bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance analysis of multilayered transversely isotropic saturated media under temperature and horizontally circular loads
Authors: Feng Wei Yong , Ai Zhi Yong
Published: April 2024

This study constructs a multilayered transversely isotropic saturated model under thermal and horizontally circular loads, and further investigates the model's thermo‐hydro‐mechanical coupling response. Firstly, the ordinary differential matrix equations of thermoelastic saturated media in the integral transformed domain are derived. Secondly, the solution for multilayered thermoelastic saturated media is developed using the extended precise integration method (EPIM), along with the boundary conditions at both ends of the foundation and the continuity conditions between adjacent layers. After that, the solution in the physical domain is further attained with the use of Laplace‐Hankel integral transform inversion. Finally, the accuracy of the proposed theory is confirmed through numerical examples, and the influences of anisotropic parameters, the soil's stratification and porosity on the thermo‐hydro‐mechanical coupling response of the media are studied.
Taguchi–gray relational analysis of eccentricity and tilt of multilens module mount fabricated by injection compression molding
Authors: Lin Chao‐Ming , Lin Yi‐Hsiang
Published: April 2024

This study utilizes the mold flow analysis technique of the injection compression molding (ICM) process, combined with the Taguchi–gray relational analysis (GRA), for process optimization analysis on the roundness of the lens holes and the flatness of the lens mount in a 4 × 4 planar multilens array mount. After manufacturing simulation analysis, the eccentricity and tilt information of the lens mount was further evaluated optically through spot diagram analysis upon inserting the same glass lenses. The results showed a positive correlation trend between roundness and flatness in structural deformation analysis, indicating that improving the overall flatness of the lens mount can enhance the roundness of the lens holes. In optical analysis, better improvements in the lens tilt angle were achieved through GRA. In conclusion, aiming to simultaneously improve the roundness of the lens holes and the overall flatness of the lens mount, the Taguchi–GRA method can achieve the optimization objectives. In terms of optical performance, by optimizing for roundness, it is possible not only to reduce the diameter of the light spot but also to simultaneously reduce the offset displacement of the light spot center on the screen. The method proposed in this paper can serve as an analytical model for the design and fabrication of plastic multilens mount.
Antiviral influenza treatments and hemorrhage‐related adverse events in the United States Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database
Authors: Sarker Jyotirmoy , Carkovic Emir , Ptaszek Karolina , Lee Todd A.
Published: April 2024

Study Objective

To determine whether there is a signal for gastrointestinal (GI) or intracranial (IC) hemorrhage associated with the use of antiviral medications for influenza in the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database.

Design

Disproportionality analysis.

Data Source

The FAERS database was searched using OpenVigil 2.1 to identify GI and IC hemorrhage events reported between 2004 and 2022.

Measurements

Antiviral medications for influenza included the following: oseltamivir, zanamivir, peramivir, and baloxavir marboxil. Hemorrhage events were identified using Standardized Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) Queries for GI and IC hemorrhages. Reporting odds ratios (RORs) were calculated to compare the occurrence of GI and IC hemorrhage events between antiviral drugs for influenza and (i) all other medications and (ii) antibiotics. RORs were also calculated for each of the individual antiviral medications.

Main Results

A total of 245 cases of GI hemorrhage and 23 cases of IC hemorrhage were identified in association with four antivirals. In comparison with all other drugs, the RORs of GI hemorrhage for oseltamivir, zanamivir, peramivir, baloxavir, and all antivirals combined were 1.17, 0.62, 4.44, 2.53, and 1.22, respectively, indicating potential variations in GI hemorrhage risk among the antivirals. In contrast, in comparison with all other drugs, the RORs of IC hemorrhage for oseltamivir (0.44), zanamivir (0.16), baloxavir (0.44), and all antivirals combined (0.41) were less than 1.0 which is consistent with no elevated risk of IC hemorrhage.

Conclusion

In this study, some signals for GI hemorrhage were observed, particularly for peramivir and baloxavir marboxil. Further investigation is warranted to better understand and evaluate the potential risks of GI hemorrhage associated with antiviral treatments for influenza.
Reducing part deformation of isotactic polypropylene specimens fabricated with powder bed fusion technique through controlling crystallization behaviors
Authors: Gao Xia , Guo Junqiang , Zhang Daijun , Li Jing , Su Yunlan , Arbeiter Florian , Li Huayi
Published: April 2024

Serious shrinkage and warpage are obstacles to the development of ideal isotactic polypropylene (iPP) materials for polymer‐based powder bed fusion (PBF) technique. In this work, the variations of the dimensional accuracy of the PBF‐printed iPP parts were investigated with various printing parameter and nucleating agent. The iPP parts printed at a scanning speed of 700 mm/s exhibit smaller extents of shrinkage and curling than those at lower speeds, due to a lower degree of crystallinity. Interestingly, iPP blended with the α‐ or β‐nucleating agent demonstrates more serious part deformation with respect to neat iPP. Especially, α‐nucleating agent tends to trigger the most severe curling under the investigated printing parameters. Based on X‐ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results, both neat iPP and α‐iPP parts crystallize into α‐crystal, while β‐iPP parts display the coexistence of β‐ and α‐crystals. And, the difference of the crystallinity is less than 3% in three specimens. This suggests that both crystallinity and crystalline structure are not the main reasons for the shrinkage and warpage in this case. Instead, the severe part deformation of the α‐iPP parts is assigned to the narrower sintering window as well as the higher onset crystallization temperature of α‐iPP, which hinder relaxation of residual stresses. This work provides insights into the part deformation mechanism for PBF‐processed polymer materials.
Molecular analysis of archival diagnostic prostate cancer biopsies identifies genomic similarities in cases with progression post‐radiotherapy, and those with de novo metastatic disease
Authors: Charlton Philip Vincent , O'Reilly Dawn , Philippou Yiannis , Rao Srinivasa Rao , Lamb Alastair David Gordon , Mills Ian Geoffrey , Higgins Geoff Stuart , Hamdy Freddie Charles , Verrill Clare , Buffa Francesca Meteora , Bryant Richard John
Published: April 2024

Background

It is important to identify molecular features that improve prostate cancer (PCa) risk stratification before radical treatment with curative intent. Molecular analysis of historical diagnostic formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) prostate biopsies from cohorts with post‐radiotherapy (RT) long‐term clinical follow‐up has been limited. Utilizing parallel sequencing modalities, we performed a proof‐of‐principle sequencing analysis of historical diagnostic FFPE prostate biopsies. We compared patients with (i) stable PCa (sPCa) postprimary or salvage RT, (ii) progressing PCa (pPCa) post‐RT, and (iii) de novo metastatic PCa (mPCa).

Methods

A cohort of 19 patients with diagnostic prostate biopsies (n = 6 sPCa, n = 5 pPCa, n = 8 mPCa) and mean 4 years 10 months follow‐up (diagnosed 2009–2016) underwent nucleic acid extraction from demarcated malignancy. Samples underwent 3′RNA sequencing (3′RNAseq) (n = 19), nanoString analysis (n = 12), and Illumina 850k methylation (n = 8) sequencing. Bioinformatic analysis was performed to coherently identify differentially expressed genes and methylated genomic regions (MGRs).

Results

Eighteen of 19 samples provided useable 3′RNAseq data. Principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated similar expression profiles between pPCa and mPCa cases, versus sPCa. Coherently differentially methylated probes between these groups identified ~600 differentially MGRs. The top 50 genes with increased expression in pPCa patients were associated with reduced progression‐free survival post‐RT (p < 0.0001) in an external cohort.

Conclusions

3′RNAseq, nanoString and 850k‐methylation analyses are each achievable from historical FFPE diagnostic pretreatment prostate biopsies, unlocking the potential to utilize large cohorts of historic clinical samples. Profiling similarities between individuals with pPCa and mPCa suggests biological similarities and historical radiological staging limitations, which warrant further investigation.
Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita causing hypercapnic respiratory failure and airway obstruction in an adult patient
Authors: Bandara Harshana , Sathiyamoorthy Sathiaruban , Withana Dinusha , Dissanayake Tharindi , Athapaththu Harshani , Gunasinghe Wathsala
Published: April 2024

Key message

This case highlights arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) as a rare cause of hypercapnoeic respiratory failure and airway obstruction in adults and emphasizes the usage of leak‐port in tracheostomy‐NIV (non‐invasive‐ventilation) specially in resource poor setting when the tracheostomy‐NIV mask is unavailable.
Systematic application of traffic‐signal‐control system architecture design and selection using model‐based systems engineering and Pareto frontier analysis
Authors: Balaci Ana Theodora , Suh Eun Suk , Hwang Junseok
Published: April 2024

The global population rise has increased vehicles on roads, complicating traffic management. Inefficient traffic control systems cause significant economic losses owing to commuter time wastage, high energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. Traffic signal control systems (TSCSs) are vital in traffic management, impacting traffic flow significantly; therefore, studies are exploring new optimization approaches that adapt to changing traffic conditions. However, they concentrate on either new technology infusion or on control algorithm optimization, and do not holistically address the architectural configuration of the system. In this study, we presented a unique case study by applying an existing systematic framework to the TSCS system architecture design and selection process. This application demonstrates that TSCS enhancement is a multifaceted process that requires a comprehensive assessment of not only technical aspects, such as the control algorithm, but also factors including system architecture, security, and data integrity. Because of the increasing reliance of TSCSs on data exchange between their various subsystems, this case study also adopted a cybersecurity perspective of the system and introduced cyber resiliency as a crucial metric for evaluating TSCS architecture performance. Furthermore, through the applied framework, an optimal TSCS architectural configuration with executable options was identified by generating multiple TSCS architectural configurations using decision option patterns and identifying those on the Pareto frontier to understand the architectural decision‐making process. Traffic engineers and transportation planners can use this case study application as a guide to optimize TSCSs employed in existing transportation networks and design more efficient transportation networks for future urban development.
Cultivating narrative humility in medical education through community‐based narrative encounters
Authors: Caleb Amanda M. , Lafferty‐Danner Kathryn , Marroquin Alejandra
Published: April 2024

This chapter discusses how community‐based narrative encounters can enhance medical students’ narrative humility, the practice of recognizing the value of multiple narratives of health and reducing narrative privileging. The study in this chapter suggests that through exposure to individuals’ lived experience of health, medical students are able to recognize both professional and personal narrative bias, leading to reflection on improved patient‐centered care centered on testimonial justice and narrative respect.
Tricetin suppresses the cell migration and BMP‐6 expression through p38 signaling pathways in human retinal pigment epithelium cells
Authors: Chien Hsiang‐Wen , Chuang Chih‐Chun , Hsieh Yi‐Hsien , Lee Chia‐Yi , Yu Nuo‐Yi , Yang Shun‐Fa
Published: April 2024

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a visual‐threatening disease, which cause from the migration of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Tricetin, a family of flavonoids, can inhibit the metastasis of several cancers. Herein, we aim to evaluate the possible effect of tricetin on inhibiting ARPE‐19 cells migration. The Boyden chamber assay, wound healing assay, RNA sequencing, and Western blot analysis were applied in our experiment. The results revealed that tricetin inhibited the cell migration abilities of ARPE‐19 cells. Moreover, using RNA sequencing technology, we revealed that tricetin repressed bone morphogenetic protein‐6 (BMP‐6) gene expressions in ARPE‐19 cells. Overexpression of BMP‐6 resulted in significant restoration of cell migration capabilities of tricetin‐treated ARPE‐19 cells. Furthermore, tricetin suppressed the phosphorylation of the p38 signaling pathway. Moreover, blocking the p38 pathway also inhibits BMP‐6 expression and migration in the ARPE‐19 cells. In conclusion, this study revealed that tricetin inhibits the ARPE‐19 cell migration mainly via the suppression of BMP‐6 expression and p38 signaling pathway.
Antiproliferative, antioxidant and phytochemical analysis of Loranthus europaeus fruits
Authors: Najjarsadeghi Shadi , Nazemiyeh Hossein , Vandghanooni Somayeh , Ghanbari Hadi , Hamedeyazdan Sanaz
Published: April 2024

Loranthus europaeus with numerous therapeutic usages was chosen for further bioactivity assays and phytochemical analysis. The air‐dried grounded L. europaeus fruits were solvent extracted via Soxhlet apparatus. Afterwards, methanol extract was fractionated via different chromatographic methods and structures of the isolated pure compounds were elucidated with relative nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. Additionally, L. europaeus fruits essential oil was achieved through hydrodistillation and analyzed via gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. Besides, the in vitro DPPH and nitric oxide antioxidant property of L. europaeus methanol extract alongside its phenolic and flavonoids content were evaluated. MTT (3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay was carried out in A549 cancer cells and normal HUVECs cells for evaluating cytotoxicity of the plant extract and essential oil. Structure of the isolated major compounds of the extract were determined as two flavonoids. Analysis of the L. europaeus essential oil showed that it principally contained germacrene D (32.8%), β‐caryophyllene (19.2%) and alloaromadendrene (11.0%). In the MTT assay, 300 µg/mL of methanol extract caused ≈60% A549 cells death after 48 h with IC50 of 226 µg/mL. Likewise, the IC50 of the essential oil against A‐549 cell line for the 100 µg/mL L. europaeus fruits in 48 h was equal to 69 µg/mL. Overall, the present study is the first report on the phytochemical analysis of L. europaeus revealing occurrence of rhamnocitrin‐3‐O‐rhamnoside and rhamnetin‐3‐O‐rhamnoside in the plant extract alongside its high content of sesquiterpenoids in its essential oil. The observed antiproliferative activity of L. europaeus methanol extract against A549 cancer cells rather than healthy cells indicated its anti‐tumor properties which might be related to the high values of phenolic and flavonoids content in the methanol extract of the plant associated with its superior in vitro antioxidant activities.
Oxidation of thiram fungicide by hydroxyl radicals in water: A theoretical study on reaction mechanism and kinetics
Authors: Truong Dinh Hieu , Ngo Thi Chinh , Nguyen Thi Le Anh , Nguyen Thanh Tung , Taamalli Sonia , El Bakali Abderrahman , Louis Florent , Dao Duy Quang
Published: April 2024

The oxidation of thiram (THR) pesticide initiated by HO• radicals in water was investigated using the density functional theory (DFT) approach at the M06‐2X/6‐311++G(3df,3pd)//M06‐2X/6‐31+G(d,p) level of theory. Three oxidation mechanisms were evaluated: radical addition, hydrogen abstraction, and single electron transfer. The results showed that all these reactions are favorable and spontaneous. Among them, the addition reactions at S‐positions have the most prominent rate constants and branching ratios. In addition, the oxidation of THR is temperature‐dependent; the higher the temperature, the faster the oxidation and the higher the removal efficiency. The overall rate constant is k(T) = 7.816 × 10−6 × T5.953 × exp[929.0 (J mol−1)/(RT)] (M−1 s−1), showing a rate constant of 6.09 × 109 m−1 s−1 at 298.15 K which agrees with the previously reported experimental result. In general, thiram can be easily decomposed in a wastewater treatment process with a high concentration of HO•. Still, it may exist in a natural‐like environment with a very low HO• concentration from a few days to several years.
Structural and photoluminescence investigation of Y2O3:Sm3+ nano‐powders: Organic agent's effect
Authors: Lamiri Lyes , Kahouadji Badis , Ilham Oulkhiari , Zoukel Abdelhalim , Benchallal Lotfi , Ouhenia Salim , Souici Abdelhafid , Boudjouan Fares , Mebarki Lamine , Meriem Bachiri , Chabane Khalida , Lakhdar Guerbous , Samah Madani
Published: April 2024

In this article, the authors delve into the synthesis of Y2O3:Sm3+ nanopowders using the sol–gel method, employing organic agents such as ethylene glycol (EG) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). This thorough investigation focuses on the structural, morphological, and photoluminescence characteristics of these nanopowders, with particular consideration for their potential applications in the field of optical devices. X‐ray diffraction patterns indicate that all powders crystallize in pure cubic phases (Ia‐3). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis reveals the presence of particles with dimensions less than 70 nm. Specifically, morphological and structural data suggest that the crystallite size of nanopowders prepared with PEG exceeds that of nanopowders prepared with EG. In exploring the photoluminescence properties, the emission spectra of the powders, recorded at λem = 600 nm, exhibit two absorption bands attributed to the charge transfer state (CTS) from O2− → Sm3+, with a maximum absorption at 223 nm, and to the intraconfigurational transition 4f5‐4f5 of Sm3+. A red/orange emission, attributed to the 4G5/2 → 6H7/2 transition, predominates under these conditions. A significant improvement in the intensity of photoluminescence is notably observed in samples prepared with organic agents compared to those prepared without agents. Finally, chromatic coordinates underscore the strong potential of Y2O3:Sm3+ nanopowders as promising phosphors for lighting applications.
Preparation and corrosion protection of polypyrrole/SiO2 nanocomposite doped with 3‐nitrosalicylic acid on aluminum
Authors: Van Khoe Le , Hung Ha Manh , Thuy Hoang Thi , Binh Pham Huy , Anh Bui Tuan , Duc Le Minh , Huong Nguyen Thi , Oanh Doan Thi Yen , Thai Nguyen Xuan , Trung Vu Quoc
Published: April 2024

Polypyrrole/SiO2 nanocomposite doped with 3‐nitrosalicylic acid was synthesized in three concentrations of 3‐nitrosalicylic acid: 0.01 m, 0.005 m, and 0.0025 m. FTIR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Raman scattering spectroscopy, and FESEM imaging further assisted in determining the shape and structure of the polypyrrole/nanocomposite product. The aluminum protection arrangement of the paint film comprising polypyrrole/SiO2 nanocomposite doped with 3‐nitrosalicylic acid was proven by electrochemical methods. The salt spray test results also demonstrated the protective efficacy of the paint film comprising polypyrrole/SiO2 nanocomposite doped with 3‐nitrosalicylic acid to suppress corrosion. The best corrosion prevention results were obtained with a polypyrrole/SiO2 nanocomposite dispersion paint film doped with 0.01 m 3‐nitrosalicylic acid at a concentration of 2%.
Computation for cognitive science: Analog versus digital
Authors: Maley Corey J.
Published: April 2024

Cognitive science was founded on the idea that the mind/brain can be understood in computational terms. While computational modeling in science is ubiquitous, cognitive science takes the stronger stance that the mind/brain literally performs computations. Moreover, performing computations is crucial to explaining what the mind/brain does, qua mind/brain. Unfortunately, most scientists fail to consider analog computation as a legitimate and theoretically useful type of computation in addition to digital computation; to the extent that analog computation is acknowledged, it is mostly based on a simplistic and incomplete understanding. Taking computation to consist of only one type (i.e., digital) while ignoring another, interestingly distinct type (i.e., analog) leads to an impoverished understanding of what it could mean for minds/brains to compute. A full appreciation and understanding of analog computation—particularly in relation to digital computation—allows researchers to develop computational frameworks and hypotheses in new and exciting ways. Thus, somewhat counterintuitively, looking to the once‐dominant computing paradigm of yesteryear can provide novel computational ways of thinking about the mind and brain.

This article is categorized under:

Philosophy > Foundations of Cognitive Science
Effect of drying methods on free and bound phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacities, and bioaccessibility of Cornelian cherry
Authors: Bayram Hatice Merve , Ozkan Kubra , Ozturkcan Arda , Sagdic Osman , Gunes Esra , Karadag Ayse
Published: April 2024

Cornus mas L. (Cornelian cherry, CM) fruits were dehydrated by solar-drying (SD) and freeze-drying (FD), and in addition to sugar and mineral contents, the free and insoluble-bound phenolics were determined in fresh and dried fruits. After subjecting the sample to simulated in vitro digestion, the change of free and bound phenolics at gastric and intestinal digestion steps was evaluated in fresh and dried CM fruits. In fresh CM fruits, the total phenolic content (TPC) was dominated by the bound fraction, whereas the contribution of free phenolics to the total content (free + bound) became more dominant (731–1439 mg GAE/100 g dw) in the dried fruits. The bioaccessibility (BI%) of TPC from fresh CM after digestion was 193%, whereas it was 18.60 and 48.02% for SD and FD fruits, respectively. The contribution free fraction to the total TPC value was around 28% in nondigested fresh samples and increased to 94% in digested samples; however, in dried samples, it was 64% prior to digestion and only increased to 70% in digested samples. A total of 17 phenolic compounds were identified in CM fruits: chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, epicatechin, quercetin, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, and pelargonidin 3-O-glucoside were only detected in the free fraction; gallic acid, vanillic acid, ferulic acid, and kaempferol were detected in higher amounts in the bound fraction. The quantity of detected phenolics in the nondigested sample generally decreased from the gastric to the intestinal stage of digestion. The release of phenolics from the fruit matrix and their degradation occurred simultaneously during digestion, and this could be affected by the state of the fruit, e.g., fresh or dried.

Graphical abstract
Antibody-independent surface plasmon resonance assays for influenza vaccine quality control
Authors: Serafin Benjamin , Kamen Amine , de Crescenzo Gregory , Henry Olivier
Published: April 2024

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based biosensors have emerged as a powerful platform for bioprocess monitoring due to their ability to detect biointeractions in real time, without the need for labeling. Paramount for the development of a robust detection platform is the immobilization of a ligand with high specificity and affinity for the in-solution species of interest. Following the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, much effort has been made toward the development of quality control platforms for influenza A vaccine productions, many of which have employed SPR for detection. Due to the rapid antigenic drift of influenza’s principal surface protein, hemagglutinin, antibodies used for immunoassays need to be produced seasonally. The production of these antibodies represents a 6–8-week delay in immunoassay and, thus, vaccine availability. This review focuses on SPR-based assays that do not rely on anti-HA antibodies for the detection, characterization, and quantification of influenza A in bioproductions and biological samples.

Key points

• The single radial immunodiffusion assay (SRID) has been the gold standard for the quantification of influenza vaccines since 1979. Due to antigenic drift of influenza’s hemagglutinin protein, new antibody reagents for the SRID assay must be produced each year, requiring 6–8 weeks. The resulting delay in immunoassay availability is a major bottleneck in the influenza vaccine pipeline. This review highlights ligand options for the detection and quantification of influenza viruses using surface plasmon resonance biosensors.
Enhanced bone assessment of the shoulder using zero-echo time MRI with deep-learning image reconstruction
Authors: Ensle Falko , Kaniewska Malwina , Lohezic Maelene , Guggenberger Roman
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To assess a deep learning-based reconstruction algorithm (DLRecon) in zero echo-time (ZTE) MRI of the shoulder at 1.5 Tesla for improved delineation of osseous findings.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 63 consecutive exams of 52 patients (28 female) undergoing shoulder MRI at 1.5 Tesla in clinical routine were included. Coronal 3D isotropic radial ZTE pulse sequences were acquired in the standard MR shoulder protocol. In addition to standard-of-care (SOC) image reconstruction, the same raw data was reconstructed with a vendor-supplied prototype DLRecon algorithm. Exams were classified into three subgroups: no pathological findings, degenerative changes, and posttraumatic changes, respectively. Two blinded readers performed bone assessment on a 4-point scale (0-poor, 3-perfect) by qualitatively grading image quality features and delineation of osseous pathologies including diagnostic confidence in the respective subgroups. Quantitatively, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of bone were measured. Qualitative variables were compared using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test for ordinal data and the McNemar test for dichotomous variables; quantitative measures were compared with Student’s t-testing.

Results

DLRecon scored significantly higher than SOC in all visual metrics of image quality (all, p < 0.03), except in the artifact category (p = 0.37). DLRecon also received superior qualitative scores for delineation of osseous pathologies and diagnostic confidence (p ≤ 0.03). Quantitatively, DLRecon achieved superior CNR (95 CI [1.4–3.1]) and SNR (95 CI [15.3–21.5]) of bone than SOC (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

DLRecon enhanced image quality in ZTE MRI and improved delineation of osseous pathologies, allowing for increased diagnostic confidence in bone assessment.
Limited prognostic role of routine serum markers (AP, CEA, LDH and NSE) in oligorecurrent prostate cancer patients undergoing PSMA-radioguided surgery
Authors: Mehring Gisa , Steinbach Christina , Pose Randi , Knipper Sophie , Koehler Daniel , Werner Stefan , Riethdorf Sabine , von Amsberg Gunhild , Ambrosini Francesca , Maurer Tobias
Published: April 2024

Introduction

We evaluated the prognostic role of pre-salvage prostate-specific membrane antigen–radioguided surgery (PSMA-RGS) serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (AP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and neuron-specific enolase (NSE).

Materials and methods

Patients who consecutively underwent PSMA-RGS for prostate cancer (PCa) oligorecurrence between January 2019 and January 2022 were selected. Biomarkers were assessed one day before surgery. Cox regression and logistic regression models tested the relationship between biochemical recurrence-free survival (BFS), 6- and 12-month biochemical recurrence (BCR), and several independent variables, including biomarkers.

Results

153 consecutive patients were analyzed. In the univariable Cox regression analysis, none of the biomarkers achieved predictor status (AP: hazard ratio [HR] = 1.03, 95% CI 0.99, 1.01; p = 0.19; CEA: HR = 1.73, 95% CI 0.94, 1.21; p = 0.34; LDH: HR = 1.01, 95% CI 1.00, 1.01; p = 0.05; NSE: HR = 1.02, 95% CI 0.98, 1.06; p = 0.39). The only independent predictor of BFS was the number of positive lesions on PSMA PET (HR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.02, 1.30; p = 0.03).

The number of positive lesions was confirmed as independent predictor for BCR within 6 and 12 months (BCR < 6 months: odds ratio [OR] = 1.1, 95% CI 1.0, 1.3; p = 0.04; BCR < 12 months: OR = 1.1, 95% CI 1.0, 1.3; p = 0.04).

Conclusion

The assessment of AP, CEA, LDH, and NSE before salvage PSMA-RGS showed no prognostic impact. Further studies are needed to identify possible predictors that will optimize patient selection for salvage PSMA-RGS.
Can structure predict function at individual level in the human connectome?
Authors: Smolders Lars , De Baene Wouter , Rutten Geert-Jan , van der Hofstad Remco , Florack Luc
Published: April 2024

Several studies predicting Functional Connectivity (FC) from Structural Connectivity (SC) at individual level have been published in recent years, each promising increased performance and utility. We investigated three of these studies, analyzing whether the results truly represent a meaningful individual-level mapping from SC to FC. Using data from the Human Connectome Project shared accross the three studies, we constructed a predictor by averaging FC of training data and analyzed its performance in the same way. In each case, we found that group average FC is an equivalent or better predictor of individual FC than the predictive models in terms of raw prediction performance. Furthermore, we showed that additional analyses performed by the authors of the three studies, in which they attempt to show that their predicted FC has value beyond raw prediction performance, could also be reproduced using the group average FC predictor. This makes it unclear whether any of the three methods represent a meaningful individual-level predictive model. We conclude that either the methods are not appropriate for the data, that the sample size is too small, or that the data does not contain sufficient information to learn a mapping from SC to FC. We advise future individual-level studies to explicitly report results in comparison to the performance of the group average, and carefully demonstrate that their predictions contain meaningful individual-level information. Finally, we believe that investigating alternatives for the construction of SC and FC may improve the chances of developing a meaningful individual-level mapping from SC to FC.
Minimally invasive versus open multivisceral resection for rectal cancer clinically invading adjacent organs: a propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Abe Shinya , Nozawa Hiroaki , Sasaki Kazuhito , Murono Koji , Emoto Shigenobu , Yokoyama Yuichiro , Matsuzaki Hiroyuki , Nagai Yuzo , Shinagawa Takahide , Sonoda Hirofumi , Ishihara Soichiro
Published: April 2024

Background

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS), such as laparoscopic and robotic surgery for rectal cancer, is performed worldwide. However, limited information is available on the advantages of MIS over open surgery for multivisceral resection for cases clinically invading adjacent organs.

Patients and methods

This was a retrospective propensity score-matching study of consecutive clinical T4b rectal cancer patients who underwent curative intent surgery between 2006 and 2021 at the University of Tokyo Hospital.

Results

Sixty-nine patients who underwent multivisceral resection were analyzed. Thirty-three patients underwent MIS (the MIS group), while 36 underwent open surgery (the open group). Twenty-three patients were matched to each group. Conversion was required in 2 patients who underwent MIS (8.7%). R0 resection was achieved in 87.0% and 91.3% of patients in the MIS and open groups, respectively. The MIS group had significantly less blood loss (170 vs. 1130 mL; p < 0.0001), fewer Clavien–Dindo grade ≥ 2 postoperative complications (30.4% vs. 65.2%; p = 0.0170), and a shorter postoperative hospital stay (20 vs. 26 days; p = 0.0269) than the open group. The 3-year cancer-specific survival rate, relapse-free survival rate, and cumulative incidence of local recurrence were 75.7, 35.9, and 13.9%, respectively, in the MIS group and 84.5, 45.4, and 27.1%, respectively, in the open group, which were not significantly different (p = 0.8462, 0.4344, and 0.2976, respectively).

Conclusion

MIS had several short-term advantages over open surgery, such as lower complication rates, faster recovery, and a shorter hospital stay, in rectal cancer patients who underwent multivisceral resection.

Graphical abstract
Water Content Evolution in the EDZ of Opalinus Clay: A Methodic Approach for a Comparative Interpretation of Measurements and Modelling
Authors: Ziefle Gesa , Cajuhi Tuanny , Costabel Stephan , Furche Markus , Maßmann Jobst
Published: April 2024

In the Mont Terri Rock Laboratory (Switzerland), an interdisciplinary examination program is carried out to increase knowledge about coupled hydro-mechanical effects in Opalinus Clay, which are of significant interest regarding the stability and integrity of a potential storage facility for high-level radioactive waste. This article focuses on the characterization of the claystone in the near field of excavations and related hydraulic effects due to excavation and ventilation. Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) is applied to characterize the OPA: Several open fractures correlate with regions of high resistivity values, indicating potential preferential flow paths that are relevant for transport processes. Due to the combined interpretation of ERT long-term monitoring and seasonally repeated nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements, a relationship between electrical resistivity and water content can be established, resulting also in a time-dependent map of the water content around excavations with different climatic conditions. The statistical interpretation of these measurements indicates the existence of small-scale singularities in contrast to dominating, more homogeneous zones. The presented approach leads to a better process understanding of these heterogeneous near field effects and provides a valuable basis for a pragmatic approach to safety assessment.
Improving pressure drop predictions for R134a evaporation in corrugated vertical tubes using a machine learning technique trained with the Levenberg–Marquardt method
Authors: Çolak Andaç Batur , Bacak Aykut , Karakoyun Yakup , Koca Aliihsan , Dalkilic Ahmet Selim
Published: April 2024

The present investigation utilized a machine learning structure to ascertain the pressure drop in vertically positioned, corrugated copper tubes during the evaporation process of R134a. The evaporator was a counter-flow heat exchanger, in which R134a flowed in the inner corrugated tube and hot water flowed in the smooth annulus. Different evaporation mass fluxes (195–406 kg m-2 s-1) and heat fluxes (10.16–66.61 kW m-2) were used with artificial neural networks at different corrugation depths. A multilayer perceptron artificial neural network model with 13 neurons in the hidden layer was proposed. Tan-Sig and Purelin transfer functions were used in the network model developed with the Levenberg–Marquardt training algorithm. The dataset, which consisted of 252 data points, related to the evaporation process, was divided into training (70%), validation (15%), and testing (15%) groups in an arbitrary manner. The artificial neural network model has been demonstrated to effectively forecast the pressure drop that occurs during evaporation. The mean squared error was computed for the ΔP values observed during the evaporation processes, yielding a value of 1.96E-03. The artificial neural network exhibited a high correlation coefficient value of 0.94479. The estimation fluctuations exhibited a range of ± 10%, whereas the experimental and anticipated ΔP data demonstrated a divergence of ± 10.3%.
CFDepthNet: Monocular Depth Estimation Introducing Coordinate Attention and Texture Features
Authors: Wei Feng , Zhu Jie , Wang HuiBin , Shen Jie
Published: April 2024

Handling the depth estimation of low-texture regions using photometric error loss is a challenge due to the difficulty of achieving convergence due to the presence of multiple local minima for pixels in low-texture regions (or even no-texture regions). In this paper, based on the photometric loss, we also introduce texture feature metric loss as a constraint and combine the coordinate attention mechanism to improve the depth map's texture quality and edge detail. This paper uses a simple yet compact network structure, a unique loss function, and a relatively flexible embedded attention module, which is more effective and easier to arrange in robotic platforms with weak arithmetic power. The tests show that our network structure not only shows high quality and state-of-the-art results on the KITTI dataset, but the same training results also perform well on the cityscapes and Make3D datasets.
Papr reduction through Gaussian pre-coding in DCO-OFDM systems
Authors: Cinemre Idris , Aydin Volkan , Hacioglu Gokce
Published: April 2024

Visible light communication (VLC) utilizes commercially available light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for short-distance wireless data transmission, aligning with lighting standards for indoor wireless access. The inherent challenge of achieving high data rates in VLC due to the limited spectral bandwidth of white LEDs has led to the adoption of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). However, conventional OFDM presents issues with peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR), pushing LEDs into a nonlinear zone, resulting in energy inefficiencies and signal distortion that degrades the bit error rate (BER). The study focuses on pre-coding within DC-biased optical OFDM (DCO-OFDM) using a Gaussian matrix (GM) for PAPR reduction. The proposed Gaussian pre-coding method demonstrates superior PAPR performance compared to conventional discrete cosine transform (DCT) pre-coding method, especially when integrated with $$\mu$$
μ
-Law companding. Simulation results indicate that increasing the number of candidate GMs enhances PAPR performance, albeit with increased system complexity. The combination of DCT and Gauss pre-coding with $$\mu$$
μ
-Law companding exhibits a 2 dB improvement in PAPR, though at the expense of BER performance.
Extended Asymptotic Identifiability of Nonparametric Item Response Models
Authors: He Yinqiu
Published: April 2024

Nonparametric item response models provide a flexible framework in psychological and educational measurements. Douglas (Psychometrika 66(4):531–540, 2001) established asymptotic identifiability for a class of models with nonparametric response functions for long assessments. Nevertheless, the model class examined in Douglas (2001) excludes several popular parametric item response models. This limitation can hinder the applications in which nonparametric and parametric models are compared, such as evaluating model goodness-of-fit. To address this issue, We consider an extended nonparametric model class that encompasses most parametric models and establish asymptotic identifiability. The results bridge the parametric and nonparametric item response models and provide a solid theoretical foundation for the applications of nonparametric item response models for assessments with many items.
The Evolution of Body Size in Terrestrial Tetrapods
Authors: Caron Fernanda S. , Pie Marcio R.
Published: April 2024

Body size is a fundamental trait in evolutionary and ecological research, given that it varies allometrically with several relevant features, such as life-history and physiological traits. Although previous studies uncovered many intriguing patterns, finding general principles of body size evolution in vertebrates has been elusive. In this study, we take advantage of recent advances in phylogenetic comparative methods and the availability of large-scale datasets to explore body size evolution in terrestrial vertebrates. Ancestral character estimation and disparity-through-time plots showed considerable variation in body size evolution, both across lineages and over time. In addition, regardless of the corresponding taxon, posterior predictive simulation demonstrated several consistent ways in which body size evolution in those groups departed from constant-rate models, namely: (1) there was considerable rate heterogeneity within each taxon, (2) there was a positive relationship between body size and its rate of evolution (i.e., large-bodied animals evolved faster than small-bodied ones), and (3) faster evolutionary rates near the present. Finally, geographical mapping of body mass and evolutionary rates revealed some similarities across taxa, but no clear latitudinal trends. Overall, these results indicate that there may be general patterns in the body size evolution on large scales in terrestrial vertebrates, with some intriguing taxon-specific differences.
Melatonin in infants—physiology, pathophysiology and intervention options
Authors: Paditz Ekkehart
Published: April 2024

The effectiveness of melatonin in nonorganic sleep disorders in children and adolescents has been examined in 33 randomised controlled studies [1]. This review presents the current state of knowledge on the physiology, pharmacokinetics, pathophysiology and toxicity of melatonin in infancy based on well-documented studies. Up to the third month of life, premature and full-term babies cannot produce their own melatonin, so they are dependent on exogenous supply via their own mother’s breast milk, non-pooled breast milk or non-pooled formula. Non-pooled means that a distinction should be made between melatonin-rich night milk and melatonin-poor day milk. A number of intervention studies indicate that administration of melatonin to infants may have analgesic and antioxidant effects related to ophthalmological examinations, prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and the treatment of hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathies. Since melatonin concentrations in the mother’s blood, in breast milk and, e.g., also in cow’s milk show regular day–night fluctuations, and since breastfed infants have a more stable melatonin supply and fewer sleep disorders, infants who cannot be breastfed by their own mother should preferably have chrononutrition made from non-pooled human or cow’s milk. There has recently been evidence that infantile colic is a disorder with delayed development of chronobiological rhythms.
State-of-the-Art Constitutive Modelling of Frozen Soils
Authors: Li Kai-Qi , Yin Zhen-Yu , Qi Ji-Lin , Liu Yong
Published: April 2024

In recent decades, the constitutive modelling for frozen soils has attracted remarkable attention from scholars and engineers due to the continuously growing constructions in cold regions. Frozen soils exhibit substantial differences in mechanical behaviours compared to unfrozen soils, due to the presence of ice and the complexity of phase changes. Accordingly, it is more difficult to establish constitutive models to reasonably capture the mechanical behaviours of frozen soils than unfrozen soils. This study attempts to present a comprehensive review of the state of the art of constitutive models for frozen soils, which is a focal topic in geotechnical engineering. Various constitutive models of frozen soils under static and dynamic loads are summarised based on their underlying theories. The advantages and limitations of the models are thoroughly discussed. On this basis, the challenges and potential future research possibilities in frozen soil modelling are outlined, including the development of open databases and unified constitutive models with the aid of advanced techniques. It is hoped that the review could facilitate research on describing the mechanical behaviours of frozen soils, and promote a deeper understanding of the thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) coupled process occurring in cold regions.
Enhancement of Cobalt Bismuth Nano-Ferrite via Heat Treatment to be Applied in High-Frequency and Antimicrobial Applications
Authors: El-Bassuony Asmaa. A. H. , Hafez R. S. , Matter Nermen M. S. , Abdelsalam H. K.
Published: April 2024

Cobalt bismuth nano-ferrite (Co/Bi) with the chemical formula CoBi0.02Fe1.98O4 was produced using a simple flash auto-combustion method at three different temperatures: as-prepared, 600°C, and 800°C. A single-phase spinel structure was confirmed using X-ray diffraction, and the nano-scale morphology was examined using AFM (atomic force microscopy). Magnetic measurements demonstrated that increasing the annealing temperature increased the saturation magnetization Ms by 1.3 times. However, the coercivity Hc changed from semi-hard ferrite (as-prepared sample) to soft ferrite (Co/Bi nano-ferrite at 800°C) and reduced 10.7 times that of as-prepared nanoparticles. Therefore, the 800°C Co/Bi nano-ferrite with a low coercive field is recommended for transformers, recording heads, inductor cores, magnetic shielding, and microwave devices. The as-prepared sample and that at 600°C displayed super-high microwave frequency (SHF) in the X band in high-frequency applications calculated from magnetic measurement. The 800°C sample also has an extremely high microwave frequency in the Ku band, which is utilized in radar and satellite communications. Antimicrobial characterization showed that raising the annealing temperature increased the effectiveness of the samples against tested microorganisms. Thus, the samples under investigation are highly suggested for ultra-high microwave frequency applications and biological antibacterial nanomaterials.
Experimental analysis of building components with paper and textile waste
Authors: Stefania Liuzzi , Chiara Rubino , Francesco Martellotta
Published: April 2024

The fast growth of building constructions industry and of the universal population is the main cause of increase in global energy consumption. Therefore, the improvement of the building envelope encourages the scientific community to investigate the use of alternative materials that assure indoor comfort conditions and at the same time promote the reduction of energy consumption by adopting energy saving strategies in the manufacturing process. The present research contribution aims to focus on the potential use of innovative building materials developed with waste paper, classified as urban non-hazardous discard component. The use of paper pulp originated from recycled paper and cardboard with the addition of textile fibers from industrial by-products was explored. Here, an effort has been made to realize sustainable insulating panel for internal use, considering different mix design and recycled components in various percentages. The research focuses on hygric, thermal, and physical performances of recycled waste based panels, measuring physical aspects as bulk porosity and bulk density and testing hygrothermal performances as the dry-state thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, volumetric heat capacity, and water vapour permeability. Furthermore, in order to assess the hygrothermal behaviour of the building envelope, a numerical simulation, carried out by WUFI® Plus in a Mediterranean context, was developed using as inputs the results collected from the measurement campaign in laboratory.