bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
GPS-free synchronized pseudo-random number generators for internet-of-things
Authors: Rahman Mustafizur , Chakrabartty Shantanu 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionSecuring wireless communications in internet-of-things (IoT) requires both generation and synchronization of random numbers in real-time. However, resource constraints on an IoT device limit the use of computationally intensive random number generators and the use of global positioning systems (GPS) for synchronization. In this paper, we propose a synchronized pseudo-random number generator (SPRNG) that uses a combination of a fast, low-complexity linear-feedback-shift-register (LFSR) based PRNG and a slow but secure, synchronized seed generator based on self-powered timers.MethodsA prototype synchronized self-powered timer (SSPT) array was fabricated in a standard silicon process and was used to generate dynamic random seeds for the LFSR. The SSPTs use quantum-mechanical tunneling of electrons to operate without any external power and are practically secure against tampering, snooping, and side-channel attacks (both power and electromagnetic).ResultsIn this work, we explore protocols to periodically and securely generate random bits using the self-powered timers for seeding the LFSR. We also show that the time-varying random seeds extend and break the LFSR periodic cycles, thus making it difficult for an attacker to predict the random output or the random seed. Using the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) test suite we verify the randomness of the measured seeds from the fabricated ensemble of SSPTs together with the random bit sequences generated by a software-seeded LFSR.DiscussionsIn this modality, the proposed SPRNG could be used as a trusted platform module (TPM) on IoTs and used for verifying and authenticating secure transactions (e.g., software upgrades). Since the SPRNG system does not require access to GPS for synchronization, therefore it could be used in many resource-constrained and adversarial environments.
Diagnostic performance of IVUS-FFR analysis based on generative adversarial network and bifurcation fractal law for assessing myocardial ischemia
Authors: Yong Dong , Minjie Chen , Yujie Zhao , Jianli Wang , Ze Liu , Pengfei Li , Xiangling Lai , Xiujian Liu , Javier Del Ser 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundIVUS-based virtual FFR (IVUS-FFR) can provide additional functional assessment information to IVUS imaging for the diagnosis of coronary stenosis. IVUS image segmentation and side branch blood flow can affect the accuracy of virtual FFR. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of an IVUS-FFR analysis based on generative adversarial networks and bifurcation fractal law, using invasive FFR as a reference.MethodIn this study, a total of 108 vessels were retrospectively collected from 87 patients who underwent IVUS and invasive FFR. IVUS-FFR was performed by analysts who were blinded to invasive FFR. We evaluated the diagnostic performance and computation time of IVUS-FFR, and compared it with that of the FFR-branch (considering side branch blood flow by manually extending the side branch from the bifurcation ostia). We also compared the effects of three bifurcation fractal laws on the accuracy of IVUS-FFR.ResultThe diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for IVUS-FFR to identify invasive FFR≤0.80 were 90.7% (95% CI, 83.6–95.5), 89.7% (95% CI, 78.8–96.1), 92.0% (95% CI, 80.8–97.8), respectively. A good correlation and agreement between IVUS-FFR and invasive FFR were observed. And the average computation time of IVUS-FFR was shorter than that of FFR-branch. In addition to this, we also observe that the HK model is the most accurate among the three bifurcation fractal laws.ConclusionOur proposed IVUS-FFR analysis correlates and agrees well with invasive FFR and shows good diagnostic performance. Compared with FFR-branch, IVUS-FFR has the same level of diagnostic performance with significantly lower computation time.
The apparent focal depth, emergence angle, and take-off angle of seismic wave measured by YRY-4-type borehole strainmeter as one kind of strain seismograph
Authors: Tang Lei , Qiu Zehua , Fan Junyi , Yin Zhigang 
Published: March 2023

Introduction: In theory, the observation objects and principles of strain seismograph and traditional pendulum seismograph are different, and the characteristics of observed signals should also be dissimilar. The observation results of pendulum seismograph show that seismic waves in inhomogeneous media will undergo refraction, reflection, and attenuation. Then, what signal characteristics can be detected by strain seismograph is great significance for understanding and explaining the observation results.Methods: Using YRY-4 type four-gauge borehole strainmeter as one kind of strain seismograph to detect the strain tensor change of the plane seismic wave emitted from the surface, a five-site strain seismograph observation network was built in Shanxi Province, with continuous observation for 2 years at a sampling rate of 100 Hz. In this paper, two local events occurring in the area covered by the strain seismograph observation network are taken as examples. We systematically studied the characteristics of seismic wave signals recorded by strain seismographs at five sites, inverted for the focal depth of the two local earthquakes and the relationship between the wave velocity and the wave velocity gradient of the focal depth, and calculated the apparent focal depth, the emergence angle and the take-off angle of seismic waves.Results: These results show stable uniqueness and apparent regularity, especially since the inverted focal depths are basically consistent with the seismic solutions based on those traditional pendulum seismographs. The observations from this study show that the strain seismograph can be used as an effective supplement to the pendulum seismograph.Discussion: In the future, we will continue to study the rupture process and focal mechanism of moderate-strong earthquakes and teleseismic earthquakes by combining two kinds of observations.
Atomic structure and physical properties of peridotite glasses at 1 bar
Authors: Le Losq Charles , Sossi Paolo A. 
Published: March 2023

Earth’s mantle, whose bulk composition is broadly peridotitic, likely experienced periods of extensive melting in its early history that formed magma oceans and led to its differentiation and formation of an atmosphere. However, the physical behaviour of magma oceans is poorly understood, as the high liquidus temperatures and rapid quench rates required to preserve peridotite liquids as glasses have so far limited their investigation. In order to better characterize the atomic structure and estimate the physical properties of such glasses, we examined the Raman spectra of quenched peridotite melts, equilibrated at 1900 °C ± 50 °C at ambient pressure under different oxygen fugacities (fO2), from 1.9 log units below to 6.0 log units above the Iron-Wüstite buffer. Fitting the spectra with Gaussian components assigned to different molecular entities (Q-species) permits extraction of the mean state of polymerisation of the glass. We find that the proportions of Q1 (0.36–0.32), Q2 (0.50–0.43), and Q3 (0.16–0.23) vary with Fe3+/FeTOT (FeTOT = Fe2+ + Fe3+), where increasing Fe3+/FeTOT produces an increase in Q3 at the expense of Q2 at near-constant Q1. To account for the offset between Raman-derived NBO/T (2.06–2.27) with those determined by assuming Fe2+ exists entirely as a network modifier and Fe3+ a network former (2.10–2.44), ∼2/3 of the ferric iron and ∼90% of the ferrous iron in peridotite glasses must behave as network modifiers. We employ a deep neural network model, trained to predict alkali and alkaline-earth aluminosilicate melts properties, to observe how small variations in the atomic structure of peridotite-like melts affect their viscosity. For Fe-free peridotite-like melts, the model yields a viscosity of ∼ −1.75 log Pa s at 2000 °C, similar to experimental determinations for iron-bearing peridotite melts. The model predicts that changes in the peridotite melt atomic structure with Fe3+/FeTOT yield variations in melt viscosity lower than 0.1 log Pa s, barely affecting the Rayleigh number. Therefore, at the high temperatures typical of magma oceans, at least at 1 bar, small changes in melt structure from variations in oxidation state are unlikely to affect magma ocean fluid dynamics.
Geologic controls on the genesis of the Arctic permafrost and sub-permafrost methane hydrate-bearing system in the Beaufort–Mackenzie Delta
Authors: Li Zhen , Chabab Elena , Spangenberg Erik , Schicks Judith M. , Kempka Thomas 
Published: March 2023

The Canadian Mackenzie Delta exhibits a high volume of proven sub-permafrost gas hydrates that naturally trap a significant amount of deep-sourced thermogenic methane (CH4) at the Mallik site. The present study aims to validate the proposed Arctic sub-permafrost gas hydrate formation mechanism, implying that CH4-rich fluids were vertically transported from deep overpressurized zones via geologic fault systems and formed the present-day observed GH deposit since the Late Pleistocene. Given this hypothesis, the coastal permafrost began to form since the early Pleistocene sea-level retreat, steadily increasing in thickness until 1 Million years (Ma) ago. Data from well logs and 2D seismic profiles were digitized to establish the first field-scale static geologic 3D model of the Mallik site, and to comprehensively study the genesis of the permafrost and its associated GH system. The implemented 3D model considers the spatially heterogeneously distributed hydraulic properties of the individual lithologies at the Mallik site. Simulations using a proven thermo-hydro-chemical numerical framework were employed to gain insights into the hydrogeologic role of the regional fault systems in view of the CH4-rich fluid migration and the geologic controls on the spatial extent of the sub-permafrost GH accumulations during the past 1 Ma. For >87% of the Mallik well sections, the predicted permafrost thickness deviates from the observations by less than 0.8%, which validates the general model implementation. The simulated ice-bearing permafrost and GH interval thicknesses as well as sub-permafrost temperature profiles are consistent with the respective field observations, confirming our introduced hypothesis. The spatial distribution of GHs is a result of the comprehensive interaction between various processes, including the source-gas generation rate, subsurface temperature, and the hydraulic properties of the structural geologic features. Overall, the good agreement between simulations and observations demonstrates that the present study provides a valid representation of the geologic controls driving the complex permafrost-GH system. The model’s applicability for the prediction of GH deposits in permafrost settings in terms of their thicknesses and saturations can provide relevant contributions to future GH exploration and exploitation.
Astaxanthin ameliorates inflammation, oxidative stress, and reproductive outcomes in endometriosis patients undergoing assisted reproduction: A randomized, triple-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Rostami Sahar , Alyasin Ashraf , Saedi Mojtaba , Nekoonam Saeid , Khodarahmian Mahshad , Moeini Ashraf , Amidi Fardin 
Published: March 2023

PurposeIn a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial (RCT) including 50 infertile women with endometriosis candidate for assisted reproductive techniques (ART), we studied the effect of Astaxanthin (AST) on pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress (OS) markers, and early pregnancy outcomes.MethodsBefore and after 12 weeks of AST treatment (6 mg per day), blood serum and follicular fluid (FF) samples were collected from 50 infertile women with endometriosis stage III/IV undergoing ART. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and OS markers (malondialdehyde [MDA], superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], and total antioxidant capacity [TAC]) were measured in the serum and FF. ART outcomes were also compared between the groups.ResultsIncreased serum levels of TAC (398.661 ± 57.686 vs. 364.746 ± 51.569; P = 0.004) and SOD (13.458 ± 7.276 vs. 9.040 ± 5.155; P = 0.010) were observed after AST therapy in the treatment group. Furthermore, serum MDA (14.619 ± 2.505 vs. 15.939 ± 1.512; P = 0.031) decreased significantly following antioxidant treatment. In addition, significantly lower serum levels of IL-1β (4.515 ± 0.907 vs. 6.8760 ± 0.8478; P = 0.000), IL-6 (5.516 ± 0.646 vs. 5.0543 ± 0.709; P = 0.024) and TNF-α (2.520 ± 0.525 vs. 2.968 ± 0.548; P = 0.038) were observed after AST treatment. In addition, AST supplementation led to an improved number of oocytes retrieved (14.60 ± 7.79 vs. 9.84 ± 6.44; P = 0.043), number of mature (MII) oocytes (10.48 ± 6.665 vs. 6.72 ± 4.3; P = 0.041), and high-quality embryos (4.52 ± 2.41 vs. 2.72 ± 2.40; P = 0.024).ConclusionAST pretreatment can modulate inflammation and OS in endometriosis-induced infertile patients. ART outcomes also improved after 12 weeks of AST therapy. Our results suggest that AST can be a potential therapeutic target for infertile patients with endometriosis undergoing ART.
Clinical-radiomic analysis for non-invasive prediction of liver steatosis on non-contrast CT: A pilot study
Authors: Tang Shengnan , Wu Jin , Xu Shanshan , Li Qi , He Jian 
Published: March 2023

Purpose: Our aim is to build and validate a clinical-radiomic model for non-invasive liver steatosis prediction based on non-contrast computed tomography (CT).Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 342 patients with suspected NAFLD diagnoses between January 2019 and July 2020 who underwent non-contrast CT and liver biopsy. Radiomics features from hepatic and splenic regions-of-interests (ROIs) were extracted based on abdominal non-contrast CT imaging. The radiomics signature was constructed based on reproducible features by adopting the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. Then, multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to develop a combined clinical-radiomic nomogram integrating radiomics signature with several independent clinical predictors in a training cohort of 124 patients between January 2019 and December 2019. The performance of models was determined by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves and calibration curves. We conducted an internal validation during 103 consecutive patients between January 2020 and July 2020.Results: The radiomics signature was composed of four steatosis-related features and positively correlated with pathologic liver steatosis grade (p &lt; 0.01). In both subgroups (Group One, none vs. steatosis; Group Two, none/mild vs. moderate/severe steatosis), the clinical-radiomic model performed best within the validation cohort with an AUC of 0.734 and 0.930, respectively. The calibration curve confirmed the concordance of excellent models.Conclusion: We developed a robust clinical-radiomic model for accurate liver steatosis stage prediction in a non-invasive way, which may improve the clinical decision-making ability.
Genome-wide identification, characterization, and validation of the bHLH transcription factors in grass pea
Authors: Alsamman Alsamman M. , Abdelsattar Mohamed , El Allali Achraf , Radwan Khaled H. , Nassar Ahmed E. , Mousa Khaled H. , Hussein Ahmed , Mokhtar Morad M. , Abd El-Maksoud Mamdouh M. , Istanbuli Tawffiq , Kehel Zakaria , Hamwieh Aladdin 
Published: March 2023

Background: The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor is a vital component in plant biology, with a significant impact on various aspects of plant growth, cell development, and physiological processes. Grass pea is a vital agricultural crop that plays a crucial role in food security. However, the lack of genomic information presents a major challenge to its improvement and development. This highlights the urgency for deeper investigation into the function of bHLH genes in grass pea to improve our understanding of this important crop.Results: The identification of bHLH genes in grass pea was performed on a genome-wide scale using genomic and transcriptomic screening. A total of 122 genes were identified as having conserved bHLH domains and were functionally and fully annotated. The LsbHLH proteins could be classified into 18 subfamilies. There were variations in intron-exon distribution, with some genes lacking introns. The cis-element and gene enrichment analyses showed that the LsbHLHs were involved in various plant functions, including response to phytohormones, flower and fruit development, and anthocyanin synthesis. A total of 28 LsbHLHs were found to have cis-elements associated with light response and endosperm expression biosynthesis. Ten conserved motifs were identified across the LsbHLH proteins. The protein-protein interaction analysis showed that all LsbHLH proteins interacted with each other, and nine of them displayed high levels of interaction. RNA-seq analysis of four Sequence Read Archive (SRA) experiments showed high expression levels of LsbHLHs across a range of environmental conditions. Seven highly expressed genes were selected for qPCR validation, and their expression patterns in response to salt stress showed that LsbHLHD4, LsbHLHD5, LsbHLHR6, LsbHLHD8, LsbHLHR14, LsbHLHR68, and LsbHLHR86 were all expressed in response to salt stress.Conclusion: The study provides an overview of the bHLH family in the grass pea genome and sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the growth and evolution of this crop. The report covers the diversity in gene structure, expression patterns, and potential roles in regulating plant growth and response to environmental stress factors in grass pea. The identified candidate LsbHLHs could be utilized as a tool to enhance the resilience and adaptation of grass pea to environmental stress.
Biomarkers of fibrosis, kidney tissue injury and inflammation may predict severity and outcome of renal ANCA – associated vasculitis
Authors: Satrapova Veronika , Sparding Nadja , Genovese Federica , Karsdal Morten Asser , Bartonova Lenka , Frausova Doubravka , Honsova Eva , Kollar Marek , Suchanek Miloslav , Koprivova Helena , Rysava Romana , Bednarova Vladimira , Tesar Vladimir , Hruskova Zdenka 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundActivity and chronicity of kidney involvement in ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) can be currently reliably evaluated only by kidney biopsy. In this study, we measured a panel of serum and urinary biomarkers collected at the time of kidney biopsy and hypothesized that they could reflect specific histopathological parameters in the biopsy and help to predict prognosis.MethodsWe examined a cohort of 45 patients with AAV and 10 healthy controls. Biomarker levels (DKK-3, CD163, EGF, PRO-C6 and C3M) were measured in this study by ELISA. Biopsies were scored with a scoring system for AAV (focal x crescentic x sclerotic x mixed class) and interstitial fibrosis was quantified.ResultsLevels of urinary DKK-3, CD163, EGF, PRO-C6 and C3M significantly differed among biopsy classes in AAV, with urinary DKK-3 and PRO-C6 levels being highest in the sclerotic class and lowest in the focal class, urinary CD163 levels highest in the crescentic class and urinary C3M levels highest in the focal class. Moreover, the urinary biomarkers were able to discriminate focal biopsy class from the other classes. Urinary DKK-3, EGF, PRO-C6 and C3M levels measured at the time of biopsy were also significantly related to the extent of fibrosis and to the final kidney function at the end of follow-up.ConclusionsThis small pilot study suggests that selected urinary biomarkers of fibrosis and inflammation may reflect changes in the kidney biopsy and be prognostic of kidney outcome in patients with AAV.
A biophoton method for identifying the quality states of fresh Chinese herbs
Authors: Cao Baorui , Wang Zhiying , Zhang Jiayi , Fu Jialei , Zhang Zhongwen , Du Jinxin , Deng Tingting , Pang Jingxiang , Yang Meina , Han Jinxiang 
Published: March 2023

Introduction: The quality of Chinese herbs is the basis for ensuring their safety and efficacy. However, the quality evaluation system is imperfect. In particular, there is a lack of quality evaluation methods for fresh Chinese herbs during growth. The biophoton is a common phenomenon and provides complete information about the interior of the living system, which is consistent with the holistic concept of traditional Chinese medicine. Therefore, we aim to correlate the biophoton characteristics with the quality states to find the biophoton parameters that can characterize the quality states of fresh Chinese herbs.Methods: The biophoton characteristics of motherwort and safflower were measured and characterized by the counts per second (CPS) in the steady state and the initial intensity (I0) and coherent time (T) of delayed luminescence. The active ingredient content was measured by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). The pigment content of motherwort leaves was measured by UV spectrophotometry. The t-test and correlation analysis were performed on the experimental results.Results: The CPS and I0 of motherwort and I0 of safflower showed a significant downward trend during the growth process, and their active ingredient content showed a trend that increased and then decreased. The CPS, I0, and the content of active ingredients and pigments in a healthy state were significantly higher than those in a poor state, while T showed the opposite results. The CPS and I0 were all significantly and positively correlated with the content of active ingredients and pigments, while the T of motherwort showed the opposite results.Conclusion: It is feasible to identify the quality states of fresh Chinese herbs by using their biophoton characteristics. Both CPS and I0 have better correlations with the quality states and can be considered characteristic parameters of the quality of fresh Chinese herbs.
Study on effect of gas-liquid two phase physical feature on slug flow in microchannels
Authors: Wang Lin lin 
Published: March 2023

At present, there are relatively few studies on the slug flow generation mode obtained by exchanging gas-liquid two-phase inlets. In this study, an experimental system combining microfluidic devices and high-speed cameras was used to study the effects of gas-liquid two-phase flow rate, liquid physical parameters, etc., On the characteristic length, generation period and other generation characteristics of slug flow, and dimensionless analysis was conducted to investigate the main factors affecting the characteristic length of gas slug. Results show that 1) when the gas flow rate affects the aeroelastic generation characteristics, the aeroelastic characteristic length increases from 443 μm when the gas flow rate increases changes to 657 μm. The generation period decreases rapidly at first and then the change amplitude slows down. The maximum value of aeroelastic generation frequency is 217 s-1; 2) when studying the effect of different liquid flow rates, increasing the liquid flow rate, the characteristic length of the gas bomb gradually decreases, and the generation period of the gas bomb gradually increases. Aeroelastic characteristic length from 770 μm changes to 378 μm. The range of aeroelastic generation cycle is 4–13.4 ms, and the maximum value of aeroelastic generation frequency is 250 s-1; 3) there is a functional relationship between the ratio of aeroelastic characteristic length to channel size L/d and dimensionless gas-liquid flow ratio Q*, Reynolds number Re, Weber number We: L/d=3.677Q*0.58/Re0.11.