bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Interfacial Affinity Interaction-Based Method for Detecting HOTAIR lncRNA in Cancer Plasma Samples
Authors: Clack Kimberley , Soda Narshone , Kasetsirikul Surasak , Kline Richard , Salomon Carlos , Shiddiky Muhammad J. A.
Published: April 2022

Long non-coding RNA Homeobox transcript antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) is recognized as a participant in different processes of normal cell development. Aberrant overexpression of HOTAIR contributes to the initiation, growth, and invasiveness of ovarian cancer. Using the affinity interaction of target HOTAIR lncRNA sequences towards a screen-printed gold electrode (SPE-Au), herein we report on a novel, rapid and simple method to detect HOTAIR sequences. HOTAIR lncRNA sequences were first extracted from ovarian cancer cell lines and patient plasma samples and were magnetically captured and purified by complimentary capture probe-functionalized magnetic beads. Isolated target HOTAIR lncRNAs were directly adsorbed onto unmodified screen-printed gold electrodes (SPE-Au) for direct quantification with [Fe(CN)6]3−/4− redox couple. Our assay achieved a linear dynamic range of 100 nM and 1 pM for detecting pre-clinical model HOTAIR lncRNA samples (%RSD ≤ 5%, for n = 3) and was highly specific, showing clear distinction between HOTAIR lncRNA targets and non-specific miR-891 and miR-486 (100 nM) (%RSD ≤ 5%, for n = 3). The method was tested using ovarian cancer-specific cell lines (SKOV3 and OVCAR3) and mesothelial cell line (MeT-5A)-derived lncRNAs. The analytical performance of our method was validated using RT-qPCR. Finally, the method was tested using clinical samples from ovarian cancer patients and the resulting electrochemical responses show a clear distinction between the ovarian carcinoma and benign samples.
An Off-Site Construction Digital Twin Assessment Framework Using Wood Panelized Construction as a Case Study
Authors: Wei Yuxi , Lei Zhen , Altaf Sadiq
Published: April 2022

Off-site construction is an innovative type of construction with the philosophy of standardizing the process and deploying the latest technological enablers. Many technologies, such as the Building Information Model (BIM), Internet of Things (IoT), etc., are concerned with virtual representation and manipulation of the physical site. However, a holistic view of the off-site construction processes is lacking in the exploration of the technological advances, resulting in inconsistency when applying these advances in practice. The concept of Digital Twin is useful for addressing this challenge. Digital Twin is a philosophy and a collection of technologies aimed toward seamless physical and virtual connections. Therefore, a holistic Off-site Construction Digital Twin model is necessary for any research concerning this topic, and an assessment framework is useful in helping off-site construction industry companies in approaching systematic Digital Twin. This research first proposes a model for Off-site Construction Digital Twin. To quantify this model, an assessment tool named Off-site Construction Digital Twin Maturity Level is proposed. The validation and evaluation of this assessment framework are conducted through a case study with ACQBuilt, an off-site construction company in Edmonton, Canada. The resulting assessment framework contributes to the body of knowledge in two ways: Firstly, it sets the foundation for an Off-site Construction Digital Twin, which is anticipated to significantly reduce waste and to improve efficiency. Secondly, it enables easier technology application in practice by offering a holistic Digital Twin framework.
Behaviour of Concrete-Filled Double Skin Tubular Short Column with Plate Stiffeners Welded Intermittently under Axial Compression
Authors: Chang Zheng Hao , Azmi Mohd Reza , Md. Yatim Mohd Yazmil
Published: April 2022

This paper presents the experimental and finite element analyses of the behaviours of stub circular and square concrete-filled double steel tubular (CFDST) columns intermittently welded with plate stiffeners under axial compression. The plate stiffeners are welded to the inner surface of the outer tube through predrilled holes. Twenty specimens consisting of two concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST), two unstiffened CFDST, and sixteen stiffened CFDST were tested under axial compression to determine the failure patterns and obtain the load versus axial shortening curve. The key variables are the distance of weld spacing and the dimension of the plate stiffeners. Based on the experiment results, the authors have identified the possible local buckling locations, including the peak load of the specimens that were significantly affected by the intermittently welded plate stiffeners. The developed finite element model is verified by comparing the current and previous experimental results, and it provides an acceptable mean ratio of 1.01 and a standard deviation of 0.04. The validated FE model is employed in a parametric study to investigate the effects of critical parameters, including the two shapes of the specimens, dimension of the plate stiffeners, and weld spacing, on the load-carrying capacity. The findings of the parametric study can be used to justify the optimum dimensions of plate stiffeners for the best stiffened CFDST performance.
The Inhibitory Effects of Anti-ERC/Mesothelin Antibody 22A31 on Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cells, within a Mouse Xenograft Model
Authors: Taniguchi Gentaro , Kajino Kazunori , Momose Shuji , Saeki Harumi , Yue Liang , Ohtsuji Naomi , Abe Masaaki , Shibuya Tomoyoshi , Orimo Akira , Nagahara Akihito , Watanabe Sumio , Hino Okio
Published: April 2022

The expression of Renal Carcinoma (ERC)/mesothelin is enhanced in a variety of cancers. ERC/mesothelin contributes to cancer progression by modulating cell signals that regulate proliferation and apoptosis. Based on such biological insights, ERC/mesothelin has become a molecular target for the treatment of mesothelioma, pancreatic cancer, and ovarian cancer. Recent studies revealed about 50–60% of colorectal adenocarcinomas also express ERC/mesothelin. Therefore, colorectal cancer can also be a potential target of the treatment using an anti-ERC/mesothelin antibody. We previously demonstrated an anti-tumor effect of anti-ERC antibody 22A31 against mesothelioma. In this study, we investigated the effect of 22A31 on a colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line, HCT116. The cells were xenografted into BALB/c nu/nu mice. All mice were randomly allocated to either an antibody treatment group with 22A31 or isotype-matched control IgG1κ. We compared the volume of subsequent tumors, and tumors were pathologically assessed by immunohistochemistry. Tumors treated with 22A31 were significantly smaller than those treated with IgG1κ and contained significantly fewer mitotic cells with Ki67 staining. We demonstrated that 22A31 exhibited a growth inhibitory property on HCT116. Our results implied that ERC/mesothelin-targeted therapy might be a promising treatment for colorectal cancer.
A Tumor-Homing Peptide Platform Enhances Drug Solubility, Improves Blood–Brain Barrier Permeability and Targets Glioblastoma
Authors: Cho Choi-Fong , Farquhar Charlotte E. , Fadzen Colin M. , Scott Benjamin , Zhuang Pei , von Spreckelsen Niklas , Loas Andrei , Hartrampf Nina , Pentelute Bradley L. , Lawler Sean E.
Published: April 2022

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and deadliest malignant primary brain tumor, contributing significant morbidity and mortality among patients. As current standard-of-care demonstrates limited success, the development of new efficacious GBM therapeutics is urgently needed. Major challenges in advancing GBM chemotherapy include poor bioavailability, lack of tumor selectivity leading to undesired side effects, poor permeability across the blood–brain barrier (BBB), and extensive intratumoral heterogeneity. Methods: We have previously identified a small, soluble peptide (BTP-7) that is able to cross the BBB and target the human GBM extracellular matrix (ECM). Here, we covalently attached BTP-7 to an insoluble anti-cancer drug, camptothecin (CPT). Results: We demonstrate that conjugation of BTP-7 to CPT improves drug solubility in aqueous solution, retains drug efficacy against patient-derived GBM stem cells (GSC), enhances BBB permeability, and enables therapeutic targeting to intracranial GBM, leading to higher toxicity in GBM cells compared to normal brain tissues, and ultimately prolongs survival in mice bearing intracranial patient-derived GBM xenograft. Conclusion: BTP-7 is a new modality that opens the door to possibilities for GBM-targeted therapeutic approaches.
Characterization of Temozolomide Resistance Using a Novel Acquired Resistance Model in Glioblastoma Cell Lines
Authors: Zhu Yuan , Chen Zhen , Kim Su Na , Gan Chao , Ryl Tatsiana , Lesjak Michaela Silvia , Rodemerk Jan , Zhong Rong De , Wrede Karsten , Dammann Philipp , Sure Ulrich
Published: April 2022

Temozolomide (TMZ) is the first line of standard therapy in glioblastoma (GBM). However, relapse occurs due to TMZ resistance. We attempted to establish an acquired TMZ resistance model that recapitulates the TMZ resistance phenotype and the relevant gene signature. Two GBM cell lines received two cycles of TMZ (150 µM) treatment for 72 h each. Regrown cells (RG2) were defined as TMZ resistant cells. MTT assay revealed significantly less susceptibility and sustained growth of RG2 compared with parental cells after TMZ challenge. TMZ-induced DNA damage significantly decreased in 53BP1-foci reporter transduced-RG2 cells compared with parental cells, associated with downregulation of MSH2 and MSH6. Flow cytometry revealed reduced G2/M arrest, increased EdU incorporation and suppressed apoptosis in RG2 cells after TMZ treatment. Colony formation and neurosphere assay demonstrated enhanced clonogenicity and neurosphere formation capacity in RG2 cells, accompanied by upregulation of stem markers. Collectively, we established an acute TMZ resistance model that recapitulated key features of TMZ resistance involving impaired mismatch repair, redistribution of cell cycle phases, increased DNA replication, reduced apoptosis and enhanced self-renewal. Therefore, this model may serve as a promising research tool for studying mechanisms of TMZ resistance and for defining therapeutic approaches to GBM in the future.
XRN2 Is Required for Cell Motility and Invasion in Glioblastomas
Authors: Dang Tuyen T. , Lerner Megan , Saunders Debra , Smith Nataliya , Gulej Rafal , Zalles Michelle , Towner Rheal A. , Morales Julio C.
Published: April 2022

One of the major obstacles in treating brain cancers, particularly glioblastoma multiforme, is the occurrence of secondary tumor lesions that arise in areas of the brain and are inoperable while obtaining resistance to current therapeutic agents. Thus, gaining a better understanding of the cellular factors that regulate glioblastoma multiforme cellular movement is imperative. In our study, we demonstrate that the 5′-3′ exoribonuclease XRN2 is important to the invasive nature of glioblastoma. A loss of XRN2 decreases cellular speed, displacement, and movement through a matrix of established glioblastoma multiforme cell lines. Additionally, a loss of XRN2 abolishes tumor formation in orthotopic mouse xenograft implanted with G55 glioblastoma multiforme cells. One reason for these observations is that loss of XRN2 disrupts the expression profile of several cellular factors that are important for tumor invasion in glioblastoma multiforme cells. Importantly, XRN2 mRNA and protein levels are elevated in glioblastoma multiforme patient samples. Elevation in XRN2 mRNA also correlates with poor overall patient survival. These data demonstrate that XRN2 is an important cellular factor regulating one of the major obstacles in treating glioblastomas and is a potential molecular target that can greatly enhance patient survival.
In Situ FBG Monitoring of a Henequen-Epoxy Biocomposite: From Manufacturing to Performance
Authors: Torres Mauricio , Rentería-Rodríguez Ana V. , Franco-Urquiza Edgar A.
Published: April 2022

This work reports the in situ instrumentation from manufacturing to loading of a henequen fiber woven-bioepoxy composite. Continuous monitoring was performed by means of fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) with the aim of tracking the curing behavior of the biolaminate by vacuum-assisted resin infusion (VARI). The instrumented composite was later tested mechanically under bending. Among the results obtained, micro-deformations were detected as a consequence of curing residual stresses, and when tested, the FBG data had similarity with the strain calculated according to the ASTM D7264/D7264M standard.
A Long Short-Term Memory Neural Network Based Simultaneous Quantitative Analysis of Multiple Tobacco Chemical Components by Near-Infrared Hyperspectroscopy Images
Authors: Zhu Zhiqin , Qi Guanqiu , Lei Yangbo , Jiang Daiyu , Mazur Neal , Liu Yang , Wang Di , Zhu Wei
Published: April 2022

Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has been widely used in agricultural operations to obtain various crop parameters, such as water content, sugar content, and different indicators of ripeness, as well as other potential information concerning crops that cannot be directly obtained by human observation. The chemical compositions of tobacco play an important role in the quality of cigarettes. The NIR spectroscopy-based chemical composition analysis has recently become one of the most effective methods in tobacco quality analysis. Existing NIR spectroscopy-related solutions either have relatively low analysis accuracy, or are only able to analyze one or two chemical components. Thus, a precise prediction model is needed to improve the analysis accuracy of NIR data. This paper proposes a tobacco chemical component analysis method based on a neural network (TCCANN) to quantitatively analyze the chemical components of tobacco leaves by using NIR spectroscopy, including nicotine, total sugar, reducing sugar, total nitrogen, potassium, chlorine, and pH value. The proposed TCCANN consists of both residual network (ResNet) and long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network. ResNet is applied to the feature extraction of high-dimension NIR spectroscopy, which can effectively avoid the gradient-disappearance issue caused by the increase of network depth. LSTM is used to quantitatively analyze the multiple chemical compositions of tobacco leaves in a simultaneous manner. LSTM selectively allows information to pass through by a gated unit, thereby comprehensively analyzing the correlation between multiple chemical components and corresponding spectroscopy. The experimental results confirm that the proposed TCCANN not only predicts the corresponding values of seven chemical components simultaneously, but also achieves better prediction performance than other existing machine learning methods.
Validation and Reliability Testing of the Child Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (C-OIDP): Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Properties in Pakistani School-Going Children
Authors: Chaudhary Farooq Ahmad , Iqbal Azhar , Khalid Muhammad Danial , Noor Nouman , Syed Jamaluddin , Baig Muhammad Nadeem , Khattak Osama , Ud Din Shahab
Published: April 2022

Background: This study aimed to develop an Urdu version of Child-Oral Impact on Daily Performance (C-OIDP) and assess its reliability and validity for children’s oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) assessment in Pakistan. Methods: A total of 200 school-going children aged 11–14 were recruited from two public schools. For the adaptation process, the original English version of C-OIDP was translated into Urdu, reviewed by an expert committee, back-translated into Urdu, and then reviewed again by the same expert committee and pilot tested on 10 children. A clinical examination was carried out to record dental and gingival status followed by a face-to-face interview to measure oral health-related quality of life in children using C-OIDP-U. Reliability, internal consistency, construct and discriminant validity were assessed. Results: The Cronbach’s alpha for C-OIDP-U was 0.69, the mean C-OIDP-U score was 10.2 ± 8.1 and 77.3% of the children reported at least one oral impact. Eating (40.3%) and difficulty in cleaning mouth (38.7%) were the two most impacted daily performances. For construct validity, the associations were significant between the C-OIDP-U score and all subjective oral health measures (p < 0.001). For discriminant validity, a significant association was observed between the C-OIDP-U score and clinical oral variables, children with DMFT + dmft ≥ 1, Gingival index > 1 and having malocclusion reported a higher C-OIDP-U score when compared to their counterparts. Conclusion: This study showed that C-OIDP is a valid, reliable and efficient instrument of OHRQoL for use in Pakistani children.
Associations of Children’s Close Reading Distance and Time Spent Indoors with Myopia, Based on Parental Questionnaire
Authors: Pärssinen Olavi , Lassila Essi , Kauppinen Markku
Published: April 2022

Purpose: To study the association of parents’ reports about their children’s near work and outdoor habits with myopia in their children. Methods: Data from a questionnaire study conducted in 1983 among Finnish schoolchildren were reanalyzed. Vision screening had been performed for all the schoolchildren (n = 4961) in the 1st, 5th, and 8th grades (7-, 11-, and 15-year-olds) in an area of Central Finland. The questionnaire, including information about myopia, was returned by 4305 (86.7%) participants. Items concerned parents’ estimates of their child’s habitual reading distance, time spent indoors as compared with age peers, daily near work, outdoors time, and parents’ myopia. The associations of myopia with these factors were studied. Results: Myopia prevalence in those with a habitual close reading distance vs. others was 14.3% vs. 2.1%, 28.7% vs. 13.1% and 45.8% vs. 24.7% for the 7-, 11- and 15-year-olds (p < 0.001 in all age-groups). Myopia prevalence in children reported by their parents as spending more time indoors than age peers was 10.9% vs. 2.8% (p < 0.001), 25.0% vs. 14.7% (p = 0.004) and 41.9% vs. 25.7% (p < 0.001) in the three age groups. Myopia prevalence among those reported as spending both more time indoors and reading at a close distance vs. others was 44.2% vs. 11.9% (Fisher’s exact t-test, p < 0.001). In the multiple logistic regression models, parental myopia almost doubled the risk of myopia in the 11- and 15-year-olds. ORs (95% CI) for myopia adjusted for parental myopia and sex were for close reading distance 7.381 (4.054–13.440), 2.382 (1.666–3.406), 2.237 (1.498–3.057), (p < 0.001), and for more time spent indoors, 3.692 (1.714–7.954), p = 0.001, 1.861 (1.157–2.992), p = 0.010), 1.700 (1.105–2.615), p = 0.016, in the three age groups. Conclusion: Children, especially 7-year-olds, reported by their parents as having a close reading distance and spending a lot of time indoors were associated with a higher risk for myopia.
Comparison of Laboratory Data between Children with Kawasaki Disease and COVID-19
Authors: Liu Xiao-Ping , Huang Ying-Hsien , Tsai Yuh-Chyn , Liu Shih-Feng , Kuo Ho-Chang
Published: April 2022

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been an emerging, rapidly evolving situation in China since late 2019 and has even become a worldwide pandemic. The first case of severe childhood novel coronavirus pneumonia in China was reported in March 2020 in Wuhan. The severity differs between adults and children, with lower death rates and decreased severity for individuals under the age of 20 years. Increased cases of Kawasaki disease (KD) have been reported from New York City and some areas of Italy and the U.K., with almost a 6–10 times increase when compared to previous years. We conducted this study to compare characteristics and laboratory data between KD and COVID-19 in children. Methods: We obtained a total of 24 children with COVID-19 from a literature review and 268 KD cases from our hospital via retrospective chart review. Results: We found that patients with KD have higher levels of white blood cells (WBCs), platelets, neutrophil percentage, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and a higher body temperature, while patients with COVID-19 have a higher age, hemoglobin levels, and lymphocyte percentage. After performing multiple logistic regression analysis, we found that age, WBCs, platelets, procalcitonin, and AST are identical markers for distinguishing COVID-19 from KD in children. Conclusion: In this COVID-19 pandemic period, clinicians should pay attention to children with COVID-19 infection when high WBC, platelet, procalcitonin, and AST values are present in order to provide early diagnosis for KD or multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).
Thermal Investigation of a Turbocharger Using IR Thermography
Authors: Savaripour Hamed , Alaviyoun Shahab , Rosen Marc
Published: April 2022

An experimental thermal survey of a turbocharger was performed in an engine test cell using IR thermography. The emissivity coefficients of housings were specified using a furnace and camera. It was shown that the emissivity of the turbine, compressor, and bearing housings are 0.92, 0.65, and 0.74, respectively. In addition, thermocouples were mounted on the housing to validate the temperature of the thermal camera while running in an engine test cell. To compare the data of the thermocouple with data from the thermal camera, an image was taken from the sensor’s location on the housing. The experimental results show that the temperature prediction of the thermal camera has less than 1 percent error. Steady-state tests at various working points and unsteady tests including warm-up and cool-down were performed. The measurements indicate that the turbine casing’s maximum temperature is 839 °C. Furthermore, a thermal image of the bearing housing shows that the area’s average temperature, which is close to the turbine housing, is 7 °C lower than the area close to the compressor housing. The temperature of the bearing housing near the turbine side should be higher; however, the effect of the water passing through the bearing housing decreases the temperature.
Special Issue: Mechanical Properties of Advanced Multifunctional Coatings
Authors: Xu Rong-Guang , Chen Zhitong , Chen Peijian , Peng Guangjian
Published: April 2022

Coatings are found almost anywhere in the modern world [...]
Thin Film Coatings from Aqueous Dispersion of Graphene-Based Nanocarbon and Its Hybrids with Metal Nanoparticles
Authors: Rozhkova Natalia , Kovalchuk Anna , Goryunov Andrei , Borisova Alexandra , Osipov Anton , Kucherik Alexey , Rozhkov Sergei
Published: April 2022

Shungite carbon (ShC) nanoparticles in the form of stable aqueous dispersions represent a promising solution for optical and biomedical applications. The dispersion is an interesting phenomenon from the point of view of stabilization of ShC nanoparticles and their structural constituents up to the basic structural unit, namely a graphene fragment. Herein, we used these aqueous dispersions with easily released structural components to study laser irradiation with various durations and obtain hybrids of ShC with Ag and Au nanoparticles. The main role in the stabilization of ShC nanoparticles belongs to the graphene fragments and their stacks, which display a considerable dipole moment. Newly prepared aqueous dispersions of ShC–metal hybrid nanoparticles retained the stability inherent in the original nanoparticles both of ShC and metals. Changes in the size distribution pattern of nanoparticles in dispersions upon ablation were studied by dynamic light scattering (DLS). Raman with UV-Vis spectroscopy methods were applied to trace structural changes in ShC upon the formation of hybrid nanoparticles. Films obtained by condensation of the dispersions on glass substrates display periodic structures, as was revealed by SEM microscopy. There, the conditions under which nanoparticles lose their ability to disperse in water and retain a graphene-like structure in a film were revealed.
Microstructural Transformation and High-Temperature Aluminum Corrosion Properties of Co-Based Alloy Coating Prepared by Laser Cladding
Authors: Liu Rui , Zhang Mengyu , Yu Jiacheng , Yang Qifan , Gao Shiyou
Published: April 2022

A Co-based alloy coating was deposited on H13 steel substrate via pulsed Nd:YAG laser and the corrosion resistance to and mechanism of corrosion in molten aluminum were explored. The results showed that the coating was mainly composed of γ-Co dendrite and M23C6 precipitation. The average hardness in the cladding layer was 732.6 HV0.5, which was 3.55 times greater than that of the H13 substrate. During the molten aluminum corrosion test, the surface of the Co-based alloy coating was immersed for 4, 8, 16 and 24 h at 700 °C. The corrosion rate decreased with increases in aluminum erosion time. It was observed that there were two intermediate layers between the coating and the liquid Al, with (Co, Fe, Cr)2Al9 intermetallic compounds (IMCs) layer near the coating side and the (Fe, Cr)4Al13 and (Co, Fe, Cr)2Al5 intermetallic compounds (IMCs) layer near the Al solidification side. After 24 h of static corrosion, the Co-based alloy coating could still maintain its integrity to protect the substrate.
Can Thailand Protect 30% of Its Land Area for Biodiversity, and Will This Be Enough?
Authors: Pomoim Nirunrut , Trisurat Yongyut , Hughes Alice C. , Corlett Richard T.
Published: April 2022

The draft post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework asks CBD parties to conserve at least 30% of the planet by 2030 ‘through a well-connected and effective system of protected areas … with the focus on areas particularly important for biodiversity’. We use Thailand as a case study for the ability of a densely populated, hyper diverse, tropical, middle-income country to meet this target at a national level. Existing protected areas (PAs) total 24.3% of Thailand’s land area. Adding forest on government land adjacent to existing PAs, plus unprotected areas of Ramsar sites, raises this to 29.5%. To assess the importance for biodiversity, we used modeled distributions of birds and mammals plus, as proxies for other biodiversity components, elevation, bioclimate, forest type, and WWF ecoregion. All modeled species occur in the current PA system but <30% meet representation targets. Expansion of the system increases the proportion of mammals and birds adequately protected and increases the protection for underrepresented bioclimatic zones and forest types. The expanded system remains fragmented and underrepresents key habitats, but opportunities for increasing protection of these are limited. It is also still vulnerable to climate change, although projected impacts are reduced. Additional protection is needed for wetland and coastal habitats, and limestone karsts.
Manual for Calibrating Sound Speed and Poisson’s Ratio of (Split) Hopkinson Bar via Dispersion Correction Using Excel® and Matlab® Templates
Authors: Shin Hyunho
Published: April 2022

This manual presents a procedure to calibrate the one-dimensional sound speed (co) and Poisson’s ratio (ν) of a (split) Hopkinson bar using the open-source templates written in Excel® and Matlab® for dispersion correction. The Excel® template carries out the Fourier synthesis and one-time dispersion correction of a traveling elastic pulse under a given set of co and ν. The MATLAB® template performs the Fourier synthesis and iterative dispersion correction of a traveling elastic pulse for a range of co and ν sets. In the case of the iterative dispersion correction, a set of co and ν is assumed at each iteration step, and the sound speed vs. frequency (cdc vs. fdc) relationship necessary for dispersion correction is obtained under the assumed set by solving the Pochhammer–Chree equation. Subsequently, dispersion correction is carried out by using the cdc vs. fdc relationship. The co and ν values of the bar are determined in the iteration process when the dispersion-corrected pulse profiles are reasonably consistent with the measured ones at two travel distances (2103 and 4000 mm) in the bar. In the case of the experimental profile considered herein, the ν and co values were calibrated to six and four decimal places, respectively. The calibration algorithm is described with the tips for using the open-source templates, which are available online in a publicly accessible repository.
Indications, Detection, Completion and Retention Rates of Capsule Endoscopy in Two Decades of Use: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cortegoso Valdivia Pablo , Skonieczna-Żydecka Karolina , Elosua Alfonso , Sciberras Martina , Piccirelli Stefania , Rullan Maria , Tabone Trevor , Gawel Katarzyna , Stachowski Adam , Lemiński Artur , Marlicz Wojciech , Fernández-Urién Ignacio , Ellul Pierre , Spada Cristiano , Pennazio Marco , Toth Ervin , Koulaouzidis Anastasios
Published: April 2022

Background: Capsule endoscopy (CE) has become a widespread modality for non-invasive evaluation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, with several CE models having been developed throughout the years. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate performance measures such as completion, detection and retention rates of CE. Methods: Literature through to August 2021 was screened for articles regarding all capsule types: small bowel, double-headed capsule for the colon or PillCam®Crohn’s capsule, magnetically-controlled capsule endoscopy, esophageal capsule and patency capsule. Primary outcomes included detection rate (DR), completion rate (CR) and capsule retention rate (RR). DR, CR and RR were also analyzed in relation to indications such as obscure GI bleeding (OGIB), known/suspected Crohn’s disease (CD), celiac disease (CeD), neoplastic lesions (NL) and clinical symptoms (CS). Results: 328 original articles involving 86,930 patients who underwent CE were included. OGIB was the most common indication (n = 44,750), followed by CS (n = 17,897), CD (n = 11,299), NL (n = 4989) and CeD (n = 947). The most used capsule type was small bowel CE in 236 studies. DR, CR and RR for all indications were 59%, 89.6% and 2%, respectively. According to specific indications: DR were 55%, 66%, 63%, 52% and 62%; CR were 90.6%, 86.5%, 78.2%, 94% and 92.8%; and RR were 2%, 4%, 1%, 6% and 2%. Conclusions: Pooled DR, CR and RR are acceptable for all capsule types. OGIB is the most common indication for CE. Technological advancements have expanded the scope of CE devices in detecting GI pathology with acceptable rates for a complete examination.
Uremic Pruritus: From Diagnosis to Treatment
Authors: Cheng An-Yu , Wong Lai-San
Published: April 2022

Uremic pruritus, or chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus, is common, bothersome, and sometimes debilitating in patients with chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease. Due to its variable clinical manifestations, the diagnosis of uremic pruritus requires exquisite evaluation. Excluding itch resulting from other dermatological causes as well as other systemic conditions is essential for a proper diagnosis. The pathophysiology of uremic pruritus remains uncertain. Hypotheses including toxin deposition, immune system dysregulation, peripheral neuropathy, and opioid imbalance are supposed. This review summarizes the way to accurately diagnose uremic pruritus and describes the latest treatment options.
Neutrophile-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) Identifies Patients with Coronavirus Infectious Disease 2019 (COVID-19) at High Risk for Deterioration and Mortality—A Retrospective, Monocentric Cohort Study
Authors: Rose Jutta , Suter Flurina , Furrer Eva , Sendoel Ataman , Stüssi-Helbling Melina , Huber Lars C.
Published: April 2022

Among people infected with SARS-CoV-2, the determination of clinical features associated with poor outcome is essential to identify those at high risk of deterioration. Here, we aimed to investigate clinical phenotypes of patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 and to examine the predictive value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in a representative patient collective of the Swiss population. We conducted a retrospective monocentriccohort study with patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 between 27 February and 31 December 2020. Data were analyzed descriptively, using the binary logistic regression model, proportional odds logistic regression model, competing risk analysis, and summary measure analysis. A total of 454 patients were included in our study. Dyspnea, elevated respiratory rate, low oxygen saturation at baseline, age, and presence of multiple comorbidities were associated with a more severe course of the disease. A high NLR at baseline was significantly associated with disease severity, unfavorable outcome, and mortality. In non-survivors, NLR further increased during hospital stay, whereas in survivors, NLR decreased. In conclusion, our data emphasize the importance of accurate history taking and clinical examination upon admission and confirm the role of baseline NLR as a surrogate marker for increased disease severity, unfavorable outcome, and mortality in patients hospitalized due to infection with SARS-CoV-2.
Super-Resolution Ultrasound Imaging Can Quantify Alterations in Microbubble Velocities in the Renal Vasculature of Rats
Authors: Andersen Sofie Bech , Taghavi Iman , Søgaard Stinne Byrholdt , Hoyos Carlos Armando Villagómez , Nielsen Michael Bachmann , Jensen Jørgen Arendt , Sørensen Charlotte Mehlin
Published: April 2022

Super-resolution ultrasound imaging, based on the localization and tracking of single intravascular microbubbles, makes it possible to map vessels below 100 µm. Microbubble velocities can be estimated as a surrogate for blood velocity, but their clinical potential is unclear. We investigated if a decrease in microbubble velocity in the arterial and venous beds of the renal cortex, outer medulla, and inner medulla was detectable after intravenous administration of the α1-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin. The left kidneys of seven rats were scanned with super-resolution ultrasound for 10 min before, during, and after prazosin administration using a bk5000 ultrasound scanner and hockey-stick probe. The super-resolution images were manually segmented, separating cortex, outer medulla, and inner medulla. Microbubble tracks from arteries/arterioles were separated from vein/venule tracks using the arterial blood flow direction. The mean microbubble velocities from each scan were compared. This showed a significant prazosin-induced velocity decrease only in the cortical arteries/arterioles (from 1.59 ± 0.38 to 1.14 ± 0.31 to 1.18 ± 0.33 mm/s, p = 0.013) and outer medulla descending vasa recta (from 0.70 ± 0.05 to 0.66 ± 0.04 to 0.69 ± 0.06 mm/s, p = 0.026). Conclusively, super-resolution ultrasound imaging makes it possible to detect and differentiate microbubble velocity responses to prazosin simultaneously in the renal cortical and medullary vascular beds.
Using Drones to Assess Volitional Swimming Kinematics of Manta Ray Behaviors in the Wild
Authors: Fong Vicky , Hoffmann Sarah , Pate Jessica
Published: April 2022

Drones have become increasingly popular tools to study marine megafauna but are underutilized in batoid research. We used drones to collect video data of manta ray (Mobula cf. birostris) swimming and assessed behavior-specific kinematics in Kinovea, a semi-automated point-tracking software. We describe a ‘resting’ behavior of mantas making use of strong currents in man-made inlets in addition to known ‘traveling’ and ‘feeding’ behaviors. No significant differences were found between the swimming speed of traveling and feeding behaviors, although feeding mantas had a significantly higher wingbeat frequency than traveling mantas. Resting mantas swam at a significantly slower speed and wingbeat frequency, suggesting that they were continuously swimming with the minimum effort required to maintain position and buoyancy. Swimming speed and wingbeat frequency of traveling and feeding behaviors overlapped, which could point to other factors such as prey availability and a transitional behavior, influencing how manta rays swim. These baseline swimming kinematic data have valuable applications to other emerging technologies in manta ray research.
Money Supply and Inflation after COVID-19
Authors: Gharehgozli Orkideh , Lee Sunhyung
Published: April 2022

The core personal consumption expenditure (PCE) price index, the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge, rose to 5.2 percent on January 2022, which is the highest rate of increase since 40 years ago. Our estimates show that the annualized quarterly core PCE prices could reach 5.45% in the second quarter of 2022 and are as high as 8.57% in a longer time horizon unless corrected with restrictive monetary policies. Thus, the inflation shock since COVID-19 is not transitory, but it is persistent. As economists expect the Federal Reserve to tighten the money supply in March 2022, the insufficient policy responses may be attributed to a failure to incorporate a unique macroeconomic shock to unemployment during the pandemic. We propose a modified vector autoregression (VAR) model to examine structural shocks after COVID-19, and our proposed model performs well in forecasting future price levels in times of a pandemic.
Service Area Network Analysis for Location Planning of Microbusiness and Local Franchise in Urban Area: A Case Study in Malang City, East Java Provence, Indonesia
Authors: Wagistina Satti , Syafitri Dyah Rina , Lestari Julaika Sri , Amanatinismi Khoirunnisa Hafidha , Setiawan Dicky , Ramadhani Santica
Published: April 2022

Malang city is supported by the informal sector, represented by 50.41% informal employees; 17.80% are street food vendors located by collector, neighborhood, local, and alongside footpaths. Those highly potential business opportunities are equipped by high-rate competitors that would be a failure factor. One of the most contributive factors of 50–60% of business failures is rough location planning without an effective solution. The purpose of this research is to analyze strategic selling locations for microbusiness and local franchises in Malang City. A quantitative approach was used to analyze numeric calculation while a geography information system (GIS) was used as the analysis method. Additionally, service area network analysis (SANA) as a GIS tool was used for counting the threshold of spatial factor. Both SANA and GIS integrate with mobile applications, which are called by LOLAKU (location = LO, or location to accelerate salability = LAKU). After analyzing the strategic location factor, these application are tested toward microbusinesses and local franchises around the study area. Respondents are involved in testing sessions after interview for microbusiness and local franchise criteria. The research showed that strategic locations for microbussiness and franchise local listed up to three rental points, there are: point 6 (112°36′44,571″ E–7°57′25,556″ S), point 9 (112°36′37,116″ E–7°57′28,496″ S), and point 21 (112°36′49,114″ E–7°57′48,281″ S). After comparing with respondents’ business criteria, point 6 is the most suitable one, which is located on alongside local roads, and traffic counted 37.8 unit/min on weekdays and 32.0 unit/min on weekends. LOLAKU received good responses from 36 respondents who took part in the criteria business determining and trial test sessions. We hope this application development will support and provide factual benefits for microbusinesses and local franchise actors in the future.
Exploring the Features of Educational Robotics and STEM Research in Primary Education: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Tselegkaridis Sokratis , Sapounidis Theodosios
Published: April 2022

STEM education programs with educational robotics are frequently used in formal or informal education, with participants ranging from kindergarten children up to university students. The widespread implementation of these programs in schools and the growing interest of researchers in the field has led several authors/researchers to review and summarize the characteristics of STEM research. However, the literature on the features of STEM research in primary education (kindergarten and primary school) is limited. Therefore, this article is a systematic literature review that tries to enrich the STEM agenda by answering the questions: (a) which study designs are commonly used in STEM interventions, (b) what the characteristics of the sample are (number/age of the students), (c) which equipment and user interfaces (tangible/graphical) are used, and (d) what are the characteristics of the studies (duration, intervention objectives, activities) and how studies’ data were recorded. For this review, 36 out of 337 articles were analyzed and emerged from eight databases, three search-keywords and six exclusion criteria. The examination of the reviewed articles showed, inter alia, that non-experimental design is usually used, that in half of the cases written evaluations are used and the sample size is almost equal between girls and boys. Finally, long-term research is restricted, therefore it is not safe to generalize the findings of these studies.
High-Magnification Super-Resolution Reconstruction of Image with Multi-Task Learning
Authors: Li Yanghui , Zhu Hong , Yu Shunyuan
Published: April 2022

Single-image super-resolution technology has made great progress with the development of the convolutional neural network, but most of the current super-resolution methods do not attempt high-magnification image super-resolution reconstruction; only reconstruction with ×2, ×3, ×4 magnification is carried out for low-magnification down-sampled images without serious degradation. Based on this, this paper proposed a single-image high-magnification super-resolution method, which extends the scale factor of image super-resolution to high magnification. By introducing the idea of multi-task learning, the process of the high-magnification image super-resolution process is decomposed into different super-resolution tasks. Different tasks are trained with different data, and network models for different tasks can be obtained. Through the cascade reconstruction of different task network models, a low-resolution image accumulates reconstruction advantages layer by layer, and we obtain the final high-magnification super-resolution reconstruction results. The proposed method shows better performance in quantitative and qualitative comparison on the benchmark dataset than other super-resolution methods.
Audio-Based Wildfire Detection on Embedded Systems
Authors: Huang Hung-Tien , Downey Austin R. J. , Bakos Jason D.
Published: April 2022

The occurrence of wildfires often results in significant fatalities. As wildfires are notorious for their high speed of spread, the ability to identify wildfire at its early stage is essential in quickly obtaining control of the fire and in reducing property loss and preventing loss of life. This work presents a machine learning wildfire detecting data pipeline that can be deployed on embedded systems in remote locations. The proposed data pipeline consists of three main steps: audio preprocessing, feature engineering, and classification. Experiments show that the proposed data pipeline is capable of detecting wildfire effectively with high precision and is capable of detecting wildfire sound over the forest’s background soundscape. When being deployed on a Raspberry Pi 4, the proposed data pipeline takes 66 milliseconds to process a 1 s sound clip. To the knowledge of the author, this is the first edge-computing implementation of an audio-based wildfire detection system.
Detection of Demagnetization Faults in Axial Flux Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Wind Generators
Authors: Lamprokostopoulos Apostolos , Mitronikas Epameinondas , Barmpatza Alexandra
Published: April 2022

A new method for detecting demagnetization faults in axial flux permanent magnet synchronous wind generators is presented in this study. Demagnetization faults occur in the case of total or partial loss of the magnetic properties of one or more permanent magnets of the machine. Fault signatures appearing in the current or voltage signal due to a demagnetization fault can often be confused with those produced by eccentricity faults, making the discrimination between the two types of faults difficult. The proposed methodology is based on the analysis of the instant power spectrum of the generator, combined with an estimator to derive the permanent magnet flux, based on the machine equations. Short-Time Fourier Transform is proposed as the means for spectrum analysis to ensure performance during variations of the generator speed. Results derived from the experimental tests are presented, which show that the proposed methodology is capable of detecting demagnetization faults and distinguishing them from eccentricity ones under a wide variety of operating conditions.
Verification Platform of SOC Estimation Algorithm for Lithium-Ion Batteries of Electric Vehicles
Authors: Xia Bizhong , Zhang Guanyong , Chen Huiyuan , Li Yuheng , Yu Zhuojun , Chen Yunchao
Published: April 2022

As one of the core technologies of electric vehicles (EVs), the state of charge (SOC) estimation algorithm of lithium-ion batteries is directly related to the performance of the battery management system (BMS). Before EVs are put into the market, the SOC estimation algorithm must be tested and verified to ensure the reliability of the BMS and the safe operation of EVs. Therefore, this paper establishes a lithium-ion batteries’ SOC estimation algorithm verification platform for the comprehensive performance evaluation and verification of the new SOC estimation algorithm. In addition, there are two schemes, including real-time SOC estimation verification and offline SOC estimation verification can be selected, which improve the reliability and efficiency of verification. Firstly, the design idea of the verification platform (the research and development purpose, functional requirements, and the overall design scheme) is introduced in detail. Secondly, the modular design idea is used to design the hardware structure of the verification platform, which mainly includes the BMS host module, BMS slave module, battery charger module, and electronic load module. Finally, the software system, including the communication architecture, the SOC reference standard and evaluation indexes of the algorithm, and the upper computer function and implementation is designed to realize the functions of the verification platform.
Coordinated Voltage Control Strategy by Optimizing the Limited Regulation Capacity of Air Conditioners
Authors: Hua Yongzhu , Xie Qiangqiang , Zheng Liang , Cui Jiadong , Shao Lihuan , Hu Weiwei
Published: April 2022

The high penetration of distributed renewable energy and the popularization of electric vehicles has led to voltage quality problems in distribution networks. Voltage problems, such as over-voltage, under-voltage, and voltage fluctuations, are increasingly becoming severe. Voltage regulation services play an essential role in improving the power supply quality of the distribution network. The development of information and communication technologies has promoted the upgrading of remote control technology. Air conditioners (ACs) can be easily remote controlled to change the power consumption for voltage regulation services. This study proposes a voltage control strategy by optimizing the limited regulation capacity of ACs. Firstly, a detailed thermal model is developed to analyze the room temperature and the regulation capacity of the ACs. Secondly, a successive voltage regulation algorithm is proposed to solve the voltage problems of the limited regulation capacity of ACs. In addition, the control strategy is developed to exploit the potential of voltage regulation. The control strategy formulates the participation priority of the ACs according to room temperature, which makes the ACs have a long regulation time and prevent the ACs switching working states in the process of voltage regulation. The case studies show that the proposed coordinated voltage regulation strategy can make node voltage restore to a permissible range and make full use of the limited regulation capacity of ACs for voltage control.