Large Volume Research Articles

Research of the modern state of railway transportation of freight

Railway transport in the overall transport potential plays a decisive role, ensuring logistics processes in the country. In the conditions of extraordinary events such as military actions, social upheavals, natural disasters, man-made disasters, railway transport provides the economic and social needs of the country, thanks to its reliability. The current state of railway freight transportation in Ukraine, the structure of transportation, and its adaptation to modern conditions have been studied. The advantages of railway transportation include: - the possibility of sending a large volume of cargo; - saving time when passing dimensional and weight control; - independence from weather conditions; - cost of transportation. With the beginning of the russian aggression, logistical connections were lost. all Ukrainian farmers faced the problem of grain transportation and export. The grain cargo was concentrated on the borders with European countries. The main technical reasons for the limited ability to transport export goods through the western crossings: - different width of the railway track - in Europe it is 1435 mm, while in Ukraine - 1520 mm.; - shortage of transshipment capacities at the border; - lack of rolling stock; - limited capacity of certain sections of foreign railways; - presence of weight restrictions; - insufficient number of carriages for repositioning. In August 2023, there were positive changes to overcome the decrease in cargo exports that occurred due to port blockades. Polish and Ukrainian railways agreed on joint work on the development of passenger and freight rail transport between the countries in order to increase the export-import potential. The formation of a long-term strategy regarding the possibility of expanding railway corridors to Baltic ports has begun. During 2022, the railway suffered losses; - the acquisition of their own parks by farmers led to a surplus of railway containers; - the increase in tariffs for freight transportation did not compensate for the losses of the railway; - changes in the tariffs for railway transportation led to an increase in transportation by road transport.

Hypokalemia Induced Partial Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus: A Case Report

Diabetes insipidus is a condition characterised by a large volume of diluted urine production andincreased thirst. In this case report, a 49-year-old gentleman presented with 3 months of polyuria andpolydipsia. He had a repeated history of hypokalemia. On the evaluation of polyuria and polydipsia,he was diagnosed with partial nephrogenic diabetes insipidus based on his inability to concentrateurine after a water deprivation test and his less than 50% response to exogenous desmopressin.On the evaluation of recurrent hypokalemia, the investigation reports met biochemical criteria forthe diagnosis of Gitelman syndrome. He was encouraged to increase his fluid intake as required,and potassium chloride supplementation relieved his symptoms. This case report demonstrates thereversibility of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus with a correction of hyperkalemia.

ENERGY POTENTIAL OF AGROBIOMASS IN KRASNODAR, STAVROPOL AND ROSTOV REGIONS

At present the use of organic waste for energy production has become a significant part of the world energy industry. Thereby both the problem of energy supply and waste disposal are solved. In connection with the large volumes of annually formed resource, the ability to provide inexpensive logistics and the demand for ener gy at the level of local consumption the task of recycling agricultural waste is of particular interest. The paper presents a methodology for assessing the crop waste energy potential, taking into account the type of crops, the energy content and specific features of their processing to produce thermal energy. The regions of the Russian Federation leading in the production of cereals, sunflower and corn, i. e. Stavropol Territory, Krasnodar Territory and Rostov Region, were chosen as study areas, both due to the significant energy potential and the available experience of producing energy from wastes in the South of Russia. The quantities of thermal energy that can be obtained from the waste of these crops are determined (the totals for all crops are 14 600 000, 30 500 000 and 29 100 000 million Gcal/year for the regions, respectively), as well as the share of heat supply coverage in the residential sector of the regions (124, 120 and 160%, respectively). The cluster analysis methods allowed identifying groups of districts that are self-sufficient in terms of the local energy resource, as well as potential “donors” of fuel from waste. The results are displayed on charts and a series of maps.

Artificial Neural Networks for Long-Bone Fracture Detection Based on X-Ray Image Contour Features

Abstract: Two contour-based fracture detection strategies are presented in the ensuing research. The programs are designed to help medical practitioners identify human long bone fractures from X-ray pictures. The line-based fracture detection systems suggested in [1] served as the foundation for the creation of the contour-based fracture. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) are widely used in current Computer Aided Diagnosis (CAD) systems to classify broken X-ray images. Even while the current CAD systems achieve excellent accuracy, doing so comes at a cost: a large volume of training data. By using identified contours in X-ray pictures, the suggested techniques aim to achieve high classification accuracy with little training data. Two methods exist for contour-based fracture detection. The first is the enhanced CHFB scheme, while the second is the Standard Contour Histogram Feature-Based (CHFB). The modified CHFB scheme differs from the other one in that it removes the detected flesh contours surrounding the leg region.

Inventory Management with Advance Booking Information: The Case of Surgical Supplies and Elective Surgeries

Problem definition: Medical operations require a large volume and variety of consumable supplies that are kept in hospital inventory and replenished on a regular basis. Stringent requirements on the availability of these supplies, together with high variability in their daily usage, contribute to the high inventory costs of the surgical departments in hospitals. We investigate the value of utilizing Advance Booking Information (ABI) on elective surgeries—which are often booked up to months in advance—in reducing inventory costs. Methodology/results: We study a single-item, periodic-review, stochastic inventory control problem, where the item demand in each period is driven by the number and type of surgeries requiring the item, and with the available information on elective surgeries integrated into the ordering decisions. Given that item usage from each case is uncertain and only realized after the surgery, ABI provides imperfect information on future demand. Through exact analysis of a simplified version of the problem, as well as extensive numerical experiments using synthetic and real data, enabled using a state aggregation technique, we provide insights on and quantify the value of using ABI as a function of the number of periods of ABI integrated into the ordering decisions. We identify a relevant parameter regime—namely, high backlog (relative to holding) costs and when surgeries are booked sufficiently in advance—where the value of using ABI could be significant and the majority of the benefits can be gained through incorporating only one period of ABI beyond the order lead time. In a case study conducted using real data, we observe up to 26% reduction in average inventory levels, without violating the service levels. Managerial implications: By incorporating readily available elective surgery schedules into replenishment decisions of surgical supplies, hospitals could significantly reduce inventory costs without compromising the availability of the supplies. Funding: This work was partially funded by The Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services (MGCS). The views expressed in the paper are the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Province. Supplemental Material: The e-companion is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2021.0063 .

The Effect of Bismuth as A Local Hemostatic Material Post Extraction of Permanent Mandibular First Molars Teeth

Background: Bleeding is a post-extraction complication that is often found in dentistry. Normally post-extraction bleeding stops 12-24 hours after surgery, but it is often found for more than 24 hours. The post-extraction bleeding usually stops by pressing the area with sterile gauze but there is an obstacle due of the large volume of blood. Objective: to evaluate the bismuth subgallate as an effective local hemostatic agent. Methods: This study conducted on patients who came to the Oral Surgery Clinic, Nala Husada Hospital Surabaya, population aged 18-60 years, with permanent mandibular first molars diagnosed with chronic apical periodontitis et causa pulp gangrene or radix gangrene without systemic disorder and planned for extraction teeth with close method. It was divided into 2 groups by simple random sampling group design; the control group and the treatment group. After tooth extraction with the close method, a local hemostatic agent will be applied at the socket. The control group used a paste containing vaseline, while the treatment group used a paste containing bismuth subgallate. This paste contains 2.25% bismuth subgallate mixed with Peruvian balsam. After the application of local hemostatic agents, both the control group and the treatment group will be calculated the bleeding time, bleeding volume, and whether or not the secondary bleeding occurs. Conclusion: of this study is that bismuth subgallate has an effect as a local hemostatic agent after extraction of the mandibular first permanent molars.

Efficient data management in Internet of Things: A survey of data aggregation techniques

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a vast network of interconnected devices, objects, and systems powered by sensors, software, and connectivity capabilities. The interconnectivity of IoT devices has led to a substantial increase in data production. Efficiently managing and analyzing large data volumes is a significant challenge for IoT systems. To address this challenge, data aggregation is the primary process. IoT data aggregation aims to provide high-quality service by ensuring fast data transmission, high reliability, minimal energy consumption, and data priority consideration. Data aggregation involves collecting data from multiple sensors and devices and then integrating it using a function to minimize system traffic. This paper thoroughly examines data aggregation techniques in the IoT context. Techniques are grouped according to underlying principles, and their potential applications, advantages, and limitations are discussed.

Reconstruction and Management Strategies for Pelvic Ablative Surgery

Background: Ablative oncologic procedures for colorectal or gynecologic malignancies can result in large skin or tissue volume defects. Although direct closure may be possible, such attempts can lead to postoperative complications such as wound breakdown, organ prolapse, chronic seroma, or infection. Various procedures, from flap surgery to local wound care, can be useful additions to improve patient outcomes.Methods: This study retrospectively reviews cases of patients with multiple comorbidities who had undergone concomitant interventions after pelvic ablative surgery. Various interventions after pelvic ablative surgery, from reconstructing the defect to managing postoperative complications, are described.Results: Careful planning and selection of the reconstruction method can significantly improve patient outcomes. The authors suggest using gluteal flaps for most reconstructive demands.Conclusion: This case series emphasizes the utility of using various flaps, especially the gluteal flap, in reconstructing oncologic defects in the pelvic and perineal regions. The insights gained from this study will hopefully be of assistance to future research and clinical practice, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Multiplexed Capillary-Flow Driven Immunoassay for Respiratory Illnesses.

Multiplexed analysis in medical diagnostics is widely accepted as a more thorough and complete method compared to single-analyte detection. While analytical methods like polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) exist for multiplexed detection of biomarkers, they remain time-consuming and expensive. Lateral flow assays (LFAs) are an attractive option for point-of-care testing, and examples of multiplexed LFAs exist. However, these devices are limited by spatial resolution of test lines, large sample volume requirements, cross-reactivity, and poor sensitivity. Recent work has developed capillary-flow microfluidic ELISA platforms as a more sensitive alternative to LFAs; however, multiplexed detection on these types of devices has yet to be demonstrated. In the aftermath of the initial SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the need for rapid, sensitive point-of-care devices has become ever clearer. Moving forward, devices that can distinguish between diseases with similar presenting symptoms would be the ideal home diagnostic. Here, the first example of a multiplexed capillary-flow immunoassay device for the simultaneous detection of multiple biomarkers is reported. From a single sample addition step, the reagents and washing steps required for two simultaneous ELISAs are delivered to spatially separated test strips. Visual results can be obtained in <15 min, and images captured with a smartphone can be analyzed for quantitative data. This device was used to distinguish between and quantify H1N1 hemagglutinin (HA) and SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (N-protein). Using this device, analytical detection limits of 840 and 133 pg/mL were obtained for hemagglutinin and nucleocapsid protein, respectively. The presence of one target in the device did not increase the signal on the other test line, indicating no cross-reactivity between the assays. Additionally, simultaneous detection of both N-protein and HA was performed as well as simultaneous detection of N-protein and human C-reactive protein (CRP). Elevated levels of CRP in a patient infected with SARS-CoV-2 have been shown to correlate with more severe outcomes and a greater risk of death as well. To further expand on the simultaneous detection of two biomarkers, CRP and N-protein were detected simultaneously, and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 N-protein did not interfere with the detection of CRP when both targets were present in the sample.

Tailoring Interfacial Electric Field by Gold Nanoparticles Enable Electrocatalytic Lithium Polysulfides Conversion for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

Although lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) are considered as the promising next rechargeable storage system ascribing to their decent specific capacity of inorganic sulfur, the development is partially impeded by inferior electronic conductivity, severe shuttle effect, and large volume variation. To tackle the issues above, a great deal of effort is made on sulfur-containing polymer (SCP) that shows better electrochemical performance. Nevertheless, sluggish conversion of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) obstructs battery performance yet. Herein, electrocatalytic LiPSs with full conversion by tailoring the interfacial electric field are discovered based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) anchored on sulfurized polyaniline (SPANI). A downhill path of Gibbs free energy from organosulfur polymer to intermediate product means more spontaneously and favorable for full conversion, as the significant enhancement of electron density of state in the vicinity of the HOMO level for the AuNPs increase the electron transition probability rate. This composite delivers satisfactory electrochemical performance, especially increased rate capacity of >300 mAh g-1 . Furthermore, catalyst mechanism on molecule level is proposed that AuNPsdominate chemical enhancement and higher electron delocalizablility betweenAuNPs and LiPSs molecules. These results can erect a promising strategy for enhancing lithium polysulfides full conversion.

Competence of radiologists in cardiac CT and MR imaging in Europe: insights from the ESCR Registry.

To provide an overview of the current status of cardiac multimodality imaging practices in Europe and radiologist involvement using data from the European Society of Cardiovascular Radiology (ESCR) MRCT-registry. Numbers on cardiac CT and MRI examinations were extracted from the MRCT-registry of the ESCR, entered between January 2011 and October 2023 (n = 432,265). Data collection included the total/annual numbers of examinations, indications, complications, and reporting habits. Thirty-two countries contributed to the MRCT-registry, including 29 European countries. Between 2011 and 2022, there was a 4.5-fold increase in annually submitted CT examinations, from 3368 to 15,267, and a 3.8-fold increase in MRI examinations, from 3445 to 13,183. The main indications for cardiac CT were suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) (59%) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement planning (21%). The number of patients with intermediate pretest probability who underwent CT for suspected CAD showed an increase from 61% in 2012 to 82% in 2022. The main MRI indications were suspected myocarditis (26%), CAD (21%), and suspected cardiomyopathy (19%). Adverse event rates were very low for CT (0.3%) and MRI (0.7%) examinations. Reporting of CT and MRI examinations was performed mainly by radiologists (respectively 76% and 71%) and, to a lesser degree, in consensus with non-radiologists (19% and 27%, respectively). The remaining examinations (4.9% CT and 1.7% MRI) were reported by non-radiological specialties or in separate readings of radiologists and non-radiologists. Real-life data on cardiac imaging in Europe using the largest available MRCT-registry demonstrate a considerable increase in examinations over the past years, the vast majority of which are read by radiologists. These findings indicate that radiologists contribute to meeting the increasing demands of competent and effective care in cardiac imaging to a relevant extent. The number of cardiac CT and MRI examinations has risen over the past years, and radiologists read the vast majority of these studies as recorded in the MRCT-registry. • The number of cardiac imaging examinations is constantly increasing. • Radiologists play a central role in providing cardiac CT and MR imaging services to a large volume of patients. • Cardiac CT and MR imaging examinations performed and read by radiologists show a good safety profile.

Enhancing the high-temperature constitutive modeling of In706 superalloy using advanced artificial neural networks and attentive staged optimization algorithm

High-temperature constitutive models derived from the Arrhenius equation play a pivotal role in the hot-forging processes of nickel-based superalloys such as In706. However, existing models have limitations owing to insufficient data points, leading to the potential loss of vital information and the need for elaborate modeling methodologies. This study proposes an innovative optimization approach that leverages the attentive staged optimization algorithm (ASOA) and advanced artificial neural networks to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of In706 superalloy modeling. ASOA is a batch-based, multi-stage optimization algorithm inspired by the attention mechanism concept in deep learning. It allocates time and computational resources to the most deserving data for optimization and is well-suited for handling large volumes of data. In this paper, ASOA was employed to perform two rounds of fitting on the thermal simulation experimental data, resulting in the determination of the critical strain ϵc and identifying suitable Arrhenius equation material parameters for each set of deformation conditions. Subsequently, a full parameter responsive constitutive model was established for In706, capable of handling a comprehensive set of deformation conditions and providing a more detailed representation of the high-temperature behavior of the In706 alloy. In developing the FPR model, we designed a fully connected neural network and employed a cosine annealing dual-error dynamic adjust function to address error amplification during training. The cosine annealing learning rate scheduling strategy with amplitude attenuation was also implemented to dynamically adjust the learning rate. As a result, the model developed using the proposed approach outperforms traditional models and shows remarkable potential for the precise and efficient optimization of In706 alloy. The high performance of the final model showcases the prospect of our approach in future development and optimization of superalloys.

Combating plastic pollution in international law: &lt;i&gt;lex lata&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;lex ferenda&lt;/i&gt;

INTRODUCTION. Global plastic production has increased from 1.5 million tons in 1950 to 390 million tons in 2021, of which only 9 % was recycled, 19 % was incinerated, almost 50 % was disposed of in landfills and 22 % was dumped in landfills, where this waste could be openly burned or released back into the environment. Plastics have changed the global economy and the lives of billions of people for the better. However, their use comes with significant environmental and social costs. Plastic waste negatively affects human health and the environment. The life cycle of plastics covers the entire spectrum of activities, from raw material extraction, production, distribution, use, to disposal as waste, and environmental problems can arise at any stage of the plastic life cycle. Most plastic degrades very slowly in the environment. There are currently a number of international commitments to reduce marine litter and plastic waste, particularly from land-based sources, and several applicable international agreements and soſt law instruments related to trade in plastics or reducing impacts on marine life. However, none of the international documents provides a global, mandatory, specific and measurable target to reduce plastic pollution. In this regard, many states, as well as commercial actors and civil society, are calling for the adoption of a global instrument to regulate marine pollution from litter and plastics. In this article, significant attention is paid to the analysis of a future treaty aimed at combating plastic pollution.MATERIALS AND METHODS. This study is based on the analysis of a large volume of materials, including international legal acts, advisory acts, as well as modern doctrinal studies by Russian and foreign authors. The methodological basis of the study was general scientific (method of logical and system analysis, dialectical method, methods of deduction and induction) and special scientific (historical-legal, comparative-legal, formal legal methods, method of legal modeling and forecasting) methods of cognition.RESEARCH RESULTS. In the course of the study, various international acts of a mandatory and recommendatory nature were analyzed, the doctrinal positions set out in the scientific literature, put forward by domestic and foreign legal scholars, were summarized, and the main problems of combating plastic pollution were identified.DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS. Within the framework of this article, an attempt has been made to give answers to the following questions: to what extent the problem of plastic pollution is an important challenge for modern international law, whether current international law effectively regulates the problem of plastic pollution, what should be the content of a new treaty on plastic and what are the positions of states on its content.

Response of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) to foliar wetting with low pH mine waters containing acid-generating metal cations

Acid mine drainage (AMD) contains metals that have detrimental effects on crop growth if present in excess in plant-available form. The use of untreated AMD from coal mines for crop irrigation on strategically limed soils is considered a potential option for mine water management, especially in remote areas without access to water treatment infrastructure. However, leaf scorching and trace element enrichment of plant tissue are of potential concern, as these waters often contain high concentrations of potentially toxic, acid-generating metals (Al3+, Fe2+ and Mn2+) which may cause foliar damage and hyper-accumulate in plant tissue. The objectives of this trial were to quantify any foliar injury and metal accumulation in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) vegetative material after foliar wetting with simulated AMD enriched with metal cations, and to ascertain if biomass production will be affected. In this trial, crop water requirements were not met through mine water irrigation, as this was only a foliar wetting investigation. Two pot experiments were set up, with wheat grown in the winter and cowpea in the summer season of 2021. Sulphuric acid was used to lower pH to 2, after the addition of low, intermediate and high concentrations of individual acid-generating metal cations, as well as a combination of all three cations. Areal foliar injury was greatest for cowpea (18.7%) with a combination of Al, Fe and Mn at the highest concentration. The crop was not able to recover at this injury level. No injury was recorded in wheat. Both crops accumulated only limited quantities of the metal cations. Calculated hazard quotient for cattle ranged from 0.022 to 0.53, indicating that such fodder would be safe to consume. It is concluded that there are large differences in crop specie susceptibility to leaf scorching after foliar wetting with acidic metal cation-rich mine waters. It is recommended, therefore, that because large volumes of mine water need to be managed, and centre pivot overhead irrigation is likely to be utilized to this end, that studies to screen more species to select crops tolerant to scorching through foliage wetting with mine water irrigation be conducted. Thereafter, studies to better understand root zone effects of irrigation with such waters need to be conducted on species that can tolerate foliar wetting with these waters.

Short-time acoustic indices for monitoring urban-natural environments using artificial neural networks

Urban-natural environments, proximal to rapidly urbanizing cities, provide essential ecosystem functions that benefit both city residents and ecological communities. With escalating urbanization, the resilience of these ecosystems is being progressively challenged, highlighting the need for robust monitoring mechanisms. Acoustic monitoring has emerged as an unobtrusive method to evaluate the status of these environments, capitalizing on indicators that reflect both landscape features and specific acoustic events. Despite potentially offering significant insights, this approach generates a large volume of acoustic data, introducing complexities in subsequent analyses. To mitigate this, we propose integrating artificial neural networks with acoustic indices to enhance data analysis. Our approach emphasizes the usefulness of short-time acoustic indices, computed over finite-duration analysis windows, to enhance polyphonic sound event detection accuracy. Empirical results support the performance of our approach, registering both an F1-Score and an error rate of 0.614. Overall, this study delineates a novel paradigm geared towards enhancing or preserving the biological diversity of urban-natural environments in areas with population growth and urban development.

The application and development of electron microscopy for three-dimensional reconstruction in life science: a review.

Imaging technologies have played a pivotal role in advancing biological research by enabling visualization of biological structures and processes. While traditional electron microscopy (EM) produces two-dimensional images, emerging techniques now allow high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) characterization of specimens in situ, meeting growing needs in molecular and cellular biology. Combining transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with serial sectioning inaugurated 3D imaging, attracting biologists seeking to explore cell ultrastructure and driving advancement of 3D EM reconstruction. By comprehensively and precisely rendering internal structure and distribution, 3D TEM reconstruction provides unparalleled ultrastructural insights into cells and molecules, holding tremendous value for elucidating structure-function relationships and broadly propelling structural biology. Here, we first introduce the principle of 3D reconstruction of cells and tissues by classical approaches in TEM and then discuss modern technologies utilizing TEM and on new SEM-based as well as cryo-electron microscope (cryo-EM) techniques. 3D reconstruction techniques from serial sections, electron tomography (ET), and the recent single-particle analysis (SPA) are examined; the focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM), the serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM), and automatic tape-collecting lathe ultramicrotome (ATUM-SEM) for 3D reconstruction of large volumes are discussed. Finally, we review the challenges and development prospects of these technologies in life science. It aims to provide an informative reference for biological researchers.

A Review on Anthropogenic Biomass Burning: Emission of Aerosol Pollutants, Impact on Climate Change, Human Health and its Mitigation Strategies

Biomass burning is a complex process, encircling chemical and physical responses covering, transmission of mass and warmth. A large number of investigations were accumulated on the significant emissions from various kinds of anthropogenic biomass burning in the recent decade. In India, an increasing trend of biomass burning is an important cause to release a large volume of reactive gases with other impurities and intensify the level of invisible particles into the troposphere, which affects humans health and leads to the probable alteration of the weather and global climate. The present review looks at the interpretations for a diverse investigation of distinct body and monitoring interventions, pertinent to our country, relating to the significance of particulate matter emissions, sources of aerosols and their health implications. This study also discusses numerous persuaded investigations, conducted on the impact of aerosol, attributed to climate change and also points out precise matters such as spatio-temporal variability of fire occurrences detected in India. Furthermore, the present study reveals that substantial quantities of data, along with a variety of enhanced simulation models and investigational validations, are essential for the development of efficient mitigation strategies with the objective of protecting the environment of the Indian Peninsula.

Comparing the osteogenesis outcomes of different lumbar interbody fusions (A/O/X/T/PLIF) by evaluating their mechano-driven fusion processes

BackgroundIn lumbar interbody fusion (LIF), achieving proper fusion status requires osteogenesis to occur in the disc space. Current LIF techniques, including anterior, oblique, lateral, transforaminal, and posterior LIF (A/O/X/T/PLIF), may result in varying osteogenesis outcomes due to differences in biomechanical characteristics. MethodsA mechano-regulation algorithm was developed to predict the fusion processes of A/O/X/T/PLIF based on finite element modeling and iterative evaluations of the mechanobiological activities of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their differentiated cells (osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and fibroblasts). Fusion occurred in the grafting region, and each differentiated cell type generated the corresponding tissue proportional to its concentration. The corresponding osteogenesis volume was calculated by multiplying the osteoblast concentration by the grafting volume. ResultsTLIF and ALIF achieved markedly greater osteogenesis volumes than did PLIF and O/XLIF (5.46, 5.12, 4.26, and 3.15 cm3, respectively). Grafting volume and cage size were the main factors influencing the osteogenesis outcome in patients treated with LIF. A large grafting volume allowed more osteoblasts (bone tissues) to be accommodated in the disc space. A small cage size reduced the cage/endplate ratio and therefore decreased the stiffness of the LIF. This led to a larger osteogenesis region to promote osteoblastic differentiation of MSCs and osteoblast proliferation (bone regeneration), which subsequently increased the bone fraction in the grafting space. ConclusionTLIF and ALIF produced more favorable biomechanical environments for osteogenesis than did PLIF and O/XLIF. A small cage and a large grafting volume improve osteogenesis by facilitating osteogenesis-related cell activities driven by mechanical forces.

Plasmonic hybridized modes empowered by strong plasmon interaction in the nanograting-dielectric-metal stacked structure

Abstract The coupling between surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) and waveguide (WG) modes has been widely investigated by using prism-coupled structures and has demonstrated a large number of interesting physical phenomena. However, these conventional structures mainly rely on the angle-dependent total internal reflection excitation. This is not conducive to their further development due to the large volume and the requirement of oblique incidence. In this paper, we theoretically propose a three-layer nanograting-dielectric-metal (NDM) plasmonic structure. Within this structure, a thickness-dependent plasmonic WG (PWG) mode in the middle dielectric cavity strongly couples with SPPs on the top surface, resulting in two new hybridized PWG-SPPs modes. This hybridization coupling phenomenon is analyzed in detail by using plasmonic hybridization and two coupled oscillator models. Besides, a thorough investigation is conducted on the sensing performance of these two PWG-SPPs hybridized modes. The difference in sensing characteristics between these two hybridized modes can be well explained by their coupling strength variation. This NDM plasmonic nanostructure owns unparalleled advantages in the generation and modulation of a variety of new modes, effectively promoting the development of miniaturized optoelectronic devices.

Using word embeddings for immigrant and refugee stereotype quantification in a diachronic and multilingual setting

AbstractWord embeddings are efficient machine-learning-based representations of human language used in many Natural Language Processing tasks nowadays. Due to their ability to learn underlying word association patterns present in large volumes of data, it is possible to observe various sociolinguistic phenomena in the embedding semantic space, such as social stereotypes. The use of stereotypical framing in discourse can be detrimental and induce misconceptions about certain groups, such as immigrants and refugees, especially when used by media and politicians in public discourse. In this paper, we use word embeddings to investigate immigrant and refugee stereotypes in a multilingual and diachronic setting. We analyze the Danish, Dutch, English, and Spanish portions of four different multilingual corpora of political discourse, covering the 1997–2018 period. Then, we measure the effect of sociopolitical variables such as the number of offences committed and the size of the refugee and immigrant groups in the host country over our measurements of stereotypical association using the Bayesian multilevel framework. Our results indicate the presence of stereotypical associations towards both immigrants and refugees for all 4 languages, and that the immigrants are overall more strongly associated with the stereotypical frames than refugees.