bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unveiling the Performance of Nickel-Titanium Endodontic Instruments through Multimethod Research: A Review
Authors: Martins Jorge N. R. , Silva Emmanuel J. N. L. , Marques Duarte , Baruwa Abayomi O. , Caramês João , Braz Fernandes Francisco M. , Versiani Marco A.
Published: June 2023

This article aims to explore the importance of multimethod research in assessing the performance of nickel-titanium (NiTi) endodontic instruments. The review highlights the limitations of relying solely on measurements obtained through a narrow set of mechanical tests and acknowledges the challenge of replicating real-world working conditions in controlled laboratory settings. While achieving a perfect simulation may be difficult, the focus should be on developing research strategies that provide a superior understanding of outcomes. The multimethod research, which combines qualitative and quantitative methodologies, offers a promising solution to address this challenge effectively. By integrating nonquantifiable data with quantitative measurements, researchers may overcome the limitations of individual methodologies and gain deeper and more comprehensive insights into instrument performance. This multimethod approach enables a more accurate interpretation of results, enhancing the validity of the methodology. Therefore, conducting a comprehensive analysis of various competencies displayed by NiTi systems is essential for a comprehensive understanding of their characteristics, including cyclic fatigue, torsional and bending resistance, cutting efficiency, microhardness, design analysis, element composition, phase transformation temperatures, shaping ability, and additional methodologies that can address specific inquiries. By combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies in a multimethod approach, researchers can enhance their ability to answer research questions and provide valuable insights for clinical practice.
Characterizing Rockbursts and Analysis on Hilbert-Huang Transform Spectrum of Microseismic Events, Shuangjiangkou Hydropower Station, Based on Microseismic Monitoring
Authors: Xue Ruixiong , Kong Yinghui , Wu Na
Published: June 2023

The Shuangjiangkou hydropower station in China has complex geological conditions with high in situ stress. During the tunnel excavation, rockbursts occurred frequently, which seriously affected construction progress. Microseismic (MS) monitoring technology was used to explore rock MS activities to predict rockbursts. The MS monitoring system can capture a large number of MS signals. Based on Hilbert–Huang transform (HHT) instantaneous frequency analysis technology, using MATLAB software (R2022a) to write a program to convert the MS waveform, the frequency and energy characteristics of MS signals at a certain time can be obtained. By analyzing the frequency and energy characteristics of every event, the microseism active areas can be determined, and then rockbursts can be predicted scientifically. This paper selected two different construction sites, which were the main powerhouse and the access tunnel in the main powerhouse, as the research background. Introducing HHT instantaneous time–frequency analysis technology conducted MS event dynamic analysis and predicted rockbursts. The HHT spectrum scientifically and comprehensively displayed MS signal frequency characteristics at a certain time and reflected the change laws of signal instantaneous energy and local abrupt change information. The results indicated that some parameter anomalies in the event spectrum can predict rockbursts. For complex tunnel construction conditions, the HHT time–frequency analysis technology can realize a new idea of using a single-channel signal to predict rockbursts, which was very meaningful.
Fibre-Microbial Curing Tests and Slope Stability Analysis
Authors: Jiang Weijian , Yi Wen , Zhou Lei
Published: June 2023

In response to the deformation resistance deficiency and poor toughness characteristics of soil after microbial curing, a combination of fibre reinforcement technology and microbial curing technology was used to conduct microbial curing tests using basalt fibres and denitrifying bacteria. In this paper, the effects of fibre on the strength and toughness of soil consolidation were analysed by unconfined compressive strength test and direct shear test, and the stability of reinforced slope was analysed by numerical simulation. The results show the following. (1) Basalt fibre can effectively improve the characteristics of brittle damage of microbially consolidated soil while increasing the compressive and shear strength. (2) Fibre dosing and fibre length have important effects on the mechanical properties of microbially consolidated soil. (3) The appropriate amount of basalt fibre can promote the generation of calcium carbonate. (4) The plastic strain area of the slope decreases after microbial reinforcement and the maximum equivalent plastic stress decreases by 65 kPa.
Study on the Classification and Identification Methods of Surrounding Rock Excavatability Based on the Rock-Breaking Performance of Tunnel Boring Machines
Authors: Zhang Jianming , Shi Kebin , Majiti Hadelibieke , Shan Hongze , Fu Tao , Shi Renyi , Lu Zhipeng
Published: June 2023

Rock mass conditions are extremely sensitive to tunnel boring machine (TBM) tunneling. Therefore, establishing a surrounding rock excavatability (SRE) classification system applicable to TBM tunnels. Accurately and intelligently identifying excavatability grades can also facilitate efficient TBM tunneling and intelligent construction. Specific excavation and penetration rates were used to evaluate SRE. Their correlations with geological and tunneling parameters were explored using the field data from two water conveyance tunnels in China with different lithologies. A high-precision empirical SRE classification system was constructed using TOPSIS for multi-objective decision-making, and it was verified using engineering cases. An intelligent identification model for SRE grades in the stable phase of a TBM excavation cycle was established using 12,382 TBM rock-breaking datasets and deep forest models. Ten characteristic parameters, e.g., total thrust, were selected as model input features. Hyperparameter optimization was achieved using the grid search method. Deep forest was compared with decision tree, random forest, support vector classifier, and deep neural network. The contribution of the model’s features was measured using random forest. The main conclusions are as follows: the proposed SRE classification method is feasible and matches well with the actual excavation. In the intelligent identification of SRE classification, the accuracy and F1 scores when using deep forest were 96.33% and 0.9581, respectively. Deep forest exhibited better grade identification performance than the four models. Among the ten input features, penetration is the most important feature for the model’s input, while the top shield cylinder rod’s chamber pressure is the least important. The findings can provide some references for SRE classification and prediction and intelligent TBM control.
Information Extraction from Industrial Sensor Data Using Time Series Meta-Features
Authors: Grabowski Niclas , Kremser Ron , Düssel Roman , Mulder Albert , Tutsch Dietmar
Published: June 2023

In the smart manufacturing sector, analyzing time series data is essential for monitoring plants and machinery to prevent costly failures or shutdowns. In order to gain new insights and make better control decisions, new methods are needed for extracting information and interpreting sensor data from hundreds of systems. In this paper, we present an approach for visualizing and interpreting sensor data from TRIMET Aluminium SE Essen (TAE) using time series meta-features and principal component analysis (PCA). We describe our general approach of generating multiple two-dimensional feature spaces to identify salient and implausible sensor data. Using a set of 20 time series meta-features, we applied our approach to sensor data from TAE which were generated by thermocouples. Each step of the approach was integrated into a dashboard to ensure a user-friendly and approachable interaction in finding salient and implausible sensor data.
Recent Trends on the Mechanical Properties of Additive Manufacturing
Authors: García-Collado A. , Dorado-Vicente R. , Romero Pablo E. , Gupta Munish Kumar
Published: June 2023

Additive Manufacturing (AM), also known as “three-dimensional printing”, has experienced significant advancements in recent years, including improvements in the mechanical properties of printed objects [...]
Techniques to Improve the Accuracy of Intraoral Digital Impression in Complete Edentulous Arches: A Narrative Review
Authors: Leggeri Andrea , Carosi Paolo , Mazzetti Vincenzo , Arcuri Claudio , Lorenzi Claudia
Published: June 2023

Complete edentulous arches have been considered as one of the main limitations of intraoral scanners (IOSs). In these clinical scenarios, the accuracy of IOSs can be reduced because of several anatomical factors. To overcome these limitations, some studies have proposed several techniques to increase the accuracy of the impressions by means of various materials and instruments. The aim of this narrative review was to describe these techniques and to compare the obtained results to understand if it is currently feasible to increase the accuracy of the digital impressions of complete edentulous arches. An accurate analysis of the literature was performed using PubMed (National Library of Medicine) as well as manual searching without time and language restrictions. The results showed that there are few articles in the indexed literature on this topic, and that all are in vitro studies. Although the results of the analyzed studies were encouraging and reported useful in vitro results for artificial landmarks as well as for the use of an auxiliary geometry part related to the splinting of intraoral scan bodies (ISBs), clinical trials are needed to confirm that these techniques are feasible in daily clinical practice.
A New Defect Diagnosis Method for Wire Rope Based on CNN-Transformer and Transfer Learning
Authors: Wang Mingyuan , Li Jishun , Xue Yujun
Published: June 2023

Accurate wire rope defect diagnosis is crucial for the health of whole machinery systems in various industries and practical applications. Although the loss of metallic cross-sectional area signals is the most widely used method in non-destructive wire rope evaluation methods, the weakness and scarcity of defect signals lead to poor diagnostic performance, especially in diverse conditions or those with noise interference. Thus, a new wire rope defect diagnosis method is proposed in this study. First, empirical mode decomposition and isolation forest methods are applied to eliminate noise signals and to locate the defects. Second, a convolution neural network and transformer encoder are used to design a new wire rope defect diagnosis network for the improvement of the feature extraction ability. Third, transfer learning architecture is established based on gray feature images to fine-tune the pre-trained model using a small target domain dataset. Finally, comparison experiments and a visualization analysis are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed methods. The results demonstrate that the presented model can improve the performance of the wire rope defect diagnosis method under cross-domain conditions. Additionally, the transfer feasibility of transfer learning architecture is discussed for future practical applications.
Non-Equilibrium Turbulent Transport in Convective Plumes Obtained from Closure Theory
Authors: Yokoi Nobumitsu
Published: June 2023

The non-equilibrium property of turbulence modifies the characteristics of turbulent transport. With the aid of response function formalism, such non-equilibrium effects in turbulent transport can be represented by the temporal variation of the turbulent energy (K) and its dissipation rate (ε) along the mean stream through the advective derivatives of K and ε. Applications of this effect to the turbulent convection with plumes are considered for the first time in this work. The non-equilibrium transport effects associated with plumes are addressed in two aspects. Firstly, the effect associated with a single plume is evaluated using data measured in the recent plume/jet experiments. The second argument is developed for the collective turbulent transport associated with multiple plumes mimicking the stellar convection zone. In this second case, for the purpose of capturing the plume motions into the advective derivatives, use has to be made of the time–space double-averaging procedure, where the turbulent fluctuations are divided into the coherent or dispersion component (which represents plume motions) and the incoherent or random component. With the aid of the transport equations of the coherent velocity stress and the incoherent counterpart, the interaction between the dispersion and random fluctuations are also discussed in the context of convective turbulent flows with plumes. It is shown from these analyses that the non-equilibrium effect associated with plume motions is of a great deal of relevance in the convective turbulence modeling.
A Comparison of Models for the Forecast of Daily Concentration Thresholds of Airborne Fungal Spores
Authors: Vélez-Pereira Andrés M. , De Linares Concepción , Canela Miquel A. , Belmonte Jordina
Published: June 2023

Aerobiological predictive model development is of increasing interest, despite the distribution and variability of data and the limitations of statistical methods making it highly challenging. The use of concentration thresholds and models, where a binary response allows one to establish the occurrence or non-occurrence of the threshold, have been proposed to reduce difficulties. In this paper, we use logistic regression (logit) and regression trees to predict the daily concentration thresholds (low, medium, high, and very high) of six airborne fungal spore taxa (Alternaria, Cladosporium, Agaricus, Ganoderma, Leptosphaeria, and Pleospora) in eight localities in Catalonia (NE Spain) using data from 1995 to 2014. The predictive potential of these models was analyzed through sensitivity and specificity. The models showed similar results regarding the relationship and influence of the meteorological parameters and fungal spores. Ascospores showed a strong relationship with precipitation and basidiospores with minimum temperature, while conidiospores did not indicate any preferences. Sensitivity (true-positive) and specificity (false-positive) presented highly satisfactory validation results for both models in all thresholds, with an average of 73%. However, seeing as logit offers greater precision when attempting to establish the exceedance of a concentration threshold and is easier to apply, it is proposed as the best predictive model.
Overlapping of Lévai’s and Milson’s e-Tangent-Polynomial Potentials along Symmetric Curves
Authors: Natanson Gregory
Published: June 2023

The paper examines common elements between Lévai’s and Milson’s potentials obtained by Liouville transformations of two rational canonical Sturm–Liouville equations (RCSLEs) with even density functions which are exactly solvable via Jacobi polynomials in a real or accordingly imaginary argument. We refer to the polynomial numerators of the given rational density function as ‘tangent polynomial’ (TP) and thereby term the aforementioned potentials as ‘e-TP’. Special attention is given to the overlap between the two potentials along symmetric curves which represent two different rational forms of the Ginocchio potential exactly quantized via Gegenbauer and Masjed-Jamei polynomials, respectively. Our analysis reveals that the actual interconnection between Lévai’s parameters for these two rational realizations of the Ginocchio potential is much more complicated than one could expect based on the striking resemblance between two quartic equations derived by Lévai for ‘averaged’ Jacobi indexes.
Multiphysics Interaction Analysis of the Therapeutic Effects of the Sigmoid Sinus Wall Reconstruction in Patients with Venous Pulsatile Tinnitus
Authors: Mu Zhenxia , Zhuang Lihui , Zhao Pengfei , Gao Bin , Liu Youjun , Wang Zhenchang , Yang Shifeng , Wang Ximing
Published: June 2023

Sigmoid sinus wall dehiscence (SSWD) is an important etiology of venous pulsatile tinnitus (VPT) and is treated by sigmoid sinus wall reconstruction (SSWR). This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of the different degrees of SSWR and the prognostic effect in patients with VPT. Personalized models of three patients with SSWD (control), 3/4SSWD, 1/2SSWD, 1/4SSWD, and 0SSWD were reconstructed. A multiphysics interaction approach was applied to elucidate the biomechanical and acoustic changes. Results revealed that after SSWR, the average pressure of venous vessel on the SSWD region reduced by 33.70 ± 12.53%, 35.86 ± 12.39%, and 39.70 ± 12.45% (mean ± SD) in three patients with 3/4SSWD, 1/2SSWD, and 1/4SSWD. The maximum displacement of the SSWR region reduced by 25.91 ± 30.20%, 37.20 ± 31.47%, 52.60 ± 34.66%, and 79.35 ± 18.13% (mean ± SD) in three patients with 3/4SSWD, 1/2SSWD, 1/4SSWD, and 0SSWD, with a magnitude approximately 10−3 times that of the venous vessel in the SSWD region. The sound pressure level at the tympanum reduced by 23.72 ± 1.91%, 31.03 ± 14.40%, 45.62 ± 19.11%, and 128.46 ± 15.46% (mean ± SD). The SSWR region was still loaded with high stress in comparison to the surrounding region. The SSWR region of the temporal bone effectively shielded the high wall pressure and blocked the transmission of venous vessel vibration to the inner ear. Patients with inadequate SSWR still had residual VPT symptoms despite the remission of VPT symptoms. Complete SSWR could completely solve VPT issues. High-stress distribution of the SSWR region may be the cause of the recurrence of VPT symptoms.
Functional and Structural Brain Abnormalities and Clinical Characteristics of Male Patients with Alcohol Dependence
Authors: Park Shin-Eui , Jeon Yeong-Jae , Baek Hyeon-Man
Published: June 2023

Even though many previous studies have reported structural or functional brain abnormalities in patients with alcohol dependence (ADPs), studies observing the structural and functional abnormalities associated with the clinical characteristics of ADPs utilizing a multimodal approach are still scarce. The aim of this study was to demonstrate structural and functional brain abnormalities and their association with the clinical characteristics of alcoholism in male ADPs. Fifteen healthy male controls (HCs) and 15 male ADPs who had been diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 criteria underwent T1-weighted imaging and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. The MRI data were postprocessed using statistical parametric mapping for structural analysis and CONN-fMRI functional connectivity (FC) tools for functional analysis. In comparison with male HCs, male ADPs were characterized by significantly reduced volumes of the white matter in the left globus pallidus (GP) (p-FDR < 0.05). This region affected the altered resting-state FC patterns in male ADPs. Interestingly, an abnormal FC in the precuneus and its positive correlation with the alcohol-use disorder identification test score were observed in ADPs (r = 0.546, p = 0.036). Based on the observations, it could be concluded that the GP serves as a neural marker that impacts abnormal functional networks in men with alcohol dependence. These findings have important clinical implications as they provide insights into the neural mechanism underlying the anatomical, functional, and clinical features of alcoholism.
In Silico Analysis Predicts Nuclear Factors NR2F6 and YAP1 as Mesenchymal Subtype-Specific Therapeutic Targets for Ovarian Cancer Patients
Authors: Kassuhn Wanja , Cutillas Pedro R. , Kessler Mirjana , Sehouli Jalid , Braicu Elena I. , Blüthgen Nils , Kulbe Hagen
Published: June 2023

Background: Tumour heterogeneity in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is a proposed cause of acquired resistance to treatment and high rates of relapse. Among the four distinct molecular subtypes of HGSOC, the mesenchymal subtype (MES) has been observed with high frequency in several study cohorts. Moreover, it exhibits aggressive characteristics with poor prognosis. The failure to adequately exploit such subtypes for treatment results in high mortality rates, highlighting the need for effective targeted therapeutic strategies that follow the idea of personalized medicine (PM). Methods: As a proof-of-concept, bulk and single-cell RNA data were used to characterize the distinct composition of the tumour microenvironment (TME), as well as the cell–cell communication and its effects on downstream transcription of MES. Moreover, transcription factor activity contextualized with causal inference analysis identified novel therapeutic targets with potential causal impact on transcription factor dysregulation promoting the malignant phenotype. Findings: Fibroblast and macrophage phenotypes are of utmost importance for the complex intercellular crosstalk of MES. Specifically, tumour-associated macrophages were identified as the source of interleukin 1 beta (IL1B), a signalling molecule with significant impact on downstream transcription in tumour cells. Likewise, signalling molecules tumour necrosis factor (TNF), transforming growth factor beta (TGFB1), and C-X-C motif chemokine 12 (CXCL12) were prominent drivers of downstream gene expression associated with multiple cancer hallmarks. Furthermore, several consistently hyperactivated transcription factors were identified as potential sources for treatment opportunities. Finally, causal inference analysis identified Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) and Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 2 Group F Member 6 (NR2F6) as novel therapeutic targets in MES, verified in an independent dataset. Interpretation: By utilizing a sophisticated bioinformatics approach, several candidates for treatment opportunities, including YAP1 and NR2F6 were identified. These candidates represent signalling regulators within the cellular network of the MES. Hence, further studies to confirm these candidates as potential targeted therapies in PM are warranted.
Nomogram to Predict the Long-Term Overall Survival of Early-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Radiofrequency Ablation
Authors: Kuo Yuan-Hung , Huang Tzu-Hsin , Yen Yi-Hao , Lu Sheng-Nan , Wang Jing-Houng , Hung Chao-Hung , Chen Chien-Hung , Tsai Ming-Chao , Kee Kwong-Ming
Published: June 2023

Our objective was to develop a predictive nomogram that could estimate the long-term survival of patients with very early/early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing radiofrequency ablation (RFA). For this retrospective study, we enrolled 950 patients who initially received curative RFA for HCC at Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stages 0 and A between 2002 and 2016. Factors predicting poor survival after RFA were investigated through a Cox proportional hazard model. The nomogram was constructed using the investigated variables influencing overall survival (OS). After a median follow-up time of 6.25 years, 400 patients had died, and 17 patients had received liver transplantation. The 1-,3-,5-,7-, and 10-year OS rates were 94.5%, 73.5%, 57.9%, 45.7%, and 35.8%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that age greater than 65 years, albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grades 2 and 3, AST-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) greater than 1, tumor size larger than 3 cm, diabetes mellitus, end-stage renal disease, and tumor number greater than 1 were significantly associated with poor OS. The nomogram was constructed using these seven variables. The validation results showed a good concordance index of 0.683. When comparing discriminative ability to tumor, node, and metastasis (TNM), BCLC, and Cancer of the Liver Italian Program (CLIP) staging systems, our nomogram had the highest C-index for predicting mortality. This nomogram provides useful information on prognosis post-RFA as a primary treatment and aids physicians in decision-making.
Integrating Multi-Omics Analysis for Enhanced Diagnosis and Treatment of Glioblastoma: A Comprehensive Data-Driven Approach
Authors: Barzegar Behrooz Amir , Latifi-Navid Hamid , da Silva Rosa Simone C. , Swiat Maciej , Wiechec Emilia , Vitorino Carla , Vitorino Rui , Jamalpoor Zahra , Ghavami Saeid
Published: June 2023

The most aggressive primary malignant brain tumor in adults is glioblastoma (GBM), which has poor overall survival (OS). There is a high relapse rate among patients with GBM despite maximally safe surgery, radiation therapy, temozolomide (TMZ), and aggressive treatment. Hence, there is an urgent and unmet clinical need for new approaches to managing GBM. The current study identified modules (MYC, EGFR, PIK3CA, SUZ12, and SPRK2) involved in GBM disease through the NeDRex plugin. Furthermore, hub genes were identified in a comprehensive interaction network containing 7560 proteins related to GBM disease and 3860 proteins associated with signaling pathways involved in GBM. By integrating the results of the analyses mentioned above and again performing centrality analysis, eleven key genes involved in GBM disease were identified. ProteomicsDB and Gliovis databases were used for determining the gene expression in normal and tumor brain tissue. The NetworkAnalyst and the mGWAS-Explorer tools identified miRNAs, SNPs, and metabolites associated with these 11 genes. Moreover, a literature review of recent studies revealed other lists of metabolites related to GBM disease. The enrichment analysis of identified genes, miRNAs, and metabolites associated with GBM disease was performed using ExpressAnalyst, miEAA, and MetaboAnalyst tools. Further investigation of metabolite roles in GBM was performed using pathway, joint pathway, and network analyses. The results of this study allowed us to identify 11 genes (UBC, HDAC1, CTNNB1, TRIM28, CSNK2A1, RBBP4, TP53, APP, DAB1, PINK1, and RELN), five miRNAs (hsa-mir-221-3p, hsa-mir-30a-5p, hsa-mir-15a-5p, hsa-mir-130a-3p, and hsa-let-7b-5p), six metabolites (HDL, N6-acetyl-L-lysine, cholesterol, formate, N, N-dimethylglycine/xylose, and X2. piperidinone) and 15 distinct signaling pathways that play an indispensable role in GBM disease development. The identified top genes, miRNAs, and metabolite signatures can be targeted to establish early diagnostic methods and plan personalized GBM treatment strategies.
Outcomes of Transarterial Embolisation (TAE) vs. Transarterial Chemoembolisation (TACE) for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lawson Alexander , Kamarajah Sivesh K. , Parente Alessandro , Pufal Kamil , Sundareyan Ramanivas , Pawlik Timothy M. , Ma Yuk Ting , Shah Tahir , Kharkhanis Salil , Dasari Bobby V. M.
Published: June 2023

Although hepatocellular carcinoma is increasingly common, debate exists surrounding the management of patients with unresectable disease comparing transarterial embolisation (TAE) or transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE). This study aimed to compare the outcomes of patients receiving TAE and TACE. A systematic review was performed using PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) until August 2021. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS) and the secondary outcomes were progression-free survival (PFS) and adverse events. Five studies with 609 patients were included in the analysis. There was no statistically significant difference in the OS (p = 0.36) and PFS (p = 0.81). There was no difference in OS among patients treated with a single TACE/TAE versus repeat treatments. Post-procedural adverse effects were higher in the TACE group but were not statistically significant. TACE has comparable long-term survival and complications profile to TAE for patients with HCC. However, the low-to-moderate quality of current RCTs warrants high-quality RCTs are necessary to provide enough evidence to give a definitive answer and inform treatment plans for the future.
Development Trajectories of Fatigue, Quality of Life, and the Ability to Work among Colorectal Cancer Patients in the First Year after Rehabilitation—First Results of the MIRANDA Study
Authors: Vlaski Tomislav , Slavic Marija , Caspari Reiner , Fischer Harald , Brenner Hermann , Schöttker Ben
Published: June 2023

Cancer-related fatigue, low quality of life (QoL), and low ability to work are highly prevalent among colorectal cancer (CRC) patients after tumor surgery. We aimed to analyze their intercorrelations and trajectories in the first year after in-patient rehabilitation in the German multicenter MIRANDA cohort study. Recruitment is ongoing, and we included the first 147 CRC patients in this analysis. Participants filled out questionnaires at the beginning of in-patient rehabilitation (baseline) and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after the baseline. The EORTC-QLQ-C30-General-Health-Status (GHS)/QoL, the FACIT-F-Fatigue Scale, and the FACIT-F-FWB-ability-to-work items were used to evaluate QoL, fatigue, and ability to work, respectively. The fatigue and QoL scales were highly correlated (r = 0.606). A moderate correlation was observed between the fatigue and ability to work scales (r = 0.487) and between the QoL and ability to work scales (r = 0.455). Compared to the baseline, a statistically significant improvement in the QoL, ability to work, and fatigue scales were observed at the 3-month follow-up (Wilcoxson signed rank test, all p < 0.0001). The three scales plateaued afterward until the 12-month follow-up. In conclusion, fatigue, QoL, and ability to work were highly interrelated, improved quickly during/after in-patient rehabilitation, and did not change much afterward in German CRC patients.
PD-L1’s Role in Preventing Alloreactive T Cell Responses Following Hematopoietic and Organ Transplant
Authors: Handelsman Shane , Overbey Juliana , Chen Kevin , Lee Justin , Haj Delour , Li Yong
Published: June 2023

Over the past decade, Programmed Death-Ligand 1 (PD-L1) has emerged as a prominent target for cancer immunotherapies. However, its potential as an immunosuppressive therapy has been limited. In this review, we present the immunological basis of graft rejection and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), followed by a summary of biologically relevant molecular interactions of both PD-L1 and Programmed Cell Death Protein 1 (PD-1). Finally, we present a translational perspective on how PD-L1 can interrupt alloreactive-driven processes to increase immune tolerance. Unlike most current therapies that block PD-L1 and/or its interaction with PD-1, this review focuses on how upregulation or reversed sequestration of this ligand may reduce autoimmunity, ameliorate GVHD, and enhance graft survival following organ transplant.
Effects of Different Admixtures on the Mechanical and Thermal Insulation Properties of Desulfurization Gypsum-Based Composites
Authors: Cui Gengyin , Kong Dewen , Huang Yingying , Qiu Wei , Cheng Lili , Wang Lingling
Published: June 2023

The single-factor experiments are designed to quantitatively investigate the effects of silica fume, mineral powder, and fly ash on the mechanical and thermal insulation properties of desulfurization gypsum-based composites (DGCs). The effect mechanism is discussed from the microscopic morphology of the internal structure, and the corresponding relationship between the strength and thermal conductivity of this material is evaluated by the regression model. The results show that the admixture of silica fume, mineral powder, and fly ash improves the strengths and thermal insulation properties of DGCs, with the order of influence silica fume > mineral powder > fly ash. The optimal 28 d compressive strength and thermal conductivity are 34.17 MPa and 0.2146 W/(m·K), respectively, at a silica fume dosage of 35%. The enhancement effects on the strength and thermal insulation performance of DGCs are attributed to the increase in the hydration products C-S-H gel and Aft. Moreover, the thermal conductivity linearly decreases with the increase in the compressive strength of DGC after adding silica fume, mineral powder, and fly ash. The linear regression models exhibit good precision for evaluating the corresponding relationships between the compressive strength and thermal conductivity of DGCs with different admixtures.
Multi-Objective Process Optimization of Laser Cladding Co-Based Alloy by Process Window and Grey Relational Analysis
Authors: Yue Haitao , Lv Ning , Guo Chenguang , Zhai Jianhua , Dai Weibing , Zhang Jianzhuo , Zhao Guochao
Published: June 2023

To determine the optimal process parameters for the preparation of a Co-based alloy cladding layer, the experimental research of laser cladding Co-based alloy was carried out based on the optimal process window and grey relational analysis methods with 42CrMo as the substrate. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to explore the influence laws of laser process parameters on the forming characteristics of the cladding layer within the optimal process window range. Furthermore, the optimal process parameter combination was obtained by grey relational analysis, and the experimental verification of the optimization results was conducted. It was found that the process parameter interval determined by the optimal process window was laser power 1300–2100 W, scanning speed 6–14 mm/s, and powder feeding rate 17.90–29.84 g/min. The influence order of each process parameter was: laser power > scanning speed > powder feeding rate. The optimal process parameters of laser power 2100 W, scanning speed 6 mm/s, and powder feeding rate 17.90 g/min were obtained. The experimental verification results of optimal process parameters proved that the grey correlation grade of the optimized parameters was improved by 0.260 compared with the initial parameters and agreed well with the prediction value with an accuracy of 96%. After optimization, the cross-sectional area, the ratio of the width to height, cladding efficiency, and powder utilization rate of the cladding track increased by 4.065 mm2, 1.031, 19.032, and 70.3%, respectively, and the fluctuation ratio decreased by 60.9%. The optimal cladding track was well bonded to the substrate without cracks, holes, and evident element segregation, and included the phases of Cr3C7, CoCx, fcc-Co, and WC.
Synthesis and Structure Characterization of Three Pharmaceutical Compounds Based on Tinidazole
Authors: Li Na , Chen Yuting , Chen Ruixin , Zhang Mingjuan , Wu Tingting , Liu Kang
Published: June 2023

Tinidazole (TNZ), a 5-nitroimidazole derivative, has received increasing attention due to its pharmacological activities in treatment for amebic and parasitic infections. In this paper, we synthesized three novel drug supramolecular compounds successfully based on TNZ. The three compounds discussed were formed by TNZ and 2,6-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,6-DHBA), 4-methylsalicylic acid (4-MAC), and 5-chloro-2-hydroxybenzoic acid (5-C-2-HBA). The N-H···O and O-H···O hydrogen bonds and weak C-H···O hydrogen bonds are the primary intermolecular forces in the construction of the three compounds. Crystal structure analysis revealed that all the compounds exhibit three-dimensional frameworks consisting of non-covalent interactions. Furthermore, six primary synthons, Ⅰ R22 (8), Ⅱ R21(6), Ⅲ R22(12), Ⅳ R33(9), Ⅴ R22(12), Ⅵ R33(9), formed through various hydrogen bonds are found in the three compounds. Moreover, the resulting pharmaceutical supramolecular compounds show improved stability. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, infrared spectroscopy (IR), element analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) are reported.
2023 Canadian Colposcopy Guideline: A Risk-Based Approach to Management and Surveillance of Cervical Dysplasia
Authors: Willows Karla , Selk Amanda , Auclair Marie-Hélène , Jim Brent , Jumah Naana , Nation Jill , Proctor Lily , Iazzi Melissa , Bentley James
Published: June 2023

This guideline provides evidence-based guidance on the risk-based management of cervical dysplasia in the colposcopy setting in the context of primary HPV-based screening and HPV testing in colposcopy. Colposcopy management of special populations is also discussed. The guideline was developed by a working group in collaboration with the Gynecologic Oncology Society of Canada (GOC), Society of Colposcopists of Canada (SCC) and the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (CPAC). The literature informing these guidelines was obtained through a systematic review of the relevant literature via a multi-step search process led by information specialists. The literature was reviewed up to June 2021 with manual searches of relevant national guidelines and more recent publications. Quality of the evidence and strength of recommendations was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework. The intended users of this guideline include gynecologists, colposcopists, screening programs and healthcare facilities. Implementation of the recommendations is intended to promote equitable and standardized care for all people undergoing colposcopy in Canada. The risk-based approach aims to improve personalized care and reduce over-/under-treatment in colposcopy.
Elasmobranch Diversity at Reunion Island (Western Indian Ocean) and Catches by Recreational Fishers and a Shark Control Program
Authors: Jaquemet S. , Oury N. , Poirout T. , Gadenne J. , Magalon H. , Gauthier A.
Published: June 2023

Elasmobranchs are declining worldwide due to overfishing. In developing countries and island states in tropical regions, small-scale and recreational fisheries can significantly impact the dynamics of neritic species. We investigated elasmobranch diversity at Reunion Island, a marine biodiversity hotspot in the Western Indian Ocean. Combining information from the literature, catches from the local shark control program, results from a survey of local recreational fishing, and through barcoding of some specimens, we updated the list of elasmobranchs to 65 species. However, uncertainties remain about the actual presence of some species, such as the three sawfish species. Results highlight the disappearance of most coral reef-associated species, as already suspected. Results also suggest that local populations of scalloped hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini) and bottlenose wedgefish (Rhynchobatus australiae) seem healthy, in contrast with their decline in the region. For some species, such as bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) and scalloped hammerhead sharks, Reunion Island is a site of reproduction, and as such, the species are exploited at both juvenile and adult stages, which likely increases their vulnerability. In the context of global elasmobranch decline, it is urgent to clarify the conservation status and evaluate the degree of isolation of local populations to identify research and conservation priorities.
Gestational Diabetes—Placental Expression of Human Equilibrative Nucleoside Transporter 1 (hENT1): Is Delayed Villous Maturation an Adaptive Pattern?
Authors: Giacometti Cinzia , Ludwig Kathrin , Guidi Monica , Colantuono Elvira , Coracina Anna , Rigano Marcello , Cassaro Mauro , Ambrosi Alessandro
Published: June 2023

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a metabolic disease that can affect placental villous maturation and villous vascularity. The main effects of GDM on placental growth are a delay of villous maturation (DVM) and decreased formation of vasculo-syncytial membranes (VSM). Human equilibrative nucleoside transporter-1 (hENT1) is an adenosine transporter expressed in the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and human placental microvascular endothelium cells (hPMEC). Its role is crucial in maintaining physiological fetal adenosine levels during pregnancy, and its reduction has been described in GDM. Twenty-four placentas from pregnancies with a confirmed diagnosis of GDMd and twenty-four matched non-GDM placentas (controls) were retrospectively analyzed to investigate the immunohistochemical expression of hENT1 in HUVEC and hPMEC. The study included the quantitative evaluation of VSM/mm2 in placental tissue and the immunohistochemical quantitative evaluation of Ki-67, PHH3, and p57 in villous trophoblast. hENT1 expression was higher in all the vascular districts of the control cases compared to the GDMd placentas (p < 0.0001). The VSM/mm2 were lower in the GDMd cases, while the Ki-67, PHH3, and p57 were higher when compared to the control cases. To our knowledge, this is the first report of hENT1 expression in the human placentas of GDM patients. The absence/low expression of hENT1 in all the GDMd patients may indicate a potential role in microvascular adaptative mechanisms. The trophoblasts’ proliferative/antiapoptotic pattern (high Ki-67, high PHH3, and high p57 count) may explain the statistically significant lower number of VSM/mm2 found in the GDMd cases.
Hysteresis Modeling and Compensation for a Fast Piezo-Driven Scanner in the UAV Image Stabilization System
Authors: Lu Jinlei , Wang Jun , Bo Yuming , Zhang Xianchun
Published: June 2023

The fast piezo-driven scanner (FPDS) compensates for vibrations in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) image stabilization system. However, the hysteresis nonlinearity reduces the positioning accuracy of the FPDS. To address this challenge, this paper presents a novel weighted polynomial modified Bouc–Wen (WPMBW) model cascaded with a linear dynamic model to describe counterclockwise, asymmetric, and rate-dependent hysteresis loops of an FPDS. The proposed approach utilizes the weighted polynomial function to describe the asymmetric characteristic and the linear dynamic model to capture the rate-dependent behavior. By modifying the last two terms in the classical Bouc–Wen (CBW) model, the modified BW model directly characterizes the counterclockwise hysteresis loops with fewer parameters, circumventing the algebraic-loop problem that arises in the inverse CBW model. The pseudorandom binary sequence (PRBS) input is employed to decouple the linear dynamic model from the WPMBW model. The sinusoidal input is then applied to stimulate the hysteresis phenomenon, and the parameters of the WPMBW model are estimated by the particle swarm optimization (PSO) toolbox. Experimental results on a commercial FPDS show that the proposed model is superior to the CBW and traditional asymmetric BW models in modeling accuracy and feedforward hysteresis compensation.
Microgrid Optimal Dispatch Based on Distributed Economic Model Predictive Control Algorithm
Authors: Peng Yuxiang , Jiang Wenqian , Wei Xingqiu , Pan Juntao , Kong Xiangyu , Yang Zhou
Published: June 2023

A microgrid cluster is composed of multiple interconnected microgrids and operates in the form of cluster, which can realize energy complementation between microgrids and significantly improve their renewable energy consumption capacity and system operation reliability. A microgrid optimal dispatch based on a distributed economic model predictive control algorithm is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the control task of the microgrid power generation system is defined, which is required to meet the load demand while reducing the economic loss of the system and realize dynamic economic optimization. The global objective function is designed based on the control task, and the detailed design method of the distributed economic model predictive controller is given. The control law is obtained by an iterative calculation using the Nash optimal method, which can effectively reduce the amount of data in the communication network. Finally, a microgrid group composed of four microgrids is used as an example for simulation verification. The simulation results show that the distributed economic model predictive control algorithm proposed in this paper has good economic benefits for microgrid dispatching.
A Few Words of Introduction to a Holistic Approach to the Energy Market
Authors: Baruk Agnieszka Izabela
Published: June 2023

The energy market currently faces exceptionally big challenges [...]
A Review of Natural Bio-Based Insulation Materials
Authors: Cosentino Livia , Fernandes Jorge , Mateus Ricardo
Published: June 2023

Within the context of climate change and the environmental impact of the building industry, insulation materials contribute to improving the thermal performance of buildings, thus reducing energy demand and carbon emissions during the operation phase. Although most of them are responsible for significant carbon emissions during their production, bio-based insulation materials can provide good performance with low carbon emissions. This paper aims to investigate natural insulation materials’ properties and environmental impacts through a literature review. Due to the growing importance of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) on specification requirements, many manufacturers already disclose environmental data related to their products, allowing for a comparison between thermal insulation solutions. In academic research, embodied environmental impacts are not as explored as physical properties. In addition, from the analysis of results, it is possible to conclude that the characterization of the physical properties of this type of material is normally focused on thermal conductivity. Nevertheless, most studies overlook other important parameters of these materials, such as the thermal capacity, lifetime, and environmental impacts. This is something that is necessary to overcome in future developments to allow for a comprehensive comparison between the properties of different (conventional and bio-based) insulation materials.
Quantifying the Profiles of Heartwood, Sapwood, and Bark Using a Seemingly Unrelated Mixed-Effect Model for Larix Olgensis in Northeast China
Authors: Qiao Yudan , Yang Sheng-I , Hao Yuanshuo , Miao Zheng , Dong Lihu , Li Fengri
Published: June 2023

Heartwood, sapwood, and bark constitute the main components of the tree stem. The stem is the main component of the tree and plays an important role in supporting the tree and transporting nutrients and water. Therefore, quantifying the profiles of heartwood, sapwood, and bark is fundamental to understanding the different components of the tree stem. A seemingly unrelated mixed-effect model system was developed based on 179 destructively sampled trees for 31 permanent sample plots in Korean larch plantation in Northeast China. The heartwood radius and sapwood width were estimated and calibrated only by the observed bark thickness or by all response variables considering the correlations of submodel random effects. The results indicated that the model system achieved good fitting performance and prediction. In addition, after including one to ten bark thickness points and all response variables of sampling below the 2 m height of the tree, the estimated best linear predictor (EBLUP) for local calibration improved the prediction performance, indicating that the heartwood radius and sapwood width could be effectively calibrated by bark thickness while keeping intact the complete inner structure inside the stem. The results provided important information for forest managers and ecologists when selecting appropriate approaches for quantifying the profiles of heartwood, sapwood, and bark.