bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Micro Push-Out Bond Strength of Resin Composite to Dentin
in Primary Dentition Using Three Universal Adhesives with
Different pH: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Del Río Carrillo Regina María , Molinero-Mourelle Pedro , Vera Vicente , Romero Villaba Pablo , Casañas Elizabeth , Fonseca Manrique , Vera-Gonzalez Vicente , Mourelle-Martinez María Rosa
Published: July 2021

To evaluate the bond strength of different universal adhesives on deciduous tooth dentineand their relationship with the composition and potential of hydrogen (pH). Methods: An in vitromicro push-out test on 150 samples (n = 50) per group per adhesive, namely, Adhese Universal(ADH; Ivoclar Vivadent), Futurabond U (FUT; Voco GmbH) (Test), and Scotchbond Universal withpre-conditioning (SCO; 3M) (Control), to record bond strength (BS) and type of adhesive failure.Results: The results of the different adhesives (megapascals (MPa)) varied, showing no statisticalsignificance. The corresponding averages are in MPa: ADH, 13.66 2.81; FUT, 14.48 2.88; SCO,14.98 3.96. Additionally, the frequency of type of failure was as follows: mixed (60.7%), adhesive(27.3%), and cohesive (12%). Conclusions: SCO, with a pH of 2.7, showed greater resistance tofracture, while FUT, with a pH of 2.3 and no pre-conditioning, approached the same values, being aone-step adhesive. No relationship was found between failure and type of adhesive.
A Method of Combining Hidden Markov Model and Convolutional Neural Network for the 5G RCS Message Filtering
Authors: Gao Bibu , Zhang Wenqiang
Published: July 2021

As one of the 5G applications, rich communication suite (RCS), known as the next generation of Short Message Service (SMS), contains multimedia and interactive information for a better user experience. Meanwhile, the RCS industry worries that spammers may migrate their spamming misdeeds to RCS messages, the complexity of which challenges the filtering technology because each of them contains hundreds of fields with various types of data, such as texts, images and videos. Among the data, the hundreds of fields of text data contain the main content, which is adequate and more efficient for combating spam. This paper first discusses the text fields, which possibly contain spam information, then use the hidden Markov model (HMM) to weight the fields and finally use convolutional neural network (CNN) to classify the RCS messages. In the HMM step, the text fields are treated differently. The short texts of these fields are represented as feature weight sequences extracted by a feature extraction algorithm based on a probability density function. Then, the proposed HMM learns the weight sequence and produces a proper weight for each short text. Other text fields with fewer words are also weighted by the feature extraction algorithm. In the CNN step, all these feature weights first construct the RCS message matrix. The matrices of the training RCS messages are used as the CNN model inputs for learning and the matrices of testing messages are used as the trained CNN model inputs for RCS message property prediction. Four optimization technologies are introduced into the CNN classification process. Promising experiment results are achieved on the real industrial data.
Mechanical Properties of Historic Masonry Stones Obtained by In Situ Non-Destructive Tests on the St. Agostino Church in Amatrice (Italy)
Authors: Grazzini Alessandro , Lacidogna Giuseppe
Published: July 2021

The design of strengthening and securing work for historic buildings requires knowledge of the masonry mechanical characteristics, often obtainable through laboratory tests that require invasive samples. The non-destructive techniques, applicable in situ in a rapid and non-invasive way, represent a valid alternative to estimate mechanical strengths without destructive sampling. In this study, a methodology was calibrated which, by combining the results of the ultrasonic and impact tests, makes it possible to reach a good estimate of the compression strength and elastic modulus of a particular rock: sandstone. Most buildings in Amatrice, the city devastated by the violent earthquake of Central Italy in 2016, were built by means of this sedimentary rock. By carrying out a diagnostic campaign on the remaining walls of the St. Agostino church in Amatrice, it was possible to obtain a correlation, specific for this case study, between the compression strengths from laboratory tests and the results of the ultrasonic and impact tests. Unlike the traditional Sonreb methods, this methodology wanted to favor the use of the impact method instead of the sclerometrer test. In this way, it will be possible to operate on other damaged buildings of similar construction types located in the seismic crater of Amatrice, evaluating the mechanical characteristics of the masonry structures be means of in situ non-destructive tests in order to design the safety and strengthening work.
Modeling Aerial Transmission of Pathogens (Including the SARS-CoV-2 Virus) through Aerosol Emissions from E-Cigarettes
Authors: Sussman Roberto A. , Golberstein Eliana , Polosa Riccardo
Published: July 2021

We examine the plausibility of aerial transmission of pathogens (including the SARS-CoV-2 virus) through respiratory droplets that might be carried by exhaled e-cigarette aerosol (ECA). Given the lack of empiric evidence on this phenomenon, we consider available evidence on cigarette smoking and respiratory droplet emission from mouth breathing through a mouthpiece as convenient proxies to infer the capacity of vaping to transport pathogens in respiratory droplets. Since both exhaled droplets and ECA droplets are within the Stokes regime, the ECA flow acts effectively as a visual tracer of the expiratory flow. To infer quantitatively the direct exposure distance, we consider a model that approximates exhaled ECA flow as an axially symmetric intermittent steady starting jet evolving into an unstable puff, an evolution that we corroborate by comparison with photographs and videos of actual vapers. On the grounds of all this theoretical modeling, we estimate for low-intensity vaping (practiced by 80–90% of vapers) the emission of 6–210 (median 39.9, median deviation 67.3) respiratory submicron droplets per puff and a horizontal distance spread of 1–2 m, with intense vaping possibly emitting up to 1000 droplets per puff in the submicron range with a distance spread over 2 m. The optical visibility of the ECA flow has important safety implications, as bystanders become instinctively aware of the scope and distance of possible direct contagion through the vaping jet.
Condenser Design for On-Board ORC Recovery System
Authors: Capata Roberto , Piras Giuseppe
Published: July 2021

In this study, an ORC plant is considered that recovers the heat source from 1800 cc Diesel Engine exhaust gases. The power recovered by the ORC system could be used, as an auxiliary system, to provide energy to the electronic parts of the car. The purpose of this study is to investigate the possibility of allocating this ORC plant into a vehicle and in the design of the condenser, with the purpose of reaching the best configurations that lead to low-pressure drop and compact dimensions. The Organic Rankine Cycle converts thermal energy from low-grade heat sources into electricity. The thermodynamic cycles to produce 5 kW were simulated using a custom software application. The basic cycle was chosen to guarantee the most compact configurations. The selected thermodynamic parameters are based on the need to cope with atmospheric conditions. The working fluid chosen is R245fa, due to its thermodynamic characteristics. Since the electrical part would be partially satisfied by this system, the entire power of the thermal engine would be dedicated to mechanical use. It could also be assumed that, as a consequence of the settings of this plant, a reduction in fuel consumption could be expected, which, although at a percentage that cannot be theoretically evaluated at the moment, is nevertheless predictable. In this first stage of the evaluation, the condenser design is presented and analyzed.
Automatic Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease in SPECT Myocardial Perfusion Imaging Employing Deep Learning
Authors: Papandrianos Nikolaos , Papageorgiou Elpiniki
Published: July 2021

Focusing on coronary artery disease (CAD) patients, this research paper addresses the problem of automatic diagnosis of ischemia or infarction using single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) (Siemens Symbia S Series) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) scans and investigates the capabilities of deep learning and convolutional neural networks. Considering the wide applicability of deep learning in medical image classification, a robust CNN model whose architecture was previously determined in nuclear image analysis is introduced to recognize myocardial perfusion images by extracting the insightful features of an image and use them to classify it correctly. In addition, a deep learning classification approach using transfer learning is implemented to classify cardiovascular images as normal or abnormal (ischemia or infarction) from SPECT MPI scans. The present work is differentiated from other studies in nuclear cardiology as it utilizes SPECT MPI images. To address the two-class classification problem of CAD diagnosis, achieving adequate accuracy, simple, fast and efficient CNN architectures were built based on a CNN exploration process. They were then employed to identify the category of CAD diagnosis, presenting its generalization capabilities. The results revealed that the applied methods are sufficiently accurate and able to differentiate the infarction or ischemia from healthy patients (overall classification accuracy = 93.47% ± 2.81%, AUC score = 0.936). To strengthen the findings of this study, the proposed deep learning approaches were compared with other popular state-of-the-art CNN architectures for the specific dataset. The prediction results show the efficacy of new deep learning architecture applied for CAD diagnosis using SPECT MPI scans over the existing ones in nuclear medicine.
Comparative Study of Energy Savings for Various Control Strategies in the Tunnel Lighting System
Authors: Qin Li , Peña-García Antonio , Leon Arturo S. , Yu Jian-Cheng
Published: July 2021

Tunnel lighting is the most significant component in total energy consumption in the whole infrastructure. Hence, various lighting control strategies based on light-emitting diode (LED) technology have been investigated to conserve energy by decreasing luminaires’ operating time. In this study, four kinds of tunnel lighting control strategies and the development of their associated technologies are evaluated: no-control low-consumption lamps (LCL), time-scheduling control strategy (TSCS), daylight adaptation control strategy (DACS), and intelligent control strategy (ICS). This work investigates the relationship between initial investment and electrical costs as a function of tunnel length (L) and daily traffic volume (N) for the four control strategies. The analysis was performed using 100-day data collected in eleven Chinese tunnels. The tunnel length (L) ranged from 600 m to 3300 m and the daily traffic volume (N) ranged from 700 to 2500. The results showed that initial investment costs increase with L for all control strategies. Also, the electricity costs for the LCL, TSCS, and DACS strategies increased linearly with L, whereas the electricity cost for the ICS strategy has an exponential growth with L and N. The results showed that for a lifetime equal to or shorter than 218 days, the LCL strategy offered the best economical solution; whereas for a lifetime longer than 955 days, the ICS strategy offered the best economical solution. For a lifetime between 218 and 955 days, the most suitable strategy varies with tunnel length and traffic volume. This study’s results can guide the decision-making process during the tunnel lighting system’s design stage.
Integrated Design of Process-Tolerance for Remanufacturing Based on Failure Feature
Authors: Chen Yanxiang , Jiang Zhigang , Zhang Hua , Yan Wei
Published: July 2021

The uncertainty failure of the used part leads the complexity selection of remanufacturing processes. The different remanufacturing process combinations among used parts of used products also make the formulation of tolerance schemes more difficult. It is hard to guarantee the optimality of process-tolerance schemes by traditional serial production modes in general, in which tolerance design is followed by process formulation. In order to generate the optimal remanufacturing scheme of process and tolerance for used products, an optimization method to integrate designs of process-tolerance (IDP-T) based on fault features was presented. In this work, the failure description set of used parts was constructed by combining the attribute characteristics and failure characteristics. Case-based reasoning (CBR) was first utilized to generate the feasible remanufacturing process plans of used parts. Then, based on the feasible process plans, the factors of cost, quality loss, closed-loop accuracy and machining ability of remanufacturing were comprehensively considered to construct the optimization model of IDP-T. The Beetle Antennae Search algorithm (BAS) was used for the optimal alternative selection. Finally, a used gearbox was taken as an example to illustrate the validity and practicality of the proposed method. The results showed that the proposed method was effective in the optimization of IDP-T for remanufacturing.
CNN-Based Defect Inspection for Injection Molding Using Edge Computing and Industrial IoT Systems
Authors: Ha Hyeonjong , Jeong Jongpil
Published: July 2021

Currently, the development of automated quality inspection is drawing attention as a major component of the smart factory. However, injection molding processes have not received much attention in this area of research because of product diversity, difficulty in obtaining uniform quality product images, and short cycle times. In this study, we proposed a defect inspection system for injection molding in edge intelligence. Using data augmentation, we solved the data shortage and imbalance problem of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), introduced the actual smart factory method of the injection process, and measured the performance of the developed artificial intelligence model. The accuracy of the proposed model was more than 90%, proving that the system can be applied in the field.
Analysis of the Influence of CO2 Concentration on a Spark Ignition Engine Fueled with Biogas
Authors: Kriaučiūnas Donatas , Pukalskas Saugirdas , Rimkus Alfredas , Barta Dalibor
Published: July 2021

Biogas is one of the alternative solutions that could reduce the usage of fossil fuels and production of greenhouse gas emissions, as biogas is considered as an alternative fuel with a short carbon cycle. During biogas production, organic matter is decomposed during an anaerobic digestion process. Biogas mainly consists of methane and carbon dioxide, of which the ratio varies depending on the raw material and parameters of the production process. Therefore, engine parameters should be adjusted in relationship with biogas composition. In this research, a spark ignition engine was tested for mixtures of biogas with 0 vol%, 20 vol%, 40 vol% and 50 vol% of CO2. In all experiments, two cases of spark timing (ST) were used; the first one is a constant spark timing (26 crank angle degrees (CAD) before top dead center (BTDC)) and the second one is an advanced spark timing (optimal for biogas mixture). Results show that increasing the CO2 concentration and using constant spark timing increases the mass burned fraction combustion duration by 90%, reduces the in-cylinder pressure and leads to a reduction in the brake thermal efficiency and nitrogen oxides emissions at all measurement points. However, the choice of optimal spark timing increases the brake thermal efficiency as well as hydrocarbon and CO2 emission.
Modeling Investigation of Brown Carbon Aerosol and Its Light Absorption in China
Authors: Zhu Yong , Wang Qiaoqiao , Yang Xiajie , Yang Ning , Wang Xurong
Published: July 2021

Brown carbon (BrC) is a type of organic carbon with light-absorbing abilities, especially in ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which could significantly contribute to global warming. Observations have shown high BrC concentrations and absorption in China, suggesting potentially large BrC emissions. The potential contribution of fossil fuel combustion to BrC emission has been ignored in most previous studies. Here, we use GEOS-Chem to simulate BrC distribution and absorption in China, accounting for three major primary BrC sources: residential coal and biofuel combustion, vehicle exhausts, and open biomass burning. Based on the literature and related energy consumption data, we estimate the specific emission ratio of BrC versus BC, and BrC mass absorption efficiency (MAE) for each source. Combined with BC emission, total BrC emission in China is then estimated to be 3.42 Tg yr−1 in 2018, of which 71% is from residential combustion, 14% is from vehicle exhaust, and 15% is from open biomass burning. Residential combustion is the main source of surface BrC in China, accounting for 60% on average, followed by open biomass burning (23%) and vehicle exhaust emissions (17%). There is a clear seasonality in surface BrC concentrations with the maximum in winter (5.1 µg m−3), followed by spring (2.8 µg m−3), autumn (2.3 µg m−3), and summer (1.3 µg m−3). BrC AAOD at 365 nm ranges from 0.0017 to 0.060 in China, mainly dominated by residential combustion (73%), followed by open biomass burning (16%), and vehicle exhaust emissions (11%). It is also estimated that BrC accounts for 45–67% (52% on average) of total carbonaceous aerosol AAOD at 365 nm, implying an equal importance of BrC and BC regarding the absorption in UV radiation.
Emerging Electrochemical Sensors for Real-Time Detection of Tetracyclines in Milk
Authors: Raykova Magdalena R. , Corrigan Damion K. , Holdsworth Morag , Henriquez Fiona L. , Ward Andrew C.
Published: July 2021

Antimicrobial drug residues in food are strictly controlled and monitored by national laws in most territories. Tetracyclines are a major broad-spectrum antibiotic class, active against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and they are the leading choice for the treatment of many conditions in veterinary medicine in recent years. In dairy farms, milk from cows being treated with antibiotic drugs, such as tetracyclines, is considered unfit for human consumption. Contamination of the farm bulk tank with milk containing these residues presents a threat to confidence of supply and results in financial losses to farmers and dairy. Real-time monitoring of milk production for antimicrobial residues could reduce this risk and help to minimise the release of residues into the environment where they can cause reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance. In this article, we review the existing literature for the detection of tetracyclines in cow’s milk. Firstly, the complex nature of the milk matrix is described, and the test strategies in commercial use are outlined. Following this, emerging biosensors in the low-cost biosensors field are contrasted against each other, focusing upon electrochemical biosensors. Existing commercial tests that identify antimicrobial residues within milk are largely limited to beta-lactam detection, or non-specific detection of microbial inhibition, with tests specific to tetracycline residues less prevalent. Herein, we review a number of emerging electrochemical biosensor detection strategies for tetracyclines, which have the potential to close this gap and address the industry challenges associated with existing tests.
The Impact of X-Chromosome Inactivation on Phenotypic Expression of X-Linked Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Brand Boudewien A , Blesson Alyssa E , Smith-Hicks Constance L.
Published: July 2021

Nearly 20% of genes located on the X chromosome are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) due to their expression and role in brain functioning. Given their location, several of these genes are either subject to or can escape X-chromosome inactivation (XCI). The degree to which genes are subject to XCI can influence the NDD phenotype between males and females. We provide a general review of X-linked NDD genes in the context of XCI and detailed discussion of the sex-based differences related to MECP2 and FMR1, two common X-linked causes of NDD that are subject to XCI. Understanding the effects of XCI on phenotypic expression of NDD genes may guide the development of stratification biomarkers in X-linked disorders.
COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Substance Misuse: A Social Media Listening, Mixed Method Analysis
Authors: Arillotta Davide , Guirguis Amira , Corkery John Martin , Scherbaum Norbert , Schifano Fabrizio
Published: July 2021

The restrictive measures adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic modified some previously consolidated drug use patterns. A focus on social networks allowed drug users to discuss, share opinions and provide advice during a worldwide emergency context. In order to explore COVID-19-related implications on drug trends/behaviour and on most popular psychotropic substances debated, the focus here was on the constantly updated, very popular, Reddit social platform’s posts and comments. A quantitative and qualitative analysis of r/Drugs and related subreddits, using a social media listening netnographic approach, was carried out. The post/comments analysed covered the time-frame December 2019–May 2020. Between December 2019 and May 2020, the number of whole r/Drugs subreddit members increased from 619,563 to 676,581 members, respectively, thus increasing by 9.2% by the end of the data collection. Both the top-level r/Drugs subreddit and 92 related subreddits were quantitatively analysed, with posts/comments related to 12 drug categories. The drugs most frequently commented on included cannabinoids, psychedelics, opiates/opioids, alcohol, stimulants and prescribed medications. The qualitative analysis was carried out focussing on four subreddits, relating to some 1685 posts and 3263 comments. Four main themes of discussion (e.g., lockdown-associated immunity and drug intake issues; drug-related behaviour/after-quarantine plans’ issues; lockdown-related psychopathological issues; and peer-to-peer advice at the time of COVID-19) and four categories of Redditors (e.g., those continuing the use of drugs despite the pandemic; the “couch epidemiologists”; the conspirationists/pseudo-science influencers; and the recovery-focused users) were tentatively identified here. A mixed-methods, social network-based analysis provided a range of valuable information on Redditors’ drug use/behaviour during the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Further studies should be carried out focusing on other social networks as well as later phases of the pandemic.
Comparison of Functional Connectivity in the Prefrontal Cortex during a Simple and an Emotional Go/No-Go Task in Female versus Male Groups: An fNIRS Study
Authors: Nguyen Thien , Condy Emma E. , Park Soongho , Friedman Bruce H. , Gandjbakhche Amir
Published: July 2021

Inhibitory control is a cognitive process to suppress prepotent behavioral responses to stimuli. This study aimed to investigate prefrontal functional connectivity during a behavioral inhibition task and its correlation with the subject’s performance. Additionally, we identified connections that are specific to the Go/No-Go task. The experiment was performed on 42 normal, healthy adults who underwent a vanilla baseline and a simple and emotional Go/No-Go task. Cerebral hemodynamic responses were measured in the prefrontal cortex using a 16-channel near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) device. Functional connectivity was calculated from NIRS signals and correlated to the Go/No-Go performance. Strong connectivity was found in both the tasks in the right hemisphere, inter-hemispherically, and the left medial prefrontal cortex. Better performance (fewer errors, faster response) is associated with stronger prefrontal connectivity during the simple Go/No-Go in both sexes and the emotional Go/No-Go connectivity in males. However, females express a lower emotional Go/No-Go connectivity while performing better on the task. This study reports a complete prefrontal network during a simple and emotional Go/No-Go and its correlation with the subject’s performance in females and males. The results can be applied to examine behavioral inhibitory control deficits in population with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Local Oscillatory Brain Dynamics of Mind Wandering in Schizophrenia
Authors: Prieto Marta , Iglesias-Parro Sergio , Soriano María Felipa , Ibáñez-Molina Antonio
Published: July 2021

A number of studies have focused on brain dynamics underlying mind wandering (MW) states in healthy people. However, there is limited understanding of how the oscillatory dynamics accompanying MW states and task-focused states are characterized in clinical populations. In this study, we explored EEG local synchrony of MW associated with schizophrenia, under the premise that changes in attention that arise during MW are associated with a different pattern of brain activity. To this end, we measured the power of EEG oscillations in different frequency bands, recorded while participants watched short video clips. In the group of participants diagnosed with schizophrenia, the power in MW states was significantly lower than during task-focused states, mainly in the frontal and posterior regions. However, in the group of healthy controls, the differences in power between the task-focused and MW states occurred exclusively in the posterior region. Furthermore, the power of the frequency bands during MW and during episodes of task-focused attention correlated with cognitive variables such as processing speed and working memory. These findings on dynamic changes of local synchronization in different frequency bands and areas of the cortex can improve our understanding of mental disorders, such as schizophrenia.
Chemoradiotherapy but Not Radiotherapy Alone for Larynx Preservation in T3. Considerations from a German Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Dyckhoff Gerhard , Warta Rolf , Herold-Mende Christel , Winkler Volker , Plinkert Peter K. , Ramroth Heribert
Published: July 2021

For advanced laryngeal cancers, after randomized prospective larynx preservation studies, nonsurgical therapy has been applied on a large scale as an alternative to laryngectomy. For T4 laryngeal cancer, poorer survival has been reported after nonsurgical treatment. Is there a need to fear worse survival also in T3 tumors? The outcomes of 121 T3 cancers treated with pCRT, pRT alone, or surgery were evaluated in an observational cohort study in Germany. In a multivariate Cox regression of the T3 subgroup, no survival difference was noted between pCRT and total laryngectomy with risk-adopted adjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy (TL ± a(C)RT) (HR 1.20; 95%-CI: 0.57–2.53; p = 0.63). However, survival was significantly worse after pRT alone than after TL ± a(C)RT (HR 4.40; 95%-CI: 1.72–11.28, p = 0.002). A literature search shows that in cases of unfavorable prognostic markers (bulky tumors of 6–12 ccm, vocal cord fixation, minimal cartilage infiltration, or N2–3), pCRT instead of pRT is indicated. In cases of pretreatment dysphagia or aspiration requiring a feeding tube or tracheostomy, gross or multiple cartilage infiltration, or tumor volume > 12 ccm, outcomes after pCRT were significantly worse than those after TL. In these cases, and in cases where pCRT is indicated but the patient is not suitable for the addition of chemotherapy, upfront total laryngectomy with stage-appropriate aRT is recommended even in T3 laryngeal cancers.
Head-to-Head Comparison of Neck 18F-FDG PET/MR and PET/CT in the Diagnosis of Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma Patients after Comprehensive Treatment
Authors: Song Yangmeihui , Liu Fang , Ruan Weiwei , Hu Fan , Younis Muhsin H. , Gao Zairong , Ming Jie , Huang Tao , Cai Weibo , Lan Xiaoli
Published: July 2021

We explored the clinical value of 18F-FDG PET/MR in a head-to-head comparison with PET/CT in loco-regional recurrent and metastatic cervical lymph nodes of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) patients after comprehensive treatment. 18F-FDG PET/CT and neck PET/MR scans that were performed in DTC patients with suspected recurrence or cervical lymph node metastasis after comprehensive treatment were retrospectively analyzed. Detection rates, diagnostic efficacy, image conspicuity, and measured parameters were compared between 18F-FDG PET/CT and PET/MR. The gold standard was histopathological diagnosis or clinical and imaging follow-up results for more than 6 months. Among the 37 patients enrolled, no suspicious signs of tumor were found in 10 patients, 24 patients had lymph node metastasis, and 3 patients had both recurrence and lymph node metastases. A total of 130 lesions were analyzed, including 3 malignant and 6 benign thyroid nodules, as well as 74 malignant and 47 benign cervical lymph nodes. Compared with PET/CT, PET/MR presented better detection rates (91.5% vs. 80.8%), image conspicuity (2.74 ± 0.60 vs. 1.9 ± 0.50, p < 0.001, especially in complex level II), and sensitivity (80.5% vs. 61.0%). SUVmax differed in benign and malignant lymph nodes in both imaging modalities (p < 0.05). For the same lesion, the SUVmax, SUVmean, and diameters measured by PET/MR and PET/CT were consistent and had significant correlation. In conclusion, compared with 18F-FDG PET/CT, PET/MR was more accurate in determining recurrent and metastatic lesions, both from a patient-based and from a lesion-based perspective. Adding local PET/MR after whole-body PET/CT may be recommended to provide more precise diagnostic information and scope of surgical resection without additional ionizing radiation. Further scaling-up prospective studies and economic benefit analysis are expected.
Regulation of Wnt Signaling by FOX Transcription Factors in Cancer
Authors: Koch Stefan
Published: July 2021

Aberrant activation of the oncogenic Wnt signaling pathway is a hallmark of numerous types of cancer. However, in many cases, it is unclear how a chronically high Wnt signaling tone is maintained in the absence of activating pathway mutations. Forkhead box (FOX) family transcription factors are key regulators of embryonic development and tissue homeostasis, and there is mounting evidence that they act in part by fine-tuning the Wnt signaling output in a tissue-specific and context-dependent manner. Here, I review the diverse ways in which FOX transcription factors interact with the Wnt pathway, and how the ectopic reactivation of FOX proteins may affect Wnt signaling activity in various types of cancer. Many FOX transcription factors are partially functionally redundant and exhibit a highly restricted expression pattern, especially in adults. Thus, precision targeting of individual FOX proteins may lead to safe treatment options for Wnt-dependent cancers.
Malignant Mesothelioma
Authors: Pouliquen Daniel L. , Kopecka Joanna
Published: July 2021

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare and aggressive cancer, related to chronic inflammation and oxidative stress caused mainly by exposure to asbestos [...]
Molecular Pathways and Druggable Targets in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Kordbacheh Farzaneh , Farah Camile S.
Published: July 2021

Head and neck cancers are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms, affecting an ever increasing global population. Despite advances in diagnostic technology and surgical approaches to manage these conditions, survival rates have only marginally improved and this has occurred mainly in developed countries. Some improvements in survival, however, have been a result of new management and treatment approaches made possible because of our ever-increasing understanding of the molecular pathways triggered in head and neck oncogenesis, and the growing understanding of the abundant heterogeneity of this group of cancers. Some important pathways are common to other solid tumours, but their impact on reducing the burden of head and neck disease has been less than impressive. Other less known and little-explored pathways may hold the key to the development of potential druggable targets. The extensive work carried out over the last decade, mostly utilising next generation sequencing has opened up the development of many novel approaches to head and neck cancer treatment. This paper explores our current understanding of the molecular pathways of this group of tumours and outlines associated druggable targets which are deployed as therapeutic approaches in head and neck oncology with the ultimate aim of improving patient outcomes and controlling the personal and economic burden of head and neck cancer.
Catalytic Dehydrogenation of Ethane: A Mini Review of Recent Advances and Perspective of Chemical Looping Technology
Authors: Fairuzov Danis , Gerzeliev Ilias , Maximov Anton , Naranov Evgeny
Published: July 2021

Dehydrogenation processes play an important role in the petrochemical industry. High selectivity towards olefins is usually hindered by numerous side reactions in a conventional cracking/pyrolysis technology. Herein, we show recent studies devoted to selective ethylene production via oxidative and non-oxidative reactions. This review summarizes the progress that has been achieved with ethane conversion in terms of the process effectivity. Briefly, steam cracking, catalytic dehydrogenation, oxidative dehydrogenation (with CO2/O2), membrane technology, and chemical looping are reviewed.
Extracellular Vesicles in Multiple Sclerosis: Role in the Pathogenesis and Potential Usefulness as Biomarkers and Therapeutic Tools
Authors: D’Anca Marianna , Fenoglio Chiara , Buccellato Francesca Romana , Visconte Caterina , Galimberti Daniela , Scarpini Elio
Published: July 2021

Although extracellular vesicles (EVs) were initially relegated to a waste disposal role, nowadays, they have gained multiple fundamental functions working as messengers in intercellular communication as well as exerting active roles in physiological and pathological processes. Accumulating evidence proves the involvement of EVs in many diseases, including those of the central nervous system (CNS), such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Indeed, these membrane-bound particles, produced in any type of cell, carry and release a vast range of bioactive molecules (nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids), conferring genotypic and phenotypic changes to the recipient cell. This means that not only EVs per se but their content, especially, could reveal new candidate disease biomarkers and/or therapeutic agents. This review is intended to provide an overview regarding current knowledge about EVs’ involvement in MS, analyzing the potential versatility of EVs as a new therapeutic tool and source of biomarkers.
The Role of Voltage-Dependent Anion Channel in Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Human Disease
Authors: Varughese Joyce T. , Buchanan Susan K. , Pitt Ashley S.
Published: July 2021

The voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) is a β-barrel membrane protein located in the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM). VDAC has two conductance states: an open anion selective state, and a closed and slightly cation-selective state. VDAC conductance states play major roles in regulating permeability of ATP/ADP, regulation of calcium homeostasis, calcium flux within ER-mitochondria contact sites, and apoptotic signaling events. Three reported structures of VDAC provide information on the VDAC open state via X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Together, these structures provide insight on how VDAC aids metabolite transport. The interaction partners of VDAC, together with the permeability of the pore, affect the molecular pathology of diseases including Parkinson’s disease (PD), Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), lupus, and cancer. To fully address the molecular role of VDAC in disease pathology, major questions must be answered on the structural conformers of VDAC. For example, further information is needed on the structure of the closed state, how binding partners or membrane potential could lead to the open/closed states, the function and mobility of the N-terminal α-helical domain of VDAC, and the physiological role of VDAC oligomers. This review covers our current understanding of the various states of VDAC, VDAC interaction partners, and the roles they play in mitochondrial regulation pertaining to human diseases.
Dietary Fatty Acids at the Crossroad between Obesity and Colorectal Cancer: Fine Regulators of Adipose Tissue Homeostasis and Immune Response
Authors: Del Cornò Manuela , Varì Rosaria , Scazzocchio Beatrice , Varano Barbara , Masella Roberta , Conti Lucia
Published: July 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the major threatening diseases worldwide, being the third most common cancer, and a leading cause of death, with a global incidence expected to increase in the coming years. Enhanced adiposity, particularly visceral fat, is a major risk factor for the development of several tumours, including CRC, and represents an important indicator of incidence, survival, prognosis, recurrence rates, and response to therapy. The obesity-associated low-grade chronic inflammation is thought to be a key determinant in CRC development, with the adipocytes and the adipose tissue (AT) playing a significant role in the integration of diet-related endocrine, metabolic, and inflammatory signals. Furthermore, AT infiltrating immune cells contribute to local and systemic inflammation by affecting immune and cancer cell functions through the release of soluble mediators. Among the factors introduced with diet and enriched in AT, fatty acids (FA) represent major players in inflammation and are able to deeply regulate AT homeostasis and immune cell function through gene expression regulation and by modulating the activity of several transcription factors (TF). This review summarizes human studies on the effects of dietary FA on AT homeostasis and immune cell functions, highlighting the molecular pathways and TF involved. The relevance of FA balance in linking diet, AT inflammation, and CRC is also discussed. Original and review articles were searched in PubMed without temporal limitation up to March 2021, by using fatty acid as a keyword in combination with diet, obesity, colorectal cancer, inflammation, adipose tissue, immune cells, and transcription factors.
Ancestral Sperm Ecotypes Reveal Multiple Invasions of a Non-Native Fish in Northern Europe
Authors: Green Leon , Apostolou Apostolos , Faust Ellika , Palmqvist Kajsa , Behrens Jane W. , Havenhand Jonathan N. , Leder Erica H. , Kvarnemo Charlotta
Published: July 2021

For externally fertilising organisms in the aquatic environment, the abiotic fertilisation medium can be a strong selecting force. Among bony fishes, sperm are adapted to function in a narrow salinity range. A notable exception is the family Gobiidae, where several species reproduce across a wide salinity range. The family also contains several wide-spread invasive species. To better understand how these fishes tolerate such varying conditions, we measured sperm performance in relation to salinity from a freshwater and a brackish population within their ancestral Ponto-Caspian region of the round goby, Neogobius melanostomus. These two ancestral populations were then compared to nine additional invaded sites across northern Europe, both in terms of their sperm traits and by using genomic SNP markers. Our results show clear patterns of ancestral adaptations to freshwater and brackish salinities in their sperm performance. Population genomic analyses show that the ancestral ecotypes have generally established themselves in environments that fit their sperm adaptations. Sites close to ports with intense shipping show that both outbreeding and admixture can affect the sperm performance of a population in a given salinity. Rapid adaptation to local conditions is also supported at some sites. Historical and contemporary evolution in the traits of the round goby sperm cells is tightly linked to the population and seascape genomics as well as biogeographic processes in these invasive fishes. Since the risk of a population establishing in an area is related to the genotype by environment match, port connectivity and the ancestry of the round goby population can likely be useful for predicting the species spread.
Modeling of Contact Forces for Brushing Tools
Authors: Uhlmann Eckart , Hoyer Anton
Published: July 2021

Brushing with bonded abrasives is a flexible finishing process used for the deburring and the rounding of workpiece edges as well as for the reduction of the surface roughness. Although industrially widespread, insufficient knowledge about the contact behavior of the abrasive filaments mainly causes applications to be based on experiential values. Therefore, this article aims to increase the applicability of physical process models by introducing a new prediction method, correlating the contact forces of single abrasive filaments, obtained by means of a multi-body simulation, with the experimentally determined process forces of full brushing tools during the surface finishing of ZrO2. It was concluded that aggressive process parameters may not necessarily lead to maximum productivity due to increased tool wear, whereas less aggressive process parameters might yield equally high contact forces and thus higher productivity.
Small-Angle Ultra-Narrowband Tunable Mid-Infrared Absorber Composing from Graphene and Dielectric Metamaterials
Authors: Liao Yan-Lin , Wang Huilin , Zhao Yan , Chen Xiang , Wu Jin , Chen Zhenggen
Published: July 2021

We report a small-angle ultra-narrowband mid-infrared tunable absorber that uses graphene and dielectric metamaterials. The absorption bandwidth of the absorber at the graphene Fermi level of 0.2 eV is 0.055 nm, and the absorption peaks can be tuned from 5.14803 to 5.1411 μm by changing the graphene Fermi level. Furthermore, the resonance absorption only occurs in the angle range of several degrees. The simulation field distributions show the magnetic resonance and Fabry–Pérot resonance at the resonance absorption peak. The one-dimensional photonic crystals (1DPCs) in this absorber act as a Bragg mirror to efficiently reflect the incidence light. The simulation results also show that the bandwidth can be further narrowed by increasing the resonance cavity length. As a tunable mid-infrared thermal source, this absorber can possess both high temporal coherence and near-collimated angle characteristics, thus providing it with potential applications.
Effects of Input Power Ratio of AlCr/Ti Target on the Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of AlTiCrN Coatings Synthesized by a High-Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering Process
Authors: Tang Jian-Fu , Lin Ching-Yen , Yang Fu-Chi , Chang Chi-Lung
Published: July 2021

In this study, five AlTiCrN nitride coatings were deposited via high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS). The AlTiCrN coatings were synthesized with high contents of Al or Ti and a lower fraction of Cr, using Ti and Al70Cr30 targets with five different input power ratios. Electron probe microanalyzer results revealed that the increased rate of Ti contents in the coatings can be divided into two regions due to the difference of power densities for HiPIMS (>0.5 kW/cm2) and modulated pulsed power (MPP) (<0.5 kW/cm2). The deposition rate and thickness of the coatings depended on the sputtering yield of two metal targets under HiPIMS and MPP modes. The grain size of the coatings decreased from 60 to 40 nm as the input power ratios of the AlCr/Ti targets decreased due to their lower thickness values and lower Al content. Selected area electron diffraction patterns and X-ray diffraction results revealed that the TiN and AlTiN phases can be found in the coating containing higher Ti content, whereas the AlN, CrN, and AlCrN phases were observed in the coating with a higher Al concentration. Nevertheless, decreasing the concentration of Ti had a detrimental effect on the mechanical properties of AlTiCrN coatings, due to a promotion in grain size and the formation of AlN, which is softer than TiN. It is noticed that our results differed from those in previous reports, in which a grain refinement effect was observed due to increasing Al content. In this work, the effect of processing the parameters of the HiPIMS and MPP power systems on the grain size and the mechanical property of the coating was also discussed.
Introduction of a New Parameter to Quantify the Fatigue Damage in Asphalt Mastics and Asphalt Binder
Authors: Chaudhary Mohit , Saboo Nikhil , Gupta Ankit
Published: July 2021

This study involves the quantification of fatigue damage in asphalt materials by introducing a new fatigue damage parameter denoted as the F parameter. One waste filler, i.e., red mud and an asphalt binder were chosen to blend the asphalt mastics at three filler contents of 10, 20, and 30% respectively with respect to the volume of binder and tested at temperatures of 5, 15, and 25 °C. The proposed parameter incorporates the effect of both peak shear stress as well as the failure strain, and hence, can better represent the fatigue damage. A lower value of F is recommended for a better fatigue resistant material. The F parameter was found increasing with the increment in filler content, which signifies higher degree of damage with a high level of stiffening. On the other hand, it consistently decreased with the increment in temperature. The behavior of the materials under the action of increasing shear strain was clearly justified by using the F parameter corresponding to different filler contents and the testing temperatures. In addition to that, the observations from the F parameter were also complemented by the fatigue diagrams. Hence, the proposed parameter is envisaged to be a promising fatigue damage indicator in future works.
Can a-C:H-Sputtered Coatings Be Extended to Orthodontics?
Authors: Fróis António , Aleixo Ana Sofia , Evaristo Manuel , Santos Ana Cristina , Louro Cristina Santos
Published: July 2021

Hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-C:H) coatings are attractive materials for protecting metallic surfaces in extreme biological environments like the human oral cavity, due to the unusual combination of mechanical properties, superior bioinertness, and relative easier and cheaper production. In this work, two a-C:H coatings were deposited on AISI 316L substrates by reactive magnetron sputtering with two CH4 flows to assess if this outstanding system could extend its application range to orthodontics. A 30-day immersion test in Fusayama-Meyer artificial saliva was conducted to mimic an extreme acidic intraoral pH. Extracts were quantified and used to perform in vitro assays with mono- and co-cultures of macrophages and fibroblast to assess cell viability, while mechanical and structural behaviors were studied by nanoindentation and visible Raman. The empirically estimated H contents of ~28 and 40 at.% matched the hard and soft a-C:H coating regimes of 18 and 7 GPa, respectively. After immersion, no important structural/mechanical modifications occurred, regardless of the H content, without corrosion signs, delamination, or coating detachment. However, the adhesion-promoting Cr-based interlayer seems to reduce corrosion resistance via galvanic coupling. The highest biocompatibility was found for a-C:H coatings with the lowest H content. This study indicates that sputtered a-C:H are promising surface materials in orthodontics.