bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metamodels Resulting from Two Different Geometry Morphing Approaches Are Suitable to Direct the Modification of Structure-Born Noise Transfer in the Digital Design Phase
Authors: von Wysocki Timo , Leupolz Michael , Gauterin Frank
Published: November 2020

Noise vibration and harshness (NVH) development often takes place in the later development phases. Shifting the optimization to the early digital development phase enables more parameters to participate in the optimization and leads to a more holistic development process. Digital NVH development often modifies system and component frequency response functions (FRFs) using finite element (FE) simulation. Currently, the often manual process of creating new FE models for modified designs makes a systematic evaluation of many designs difficult and time-consuming. In this paper, we take on these difficulties and use both a Direct Morphing approach and a Box Morphing approach to automatically adopt the first existing FE models to modified designs. We use the generated simulation results to fit metamodels describing the correlation between geometrical parameters and characteristic FRF values. These metamodels provide an easy and fast to use tool for designers to consider NVH demands. In a simulation example, we demonstrate the capabilities by modifying the kinematic hard points of a vehicle suspension and using them to modify the noise transfer sensitivity. We show that the metamodels can lead the digital design process to intuitively and specifically reduce characteristic component FRF values by changing the location of the component hard points.
Long-Term Air Quality Study in Fairbanks, Alaska: Air Pollutant Temporal Variations, Correlations, and PM2.5 Source Apportionment
Authors: Ye Lexuan , Wang Yungang
Published: November 2020

As one of the most polluted U.S. cities, Fairbanks was reclassified as a “serious” nonattainment area by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2017 for its fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution. In this study, November 2013–May 2019 observations of criteria air pollutants (NO2, SO2, CO, O3, PM2.5, and inhalable particulate matter (PM10)) and meteorological parameters (temperature, wind speed, and relative humidity) in Fairbanks were used for temporal variation and correlation analysis, with positive matrix factorization (EPA PMF 5.0) adopted for further PM2.5 source identification. All pollutants exhibited obvious seasonal trends under the influence of climatology, topography, and human activity, while abnormal patterns likely resulted from occasional emission events such as wildfires. Primary and secondary pollutants performed distinctively under similar meteorological conditions due to different decisive factors. Identified PM2.5 sources included sulfate (32.7%), wood smoke (19.3%), gasoline (18.3%), nitrate (15.7%), diesel (9.2%), soil (3.8%), and road salt (1.0%). Compared with the 2005–2012 result, sulfate and nitrate contributions had increased, while wood smoke and diesel contributions had decreased, in which emission control measures as well as a change of sampling sites could play an important role. This systematic analysis offers reference for mitigation measures and pollution prediction. Meanwhile, further field investigation is required for conclusion validation and model improvement.
JAMPI: Efficient Matrix Multiplication in Spark Using Barrier Execution Mode
Authors: Foldi Tamas , von Csefalvay Chris , Perez Nicolas A.
Published: November 2020

The new barrier mode in Apache Spark allows for embedding distributed deep learning training as a Spark stage to simplify the distributed training workflow. In Spark, a task in a stage does not depend on any other tasks in the same stage, and hence it can be scheduled independently. However, several algorithms require more sophisticated inter-task communications, similar to the MPI paradigm. By combining distributed message passing (using asynchronous network IO), OpenJDK’s new auto-vectorization and Spark’s barrier execution mode, we can add non-map/reduce-based algorithms, such as Cannon’s distributed matrix multiplication to Spark. We document an efficient distributed matrix multiplication using Cannon’s algorithm, which significantly improves on the performance of the existing MLlib implementation. Used within a barrier task, the algorithm described herein results in an up to 24% performance increase on a 10,000 × 10,000 square matrix with a significantly lower memory footprint. Applications of efficient matrix multiplication include, among others, accelerating the training and implementation of deep convolutional neural network-based workloads, and thus such efficient algorithms can play a ground-breaking role in the faster and more efficient execution of even the most complicated machine learning tasks.
Functional Expression of All Human Sulfotransferases in Fission Yeast, Assay Development, and Structural Models for Isoforms SULT4A1 and SULT6B1
Authors: Sun Yanan , Machalz David , Wolber Gerhard , Parr Maria Kristina , Bureik Matthias
Published: November 2020

Cytosolic sulfotransferases (SULTs) catalyze phase II (conjugation) reactions of drugs and endogenous compounds. A complete set of recombinant fission yeast strains each expressing one of the 14 human SULTs was generated, including SULT4A1 and SULT6B1. Sulfation of test substrates by whole-cell biotransformation was successfully demonstrated for all enzymes for which substrates were previously known. The results proved that the intracellular production of the cofactor 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate (PAPS) necessary for SULT activity in fission yeast is sufficiently high to support metabolite production. A modified variant of sulfotransferase assay was also developed that employs permeabilized fission yeast cells (enzyme bags). Using this approach, SULT4A1-dependent sulfation of 1-naphthol was observed. Additionally, a new and convenient SULT activity assay is presented. It is based on the sulfation of a proluciferin compound, which was catalyzed by SULT1E1, SULT2A1, SULT4A1, and SULT6B1. For the latter two enzymes this study represents the first demonstration of their enzymatic functionality. Furthermore, the first catalytically competent homology models for SULT4A1 and SULT6B1 in complex with PAPS are reported. Through mechanistic molecular modeling driven by substrate docking, we pinned down the increased activity levels of these two isoforms to optimized substrate binding.
Fragment Library of Natural Products and Compound Databases for Drug Discovery
Authors: Chávez-Hernández Ana L. , Sánchez-Cruz Norberto , Medina-Franco José L.
Published: November 2020

Natural products and semi-synthetic compounds continue to be a significant source of drug candidates for a broad range of diseases, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is causing the current pandemic. Besides being attractive sources of bioactive compounds for further development or optimization, natural products are excellent substrates of unique substructures for fragment-based drug discovery. To this end, fragment libraries should be incorporated into automated drug design pipelines. However, public fragment libraries based on extensive collections of natural products are still limited. Herein, we report the generation and analysis of a fragment library of natural products derived from a database with more than 400,000 compounds. We also report fragment libraries of a large food chemical database and other compound datasets of interest in drug discovery, including compound libraries relevant for COVID-19 drug discovery. The fragment libraries were characterized in terms of content and diversity.
Release of Anti-Inflammatory Palmitoleic Acid and Its Positional Isomers by Mouse Peritoneal Macrophages
Authors: Astudillo Alma M. , Meana Clara , Bermúdez Miguel A. , Pérez-Encabo Alfonso , Balboa María A. , Balsinde Jesús
Published: November 2020

Positional isomers of hexadecenoic acid are considered as fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties. The best known of them, palmitoleic acid (cis-9-hexadecenoic acid, 16:1n-7), has been identified as a lipokine with important beneficial actions in metabolic diseases. Hypogeic acid (cis-7-hexadecenoic acid, 16:1n-9) has been regarded as a possible biomarker of foamy cell formation during atherosclerosis. Notwithstanding the importance of these isomers as possible regulators of inflammatory responses, very little is known about the regulation of their levels and distribution and mobilization among the different lipid pools within the cell. In this work, we describe that the bulk of hexadecenoic fatty acids found in mouse peritoneal macrophages is esterified in a unique phosphatidylcholine species, which contains palmitic acid at the sn-1 position, and hexadecenoic acid at the sn-2 position. This species markedly decreases when the macrophages are activated with inflammatory stimuli, in parallel with net mobilization of free hexadecenoic acid. Using pharmacological inhibitors and specific gene-silencing approaches, we demonstrate that hexadecenoic acids are selectively released by calcium-independent group VIA phospholipase A2 under activation conditions. While most of the released hexadecenoic acid accumulates in free fatty acid form, a significant part is also transferred to other phospholipids to form hexadecenoate-containing inositol phospholipids, which are known to possess growth-factor-like-properties, and are also used to form fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids, compounds with known anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. Collectively, these data unveil new pathways and mechanisms for the utilization of palmitoleic acid and its isomers during inflammatory conditions, and raise the intriguing possibility that part of the anti-inflammatory activity of these fatty acids may be due to conversion to other lipid mediators.
Esophageal Peristalsis Disorders in ALS Patients with Dysphagia
Authors: Tomik Jerzy , Sowula Klaudia , Dworak Mateusz , Stolcman Kamila , Maraj Małgorzata , Ceranowicz Piotr
Published: November 2020

To detect the variations of esophageal peristalsis in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients with predominantly bulbar or predominantly pseudobulbar clinical presentation by using esophageal manometry (EM). Fifteen ALS patients with pseudobulbar clinical presentation (PBP) and 13 patients with bulbar presentation (BP), fulfilling WFN Criteria, were studied. EM was performed in all subjects using a flexible catheter with solid-state transducers. Swallowing was initiated with 5 to 10 mL of water (wet swallows) and saliva (dry swallows) and repeated at 30 s intervals. The manometric parameters were measured automatically and visualized by the computer system. The tracings were analyzed using Synectics software. In PBP patients, an increase of resting pressure value in the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) >45 mmHg, a wave-like course of resting pressure, and toothed peristaltic waves were observed. In BP patients, a low amplitude of peristaltic waves <30 mmHg (mean: 17 ± 5) was recorded, without signs of esophageal motility disturbance at onset or during progression. EM procedure allows objectively distinguishing dysphagia in ALS patients due to bulbar syndrome from the dysphagia due to pseudobulbar syndrome. It is important to identify PBP patients because of their high risk of aspiration.
Changes in Balance, Gait and Electroencephalography Oscillations after Robot-Assisted Gait Training: An Exploratory Study in People with Chronic Stroke
Authors: Heng Hoon-Ming , Lu Ming-Kuei , Chou Li-Wei , Meng Nai-Hsin , Huang Hui-Chun , Hamada Masashi , Tsai Chon-Haw , Chen Jui-Cheng
Published: November 2020

Robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) systems offer the advantages of standard rehabilitation and provide precise and quantifiable control of therapy. We examined the clinical outcome of RAGT and analyzed the correlations between gait analysis data and event-related desynchronization (ERD) and event-related synchronization (ERS) in patients with chronic stroke. We applied the Berg balance scale (BBS) and analyzed gait parameters and the ERD and ERS of self-paced voluntary leg movements performed by patients with chronic stroke before and after undergoing RAGT. A significant change was observed in BBS (p = 0.011). We also showed preliminary outcomes of changes in gait cycle duration (p = 0.015) and in ipsilesional ERS in the low-beta (p = 0.033) and high-beta (p = 0.034) frequency bands before and after RAGT. In addition, correlations were observed between BBS and ipsilesional ERS in the alpha and low-beta bands (r = −0.52, p = 0.039; r = −0.52, p = 0.040). The study demonstrated that RAGT can improve balance and provided an idea of the possible role of brain oscillation and clinical outcomes in affecting stroke rehabilitation.
Effects of Rehabilitation on Perineural Nets and Synaptic Plasticity Following Spinal Cord Transection
Authors: Al’joboori Yazi D. , Edgerton V. Reggie , Ichiyama Ronaldo M.
Published: November 2020

Epidural electrical stimulation (ES) of the lumbar spinal cord combined with daily locomotor training has been demonstrated to enhance stepping ability after complete spinal transection in rodents and clinically complete spinal injuries in humans. Although functional gain is observed, plasticity mechanisms associated with such recovery remain mostly unclear. Here, we investigated how ES and locomotor training affected expression of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPG), perineuronal nets (PNN), and synaptic plasticity on spinal motoneurons. To test this, adult rats received a complete spinal transection (T9–T10) followed by daily locomotor training performed under ES with administration of quipazine (a serotonin (5-HT) agonist) starting 7 days post-injury (dpi). Excitatory and inhibitory synaptic changes were examined at 7, 21, and 67 dpi in addition to PNN and CSPG expression. The total amount of CSPG expression significantly increased with time after injury, with no effect of training. An interesting finding was that γ-motoneurons did not express PNNs, whereas α-motoneurons demonstrated well-defined PNNs. This remarkable difference is reflected in the greater extent of synaptic changes observed in γ-motoneurons compared to α-motoneurons. A medium negative correlation between CSPG expression and changes in putative synapses around α-motoneurons was found, but no correlation was identified for γ-motoneurons. These results suggest that modulation of γ-motoneuron activity is an important mechanism associated with functional recovery induced by locomotor training under ES after a complete spinal transection.
The Relationship between Language Control, Semantic Control and Nonverbal Control
Authors: Gray Teresa
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between language control, semantic control, and nonverbal control in bilingual aphasia. Twelve bilingual adults with aphasia (BPWA) and 20 age-matched bilingual adults (AMBA) completed a language control task, semantic control task, and nonverbal control task, each designed to examine resistance to distractor interference. AMBA and BPWA exhibited significant effects of control on all tasks. To examine efficiency of control, conflict magnitudes for each task and group were analyzed. Findings revealed that AMBA exhibited larger conflict magnitudes on the semantic control task and nonverbal control task compared to the language control task, whereas BPWA exhibited no difference in conflict magnitudes between the language control task and semantic control task. Further analysis revealed that BPWA semantic control conflict magnitude was smaller than AMBA semantic control conflict magnitude. Taken together, these findings suggest that BPWA present with diminished effects of semantic control. In the final analysis, conflict magnitudes across tasks were correlated. For AMBA, semantic control and nonverbal control conflict magnitudes were significantly correlated, suggesting that these two types of control are related. For BPWA, language control and nonverbal control conflict magnitudes were significantly correlated; however, this finding may capture effects of domain general cognitive control as a function of increased cognitive load, rather than domain general cognitive control as a function of language control.
Jackfruit Seed-Derived Nanoporous Carbons as the Electrode Material for Supercapacitors
Authors: Chaudhary Rashma , Maji Subrata , Shrestha Rekha Goswami , Shrestha Ram Lal , Shrestha Timila , Ariga Katsuhiko , Shrestha Lok Kumar
Published: November 2020

Hierarchically porous activated carbon materials from agro-waste, Jackfruit seeds are prepared by a chemical activation method involving the treatment with zinc chloride (ZnCl2) at different temperatures (600–1000 °C). The electrochemical supercapacitance performances of the prepared materials were studied in an aqueous electrolyte (1 M sulfuric acid, H2SO4) in a three-electrode system. Jackfruit seed carbons display nanoporous structures consisting of both micro- and mesopore architectures and they are amorphous in nature and also contain oxygenated surface functional groups, as confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction (pXRD), Raman scattering, and Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, respectively. The surface areas and pore volumes were found to be 1216.0 to 1340.4 m2·g−1 and 0.804 to 1.144 cm3·g−1, respectively, demonstrating the better surface textural properties compared to the commercial activated carbons. Due to the high surface area, large pore volume, and well developed hierarchical micro- and mesoporosity, the optimal sample achieved a high specific capacitance of 292.2 F·g−1 at 5 mV·s−1 and 261.3 F·g−1 at 1 A·g−1 followed by outstanding high rate capability. The electrode sustained 71.6% capacity retention at a high current density of 20 A·g−1. Furthermore, the electrode displayed exceptional cycling stability with small capacitance loss (0.6%) even after 10,000 charging–discharging cycles, suggesting that Jackfruit seed would have potential in low-cost and scalable production of nanoporous carbon materials for supercapacitors applications.
Development of Innovative Formulations for Breast Cancer Chemotherapy
Authors: Fraguas-Sánchez Ana Isabel , Torres-Suárez Ana Isabel
Published: November 2020

Breast cancer is the most frequent neoplasm in the female population [...]
In Situ Detection of Complex DNA Damage Using Microscopy: A Rough Road Ahead
Authors: Nikitaki Zacharenia , Pariset Eloise , Sudar Damir , Costes Sylvain V. , Georgakilas Alexandros G.
Published: November 2020

Complexity of DNA damage is considered currently one if not the primary instigator of biological responses and determinant of short and long-term effects in organisms and their offspring. In this review, we focus on the detection of complex (clustered) DNA damage (CDD) induced for example by ionizing radiation (IR) and in some cases by high oxidative stress. We perform a short historical perspective in the field, emphasizing the microscopy-based techniques and methodologies for the detection of CDD at the cellular level. We extend this analysis on the pertaining methodology of surrogate protein markers of CDD (foci) colocalization and provide a unique synthesis of imaging parameters, software, and different types of microscopy used. Last but not least, we critically discuss the main advances and necessary future direction for the better detection of CDD, with important outcomes in biological and clinical setups.
AMPKα1 Regulates Lung and Breast Cancer Progression by Regulating TLR4-Mediated TRAF6-BECN1 Signaling Axis
Authors: Kim Mi-Jeong , Min Yoon , Son Juhee , Kim Ji Young , Lee Ji Su , Kim Duk-Hwan , Lee Ki-Young
Published: November 2020

TRAF6-BECN1 signaling axis is critical for autophagy induction and functionally implicated in cancer progression. Here, we report that AMP-activated protein kinase alpha 1 (AMPKα1, PRKAA1) is positively involved in autophagy induction and cancer progression by regulating TRAF6-BECN1 signaling axis. Mechanistically, AMPKα1 interacted with TRAF6 and BECN1. It also enhanced ubiquitination of BECN1 and autophagy induction. AMPKα1-knockout (AMPKα1KO) HEK293T or AMPKα1-knockdown (AMPKα1KD) THP-1 cells showed impaired autophagy induced by serum starvation or TLR4 (Toll-like receptor 4) stimulation. Additionally, AMPKα1KD THP-1 cells showed decreases of autophagy-related and autophagosome-related genes induced by TLR4. AMPKα1KO A549 cells exhibited attenuation of cancer migration and invasion induced by TLR4. Moreover, primary non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs, n = 6) with low AMPKαl levels showed markedly decreased expression of genes related to autophagy, cell migration and adhesion/metastasis, inflammation, and TLRs whereas these genes were significantly upregulated in NSCLCs (n = 5) with high AMPKαl levels. Consistently, attenuation of cancer migration and invasion could be observed in AMPKα1KO MDA-MB-231 and AMPKα1KO MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. These results suggest that AMPKα1 plays a pivotal role in cancer progression by regulating the TRAF6-BECN1 signaling axis for autophagy induction.
Constitutive Androstane Receptor: A Peripheral and a Neurovascular Stress or Environmental Sensor
Authors: Oliviero Fabiana , Lukowicz Céline , Boussadia Badreddine , Forner-Piquer Isabel , Pascussi Jean-Marc , Marchi Nicola , Mselli-Lakhal Laila
Published: November 2020

Xenobiotic nuclear receptors (NR) are intracellular players involved in an increasing number of physiological processes. Examined and characterized in peripheral organs where they govern metabolic, transport and detoxification mechanisms, accumulating data suggest a functional expression of specific NR at the neurovascular unit (NVU). Here, we focus on the Constitutive Androstane Receptor (CAR), expressed in detoxifying organs such as the liver, intestines and kidneys. By direct and indirect activation, CAR is implicated in hepatic detoxification of xenobiotics, environmental contaminants, and endogenous molecules (bilirubin, bile acids). Importantly, CAR participates in physiological stress adaptation responses, hormonal and energy homeostasis due to glucose and lipid sensing. We next analyze the emerging evidence supporting a role of CAR in NVU cells including the blood–brain barrier (BBB), a key vascular interface regulating communications between the brain and the periphery. We address the emerging concept of how CAR may regulate specific P450 cytochromes at the NVU and the associated relevance to brain diseases. A clear understanding of how CAR engages during pathological conditions could enable new mechanistic, and perhaps pharmacological, entry-points within a peripheral–brain axis.
Source of Early Regenerating Axons in Lamprey Spinal Cord Revealed by Wholemount Optical Clearing with BABB
Authors: Zhang Guixin , Rodemer William , Sinitsa Isabelle , Hu Jianli , Selzer Michael E.
Published: November 2020

Many studies of axon regeneration in the lamprey focus on 18 pairs of large identified reticulospinal (RS) neurons, whose regenerative abilities have been individually quantified. Their axons retract during the first 2 weeks after transection (TX), and many grow back to the site of injury by 4 weeks. However, locomotor movements begin before 4 weeks and the lesion is invaded by axons as early as 2 weeks post-TX. The origins of these early regenerating axons are unknown. Their identification could be facilitated by studies in central nervous system (CNS) wholemounts, particularly if spatial resolution and examination by confocal microscopy were not limited by light scattering. We have used benzyl alcohol/benzyl benzoate (BABB) clearing to enhance the resolution of neuronal perikarya and regenerated axons by confocal microscopy in lamprey CNS wholemounts, and to assess axon regeneration by retrograde and anterograde labeling with fluorescent dye applied to a second TX caudal or rostral to the original lesion, respectively. We found that over 50% of the early regenerating axons belonged to small neurons in the brainstem. Some propriospinal neurons located close to the TX also contributed to early regeneration. The number of early regenerating propriospinal neurons decreased with distance from the original lesion. Descending axons from the brainstem were labeled anterogradely by application of tracer to a second TX close to the spinal–medullary junction. This limited contamination of the data by regenerating spinal axons whose cell bodies are located rostral or caudal to the TX and confirmed the regeneration of many small RS axons as early as 2 weeks post-TX. Compared with the behavior of axotomized giant axons, the early regenerating axons were of small caliber and showed little retraction, probably because they resealed rapidly after injury.
Uremic Toxins Affecting Cardiovascular Calcification: A Systematic Review
Authors: Holmar Jana , de la Puente-Secades Sofia , Floege Jürgen , Noels Heidi , Jankowski Joachim , Orth-Alampour Setareh
Published: November 2020

Cardiovascular calcification is highly prevalent and associated with increased morbidity in chronic kidney disease (CKD). This review examines the impact of uremic toxins, which accumulate in CKD due to a failing kidney function, on cardiovascular calcification. A systematic literature search identified 41 uremic toxins that have been studied in relation to cardiovascular calcification. For 29 substances, a potentially causal role in cardiovascular calcification was addressed in in vitro or animal studies. A calcification-inducing effect was revealed for 16 substances, whereas for three uremic toxins, namely the guanidino compounds asymmetric and symmetric dimethylarginine, as well as guanidinosuccinic acid, a calcification inhibitory effect was identified in vitro. At a mechanistic level, effects of uremic toxins on calcification could be linked to the induction of inflammation or oxidative stress, smooth muscle cell osteogenic transdifferentiation and/or apoptosis, or alkaline phosphatase activity. For all middle molecular weight and protein-bound uremic toxins that were found to affect cardiovascular calcification, an increasing effect on calcification was revealed, supporting the need to focus on an increased removal efficiency of these uremic toxin classes in dialysis. In conclusion, of all uremic toxins studied with respect to calcification regulatory effects to date, more uremic toxins promote rather than reduce cardiovascular calcification processes. Additionally, it highlights that only a relatively small part of uremic toxins has been screened for effects on calcification, supporting further investigation of uremic toxins, as well as of associated post-translational modifications, on cardiovascular calcification processes.
Identification of New Genetic Clusters in Glioblastoma Multiforme: EGFR Status and ADD3 Losses Influence Prognosis
Authors: Navarro Lara , San-Miguel Teresa , Megías Javier , Santonja Nuria , Calabuig Silvia , Muñoz-Hidalgo Lisandra , Roldán Pedro , Cerdá-Nicolás Miguel , López-Ginés Concha
Published: November 2020

Glioblastoma multiforme (GB) is one of the most aggressive tumors. Despite continuous efforts to improve its clinical management, there is still no strategy to avoid a rapid and fatal outcome. EGFR amplification is the most characteristic alteration of these tumors. Although effective therapy against it has not yet been found in GB, it may be central to classifying patients. We investigated somatic-copy number alterations (SCNA) by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification in a series of 137 GB, together with the detection of EGFRvIII and FISH analysis for EGFR amplification. Publicly available data from 604 patients were used as a validation cohort. We found statistical associations between EGFR amplification and/or EGFRvIII, and SCNA in CDKN2A, MSH6, MTAP and ADD3. Interestingly, we found that both EGFRvIII and losses on ADD3 were independent markers of bad prognosis (p = 0.028 and 0.014, respectively). Finally, we got an unsupervised hierarchical classification that differentiated three clusters of patients based on their genetic alterations. It offered a landscape of EGFR co-alterations that may improve the comprehension of the mechanisms underlying GB aggressiveness. Our findings can help in defining different genetic profiles, which is necessary to develop new and different approaches in the management of our patients.
Influence of Heat Reflective Coating on the Cooling and Pavement Performance of Large Void Asphalt Pavement
Authors: Zheng Nanxiang , Lei Junan , Wang Shoubin , Li Zhifeng , Chen Xiaobao
Published: November 2020

To reduce the temperature of asphalt pavement in summer, and alleviate the urban heat island effect, a comprehensive method of combining a heat reflective coating and large void asphalt pavement was proposed. Using the developed coating cooling test equipment, the cooling effect of the coating on a large void asphalt mixture was studied in six different proportions, four different colors, and four different dosages, and the durability of the coating was verified by abrasion tests. Finally, the best dosage of the coating was recommended through an adhesion test of the coating, and a water permeability and anti-skid performance test of the pavement. The results show that the reflectivity of the coating can be improved by adding functional fillers, of titanium dioxide and floating beads, into the coating. The order by reflectivity and cooling effect of the four color coatings was green > red > gray > blue, and the maximum cooling value of the green coating reached 9.7 ℃. The cooling performance of the coating decreased with the increase of wear time, and the rate of decrease was fast, then slow, and finally tended to be stable after 20,000 times wear. The coating reduced the anti-skid performance and the water permeability coefficient of large void asphalt pavement, but still maintained a high level. The green coating with 15% titanium dioxide and 10% floating beads is recommended as the cooling coating for large void asphalt pavement, and its dosage should be controlled at about 0.4–0.8 kg/m2.
Thiocarbohydrazones Based on Adamantane and Ferrocene as Efficient Corrosion Inhibitors for Hydrochloric Acid Pickling of C-Steel
Authors: Sayed Abdelwahed R. , El-Lateef Hany M. Abd
Published: November 2020

N′-(adamantan-2-ylidene)hydrazinecarbothiohydrazide and 2-(ferrocenyl-1-ylidene) hydrazinecarbothiohydrazide are used in coordination and organometallic complexes. The important idea of the research in this paper is the principal to prepare thiocarbohydrazones from the reaction of 2-acetylferrocene (Fe-Th) or 2-adamantanone (Ad-Th) with carbonothioic dihydrazide. The materials were elucidated by elemental analysis and spectral data. The as-prepared compounds were applied as effective corrosion inhibitors for HCl pickling of C-steel. Detailed investigations on electrochemical (open circuit potential (OCP) vs. time, potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), and impedance spectroscopy (EIS)) techniques and surface morphology studies are introduced in this work. Results indicated that Fe-Th could deliver greater inhibition performance than Ad-Th, and the highest protection capacity values of 93.6% (Ad-Th) and 97.9% (Fe-Th) were accomplished at 200 ppm. The adsorption of Ad-Th or Fe-Th additives followed the Langmuir isotherm with both the chemical and the physical adsorption with chemisorption predominance. EIS measurements supported a betterment in the capacitive behavior with the corrosion inhibitors. The inhibitors exhibited a mixed-type behavior as observed from the PDP studies. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies emphasize the occurrence of a protective layer of the as-synthesized organic inhibitors on the C-steel interface. Theoretical studies (density functional theory (DFT) calculations and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations) provide appropriate support for the experimental findings. The existing report provides very significant consequences in formulating and designing novel thiocarbohydrazone inhibitors with high protection efficacy.
Improving the Low-Temperature Performance of RET Modified Asphalt Mixture with Different Modifiers
Authors: Xu Cheng , Zhang Zhengqi , Liu Feifei
Published: November 2020

To improve the low-temperature performance of RET (Reactive Elastomeric Terpolymer) modified asphalt mixture (RETM), polyurethane prepolymer (PUP) was used by wet process, ground waste rubber (GWR) and fibers were used by dry process. Tests of force ductility, bending beam rheometer (BBR), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), viscosity and multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) were conducted to study the effects of PUP on the performance of RET modified asphalt (RETA), and beam bending test was conducted to study the effects of GWR and fibers on the performance of RETM. Then, tests of beam bending, wheel tracking, Marshall immersion, freeze-thaw splitting, and economic analysis were further conducted to compare the performance and economy of RETM modified with optimum modifiers suggested. All modifiers improve the low-temperature performance of RETM. PUP content, the content and size of GWR and the content and type of fibers significantly affect the performance of RETA or RETM respectively. After analysis, 10% PUP, 2.1% 80 mesh GWR and 0.2% polyester (PE) fiber are considered as the optimum modifiers, respectively. Comparison results show that optimum modifiers variously improve the low-temperature performance, rutting resistance and moisture susceptibility of RETM, but they slightly reduced the economy of RETM. Comprehensive evaluation shows that 2.1% 80 mesh GWR and 10% PUP are better than 0.2% PE fiber.
Spatial and Temporal Validation of a CFD Model Using Residence Time Distribution Test in a Tubular Reactor
Authors: Rivas José , Sadino-Riquelme M. Constanza , Garcés Ignacio , Carvajal Andrea , Donoso-Bravo Andrés
Published: November 2020

Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) has been increasingly exploited for the design and optimization of (bio)chemical processes. Validation is a crucial part of any modeling application. In CFD, when validation is done, complex and expensive techniques are normally employed. The aim of this study was to test the capability of the CFD model to represent a residence time distribution (RTD) test in a temporal and spatial fashion inside a reactor. The RTD tests were carried out in a tubular reactor operated in continuous mode, with and without the presence of artificial biomass. Two hydraulic retention times of 7.2 and 13 h and superficial velocities 0.65, 0.6, 1.3, and 1.1 m h−1 were evaluated. As a tracer, an aqueous solution of methylene blue was used. The CFD model was implemented in ANSYS Fluent, and to solve the equations system, the SIMPLE scheme and second-order discretization methods were selected. The proposed CFD model that represents the reactor was able to predict the spatial and temporal distribution of the tracer injected in the reactor. The main disagreements between the simulations and the experimental results were observed, especially in the first 50 min of the RTD, caused by the different error sources, associated to the manual execution of the triplicates, as well as some channeling or tracer by-pass that cannot be predicted by the CFD model. The CFD model performed better as the time of the experiment elapsed for all the sampling ports. A validation methodology based on an RTD by sampling at different reactor positions can be employed as a simple way to validate CFD models.
Twinning in Czochralski-Grown 36°-RY LiTaO3 Single Crystals
Authors: Ohno Yutaka , Kubouchi Yuta , Yoshida Hideto , Kochiya Toshio , Kajigaya Tomio
Published: November 2020

The origin of twinning during the Czochralski (CZ) growth of 36°-RY lithium tantalate (LiTaO3) single crystals is examined, and it is shown that lineages composed of dislocation arrays act as an initiation site for twinning. Two types of lineages expand roughly along three different {12¯10} planes and two different {11¯00} planes. The former lineages and some latter lineages are composed of two types of mixed-dislocations with different Burgers vectors, while the other lineages are composed of only one type of edge-dislocation. All the dislocations have the Burgers vector of ⟨12¯10⟩ type with the compression side at the +Z side. Twin lamellae on {101¯2} are generated at a lineage during the CZ growth. We have hypothesized that dislocations in the lineage with b = 1/3⟨12¯10⟩ change their extension direction along a slip plane of {101¯2}, and they dissociate into pairs of partial dislocations with b = 1/6⟨22¯01⟩and 1/6⟨02¯21¯⟩ forming twin lamellae on {101¯2}.
Massive Relief: Papillary Adenoma of the Lung in Asymptomatic Former Smoker Patient
Authors: Stojšić Jelena , Popović Marko , Pezzuto Federica , Marković Jelena
Published: November 2020

Benign epithelial tumors of the lung are uncommon and can represent a diagnostic challenge. Herein, we describe one such emblematic case. A 59-year-old former smoker male was admitted to the hospital complaining of cough for a long time. A radiological examination showed a centrally excavated mass strictly connected to the visceral pleura. The patient underwent tumorectomy. At gross examination, the tumor was composed of solid and cystic areas containing clear liquid. Histological examination highlighted a sub-pleural encapsulated tumor, with foci of capsular invasion, characterized by a single layer of columnar and cuboidal epithelial cells lining moderately cellular fibro-vascular cores. A wide spectrum of immunohistochemical markers was performed. The final diagnosis was suggestive of a peripheral pulmonary papillary tumor of undetermined malignant potential. At the last follow-up, six years after surgery, no recurrence or metastases were described. Reporting this case, we would like to point out the existence of these rare entities that should be taken into account in the diagnostic process, thus avoiding potential misdiagnosis. Moreover, the presence of capsular invasion should be better investigated in order to reconsider the exact terminology of the tumor and the classification of its malignant potential.
18F-FDG PET/CT for Response Assessment in Pediatric Sebaceous Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland
Authors: Holzgreve Adrien , Pfluger Thomas , Schmid Irene , Guntinas-Lichius Orlando , Kunz Wolfgang G. , Ricke Jens , Bartenstein Peter , Albert Nathalie L. , Unterrainer Marcus
Published: November 2020

A 16-year-old male patient underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT staging after multiple surgical resections and radiotherapy of an uncommon metastatic pediatric sebaceous carcinoma of the parotid gland. Initial PET/CT imaging exhibited a recurrent paravertebral metastasis (C4) as well as a metabolically active tumor tissue at the primary site. Follow-up PET/CT after radiotherapy of the cervical spine (C4) and four cycles of chemotherapy with cisplatin and palbociclib revealed complete functional remission in the cervical spine and partial remission at the primary site. This case illustrates the 18F-FDG-uptake behavior and the disease course of a very rare malignant epithelial tumor of the salivary glands.
Dynamics of Coordinate Ascent Variational Inference: A Case Study in 2D Ising Models
Authors: Plummer Sean , Pati Debdeep , Bhattacharya Anirban
Published: November 2020

Variational algorithms have gained prominence over the past two decades as a scalable computational environment for Bayesian inference. In this article, we explore tools from the dynamical systems literature to study the convergence of coordinate ascent algorithms for mean field variational inference. Focusing on the Ising model defined on two nodes, we fully characterize the dynamics of the sequential coordinate ascent algorithm and its parallel version. We observe that in the regime where the objective function is convex, both the algorithms are stable and exhibit convergence to the unique fixed point. Our analyses reveal interesting discordances between these two versions of the algorithm in the region when the objective function is non-convex. In fact, the parallel version exhibits a periodic oscillatory behavior which is absent in the sequential version. Drawing intuition from the Markov chain Monte Carlo literature, we empirically show that a parameter expansion of the Ising model, popularly called the Edward–Sokal coupling, leads to an enlargement of the regime of convergence to the global optima.
Improving the Characteristics of Multi-Level LUT-Based Mealy FSMs
Authors: Barkalov Alexander , Titarenko Larysa , Krzywicki Kazimierz , Saburova Svetlana
Published: November 2020

Contemporary digital systems include many varying sequential blocks. In the article, we discuss a case when Mealy finite state machines (FSMs) describe the behavior of sequential blocks. In many cases, the performance is the most important characteristic of an FSM circuit. In the article, we propose a method which allows increasing the operating frequency of multi-level look-up table (LUT)-based Mealy FSMs. The main idea of the proposed approach is to use together two methods of structural decomposition. They are: (1) the known method of transformation of codes of collections of outputs into FSM state codes and (2) a new method of extension of state codes. The proposed approach allows producing FPGA-based FSMs having three levels of logic combined through the system of regular interconnections. Each function for every level of logic was implemented using a single LUT. An example of the synthesis of Mealy FSM with the proposed architecture is shown. The effectiveness of the proposed method was confirmed by the results of experimental studies based on standard benchmark FSMs. The research results show that FSM circuits based on the proposed approach have a higher operating frequency than can be obtained using other investigated methods. The maximum operating frequency is improved by an average of 3.18 to 12.57 percent. These improvements are accompanied by a small growth of LUT count.
Transceiver Design for GFDM with Hexagonal Time–Frequency Allocation Using the Polyphase Decomposition
Authors: Catak Evren , Moldsvor Arild , Derawi Mohammad
Published: November 2020

Generalized frequency division multiplexing (GFDM) is a waveform for the next-generation communication systems to succeed in the drawbacks of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). The symbols of users are transmitted with the time- and frequency-shifted versions of a prototype filter. According to filtering operation, the computational complexity and processing load are high for the devices that suffer from energy consumption. The communication systems are required to support the new generation devices that need low energy consumption and low latency issues. Motivated by such demands of the next-generation communication system, we propose a novel GFDM waveform that we call hexagonal GFDM. The contributions of the hexagonal GFDM are that it: (i) supports short transmission time based on its hexagonal time–frequency allocations; and (ii) provides low latency communication with low computational complexity manner. Furthermore, we design a transmitter and receiver structure in a less complicated way with mathematical derivation by using polyphase decomposition and Fourier transform (FT) transformation. The proposed systems are realized analytically and investigated over Rayleigh fading channel model through computer simulations.
DeepHandsVR: Hand Interface Using Deep Learning in Immersive Virtual Reality
Authors: Kang Taeseok , Chae Minsu , Seo Eunbin , Kim Mingyu , Kim Jinmo
Published: November 2020

This paper proposes a hand interface through a novel deep learning that provides easy and realistic interactions with hands in immersive virtual reality. The proposed interface is designed to provide a real-to-virtual direct hand interface using a controller to map a real hand gesture to a virtual hand in an easy and simple structure. In addition, a gesture-to-action interface that expresses the process of gesture to action in real-time without the necessity of a graphical user interface (GUI) used in existing interactive applications is proposed. This interface uses the method of applying image classification training process of capturing a 3D virtual hand gesture model as a 2D image using a deep learning model, convolutional neural network (CNN). The key objective of this process is to provide users with intuitive and realistic interactions that feature convenient operation in immersive virtual reality. To achieve this, an application that can compare and analyze the proposed interface and the existing GUI was developed. Next, a survey experiment was conducted to statistically analyze and evaluate the positive effects on the sense of presence through user satisfaction with the interface experience.
Supply Chain 4.0: A Survey of Cyber Security Challenges, Solutions and Future Directions
Authors: Sobb Theresa , Turnbull Benjamin , Moustafa Nour
Published: November 2020

Supply chain 4.0 denotes the fourth revolution of supply chain management systems, integrating manufacturing operations with telecommunication and Information Technology processes. Although the overarching aim of supply chain 4.0 is the enhancement of production systems within supply chains, making use of global reach, increasing agility and emerging technology, with the ultimate goal of increasing efficiency, timeliness and profitability, Supply chain 4.0 suffers from unique and emerging operational and cyber risks. Supply chain 4.0 has a lack of semantic standards, poor interoperability, and a dearth of security in the operation of its manufacturing and Information Technology processes. The technologies that underpin supply chain 4.0 include blockchain, smart contracts, applications of Artificial Intelligence, cyber-physical systems, Internet of Things and Industrial Internet of Things. Each of these technologies, individually and combined, create cyber security issues that should be addressed. This paper explains the nature of the military supply chains 4.0 and how it uniquely differs from the commercial supply chain, revealing their strengths, weaknesses, dependencies and the fundamental technologies upon which they are built. This encompasses an assessment of the cyber risks and opportunities for research in the field, including consideration of connectivity, sensing and convergence of systems. Current and emerging semantic models related to the standardization, development and safety assurance considerations for implementing new technologies into military supply chains 4.0 are also discussed. This is examined from a holistic standpoint and through technology-specific lenses to determine current states and implications for future research directions.
Security Information Sharing in Smart Grids: Persisting Security Audits to the Blockchain
Authors: Marín-López Andrés , Chica-Manjarrez Sergio , Arroyo David , Almenares-Mendoza Florina , Díaz-Sánchez Daniel
Published: November 2020

With the transformation in smart grids, power grid companies are becoming increasingly dependent on data networks. Data networks are used to transport information and commands for optimizing power grid operations: Planning, generation, transportation, and distribution. Performing periodic security audits is one of the required tasks for securing networks, and we proposed in a previous work autoauditor, a system to achieve automatic auditing. It was designed according to the specific requirements of power grid companies, such as scaling with the huge number of heterogeneous equipment in power grid companies. Though pentesting and security audits are required for continuous monitoring, collaboration is of utmost importance to fight cyber threats. In this paper we work on the accountability of audit results and explore how the list of audit result records can be included in a blockchain, since blockchains are by design resistant to data modification. Moreover, blockchains endowed with smart contracts functionality boost the automation of both digital evidence gathering, audit, and controlled information exchange. To our knowledge, no such system exists. We perform throughput evaluation to assess the feasibility of the system and show that the system is viable for adaptation to the inventory systems of electrical companies.