bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combinatorial Generation Algorithms for Some Lattice Paths Using the Method Based on AND/OR Trees
Authors: Shablya Yuriy
Published: May 2023

Methods of combinatorial generation make it possible to develop algorithms for generating objects from a set of discrete structures with given parameters and properties. In this article, we demonstrate the possibilities of using the method based on AND/OR trees to obtain combinatorial generation algorithms for combinatorial sets of several well-known lattice paths (North-East lattice paths, Dyck paths, Delannoy paths, Schroder paths, and Motzkin paths). For each considered combinatorial set of lattice paths, we construct the corresponding AND/OR tree structure where the number of its variants is equal to the number of objects in the combinatorial set. Applying the constructed AND/OR tree structures, we have developed new algorithms for ranking and unranking their variants. The performed computational experiments have confirmed the obtained theoretical estimation of asymptotic computational complexity for the developed ranking and unranking algorithms.
Efficient DNN Model for Word Lip-Reading
Authors: Arakane Taiki , Saitoh Takeshi
Published: May 2023

This paper studies various deep learning models for word-level lip-reading technology, one of the tasks in the supervised learning of video classification. Several public datasets have been published in the lip-reading research field. However, few studies have investigated lip-reading techniques using multiple datasets. This paper evaluates deep learning models using four publicly available datasets, namely Lip Reading in the Wild (LRW), OuluVS, CUAVE, and Speech Scene by Smart Device (SSSD), which are representative datasets in this field. LRW is one of the large-scale public datasets and targets 500 English words released in 2016. Initially, the recognition accuracy of LRW was 66.1%, but many research groups have been working on it. The current the state of the art (SOTA) has achieved 94.1% by 3D-Conv + ResNet18 + {DC-TCN, MS-TCN, BGRU} + knowledge distillation + word boundary. Regarding the SOTA model, in this paper, we combine existing models such as ResNet, WideResNet, WideResNet, EfficientNet, MS-TCN, Transformer, ViT, and ViViT, and investigate the effective models for word lip-reading tasks using six deep learning models with modified feature extractors and classifiers. Through recognition experiments, we show that similar model structures of 3D-Conv + ResNet18 for feature extraction and MS-TCN model for inference are valid for four datasets with different scales.
Strategy for Deriving Sacramento Model Parameters Using Soil Properties to Improve Its Runoff Simulation Performances
Authors: Wang Bin , Sun Hao , Guo Shuaishuai , Huang Jinbai , Wang Zhongbo , Bai Xuefeng , Gong Xinglong , Jin Xiaoli
Published: May 2023

Physically-based parameter estimations are essential to improve the simulation performance of a hydrologic model and to produce physically reasonable parameters with spatial consistency. This study proposed a parameter derivation strategy to improve the Sacramento Soil Moisture Accounting (SAC-SMA) model simulation performance based on the publicly accessible Harmonized World Soil Database (HWSD). The HWSD soil properties were used to estimate the soil moisture characteristics, and the HWSD soil texture classifications and International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP) land cover types were used to identify the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) runoff curve number (CN). After the soil moisture characteristics and CNs were identified, the major parameters of the SAC-SMA model were derived. The simulation results were evaluated using the Nash efficiency coefficient (NSEC), and Free Search (FS) algorithm was used to further adjust and calibrate the parameters. Compared with the simulation accuracy (NSEC = 0.66~0.88) and parameter transferability (NSEC = 0.22~0.83) obtained for the SAC-SMA model using directly calibrated parameters, the HWSD data-derived parameters allowed the SAC-SMA model to achieve a similar simulation accuracy (NSEC = 0.65~0.86) and a better transferability (NSEC = 0.61~0.85).
Economic and Environmental Assessment of the Wine Chain in Southeastern Spain
Authors: García García José , García Castellanos Begoña , García García Benjamín
Published: May 2023

The sustainability of the wine chain in the southeast of Spain is evaluated through life cycle costing (LCC) and life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies. A winery model is established based on the information provided by representative companies in the area. The LCC and LCA are applied to the production of the wine bottle, and a sensitivity analysis is applied to evaluate the effect of the different types of vineyard, as well as the weight of the glass bottle. In the cellar phase, the processes are highly technical and are very efficient in relation to the consumption of energy, water, and other inputs. However, the weight of the glass bottle should be minimized as it has a great impact on both environmental and production costs. The socioeconomic importance of the wine chain is relevant, both in quantitative terms and for what it means as a brand transmission mechanism for the agri-food sector. It should also be taken into account that the environmental cost of the processes is low, and that the activity contributes to the conservation of the soil and landscape in a semi-arid area.
Optimizing Dog Rabies Vaccination Services to the Public: A Discrete Choice Experiment in Guangdong, China
Authors: Chen Ruiqi , Zeng Yingxin , Deng Zhile , Liu Hongfu , Chen Manyi , Liang Yaoming
Published: May 2023

Vaccination for dogs is essential for controlling rabies and achieving the goal of eliminating dog-mediated rabies globally by 2030. This paper aims to investigate the preferences for public services regarding rabies vaccination, in an effort to optimize the existing rabies vaccination and prevention programs in China. The households investigated had significant preferences for dog rabies vaccination service attributes. The households can be classified into three types: resolute executors (52.13%), mischievous rebels (5.85%), and incentivized compliers (42.02%). The residence, the presence of children in the household, perception of the safety risks, and knowledge of rabies may be sources of heterogeneity. Supportive services on dog rabies vaccination should be made available, such as arranging weekend vaccination services, building mobile vaccination stations, providing home vaccination services, and increasing vaccine supply through multiple channels. Furthermore, multiple measures can be taken to increase rabies vaccination awareness among family members and facilitate dog management innovation to further increase the level of rabies prevention and control.
Clinical Evaluation of a New Surgical Augmentation Technique for Transarticular Atlantoaxial Fixation for Treatment of Atlantoaxial Instability
Authors: Forterre Franck , Zorgevica-Pockevica Ligita , Precht Christina , Haenssgen Kati , Stein Veronika , Düver Pia
Published: May 2023

The feasibility of a newly developed augmentation of ventral fixation technique for surgical stabilization of atlantoaxial instability was clinically evaluated in a cohort of eleven dogs, and long-term clinical outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. The new technique combines wire/suture fixation through a transverse hole in the axis anchored by two screws placed in the alae atlantis or at the cranial end of plates used to bridge the atlantoaxial joint ventrally. A previous biomechanical study demonstrated good stability of this technique during shear loading, comparable to the stability achieved with other standard techniques. Ten dogs improved clinically after surgery and returned to a normal life within 3–6 months of surgery. One dog developed aphonia, dysphagia, and died of aspiration pneumonia three days after surgery. The augmentation of conventional ventral atlantoaxial fixation with the transverse bony corridor of the proximal axis body may be a valuable way to enhance stabilization of the atlantoaxial joint.
Presence of Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria Including Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis Associated with Environmental Amoebae
Authors: Rochard Vincent , Cochard Thierry , Crapart Stéphanie , Delafont Vincent , Moyen Jean-Louis , Héchard Yann , Biet Franck
Published: May 2023

One of the obstacles to eradicating paratuberculosis or Johne’s Disease (JD) seems to be the persistence of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map) in the environment due to its ability to survive alone or vectorized. It has been shown that Map is widely distributed in soils and water. Previously, we isolated amoebae associated with Map strains in the environment of bovines from an infected herd. This work aims to verify our working hypothesis, which suggests that amoebae may play a role in the transmission of JD. In this study, we sampled water in the vicinity of herds infected with Map or Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) and searched for amoebae and mycobacteria. Live amoebae were recovered from all samples. Among these amoebae, four isolates associated with the presence of mycobacteria were identified and characterized. Map and other mycobacterial species were detected by qPCR and, in some cases, by culture. This study suggests that amoebae and Map may be found in the same environment and might represent a risk of exposure of animals to pathogenic mycobacteria. These data open up new perspectives on the control measures to be put in place to prevent contamination by Map.
Computed Tomography as a Method for Age Determination of Carnivora and Odontocetes with Validation from Individuals with Known Age
Authors: Baier-Stegmaier Sina , Gundlach Carsten , Chriél Mariann , Hansen Mette Sif , Vedel-Smith Christina , Hansen Charlotte Vikkelsø , Johansson Daniel Klingberg , Henriksen Louise Birgitte , Wahlberg Magnus , Thøstesen Charlotte Bie , Alstrup Aage Kristian Olsen , Gregersen Kristian Murphy , Pertoldi Cino , Pagh Sussie
Published: May 2023

Traditional methods for age determination of wildlife include either slicing thin sections off or grinding a tooth, both of which are laborious and invasive. Especially when it comes to ancient and valuable museum samples of rare or extinct species, non-invasive methods are preferable. In this study, X-ray micro-computed tomography (µ-CT) was verified as an alternative non-invasive method for age determination of three species within the order of Carnivora and suborders Odontoceti. Teeth from 13 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), 2 American mink (Neogale vison), and 2 harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) of known age were studied using µ-CT. The number of visible dental growth layers in the µ-CT were highly correlated with true age for all three species (R2 = 96%, p < 0.001). In addition, the Bland–Altman plot showed high agreement between the age of individuals and visible dental layers represented in 2D slices of the 3D µ-CT images. The true age of individuals was on average 0.3 (±0.6 SD) years higher than the age interpreted by the µ-CT image, and there was a 95% agreement between the true age and the age interpreted from visible dental layers in the µ-CT.
Total Bilirubin Yields Prognostic Information Following a Myocardial Infarction in the Elderly
Authors: Nilsen Dennis Winston T. , Myhre Peder Langeland , Solheim Svein , Tveit Sjur Hansen , Kalstad Are Annesønn , Laake Kristian , Tveit Arnljot , Seljeflot Ingebjørg
Published: May 2023

Total bilirubin consists of an unconjugated form, solubilized by its binding to albumin, and a conjugated form representing a minor part of the circulating bilirubin. As total bilirubin in physiological concentrations is a powerful antioxidant, its concentration gradient may reflect the health status of an individual, and serve as a prognostic indicator of outcome in primary and secondary cardiovascular disease prevention. The aim of this study was to assess the association between total bilirubin and incident cardiovascular events following a myocardial infarction. Total bilirubin in serum was measured at baseline 2–8 weeks after hospitalization for an MI in 881 patients, aged 70 to 82 years, included in the OMEMI (Omega-3 Fatty acids in Elderly with Myocardial Infarction) study, where patients were followed-up for up to 2 years. The first major adverse clinical event (MACE) was the primary endpoint and consisted of nonfatal MI, unscheduled coronary revascularization, stroke, hospitalization for heart failure or all-cause death. As total bilirubin was non-normally distributed, log-transformed values and quartiles of bilirubin were analyzed using Cox regression models. The median (Q1, and Q3) baseline concentration of bilirubin was 11 (9, and 14) µmol/L, and higher log-transformed concentrations were associated with male sex, lower New York Heart Association (NYHA) class and non-smoking. MACE occurred in 177 (20.1%) patients during the follow-up. Higher concentrations of bilirubin were associated with a lower risk of MACE: HR 0.67 (95%CI 0.47–0.97) per log-unit increase, p = 0.032. Patients in the lowest quartile of bilirubin (<9 µmol/L) had the highest risk with HR 1.61 (95%CI 1.19–2.18), p = 0.002, compared to quartiles 2–4. This association remained significant even after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, NYHA class and treatment allocation: HR 1.52 (1.21–2.09), p = 0.009. Low concentrations of bilirubin (<9 µmol/L) are associated with increased nonfatal cardiovascular events or death in elderly patients with a recent myocardial infarction.
Chronic Vitamin E Deficiency Dysregulates Purine, Phospholipid, and Amino Acid Metabolism in Aging Zebrafish Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Henderson Trent D. , Choi Jaewoo , Leonard Scott W. , Head Brian , Tanguay Robyn L. , Barton Carrie L. , Traber Maret G.
Published: May 2023

Muscle wasting occurs with aging and may be a result of oxidative stress damage and potentially inadequate protection by lipophilic antioxidants, such as vitamin E. Previous studies have shown muscular abnormalities and behavioral defects in vitamin E-deficient adult zebrafish. To test the hypothesis that there is an interaction between muscle degeneration caused by aging and oxidative damage caused by vitamin E deficiency, we evaluated long-term vitamin E deficiency in the skeletal muscle of aging zebrafish using metabolomics. Zebrafish (55 days old) were fed E+ and E− diets for 12 or 18 months. Then, skeletal muscle samples were analyzed using UPLC-MS/MS. Data were analyzed to highlight metabolite and pathway changes seen with either aging or vitamin E status or both. We found that aging altered purines, various amino acids, and DHA-containing phospholipids. Vitamin E deficiency at 18 months was associated with changes in amino acid metabolism, specifically tryptophan pathways, systemic changes in the regulation of purine metabolism, and DHA-containing phospholipids. In sum, while both aging and induced vitamin E deficiency did have some overlap in altered and potentially dysregulated metabolic pathways, each factor also presented unique alterations, which require further study with more confirmatory approaches.
Soilless Cultivated Halophyte Plants: Volatile, Nutritional, Phytochemical, and Biological Differences
Authors: Oliveira-Alves Sheila C. , Andrade Fábio , Sousa João , Bento-Silva Andreia , Duarte Bernardo , Caçador Isabel , Salazar Miguel , Mecha Elsa , Serra Ana Teresa , Bronze Maria Rosário
Published: May 2023

The use of halophyte plants appears as a potential solution for degraded soil, food safety, freshwater scarcity, and coastal area utilization. These plants have been considered an alternative crop soilless agriculture for sustainable use of natural resources. There are few studies carried out with cultivated halophytes using a soilless cultivation system (SCS) that report their nutraceutical value, as well as their benefits on human health. The objective of this study was to evaluate and correlate the nutritional composition, volatile profile, phytochemical content, and biological activities of seven halophyte species cultivated using a SCS (Disphyma crassifolium L., Crithmum maritimum L., Inula crithmoides L., Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L., Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum L., Salicornia ramosissima J. Woods, and Sarcocornia fruticosa (Mill.) A. J. Scott.). Among these species, results showed that S. fruticosa had a higher content in protein (4.44 g/100 g FW), ash (5.70 g/100 g FW), salt (2.80 g/100 g FW), chloride (4.84 g/100 g FW), minerals (Na, K, Fe, Mg, Mn, Zn, Cu), total phenolics (0.33 mg GAE/g FW), and antioxidant activity (8.17 µmol TEAC/g FW). Regarding the phenolic classes, S. fruticosa and M. nodiflorum were predominant in the flavonoids, while M. crystallinum, C. maritimum, and S. ramosissima were in the phenolic acids. Moreover, S. fruticosa, S. ramosissima, M. nodiflorum, M. crystallinum, and I. crithmoides showed ACE-inhibitory activity, an important target control for hypertension. Concerning the volatile profile, C. maritimum, I. crithmoides, and D. crassifolium were abundant in terpenes and esters, while M. nodiflorum, S. fruticosa, and M. crystallinum were richer in alcohols and aldehydes, and S. ramosissima was richer in aldehydes. Considering the environmental and sustainable roles of cultivated halophytes using a SCS, these results indicate that these species could be considered an alternative to conventional table salt, due to their added nutritional and phytochemical composition, with potential contribution for the antioxidant and anti-hypertensive effects.
Differential Responses of Antioxidant Enzymes and Lignin Metabolism in Susceptible and Resistant Sweetpotato Cultivars during Root-Knot Nematode Infection
Authors: Yang Jung-Wook , Park Sul-U , Lee Hyeong-Un , Nam Ki Jung , Lee Kang-Lok , Lee Jeung Joo , Kim Ju Hwan , Kwak Sang-Soo , Kim Ho Soo , Kim Yun-Hee
Published: May 2023

Root-knot nematodes (RKN) cause significant damage to sweetpotato plants and cause significant losses in yield and quality. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in plant defenses, with levels of ROS-detoxifying antioxidant enzymes tightly regulated during pathogen infection. In this study, ROS metabolism was examined in three RKN-resistant and three RKN-susceptible sweetpotato cultivars. The antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) were assessed, as was lignin-related metabolism. In RKN-infected roots, both resistant and susceptible cultivars increased SOD activity to produce higher levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). However, H2O2 removal by CAT activity differed between cultivars, with susceptible cultivars having higher CAT activity and lower overall H2O2 levels. In addition, the expression of phenylpropanoid-related phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase genes, which encode enzymes involved in lignin metabolism, were higher in resistant cultivars, as were total phenolic and lignin contents. Enzyme activities and H2O2 levels were examined during the early (7 days) and late (28 days) phases of infection in representative susceptible and resistant cultivars, revealing contrasting changes in ROS levels and antioxidant responses in the different stages of infection. This study suggests that differences in antioxidant enzyme activities and ROS regulation in resistant and susceptible cultivars might explain reduced RKN infection in resistant cultivars, resulting in smaller RKN populations and overall higher resistance to infection and infestation by RKNs.
Influence of Thin Fluorine Resin Film on DUV LED Packaging Devices
Authors: Li Wenbo , Tang Leming , Yang Yong , Zhang Zhicong , Li Guanghui , Feng Meixin , Xu Qiming , Sun Qian
Published: May 2023

Amorphous fluorine resin is a promising material that can be used for the encapsulation of deep-ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (DUV LEDs) to promote the light output, due to its light characteristics which mean it shows no absorption in the DUV wavelength region. However, obvious decay and high cost are the problems faced by fluorine resin. In this study, thin-fluorine-resin-film-packaged DUV LEDs were fabricated by the drip-coating method and the characteristics were tested. The results show that the light output power increased from 4.95 mW to 5.44 mW at 40 mA, and the cost of fluorine resin can be reduced to ~10%. In addition, no degradation during the aging was observed. However, when the light output power reached 12 mW or higher, >10% decay was observed after aging for 1000 h. In conclusion, thin-fluorine-resin-film-packaged DUV LEDs can achieve 10% light output power enhancement by using less fluorine resin material, and the material is more applicable to low-power DUV LEDs.
Numerical Study of Velocity and Mixture Fraction Fields in a Turbulent Non-Reacting Propane Jet Flow Issuing into Parallel Co-Flowing Air in Isothermal Condition through OpenFOAM
Authors: Aghajanpour Abdolreza , Khatibi Seyedalireza
Published: May 2023

This research employs computational methods to analyze the velocity and mixture fraction distributions of a non-reacting Propane jet flow that is discharged into parallel co-flowing air under iso-thermal conditions. This study includes a comparison between the numerical results and experimental results obtained from the Sandia Laboratory (USA). The objective is to improve the understanding of flow structure and mixing mechanisms in situations where there is no involvement of chemical reactions or heat transfer. In this experiment, the Realizable k-ε eddy viscosity turbulence model with two equations was utilized to simulate turbulent flow on a nearly 2D plane (specifically, a 5-degree partition of the experimental cylinder domain). This was achieved using OpenFOAM open-source software and swak4Foam utility, with the reactingFoam solver being manipulated carefully. The selection of this turbulence model was based on its superior predictive capability for the spreading rate of both planar and round jets, as compared to other variants of the k-ε models. Numerical axial and radial profiles of different parameters were obtained for a mesh that is independent of the grid (mesh B). These profiles were then compared with experimental data to assess the accuracy of the numerical model. The parameters that are being referred to are mean velocities, turbulence kinetic energy, mean mixture fraction, mixture fraction half radius (Lf), and the mass flux diagram. The validity of the assumption that w߰ = v߰ for the determination of turbulence kinetic energy, k, seems to hold true in situations where experimental data is deficient in w߰. The simulations have successfully obtained the mean mixture fraction and its half radius, Lf, which is a measure of the jet’s width. These values were determined from radial profiles taken at specific locations along the X-axis, including x/D = 0, 4, 15, 30, and 50. The accuracy of the mean vertical velocity fields in the X-direction (Umean) is noticeable, despite being less well-captured. The resolution of mean vertical velocity fields in the Y-direction (Vmean) is comparatively lower. The accuracy of turbulence kinetic energy (k) is moderate when it is within the range of Umean and Vmean. The absence of empirical data for absolute pressure (p) is compensated by the provision of numerical pressure contours.
Spatio-Temporal Change Pattern Investigation of PM2.5 in Jiangsu Province with MODIS Time Series Products
Authors: Luo Jieqiong , Che Meiqin
Published: May 2023

In the last decade, the spatio-temporal patterns of PM2.5 on various scales, ranging from global, continent, and country to regional levels, has been the focus of considerable studies. However, these studies on spatio-temporal variability have concentrated primarily on changes in the spatial distribution patterns of regional PM2.5 concentrations and ignored temporal characteristics at a local site from a heterogeneous surface, such as local variability, persistence, and stability of PM2.5 exposure. Understanding the temporal characteristics of PM2.5 concentration changes at the local scale will help determine the local impacts of PM2.5, such as local exposure risk and vulnerability to PM2.5. This study aims to reveal the local characteristics of temporal variation at the scale of a prefecture-level city and its distinct-varying patterns from those at the provincial scale by using the annual satellite-derived PM2.5 concentration product from 2000 to 2015. The evolutionary trends, stability, and persistence of annual changes were discovered with a set of time series analysis methods, such as linear regression analysis + F-test, coefficient of variation method, and Hurst index. This study uses PM2.5 product data for a total of 16 years, from 2000 to 2015, and uses time series analysis methods, such as Theil–Sen median trend analysis + Mann–Kendall test, one-dimensional linear regression analysis + F-test, coefficient of variation method, and Hurst index, to reveal the temporal variation characteristics and spatial patterns of PM2.5 in Jiangsu Province. The results show that the increasing trends or slopes of annual averaged PM2.5 concentrations in Jiangsu Province are not consistent at the prefecture-level city scale, but they are consistent in northern, central and southern Jiangsu at a larger upward trend since 2000. The areas with significant increasing trends are concentrated in Xuzhou and Lianyungang and other northern cities. From the viewpoint of variability, the areas in medium and high variability are mainly aggregated in the areas north of the Yangtze River. According to the combination of persistence analysis and trend analysis, future variation in PM2.5 concentrations indicates an inverse persistence for an increasing trend, meaning the air quality decline in Jiangsu will slow.
Evaluation of Polymer-Coated Carbon Nanotube Flexible Microelectrodes for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Ruhunage Chethani , Dhawan Vaishnavi , Nawarathne Chaminda P. , Hoque Abdul , Cui Xinyan Tracy , Alvarez Noe T.
Published: May 2023

The demand for electrically insulated microwires and microfibers in biomedical applications is rapidly increasing. Polymer protective coatings with high electrical resistivity, good chemical resistance, and a long shelf-life are critical to ensure continuous device operation during chronic applications. As soft and flexible electrodes can minimize mechanical mismatch between tissues and electronics, designs based on flexible conductive microfibers, such as carbon nanotube (CNT) fibers, and soft polymer insulation have been proposed. In this study, a continuous dip-coating approach was adopted to insulate meters-long CNT fibers with hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR), a soft and rubbery insulating polymer. Using this method, 4.8 m long CNT fibers with diameters of 25–66 µm were continuously coated with HNBR without defects or interruptions. The coated CNT fibers were found to be uniform, pinhole free, and biocompatible. Furthermore, the HNBR coating had better high-temperature tolerance than conventional insulating materials. Microelectrodes prepared using the HNBR-coated CNT fibers exhibited stable electrochemical properties, with a specific impedance of 27.0 ± 9.4 MΩ µm2 at 1.0 kHz and a cathodal charge storage capacity of 487.6 ± 49.8 mC cm−2. Thus, the developed electrodes express characteristics that made them suitable for use in implantable medical devices for chronic in vivo applications.
Data-Driven Quantitation of Movement Abnormality after Stroke
Authors: Parnandi Avinash , Kaku Aakash , Venkatesan Anita , Pandit Natasha , Fokas Emily , Yu Boyang , Kim Grace , Nilsen Dawn , Fernandez-Granda Carlos , Schambra Heidi
Published: May 2023

Stroke commonly affects the ability of the upper extremities (UEs) to move normally. In clinical settings, identifying and measuring movement abnormality is challenging due to the imprecision and impracticality of available assessments. These challenges interfere with therapeutic tracking, communication, and treatment. We thus sought to develop an approach that blends precision and pragmatism, combining high-dimensional motion capture with out-of-distribution (OOD) detection. We used an array of wearable inertial measurement units to capture upper body motion in healthy and chronic stroke subjects performing a semi-structured, unconstrained 3D tabletop task. After data were labeled by human coders, we trained two deep learning models exclusively on healthy subject data to classify elemental movements (functional primitives). We tested these healthy subject-trained models on previously unseen healthy and stroke motion data. We found that model confidence, indexed by prediction probabilities, was generally high for healthy test data but significantly dropped when encountering OOD stroke data. Prediction probabilities worsened with more severe motor impairment categories and were directly correlated with individual impairment scores. Data inputs from the paretic UE, rather than trunk, most strongly influenced model confidence. We demonstrate for the first time that using OOD detection with high-dimensional motion data can reveal clinically meaningful movement abnormality in subjects with chronic stroke.
The Junctophilin-2 Mutation p.(Thr161Lys) Is Associated with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Using Patient-Specific iPS Cardiomyocytes and Demonstrates Prolonged Action Potential and Increased Arrhythmogenicity
Authors: Valtonen Joona , Prajapati Chandra , Cherian Reeja Maria , Vanninen Sari , Ojala Marisa , Leivo Krista , Heliö Tiina , Koskenvuo Juha , Aalto-Setälä Katriina
Published: May 2023

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is one of the most common genetic cardiac diseases; it is primarily caused by mutations in sarcomeric genes. However, HCM is also associated with mutations in non-sarcomeric proteins and a Finnish founder mutation for HCM in non-sarcomeric protein junctophilin-2 (JPH2) has been identified. This study aimed at assessing the issue of modelling the rare Finnish founder mutation in cardiomyocytes (CMs) differentiated from iPSCs; therefore, presenting the same cardiac abnormalities observed in the patients. To explore the abnormal functions in JPH2-HCM, skin fibroblasts from a Finnish patient with JPH2 p.(Thr161Lys) were reprogrammed into iPSCs and further differentiated into CMs. As a control line, an isogenic counterpart was generated using the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing method. Finally, iPSC-CMs were evaluated for the morphological and functional characteristics associated with JPH2 mutation. JPH2-hiPSC-CMs displayed key HCM hallmarks (cellular hypertrophy, multi-nucleation, sarcomeric disarray). Moreover, JPH2-hiPSC-CMs exhibit a higher degree of arrhythmia and longer action potential duration associated with slower inactivation of calcium channels. Functional evaluation supported clinical observations, with differences in beating characteristics when compared with isogenic-hiPSC-CMs. Thus, the iPSC-derived, disease-specific cardiomyocytes could serve as a translationally relevant platform to study genetic cardiac diseases.
Circulating Angiogenic Factors and Ischemic Diabetic Foot Syndrome Advancement—A Pilot Study
Authors: Schönborn Martyna , Gregorczyk-Maga Iwona , Batko Krzysztof , Bogucka Katarzyna , Maga Mikołaj , Płotek Anna , Pasieka Patrycja , Słowińska-Solnica Krystyna , Maga Paweł
Published: May 2023

Despite clear evidence of inadequate angiogenesis in ischemic diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) pathogenesis, angiogenic factor level changes in patients with ischemic DFS remain inconsistent. This study aimed to assess circulating angiogenic factors concerning ischemic DFS advancement and describe their relationships with patients’ clinical characteristics, microvascular parameters, and diabetic control. The study included 41 patients with ischemic DFS (67.3 (8.84) years; 82.9% males). Angiogenic processes were assessed by identifying circulating concentrations of five pro- and two anti-angiogenic factors. We found that penetrating ulcers were related to a significantly higher FGF-2 level (8.86 (5.29) vs. 5.23 (4.17) pg/mL, p = 0.02). Moreover, plasma FGF-2 showed a significant correlation with the SINBAD score (r = 0.32, p = 0.04), platelet count (r = 0.43, p < 0.01), white cell count (r = 0.42, p < 0.01), and age (r = −0.35, p = 0.03). We did not observe any significant linear relationship between the studied biomarkers and microcirculatory parameters, nor for glycemic control. In a univariate analysis using logistic regression, an increase in plasma FGF-2 was tied to greater odds of high-grade ulcers (OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.02–1.38, p = 0.043). This suggests that circulating FGF-2 may serve as a potential biomarker for predicting DFU advancement and progression. It is necessary to conduct further studies with follow-up observations to confirm this hypothesis.
Exonuclease III Can Efficiently Cleave Linear Single-Stranded DNA: Reshaping Its Experimental Applications in Biosensors
Authors: Shen Yi , Yuan Haoyu , Guo Zixuan , Li Xiu-Qing , Yang Zhiqing , Zong Chengli
Published: May 2023

Exonuclease III (Exo III) has been generally used as a double-stranded DNA (dsDNA)-specific exonuclease that does not degrade single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). Here, we demonstrate that Exo III at concentrations above 0.1 unit/μL can efficiently digest linear ssDNA. Moreover, the dsDNA specificity of Exo III is the foundation of many DNA target recycling amplification (TRA) assays. We demonstrate that with 0.3 and 0.5 unit/μL Exo III, the degradation of an ssDNA probe, free or fixed on a solid surface, was not discernibly different, regardless of the presence or absence of target ssDNA, indicating that Exo III concentration is critical in TRA assays. The study has expanded the Exo III substrate scope from dsDNA to both dsDNA and ssDNA, which will reshape its experimental applications.
Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Framework for Evaluating Historic Sites in Huai’an Ancient Cities
Authors: Shen Xijuan , Chen Meng , Hsu Wei-Ling , Dong Zuorong , Lan Keran , Luo Haitao , Lin Sean Te-Hsun
Published: May 2023

The preservation and restoration of historic sites is of great significance to the continuation of a city’s historical heritage and high-quality development. However, the conservation management of historic sites is still in the stage of exploration and improvement. The current states of development and preservation have been facing many problems, such as fragmented and poor states of preservation. It is crucial to retain and revitalize the authenticity of historic sites. A multi-criteria decision-making approach to an innovative evaluation model is proposed. Based on the cultural, social, and economic characteristics of the historical sites, an evaluation index system is constructed and weighted to judge its importance. The results suggest that the statuses of the historic relics at the facet layer have the most significant effect on the preservation of the authenticity of historic sites. The completeness of historic relics ranks first in weight among the evaluation indexes, which suggests that emphasis should be not only on their protection, but also on the preservation of their overall styles. The results will enable urban decision makers to effectively set the priorities of preservation and restoration by regions and stages. Huai’an, a major ancient city along the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal in China, was taken as an empirical case study to validate the feasibility of the evaluation index system and its ability to provide references for the preservation and restoration of historic sites.
Compatible Truss-Arch Model for Predicting the Shear Strength of Steel Shape-Reinforced Concrete (SRC) Beams
Authors: Zhang Xu , Xue Yicong , Liu Yaping , Yu Yunlong
Published: May 2023

A steel shape-reinforced concrete (SRC) beam, in which a steel profile is encased in an R.C. section, is an essential configuration of steel-concrete composite members. Nevertheless, the precise estimation of shear strength for SRC elements is currently being explored due to the challenges associated with incorporating steel-concrete interaction. This paper establishes a compatible truss-arch model to simulate the shear behavior of SRC beams and predict their maximum shear strength. In the established model, the shear contribution of the R.C. encasement is evaluated using the traditional truss-arch model, and a stress decomposition based on von Mises yielding criterion and strain compatibility is conducted within the steel shape to decouple its shear contribution. Finally, the validity of the proposed model is confirmed using a comprehensive database. The comparison between the experimental and calculated results demonstrates that the established model can effectively and reliably calculate the SRC beams’ shear strength.
Analysis of the Microclimatic and Biodiversity-Enhancing Functions of a Living Wall Prototype for More-than-Human Conviviality in Cities
Authors: Bornschlegl Sebastian , Krause Pia , Kropp Cordula , Leistner Philip
Published: May 2023

This study analyzes the growing trend of urban green infrastructures, particularly green façade systems, in terms of their infrastructural relationships between nature and culture and their potential to act as bioclimatic layers mediating between the needs of flora, fauna and human habitation. An interdisciplinary approach is taken by combining the perspectives of social and engineering sciences to discuss the contribution of green façade systems for more-than-human conviviality in cities. Green infrastructures can support this endeavor by enabling functions that help to integrate the heterogeneity typical for semi-natural structures into urban ones, especially regarding microclimatic and biodiversity-enhancing functions. The theoretical distinction between “gray”, “green”, and “revolutionary” infrastructure is used to differentiate between conventional and posthumanist conceptualizations of urban naturecultures. The performance of the UNA TERRA living wall prototype as a green and revolutionary infrastructure is evaluated. The results show that the living wall has beneficial microclimatic effects and adds a heterogeneous habitat structure that supports biodiversity in the urban context. By adhering to “egalitarian humility” in design, the uncertainty and openness of more-than-human conviviality are acknowledged. The study finds that green infrastructures such as green façade systems can fulfill the criteria of revolutionary infrastructure if the contribution to local biodiversity and structural complexity is prioritized and the heterogeneous interrelations between human and non-human actors are taken into account.
Shear Capacity Prediction Model of Deep Beam Based on New Hybrid Intelligent Algorithm
Authors: Wang Haibo , Zhang Chen , Wu Hengxuan
Published: May 2023

Accurate shear load capacity predictions are crucial to achieving the load-bearing requirements of concrete deep beams in a variety of construction structures. Conventional BP neural networks have the drawbacks of being prone to local optimums and having a sluggish rate of convergence for predicting the shear load capacity of reinforced concrete deep beams. To overcome this problem, this study incorporated the black widow optimization algorithm (BWO) and principal component analysis (PCA) into a BP neural network to create a unique Hybrid Intelligent Optimization Algorithm (PCA-BWO-BP). Firstly, PCA was used to reduce the dimensionality of the input variables of the shear load capacity prediction model of reinforced concrete deep beams. Secondly, BWO was introduced to optimize the weights and thresholds of the BP neural network. Finally, the four algorithms were compared and validated through the use of five model evaluators. The results showed that the PCA-BWO-BP model can explore the intrinsic relationship between member size, bottom longitudinal reinforcement, hoop reinforcement, concrete strength and the shear load capacity of reinforced concrete deep beams and generate reasonable prediction values, and the complexity of the prediction model can be effectively reduced by introducing the PCA algorithm, whereas the BWO algorithm can optimize the weights and thresholds of the BP neural network to improve the convergence and global search ability of the model. The mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of the PCA-BWO-BP algorithm is 5.126, and the Nash efficiency coefficient (NS) is 0.989. The generalization ability and prediction accuracy are significantly better than those of the BP neural network, which can solve the problem relating to the fact that BP neural networks are prone to falling into the local optimum. The PCA-BWO-BP model has strong prediction ability, stability, generalization ability and robustness, which can predict the shear load capacity of reinforced concrete deep beams more accurately. It provides a new method and case support for further research on the shear bearing capacity of reinforced concrete deep beams.
Axial Compression Behaviour and Modelling of Pultruded Basalt-Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (BFRP) Tubes
Authors: Zhang Chuntao , Chen Yu , Dou Mei
Published: May 2023

Laminated fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) tubes are increasingly used as compression members in large-span spatial structures due to their high bearing capacity, corrosion resistance, and superior stability compared to high-strength steel pipes. In this study, axial compression tests were conducted on slender BFRP tubes to evaluate their compression characteristics as compression members. The results indicated that BFRP tubes exhibited three distinct failure modes, namely local failure, critical failure, and buckling failure. Overall, buckling was identified as the primary mode of failure under compression. The stress–strain curves of BFRP tubes were characterized by three stages, including elastic, elastic-plastic, and plastic stages. To enable design-oriented approaches, two three-stage theoretical models for BFRP tubes were developed through experimental data analysis. The models predicted the stress–strain curves and the load-lateral deflection curves, taking into account the post-peak softening behaviour of the stress–strain curves. Comparisons between the test results and the predictions calculated using the proposed models indicated that they were in good agreement.
Association of Smoking and Respiratory Disease History with Pancreatic Pathologies Requiring Surgical Resection
Authors: Ream Carolyn , Sabitsky Matthew , Huang Rachel , Hammelef Emma , Yeo Theresa P. , Lavu Harish , Yeo Charles J. , Bowne Wilbur , Nevler Avinoam
Published: May 2023

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between various respiratory conditions, including hypercapnic respiratory disease, and a multitude of resected pancreatic lesions. Methods: This retrospective case-control study queried a prospectively maintained database of patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy between January 2015 and October 2021. Patient data, including smoking history, medical history, and pathology reports, were recorded. Patients with no smoking history and no concomitant respiratory conditions were designated as the control group. Results: A total of 723 patients with complete clinical and pathological data were identified. Male current smokers showed increased rates of PDAC (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.07–5.08, p = 0.039). Male patients with COPD had a markedly increased association with IPMN (OR 3.02, CI 1.08–8.41, p = 0.039), while females with obstructive sleep apnea had a four-fold increase in risk of IPMN compared to women in the control group (OR 3.89, CI 1.46–10.37, p = 0.009). Surprisingly, female patients with asthma had a decreased incidence of pancreatic and periampullary adenocarcinoma (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.18–0.71. p < 0.01). Conclusion: This large cohort study reveals possible links between respiratory pathologies and various pancreatic mass-forming lesions.
Lymph Node Ratio Predicts Recurrence in Patients with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma with Low Lymph Node Yield
Authors: Kang Il Ku , Park Joonseon , Bae Ja Seong , Kim Jeong Soo , Kim Kwangsoon
Published: May 2023

The American Thyroid Association risk stratification system suggests that having >5 metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) increase the recurrence risk in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). However, little is known about PTC with <5 harvested LNs. This study aimed to stratify patients with low-LN-yield (low-LNY) PTC based on lymph node ratios (LNRs). From 2007 to 2017, 6317 patients who underwent thyroidectomies were diagnosed with PTC at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, and 909 patients with low LNYs were included in the study. Tumor recurrence was compared based on LNR. The LNR cutoff was determined using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Forty-six patients (5.1%) experienced recurrences over a mean follow-up period of 127.24 ± 33.6 months (range, 5–190 months). The cutoff for the low-LNR (n = 675) and high-LNR (n = 234) groups was 0.29 (AUC = 0.676, 95% CI = 0.591–0.761, p < 0.001). The recurrence rate was significantly higher in the high-LNR group compared to the rate in the low-LNR group (12.4% vs. 2.5%, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis using Cox regression revealed that tumor size and LNR ≥ 0.29 were independent prognostic factors for recurrence. Therefore, LNR can be utilized to stratify the risk of recurrence in patients with low-LNY PTC.
Injury to Cone Synapses by Retinal Detachment: Differences from Rod Synapses and Protection by ROCK Inhibition
Authors: Townes-Anderson Ellen , Halász Éva , Sugino Ilene , Davidow Amy L. , Frishman Laura J. , Fritzky Luke , Yousufzai Fawad A. K. , Zarbin Marco
Published: May 2023

Attachment of a detached retina does not always restore vision to pre-injury levels, even if the attachment is anatomically successful. The problem is due in part to long-term damage to photoreceptor synapses. Previously, we reported on damage to rod synapses and synaptic protection using a Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor (AR13503) after retinal detachment (RD). This report documents the effects of detachment, reattachment, and protection by ROCK inhibition on cone synapses. Conventional confocal and stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy were used for morphological assessment and electroretinograms for functional analysis of an adult pig model of RD. RDs were examined 2 and 4 h after injury or two days later when spontaneous reattachment had occurred. Cone pedicles respond differently than rod spherules. They lose their synaptic ribbons, reduce invaginations, and change their shape. ROCK inhibition protects against these structural abnormalities whether the inhibitor is applied immediately or 2 h after the RD. Functional restoration of the photopic b-wave, indicating cone-bipolar neurotransmission, is also improved with ROCK inhibition. Successful protection of both rod and cone synapses with AR13503 suggests this drug will (1) be a useful adjunct to subretinal administration of gene or stem cell therapies and (2) improve recovery of the injured retina when treatment is delayed.