bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antenna-Biased Odorant Receptor PstrOR17 Mediates Attraction of Phyllotreta striolata to (S)-Cis-Verbenol and (−)-Verbenone
Authors: Xu Zhanyi , Chen Peitong , Yan Ru , Chen Guoxing , Qian Jiali , Zhu Guonian , Chen Mengli , Guo Yirong
Published: April 2024

Phyllotreta striolata, the striped flea beetle, is one of the most destructive pests in Brassicaceae plants worldwide. Given the drawbacks associated with long-term use of chemical insecticides, green strategies based on chemical ecology are an effective alternative for beetle control. However, the lack of information on beetle ecology has hindered the development of effective biocontrol strategies. In this report, we identified two odorants, (S)-cis-verbenol and (−)-verbenone, which displayed significant attraction for P. striolata (p < 0.05), indicating their great potential for P. striolata management. Using the Drosophila “empty neuron” system, an antenna-biased odorant receptor, PstrOR17, was identified as responsible for the detection of (−)-verbenone and (S)-cis-verbenol. Furthermore, the interactions between PstrOR17 and (−)-verbenone or (S)-cis-verbenol were predicted via modeling and molecular docking. Finally, we used RNAi to confirm that PstrOR17 is essential for the detection of (−)-verbenone and (S)-cis-verbenol to elicit an attraction effect. Our results not only lay a foundation for the development of new and effective nonchemical insecticide strategies based on (S)-cis-verbenol and (−)-verbenone, but also provide new insight into the molecular basis of odorant recognition in P. striolata.
The Hexokinase 1 5′-UTR Mutation in Charcot–Marie–Tooth 4G Disease Alters Hexokinase 1 Binding to Voltage-Dependent Anion Channel-1 and Leads to Dysfunctional Mitochondrial Calcium Buffering
Authors: Ceprian Maria , Juntas-Morales Raul , Campbell Graham , Walther-Louvier Ulrike , Rivier François , Camu William , Esselin Florence , Echaniz-Laguna Andoni , Stojkovic Tanya , Bouhour Françoise , Latour Philippe , Tricaud Nicolas
Published: April 2024

Demyelinating Charcot–Marie–Tooth 4G (CMT4G) results from a recessive mutation in the 5′UTR region of the Hexokinase 1 (HK1) gene. HK participates in mitochondrial calcium homeostasis by binding to the Voltage-Dependent Anion Channel (VDAC), through its N-terminal porin-binding domain. Our hypothesis is that CMT4G mutation results in a broken interaction between mutant HK1 and VDAC, disturbing mitochondrial calcium homeostasis. We studied a cohort of 25 CMT4G patients recruited in the French gypsy population. The disease was characterized by a childhood onset, an intermediate demyelinating pattern, and a significant phenotype leading to becoming wheelchair-bound by the fifth decade of life. Co-IP and PLA studies indicated a strong decreased interaction between VDAC and HK1 in the patients' PBMCs and sural nerve. We observed that either wild-type HK1 expression or a peptide comprising the 15 aa of the N-terminal wild-type HK1 administration decreased mitochondrial calcium release in HEK293 cells. However, mutated CMT4G HK1 or the 15 aa of the mutated HK1 was unable to block mitochondrial calcium release. Taken together, these data show that the CMT4G-induced modification of the HK1 N-terminus disrupts HK1-VDAC interaction. This alters mitochondrial calcium buffering that has been shown to be critical for myelin sheath maintenance.
The Clinical Significance and Involvement in Molecular Cancer Processes of Chemokine CXCL1 in Selected Tumors
Authors: Korbecki Jan , Bosiacki Mateusz , Szatkowska Iwona , Kupnicka Patrycja , Chlubek Dariusz , Baranowska-Bosiacka Irena
Published: April 2024

Chemokines play a key role in cancer processes, with CXCL1 being a well-studied example. Due to the lack of a complete summary of CXCL1’s role in cancer in the literature, in this study, we examine the significance of CXCL1 in various cancers such as bladder, glioblastoma, hemangioendothelioma, leukemias, Kaposi’s sarcoma, lung, osteosarcoma, renal, and skin cancers (malignant melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma), along with thyroid cancer. We focus on understanding how CXCL1 is involved in the cancer processes of these specific types of tumors. We look at how CXCL1 affects cancer cells, including their proliferation, migration, EMT, and metastasis. We also explore how CXCL1 influences other cells connected to tumors, like promoting angiogenesis, recruiting neutrophils, and affecting immune cell functions. Additionally, we discuss the clinical aspects by exploring how CXCL1 levels relate to cancer staging, lymph node metastasis, patient outcomes, chemoresistance, and radioresistance.
Early Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosis through Hand-Drawn Spiral and Wave Analysis Using Deep Learning Techniques
Authors: Huang Yingcong , Chaturvedi Kunal , Nayan Al-Akhir , Hesamian Mohammad Hesam , Braytee Ali , Prasad Mukesh
Published: April 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic brain disorder affecting millions worldwide. It occurs when brain cells that produce dopamine, a chemical controlling movement, die or become damaged. This leads to PD, which causes problems with movement, balance, and posture. Early detection is crucial to slow its progression and improve the quality of life for PD patients. This paper proposes a handwriting-based prediction approach combining a cosine annealing scheduler with deep transfer learning. It utilizes the NIATS dataset, which contains handwriting samples from individuals with and without PD, to evaluate six different models: VGG16, VGG19, ResNet18, ResNet50, ResNet101, and Vit. This paper compares the performance of these models based on three metrics: accuracy, precision, and F1 score. The results showed that the VGG19 model, combined with the proposed method, achieved the highest average accuracy of 96.67%.
Expanding the Mesozoic Record of Early Brachyceran Fly Larvae, including New Larval Forms with Chimera-Type Morphologies
Authors: Amaral André P. , Haug Joachim T. , Haug Carolin , Linhart Simon , Müller Patrick , Hammel Jörg U. , Baranov Viktor
Published: April 2024

Diptera are one of the four megadiverse groups of holometabolan insects. Flies perform numerous ecological functions, especially in their larval stages. We can assume that this was already the case in the past; however, fly larvae remain rare in most deposits. Here we report new dipteran larvae preserved in Cretaceous (about 99 Ma) Kachin amber from Myanmar and, even older, Jurassic (about 165 Ma) compression fossils from China. Through light microscopy and micro-CT scanning we explore their peculiar morphology and discuss their possible phylogenetic affinities. Several larvae seem to represent the lineage of Stratiomyomorpha. A few others present characters unique to Xylophagidae (awl-flies), as well as to Athericidae (water sniper-flies), resulting in a chimeric morphology. Understanding the exact relationships of most of these specimens with a particular lineage remains challenging, since they differ considerably from any other known dipteran larvae and present some unique traits. Additionally, we report new specimens of Qiyia jurassica Chen et al., 2014, supposedly parasitic larvae, most likely representatives of Athericidae. These new findings offer valuable insights into the evolution of the early diversification of the brachyceran flies and underscore the importance of immature stages in understanding the evolutionary history and ecology of flies.
Prevalence in Potato of ‘Candidatus Arsenophonus Phytopathogenicus’ and ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma Solani’ and Their Transmission via Adult Pentastiridius leporinus
Authors: Rinklef André , Behrmann Sarah Christin , Löffler David , Erner Jan , Meyer Martin Vincent , Lang Christian , Vilcinskas Andreas , Lee Kwang-Zin
Published: April 2024

The planthopper Pentastiridius leporinus (Hempiptera: Cixiidae) is the main vector of two bacterial pathogens: the γ-proteobacterium ‘Candidatus Arsenophonus phytopathogenicus’ and the stolbur phytoplasma ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’. These pathogens cause the disease syndrome basses richesses (SBR) in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris), which reduces the yields and sugar content. In 2022, potato (Solanum tuberosum) fields were found to be colonized by P. leporinus, and the transmission of Arsenophonus was confirmed, resulting in symptoms like wilting, yellow leaves, and rubbery tubers. We monitored both pathogens in Southwest Germany in 2022 and 2023. This revealed their widespread presence in potato tubers, although there were differences in regional prevalence. The broad prevalence of Arsenophonus was maintained in 2023, whereas the prevalence of stolbur increased in most locations. We confirmed that P. leporinus adults can transmit both pathogens to potatoes, but neither pathogen reduced the germination rate of tubers, and no plants showed abnormal growth after germination. Arsenophonus was not detected in germinated shoots, but 5.4% contained stolbur, emphasizing the need for plant material testing to maintain phytosanitary conditions.
Enhanced Heat Transfer in Thermoelectric Generator Heat Exchanger for Sustainable Cold Chain Logistics: Entropy and Exergy Analysis
Authors: Fu Yunchi , Li Yanzhe
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the application of thermoelectric power generation devices in conjunction with cold chain logistics transport vehicles, focusing on their efficiency and performance. Our experimental results highlight the impact of thermoelectric module characteristics, such as thermal conductivity and the filling thickness of copper foam, on the energy utilization efficiency of the system. The specific experimental setup involved a simulated logistics cold chain transport vehicle exhaust waste heat recovery thermoelectric power generation system, consisting of a high-temperature exhaust heat exchanger channel and two side cooling water tanks. Thermoelectric modules (TEMs) were installed between the heat exchanger and the water tanks to use the temperature difference and convert heat energy into electrical energy. The analysis demonstrates that using high-performance thermoelectric modules with a lower thermal conductivity results in better utilization of the temperature difference for power generation. Additionally, the insertion of porous metal copper foam within the heat exchanger channel enhances convective heat transfer, leading to an improved performance. Furthermore, the study examines the concepts of exergy and entropy generation, providing insights into the system energy conversion processes and efficiency. Overall, this research offers valuable insights for optimizing the design and operation of thermoelectric generators in cold chain logistics transport vehicles to enhance energy utilization and sustainability.
Risk Factors and Modifiers for Cardiovascular Disease Assessment of Patients with Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolaemia
Authors: Malone Richard , Savage Sarah , Crowley Vivion , Hennessy Martina , O’Connor Patricia , Kennedy Cormac
Published: April 2024

Background: The assessment of the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) is determined by conventional risk factors. However, factors modifying CVD, or risk modifiers, beyond conventional risk factors may inform their CVD risk assessment and the subsequent use of new therapies. This work identifies and characterises patients within a lipid clinic cohort with regards to conventional CVD risk factors and risk modifiers with a focus on those with HeFH. Methods: A study of consecutive adult patients attending our specialist lipid clinic was performed over a six-month period. The patient data recorded included demographics, clinical characteristics, risk factors and risk modifiers, biochemical profiles and genetic testing results. Risk modifiers were identified based on ESC/EAS guidance, and those with HeFH were compared to those without. Results: A total of 370 patients were included. Of these, 98 HeFH patients were identified (26%). Then, 52% of HeFH patients were stratified into the very-high risk category due to the presence of CVD risk factors. Risk modifiers were present in 73%. These included a family history of premature CVD (56%), obesity (28%), a sedentary lifestyle (13%) and a major psychiatric disorder (12%). Compared to the rest of the cohort, those with HeFH were less likely to have hypertension and more likely to have a family history of premature CVD. Conclusions: Half of patients with HeFH are categorised as having very high CV risk. Consideration of risk modifiers, particularly a family history of premature CV disease, increases this very-high-risk category further. This may have implications for the clinical application and access to novel treatments.
The Relationship between Urinary Incontinence, Osteoarthritis, and Musculoskeletal System Disorders
Authors: Celik Nursanem , Celik Suleyman , Seyhan Zuleyha , Dasdelen Muhammed Furkan , Almas Furkan , Albayrak Selami , Horuz Rahim , Laguna Pilar , de la Rosette Jean , Kocak Mehmet
Published: April 2024

Background/Objectives: Urinary incontinence diminishes quality of life, and its severity can be worsened by mobility impairments. This study explored the link between urinary incontinence, osteoarthritis, and back musculoskeletal system disorders, considering pain, mobility issues, and daily activity difficulties. Methods: This cross-sectional study included respondents aged ≥ 15 years from the 2008 Turkish Health Studies Survey (n = 13,976). We assessed self-reported urinary incontinence, daily activity, mobility impairment, pain, osteoarthritis, and musculoskeletal disorders to explore their association with urinary incontinence. Gender-specific logistic regression models included chronic conditions related to urinary incontinence. Results: The prevalence of urinary incontinence was higher in the participants with osteoarthritis and back musculoskeletal system problems. Among the patients with osteoarthritis, the prevalence was 25.84% in the mobility-impaired group and 10.03% in the non-impaired group. Similarly, 33.02% of those with activities of daily living (ADL) difficulties and 12.93% of those without difficulties had incontinence. The frequency of urinary incontinence increased with pain severity. According to the multivariable logistic regression analyses, the adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of urinary incontinence for osteoarthritis was 1.58 (95% CI 1.23–2.02, p < 0.01) for females and 2.38 (95% CI 1.62–3.49, p < 0.01) for males. Conclusions: Urinary incontinence was more common in females, increased with age, and was found to be associated with osteoarthritis and back musculoskeletal system disorders. Among the patients with osteoarthritis and back musculoskeletal system disorders, those with mobility impairment and daily activity difficulties had a higher prevalence of urinary incontinence. The patients with more severe pain had a higher frequency of urinary incontinence.
Vaginal Microbiota and Proinflammatory Status in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Espinosa María Elena , Melo Angélica , Leon Marion , Bautista-Valarezo Estefanía , Zambrano Fabiola , Uribe Pamela , Bravo Anita , Taubert Anja , Hermosilla Carlos , Iturrieta Virginia , Sánchez Raul
Published: April 2024

Background/Purpose: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine-metabolic disease most common in patients of childbearing age. This pathology is associated with clinical, metabolic, and reproductive complications. We evaluated the diversity of the vaginal microbiota (VM), the vaginal inflammatory reaction (VIR), the proinflammatory state, and the activation of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) with the production of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Methods: Thirty-three patients who attended a consultation at the Hospital UTPL-Santa Inés, Loja, Ecuador, from May to August 2023 who were diagnosed with PCOS participated in this study. Blood samples, vaginal discharge, and a survey were obtained. Results: A high number of patients, 23/33 (69.7%), presented altered microbiota in clinical variables associated with PCOS phenotypes A and B, sexual partners (>2), and oligomenorrhoea. A significant statistical association was only observed for sexually transmitted infections at sampling (p = 0.023) and insulin (p = 0.002). All eight cases studied with VIR had PMN/NETotic activity. A high frequency of proinflammatory states was observed in all vaginal microbiota states. Conclusions: These results suggest that the PCOS could trigger a proinflammatory state in the vaginal epithelium independently of the state of the vaginal microbiota. Furthermore, the presence of NETs observed in the cases studied could decrease fertility in these PCOS patients.
Analyzing Monthly Blood Test Data to Forecast 30-Day Hospital Readmissions among Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Tsai Cheng-Han , Shih Dong-Her , Tu Jue-Hong , Wu Ting-Wei , Tsai Ming-Guei , Shih Ming-Hung
Published: April 2024

Background: The increase in the global population of hemodialysis patients is linked to aging demographics and the prevalence of conditions such as arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus. While previous research in hemodialysis has mainly focused on mortality predictions, there is a gap in studies targeting short-term hospitalization predictions using detailed, monthly blood test data. Methods: This study employs advanced data preprocessing and machine learning techniques to predict hospitalizations within a 30-day period among hemodialysis patients. Initial steps include employing K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) imputation to address missing data and using the Synthesized Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) to ensure data balance. The study then applies a Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm for the predictive analysis, with an additional enhancement through ensemble learning techniques, in order to improve prediction accuracy. Results: The application of SVM in predicting hospitalizations within a 30-day period among hemodialysis patients resulted in an impressive accuracy rate of 93%. This accuracy rate further improved to 96% upon incorporating ensemble learning methods, demonstrating the efficacy of the chosen machine learning approach in this context. Conclusions: This study highlights the potential of utilizing machine learning to predict hospital readmissions within a 30-day period among hemodialysis patients based on monthly blood test data. It represents a significant leap towards precision medicine and personalized healthcare for this patient group, suggesting a paradigm shift in patient care through the proactive identification of hospitalization risks.
Incidence of Ventricular Fibrillation and Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia Complicating Non-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Schnur Asher , Rav Acha Moshe , Loutati Ranel , Perel Nimrod , Taha Louay , Zacks Netanel , Maller Tomer , Karmi Mohammad , Bayya Feras , Levi Nir , Sabouret Pierre , Fink Noam , Marmor David , Shuvy Mony , Glikson Michael , Asher Elad
Published: April 2024

Background: Primary ventricular fibrillation (VF) and sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) are potentially lethal complications in patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction (MI). In contrast with the profound data regarding the incidence and prognostic value of ventricular arrhythmias in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients, data regarding contemporary non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients with ventricular arrhythmias is scarce. The aim of the current study was to investigate the incidence of VF/VT complicating NSTEMI among patients admitted to an intensive coronary care unit (ICCU). Methods: Prospective, single-center study of patients diagnosed with NSTEMI admitted to ICCU between June 2019 and December 2022. Data including demographics, presenting symptoms, comorbid conditions, and physical examination, as well as laboratory and imaging data, were analyzed. Patients were continuously monitored for arrhythmias during their admission. The study endpoint was the development of VF/sustained VT during admission. Results: A total of 732 patients were admitted to ICCU with a diagnosis of NSTEMI. Of them, six (0.8%) patients developed VF/VT during their admission. Nevertheless, three were excluded after they were misdiagnosed with NSTEMI instead of posterior ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Hence, only three (0.4%) NSTEMI patients had VF/VT during admission. None of the patients died during 1-year follow-up. Conclusions: VF/VT in NSTEMI patients treated according to contemporary guidelines including early invasive strategy is rare, suggesting these patients may not need routine monitoring and ICCU setup.
Vehicle Detection in Adverse Weather: A Multi-Head Attention Approach with Multimodal Fusion
Authors: Tabassum Nujhat , El-Sharkawy Mohamed
Published: April 2024

In the realm of autonomous vehicle technology, the multimodal vehicle detection network (MVDNet) represents a significant leap forward, particularly in the challenging context of weather conditions. This paper focuses on the enhancement of MVDNet through the integration of a multi-head attention layer, aimed at refining its performance. The integrated multi-head attention layer in the MVDNet model is a pivotal modification, advancing the network’s ability to process and fuse multimodal sensor information more efficiently. The paper validates the improved performance of MVDNet with multi-head attention through comprehensive testing, which includes a training dataset derived from the Oxford Radar RobotCar. The results clearly demonstrate that the multi-head MVDNet outperforms the other related conventional models, particularly in the average precision (AP) of estimation, under challenging environmental conditions. The proposed multi-head MVDNet not only contributes significantly to the field of autonomous vehicle detection but also underscores the potential of sophisticated sensor fusion techniques in overcoming environmental limitations.
Efficient Addition Circuits Using Three-Gate Reconfigurable Field Effect Transistors
Authors: Spagnolo Fanny , Corsonello Pasquale , Frustaci Fabio , Perri Stefania
Published: April 2024

Reconfigurable FETs (RFETs) are widely recognized as a promising way to overcome conventional CMOS architectures. This paper presents novel addition circuit intentionally designed to exploit the ability of RFETs to operate efficiently on demand as n- or p-type FETs. First, a novel Full Adder (FA) is proposed and characterized. A comparison with other designs shows that the proposed FA achieves a worst-case delay and a dynamic power consumption of up to 43.5% and 79% lower. As a drawback, in terms of the estimated area, it is up to 32% larger than the competitors. Then, the new FA is used to implement Ripple-Carry Adders (RCAs). A 32-bit adder designed as proposed herein reaches an energy–delay product (EDP) ~25.7× and ~141× lower than its CMOS and the RFET-based counterparts.
Experimental Study on Low-Cycle Fatigue Characteristics of Marine Structural Steel
Authors: Qin Dong , Xiayang Lu , Geng Xu
Published: April 2024

This research focuses on the experimental investigation of the low-cycle fatigue characteristics of marine structural steel. The study aimed to explore the behavior of marine-grade steel under low-cycle fatigue conditions. The experimental parameters include the fatigue life of the material, crack propagation behavior, and a comprehensive analysis of mechanical properties associated with various loading conditions. Based on the experimental results, a low-cycle fatigue crack propagation rate model for marine structural steel plates was established using CTOD as a characterization parameter. The primary objective of this research is likely to enhance the durability and safety of maritime structures, providing valuable technical insights for the field of naval engineering.
Study on the Deformation Mode and Energy Absorption Characteristics of Protective Honeycomb Sandwich Structures Based on the Combined Design of Lotus Root Nodes and Leaf Stem Veins
Authors: Chen Wei , Chen Chunyang , Zhang Yiheng , Li Pu , Li Mengzhen , Li Xiaobin
Published: April 2024

Sandwich structures are often used as protective structures on ships. To further improve the energy-absorbing characteristics of traditional honeycomb sandwich structures, an energy-absorbing mechanism is proposed based on the gradient folding deformation of lotus root nodes and a leafy stem vein homogenizing load mechanism. A honeycomb sandwich structure is then designed that combines lotus root nodes and leafy stem veins. Four types of peak-nest structures, traditional cellular structure (TCS), lotus root honeycomb structure (LRHS), leaf vein honeycomb structure (LVHS), and lotus root vein combined honeycomb structure (LRVHS), were prepared using 3D printing technology. The deformation modes and energy absorption characteristics of the four honeycomb structures under quasistatic action were investigated using a combination of experimental and simulation methods. It was found that the coupling design improved the energy absorption in the structural platform region of the LRHS by 51.4% compared to that of the TCS due to its mechanical mechanism of helical twisting and deformation. The leaf vein design was found to enhance the peak stress of the structure, resulting in a 4.84% increase in the peak stress of the LVHS compared to that of the TCS. The effects of the number, thickness, and position of the leaf vein plates on the honeycomb structure were further explored. The greatest structural SEA effect of 1.28 J/g was observed when the number of leaf vein plates was four. The highest SEA of 1.36 J/g was achieved with a leaf vein plate thickness of 0.6 mm, representing a 7.3% improvement compared to that of the 0.2 mm thickness. These findings may provide valuable insights into the design of lightweight honeycomb sandwich structures with high specific energy absorption.
A Multipath Process-Based Inherent Strain Method for Prediction of Deformation of Hull Plate for Integrated Heating and Mechanical Rolling Forming Process
Authors: Wei Zhenshuai , Zhao Yao , Yuan Hua , Chang Lichun
Published: April 2024

Integrated heating and mechanical rolling forming (IHMRF) has recently been introduced for manufacturing complex curvature hull plates. It fabricates the target curved plate by sequential loading along the multipath. Accurate and efficient prediction of the deformation of the plate is the basis for developing the process planning and ensuring the quality of the forming. The inherent-strain method is ideal for this purpose, but its prediction accuracy needs to be improved. This paper proposes a multipath process-based inherent-strain method (MPISM), which considers the effect of the sequential loading process of the multipath on plate deformation. First, the effect of loading paths near the plate edge was investigated, which in turn clarified the rationale for obtaining the inherent strain only in the plate center. Secondly, a strain correction strategy was established by analyzing the variation pattern of the inherent strain caused by the crossing or proximity of the previous path and the subsequent path. This allowed the effects of the loading process to be taken into account in the elastic analysis. Based on the plate-and-shell theory, the idea of an equivalent inherent strain distribution is also presented. This makes the loading of inherent strains more accurate in the elastic finite-element model. MPISM predictions and experimental results show good agreement. Compared with the thermo-elastic–plastic finite element method, the MPISM substantially improves efficiency while maintaining accuracy. Compared with the original inherent-strain method, the MPISM is more accurate in terms of deformation magnitude prediction.
Comparison of Nasal Dimensions According to the Facial and Nasal Indices Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Lee Jeong-Hyun , Kim Hey-Suk , Park Jong-Tae
Published: April 2024

The nasal cavity constitutes the foremost portion of the respiratory system, composed of the anterior nasal aperture, nostrils, and choanae. It has an intricate anatomical structure since it has various functions, such as heat exchange, humidification, and filtration. Accordingly, clinical symptoms related to the nose, such as nasal congestion, snoring, and nasal septal deviation, are closely linked to the complex anatomical structure of the nasal cavity. Thus, the nasal cavity stands as a paramount structure in both forensic and clinical contexts. The majority of relevant studies have performed comparisons between sexes, with studies making comparisons according to the FI and NI only and examining relative percentages. Furthermore, the nasal cavity was measured in 2D, and not 3D, in most cases. In this study, we conducted a 3D modeling and anthropometric assessment of the nasal cavity using a 3D analysis software. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate whether the size of the nasal cavity differs according to sex, facial index (FI), and nasal index (NI). We retrospectively reviewed the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) data of 100 participants (50 males, 50 females) aged 20–29 years who visited the dental hospital of Dankook University (IRB approval no. DKUDH IRB 2020-01-007). Our findings showed that nasal cavity sizes generally differed according to sex, FI, and NI. These findings provide implications for performing patient-tailored surgeries in clinical practice and conducting further research on the nasal cavity. Therefore, we believe that our study makes a significant contribution to the literature.
Improving Quality Assurance in a Radiation Oncology Using ARIA Visual Care Path
Authors: Bonaparte Ilaria , Fragnoli Federica , Gregucci Fabiana , Carbonara Roberta , Di Guglielmo Fiorella Cristina , Surgo Alessia , Davì Valerio , Caliandro Morena , Sanfrancesco Giuseppe , De Pascali Christian , Aga Alberto , Indellicati Chiara , Parabita Rosalinda , Cuscito Rosilda , Cardetta Pietro , Laricchia Maurizio , Antonicelli Michele , Ciocia Annarita , Curci Domenico , Guida Pietro , Ciliberti Maria Paola , Fiorentino Alba
Published: April 2024

Purpose: Errors and incidents may occur at any point within radiotherapy (RT). The aim of the present retrospective analysis is to evaluate the impact of a customized ARIA Visual Care Path (VCP) on quality assurance (QA) for the RT process. Materials and Methods: The ARIA VCP was implemented in June 2019. The following tasks were customized and independently verified (by independent checks from radiation oncologists, medical physics, and radiation therapists): simulation, treatment planning, treatment start verification, and treatment completion. A retrospective analysis of 105 random and unselected patients was performed, and 945 tasks were reviewed. Patients’ reports were categorized based on treatment years period: 2019–2020 (A); 2021 (B); and 2022–2023 (C). The QA metrics included data for timeliness of task completion and data for minor and major incidents. The major incidents were defined as incorrect prescriptions of RT dose, the use of different immobilization systems during RT compared to the simulation, the absence of surface-guided RT data for patients’ positioning, incorrect dosimetric QA for treatment plans, and failure to complete RT as originally planned. A sample size of approximately 100 was able to obtain an upper limit of 95% confidence interval below 5–10% in the case of zero or one major incident. Results: From June 2019 to December 2023, 5300 patients were treated in our RT department, an average of 1300 patients per year. For the purpose of this analysis, one hundred and five patients were chosen for the study and were subsequently evaluated. All RT staff achieved a 100% compliance rate in the ARIA VCP timely completion. A total of 36 patients were treated in Period A, 34 in Period B, and 35 in Period C. No major incidents were identified, demonstrating a major incident rate of 0.0% (95% CI 0.0–3.5%). A total of 26 out of 945 analyzed tasks (3.8%) were reported as minor incidents: absence of positioning photo in 32 cases, lack of patients’ photo, and absence of plan documents in 4 cases. When comparing periods, incidents were statistically less frequent in Period C. Conclusions: Although the present analysis has some limitations, its outcomes demonstrated that software for the RT workflow, which is fully integrated with both the record-and-verify and treatment planning systems, can effectively manage the patient’s care path. Implementing the ARIA VCP improved the efficiency of the RT care path workflow, reducing the risk of major and minor incidents.
Precision Medicine—Are We There Yet? A Narrative Review of Precision Medicine’s Applicability in Primary Care
Authors: Evans William , Meslin Eric M. , Kai Joe , Qureshi Nadeem
Published: April 2024

Precision medicine (PM), also termed stratified, individualised, targeted, or personalised medicine, embraces a rapidly expanding area of research, knowledge, and practice. It brings together two emerging health technologies to deliver better individualised care: the many “-omics” arising from increased capacity to understand the human genome and “big data” and data analytics, including artificial intelligence (AI). PM has the potential to transform an individual’s health, moving from population-based disease prevention to more personalised management. There is however a tension between the two, with a real risk that this will exacerbate health inequalities and divert funds and attention from basic healthcare requirements leading to worse health outcomes for many. All areas of medicine should consider how this will affect their practice, with PM now strongly encouraged and supported by government initiatives and research funding. In this review, we discuss examples of PM in current practice and its emerging applications in primary care, such as clinical prediction tools that incorporate genomic markers and pharmacogenomic testing. We look towards potential future applications and consider some key questions for PM, including evidence of its real-world impact, its affordability, the risk of exacerbating health inequalities, and the computational and storage challenges of applying PM technologies at scale.
The Effect of Probiotics on the Prognostication of the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Severe Multi-Trauma Patients
Authors: Menni Alexandra-Eleftheria , Tzikos Georgios , Fyntanidou Barbara , Ioannidis Aristeidis , Loukipoudi Lamprini , Grosomanidis Vasilis , Chorti Angeliki , Shrewsbury Anne , Stavrou George , Kotzampassi Katerina
Published: April 2024

Background: The ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes [NLR] is one of the most accepted prognostic indices and demonstrates a positive correlation with the severity of a disease. Given that probiotics exerted immunomodulatory properties and thus positively affected lymphocytopenia induction in severely ill patients, we performed a post hoc analysis in the ProVAP protocol to investigate whether probiotics affected the prognostication of NLR in respect to ventilator-associated pneumonia in multi-trauma patients. This cohort mandatorily involved severe traumatic brain injury patients. Methods: The white blood cell data of all patients, after being retrieved for the days 0 and 7, were statistically assessed in respect to neutrophils, lymphocytes and NLR among the 4 sub-groups of the study: placebo/no-VAP, placebo/VAP, probiotics/no-VAP, and probiotics/VAP. Results: Lymphopenia was dominant in placebo sub-groups, while an increased level of lymphocytes was prominent in probiotics sub-groups. This resulted in an increase [p = 0.018] in the NLR value in the probiotics/VAP group in relation to the probiotics/no-VAP cohort; this was an increase of half the value of the placebo/VAP [p < 0.001], while the NLR value in placebo/no-VAP group increased almost four-fold in relation to probiotics/no-VAP [p < 0.001]. Additionally, the ROC curve for probiotic-treated patients revealed a NLR7 cut-off value of 7.20 as a prognostic factor of VAP (AUC: 78.6%, p = 0.015, 95% CI: 62.6–94.5%), having a high specificity of 90.2% and a sensitivity of 42.9%. Conclusions: NLR may considered a credible prognostic biomarker in multi-trauma patients since it can evaluate the immunomodulatory benefits of probiotic treatment. However, the results of the present post hoc analysis should be interpreted meticulously until further evaluation, since they may be basically species- or strain-specific.
Closed-Loop Optical Tracking of a Micro-Conveyor over a Smart Surface
Authors: Malak Saly , Hajjar Hani Al , Dupont Erwan , Khan Muneeb-Ullah , Prelle Christine , Lamarque Frederic
Published: April 2024

In this work, a closed loop control system is developed to optically localize and track micro-robots with high precision. These micro-robots (i.e., micro-conveyors) are in motion simultaneously across a smart surface.The developed method’s primary objectives are to optimize their trajectories, avoid collisions between them, and control their position with micrometric resolution. This article presents and characterizes the tracking of a single micro-conveyor, and the method works similarly when multiple micro-robots move over the surface. Our tracking method starts with a scanning phase, where a 2D steering mirror, placed above the smart surface, reflects a laser beam toward the conveying surface seeking for the target. Localization occurs when this light beam reaches the micro-conveyor. By adding a retro-reflective element, that reflects the light in the same direction of the the incident light, onto the surface of the micro-conveyor, the light will be reflected towards a photodetector. Depending on the feedback from the photodetector, the steering mirror rotates to track the trajectory of the micro-conveyor. The tip-tilt angular values of the steering mirror allows the micro-conveyor position to be obtained via calibrated localization system. The aim of this work is to regulate the micro-conveyor, within a closed-loop control system, to reduce the positional error between the actual and desired position. The actual position value is measured in real-time application using our developed optical sensor. Results for tracking in the x-and y-axis have validated the proposed method, with an average tracking error less than 30 µm within a range 150 mm × 150 mm.
Integration of Acceptability Analyses into an Adaptive Landscape Co-Design and Management Approach—The Acceptability and Landscape Design Cycle (ALDC)
Authors: Busse Maria , Zscheischler Jana , Heitepriem Nico , Siebert Rosemarie
Published: April 2024

Acceptability analyses of place–based innovations provide crucial in-depth knowledge (e.g., perceptions and values on landscapes) for the social–ecological transformation of landscapes. However, previous acceptability analyses often neglected complex and ongoing processes. We argue that, for the design of a sustainability-oriented transformation and to address spatial and temporal dynamics in landscapes, an operational heuristic is needed; one that integrates acceptability analyses into an adaptive landscape co-design and management approach. Therefore, this conceptual–empirical paper introduces the concept of the ‘acceptability and landscape design cycle’ (ALDC), which is based on findings from various transdisciplinary innovation processes in the Spreewald region (Germany). It is composed of four iterative phases: (1) defining the preconditions for acceptability analysis, (2) conducting the acceptability analysis, (3) integrating the results into the landscape development strategy, and (4) re-designing and refining it. We illustrate the application of these phases using a case study of the cultural landscape in Spreewald. The paper provides practical implementation guidelines of the ALDC and contributes to a better understanding of the dynamics of acceptability decisions regarding the transformation processes of landscapes. Furthermore, it can advance the understanding of how co-evolution of socio-ecological systems occurs.
Comparison and Evaluation of Five Global Land Cover Products on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Pan Yongjie , Wang Danyun , Li Xia , Liu Yong , Huang He
Published: April 2024

The Tibetan Plateau (TP) region contains maximal alpine grassland ecology at the mid-latitudes. This region is also recognized as an ecologically fragile and sensitive area under the effects of global warming. Regional climate modeling and ecosystem research depend on accurate land cover (LC) information. In order to obtain accurate LC information over the TP, the reliability and precision of five moderate/high-resolution LC products (MCD12Q1, C3S-LC, GlobeLand30, GLC_FCS30, and ESA2020 in 2020) were analyzed and evaluated in this study. The different LC products were compared with each other in terms of areal/spatial consistency and assessed with four reference sample datasets (Geo-Wiki, GLCVSS, GOFC-GOLD, and USGS) using the confusion matrix method for accuracy evaluation over the TP. Based on the paired comparison of these five LC datasets, all five LC products show that grass is the major land cover type on the TP, but the range of grass coverage identified by the different products varies noticeably, from 43.35% to 65.49%. The fully consistent spatial regions account for 43.72% of the entire region of the TP, while, in the transition area between grass and bare soil, there is still a large area of medium-to-low consistency. In addition, a comparison of LC datasets using integrated reference datasets shows that the overall accuracies of MCD12Q1, C3S-LC, GlobeLand30, GLC_FCS30, and ESA2020 are 54.29%, 49.32%, 53.03%, 53.73%, and 60.11%, respectively. The producer accuracy of the five products is highest for grass, while glaciers have the most reliable and accurate characteristics among all LC products for users. These findings provide valuable insights for the selection of rational and appropriate LC datasets for studying land-atmosphere interactions and promoting ecological preservation in the TP.
How Do Population Changes and Land Use Policies Affect the Relationship between the Urban Economy and Public Services?
Authors: Shan Xinyu , Li Zihan , Shao Xinyi , Wang Xinyi , Feng Zhe , Wu Kening
Published: April 2024

In recent years, an increasing number of Chinese cities have experienced population decline, impacting the urban economy, public services, and paid use of state-owned land (PUL). This paper employs a coupled coordination degree model and the gray correlation coefficient method to examine the relationship between the rate of population change from 1990 to 2020, the rate of PUL change from 2000 to 2020, and the coupled coordination of economy and public services. The study arrives at several conclusions: (1) Cities with declining populations exhibit a lower PUL rate than those without population shrinkage, indicating reduced activity in the land market. (2) Population growth plays a significant role in the coordinated development of the urban economy and public services, fostering urbanization. (3) The economy and public services in shrinking cities rely heavily on revenue generated from the transfer of PUL rights to support their coordinated development. This research provides an insightful comparison between shrinking and non-shrinking cities by integrating the unique compensated land transfer system in China with the critical variable of population change.
The Induced Orientation of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Coating for Ultralow Wear
Authors: Pang Haosheng , Xu Jianxun , Liu Huan , Wang Wenjuan , Yin Xuan , Liu Dameng , Zhang Bing
Published: April 2024

This study investigated the frictional properties of HPMC under different load and concentration conditions through friction experiments and surface characterization. The study aimed to explore and reveal the influence of load and concentration on the frictional properties of HPMC, as well as its anti−wear mechanism. The results of the study indicated that under the same solution concentration, the effect of load on the friction coefficient of HPMC was not significant. Specifically, for samples with low concentration (C−0.2), the wear ratio of HPMC under a 4 N load (1.01 × 10−11 mm3·N−1·m−1) was significantly lower than the wear ratio under a 2 N load (1.71 × 10−10 mm3·N−1·m−1). The orientation−driven formation of graphite−like carbon nanosheets, initiated by the decomposition of HPMC short chains, created a tribofilm−containing organic−chain mixed nanosheet on the sliding contact surface, which prevented direct contact between the upper and lower friction pairs. This achieved the anti−wear mechanism of two−body wear (tribo−film of an mDLC−coated ball and tribo−film of a GLC−coated Si wafer), ultimately leading to a state of ultra−low wear at the interface. The excellent anti−wear performance of HPMC suggests its potential as a candidate for the next generation of environmentally friendly bio−based solid lubricants.
The Development of a Continuous Constitutive Model for Thin-Shell Components with A Sharp Change in the Property at Welded Joints
Authors: He Zhubin , Ruan Xianggang , Liang Jiangkai , Ning Jian , Lin Yanli , Chen Kelin
Published: April 2024

Large-dimension complex integral thin-shell components are widely used in advanced transportation equipment. However, with the dimensional limitations of raw blanks and the manufacturing process, there are inhomogeneous geometric and mechanical properties at welded joints after welding, which have a significant effect on the subsequent forming process. Therefore, in this paper, the microstructure of welded joints with a sharp property change was accurately characterized by the proposed isothermal treatment method using the BR1500HS welded tube as an example. In addition, an accurate constitutive model of welded tubes was established to predict the deformation behavior. Firstly, the heat-treated specimens were subjected to uniaxial tensile tests and the stress–strain curves under different heat treatment conditions were obtained. Then, the continuous change in flow stress in the direction of the base metal zone, the heat-affected zone and the weld zone was described by the relationship between the microhardness, flow stress and center angle of the welded tube. Using such a method, a continuous constitutive model of welded tubes has been established. Finally, the constitutive model was compiled into finite-element software as a user material subroutine (VUHARD). The reliability of the established constitutive model was verified by simulating the free hydro-bulging process of welded tubes. The results indicated that the continuous constitutive model can well describe the deformation response during the free hydro-bulging process, and accurately predicted the equivalent strain distribution and thickness thinning rate. This study provides guidance in accurately predicting the plastic deformation behavior of welded tubes and its application in practice in hydroforming industries.