bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topology Optimization Based on SA-BESO
Authors: Chen Liping , Zhang Hui , Wang Wei , Zhang Qiliang
Published: April 2023

Bidirectional asymptotic structure methods have long been used to solve topological optimization problems, but are prone to being stuck in local optimal solutions. To solve this problem, this paper proposed a topology optimization method based on the Bi-directional Evolutionary structure Structural Optimization and Simulated Annealing algorithm (SA-BESO). First, the structural elements of the structural partition are encoded by a dual encoding, where elements are assigned with density values and binary strings. Second, binary strings are crossed and mutated, while criteria for adding and removing structural units are formulated. Then, structures are updated randomly. Finally, the structural compliance of the current structure is evaluated. If the structural compliance of the original structure increases, it will be accepted with a certain probability, thus jumping out of the local optimal solution. Related examples show that the SA-BESO method improves the smoothness of the optimization process and can obtain optimized structures with lower structural compliance and computational cost.
Editorial for the Special Issue “Biological Markers of Cardiovascular Diseases: Applications and Utility in Clinical Practice”
Authors: Berezin Alexander E. , Lichtenauer Michael
Published: April 2023

Circulating biomarkers are currently under scientific discussion as a potential tool for the diagnosis, prediction and risk stratification of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases [...]
Electricity Price Forecasting via Statistical and Deep Learning Approaches: The German Case
Authors: Poggi Aurora , Di Persio Luca , Ehrhardt Matthias
Published: April 2023

Our research involves analyzing the latest models used for electricity price forecasting, which include both traditional inferential statistical methods and newer deep learning techniques. Through our analysis of historical data and the use of multiple weekday dummies, we have proposed an innovative solution for forecasting electricity spot prices. This solution involves breaking down the spot price series into two components: a seasonal trend component and a stochastic component. By utilizing this approach, we are able to provide highly accurate predictions for all considered time frames.
Auditory Discrimination—A Missing Piece of Speech and Language Development: A Study on 6–9-Year-Old Children with Auditory Processing Disorder
Authors: Guzek Anna , Iwanicka-Pronicka Katarzyna
Published: April 2023

Auditory discrimination, the hearing ability crucial for speech and language development, allowing one to perceive changes in volume, duration and frequency of sounds, was assessed for 366 participants with normal peripheral hearing: 220 participants with auditory processing disorders (APD) and 146 typically developing (TD) children, all aged 6–9 years. Discrimination of speech was tested with nonsense words using the phoneme discrimination test (PDT), while pure tones—with the frequency pattern test (FPT). The obtained results were statistically analyzed and correlated. The median of the FPT results obtained by participants with APD was more than twice lower than those of TD (20% vs. 50%; p < 0.05), similarly in the PDT (21 vs. 24; p < 0.05). The FPT results of 9-year-old APD participants were worse than the results of TD 6-year-olds (30% vs. 40%; p < 0.05), indicating that the significant FPT deficit strongly suggests APD. The process of auditory discrimination development does not complete with the acquisition of phonemes but continues during school age. Physiological phonemes discrimination is not yet equalized among 9-year-olds. Nonsense word tests allow for reliable testing of phoneme discrimination. APD children require testing with PDT and FPT because both test results allow for developing individual therapeutic programs.
Noncontrast Computed Tomography Markers Associated with Hematoma Expansion: Analysis of a Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Yu Lianghong , Zhao Mingpei , Lin Yuanxiang , Zeng Jiateng , He Qiu , Zheng Yan , Ma Ke , Lin Fuxin , Kang Dezhi
Published: April 2023

Background: Hematoma expansion (HE) is a significant predictor of poor outcomes in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) markers in ICH are promising predictors of HE. We aimed to determine the association of the NCCT markers with HE by using different temporal HE definitions. Methods: We utilized Risa-MIS-ICH trial data (risk stratification and minimally invasive surgery in acute intracerebral hemorrhage). We defined four HE types based on the time to baseline CT (BCT) and the time to follow-up CT (FCT). Hematoma volume was measured by software with a semi-automatic edge detection tool. HE was defined as a follow-up CT hematoma volume increase of >6 mL or a 33% hematoma volume increase relative to the baseline CT. Multivariable regression analyses were used to determine the HE parameters. The prediction potential of indicators for HE was evaluated using receiver-operating characteristic analysis. Results: The study enrolled 158 patients in total. The time to baseline CT was independently associated with HE in one type (odds ratio (OR) 0.234, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.077–0.712, p = 0.011), and the blend sign was independently associated with HE in two types (OR, 6.203–6.985, both p < 0.05). Heterogeneous density was independently associated with HE in all types (OR, 6.465–88.445, all p < 0.05) and was the optimal type for prediction, with an area under the curve of 0.674 (p = 0.004), a sensitivity of 38.9%, and specificity of 96.0%. Conclusion: In specific subtypes, the time to baseline CT, blend sign, and heterogeneous density were independently associated with HE. The association between NCCT markers and HE is influenced by the temporal definition of HE. Heterogeneous density is a stable and robust predictor of HE in different subtypes of hematoma expansion.
The Relationship between Anxiety, Subjective and Objective Sleep, Chronotype and Circadian Rhythms with Depressive Symptoms in Insomnia Disorder
Authors: Comas Maria , Solis Flores Alejandra , Lovato Nicole , Miller Christopher B. , Bartlett Delwyn J. , Grunstein Ronald R. , Chapman Julia , Gordon Christopher J.
Published: April 2023

Insomnia is a highly prevalent sleep disorder with strong bidirectional associations with depressive symptoms. The circadian preference for eveningness has been shown to be associated with depressive symptoms in insomnia and other mental health conditions. However, there is a lack of studies in insomnia investigating whether objective measures, such as dim light melatonin onset (DLMO) or polysomnographic (PSG) sleep, are associated with depressive symptoms. Therefore, we investigated the associations between subjective measures (questionnaires assessing anxiety, sleep quality and circadian preference, and sleep diary) and depressive symptoms and whether the addition of objective measures (DLMO, PSG parameters) would strengthen the associations with depressive symptoms. In 115 insomnia disorder patients we found that anxiety was strongly associated with depressive symptoms in a model including circadian preference, dysfunctional beliefs of sleep, and self-reported previous depressive symptoms (R2 = 0.496, p < 0.001). The addition of sleep diary measures did not strengthen the model. We also found that the addition of objective measures (DLMO, PSG parameters) did not improve the subjective associations with depressive symptoms. Our data suggest that objective circadian markers are less important in the prediction of depressive symptoms in insomnia compared to subjective measures.
How Do Perceived Regulations Influence Environmentally Sustainable Project Management? The Mediating Role of Commitment and Moderating Role of Triple Constraint
Authors: Wang Qi , Li Hailing , Li Yuanling , Liu Junqi
Published: April 2023

The notion of achieving environmental sustainability through project management has gradually attracted the attention of scholars in recent years. This study explores the influence mechanism of a project manager’s perception of environmental regulations on their environmentally sustainable project management practice. Employing a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, this study firstly establishes a conceptual model of interviews with project managers, proposes hypotheses based on the conceptual model, and ultimately carries out hypothesis testing using the questionnaire data. The results show that (i) project managers’ perceptions of environmental regulations can directly promote their environmentally sustainable project management practice; (ii) project managers’ affective commitment to change plays a partial mediating role in the above relationship; and (iii) in the aforementioned mediation relationship, both cost and time constraints have a negative moderating effect. This study provides new evidence for institutional theory at the micro level and expands the theoretical research perspective in the field of project management. We suggest that construction companies incorporate environmental performance into the performance appraisal of project managers and strengthen green construction training for employees.
In-Plane Failure Mechanism and Strength Design of Plate-Tube-Connected Circular Steel Arches
Authors: Yuan Xigui , Yuan Bo , Shi Minjie
Published: April 2023

The in-plane elastoplastic failure mechanism of plate-tube-connected steel circular arches with inverted triangular cross sections is investigated in this study by using theoretical derivation and numerical simulation. First, the in-plane elastic buckling load formula of the arch under full-span uniform radial load (FSURL) is presented. Then, the limited conditions of avoiding the connecting plate and chord local failure before global elastic instability are derived. Lastly, the elastic–plastic failure mechanisms of arches are studied under FSURL, full-span uniform vertical load (FSUVL), and half-span uniform vertical load (HSUVL). It is found that the arch will experience global failure, chord local failure, combined connecting plate and chord failure, and connecting plate local failure under FSUVL and HSUVL. The failure mode is mainly related to the stiffness of the connecting plate. The corresponding design formulas are proposed for the global failure of arches and local failure of the chord. The proposed formulas and FE results are in good agreement.
Optical Genome Mapping in Routine Cytogenetic Diagnosis of Acute Leukemia
Authors: Soler Gwendoline , Ouedraogo Zangbéwendé Guy , Goumy Carole , Lebecque Benjamin , Aspas Requena Gaspar , Ravinet Aurélie , Kanold Justyna , Véronèse Lauren , Tchirkov Andrei
Published: April 2023

Cytogenetic aberrations are found in 65% of adults and 75% of children with acute leukemia. Specific aberrations are used as markers for the prognostic stratification of patients. The current standard cytogenetic procedure for acute leukemias is karyotyping in combination with FISH and RT-PCR. Optical genome mapping (OGM) is a new technology providing a precise identification of chromosomal abnormalities in a single approach. In our prospective study, the results obtained using OGM and standard techniques were compared in 29 cases of acute myeloid (AML) or lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). OGM detected 73% (53/73) of abnormalities identified by standard methods. In AML cases, two single clones and three subclones were missed by OGM, but the assignment of patients to cytogenetic risk groups was concordant in all patients. OGM identified additional abnormalities in six cases, including one cryptic structural variant of clinical interest and two subclones. In B-ALL cases, OGM correctly detected all relevant aberrations and revealed additional potentially targetable alterations. In T-ALL cases, OGM characterized a complex karyotype in one case and identified additional abnormalities in two others. In conclusion, OGM is an attractive alternative to current multiple cytogenetic testing in acute leukemia that simplifies the procedure and reduces costs.
Prevalence of a BRCA2 Pathogenic Variant in Hereditary-Breast-and-Ovarian-Cancer-Syndrome Families with Increased Risk of Pancreatic Cancer in a Restricted Italian Area
Authors: Zampiga Valentina , Cangini Ilaria , Bandini Erika , Azzali Irene , Ravegnani Mila , Ravaioli Alessandra , Mancini Silvia , Tebaldi Michela , Tedaldi Gianluca , Pirini Francesca , Veneroni Luigi , Frassineti Giovanni Luca , Falcini Fabio , Danesi Rita , Calistri Daniele , Arcangeli Valentina
Published: April 2023

PVs and LPVs in BRCA1/2 genes are correlated to a high risk of developing breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer (Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer syndrome, HBOC); additionally, in recent years, an increasing number of BRCA 1/2 variants have been identified and associated with pancreatic cancer. Epidemiologic studies have highlighted that inherited factors are involved in 10% to 20% of PCs, mainly through deleterious variants of BRCA2. The frequency of BRCA1/2 germline alterations fluctuates quite a lot among different ethnic groups, and the estimated rate of PVs/LPVs variants in Italian HBOC families is not very accurate, according to different reports. The aim of our study is to describe the prevalence of a BRCA2 PV observed in a selected cohort of HBOC patients and their relatives, whose common origin is the eastern coast of Emilia Romagna, a region of Italy. This study provides insight into the frequency of the variant detected in this area and provides evidence of an increased risk of pancreatic and breast cancer, useful for genetic counseling and surveillance programs.
Controlled Synthesis of Ag-SnO2/α-Fe2O3 Nanocomposites for Improving Visible-Light Catalytic Activities of Pollutant Degradation and CO2 Reduction
Authors: Ali Wajid , Li Zhijun , Bai Linlu , Ansar Muhammad Zaka , Zada Amir , Qu Yang , Shaheen Shabana , Jing Liqiang
Published: April 2023

The key to developing highly active α-Fe2O3-based photocatalysts is to improve the charge separation and efficiently utilize the electrons with sufficient thermodynamic energy. Herein, α-Fe2O3 nanosheets (FO) were synthesized using a metal-ion-intervened hydrothermal method and then coupled with SnO2 nanosheets (SO) to obtain SO/FO nanocomposites. Subsequently, nanosized Ag was selectively loaded on SO using the photo-deposition method to result in the ternary Ag-SO/FO nanocomposites. The optimal nanocomposite could realize the efficient aerobic degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenol as a representative organic pollutant under visible-light irradiation (>420 nm), exhibiting nearly six-fold degradation rates of that for FO. Additionally, the Ag-SO/FO photocatalyst is also applicable to the visible-light degradation of other organic pollutants and even CO2 reduction. By using steady-state surface photovoltage spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and electrochemical methods, the photoactivity enhancement of Ag-SO/FO is principally attributed to the improved charge separation by introducing SO as an electron platform for the high-energy-level electrons of FO. Moreover, nanosized Ag on SO functions as a cocatalyst to further improve the charge separation and facilitate the catalytic reduction. This work provides a feasible design strategy for narrow-bandgap semiconductor-based photocatalysts by combining an electron platform and a cocatalyst.
KDEL Receptor Trafficking to the Plasma Membrane Is Regulated by ACBD3 and Rab4A-GTP
Authors: Tan Chuanting , Du Yulei , Zhu Lianhui , Jing Shuaiyang , Gao Jingkai , Qian Yi , Yue Xihua , Lee Intaek
Published: April 2023

KDEL receptor-1 maintains homeostasis in the early secretory pathway by capturing and retrieving ER chaperones to the ER during heavy secretory activity. Unexpectedly, a fraction of the receptor is also known to reside in the plasma membrane (PM), although it is largely unknown exactly how the KDEL receptor gets exported from the Golgi and travels to the PM. We have previously shown that a Golgi scaffolding protein (ACBD3) facilitates KDEL receptor localization at the Golgi via the regulating cargo wave-induced cAMP/PKA-dependent signaling pathway. Upon endocytosis, surface-expressed KDEL receptor undergoes highly complex itineraries through the Golgi and the endo-lysosomal compartments, where the endocytosed receptor utilizes Rab14A- and Rab11A-positive recycling endosomes and clathrin-decorated tubulovesicular carriers. In this study, we sought to investigate the mechanism through which the KDEL receptor gets exported from the Golgi en route to the PM. We report here that ACBD3 depletion results in greatly increased trafficking of KDEL receptor to the PM via Rab4A-positive tubular carriers emanating from the Golgi. Expression of constitutively activated Rab4A mutant (Q72L) increases the surface expression of KDEL receptor up to 2~3-fold, whereas Rab4A knockdown or the expression of GDP-locked Rab4A mutant (S27N) inhibits KDEL receptor targeting of the PM. Importantly, KDELR trafficking from the Golgi to the PM is independent of PKA- and Src kinase-mediated mechanisms. Taken together, these results reveal that ACBD3 and Rab4A play a key role in regulating KDEL receptor trafficking to the cell surface.
Palliative Care and Multi-Agent Systems: A Necessary Paradigm Shift
Authors: Brondeel Kimberley C. , Duncan Sheina A. , Luther Patrick M. , Anderson Alexandra , Bhargava Pranav , Mosieri Chizoba , Ahmadzadeh Shahab , Shekoohi Sahar , Cornett Elyse M. , Fox Charles J. , Kaye Alan D.
Published: April 2023

Palliative care is intended to relieve caregivers of physical, psychological, and even spiritual elements of care. One of the most prevalent issues facing this form of care is a lack of healthcare resources and structures to deal with an aging population. This aging population is placing a strain on the healthcare system, prompting a need for a shift in system management. A potential answer to this issue may be the Multi-Agent System (MAS). This category of computerized networking system was created by programmers to gather relevant health information on a patient and allow for the system to act with other agents to decide the best course for disease management. It can also allow for a multidisciplinary healthcare team to make more informed plans of actions for their patients by providing accurate and up-to-date information resulting from a greater synergetic mesh. MASs could fulfill the demands of a rising chronic illness population and deliver high-quality care, indicating a major paradigm shift within the US. In this review, we will evaluate the aging population and contributing factors, palliative care and the need for the multi-agent system, and clinical considerations involving examples from healthcare systems both on and beyond US shores.
Study on the Oil Well Cement-Based Composites to Prevent Corrosion by Carbon Dioxide and Hydrogen Sulfide at High Temperature
Authors: Tan Chunqin , Wang Mu , Chen Rongyao , You Fuchang
Published: April 2023

Complex wells with high temperature and the presence of carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide acid gas require the use of high-temperature and high-density anti-corrosion cement slurry for cementing operations, and conventional cement slurry does not have the advantages of high density, high-temperature resistance, or corrosion resistance. In order to avoid the severe corrosion of cement slurry by carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide at high temperatures, solid phase particles with different particle sizes are combined with polymer materials to form a dense, high-density, high-temperature- and corrosion-resistant cement slurry. In this paper, we consider the use of manganese ore powder weighting agent, composite high-temperature stabilizer, inorganic preservative slag and organic preservative resin to improve the corrosion resistance of cement slurry, design a high-density cement slurry that is resistant to high temperature and carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide corrosion, and evaluate the performances of the cement slurry at 180 °C. The results show that the manganese ore powder weighting agent effectively improves the density of the cement slurry. Using composite silica fume with different particle sizes as a high-temperature stabilizer can ensure the rheology of the cement slurry and improve the ability of the cement sample to resist high-temperature damage. The use of slag and resin as preservatives can effectively reduce the corrosion degree in cement slurry. The high-temperature corrosion-resistant cement slurry systems with different densities designed using these materials exhibit good rheological properties, with water loss of less than 50 mL and a thickening time of more than four hours. The compressive strength decreased by less than 5.8% after 28 days at high temperatures. After being corroded by hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide (total pressure 30 MPa, 16.7% hydrogen sulfide and 6.7% carbon dioxide) under high temperature (180 °C) for 30 days, the corrosion depth of the cement sample was less than 2 mm, the reduction of compressive strength was low, and the corrosion resistance was strong. These research results can be used for cementing operations of high-temperature oil and gas wells containing hydrogen sulfide and dioxide.
Fabrication and Characterization of Mineral Hydrophilic Antifogging Film via Vacuum Evaporation Method
Authors: Wei Shenyu , Zheng Qi , Wang Lei , Peng Cheng , Cui Xinglan , Che Xiaokui , Wang Wuyu , Yu Zeen
Published: April 2023

Natural silicate minerals have a wide range of applications as green, non-toxic and low-cost materials. In this paper, hydrophilic anti-fog films of silicate minerals were generated via a vacuum evaporation coating method using natural feldspar minerals as raw material. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that the feldspar changes its structure during the coating process, which in turn changes the roughness of the film and improves the hydrophilicity of the film. The hydrophilicity, anti-fogging properties, optical properties and surface morphology of the films were characterized by contact angle measurements, the hydrothermal method, UV-VIS spectrophotometer and atomic force microscopy, respectively. The results show that the mineral films have excellent hydrophilicity. The best anti-fog effect was achieved at a minimum contact angle of 22.3° with water when the thickness of the film was 100 nm. The anti-fog effect gradually decreased with the increasing thickness of the film. The optical transmittance test showed that the film material had a negligible effect on the transmittance of the substrate. When the film thickness was 100 nm, the maximum optical transmittance was 92.2%. This is 4.5% higher than when the film was uncoated, which has a specific visual transmittance effect.
Influence of Cr on the Surface Properties of the Micro-Textured WC+Co Alloy Coating
Authors: Tong Xin , Qu Qiang , Zhang Yu , Han Pei
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we investigated the effect of Cr on the surface properties of the micro-textured WC+Co alloy coating. An interactive test was designed that considered the parameters of an AlSiTiN coating and an AlSiTiN–AlCrN double coating. Using hardness and phase composition as evaluation criteria, the influence of Cr on the mechanical properties and microstructure of the coating surface was analyzed. A friction and wear test platform was formed to explore the mechanism of the Cr influence on the friction performance and wear state of the coating surface. The results show that Cr leads to the generation of the α-Cr phase particles in the surface structure of the specimen. They easily combine with C to form carbides, which improve the coating hardness; the atomic radius of Cr is smaller than that of Al, so it can dissolve in AlN. This induces lattice distortion, changing the phase composition in the structure; the coating with Cr exhibits better surface friction performance and wear morphology, simultaneously generating enhanced mechanical vibrations.
Preparation of a New Type of Expansion Flame Retardant and Application in Polystyrene
Authors: Qin Meizhu , Hu Xinping , Guo Jingyan
Published: April 2023

Polystyrene (PS) is a widely used building insulation material with good mechanical strength and strong temperature adaptability. However, PS itself is highly flammable and displays poor flame retardancy. At present, building fires caused by organic external wall thermal insulation materials prepared from PS represent a new fire hazard. In this study, the addition of an intumescent flame retardant (IFR) to reduce the flammability of PS was achieved. Using melamine (MEL), acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate (ASA), and phytic acid (PA) as raw materials, a new type of flame retardant (MAP) was prepared by an electrostatic self-assembly method and was introduced to modify PS. Its effect on the flammability of PS composites was also investigated. The flammability of the PS composites was characterized using the limiting oxygen index (LOI) and vertical combustion. The effect of MAP on the morphology of the carbon layer formed from polymer decomposition was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). By adding MAP to a PS/20%N-IFR flame-retardant composite, the flame-retardant property was significantly improved, the limiting oxygen index reached 37, and the vertical combustion reached a V-0 level. The fire performance index (FPI) of the PS/20%N-IFR composite reached 0.0054, which was significantly higher than that of the control PS (0.037) as determined by the cone calorimetry test. The SEM results showed that the introduction of MAP can increase the density of the carbon layer after combustion. The heat release rate for combustion was reduced. In addition, the mechanical properties of the PS/20%N-IFR composites were compared with those with no flame retardant. The tensile strength of the PS/20%N-IFR composite was 26.1 MPa and the elongation of the PS/20%N-IFR composite remained at 2.2%. The PS/20%N-IFR composite displayed better flame retardancy than the untreated material and good mechanical properties. The presence of MAP prevented the heat and oxygen transfer and interrupted the releasing of flammable products, thus protecting the PS from burning. This flame-retardant material may find broad applications in building insulation materials.
Effect of Local Remelting and Recycled WC-Co Composite Reinforcement Size on Abrasive and Erosive Wear of Manual Arc Welded Hardfacings
Authors: Katinas Egidijus , Antonov Maksim , Jankauskas Vytenis , Goljandin Dmitri
Published: April 2023

The hardfacings reinforced by recycled (cermet inserts of machining tools) WC-Co composite particles applied by manual arc welding can be used for protection against abrasive and erosive wear. Two categories of coatings were analyzed: with and without thermal treatment (local remelting). The hardfacings were tested under abrasive (low and medium stress) and erosive (high stress) conditions. In elevated temperature erosive conditions, coatings without heat treatment have up to two times higher wear resistance than reference material. Under low-stress conditions, coatings with the finest reinforcing particle size (180–355 µm) treated with local remelting demonstrated more than 10 times higher wear resistance than reference material. The optimal reinforcement size selection depends on the application conditions (low, average, or high stress). In most test conditions, the local remelting did not provide additional improvement. A scanning electron microscope was used for the characterization of wear mechanisms. The relation between mechanical properties and wear rates was found only for some conditions.
Thermoelectric and Structural Properties of Transparent Sb-Doped ZnO Thin Films Sputtered in a Confocal Geometry
Authors: Faria Helder Filipe , Ribeiro Joana Margarida , Boll Torben , Tavares Carlos José
Published: April 2023

This study focuses on understanding the influence of low Sb doping on ZnO’s electrical, optical, and thermoelectrical properties, while also studying its structural and morphological parameters. For this, several ZnO films with varying Sb target current densities, in the range of 0–0.27 mA/cm2, were produced by DC magnetron sputtering in a confocal geometry. As a result, thin ZnO:Sb films with an average transparency in the visible region greater than 80% are obtained, revealing for optimized conditions an absolute Seebeck coefficient of 100 μV/K and a respective power factor of 1.1 mW∙m−1∙K−2 at 300 K, effectively modifying the electrical, optical, and thermoelectrical properties of the material and ensuring its suitability for heat harvesting applications. From atom probe tomography experiments, a larger Zn content is registered at triple junctions of the grain boundary, which matches the approximately 25 nm crystallite grain size derived from the X-ray diffraction analysis.
A Systematic Review of Molecular Pathway Analysis of Drugs for Potential Use in Liver Cancer Treatment
Authors: Mani Ruchi Jakhmola , Anand Mridul , Agarwal Kritie , Tiwari Avi , Amanur Rahman Hashmi Qazi , Vikram Singh Tumul , Nongdam Potshangbam , Katare Deepshikha Pande , Potshangabam Angamba Meetei
Published: April 2023

Liver cancer is a high mortality cancer, and its increasing prevalence is a concern worldwide. Current treatment modalities for liver cancer include chemotherapy and immunotherapy. These therapies provide symptomatic relief and help prolong the lives of patients but are not an absolute cure. In this paper we have explored an alternative approach, drug repurposing, to identify drugs for treating liver cancer. Databases like PubMed, ScienceDirect, and JSTOR were used for literature mining, and the PRISMA 2020 systemic review guidelines were followed to identify drugs that have been trialed for repurposing in liver cancer. The protein receptors and target protein classes of all the drugs were identified using the Swiss Target Prediction tool. Further, the biological interactions and pathways followed by the drugs were studied via protein interaction networks using Cytoscape. Molecular pathways such as Bile acid receptor activity, Inosine-5′-monophosphate (IMP) dehydrogenase activity, JUN kinase activity, Nitric-oxide synthase activity, and Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activity were observed to be influenced by these drugs. The fact that the genes targeted by these repurposed drugs are common with the differentially expressed genes in liver cancer is an excellent starting point to verify the current hypothesis.
Deep-Learning-Based COVID-19 Diagnosis and Implementation in Embedded Edge-Computing Device
Authors: Lou Lu , Liang Hong , Wang Zhengxia
Published: April 2023

The rapid spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has posed enormous challenges to the global public health system. To deal with the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, the more accurate and convenient diagnosis of patients needs to be developed. This paper proposes a deep-learning-based COVID-19 detection method and evaluates its performance on embedded edge-computing devices. By adding an attention module and mixed loss into the original VGG19 model, the method can effectively reduce the parameters of the model and increase the classification accuracy. The improved model was first trained and tested on the PC X86 GPU platform using a large dataset (COVIDx CT-2A) and a medium dataset (integrated CT scan); the weight parameters of the model were reduced by around six times compared to the original model, but it still approximately achieved 98.80%and 97.84% accuracy, outperforming most existing methods. The trained model was subsequently transferred to embedded NVIDIA Jetson devices (TX2, Nano), where it achieved 97% accuracy at a 0.6−1 FPS inference speed using the NVIDIA TensorRT engine. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method is practicable and convenient; it can be used on a low-cost medical edge-computing terminal. The source code is available on GitHub for researchers.
Possible Points of Ulnar Nerve Entrapment in the Arm and Forearm: An Ultrasound, Anatomical, and Histological Study
Authors: Ferre-Martinez Andrea , Miguel-Pérez Maribel , Möller Ingrid , Ortiz-Miguel Sara , Pérez-Bellmunt Albert , Ruiz Núria , Sanjuan Xavier , Agullo Jose , Ortiz-Sagristà Juan , Martinoli Carlo
Published: April 2023

Background: Ulnar nerve entrapment is one of the most common entrapment neuropathies, usually occurring in the cubital tunnel of the elbow and in Guyon’s canal of the wrist. However, it can also occur at other anatomical locations. Purpose: Our aim was to review other possible locations of ulnar nerve entrapment in an ultrasound and anatomical study. Material and Methods: Eleven upper limbs from eight adult corpses were ultrasonographically examined and subsequently dissected in a dissection laboratory. Four specific anatomical points were analysed, and any anatomical variations were documented. Moreover, six samples of the nerve were taken for histological analysis. Results: Distinct anatomical relationships were observed during ultrasound and dissection between the ulnar nerve and the medial intermuscular septum, the triceps aponeurosis, Osborne’s fascia at the elbow, the arcuate ligament of Osborne and the intermuscular aponeurosis between the flexor carpi ulnaris and the flexor digitorum superficialis muscles. A statistical study showed that these locations are potential areas for ulnar nerve compression. In addition, a fourth head of the triceps brachii muscle was found in some specimens. Conclusion: Results demonstrate that ultrasound is a good tool to investigate ulnar nerve entrapment neuropathy and to identify other anatomical points where the nerve can remain compressed.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Unprotected Left Main Disease: A Single-Center Study
Authors: Moț Ștefan Dan Cezar , Șerban Adela Mihaela , Achim Alexandru , Dădârlat-Pop Alexandra , Tomoaia Raluca , Pop Dana
Published: April 2023

Background: Hemodynamically significant unprotected left main (LM) coronary artery disease is a high-risk clinical condition because of the large area of myocardium at risk, and it requires prompt revascularization. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is an appropriate alternative to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for revascularization of unprotected LM disease in patients with low-to-intermediate anatomic complexity or when the patient refuses CABG after adequate counseling by the heart team. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 201 patients receiving left main (LM) provisional one-stent or two-stent procedures, and we assessed the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients undergoing unprotected LM PCI. Results: The mean age was 66.5 ± 9.9 years, and 72% were male. The majority of the subjects presented several cardiovascular risk factors, among which arterial hypertension (179 patients, 89.5%) and dyslipidemia (173 patients, 86.5%) were the most frequent. Out of all patients, 162 (81.8%) underwent revascularization by using the one-stent technique, while the two-stent technique was used in 36 patients (18.2%). The median value of fractional flow reserve (FFR) of the side branch was 0.9 [0.85–0.95], and 135 patients (67.1%) showed a value of FFR > 0.8. One hundred nine patients (54.2%) had a stent enhancement side branch length (SESBL) > 2, with median values of 2.5 mm2 [2.1–3]. Regarding angiographic parameters, the LM area as assessed by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) or optical coherence tomography (OCT) and the grade of stenosis as assessed by quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) were similar between groups. However, patients who required revascularization by using the two-stent technique presented more frequently with intermediate rather than low SYNTAX scores (69.4% vs. 28.4%, p < 0.0001). Also, the same group required kissing balloon inflation (KBI) more frequently (69.4% vs. 30%, p < 0.001). There were no differences regarding the success of revascularization between the use of the one-stent or two-stent technique. FFR was able to predict a SESBL > 2 mm. The cut-off value for FFR to afford the highest degree of sensitivity (74.5%) and specificity (47%) for a SESBL > 2 was >0.86, indicating a moderate accuracy (AUC = 0.61, 95% CI 0.525–0.690, p = 0.036). Conclusions: Unprotected left main PCI is a safe and effective revascularization option amongst a complex and morbid population. There were no differences regarding the success of revascularization between the use of the one-stent or two-stent technique, and there was no significant impact of KBI on side branch FFR measurements but lower side branch FFR values were correlated with angiographic side branch compromise.
Physical Activity Effects on Muscle Fatigue in Sport in Active Adults with Long COVID-19: An Observational Study
Authors: Coscia Francesco , Mancinelli Rosa , Gigliotti Paola Virginia , Checcaglini Franco , Fanò-Illic Giorgio
Published: April 2023

Long COVID-19-related changes in physiology includes alterations in performing muscle work as fatigue. Data available do not allow us to define the usefulness of physical activity to attenuate long COVID-19 functional modifications. The present observational study investigates the effects of physical activity on the perception of fatigue, maximum power output, sleep, and cognitive modifications in subjects affected by long COVID-19, distinguishing between active and sedentary subjects. The data demonstrated the following: the perception of fatigue 1 year after the end of virus positivity was significantly reduced with respect to that observed after 6 months by more than 50% more in active subjects compared to sedentary ones; 6 months after the end of virus positivity, the force developed by active subjects was reduced (RM factor: p < 0.001, η2p = 0.527, post hoc: p < 0.001), but the reduction was more pronounced in sedentary ones (mean difference = 38.499 W); poor sleep quality and mild cognitive impairment were assessed in both active and sedentary subjects. In conclusion, the study suggests that the long COVID-19 fatigue was lower in active subjects respect to sedentary ones. A comparative analysis performed due to the overlap of functional alterations between long COVID-19 and ME/CFS showed that in a small percentage of the enrolled subjects (8%), the symptomatology reflected that of ME/CFS and was independent of the individual physical capacities.
Cell Decision Making through the Lens of Bayesian Learning
Authors: Barua Arnab , Hatzikirou Haralampos
Published: April 2023

Cell decision making refers to the process by which cells gather information from their local microenvironment and regulate their internal states to create appropriate responses. Microenvironmental cell sensing plays a key role in this process. Our hypothesis is that cell decision-making regulation is dictated by Bayesian learning. In this article, we explore the implications of this hypothesis for internal state temporal evolution. By using a timescale separation between internal and external variables on the mesoscopic scale, we derive a hierarchical Fokker–Planck equation for cell-microenvironment dynamics. By combining this with the Bayesian learning hypothesis, we find that changes in microenvironmental entropy dominate the cell state probability distribution. Finally, we use these ideas to understand how cell sensing impacts cell decision making. Notably, our formalism allows us to understand cell state dynamics even without exact biochemical information about cell sensing processes by considering a few key parameters.
A Cartesian-Based Trajectory Optimization with Jerk Constraints for a Robot
Authors: Fan Zhiwei , Jia Kai , Zhang Lei , Zou Fengshan , Du Zhenjun , Liu Mingmin , Cao Yuting , Zhang Qiang
Published: April 2023

To address the time-optimal trajectory planning (TOTP) problem with joint jerk constraints in a Cartesian coordinate system, we propose a time-optimal path-parameterization (TOPP) algorithm based on nonlinear optimization. The key insight of our approach is the presentation of a comprehensive and effective iterative optimization framework for solving the optimal control problem (OCP) formulation of the TOTP problem in the (s,s˙)-phase plane. In particular, we identify two major difficulties: establishing TOPP in Cartesian space satisfying third-order constraints in joint space, and finding an efficient computational solution to TOPP, which includes nonlinear constraints. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method is an effective solution for time-optimal trajectory planning with joint jerk limits, and can be applied to a wide range of robotic systems.
The Voices of Autistic Adolescents on Diversity, Education and School Learning in Poland
Authors: Pawlik Sabina , Rzeźnicka-Krupa Jolanta , Gierczyk Marcin , Hornby Garry
Published: April 2023

This article presents qualitative research results on the education of students who are on the autistic spectrum (ASD) in Poland, viewed from their own perspectives and analyzed within the conditions of the Polish education system. This research is theoretically based on sociology of education, pedagogy and disability studies assumptions. The main goal of this study was to explore the educational experiences and needs of pupils, and to recognize the most significant barriers and facilitators of educational change as formulated by teenagers who identify as self-advocates and are involved in non-governmental organizations’ activism. The primary research method was desk-based research and qualitative content analysis. The analysis of the research material allowed the reconstruction of the educational experiences of adolescents with ASD related to social relations, the sensory environment, school learning and teachers’ attitudes towards students as the most important barriers to achieving equal access to education.
Research on Improved Multi-Channel Image Stitching Technology Based on Fast Algorithms
Authors: Gao Han , Huang Zhangqin , Yang Huapeng , Zhang Xiaobo , Cen Chen
Published: April 2023

The image registration and fusion process of image stitching algorithms entails significant computational costs, and the use of robust stitching algorithms with good performance is limited in real-time applications on PCs (personal computers) and embedded systems. Fast image registration and fusion algorithms suffer from problems such as ghosting and dashed lines, resulting in suboptimal display effects on the stitching. Consequently, this study proposes a multi-channel image stitching approach based on fast image registration and fusion algorithms, which enhances the stitching effect on the basis of fast algorithms, thereby augmenting its potential for deployment in real-time applications. First, in the image registration stage, the gridded Binary Robust Invariant Scalable Keypoints (BRISK) method was used to improve the matching efficiency of feature points, and the Grid-based Motion Statistics (GMS) algorithm with a bidirectional rough matching method was used to improve the matching accuracy of feature points. Then, the optimal seam algorithm was used in the image fusion stage to obtain the seam line and construct the fusion area. The seam and transition areas were fused using the fade-in and fade-out weighting algorithm to obtain smooth and high-quality stitched images. The experimental results demonstrate the performance of our proposed method through an improvement in image registration and fusion metrics. We compared our approach with both the original algorithm and other existing methods and achieved significant improvements in eliminating stitching artifacts such as ghosting and discontinuities while maintaining the efficiency of fast algorithms.
Machine-Learning-Based Optimization for Multiple-IRS-Aided Communication System
Authors: Fathy Maha , Fei Zesong , Guo Jing , Abood Mohamed Salah
Published: April 2023

Due to the benefits of the spectrum and energy efficiency, intelligent reflecting surfaces (IRSs) are regarded as a promising technology for future networks. In this work, we consider a single cellular network where multiple IRSs are deployed to assist the downlink transmissions from the base station (BS) to multiple user equipment (UE). Hence, we aim to jointly optimize the configuration of the BS active beamforming and reflection beamforming of the IRSs that meet the UE’s QoS while allowing the lowest transmit power consumption at the BS. Although the conventional alternating approach is widely used to find converged solutions, its applicability is restricted by high complexity, which is more severe in a dynamic environment. Consequently, an alternative approach, i.e., machine learning (ML), is adopted to find the optimal solution with lower complexity. For the static UE scenario, we propose a low-complexity optimization algorithm based on the new generalized neural network (GRNN). Meanwhile, for the dynamic UE scenario, we propose a deep reinforcement learning (DRL)-based optimization algorithm. Specifically, a deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG)-based algorithm is designed to address the GRNN algorithm’s restrictions and efficiently handle the dynamic UE scenario. Simulation results confirm that the proposed algorithms can achieve better power-saving performance and convergence with a noteworthy reduction in the computation time compared to the alternating optimization-based approaches. In addition, our results show that the total transmit power at the BS decreases with the increasing number of reflecting units at the IRSs.
Q-Learning-Aided Offloading Strategy in Edge-Assisted Federated Learning over Industrial IoT
Authors: Wu Suiyuan , Xue Hongmei , Zhang Long
Published: April 2023

Federated learning (FL) is a key solution to realizing a cost-efficient and intelligent Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). To improve training efficiency and mitigate the straggler effect of FL, this paper investigates an edge-assisted FL framework over an IIoT system by combining it with a mobile edge computing (MEC) technique. In the proposed edge-assisted FL framework, each IIoT device with weak computation capacity can offload partial local data to an edge server with strong computing power for edge training. In order to obtain the optimal offloading strategy, we formulate an FL loss function minimization problem under the latency constraint in the proposed edge-assisted FL framework by optimizing the offloading data size of each device. An optimal offloading strategy is first derived in a perfect channel state information (CSI) scenario. Then, we extend the strategy into an imperfect CSI scenario and accordingly propose a Q-learning-aided offloading strategy. Finally, our simulation results show that our proposed Q-learning-based offloading strategy can improve FL test accuracy by about 4.7% compared to the conventional FL scheme. Furthermore, the proposed Q-learning-based offloading strategy can achieve similar performance to the optimal offloading strategy and always outperforms the conventional FL scheme in different system parameters, which validates the effectiveness of the proposed edge-assisted framework and Q-learning-based offloading strategy.