bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Probabilistic Framework for the Robust Stability and Performance Analysis of Grid-Tied Voltage Source Converters
Authors: Gholami-Khesht Hosein , Davari Pooya , Novak Mateja , Blaabjerg Frede
Published: July 2022

This paper proposed a probabilistic framework that could be used for the sensitivity assessment of grid-connected voltage source converters (VSCs), where uncertainties in the grid short circuit ratio (SCR) and operating point conditions, as well as control-loop interactions, were considered. The proposed method tried to broaden the available knowledge on the small-signal stability analysis of VSCs and provide a probabilistic point of view of this subject. It considered the probability of different operational conditions in order to obtain less conservatism and more accurate results. Based on uncertain inputs and the employed stability model, the proposed model produced statistical distributions of the critical mode and its damping factor and ratio, which were not accessible by existing deterministic methods. Crucial statistical information measures how much system stability and performance are maintained or changed over the system uncertainties and disturbances, as well as provides a clear insight into the system stability problem. For instance, as concluded in this paper, for the conventional control system design, fast dynamic parts of a VSC, such as the current controller and control delay, significantly impact the minimum damping ratio. Furthermore, slow dynamic parts, such as outer voltage control loops and the synchronization block, influence the maximum damping factor. For strong grids, the AC voltage magnitude controller (AVC) significantly impacts the maximum damping factor due to its lower bandwidth among all control loops. For weak grids, the damping factor of the critical mode is highly affected by interactions between the VSC, the power grid, and different control loops due to the synchronization mechanism. The other contributions of this paper were the introduction of robust stability and performance definitions and indices; explanations of the pros and cons of probabilistic assessment methods and their applicability; interpretation of the obtained results; and, finally, a link was provided between system stability and reliability, which will be crucial for future power system design.
Influence of Longitudinal Joint Setting and Synchronous Cooling Zone on High Altitude Region’s Dam Construction
Authors: Wang Zhenhong , Xiao Jun , Shi Zhuoyu , Zhang Bu
Published: July 2022

The crack problem in mass concrete is a difficult problem to thoroughly solve, especially for the crack of dam construction in high-altitude regions. High altitude regions have the fundamental features of a dry climate and strong solar radiation. When dam construction is performed under these special climate conditions, temperature control and crack prevention become more difficult problems. Based on the high altitude region’s dam construction conditions, the existing temperature control measures were optimized by combining the three-dimensional finite element method. The synchronous cooling zone’s temperature control technique is adopted to lower the temperature gradient in the dam’s height direction, coordinate the deformation of the upper and lower layers, and reduce mutual constraints between the upper and lower layers to further reduce the temperature stress. Calculation results show that the adoption of synchronous cooling zones and the set of longitudinal joints can effectively reduce mutual constraints, increase the safety factor, and prevent cracks. This method can be considered an important reference to dam projects in high-altitude regions.
Fuzzy Neural Network PID Strategy Based on PSO Optimization for pH Control of Water and Fertilizer Integration
Authors: Zhou Runmeng , Zhang Lixin , Fu Changxin , Wang Huan , Meng Zihao , Du Chanchan , Shan Yongchao , Bu Haoran
Published: July 2022

In the process of crop cultivation, the application of a fertilizer solution with appropriate pH value is more conducive to the absorption of nutrients by crops. If the pH of the irrigation water and fertilizer solution is too high, it will not only be detrimental to the absorption of nutrients by the crop, but will also damage the structure of the soil. Therefore, the precise regulation of pH in water and fertilizer solutions is very important for agricultural production and saving water and fertilizer. Firstly, the article investigates the hybrid control of fertilizer and water conditioning systems, then builds a fuzzy preprocessing controller and a neural network proportional–integral–differential controller, and optimizes the neural network parameters by means of an improved particle swarm algorithm. The effectiveness of the controller was verified by comparison with the common proportional–integral–differential control and fuzzy algorithm control for fertilizer control and fuzzy preprocessing neural network control. Simulation experiments for this study were designed through the MATLAB/Simulink simulation platform, and the simulation results show that the algorithm has good tracking and regulation capabilities in the system. Finally, the four control algorithms are experimentally validated under different pH regulations using designed field experiments. The results show that, compared with other control algorithms, the control algorithm in this paper has a smaller overshoot and good stability with a shorter rise time, which can achieve the purpose of better regulating the fertilizer application system.
Multi-Modal 3D Shape Clustering with Dual Contrastive Learning
Authors: Lin Guoting , Zheng Zexun , Chen Lin , Qin Tianyi , Song Jiahui
Published: July 2022

3D shape clustering is developing into an important research subject with the wide applications of 3D shapes in computer vision and multimedia fields. Since 3D shapes generally take on various modalities, how to comprehensively exploit the multi-modal properties to boost clustering performance has become a key issue for the 3D shape clustering task. Taking into account the advantages of multiple views and point clouds, this paper proposes the first multi-modal 3D shape clustering method, named the dual contrastive learning network (DCL-Net), to discover the clustering partitions of unlabeled 3D shapes. First, by simultaneously performing cross-view contrastive learning within multi-view modality and cross-modal contrastive learning between the point cloud and multi-view modalities in the representation space, a representation-level dual contrastive learning module is developed, which aims to capture discriminative 3D shape features for clustering. Meanwhile, an assignment-level dual contrastive learning module is designed by further ensuring the consistency of clustering assignments within the multi-view modality, as well as between the point cloud and multi-view modalities, thus obtaining more compact clustering partitions. Experiments on two commonly used 3D shape benchmarks demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed DCL-Net.
Incorporating a Topic Model into a Hypergraph Neural Network for Searching-Scenario Oriented Recommendations
Authors: Huang Xin , Liu Xiaojuan
Published: July 2022

The personalized recommendation system is a useful tool adopted by e-retailers to help consumers to find items in line with their preferences. Existing methods focus on learning user preferences from a user-item matrix or online reviews after purchasing, and they ignore the interactive features in the process of users’ learning about product information through search queries before they make a purchase. To this end, this study develops a topic augmented hypergraph neural network framework to predict the user’s purchase intention by connecting the latent topics embedded in a consumer’s online queries to their click, purchase, and online review behavior, which aims at mining the connection information existing in the interaction graph domain. Meanwhile, in order to reduce the influence of text noise words by fusing topic information, we integrate the topic distribution and convolutional embedding to better represent each user and item, which can make up for the lack of topic information in traditional convolutional neural networks. Extensive empirical evaluations on real-world datasets demonstrate that the proposed framework improves the novelty of recommendation items as well as accuracy. From a managerial perspective, recommending diversified and novel items to consumers may increase the users’ satisfaction, which is conducive to the sustainable development of e-commerce enterprises.
Diagnostic Strategies for Urologic Cancer Using Expression Analysis of Various Oncogenic Surveillance Molecules—From Non-Coding Small RNAs to Cancer-Specific Proteins
Authors: Fujii Tomomi , Uchiyama Tomoko , Takeda Maiko , Shimada Keiji
Published: July 2022

Urinary-tract-related tumors are prone to simultaneous or heterogeneous multiple tumor development within the primary organ. Urologic tumors have a very high risk of recurrence in the long and short term. This may be related to the disruption of homeostasis on the genetic level, such as the induction of genetic mutations due to exposure to various carcinogenic factors and the disruption of cancer suppressor gene functions. It is essential to detect the cancer progression signals caused by genetic abnormalities and find treatment therapies. In this review, we discuss the usefulness of tumor-expressing clinical biomarkers for predicting cancer progression. Furthermore, we discuss various factors associated with disturbed intracellular signals and those targeted by microRNAs, which are representative of non-coding small RNAs.
A New Method for Detecting Onset and Offset for Singing in Real-Time and Offline Environments
Authors: Faghih Behnam , Chakraborty Sutirtha , Yaseen Azeema , Timoney Joseph
Published: July 2022

This paper introduces a new method for detecting onsets, offsets, and transitions of the notes in real-time solo singing performances. It identifies the onsets and offsets by finding the transitions from one note to another by considering trajectory changes in the fundamental frequencies. The accuracy of our approach is compared with eight well-known algorithms. It was tested with two datasets that contained 130 files of singing. The total duration of the datasets was more than seven hours and had more than 41,000 onset annotations. The analysis metrics used include the Average, the F-Measure Score, and ANOVA. The proposed algorithm was observed to determine onsets and offsets more accurately than the other algorithms. Additionally, unlike the other algorithms, the proposed algorithm can detect the transitions between notes.
Data-Driven Decision Making in Maintenance Service Delivery Process: A Case Study
Authors: Sala Roberto , Pirola Fabiana , Pezzotta Giuditta , Cavalieri Sergio
Published: July 2022

Data availability is changing the way companies make decisions at various levels (e.g., strategical and operational). Researchers and practitioners are exploring how product–service system (PSS) providers can benefit from data availability and usage, especially when it comes to making decisions related to service delivery. One of the services that are expected to benefit most from data availability is maintenance. Through the analysis of the asset health status, service providers can make informed and timely decisions to prevent failures. Despite this, the offering of data-based maintenance service is not trivial, and requires providers to structure themselves to collect, analyze and use historical and real-time data properly (e.g., introducing suitable information flows, methods and competencies). The paper aims to investigate how a manufacturing company can re-engineer its maintenance service delivery process in a data-driven fashion. Thus, the paper presents a case study where, based on the Dual-perspective, Data-based, Decision-making process for Maintenance service delivery (D3M), an Italian manufacturing company reengineered its maintenance service delivery process in a data-driven fashion. The case study highlights the benefits and barriers coming with this transformation and aims at helping manufacturing companies in understanding how to address it.
Physical Enrichment Triggers Brain Plasticity and Influences Blood Plasma Circulating miRNA in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Cardona Emilie , Brunet Valentin , Baranek Elodie , Milhade Léo , Skiba-Cassy Sandrine , Bobe Julien , Calandreau Ludovic , Roy Jérôme , Colson Violaine
Published: July 2022

Physical enrichment is known to improve living conditions of fish held in farming systems and has been shown to promote behavioral plasticity in captive fish. However, the brain’s regulatory-mechanism systems underlying its behavioral effects remain poorly studied. The present study investigated the impact of a three-month exposure to an enriched environment (EE vs. barren environment, BE) on the modulation of brain function in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) juveniles. Using high-throughput RT-qPCR, we assessed mRNA genes related to brain function in several areas of the trout brain. These included markers of cerebral activity and plasticity, neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, or selected neurotransmitters pathways (dopamine, glutamate, GABA, and serotonin). Overall, the fish from EE displayed a series of differentially expressed genes (neurotrophic, neurogenesis, and synaptogenesis markers) essentially localized in the telencephalon, which could underpin the beneficial effects of complexifying the environment on fish brain plasticity. In addition, EE significantly affected blood plasma c-miRNA signatures, as revealed by the upregulation of four c-miRNAs (miR-200b/c-3p, miR-203a-3p, miR-205-1a-5p, miR-218a-5p) in fish blood plasma after 185 days of EE exposure. Overall, we concluded that complexifying the environment through the addition of physical structures that stimulate and encourage fish to explore promotes the trout’s brain function in farming conditions.
A Review of Histocytological Events and Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Intestine Regeneration in Holothurians
Authors: Su Fang , Yang Hongsheng , Sun Lina
Published: July 2022

Most species of the class Holothuroidea are able to regenerate most of their internal organs following a typical evisceration process, which is a unique mechanism that allows sea cucumbers to survive in adverse environments. In this review, we compare autotomy among different type of sea cucumber and summarize the histocytological events that occur during the five stages of intestinal regeneration. Multiple cytological activities, such as apoptosis and dedifferentiation, take place during wound healing and anlage formation. Many studies have focused on the molecular regulation mechanisms that underlie regeneration, and herein we describe the techniques that have been used as well as the development-related signaling pathways and key genes that are significantly expressed during intestinal regeneration. Future analyses of the underlying mechanisms responsible for intestinal regeneration should include mapping at the single-cell level. Studies of visceral regeneration in echinoderms provide a unique perspective for understanding whole-body regeneration or appendage regeneration.
Coaxial Synthesis of PEI-Based Nanocarriers of Encapsulated RNA-Therapeutics to Specifically Target Muscle Cells
Authors: de la Hoz Raquel , Diban Nazely , Berciano María T. , San Emeterio Carlos , Urtiaga Ane , Lafarga Miguel , Rodríguez-Rey José C. , Tapia Olga
Published: July 2022

In this work, we performed a methodological comparative analysis to synthesize polyethyleneimine (PEI) nanoparticles using (i) conventional nanoprecipitation (NP), (ii) electrospraying (ES), and (iii) coaxial electrospraying (CA). The nanoparticles transported antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), either encapsulated (CA nanocomplexes) or electrostatically bound externally (NP and ES nanocomplexes). After synthesis, the PEI/ASO nanoconjugates were functionalized with a muscle-specific RNA aptamer. Using this combinatorial formulation methodology, we obtained nanocomplexes that were further used as nanocarriers for the delivery of RNA therapeutics (ASO), specifically into muscle cells. In particular, we performed a detailed confocal microscopy-based comparative study to analyze the overall transfection efficiency, the cell-to-cell homogeneity, and the mean fluorescence intensity per cell of micron-sized domains enriched with the nanocomplexes. Furthermore, using high-magnification electron microscopy, we were able to describe, in detail, the ultrastructural basis of the cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking of nanocomplexes by the clathrin-independent endocytic pathway. Our results are a clear demonstration that coaxial electrospraying is a promising methodology for the synthesis of therapeutic nanoparticle-based carriers. Some of the principal features that the nanoparticles synthesized by coaxial electrospraying exhibit are efficient RNA-based drug encapsulation, increased nanoparticle surface availability for aptamer functionalization, a high transfection efficiency, and hyperactivation of the endocytosis and early/late endosome route as the main intracellular uptake mechanism.
The Role of Metals in the Neuroregenerative Action of BDNF, GDNF, NGF and Other Neurotrophic Factors
Authors: Nicoletti Vincenzo Giuseppe , Pajer Krisztián , Calcagno Damiano , Pajenda Gholam , Nógrádi Antal
Published: July 2022

Mature neurotrophic factors and their propeptides play key roles ranging from the regulation of neuronal growth and differentiation to prominent participation in neuronal survival and recovery after injury. Their signaling pathways sculpture neuronal circuits during brain development and regulate adaptive neuroplasticity. In addition, neurotrophic factors provide trophic support for damaged neurons, giving them a greater capacity to survive and maintain their potential to regenerate their axons. Therefore, the modulation of these factors can be a valuable target for treating or preventing neurologic disorders and age-dependent cognitive decline. Neuroregenerative medicine can take great advantage by the deepening of our knowledge on the molecular mechanisms underlying the properties of neurotrophic factors. It is indeed an intriguing topic that a significant interplay between neurotrophic factors and various metals can modulate the outcome of neuronal recovery. This review is particularly focused on the roles of GDNF, BDNF and NGF in motoneuron survival and recovery from injuries and evaluates the therapeutic potential of various neurotrophic factors in neuronal regeneration. The key role of metal homeostasis/dyshomeostasis and metal interaction with neurotrophic factors on neuronal pathophysiology is also highlighted as a novel mechanism and potential target for neuronal recovery. The progress in mechanistic studies in the field of neurotrophic factor-mediated neuroprotection and neural regeneration, aiming at a complete understanding of integrated pathways, offers possibilities for the development of novel neuroregenerative therapeutic approaches.
Biomolecules Related to Rotator Cuff Pain: A Scoping Review
Authors: Sachinis Nikolaos Platon , Yiannakopoulos Christos K. , Chalidis Byron , Kitridis Dimitrios , Givissis Panagiotis
Published: July 2022

The pathophysiology of pain in patients suffering from rotator cuff (RC) tendinopathy or tears has been examined in various ways. Several molecules from tissue samples taken from the subacromial bursa, supraspinatus tendon, glenohumeral joint fluid, and synovium as well as from peripheral blood have been investigated. This article explores these studies, the assessed biomarkers, and groups their results according to the status of tendon integrity (tendinopathy or tear). Through a structured PubMed database search, 9 out of 658 articles were reviewed. Interleukins, mostly IL-1b and its antagonist, IL-1ra, matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs), the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and TNF-a are biomarkers directly searched for correlation to pain level. Most studies agree that IL-1b is directly positively correlated to the degree of pain in patients with RC tendinopathy, especially when the examined sample is taken from the subacromial bursa. VEGF, and TNF-a have been related to shoulder pain preoperatively and TNF-a has also been linked with sleep disturbance. Further studies pointing to more biomarkers taken from the subacromial bursa or tendon directly relating to pain degree are warranted.
Neuroprotective Effects of Chlorogenic Acid in a Mouse Model of Intracerebral Hemorrhage Associated with Reduced Extracellular Matrix Metalloproteinase Inducer
Authors: Liu Yang , Wang Fei , Li Zhe , Mu Yanling , Yong Voon Wee , Xue Mengzhou
Published: July 2022

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) has been reported to have various biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-apoptosis effects. However, the role of CGA in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and the underlying mechanisms remain undiscovered. The current study aims to investigate the effect of CGA on neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis after inhibition of EMMPRIN in a collagenase-induced ICH mouse model. Dose optimization data showed that intraperitoneal administration of CGA (30 mg/kg) significantly attenuated neurological impairments and reduced brain water content at 24 h and 72 h compared with ICH mice given vehicle. Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses revealed that CGA remarkably decreased the expression of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) in perihematomal areas at 72 h after ICH. CGA also reduced the expression of matrix metalloproteinases-2/9 (MMP-2/9) at 72 h after ICH. CGA diminished Evans blue dye extravasation and reduced the loss of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin. CGA-treated mice had fewer activated Iba-1-positive microglia and MPO-positive neutrophils. Finally, CGA suppressed cell death around the hematoma and reduced overall brain injury. These outcomes highlight that CGA treatment confers neuroprotection in ICH likely by inhibiting expression of EMMPRIN and MMP-2/9, and alleviating neuroinflammation, blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption, cell death and brain injury.
Comparison of Two Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Methods for the Measurement of Lipoprotein Particle Concentrations
Authors: Rief Martin , Raggam Reinhard , Rief Peter , Metnitz Philipp , Stojakovic Tatjana , Reinthaler Markus , Brodmann Marianne , März Winfried , Scharnagl Hubert , Silbernagel Günther
Published: July 2022

Background: Measuring lipoprotein particle concentrations may help to improve cardiovascular risk stratification. Both the lipofit (Numares) and lipoprofile (LabCorp) NMR methods are widely used for the quantification of lipoprotein particle concentrations. Objective: The aim of the present work was to perform a method comparison between the lipofit and lipoprofile NMR methods. In addition, there was the objective to compare lipofit and lipoprofile measurements of standard lipids with clinical chemistry-based results. Methods: Total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides were measured with ß-quantification in serum samples from 150 individuals. NMR measurements of standard lipids and lipoprotein particle concentrations were performed by Numares and LabCorp. Results: For both NMR methods, differences of mean concentrations compared to ß-quantification-derived measurements were ≤5.5% for all standard lipids. There was a strong correlation between ß-quantification- and NMR-derived measurements of total and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides (all r > 0.93). For both, the lipofit (r = 0.81) and lipoprofile (r = 0.84) methods, correlation coefficients were lower for HDL cholesterol. There was a reasonable correlation between LDL and HDL lipoprotein particle concentrations measured with both NMR methods (both r > 0.9). However, mean concentrations of major and subclass lipoprotein particle concentrations were not as strong. Conclusions: The present analysis suggests that reliable measurement of standard lipids is possible with these two NMR methods. Harmonization efforts would be needed for better comparability of particle concentration data.
IgG N-glycosylation from Patients with Pemphigus Treated with Rituximab
Authors: Font Guillaume , Walet-Balieu Marie-Laure , Petit Marie , Burel Carole , Maho-Vaillant Maud , Hébert Vivien , Chan Philippe , Fréret Manuel , Boyer Olivier , Joly Pascal , Calbo Sébastien , Bardor Muriel , Golinski Marie-Laure
Published: July 2022

Pemphigus is a life-threatening auto-immune blistering disease of the skin and mucous membrane that is caused by the production of auto-antibodies (auto-Abs) directed against adhesion proteins: desmoglein 1 and 3. We demonstrated in the “Ritux3” trial, the high efficacy of rituximab, an anti-CD20 recombinant monoclonal antibody, as the first-line treatment for pemphigus. However, 25% of patients relapsed during the six-month period after rituximab treatment. These early relapses were associated with a lower decrease in anti-desmoglein auto-Abs after the initial cycle of rituximab. The N-glycosylation of immunoglobulin-G (IgG) can affect their affinity for Fc receptors and their serum half-life. We hypothesized that the extended half-life of Abs could be related to modifications of IgG N-glycans. The IgG N-glycome from pemphigus patients and its evolution under rituximab treatment were analyzed. Pemphigus patients presented a different IgG N-glycome than healthy donors, with less galactosylated, sialylated N-glycans, as well as a lower level of N-glycans bearing an additional N-acetylglucosamine. IgG N-glycome from patients who achieved clinical remission was not different to the one observed at baseline. Moreover, our study did not identify the N-glycans profile as discriminating between relapsing and non-relapsing patients. We report that pemphigus patients present a specific IgG N-glycome. The changes observed in these patients could be a biomarker of autoimmunity susceptibility rather than a sign of inflammation.
Tolerance to Stimulant Medication for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Literature Review and Case Report
Authors: Handelman Kenneth , Sumiya Fernando
Published: July 2022

Recommended treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) includes stimulant medication. While these medicines are effective for most ADHD patients, benefits may wear off, suggesting tolerance. This paper reviews the published literature on tolerance to stimulant medication treatment for ADHD. As there are relatively few studies published, pivotal studies and ADHD treatment guidelines were also reviewed. Research demonstrates physiological changes related to continued stimulant usage in neurons and certain brain regions, suggesting a mechanism for tolerance development. One clinical study showed that 24.7% of patients developed tolerance to stimulants in the time of days to weeks; another showed 2.7% developed tolerance over 10 years. Long term follow-up studies demonstrate that medication response may lessen over longer durations of treatment in a high percentage of patients. Strategies to manage tolerance include switching stimulant medicines, drug holidays, or clinical reassessment. Three cases illustrate challenges with treating patients who develop tolerance to stimulant medication. The paucity of research and lack of guidance to clinicians may contribute to significant under recognition of tolerance to stimulant medication. Further research is required to define clinical tolerance for stimulants in ADHD and to provide guidance on identifying and managing tolerance in clinical practice.
Effectiveness and Advancements of Heritage Revitalizations on Community Planning: Case Studies in Hong Kong
Authors: Lam Edmond W. M. , Zhang Fan , Ho Jessie K. C.
Published: July 2022

This research paper assesses the effectiveness of conducting heritage revitalization projects on improving community planning and identifies the advancements and revitalization trends of heritage revitalization in Hong Kong. The study proposes three indicators to judge the effectiveness of heritage revitalization, including attractive appearance and components, creative methods of building techniques and planning, and public acceptance. A case study is adopted to analyze the shortcomings and improvements of the effectiveness of heritage revitalization, along with a comprehensive literature review and statistics related to heritage revitalization in Hong Kong. The results indicated that revitalization is able to effectively modify the outlook of the community and even improve community planning in the future in terms of transportation services, supporting facilities, and living quality. Moreover, by considering the revitalized structure, modern elements and building rehabilitation strategies were included to increase its attractiveness to become emerging tourism spots for business activities. Heritage revitalization practices have been carried out in Hong Kong in the recent decade. The study embarks to identify and analyze the advancements of revitalization development and its revitalizing style reformation by means of the cases recently completed in Hong Kong, which brings insights to academics and policy makers of revitalization in community planning.
A Study on the Properties of Geopolymer Concrete Modified with Nano Graphene Oxide
Authors: Maglad Ahmed M. , Zaid Osama , Arbili Mohamed M. , Ascensão Guilherme , Șerbănoiu Adrian A. , Grădinaru Cătălina M. , García Rebeca M. , Qaidi Shaker M. A. , Althoey Fadi , de Prado-Gil Jesús
Published: July 2022

This paper reports the results of a study conducted to examine the impacts of adding graphene oxide (GO) to GBFS-fly ash-based geopolymer concrete. The geopolymer concrete’s compressive strength, thermal conductivity, and modulus of elasticity were assessed. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was conducted to understand the differences in mineralogical composition and a rapid chloride penetration test (RCPT) to investigate the changes in the permeability of chloride ions imposed by GO addition. The results showed that adding 0.25 wt.% GO increases the modulus of elasticity and compressive strength of GBFS-FA concrete by 30.5% and 37.5%, respectively. In contrast, permeability to chloride ions was reduced by 35.3% relative to the GO-free counterparts. Thermal conductivity was decreased as GO dosage increased, with a maximum reduction of 33% being observed in FA65-G35 wt.% samples. Additionally, XRD showed the suitability of graphene oxide in geopolymer concrete. The present research demonstrates very promising features of GO-modified concrete that exhibit improved strength development and durability compared to traditional concrete, thus further advocating for the wider utilization of geopolymer concrete manufactured from industrial byproducts.
Influence of Intermediate Stiffeners on Axial Capacity of Thin-Walled Built-Up Open and Closed Channel Section Columns
Authors: Gurupatham Beulah Gnana Ananthi , Roy Krishanu , Raftery Gary M. , Lim James Boon Piang
Published: July 2022

This paper investigates the post-buckling behaviour and axial capacity of thin-walled steel stiffened single-channel sections (ISSCS) and back-to-back stiffened channel sections (BISCS). BISCS were connected using fasteners at a spacing of 200 mm and with an edge distance of 100 mm. Under axial compression, 10 new ISSCS and BISCS columns with fixed-ended conditions were tested. In the experimental tests, the back-to-back channel sections failed due to a combination of local and global buckling, whereas the single-channel sections generally failed as a result of local buckling. The behaviour of both ISSCS and BISCS shows a 20% increase on an average in axial capacity through adding stiffeners at the junction of the flange and the web, in addition to stiffeners in the web. A nonlinear finite element model (FEM) with material and geometric nonlinearities was then developed. The FE model was validated against the experimental results. A comprehensive parametric study comprising 64 face-to-face intermediate stiffened channel sections (FISCS) was then conducted to study the influence of stiffener length on its axial capacity. The axial capacity obtained from the tests and FEA shows that design in accordance with the Direct Strength Method (DSM) is accurate and conservative by only 4% on average.
Financial Contract Administration in Construction via Cryptocurrency Blockchain and Smart Contract: A Proof of Concept
Authors: Ibrahim Rowaid , Harby Ahmed Alaa , Nashwan Mohamed Salem , Elhakeem Ahmed
Published: July 2022

The blockchain that uses cryptocurrency is a paradigm shift in the way of data storage, retrieval, and verification due to the concept of decentralization. This paradigm is essential to ensure the security of crucial data in any project. Adding a smart contract to the blockchain would facilitate the automation of various processes. Thus, the cryptocurrency blockchain that uses the smart contract can be considered a suitable platform for an ecosystem of many industries. The construction industry needs a highly secure automated management system due to its complex contractual relationships and transactions between parties. Therefore, integrating the blockchain with the smart contract creates the most appropriate ecosystem to be developed. This study introduces an ecosystemic prototype using a programmable smart contract within a novel cryptocurrency blockchain for construction. The purpose of the prototype is to guarantee a decentralized system as an independent economic environment for the construction industry. The system guarantees the security of financial transactions and focuses on the payment clauses in the construction contract as well. The results depended on three well-known hypothetical case scenarios from the construction site and were displayed in the form of extracted access data tables. The prototype proved the efficiency of the decentralized system for the construction industry by minimizing human-factor interference in the transaction process and thus reducing time waste and cost.
AdaBoost-Based Back Analysis for Determining Rock Mass Mechanical Parameters of Claystones in Goupitan Tunnel, China
Authors: Zhao Hongbo , Zhang Lin , Ren Jiaolong , Wang Meng , Meng Zhiqiang
Published: July 2022

The back analysis is an effective tool to determine the representative values of rock mass mechanical properties in rock engineering. The surrogate model is widely used in back analyses since analytical or numerical models are usually unavailable for practical engineering problems. This study proposes a novel back analysis framework by adopting the AdaBoost algorithm for deriving the surrogate model. Moreover, the simplicial homology global optimization (SHGO) algorithm, which is robust and applicable for a black-box global problem, is also integrated into the framework. To evaluate the performance, an experimental tunnel in Goupitan Hydropower Station, China, is introduced, and the representative rheological properties of the surrounding rock are obtained by applying the proposed framework. Then the computed displacements based on the acquired properties via both surrogate and numerical models are compared with field measurements. By taking triple-day data, the discrepancy between the calculated and field-measured displacements is less than 0.5 mm This validates the reliability of the obtained properties and the feasibility of the proposed framework. As an AdaBoost-based method, the proposed framework is sensitive to noise and outliers in the data, the elimination of which is recommended before application.
Positive Correlation of Peripheral CD8+ T Lymphocytes with Immune-Related Adverse Events and Combinational Prognostic Value in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Wu Kan , Xia Bing , Zhang Jing , Li Xin , Yang Shaoyu , Zhang Minna , Zhu Lucheng , Wang Bing , Xu Xiao , Ma Shenglin , Chen Xueqin
Published: July 2022

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) therapy has revolutionized the treatment patterns of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, patients treated with ICIs may experience immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Markers that could predict the onset of irAEs are still unclear. Here, we report the possible correlation of baseline peripheral lymphocytes with irAEs and clinical outcomes in advanced NSCLC patients receiving ICIs. A total of 109 advanced NSCLC patients treated with ICIs from April 2017 to January 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. Logistic and Cox regression analyses was applied to evaluate independent risk factors for irAEs, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Among these patients, 55 (50.5%) patients experienced irAEs. The level of CD8+ T lymphocytes at baseline was the independent risk factor for the onset of irAEs (p = 0.008). A higher level of CD8+ T lymphocytes was associated with longer PFS (11.0 months vs. 3.0 months, p < 0.001) and OS (27.9 months vs. 11.7 months, p = 0.014). Furthermore, patients who had higher baseline CD8+ T lymphocytes and experienced irAEs had a longer PFS (18.4 months vs. 2.2 months, p < 0.001) and OS (32.8 months vs. 9.0 months, p = 0.001) than those who had lower CD8+ T lymphocytes and no irAEs. Our study highlights the value of baseline peripheral CD8+ T lymphocytes as a predictive factor for irAEs in advanced NSCLC patients receiving ICIs. In addition, patients who have higher baseline CD8+ T lymphocytes and experience irAEs would have a superior PFS and OS.
Baseline Splenic Volume Outweighs Immuno-Modulated Size Changes with Regard to Survival Outcome in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma under Immunotherapy
Authors: Müller Lukas , Gairing Simon Johannes , Kloeckner Roman , Foerster Friedrich , Weinmann Arndt , Mittler Jens , Stoehr Fabian , Emrich Tilman , Düber Christoph , Galle Peter Robert , Hahn Felix
Published: July 2022

Background: An association between immunotherapy and an increase in splenic volume (SV) has been described for various types of cancer. SV is also highly predictive of overall survival (OS) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We evaluated SV and its changes with regard to their prognostic influence in patients with HCC undergoing immunotherapy. Methods: All patients with HCC who received immunotherapy in first or subsequent lines at our tertiary care center between 2016 and 2021 were screened for eligibility. SV was assessed at baseline and follow-up using an AI-based tool for spleen segmentation. Patients were dichotomized into high and low SV based on the median value. Results: Fifty patients were included in the analysis. The median SV prior to treatment was 532 mL. The median OS of patients with high and low SV was 5.1 months and 18.1 months, respectively (p = 0.01). An increase in SV between treatment initiation and the first follow-up was observed in 28/37 (75.7%) patients with follow-up imaging available. This increase in itself was not prognostic for median OS (7.0 vs. 8.5 months, p = 0.73). However, patients with high absolute SV at the first follow-up continued to have impaired survival (4.0 months vs. 30.7 months, p = 0.004). Conclusion: High SV prior to and during treatment was a significant prognostic factor for impaired outcome. Although a large proportion of patients showed an SV increase after the initiation of immunotherapy, this additional immuno-modulated SV change was negligible compared to long-standing changes in the splanchnic circulation in patients with HCC.
Impact of Denoising on Deep-Learning-Based Automatic Segmentation Framework for Breast Cancer Radiotherapy Planning
Authors: Im Jung Ho , Lee Ik Jae , Choi Yeonho , Sung Jiwon , Ha Jin Sook , Lee Ho
Published: July 2022

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the segmentation accuracy of organs at risk (OARs) when denoised computed tomography (CT) images are used as input data for a deep-learning-based auto-segmentation framework. Methods: We used non-contrast enhanced planning CT scans from 40 patients with breast cancer. The heart, lungs, esophagus, spinal cord, and liver were manually delineated by two experienced radiation oncologists in a double-blind manner. The denoised CT images were used as input data for the AccuContourTM segmentation software to increase the signal difference between structures of interest and unwanted noise in non-contrast CT. The accuracy of the segmentation was assessed using the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), and the results were compared with those of conventional deep-learning-based auto-segmentation without denoising. Results: The average DSC outcomes were higher than 0.80 for all OARs except for the esophagus. AccuContourTM-based and denoising-based auto-segmentation demonstrated comparable performance for the lungs and spinal cord but showed limited performance for the esophagus. Denoising-based auto-segmentation for the liver was minimal but had statistically significantly better DSC than AccuContourTM-based auto-segmentation (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Denoising-based auto-segmentation demonstrated satisfactory performance in automatic liver segmentation from non-contrast enhanced CT scans. Further external validation studies with larger cohorts are needed to verify the usefulness of denoising-based auto-segmentation.
Diversity of the Origin of Cancer Stem Cells in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Its Clinical Implications
Authors: Fukumoto Chonji , Uchida Daisuke , Kawamata Hitoshi
Published: July 2022

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) histopathologically accounts for ≥90% of oral cancer. Many clinicopathological risk factors for OSCC have also been proposed, and postoperative therapy is recommended in guidelines based on cancer stage and other risk factors. However, even if the standard treatment is provided according to the guidelines, a few cases rapidly recur or show cervical and distant metastasis. In this review article, we focus on the diversity of the origin of OSCC. We also discuss cancer stem cells (CSCs) as a key player to explain the malignancy of OSCC. CSCs are a subset of cancer cells that occupy a very small portion of the cancer mass and have characteristics of stem cells. When gene abnormalities accumulate in somatic stem cells, those cells transform into CSCs. CSCs as the origin of cancer then autonomously grow and develop into cancer. The histopathological phenotype of cancer cells is determined by the original characteristics of the somatic stem cells and/or surrounding environment. OSCC may be divided into the following three categories with different malignancy based on the origin of CSCs: cancer from oral epithelial stem cell-derived CSCs, cancer from stem cells in salivary gland-derived CSCs, and cancer from bone marrow-derived stem cell-derived CSCs.
Iron and Magnesium Impregnation of Avocado Seed Biochar for Aqueous Phosphate Removal
Authors: Kang Jihoon , Parsons Jason , Gunukula Sampath , Tran Dat T.
Published: July 2022

There has been increasing interest in using biochar for nutrient removal from water, and its application for anionic nutrient removal such as in phosphate (PO43−) necessitates surface modifications of raw biochar. This study produced avocado seed biochar (AB), impregnated Fe- or Mg-(hydr)oxide onto biochar (post-pyrolysis), and tested their performance for aqueous phosphate removal. The Fe- or Mg-loaded biochar was prepared in either high (1:8 of biochar to metal salt in terms of mass ratio) or low (1:2) loading rates via the co-precipitation method. A total of 5 biochar materials (unmodified AB, AB + High Fe, AB + Low Fe, AB + High Mg, and AB + Low Mg) were characterized according to their selected physicochemical properties, and their phosphate adsorption performance was tested through pH effect and adsorption isotherm experiments. Fe-loaded AB contained Fe3O4, while Mg-loaded AB contained Mg(OH)2. The metal (hydr)oxide inclusion was higher in Fe-loaded AB. Mg-loaded AB showed a unique free O–H functional group, while Fe-loaded AB showed an increase in its specific surface area more than 10-times compared to unmodified AB (1.8 m2 g−1). The effect of the initial pH on phosphate adsorption was not consistent between Fe-(anion adsorption envelope) vs. Mg-loaded AB. The phosphate adsorption capacity was higher with Fe-loaded AB in low concentration ranges (≤50 mg L−1), while Mg-loaded AB outperformed Fe-loaded AB in high concentration ranges (75–500 mg L−1). The phosphate adsorption isotherm by Fe-loaded AB fit well with the Langmuir model (R2 = 0.91–0.96), indicating the adsorptive surfaces were relatively homogeneous. Mg-loaded biochar, however, fit much better with Freundlich model (R2 = 0.94–0.96), indicating the presence of heterogenous adsorptive surfaces. No substantial benefit of high loading rates in metal impregnation was found for phosphate adsorption. The enhanced phosphate removal by Mg-loaded biochar in high concentration ranges highlights the important role of the chemical precipitation of phosphate associated with dissolved Mg2+.
Treatment of Bone Metastasis
Authors: Errani Costantino
Published: July 2022

The incidence of metastatic bone disease is increasing, as patients with cancer are living longer [...]
Evaluation of Patient-Reported Symptoms and Functioning after Treatment for Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Sobočan Monika , Gašpar Dorotea , Gjuras Estera , Knez Jure
Published: July 2022

The overall survival of women with endometrial cancer is excellent after management. Different management strategies are associated with variable patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Evaluating PROs in the follow-up period can aid in better counseling and intervention for PRO improvement. This study aimed to evaluate the properties of the Slovenian translation of the EORTC QLQ-EN24 assessment scale. Women treated at the University Medical Centre Maribor, Slovenia, between January 2016 and December 2019 were invited to report their symptoms using the EORTC QLQ-EN24 questionnaire. Data were correlated with treatment modalities and clinical characteristics. The median age of participants in our study was 61 years old. PROs were not specific to therapy or clinical characteristics. Overall, women who more frequently reported gastrointestinal symptoms, muscular pain, or back pain also had statistically more frequently decreased levels of PROs in other assessed areas. Women who reported sexual or vaginal problems more often reported significantly poorer body images. Sexual activity within 4 weeks prior to completing the scale was reported by 39% of women. Sexual functioning assessments also showed important correlations between sexual interest, enjoyment, and activity. Individualized follow-ups addressing PROs should be offered to better address concerns and improve long-term outcomes in women with endometrial cancer.
Predator Diversity Does Not Contribute to Increased Prey Risk: Evidence from a Mesocosm Study
Authors: Froneman Pierre William
Published: July 2022

Predation plays an important organisational role in structuring aquatic communities. Predator diversity can, however, lead to emergent effects in which the outcomes of predator–prey interactions are modified. The importance of predator diversity in regulating predator–prey interactions was investigated during a 9-day mesocosm study conducted in the middle reach of a temporarily open/closed, temperate, southern African estuary. The zooplankton community, comprising almost exclusively (>95% of total counts) calanoid and cyclopoid copepods of the genera Pseudodiaptomus, Paracartia and Oithona, was subject to three different juvenile fish predator treatments at natural densities: 1. predation by Gilchristella aestuaria, (Gilchrist, 1913; SL 15.3 ± 2.4 mm); 2. predation by Myxus capensis (Valenciennes, 1836; SL 12.8 ± 3.7 mm); and 3. a combination of the two predators. The presence of the predators contributed to a significant decline in the total zooplankton abundances, with a concurrent increase in total chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentrations, consistent with the expectations of a trophic cascade (ANCOVA; p < 0.05 in all cases). There were no significant differences in the total Chl-a concentration or total zooplankton abundances between the different predator treatments, suggesting that the increase in predator diversity did not contribute to increased prey risk or to the strength of the trophic cascade.