bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Randomized Clinical Trial of Antioxidant Therapy Patients with Septic Shock and Organ Dysfunction in the ICU: SOFA Score Reduction by Improvement of the Enzymatic and Non-Enzymatic Antioxidant System
Authors: Aisa-Álvarez Alfredo , Pérez-Torres Israel , Guarner-Lans Verónica , Manzano-Pech Linaloe , Cruz-Soto Randall , Márquez-Velasco Ricardo , Casarez-Alvarado Sergio , Franco-Granillo Juvenal , Núñez-Martínez Marcela Elizabeth , Soto María Elena
Published: May 2023

Background and aim: Here, we assess the effect of adjuvant antioxidant therapies in septic shock patients with organ dysfunction and their effect on the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems. Methods: Randomized clinical trial run between 2018 and 2022. One hundred and thirty-one patients with septic shock were included in five groups with 25, 27, 24, 26 and 29 patients each. Group 1 received vitamin C (Vit C), Group 2 vitamin E (Vit E), Group 3 n-acetylcysteine (NAC), Group 4 melatonin (MT) and group 5 no treatment. All antioxidants were administered orally or through a nasogastric tube for 5 days as an adjuvant to standard therapy. Results: All patients had multiple organ failure (MOF) and low Vit C levels. Vit C therapy decreased CRP, PCT and NO3−/NO2– but increased Vit C levels. The SOFA score decreased with MT in 75%, Vit C 63% and NAC 50% vs. controls 33% (p = 0.0001, p = 0.03 and p = 0.001 respectively). MT diminished lipid peroxidation (LPO) (p = 0.01) and improved total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (p = 0.04). Vit E increased thiol levels (p = 0.02) and tended to decrease LPO (p = 0.06). Selenium levels were decreased in the control group (p = 0.04). Conclusions: Antioxidants used as an adjuvant therapy in the standard treatment of septic shock decrease MOF and oxidative stress markers. They increase the TAC and thiols, and maintain selenium levels.
Centrosome Formation in the Bovine Early Embryo
Authors: Uzbekov Rustem , Singina Galina N. , Shedova Ekaterina N. , Banliat Charles , Avidor-Reiss Tomer , Uzbekova Svetlana
Published: May 2023

Centrosome formation during early development in mice and rats occurs due to the appearance of centrioles de novo. In contrast, in humans and other non-rodent mammals, centrioles are thought to be derived from spermatozoa. Ultrastructural study of zygotes and early embryos of cattle at full series of ultrathin sections show that the proximal centriole of the spermatozoon disappears by the end of the first cleavage division. Centrioles appear in two to four cell embryos in fertilized oocytes and in parthenogenetic embryos. Centriole formation includes the appearance of atypical centrioles with randomly arranged triplets and centrioles with microtubule triplets of various lengths. After the third cleavage, four centriolar cylinders appear for the first time in the blastomeres while each embryo still has two atypical centrioles. Our results showed that the mechanisms of centriole formation in different groups of mammals are universal, differing only in the stage of development in which they occur.
Multiple and Consecutive Genome Editing Using i-GONAD and Breeding Enrichment Facilitates the Production of Genetically Modified Mice
Authors: Melo-Silva Carolina R. , Knudson Cory J. , Tang Lingjuan , Kafle Samita , Springer Lauren E. , Choi Jihae , Snyder Christopher M. , Wang Yajing , Kim Sangwon V. , Sigal Luis J.
Published: May 2023

Genetically modified (GM) mice are essential tools in biomedical research. Traditional methods for generating GM mice are expensive and require specialized personnel and equipment. The use of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) coupled with improved-Genome editing via Oviductal Nucleic Acids Delivery (i-GONAD) has highly increased the feasibility of producing GM mice in research laboratories. However, genetic modification in inbred mouse strains of interest such as C57BL/6 (B6) is still challenging because of their low fertility and embryo fragility. We have successfully generated multiple novel GM mouse strains in the B6 background while attempting to optimize i-GONAD. We found that i-GONAD reduced the litter size in superovulated pregnant females but did not impact pregnancy rates. Natural mating or low-hormone dose did not increase the low fertility rate observed in superovulated B6 females. However, diet enrichment had a positive effect on pregnancy success. We also optimized breeding conditions to increase the survival of small litters by co-housing i-GONAD-treated pregnant B6 females with synchronized pregnant FVB/NJ companion mothers. Thus, GM mice generation was increased by an enriched diet and shared pup rearing with highly fertile females such as FVB/NJ. In the present study, we generated 16 GM mice using a CRISPR/Cas system to target individual and multiple loci simultaneously or consecutively. We also compared homology-directed repair efficiency using different methods for LoxP insertion for conditional knockout mouse production. We found that a two-step serial LoxP insertion, in which each LoxP sequence was inserted individually in different i-GONAD procedures, was a low-risk high-efficiency method for generating floxed mice.
Cardiac Arrhythmias Requiring Electric Countershock during the Neonatal Period—A Systematic Review
Authors: Oeffl Nathalie , Krainer Marlies , Kurath-Koller Stefan , Koestenberger Martin , Schwaberger Bernhard , Urlesberger Berndt , Mileder Lukas
Published: May 2023

Background: In neonates, cardiac arrhythmias are rare. Electric countershock therapy is an effective alternative to drug therapy for neonatal arrhythmias. There are no randomized controlled studies investigating electric countershock therapy in neonates. Objective: To identify all studies and publications describing electric countershock therapy (including defibrillation, cardioversion, and pacing) in newborn infants within 28 days after birth, and to provide a comprehensive review of this treatment modality and associated outcomes. Methods: For this systematic review we searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). All articles reporting electric countershock therapy in newborn infants within 28 days after birth were included. Results: In terms of figures, 113 neonates who received electric countershock due to arrhythmias were reported. Atrial flutter (76.1%) was the most common arrhythmia, followed by supraventricular tachycardia (13.3%). Others were ventricular tachycardia (9.7%) and torsade de pointes (0.9%). The main type of electric countershock therapy was synchronized cardioversion (79.6%). Transesophageal pacing was used in twenty neonates (17.7%), and defibrillation was used in five neonates (4.4%). Conclusion: Electric countershock therapy is an effective treatment option in the neonatal period. In atrial flutter especially, excellent outcomes are reported with direct synchronized electric cardioversion.
The Diagnosis of “Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified”: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Carbone Agostino , Dell’Aquila Asia
Published: May 2023

(1) Background: The study deepens the diagnosis of “pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified” (PDD-NOS), a subthreshold diagnosis introduced in DSM-IV and then absorbed into the broader spectrum disorder of autism in DSM 5. The presence of people still attributed with a diagnosis of PDD-NOS can cause confusion in the understanding of this disorder, which is no longer present in the current diagnostic system. This review aims to gain a deeper understanding of the characteristics and boundaries of diagnosis, its use within the scientific community, and the long-term stability of that diagnosis. (2) Methods: The Prisma method was used to carry out the literature review; the scientific papers were selected using scientific search engines, including SCOPUS, PUBMED, and PsychINFO. Twenty-three articles were finally selected, and a meticulous reading was carried out in relation to the research questions. (3) Results: Four cross-cutting categories were identified: (1) diagnosis; (2) differential diagnosis; (3) prognosis; and (4) comorbidity. (4) Conclusions: Limits have emerged regarding the consistency, sensitivity, and the stability of PDD-NOS. The inclusion of this diagnosis within the broader autism spectrum disorder category coined in DSM-5 appears applicable.
Assessment of Balance Parameters in Children with Weakened Axial Muscle Tone Undergoing Sensory Integration Therapy
Authors: Jacewicz Jadwiga , Dziuba-Słonina Alicja , Chwałczyńska Agnieszka
Published: May 2023

Children with weakened axial muscle tone face various problems every day. One is maintaining a stable body posture, which limits their participation in activities and games with peers. The study aimed to assess balance parameters in children with weakened axial muscle tone who underwent sensory integration therapy (SI). The study group consisted of 21 children (divided into three age groups) referred by a doctor for therapy. Methods: The ZEBRIS platform was used to measure the balance parameters (MCoCx, MCoCy, SPL, WoE, HoE, and AoE). The study was conducted twice: before and after two months of sensory integration therapy. The results were compiled using the TIBICO® Statistica software version 13.3.0. Results: After the SI program, statistically significant changes were observed in the values of MCoCy_oe, WoE_oe, AoE_oe in the group of four-year-olds, MCoCX_ce in the group of five-year-olds, and in SPL_ce and AoE_ce in six-year-olds. A statistically significant, highly positive correlation was observed between body height and changes in SPL_oe, HoE_oe, and AoE_oe in the group of six-year-olds, as well as in the case of changes in SPL_oe in the group of five-year-olds. In the group of four-year-olds, a statistically significant correlation occurred only between body height and the change in the MCoCx_oe value. Conclusions: the sensory integration therapy used in the study group of 4–6-year-old children with reduced muscle tone gave positive results in the form of improved static balance and balance.
Correlation of Tensile Properties of Arc-Sprayed Coatings and Easy Testing Methods
Authors: Idir Abdelhek , Younes Rassim , Bradai Mohand A. , Sadeddine Abdelhamid , Baiamonte Lidia , Pintaude Giuseppe
Published: May 2023

Different techniques are usually employed to evaluate the mechanical properties of arc-sprayed coatings. In many situations, comparing properties is complex, and values extracted from tensile tests are required for structural projects. X6CrNi18-8 stainless steel and molybdenum were sprayed onto a mild steel substrate using the electric arc thermal spray technique to discuss this issue. After a detailed microstructure characterization, tensile tests were performed on both coatings to determine the yield strength and total elongation. Easy techniques were also applied: Vickers hardness and Charpy impact test. Tensile tests have shown that applying coatings increased the steel substrate’s total elongation. Molybdenum coating presented a higher impact resistance than the X6CrNi18-8 one, resulting in no correlation between elongation and Charpy values. On the other hand, correlations between hardness and yield strength were identified, opening a discussion on the effects of the microstructure and type of test used.
Thermo-Mechanical Coupling Numerical Simulation for Extreme High-Speed Laser Cladding of Chrome-Iron Alloy
Authors: Nian Liangxiao , Wang Miaohui , Ge Xueyuan , Wang Xin , Xu Yifei
Published: May 2023

With the aim to improve cladding coating quality and prevent cracking, this paper established an extreme high-speed laser cladding thermo-mechanical coupling simulation model to study the evolution of the temperature field and the residual stress distribution. Process parameters that impacted the macroscopic morphology of single-pass coatings were investigated. Numerical calculations and temperature field simulations were performed based on the process parameter data to validate the effects of the temperature gradient and cooling rate on the coating structure and the residual stress distribution. The results showed that a good coating quality could be achieved using a laser power of 2400 W, a cladding speed of 20 m/min, and a powder feeding rate of 20.32 g/min. The coatings’ cross-sectional morphology corresponded well with the temperature distribution predicted by the numerical modeling of the melt pool. The microstructure of the molten coatings was affected by the temperature gradient and the cooling rate, which varied greatly from the bottom to the middle to the top. Maximum residual stress appeared between the bonding region of the coatings and the substrate, and the coatings themselves had significant residual stress in the form of tensile strains, that were mostly distributed in the direction of the laser cladding.
Research on Insulator Defect Detection Based on Improved YOLOv7 and Multi-UAV Cooperative System
Authors: Chang Rong , Zhou Shuai , Zhang Yi , Zhang Nanchuan , Zhou Chengjiang , Li Mengzhen
Published: May 2023

Insulator self-blasts, cracked insulators, and bird nests often lead to large-scale power outages and safety accidents, while the detection system based on a single UAV and YOLOv7 is difficult to meet the speed and accuracy requirements in actual detection. Therefore, a novel insulator defect detection method based on improved YOLOv7 and a multi-UAV collaborative system is proposed innovatively. Firstly, a complete insulator defects dataset is constructed, and the introduction of insulator self-blasts, cracked insulators, and bird nest images avoids the problem of low reliability for single defect detection. Secondly, a multi-UAV collaborative platform is proposed, which improves the search scope and efficiency. Most critically, an improved YOLOv7-C3C2-GAM is proposed. The introduction of the C3C2 module and the CNeB2 structure improves the efficiency and accuracy of feature extraction, and the introduction of a global attention mechanism (GAM) improved the feature extraction ability to extract key information about small targets or occluded targets and feature in the region of interest. Compared with YOLOv7, the accuracies of YOLOv7-C3C2 and YOLOv7-C3C2-GAM are improved by 1.3% and 0.5%, respectively, the speed of YOLOv7-C3C2 is improved by 0.1 ms, and the lightweight sizes are reduced by 8.2 Mb and 8.1 Mb, respectively. Therefore, the proposed method provides theoretical and technical support for power equipment defect detection.
Correlation between Lubricating Oil Characteristic Parameters and Friction Characteristics
Authors: Wang Yanshuang , Qiu Qingguo , Zhang Pu , Gao Xudong , Zhang Zhen , Huang Pengcheng
Published: May 2023

In order to help one to judge the friction properties of lubricating oils without tests, this paper intends to establish the correlation between the characteristic parameters of lubricating oils and the friction properties. The elastohydrodynamic and boundary friction properties of poly alpha olefin (PAO) synthetic oil, polyol ester oil and paraffin-based mineral oil were tested using a Mini-Traction Machine. Fourier transform infrared microscopy is used to identify material changes before and after friction tests. The kinematic and dynamic viscosities of the three lubricating oils were measured using a petroleum product viscosity tester and a rotating rheometer. The results show that the kinematic viscosity does not directly determine the COF (coefficient of friction) of the lubricating oil, but the higher the dynamic viscosity, the higher the COF of the lubricating oil. The higher the viscosity-pressure coefficient, the lower the viscosity index (the worse the viscosity-temperature performance), and the higher the COF of the lubricating oil, which is related to the adaptability of the molecular structure of lubricating oils to pressure and temperature. PAO synthetic oils and polyol ester oils have excellent friction properties resulting from their strong adaptability to temperature and pressure variations due to the presence of linear chains and flexible groups.
Characteristics and Cutting Performance of CVD Al2O3 Multilayer Coatings Deposited on Tungsten Carbide Cutting Inserts in Turning of 24CrMoV5-1 Steel
Authors: Zhu Maoxiang , Achache Soufyane , Motta Mariane Prado , Delblouwe Alexandre , Pelaingre Cyril , García-Wong Alexis Carlos , Pierson Jean-François , Sanchette Frédéric
Published: May 2023

In this work, TiN/Ti(C,N)/Al2O3 multilayer coatings were deposited using an industrial-scale thermal CVD system. Two polymorphs of Al2O3, the stable α- and the metastable κ-Al2O3, were obtained by the deposition of specific bonding layers at the Al2O3/Ti(C,N) interface. The comparable hardness and elastic moduli of α- and κ-Al2O3 multilayer coatings were measured. The tribological behavior of Al2O3 multilayer coatings was studied at room temperature using 24CrMoV5-1 balls; friction coefficients were comparable for both α- and κ-Al2O3 multilayer coatings. As a result of the relatively high hardness of coatings and the generation of abrasive wear particles, larger wear tracks were observed on balls. In Rockwell C tests, good adhesion at Al2O3/Ti(C,N)-based layer’s interface was reported in κ-Al2O3 multilayer coatings, which could be attributed to the deposition of κ-bonding layers consisting of needle-shaped grains. The cutting performances in the turning-roughing of 24CrMoV5-1 steel under different parameters—cutting speed, feed, and depth of cut—were investigated. Herein, κ-Al2O3 multilayer coatings showed the longest tool life, double of that of a commercial CVD Al2O3 multilayer coating. The results obtained could enrich the existing database for the development of prediction models of tool wear and machined surface quality and help improve tool performance for the machining of 24CrMoV5-1 steel.
Population-Based Model of the Fraction of Incidental COVID-19 Hospitalizations during the Omicron BA.1 Wave in the United States
Authors: Harris Jeffrey E.
Published: May 2023

1. Background: Some reports have suggested that as many as one-half of all hospital inpatients identified as COVID-19-positive during the Omicron BA.1 variant-driven wave were incidental cases admitted primarily for reasons other than their viral infections. To date, however, there are no prospective longitudinal studies of a representative panel of hospitals based on pre-established criteria for determining whether a patient was, in fact, admitted as a result of the disease. 2. Materials and Methods: To fill this gap, we developed a formula to estimate the fraction of incidental COVID-19 hospitalizations that relies on measurable, population-based parameters. We applied our approach to a longitudinal panel of 164 counties throughout the United States, covering a 4-week interval ending in the first week of January 2022. 3. Results: Within this panel, we estimated that COVID-19 incidence was rising exponentially at a rate of 9.34% per day (95% CI, 8.93–9.87). Assuming that only one-quarter of all Omicron BA.1 infections had been reported by public authorities, we further estimated the aggregate prevalence of active SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first week of January to be 3.45%. During the same week, among 250 high-COVID-volume hospitals within our 164-county panel, an estimated one in four inpatients was COVID-positive. Based upon these estimates, we computed that 10.6% of such COVID-19-positive hospitalized patients were incidental infections. Across individual counties, the median fraction of incidental COVID-19 hospitalizations was 9.5%, with an interquartile range of 6.7 to 12.7%. 4. Conclusion: Incidental COVID-19 infections appear to have been a nontrivial fraction of all COVID-19-positive hospitalized patients during the Omicron BA.1 wave. In the aggregate, however, the burden of patients admitted for complications of their viral infections was far greater.
Enhancing the Water Solubility of 9-Fluorenone Using Cyclodextrin Inclusions: A Green Approach for the Environmental Remediation of OPAHs
Authors: Niu Yue , Zhou Ling , Wang Huiqi , Dai Jiayu , Bao Ying , Hou Baohong , Yin Qiuxiang
Published: May 2023

Oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OPAHs) are toxic and carcinogenic compounds widely present in the natural environment, posing a serious threat to the environment and human health. However, the removal of OPAHs is mainly hindered by their low water solubility. Cyclodextrins (CDs) are frequently used to form inclusion complexes (ICs) with hydrophobic molecules to improve their solubility. In this study, we investigated the solubility enhancement ability of different CDs on 9-fluorenone, a common OPAH, through phase solubility experiments. We successfully prepared three solid ICs of 9-fluorenone with β-, hydroxypropyl-β-(HP-β-) and sulfobutylether-β-CD (SBE-β-CD) using the cooling crystallization method for the first time and characterized them via powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, etc. Molecular dynamics simulations were employed to investigate the binding modes and stable configurations of the ICs in the liquid phase and to explore the factors affecting their solubility enhancement ability. The results showed that all the CDs had a solubility enhancement effect on 9-fluorenone, with SBE-β-CD displaying the strongest effect, increasing the solubility of 9-fluorenone by 146 times. HP-β-CD, β-CD, α-CD, and γ-CD followed in decreasing order. Moreover, 9-fluorenone formed a ratio of 1:1 ICs to CDs. In addition, the interaction energy between SBE-β-CD and 9-fluorenone was the lowest among the CDs, which further validated the results of the phase solubility experiments from a theoretical perspective. Overall, this study provides a green method for the removal of 9-fluorenone pollutants in the environment and is expected to be applied to the removal and environmental remediation of other OPAHs.
A Novel Low On−State Resistance Si/4H−SiC Heterojunction VDMOS with Electron Tunneling Layer Based on a Discussion of the Hetero−Transfer Mechanism
Authors: Chen Hang , Zhang Yourun , Zhou Rong , Wang Zhi , Lu Chao , Li Zehong , Zhang Bo
Published: May 2023

In this study, we propose a novel silicon (Si)/silicon carbide (4H−SiC) heterojunction vertical double−diffused MOSFET with an electron tunneling layer (ETL) (HT−VDMOS), which improves the specific on−state resistance (RON), and examine the hetero−transfer mechanism by simulation. In this structure, the high channel mobility and high breakdown voltage (BV) are obtained simultaneously with the Si channel and the SiC drift region. The heavy doping ETL on the 4H−SiC side of the heterointerface leads to a low heterointerface resistance (RH), while the RH in H−VDMOS is extremely high due to the high heterointerface barrier. The higher carrier concentration of the 4H−SiC surface can significantly reduce the width of the heterointerface barrier, which is demonstrated by the comparison of the conductor energy bands of the proposed HT−VDMOS and the general Si/SiC heterojunction VDMOS (H−VDMOS), and the electron tunneling effect is significantly enhanced, leading to a higher tunneling current. As a result, a significantly improved trade−off between RON and BV is achieved. With similar BV values (approximately 1525V), the RON of the HT−VDMOS is 88% and 65.75% lower than that of H−VDMOS and the conventional SiC VDMOS, respectively.
Band Broadening of Terahertz Photonic Crystals Circulator Using Two Symmetrical Hexagonal Aluminum Sheets
Authors: Wang Yong , Xu Biaogang , Chang Kaiming , Huang Hongwei , Xu Zhuozi , He Wenlong , Wang Wenli
Published: May 2023

Future 6G communication systems will require wideband nonreciprocal devices in the terahertz frequency domain. A novel ultra-wideband terahertz circulator is implemented by inserting a NixZn1−xFe2O4 ferrite sphere into the Al2O3 dielectric rod-array. The operating bandwidth of the circulator is broadened to 40 GHz via the external matching method through two hexagonal aluminum sheets. The three-dimensional numerical simulation suggests that the designed circulator also has an excellent insertion loss and isolation of 49.37 dB and 0.56 dB, respectively, via the finite element method. The low loss, high isolation and ultra-wideband show that the proposed scheme provides an effective path for realizing high-performance THz devices.
Thermal-Mechanical Fatigue Behavior and Life Assessment of Single Crystal Nickel-Based Superalloy
Authors: Cao Juan , Jing Fulei , Yang Junjie
Published: May 2023

Thermal-mechanical fatigue (TMF) tests and isothermal fatigue (IF) tests were conducted using thin-walled tubular specimens under strain-controlled conditions. The results of TMF tests showed a strong correlation between mechanical behavior and temperature cycling. Under different phases of temperature and mechanical loading, the hysteresis loop and mean stress of the single crystal superalloy showed noticeable variations between the stress-controlled and strain-controlled conditions. In the strain-controlled TMF test, temperature cycling led to stress asymmetry and additional damage, resulting in a significantly lower TMF life compared to IF life at the maximum temperature. Moreover, the OP TMF life is generally lower than that of the IP TMF at the same strain amplitude. The Walker viscoplastic constitutive model based on slip systems was used to analyze the TMF mechanical behavior of the single crystal superalloy, and the change trends of the maximum Schmid stress, the maximum slip shear strain rate, and the slip shear strain range were analyzed, and their relationship with the TMF life was investigated. Finally, a TMF life prediction model independent of the loading mode and phase was constructed based on meso-mechanical damage parameters. The predicted TMF lives for different load control modes and phases fell within the twofold dispersion band.
Variation in the Jaw Musculature of Ratsnakes and Their Allies (Serpentes: Colubridae)
Authors: Borczyk Bartosz , Skawiński Tomasz
Published: May 2023

Snakes have a highly modified feeding apparatus. However, its associated musculature is often poorly known. In order to study variation in the cephalic musculature, we dissected specimens representing 28 snake species belonging to the New World clade Lampropeltini and their Old World relatives. The observed variation was analysed using a phylogenetic framework. We found that the pattern of their musculature is conservative. We observed no interspecific variation in the intermandibular muscles or in the posterior jaw adductors. Variation within the dorsal constrictors and lateral jaw adductors is relatively low. This could be explained by morphological (space) limitations and functional constraints.
Fern Cave: A Hotspot of Subterranean Biodiversity in the Interior Low Plateau Karst Region of Alabama in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Niemiller Matthew L. , Slay Michael E. , Inebnit Thomas , Miller Benjamin , Tobin Benjamin , Cramphorn Brendan , Hinkle Amata , Jones Bradley D. , Mann Nathaniel , Niemiller K. Denise Kendall , Pitts Steve
Published: May 2023

The Fern Cave System, developed in the western escarpment of the Southern Cumberland Plateau of the Interior Low Plateau karst region in Northeastern Alabama, USA, is a global hotspot of cave-limited biodiversity as well as home to the largest winter hibernaculum for the federally endangered Gray Bat (Myotis grisescens). We combined the existing literature, museum accessions, and database occurrences with new observations from bioinventory efforts conducted in 2018–2022 to generate an updated list of troglobiotic and stygobiotic species for the Fern Cave System. Our list of cave-limited fauna totals twenty-seven species, including nineteen troglobionts and eight stygobionts. Two pseudoscorpions are endemic to the Fern Cave System: Tyrannochthonius torodei and Alabamocreagris mortis. The exceptional diversity at Fern Cave is likely associated with several factors, such as the high dispersal potential of cave fauna associated with expansive karst exposures along the Southern Cumberland Plateau, high surface productivity, organic input from a large bat colony, favorable climate throughout the Pleistocene, and location within a larger regional hotspot of subterranean biodiversity. Nine species are of conservation concern, including the recently discovered Alabama cave shrimp Palaemonias alabamae, because of their small range sizes, few occurrences, and several potential threats.
A Critical Issue in Lung Cancer Cytology and Small Biopsies: DNA and RNA Extraction from Archival Stained Slides for Biomarker Detection through Real Time PCR and NGS—The Experience in Pathological Anatomy Unit
Authors: Zannini Giuseppa , Tedesco Ilaria , Cozzolino Immacolata , Montella Marco , Clery Eduardo , Della Corte Carminia Maria , Morgillo Floriana , Accardo Marina , Franco Renato , Zito Marino Federica
Published: May 2023

The handling of biomaterials is crucial for precision medicine in advanced-stage lung patients with only cytology or small biopsies available. The main purpose of the study was to evaluate the quantity and quality of nucleic acids extracted from mixed stained slides (MSSs), including H&E, IHC and FISH, compared to the extraction from unstained slides (USs). A series of 35 lung adenocarcinoma surgical samples was selected to set up the method and the technical approach was validated in a series of 15 small biopsies and 38 cytological samples. DNA extracted from MSSs was adequate in all samples and the Real Time PCR was successful in 30/35 surgical samples (86%), 14/15 small biopsies (93%), and 33/38 cytological samples (87%). NGS using DNA extracted from MSSs was successful in 18/35 surgical samples (51%), 11/15 small biopsies (73%), and 26/38 cytological samples (68%). RNA extracted from MSSs was unsatisfactory in all cases showing an inadequate degree of fragmentation. Our technical approach based on the recovery of stained slides could represent a strategic way forward for DNA-based biomarker testing in lung cancer cases without biomaterials. The RNA extracted from MSSs did not represent a successful approach.
Evaluation of Dental Root Development Regarding Maxillary Canine Eruption Status after Secondary Alveolar Bone Grafting in Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Ferguson Melissa A. , Akyalcin Sercan , Campos Hugo , Gliksten Abigail , Hargett Kadriye , Yang Stephanie , MacLaine James
Published: May 2023

In children born with cleft lip and palate, the timing of the secondary alveolar bone graft (SABG) is crucial to its success; this involves estimating the eruption of the permanent maxillary canine. Altered dental eruption in this patient group gives impetus to the identification of dental developmental factors concerning maxillary canine eruption, which may steer the clinical decision of SABG timing. Records of over nine hundred patients who received SABG with pre- and post-operative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were analyzed for inclusion and divided into two groups (erupting or non-erupting canine after SABG). Roots of the maxillary canines and premolars were segmented from the cementoenamel junction then linear and volumetric measurements were performed. The pre- and post-operative root length and volume differences were calculated and compared statistically using independent sample tests and paired t-tests. No statistically significant differences were found in the volume change (%), or reciprocal of mean root length in the erupted and unerupted groups in the canine, first premolar, or second premolar roots except for an association between the post-operative dental root length of the canine and the maxillary canine eruption status. Therefore, assessment of root development from pre-treatment CBCT scans was not deemed worthy from a diagnostic perspective.
Pitfalls of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging: Clinical Utility of T2 Shine-through and T2 Black-out for Musculoskeletal Diseases
Authors: Kim Yuri , Lee Seul Ki , Kim Jee-Young , Kim Jun-Ho
Published: May 2023

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with an apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value is a relatively new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequence that provides functional information on the lesion by measuring the microscopic movement of water molecules. While numerous studies have evaluated the promising role of DWI in musculoskeletal radiology, most have focused on tumorous diseases related to cellularity. This review article aims to summarize DWI-acquisition techniques, considering pitfalls such as T2 shine-through and T2 black-out, and their usefulness in interpreting musculoskeletal diseases with imaging. DWI is based on the Brownian motion of water molecules within the tissue, achieved by applying diffusion-sensitizing gradients. Regardless of the cellularity of the lesion, several pitfalls must be considered when interpreting DWI with ADC values in musculoskeletal radiology. This review discusses the application of DWI in musculoskeletal diseases, including tumor and tumor mimickers, as well as non-tumorous diseases, with a focus on lesions demonstrating T2 shine-through and T2 black-out effects. Understanding these pitfalls of DWI can provide clinically useful information, increase diagnostic accuracy, and improve patient management when added to conventional MRI in musculoskeletal diseases.
Evaluation of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT-3) Protein Expression in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Cases in Hospital USM
Authors: Muhamad Izyan Rifhana , Che Ibrahim Noorul Balqis , Hussain Faezahtul Arbaeyah
Published: May 2023

Background: Evolving targeted therapy on Janus Associated Kinase-Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling pathway, especially pertaining to STAT-3 protein in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), provides new treatment strategies. STAT-3 protein also relates to the prognostication of NHL. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the expression of STAT-3 protein in NHL cases diagnosed in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Methods: A retrospective cross sectional study using formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks of 95 NHL cases were obtained. STAT-3 immunostaining was performed and evaluated. The proportion and association between the expression of STAT-3 protein with subtypes of NHL were statistically analyzed. Results: The majority of the cases (78.9%) had positive STAT-3 protein expression. 64.2% were among aggressive B cell NHL, whilst 20.0% of them were diffuse large B cell lymphoma, a non-germinal center B subtype (DLBCL-NGCB). There is also an association between STAT-3 protein expression with DLBCL subtypes (p = 0.046). Conclusion: Our study demonstrated a remarkable expression of STAT-3 protein in NHL, in which DLBCL subtypes had significant association. A larger scale study with a combination of JAK protein evaluation should be undertaken in the future.
A Convolutional Neural Network Architecture for Segmentation of Lung Diseases Using Chest X-ray Images
Authors: Sulaiman Adel , Anand Vatsala , Gupta Sheifali , Asiri Yousef , Elmagzoub M. A. , Reshan Mana Saleh Al , Shaikh Asadullah
Published: May 2023

The segmentation of lungs from medical images is a critical step in the diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases. Deep learning techniques have shown great promise in automating this task, eliminating the need for manual annotation by radiologists. In this research, a convolution neural network architecture is proposed for lung segmentation using chest X-ray images. In the proposed model, concatenate block is embedded to learn a series of filters or features used to extract meaningful information from the image. Moreover, a transpose layer is employed in the concatenate block to improve the spatial resolution of feature maps generated by a prior convolutional layer. The proposed model is trained using k-fold validation as it is a powerful and flexible tool for evaluating the performance of deep learning models. The proposed model is evaluated on five different subsets of the data by taking the value of k as 5 to obtain the optimized model to obtain more accurate results. The performance of the proposed model is analyzed for different hyper-parameters such as the batch size as 32, optimizer as Adam and 40 epochs. The dataset used for the segmentation of disease is taken from the Kaggle repository. The various performance parameters such as accuracy, IoU, and dice coefficient are calculated, and the values obtained are 0.97, 0.93, and 0.96, respectively.
Tunable Non-Markovianity for Bosonic Quantum Memristors
Authors: Tang Jia-Liang , Alvarado Barrios Gabriel , Solano Enrique , Albarrán-Arriagada Francisco
Published: May 2023

We studied the tunable control of the non-Markovianity of a bosonic mode due to its coupling to a set of auxiliary qubits, both embedded in a thermal reservoir. Specifically, we considered a single cavity mode coupled to auxiliary qubits described by the Tavis–Cummings model. As a figure of merit, we define the dynamical non-Markovianity as the tendency of a system to return to its initial state, instead of evolving monotonically to its steady state. We studied how this dynamical non-Markovianity can be manipulated in terms of the qubit frequency. We found that the control of the auxiliary systems affects the cavity dynamics as an effective time-dependent decay rate. Finally, we show how this tunable time-dependent decay rate can be tuned to engineer bosonic quantum memristors, involving memory effects that are fundamental for developing neuromorphic quantum technologies.
Visualizing Quantum Circuit Probability: Estimating Quantum State Complexity for Quantum Program Synthesis
Authors: Bach Bao Gia , Kundu Akash , Acharya Tamal , Sarkar Aritra
Published: May 2023

This work applies concepts from algorithmic probability to Boolean and quantum combinatorial logic circuits. The relations among the statistical, algorithmic, computational, and circuit complexities of states are reviewed. Thereafter, the probability of states in the circuit model of computation is defined. Classical and quantum gate sets are compared to select some characteristic sets. The reachability and expressibility in a space-time-bounded setting for these gate sets are enumerated and visualized. These results are studied in terms of computational resources, universality, and quantum behavior. The article suggests how applications like geometric quantum machine learning, novel quantum algorithm synthesis, and quantum artificial general intelligence can benefit by studying circuit probabilities.
Dimension-Free Bounds for the Union-Closed Sets Conjecture
Authors: Yu Lei
Published: May 2023

The union-closed sets conjecture states that, in any nonempty union-closed family F of subsets of a finite set, there exists an element contained in at least a proportion 1/2 of the sets of F. Using an information-theoretic method, Gilmer recently showed that there exists an element contained in at least a proportion 0.01 of the sets of such F. He conjectured that their technique can be pushed to the constant 3−52 which was subsequently confirmed by several researchers including Sawin. Furthermore, Sawin also showed that Gilmer’s technique can be improved to obtain a bound better than 3−52 but this new bound was not explicitly given by Sawin. This paper further improves Gilmer’s technique to derive new bounds in the optimization form for the union-closed sets conjecture. These bounds include Sawin’s improvement as a special case. By providing cardinality bounds on auxiliary random variables, we make Sawin’s improvement computable and then evaluate it numerically, which yields a bound approximately 0.38234, slightly better than 3−52≈0.38197.
An Enhanced Detection Method of PCB Defect Based on Improved YOLOv7
Authors: Yang Yujie , Kang Haiyan
Published: May 2023

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are a critical component of modern electronic equipment, performing a crucial role in the electronic information industry chain. However, accurate detection of PCB defects can be challenging. To address this problem, this paper proposes an enhanced detection method based on an improved YOLOv7 network. First, the SwinV2_TDD module is proposed, which adds a convolutional layer to extract the local features of the PCB. Then, the Magnification Factor Shuffle Attention (MFSA) mechanism is introduced, which adds a convolutional layer to each branch of the Shuffle Attention (SA) to expand its depth and enhance the adaptability of the attention mechanism. The SwinV2_TDD module and MFSA mechanism are integrated into the YOLOv7 network, replacing some ELAN modules and changing the activation function to Mish. The evaluation indexes used are Precision (P), Recall (R), and mean Average Precision (mAP). Experimental results show that the enhanced method achieves an AP of 98.74%, indicating a significant improvement in PCB defect detection performance.
Admittance Remodeling Strategy of Grid-Connected Inverter Based on Improving GVF
Authors: Li Shengqing , Huang Simin , He Weihua , Zhang Dong
Published: May 2023

With the continuous enhancement of weak grid characteristics, the negative effects of grid voltage feedforward (GVF) and PLL on grid-connected inverters become more and more serious and are coupled. Therefore, it is difficult to effectively solve the system stability problem by only improving the PLL structure. Firstly, based on an improved phase-locked loop structure (CCF-PLL) with complex coefficient filter and considering the influence of GVF, the output admittance model of a grid-connected inverter is established. Through stability analysis, it is found that conventional GVF leads the total output admittance phase of the inverter, thus reducing the system stability margin under the weak grid. Then, an improved admittance remodeling strategy of the grid-connected inverter is proposed. An all-pass filter is introduced into the GVF loop to correct the phase of the total output admittance of the inverter, and the phase margin is used as the constraint to design the control parameters, which effectively improves the stability of the system under the weak grid. Finally, the simulation results show that, compared with traditional GVF, the proposed strategy can obviously improve the distortion of grid-connected current waveforms and improve system stability.
Blockchain-Enabled IoT for Rural Healthcare: Hybrid-Channel Communication with Digital Twinning
Authors: Kerrison Steve , Jusak Jusak , Huang Tao
Published: May 2023

Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchains are enabling technologies for modern healthcare applications, offering the improved monitoring of patient health and higher data integrity guarantees. However, in rural settings, communication reliability can pose a challenge that constrains real-time data usage. Additionally, the limited computation and communication resources of IoT sensors also means that they may not participate directly in blockchain transactions, reducing trust. This paper proposes a solution to these challenges, enabling the use of blockchain-based IoT healthcare devices in low-bandwidth rural areas. This integrated system, named hybrid channel healthcare chain (HC2), uses two communication channels: short-range communication for device authorisation and bulk data transfer, and long-range the radio for light-weight monitoring and event notifications. Both channels leverage the same cryptographic identity information, and through the use of a cloud-based digital twin, the IoT device is able to sign its own transactions, without disclosing the key to said twin. Patient data are encrypted end to end between the IoT device and data store, with the blockchain providing a reliable record of the data lifecycle. We contribute a model, analytic evaluation and proof of concept for the HC2 system that demonstrates its suitability for the stated scenarios by reducing the number of long-range radio packets needed by 87× compared to a conventional approach.
Using CNN with Multi-Level Information Fusion for Image Denoising
Authors: Xie Shaodong , Song Jiagang , Hu Yuxuan , Zhang Chengyuan , Zhang Shichao
Published: May 2023

Deep convolutional neural networks (CNN) with hierarchical architectures have obtained good results for image denoising. However, in some cases where the noise level is unknown and the image background is complex, it is challenging to obtain robust information through CNN. In this paper, we present a multi-level information fusion CNN (MLIFCNN) in image denoising containing a fine information extraction block (FIEB), a multi-level information interaction block (MIIB), a coarse information refinement block (CIRB), and a reconstruction block (RB). In order to adapt to more complex image backgrounds, FIEB uses parallel group convolution to extract wide-channel information. To enhance the robustness of the obtained information, a MIIB uses residual operations to act in two sub-networks for implementing the interaction of wide and deep information to adapt to the distribution of different noise levels. To enhance the stability of the training denoiser, CIRB stacks common and group convolutions to refine the obtained information. Finally, RB uses a residual operation to act in a single convolution in order to obtain the resultant clean image. Experimental results show that our method is better than many other excellent methods, both in terms of quantitative and qualitative aspects.
Near-Term Effects of Perennial Grasses on Soil Carbon and Nitrogen in Eastern Nebraska
Authors: Ramirez Salvador , Schmer Marty R. , Jin Virginia L. , Mitchell Robert B. , Eskridge Kent M.
Published: May 2023

Incorporating native perennial grasses adjacent to annual row crop systems managed on marginal lands can increase system resiliency by diversifying food and energy production. This study evaluated (1) soil organic C (SOC) and total N stocks (TN) under warm-season grass (WSG) monocultures and a low diversity mixture compared to an adjacent no-till continuous-corn system, and (2) WSG total above-ground biomass (AGB) in response to two levels of N fertilization from 2012 to 2017 in eastern Nebraska, USA. The WSG treatments consisted of (1) switchgrass (SWG), (2) big bluestem (BGB), and (3) low-diversity grass mixture (LDM; big bluestem, Indiangrass, and sideoat grama). Soils were sampled at fixed depth increments (0–120 cm) in the WSG plots and in the adjacent corn experiment in 2012 and 2017. Soil stocks (Mg ha−1) of SOC and TN were calculated on an equivalent soil mass (ESM) basis and compared within the three WSG treatments as well as between experiments (corn compared to the mean of all WSGs). Soil organic C and TN stocks within soil layers and cumulative stocks responded to the main effect of WSG (PWSG < 0.05) but were no different when comparing the WSGs to corn (Pexpt = NS). Both SOC/TN stocks and cumulative stocks were generally greater in the LDM compared to the BGB. Neither SOC nor TN changed over time under either the WSGs or corn. Warm-season grass AGB responded to a three-way interaction of year, N rate, and WSG (p = 0.0007). Decreases in AGB over time were significant across WSGs and N levels except for SWG at 56 kg N ha−1 and LDM at 112 kg N ha−1. Above-ground biomass was generally greater in the LDM after the first harvest year (2013). Results suggest that incorporating WSGs into marginal cropland can maintain SOC and TN stocks while providing a significant source of biomass to be used in energy production or in integrated livestock systems.