bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Steady-State Hydraulic Analysis of High-Rise Building Wastewater Drainage Networks: Modelling Basis
Authors: Stewart Colin , Gormley Michael , Xue Yunpeng , Kelly David , Campbell David
Published: August 2021

A model is presented which allows steady-state pressure profiles in high-rise wastewater drainage networks to be related to intake air flowrates and discharge water flowrates. This model is developed using data taken from academic literature, and is based on experimental observations which suggest that a vertical annular downflow develops over distance such that the pressure gradient in the wet stack may be expressed as the sum of junction components and developed flow components. The model is used to analyse a simplified ‘medium rise’ primary vented system of height 40 m, hosting two inflow junctions, crossvents and Air Admittance Valves (AAVs). The model illustrates how the air supply configuration affects the airflow rates within the stack and the vents, and how the configuration affects the steady-state hydraulic pressure profile. The model offers the possibility of an alternative approach to the design of high-rise wastewater drainage networks, compared to existing design codes. These codes generally do not explain the role that the air admitted into the network has upon its performance.
Natural Killer Cells and Dendritic Cells: Expanding Clinical Relevance in the Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Ahluwalia Pankaj , Ahluwalia Meenakshi , Mondal Ashis K. , Sahajpal Nikhil S. , Kota Vamsi , Rojiani Mumtaz V. , Kolhe Ravindra
Published: August 2021

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a major subtype of lung cancer that accounts for almost 85% of lung cancer cases worldwide. Although recent advances in chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy have helped in the clinical management of these patients, the survival rate in advanced stages remains dismal. Furthermore, there is a critical lack of accurate prognostic and stratification markers for emerging immunotherapies. To harness immune response modalities for therapeutic benefits, a detailed understanding of the immune cells in the complex tumor microenvironment (TME) is required. Among the diverse immune cells, natural killer (NK cells) and dendritic cells (DCs) have generated tremendous interest in the scientific community. NK cells play a critical role in tumor immunosurveillance by directly killing malignant cells. DCs link innate and adaptive immune systems by cross-presenting the antigens to T cells. The presence of an immunosuppressive milieu in tumors can lead to inactivation and poor functioning of NK cells and DCs, which results in an adverse outcome for many cancer patients, including those with NSCLC. Recently, clinical intervention using modified NK cells and DCs have shown encouraging response in advanced NSCLC patients. Herein, we will discuss prognostic and predictive aspects of NK cells and DC cells with an emphasis on NSCLC. Additionally, the discussion will extend to potential strategies that seek to enhance the anti-tumor functionality of NK cells and DCs.
Reduced Graphene Oxide Supported Cobalt-Calcium Phosphate Composite for Electrochemical Water Oxidation
Authors: Lee Keunyoung , Yang Wonseok , Pyo Eunji , Choi Hyebin , Cha Yeona , Lee Seonhong , Kim Chung Soo , Lim Dong-Kwon , Kwon Ki-Young
Published: August 2021

We report the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst composed of cobalt–calcium phosphate on reduced graphene oxide (CoCaP/rGO). Our catalyst is prepared by the anodic electrolysis of calcium phosphate/rGO mixture loaded on indium-tin-oxide (ITO) in Co2+ aqueous solution. TEM, XPS and XRD experiments confirm that the crystal phase of calcium phosphate (CaP) is transferred into an amorphous phase of calcium oxide with phosphate (5.06 at%) after anodic electrolysis. Additionally, the main cation component of calcium is replaced by cobalt ion. The current–voltage characteristics of CoCaP/rGO showed a shoulder peak at 1.10 V vs. NHE, which originated from Co2+ to higher oxidation states (Co3+ or Co4+) and a strong wave from water oxidation higher +1.16 V vs. NHE at neutral condition (pH 7). CoCaP and CoCaP/rGO showed 4.8 and 10 mA/cm2 at 0.47 V of overpotential, respectively. The enhanced OER catalytic activity of CoCaP/rGO arises from the synergetic interaction between the amorphous phase of CoCaP and electric conducting graphene sheets.
Epigenetic Regulation in Melanoma: Facts and Hopes
Authors: Giunta Emilio Francesco , Arrichiello Gianluca , Curvietto Marcello , Pappalardo Annalisa , Bosso Davide , Rosanova Mario , Diana Anna , Giordano Pasqualina , Petrillo Angelica , Federico Piera , Fabozzi Teresa , Parola Sara , Riccio Vittorio , Mucci Brigitta , Vanella Vito , Festino Lucia , Daniele Bruno , Ascierto Paolo Antonio , Ottaviano Margaret ,   On Behalf of SCITO YOUTH
Published: August 2021

Cutaneous melanoma is a lethal disease, even when diagnosed in advanced stages. Although recent progress in biology and treatment has dramatically improved survival rates, new therapeutic approaches are still needed. Deregulation of epigenetics, which mainly controls DNA methylation status and chromatin remodeling, is implied not only in cancer initiation and progression, but also in resistance to antitumor drugs. Epigenetics in melanoma has been studied recently in both melanoma preclinical models and patient samples, highlighting its potential role in different phases of melanomagenesis, as well as in resistance to approved drugs such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and MAPK inhibitors. This review summarizes what is currently known about epigenetics in melanoma and dwells on the recognized and potential new targets for testing epigenetic drugs, alone or together with other agents, in advanced melanoma patients.
Building Pluripotency Identity in the Early Embryo and Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Rebuzzini Paola , Zuccotti Maurizio , Garagna Silvia
Published: August 2021

The fusion of two highly differentiated cells, an oocyte with a spermatozoon, gives rise to the zygote, a single totipotent cell, which has the capability to develop into a complete, fully functional organism. Then, as development proceeds, a series of programmed cell divisions occur whereby the arising cells progressively acquire their own cellular and molecular identity, and totipotency narrows until when pluripotency is achieved. The path towards pluripotency involves transcriptome modulation, remodeling of the chromatin epigenetic landscape to which external modulators contribute. Both human and mouse embryos are a source of different types of pluripotent stem cells whose characteristics can be captured and maintained in vitro. The main aim of this review is to address the cellular properties and the molecular signature of the emerging cells during mouse and human early development, highlighting similarities and differences between the two species and between the embryos and their cognate stem cells.
The Cell-Permeable Derivative of the Immunoregulatory Metabolite Itaconate, 4-Octyl Itaconate, Is Anti-Fibrotic in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Henderson John , Dayalan Naidu Sharadha , Dinkova-Kostova Albena T. , Przyborski Stefan , Stratton Richard , O′Reilly Steven
Published: August 2021

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease that leads to skin fibrosis. Altered metabolism has recently been described in autoimmune diseases and SSc. Itaconate is a product of the Krebs cycle intermediate cis-aconitate and is an immunomodulator. This work examines the role of the cell-permeable derivative of itaconate, 4-octyl itaconate (4-OI), in SSc. SSc and healthy dermal fibroblasts were exposed to 4-OI. The levels of collagen Nrf2-target genes and pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin 6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) were determined. Levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as the gene expression of collagen and Cellular Communication Network Factor 2 (CCN2) were measured after transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) stimulation in the presence or absence of 4-OI. Wild-type or Nrf2-knockout (Nrf2-KO) mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) were also treated with 4-OI to determine the role of Nrf2 in 4-OI-mediated effects. 4-OI reduced the levels of collagen in SSc dermal fibroblasts. Incubation with 4-OI led to activation of Nrf2 and its target genes heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). 4-OI activated antioxidant response element (ARE)-dependent gene expression, reduced inflammatory cytokine release and reduced TGF-β1-induced collagen and ROS production in dermal fibroblasts. The effects of 4-OI are dependent on Nrf2. The cell-permeable derivative of itaconate 4-OI is anti-fibrotic through upregulation of Nrf2 and could be a potential therapeutic option in an intractable disease.
Extracellular Metalloproteinases in the Plasticity of Excitatory and Inhibitory Synapses
Authors: Wiera Grzegorz , Mozrzymas Jerzy W.
Published: August 2021

Long-term synaptic plasticity is shaped by the controlled reorganization of the synaptic proteome. A key component of this process is local proteolysis performed by the family of extracellular matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In recent years, considerable progress was achieved in identifying extracellular proteases involved in neuroplasticity phenomena and their protein substrates. Perisynaptic metalloproteinases regulate plastic changes at synapses through the processing of extracellular and membrane proteins. MMP9 was found to play a crucial role in excitatory synapses by controlling the NMDA-dependent LTP component. In addition, MMP3 regulates the L-type calcium channel-dependent form of LTP as well as the plasticity of neuronal excitability. Both MMP9 and MMP3 were implicated in memory and learning. Moreover, altered expression or mutations of different MMPs are associated with learning deficits and psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, addiction, or stress response. Contrary to excitatory drive, the investigation into the role of extracellular proteolysis in inhibitory synapses is only just beginning. Herein, we review the principal mechanisms of MMP involvement in the plasticity of excitatory transmission and the recently discovered role of proteolysis in inhibitory synapses. We discuss how different matrix metalloproteinases shape dynamics and turnover of synaptic adhesome and signal transduction pathways in neurons. Finally, we discuss future challenges in exploring synapse- and plasticity-specific functions of different metalloproteinases.
Somatic Mutations and Autoimmunity
Authors: Alriyami Maha , Polychronakos Constantin
Published: August 2021

Autoimmune diseases are among the most common chronic illness caused by a dysregulated immune response against self-antigens. Close to 5% of the general population in Western countries develops some form of autoimmunity, yet its underlying causes, although intensively studied, are still not fully known, and no curative therapies exist. It is well established that autoimmune diseases have common mechanisms and are caused by both genetic and non-genetic risk factors. One novel risk factor that can contribute to autoimmunity is somatic mutations, in a role parallel to their role in cancer. Somatic mutations are stochastic, de novo, non-inherited mutations. In this hypothesis, the persistent proliferation of self-reactive lymphocytes (that is usually hindered by a series of checkpoints) is permitted, due to somatic mutations in these expanding cells, allowing them to bypass multiple regulatory checkpoints, causing autoimmunity. This novel concept of the contribution of these mutations in non-malignant diseases has recently started to be explored. It proposes a novel paradigm for autoimmunity etiology and could be the missing piece of the autoimmunity puzzle.
Microalgae Monitoring in Microscale Photobioreactors via Multivariate Image Analysis
Authors: Castaldello Christopher , Gubert Alessio , Sforza Eleonora , Facco Pierantonio , Bezzo Fabrizio
Published: August 2021

Microscale photobioreactors for microalgae growth represent an interesting technology for fast data production and biomass characterization; however, the small scale poses severe monitoring challenges, as traditional methods cannot be used. Non-invasive techniques are therefore needed to quantify biomass concentration and other culture properties, for example, pigment composition. To this purpose, a soft sensing approach based on multivariate image regression is proposed to exploit RGB images and/or PAM-imaging chlorophyll fluorescence. Different PLS (Partial Least Squares) regression models are used to estimate: (a) biomass concentration from the features extracted by RGB indices and/or PAM-imaging chlorophyll fluorescence measurements; and (b) Chlorophyll a content per cell from the features extracted by RGB indices and biomass concentration measurements. Every single model is aimed at characterizing the microalgae culture at different light intensities during batch growth. Results show that the proposed monitoring approach is as accurate as traditional measurement approaches and may represent a promising methodology for fast and inexpensive monitoring of microscale photobioreactors.
A Sorrow Shared Is a Sorrow Halved? Patient and Parental Anxiety Associated with Venipuncture in Children before and after Liver Transplantation
Authors: Kaluza Antonia J. , Aydin Anna Lisa , Cordes Berrit L. , Ebers Gianna , Fuchs Albert , Konietzny Christiane , van Dick Rolf , Baumann Ulrich
Published: August 2021

Taking blood via venipuncture is part of the necessary surveillance before and after liver transplantation. The spectrum of response from children and their parents is variable, ranging from a short and limited aversion to paralyzing phobia. The aim of this retrospective, cross-sectional study was to determine the level of anxiety amongst children during venipuncture, to compare the anxiety reported by children and parents, and to identify the factors affecting the children’s and parents’ anxiety in order to develop therapeutic strategies. In total, 147 children (aged 0–17 years, 78 female) and their parents completed questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed using qualitative and quantitative methods. Results showed that the majority of children reported anxiety and pain during venipuncture. Younger children had more anxiety (self-reported or assessed by parents). Children and parental reports of anxiety were highly correlated. However, the child’s anxiety was often reported as higher by parents than by the children themselves. The child’s general anxiety as well as the parents’ perceived stress from surgical interventions (but not the number of surgical interventions) prompted parental report of child anxiety. For children, the main stressors that correlated with anxiety and pain were factors during the blood collection itself (e.g., feeling the puncture, seeing the syringe). Parental anxiety was mainly related to circumstances before the blood collection (e.g., approaching the clinic, sitting in the waiting room). The main stressors mentioned by parents were the child’s discomfort and their inability to calm the child. Results indicate that the children’s fear of factors during the blood collection, along with the parents’ perceived stress and helplessness as well as their anticipatory anxiety are important starting points for facilitating the drawing of blood from children before and after liver transplantation, thereby supporting a better disease course in the future.
Comparative Study of Chloride and Fluoride Induced Aluminum Pad Corrosion in Wire-Bonded Device Packaging Assembly
Authors: Ashok Kumar Goutham Issac , Lambert Alexander , Caperton Joshua , Asokan Muthappan , Yi William , Chyan Oliver
Published: August 2021

The introduction of copper as wire bonding material brings about a new challenge of aluminum bond pad bimetallic corrosion at the copper/aluminum galvanic interface. Aluminum is well known to undergo pitting corrosion under halide-contaminated environments, even in slightly acidic conditions. This paper aims to study the corrosion morphology and progression of aluminum influenced by different halide contaminations in the presence and absence of galvanic contact with copper. We used a new corrosion characterization platform of the micropattern corrosion screening to simulate the copper wire bonding on the aluminum bond pad. The corrosion screening data and subsequent SEM–EDX analyses showed a striking difference in morphology and progression between chloride-induced and fluoride-induced aluminum corrosion. The corrosion products formed play a vital role in the resulting morphology and in sustaining further aluminum corrosion.
Effect of the Sputtering Deposition Conditions on the Crystallinity of High-Temperature Annealed AlN Films
Authors: Uesugi Kenjiro , Shojiki Kanako , Xiao Shiyu , Kuboya Shigeyuki , Miyake Hideto
Published: August 2021

Face-to-face annealed sputter-deposited aluminum nitride (AlN) templates (FFA Sp-AlN) are a promising material for application in deep-ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (DUV-LEDs), whose performance is directly related to the crystallinity of the AlN film. However, the influence of the sputtering conditions and annealing on the crystallinity of AlN films have not yet been comprehensively studied. Accordingly, in this study, we fabricate AlN films on sapphire substrates through sputtering deposition followed by face-to-face high-temperature annealing, and investigate the influence of the sputtering conditions, such as the sputtering gas species and chamber pressure, on the crystallinity of the AlN films before and after annealing. The results revealed that reducing the amount of Ar in the sputtering gas significantly enhances the c-axis oriented growth during the initial stages of sputtering deposition and mitigates the tilt disorder of the layer deposited on the initial layer, resulting in low threading dislocation densities (TDDs) in the annealed AlN films. Decreasing the chamber pressure also effectively improves the crystallinity of the annealed AlN films. Thus, although high-temperature annealing can reduce the TDDs in AlN films, the properties of the as-sputtered AlN films have a significant effect on the crystallinity of FFA Sp-AlN films.
Approximating Fixed Points Using a Faster Iterative Method and Application to Split Feasibility Problems
Authors: Ullah Kifayat , Ahmad Junaid , Arshad Muhammad , Ma Zhenhua
Published: August 2021

In this article, the recently introduced iterative scheme of Hassan et al. (Math. Probl. Eng. 2020) is re-analyzed with the connection of Reich–Suzuki type nonexpansive (RSTN) maps. Under mild conditions, some important weak and strong convergence results in the context of uniformly convex Banach spaces are provided. To support the main outcome of the paper, we provide a numerical example and show that this example properly exceeds the class of Suzuki type nonexpansive (STN) maps. It has been shown that the Hassan et al. iterative scheme of this example is more useful than the many other iterative schemes. We provide an application of our main results to solve split feasibility problems in the setting of RSTN maps. The presented outcome is new and compliments the corresponding results of the current literature.
Horocycles of Light in a Ferrocell
Authors: Tufaile Alberto , Snyder Michael , Tufaile Adriana Pedrosa Biscaia
Published: August 2021

We studied the effects of image formation in a device known as Ferrocell, which consists of a thin film of a ferrofluid solution between two glass plates subjected to an external magnetic field in the presence of a light source. Following suggestions found in the literature, we compared the Ferrocell light scattering for some magnetic field configurations with the conical scattering of light by thin structures found in foams known as Plateau borders, and we discuss this type of scattering with the concept of diffracted rays from the Geometrical Theory of Diffraction. For certain magnetic field configurations, a Ferrocell with a point light source creates images of circles, parabolas, and hyperboles. We interpret the Ferrocell images as analogous to a Möbius transformation by inversion of the magnetic field. The formation of circles through this transformation is known as horocycles, which can be observed directly in the Ferrocell plane.
Optical Properties of CaNb2O6 Single Crystals Grown by OFZ*
Authors: Feng Guanlin , Li Liang , Xu Dapeng
Published: August 2021

CaNb2O6 single crystals with an orthorhombic columbite structure are grown via an optical floating zone (OFZ) method. The as-grown crystals are colorless and free of low-angle grain boundaries and inclusions. They are transparent (up to 62%) in the visible to the infrared region (400–1000 nm) and have a low absorption coefficient (α = 1.56). The bandgap is determined as a direct transition and Eg = 4.28 eV. The wavelength-dependent refractive index and extinction coefficient of the CaNb2O6 crystals are derived from the obtained T and α spectra. Their photoluminescence spectra exhibit a strong and broad emission band centered at 465 nm.
Fracture Behavior of Single-Crystal Sapphire in Different Crystal Orientations
Authors: Huang Shizhan , Lin Jiaming , Wang Ningchang , Guo Bicheng , Jiang Feng , Wen Qiuling , Lu Xizhao
Published: August 2021

In order to study the anisotropy of fracture toughness and fracture mechanism of single-crystal sapphire, the three-point bending tests and the single-edge V-notch beam (SEVNB) were used to test the fracture toughness of A-plane, C-plane, and M-plane sapphire, which are widely used in the semiconductor, aerospace, and other high-tech fields. Fracture morphology was investigated by a scanning electron microscope and three-dimensional video microscopy. The fracture toughness and fracture morphology of different crystal planes of sapphire showed obvious anisotropy and were related to the loading surfaces. C-plane sapphire showed the maximal fracture toughness of 4.24 MPa·m1/2, and fracture toughness decreases in the order of C-plane, M-plane, and A-plane. The surface roughness is related to the dissipation of fracture energy. The surface roughness of the fracture surface is in the same order as C-plane > M-plane > A-plane. The fracture behavior and morphology of experiments were consistent with the theoretical analysis. C-plane sapphire cleavages along the R-plane with an angle of 57.6 degrees and the rhombohedral twin were activated. M-plane and A-plane sapphire cleavages along their cross-section.
Automated Arrhythmia Detection Based on RR Intervals
Authors: Faust Oliver , Kareem Murtadha , Ali Ali , Ciaccio Edward J. , Acharya U. Rajendra
Published: August 2021

Abnormal heart rhythms, also known as arrhythmias, can be life-threatening. AFIB and AFL are examples of arrhythmia that affect a growing number of patients. This paper describes a method that can support clinicians during arrhythmia diagnosis. We propose a deep learning algorithm to discriminate AFIB, AFL, and NSR RR interval signals. The algorithm was designed with data from 4051 subjects. With 10-fold cross-validation, the algorithm achieved the following results: ACC = 99.98%, SEN = 100.00%, and SPE = 99.94%. These results are significant because they show that it is possible to automate arrhythmia detection in RR interval signals. Such a detection method makes economic sense because RR interval signals are cost-effective to measure, communicate, and process. Having such a cost-effective solution might lead to widespread long-term monitoring, which can help detecting arrhythmia earlier. Detection can lead to treatment, which improves outcomes for patients.
Hypercoagulable State in COPD-A Comprehensive Literature Review
Authors: Kyriakopoulos Christos , Gogali Athena , Kostikas Konstantinos , Konstantinidis Athanasios
Published: August 2021

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory disease with multisystemic manifestations. Studies either held on stable disease patients or during exacerbations have demonstrated that COPD is strongly related to venous thromboembolism and cardiovascular events. The aim of the present review of the literature was to provide an in-depth overview regarding the alterations of coagulation factors and prothrombotic changes generated in patients with stable COPD and during COPD exacerbations.
Late-Onset Medullary Thyroid Cancer in a Patient with a Germline RET Codon C634R Mutation
Authors: Walczyk Agnieszka , Zgubieński Kajetan , Chmielewski Grzegorz , Hińcza-Nowak Kinga , Kowalik Artur , Jaskulski Jarosław , Kowalska Aldona
Published: August 2021

Background: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN2A) is a rare, hereditary syndrome resulting from a germline mutation in the RET proto-oncogene and characterized primarily by medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), pheochromocytoma (PHEO), and hyperparathyroidism. Types of RET mutation have been associated with age at onset, clinical outcomes of MTC, and the penetrance of other components. Patients classified as ‘high-risk’ by the American Thyroid Association (ATA), based on the aggressiveness of MTC and the penetrance of other components, are recommended to undergo early prophylactic thyroidectomy at age ≤ 5 years and to be screened for PHEO at age ≥ 11 years. Patients with RET codon C634R mutations have been classified as high-risk. Case presentation: The present study describes a 71-year-old woman newly diagnosed with hereditary MTC related to a RET C634R germline mutation. Her basal serum calcitonin level was high, but there was no evidence of distant metastases. Surgery revealed bilateral MTC with two metastatic lymph nodes. Because microscopic resection was incomplete and extranodal extension was observed, the patient underwent adjuvant external beam radiotherapy. Response to therapy was excellent. Follow-up after 1.5 years showed no evidence of disease or other manifestations of MEN2A. Conclusion: Despite RET C634R carriers being classified as high-risk by the ATA, this patient did not present with either distant MTC or PHEO until her seventies. To our knowledge, only one other patient has shown a similar late identification of a RET C634R mutation, but MTC could not be diagnosed because the patient was lost to follow-up. Further research is required to develop optimal protocols that could allow patients requiring prophylactic thyroidectomy to be differentiated from those who can be monitored closely without early surgery.
PD-L1 Expression in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Data from a Referral Center in Spain
Authors: Saez de Gordoa Karmele , Lopez Ingrid , Marginet Marta , Coloma Berta , Frigola Gerard , Vega Naiara , Martinez Daniel , Teixido Cristina
Published: August 2021

Anti-programmed cell death (PD1)/ligand-1 (PD-L1) checkpoint inhibitors have improved the survival of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Additionally, PD-L1 has emerged as a predictive biomarker of response. Our goal was to examine the histological features of all PD-L1 cases of NSCLC analyzed in our center between 2017 and 2020, as well as to correlate the expression values of the same patient in different tested samples. PD-L1 immunohistochemistry (IHC) was carried out on 1279 external and internal samples: 482 negative (tumor proportion score, TPS < 1%; 37.7%), 444 low-expression (TPS 1–49%; 34.7%) and 353 high-expression (TPS ≥ 50%; 27.6%). Similar results were observed with samples from our institution (N = 816). Significant differences were observed with respect to tumor histological type (p = 0.004); squamous carcinoma was positive in a higher proportion of cases than other histological types. There were also differences between PD-L1 expression and the type of sample analyzed (surgical, biopsy, cytology; p < 0.001), with a higher frequency of negative cytology. In addition, there were cases with more than one PD-L1 determination, showing heterogeneity. Our results show strong correlation with the literature data and reveal heterogeneity between tumors and samples from the same patient, which could affect eligibility for treatment with immunotherapy.
Interference Rejection Combining Approach in Vehicle Communication Systems for Throughput Enhancement
Authors: Park Yun-joong , Sung Sang-mo , Kim Joon-young , Jung Jae-il
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we present interference rejection combining scheme for interference suppression in wireless access in vehicular environments (WAVE) system. WAVE system performances depend on interference traffic since various signals and noises are present due to various vehicles on the road. The IRC scheme can minimize the interference presence from the received signal within the massive interference condition, resulting in the substantial gain of signal-to-interference and noise ratios (SINR) and performance. Based on the experiment of our proposed scheme, given the vehicle speed, SINR and different channel condition, our proposed scheme for interference suppression achieved significant improvements by 2 dB SINR performance gain in the low speed condition and above 0.5 dB performance gain at the high speed case. To extend our scheme for the comprehensive analysis, we also produced the vehicle speed and SINR performance map, which showed the performance pattern over vehicle speed and SINR of our scheme.
Universal and Effective Decoding Scheme for Visible Light Positioning Based on Optical Camera Communication
Authors: Song Hongzhan , Wen Shangsheng , Yang Chen , Yuan Danlan , Guan Weipeng
Published: August 2021

As a promising approach to implement indoor positioning, visible light positioning (VLP) based on optical camera communication (OCC) image sensor has attracted substantial attention. However, the decoding schemes of existing VLP systems still face many challenges. First, the transmission channel between transmitters and receivers can be easily affected by environmental changes, resulting in poor thresholding performance. Second, the inherently unsynchronized air transmission channel issue remains a big obstacle for decoding data. The above two problems limit the application of VLP systems, where various mobile devices are used as receivers and the properties of transmission channel are constantly changing with the movement of receivers. In this paper, a universal and effective decoding scheme named pixel-to-bit calculation (PBC) decoding algorithm for VLP systems is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. It includes a Staged Threshold Scheme which provides excellent thresholding performance for different transmission channel conditions, as well as a Synchronous Decoding Operation to automatically synchronize the clock between transmitters and receivers. A decoding rate of 95.62% at the height of 2.73 m is realized in a practical Robotic-based VLP system embedded with our proposed PBC decoding scheme. In addition, experimental results show that the average decoding rate of the proposed PBC decoding scheme reaches 99.9% when applying different transmitters and receivers.
Automatic Pain Estimation from Facial Expressions: A Comparative Analysis Using Off-the-Shelf CNN Architectures
Authors: El Morabit Safaa , Rivenq Atika , Zighem Mohammed-En-nadhir , Hadid Abdenour , Ouahabi Abdeldjalil , Taleb-Ahmed Abdelmalik
Published: August 2021

Automatic pain recognition from facial expressions is a challenging problem that has attracted a significant attention from the research community. This article provides a comprehensive analysis on the topic by comparing some popular and Off-the-Shell CNN (Convolutional Neural Network) architectures, including MobileNet, GoogleNet, ResNeXt-50, ResNet18, and DenseNet-161. We use these networks in two distinct modes: stand alone mode or feature extractor mode. In stand alone mode, the models (i.e., the networks) are used for directly estimating the pain. In feature extractor mode, the “values” of the middle layers are extracted and used as inputs to classifiers, such as SVR (Support Vector Regression) and RFR (Random Forest Regression). We perform extensive experiments on the benchmarking and publicly available database called UNBC-McMaster Shoulder Pain. The obtained results are interesting as they give valuable insights into the usefulness of the hidden CNN layers for automatic pain estimation.
Emerging Internet of Things Solutions and Technologies
Authors: Cicirelli Franco , Guerrieri Antonio , Mastroianni Carlo , Vinci Andrea
Published: August 2021

The Internet of Things, together with its related emerging solutions and technologies, is driving a revolution with respect to the way people perceive and interact with the surrounding environment [...]
Multi-Tier 3D IC Physical Design with Analytical Quadratic Partitioning Algorithm Using 2D P&R Tool
Authors: Tamir Azwad , Salem Milad , Lin Jie , Alasad Qutaiba , Yuan Jiann-shiun
Published: August 2021

In this study, we developed a complete flow for the design of monolithic 3D ICs. We have taken the register-transfer level netlist of a circuit as the input and synthesized it to construct the gate-level netlist. Next, we partitioned the circuit using custom-made partitioning algorithms and implemented the place and route flow of the entire 3D IC by repurposing 2D electronic design automation tools. We implemented two different partitioning algorithms, namely the min-cut and the analytical quadratic (AQ) algorithms, to assign the cells in different tiers. We applied our flow on three different benchmark circuits and compared the total power dissipation of the 3D designs with their 2D counterparts. We also compared our results with that of similar works and obtained significantly better performance. Our two-tier 3D flow with AQ partitioner obtained 37.69%, 35.06%, and 12.15% power reduction compared to its 2D counterparts on the advanced encryption standard, floating-point unit, and fast Fourier transform benchmark circuits, respectively. Finally, we analyzed the type of circuits that are more applicable for a 3D layout and the impact of increasing the number of tiers of the 3D design on total power dissipation.
Performance Evaluation of Multiple Electrodes Based Electrical Impedance Spectroscopic Probe for Screening of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Jeong Youjeong , Park Dongchoon , Oh Tongin
Published: August 2021

As regular cervical cancer screening becomes more common, the detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is increasing. We proposed a noninvasive and low-cost multi-channel electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and probe with multiple active electrodes for screening CIN. Compared with four-electrode probes for impedance spectroscopy, the multiple active electrodes facilitated more flexible combination of current injection and voltage measurement, which allowed well-designed measurement protocols for focused sensitivity underneath the large size of the probe. Furthermore, the multiple active electrodes reduced the negative effects of the cabling between the system and probe inserted into the cervix. After presenting the basic performance, the EIS probe was tested by three different experimental phantoms using four different materials of electrical properties. The corresponding experimental results were presented to prove the functionality of the EIS probe and characterize the electrical properties at a wide range of frequencies from 0.625 to 100 kHz. It had high sensitivity underneath the surface of the probe and a rapidly decreased outer. Furthermore, we verified the frequency-dependent impedance changes using the giant vesicle phantoms with different amounts of extra- and intra-fluids separated by the insulating membranes. This study facilitates the feasibility into clinical practice for identifying CIN in the future.
A High-Accuracy Stochastic FIR Filter with Adaptive Scaling Algorithm and Antithetic Variables Method
Authors: Zhang Ying , Zhu Yubin , Han Kaining , Wang Junchao , Hu Jianhao
Published: August 2021

Digital filter is an important fundamental component in digital signal processing (DSP) systems. Among the digital filters, the finite impulse response (FIR) filter is one of the most commonly used schemes. As a low-complexity hardware implementation technique, stochastic computing has been applied to overcome the huge hardware cost problem of high-order FIR filters. However, the stochastic FIR filter (SFIR) scheme suffers from long processing latency and accuracy degradation. In this paper, the bit stream representation noise is theoretically analyzed, and an adaptive scaling algorithm (ASA) is proposed to improve the accuracy of SFIR with the same bit stream length. Furthermore, a novel antithetic variables method is proposed to further improve the accuracy. According to the simulation results on a 64-tap FIR filter, the ASA and AV methods gain 17 dB and 6 dB on the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), respectively. The hardware implementation results are also presented in this paper, which illustrates that the proposed ASA-AV-SFIR filter increases 4.6 times hardware efficiency with respect to the existing SFIR schemes.
2-D Beam Focusing Control Based on Passive Frequency Selective Surface (FSS)
Authors: Park Jeong-Hyun , Lee Jae-Gon
Published: August 2021

In this paper, the novel design methodology of 2-D beam focusing control based on passive frequency selective surface (FSS) is proposed and described. The beam focusing antenna is composed of 1-D array source and 2-D FSS having a good transmittance and a full transmission phase variation of 360°. The 2-D FSS is designed to make the phase of wave radiated by one source be in-phase, so the transmission phase of the 2-D FSS is concave in itself. Then, the designed 2-D FSS is integrated to the 1-D array source and the longitudinal and the transverse beam focusing controls can be achieved by changing the phase shape of the array source. The relation between the focusing point and the phase combination of the sources is analyzed by a parabolic formula, and the performance of the beam focusing control system is confirmed by both simulation and measurement. From both results, it is concluded that the focusing spot can be tuned longitudinally and transversely by the proposed methodology at 5.8 GHz. In addition, the electric field intensity of 1-D array source with 2-D FSS increases by about 35% compared to that of only 1-D array source.
Hydrogen Technology towards the Solution of Environment-Friendly New Energy Vehicles
Authors: Peksen Murat
Published: August 2021

The popularity of climate neutral new energy vehicles for reduced emissions and improved air quality has been raising great attention for many years. World-wide, a strong commitment continues to drive the demand for zero-emission through alternative energy sources and propulsion systems. Despite the fact that 71.27% of hydrogen is produced from natural gas, green hydrogen is a promising clean way to contribute to and maintain a climate neutral ecosystem. Thereby, reaching CO2 targets for 2030 and beyond requires cross-sectoral changes. However, the strong motivation of governments for climate neutrality is challenging many sectors. One of them is the transport sector, as it is challenged to find viable all-in solutions that satisfy social, economic, and sustainable requirements. Currently, the use of new energy vehicles operating on green sustainable hydrogen technologies, such as batteries or fuel cells, has been the focus for reducing the mobility induced emissions. In Europe, 50% of the total emissions result from mobility. The following article reviews the background, ongoing challenges and potentials of new energy vehicles towards the development of an environmentally friendly hydrogen economy. A change management process mindset has been adapted to discuss the key scientific and commercial challenges for a successful transition.
Malignancies Associated with Extraovarian Endometriosis: A Literature Review
Authors: Inoue Naoki , Hirakawa Takashi , Mitsushita Junji , Kitahara Yoshikazu , Iwase Akira
Published: August 2021

Endometriosis-associated ovarian malignancies have been well documented. Although these malignancies also occur as extraovarian lesions, little is known about them. Thus, this literature review aimed to further explore these rarely experienced tumors. A total of 257 published cases between April 1990 and April 2020 were found using PubMed, and 212 cases were included in the analysis considering Sampson’s criteria and the history of endometriosis. We classified these cases as follows: intestine, abdominal scar, vagina and vulva, peritoneum and deep endometriosis, urinary tract, uterine cervix, and others. Age of patients, history of endometriosis, types of past hormonal therapy, symptoms, histological types, and treatment were identified. The most common tumor site was the intestine. Endometrioid carcinoma was the dominant histological type. Contrary to the ovary, clear cell carcinoma was rare in extraovarian sites. On the other hand, clear cell carcinoma represented the largest number of abdominal scars. This difference may help us to understand the development of endometriosis-related malignancies. Hormonal treatment was mentioned in 67 cases and estrogen replacement therapy in 33 cases. Although risks of estrogen therapy are still controversial, the highly differentiated histological types and hormone-dependent characteristics of endometriosis-associated malignancy should be considered. Physicians should be careful about estrogen monotherapy after hysterectomy and long-term hormone replacement therapy in patients with a history of endometriosis.
Boots on the Ground and Eyes in the Sky: A Perspective on Estimating Fire Danger from Soil Moisture Content
Authors: Sharma Sonisa , Dhakal Kundan
Published: August 2021

With increasing forest and grassland wildfire trends strongly correlated to anthropogenic climate change, assessing wildfire danger is vital to reduce catastrophic human, economic, and environmental loss. From this viewpoint, the authors discuss various approaches deployed to evaluate wildfire danger, from in-situ observations to satellite-based fire prediction systems. Lately, the merit of soil moisture in predicting fuel moisture content and the likelihood of wildfire occurrence has been widely realized. Harmonized soil moisture measurement initiatives via state-of-the-art soil moisture networks have facilitated the use of soil moisture information in developing innovative applications for wildfire prediction and risk management applications. Additionally, the increasing availability of remote-sensing data has enabled the monitoring and modeling of wildfires across various terrestrial ecosystems. When coupled with remotely sensed data, field-based soil moisture measurements have been more valuable predictors of assessing wildfire than alone. However, sensors capable of acquiring higher spectral information and radiometry across large spatiotemporal domains are still lacking. The automation aspect of such extensive data from remote-sensing and field data is needed to rapidly assess wildfire and mitigation of wildfire-related damage at operational scales.
Quantification of the Geranium Essential Oil, Palmarosa Essential Oil and Phenylethyl Alcohol in Rosa damascena Essential Oil Using ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy Combined with Chemometrics
Authors: Cebi Nur
Published: August 2021

Rosa damascena essential oil is an essential oil that has the greatest industrial importance due to its unique quality properties. The study used ATR-FTIR (attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared) spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics of PLSR (partial least squares regression) and PCR (principal component regression) for quantification of probable adulterants of geranium essential oil (GEO), palmarosa essential oil (PEO) and phenyl ethyl alcohol (PEOH). Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed to observe the classification pattern of Rosa damascena essential oil, spiked samples and adulterants. Rosa damascena essential oil was spiked with each adulterant at concentrations of 0–100% (v/v). Excellent R2 (regression coefficient) values (≥0.96) were obtained in all PLSR and PCR cross-validation models. The SECV (standard error of cross-validation) values ranged between 0.43 and 4.15. The lowest SECV and bias values were observed in the PLSR and PCR models, which were built by using the raw FTIR spectra of all samples. Hierarchical cluster analysis through Ward’s algorithm and Euclidian distance had high potential to observe the classification pattern of all adulterated and authentic samples. In conclusion, the combination of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy with multivariate analysis can be used for rapid, cost-effective, easy, reliable and high-throughput detection of GEO, PEO and PEOH in Rosa damascena essential oil.
Effect of α-Terpineol on Chicken Meat Quality during Refrigerated Conditions
Authors: Hussein Khabat Noori , Csehi Barbara , József Surányi , Ferenc Horváth , Kiskó Gabriella , Dalmadi István , Friedrich László
Published: August 2021

The present study was designed to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial properties of nine bioactive compounds (BACs). Applying the disc paper and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays, we found that the BACs with the widest spectrum of in vitro antibacterial activity against the studied bacteria were carvacrol and α-terpineol (αTPN). Subsequently, αTPN was selected and applied at different concentrations into the fresh minced chicken meat. The meat was then vacuum packaged and stored for 14 days at 4 °C. Physicochemical properties, lipid oxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS), electronic-nose-based smell detection, and microbiological characteristics were monitored. At day 14, meat treated with higher concentrations of αTPN (MIC-2 and MIC-4) exhibited a significantly increased pH and lightness (L*), increased yellowness (b*), decreased redness (a*), caused a significant decrease in water holding capacity (WHC), and decreased lipid oxidation by keeping TBARS scores lower than the control. Although αTPN showed perceptibly of overlapped aroma profiles, the E-nose was able to distinguish the odor accumulation of αTPN between the different meat groups. During the 2-week storage period, αTPN, particularly MIC-4, showed 5.3 log CFU/g reduction in aerobic mesophilic counts, causing total inhibition to the Pseudomonas lundessis, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella Typhimurium. These promising results highlight that αTPN is exploitable to improve the shelf life and enhance the safety of meat and meat products.
The Radiative Newtonian 1 < γ ≤ 1.66 and the Paczyński–Wiita γ = 5/3 Regime of Non-Isothermal Bondi Accretion onto a Massive Black Hole with an Accretion Disc
Authors: Ramírez-Velásquez Jose M. , Sigalotti Leonardo Di G. , Gabbasov Ruslan , Klapp Jaime , Contreras Ernesto
Published: August 2021

We investigate the non-isothermal Bondi accretion onto a supermassive black hole (SMBH) for the unexplored case when the adiabatic index is varied in the interval 1<γ≤1.66 and for the Paczyński–Wiita γ=5/3 regime, including the effects of X-ray heating and radiation force due to electron scattering and spectral lines. The X-ray/central object radiation is assumed to be isotropic, while the UV emission from the accretion disc is assumed to have an angular dependence. This allows us to build streamlines in any desired angular direction. The effects of both types of radiation on the accretion dynamics is evaluated with and without the effects of spectral line driving. Under line driving (and for the studied angles), when the UV flux dominates over the X-ray heating, with a fraction of UV photons going from 80% to 95%, and γ varies from 1.66 to 1.1, the inflow close to the gravitational source becomes more supersonic and the volume occupied by the supersonic inflow becomes larger. This property is also seen when this fraction goes from 50% to 80%. The underestimation of the Bondi radius close to the centre increases with increasing γ, while the central overestimation of the accretion rates decreases with increasing γ, for all the six studied cases.