bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gaze Tracking Using an Unmodified Web Camera and Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Ansari Mohd Faizan , Kasprowski Pawel , Obetkal Marcin
Published: September 2021

Gaze estimation plays a significant role in understating human behavior and in human–computer interaction. Currently, there are many methods accessible for gaze estimation. However, most approaches need additional hardware for data acquisition which adds an extra cost to gaze tracking. The classic gaze tracking approaches usually require systematic prior knowledge or expertise for practical operations. Moreover, they are fundamentally based on the characteristics of the eye region, utilizing infrared light and iris glint to track the gaze point. It requires high-quality images with particular environmental conditions and another light source. Recent studies on appearance-based gaze estimation have demonstrated the capability of neural networks, especially convolutional neural networks (CNN), to decode gaze information present in eye images and achieved significantly simplified gaze estimation. In this paper, a gaze estimation method that utilizes a CNN for gaze estimation that can be applied to various platforms without additional hardware is presented. An easy and fast data collection method is used for collecting face and eyes images from an unmodified desktop camera. The proposed method registered good results; it proves that it is possible to predict the gaze with reasonable accuracy without any additional tools.
A Secure CDM-Based Data Analysis Platform (SCAP) in Multi-Centered Distributed Setting
Authors: Jeon Seungho , Shin Chobyeol , Ko Eunnarae , Moon Jongsub
Published: September 2021

Hospitals have their own database structures and maintain their data in a closed manner. For this reason, it is difficult for researchers outside of institutions to access multi-center data. Therefore, if the data maintained by all hospitals follow a commonly shared format, researchers can analyze multi-center data using the same method. To safely analyze data using a common data model (CDM) in a distributed multi-center network environment, the objective of this study is to propose and implement the processes for distribution, executing the analysis codes, and returning the results. A secure CDM-based data analysis platform (SCAP) consists of a certificate authority (CA), authentication server (AS), code signer (CS), ticket-granting server (TGS), relaying server (RS), and service server (SS). The AS, CS, TGS, and RS form the central server group of the platform. An SS is stored on a hospital server as an agent for communication with the server group. We designed the functionalities and communication protocols among servers. To safely conduct the intended functions, the proposed protocol was implemented based on a cryptographic algorithm. An SCAP was developed as a web application running on this protocol. Users accessed the platform through a web-based interface.
A Cutting Pattern Recognition Method for Shearers Based on ICEEMDAN and Improved Grey Wolf Optimizer Algorithm-Optimized SVM
Authors: Li Changpeng , Peng Tianhao , Zhu Yanmin
Published: September 2021

When the shearer is cutting, the sound signal generated by the cutting drum crushing coal and rock contains a wealth of cutting status information. In order to effectively process the shearer cutting sound signal and accurately identify the cutting mode, this paper proposed a shearer cutting sound signal recognition method based on an improved complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (ICCEMDAN) and an improved grey wolf optimizer (IGWO) algorithm-optimized support vector machine (SVM). First, the approach applied ICEEMDAN to process the cutting sound signal and obtained several intrinsic mode function (IMF) components. It used the correlation coefficient to select the characteristic component. Meanwhile, this paper calculated the composite multi-scale permutation entropy (CMPE) of the characteristic components as the eigenvalue. Then, the method introduced a differential evolution algorithm and nonlinear convergence factor to improve the GWO algorithm. It used the improved GWO algorithm to realize the adaptive selection of SVM parameters and established a cutting sound signal recognition model. According to the proportioning plan, the paper made several simulation coal walls for cutting experiments and collected cutting sound signals for cutting pattern recognition. The experimental results show that the method proposed in this paper can effectively process the cutting sound signal of the shearer, and the average accuracy of the cutting pattern recognition model reached 97.67%.
Design of Augmented Reality Training Content for Railway Vehicle Maintenance Focusing on the Axle-Mounted Disc Brake System
Authors: Kwon Hwi-Jin , Lee Seung-Il , Park Ju-Hyung , Kim Chul-Su
Published: September 2021

Light maintenance training for electric multiple-unit components of the organization of railway operations is generally conducted using maintenance manuals and work videos, following the guidelines of each organization. These manuals are in the form of booklets, complicated and inconvenient for maintenance operators to carry. Therefore, training content that visualizes maintenance procedures in a three-dimensions (3D) space is necessary to overcome the drawbacks of booklet-type training. In this study, we developed augmented reality (AR)-based training content for railway vehicle maintenance to increase training efficiency. Providing warning signs for risky procedures reduces human error, and transparency control makes trainees check the product hierarchy. A virtual experience based on the maintenance manual is provided to improve maintenance proficiency. An axle-mounted disc brake system maintenance manual is implemented in AR to reflect the requirements of maintenance operators. The convenience of this tool is improved by loading the AR content on a mobile device. Two methods of verification were used: the system usability scale (SUS) survey and training efficiency evaluation. The resulting SUS grade was B (excellent), and the training efficiency improved by 34%.
Effects of Electrolyte Supplements on Body Water Homeostasis and Exercise Performance during Exhaustive Exercise
Authors: Choi Dong-Hun , Cho Joon-Yong , Koo Jung-Hoon , Kim Tae-Kyung
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to compare the physiologic effects of regular water consumption to those of electrolyte drink consumption in exercise capacity and recovery after exhaustive exercise. The participants were 10 healthy young men who exercised on a treadmill before and after receiving regular water and an electrolyte drink (3RINK) four weeks later. A 250-mL fluid volume was ingested 30 min before exercise and immediately after. Body composition, water metabolizing hormones, and body electrolytes were analyzed at rest (R), immediately after exercise (P0), and 1 h after exercise (P1). Moreover, serum lactic acid levels were measured to determine recovery. Total body water, intracellular, and extracellular water levels were higher after consuming 3RINK at P0 than at R. There was no interaction effect between the types of fluids and antidiuretic hormone, aldosterone, and renin levels. Hematocrit levels showed an interaction effect between the type of fluid and period. Sodium levels were significantly different between the different types of fluids at P0 and P1. Finally, an interaction effect was noted between each type of fluid and serum lactate levels. Thus, 3RINK intake before and after exhaustive exercise increased body capacity to retain water, improved exercise ability, and reduced exercise-related fatigue.
Hyperreal Delta Functions as a New General Tool for Modeling Systems with Infinitely High Densities
Authors: Cabbolet Marcoen J. T. F.
Published: September 2021

In general, the state of a system in which a physical quantity such as mass is distributed over space can be modeled by a function that represents the density distribution. The purpose of this paper is to introduce special functions that can be applied when in the system to be modeled, where the quantity is distributed over isolated points. For that matter, the expanded real numbers are introduced as an ordered subring of the hyperreal number field that does not contain any infinitesimals, and hyperreal delta functions are defined as special functions from the real numbers to the expanded real numbers satisfying the condition that (i) the support is a singleton, and (ii) the integral over the reals is a nonzero real number. These newly defined hyperreal delta functions, and tensor products thereof, then provide a general tool, applicable for the mathematical modeling of physical systems in which infinitely high densities occur.
Annotation of 1350 Common Genetic Variants of the 19 ALDH Multigene Family from Global Human Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD)
Authors: Chen Che-Hong , Kraemer Benjamin R. , Lee Lucia , Mochly-Rosen Daria
Published: September 2021

Human aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) is a multigene family with 19 functional members encoding a class of diverse but important enzymes for detoxification or biotransformation of different endogenous and exogenous aldehyde substrates. Genetic mutations in the ALDH genes can cause the accumulation of toxic aldehydes and abnormal carbonyl metabolism and serious human pathologies. However, the physiological functions and substrate specificity of many ALDH genes are still unknown. Although many genetic variants of the ALDH gene family exist in human populations, their phenotype or clinical consequences have not been determined. Using the most comprehensive global human Genome Aggregation Database, gnomAD, we annotated here 1350 common variants in the 19 ALDH genes. These 1350 common variants represent all known genetic polymorphisms with a variant allele frequency of ≥0.1% (or an expected occurrence of ≥1 carrier per 500 individuals) in any of the seven major ethnic groups recorded by gnomAD. We detailed 13 types of DNA sequence variants, their genomic positions, SNP ID numbers, and allele frequencies among the seven major ethnic groups worldwide for each of the 19 ALDH genes. For the 313 missense variants identified in the gnomAD, we used two software algorithms, Polymorphism Phenotyping (PolyPhen) and Sorting Intolerant From Tolerant (SIFT), to predict the consequences of the variants on the structure and function of the enzyme. Finally, gene constraint analysis was used to predict how well genetic mutations were tolerated by selection forces for each of the ALDH genes in humans. Based on the ratio of observed and expected variant numbers in gnomAD, the three ALDH1A gene members, ALDH1A1, ALDH1A2, and ALDH1A3, appeared to have the lowest tolerance for loss-of-function mutations as compared to the other ALDH genes (# observed/# expected ratio 0.15–0.26). These analyses suggest that the ALDH1A1, ALDH1A2, and ALDH1A3 enzymes may serve a more essential function as compared with the other ALDH enzymes; functional loss mutations are much less common in healthy human populations than expected. This informatic analysis may assist the research community in determining the physiological function of ALDH isozymes and associate common variants with clinical phenotypes.
Computing the Structural Dynamics of RVFV L Protein Domain in Aqueous Glycerol Solutions
Authors: Gogovi Gideon K. , Silayi Swabir , Shehu Amarda
Published: September 2021

Many biological and biotechnological processes are controlled by protein–protein and protein–solvent interactions. In order to understand, predict, and optimize such processes, it is important to understand how solvents affect protein structure during protein–solvent interactions. In this study, all-atom molecular dynamics are used to investigate the structural dynamics and energetic properties of a C-terminal domain of the Rift Valley Fever Virus L protein solvated in glycerol and aqueous glycerol solutions in different concentrations by molecular weight. The Generalized Amber Force Field is modified by including restrained electrostatic potential atomic charges for the glycerol molecules. The peptide is considered in detail by monitoring properties like the root-mean-squared deviation, root-mean-squared fluctuation, radius of gyration, hydrodynamic radius, end-to-end distance, solvent-accessible surface area, intra-potential energy, and solvent–peptide interaction energies for hundreds of nanoseconds. Secondary structure analysis is also performed to examine the extent of conformational drift for the individual helices and sheets. We predict that the peptide helices and sheets are maintained only when the modeling strategy considers the solvent with lower glycerol concentration. We also find that the solvent-peptide becomes more cohesive with decreasing glycerol concentrations. The density and radial distribution function of glycerol solvent calculated when modeled with the modified atomic charges show a very good agreement with experimental results and other simulations at 298.15K.
Inhibition of Prolyl Oligopeptidase Prevents Consequences of Reperfusion following Intestinal Ischemia
Authors: Filippone Alessia , Casili Giovanna , Ardizzone Alessio , Lanza Marika , Mannino Deborah , Paterniti Irene , Esposito Emanuela , Campolo Michela
Published: September 2021

Background: Intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) remains a clinical event that contributes to high morbidity and mortality rates. Intestinal epithelium is exposed to histological and vascular changes following tissue ischemia. Prolyl endopeptidase (PREP), involved in inflammatory responses, could be targeted for recovery from the permanent consequences following intestinal ischemia. Our aim was to investigate the role of PREP inhibitor KYP-2047 in tissue damage, angiogenesis, and endothelial barrier permeability after intestinal IRI in mice. Methods: KYP-2047 treatments were performed 5 min prior to intestinal damage. Intestinal IRI was induced in mice by clamping the superior mesenteric artery and the celiac trunk for 30 min, followed by 1 h of reperfusion. Results: PREP inhibition by KYP-2047 treatment reduced intestinal IR-induced histological damage and neutrophil accumulation, limiting inflammation through decrease of NF-ĸB nuclear translocation and fibrotic processes. KYP-2047 treatment restored barrier permeability and structural alteration following intestinal IRI, attenuating neovascular processes compromised by ischemia/reperfusion. Additionally, loss of epithelial cells during intestinal ischemia occurring by apoptosis was limited by KYP-2047 treatment, which showed strong effects counteracting apoptosis and DNA damage. Conclusions: These findings provide the first evidence that PREP inhibition through KYP-2047 inhibitor use could be a validate strategy for resolving alterations of intestinal epithelium the pathophysiology of intestinal disease.
Oligonucleotides-Based Therapeutics
Authors: Lebleu Bernard
Published: September 2021

This Special Issue of Biomedicines aims to outline nucleic-acid-based strategies that have emerged as tools to regulate specific gene expression and, more recently, as a new class of medicines [...]
From Nanosystems to a Biosensing Prototype for an Efficient Diagnostic: A Special Issue in Honor of Professor Bansi D. Malhotra
Authors: Kaushik Ajeet , Khan Raju , Solanki Pratima , Gandhi Sonu , Gohel Hardik , Mishra Yogendra K.
Published: September 2021

It has been proven that rapid bioinformatics analysis according to patient health profiles, in addition to biomarker detection at a low level, is emerging as essential to design an analytical diagnostics system to manage health intelligently in a personalized manner. Such objectives need an optimized combination of a nano-enabled sensing prototype, artificial intelligence (AI)-supported predictive analysis, and Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)-based bioinformatics analysis. Such a developed system began with a prototype demonstration of efficient diseases diagnostics performance is the future diseases management approach. To explore these aspects, the Special Issue planned for the nano-and micro-technology section of MDPI’s Biosensors journal will honor and acknowledge the contributions of Prof. B.D. Malhotra, Ph.D., FNA, FNASc has made in the field of biosensors.
The Influence of Government’s Economic Management Strategies on the Prefabricated Buildings Promoting Policies: Analysis of Quadripartite Evolutionary Game
Authors: Song Yinghui , Wang Junwu , Liu Denghui , Huangfu Yanru , Guo Feng , Liu Yipeng
Published: September 2021

As an efficient measure to protect the environment and reduce energy consumption, promoting prefabricated buildings can lead to the sustainable development of the world economy and long-term economic benefits for society. Nevertheless, for China, it is immature because of the high cost and difficulties in the promotion. The government’s strategies in economy and management are crucial to promoting prefabricated building policies. This paper establishes a quadripartite evolutionary game model composed of construction units, property developers, homebuyers, and government departments under the government supervision system by analyzing the entire interest chain of prefabricated buildings projects. It aims to study the impact of government management and economic strategies on promoting prefabricated building policies. The results show that: (1) The government should ensure the construction safety of projects through mature supervision systems to reduce citizens’ resistant moods caused by project quality problems; (2) The government should improve the reward and punishment mechanism to motivate construction units and developers; (3) The government should invite supervision consulting companies to increase information transparency, avoiding the economic losses of the people and the obstruction of policy implementation caused by information imbalance.
3D Indoor Environment Abstraction for Crowd Simulations in Complex Buildings
Authors: Aleksandrov Mitko , Heslop David J. , Zlatanova Sisi
Published: September 2021

This paper presents an approach for the automatic abstraction of built environments needed for pedestrian dynamics from any building configuration. The approach assesses the usability of navigation mesh to perform realistically pedestrian simulation considering the physical structure and pedestrian abilities for it. Several steps are examined including the creation of a navigation mesh, space subdivision, border extraction, height map identification, stairs classification and parametrisation, as well as pedestrian simulation. A social-force model is utilised to simulate the interactions between pedestrians and an environment. To perform quickly different 2D/3D geometrical queries various spatial indexing techniques are used, allowing fast identification of navigable spaces and proximity checks related to avoidance of people and obstacles in built environments. For example, for a moderate size building having eight floors and a net area of 13,000 m2, it takes only 104 s to extract the required building information to run a simulation. This approach can be used for any building configuration extracting automatically needed features to run pedestrian simulations. In this way, architects, urban planners, fire safety engineers, transport modellers and many other users without the need to manually interact with a building model can perform immediately crowd simulations.
Interplay between Gut Lymphatic Vessels and Microbiota
Authors: Solari Eleonora , Marcozzi Cristiana , Negrini Daniela , Moriondo Andrea
Published: September 2021

Lymphatic vessels play a distinctive role in draining fluid, molecules and even cells from interstitial and serosal spaces back to the blood circulation. Lymph vessels of the gut, and especially those located in the villi (called lacteals), not only serve this primary function, but are also responsible for the transport of lipid moieties absorbed by the intestinal mucosa and serve as a second line of defence against possible bacterial infections. Here, we briefly review the current knowledge of the general mechanisms allowing lymph drainage and propulsion and will focus on the most recent findings on the mutual relationship between lacteals and intestinal microbiota.
Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Causes Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species- and Caspase 3-Dependent Atrophy of Single Adult Mouse Skeletal Muscle Fibers
Authors: Skinner Sarah , Solania Angelo , Wolan Dennis , Cohen Michael , Ryan Terence , Hepple Russell
Published: September 2021

Elevated mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS) and an increase in caspase-3 activity are established mechanisms that lead to skeletal muscle atrophy via the upregulation of protein degradation pathways. However, the mechanisms upstream of an increase in mROS and caspase-3 activity in conditions of muscle atrophy have not been identified. Based upon knowledge that an event known as mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) causes an increase in mROS emission and the activation of caspase-3 via mitochondrial release of cytochrome c, as well as the circumstantial evidence for MPT in some muscle atrophy conditions, we tested MPT as a mechanism of atrophy. Briefly, treating cultured single mouse flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) fibers from adult mice with a chemical inducer of MPT (Bz423) for 24 h caused an increase in mROS and caspase-3 activity that was accompanied by a reduction in muscle fiber diameter that was able to be prevented by inhibitors of MPT, mROS, or caspase-3 (p < 0.05). Similarly, a four-day single fiber culture as a model of disuse caused atrophy that could be prevented by inhibitors of MPT, mROS, or activated caspase-3. As such, our results identify MPT as a novel mechanism of skeletal muscle atrophy that operates through mROS emission and caspase-3 activation.
Targeting Asparagine and Serine Metabolism in Germinal Centre-Derived B Cells Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas (B-NHL)
Authors: Eraslan Zuhal , Papatzikas Grigorios , Cazier Jean-Baptiste , Khanim Farhat L. , Günther Ulrich L.
Published: September 2021

BL and DLBCL are subtypes of B-cell lymphomas that arise from germinal centre B lymphocytes. Differentiation between BL and DLBCL is critical and can be challenging, as these two types of cancer share the same morphological, immunophenotypic, and genetic characteristics. In this study, we have examined metabolism in BL and DLBCL lymphomas and found distinctive differences in serine metabolism. We show that BL cells consume significantly more extracellular asparagine than DLBCL cells. Using a tracer-based approach, we find that asparagine regulates the serine uptake and serine synthesis in BL and DLBCL cells. Calculation of Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) from RNAseq datasets of BL and DLBCL patients show that BL cancers express the genes involved in serine synthesis at a higher level than DLBCL. Remarkably, combined use of an inhibitor of serine biosynthesis pathway and an anticancer drug asparaginase increases the sensitivity of BL cells to extracellular asparagine deprivation without inducing a change in the sensitivity of DLBCL cells to asparaginase. In summary, our study unravels metabolic differences between BL and DLBCL with diagnostic potential which may also open new avenues for treatment.
Lymphatic Clearance of Immune Cells in Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Ravaud Christophe , Ved Nikita , Jackson David G. , Vieira Joaquim Miguel , Riley Paul R.
Published: September 2021

Recent advances in our understanding of the lymphatic system, its function, development, and role in pathophysiology have changed our views on its importance. Historically thought to be solely involved in the transport of tissue fluid, lipids, and immune cells, the lymphatic system displays great heterogeneity and plasticity and is actively involved in immune cell regulation. Interference in any of these processes can be deleterious, both at the developmental and adult level. Preclinical studies into the cardiac lymphatic system have shown that invoking lymphangiogenesis and enhancing immune cell trafficking in ischaemic hearts can reduce myocardial oedema, reduce inflammation, and improve cardiac outcome. Understanding how immune cells and the lymphatic endothelium interact is also vital to understanding how the lymphatic vascular network can be manipulated to improve immune cell clearance. In this Review, we examine the different types of immune cells involved in fibrotic repair following myocardial infarction. We also discuss the development and function of the cardiac lymphatic vasculature and how some immune cells interact with the lymphatic endothelium in the heart. Finally, we establish how promoting lymphangiogenesis is now a prime therapeutic target for reducing immune cell persistence, inflammation, and oedema to restore heart function in ischaemic heart disease.
Hydroxyapatite for Biomedical Applications: A Short Overview
Authors: Fiume Elisa , Magnaterra Giulia , Rahdar Abbas , Verné Enrica , Baino Francesco
Published: September 2021

Calcium phosphates (CaPs) are biocompatible and biodegradable materials showing a great promise in bone regeneration as good alternative to the use of auto- and allografts to guide and support tissue regeneration in critically-sized bone defects. This can be certainly attributed to their similarity to the mineral phase of natural bone. Among CaPs, hydroxyapatite (HA) deserves a special attention as it, actually is the main inorganic component of bone tissue. This review offers a comprehensive overview of past and current trends in the use of HA as grafting material, with a focus on manufacturing strategies and their effect on the mechanical properties of the final products. Recent advances in materials processing allowed the production of HA-based grafts in different forms, thus meeting the requirements for a range of clinical applications and achieving enthusiastic results both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the growing interest in the optimization of three-dimensional (3D) porous grafts, mimicking the trabecular architecture of human bone, has opened up new challenges in the development of bone-like scaffolds showing suitable mechanical performances for potential use in load bearing anatomical sites.
Evaluation of BCL6 and SIRT1 as Non-Invasive Diagnostic Markers of Endometriosis
Authors: Sansone Alison M. , Hisrich Brooke V. , Young R. Brandt , Abel William F. , Bowens Zachary , Blair Bailey B. , Funkhouser Avery T. , Schammel David P. , Green Lisa J. , Lessey Bruce A. , Blenda Anna V.
Published: September 2021

(1) Background: Endometriosis is characterized by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside of the uterus and is often associated with severe pelvic pain and infertility. Our study explored the utilization of B-Cell Lymphoma 6 (BCL6) and Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) as potential biomarkers in serum, plasma, urine, and cervical mucus for a non-invasive diagnostic test for endometriosis. BCL6 was chosen based on its previously reported elevated expression in endometrial biopsies, and SIRT1 is co-expressed and upregulated in the endometrium of women with endometriosis. (2) Methods: BCL6 and SIRT1 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) in samples from 20 women with endometriosis (ten with stages I/II and ten with stages III/IV) and ten women without endometriosis. (3) Results: Levels of SIRT1 in sera showed a statistically significant elevation in advanced stages III/IV compared to controls and stages I/II. No significant differences were found in other bodily fluids for SIRT1 or any bodily fluids tested for BCL6. (4) Conclusions: These results suggest some potential of SIRT1 expression within serum as a predictor of advanced asymptomatic stages of endometriosis. Using immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining and H-SCORE values for the elevated BCL6 (and potentially SIRT1) levels in endometrial biopsy samples seems to have higher diagnostic potential based on the previously published studies.
Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of EPA and DHA Production from Microalgae and Farmed Fish
Authors: Togarcheti Sarat Chandra , Padamati Ramesh Babu
Published: September 2021

The present study aims at comparing the life cycle environmental impacts of polyunsaturated fatty acids production (PUFA) from microalgae and farmed fish. PUFA production from microalgae cultivated via heterotrophy and photoautotrophy was assessed and compared. The primary energy demand (PED) and environmental impacts (EI) of PUFA production from microalgae via heterotrophy were significantly lower compared to PUFA produced via photoautotrophy. Furthermore, PED and EI of PUFA production from fish farmed in marine net pens were assessed. The results indicated that the PED and EI of PUFA production from farmed fish are higher than that produced from microalgae cultivated via heterotrophy. Therefore, the results suggest that PUFA produced from microalgae via heterotrophy could substitute fish oil from an environmental perspective. Furthermore, life cycle analysis results indicate that PUFA derived from microalgae could potentially replace fish oil in the fish feed, thus reducing the pressure on oceans.
Clay as a Sustainable Binder for Concrete—A Review
Authors: Mousavi Seyed Sina , Bhojaraju Chandrasekhar , Ouellet-Plamondon Claudiane
Published: September 2021

The negative environmental impacts of Portland cement as a binder in the construction industry have created a growing impetus to develop sustainable alternative binders. Various types of clay have been considered as potential cement replacements. The impact of clays as cement replacement depends on the dosage and treatment methods. This paper presents a comprehensive review to determine the effects of different types of clay on the fresh and hardened properties of concrete mixtures by analyzing the experimental database reported by the literature, including raw, calcined, modified, nano, and organo. This study intends to show the process of optimizing the use of clay in concrete, the reason behind converting raw clay to modified types, and research gaps through a comparison study between different types of clays. The present review study shows that clay-based concrete mixtures have higher thixotropy and yield stress values, improving shape stability. This results in lower early-age shrinkage of the concrete. However, the high floc strength of clay-based concrete causes a reduction in flowability. Treatment methods of raw clay, such as calcination and nano-sized clay particles, improve concrete compressive strength. General results of the previous studies highlight that all types of clay investigated positively affect the resistance of concrete to environmental attack.
Impact of a Partial Solid Solution and Water Molecules on the Formation of Fibrous Crystals and Fluid Inclusions
Authors: Marc Laureline , Lopes Chrystal , Schneider Jean-Marie , Sanselme Morgane , Coquerel Gérard
Published: September 2021

Resolution of (±)ibuprofen using S-α-Methylbenzylamine in pure ethanol leads to the enriched S-IBU/S-αMBA diastereomeric salt which crystallizes as very fine needles. In order to improve the filterability and processability of the solid phase, water can be added to the medium and lead to more equant particles that are still elongated. A high fraction of the resulting platelets display on both ends a fluid inclusion containing both liquid and a large bubble of gas. A detailed analysis of the particles reveals that they are not really single crystals but more an ordered association of fibers defined as fibrous crystal. A domain of partial solid solution is evidenced near the pure less soluble diastereomer and its impact on the formation of fibrous crystals is demonstrated. When pure S-IBU/S-αMBA diastereomeric salt is recrystallized in the same medium (e.g., ethanol–water) the crystallinity is improved, but fluid inclusions can still be observed.
Survival Outcomes Associated with First and Second-Line Palliative Systemic Therapies in Patients with Metastatic Bladder Cancer
Authors: Beigi Arshia , Vafaei-Nodeh Saba , Huang Longlong , Sun Shaun Z. , Ko Jenny J.
Published: September 2021

Background: Real-world data on palliative systemic therapies (PST) in treating metastatic bladder cancer (mBC) is limited. This study investigates current trends in treating mBC with first- (1L) and second-line (2L) chemotherapy (CT) and immunotherapy (IT). Methods: A chart review was conducted on patients diagnosed with stage II-IV bladder cancer in 2014–2016. Survival outcomes were compared between chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and supportive care. Results: out of 297 patients, 77% were male. 44% had stage IV disease at diagnosis. Median age at metastasis was 73 years. 40% of patients received 1L PST and 34% received 2L PST. Median overall survival (mOS) was longer in those receiving PST versus no treatment (p < 0.001). Patients receiving CT and IT sequentially had the longest mOS (18.99 months). First-line IT and CT mOS from treatment start dates were 5.03 and 9.13 months, respectively (p = 0.81). Gemcitabine with cisplatin (8.88 months) or carboplatin (9.13 months) were the most utilized 1L chemotherapy regimens (p = 0.85). 2L IT and CT mOS from treatment start dates were 6.72 and 3.78 months, respectively (p = 0.15). Conclusion: real-world mOS of >1.5 years in mBC is unprecedented and supports using multiple lines of PST. Furthermore, immunotherapy may be a comparable alternative to chemotherapy in both 1L and 2L settings.
Dead Wood as an Element Enriching Biodiversity of Forest Ecosystems: A Case Study Based on Mites from the Suborder Uropodina (Acari: Parasitiformes)
Authors: Błoszyk Jerzy , Rutkowski Tomasz , Napierała Agnieszka , Konwerski Szymon , Zacharyasiewicz Michał
Published: September 2021

The importance of dead wood in forest ecosystems for the existence of invertebrates has been widely discussed in the literature. The major aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that the presence of dead wood in forests considerably increases the species diversity of Uropodina (Acari: Parasitiformes) communities in a given area. The areas selected for the study are unique from a natural point of view. They are the Białowieża Primeval Forest, Cisy Staropolskie im. Leona Wyczółkowskiego Nature Reserve, and five oak-hornbeam nature reserves in western Poland. The study is based on materials collected since the 1960s of the last century. The highest number of species (37) both in soil and dead wood microhabitats was recorded in the Białowieża Primeval Forest and Cisy Staropolskie Nature Reserve, though the dead wood material from the second area contained the highest number of species (33). The results of the analysis show that the presence of dead wood increases species diversity of Uropodina communities in all locations under scrutiny. Moreover, dead wood increases the species diversity of Uropodina communities by attracting rare and stenotopic species, and therefore leaving dead trees in forests is extremely important for the habitat protection of these species.
Biodiversity Evaluation: From Endorsed Indexes to Inclusion of a Pollinator Indicator
Authors: Albertazzi Sergio , Monterastelli Elisa , Giovanetti Manuela , Zenga Emanuele Luigi , Flaminio Simone , Galloni Marta , Quaranta Marino , Bortolotti Laura
Published: September 2021

There is increasing interest in evaluating biodiversity to preserve ecosystem services. Researchers can sustain policymakers by providing tools, such as indexes and indicators, that need constant implementation to become accepted standards. Implementation may vary from re-evaluation of existing indicators to introduction of new ones based on emerging threats to biodiversity. With the aim of contributing to the compelling need to estimate and counterbalance pollinator loss, we screened existing bioindicators. We first selected indexes/indicators applied to agricultural contexts and concurrently endorsed by a regulatory agency. We then extended our analysis to indexes/indicators based on arthropod taxa and formally recognized at least by national bodies. Our procedure identified a combination of surveys of various animal taxa and remote landscape analyses (e.g., using a GIS and other cartographic tools). When the animals are arthropods, most indexes/indicators can only address confined environments (e.g., grasslands, riversides). Indicator strength was improved by the simultaneous inclusion of biotic and abiotic components. Pollinator sensitivity to changes at micro-habitat level is widely appreciated and may help distinguish agricultural practices. A biodiversity index based on pollinators, including a wide monitoring scheme supplemented by citizen science, is currently fostered at the European level. The results obtained using such an index may finally enable focusing of strategic funding. Our analysis will help to reach this goal.
The Histopathological Correlate of Peri-Vascular Adipose Tissue Attenuation on Computed Tomography in Surgical Ascending Aorta Aneurysms: Is This a Measure of Tissue Inflammation?
Authors: Gaibazzi Nicola , Tuttolomondo Domenico , Nicolini Francesco , Tafuni Alessandro , Sartorio Daniele , Martini Chiara , Maestri Francesco , Gallingani Alan , De Filippo Massimo , Corradi Domenico
Published: September 2021

On computed tomography (CT) imaging, a peri-vascular adipose tissue attenuation (pVAT) measure has been proposed as a non-invasive correlate of inflammation in the coronary artery vessels, and a single research group provided histopathological demonstration of this radiological/pathological correspondence. Our group has shown that patients with surgical-grade ascending aorta (AA) aneurysm display higher pVAT compared with patients with smaller aneurysms or normal AA. Based on histopathological studies on coronary arteries, we speculated that this correlation may be related to a non-otherwise specified aortic inflammatory process. However, since adipose tissue around the AA is often scant, and there are no histopathological studies confirming such hypothesized association between higher pVAT and inflammation around the AA, we cannot exclude that this pVAT change is secondary to different mechanisms, unrelated to the actual presence of peri-vascular inflammation. We performed a retrospective clinical/radiological/pathological study in 78 patients who underwent AA surgery with the aim to correlate pre-operatory pVAT on CT with histopathological findings from the surgical specimens. Histopathological review and immunohistochemistry were performed on the surgical aortic samples. The AA adventitial/periadventitial adipose tissue had higher pVAT by an increasing collagen fiber deposition, which progressively makes the fat hypotrophic and, in the late stages of this process, it replaces the normal soft tissue composition in this location. In the ascending aorta, pVAT on CT imaging is probably not a proxy for the presence of current vascular inflammation, although it may track changes involving the progressive substitution of perivascular adipose cells by higher-pVAT tissues, mainly fibrotic replacement.
Ising Model for Interpolation of Spatial Data on Regular Grids
Authors: Žukovič Milan , Hristopulos Dionissios T.
Published: September 2021

We apply the Ising model with nearest-neighbor correlations (INNC) in the problem of interpolation of spatially correlated data on regular grids. The correlations are captured by short-range interactions between “Ising spins”. The INNC algorithm can be used with label data (classification) as well as discrete and continuous real-valued data (regression). In the regression problem, INNC approximates continuous variables by means of a user-specified number of classes. INNC predicts the class identity at unmeasured points by using the Monte Carlo simulation conditioned on the observed data (partial sample). The algorithm locally respects the sample values and globally aims to minimize the deviation between an energy measure of the partial sample and that of the entire grid. INNC is non-parametric and, thus, is suitable for non-Gaussian data. The method is found to be very competitive with respect to interpolation accuracy and computational efficiency compared to some standard methods. Thus, this method provides a useful tool for filling gaps in gridded data such as satellite images.
Entropy-Based Graph Clustering of PPI Networks for Predicting Overlapping Functional Modules of Proteins
Authors: Jeong Hoyeon , Kim Yoonbee , Jung Yi-Sue , Kang Dae Ryong , Cho Young-Rae
Published: September 2021

Functional modules can be predicted using genome-wide protein–protein interactions (PPIs) from a systematic perspective. Various graph clustering algorithms have been applied to PPI networks for this task. In particular, the detection of overlapping clusters is necessary because a protein is involved in multiple functions under different conditions. graph entropy (GE) is a novel metric to assess the quality of clusters in a large, complex network. In this study, the unweighted and weighted GE algorithm is evaluated to prove the validity of predicting function modules. To measure clustering accuracy, the clustering results are compared to protein complexes and Gene Ontology (GO) annotations as references. We demonstrate that the GE algorithm is more accurate in overlapping clusters than the other competitive methods. Moreover, we confirm the biological feasibility of the proteins that occur most frequently in the set of identified clusters. Finally, novel proteins for the additional annotation of GO terms are revealed.
Direct and Indirect Determination of the Magnetocaloric Effect in the Heusler Compound Ni1.7Pt0.3MnGa
Authors: dos Reis Ricardo D. , Caron Luana , Singh Sanjay , Felser Claudia , Nicklas Michael
Published: September 2021

Magnetic shape-memory materials are potential magnetic refrigerants, due the caloric properties of their magnetic-field-induced martensitic transformation. The first-order nature of the martensitic transition may be the origin of hysteresis effects that can hinder practical applications. Moreover, the presence of latent heat in these transitions requires direct methods to measure the entropy and to correctly analyze the magnetocaloric effect. Here, we investigated the magnetocaloric effect in the Heusler material Ni1.7Pt0.3MnGa by combining an indirect approach to determine the entropy change from isofield magnetization curves and direct heat-flow measurements using a Peltier calorimeter. Our results demonstrate that the magnetic entropy change ΔS in the vicinity of the first-order martensitic phase transition depends on the measuring method and is directly connected with the temperature and field history of the experimental processes.
An Adaptive Rank Aggregation-Based Ensemble Multi-Filter Feature Selection Method in Software Defect Prediction
Authors: Balogun Abdullateef O. , Basri Shuib , Capretz Luiz Fernando , Mahamad Saipunidzam , Imam Abdullahi A. , Almomani Malek A. , Adeyemo Victor E. , Kumar Ganesh
Published: September 2021

Feature selection is known to be an applicable solution to address the problem of high dimensionality in software defect prediction (SDP). However, choosing an appropriate filter feature selection (FFS) method that will generate and guarantee optimal features in SDP is an open research issue, known as the filter rank selection problem. As a solution, the combination of multiple filter methods can alleviate the filter rank selection problem. In this study, a novel adaptive rank aggregation-based ensemble multi-filter feature selection (AREMFFS) method is proposed to resolve high dimensionality and filter rank selection problems in SDP. Specifically, the proposed AREMFFS method is based on assessing and combining the strengths of individual FFS methods by aggregating multiple rank lists in the generation and subsequent selection of top-ranked features to be used in the SDP process. The efficacy of the proposed AREMFFS method is evaluated with decision tree (DT) and naïve Bayes (NB) models on defect datasets from different repositories with diverse defect granularities. Findings from the experimental results indicated the superiority of AREMFFS over other baseline FFS methods that were evaluated, existing rank aggregation based multi-filter FS methods, and variants of AREMFFS as developed in this study. That is, the proposed AREMFFS method not only had a superior effect on prediction performances of SDP models but also outperformed baseline FS methods and existing rank aggregation based multi-filter FS methods. Therefore, this study recommends the combination of multiple FFS methods to utilize the strength of respective FFS methods and take advantage of filter–filter relationships in selecting optimal features for SDP processes.
Optimization of TSV Leakage in Via-Middle TSV Process for Wafer-Level Packaging
Authors: Liu Xuanjie , Sun Qingqing , Huang Yiping , Chen Zheng , Liu Guoan , Zhang David Wei
Published: September 2021

Through silicon via (TSV) offers a promising solution for the vertical connection of chip I/O, which enables smaller and thinner package sizes and cost-effective products by using wafer-level packaging instead of a chip-level process. However, TSV leakage has become a critical concern in the BEOL process. In this paper, a Cu-fulfilled via-middle TSV with 100 µm depth embedded in 0.18 µm CMOS process for sensor application is presented, focusing on the analysis and optimization of TSV leakage. By using etch process, substrate defect, and thermal processing co-optimization, TSV leakage failure can be successfully avoided, which can be very instructive for the improvement in TSV wafer-level package yield as well as device performance in advanced semiconductor technology.
Synchronous Control Strategy with Input Voltage Feedforward for a Four-Switch Buck-Boost Converter Used in a Variable-Speed PMSG Energy Storage System
Authors: Tai Liuchen , Lin Mingyao , Wang Jianhua , Hou Chongsheng
Published: September 2021

The four-switch Buck-Boost (FSBB) converter can produce voltage conversion within a wide input voltage range, which is suitable for variable-speed permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) energy storage systems with AC inputs and DC outputs. To reduce the interference of input voltage fluctuation on the performance of the FSBB converter, an input voltage feedforward (IVFF) compensation method is proposed in this paper. The switching synchronization strategy is simple. Using the switching average model, the small signal model of a non-ideal FSBB converter in all working modes is established. The effects of input voltage, load current, damping coefficient and right half plane (RHP) zero on the stability of the control system are analyzed in detail. The transfer function of the IVFF of the FSBB converter is derived, and the relationship between input voltage, load current and duty cycle is analyzed. Finally, the design of the parameters of the converter control system is presented. The simulation and experimental results show that this FSBB converter has high efficiency and a good transient response.
The Hazards Analysis of Nickel-Rich Lithium-Ion Battery Thermal Runaway under Different States of Charge
Authors: Jiang Kun , Gu Pingwei , Huang Peng , Zhang Ying , Duan Bin , Zhang Chenghui
Published: September 2021

The lithium-ion battery industry has been developing rapidly, with energy density and capacity constantly improving. However, the ensuing safety accidents of lithium-ion power batteries have seriously threatened the personal safety of passengers. Therefore, more and more attention has been paid to the thermal safety research of lithium-ion batteries, such as thermal runaway (TR) mechanism analysis and prevention methods, etc. In this paper, the nickel-rich 18650 lithium-ion batteries with Li[Ni0.8Co0.1Mn0.1]O2 cathode in different states of charge (SOC) are taken to investigate the TR characteristics using an extended volume plus acceleration calorimeter (EV+-ARC). In order to evaluate the TR characteristics, some characteristic parameters such as battery voltage, surface temperature, temperature rise rate, etc. are selected from the experiment to analyze the influence of SOC on the critical state of TR. It can be seen from the experiment results that the maximum temperature of the battery surface decreases with the decrease of SOC, while the self-generated heat temperature and TR trigger temperature increases with the decrease of SOC.