bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A SLR Pre-Processing Algorithm Based on Satellite Signature Effect
Authors: Guan Bowen , Fan Cunbo , An Ning , Podesta Ricardo Cesar , Pacheco Dra Ana , Yu Xiaonan , Gao Jian , Dong Xue
Published: September 2021

As one of the major error sources, satellite signature effect should be reduced or even erased from the distribution of the post-fit residuals to improve the ranging precision. A simulation of satellite signature effect removal process for normal point algorithm is conducted based on a revised model of satellite response, which fully considers the structural and distribution characteristics of retroreflectors. In order to eliminate both long-term and short-term satellite signature effect, a clipping method for SLR data processing is proposed by defining the clipping location as 5.6 mm away from the mean value of the long-term fit residuals to select effective returns for normal points. The results indicate that, compared to normal points algorithm, the RMS per NP of LAGEOS-1 observation data processed by the clipping method is reduced from 62.90 ± 9.9 mm to 56.07 ± 4.69 mm, and the stability of RMS is improved 53%. This study improves the satellite signature effect model and simulates the fluctuation of normal points caused by satellite signature effect for the first time. The new method based on the simulation of satellite signature effect has stronger robustness and applicability, which can further minimize the influence of satellite signature effect on the SLR production and significantly improve the data property.
The Impact of Calcitriol on Orthodontic Tooth Movement: A Cumulative Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Al-Attar Ali , Abid Mushriq , Dziedzic Arkadiusz , Al-Khatieeb Mustafa M. , Seppala Maisa , Cobourne Martyn T. , Abed Hassan
Published: September 2021

A cumulative review with a systematic approach aimed to provide a comparison of studies’ investigating the possible impact of the active form of vitamin D3, calcitriol (CTL), on the tooth movement caused by orthodontic forces (OTM) by evaluating the quality of evidence, based on collating current data from animal model studies, in vivo cell culture studies, and human clinical trials. Methods: A strict systematic review protocol was applied following the application of the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). A structured search strategy, including main keywords, was defined during detailed search with the application of electronic database systems: Medline/Pubmed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO. In addition, a search was carried out with the use of ClinicalTrials.gov search in order to include ongoing or recently completed trials. The Oxford Level of Evidence and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was utilized to critically evaluate the risk of bias and relative quality of studies included. Meta-analysis with the use of RevMan5 software, random effect, and inverted variable method allowed the quantification of cumulative results. Results: Twenty-seven studies were identified which fulfilled inclusion criteria, including two clinical studies. The assessed level of evidence was variable and inconsistent, predominantly being moderate or low due to a significant difference in study design, sample size, and study protocols. Data synthesis rendered from meta-analysis involving various CTL doses demonstrated slight discrepancies in tooth movement between control and experimental groups (mean difference = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.01–0.53, std mean difference = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.09–0.89), as well as relatively moderate heterogenicity. Conclusions: Although it has been suggested that CTL could accelerate OTM in animal studies and clinical context, these scarce data were supported by a low level of evidence and the studies were carried out using inadequate sample size. Well-powered RCT studies would help to overcome the lack of robustness of the research.
Dynamic Nearest Neighbor: An Improved Machine Learning Classifier and Its Application in Finances
Authors: Camacho-Urriolagoitia Oscar , López-Yáñez Itzamá , Villuendas-Rey Yenny , Camacho-Nieto Oscar , Yáñez-Márquez Cornelio
Published: September 2021

The presence of machine learning, data mining and related disciplines is increasingly evident in everyday environments. The support for the applications of learning techniques in topics related to economic risk assessment, among other financial topics of interest, is relevant for us as human beings. The content of this paper consists of a proposal of a new supervised learning algorithm and its application in real world datasets related to finance, called D1-NN (Dynamic 1-Nearest Neighbor). The D1-NN performance is competitive against the main state of the art algorithms in solving finance-related problems. The effectiveness of the new D1-NN classifier was compared against five supervised classifiers of the most important approaches (Bayes, nearest neighbors, support vector machines, classifier ensembles, and neural networks), with superior results overall.
A Miniature Permanent Magnet Assembly with Localized and Uniform Field with an Application to Optical Pumping of Helium
Authors: Cameron Garnet , Cuevas Jonathan , Pound Jeffrey , Shiner David
Published: September 2021

Atomic state preparation can benefit from a compact and uniform magnetic field source. Simulations and experimental measurements have been used to design, build, and test such a source and then apply it to the optical pumping of atomic helium. This source is a 9.5 mm (3/8″) OD × 6.7 mm (1/4″) ID × 9.5 mm (3/8″) long, NdFeB-N42 assembly of 1.6 mm (1/16″) thick customized annular magnets. It has octupole decay with a residual dipole far field from imperfect dipole cancelations. Fast B-field decay localizes the field, minimizing the need for shielding in applications. It has a greater than 50% clear aperture with a uniform and collimated magnetic field consistent with the prediction of several models. The device is applied to a high precision 3,4He laser spectroscopy experiment using σ+ or σ− optical pumping currently resulting in a measured 99.3% preparation efficiency and in accordance with a rate equation model.
Potassium Release from Biomass Particles during Combustion—Real-Time In Situ TDLAS Detection and Numerical Simulation
Authors: Qu Zhechao , Fatehi Hesameddin , Schmidt Florian M.
Published: September 2021

Potassium (K) is one of the main and most hazardous trace species released to the gas-phase during thermochemical conversion of biomass. Accurate experimental data and models of K release are needed to better understand the chemistry involved. Tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) is used for simultaneous real-time in situ measurements of gas-phase atomic K, water (H2O) and gas temperature in the vicinity (boundary layer) of biomass particles during combustion in a laboratory single-particle reactor. Atomic K is detected in a wide dynamic range, including optically thick conditions, using direct absorption spectroscopy at the wavelength of 770 nm, while H2O and temperature are determined by calibration-free scanned wavelength modulation spectroscopy at 1398 nm. The high accuracy and repeatability of the setup allows to distinguish measurements with varying initial particle mass, laser beam height above the particle and fuel type. Four types of biomass with different ash composition are investigated: softwood, Salix, Miscanthus and wheat straw. For Salix and wheat straw, the K release behaviour is, for the first time, compared to a detailed numerical particle model taking into account the interaction between K/S/Cl composition in the particle ash. A good agreement is achieved between the measured and calculated time-resolved atomic K concentrations for the devolatilization phase of the biomass particles.
FEA-Based Ultrasonic Focusing Method in Anisotropic Media for Phased Array Systems
Authors: Moon Seongin , Kang To , Han Soonwoo , Kim Kyung-Mo , Jin Hyung-Ha , Kim Sung-Woo , Kim Munsung , Seo Hyunil
Published: September 2021

Traditional ultrasonic imaging methods have a low accuracy in the localization of defects in austenitic welds because the anisotropy and inhomogeneity of the welds cause distortion of the ultrasonic wave propagation paths in anisotropic media. The distribution of the grain orientation in the welds influences the ultrasonic wave velocity and ultrasonic wave propagation paths. To overcome this issue, a finite element analysis (FEA)-based ultrasonic imaging methodology for austenitic welds is proposed in this study. The proposed ultrasonic imaging method uses a wave propagation database to synthetically focus the inter-element signal recorded with a phased array system using a delay-and-sum strategy. The wave propagation database was constructed using FEA considering the grain orientation distribution and the anisotropic elastic constants in the welds. The grain orientation was extracted from a macrograph obtained from a dissimilar metal weld specimen, after which the elastic constants were optimized using FEA with grain orientation information. FEA was performed to calculate a full matrix of time-domain signals for all combinations of the transmitting and receiving elements in the phased array system. The proposed approach was assessed for an FEA-based simulated model embedded in a defect. The simulation results proved that the newly proposed ultrasonic imaging method can be used for defect localization in austenitic welds.
THz-TDS Techniques of Thickness Measurements in Thin Shim Stock Films and Composite Materials
Authors: Im Kwang-Hee , Kim Sun-Kyu , Cho Young-Tae , Woo Yong-Deuck , Chiou Chien-Ping
Published: September 2021

Terahertz wave (T-ray) scanning applications are one of the most promising tools for nondestructive evaluation. T-ray scanning applications use a T-ray technique to measure the thickness of both thin Shim stock films and GFRP (glass fiber-reinforced plastics) composites, of which the samples were selected because the T-ray method could penetrate the non-conducting samples. Notably, this method is nondestructive, making it useful for analyzing the characteristics of the materials. Thus, the T-ray thickness measurement can be found for both non-conducting Shim stock films and GFRP composites. In this work, a characterization procedure was conducted to analyze electromagnetic properties, such as the refractive index. The obtained estimates of the properties are in good agreement with the known data for poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) for acquiring the refractive index. The T-ray technique was developed to measure the thickness of the thin Shim stock films and the GFRP composites. Our tests obtained good results on the thickness of the standard film samples, with the different thicknesses ranging from around 120 μm to 500 μm. In this study, the T-ray method was based on the reflection mode measurement, and the time-of-flight (TOF) and resonance frequencies were utilized to acquire the thickness measurements of the films and GFRP composites. The results showed that the thickness of the samples of frequency matched those obtained directly by time-of-flight (TOF) methods.
Analysis of the Water Quality Improvement in Urban Stream Using MIKE 21 FM
Authors: Jang Dongwoo
Published: September 2021

Domestic urban streams face insufficient base flow and consequently become dry streams in drought season, and vulnerable to water quality deterioration and ecological impairment, due to contaminants introduced from the urban pollutants. Many efforts are being made to improve the natural flow by actively enforcing restoration projects of urban streams. Gulpocheon is a national stream flowing through Incheon-si and Gimpo-si. As of March 2019, the reclaimed wastewater or the ozone-processed Gulpo treated sewage has formed the upper part of Gulpocheon. This study aimed to analyze the improvement in water quality of Gulpocheon before and after supplying the reclaimed water by collecting the water quality data of the target area. Before and after providing the base flow, the water quality was analyzed using the two-dimensional numerical analysis model, i.e., MIKE 21 FM. The water quality one year before and after supplying the reclaimed water was compared, with a focus on DO, BOD, TN, and TP; they are used as water quality standards for stream water. The concentration of DO at all spots of Gulpocheon increased on average. The concentration of BOD, TN, and TP water quality parameters decreased, indicating water quality improvement. In addition, accurate water quality assessment is possible using MIKE 21 FM model simulation for urban stream analysis.
Effects of Wounding Stress and Storage Temperature on the Accumulation of Chlorogenic Acid Isomers in Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum)
Authors: Torres-Contreras Ana M. , Jacobo-Velázquez Daniel A.
Published: September 2021

Wounding stress is an effective strategy to increase the content of bioactive compounds in horticultural crops. Potato tubers subjected to wounding stress accumulate chlorogenic acid (CGA) and CGA isomers (neo-CGA and crypto-CGA), which are phenolics that prevent and treat different chronic and degenerative diseases. In this study, the effects of wounding stress and storage temperature (10 °C and 20 °C for 168 h) on the accumulation of CGA isomers in potatoes were evaluated. Results indicated that CGA accumulation was favored when wounded potatoes were stored at 20 °C for 120 h, obtaining a 1923.1% higher concentration when compared with samples before storage. Furthermore, wounded potatoes stored at 10 °C for 120 h showed the highest neo-CGA increase in concentration (712.2%). Likewise, the highest crypto-CGA concentration (84.9% higher than control samples) was quantified in wounded potatoes stored at 20 °C for 144 h. Based on the results from both the present study and previous reports, a strategy that summarizes effective postharvest stress conditions that induce the accumulation of specific CGA isomers in potatoes is presented. The tissue with an increased content of bioactive compounds could be used as raw material to produce functional foods or could be subjected to downstream processing to produce dietary supplements.
SPICE-Aided Compact Electrothermal Model of Impulse Transformers
Authors: Górecki Krzysztof , Górski Krzysztof
Published: September 2021

This article proposes a new form of compact electrothermal model of impulse transformers. The proposed model is dedicated for use with SPICE and it is formulated in the network form. It simultaneously takes into account electrical, thermal, and magnetic phenomena occurring in the considered device. Nonlinearity of the core magnetization characteristics and nonlinearity of the heat transfer efficiency are taken into account in this model. The form of the proposed model is shown. Equations of the presented model are given. Experimental verification of the proposed model is performed for selected impulse transformers. Selected results of the performed investigations are presented.
Analysis of FBMC Waveform for 5G Network Based Smart Hospitals
Authors: Ramakrishnan Balamurali , Kumar Arun , Chakravarty Sumit , Masud Mehedi , Baz Mohammed
Published: September 2021

Nowadays, many prevalent frameworks for medical care have been projected, studied, and implemented. The load and challenges of traditional hospitals are increasing daily, leading to inefficient service in the health system. Smart hospitals based on advanced techniques play a crucial part in advancing the health services of rural people. It spares the time and money involved in travel, and patient medical reports can be shared instantly with the experts regardless of geographical constraints. Currently, the role of technology in hospitals is limited due to various restrictions, such as the obtainability of a high spectrum, low latency, and high-speed network. In this paper, we focused on the implementation of an advanced waveform with high spectral performance. Filer Bank Multi-Carrier (FBMC) is considered a strong contender for the upcoming 5G-centered smart hospitals due to its high data rate, no leakage of the spectrum, and less sensitivity to frequency error. In addition, a comparison of the spectral utilization of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) and FBMC in terms of bit error rate (BER), peak power (PP), power spectral density (PSD), noise-PSD, capacity and magnitude, and phase response is illustrated. Numerical results show that the FBMC achieved a throughput gain of 1 dB and its spectral performance is better than the OFDM; hence, it is a better choice for the proposed application compared to the current standard OFDM.
The Latest Progress and Development Trend in the Research of Ballistocardiography (BCG) and Seismocardiogram (SCG) in the Field of Health Care
Authors: Han Xiuping , Wu Xiaofei , Wang Jiadong , Li Hongwen , Cao Kaimin , Cao Hui , Zhong Kai , Yang Xiangdong
Published: September 2021

The current status of the research of Ballistocardiography (BCG) and Seismocardiogram (SCG) in the field of medical treatment, health care and nursing was analyzed systematically, and the important direction in the research was explored, to provide reference for the relevant researches. This study, based on two large databases, CNKI and PubMed, used the bibliometric analysis method to review the existing documents in the past 20 years, and made analyses on the literature of BCG and SCG for their annual changes, main countries/regions, types of research, frequently-used subject words, and important research subjects. The results show that the developed countries have taken a leading position in the researches in this field, and have made breakthroughs in some subjects, but their research results have been mainly gained in the area of research and development of the technologies, and very few have been actually industrialized into commodities. This means that in the future the researchers should focus on the transformation of BCG and SCG technologies into commercialized products, and set up quantitative health assessment models, so as to become the daily tools for people to monitor their health status and manage their own health, and as the main approaches of improving the quality of life and preventing diseases for individuals.
Reactive Planning-Driven Approach to Online UAVs Mission Rerouting and Rescheduling
Authors: Grzegorz Radzki , Grzegorz Bocewicz , Bogdan Dybala , Zbigniew Banaszak
Published: September 2021

The presented problem concerns the route planning of a UAV fleet carrying out deliveries to spatially dispersed customers in a highly dynamic and unpredictable environment within a specified timeframe. The developed model allows for predictive (i.e., taking into account forecasted changing weather conditions) and reactive (i.e., enabling contingency UAVs rerouting) delivery mission planning (i.e., NP-hard problem) in terms of the constraint satisfaction problem. Due to the need to implement an emergency return of the UAV to the base or handling ad hoc ordered deliveries, sufficient conditions have been developed. Checking that these conditions are met allows cases to be eliminated if they do not guarantee acceptable solutions, thereby allowing the calculations to be sped up. The experiments carried out showed the usefulness of the proposed approach in DSS-based contingency planning of the UAVs’ mission performed in a dynamic environment.
Ni/Zn Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH) Micro/Nanosystems and Their Azorubine Adsorption Performance
Authors: Nait-Merzoug Assia , Guellati Ouanassa , Djaber Salma , Habib Naima , Harat Aicha , El-Haskouri Jamal , Begin Dominique , Guerioune Mohamed
Published: September 2021

A membranous shaped Ni/Zn layered double hydroxide based nanohybrid was obtained using a low-cost template-free hydrothermal process at optimized growth conditions of 180 °C for 6 h. The synthesized nanohybrid was structurally, texturally and morphologically characterized using different techniques such as X-ray diffraction, FTIR, XPS spectroscopy, BET analysis and FESEM microscopy. The adsorption performance of our product was estimated through the Azorubine dye removal from synthetic wastewater. We therefore studied the synergic effects of Ni/Zn adsorbent dosage, contact time, pH, adsorbate concentration, stirring speed and temperature on the Azorubine adsorption efficiency. In this investigation, we obtained bi-structure based nanoadsorbent with 54% crystallinity order composed of nickel hydrate and zinc carbonate hydroxides in irregular nanoflake-like mesoporous nanohybrid morphology. Interestingly, it was also revealed to have high specific surface area (SSA) of around 110 m2 g−1 with important textural properties of 18 nm and 0.68 cm3 g−1 average pore size and volume, respectively. Moreover, the adsorption results revealed that this novel Ni/Zn layered double hydroxide (Ni/Zn LDH) was an efficient adsorbent for Az molecule and possesses an adsorptive ability exhibiting a short equilibrium time (60 min) and a high Az adsorption capability (223 mg g−1). This fast removal efficiency was attributed to high contact surface area via mesoporous active sites accompanied with the presence of functional groups (OH− and CO32−). In addition, the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were studied, and the results fitted better to the Langmuir isotherm.
Research on Non-Contact and Non-Fixed Cable Force Measurement Based on Smartphone
Authors: Wang Yongwei , Li Kunyao , Chen Yuan , Xu Shuyuan , Shou Wenchi
Published: September 2021

Stay cable is the major load-carrying element in cable-stayed bridges. The process of monitoring cable forces would be beneficial to ensure the safety of bridges. The conventional sensor-based approaches to measure stay cable forces is complicated in operation, time-consuming and relatively expensive. In order to confront these disadvantages, a lightweight measurement method using smartphone imagery was proposed in this paper. The video data acquisition process was first standardized by using a pre-designed target. Then, a novel algorithm to extract the vibration displacement of stay cables under complex condition was developed. An automatic correction algorithm was provided to further improve the displacement results. On top of that, a smartphone-based software for determining cable forces was developed and tested on a real-life bridge. The results showed a maximum error of 1.99% compared with the cable force obtained by using a dynamic tester. The developed software is proven to be feasible in real-life projects and can achieve high accuracy in cable force determination. At the same time, the proposed method does not require a fixed camera for measurement and is not limited by personnel experience and measurement time, facilitating real-time monitoring of multiple projects, multiple cable surfaces and multiple personnel in a visual vibration environment.
Enhancement of the Luminescence Properties of Eu (III) Containing Paramagnetic Saponite Clays
Authors: Marchesi Stefano , Bisio Chiara , Carniato Fabio
Published: September 2021

In this study, 1,10-phenanthroline molecules were introduced in the interlayer space of a paramagnetic synthetic saponite clay containing both Eu3+ and Gd3+ ions in structural positions. Two samples with different loading of phenanthroline dye were prepared. The resulting hybrid materials possessed improved optical emission properties due to an efficient antenna effect from the phenanthroline to the Eu3+ centers; this effect was demonstrated to be higher than the metal-to-metal Gd3+-Eu3+ energy transfer previously studied. Insights on the relaxometric properties in aqueous solution of the solids after incorporation of the antenna groups were also obtained through NMR relaxometric analyses.
Deposition and Characterization of Innovative Bulk Heterojunction Films Based on CuBi2O4 Nanoparticles and Poly(3,4 ethylene dioxythiophene):Poly(4-styrene sulfonate) Matrix
Authors: Sánchez-Vergara María Elena , Vázquez-Olmos América R. , Hamui Leon , Rubiales-Martínez Alejandro , Fernández-Osorio Ana L. , Mata-Zamora María Esther
Published: September 2021

This work presents the deposition and study of the semiconductor behavior of CuBi2O4 nanoparticles (NPs) with an average crystallite size of 24 ± 2 nm embedded in poly(3,4 ethylene dioxythiophene):poly(4-styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) films. The CuBi2O4 NP bandgap was estimated at 1.7 eV, while for the composite film, it was estimated at 2.1 eV, due to PEDOT:PSS and the heterojunction between the polymer and the NPs. The charge transport of the glass/ITO/PEDOT:PSS-CuBi2O4 NP/Ag system was studied under light and dark conditions by means of current–voltage (I–V) characteristic curves. In natural-light conditions, the CuBi2O4 NPs presented electric behavior characterized by three different mechanisms: at low voltages, the behavior follows Ohm’s law; when the voltage increases, charge transport occurs by diffusion between the NP–polymer interfaces; and at higher voltages, it occurs due to the current being dominated by the saturation region. Due to their crystalline structure, their low bandgap in films and the feasibility of integrating them as components in composite films with PEDOT:PSS, CuBi2O4 NPs can be used as parts in optoelectronic devices.
Study on the Damage Process and Numerical Simulation of Tunnel Excavation in Water-Rich Soft Rock
Authors: Ding Wenqi , Tan Shi , Zhu Rongqing , Jiang He , Zhang Qingzhao
Published: September 2021

The weakening effect is one of the most important causes triggering large deformation and failure of soft-rock engineering; however, few studies paid attention to damage evolution and constitutive relationship of rock in tensile damage in the excavation unloading and water-weakening process, not to mention the coupling process of unloading and water-weakening. In this paper, the mechanism and engineering characteristics of unloading softening and water-softening of water-rich soft rock are analyzed and summarized. Then with the aid of the strain equivalent principle, the damage of surrounding rock caused by unloading softening and water-softening is coupled, and the compression shear damage and the tensile damage of surrounding rock under the unloading process are analyzed. A damage constitutive model of rock subjected to excavation unloading and water-weakening is proposed considering the influence of water immersion time, and the proposed model is applied in a newly established finite element simulation method, which is suitable for excavation in the water-rich soft rock. Based on the mechanical-hydraulic-damage coupled method, the progressive failure process of surrounding rock under the dual softening effects can be reflected by the deteriorated parameters of damage elements. Finally, the field monitoring data of a typical section in the Xujiadi tunnel is used to verify the applicability and accuracy of the proposed dual softening model and simulation method.
Relational Positioning Method for 2D and 3D Ad Hoc Sensor Networks in Industry 4.0
Authors: Villalpando-Hernandez Rafaela , Munoz-Rodriguez David , Vargas-Rosales Cesar
Published: September 2021

Industry 4.0, or smart factory, refers to the fourth industrial revolution, as a result of which it is expected that massive sensor deployment, high device connectivity, automation, and real-time data acquisition support improve industrial processes. Sensor fault detection and operator tracking allow adequate performance of the sensor network supporting Industry 4.0, and sensor localization has become crucial to enable sensor fault detection. Hence, the development of new localization methods is necessary for environments where GPS localization technology is unfeasible. Furthermore, position location information (PLI) is a crucial requirement for the deployment of multiple services and applications in wireless ad hoc and sensor networks supporting Industry 4.0. Three-dimensional (3D) scenarios are considered to extend the applicability of PLI-based services. However, PLI acquisition presents several challenges within any 3D ad hoc sensor network paradigm. For instance, conventional triangulation algorithms are often no longer applicable due to the lack of direct land-fixed references and the inclusion of a third-dimension coordinate. In this paper, a PL relational searching algorithm suitable for 2D and 3D ad hoc environments was formulated in terms of a discretized searching space and a vertex weight assignment process according to distance relationships from anchor nodes to the node to be located on a feasibility space. The applicability of the proposed algorithm was examined through analytic formulation and simulation processes. Results show small distance errors (less than 1 m) are achievable for some scenarios.
Low Dose Ionising Radiation-Induced Hormesis: Therapeutic Implications to Human Health
Authors: Lau Yeh Siang , Chew Ming Tsuey , Alqahtani Amal , Jones Bleddyn , Hill Mark A. , Nisbet Andrew , Bradley David A.
Published: September 2021

The concept of radiation-induced hormesis, whereby a low dose is beneficial and a high dose is detrimental, has been gaining attention in the fields of molecular biology, environmental toxicology and radiation biology. There is a growing body of literature that recognises the importance of hormetic dose response not only in the radiation field, but also with molecular agents. However, there is continuing debate on the magnitude and mechanism of radiation hormetic dose response, which could make further contributions, as a research tool, to science and perhaps eventually to public health due to potential therapeutic benefits for society. The biological phenomena of low dose ionising radiation (LDIR) includes bystander effects, adaptive response, hypersensitivity, radioresistance and genomic instability. In this review, the beneficial and the detrimental effects of LDIR-induced hormesis are explored, together with an overview of its underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms that may potentially provide an insight to the therapeutic implications to human health in the future.
Modeling of Impact Energy Release of PTFE/Al Reactive Material
Authors: Zou Xuan , Zhou Jingyuan , Tang Wenhui , Wu Yiting , Chen Pengwan , Wang Haifu , Ran Xianwen
Published: September 2021

Many scholars have used experimental research methods to conduct extensive research on the impact energy release behavior of Polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE)/Al reactive materials. However, in numerical simulation, PTFE/Al still lacks the calculation parameters of impact energy release behavior. In order to obtain the simulation parameters of PTFE/Al impact ignition, the Hill mixture law was used to calculate the material parameters of PTFE/Al (mass ratio 73.5/26.5), and according to the Hugoniot curve of PTFE/Al and the γ state equation, the JWL equation of state of a PTFE/Al unreacted substance and reaction product was fitted with a genetic algorithm. According to the PTFE/Al impact energy release experiment, the parameters of the PTFE/Al chemical kinetic equation were determined, and the parameters of the trinomial reaction rate equation were fitted. The obtained parameters were used in the simulation calculation in LS-dyna to predict the damage of the aluminum target plate under the impact of the PTFE/Al reactive fragments.
A Double Sky-Hook Algorithm for Improving Road-Holding Property in Semi-Active Suspension Systems for Application to In-Wheel Motor
Authors: Woo Seunghoon , Shin Donghoon
Published: September 2021

This paper presents a double sky-hook algorithm for controlling semi-active suspension systems in order to improve road-holding property for application in an in-wheel motor. The main disadvantage of the in-wheel motor is the increase in unsprung masses, which increases after shaking of the wheel, so it has poor road-holding that the conventional theoretical sky-hook algorithm cannot achieve. The double sky-hook algorithm uses a combination of damper coefficients, one from the chassis motion and the other from the wheel motion. Computer simulations using a quarter and full car dynamic models with the road conditions specified by ISO2631 showed the effectiveness of the algorithm. It was observed that the algorithm was the most effective in the vicinity of the wheel hop frequency. This paper also proposed the parameter set of the double sky-hook algorithm to differentiate the driving mode of vehicles under advanced development.
A Systematic Literature Review of Successful Implementation of Industry 4.0 Technologies in Companies: Synthesis of the IPSI Framework
Authors: Cardin Olivier
Published: September 2021

The Industry 4.0 paradigm refers to a large set of technologies that will transform the way that the manufacturing industry will perform. Nowadays, those technologies and the potential benefits they offer are not fully understood and mastered by companies, and the propagation of the associated concepts is slow. However, in the past few years, some successful implementations of Industry 4.0-compliant technologies have been seen emerging in the literature. A systematic literature study has been conducted to identify the suggested methodologies for successful implementations. Following this analysis, identified patterns are synthesized as an implementation framework denoted as IPSI (Identification–Preparation–Simulation–Implementation). This framework was synthesized so as to be used for the first implementation of technologies in a company, thus increasing the chances of acceptability of those technologies. Three case studies, concerning three different technologies in three different manufacturing fields, were chosen to be confronted by the framework and its validity on the global manufacturing field is discussed.
R-Score: A New Parameter to Assess the Quality of Variants’ Calls Assessed by NGS Using Liquid Biopsies
Authors: Serna-Blasco Roberto , Sánchez-Herrero Estela , Berrocal Renedo María , Calabuig-Fariñas Silvia , Molina-Vila Miguel Ángel , Provencio Mariano , Romero Atocha
Published: September 2021

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has enabled a deeper knowledge of the molecular landscape in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), identifying a growing number of targetable molecular alterations in key genes. However, NGS profiling of liquid biopsies risk for false positive and false negative calls and parameters assessing the quality of NGS calls remains lacking. In this study, we have evaluated the positive percent agreement (PPA) between NGS and digital PCR calls when assessing EGFR mutation status using 85 plasma samples from 82 EGFR-positive NSCLC patients. According to our data, variant allele fraction (VAF) was significantly lower in discordant calls and the median of the absolute values of all pairwise differences (MAPD) was significantly higher in discordant calls (p < 0.001 in both cases). Based on these results, we propose a new parameter that integrates both variables, named R-score. Next, we sought to evaluate the PPA for EGFR mutation calls between two independent NGS platforms using a subset of 40 samples from the same cohort. Remarkably, there was a significant linear correlation between the PPA and the R-score (r = 0.97; p < 0.001). Specifically, the PPA of samples with an R-score ≤ −1.25 was 95.83%, whereas PPA falls to 81.63% in samples with R-score ≤ 0.25. In conclusion, R-score significantly correlates with PPA and can assist laboratory medicine specialists and data scientists to select reliable variants detected by NGS.
TRP Channels as Sensors of Aldehyde and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Hellenthal Katharina E. M. , Brabenec Laura , Gross Eric R. , Wagner Nana-Maria
Published: September 2021

The transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channel superfamily comprises more than 50 channels that play crucial roles in physiological processes. TRP channels are responsive to several exogenous and endogenous biomolecules, with aldehydes emerging as a TRP channel trigger contributing to a cellular cascade that can lead to disease pathophysiology. The body is not only exposed to exogenous aldehydes via tobacco products or alcoholic beverages, but also to endogenous aldehydes triggered by lipid peroxidation. In response to lipid peroxidation from inflammation or organ injury, polyunsaturated fatty acids undergo lipid peroxidation to aldehydes, such as 4-hydroxynonenal. Reactive aldehydes activate TRP channels via aldehyde-induced protein adducts, leading to the release of pro-inflammatory mediators driving the pathophysiology caused by cellular injury, including inflammatory pain and organ reperfusion injury. Recent studies have outlined how aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 protects against aldehyde toxicity through the clearance of toxic aldehydes, indicating that targeting the endogenous aldehyde metabolism may represent a novel treatment strategy. An addition approach can involve targeting specific TRP channel regions to limit the triggering of a cellular cascade induced by aldehydes. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of aldehydes, TRP channels, and their interactions, as well as their role in pathological conditions and the different therapeutical treatment options.
The Association of Gut Microbiota and Complications in Gastrointestinal-Cancer Therapies
Authors: Tourelle Kevin M. , Boutin Sebastien , Weigand Markus A. , Schmitt Felix C. F.
Published: September 2021

The therapy of gastrointestinal carcinomas includes surgery, chemo- or immunotherapy, and radiation with diverse complications such as surgical-site infection and enteritis. In recent years, the microbiome’s influence on different diseases and complications has been studied in more detail using methods such as next-generation sequencing. Due to the relatively simple collectivisation, the gut microbiome is the best-studied so far. While certain bacteria are sometimes associated with one particular complication, it is often just the loss of alpha diversity linked together. Among others, a strong influence of Fusobacterium nucleatum on the effectiveness of chemotherapies is demonstrated. External factors such as diet or specific medications can also predispose to dysbiosis and lead to complications. In addition, there are attempts to treat developed dysbiosis, such as faecal microbiota transplant or probiotics. In the future, the underlying microbiome should be investigated in more detail for a better understanding of the precipitating factors of a complication with specific therapeutic options.
Application of Machine Learning to Electroencephalography for the Diagnosis of Primary Progressive Aphasia: A Pilot Study
Authors: Moral-Rubio Carlos , Balugo Paloma , Fraile-Pereda Adela , Pytel Vanesa , Fernández-Romero Lucía , Delgado-Alonso Cristina , Delgado-Álvarez Alfonso , Matias-Guiu Jorge , Matias-Guiu Jordi A. , Ayala José Luis
Published: September 2021

Background. Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a neurodegenerative syndrome in which diagnosis is usually challenging. Biomarkers are needed for diagnosis and monitoring. In this study, we aimed to evaluate Electroencephalography (EEG) as a biomarker for the diagnosis of PPA. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study with 40 PPA patients categorized as non-fluent, semantic, and logopenic variants, and 20 controls. Resting-state EEG with 32 channels was acquired and preprocessed using several procedures (quantitative EEG, wavelet transformation, autoencoders, and graph theory analysis). Seven machine learning algorithms were evaluated (Decision Tree, Elastic Net, Support Vector Machines, Random Forest, K-Nearest Neighbors, Gaussian Naive Bayes, and Multinomial Naive Bayes). Results. Diagnostic capacity to distinguish between PPA and controls was high (accuracy 75%, F1-score 83% for kNN algorithm). The most important features in the classification were derived from network analysis based on graph theory. Conversely, discrimination between PPA variants was lower (Accuracy 58% and F1-score 60% for kNN). Conclusions. The application of ML to resting-state EEG may have a role in the diagnosis of PPA, especially in the differentiation from controls. Future studies with high-density EEG should explore the capacity to distinguish between PPA variants.
The Longitudinal Effect of Meditation on Resting-State Functional Connectivity Using Dynamic Arterial Spin Labeling: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Zhang Zongpai , Luh Wen-Ming , Duan Wenna , Zhou Tony D. , Zhao Li , Weinschenk George , Anderson Adam K. , Dai Weiying
Published: September 2021

We aimed to assess whether dynamic arterial spin labeling (dASL), a novel quantitative MRI technique with minimal contamination of subject motion and physiological noises, could detect the longitudinal effect of focused attention meditation (FAM) on resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC). A total of 10 novice meditators who recorded their FAM practice time were scanned at baseline and at the 2-month follow-up. Two-month meditation practice caused significantly increased rsFC between the left medial temporal (LMT) seed and precuneus area and between the right frontal eye (RFE) seed and medial prefrontal cortex. Meditation practice time was found to be positively associated with longitudinal changes of rsFC between the default mode network (DMN) and dorsal attention network (DAN), between DMN and insula, and between DAN and the frontoparietal control network (FPN) but negatively associated with changes of rsFC between DMN and FPN, and between DAN and visual regions. These findings demonstrate the capability of dASL in identifying the FAM-induced rsFC changes and suggest that the practice of FAM can strengthen the efficient control of FPN on fast switching between DMN and DAN and enhance the utilization of attentional resources with reduced focus on visual processing.
Biological Impact of Target Fragments on Proton Treatment Plans: An Analysis Based on the Current Cross-Section Data and a Full Mixed Field Approach
Authors: Bellinzona Elettra Valentina , Grzanka Leszek , Attili Andrea , Tommasino Francesco , Friedrich Thomas , Krämer Michael , Scholz Michael , Battistoni Giuseppe , Embriaco Alessia , Chiappara Davide , Cirrone Giuseppe A. P. , Petringa Giada , Durante Marco , Scifoni Emanuele
Published: September 2021

Clinical routine in proton therapy currently neglects the radiobiological impact of nuclear target fragments generated by proton beams. This is partially due to the difficult characterization of the irradiation field. The detection of low energetic fragments, secondary protons and fragments, is in fact challenging due to their very short range. However, considering their low residual energy and therefore high LET, the possible contribution of such heavy particles to the overall biological effect could be not negligible. In this context, we performed a systematic analysis aimed at an explicit assessment of the RBE (relative biological effectiveness, i.e., the ratio of photon to proton physical dose needed to achieve the same biological effect) contribution of target fragments in the biological dose calculations of proton fields. The TOPAS Monte Carlo code has been used to characterize the radiation field, i.e., for the scoring of primary protons and fragments in an exemplary water target. TRiP98, in combination with LEM IV RBE tables, was then employed to evaluate the RBE with a mixed field approach accounting for fragments’ contributions. The results were compared with that obtained by considering only primary protons for the pristine beam and spread out Bragg peak (SOBP) irradiations, in order to estimate the relative weight of target fragments to the overall RBE. A sensitivity analysis of the secondary particles production cross-sections to the biological dose has been also carried out in this study. Finally, our modeling approach was applied to the analysis of a selection of cell survival and RBE data extracted from published in vitro studies. Our results indicate that, for high energy proton beams, the main contribution to the biological effect due to the secondary particles can be attributed to secondary protons, while the contribution of heavier fragments is mainly due to helium. The impact of target fragments on the biological dose is maximized in the entrance channels and for small α/β values. When applied to the description of survival data, model predictions including all fragments allowed better agreement to experimental data at high energies, while a minor effect was observed in the peak region. An improved description was also obtained when including the fragments’ contribution to describe RBE data. Overall, this analysis indicates that a minor contribution can be expected to the overall RBE resulting from target fragments. However, considering the fragmentation effects can improve the agreement with experimental data for high energy proton beams.
Molecular Characterization of Prostate Cancers in the Precision Medicine Era
Authors: Giunta Emilio Francesco , Annaratone Laura , Bollito Enrico , Porpiglia Francesco , Cereda Matteo , Banna Giuseppe Luigi , Mosca Alessandra , Marchiò Caterina , Rescigno Pasquale
Published: September 2021

Prostate cancer (PCa) therapy has been recently revolutionized by the approval of new therapeutic agents in the metastatic setting. However, the optimal therapeutic strategy in such patients should be individualized in the light of prognostic and predictive molecular factors, which have been recently studied: androgen receptor (AR) alterations, PTEN-PI3K-AKT pathway deregulation, homologous recombination deficiency (HRD), mismatch repair deficiency (MMRd), and tumor microenvironment (TME) modifications. In this review, we highlighted the clinical impact of prognostic and predictive molecular factors in PCa patients’ outcomes, identifying biologically distinct subtypes. We further analyzed the relevant methods to detect these factors, both on tissue, i.e., immunohistochemistry (IHC) and molecular tests, and blood, i.e., analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Moreover, we discussed the main pros and cons of such techniques, depicting their present and future roles in PCa management, throughout the precision medicine era.
Impact of Body Mass Index on Tumor Recurrence in Patients Undergoing Liver Resection for Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA)
Authors: Hau Hans-Michael , Devantier Mareen , Jahn Nora , Sucher Elisabeth , Rademacher Sebastian , Seehofer Daniel , Sucher Robert
Published: September 2021

Background: The association of body mass index (BMI) and long-term prognosis and outcome of patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) has not been well defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinicopathologic and oncologic outcomes with pCCA undergoing resection, according to their BMI. Methods: Patients undergoing liver resection in curative intention for pCCA at a tertiary German hepatobiliary (HPB) center were identified from a prospective database. Patients were classified as normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25.0–29.9 kg/m2) and obese (>30 kg/m2) according to their BMI. Impact of clinical and histo-pathological characteristics on recurrence-free survival (RFS) were assessed using Cox proportional hazard regression analysis among patients of all BMI groups. Results: Among a total of 95 patients undergoing liver resection in curative intention for pCCA in the analytic cohort, 48 patients (50.5%) had normal weight, 33 (34.7%) were overweight and 14 patients (14.7%) were obese. After a median follow-up of 4.3 ± 2.9 years, recurrence was observed in totally 53 patients (56%). The cumulative recurrence probability was higher in obese and overweight patients than normal weight patients (5-year recurrence rate: obese: 82% versus overweight: 81% versus normal weight: 58% at 5 years; p = 0.02). Totally, 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year recurrence-free survival rates were 68.5%, 44.6%, 28.9% and 13%, respectively. On multivariable analysis, increased BMI (HR 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01–1.16; p = 0.021), poor/moderate tumor differentiation (HR 2.49, 95% CI: 1.2–5.2; p = 0.014), positive lymph node status (HR 2.01, 95% CI: 1.11–3.65; p = 0.021), positive resection margins (HR 1.89, 95% CI:1.02–3.4; p = 0.019) and positive perineural invasion (HR 2.92, 95% CI: 1.02–8.3; p = 0.045) were independent prognostic risk factors for inferior RFS. Conclusion: Our study shows that a high BMI is significantly associated with an increased risk of recurrence after liver resection in curative intention for pCCA. This factor should be considered in future studies to better predict patient’s individual prognosis and outcome based on their BMI.