bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leveraging network structure in nonlinear control
Authors: Rozum Jordan , Albert Réka
Published: October 2022

Over the last twenty years, dynamic modeling of biomolecular networks has exploded in popularity. Many of the classical tools for understanding dynamical systems are unwieldy in the highly nonlinear, poorly constrained, high-dimensional systems that often arise from these modeling efforts. Understanding complex biological systems is greatly facilitated by purpose-built methods that leverage common features of such models, such as local monotonicity, interaction graph sparsity, and sigmoidal kinetics. Here, we review methods for controlling the systems of ordinary differential equations used to model biomolecular networks. We focus on methods that make use of the structure of the network of interactions to help inform, which variables to target for control, and highlight the computational and experimental advantages of such approaches. We also discuss the importance of nonperturbative methods in biomedical and experimental molecular biology applications, where finely tuned interventions can be difficult to implement. It is well known that feedback loops, and positive feedback loops in particular, play a major determining role in the dynamics of biomolecular networks. In many of the methods we cover here, control over system trajectories is realized by overriding the behavior of key feedback loops.
Niche deconvolution of the glioblastoma proteome reveals a distinct infiltrative phenotype within the proneural transcriptomic subgroup
Authors: Lam K. H. Brian , Diamandis Phedias
Published: October 2022

Glioblastoma is often subdivided into three transcriptional subtypes (classical, proneural, mesenchymal) based on bulk RNA signatures that correlate with distinct genetic and clinical features. Potential cellular-level differences of these subgroups, such as the relative proportions of glioblastoma’s hallmark histopathologic features (e.g. brain infiltration, microvascular proliferation), may provide insight into their distinct phenotypes but are, however, not well understood. Here we leverage machine learning and reference proteomic profiles derived from micro-dissected samples of these major histomorphologic glioblastoma features to deconvolute and estimate niche proportions in an independent proteogenomically-characterized cohort. This approach revealed a strong association of the proneural transcriptional subtype with a diffusely infiltrating phenotype. Similarly, enrichment of a microvascular proliferation proteomic signature was seen within the mesenchymal subtype. This study is the first to link differences in the cellular pathology signatures and transcriptional profiles of glioblastoma, providing potential new insights into the genetic drivers and poor treatment response of specific subsets of glioblastomas.
Machine learning-based risk factor analysis of adverse birth outcomes in very low birth weight infants
Authors: Cho Hannah , Lee Eun Hee , Lee Kwang-Sig , Heo Ju Sun
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to analyze major predictors of adverse birth outcomes in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants including particulate matter concentration (PM10), using machine learning and the national prospective cohort. Data consisted of 10,423 VLBW infants from the Korean Neonatal Network database during January 2013–December 2017. Five adverse birth outcomes were considered as the dependent variables, i.e., gestational age less than 28 weeks, gestational age less than 26 weeks, birth weight less than 1000 g, birth weight less than 750 g and small-for-gestational age. Thirty-three predictors were included and the artificial neural network, the decision tree, the logistic regression, the Naïve Bayes, the random forest and the support vector machine were used for predicting the dependent variables. Among the six prediction models, the random forest had the best performance (accuracy 0.79, area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve 0.72). According to the random forest variable importance, major predictors of adverse birth outcomes were maternal age (0.2131), birth-month (0.0767), PM10 month (0.0656), sex (0.0428), number of fetuses (0.0424), primipara (0.0395), maternal education (0.0352), pregnancy-induced hypertension (0.0347), chorioamnionitis (0.0336) and antenatal steroid (0.0318). In conclusion, adverse birth outcomes had strong associations with PM10 month as well as maternal and fetal factors.
Enhanced neutralization potency of an identical HIV neutralizing antibody expressed as different isotypes is achieved through genetically distinct mechanisms
Authors: Moyo-Gwete Thandeka , Scheepers Cathrine , Makhado Zanele , Kgagudi Prudence , Mzindle Nonkululeko B. , Ziki Rutendo , Madzorera Sharon , Manamela Nelia P. , Ayres Frances , Lambson Bronwen E. , Richardson Simone I. , Morris Lynn , Moore Penny L.
Published: October 2022

Antibodies with the same variable region can exist as multiple isotypes with varying neutralization potencies, though the mechanism for this is not fully defined. We previously isolated an HIV-directed IgA1 monoclonal antibody (mAb), CAP88-CH06, and showed that IgA1 and IgG3 isotypes of this antibody demonstrated enhanced neutralization compared to IgG1. To explore the mechanism behind this, hinge region and constant heavy chain (CH1) chimeras were constructed between the IgA1, IgG3 and IgG1 mAbs and assessed for neutralization activity, antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Hinge chimeras revealed that the increased neutralization potency and phagocytosis of the IgG3 isotype was attributed to its longer hinge region. In contrast, for IgA1, CH1 chimeras showed that this region was responsible both for enhanced neutralization potency and decreased ADCP, though ADCC was not affected. Overall, these data show that the enhanced neutralization potency of CAP88-CH06 IgG3 and IgA1, compared to IgG1, is achieved through distinct mechanisms. Understanding the influence of the hinge and CH1 regions on Fab domain function may provide insights into the engineering of therapeutic antibodies with increased neutralization potency.
Evaluation of the metabolomic profile through 1H-NMR spectroscopy in ewes affected by postpartum hyperketonemia
Authors: Lisuzzo Anastasia , Laghi Luca , Fiore Filippo , Harvatine Kevin , Mazzotta Elisa , Faillace Vanessa , Spissu Nicoletta , Zhu Chenglin , Moscati Livia , Fiore Enrico
Published: October 2022

Ketosis is one of the most important health problems in dairy sheep. The aim of this study was to evaluate the metabolic alterations in hyperketonemic (HYK) ewes. Forty-six adult Sardinian ewes were enrolled between 7 ± 3 days post-partum. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein using Venosafe tubes containing clot activator from jugular vein after clinical examination. The concentration of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) was determined in serum and used to divide ewes into assign ewes into: Non-HYK (serum BHB < 0.80 mmol/L) and HYK (serum BHB ≥ 0.80 mmol/L) groups. Animal data and biochemical parameters of groups were examined with one-way ANOVA, and metabolite differences were tested using a t-test. A robust principal component analysis model and a heatmap were used to highlight common trends among metabolites. Over-representation analysis was performed to investigate metabolic pathways potentially altered in connection with BHB alterations. The metabolomic analysis identified 54 metabolites with 14 different between groups. These metabolites indicate altered ruminal microbial populations and fermentations; an interruption of the tricarboxylic acid cycle; initial lack of glucogenic substrates; mobilization of body reserves; the potential alteration of electron transport chain; influence on urea synthesis; alteration of nervous system, inflammatory response, and immune cell function.
Efficacy of subtenon 20-mg triamcinolone injection versus 0.1% dexamethasone eye drops for controlling inflammation after phacoemulsification: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Choopong Pitipol , Taetrongchit Nuttacha , Boonsopon Sutasinee , Nimkarn Atchariya , Srisukkosalin Kanyapak , Chonpimai Pratuangsri , Nujoi Waree , Maneephagaphun Krissana , Panyayingyong Noppakhun , Tesavibul Nattaporn
Published: October 2022

A prospective randomized control trial of 140 eyes from 140 patients, who underwent phacoemulsification, was conducted to compare the efficacy of subtenon corticosteroids injection with corticosteroids eye drops for controlling postoperative intraocular inflammation. Seventy patients received subtenon 20-mg triamcinolone injection (TA group), whereas the other 70 patients received 0.1% dexamethasone eye drops (Dexa group) after the uneventful surgeries. We examined and measured anterior chamber inflammation (ACI) score, laser flare-cell metering, conjunctival redness, pain, discomfort, visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and central foveal thickness on 1, 7, 14, 28 and 90 days postoperatively. At one month after the surgery, full recovery (zero ACI score) was found in 43 patients (63.20%) in the Dexa group versus 47 patients (68.10%) in the TA group (p = 0.55). There were no statistically significant differences in aqueous cells (p = 0.37) and flare (p = 0.86) between the two groups at one month. All participants experienced no serious adverse events. In conclusion, we found no statistically significant difference between subtenon 20-mg triamcinolone injection and 0.1% dexamethasone eye drop to control inflammation postoperatively. A single subtenon 20-mg triamcinolone injection could be an alternative anti-inflammatory treatment for an uneventful phacoemulsification.
Understanding multimorbidity trajectories in Scotland using sequence analysis
Authors: Cezard G. , Sullivan F. , Keenan K.
Published: October 2022

Understanding how multiple conditions develop over time is of growing interest, but there is currently limited methodological development on the topic, especially in understanding how multimorbidity (the co-existence of at least two chronic conditions) develops longitudinally and in which order diseases occur. We aim to describe how a longitudinal method, sequence analysis, can be used to understand the sequencing of common chronic diseases that lead to multimorbidity and the socio-demographic factors and health outcomes associated with typical disease trajectories. We use the Scottish Longitudinal Study (SLS) linking the Scottish census 2001 to disease registries, hospitalisation and mortality records. SLS participants aged 40–74 years at baseline were followed over a 10-year period (2001–2011) for the onset of three commonly occurring diseases: diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer. We focused on participants who transitioned to at least two of these conditions over the follow-up period (N = 6300). We use sequence analysis with optimal matching and hierarchical cluster analysis to understand the process of disease sequencing and to distinguish typical multimorbidity trajectories. Socio-demographic differences between specific disease trajectories were evaluated using multinomial logistic regression. Poisson and Cox regressions were used to assess differences in hospitalisation and mortality outcomes between typical trajectories. Individuals who transitioned to multimorbidity over 10 years were more likely to be older and living in more deprived areas than the rest of the population. We found seven typical trajectories: later fast transition to multimorbidity, CVD start with slow transition to multimorbidity, cancer start with slow transition to multimorbidity, diabetes start with slow transition to multimorbidity, fast transition to both diabetes and CVD, fast transition to multimorbidity and death, fast transition to both cancer and CVD. Those who quickly transitioned to multimorbidity and death were the most vulnerable, typically older, less educated, and more likely to live in more deprived areas. They also experienced higher number of hospitalisations and overnight stays while still alive. Sequence analysis can strengthen our understanding of typical disease trajectories when considering a few key diseases. This may have implications for more active clinical review of patients beginning quick transition trajectories.
Device for automatic measurement of light pollution of the night sky
Authors: Karpińska Dominika , Kunz Mieczysław
Published: October 2022

Research on light pollution of the night sky has been carried out in Toruń, Poland since 2017. Initially, the measurements were conducted within a network of 24 points using a handheld sky quality meter with lens (SQM-L) photometer (Unihedron, Canada). Based on these measurements, the first accurate maps of night sky pollution by artificial light in Toruń have been developed, both in seasonal and annual terms. Using the experience gained and elements of modern technology, a decision was made to construct an automatic network of mobile devices measuring light intensity at night, covering the entire city of Toruń. This paper presents the technical characteristics of the constructed automatic measurement devices that make up the distributed monitoring network and the process of testing and using the devices. The implementation of this project has started in 2020. To accommodate the evolving expectations of different user groups and the observed trends in the concept of Smart Cities, especially those related to the communication between devices of the Internet of Things, LoRaWAN was selected for data transmission. The first stage involved the construction of a prototype of an automatic, portable and cost-effective device, which was subjected to months of field testing under operational conditions. The device was built using off-the-shelf electronic components and a housing that met the requirements for outdoor use. The next stage was to calibrate the device by simultaneously comparing the obtained results with measurements taken using professional SQM devices. This was followed by the preparation of 35 identical devices, which are already operating in the measurement network in the city of Toruń. Elements of the network are prepared in a way that allows for further expansion and makes data available in the form of an application for many recipients.
Enamel defects in Acp4R110C/R110C mice and human ACP4 mutations
Authors: Liang Tian , Wang Shih-Kai , Smith Charles , Zhang Hong , Hu Yuanyuan , Seymen Figen , Koruyucu Mine , Kasimoglu Yelda , Kim Jung-Wook , Zhang Chuhua , Saunders Thomas L. , Simmer James P. , Hu Jan C.-C.
Published: October 2022

Human ACP4 (OMIM*606362) encodes a transmembrane protein that belongs to histidine acid phosphatase (ACP) family. Recessive mutations in ACP4 cause non-syndromic hypoplastic amelogenesis imperfecta (AI1J, OMIM#617297). While ACP activity has long been detected in developing teeth, its functions during tooth development and the pathogenesis of ACP4-associated AI remain largely unknown. Here, we characterized 2 AI1J families and identified a novel ACP4 disease-causing mutation: c.774_775del, p.Gly260Aspfs*29. To investigate the role of ACP4 during amelogenesis, we generated and characterized Acp4R110C mice that carry the p.(Arg110Cys) loss-of-function mutation. Mouse Acp4 expression was the strongest at secretory stage ameloblasts, and the protein localized primarily at Tomes’ processes. While Acp4 heterozygous (Acp4+/R110C) mice showed no phenotypes, incisors and molars of homozygous (Acp4R110C/R110C) mice exhibited a thin layer of aplastic enamel with numerous ectopic mineralized nodules. Acp4R110C/R110C ameloblasts appeared normal initially but underwent pathology at mid-way of secretory stage. Ultrastructurally, sporadic enamel ribbons grew on mineralized dentin but failed to elongate, and aberrant needle-like crystals formed instead. Globs of organic matrix accumulated by the distal membranes of defective Tomes’ processes. These results demonstrated a critical role for ACP4 in appositional growth of dental enamel probably by processing and regulating enamel matrix proteins around mineralization front apparatus.
Wolf risk fails to inspire fear in two mesocarnivores suggesting facilitation prevails
Authors: Diserens Tom A. , Churski Marcin , Bubnicki Jakub W. , Zalewski Andrzej , Brzeziński Marcin , Kuijper Dries P. J.
Published: October 2022

Large carnivores not only supress mesocarnivores via killing and instilling fear, but also facilitate them through carrion provisioning. Hence, mesocarnivores frequently face a trade-off between risk avoidance and food acquisition. Here we used the raccoon dog and red fox in Białowieża Forest, Poland as models for investigating how large carnivores shape mesocarnivore foraging behaviour in an area with widespread large carnivore carrion provisioning. Using a giving up density experiment we quantified mesocarnivore foraging responses to wolf body odour across a landscape-scale gradient in wolf encounter rates. At locations with higher wolf encounter rates, raccoon dogs depleted feeding trays more than at plots with lower wolf encounter rates. Simulating wolf presence by adding wolf body odour caused raccoon dogs to deplete feeding trays more at locations with low wolf encounter rates, but less at locations with high wolf encounter rates. Fox foraging costs did not vary with the application of wolf body odour or wolf encounter rates. The frequency that the mesocarnivores visited experimental foraging patches was unaffected by wolf body odour or landscape level encounter rates. These results provide further evidence that large carnivore suppression can play a subordinate role to facilitation in determining mesocarnivore behaviour. The varying raccoon dog response to wolf odour across the landscape-scale gradient in wolf encounter rates shows how mesocarnivore-large carnivore interactions can be context-dependent. We suggest that rather than testing the effects of single risk cues on prey behaviour, future studies should focus on understanding how context modifies the ecological impacts of large carnivores.
Fully automated preoperative liver volumetry incorporating the anatomical location of the central hepatic vein
Authors: Koitka Sven , Gudlin Phillip , Theysohn Jens M. , Oezcelik Arzu , Hoyer Dieter P. , Dayangac Murat , Hosch René , Haubold Johannes , Flaschel Nils , Nensa Felix , Malamutmann Eugen
Published: October 2022

The precise preoperative calculation of functional liver volumes is essential prior major liver resections, as well as for the evaluation of a suitable donor for living donor liver transplantation. The aim of this study was to develop a fully automated, reproducible, and quantitative 3D volumetry of the liver from standard CT examinations of the abdomen as part of routine clinical imaging. Therefore, an in-house dataset of 100 venous phase CT examinations for training and 30 venous phase ex-house CT examinations with a slice thickness of 5 mm for testing and validating were fully annotated with right and left liver lobe. Multi-Resolution U-Net 3D neural networks were employed for segmenting these liver regions. The Sørensen-Dice coefficient was greater than 0.9726 ± 0.0058, 0.9639 ± 0.0088, and 0.9223 ± 0.0187 and a mean volume difference of 32.12 ± 19.40 ml, 22.68 ± 21.67 ml, and 9.44 ± 27.08 ml compared to the standard of reference (SoR) liver, right lobe, and left lobe annotation was achieved. Our results show that fully automated 3D volumetry of the liver on routine CT imaging can provide reproducible, quantitative, fast and accurate results without needing any examiner in the preoperative work-up for hepatobiliary surgery and especially for living donor liver transplantation.
Synthesis and photophysical investigations of pyridine-pyrazolate bound boron(III) diaryl complexes
Authors: Javaid Rashid , Rehman Aziz Ul , Ahmed Manan , Karouei Mohammad Hashemi , Sayyadi Nima
Published: October 2022

This study presents the design and synthetic pathway of unsymmetric ligands based on pyridine-pyrazolate scaffold with Donor–Acceptor (D–A) molecular arrays and their boron complexes to achieve a large Stokes shift. Intermolecular charge transfer (ICT) triggered by the uneven molecular charge distribution from electronically dense pyrazolate (donor) part of the ligands to electron-deficient boron centre (acceptor) resulted in a mega Stokes shift up to 263 nm for selected compounds while retaining the characteristic quantum efficiency and chemical stability. The photophysical properties of derivatization of pyrazolate group in the pyridine-pyrazolate scaffold of diaryl boron complexes were explored based on UV–Visible, steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. An interesting dual emission along with quenching behaviour was also observed for 2-(6-methoxynaphthelene) 5-(2-pyridyl) pyrazolate boron complex (P5) due to the formation of a twisted intermolecular charge transfer (TICT) state from a locally excited (LE) state rendering it a potential candidate for sensing applications based on H-Bond quenching. In addition, the extended excited state lifetime of the reported compounds compared to classical boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) makes them suitable as potential probes for analytical applications requiring a longer excited state lifetime.
The influence of preoperative anxiety on postoperative pain in patients undergoing cardiac surgery
Authors: Fernández-Castro Mercedes , Jiménez José-María , Martín-Gil Belén , Muñoz-Moreno María-Fe , Martín-Santos Ana-Belén , del Río-García Isaías , Redondo-Pérez Natán , López María
Published: October 2022

Patients undergoing cardiac surgery represent a challenge in terms of pain management due to multiple factors relating to the patients and to the procedure itself. Our aim was to identify the influence of levels of preoperative anxiety on postoperative pain in patients undergoing cardiac surgery and explore associations between preoperative anxiety, postoperative pain, analgesic requirements, and sex. We present a prospective cohort study of 116 patients undergoing cardiac surgery between January and April 2020. Preoperative anxiety was evaluated using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the amount of morphine needed to keep pain intensity below 4 on the verbal numerical rating scale was recorded for 48 h post-surgery. Given the extracorporeal circulation time, type of surgery and body surface, it was observed that every percentile increase in preoperative state anxiety led to an extra 0.068 mg of morphine being administered. For each extra year of age, the amount of morphine needed decreased by 0.26 mg, no difference was observed between men and women in terms of preoperative anxiety or postoperative analgesics requirements. It may be concluded that in cardiac surgery, postoperative analgesic requirements increased with higher levels of preoperative state anxiety and decreased for every extra year of age.
Bayesian parametric modeling of time to tuberculosis co-infection of HIV/AIDS patients at Jimma Medical Center, Ethiopia
Authors: Umeta Abdi Kenesa , Yermosa Samuel Fikadu , Dufera Abdisa G.
Published: October 2022

Tuberculosis is the most common opportunistic infection among HIV/AIDS patients, including those following Antiretroviral Therapy treatment. The risk of tuberculosis infection is higher in people living with HIV/AIDS than in people who are free from HIV/AIDS. Many studies focused on prevalence and determinants of tuberculosis in HIV/AIDS patients without taking into account the censoring aspects of the time to event data. Therefore, this study was undertaken with aim to model time to tuberculosis co-infection of HIV/AIDS patients under follow-up at Jimma Medical Center, Ethiopia using Bayesian parametric survival models. A data of a retrospective cohort of 421 HIV/AIDS patients under follow-up from January 2016 to December 2020 until active tuberculosis was diagnosed or until the end of the study was collected from Jimma Medical Center, Ethiopia. The analysis of the data was performed using R-INLA software package. In order to identify the risk factors which have association with tuberculosis co-infection survival time, Bayesian parametric accelerated failure time survival models were fitted to the data using Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation methodology. About 26.37% of the study subjects had been co-infected with tuberculosis during the study period. Among the parametric accelerated failure time models, the Bayesian log-logistic accelerated failure time model was found to be the best fitting model for the data. Patients who lived in urban areas had shorter tuberculosis co-infection free survival time compared to those who lived in rural areas with an acceleration factor of 0.2842. Patients who smoke and drink alcohol had also shorter tuberculosis co-infection survival time than those who do not smoke and drink alcohol respectively. Patients with advanced WHO clinical stages(Stage III and IV), bedridden functional status, low body mass index and severe anemic status had shorter tuberculosis co-infection survival time. Place of residence, smoking, drinking alcohol, larger family size, advanced clinical stages(Stage III and Stage IV), bedridden functional status, CD4 count ($$\le $$≤200 cells/mm3and 200–349 cells/mm3), low body mass index and low hemoglobin are the factors that lead to shorter tuberculosis co-infection survival time in HIV/AIDS patients. The findings of the study suggested us to forward the recommendations to modify patients’ life style, early screening and treatment of opportunistic diseases like anemia , as well as effective treatment and management of tuberculosis and HIV co-infection are important to prevent tuberculosis and HIV co-infection.
A novel nomogram based on log odds of positive lymph nodes to predict survival for non-metastatic gallbladder adenocarcinoma after surgery
Authors: Jiang Shitao , Zhang Junwei , Zhang Lei , Xu Yiyao , Zhao Haitao , Sang Xinting , Lu Xin
Published: October 2022

The prognosis of non-metastatic gallbladder adenocarcinoma (NM-GBA) patients is affected by the status of metastatic lymph nodes. The purpose of this study was to explore the prognostic value of the log odds of positive lymph nodes (LODDS) and develop a novel nomogram to predict the overall survival in NM-GBA patients. A total of 1035 patients confirmed to have NM-GBA were selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and further divided into training and validation cohorts. The discrimination and calibration of the nomogram were evaluated using the concordance index (C-index), the area under the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve (time-dependent AUC), and calibration plots. The net benefits and clinical utility of the nomogram were quantified and compared with those of the 8th edition American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TNM) staging system using decision curve analysis (DCA), net reclassification index (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI). The risk stratifications of the nomogram and the TNM-staging system were compared. LODDS showed the highest accuracy in predicting OS for NM-GBA. The C-index (0.730 for the training cohort and 0.746 for the validation cohort) and the time-dependent AUC (> 0.7) indicated the satisfactory discriminative ability of the nomogram. The calibration plots showed a high degree of consistency. The DCA, NRI, and IDI indicated that the nomogram performed significantly better than the TNM-staging (P < 0.05). A novel LODDS-included nomogram was developed and validated to assist clinicians in evaluating the prognosis of NM-GBA patients.
Microwave brain imaging system to detect brain tumor using metamaterial loaded stacked antenna array
Authors: Hossain Amran , Islam Mohammad Tariqul , Beng Gan Kok , Kashem Saad Bin Abul , Soliman Mohamed S. , Misran Norbahiah , Chowdhury Muhammad E. H.
Published: October 2022

In this paper, proposes a microwave brain imaging system to detect brain tumors using a metamaterial (MTM) loaded three-dimensional (3D) stacked wideband antenna array. The antenna is comprised of metamaterial-loaded with three substrate layers, including two air gaps. One 1 × 4 MTM array element is used in the top layer and middle layer, and one 3 × 2 MTM array element is used in the bottom layer. The MTM array elements in layers are utilized to enhance the performance concerning antenna’s efficiency, bandwidth, realized gain, radiation directionality in free space and near the head model. The antenna is fabricated on cost-effective Rogers RT5880 and RO4350B substrate, and the optimized dimension of the antenna is 50 × 40 × 8.66 mm3. The measured results show that the antenna has a fractional bandwidth of 79.20% (1.37–3.16 GHz), 93% radiation efficiency, 98% high fidelity factor, 6.67 dBi gain, and adequate field penetration in the head tissue with a maximum of 0.0018 W/kg specific absorption rate. In addition, a 3D realistic tissue-mimicking head phantom is fabricated and measured to verify the performance of the antenna. Later, a nine-antenna array-based microwave brain imaging (MBI) system is implemented and investigated by using phantom model. After that, the scattering parameters are collected, analyzed, and then processed by the Iteratively Corrected delay-multiply-and-sum algorithm to detect and reconstruct the brain tumor images. The imaging results demonstrated that the implemented MBI system can successfully detect the target benign and malignant tumors with their locations inside the brain.
Analysis of facial ultrasonography images based on deep learning
Authors: Lee Kang-Woo , Lee Hyung-Jin , Hu Hyewon , Kim Hee-Jin
Published: October 2022

Transfer learning using a pre-trained model with the ImageNet database is frequently used when obtaining large datasets in the medical imaging field is challenging. We tried to estimate the value of deep learning for facial US images by assessing the classification performance for facial US images through transfer learning using current representative deep learning models and analyzing the classification criteria. For this clinical study, we recruited 86 individuals from whom we acquired ultrasound images of nine facial regions. To classify these facial regions, 15 deep learning models were trained using augmented or non-augmented datasets and their performance was evaluated. The F-measure scores average of all models was about 93% regardless of augmentation in the dataset, and the best performing model was the classic model VGGs. The models regarded the contours of skin and bones, rather than muscles and blood vessels, as distinct features for distinguishing regions in the facial US images. The results of this study can be used as reference data for future deep learning research on facial US images and content development.
Angular difference in human coronary artery governs endothelial cell structure and function
Authors: Katakia Yash T. , Kanduri Satyadevan , Bhattacharyya Ritobrata , Ramanathan Srinandini , Nigam Ishan , Kuncharam Bhanu Vardhan Reddy , Majumder Syamantak
Published: October 2022

Blood vessel branch points exhibiting oscillatory/turbulent flow and lower wall shear stress (WSS) are the primary sites of atherosclerosis development. Vascular endothelial functions are essentially dependent on these tangible biomechanical forces including WSS. Herein, we explored the influence of blood vessel bifurcation angles on hemodynamic alterations and associated changes in endothelial function. We generated computer-aided design of a branched human coronary artery followed by 3D printing such designs with different bifurcation angles. Through computational fluid dynamics analysis, we observed that a larger branching angle generated more complex turbulent/oscillatory hemodynamics to impart minimum WSS at branching points. Through the detection of biochemical markers, we recorded significant alteration in eNOS, ICAM1, and monocyte attachment in EC grown in microchannel having 60o vessel branching angle which correlated with the lower WSS. The present study highlights the importance of blood vessel branching angle as one of the crucial determining factors in governing atherogenic-endothelial dysfunction.
Trehalose and tardigrade CAHS proteins work synergistically to promote desiccation tolerance
Authors: Nguyen Kenny , KC Shraddha , Gonzalez Tyler , Tapia Hugo , Boothby Thomas C.
Published: October 2022

Tardigrades are microscopic animals renowned for their ability to survive extreme desiccation. Unlike many desiccation-tolerant organisms that accumulate high levels of the disaccharide trehalose to protect themselves during drying, tardigrades accumulate little or undetectable levels. Using comparative metabolomics, we find that despite being enriched at low levels, trehalose is a key biomarker distinguishing hydration states of tardigrades. In vitro, naturally occurring stoichiometries of trehalose and CAHS proteins, intrinsically disordered proteins with known protective capabilities, were found to produce synergistic protective effects during desiccation. In vivo, this synergistic interaction is required for robust CAHS-mediated protection. This demonstrates that trehalose acts not only as a protectant, but also as a synergistic cosolute. Beyond desiccation tolerance, our study provides insights into how the solution environment tunes intrinsically disordered proteins’ functions, many of which are vital in biological contexts such as development and disease that are concomitant with large changes in intracellular chemistry.
Skyrmion motion and partitioning of domain wall velocity driven by repulsive interactions
Authors: Xing Xiangjun , Zhou Yan
Published: October 2022

Magnetic skyrmions, as a whirling spin texture with axisymmetry, cannot be propelled directly by a uniform perpendicular magnetic field. Therefore, reported skyrmion motions have been induced using other sorts of stimuli — typically, electric currents in magnetic metals. Here, we propose to drive skyrmion motion, in a uniform perpendicular field, by intrinsic repulsive interactions among an outer domain wall (DW) and magnetic skyrmions. Through micromagnetic simulations, we demonstrate that the uniform perpendicular magnetic field can indeed displace magnetic skyrmions alongside the leading DW. At a fixed field strength, the velocity of the skyrmion train evolves according to a 1 / (Ns + 1) relation with Ns denoting the number of skyrmions. Based on the Thiele equation, we elucidate, analytically, the mechanism of the driven magnetic skyrmion motion as well as the velocity equipartition phenomenon and reveal that the skyrmion–DW and inter-skyrmion repulsive interactions offer the driving force for skyrmion motion. This study underlines the role of spin textures’ interaction in skyrmion dynamics, and opens an alternative route for skyrmion manipulation especially relevant to insulating magnets. Given the correspondence between ferromagnetism and ferroelectricity, we anticipate that the scheme should also work for polar skyrmions in ferroelectrics.
Data-driven analysis of a validated risk score for ovarian cancer identifies clinically distinct patterns during follow-up and treatment
Authors: Enroth Stefan , Ivansson Emma , Lindberg Julia Hedlund , Lycke Maria , Bergman Jessica , Reneland Anna , Stålberg Karin , Sundfeldt Karin , Gyllensten Ulf
Published: October 2022

Background

Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer among women and due to late detection prognosis is poor with an overall 5-year survival of 30–50%. Novel biomarkers are needed to reduce diagnostic surgery and enable detection of early-stage cancer by population screening. We have previously developed a risk score based on an 11-biomarker plasma protein assay to distinguish benign tumors (cysts) from malignant ovarian cancer in women with adnexal ovarian mass.

Methods

Protein concentrations of 11 proteins were characterized in plasma from 1120 clinical samples with a custom version of the proximity extension assay. The performance of the assay was evaluated in terms of prediction accuracy based on receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and multiple hypothesis adjusted Fisher’s Exact tests on achieved sensitivity and specificity.

Results

The assay’s performance is validated in two independent clinical cohorts with a sensitivity of 0.83/0.91 and specificity of 0.88/0.92. We also show that the risk score follows the clinical development and is reduced upon treatment, and increased with relapse and cancer progression. Data-driven modeling of the risk score patterns during a 2-year follow-up after diagnosis identifies four separate risk score trajectories linked to clinical development and survival. A Cox proportional hazard regression analysis of 5-year survival shows that at time of diagnosis the risk score is the second-strongest predictive variable for survival after tumor stage, whereas MUCIN-16 (CA-125) alone is not significantly predictive.

Conclusion

The robust performance of the biomarker assay across clinical cohorts and the correlation with clinical development indicates its usefulness both in the diagnostic work-up of women with adnexal ovarian mass and for predicting their clinical course.
Modulating A site compositions of europium(iii)-doped double-perovskite niobate phosphors
Authors: Hua Yongbin , Wang Tian , Yu Jae Su , Ran Weiguang , Li Li
Published: October 2022

Eu3+-activated double-perovskite niobates of A2InNbO6 were synthesized with the modulation of their A site and the polydimethylsiloxane flexible light-emitting films based on the optimized phosphors were implemented for versatile applications.
Indium-doping-induced selenium vacancy engineering of layered tin diselenide for improving room-temperature sulfur dioxide gas sensing
Authors: Guo Xuezheng , Shi Yijie , Ding Yanqiao , He Yuhui , Du Bingsheng , Liang Chengyao , Tan Yiling , Liu Peilin , Miao Xiangshui , He Yong , Yang Xi
Published: October 2022

Cation-doping engineering was utilized to induce selenium vacancies in tin diselenide for high-performance and room-temperature sulfur dioxide gas sensing.
Transparent glass-ceramics functionalized with EuSiO3constrained BaF2:Eu2+nanocrystals: theoretical design and experimental fulfillment towards an efficient spectral converter
Authors: Wang Chenhao , Wang Di , Xu Xiuxia , Li Pengcheng , Zhao Junjie , Qiao Xvsheng , Du Jincheng , Qian Guodong , Fan Xianping
Published: October 2022

Eu2+doped transparent spectral conversion glass is feasible for various photovoltaic devices to get efficiency improvements, through harvesting extra photons out of the response region.
Fine‐grained classification of intracranial haemorrhage subtypes in head CT scans
Authors: Liu Pingping , Ning Gangjun , Shi Lida , Zhou Qiuzhan , Chen Xuan
Published: October 2022

Intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) is a haemorrhagic disease that occurs in the ventricle or brain tissue and has a high probability of mortality and disability. For ICH, it is important to obtain a correct diagnosis in the early stages. Currently, ICH classification mainly depends on professional radiologists for manual diagnosis. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a method that can efficiently and rapidly diagnose ICH. In the field of ICH subtype classification, most studies directly use the existing convolutional neural network (CNN) to extract CT slice features. However, these existing networks have the following shortcomings: (1) insufficient discrimination of CT slice features leads to an inability to achieve satisfactory classification performance. (2) Most CT slice data sets of ICH have the serious problem of sample imbalance. (3) There is a correlation between subtypes; however, in previous studies, this correlation has been ignored. To solve these problems, the authors propose a classification algorithm for ICH subtypes applied to CT images. The CNN–RNN architecture was adopted to classify ICH subtypes. In the CNN module, the problem is viewed from a fine‐grained perspective, which solves the problem of insufficient feature discrimination in existing methods. A new loss function is also proposed to solve the problems of unbalanced data distribution and neglected dependencies among the labels. These parts are integrated into the proposed fine‐grained network architecture. The image embeddings were obtained by the CNN module and then input to the RNN module. The authors’ method was evaluated on the Radiological Society of North America 2019 Brain CT Haemorrhage (RSNA‐2019) benchmark. The experimental results demonstrated that the performance of the proposed method is state‐of‐the‐art.
Fast and accurate evaluation method of commutation failure in line‐commutated converter‐based high‐voltage direct current systems considering probability characteristics
Authors: Guo Yaxun , Tan Zhanpeng , Li Xiaohua , Liu Zhou , Wang Yulin , Cai Zexiang , Chen Zhe
Published: October 2022

Line‐commutated converter‐based high‐voltage direct current (LCC‐HVDC) systems suffer from commutation failure (CF) when receiving‐end AC grid faults occur, which is a major drawback and threatens the security and stability of power systems. This paper presents a fast and accurate evaluation method of CF for the LCC‐HVDC systems, considering the CF probability characteristics. Firstly, based on the analysis of the CF probability characteristics from the view of short‐circuit impedance, the CF tolerance index (CFTI) and CF vulnerability index (CFVI) are proposed to quantitatively evaluate the LCC‐HVDC systems' risk of the possible‐ and inevitable‐occurrence CF, respectively. Secondly, four factors, that is, commutation voltage, fault occurrence time, DC current and firing angle command, are considered to calculate CF evaluation indices (CFEIs) and identify the CF risk area boundaries based on the theoretical analysis. Moreover, the relationships among short‐circuit impedance, fault position, and extinction angle are established based on the AC/DC decoupling method, which helps realize the decoupling of multi‐factors affecting CF during fault. Compared to earlier methods, this evaluation method combines the advantages of the accuracy of the electromagnetic transient simulation method and the rapidity of theoretical derivation. Finally, the validity and accuracy of the evaluation method are verified in the CIGRE HVDC benchmark model and IEEE 39‐bus system.
Detailed analysis of a sample of field metal-poor N-rich dwarfs
Authors: Spite M. , Spite F. , Caffau E. , Bonifacio P. , François P.
Published: October 2022

Aims. The aim of this work is to compare the detailed chemical composition of the field N-rich dwarf stars to the second-generation stars of globular clusters (GCs) in order to investigate the hypothesis that they originated in GCs.Methods. We measured the abundance of 23 elements (from Li to Eu) in a sample of six metal-poor N-rich stars (three of them pointed out for the first time), and we compared their chemical composition to (i) the chemical composition observed in a sample of classic metal-poor stars and (ii) the abundances observed in the second-generation stars of GCs.Results. In metal-poor N-rich stars, C and O are slightly deficient, but the scatter of [(C+N+O)/Fe] is very small, a strong indication that the N enrichment is the result of pollution by CNO-processed material. The N-rich stars of our sample, similarly to the second-generation stars in the GCs, show an excess of Na and sometimes of Al, as expected if the material from which these stars were formed, has been polluted by the ejecta of massive asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars. For the first time, we have been able to establish an anti-correlation Na–O in field stars such as the one observed in NGC 6752. The N-rich star HD 74000 has a rather low [Eu/Ba] ratio for its metallicity. Such an anomaly is also observed in several second-generation stars of M 15.Conclusions. This analysis supports the hypothesis that the N-rich stars observed today in the field were born as second-generation stars in GCs.
Variational and numerical analysis of aQ-tensor model for smectic-A liquid crystals
Authors: Xia Jingmin , Farrell Patrick E.
Published: October 2022

We analyse an energy minimisation problem recently proposed for modelling smectic-A liquid crystals. The optimality conditions give a coupled nonlinear system of partial differential equations, with a second-order equation for the tensor-valued nematic order parameterQand a fourth-order equation for the scalar-valued smectic density variationu. Our two main results are a proof of the existence of solutions to the minimisation problem, and the derivation ofa priorierror estimates for its discretisation of the decoupled case (i.e.,q= 0) using theC0interior penalty method. More specifically, optimal rates in theH1andL2norms are obtained forQ, while optimal rates in a mesh-dependent norm andL2norm are obtained foru. Numerical experiments confirm the rates of convergence.
Imaging of Occupational and Environmental Lung Disease
Authors: Carroll Melissa B. , Kanne Jeffrey P.
Published: October 2022

The respiratory tract is continuously exposed to and filters toxins from the home and work environments. Certain occupations and environmental exposures can cause unique injuries to the upper and lower respiratory system. Despite increasing federal regulations in the workplace, occupation-associated lung disease is still a major cause of lung disease and disability and continues to evolve with changes in industry, regulation, and new emerging exposures and toxins. Establishing a diagnosis can be difficult, often due to long latency between exposure and clinical disease, insufficient patient history, and nonspecific or varying imaging appearance. Identifying key imaging features of occupational lung disease along with a multidisciplinary approach can aid in accurate and timely diagnosis. In this review, we will discuss the importance of a comprehensive patient history, multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis, and key imaging features of occupation-related lung injuries. Radiographic and computed tomographic findings will be described and illustrated.
Investigation of the secondary flow by convergent–divergent riblets in a supersonic turbulent boundary layer over a compression ramp
Authors: Guo Tongbiao , Fang Jian , Zhang Ji , Li Xinliang
Published: October 2022

In this paper, the effect of the secondary flow induced by convergent–divergent riblets in supersonic turbulent boundary layers over a 24° compression ramp at Mach number 2.9 is studied via direct numerical simulation. Two riblet cases with the wavelength Λ being 1.1δ and 1.65δ (δ is the boundary layer thickness) are conducted to examine their impact on the secondary rolling motion, momentum transfer, turbulent fluctuations, flow separation, and unsteady shock motion. As the flow develops over the riblet section, both the size and intensity of the secondary rolling motion tend to increase. For the riblet case with Λ/δ=1.1, a single rolling mode is observed within a half wavelength, while a pair of co-rotating vortical structures is obtained for Λ/δ=1.65. Both rolling patterns lead to an apparent spanwise variation of the flow field. The results reveal that the secondary flow contributes to the increase of both the mean momentum flux and turbulent fluctuations. By using the spanwise averaging, the mean momentum flux contributed from the dispersive stress and compressible effect caused by the secondary flow is identified. Both components appear to enhance the near-wall momentum mixing, and a larger enhancement is observed for Λ/δ=1.1, where the intensity of the secondary flow is stronger. Compared to the baseline case, the area of the separation zone at Λ/δ=1.1 and Λ/δ=1.65 is decreased by 56% and 38%, respectively. For all the cases, the low-frequency motion near the foot of the shock is observed. In comparison, the frequency of the low-frequency motion for the riblet case is two times higher than that in the baseline case, owing to the reduction of the separation area and length.