bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dependence of Electrical Charge Transport on the Voltage Applied across Metal–Graphene–Metal Stack under Fixed Compressing Force
Authors: Daugalas Tomas , Bukauskas Virginijus , Lukša Algimantas , Nargelienė Viktorija , Šetkus Arūnas
Published: August 2023

While charge transport in the horizontal plane of graphene has been widely studied, there is only limited understanding about the transport across a stack of films that include graphene sheets. In this report, a model of a metal–graphene–metal stack was produced and investigated via detailed analysis of experimental dependences of electrical current on applied external voltage. Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) was used to measure the dependences of the local tunneling current on the voltage under fixed compressing force. The SPM platinum probe produced the compressing force on gold-supported graphene in the metal–graphene–metal system. The experimental results were explained by a model that included the pinning of the Fermi level of graphene to platinum and the related changes in the parameters of the potential barrier for the electron flow. It was demonstrated that low-voltage and high-voltage intervals can be identified in the charge transport across the metal–graphene–metal stack. In the high-voltage interval (approximately > |±0.7| V in the tested stack), the history of the current measurement was detected due to the charge accumulation. In the low-voltage interval, the current was determined by the electronic states near the Fermi level. In this interval, the graphene layer can function as a blocking gate for the electron transport in the metal–graphene–metal system.
Magneto-Plasmonic Nanoparticles Generated by Laser Ablation of Layered Fe/Au and Fe/Au/Fe Composite Films for SERS Application
Authors: Mikoliunaite Lina , Stankevičius Evaldas , Adomavičiūtė-Grabusovė Sonata , Petrikaitė Vita , Trusovas Romualdas , Talaikis Martynas , Skapas Martynas , Zdaniauskienė Agnė , Selskis Algirdas , Šablinskas Valdas , Niaura Gediminas
Published: August 2023

Magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles were fabricated using a 1064 nm picosecond-pulsed laser for ablation of Fe/Au and Fe/Au/Fe composite thin films in acetone. Nanoparticles were characterized by electron microscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) absorption, and Raman spectroscopy. Hybrid nanoparticles were arranged on an aluminum substrate by a magnetic field for application in surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis revealed the spherical core-shell (Au-Fe) structure of nanoparticles. Raman spectroscopy of bare magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles confirmed the presence of magnetite (Fe3O4) without any impurities from maghemite or hematite. In addition, resonantly enhanced carbon-based bands were detected in Raman spectra. Plasmonic properties of hybrid nanoparticles were probed by SERS using the adsorbed biomolecule adenine. Based on analysis of experimental spectra and density functional theory modeling, the difference in SERS spectra of adsorbed adenine on laser-ablated Au and magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles was explained by the binding of adenine to the Fe3O4 structure at hybrid nanoparticles. The hybrid nanoparticles are free from organic stabilizers, and because of the biocompatibility of the magnetic shell and SERS activity of the plasmonic gold core, they can be widely applied in the construction of biosensors and biomedicine applications.
Evolution Characteristics of Electric Field-Related Properties in Polymorphic Piezoceramics with Temperature-Impelled Phase Transition
Authors: Zhao Chunlin , Feng Haopeng , Huang Yanli , Wu Xiao , Gao Min , Lin Tengfei , Lin Cong
Published: August 2023

In this work, to systematically investigate the evolution characteristics of electrical properties in polymorphic piezoceramics, the Ba(Ti0.92Zr0.08)O3 ceramics are selected as a paradigm that possesses all the general phase structures above room temperature. It is found that the evolution of electrical properties with temperature change can be divided into three stages based on phase structure transforming: high ferroelectric and stable strain properties at R and R-O, high ferroelectric and enhanced strain/converse piezoelectric properties at O, O-T, and T phase, and the rapidly decreased ferroelectric and strain properties in T-C and C phase. However, the ferroelectric and strain properties all increase with rising electric field and their evolution can be divided into two parts based on phase structures. The high property and slow increase rate are present at R, R-O, O, and O-T, while the poor property but a high increase rate is present around T-C. Similar results can be found in the evolution of electrostrictive property. Finally, the highest d33* of ~1240 pm/V and Q33 of ~0.053 m4/C2 are obtained at O-T due to the high ferroelectricity but easy domain switching. This work affords important guidance for the property optimization of polymorphic piezoceramics.
NO2 Adsorption Sensitivity Adjustment of As/Sb Lateral Heterojunctions through Strain: First Principles Calculations
Authors: Yang Li , Wang Dengkui , Fang Dan , Yan Hao , Zhai Yingjiao , Chu Xueying , Li Jinhua , Fang Xuan
Published: August 2023

Strain engineering is an effective way to adjust the sensing properties of two-dimensional materials. In this paper, lateral heterojunctions (LHSs) based on arsenic and antimony have been designed along the armchair (AC) or zigzag (ZZ) edges. The adsorption and sensing characteristics of As/Sb LHSs to NO2 before and after applying different types of strain are calculated by first principles. The band gaps of all As/Sb heterostructures are contributed by As-p and Sb-p orbitals. In addition, the adsorption energy of As/Sb ZZ-LHS with −4% compression strain is the largest. Furthermore, its work function changes significantly before and after the adsorption of NO2. Meanwhile, strong orbital hybridizations near the Fermi level are observed and a new state is yielded after applying compressive strain. These results indicate that the As/Sb LHS with ZZ interface under −4% compression strain possesses the best sensing properties to NO2. This work lays the foundation for the fabrication of high-performance NO2 gas sensors. High-performance gas sensors can be used to track and regulate NO2 exposure and emission, as well as to track NO2 concentrations in the atmosphere and support the assessment of air quality.
Assessment of the Interatomic Potentials of Beryllium for Mechanical Properties
Authors: Yang Chengzhi , Wu Bin , Deng Wenmin , Li Shuzhen , Jin Jianfeng , Peng Qing
Published: August 2023

Beryllium finds widespread applications in nuclear energy, where it is required to service under extreme conditions, including high-dose and high-dose rate radiation with constant bombardments of energetic particles leading to various kinds of defects. Though it is generally known that defects give rise to mechanical degradation, the quantitative relationship between the microstructure and the corresponding mechanical properties remains elusive. Here we have investigated the mechanical properties of imperfect hexagonal close-packed (HCP) beryllium via means of molecular dynamics simulations. We have examined the beryllium crystals with void, a common defect under in-service conditions. We have assessed three types of potentials, including MEAM, Finnis–Sinclair, and Tersoff. The volumetric change with pressure based on MEAM and Tersoff and the volumetric change with temperature based on MEAM are consistent with the experiment. Through cross-comparison on the results from performing hydrostatic compression, heating, and uniaxial tension, the MEAM type potential is found to deliver the most reasonable predictions on the targeted properties. Our atomistic insights might be helpful in atomistic modeling and materials design of beryllium for nuclear energy.
Seagrass Blue Carbon Stock and Air–Sea CO2 Fluxes in the Karimunjawa Islands, Indonesia during Southeast Monsoon Season
Authors: Latifah Nurul , Ningsih Nining Sari , Kartadikaria Aditya Rakhmat , Wirasatriya Anindya , Febrianto Sigit , Adi Novi Susetyo , Hamzah Faisal
Published: August 2023

Research focusing on seagrass ecosystems as carbon storage has been conducted in various Indonesian waters. However, an essential aspect that remains unexplored is the simultaneous analysis of blue carbon storage in seagrass alongside carbon dioxide (CO2) flux values, particularly within Karimunjawa waters. This study aims to assess the organic carbon stock and sea–air CO2 flux in seagrass ecosystems in Karimunjawa. Our hypothesis posits that although seagrass ecosystems release CO2 into the water, their role as blue carbon ecosystems enables them to absorb and accumulate organic carbon within seagrass biomass and sediments. This investigation took place in Karimunjawa waters, encompassing both vegetated (seagrass meadows) and unvegetated (non-seagrass meadows) areas during August 2019, 2020, and 2022. Over this period, the organic carbon stock in seagrass and sediment displayed an increase, rising from 28.90 to 35.70 gCorg m−2 in 2019 and from 37.80 to 45.25 gCorg m−2 in 2022. Notably, the expanse of seagrass meadows in Karimunjawa dwindled by 328.33 ha from 2019 to 2022, resulting in a total carbon stock reduction of the seagrass meadows of 452.39 tC to 218.78 tC. Sediment emerges as a pivotal element in the storage of blue carbon in seagrass, with sedimentary organic carbon outweighing seagrass biomass in storage capacity. The conditions in Karimunjawa, including a high A:B ratio, low dry bulk density, and elevated water content, foster a favorable environment for sediment carbon absorption and storage, facilitated by the waters’ CO2 emission during the southeast monsoon season. Notably, our findings reveal that CO2 release within vegetated areas is lower compared to unvegetated areas. This outcome underscores how seagrass ecosystems can mitigate CO2 release through their adeptness at storing organic carbon within biomass and sediment. However, the presence of inorganic carbon in the form of calcium carbonate introduces a nuanced dynamic. This external source, stemming from allochthonous origins like mangroves, brown algae like Padina pavonica, and calcareous epiphytes, leads to an increase in sedimentary organic carbon stock of 53.2 ± 6.82 gCorg m−2. Moreover, it triggers the release of CO2 into the atmosphere, quantified at 83.4 ± 18.26 mmol CO2 m−2 d−1.
Orchid Diversity at Three Elevations in the Mountain Sandstone Plateaus of the Cordillera del CóndorEcuador
Authors: Vélez-Abarca Leisberth , Jiménez Marco M. , Ramírez-Iglesias Elizabeth , Parra-Suarez Silvia , Torracchi-Carrasco Esteban , Benítez Ángel
Published: August 2023

Orchids comprise one of the largest families of flowering plants and have important roles in the total biomass, water balance, and nutrient cycling of tropical ecosystems; however, they are also one of the most endangered plant taxa. Because their diversity is strongly coupled to environmental factors, we hypothesize that local elevation can affect the diversity of these organisms. The purpose of this research was to compare the orchid species diversity at 1200, 1400, and 1700 m of elevation, corresponding to a sandstone plateau of the Cordillera del Cóndor that hosts a great orchid diversity. For each elevation, three plots of 0.1 ha were established. Each plot was subdivided into 25 subplots, and 8 were randomly selected, wherein all orchid species were counted and identified. The results obtained revealed the existence of 119 species belonging to 54 genera and a total of 867 individuals. The greatest diversity of species was found at an elevation of 1700 with 63 species, followed by 1400 m with 52 species, with the least diversity at an elevation of 1200 m with 39 species. Orchid composition differed significantly among the three elevations related to more humidity at higher elevations (e.g., 1700 m). More importantly, twenty-one species were the best candidate indicators of environmental conditions (e.g., Maxillaria grayi, Elleanthus oliganthus, Maxillaria mapiriensis, Stelis pittieri, Stelis ortegae) in this region. We conclude that orchid communities in sandstone plateau forests in the Shagmi Range of the Cordillera del Cóndor are mainly limited by elevation.
Are There Any Land Use Dynamics in the Upper Bistrița Basin, Eastern Carpathians, Romania, in the Period 1990–2021?
Authors: Jujea Valentin , Stoilov-Linu Valeriu , Boboc Mihaela , Popa Ionel , Nedelea Alexandru , Crăciun Nicolae , Negrea Bogdan-Mihai
Published: August 2023

This paper aims to assess land use and land use change (LULC). For this purpose, supervised mapping on satellite imagery, using the European Space Agency (ESA) SNAP programme from LANDSAT databases, publicly accessible through the European Copernicus portal, was used. At the same time, an analysis of the degree of landscape fragmentation in the study area was carried out, which revealed that, because of the particular fragmentation of small polygons, the best results were obtained via analysis/supervised mapping on satellite images. This method, once validated in the field, reflects the most accurate land use pattern in the analysed area, with wide applications in studies of agriculture, biodiversity, geography, etc. Between 2000 and 2010, significant changes were registered. Artificial surfaces decreased by approximately 400 ha, showing a negative trend in the last period of the interval. Coniferous forests reached their maximum threshold in 2000 (with 114,400 ha) in conjunction with the “Grassland” class, which exceeded 16,700 ha. In 2010, a drastic decrease in “Grassland” was recorded, reaching half of the values of 1990 and 2000, now having only 15,684 ha. Land cover changes were significant when comparing the period before 1989 with 2021. This fact was due to socio-economic changes in society, in large part caused by changes in professions and the way of life of the population.
Using Landsat-5 for Accurate Historical LULC Classification: A Comparison of Machine Learning Models
Authors: Krivoguz Denis , Chernyi Sergei G. , Zinchenko Elena , Silkin Artem , Zinchenko Anton
Published: August 2023

This study investigates the application of various machine learning models for land use and land cover (LULC) classification in the Kerch Peninsula. The study utilizes archival field data, cadastral data, and published scientific literature for model training and testing, using Landsat-5 imagery from 1990 as input data. Four machine learning models (deep neural network, Random Forest, support vector machine (SVM), and AdaBoost) are employed, and their hyperparameters are tuned using random search and grid search. Model performance is evaluated through cross-validation and confusion matrices. The deep neural network achieves the highest accuracy (96.2%) and performs well in classifying water, urban lands, open soils, and high vegetation. However, it faces challenges in classifying grasslands, bare lands, and agricultural areas. The Random Forest model achieves an accuracy of 90.5% but struggles with differentiating high vegetation from agricultural lands. The SVM model achieves an accuracy of 86.1%, while the AdaBoost model performs the lowest with an accuracy of 58.4%. The novel contributions of this study include the comparison and evaluation of multiple machine learning models for land use classification in the Kerch Peninsula. The deep neural network and Random Forest models outperform SVM and AdaBoost in terms of accuracy. However, the use of limited data sources such as cadastral data and scientific articles may introduce limitations and potential errors. Future research should consider incorporating field studies and additional data sources for improved accuracy. This study provides valuable insights for land use classification, facilitating the assessment and management of natural resources in the Kerch Peninsula. The findings contribute to informed decision-making processes and lay the groundwork for further research in the field.
Characteristics of Breast Charcoal Granuloma: A Delayed Complication Following Tattoo Localization
Authors: Kim Jeongju , Ko Eun Young , Han Boo-Kyung , Ko Eun Sook , Choi Ji Soo , Kim Haejung , Kim Myoung Kyoung
Published: August 2023

Rationale and Objective: To evaluate the characteristic clinical and imaging findings of charcoal granuloma and suggest features that may differentiate charcoal granuloma from breast cancer. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 18 patients with a histologically confirmed breast charcoal granuloma between 2005 and 2021 at a single institution. All patients had a history of breast surgery after ultrasound (US)-guided charcoal marking. Two radiologists analyzed the radiologic findings of charcoal granulomas, including the presence of a mass or calcification; the shape, margin and density of the masses on mammography; and the location, size, shape, margin, orientation, echogenicity, vascularity, presence of an echogenic halo, and posterior acoustic shadowing on US. In cases with available follow-up images, we also investigated whether the size and shape had changed. Results: The median interval between breast surgery and the diagnosis of charcoal granuloma was 2.3 years (range, 0.7–18.3 years). Thirteen lesions (72.2%) were detected on screening images. In 11 (61.1%) cases, the surgical incision was not made in the tattooed skin area. Mammography showed positive findings in 10/15 patients, and most lesions were isodense masses (70%). There were no cases with calcification. On US, all lesions were masses and showed a taller-than-wide orientation (61.1%), round or oval shape (55.6%), and iso- or hyperechogenicity (83.3%). Echogenic halo (27.8%) and posterior acoustic shadowing (16.7%) were uncommon. On Doppler US, only four cases (22.2%) showed increased vascularity. Most were classified as BI-RADS 3 (38.9%) or 4A (50.0%). After biopsy, 12 patients had follow-up mammography and US. The size of the lesion decreased in nine cases and remained unchanged in three cases. A decrease in the lesion size after biopsy showed a negative correlation with the interval between detection on imaging and biopsy (p = 0.04). Conclusion: Charcoal granuloma is most commonly found 2–3 years after surgery and occurs more frequently when the incision site is different from the tattooed skin area. US findings of tall and round or oval masses with iso- or hyperechogenicity without increased vascularity could help to differentiate them from malignancies.
The Role of Ultra-High-Frequency Ultrasound in Pyoderma Gangrenosum: New Insights in Pathophysiology and Diagnosis
Authors: Granieri Giammarco , Michelucci Alessandra , Manzo Margiotta Flavia , Cei Bianca , Vitali Saverio , Romanelli Marco , Dini Valentina
Published: August 2023

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a neutrophilic dermatological disease, whose pathogenesis is still poorly clarified. Because of the lack of validated criteria for diagnosis and response, PG treatment is still challenging and should be differentiated in the inflammatory and non-inflammatory phases. Our study aimed to provide a new semi-quantitative approach for PG diagnosis and monitoring, identifying ultra-high-frequency ultrasound (UHFUS) early biomarkers associated with the transition between the two phases. We enrolled 13 patients affected by painful PG lesions evaluated during the inflammatory phase (T0) and during the non-inflammatory phase (T1): pain was measured by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS); clinical features were recorded through digital photography; epidermis and dermis ultrasound (US) characteristics were evaluated by UHFUS examination with a 70 MHz probe (Vevo MD® FUJIFILM VisualSonics). In T1 UHFUS examination, the presence of hyperechoic oval structures was lower compared to T0 (p value < 0.05). An hyperechogenic structure within the oval structure, suggestive of a hair tract, was evident in T0 and absent in T1 (p value < 0.05). In T0, blood vessels appear as U-shaped and V-shaped anechoic structures with a predominance of U-shaped vessels (p value < 0.05) compared to the more regular distribution found in T1. Finding early biomarkers of the transition from the inflammatory to the non-inflammatory phase could provide new insight in terms of therapeutic decision making and response monitoring. The differences found by this study suggest a potential use of UHFUS for the development of an objective standardized staging method. Further investigations will be necessary to confirm our preliminary results, thus providing a turning point in PG early detection, differential diagnosis and treatment monitoring.
The Prevalence of Liver Fibrosis Stages on More than 23,000 Liver Stiffness Measurements by Vibration-Controlled Transient Elastography: A Single Center Study
Authors: Lazar Alin , Sporea Ioan , Lungeanu Diana , Mare Ruxandra , Lupusoru Raluca , Popescu Alina , Danila Mirela , Deleanu Alexandra , Dan Isabel , Lascau Andrada , Popa Alexandru , Sirli Roxana
Published: August 2023

Vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) was the first non-invasive method used for assessing liver fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease. Over the years, many studies have evaluated its performance. It is now used globally, and, in some countries, it represents the primary step in evaluating liver fibrosis. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of VCTE and highlight the prevalence of liver fibrosis stages assessed by VCTE in a large cohort of patients at a single study center. We also aimed to observe the trends in liver stiffness (LS) values over the years according to each type of hepatopathy. A retrospective study was conducted over a period of 13 years (2007–2019) and included patients who presented to our clinic for LS measurements (LSMs), either with known liver diseases or with suspected liver pathology who were undergoing fibrosis screening. The database contained a total of 23,420 measurements. Valid LSMs were obtained in 90.91% (21,291/23,420) of the cases, while 2129 (9.09%) of the measurements were either failed or unreliable. In untreated patients with chronic viral hepatitis, LS values tended to increase during the years, while in patients undergoing antiviral therapy LS values significantly decreased. Our comprehensive study, one of the largest of its kind spanning 13 years, emphasizes the reliability and significance of VCTE in real-world clinical settings.
Early Melanoma Detection Based on a Hybrid YOLOv5 and ResNet Technique
Authors: Elshahawy Manar , Elnemr Ahmed , Oproescu Mihai , Schiopu Adriana-Gabriela , Elgarayhi Ahmed , Elmogy Mohammed M. , Sallah Mohammed
Published: August 2023

Skin cancer, specifically melanoma, is a serious health issue that arises from the melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. With skin cancer on the rise, the timely identification of skin lesions is crucial for effective treatment. However, the similarity between some skin lesions can result in misclassification, which is a significant problem. It is important to note that benign skin lesions are more prevalent than malignant ones, which can lead to overly cautious algorithms and incorrect results. As a solution, researchers are developing computer-assisted diagnostic tools to detect malignant tumors early. First, a new model based on the combination of “you only look once” (YOLOv5) and “ResNet50” is proposed for melanoma detection with its degree using humans against a machine with 10,000 training images (HAM10000). Second, feature maps integrate gradient change, which allows rapid inference, boosts precision, and reduces the number of hyperparameters in the model, making it smaller. Finally, the current YOLOv5 model is changed to obtain the desired outcomes by adding new classes for dermatoscopic images of typical lesions with pigmented skin. The proposed approach improves melanoma detection with a real-time speed of 0.4 MS of non-maximum suppression (NMS) per image. The performance metrics average is 99.0%, 98.6%, 98.8%, 99.5, 98.3%, and 98.7% for the precision, recall, dice similarity coefficient (DSC), accuracy, mean average precision (MAP) from 0.0 to 0.5, and MAP from 0.5 to 0.95, respectively. Compared to current melanoma detection approaches, the provided approach is more efficient in using deep features.
Accuracy, Hemorrhagic Complications and CT Radiation Dose of Emergency External Ventricular Drain (EVD) Placement in Pediatric Patients: A 15-Year Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Stahl Robert , D’Anastasi Melvin , Forbrig Robert , Liebig Thomas , Katzendobler Sophie , Weller Jonathan , Trumm Christoph G.
Published: August 2023

Purpose: To assess accuracy, the frequency of hemorrhagic complications and computed tomography (CT) radiation dose parameters in pediatric patients undergoing landmark-guided external ventricular drain (EVD) placement in an emergency setting. Methods: Retrospective analysis comprised 36 EVD placements with subsequent CT control scans in 29 patients (aged 0 to 17 years) in our university hospital from 2008 to 2022. The position of the EVD as well as the presence and extension of bleeding were classified according to previously established grading schemes. Dose length product (DLP), volume-weighted CT dose index (CTDIvol) and scan length were extracted from the radiation dose reports and compared to the diagnostic reference values (DRLs) issued by the German Federal Office for Radiation Protection. Results: After the initial EVD placement, optimal positioning of the catheter tip into the ipsilateral frontal horn or third ventricle (Grade I), or a functional positioning in the contralateral lateral ventricle or the non-eloquent cortex (Grade II), was achieved in 28 and 8 cases, respectively. In 32 of 36 procedures, no evidence of hemorrhage was present in the control CT scan. Grade 1 (<1 mL) and Grade 2 (≥1 to 15 mL) bleedings were detected after 3 and 1 placement(s), respectively. For control scans after EVD placements, CTDIvol (median [25%; 75% quartile]) was 39.92 [30.80; 45.55] mGy, DLP yielded 475.50 [375.00; 624.75] mGy*cm and the scan length result was 136 [120; 166] mm. Exceedances of the DRL values were observed in 14.5% for CTDIvol, 12.7% for DLP and 65.6% for the scan length. None of these values was in the range requiring a report to the national authorities. Conclusion: Landmark-based emergency EVD placement in pediatric patients yielded an optimal position in most cases already after the initial insertion. Complications in terms of secondary hemorrhages are rare. CT dose levels associated with the intervention are below the reportable threshold of the national DRLs in Germany.
Study of Root Transparency in Different Postmortem Intervals Using Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Marchand Elodie , Bertrand Benoit , Hedouin Valéry , Demondion Xavier , Becart Anne
Published: August 2023

In the fields of forensics, the identification of human remains is a recurrent problem. The estimated age at death is one of the copious criteria to be evaluated. In adult teeth, the height of the root dentin transparency is used to estimate age. However, in archaeological material, this phenomenon appears inconstant. The aim of this work was to observe the structural modifications of the sclerotic dentin in the teeth for different postmortem intervals. The study included two parts (retrospective and prospective study) with 21 human monoradicular teeth, from bodies donated to medical science with postmortem intervals (PMIs) of 0, 1, 2 and 5 years and archeological excavation. After inclusion based on resin, section and polishing, the samples were analyzed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) JSM-7800F®, and the procedure was completed via a semiquantitative analysis of calcium and phosphorus using EDX microanalysis. The analysis showed the existence of tubular and chemical modifications of sclerotic dentin at different PMIs. Our SEM study allowed us to observe a difference in tubule aspects linked to an increased PMI: the loss of peritubular collar and the lumen obstruction of tubules with a hyperdense material. Microanalysis highlighted variations in phosphocalcic ratios among the different groups, especially in the pulp area and the canine. Our hypotheses that explain these differences are based on the postmortem modifications of the crystals of the mineral phase of sclerotic dentin under the influence of chemical and/or bacterial action.
Intervertebral Canals and Intracanal Ligaments as New Terms in Terminologia anatomica
Authors: Zhandarov Kirill , Blinova Ekaterina , Ogarev Egor , Sheptulin Dmitry , Terekhina Elizaveta , Telpukhov Vladimir , Vasil’ev Yuriy , Nelipa Mikhail , Kytko Olesya , Chilikov Valery , Panyushkin Peter , Drakina Olga , Meilanova Renata , Mirontsev Artem , Shimanovsky Denis , Bogoyavlenskaya Tatyana , Dydykin Sergey , Nikolenko Vladimir , Kashtanov Artem , Aliev Vladimir , Kireeva Natalia , Enina Yulianna
Published: August 2023

This study addresses the cervical part of the vertebral column. Clinical pictures of dystrophic diseases of the cervical part of the vertebral column do not always correspond only to the morphological changes—they may be represented by connective tissue formation and nerve and vessel compression. To find out the possible reason, this morphometric study of the cervical part of the vertebral column in 40 cadavers was performed. CT scans were performed on 17 cadaveric material specimens. A total of 12 histological samples of connective tissue structures located in intervertebral canals (IC) were studied. One such formation, an intracanal ligament (IL) located in the IC, was found. Today, there is no term “intervertebral canal”, nor is there a detailed description of the intervertebral canal in the cervical part of the vertebral column. Cervical intervertebral canals make up five pairs in segments C2–C7. On cadavers, the IC lateral and medial apertures were 0.9–1.5 cm and 0.5–0.9 cm, correspondingly. According to our histological study, the connective tissue structures in the IC are ligaments—IL. According to the presence of these ligaments, ICs were classified into three types. Complete regional anatomy characterization of the IC of the cervical part of the vertebral column with a description of its constituent anatomical elements was provided. The findings demonstrate the need to include the terms “intervertebral canal” and “intervertebral ligament” in the Terminologia anatomica.
Accuracy of Breast Ultrasonography and Mammography in Comparison with Postoperative Histopathology in Breast Cancer Patients after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Schmidt Gilda , Findeklee Sebastian , del Sol Martinez Gerda , Georgescu Mihai-Teodor , Gerlinger Christoph , Nemat Sogand , Klamminger Gilbert Georg , Nigdelis Meletios P. , Solomayer Erich-Franz , Hamoud Bashar Haj
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Nowadays chemotherapy in breast cancer patients is optionally applied neoadjuvant, which allows for testing of tumor response to the chemotherapeutical treatment in vivo, as well as allowing a greater number of patients to benefit from a subsequent breast-conserving surgery. Material and methods: We compared breast ultrasonography, mammography, and clinical examination (palpation) results with postoperative histopathological findings after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, aiming to determine the most accurate prediction of complete remission and tumor-free resection margins. To this end, clinical and imaging data of 184 patients (193 tumors) with confirmed diagnosis of breast cancer and neoadjuvant therapy were analyzed. Results: After chemotherapy, tumors could be assessed by palpation in 91.7%, by sonography in 99.5%, and by mammography in 84.5% (chi-square p < 0.0001) of cases. Although mammography proved more accurate in estimating the exact neoadjuvant tumor size than breast sonography in total numbers (136/163 (83.44%) vs. 142/192 (73.96%), n.s.), 29 tumors could be assessed solely by means of breast sonography. A sonographic measurement was feasible in 192 cases (99.48%) post-chemotherapy and in all cases prior to chemotherapy. Conclusions: We determined a superiority of mammography and breast sonography over clinical palpation in predicting neoadjuvant tumor size. However, neither examination method can predict either pCR or tumor margins with high confidence.
Insights into the Value of Lyso-Gb1 as a Predictive Biomarker in Treatment-Naïve Patients with Gaucher Disease Type 1 in the LYSO-PROOF Study
Authors: Curado Filipa , Rösner Sabine , Zielke Susanne , Westphal Gina , Grittner Ulrike , Skrahina Volha , Alasel Mohammed , Malik Ahmad Mehmood , Beetz Christian , Böttcher Tobias , Barel Gal , Sah Ashish Prasad , Dinur Tama , Anjum Nadeem , Ichraf Quidad , Kriouile Yamna , Hadipour Zahra , Hadipour Fatemeh , Revel-Vilk Shoshana , Cozma Claudia , Hartkamp Jörg , Cheema Huma , Zimran Ari , Bauer Peter , Rolfs Arndt
Published: August 2023

Gaucher disease (GD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder arising from bi-allelic variants in the GBA1 gene, encoding glucocerebrosidase. Deficiency of this enzyme leads to progressive accumulation of the sphingolipid glucosylsphingosine (lyso-Gb1). The international, multicenter, observational “Lyso-Gb1 as a Long-term Prognostic Biomarker in Gaucher Disease”—LYSO-PROOF study succeeded in enrolling a cohort of 160 treatment-naïve GD patients from diverse geographic regions and evaluated the potential of lyso-Gb1 as a specific biomarker for GD. Using genotypes based on established classifications for clinical presentation, patients were stratified into type 1 GD (n = 114) and further subdivided into mild (n = 66) and severe type 1 GD (n = 48). Due to having previously unreported genotypes, 46 patients could not be classified. Though lyso-Gb1 values at enrollment were widely distributed, they displayed a moderate and statistically highly significant correlation with disease severity measured by the GD-DS3 scoring system in all GD patients (r = 0.602, p < 0.0001). These findings support the utility of lyso-Gb1 as a sensitive biomarker for GD and indicate that it could help to predict the clinical course of patients with undescribed genotypes to improve personalized care in the future.
The Lower the Better? Discussion on Non-Alcoholic Wine and Its Marketing
Authors: Schulz Frederik Nikolai , Farid Hadi , Hanf Jon H.
Published: August 2023

In the German beverage market, a shift in consumption has become apparent in recent decades: away from alcoholic beverages and towards non-alcoholic alternatives. This indicates a tradeoff between two important and nutritionally relevant substances: alcohol and sugar. This review, therefore, addresses the question of the significance of these developments to the German wine industry, where non-alcoholic wines and sparkling wines are becoming increasingly important. The production of these products is accompanied by a reduction in alcohol content with a simultaneous increase in sugar. Furthermore, these products could also become the focus of health policy efforts when it comes to accusations of possible “alibi marketing”. Here, parallels with the handling of tobacco products become clear, while the tradeoff between alcohol and sugar recedes into the background.
The Impact of RSV Hospitalization on Children’s Quality of Life
Authors: Wrotek August , Wrotek Oliwia , Jackowska Teresa
Published: August 2023

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most frequent etiological factors of lower respiratory tract infections in children, potentially affecting patients’ quality of life (QoL). We aimed to asses QoL in children under 2 years of age hospitalized due to laboratory-confirmed RSV infection. Methods: A QoL was assessed by parents/tutors with the use of the 100-point visual analog scale and compared against a disease-free period. We evaluated the median utility, QoL loss (reported in days), and quality-adjusted life years (QALY) loss in relation to RSV hospitalization. Results: We included 132 patients aged from 17 days to 24 months (median 3.8 months). The mean utility during the hospitalization varied between 0.418 and 0.952, with a median of 0.679 (95%CI: 0.6–0.757) and median loss of 0.321 [0.243–0.4], which further translated into a loss of 2.2 days (95%CI: 1.6–3.1). The QALY loss varied between 0.526 × 10−3 and 24.658 × 10−3, with a median of 6.03 × 10−3 (95%CI: 4.38–8.48 × 10−3). Based upon the final diagnoses, the highest QALY loss was 6.99 × 10−3 (95%CI: 5.29–13.7 × 10−3) for pneumonia, followed by bronchiolitis—5.96 × 10−3 (4.25–8.41 × 10−3) and bronchitis—4.92 × 10−3 (2.93–6.03 × 10−3); significant differences were observed only between bronchitis and pneumonia (p = 0.0171); the QALY loss was not age-dependent. Although an increasing tendency in the utility score was observed, a strong cumulative effect related to the length of stay was noted until day 13. Conclusions: RSV contributes significantly to the utility deterioration and QALY loss in the case of RSV hospitalization, and the patient-reported data should be used in pharmacoeconomic assessments of the impact of RSV.
Advanced Air Mobility and Evolution of Mobile Networks
Authors: Tomaszewski Lechosław , Kołakowski Robert
Published: August 2023

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is a promising field of services based on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), which aims to provide people and cargo transportation services in underserved areas. The recent advancements in the fields of aviation and mobile telecommunication networks have opened up multiple opportunities for the development of disruptive AAM applications. This paper presents the overview and identifies the major requirements of emerging AAM use cases to confront them with the features provided by the 5G System (5GS), which is commonly considered the key enabler in providing commercial AAM services. The major benefits, gaps, and issues regarding using 5GS to serve AAM operations are identified and discussed. Finally, the future perspectives for AAM services are outlined with a focus on the potential benefit that can be provided as the mobile network evolves towards 6G.
Video-Based Feedback for Collaborative Reflection among Mentors, University Tutors and Students
Authors: Liesa Eva , Mayoral Paula , Giralt-Romeu Mireia , Angulo Salvador
Published: August 2023

Using video technology to support individual and collaborative reflection in pre-service teacher education is an increasingly common practice. This paper explores the type of teaching practice challenges identified by the pre-service teachers and the feedback provided during analysis by school mentors and university tutors through the use of the VEO app to supervise a teaching practicum. Student teachers selected and uploaded a short clip of their dissatisfied interventions during the practicum to the app. Each student analyzed their clip and received online feedback from their school mentor and university tutor. The objectives were to analyze the challenges in the chosen video clips, identify which mentoring feedback episodes occurred, characterize them according to their feedback strategies and analyze differences between school mentors’ and university tutors’ feedback. We conducted a descriptive and exploratory study with a sample of 12 pre-service teachers, their school mentors and their university tutors. Pre-service teachers identified communication and the learning climate as frequent challenges. University tutors used more emotional feedback strategies and a greater range of task assistance feedback than school mentors. Three types of feedback episodes were identified (complementary, collaboration and school mentor-centered episodes). Implications in teacher learning and mentoring programs were discussed.
Finnish Teachers’ Perspectives on Caring and Meaningful School Development Work
Authors: Hosio Maarit , Heikonen Lauri , Kallioniemi Arto , Ahtiainen Raisa
Published: August 2023

A variety of new policy requirements set for learning and teaching affect the work in schools. The local context in which a school is located forms the grounds for school-level policy adjustments and development work. Caring is a common pedagogical concept and depending on the context its interpretation and meaning varies. Teachers can express their caring attitude in their interactions with students and other teachers. We investigated teachers’ perceptions of school development and elements that encourage and motivate teachers to engage in school development work. We also studied caring as one feature in the descriptions related to the work cultures of the schools. The data were teacher group interviews (N = 10) in five different Finnish comprehensive schools located in five different municipalities. In total, 44 teachers participated in the study. We used conventional content analysis allowing a data-driven descriptive approach to the material. The data were thematized and classified into categories concerning the aspects of development work. The categories were further examined to analyze caring. The analysis resulted in finding categories concerning meaningful school development and prerequisites to development that reflected and were aimed at the caring elements in the work culture.
Distributed Subgraph Query Processing Using Filtering Scores on Spark
Authors: Bok Kyoungsoo , Kim Minyoung , Lee Hyeonbyeong , Choi Dojin , Lim Jongtae , Yoo Jaesoo
Published: August 2023

As various services have been generating large-scale graphs to represent multiple relationships between objects, studies have been conducted to obtain subgraphs with particular patterns. In this paper, we propose a distributed query processing method to efficiently search a subgraph for a large graph on Spark. To reduce unnecessary processing costs, the search order is determined by filtering scores using the probability distribution. The partitioned queries are searched in parallel in the distributed graph of each slave node according to the search order, and the local search results obtained from each slave node are combined and returned. The query is partitioned in triplets based on the determined search order. The performance of the proposed method is compared with the performance of existing methods to demonstrate its superiority.
RegFuzz: A Linear Regression-Based Approach for Seed Scheduling in Directed Fuzzing
Authors: Lin Mingmin , Zeng Yingpei , Li Yang
Published: August 2023

Directed fuzzing aims to focus on fuzzing specific locations within a target program to enhance the efficiency of vulnerability discovery. However, directed fuzzing may yield fewer vulnerabilities and obtain lower code coverage when the specified locations have little to no vulnerabilities. Additionally, the existing directed fuzzing approaches often overlook the differences in variable values when calculating distances between seeds and specific locations. In order to address these issues, this paper introduces RegFuzz, a method that improves seed scheduling in directed fuzzing. RegFuzz utilizes a linear regression model to predict the effectiveness of a seed and allocates more fuzzing opportunities to efficient seeds. Specifically, first, RegFuzz defines several labels with the corresponding trainable weights for each seed. These labels encompass seed coverage, crash efficiency, seed distance, and more. In the calculation of seed distance, RegFuzz takes into account not only the basic block distance but also the variable distance contained within those basic blocks. Second, the linear regression model continually optimizes the label weights during fuzzing, and these optimized weights are employed to predict the effectiveness of seeds. In comparison with AFLGo, AFL, and AFL++, RegFuzz demonstrates higher code coverage and a more efficient bug-finding capability across seven real-world open-source programs.
Overview of the Integration of Communications, Sensing, Computing, and Storage as Enabling Technologies for the Metaverse over 6G Networks
Authors: Zhang Likang , Du Qinghe , Lu Lei , Zhang Shijiao
Published: August 2023

The metaverse, as an envisioned paradigm of the future internet, aims to establish an immersive and multidimensional virtual space in which global users can interact with one another, as in the real world. With the rapid development of emerging technologies—such as digital twins (DT), blockchain, and artificial intelligence (AI)—the diverse potential application scenarios of the metaverse have attracted a great deal of research attention and have created a prosperous market. The demand for ubiquitous communications, pervasive sensing, ultra-low latency computing, and distributed storage has consequently surged, due to the massive heterogeneous devices and data in the metaverse. In order to achieve the metaverse, it is essential to establish an infrastructure system that integrates communications, sensing, computing, and storage technologies. Information about the physical world can be obtained by pervasive sensing, computing resources can be scheduled in a reasonable manner, quick data access can be achieved through the coordination of centralized and distributed storage, and, as the bridge, mobile communications systems connect communications, sensing, computing, and storage in a new system, which is the integration of communications, sensing, computing, and storage (I-CSCS). Following this trend, this paper discusses the requirements of the metaverse for spectrum resources, ultra-reliable transmission, seamless coverage, and security protection in wireless mobile communications systems, and analyzes the fundamental supporting role of the sixth-generation mobile communications system (6G) in the metaverse. Then, we explore the functions and roles of the integrated sensing and communications technologies (ISAC), as well as the integration of communications, computing, and storage technologies for the metaverse. Finally, we summarize the research directions and challenges of I-CSCS in the metaverse.
Correction: Mei et al. The Class D Audio Power Amplifier: A Review. Electronics 2022, 11, 3244
Authors: Mei Shangming , Hu Yihua , Xu Hui , Wen Huiqing
Published: August 2023

There was an error in the original publication [...]
Enhanced Wearable Force-Feedback Mechanism for Free-Range Haptic Experience Extended by Pass-Through Mixed Reality
Authors: Kudry Peter , Cohen Michael
Published: August 2023

We present an extended prototype of a wearable force-feedback mechanism coupled with a Meta Quest 2 head-mounted display to enhance immersion in virtual environments. Our study focuses on the development of devices and virtual experiences that place significant emphasis on personal sensing capabilities, such as precise inside-out optical hand, head, and controller tracking, as well as lifelike haptic feedback utilizing servos and vibration rumble motors, among others. The new prototype addresses various limitations and deficiencies identified in previous stages of development, resulting in significant user performance improvements. Key enhancements include weight reduction, wireless connectivity, optimized power delivery, refined haptic feedback intensity, improved stylus alignment, and smooth transitions between stylus use and hand-tracking. Furthermore, the integration of a mixed reality pass-through feature enables users to experience a comprehensive and immersive environment that blends physical and virtual worlds. These advancements pave the way for future exploration of mixed reality applications, opening up new possibilities for immersive and interactive experiences that combine useful aspects of real and virtual environments.