bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
School Performance among Children and Adolescents during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review
Authors: Panagouli Eleni , Stavridou Androniki , Savvidi Christina , Kourti Anastasia , Psaltopoulou Theodora , Sergentanis Theodoros N. , Tsitsika Artemis
Published: December 2021

As a result of COVID-19 restrictions, conventional ways of schooling were not possible, and in order to continue the educational process new digital resources, such as online learning platforms, were imposed. Although virtual courses provided high-quality educational material, the efficiency in children’s and adolescents’ academic performance in general is yet to be known. The purpose of this systematic review is to examine whether the academic performance of school-aged students was impacted or not through online learning and modified educational methods during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. According to the studies, either students suffered from learning losses comparing to pre-pandemic years or, in some cases, they benefited from online learning, especially in mathematics. Younger students and students with neurodevelopmental disorders or special education needs seemed to suffer more. Parents/caregivers reported that their children’s performance deteriorated, while others thought that online learning was beneficial. Teachers also reported that students presented academic gaps and difficulties in mathematics and reading compared to typical years. Consequently, the new ways of schooling imposed by the restrictions have not been fully tested and the impact cannot be described thoroughly. The investment in technological equipment in schools for the majority of students, along with the training of teachers in digital competence, should be a priority.
Novel Compound Heterozygous Variants in TBCD Gene Associated with Infantile Neurodegenerative Encephalopathy
Authors: Chen Chih-Ling , Lee Chien-Nan , Chien Yin-Hsiu , Hwu Wuh-Liang , Chang Tung-Ming , Lee Ni-Chung
Published: December 2021

Mutations in tubulin-specific chaperon D (TBCD), the gene encoding one of the co-chaperons required for the assembly and disassembly of the α/β-tubulin heterodimers, have been reported to cause perturbed microtubule dynamics, resulting in debilitating early-onset progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Here, we identified two novel TBCD variants, c.1340C>T (p.Ala447Val), and c.817+2T>C, presented as compound heterozygotes in two affected siblings born to unaffected carrier parents. Clinical features included early-onset neurodegeneration, failure to thrive, respiratory failure, hypotonia, muscle weakness and atrophy and seizures. We established the genotype–phenotype relationship of these TBCD pathogenic variants and provided insight into the protein structural alteration that may contribute to this chaperone-associated tubulinopathy.
Laboratory Experimental Study on Influencing Factors of Drainage Pipe Crystallization in Highway Tunnel in Karst Area
Authors: Li Huaming , Liu Shiyang , Xiong Shuai , Leng Hao , Chen Huiqiang , Zhang Bin , Liu Zhen
Published: December 2021

The crystalline blockage of tunnel drainage pipes in a karst area seriously affects the normal operation of drainage system and buries hidden dangers for the normal operation of the tunnel. In order to obtain the influencing factors and laws of tunnel drainage pipe crystallization in a karst area, based on the field investigation of crystallization pipe plugging, the effects of groundwater velocity, drainage pipe diameter, drainage pipe material, and structure on the crystallization law of tunnel drainage pipe in karst area are studied by indoor model test. The results show that: (1) With the increase of drainage pipe diameter (20–32 mm), the crystallinity of drainage pipes first increases and then decreases. (2) With the increase of water velocity in the drainage pipe (22.0–63.5 cm·s−1), the crystallinity of the drainage pipes gradually decreases from 1.20 g to 0.70 g. (3) The crystallinity of existing material drainage pipe is: M3 (poly tetra fluoroethylene) > M2 (pentatricopeptide repeats) > M4 (high density polyethylene) > M1 (polyvinyl chloride); M8 (polyvinyl chloride + coil magnetic field) is used to change the crystallinity of drain pipe wall material. (4) When the groundwater flow rate is 34.5 cm·s−1, M1 (polyvinyl chloride) and M8 (polyvinyl chloride + coil magnetic field) can be selected for the tunnel drainage pipe. The research on the influencing factors of tunnel drainage pipe crystallization plugging fills a gap in the research of tunnel drainage pipe crystallization plugging. The research results can provide a basis for the prevention and treatment technology of tunnel drainage pipe crystallization plugging.
Investigation of Multi-Mesa-Channel-Structured AlGaN/GaN MOSHEMTs with SiO2 Gate Oxide Layer
Authors: Jian Jhang-Jie , Lee Hsin-Ying , Chang Edward-Yi , Lee Ching-Ting
Published: December 2021

In this study, an electron-beam lithography system was employed to pattern 80-nm-wide and 980-nm-spaced multi-mesa-channel for fabricating AlGaN/GaN metal-oxide-semiconductor high electron mobility transistors (MOSHEMTs). Since the structure of multi-mesa-channel could enhance gate control capabilities and reduce the self-heating effect in the channel, the performance of the MOSHEMTs could be obviously improved. The direct current performance metrics of the multi-mesa-channel-structured MOSHEMTs, such as a saturation drain-source current of 929 mA/mm, maximum extrinsic transconductance of 223 mS/mm, and on-resistance of 2.1 Ω-mm, were much better than those of the planar-structured MOSHEMTs. Moreover, the threshold voltage of the multi-mesa-channel-structured MOSHEMTs shifted toward positive voltage from −2.6 to −0.6 V, which was attributed to the better gate control capability. Moreover, the multi-mesa-channel-structured MOSHEMTs also had superior high-frequency and low-frequency noise performance. A low Hooge’s coefficient of 1.17 × 10−6 was obtained.
Enhancement Research on Piezoelectric Performance of Electrospun PVDF Fiber Membranes with Inorganic Reinforced Materials
Authors: Li Chong , Wang Haoyu , Yan Xiao , Chen Hanxige , Fu Yudong , Meng Qinhua
Published: December 2021

The electrospun PVDF fiber membranes with the characteristics of light weight, strong signal and measurability, have been widely applied in the fields of environment, energy sensors and biomedical treatment. Due to the weakness of the piezoelectric and service properties, the conventional PVDF fiber membranes cannot meet the operating requirements. Based on the obtained optimal technological parameter of electrospun pure PVDF fiber membranes (P-PVDF) in the previous experiment (unpublished), three inorganic reinforced substances (AgNO3, FeCl3·6H2O, nanographene) were respectively used to dope and modify PVDF to prepare composite fiber membranes with the better piezoelectric performance. The morphology and crystal structure of the hybrid fiber membranes were observed and detected by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively. The results showed that the dopant could effectively promote the formation of β-phase, which can enhance the piezoelectric performance. The mechanical properties test and piezoelectric performance test exhibited that the static flexural strength, the elastic modulus, and the piezoelectric performance were improved with the addition of dopant. In addition, the influence on the addition of dopant and the doping modification mechanism were discussed. Finally, the conclusions showed that the minimum average diameter was obtained with the 0.3 wt% addition of AgNO3; the piezoelectric performance reached the strongest with the 0.8 wt% addition of FeCl3·6H2O; the mechanical properties were best with the 1.0 wt% addition of nanographene.
Nano-Surface Composite Coating Reinforced by Ta2C, Al2O3 and MWCNTs Nanoparticles for Aluminum Base via FSP
Authors: Moustafa Essam B. , Abushanab Waheed Sami , Melaibari Ammar , Mikhaylovskaya Anastasia V. , Abdel-Wahab Mohamed Shaaban , Mosleh Ahmed O.
Published: December 2021

In the present work, an advanced technique was applied to coat an Al 2024 alloy with a surface composite layer reinforced with various nanoparticles. The surface of Al 2024 aluminum alloy was modified with Ta2C, Al2O3 and multi wall carbon nanotubes MWCNTs nanoparticles by friction stir process (FSP). An improvement in the surface of the fabricated nanocomposite due to the refinement of the microstructure grains was achieved. In addition, a significant improvement in the hardness and wear behavior was observed. The reinforcement particles were incorporated into double and triple hybrid composite particles to determine the most effective combination for the controlled properties. The results showed that for the composite reinforced with a double hybrid of Al2O3 and MWCNTs, the microstructure grains of the fabricated nanocomposite surface were refined by 40 times. The hardness was significantly improved, i.e., it was increased by 48% by incorporating the triple reinforcement (Ta2C, Al2O3, and MWCNTs) into the surface of Al 2024 aluminum alloy. The results of wear properties were in agreement with the results of hardness; the maximum wear resistance was obtained for Al 2024-Ta2C + Al2O3 + MWCNTs, and the wear rate was reduced by 11 times.
Effect of Solidifying Structure on Centerline Segregation of S50C Steel Produced by Compact Strip Production
Authors: Liu Kai , Cheng Shusen , Li Jipeng , Feng Yongping
Published: December 2021

Medium-high carbon steels having a high quality are widely used in China. It is advantageous to produce high value-added hot-rolled plates with the crystal refined and chemical composition homogenized in the casting slabs. However, element segregation occurs easily during high-medium carbon steels’ production. Generally, the centerline segregation is improved by enlarging the equiaxed zone with low-superheat casting and electromagnetic stirring (EMS). Studies were conducted on centerline segregation of S50C steel slabs with a thickness of 52 mm produced by the compact strip production (CSP) process in China without EMS equipped. By sampling along the width at different position, the secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS) was measured after etching and picture processing, based on which the cooling rate was calculated. It was found that the cooling rate increased from the center to the surfaces of the slabs ranging in 1~20 K/s, 10 times faster than that of a conventional process. The faster cooling rate led to a refined solidifying structure and columnar dendrite through the center of the slabs. The SDAS tended to increase from surfaces to the center, ranging only 32~120 μm smaller than that of a conventional process in 100~300 μm, indicating a finer solidifying structure by the CSP process. Results by EPMA indicated that elements C, Si, and Mn distribute in dispersed spots, increasing towards the center, and the centerline segregation changed in a narrow range: for C mainly in 1.0~1.1, Si in 0.98~1.08, Mn in 0.96~1.02, respectively, meaning a more chemical homogenization than that of thick slabs. Elements’ segregation originated from solute redistribution between solid and liquid. According to thermodynamic calculation, δ region of S50C is so narrow that the solute redistribution mainly occurred between γ-Fe and liquid during solidification. As the equilibrium partition coefficient of element C was the smallest, it was easy for C to be rejected to the residual liquid in the inter-dendritic space, leading to obvious segregation, relatively. Besides, as a result of high-cooling intensity, the solidifying structure became so fine that the Fourier number increased and the volume of the residual liquid decreased, making centerline segregation alleviated effectively both in volume and degree. Although bulging was observed during the industrial experiment, the centerline segregation was still inhibited obviously as the refining solidifying structure with permeability ranged only in 0.1~2.3 μm2 from the surfaces to centerline, which showed a good resistance on the residual flow towards the centerline.
Phase-Change Metasurface by U-Shaped Atoms for Photonic Switch with High Contrast Ratio
Authors: Ma Xiaoyu , Song Ruirui , Fan Zhihua , Zhou Shaolin
Published: December 2021

Currently, diverse metasurfaces act as exotic platforms enabling versatile wave regulations in deep-subwavelength level for ultracompact integration. To address the existing issues of passive nature and low-efficiency in wave controls, one type of metasurface for active phase tuning is proposed in this paper by integrating the phase-change dielectric of Ge2Sb2Te5 into the of U-shaped meta-atoms. Specifically, the phase-change-based hybrid design of Ge2Sb2Te5-integrated metalens switch is demonstrated and numerically confirmed with switchable focusing. The well-defined metal-insulator-metal (MIM) setup is used to enable high-efficiency reflective wavefront tunig and practical Ge2Sb2Te5 phase transition. Upon the phase transition between the amorphous and crystalline states of Ge2Sb2Te5, the cross-polarized component of reflected waves in the given wavelength range is switched “on” (maximized) for as-designed geometric phase plus meta-lensing or “off” (minimized) for no lensing with ultra-high contrast ratio of ~36:1. As a result, such hybrid design of phase-change metasurface may provide a promising route for active photonic device with compact integration.
Green Synthesis and Characterization of a ZnO-ZrO2 Heterojunction for Environmental and Biological Applications
Authors: Haq Sirajul , Afsar Humma , Ali Manel Ben , Almalki Mohammed , Albogami Bander , Hedfi Amor
Published: December 2021

The zinc oxide–zirconium dioxide (ZnO-ZrO2) heterojunction was prepared by a green method using rubber leaves as reducing and capping agents. Various physicochemical techniques were used to study the chemical composition and the structural and optical properties of the synthesized nanocomposite. The nature of the heterojunction was confirmed through X-ray diffraction and the average sizes of ZnO and ZrO2 crystallites were found to be 70 and 24 nm, respectively. The photocatalytic potential of the ZnO-ZrO2 heterojunction was examined against rhodamine 6G (Rh-6G), and 97.30 percent of the dye was degraded due to the synergistic effect of the light and the catalyst. The commercial ZnO nanopowder was used as a reference catalyst and 86.32 percent degradation was noted under the same reaction conditions. The in vitro antioxidant activity was also performed to scavenge the 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) free radicals, where the activity of the ZnO-ZrO2 heterojunction was found to be higher than the ascorbic acid.
Correlation between Ion Composition of Oligomineral Water and Calcium Oxalate Crystal Formation
Authors: Rossi Manuela , Barone Biagio , Di Domenico Dante , Esposito Rodolfo , Fabozzi Antonio , D’Errico Gerardino , Prezioso Domenico
Published: December 2021

The ion content of drinking water might be associated with urinary stone formation, representing a keystone of conservative nephrolithiasis management. However, the effects of specific ions on calcium oxalate crystal formation and their mechanism of action are still highly controversial. We report an investigation of the effects of oligomineral waters with similar total salt amount but different ion composition on calcium oxalate (CaOx) precipitation in vitro, combining gravimetric and microscopic assays. The results suggest that the “collective” physicochemical properties of the aqueous medium, deriving from the ion combination rather than from a single ionic species, are of importance. Particularly, the ability of ions to strengthen/weaken the aqueous medium structure determines an increase/decrease in the interfacial energy, modulating the formation and growth of CaOx crystals.
TiO2 Modified Geopolymers for the Photocatalytic Dye Decomposition
Authors: Novotná Martina , Knotek Petr , Hanzlíček Tomáš , Kutálek Petr , Perná Ivana , Melánová Klára , Černošková Eva , Kopecká Kateřina
Published: December 2021

This article studies the photocatalytic activity of three types of industrially produced TiO2 powder (P25, CG100 and CG300) incorporated into a parent geopolymer matrix, and their pure counterparts, based on the decomposition of Rhodamine B dye. Rhodamine B dye is applied as a model substance because it is frequently used in the textile industry and thus may be present in the wastewater. The average particle size, specific surface area and mineralogical composition of TiO2 powders have been determined. The geopolymer matrix works well as a supporting material for the CG100 and P25 pure types of TiO2 powder as these input materials have better properties such as a higher average particle size, lower specific surface area, mineralogicalcomposition, etc., than the CG300 TiO2 powder. These properties (or their combination) affect the photocatalytic activity of the resulting materials, which may thus become advanced composites with an additional purifying ability, e.g., materials that can be used for wastewater treatment or air purification.
Simulation Study of In-Phase and Out-Phase Enhanced Absorption of Graphene Based on Parity–Time Symmetry One-Dimensional Photonic Crystal Structure
Authors: Yi Lingjun , Li Changhong
Published: December 2021

In the field of modern optical communication systems and photoelectric detection, new components with complex functions and excellent performance are urgently needed. In this paper, a graphene-based parity–time (PT) symmetry structure is proposed, which is achieved by preparing the graphene layer on the top of a PT-symmetry photonic crystal. The transfer matrix method was used to calculate the absorptance of graphene, and a unique amplified absorption effect was found. Meanwhile, the peak value and wavelength position of the absorption can be modulated via the applied electric field. The results show that by adjusting the negative square-wave electric field from −3.5 × 10−5 to −13.5 × 10−5 V/nm (or the positive square-wave electric field from 2 × 10−5 to 11 × 10−5 V/nm), the proposed structure can achieve in-phase (or out-phase) enhanced absorption for the communication wavelength 1550 nm, with the absorption of graphene from 17 to 28 dB (or 30 to 15 dB) corresponding to the square-wave modulation electric field change. The modulable absorption properties of graphene in the structure have potential in optoelectronic devices and optical communication systems.
On the Arrangement of Pentagonal Columns in Tetragonal Tungsten Bronze-Type Nb18W16O93
Authors: Krumeich Frank
Published: December 2021

The evaluation of HAADF-STEM images of a sample with the composition Nb18W16O93 provided new insights into its real structure. The basic structure comprises an intact octahedral framework of the tetragonal tungsten bronze (TTB) type. The partial occupation of the pentagonal tunnels (PT) by metal–oxygen strings determines the oxygen-to-metal ratio (O/ΣM with M = Nb,W). For a large area, the O/ΣM was determined to be 2.755, which is bigger than the value of Nb18W16O93, which is O/ΣM = 2.735. To a large extent, the three-fold TTB superstructure of Nb8W9O47 with a high oxygen content is present (O/ΣM = 2.765). In addition, a new four-fold TTB superstructure was found in small domains. Nb12W11O63 with an O/ΣM = 2.739 obviously accommodates part of the sample’s metal excess compared to the stable phase Nb8W9O47.
Seasonal Changes in the Photosynthetic Activity of Terrestrial Lichens and Mosses in the Lichen Scots Pine Forest Habitat
Authors: Węgrzyn Michał H. , Fałowska Patrycja , Alzayany Karima , Waszkiewicz Karolina , Dziurowicz Patrycja , Wietrzyk-Pełka Paulina
Published: December 2021

Photosynthetic activity is one of the most important metabolic processes that can be quickly and easily studied in the field. It can be used for identifying the environmental factors affecting ecosystem balance, as any stressor influencing metabolic and physiological processes will have a measurable effect on photosynthesis. The aim of this study was to measure the photosynthetic activity of selected lichens and mosses and investigate its changes resulted from diurnal and seasonal variability. We studied two lichens (Cladonia mitis Sandst and Cladonia uncialis (L.) Weber ex F.H. Wigg.) and two mosses (Pleurozium schreberi (Willd. ex Brid.) Mitt. and Dicranum scoparium (L.) Hedw.). Samples were collected in the area of lichen Scots pine forest of the “Bory Tucholskie” National Park. Our study revealed that the photosynthetic activity of cryptogams depended on species, season, time of the day, and water availability. Cladonia species, which are the main component of lichen Scots pine forests, have higher photosynthetic activity than Pleurozium schreberi, which represents species of fresh coniferous forests. Photosynthetic activity increased from spring through summer and reached the highest values in autumn. It was also higher in soaked samples collected in the morning and afternoon compared to noon. Despite the water access, noon samples still showed the lowest activity. This can result from natural changes in humidity during the day to which cryptogams are well-adapted.
Mitogenomics and the Phylogeny of Mantis Shrimps (Crustacea: Stomatopoda)
Authors: Koga Cassandra , Rouse Greg W.
Published: December 2021

Stomatopoda, commonly known as mantis shrimps, are notable for their enlarged second maxillipeds encompassing the raptorial claw. The form of the claw can be used to divide them into two basic groups: smashers and spearers. Previous phylogenetic studies of Stomatopoda have focused on morphology or a few genes, though there have been whole mitochondrial genomes published for 15 members of Stomatopoda. However, the sampling has been somewhat limited with key taxa not included. Here, nine additional stomatopod mitochondrial genomes were generated and combined with the other available mitogenomes for a phylogenetic analysis. We used the 13 protein coding genes, as well as 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA genes, and included nuclear 18S rRNA gene sequences. Different rooting options were used for the analyses: (1) single and multiple outgroups from various eumalocostracan relatives and (2) a stomatopod-only dataset, with Hemisquilla californiensis used to root the topologies, based on the current hypothesis that Hemisquilla is the sister group to the rest of Stomatopoda. The eumalocostracan-rooted analyses all showed H. californiensis nested within Stomatopoda, raising doubts as to previous hypotheses as to its placement. Allowing for the rooting difference, the H. californiensis outgroup datasets had the same tree topology as the eumalocostracan outgroup datasets with slight variation at poorly supported nodes. Of the major taxonomic groupings sampled to date, Squilloidea was generally found to be monophyletic while Gonodactyloidea was not. The position of H. californiensis was found inside its superfamily, Gonodactyloidea, and grouped in a weakly supported clade containing Odontodactylus havanensis and Lysiosquillina maculata for the eumalocostracan-rooted datasets. An ancestral state reconstruction was performed on the raptorial claw form and provides support that spearing is the ancestral state for extant Stomatopoda, with smashing evolving subsequently one or more times.
Ephrin Receptors (Ephs) Expression in Thymic Epithelial Tumors: Prognostic Implications and Future Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Masaoutis Christos , Georgantzoglou Natalia , Sarantis Panagiotis , Theochari Irene , Tsoukalas Nikolaos , Bobos Mattheos , Alexandrou Paraskevi , Pergaris Alexandros , Rontogianni Dimitra , Theocharis Stamatios
Published: December 2021

Ephrin receptors (Ephs) are receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) implicated in tissue development and homeostasis, and they are aberrantly expressed in tumors. Here, immunohistochemical Eph type-A and -B expression in thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) was assessed and correlated with clinicopathological parameters. Tissue microarrays from 98 TETs were stained for EphA1, -A2, -A4 -A6, -B1, -B2, -B4 and -B6. The relationship between neoplastic and lymphoid cell immunoreactivity score (H-score), histopathological parameters (Pearson’s test) and survival of 35 patients (Mantel-Cox model) was explored. Epithelial-rich subtypes showed higher EphA6 cytoplasmic H-score (B2/B3, carcinoma) (p < 0.001) and stronger EphA4 H-score (B3, carcinoma) (p = 0.011). The immature T-cells, especially in subtypes AB/B1, had higher EphB6 H-score than carcinoma-associated mature lymphocytes (p < 0.001); carcinomas had higher lymphocytic EphB1 H-score (p = 0.026). Higher lymphocytic and lower epithelial EphB6 H-score correlated with Masaoka stage ≤II (p = 0.043, p = 0.010, respectively). All cases showed variable epithelial and lymphocytic EphA2 expression, but clinicopathological associations were not reached. Our study confirmed that Eph type-A and -B expression in TETs is associated with established prognostic parameters, i.e., tumor subtype and Masaoka stage, although correlation with patient survival was not reached. Such findings suggest involvement of these RTKs in thymic neoplasia, as well as their potential utility as treatment targets.
Dynamic Echocardiographic Assessments Reveal Septal E/e’ Ratio as Independent Predictor of Intradialytic Hypotension in Maintenance for Hemodialysis Patients with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Chen Chun-Yu , Yang Ning-I , Lee Chin-Chan , Hung Ming-Jui , Cherng Wen-Jin , Hsu Heng-Jung , Sun Chiao-Yin , Wu I-Wen
Published: December 2021

Background: Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is a frequent and grave complication of hemodialysis (HD). However, the dynamic hemodynamic changes and cardiac performances during each dialytic session have been rarely explored in patients having IDH. Methods: Seventy-six HD patients (IDH = 40, controls = 36) were enrolled. Echocardiography examinations were performed in all patients at the pre-HD, during-HD and post-HD phases of a single HD session. A two-way analysis of variance was applied to compare differences of echocardiographic parameters between IDH and controls over time. The risk association was estimated by using a logistic regression analysis. Results: The IDH patients had a higher ejection fraction during HD followed by a greater reduction at the post-HD phase than the controls. Significant decreases in septal ratios of transmitral flow velocity to annular velocity (E/e’) over times were detected between IDH patients and controls after adjusting for gender, age and ultrafiltration (p = 0.016). A lower septal E/e’ ratio was independently associated with IDH (OR = 0.040; 95% CI = 0.003–0.606; p = 0.02). In contrast, significant systolic and diastolic dysfunctions over time were found in diabetic IDH compared to non-diabetic counterparts. Conclusion: The septal E/e’ ratio was a significant predictor for IDH.
An Algorithm for Individual Dosage in Cadmium–Zinc–Telluride SPECT-Gated Radionuclide Angiography
Authors: Hansen Maria Normand , Haarmark Christian , Kristensen Bent , Zerahn Bo
Published: December 2021

The aim of the present study was to test an individualised dose without compromising the ease of analysing data when performing equilibrium radionuclide angiography (ERNA) using cadmium–zinc–telluride (CZT) SPECT. From March 2018 to January 2019, 1650 patients referred for ERNA received either an individualised dose of 99mTc-labeled human serum albumin (HSA) according to their age, sex, height, and weight (n = 1567), or a standard dose of 550 MBq (n = 83). The target count rate (CRT) was reduced every two months from 2.7 to 1.0 kcps. A final test with a CRT of 1.7 kcps was run for three months to test whether an agreement within 2% points for the determination of LVEF, on the basis of only two analyses, was obtainable in at least 95% of acquisitions. All the included ERNAs were performed on a dedicated cardiac CZT SPECT camera. When using the algorithm for an individualised dose, we found that agreement between the measured and predicted count rate was 80%. With a CRT of 1.7 kcps, the need for more than two analyses to obtain sufficient agreement for LVEF was 4.9%. Furthermore, this resulted in a mean dose reduction from 550 to 258 MBq. Patients’ weight, height, sex, and age can, therefore, be used for individualising a tracer dose while reducing the mean dose.
Supplementation of Probiotic Butyricicoccus pullicaecorum Mediates Anticancer Effect on Bladder Urothelial Cells by Regulating Butyrate-Responsive Molecular Signatures
Authors: Wang Yen-Chieh , Ku Wei-Chi , Liu Chih-Yi , Cheng Yu-Che , Chien Chih-Cheng , Chang Kang-Wei , Huang Chi-Jung
Published: December 2021

In bladder cancer, urothelial carcinoma is the most common histologic subtype, accounting for more than 90% of cases. Pathogenic effects due to the dysbiosis of gut microbiota are localized not only in the colon, but also in regulating bladder cancer distally. Butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid produced by gut microbial metabolism, is mainly studied in colon diseases. Therefore, the resolution of the anti-cancer effects of butyrate-producing microbes on bladder urothelial cells and knowledge of the butyrate-responsive molecules must have clinical significance. Here, we demonstrate a correlation between urothelial cancer of the bladder and Butyricicoccus pullicaecorum. This butyrate-producing microbe or their metabolite, butyrate, mediated anti-cancer effects on bladder urothelial cells by regulating cell cycle, cell growth, apoptosis, and gene expression. For example, a tumor suppressor against urothelial cancer of the bladder, bladder cancer-associated protein, was induced in butyrate-treated HT1376 cells, a human urinary bladder cancer cell line. In conclusion, urothelial cancer of the bladder is a significant health problem. To improve the health of bladder urothelial cells, supplementation of B. pullicaecorum may be necessary and can further regulate butyrate-responsive molecular signatures.
Prognostic Value of Quantitative [18F]FDG-PET Features in Patients with Metastases from Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Authors: Kalisvaart Gijsbert M. , Grootjans Willem , Bovée Judith V. M. G. , Gelderblom Hans , van der Hage Jos A. , van de Sande Michiel A. J. , van Velden Floris H. P. , Bloem Johan L. , de Geus-Oei Lioe-Fee
Published: December 2021

Background: Prognostic biomarkers are pivotal for adequate treatment decision making. The objective of this study was to determine the added prognostic value of quantitative [18F]FDG-PET features in patients with metastases from soft tissue sarcoma (STS). Methods: Patients with metastases from STS, detected by (re)staging [18F]FDG-PET/CT at Leiden University Medical Centre, were retrospectively included. Clinical and histopathological patient characteristics and [18F]FDG-PET features (SUVmax, SUVpeak, SUVmean, total lesion glycolysis, and metabolic tumor volume) were analyzed as prognostic factors for overall survival using a Cox proportional hazards model and Kaplan–Meier methods. Results: A total of 31 patients were included. SUVmax and SUVpeak were significantly predictive for overall survival (OS) in a univariate analysis (p = 0.004 and p = 0.006, respectively). Hazard ratios (HRs) were 1.16 per unit increase for SUVmax and 1.20 per unit for SUVpeak. SUVmax and SUVpeak remained significant predictors for overall survival after correction for the two strongest predictive clinical characteristics (number of lesions and performance status) in a multivariate analysis (p = 0.02 for both). Median SUVmax and SUVpeak were 5.7 and 4.9 g/mL, respectively. The estimated mean overall survival in patients with SUVmax > 5.7 g/mL was 14 months; otherwise, it was 39 months (p < 0.001). For patients with SUVpeak > 4.9 g/mL, the estimated mean overall survival was 18 months; otherwise, it was 33 months (p = 0.04). Conclusions: In this study, SUVmax and SUVpeak were independent prognostic factors for overall survival in patients with metastases from STS. These results warrant further investigation of metabolic imaging with [18F]FDG-PET/CT in patients with metastatic STS.
Increased Red Blood Cell Distribution Width in the First Year after Diagnosis Predicts Worsening of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease at 5 Years: A Pilot Study
Authors: Ebata Satoshi , Yoshizaki Ayumi , Fukasawa Takemichi , Yoshizaki-Ogawa Asako , Asano Yoshihide , Kashiwabara Kosuke , Oba Koji , Sato Shinichi
Published: December 2021

The course of systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) varies among individuals. Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) has been reported to be a predictor of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. However, there are no studies on the relationship between RDW and SSc-ILD. We conducted a retrospective study of 28 patients who were diagnosed with SSc-ILD on their first visit to our hospital and were followed-up for 5 years. The correlation between the changes in RDW, KL-6, and SP-D (ΔRDW, ΔKL-6, ΔSP-D) and the changes in percent-predicted forced lung volume and % carbon monoxide diffusion (Δ%FVC, Δ%DLco) was investigated. ΔRDW at 1 year after diagnosis was significantly inversely correlated with Δ%FVC at 5 years after diagnosis (r = −0.51, p < 0.001) and Δ%DLco at 5 years after diagnosis (r = −0.47, p < 0.001), whereas ΔKL-6 and ΔSP-D at 1 year were not correlated with Δ%FVC or Δ%DLco at 5 years. In the group of SSc-ILD patients with RDW increase in the first year after diagnosis, %FVC and %DLco were significantly lower than baseline at 3-, 4-, and 5-year assessments. In the group of patients without RDW increase in the first year, %FVC and %DLco did not decrease during the follow-up period. In conclusion, the changes in RDW in the first year after diagnosis may be useful surrogate markers to predict the long-term course of SSc-ILD.
Compensating Positron Range Effects of Ga-68 in Preclinical PET Imaging by Using Convolutional Neural Network: A Monte Carlo Simulation Study
Authors: Yang Ching-Ching
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of positron range correction based on three different convolutional neural network (CNN) models in preclinical PET imaging of Ga-68. The first model (CNN1) was originally designed for super-resolution recovery, while the second model (CNN2) and the third model (CNN3) were originally designed for pseudo CT synthesis from MRI. A preclinical PET scanner and 30 phantom configurations were modeled in Monte Carlo simulations, where each phantom configuration was simulated twice, once for Ga-68 (CNN input images) and once for back-to-back 511-keV gamma rays (CNN output images) with a 20 min emission scan duration. The Euclidean distance was used as the loss function to minimize the difference between CNN input and output images. According to our results, CNN3 outperformed CNN1 and CNN2 qualitatively and quantitatively. With regard to qualitative observation, it was found that boundaries in Ga-68 images became sharper after correction. As for quantitative analysis, the recovery coefficient (RC) and spill-over ratio (SOR) were increased after correction, while no substantial increase in coefficient of variation of RC (CVRC) or coefficient of variation of SOR (CVSOR) was observed. Overall, CNN3 should be a good candidate architecture for positron range correction in Ga-68 preclinical PET imaging.
Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging as a Diagnostic Aid for Hypermobile Lateral Meniscus
Authors: Toyooka Seikai , Shimazaki Naoya , Masuda Hironari , Arai Noriaki , Miyamoto Wataru , Ando Shuji , Kawano Hirotaka , Nakagawa Takumi
Published: December 2021

Background: Hypermobile lateral meniscus is difficult to diagnose with imaging due to its absence of tears or anomalies. We aimed to clarify the accuracy of the preoperative diagnosis using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: The preoperative MRI status of the posterosuperior popliteomeniscal fascicle (sPMF), anteroinferior popliteomeniscal fascicle (iPMF), and popliteal hiatus were examined retrospectively on sagittal images in the hypermobile lateral meniscus group (n = 22) and an age- and gender-matched control group (n = 44). These statuses were evaluated by a logistic regression analysis to assess their degree of diagnostic accuracy. Results: The area under the curve (AUC) of the sPMF, iPMF, popliteal hiatus, and all three criteria combined was 0.66, 0.74, 0.64, and 0.77, respectively (low, moderate, low, and moderate accuracy, respectively). The odds ratios of the most severe type 3 forms of the sPMF, iPMF, and popliteal hiatus for hypermobile lateral meniscus were significantly high (5.50, 12.20, and 5.00, respectively). Although the diagnostic accuracy was not high enough, the significantly higher odds ratio for type 3 may indicate a hypermobile lateral meniscus. Conclusion: a definitive diagnosis of hypermobile lateral meniscus is difficult with MRI findings alone; however, MRI evaluations of the iPMF, sPMF, and the widening of popliteal hiatus can be used as an adjunct to diagnosis.
A 340 GHz High-Power Multi-Beam Overmoded Flat-Roofed Sine Waveguide Traveling Wave Tube
Authors: Luo Jinjing , Xu Jin , Yin Pengcheng , Yang Ruichao , Yue Lingna , Wang Zhanliang , Xu Lin , Feng Jinjun , Liu Wenxin , Wei Yanyu
Published: December 2021

A phase shift that is caused by the machining errors of independent circuits would greatly affect the efficiency of the power combination in traditional multi-beam structures. In this paper, to reduce the influence of the phase shift and improve the output power, a multi-beam shunted coupling sine waveguide slow wave structure (MBSC-SWG-SWS) has been proposed, and a multi-beam overmoded flat-roofed SWG traveling wave tube (TWT) based on the MBSC-SWG-SWS was designed and analyzed. A TE10-TE30 mode convertor was designed as the input/output coupler in this TWT. The results of the 3D particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation with CST software show that more than a 50 W output power can be produced at 342 GHz, and the 3 dB bandwidth is about 13 GHz. Furthermore, the comparison between the single-beam sine waveguide (SWG) TWT and the multi-beam overmoded SWG TWT indicates that the saturated output power of the multi-beam overmoded SWG TWT is three times more than that of the single beam SWG TWT.
An Eight Element Dual Band Antenna for Future 5G Smartphones
Authors: Ali Haider , Ren Xin-Cheng , Hashmi Anas M. , Anjum Muhammad Rizwan , Bari Inam , Majid Saad Ijaz , Jan Naveed , Tareen Wajahat Ullah Khan , Iqbal Amjad , Khan Muhammad Abbas
Published: December 2021

The demand of 5G in modern communication era due to its high data rate, reliable connectivity and low latency is enormous. This paper presents a novel dual band antenna resonating at two distinct bands allotted for 5G services. The proposed antenna is composed of inverted L shape probes comprising a rectangular defected ground structure. The propose antenna covers 3.4–3.6 GHz and 5.4–5.6 GHz spectrum. In propose MIMO system, the efficiency ranges from 52 to 69% with peak gain of 3.1 dBi. The proposed antenna system is sufficiently isolated with minimum value of 13 dB and ECC less than 0.05 among any two radiating elements. Similarly, the channel capacity is found to be 38 and 39.5 at both resonating bands at 20 dB SNR and diversity and mean effective gains lies in acceptable range. The radiation characteristics of the proposed design shows that the proposed antenna is providing good diversity characteristics and SAR values have demonstrated to be safe for user vicinity. The proposed dual band antenna prototype is developed tested. With the measured results obtained, the MIMO system proposed can be seen as vital candidate for 5G LTE band 42 and 46 services.
Environmental Perception Q-Learning to Prolong the Lifetime of Poultry Farm Monitoring Networks
Authors: Wu Zike , Pan Pan , Liu Jieqiang , Shi Beibei , Yan Ming , Zhang Hongguang
Published: December 2021

The reduction of the effects of heat-stress phenomena on poultry health and energy conservation of poultry farm monitoring networks are highly related problems. To address these problems, we propose environmental perception Q-learning (EPQL) to prolong the lifetime of poultry farm monitoring networks. EPQL consists of an environmental-perception module and Q-learning. According to the temperature and humidity model of heat stress, an environmental-perception module determines the transmission rate, while Q-learning adjusts the transmission rate according to the success rate of packet transmission and the remaining energy. In real-world tests, our poultry farm monitoring networks used only about 8% of energy in a month. The real-time information of these monitoring networks was available on smartphones. In laboratory tests, compared with CSMA/CA (23.67 days), S-MAC (109.37 days), and T-MAC (252.79 days) under real systems with 2000 mAh battery, the battery-life performance of EPQL (436.48 days) was better. Moreover, EPQL reduces the packet loss rate by about 60% while simultaneously decreasing the average delay by about 20%. Generally, based on the framework of EPQL, the implemented temperature and humidity model of heat stress for poultry could be replaced by other models to extend its applicability range.
Evaluation of Multi-Objective Optimization Techniques for Resilience Enhancement of Electric Vehicles
Authors: Hussain Akhtar , Kim Hak-Man
Published: December 2021

The pervasiveness of electric vehicles (EVs) has increased recently, which results in the interdependence of power and transport networks. Power outages may adversely impact the transportation sector, and the available energy may not be sufficient to meet the needs of all EVs during such events. In addition, EVs will be used for diverse purposes in the future, ranging from personal usage to emergency response. Therefore, the allocation of energy to different EVs may have different degrees of societal-, community-, and individual-level benefits. To capture these diverse aspects, the energy allocation problem to EVs during outages is modeled as a multiobjective optimization (MOO) problem in this study. Three indices are formulated to quantify the value of different EVs for societies, communities, and individuals during outages, and, correspondingly, three objective functions are formulated. The formulated MOO problem is solved using the five most widely used MOO solution methods, and their performance is evaluated. These methods include the weighted-sum method, lexicographic method, normal boundary intersection method, min–max method, and nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II. To compare the performance of these methods, two indices are proposed in this study, which include the demand fulfillment index and total demand fulfillment index. The former is for analyzing the demand fulfillment ratio of different priority EVs, while the latter is for the demand fulfillment analysis of the whole EV fleet requiring a recharge. In addition, the computational complexity, variance, and additional constraints required by each method are also analyzed. The simulation results have shown that the lexicographic method has the best performance when the relative priorities are known, while the min–max method is the most suitable method if the priorities are not known.
Unbalanced-Tests to the Improvement of Yield and Quality
Authors: Yeh Chung-Huang , Chen Jwu-E
Published: December 2021

An integrated-circuit testing model (DITM) is used to describe various factors that affect test yield during a test process. We used a probability distribution model to evaluate test yield and quality and introduced a threshold test and a guardband test. As a result of the development speed of the semiconductor manufacturing industry in the future being unpredictable, we use electrical properties of existing products and the current manufacturing technology to estimate future product-distribution trends. In the development of very-large-scale integration (VLSI) testing, the progress of testing technology is very slow. To improve product testing yield and quality, we change the test method and propose an unbalanced-test method, leading to improvements in test results. The calculation using our proposed model and data estimated by the product published by the IEEE International Roadmap for Devices and Systems (IRDS, 2017) proves that the proposed unbalanced-test method can greatly improve test yield and quality and achieve the goal of high-quality, near-zero-defect products.
Research on Target Localization Method of CRTS-III Slab Ballastless Track Plate Based on Machine Vision
Authors: Liu Xinjun , Wu Wenjiang , Zheng Liaomo , Wang Shiyu , Zhang Qiang , Wang Qi
Published: December 2021

In the construction of high-speed railway infrastructure, a CRTS-III slab ballastless track plate has been widely used. Anchor sealing is an essential step in the production of track plates. We design a novel automated platform based on industrial robots with vision guidance to improve the automation of a predominantly human-powered anchor sealing station. This paper proposes a precise and efficient target localization method for large and high-resolution images to obtain accurate target position information. To accurately update the robot’s work path and reduce idle waiting time, this paper proposes a low-cost and easily configurable visual localization system based on dual monocular cameras, which realizes the acquisition of track plate position information and the correction of position deviation in the robot coordinate system. We evaluate the repeatable positioning accuracy and the temporal performance of the visual localization system in a real production environment. The results show that the repeatable positioning accuracy of this localization system in the robot coordinate system can reach ±0.150 mm in the x- and y-directions and ±0.120° in the rotation angle. Moreover, this system completes two 18-megapixel image acquisitions, and the whole process takes around 570 ms to meet real production needs.
Multipopulation Particle Swarm Optimization for Evolutionary Multitasking Sparse Unmixing
Authors: Feng Dan , Zhang Mingyang , Wang Shanfeng
Published: December 2021

Recently, the multiobjective evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs) have been designed to cope with the sparse unmixing problem. Due to the excellent performance of MOEAs in solving the NP hard optimization problems, they have also achieved good results for the sparse unmixing problems. However, most of these MOEA-based methods only deal with a single pixel for unmixing and are subjected to low efficiency and are time-consuming. In fact, sparse unmixing can naturally be seen as a multitasking problem when the hyperspectral imagery is clustered into several homogeneous regions, so that evolutionary multitasking can be employed to take advantage of the implicit parallelism from different regions. In this paper, a novel evolutionary multitasking multipopulation particle swarm optimization framework is proposed to solve the hyperspectral sparse unmixing problem. First, we resort to evolutionary multitasking optimization to cluster the hyperspectral image into multiple homogeneous regions, and directly process the entire spectral matrix in multiple regions to avoid dimensional disasters. In addition, we design a novel multipopulation particle swarm optimization method for major evolutionary exploration. Furthermore, an intra-task and inter-task transfer and a local exploration strategy are designed for balancing the exchange of useful information in the multitasking evolutionary process. Experimental results on two benchmark hyperspectral datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method compared with the state-of-the-art sparse unmixing algorithms.