Hierarchical Machine Learning-Based Growth Prediction Model of Panax ginseng Sprouts in a Hydroponic Environment.

Due to an increase in interest towards functional and health-related foods, Panax ginseng sprout has been in the spotlight since it contains a significant amount of saponins which have anti-cancer, -stress, and -diabetic effects. To increase the amount of production as well as decrease the cultivation period, sprouted ginseng is being studied to ascertain its optimal cultivation environment in hydroponics. Although there are studies on functional components, there is a lack of research on early disease prediction along with productivity improvement. In this study, the ginseng sprouts were cultivated in four different hydroponic conditions: control treatment, hydrogen-mineral treatment, Bioblock treatment, and highly concentrated nitrogen treatment. Physical properties were measured, and environmental data were acquired using sensors. Using three algorithms (artificial neural networks, support vector machines, random forest) for germination and rottenness classification, and leaf number and length of stem prediction models, we propose a hierarchical machine learning model that predicts the growth outcome of ginseng sprouts after a week. Based on the results, a regression model predicts the number of leaves and stem length during the growth process. The results of the classifier models showed an F1-score of germination classification of about 99% every week. The rottenness classification model showed an increase from an average of 83.5% to 98.9%. Predicted leaf numbers for week 1 showed an average nRMSE value of 0.27, which decreased by about 33% by week 3. The results for predicting stem length showed a higher performance compared to the regression model for predicting leaf number. These results showed that the proposed hierarchical machine learning algorithm can predict germination and rottenness in ginseng sprout using physical properties.

Super-Linear-Threshold-Switching Selector with Multiple Jar-Shaped Cu-Filaments in the Amorphous Ge3 Se7 Resistive Switching Layer in a Cross-Point Synaptic Memristor Array.

The learning and inference efficiencies of an artificial neural network represented by a cross-point synaptic memristor array can be achieved using a selector, with high selectivity (Ion /Ioff ) and sufficient death region, stacked vertically on a synaptic memristor. This can prevent a sneak current in the memristor array. A selector with multiple jar-shaped conductive Cu filaments in the resistive switching layer is precisely fabricated by designing the Cu ion concentration depth profile of the CuGeSe layer as a filament source, TiN diffusion barrier layer, and Ge3 Se7 switching layer. The selector performs super-linear-threshold-switching with a selectivity of > 107 , death region of -0.70-0.65 V, holding time of 300 ns, switching speed of 25 ns, and endurance cycle of > 106 . In addition, the mechanism of switching is proven by the formation of conductive Cu filaments between the CuGeSe and Ge3 Se7 layers under a positive bias on the top Pt electrode and an automatic rupture of the filaments after the holding time. Particularly, a spiking deep neural network using the designed one-selector-one-memory cross-point array improves the Modified National Institute of Standards and Technology classification accuracy by ≈3.8% by eliminating the sneak current in the cross-point array during the inference process.

Is it advantageous to use the intraoperative compression option of proximal femoral nail antirotation in the treatment of osteoporotic intertrochanteric fractures? A retrospective comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to retrospectively compare the radiological and clinical results of intertrochanteric fractures treated with proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) that were either intraoperatively compressed or non-compressed. METHODS: Ninety-four patients (64 female, 30 male; mean age = 77.6 years; age range = 68-81) who underwent intraoperative fracture compression (IOFC) (94 hip joints, group A) and 88 patients (64 female, 24 male; mean age = 77.1 years; age range = 67- 80) who underwent postoperative impaction (POI) alone (88 hip joints, group B) from2012 to 2017 met the following six conditions were observed for over 2 years: AO Foundation/Orthopaedic Trauma Association 31-A1 and 31-A2 trochanteric fractures; Singh index grade ≥ 3; positive or neutral medial cortical support position with slightly valgus reduction; possible compression of more than one cortical bone in the anterior or medial region of the fracture site based on preoperative imaging test; blade position within the center-center; andtip-apex distance of < 25 mm. During the follow- up periods, changes of pain and time to fracture union were evaluated clinically, and the lateral extension distance (for screw back-up) was evaluated radiologically which measuredbetween the lateral end of the screw and lateral edge of the intramedullary nail. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 38.4 (range = 24-48) months in Group A and 36.7 (24-48) months in Group B. The mean operation time was 68 (range = 40-100) min in group A and 71 (range = 40-105) min in Group B (P = 0.521). Intraoperative blood loss was 78 (range = 50-110) mL in Group A and 81 (range = 50-100) mL in Group B (p=0.715). The mean fluoroscopy time was 2.8 (range = 2.2-3.5) min in Group A and 2.6 (range = 2.1-3.5) min in Group B (P = 0.631). The acute phase pain scores measured by visual analog scale at postoperative 3 months were 35.5 in Group A and 37.6 in Group B (P = 0.073). The lateral extension of the PFNA blade showed significant difference at 24 months after surgery (Group A, 3.6±3.1 mm; group B, 7.8±3.7 mm, P = 0.017). Fracture gaps after surgery were 1.8 (range = 0.5-2.5)mmin Group A and 2.6 (range = 0.7-4.6)mmin Group B, showing significant difference (P = 0.001). The average fracture union time was 16.7 (range = 14-20) weeks in Group A) and 19.7 (range = 16-22) weeks in Group B (P = 0.065). The mean Harris Hip Scores at postoperative 24 months were 84.3 (range = 65-100) in Group A and 85.5 (range= 69-100) in Group B (P = 0.545).p Conclusion: If all the six conditions are met, IOFC seems to appropriate for AO/OTA 31-A1 and 31-A2 intertrochanteric fractures with the smaller postoperative fracture gap and lateral protrusion of the blade, which may contribute to the shortening of fracture union periods. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic Study.

Degradation of different pesticides in water by microplasma: the roles of individual radicals and degradation pathways.

Pesticides are emergent toxins often identified in aquatic environments. In the present study, microplasma was employed to reduce the pesticide content in water. The degradation efficacy, rate, and pathways of standard organophosphorus pesticides (namely, chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos oxone, and diazinone) and an organochlorine pesticide (namely, DDT solution) were evaluated using microplasma. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was performed to elucidate the degradation efficiency of pesticides as a function of plasma-produced substances that originally contributed to the main reduction procedure. Microplasma produces several types of radicals or reactive substances, for instance dissolved ozone (O3), nitrogen oxides, hydroxyl radicals (OH radicals), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The removal potential differs due to the existence or absence of varieties of plasma-produced substances. The functions of major plasma-produced species on pesticide removal were determined by a passive technique. Nitrogen oxides showed a key role in organophosphorus pesticide removal, whereas dissolved ozone and OH radicals played major roles in DDT degradation. HPLC data showed that plasma-induced pesticide removal showed first-order reaction kinetics. The pesticide removal pathways through microplasma were validated by investigating the achieved data from LC-MS and GC-MS.

The antimicrobial effect of thiamine dilauryl sulfate in tofu inoculated with Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes and Bacillus cereus.

Thiamine dilauryl sulfate (TDS) is a food additive that is used as a bactericidal agent. This study examines the antimicrobial effect of TDS on tofu inoculated with Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, and Bacillus cereus. Tofu was inoculated with 100 µL of each microorganism and TDS solution (0.1, 0.5, 1, and 2%) was added to all bags, which were stored at 5 and 25 °C for 5 days. Sensory evaluations were conducted with tofu stored at 5 °C. At 5 °C, with a 2% TDS, E. coli O157:H7, S. Typhimurium, L. monocytogenes, and B. cereus were reduced by 0.29, 0.36, 0.70, and 1.47 log CFU/g, respectively. None of the sensory characteristics of tofu treated with TDS were significantly different from those of the control. Consequently, this study shows the potential of TDS as an antimicrobial agent with a practical application in tofu to ensure food safety.

Growth behavior comparison of Listeria monocytogenes between Type strains and beef isolates in raw beef.

This study was conducted to compare the growth parameters of Listeria monocytogenes between beef isolates and Type strains in raw beef. Beef was artificially inoculated with 3 Log CFU/g levels and growth was measured during storage at various temperatures (5-25 °C) using conventional plating methods. The R2 value for lag time (λ) and specific growth rate (µ) were determined using modified-Gompertz model, which were greater than 0.98 at all storage temperature except at 5 °C. B f , A f , and RMSE showed acceptable ranges, showed that the models are suitable for the modeling the growth of L. monocytogenes. At all temperatures, the λ of L. monocytogenes beef isolates was shorter than that of the L. monocytogenes Type strains, and the µ of beef isolates was higher than that of Type strains. These results showed that growth pattern prediction of beef inoculated with L. monocytogenes beef isolates gives more actual results than with Type strains.

Interscalene brachial plexus bolus block versus patient-controlled interscalene indwelling catheter analgesia for the first 48 hours after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

BACKGROUND: We sought to compare the efficacy of interscalene brachial plexus bolus blockade (IBPBB) and patient-controlled interscalene indwelling catheter analgesia (PCIA) for postoperative pain management within 48 hours postoperatively in patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs (ARCR). METHODS: Patients undergoing ARCR were randomized into 3 groups by postoperative analgesia method. The IBPBB group received a mixed solution of 16 mL of 0.75% ropivacaine and 4 mL of 2% lidocaine as a bolus postoperatively. The PCIA group received a 10-mL bolus solution of 0.75% ropivacaine (4 mL) and 5% dextrose water (6 mL) just after the operation and continuous infusion of this solution. The control received only meperidine as needed, 12.5 mg, intravenously. Visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores were evaluated for the first 48 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: For the first 2 hours postoperatively, VAS scores in the IBPBB group were significantly lower than in the PCIA group and control group, but at 12 and 24 hours postoperatively, VAS scores of the IBPBB group were significantly higher than the PCIA group (P < .05). At 48 hours postoperatively, there was no significant difference in VAS scores among the 3 groups (P = .169). The method of analgesia was the only factor affecting pain scores at 24 hours postoperatively (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: IBPBB provided effective immediate postoperative analgesia until 6 hours postoperatively. Especially until postoperative 2 hours, the VAS pain score was less than 1 point in the IBPBB group; however, there was significant rebound pain at 12 hours after surgery. During the first 24 hours postoperatively, PCIA reduced postoperative pain without rebound pain. Surgeons should choose methods for control of postoperative pain considering the advantages and disadvantages of each analgesic method.

Electro-Forming and Electro-Breaking of Nanoscale Ag Filaments for Conductive-Bridging Random-Access Memory Cell using Ag-Doped Polymer-Electrolyte between Pt Electrodes.

Ag-doped polymer (polyethylene oxide: PEO) conductive-bridging-random-access-memory (CBRAM) cell using inert Pt electrodes is a potential electro-forming free CBRAM cells in which electro-forming and electro-breaking of nanoscale (16~22-nm in diameter) conical or cylindrical Ag filaments occurs after a set or reset bias is applied. The dependency of the morphologies of the Ag filaments in the PEO polymer electrolyte indicates that the electro-formed Ag filaments bridging the Pt cathode and anode are generated by Ag+ ions drifting in the PEO polymer electrolyte toward the Pt anode and that Ag dendrites grow via a reduction process from the Pt anode, whereas electro-breaking of Ag filaments occurs through the oxidation of Ag atoms in the secondary dendrites and the drift of Ag+ ions toward the Pt cathode. The Ag doping concentration in the PEO polymer electrolyte determines the bipolar switching characteristics; i.e., the set voltage slightly decreases, while the reset voltage and memory margin greatly increases with the Ag doping concentration.

Effects of malic acid or/and grapefruit seed extract for the inactivation of common food pathogens on fresh-cut lettuce.

This study investigated the antimicrobial activity of malic acid (MA), grapefruit seed extract (GSE), and combined (MA+GSE) treatment against Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes on fresh-cut lettuce. The antimicrobial effects of 1% MA and 0.5% GSE alone and in combination (1% MA+0.5% GSE) were tested on artificially inoculated lettuce during storage at 5°C for 14 days. The maximum reductions of E. coli O157:H7, S. Typhimurium, and L. monocytogenes were 4.96, 4.80, and 3.95 log CFU/g observed with MA+GSE during storage for 14 days, respectively. MA+GSE showed the greatest reduction against in E. coli O157:H7 and L. monocytogenes. These results indicate that the combined treatment was more effective than MA and GSE alone treatment. Therefore, it suggests that MA + GSE could be used as an effective intervention method for improving microbiological safety of fresh-cut lettuce.

The effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on pharyngeal transit time.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) on pharyngeal transit time. [Subjects] Subjects were divided into normal old persons aged over 70 (N=18), and normal young persons aged under 30 (N=10). [Method] We measured the Pharyngeal Transit Time (PTT) to determine their swallowing characteristics. NMES was used to stimulate old group's suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles 60 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 2 weeks using four electrodes. We used SPSS version 14.0 to analyze and compare the data between the 2 groups. [Results] After NMES, PTT of the normal old group became significantly shorter. PTT was much shorter, but was still longer than that of the normal young group. [Conclusion] The PTTs of the two groups classified by age were significantly different.

Usefulness of v-y advancement flap for defects after skin tumor excision.

BACKGROUND: After skin tumor excision on the face, extremities, or trunk, the choice of treatment for a skin defect is highly variable. Many surgeons prefer to use a local flap rather than a skin graft or free flap for small- or moderately-sized circular defects. We have used unilateral or bilateral V-Y advancement flaps, especially on the face. Here we evaluated the functional and aesthetic results of this technique. METHODS: All of the patients were pathologically diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), or malignant melanoma or premalignant lesion (Bowen's disease). Thirty-two patients underwent V-Y advancement flap repair (11 unilateral and 21 bilateral) from January 2007 to June 2011. We analyzed the patients' age and satisfaction, and location and size of defect. The patients were followed up for 6 months or more. RESULTS: There were 22 women and 10 men. The ages ranged from 47 to 93 years with a mean age of 66 years. The causes were SCC in 15 cases, BCC in 13 cases, malignant melanoma in 1 case, Bowen's disease in 2 cases, and another cause in 1 case. The tumor locations were the face in 28 patients, and the scalp, upper limb, and flank each in one patient. All of the flaps survived and the aesthetic results were good. Postoperative recovery was usually rapid, and no complication or tumor recurrence was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The V-Y advancement flap is often used not only for facial circular defects but also for defects of the trunk and extremities. Its advantages are less scarring and superior aesthetic results as compared with other local flap methods, because of less scarification of adjacent tissue and because it is an easy surgical technique.

Influence of the BRAF V600E mutation on expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in papillary thyroid cancer.

CONTEXT: The BRAF mutation may influence the expression patterns of molecular markers that are related to the development and progression of thyroid cancer. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of the BRAF V600E mutation on expression of galectin-3, cyclooxygenase-2, cyclin D1, p53, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). DESIGN, SETTING, AND SUBJECTS: One hundred sixty-three PTC and 28 nodular hyperplasia patients were selected retrospectively. The presence of the BRAF V600E mutation and the level of expression of the molecular markers were determined. RESULTS: Of 161 PTC patients, 102 patients (63.4%) were BRAF V600E(+), and these cases had significantly larger tumor sizes (P = 0.01), compared with V600E(-) cases (n = 59, 36.6%). Although PTC tissues had higher expression levels of the selected molecular markers than nodular hyperplasia tissues, expression levels of several molecular markers in BRAF V600E(+) PTC were not significantly different from those of BRAF V600E(-) PTC. But VEGF was significantly up-regulated in BRAF V600E(+) PTC, compared with BRAF V600E(-) PTC. VEGF expression levels were strongly positively correlated to tumor size (P < 0.001), extrathyroidal invasion (P = 0.02), and tumor stage (P = 0.04). Multivariate analysis clearly showed that VEGF expression was up-regulated in BRAF V600E(+) PTC (odds ratio 2.5, confidence interval 1.1-5.6; P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: BRAF V600E(+) PTC tended to have larger tumor volumes and higher expression of VEGF. The level of VEGF expression was closely correlated with tumor size, extrathyroidal invasion, and stage. The relatively high levels of VEGF expression may be related to poorer clinical outcomes and recurrences in BRAF V600E(+) PTC.