bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety and efficacy of iodine-125 seed strand for intraluminal brachytherapy on ureteral carcinoma
Authors: Bi Yonghua , Jiao Dechao , Zhang Jianhao , Ren Jianzhuang , Han Xinwei , Guo Kefeng , Tu Xueliang
Published: March 2023

Objective

Our aim is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of iodine-125 seed strand for intraluminal brachytherapy on ureteral carcinoma.

Methods

From November 2014 to November 2021, 22 patients with ureteral cancer not suitable for surgical resection were enrolled. Iodine-125 seed strand was inserted under c-arm CT and fluoroscopic guidance. The technical success rate, complications, disease control rate, and survival time were evaluated. Hydronephrosis Girignon grade and ureteral cancer sizes before and after treatment were compared.

Results

A total of 46 seed strands were successfully inserted and replaced, with a technical success rate of 100% and median procedure time of 62 min. No procedure-related death, ureteral perforation, infection, or severe bleeding occurred. Minor complications were observed in eight (36.4%) patients, and migration of seed strand was the most common complication. Six months after seed strand brachytherapy, one complete response, three partial responses, and five stable diseases were evaluated, and the disease control rate was 64.3%. The Girignon grade of hydronephrosis was significantly improved 1 to 3 months after seed strand insertion. Disease control rates were 94.4, 62.5, and 64.3% at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up. Twenty patients were successfully followed up, with a mean follow-up of 18.0 ± 14.5 months. The median overall survival and progress-free survival were 24.7 and 13.0 months, respectively.

Conclusion

Iodine-125 seed strand is safe and effective for intraluminal brachytherapy and can be used as an alternative to patients with ureteral carcinoma who are not suitable for surgical resection or systemic combined therapy.
CT radiomics nomogram predicts pathological response after induced chemotherapy and overall survival in patients with advanced laryngeal cancer: A single-center retrospective study
Authors: Kang Chunmiao , Sun Pengfeng , Yang Runqin , Zhang Changming , Ning Wenfeng , Liu Hongsheng
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to develop a radiomics nomogram to predict pathological response (PR) after induction chemotherapy (IC) and overall survival (OS) in patients with advanced laryngeal cancer (LC).

Methods

This retrospective study included patients with LC (n = 114) who had undergone contrast computerized tomography (CT); patients were randomly assigned to training (n = 81) and validation cohorts (n = 33). Potential radiomics scores were calculated to establish a model for predicting the PR status using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to select significant variables for predicting PR status. Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed to assess the risk stratification ability of PR and radiomics score (rad-score) for predicting OS. A prognostic nomogram was developed by integrating radiomics features and clinicopathological characteristics using multivariate Cox regression. All LC patients were stratified as low- and high-risk by the median CT radiomic score, C-index, calibration curve. Additionally, decision curve analysis (DCA) of the nomogram was performed to test model performance and clinical usefulness.

Results

Overall, PR rates were 45.6% (37/81) and 39.3% (13/33) in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Eight features were optimally selected to build a rad-score model, which was significantly associated with PR and OS. The median OS in the PR group was significantly shorter than that in the non-PR group in both cohorts. Multivariate Cox analysis revealed that volume [hazard ratio, (HR) = 1.43], N stage (HR = 1.46), and rad-score (HR = 2.65) were independent risk factors associated with OS. The above four variables were applied to develop a nomogram for predicting OS, and the DCAs indicated that the predictive performance of the nomogram was better than that of the clinical model.

Conclusion

For patients with advanced LC, CT radiomics score was an independent biomarker for estimating PR after IC. Moreover, the nomogram that incorporated radiomics features and clinicopathological factors performed better for individualized OS estimation.
Clinical value of styrofoam fixation in intracranial tumor radiotherapy
Authors: Li Bo , Bai Fei , Yao Xiaowei , Xu Linlin , Zhao Lina
Published: March 2023

Objective

To analyze the application value of two postural fixation techniques.(styrofoam combined with head mask and fixed headrest combined with head mask) in intracranial tumor radiotherapy via cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods

This study included 104 patients with intracranial tumors undergoing radiotherapy. The patients were divided into two groups: Group A (54 cases with styrofoam fixation) and Group B (50 cases with fixed headrest fixation). The positional deviation in 3D space between the two groups was compared using CBCT. The set-up errors were expressed as median (25th percentile, 75th percentile)or M(p25, p75) since the set-up errors in all directions were not normally distributed,The Mann-Whitney U test was performed.

Results

The age and gender of patients in the two groups were not significantly different. The set-up errors of A in lateral (X), longitudinal (Y), vertical (Z), and yaw(Rtn) axes were 1.0 (0,1) mm, 1.0 (0,1) mm, 1.0 (0,2) mm, and 0.4 (0.1, 0.8) degrees, respectively while the set-up errors of B were 1.0 (0,1) mm, 1.0 (1,2) mm, 1.0 (0,2) mm, and 0.5 (0.15,0.9) degrees, respectively. Moreover, patients in the styrofoam group had significantly smaller set-up errors in the Y-axis than patients in the headrest group (p=0.001). However, set-up errors in the X, Z, and Rtn axes were not significantly different between the two groups. The expansion boundaries of the target area in the X, Y, and Z directions were 1.77 mm, 2.45 mm, and 2.47 mm, respectively. The outer expansion boundaries of the headrest group were 2.03 mm, 3.88 mm, and 2.57 mm in X, Y, and Z directions, respectively. The set-up times of groups A and B were (32.71 ± 5.21) seconds and (46.57 ± 6.68) seconds, respectively (p=0.014). Patients in group A had significantly better comfort satisfaction than patients in group B (p=0.001).

Conclusion

Styrofoam plus head thermoplastic mask body fixation technique has a higher positional accuracy in intracranial tumor radiotherapy than headrest plus head thermoplastic mask fixation. Besides, styrofoam plus head thermoplastic mask body fixation technique is associated with improved positioning efficiency, and better comfort than headrest plus head thermoplastic mask fixation, and thus can be effectively applied for intracranial tumor radiotherapy positioning.
Lung ultrasound in children and adolescents with long-term effects of COVID-19: Initial results
Authors: Gräger Stephanie , Pfirschke Rosalie , Lorenz Michael , Vilser Daniel , Krämer Martin , Mentzel Hans-Joachim , Glutig Katja
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Chronic health effects following acute COVID-19 are increasingly observed as the pandemic continues and are grouped under long COVID. Although the acute course of the COVID disease is often milder, long COVID also affects children and adolescents. As the symptoms present in Long-COVID often seem to be non-specific and not limited to organ systems, clarification of the causes and the creation of a meaningful, efficient and targeted diagnostic algorithm is urgently needed.

Methods

Therefore, in this prospective observational study, we examined 30 children with long COVID using lung ultrasound and compared the results with those of 15 lung-healthy children.

Results

In our study, no significant difference was found between the two groups in the morphological criteria of lung ultrasound of the pleura or pleural lung structures. There was no significant correlation between the lung ultrasound findings and clinical Data.

Discussion

Our findings are congruent with the current, albeit sparse, data. It is possible that the causes of persistent thoracic symptoms in long COVID might be more likely to be present in functional examinations, but not morphologically imageable. Nonspecific symptoms do not appear to be due to changes in the lung parenchyma. In conclusion, lung ultrasound alone and without baseline in acute disease is not suitable as a standard in the follow-up of long COVID patients. Further investigations on the morphological and functional changes in patient with long COVID is needed.
Astragaloside IV alleviates 1-deoxysphinganine-induced mitochondrial dysfunction during the progression of chronic kidney disease through p62-Nrf2 antioxidant pathway
Authors: Gui Ting , Chen Qingfa , Li Jiangsong , Lu Ke , Li Chen , Xu Bin , Chen Yang , Men Jingwen , Kullak-Ublick Gerd A. , Wang Weihua , Gai Zhibo
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can lead to significant elevation of 1-deoxysphingolipids (1-deoxySL). The increase of 1-deoxySL in turn can result in mitochondrial damage and oxidative stress, which can cause further progression of CKD.

Methods: This study assessed the therapeutic effect of Astragaloside IV (AST) against 1-deoxySL-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and in rats with CKD. HK-2 cells were exposed to 1-deoxysphinganine (doxSA) or doxSA + AST. doxSA-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress were evaluated by immunostaining, real-time PCR, oxidative stress sensor, and transmission electron microscopy. The potential effects of AST on kidney damage were evaluated in a rat 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6 Nx) model of CKD.

Results: The findings of in vitro experiments showed that doxSA induced mitochondrial damage, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. AST markedly reduced the level of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, lowered apoptosis, and improved mitochondrial function. In addition, exposure to AST significantly induced the phosphorylation of p62 and the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 as well as its downstream anti-oxidant genes. p62 knock-down fully abolished Nrf2 nuclear translocation in cells after AST treatment. However, p62 knock-down did not affect TBHQ-induced Nrf2 nuclear translocation, indicating that AST can ameliorate doxSA-induced oxidative stress through modulation of p62 phosphorylation and Nrf2 nuclear translocation.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that AST can activate Nrf2 antioxidant pathway in a p62 dependent manner. The anti-oxidative stress effect and the further mitochondrial protective effect of AST represent a promising therapeutic strategy for the progression of CKD.
Targeted therapy and immunotherapy: Diamonds in the rough in the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Huang Xu , Li Xiao-Yu , Shan Wu-Lin , Chen Yao , Zhu Qi , Xia Bai-Rong
Published: March 2023

Currently, for ovarian cancer, which has the highest mortality rate among all gynecological cancers, the standard treatment protocol is initial tumor cytoreductive surgery followed by platinum-based combination chemotherapy. Although the survival rate after standard treatment has improved, the therapeutic effect of traditional chemotherapy is very limited due to problems such as resistance to platinum-based drugs and recurrence. With the advent of the precision medicine era, molecular targeted therapy has gradually entered clinicians’ view, and individualized precision therapy has been realized, surpassing the limitations of traditional therapy. The detection of genetic mutations affecting treatment, especially breast cancer susceptibility gene (BRCA) mutations and mutations of other homologous recombination repair defect (HRD) genes, can guide the targeted drug treatment of patients, effectively improve the treatment effect and achieve a better patient prognosis. This article reviews different sites and pathways of targeted therapy, including angiogenesis, cell cycle and DNA repair, and immune and metabolic pathways, and the latest research progress from preclinical and clinical trials related to ovarian cancer therapy.
Attention-driven tree-structured convolutional LSTM for high dimensional data understanding
Authors: Lu Yi , Kong Bin , Gao Feng , Cao Kunlin , Lyu Siwei , Zhang Shaoting , Hu Shu , Yin Youbing , Wang Xin
Published: March 2023

Modeling sequential information for image sequences is a vital step of various vision tasks and convolutional long short-term memory (ConvLSTM) has demonstrated its superb performance in such spatiotemporal problems. Nevertheless, the hierarchical data structures (e.g., human body parts and vessel/airway tree in biomedical images) in various tasks cannot be properly modeled by sequential models. Thus, ConvLSTM is not suitable for analyzing tree-structured image data that has a rich relation among its elements. In order to address this limitation, we present a tree-structured ConvLSTM model for tree-structured image analysis which can be trained end-to-end. To demonstrate its effectiveness, we first evaluate the proposed tree-structured ConvLSTM model on a synthetic Tree-Moving-MNIST dataset for tree-structured modeling. Experimental results demonstrate the superiority of the tree-structured ConvLSTM model for tree-structured image analysis compared with other alternatives. Additionally, we present a tree-structured segmentation framework which consists of a tree-structured ConvLSTM layer and an attention fully convolutional network (FCN) model. The proposed framework is validated on four large-scale coronary artery datasets. The results demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed method, showing its potential use cases in the analysis of tree-structured image data.
Psychiatric disorders and the onset of self-reported fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome: The lifelines cohort study
Authors: Creed Francis
Published: March 2023

Introduction

This study aimed to assess whether psychiatric disorders predict the onset of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) which develop in the presence of pre-existing muscle pain or fatigue.

Methods

The population-based Lifelines cohort study included 148,614 adults with relevant data for the fibromyalgia study and 136,423 for the CFS study. Participants with prior self-reported fibromyalgia (or CFS) at baseline were excluded from the relevant analysis. At follow-up (mean 2.4 years), new onsets of each syndrome were identified by self-report. Logistic regression was used to identify which of the baseline variables predicted new onsets of each syndrome. The total number of psychiatric disorders (depression, anxiety, burnout, panic disorder, social phobia, agoraphobia, obsessive–compulsive, and eating disorders) was used as a predictor. Prior to the analyses the samples were divided into those with and without marked muscle pain (for fibromyalgia analysis) or persistent fatigue (for CFS).

Results

During follow-up, there were 685/136,423 (0.5%) new onsets of self-reported FM in participants without marked muscle pain and 281/7481 (3.75%) in those with such pain; for CFS it was 292/124,223 (0.2%) for those without and 192/10,025 (1.9%) for those with baseline fatigue. In both univariate and logistic regression analyses of participants with prior persistent fatigue psychiatric disorder was clearly associated with onset of CFS. This was not so for onset of fibromyalgia in participants with prior muscle pain.

Discussion

Although psychiatric disorders did not predict self-reported fibromyalgia or CFS in participants free of pain or fatigue at baseline, in this study psychiatric disorder did predict self-reported CFS in the presence of pre-existing fatigue. Progress in understanding the etiology of these disorders may require studying separately onsets with and without pre-existing key symptoms.
Intolerance of uncertainty and attitudes towards persons living with disabilities in medical students: Is there a correlation?
Authors: Ogle Martinique , Papanagnou Dimitrios , Reopelle Kestrel , Rusnack Frances , Feingold-Link Jordan , Poluch Maria , Ankam Nethra
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Patients living with a disability experience an illness trajectory that may be uncertain. While navigating clinical uncertainty has been well-researched, health professionals’ intolerance of uncertainty for patients living with disabilities has yet to be explored. We examined the relationship between medical students’ intolerance of uncertainty with their attitudes towards people living with disabilities to better inform curricular efforts.

Methods

We employed a survey-based design consisting of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS) and Disability Attitudes in Healthcare (DAHC) Scale to medical students upon completion of core clerkships (end of third-year of training). Data were de-identified. Mean DAHC and IUS scores were compared with published values via t-test. Linear regression was used to examine IUS/DAHC scores for anonymized students. Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated to assess correlation between IUS and DAHC scores.

Results

Response rate was 97% (268/275 students). Mean IUS score did not differ from previously cited medical student scores, but mean DAHC score was significantly higher than previously cited scores. We observed a statistically-significant relationship between IUS and DAHC scores. Students with greater intolerance of uncertainty had lower scores for disability attitudes [F(1,243) = 8.05, value of p < 0.01], with an R2-value of 0.032, suggesting that 3% of DAHC score variance can be explained by IUS score changes.

Conclusion

We identified a weak negative correlation between IUS and DAHC scores in medical students. Further research is needed to clarify findings and identify best practices that equip trainees with skills to care for patients with uncertain illness trajectories and patients living with disabilities.
A tale of two lexica: Investigating computational pressures on word representation with neural networks
Authors: Avcu Enes , Hwang Michael , Brown Kevin Scott , Gow David W.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The notion of a single localized store of word representations has become increasingly less plausible as evidence has accumulated for the widely distributed neural representation of wordform grounded in motor, perceptual, and conceptual processes. Here, we attempt to combine machine learning methods and neurobiological frameworks to propose a computational model of brain systems potentially responsible for wordform representation. We tested the hypothesis that the functional specialization of word representation in the brain is driven partly by computational optimization. This hypothesis directly addresses the unique problem of mapping sound and articulation vs. mapping sound and meaning.

Results

We found that artificial neural networks trained on the mapping between sound and articulation performed poorly in recognizing the mapping between sound and meaning and vice versa. Moreover, a network trained on both tasks simultaneously could not discover the features required for efficient mapping between sound and higher-level cognitive states compared to the other two models. Furthermore, these networks developed internal representations reflecting specialized task-optimized functions without explicit training.

Discussion

Together, these findings demonstrate that different task-directed representations lead to more focused responses and better performance of a machine or algorithm and, hypothetically, the brain. Thus, we imply that the functional specialization of word representation mirrors a computational optimization strategy given the nature of the tasks that the human brain faces.
Can a hierarchical ordering of alternative technological concepts for decarbonizing industrial energy systems minimize mitigation costs?
Authors: Oluleye Gbemi , Bishay Doss , Kas Baptiste
Published: March 2023

Integration of alternative technological concepts such as switching to alternative fuels, advanced energy efficiency, and carbon capture and storage in existing industrial energy systems can prove highly effective at minimizing emissions; however, their adoption is low since solutions using these concepts raise costs considerably. The hypothesis of this work is a hierarchical combination of these concepts can reduce mitigation cost. To this end a mixed method approach is applied combining energy simulation with a novel Mixed Integer Linear Programming model developed to explore 48 alternative solutions to make industrial energy systems more sustainable. The method was applied to the most common industrial energy systems configurations. Results show that the added cost of integrating alternative technological concepts are lowered when energy efficiency via direct heat recovery is explored first in an optimization-based hierarchy of options. The hierarchy is advanced energy efficiency before fuel and technology switching or integrating carbon capture and storage. This means process integration can pay for steeper reductions in carbon emissions. Integrating alternative technological concepts optimally and hierarchically reduced emissions by 61%, and costs by 55.7% compared to a partial integration for a heat-only business-as-usual industrial energy systems. Even though switching to an alternative fuel (blue hydrogen) reduces carbon emissions by 72%, costs increase by at least 3% compared to a system using fuel gas and fuel oil. A hierarchical integration of blue hydrogen reduces cost by 47% and carbon emissions by 88.7%. Partial integration of carbon capture and storage reduces carbon emissions by 36% but costs increase by 89%, with full integration using optimization and the hierarchy costs only increase by 6.3%. Therefore, the cost-effectiveness of integrating alternative technological concepts is highly influenced by the hierarchy which seeks to minimize demand for energy from industrial processes first, then increase the supply efficiency of industrial energy systems, and before switching to alternative fuels and technologies.
Assessing milk products quality, safety, and influencing factors along the dairy value chain in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Bacigale Samy Bashizi , Ayagirwe Rodrigue Basengere , Mutwedu Valence Bwana , Mugumaarhahama Yannick , Mugisho Janvier Zirhumana , Nziku Zabron , Fofana Mamadou , Udomkun Patchimaporn , Mignouna Jacob
Published: March 2023

Dairying is one of the new promising economic sectors in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), but still not explored enough to ensure consumers' safety. This study aimed to assess the health risks and nutritional profile of milk products along the value chain in South-Kivu and Tanganyika provinces. A total of 288 milk actors, including 160 producers, 35 collectors and 93 vendors, were concerned for interview and milk samples collection. A total of 302 milk samples (159 raw, 44 pasteurized, 76 fermented and 19 white cheese so-called “Mashanza”) were collected for physicochemical [pH, fat, non-fat dry matter (NFDM), lactose, protein, freezing point, density] and microbiological (total Aerobic Mesophilic Flora, Escherichia coli, Total Coliforms, Fecal Coliforms, Salmonella and Staphylococci) analyses. Results revealed that the physicochemical characteristics of the milk mostly varied according to the type of milk and the regions. The pasteurized milk from Tanganyika presented the best physicochemical parameters [crude protein (CP) = 4.36%, Fat = 4.06%, NFDM = 12%, lactose = 5.4%, density = 1.02 and pH = 6.59] compared to other types of milk. For microbiology, no E. coli was recorded but Salmonella and Staphylococci were found in all the milk types with the values not exceeding 3 × 104 CFU ml−1 and 3 × 103 CFU ml−1, respectively. This implies a long-term consumers' health issue if appropriate measures are not taken by milk actors along the value chain. The microbiological quality was influenced by the ecologies of production axis (representing the production zones) and by handling methods and infrastructures used by the actors involved along the value chain. Factors related to animal husbandry, milking method, milk processing and packaging had no significant effect on the physicochemical parameters under study. These results indicated that health risks for milk consumers are accrued by production practices and handling by milk actors due to shortage of required skills and appropriate equipment along the milk value chain. Observance of hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) measures is carefully required along the milk value chain nodes to improve the quality of milk produced and sold and thus reduce the risks among consumers in South-Kivu and Tanganyika provinces.
Abductor muscle function after anterolateral approach in patients with unilateral end-stage hip osteoarthritis undergoing total hip arthroplasty: A prospective study
Authors: Wongsak Siwadol , Jarungvittayakon Chavarat , Chulsomlee Kulapat , Jaovisidha Suphaneewan , Sa-ngasoongsong Paphon
Published: March 2023

Background

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a successful procedure for treating end-stage hip osteoarthritis (OA). Regarding the surgical approach for THA, the anterolateral (AL) approach, which requires anterior hemimyotomy of the gluteus medius muscle, has shown a long-term favorable outcome. However, to date, complete information related to hip abductor muscle outcomes after the AL approach is unavailable. This study therefore aimed to evaluate the postoperative outcome of patients who undergo THA using the AL approach in terms of hip abductor muscle recovery, pain, function, and muscle healing status.

Methods

Twenty patients diagnosed with unilateral end-stage hip OA underwent cementless THA with the AL approach. All patient procedures were performed by a single surgeon. Preoperative and postoperative data were collected at 2-week, 6-week, 3-month, and 6-month follow-up periods. Hip abductor muscle power was measured via handheld dynamometer. The healing of the musculotendinous repair was evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging at 9 months.

Results

After THA, hip abductor muscle power in the operated hip significantly increased as early as 3 months post-procedure when compared with the preoperative value (p < 0.05). The other parameters—including pain score, Harris hip score, and WOMAC score—significantly improved as early as 2 weeks post-operation (p < 0.05). In all patients, MRI scans showed good healing of the muscle repair site without a gap in the gluteus medius muscle. However, three patients (15%) had some fibrosis and tendon swelling at the repair site.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that patients with end-stage hip OA could experience significantly improved hip abductor motor function as early as 3 months after undergoing THA with the AL approach. Moreover, despite patients experiencing anterior hemimyotomy of the gluteus medius muscle, no significant complications emerged at the muscle repair site in the AL approach.
Influence of Cell Selection and Orientation within the Traction Battery on the Crash Safety of Electric-Powered Two-Wheelers
Authors: Sevarin Alessio , Fasching Markus , Raffler Marco , Ellersdorfer Christian
Published: March 2023

The crash safety of lithium-ion traction batteries is a relevant concern for electric vehicles. Current passive safety strategies of traction batteries usually come at the cost of their volumetric or gravimetric energy density. This work analyses the influence of the variables cell selection and orientation within the traction battery on the crash safety of an electric-powered two-wheeler. These two variables do not negatively influence the traction battery’s volumetric or gravimetric energy density in the design process. Metamodels and numerical simulations are used to evaluate the crash safety of an electric-powered two-wheeler’s traction battery in a potentially dangerous crash scenario. The influence of the variable’s cell selection and orientation is evaluated through the internal short circuit risk of the integrated cells. The comparison of the metamodels shows that the cell orientation reduces the internal short circuit risk by up to 51% on average in the analysed crash scenario. The cell selection reduces it only up to 21% on average. The results show that crash safety can be increased in the design process, and a combination with the current protection strategies can increase crash safety further.
An Adaptive Cutoff Frequency Design for Butterworth Low-Pass Filter Pursuing Robust Parameter Identification for Battery Energy Storage Systems
Authors: Huang Cong-Sheng
Published: March 2023

Energy storage systems are key to propelling the current renewable energy revolution. Accurate State-of-Charge estimation of the lithium-ion battery energy storage systems is a critical task to ensure their reliable operations. Multiple advanced battery model-based SOC estimation algorithms have been developed to pursue this objective. Nevertheless, these battery model-based algorithms are sensitive to measurement noises since the measurement noises affect the accuracy of battery model identification, thus leading to inaccurate battery SOC estimation consequently due to modeling error. The Butterworth low-pass filter has proven effectiveness in measurement noise filtering for accurate parameter identification, while the cutoff frequency design relies on prior knowledge of lithium-ion batteries, making its capability limited to general cases. To overcome this issue, this paper proposes an adaptive cutoff frequency design algorithm for the Butterworth low-pass filter. Simulation results show that the low-pass filter functions properly in the presence of multiple scales of measurement noises adopting the proposed work. Consequently, the parameters of the battery model and the SOC of the battery are both identified and estimated accurately, respectively. In detail, the parameters: R0, R1, C1, and the time constant τ are all identified accurately with low relative identification errors of 0.028%, 11.12%, 6.21%, and 5.94%, respectively, in an extreme case. Furthermore, the SOC of the battery can thus be estimated accurately, leaving a low of 0.081%, 0.97%, and 0.14% in the mean and maximum absolute SOC estimation error and the standard deviation, respectively.
Effects of Sorghum Grain and Wort Composition on Dry Grind Fermentation Performance: A Model for Baijiu Production
Authors: Tan Siong H. , Blanchard Christopher L. , Roberts Thomas H. , Waters Daniel L. E. , Mawson A. John
Published: March 2023

Sorghum grain is the principal raw material for Baijiu production, but the effects of grain and wort composition on fermentation performance are unclear. Ethanol production at laboratory scale using grains of 11 commercial sorghum cultivars from a field trial was investigated using dry grind fermentation. Initial wort glucose content was 141–150 g/L and fermentability (glucose-to-ethanol conversion rate) was 87–90%. Ethanol production rate among sorghum genotypes ranged from 1.18 to 2.04 mL of ethanol per litre wort per hour of fermentation. The cultivars were categorised into four groups according to a fermentation endpoint of 60–69 h, 70–79 h, 80–89 h and >90 h. All but one of the sorghums produced a final ethanol content of 9.47–9.76% v/v. Cultivars with high-starch and low-protein grains were the most suitable for fermentation due to the high final ethanol content and fermentability achieved. Initial wort glucose content and yeast assimilable nitrogen content were not correlated with grain starch content, protein content, ethanol content, fermentability, ethanol production rate or glucose consumption rate. Knowledge of the effects of sorghum grain quality on fermentation performance can pave the way for further research to optimise solid-state fermentation for Baijiu production.
On Machine Learning in Clinical Interpretation of Retinal Diseases Using OCT Images
Authors: Karn Prakash Kumar , Abdulla Waleed H.
Published: March 2023

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive imaging technique that provides high-resolution cross-sectional retina images, enabling ophthalmologists to gather crucial information for diagnosing various retinal diseases. Despite its benefits, manual analysis of OCT images is time-consuming and heavily dependent on the personal experience of the analyst. This paper focuses on using machine learning to analyse OCT images in the clinical interpretation of retinal diseases. The complexity of understanding the biomarkers present in OCT images has been a challenge for many researchers, particularly those from nonclinical disciplines. This paper aims to provide an overview of the current state-of-the-art OCT image processing techniques, including image denoising and layer segmentation. It also highlights the potential of machine learning algorithms to automate the analysis of OCT images, reducing time consumption and improving diagnostic accuracy. Using machine learning in OCT image analysis can mitigate the limitations of manual analysis methods and provide a more reliable and objective approach to diagnosing retinal diseases. This paper will be of interest to ophthalmologists, researchers, and data scientists working in the field of retinal disease diagnosis and machine learning. By presenting the latest advancements in OCT image analysis using machine learning, this paper will contribute to the ongoing efforts to improve the diagnostic accuracy of retinal diseases.
Process Optimization and Efficacy Assessment of Standardized PRP for Tendinopathies in Sports Medicine: Retrospective Study of Clinical Files and GMP Manufacturing Records in a Swiss University Hospital
Authors: Sebbagh Patrick , Hirt-Burri Nathalie , Scaletta Corinne , Abdel-Sayed Philippe , Raffoul Wassim , Gremeaux Vincent , Laurent Alexis , Applegate Lee Ann , Gremion Gerald
Published: March 2023

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) preparations have recently become widely available in sports medicine, facilitating their use in regenerative therapy for ligament and tendon affections. Quality-oriented regulatory constraints for PRP manufacturing and available clinical experiences have underlined the critical importance of process-based standardization, a pre-requisite for sound and homogeneous clinical efficacy evaluation. This retrospective study (2013–2020) considered the standardized GMP manufacturing and sports medicine-related clinical use of autologous PRP for tendinopathies at the Lausanne University Hospital (Lausanne, Switzerland). This study included 48 patients (18–86 years of age, with a mean age of 43.4 years, and various physical activity levels), and the related PRP manufacturing records indicated a platelet concentration factor most frequently in the range of 2.0–2.5. The clinical follow-up showed that 61% of the patients reported favorable efficacy outcomes (full return to activity, with pain disappearance) following a single ultrasound-guided autologous PRP injection, whereas 36% of the patients required two PRP injections. No significant relationship was found between platelet concentration factor values in PRP preparations and clinical efficacy endpoints of the intervention. The results were in line with published reports on tendinopathy management in sports medicine, wherein the efficacy of low-concentration orthobiologic interventions appears to be unrelated to sport activity levels or to patient age and gender. Overall, this study confirmed the effectiveness of standardized autologous PRP preparations for tendinopathies in sports medicine. The results were discussed in light of the critical importance of protocol standardization for both PRP manufacturing and clinical administration to reduce biological material variability (platelet concentrations) and to enhance the robustness of clinical interventions (comparability of efficacy/patient improvement).
A Comparative Study on Predication of Appropriate Mechanical Ventilation Mode through Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Giri Jayant , Al-Lohedan Hamad A. , Mohammad Faruq , Soleiman Ahmed A. , Chadge Rajkumar , Mahatme Chetan , Sunheriya Neeraj , Giri Pallavi , Mutyarapwar Dhananjay , Dhapke Shreya
Published: March 2023

Ventilation mode is one of the most crucial ventilator settings, selected and set by knowledgeable critical care therapists in a critical care unit. The application of a particular ventilation mode must be patient-specific and patient-interactive. The main aim of this study is to provide a detailed outline regarding ventilation mode settings and determine the best machine learning method to create a deployable model for the appropriate selection of ventilation mode on a per breath basis. Per-breath patient data is utilized, preprocessed and finally a data frame is created consisting of five feature columns (inspiratory and expiratory tidal volume, minimum pressure, positive end-expiratory pressure, and previous positive end-expiratory pressure) and one output column (output column consisted of modes to be predicted). The data frame has been split into training and testing datasets with a test size of 30%. Six machine learning algorithms were trained and compared for performance, based on the accuracy, F1 score, sensitivity, and precision. The output shows that the Random-Forest Algorithm was the most precise and accurate in predicting all ventilation modes correctly, out of the all the machine learning algorithms trained. Thus, the Random-Forest machine learning technique can be utilized for predicting optimal ventilation mode setting, if it is properly trained with the help of the most relevant data. Aside from ventilation mode, control parameter settings, alarm settings and other settings may also be adjusted for the mechanical ventilation process utilizing appropriate machine learning, particularly deep learning approaches.
Biomimetic Soft Underwater Robot Inspired by the Red Muscle and Tendon Structure of Fish
Authors: Aragaki Daisuke , Nishimura Toi , Sato Ryuki , Ming Aiguo
Published: March 2023

Underwater robots are becoming increasingly important in various fields. Fish robots are attracting attention as an alternative to the screw-type robots currently in use. We developed a compact robot with a high swimming performance by mimicking the anatomical structure of fish. In this paper, we focus on the red muscles, tendons, and vertebrae used for steady swimming of fish. A robot was fabricated by replacing the red muscle structure with shape memory alloy wires and rigid body links. In our previous work, undulation motions with various phase differences and backward quadratically increasing inter-vertebral bending angles were confirmed in the air, while the swimming performance in insulating fluid was poor. To improve the swimming performance, an improved robot was designed that mimics the muscle contractions of mackerel using a pulley mechanism, with the robot named UEC Mackerel. In swimming experiments using the improved robot, a maximum swimming speed of 25.8 mm/s (0.11 BL/s) was recorded, which is comparable to that of other soft-swimming robots. In addition, the cost of transport (COT), representing the energy consumption required for robot movement, was calculated, and a minimum COT of 0.08 was recorded, which is comparable to that of an actual fish.
Influence of Defects in Surface Layer of Al2O3/TiC and SiAlON Ceramics on Physical and Mechanical Characteristics
Authors: Grigoriev Sergey N. , Volosova Marina A. , Okunkova Anna A. , Fedorov Sergey V.
Published: March 2023

The paper studies the influence of diamond grinding, lapping, and polishing on the surface layer and defectiveness of the Al2O3/TiC and SiAlON ceramic samples. The index of defectiveness ID, which is the product of the defect density and the defective layer’s thickness (Rt), and a method for its evaluation are proposed to quantify the defectiveness of the ceramic surfaces. Lapping reduces the Rt parameter by 2.6–2.7 times when the density of defects was decreased by 2 times. After polishing, the Rt parameter decreases to 0.42 μm for Al2O3/TiC and 0.37 μm for SiAlON samples. The density of defects decreases many times after polishing: up to 0.005 and 0.004, respectively. The crack resistance of the polished samples increased by 5–7%. The volumetric wear of polished samples decreased by 1.5–1.9 times compared to the ground ones after 20 min of abrasion wear. The polished samples show a decrease in the coefficient of friction at 800 °C and a decrease in the volumetric wear by 1.5 and 1.3 times, respectively, compared to the ground ones after 200 m of friction distance. The volumetric wear at high-temperature friction of sliding for polished specimens was 55% and 42% less than for the ground ones, respectively.
Production of Anhydrite Binder from Waste Fluorangydrite
Authors: Bayatanova Lyaila , Rakhadilov Bauyrzhan , Kengesbekov Aidar , Kylyshkanov Manarbek , Abdulina Saule , Adilkanova Meruyert , Sagdoldina Zhuldyz
Published: March 2023

The technology for obtaining hydrofluoric acid and the peculiarities of its production were studied, and the physical and chemical properties of the waste were examined. Activators that accelerated the hardening of the anhydrite binder were selected. The process of recycling fluorine hydrite waste from the production of hydrofluoric acid at Ulba Metallurgical Plant JSC was studied, and anhydrite unburnt binder with a setting time of 30 min was obtained. On the basis of the obtained data, a technological scheme of anhydrite binder production was developed. The effectiveness of the technological scheme was confirmed experimentally. This work aimed to study the possibility of the integrated use of secondary and anthropogenic raw materials from Ulba Metallurgical Plant, which represents an important means of not only increasing production efficiency and economic benefits and reducing the irrational alienation of land resources, but also protecting against the pollution of water and air basins, as the environmental policy of UMP JSC is nowadays of great importance.
Association of Birthweight with Overweight, Obesity, and Blood Pressure among Adolescents
Authors: Fan Hui , Guan Tao , Zhang Xingyu
Published: March 2023

We investigated the association of birthweight with overweight, obesity, and blood pressure (BP) among adolescents. This cross-sectional study included 857 participants aged 11–17 years from Liangshan, southwest China. Birthweight information was collected from the participants’ parents. The participants’ height, weight, and BP were measured. High birthweight was defined as a value greater than the sex-specific upper quartile. Participants were classified into four groups based on their weight change at birth and adolescence: normal weight at both time points, weight loss, weight gain, and high weight at both time points. High birthweight was positively associated with overweight and obesity in adolescence [odds ratio (95% confidence interval), OR (95% CI): 1.93 (1.33, 2.79)]. Compared with participants with normal weight at both time points, those with high weight at both time points were more likely to have elevated BP in adolescence (OR [95% CI]: 3.02 [1.65, 5.53]), while those with weight loss had similar odds of elevated BP. The sensitivity analysis results did not change significantly when high birthweight was defined alternatively as birthweight > 4 kg. This study showed that the association between high birthweight and elevated BP in adolescence is influenced by current weight.
Thrombotic Events in MIS-C Patients: A Single Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Maniscalco Valerio , Niccolai Rachele , Marrani Edoardo , Maccora Ilaria , Bertini Federico , Pagnini Ilaria , Simonini Gabriele , Lasagni Donatella , Trapani Sandra , Mastrolia Maria Vincenza
Published: March 2023

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is a systemic hyperinflammatory disorder that is associated with a hypercoagulable state and a higher risk of thrombotic events (TEs). We report the case of a 9-year-old MIS-C patient with a severe course who developed a massive pulmonary embolism that was successfully treated with heparin. A literature review of previous TEs in MIS-C patients was conducted (60 MIS-C cases from 37 studies). At least one risk factor for thrombosis was observed in 91.7% of patients. The most frequently observed risk factors were pediatric intensive care unit hospitalization (61.7%), central venous catheter (36.7%), age >12 years (36.7%), left ventricular ejection fraction <35% (28.3%), D-dimer >5 times the upper limit of normal values (71.9%), mechanical ventilation (23.3%), obesity (23.3%), and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (15%). TEs may concurrently affect multiple vessels, including both arterial and venous. Arterial thrombosis was more frequent, mainly affecting the cerebral and pulmonary vascular systems. Despite antithrombotic prophylaxis, 40% of MIS-C patients developed TEs. Over one-third of patients presented persistent focal neurological signs, and ten patients died, half of whom died because of TEs. TEs are severe and life-threatening complications of MIS-C. In case with thrombosis risk factors, appropriate thromboprophylaxis should be promptly administered. Despite proper prophylactic therapy, TEs may occur, leading in some cases to permanent disability or death.
SCANN: Side Channel Analysis of Spiking Neural Networks
Authors: Nagarajan Karthikeyan , Roy Rupshali , Topaloglu Rasit Onur , Kannan Sachhidh , Ghosh Swaroop
Published: March 2023

Spiking neural networks (SNNs) are quickly gaining traction as a viable alternative to deep neural networks (DNNs). Compared to DNNs, SNNs are computationally more powerful and energy efficient. The design metrics (synaptic weights, membrane threshold, etc.) chosen for such SNN architectures are often proprietary and constitute confidential intellectual property (IP). Our study indicates that SNN architectures implemented using conventional analog neurons are susceptible to side channel attack (SCA). Unlike the conventional SCAs that are aimed to leak private keys from cryptographic implementations, SCANN (SCA̲ of spiking n̲eural n̲etworks) can reveal the sensitive IP implemented within the SNN through the power side channel. We demonstrate eight unique SCANN attacks by taking a common analog neuron (axon hillock neuron) as the test case. We chose this particular model since it is biologically plausible and is hence a good fit for SNNs. Simulation results indicate that different synaptic weights, neurons/layer, neuron membrane thresholds, and neuron capacitor sizes (which are the building blocks of SNN) yield distinct power and spike timing signatures, making them vulnerable to SCA. We show that an adversary can use templates (using foundry-calibrated simulations or fabricating known design parameters in test chips) and analysis to identify the specifications of the implemented SNN.
Application of Space–Sky–Earth Integration Technology with UAVs in Risk Identification of Tailings Ponds
Authors: Zhang Hong , Li Quanming , Wang Jiachen , Fu Botao , Duan Zhijie , Zhao Ziyun
Published: March 2023

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) tilt photography technology has gradually become a new technical means of disaster risk identification. This technology combines UAVs, satellite remote sensing, and ground online monitoring systems to establish an integrated space–sky–Earth system that can be used for tailings pond risk identification. With the use of this system for visual interpretation, water body identification, and monitoring data analysis, multiple types of monitoring parameters of a typical tailings pond in China, such as the seepage line and surface deformation, were obtained. Moreover, intelligent fusion analysis was performed of multisource data to outline the problems affecting tailings safety in the process of elevation expansion and irregular ore discharge of the tailings pond. Warning values of different levels were obtained to assess the overall safety condition of the tailings pond, and the proposed technology was verified. The research results could provide a new basis for accurate evaluation of the running state of tailings ponds and offer an effective remote monitoring means for tailings pond enterprises and supervisory departments.