bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Crosswind Speed over the Runway Glide Path Using an Interpretable Local Cascade Ensemble Approach Aided by Wind Tunnel Experiments
Authors: Khattak Afaq , Zhang Jianping , Chan Pak-Wai , Chen Feng , Almujibah Hamad
Published: October 2023

The close proximity of crosswinds to airport runways presents great hazards to landing operations. As a result, an aircraft is susceptible to encountering a loss of control. Elevated levels of turbulence are commonly linked with strong crosswind speeds over the runway glide path. Therefore, it is imperative to evaluate the factors that impact crosswind speeds. The susceptibility of the runways at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) to severe crosswinds is well established. This study aimed to build a scaled model of HKIA, along with its surrounding terrain/buildings, within a TJ-3 ABL wind tunnel to compute the crosswind speeds under different wind directions over the runway glide path. Subsequently, utilizing the outcomes of the experiment, a cutting-edge local cascade ensemble (LCE) model was employed in conjunction with a tree-structured Parzen estimator (TPE) to evaluate the crosswind speed over the north runway glide path. The comparative analysis of the TPE-LCE model was also conducted with other machine learning models. The TPE-LCE model demonstrated superior predictive capabilities in comparison to alternative models, as assessed by MAE (0.490), MSE (0.381), RMSE (0.617), and R2 (0.855). The SHAP analysis, which utilized TPE-LCE predictions, revealed that two factors, specifically “Effect of Terrain/Buildings” and “Distance from Runway,” exhibiting noteworthy influence over the probability of encountering elevated crosswind speeds over the runway glide path. The optimal conditions for high-crosswind speeds were found to be characterized by the absence of nearby terrain features or structures, a smaller distance from HKIA’s north runway threshold, and with a wind direction ranging from 125 to 180 degrees.
Residuated Basic Logic
Authors: Lin Zhe , Ma Minghui
Published: October 2023

Residuated basic logic (RBL) is the logic of residuated basic algebras, which constitutes a conservative extension of basic propositional logic (BPL). The basic implication is a residual of a non-associative binary operator in RBL. The conservativity is shown by relational semantics. A Gentzen-style sequent calculus GRBL, which is an extension of the distributive full non-associative Lambek calculus, is established for residuated basic logic. The calculus GRBL admits the mix-elimination, subformula, and disjunction properties. Moreover, the class of all residuated basic algebras has the finite embeddability property. The consequence relation of GRBL is decidable.
A Study on the Biofilm Removal Efficacy of a Bioelectric Toothbrush
Authors: Park Hyun Mok , Ryu Seungjae , Jo Eunah , Yoo Sun Kook , Kim Young Wook
Published: October 2023

Effective oral care is a critical requirement to maintain a high quality of life. Most oral diseases are caused by plaque (oral biofilm), which is also correlated with systemic diseases. A common method to remove biofilm is brushing teeth with toothpaste. However, 3.5 billion people in the world have oral diseases, meaning that more efficient methods of removing biofilms are needed. We have developed a toothbrush that applies a bioelectric effect (BE) utilizing an electric force for biofilm removal. It demonstrated significantly higher biofilm removal efficiency than non-BE manual toothbrushes. Tests were performed in saline and toothpaste conditions using various pressures. Results showed that the BE toothbrush had a significantly higher biofilm removal efficiency in saline (0.5 N: 215.43 ± 89.92%, 2.5 N: 116.77 ± 47.02%) and in a toothpaste slurry (0.5 N: 104.96 ± 98.93%, 2.5 N: 96.23 ± 35.16%) than non-BE manual toothbrushes. Results also showed that BE toothbrushes were less dependent on toothpaste. This study suggests that the application of BE can be a new solution to plaque problems in oral care.
Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells: Immunomodulatory and Bone Regeneration Potential after Tumor Excision in Osteosarcoma Patients
Authors: Baron Max , Drohat Philip , Crawford Brooke , Hornicek Francis J. , Best Thomas M. , Kouroupis Dimitrios
Published: October 2023

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a type of bone cancer that is derived from primitive mesenchymal cells typically affecting children and young adults. The current standard of treatment is a combination of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgical resection of the cancerous bone. Post-resection challenges in bone regeneration arise. To determine the appropriate amount of bone to be removed, preoperative imaging techniques such as bone and CT scans are employed. To prevent local recurrence, the current standard of care suggests maintaining bony and soft tissue margins from 3 to 7 cm beyond the tumor. The amount of bone removed in an OS patient leaves too large of a deficit for bone to form on its own and requires reconstruction with metal implants or allografts. Both methods require the bone to heal, either to the implant or across the allograft junction, often in the setting of marrow-killing chemotherapy. Therefore, the issue of bone regeneration within the surgically resected margins remains an important challenge for the patient, family, and treating providers. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are potential agents for enhancing bone regeneration post tumor resection. MSCs, used with scaffolds and growth factors, show promise in fostering bone regeneration in OS cases. We spotlight two MSC types—bone marrow-derived (BM-MSCs) and adipose tissue-derived (ASCs)—highlighting their bone regrowth facilitation and immunomodulatory effects on immune cells like macrophages and T cells, enhancing therapeutic outcomes. The objective of this review is two-fold: review work demonstrating any ability of MSCs to target the deranged immune system in the OS microenvironment, and synthesize the available literature on the use of MSCs as a therapeutic option for stimulating bone regrowth in OS patients post bone resection. When it comes to repairing bone defects, both MB-MSCs and ASCs hold great potential for stimulating bone regeneration. Research has showcased their effectiveness in reconstructing bone defects while maintaining a non-tumorigenic role following wide resection of bone tumors, underscoring their capability to enhance bone healing and regeneration following tumor excisions.
Nano-Architecture of Persistent Focal DNA Damage Regions in the Minipig Epidermis Weeks after Acute γ-Irradiation
Authors: Scherthan Harry , Geiger Beatrice , Ridinger David , Müller Jessica , Riccobono Diane , Bestvater Felix , Port Matthias , Hausmann Michael
Published: October 2023

Exposure to high acute doses of ionizing radiation (IR) can induce cutaneous radiation syndrome. Weeks after such radiation insults, keratinocyte nuclei of the epidermis exhibit persisting genomic lesions that present as focal accumulations of DNA double-strand break (DSB) damage marker proteins. Knowledge about the nanostructure of these genomic lesions is scarce. Here, we compared the chromatin nano-architecture with respect to DNA damage response (DDR) factors in persistent genomic DNA damage regions and healthy chromatin in epidermis sections of two minipigs 28 days after lumbar irradiation with ~50 Gy γ-rays, using single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) combined with geometric and topological mathematical analyses. SMLM analysis of fluorochrome-stained paraffin sections revealed, within keratinocyte nuclei with perisitent DNA damage, the nano-arrangements of pATM, 53BP1 and Mre11 DDR proteins in γ-H2AX-positive focal chromatin areas (termed macro-foci). It was found that persistent macro-foci contained on average ~70% of 53BP1, ~23% of MRE11 and ~25% of pATM single molecule signals of a nucleus. MRE11 and pATM fluorescent tags were organized in focal nanoclusters peaking at about 40 nm diameter, while 53BP1 tags formed nanoclusters that made up super-foci of about 300 nm in size. Relative to undamaged nuclear chromatin, the enrichment of DDR protein signal tags in γ-H2AX macro-foci was on average 8.7-fold (±3) for 53BP1, 3.4-fold (±1.3) for MRE11 and 3.6-fold (±1.8) for pATM. The persistent macro-foci of minipig epidermis displayed a ~2-fold enrichment of DDR proteins, relative to DSB foci of lymphoblastoid control cells 30 min after 0.5 Gy X-ray exposure. A lasting accumulation of damage signaling and sensing molecules such as pATM and 53BP1, as well as the DSB end-processing protein MRE11 in the persistent macro-foci suggests the presence of diverse DNA damages which pose an insurmountable problem for DSB repair.
Functional Consequences of Pathogenic Variants of the GJB2 Gene (Cx26) Localized in Different Cx26 Domains
Authors: Posukh Olga L. , Maslova Ekaterina A. , Danilchenko Valeriia Yu. , Zytsar Marina V. , Orishchenko Konstantin E.
Published: October 2023

One of the most common forms of genetic deafness has been predominantly associated with pathogenic variants in the GJB2 gene, encoding transmembrane protein connexin 26 (Cx26). The Cx26 molecule consists of an N-terminal domain (NT), four transmembrane domains (TM1–TM4), two extracellular loops (EL1 and EL2), a cytoplasmic loop, and a C-terminus (CT). Pathogenic variants in the GJB2 gene, resulting in amino acid substitutions scattered across the Cx26 domains, lead to a variety of clinical outcomes, including the most common non-syndromic autosomal recessive deafness (DFNB1A), autosomal dominant deafness (DFNA3A), as well as syndromic forms combining hearing loss and skin disorders. However, for rare and poorly documented variants, information on the mode of inheritance is often lacking. Numerous in vitro studies have been conducted to elucidate the functional consequences of pathogenic GJB2 variants leading to amino acid substitutions in different domains of Cx26 protein. In this work, we summarized all available data on a mode of inheritance of pathogenic GJB2 variants leading to amino acid substitutions and reviewed published information on their functional effects, with an emphasis on their localization in certain Cx26 domains.
The Molecular Mechanisms of Complement Receptor 1—It Is Complicated
Authors: Hardy Matthew P. , Mansour Mariam , Rowe Tony , Wymann Sandra
Published: October 2023

Human complement receptor 1 (CR1) is a membrane-bound regulator of complement that has been the subject of recent attempts to generate soluble therapeutic compounds comprising different fragments of its extracellular domain. This review will focus on the extracellular domain of CR1 and detail how its highly duplicated domains work both separately and together to mediate binding to its main ligands C3b and C4b, and to inhibit the classical, lectin, and alternative pathways of the complement cascade via the mechanisms of decay acceleration activity (DAA) and co-factor activity (CFA). Understanding the molecular basis of CR1 activity is made more complicated by the presence not only of multiple ligand binding domains within CR1 but also the fact that C3b and C4b can interact with CR1 as both monomers, dimers, and heterodimers. Evidence for the interaction of CR1 with additional ligands such as C1q will also be reviewed. Finally, we will bring the mechanistic understanding of CR1 activity together to provide an explanation for the differential complement pathway inhibition recently observed with CSL040, a soluble CR1-based therapeutic candidate in pre-clinical development.
Targeting Neurogenesis in Seeking Novel Treatments for Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Nagase Takayuki , Kin Kyohei , Yasuhara Takao
Published: October 2023

The interruption of cerebral blood flow leads to ischemic cell death and results in ischemic stroke. Although ischemic stroke is one of the most important causes of long-term disability and mortality, limited treatments are available for functional recovery. Therefore, extensive research has been conducted to identify novel treatments. Neurogenesis is regarded as a fundamental mechanism of neural plasticity. Therefore, therapeutic strategies targeting neurogenesis are thought to be promising. Basic research has found that therapeutic intervention including cell therapy, rehabilitation, and pharmacotherapy increased neurogenesis and was accompanied by functional recovery after ischemic stroke. In this review, we consolidated the current knowledge of the relationship between neurogenesis and treatment for ischemic stroke. It revealed that many treatments for ischemic stroke, including clinical and preclinical ones, have enhanced brain repair and functional recovery post-stroke along with neurogenesis. However, the intricate mechanisms of neurogenesis and its impact on stroke recovery remain areas of extensive research, with numerous factors and pathways involved. Understanding neurogenesis will lead to more effective stroke treatments, benefiting not only stroke patients but also those with other neurological disorders. Further research is essential to bridge the gap between preclinical discoveries and clinical implementation.
Enhancing Subjective Wellbeing in Older Individuals with Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Trial of a Positive Psychology Intervention
Authors: Tsiflikioti Konstantina , Moraitou Despoina , Pezirkianidis Christos , Papantoniou Georgia , Sofologi Maria , Kougioumtzis Georgios A. , Tsolaki Magdalini
Published: October 2023

Objectives: This pilot study aims to explore the potential of a positive psychology intervention (PPI) in enhancing the subjective well-being of older individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a precursor to dementia. Design and Setting: A randomized trial was conducted, initially recruiting 51 participants aged 65 and above from the Greek Association of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders in Thessaloniki, Greece. The study employed a control-experimental group setup. To ensure randomization, each participant was assigned a unique number, and a random number generator was used for group allocation. Participants: A total of 41 eligible participants with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were included in the study after screening. Intervention: The intervention consisted of a 3-week positive psychology program (PPI) where the PERMA Profiler questionnaire was administered at three intervals: pre-intervention, post-intervention, and one month after completion. Main Outcome Measures: The subjective well-being of participants. Results: The analysis, conducted mainly through mixed-measures ANOVAs, supported the study’s hypotheses, revealing that the 3-week PPI led to increased PERMA model scores and overall well-being, which persisted even after one month. Conversely, non-participants experienced declines in most domains except for Positive Emotion and Meaning, which demonstrated improvement and recovery during follow-up. Conclusions: These findings suggest the potential of PPI in enhancing the subjective well-being of older adults with amnestic MCI, with implications for addressing dementia-related challenges. Further investigation is warranted to pinpoint PPI effects on MCI and tailor interventions for improved subjective well-being.
Study on the Influence of a Rubber-Modified Soil Isolation Layer on the Isolation Performance of Frame Structures with Different Foundation Forms
Authors: Chai Shaoqiang , Chen Yong , Cai Dongbo , Wang Wei , Chen Qihao , Liu Jinhao
Published: October 2023

In order to investigate the seismic performance of a rubber-modified soil isolation layer, a three-dimensional finite element model was constructed using finite element analysis software, utilizing a two-story frame structure as the engineering background. Nonlinear dynamic time history analysis and comparisons were performed against the seismic performance of the structure. The evaluation was based on several parameters, including the contact area of the base, the thickness of the rubber-particle-modified soil isolation layer, ground motion records with varying amplitudes, and seismic frequency spectrum characteristics. The research findings indicate that the implementation of a rubber-modified soil isolation layer effectively mitigates the peak acceleration, horizontal displacement, and shear stress of the frame structure. This not only enhances the seismic performance of the structure but also enlarges the contact area of the base. Increasing the thickness of the rubber-modified soil isolation layer will effectively decrease the peak acceleration, horizontal displacement, and shear stress of the structure during seismic events. The effectiveness of the isolation provided by the rubber-modified soil layer improves as the intensity of the ground motion record increases.
Utilization of Fly Ash from Lignite Combustion in Materials Sealing Hydro-Technical Structures
Authors: Kledyński Zbigniew , Machowska Agnieszka , Falaciński Paweł
Published: October 2023

In Poland, approximately 2 million hectares of agricultural land are at risk of flooding, which constitutes approximately 7% of the country’s area, half of which is protected by flood embankments. The total length of the embankments is approximately 8.5 thousand km. kilometers. The age of the embankments and their related technical condition, as well as insufficient funds allocated for maintenance and renovation, mean that the flood risk in the areas protected by the embankments is higher than would result from the geometric parameters of the embankments and floods assumed for their design. The need to renovate embankments, including their sealing, causes an increase in interest in new technological and material solutions, and it is expected that these solutions will be pro-ecological: low-emission and consistent with the idea of a circular economy. The research was aimed at presenting the possibility of using fly ash from lignite combustion (low-rank coal) in Pątnów Power Plant, in raw form and fractions separated from it. The article presents the method of preparation and properties of hardening slurries containing mineral by-products of coal combustion. The tests showed the usefulness of the fly ashes used as the main component of hardening slurries. Additionally, a beneficial effect of the fine fraction (0–30 μm) of fly ash on the properties of the slurry, especially on tightness and hydraulic conductivity, was found.
Ni-Doped La0.6Sr0.4CoO3 Perovskite as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction and Evolution Reactions in Alkaline Media
Authors: Yuan Ronghua , Xu Weina , Pan Liquan , Li Ruibin , Xiao Chuanying , Qiao Xiaochang
Published: October 2023

The Co-based perovskite La0.6Sr0.4CoO3 has received significant attention as a potential electrocatalyst for its oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) due to its abundance, facile synthesis, and high oxygen kinetics. However, research on the catalytic performance of Ni-doped La0.6Sr0.4Co1−xNixO3 as a bifunctional cathode catalyst for Zn-air batteries (ZABs) is still scarce. In this work, lanthanum strontium cobalt-based perovskite catalysts with various Ni contents (La0.6Sr0.4Co1−xNixO3, x = 0, 0.2, 0.5, and 0.8) were synthesized using a simple combustion method. The effects of Ni doping on the morphology, structure, surface oxygen-related species, and valence states of the transition metals of the perovskite were characterized. The electrochemical behaviors of the perovskite catalysts in both ORR and OER were also assessed. The characterization results revealed that proper Ni doping can decrease particle size, increase surface oxygen vacancies, and create mixed valence states of the transition metal and, thus, lead to improvement of the electrocatalytic activity of perovskite catalysts. Among the different perovskite compositions, La0.6Sr0.4Co0.8Ni0.2O3 exhibited the best ORR/OER activity, with a higher limiting current density, smaller Tafel slope, higher half-wave potential, lower overpotential, and lower potential difference than the other compositions. When La0.6Sr0.4Co0.8Ni0.2O3 was applied as the cathodic catalyst in a primary ZAB, it delivered a peak power density of 81 mW cm−2. Additionally, in rechargeable ZABs, the La0.6Sr0.4Co0.8Ni0.2O3 catalyst exhibited a lower voltage gap (0.94 V) and higher stability during charge–discharge cycling than the commonly used catalyst Pt/C. These results indicate that Ni-doped La0.6Sr0.4Co0.8Ni0.2O3 is a promising bifunctional electrocatalyst for ZAB.
Febrile Seizure Causes Deficit in Social Novelty, Gliosis, and Proinflammatory Cytokine Response in the Hippocampal CA2 Region in Rats
Authors: Yu Yeon Hee , Kim Seong-Wook , Im Hyuna , Lee Yu Ran , Kim Gun Woo , Ryu Seongho , Park Dae-Kyoon , Kim Duk-Soo
Published: October 2023

Febrile seizure (FS), which occurs as a response to fever, is the most common seizure that occurs in infants and young children. FS is usually accompanied by diverse neuropsychiatric symptoms, including impaired social behaviors; however, research on neuropsychiatric disorders and hippocampal inflammatory changes following febrile seizure occurrences is very limited. Here, we provide evidence linking FS occurrence with ASD pathogenesis in rats. We developed an FS juvenile rats model and found ASD-like abnormal behaviors including deficits in social novelty, repetitive behaviors, and hyperlocomotion. In addition, FS model juvenile rats showed enhanced levels of gliosis and inflammation in the hippocampal CA2 region and cerebellum. Furthermore, abnormal levels of social and repetitive behaviors persisted in adults FS model rats. These findings suggest that the inflammatory response triggered by febrile seizures in young children could potentially serve as a mediator of social cognitive impairments.
Features of Electron Beam Processing of Mn-Zn Ferrites in the Fore-Vacuum Pressure Range in Continuous and Pulse Modes
Authors: Klimov Aleksandr S. , Bakeev Ilya Yu. , Dolgova Anna V. , Kazakov Andrey V. , Korablev Nikita S. , Zenin Aleksey A.
Published: October 2023

The results of electron beam processing of Mn-Zn ferrite samples using pulsed and continuous electron beams in the fore-vacuum pressure range (10 Pa) are presented. We find that continuous electron beam processing leads to surface structuring of the ferrite, changes in elemental composition on the surface, and electrical property modification. The degree of ferrite parameter changes exhibits a threshold behavior. For surface processing temperatures below 900 °C, changes are barely noticeable, while for temperatures over 1100 °C the surface resistance decreases by more than an order of magnitude to values of less than 3 kOhm. Electron beam processing with millisecond pulse duration and pulse energy density exceeding 15 J/cm2 results in the formation of low zinc content melt islands, while the remaining surface area (outside the islands) elemental content and ferrite properties remain largely unchanged. The thickness of the modified layer depends on the processing mode and can be controlled over the range of 0.1–0.5 mm. Due to its low resistance, the modified layer can be utilized to enhance the RF-absorbing properties of the ferrite, which is important in the design of modern magnetic elements of electronic equipment.
Design and Fabrication of Nanofiber-Coated Antenna with Electrospun Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) for Tissue Cancer Ablation
Authors: Abdo Mohamed S. , Maher Ashraf , Fouly Ahmed , Almotairy Saud M. , Shar Muhammad A. , Abdo Hany S.
Published: October 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HC) is a common liver cancer often associated with chronic liver diseases such as hepatitis B and C-induced cirrhosis. Multiple treatments are available, including microwave ablation (MWA), which has proven effective. This is attributed to its proved ability to eliminate liver tumors with a successful rate of more than 85%. However, in order to maintain healthy tissues and establish good ablation practicability, the temperature involved should be controlled. This can be achieved by monitoring different parameters including thermal conductivity, heat capacity, and blood perfusion. For this purpose, an antenna probe is usually employed to localize heat distributions and identify heating efficiency. Many types and shapes of antenna probes for MWA have been reported in different studies. Thus, in the current study, a numerical model is established to investigate the performance of the antenna based on its shape. A finite element model (FEM) was developed to examine the specific absorption rate (SAR), distribution of temperature, and coefficient of reflection. Closed and conventional single-slot antennas were targeted via this model. The antenna was then designed to have a reflection coefficient lower than 10 dB and heating of a spherical shape profile. The findings of the study can aid in determining the optimal parameters required for the highest effectiveness of MWA in the treatment of HC at early stages with the lowest amount of invasiveness and collateral harm.
The Impact of Various Superalloys on the Oxidation Performance of Nanocrystalline Coatings at High Temperatures
Authors: Meng Bo , Yang Shasha , Zhao Jing , Wang Jinlong , Chen Minghui , Wang Fuhui
Published: October 2023

Nanocrystalline coatings with the same chemical composition as an N5 superalloy were prepared on K38 and N5 superalloys by magnetron sputtering. The effect of different superalloys on the high temperature oxidation behavior of nanocrystalline coatings was investigated through oxidation kinetics, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), and wavelength dispersive spectrometry (WDS). The results indicated that K38-N5 had better oxidation resistance than N5-N5 due to the diffusion of Zr from the K38 superalloy into the oxide scale. In addition, no interdiffusion occurred in the K38 superalloy. The formation of Ta-rich phases in the Al2O3 scale leads to decrease the oxidation resistance of nanocrystalline coatings. However, the presence of Zr inhibits the formation of Ta-rich phases.
The Potential of Machine Learning for Wind Speed and Direction Short-Term Forecasting: A Systematic Review
Authors: Alves Décio , Mendonça Fábio , Mostafa Sheikh Shanawaz , Morgado-Dias Fernando
Published: October 2023

Wind forecasting, which is essential for numerous services and safety, has significantly improved in accuracy due to machine learning advancements. This study reviews 23 articles from 1983 to 2023 on machine learning for wind speed and direction nowcasting. The wind prediction ranged from 1 min to 1 week, with more articles at lower temporal resolutions. Most works employed neural networks, focusing recently on deep learning models. Among the reported performance metrics, the most prevalent were mean absolute error, mean squared error, and mean absolute percentage error. Considering these metrics, the mean performance of the examined works was 0.56 m/s, 1.10 m/s, and 6.72%, respectively. The results underscore the novel effectiveness of machine learning in predicting wind conditions using high-resolution time data and demonstrated that deep learning models surpassed traditional methods, improving the accuracy of wind speed and direction forecasts. Moreover, it was found that the inclusion of non-wind weather variables does not benefit the model’s overall performance. Further studies are recommended to predict both wind speed and direction using diverse spatial data points, and high-resolution data are recommended along with the usage of deep learning models.
Computed Tomography-Based Radiomics Using Tumor and Vessel Features to Assess Resectability in Cancer of the Pancreatic Head
Authors: Litjens Geke , Broekmans Joris P. E. A. , Boers Tim , Caballo Marco , van den Hurk Maud H. F. , Ozdemir Dilek , van Schaik Caroline J. , Janse Markus H. A. , van Geenen Erwin J. M. , van Laarhoven Cees J. H. M. , Prokop Mathias , de With Peter H. N. , van der Sommen Fons , Hermans John J.
Published: October 2023

The preoperative prediction of resectability pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is challenging. This retrospective single-center study examined tumor and vessel radiomics to predict the resectability of PDAC in chemo-naïve patients. The tumor and adjacent arteries and veins were segmented in the portal-venous phase of contrast-enhanced CT scans, and radiomic features were extracted. Features were selected via stability and collinearity testing, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator application (LASSO). Three models, using tumor features, vessel features, and a combination of both, were trained with the training set (N = 86) to predict resectability. The results were validated with the test set (N = 15) and compared to the multidisciplinary team’s (MDT) performance. The vessel-features-only model performed best, with an AUC of 0.92 and sensitivity and specificity of 97% and 73%, respectively. Test set validation showed a sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 88%, respectively. The combined model was as good as the vessel model (AUC = 0.91), whereas the tumor model showed poor performance (AUC = 0.76). The MDT’s prediction reached a sensitivity and specificity of 97% and 84% for the training set and 88% and 100% for the test set, respectively. Our clinician-independent vessel-based radiomics model can aid in predicting resectability and shows performance comparable to that of the MDT. With these encouraging results, improved, automated, and generalizable models can be developed that reduce workload and can be applied in non-expert hospitals.
Comparison between Intravoxel Incoherent Motion and Splenic Volumetry to Predict Hepatic Fibrosis Staging in Preoperative Patients
Authors: Arakane Takayuki , Okada Masahiro , Nakazawa Yujiro , Tago Kenichiro , Yoshikawa Hiroki , Mizuno Mariko , Abe Hayato , Higaki Tokio , Okamura Yukiyasu , Takayama Tadatoshi
Published: October 2023

Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) and splenic volumetry (SV) for hepatic fibrosis (HF) prediction have been reported to be effective. Our purpose is to compare the HF prediction of IVIM and SV in 67 patients with pathologically staged HF. SV was divided by body surface area (BSA). IVIM indices, such as slow diffusion-coefficient related to molecular diffusion (D), fast diffusion-coefficient related to perfusion in microvessels (D*), apparent diffusion-coefficient (ADC), and perfusion related diffusion-fraction (f), were calculated by two observers (R1/R2). D (p = 0.718 for R1, p = 0.087 for R2) and D* (p = 0.513, p = 0.708, respectively) showed a poor correlation with HF. ADC (p = 0.034, p = 0.528, respectively) and f (p < 0.001, p = 0.007, respectively) decreased as HF progressed, whereas SV/BSA increased (p = 0.015 for R1). The AUCs of SV/BSA (0.649–0.698 for R1) were higher than those of f (0.575–0.683 for R1 + R2) for severe HF (≥F3–4 and ≥F4), although AUCs of f (0.705–0.790 for R1 + R2) were higher than those of SV/BSA (0.628 for R1) for mild or no HF (≤F0–1). No significant differences to identify HF were observed between IVIM and SV/BSA. SV/BSA allows a higher estimation for evaluating severe HF than IVIM. IVIM is more suitable than SV/BSA for the assessment of mild or no HF.
Somatic Mutation of the Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Associated with Early Recurrence
Authors: Yu Seong Hyeon , Kim Sung Sun , Lee Hyungki , Kim Shinseung , Kang Taek Won
Published: October 2023

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is widely used in muscle-invasive bladder cancer but has limited use in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) due to significant heterogeneity and high cancer-specific survival. Therefore, we evaluated the genomic information of NMIBC and identified molecular alterations associated with tumour recurrence. A total of 43 patients with NMIBC who underwent transurethral resection of the bladder were enrolled. We performed NGS using an Oncomine panel of tumour specimens and blood samples corresponding to each specimen. The somatic mutation results were analysed by pairwise comparison and logistic regression according to the recurrence of bladder tumours within 1 year. The median incidence of genetic variations in 43 tumour samples was 56 variations per sample, and a high tumour mutation burden (TMB) was associated with tumour recurrence (median variation 33 vs. 64, p = 0.023). The most mutated gene was adipose tissue macrophages (ATM) (79%), followed by neurofibromatosis-1 (NF1) (79%), and neurogenic locus notch homolog protein 1 (NOTCH1) (79%). In multivariable analysis, mutation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) (odds ratio [OR], 9.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.40–70.96; p = 0.022) and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) (OR, 7.92; 95% CI, 1.22–51.51; p = 0.030) were significant factors associated with the recurrence of bladder tumour within 1 year. Our results revealed that high TMB, EGFR mutation, and TERT mutation had a significant association with tumour recurrence in NMIBC. In addition, somatic mutations in EGFR and TERT could be useful prognostic biomarkers in NMIBC.
Effectiveness and Safety of Fenofibrate in Routine Treatment of Patients with Hypertriglyceridemia and Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Ezhov Marat V. , Arutyunov Gregory P.
Published: October 2023

Background: Multiple trials have demonstrated the efficacy of fenofibrate for the management of dyslipidemia. Real-world evidence may provide important insights into the effectiveness and safety of fenofibrate in patients with metabolic syndrome and elevated triglyceride (TG) levels, but such evidence is currently scarce. Materials and Methods: A non-interventional study was conducted among routine healthcare providers. Patients with TG levels of >2.3 mmol/L on stable statin therapy starting fenofibrate treatment were enrolled. Data on medical history, fenofibrate treatment, change in lipid levels, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were collected from medical records every 3 months for 6 to 7 months of observation. Results: Overall, 988 patients receiving fenofibrate were enrolled (median age [95% CI] 60 [26.0–86.0] years), and 46.4% of the participants were females. Most patients had concomitant cardiovascular disease. A baseline TG level of 3.6 ± 1.5 mmol/L was reduced by 50.1% to 1.7 ± 0.58 mmol/L at 6 months of treatment (p < 0.001). Baseline non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) levels decreased by 33.7% at 6 months. Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels by the end of follow-up were reduced by 24.7 and 25.5% (p < 0.001 for both). C-reactive protein level decreased more than 39% from baseline. Conclusions: Fenofibrate in a real-world setting significantly reduced TG, LDL-C, and non-HDL-C levels. In addition, a C-reactive protein level reduction of 39% was achieved.
The Role of Insights in Becoming a Culturally Responsive Mathematics Teacher
Authors: Nolan Kathleen T. , Xenofontos Constantinos
Published: October 2023

This paper extends earlier research on prospective and practicing teachers’ (PPTs’) developing understandings of culturally responsive pedagogy (CRP) while enrolled in a teacher education course for CRP and mathematics. Here, we take as our starting point a framework we refer to as COFRI, which describes five integral components of PPTs’ perspectives on CRP: Challenges, Opportunities, Fears, Resistance, and Insights. Viewing PPTs’ reflective journal entries through the lens of this framework, we noticed interesting relationships between the five components that had not been evident in our initial analysis. Specifically, we observed that, as we coded participants’ reflections according to C, O, F, R, and I, each I (insight) appeared to be related to one (or more) of the other components in quite different ways. Additionally, careful study of the insights expressed by PPTs lead to our categorization of insights according to one of three types: mathematical, pedagogical, or ideological. As a result, this paper offers a new way to interpret the five components, specifically their relationships to new insights into CRP and the corresponding types of insights that PPTs produce over the course of one semester. In closing, this paper discusses implications for mathematics teacher educators in understanding and processing PPTs’ evolving understandings of CRP.
Visual Resources for Learning Thermodynamics: A Neuroeducation Perspective
Authors: Delgado-Sanchez Jose-Maria , Benítez-Temiño Beatriz , Moreno-Tejera Sara , Larrañeta Miguel , Silva-Pérez Manuel , Lillo-Bravo Isidoro
Published: October 2023

Thermodynamics is an engineering subject that is particularly difficult to teach and learn because it requires strong abstract theoretical concepts and extensive multidisciplinary knowledge. This manuscript introduces mind map learning as an alternative methodology for structuring both the learning and teaching processes in a transparent way for students in the context of thermodynamics. Mind maps help students to learn in a non-linear way promoting out-of-the-box thinking. In a quantitative pre–post study, the student knowledge outcomes were investigated through surveys and compared with the results of a control group. Factor analysis was carried out grouping four principal categories (66% of the total variance): visual insight to create links between pre-existing and new knowledge; motivation, related to curiosity to learn new concepts; applicability and critical thinking. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.84, which revealed good internal consistency. The results obtained are explained through constructivist and neuroeducation theories pointing out the relevance of the following concepts: alignment between pre-existing and new knowledge, learning improvement when multisensorial resources are used (like visual forms, font size, colors, hearing, speaking, etc.), and the impact of visual information on brain executive functions. The key to genuine education is curiosity and experience, as well as diving into hands-on learning, asking questions, and experimenting to truly grow.
Research of Islanding Operation and Fault Recovery Strategies of Distribution Network Considering Uncertainty of New Energy
Authors: Yang Zhichun , Han Ji , Li Li , Deng Yuting , Yang Fan , Lei Yang , Min Huaidong , Hu Wei , Su Lei
Published: October 2023

With the problems of fault handling in the distribution network, few studies concern the correlation between islanding operation and fault recovery. Thus, this paper proposes an islanding operation and fault recovery strategy for the distribution network considering the uncertainty of new energy. Firstly, the objectives of the distribution network islanding division scheme and operation optimization are established. Combined with distribution network radiation constraints, islanding power supply capacity, safety constraints, and distributed generator (DG) operation constraints, a rolling optimization method is used to construct the distribution network islanding division and operation model. Secondly, in the fault recovery stage, considering the characteristics of the island operation stage, a node load weight value is designed. A distribution network fault recovery model is then constructed with the goals of ensuring greater load power supply recovery, improving electricity satisfaction, and reducing network losses and switching times. Thirdly, considering the randomness of intermittent DGs such as wind power and photovoltaics, an uncertainty model of intermittent DGs is constructed. A solution method for the distribution network islanding operation and fault recovery model considering uncertainty is proposed by combining scenario generation reduction methods and second-order cone programming theory. Finally, the proposed method’s feasibility and effectiveness are verified using the improved IEEE 33-node distribution network. The results show that in the islanding division stage, the node voltage consistently remains between 1.08 pu and 1.1 pu when new energy achieves up to 34.09% and 48.65%, and the line losses represent approximately 0.22% to 0.26% of the total load when the initial energy levels of the storage are at 50% and 80%. In the fault recovery stage, compared to the method without network reconstruction, the system shows significant power loss reductions of approximately 11.9%, 13.6%, and 14.2% in three respective cases.
End-to-End Deep Learning of Joint Geometric Probabilistic Shaping Using a Channel-Sensitive Autoencoder
Authors: Li Yuzhe , Chang Huan , Gao Ran , Zhang Qi , Tian Feng , Yao Haipeng , Tian Qinghua , Wang Yongjun , Xin Xiangjun , Wang Fu , Rao Lan
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we propose an innovative channel-sensitive autoencoder (CSAE)-aided end-to-end deep learning (E2EDL) technique for joint geometric probabilistic shaping. The pretrained conditional generative adversarial network (CGAN) is introduced in the CSAE which performs differentiable substitution of the optical fiber channel model under variable input optical power (IOP) levels. This enables the CSAE-aided E2EDL to design optimal joint geometric probabilistic shaping schemes for optical fiber communication systems at varying IOPs. The results of the proposed CSAE-aided E2EDL technique show that for a dual-polarization 64-Gbaud signal with a transmission distance of 5 × 80 km, when the modulation format is a 64-quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) or a 128-QAM, the maximum generalized mutual information (GMI) level learned via CSAE-aided E2EDL is 5.9826 or 6.8384 bits/symbol under varying IOPs, respectively. In addition, the pretrained CGAN, as a substitution for optical fiber transmission model, accurately characterizes the distortion of signals with different IOPs, with an average bit error ratio (BER) difference of only 1.83%, an average mean square error (MSE) of 0.0041 and an average K-L divergence of 0.0046. In summary, this paper delivers new insights into the application of E2EDL and demonstrates the feasibility of joint geometric probabilistic shaping-based E2EDL for fiber optic communication systems with varying IOPs.
Accelerating DSP Applications on a 16-Bit Processor: Block RAM Integration and Distributed Arithmetic Approach
Authors: M Bharathi , Mohanarangam Krithikaa , M Shirur Yasha Jyothi , Choi Jun Rim
Published: October 2023

Modern processors have improved performance but still face challenges such as power consumption, storage limitations, and the need for faster processing. The 16-bit Digital Signal Processors (DSPs) accelerate DSP applications by significantly enhancing speed and performance for tasks including audio processing, telecommunications, image and video processing, wireless communication, and consumer electronics. This paper presents a novel technique for accelerating DSP applications on a 16-bit processor by combining two methods: Block Random Access Memory (BRAM) and Distributed Arithmetic (DA). Integrating BRAM as a replacement for conventional RAM minimizes timing and critical route delays, improving processor efficiency and performance. Furthermore, the Distributed Arithmetic approach enhances performance and efficiency by utilizing precomputed lookup tables to expedite multiplication operations within the Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU). We use the Xilinx Vivado tool, a robust development environment for FPGA-based systems, for the design process and execute the hardware implementation using the Genesys2 Kintex board. The proposed work produces improved efficiency with a cycle per instruction of 2, where the delay is 2.009 ns, the critical path delay is 8.182 ns, and the power consumption is 4 mW.
An Efficient Attribute-Based Encryption Scheme with Data Security Classification in the Multi-Cloud Environment
Authors: Yang Guangcan , Li Peixuan , Xiao Ke , He Yunhua , Xu Gang , Wang Chao , Chen Xiubo
Published: October 2023

As an increasing number of people and corporations move their data to the cloud side, how to ensure efficient and secure access to data stored on the cloud side has become a key focus of current research. Attribute-Based Encryption (ABE) is largely recognized as the best access control method for safeguarding the cloud storage environment, and numerous solutions based on ABE have been developed successively. However, the majority of current research is conducted within a single cloud provider, and only the limited number of schemes for the multi-cloud environment also fail to support the data security classification on the cloud side. Therefore, we propose an efficient attribute-based encryption scheme with data security classification in the multi-cloud environment. In our scheme, the data owner’s data are divided into two security levels and stored in different cloud providers, which improves the security of outsourcing data. Moreover, based on Ciphertext-Policy Attribute-Based Encryption (CP-ABE), our scheme can not only provide a fine-grained access control for the data user, but also completely exploit the cloud side to facilitate outsourcing decryption to lighten the data user’s computing load. The security analysis showed that our scheme is effective against selective-attribute plaintext attack, as well as protects the privacy of the data. The experimental results also demonstrated that the computational overhead is obviously less than other existing schemes.
Energy-Efficient Blockchain-Enabled Multi-Robot Coordination for Information Gathering: Theory and Experiments
Authors: Castellon Cesar E. , Khatib Tamim , Roy Swapnoneel , Dutta Ayan , Kreidl O. Patrick , Bölöni Ladislau
Published: October 2023

In this work, we propose a blockchain-based solution for securing robot-to-robot communication for a task with a high socioeconomic impact—information gathering. The objective of the robots is to gather maximal information about an unknown ambient phenomenon such as soil humidity distribution in a field. More specifically, we use the proof-of-work (PoW) consensus protocol for the robots to securely coordinate while rejecting tampered data injected by a malicious entity. As the blockchain-based PoW protocol has a large energy footprint, we next employ an algorithmically-engineered energy-efficient version of PoW. Results show that our proposed energy-efficient PoW-based protocol can reduce energy consumption by 14% while easily scaling up to 10 robots.
Redact-Chain for Health: A Scheme Based on Redactable Blockchain for Managing Shared Healthcare Data
Authors: Hu Jianwei , Huang Kaiqi , Bian Genqing , Cui Yanpeng
Published: October 2023

As blockchain technology evolves, it has become a crucial component in medical data sharing. However, current needs reveal that healthcare-focused blockchain schemes increasingly require the capabilities of modification and deletion. Moreover, traditional blockchain-based systems for medical data sharing often need help with a single point of failure, which undermines the system’s robustness. To address these challenges, we propose Redact-Chain for Health, a scheme based on the redactable blockchain for managing shared healthcare data. This scheme allows users to encrypt data for privacy protection and decrypt data when sharing medical information. By substituting the SHA-256 with the chameleon hash, Redact-Chain for Health introduces a fine-grained data editing scheme, facilitating medical institutions in effectively editing and managing data on the blockchain. Moreover, Redact-Chain for Health integrates a distributed trapdoor management scheme. This scheme empowers medical institutions to manage the trapdoor of the chameleon hash effectively, thereby circumventing the issue of a single point of failure. Our scheme also incorporates a symmetric encryption-based authentication algorithm to deter potential cyberattacks. Lastly, the security analysis of our proposed system demonstrates its effectiveness in preserving patients’ privacy, while performance analysis confirms Redact-Chain for Health’s efficiency.