Search Results (4)

The application of machine learning (ML) in structural engineering is receiving increasing attention recently. This paper experimentally studies three self-restoring reinforced concrete (SRRC) columns reinforced with low-bond ultra-high strength rebars, to first discuss the reliability and evaluation of the SRRC columns under multiple reversed cyclic (MRC) loads induced by strong earthquakes, and to also first introduce the Transformer method into the analysis and discussion of structural tests. The tests confirmed the superior seismic behavior and high self-centering performance of the columns and presented how MRC loads affect the seismic performance of SRRC columns in terms of the lateral load-carrying capacity and energy dissipation capacity. Superior to conventional methods, a high-accuracy Transformer-based model is proposed to evaluate the plastic hinge height (PHL) of the tested SRRC columns compared with the other three algorithms (MLP, KNN, and XGBoost). Furthermore, the Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) approach is adopted to explain the insight relationship between the structural parameters and PHL of the columns. Full article

Background: Phloretin (Phl) is a flavonoid compound that contains multiple phenolic hydroxyl groups. It is found in many plants, such as apple leaves, lychee pericarp, and begonia, and has various biological activities, such as antioxidant and anticancer effects. The strong hydrogen bonding between Phl molecules results in poor water solubility and low bioavailability, and thus the scope of the clinical application of Phl is limited. Therefore, it is particularly important to improve the water solubility of Phl for its use to further combat or alleviate skin aging and oxidative damage and develop antioxidant products for the skin. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a phloretin transfersome gel (PTG) preparation for transdermal drug delivery to improve the bioavailability of the drug and delay aging. Methods: Phloretin transfersomes (Phl-TFs) were prepared and optimized by the thin-film dispersion–ultrasonication method. Phl-TFs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The Log P method was used to determine the solubility of the Phl-TFs. The skin penetration ability of the prepared PTG was evaluated using the Franz diffusion cell method. In addition, the in vivo pharmacokinetics of PTG were studied in rats, and an antioxidant activity investigation was conducted using a D-gal rat model. Results: Phl-TFs were successfully prepared with a Soybean Phosphatidylcholine (SPC)/CHOL ratio of 2.7:1 w/v, a phloretin concentration of 1.3 mg/mL, a hydration time of 46 min, an ultrasound time of 5 min, and an ultrasound power of 180 W. The Log P was 2.26, which was significantly higher than that of phloretin (p < 0.05, paired t test). The results of the in vitro penetration test demonstrated that the cumulative skin penetration of the Phl-TFs after 24 h was 842.73 ± 20.86 μg/cm². The data from an in vivo pharmacokinetic study showed that the C_max and AUC of PTG were 1.39- and 1.97-fold higher than those of the phloretin solution gel (PSG), respectively (p < 0.05, paired t test). The experimental results in aging rats showed that PTG had a better antioxidant effect. Conclusions: Phl-TFs and PTG preparations with a good shape, safety, and stability were successfully prepared. In vivo pharmacokinetics and preliminary antioxidant experiments further verified the transdermal penetration and antioxidant activity of the phloretin transdermal drug delivery preparation, providing an experimental basis for its further development. Full article

The paper presents a novel data-embedding method based on the Periodic Haar Piecewise-Linear (PHL) transform. The theoretical background behind the PHL transform concept is introduced. The proposed watermarking method assumes embedding hidden information in the PHL transform domain using the luminance channel of the original image. The watermark is embedded by modifying the coefficients with relatively low values. The proposed method was verified based on the measurement of the visual quality of an image with a watermark with respect to the length of the embedded information. In addition, the bit error rate (BER) is also considered for different sizes of a watermark. Furthermore, a method for the detection of image manipulation is presented. The elaborated technique seems to be suitable for applications in digital signal and image processing where high imperceptibility and low BER are required, and information security is of high importance. In particular, this method can be applied in systems where the sensitive data is transmitted or stored and needs to be protected appropriately (e.g., in medical image processing). Full article

Primary hepatic leiomyoma (PHL) is a rare entity, with very few cases reported in the literature. Even more rarely, until now practically undescribed, is the transformation of a hepatic leiomyoma into leiomyosarcoma with pancreatic metastases. Here, we report a single case of the progression of PHL in primary hepatic leiomyosarcoma, with clinical–surgical and histopathological features, and we conducted a review of the literature of related cases that can be found. Full article