°C über mindestens 24 Stunden konstant zu halten. Diese Empfehlungen wurden 2022 durch die ERC-ESICM-Leitlinien überarbeitet. So wird aktuell lediglich eine Fiebervermeidung über 72 Stunden nach dem Ereignis empfohlen.

Grund dafür sind divergente Studienergebnisse der vergangenen Jahre. Zwei große randomisierte, kontrollierte Studien kommen zu unterschiedlichen Ergebnissen in Bezug auf die Verbesserung des neurologischen Outcomes unter Hypothermie. Ursächlich sind hierfür möglicherweise unterschiedliche Patientenkollektive, welche sich auf die Lage in Deutschland zudem nur eingeschränkt übertragen lassen. Beide Studien können wichtige, neue Informationen, jedoch keine definitiven Antworten liefern.

Wann soll die Temperaturkontrolle begonnen werden? Möglichst unmittelbar nach ROSC sollte die Temperaturkontrolle unter Einsatz von Kühlsystemen mit internem Feedback-System begonnen werden. Die prähospitale Kühlung mittels einer schnellen i.v.-Infusion großer Mengen kalter Flüssigkeit, unmittelbar nach Wiederbelebung, wird nicht mehr empfohlen.

Komplikationen und unerwünschte Nebenwirkungen durch Hypothermie. Studiendaten zeigen, dass eine niedrigere Zieltemperatur das Infektionsrisiko nicht signifikant erhöht. Auch führte eine Hypothermiebehandlung bei 33°C nicht zu einem erhöhten Blutungsrisiko. Eine vorbestehende Koagulopathie oder aktive Blutung stellt auch in den ERC-Leitlinien von 2021 keine Kontraindikation für eine Kühlungsbehandlung dar. Jedoch bringen experimentelle Daten die Hypothermie mit einer Beeinträchtigung der Gerinnungskaskade in Verbindung, sodass es sinnvoll erscheint, für diese Patienten innerhalb des Korridors von 32−36°C eine höhere Zieltemperatur anzustreben.

Das im Rahmen der Hypothermie häufig auftretende Shivering kann durch Gaben von bevorzugt kurzwirksamen, gut steuerbaren Opiaten und Sedativa gut unterbunden werden.

Signifikant häufiger traten in der TTM2-Studie unter Hypothermie bei 33°C Herzrhythmusstörungen auf, welche auch mit einer hämodynamischen Instabilität einhergingen.
Bone Metastases in Patients with Pancreatic NETs: Prevalence and
Prognosis
Authors: Mathew Annie , Fendler Wolfgang P. , Theysohn Jens , Herrmann Ken , Führer Dagmar , Lahner Harald
Published: August 2023

The clinical relevance of bone metastases (BM) in advanced pancreatic
neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) is poorly described. We analyzed 314 consecutive
PanNET patients treated at the European Neuroendocrine Tumour Society (ENETS)
Center Essen between 2009 and 2021 in terms of the occurrence and clinical and
prognostic impact of BM using hybrid imaging with 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT.
According to UICC staging, 171/314 (54.5%) patients had stage IV
PanNETs. BM was diagnosed in 62/171 (36.3%) patients. Initially,
35% of BMs were visible by pathological tracer uptake only.
Skeletal-related events (SREs) were detected in 11 of the 62 patients
(17.7%). Patients with antiresorptive therapy had a significantly lower
rate of SRE (2/36, 5.6%) than individuals without bone-specific
therapy (9/26, 34.6%) (odds ratio 9.0, p=0.0054,
Fisher’s exact test). The median overall survival (OS) was 82 months
(53.6–110.4, 95% CI) in the stage IV PanNET cohort. The median
OS was significantly lower for patients with BM (63 months; 49.9–76.0,
95% CI) than for patients with distant metastases other than BM (116
months; 87.6–144.3, 95% CI) (p=0.016, log-rank test). BM
occurs in more than one-third of advanced PanNETs and is associated with an
unfavorable prognosis. One in five patients experiences a persistent
quality-of-life-lowering SRE. Antiresorptive therapy is associated with a more
favorable risk of SREs and should be offered to all patients with BM in
PanNETs.
Clinical Gaps-in-Noise Measures in Blast-Exposed Veterans: Associations with Electrophysiological and Behavioral Responses
Authors: Papesh Melissa A. , Koerner Tess
Published: August 2023

It has been established that blast exposure and brain injury can result in self-reported and measured auditory processing deficits in individuals with normal or near-normal hearing sensitivity. However, the impaired sensory and/or cognitive mechanisms underlying these auditory difficulties are largely unknown. This work used a combination of behavioral and electrophysiological measures to explore how neural stimulus discrimination and processing speed contribute to impaired temporal processing in blast-exposed Veterans measured using the behavioral Gaps-in-Noise (GIN) Test. Results confirm previous findings that blast exposure can impact performance on the GIN and effect neural auditory discrimination, as measured using the P3 auditory event-related potential. Furthermore, analyses revealed correlations between GIN thresholds, P3 responses, and a measure of behavioral reaction time. Overall, this work illustrates that behavioral responses to the GIN are dependent on both auditory-specific bottom-up processing beginning with the neural activation of the cochlea and auditory brainstem as well as contributions from complex neural networks involved in processing speed and task-dependent target detection.
The State-of-the-Art of Patient Portals: Adapting to External Factors, Addressing Barriers, and Innovating
Authors: Reynolds Tera L. , Cobb Jared Guthrie , Steitz Bryan D. , Ancker Jessica S. , Rosenbloom S. Trent
Published: August 2023

Background and Objective Recent external factors—the 21st Century Cures Act and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic—have stimulated major changes in the patient portal landscape. The objective of this state-of-the-art review is to describe recent developments in the patient portal literature and to identify recommendations and future directions for the design, implementation, and evaluation of portals.

Methods To focus this review on salient contemporary issues, we elected to center it on four topics: (1) 21st Century Cures Act's impact on patient portals (e.g., Open Notes); (2) COVID-19's pandemic impact on portals; (3) proxy access to portals; and (4) disparities in portal adoption and use. We conducted targeted PubMed searches to identify recent empirical studies addressing these topics, used a two-part screening process to determine relevance, and conducted thematic analyses.

Results Our search identified 174 unique papers, 74 were relevant empirical studies and included in this review. Among these papers, we identified 10 themes within our four a priori topics, including preparing for and understanding the consequences of increased patient access to their electronic health information (Cures Act); developing, deploying, and evaluating new virtual care processes (COVID-19); understanding current barriers to formal proxy use (proxy access); and addressing disparities in portal adoption and use (disparities).

Conclusion Our results suggest that the recent trends toward understanding the implications of immediate access to most test results, exploring ways to close gaps in portal adoption and use among different sub-populations, and finding ways to leverage portals to improve health and health care are the next steps in the maturation of patient portals and are key areas that require more research. It is important that health care organizations share their innovative portal efforts, so that successful measures can be tested in other contexts, and progress can continue.
Experience with Use of 1% Soframycin Skin Cream in Management of Burn Wound
Authors: Sawhney C. P. , Sharma R. K.
Published: August 2023

The use of 1% Soframycin skin cream (framycetin) in the management of burn wounds was found to be superior to nitrofurazone ointment in a trial conducted on fortyfive cases of burns. It was found helpful in reducing burn wound sepsis, invasive sepsis and ensured early healing. It also helped in reducing morbidity of the patients.
Inverted Nipples—A Case Report
Authors: Singh Gurpartap , Mander Karamjit Singh , Dhir Anup
Published: August 2023

A simple and less time consuming technique was tried in a case and is being described in which the underlying pathology was directly approached. The nipple was released in vertical and horizontal directions. Nipple pedicle was stabilized by nonabsorbable purse-string sutures. Limited horizontal undermining beneath the areola was done sufficient enough to cover the nipple pedicle in order to maintain the sensations and vascularity of the areola.
Global crime science: what should we do and with whom should we do it?
Authors: Ignatans Dainis , Aleksejeva Ludmila , Pease Ken
Published: August 2023

Following on from a previous paper advocating changes in the editorial processes of peer-reviewed journals, the present paper espouses the conduct of multiple local victimisation surveys as an affordable route to a pan-European crime science. Local surveys have a local impact which national surveys lack, and meta-analysis of survey results enable more general conclusions. The Latvian local survey reported in the chapter revealed wide inequality of victimisation at the individual level, an association between high rating of the seriousness of offences suffered, multiple victimisation at the individual level, and alienation from the police of some ethnic groups.