bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Point-Sampling Method Based on 3D U-Net Architecture to Reduce the Influence of False Positive and Solve Boundary Blur Problem in 3D CT Image Segmentation
Authors: Li Chen , Chen Wei , Tan Yusong
Published: September 2020

Malignant lesions are a huge threat to human health and have a high mortality rate. Locating the contour of organs is a preparation step, and it helps doctors diagnose correctly. Therefore, there is an urgent clinical need for a segmentation model specifically designed for medical imaging. However, most current medical image segmentation models directly migrate from natural image segmentation models, thus ignoring some characteristic features for medical images, such as false positive phenomena and the blurred boundary problem in 3D volume data. The research on organ segmentation models for medical images is still challenging and demanding. As a consequence, we redesign a 3D convolutional neural network (CNN) based on 3D U-Net and adopted the render method from computer graphics for 3D medical images segmentation, named Render 3D U-Net. This network adapts a subdivision-based point-sampling method to replace the original upsampling method for rendering high-quality boundaries. Besides, Render 3D U-Net integrates the point-sampling method into 3D ANU-Net architecture under deep supervision. Meanwhile, to reduce false positive phenomena in clinical diagnosis and to achieve more accurate segmentation, Render 3D U-Net specially designs a module for screening false positive. Finally, three public challenge datasets (MICCAI 2017 LiTS, MICCAI 2019 KiTS, and ISBI 2019 segTHOR) were selected as experiment datasets and to evaluate the performance on target organs. Compared with other models, Render 3D U-Net improved the performance on both overall organ and boundary in the CT image segmentation tasks, including in the liver, kidney, and heart.
Basalt Textile-Reinforced Vinylester and Epoxy Resins for Anchors Used to Fasten Ventilated Building Facades
Authors: Majka Tomasz M. , Byrdy Aleksander , Pielichowski Krzysztof
Published: September 2020

The aim of this work was to obtain insulation composite anchors based on basalt textile-reinforced vinylester and epoxy resins for fixing heavy building elevation cladding. It concerns the problem of applying materials not originating from wood, construction steel or concrete in the building industry. So far, the application of polymeric materials, including polymeric composites, in construction has been limited to paints, varnishes and glues, and the use of engineering polymers as building materials has been limited. This article presents a study on the influence of the type of basalt reinforcement (in the form of textile, chopped fibre and powder) on the mechanical and functional properties of vinylester and epoxy compositions towards potential applications as construction anchors to fasten building facades. Based on an analysis of the experimental results, a material was selected for the production of novel construction anchors. The results reported here constitute an introduction to further considerations related to the applications of vinylester resin/basalt and epoxy resin/basalt composites as construction materials alternative to commonly used steel and aluminium.
Mainshock-Integrated Aftershock Vulnerability Assessment of Bridge Structures
Authors: Guo Xuan , Zhang Zheyu , Chen ZhiQiang
Published: September 2020

Seismic fragility analysis is often conducted to quantify the vulnerability of civil structures under earthquake excitation. In recent years, besides mainshocks, strong aftershocks have been often witnessed to induce structural damage to engineered structures, including bridges. How to accurately and straightforwardly quantify the vulnerability of bridges due to sequential mainshocks and aftershocks is essential for an efficient assessment of bridge performance. While recognizing the limitation of existing methods, this paper proposes a mainshock integrated aftershock fragility function model, which empirically encodes the effects of mainshocks and retains the simple form of traditional fragility curves. A pile foundation-supported bridge system is modeled considering seismic soil-structure interaction to demonstrate the proposed fragility model. Numerical examples show that the resulting fragility curves incorporate the initial value for the probability of collapse of the bridge system due to a mainshock and the effects of the variable aftershocks conditional on the mainshock. Statistical analysis confirms that the proposed model fits the simulated vulnerability data (e.g., seismic intensities of aftershocks and the response demands conditional a select mainshock ground motion) both accurately and robustly.
Engineering and Manufacturing of a Dynamizable Fracture Fixation Device System
Authors: Dichio Giancarlo , Calì Michele , Terzini Mara , Putame Giovanni , Zanetti Elisabetta Maria , Costa Piero , Audenino Alberto Luigi
Published: September 2020

The present work illustrates the dynamization of an orthopaedic plate for internal fracture fixation which is thought to shorten healing times and enhance the quality of the new formed bone. The dynamization is performed wirelessly thanks to a magnetic coupling. The paper shows the peculiarities of the design and manufacturing of this system: it involves two components, sliding with respect to each other with an uncertain coefficient of friction, and with a specific compounded geometry; there are stringent limits on component size, and on the required activation energy. Finally, the device belongs to medical devices and, as such, it must comply with the respective regulation (EU 2017/745, ASTM F382). The design of the dynamizable fracture fixation plate has required verifying the dynamic of the unlocking mechanism through the development of a parametric multibody model which has allowed us to fix the main design variables. As a second step, the fatigue strength of the device and the static strength of the whole bone-plate system was evaluated by finite element analysis. Both analyses have contributed to defining the final optimized geometry and the constitutive materials of the plate; finally, the respective working process was set up and its performance was tested experimentally on a reference fractured femur. As a result of these tests, the flexural stiffness of the bone-plate system resulted equal to 370 N/mm, while a maximum bending moment equal to 75.3 kN·mm can be withstood without plate failure. On the whole, the performance of this dynamic plate was proved to be equal or superior to those measured for static plates already on the market, with excellent clinical results. At the same time, pre-clinical tests will be an interesting step of the future research, for which more prototypes are now being produced.
New Design Concept for Bridge Restrainers with Rubber Cushion Considering Dynamic Action: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Tamai Hiroki , Lu Chi , Yuki Yoichi
Published: September 2020

A bridge unseating prevention system is a safety system for bridge collapses caused by large earthquakes, beyond the assumption of aseismic design specifications. Presently, the system is generally adopted for newly constructed bridges and the seismic retrofitting of existing bridges. Cable type bridge restrainers are included in the system, and they are expected to prevent superstructures from exceeding the seat length of substructures. Although the bridge restrainer works during an earthquake, it is designed to be static in the current design. In addition, although the constituent elements of bridge restrainers include a rubber cushion to absorb energy during an earthquake, the effect is not included in the design. Thus, the current design lacks the dynamic effects of earthquakes and the cushioning effect of the rubber. Furthermore, in the case of a multi-span bridge, there is no particular decision as to where the restrainers should be placed or what kind of specifications they should have. Therefore, in this paper, a new design concept that considers the dynamic action of the earthquake and the cushioning effect of the rubber is proposed by coupling dynamic response analysis using a frame finite element (FE) model and a simple genetic algorithm (SGA).
Safety Maintains Lean Sustainability and Increases Performance through Fault Control
Authors: Elattar Samia , Abed Ahmed M. , Alrowais Fadwa
Published: September 2020

Almost every industrial and service enterprise adopts some form of Environmental Health and Safety (HSE) practices. However, there is no unified measurement implementation framework to resist losses exacerbated due to the “lack of safety precautions”, which must be considered one of the most dangerous Lean wastes because it jeopardizes the investment in the Hex-Bottom-Line (HBLs). Despite the widespread nature of the Lean approach, there no unified and collected framework to track and measure the effectiveness of the safety measures’ progress. Therefore, the enterprises resort to establishing their own tailored safety framework that maintains their competitiveness and sustainability. The enterprises must provide insight into safety deficiencies (i.e., faults and losses suffered) that have been measured via downtime spans and costs (Lean waste), reflecting the poor Lean Safety Performance Level (LSPL). This paper aims to shed light on two issues: (1) the adverse impact of the “lack of safety precautions” on LSPL caused by the absence of (2) a Lean Safety framework included in the Measurement and Analysis phases of Define Measure Analyze Identify Control (DMAIC). This framework is based on forecasting losses and faults according to their consumption time. The proposed framework appreciates the losses’ severity (time consumption and costs) via Fault Mode and Effect Forecasting (FMEF) aided by Artificial Neural Networks through sequential steps known as Safety Function Deployment (SFD).
Phenotypic Responses, Reproduction Mode and Epigenetic Patterns under Temperature Treatments in the Alpine Plant Species Ranunculus kuepferi (Ranunculaceae)
Authors: Syngelaki Eleni , Daubert Mareike , Klatt Simone , Hörandl Elvira
Published: September 2020

Plant life in alpine habitats is shaped by harsh abiotic conditions and cold climates. Phenotypic variation of morphological characters and reproduction can be influenced by temperature stress. Nevertheless, little is known about the performance of different cytotypes under cold stress and how epigenetic patterns could relate to phenotypic variation. Ranunculus kuepferi, a perennial alpine plant, served as a model system for testing the effect of cold stress on phenotypic plasticity, reproduction mode, and epigenetic variation. Diploid and autotetraploid individuals were placed in climate growth cabinets under warm and cold conditions. Morphological traits (height, leaves and flowers) and the proportion of well-developed seeds were measured as fitness indicators, while flow cytometric seed screening (FCSS) was utilized to determine the reproduction mode. Subsequently, comparisons with patterns of methylation-sensitive amplified fragment-length polymorphisms (AFLPs) were conducted. Diploids grew better under warm conditions, while tetraploids performed better in cold treatments. Epigenetic patterns were correlated with the expressed morphological traits. Cold stress reduced the reproduction fitness but did not induce apomixis in diploids. Overall, our study underlines the potential of phenotypic plasticity for acclimation under environmental conditions and confirms the different niche preferences of cytotypes in natural populations. Results help to understand the pattern of geographical parthenogenesis in the species.
Membrane Interaction of Ibuprofen with Cholesterol-Containing Lipid Membranes
Authors: Kremkow Jan , Luck Meike , Huster Daniel , Müller Peter , Scheidt Holger A.
Published: September 2020

Deciphering the membrane interaction of drug molecules is important for improving drug delivery, cellular uptake, and the understanding of side effects of a given drug molecule. For the anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen, several studies reported contradictory results regarding the impact of ibuprofen on cholesterol-containing lipid membranes. Here, we investigated membrane localization and orientation as well as the influence of ibuprofen on membrane properties in POPC/cholesterol bilayers using solid-state NMR spectroscopy and other biophysical assays. The presence of ibuprofen disturbs the molecular order of phospholipids as shown by alterations of the 2H and 31P-NMR spectra of the lipids, but does not lead to an increased membrane permeability or changes of the phase state of the bilayer. 1H MAS NOESY NMR results demonstrate that ibuprofen adopts a mean position in the upper chain/glycerol region of the POPC membrane, oriented with its polar carbonyl group towards the aqueous phase. This membrane position is only marginally altered in the presence of cholesterol. A previously reported result that ibuprofen is expelled from the membrane interface in cholesterol-containing DMPC bilayers could not be confirmed.
Assigning the Origin of Microbial Natural Products by Chemical Space Map and Machine Learning
Authors: Capecchi Alice , Reymond Jean-Louis
Published: September 2020

Microbial natural products (NPs) are an important source of drugs, however, their structural diversity remains poorly understood. Here we used our recently reported MinHashed Atom Pair fingerprint with diameter of four bonds (MAP4), a fingerprint suitable for molecules across very different sizes, to analyze the Natural Products Atlas (NPAtlas), a database of 25,523 NPs of bacterial or fungal origin. To visualize NPAtlas by MAP4 similarity, we used the dimensionality reduction method tree map (TMAP). The resulting interactive map organizes molecules by physico-chemical properties and compound families such as peptides and glycosides. Remarkably, the map separates bacterial and fungal NPs from one another, revealing that these two compound families are intrinsically different despite their related biosynthetic pathways. We used these differences to train a machine learning model capable of distinguishing between NPs of bacterial or fungal origin.
Anti-Human PD-L1 Nanobody for Immuno-PET Imaging: Validation of a Conjugation Strategy for Clinical Translation
Authors: Bridoux Jessica , Broos Katrijn , Lecocq Quentin , Debie Pieterjan , Martin Charlotte , Ballet Steven , Raes Geert , Neyt Sara , Vanhove Christian , Breckpot Karine , Devoogdt Nick , Caveliers Vicky , Keyaerts Marleen , Xavier Catarina
Published: September 2020

Immune checkpoints, such as programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), limit T-cell function and tumor cells use this ligand to escape the anti-tumor immune response. Treatments with monoclonal antibodies blocking these checkpoints have shown long-lasting responses, but only in a subset of patients. This study aims to develop a Nanobody (Nb)-based probe in order to assess human PD-L1 (hPD-L1) expression using positron emission tomography imaging, and to compare the influence of two different radiolabeling strategies, since the Nb has a lysine in its complementarity determining region (CDR), which may impact its affinity upon functionalization. The Nb has been conjugated with the NOTA chelator site-specifically via the Sortase-A enzyme or randomly on its lysines. [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-(hPD-L1) Nbs were obtained in >95% radiochemical purity. In vivo tumor targeting studies at 1 h 20 post-injection revealed specific tumor uptake of 1.89 ± 0.40%IA/g for the site-specific conjugate, 1.77 ± 0.29%IA/g for the random conjugate, no nonspecific organ targeting, and excretion via the kidneys and bladder. Both strategies allowed for easily obtaining 68Ga-labeled hPD-L1 Nbs in high yields. The two conjugates were stable and showed excellent in vivo targeting. Moreover, we proved that the random lysine-conjugation is a valid strategy for clinical translation of the hPD-L1 Nb, despite the lysine present in the CDR.
Analysis of CXCL9, PD1 and PD-L1 mRNA in Stage T1 Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer and Their Association with Prognosis
Authors: Kubon Jennifer , Sikic Danijel , Eckstein Markus , Weyerer Veronika , Stöhr Robert , Neumann Angela , Keck Bastian , Wullich Bernd , Hartmann Arndt , Wirtz Ralph M. , Taubert Helge , Wach Sven
Published: September 2020

Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), which is characterized by a recurrence rate of approximately 30% and very long treatment times, remains a major unresolved problem for patients and the health care system. The immunological interplay between tumor cells and the immune environment is important for tumor development. Therefore, we analyzed the mRNA of three immune markers, CXCL9, PD1 and PD-L1, in NMIBC by qRT-PCR. The results were subsequently correlated with clinicopathological parameters and prognostic data. Altogether, as expected, higher age was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS), but not for recurrence-free survival (RFS). Lower CXCL9 mRNA was observed in multivariate Cox’s regression analysis to be an independent prognostic parameter for reduced OS (relative risk; RR = 2.08; p = 0.049), DSS (RR = 4.49; p = 0.006) and RFS (RR = 2.69; p = 0.005). In addition, PD-L1 mRNA was an independent prognostic factor for DSS (RR = 5.02; p = 0.042) and RFS (RR = 2.07; p = 0.044). Moreover, in univariate Cox’s regression analysis, the stratification of patients revealed that low CXCL9 or low PD1 mRNA was associated with reduced RFS in the younger patient group (≤71 years), but not in the older patient group (>71 years). In addition, low CXCL9 or low PD-L1 was associated with shorter RFS in patients with higher tumor cell proliferation and in patients without instillation therapy. In conclusion, the characterization of mRNA levels of immune markers differentiates NIMBC patients with respect to prognosis.
The Association of Residential Altitude on the Molecular Profile and Survival of Melanoma: Results of an Interreg Study
Authors: De Martino Eleonora , Brunetti Davide , Canzonieri Vincenzo , Conforti Claudio , Eisendle Klaus , Mazzoleni Guido , Nobile Carla , Rao Federica , Zschocke Johannes , Jukic Emina , Jaschke Wolfram , Weinlich Georg , Zelger Bernhard , Schmuth Matthias , Stanta Giorgio , Zanconati Fabrizio , Zalaudek Iris , Bonin Serena
Published: September 2020

Cutaneous melanoma (CM) incidence is rising worldwide and is the primary cause of death from skin disease in the Western world. Personal risk factors linked to environmental ultraviolet radiation (UVR) are well-known etiological factors contributing to its development. Nevertheless, UVR can contribute to the development of CM in different patterns and to varying degrees. The present study aimed at investigating whether altitude of residence can contribute to the development of specific types of CM and/or influence its progression. To this aim, 306 formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues from primary CM diagnosed in different geographical areas were submitted to B-RAF proto-oncogene serine/threonine kinase (BRAF) and N-RAS proto-oncogene GTPase (NRAS) mutational status detection and mRNA and miRNA profiling by qPCR. Genes were chosen for their functions in specific processes, such as immune response (CD2, PDL1, or CD274) and pigmentation (MITF, TYRP1, and TRPM1). Furthermore, four microRNAs, namely miR-150-5p, miR-155-5p, miR-204-5p, and miR-211-5p, were included in the profiling. Our results highlight differences in the gene expression profile of primary CM with respect to the geographical area and the altitude of residence. Melanoma-specific survival was influenced by the gene expression of mRNA and miRNAs and varied with the altitude of patients’ residence. In detail, TYRP1 and miR-204-5p were highly expressed in patients living at higher altitudes, unlike miR-150-5p, miR-155-5p, and miR-211-5p. Since miRNAs are highly regulated by reactive oxygen species, it is possible that different regulatory mechanisms characterize CMs at different altitudes due to the different environment and UVR intensity.
Hydrotalcite-Supported Ag/Pd Bimetallic Nanoclusters Catalyzed Oxidation and One-Pot Aldol Reaction in Water
Authors: Karanjit Sangita , Tamura Ayumu , Kashihara Masaya , Ushiyama Kazuki , Shrestha Lok Kumar , Ariga Katsuhiko , Nakayama Atsushi , Namba Kosuke
Published: September 2020

A highly active hydrotalcite-supported Ag/Pd bimetallic nanocluster catalyst has been developed by a simple, easy and safe chemical reduction method. The catalyst was characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), which revealed very small (3.2 ± 0.7 nm) nanoclusters with a narrow size distribution. The bimetallic Ag/Pd catalyst showed strong cooperation between Ag and Pd for the alcohol oxidation reaction. The developed catalyst provided an efficient and environmentally friendly method for alcohol oxidation and one-pot cross-aldol condensation in water. A broad scope of α,β-unsaturated ketones with good to excellent yields were obtained under very mild conditions. This catalytic system offers an easy preparation method with a simple recovery process, good activity and reusability of up to five cycles without significant loss in the catalytic activity.
Comparison of Frontal-Temporal Channels in Epilepsy Seizure Prediction Based on EEMD-ReliefF and DNN
Authors: Romney Aníbal , Manian Vidya
Published: September 2020

Epilepsy patients who do not have their seizures controlled with medication or surgery live in constant fear. The psychological burden of uncertainty surrounding the occurrence of random seizures is one of the most stressful and debilitating aspects of the disease. Despite the research progress in this field, there is a need for a non-invasive prediction system that helps disrupt the seizure epileptiform. Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals are non-stationary, nonlinear and vary with each patient and every recording. Full use of the non-invasive electrode channels is impractical for real-time use. We propose two frontal-temporal electrode channels based on ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) and Relief methods to address these challenges. The EEMD decomposes the segmented data frame in the ictal state into its intrinsic mode functions, and then we apply Relief to select the most relevant oscillatory components. A deep neural network (DNN) model learns these features to perform seizure prediction and early detection of patient-specific EEG recordings. The model yields an average sensitivity and specificity of 86.7% and 89.5%, respectively. The two-channel model shows the ability to capture patterns from brain locations for non-fontal-temporal seizures.
Fuzzy-Inspired Photoplethysmography Signal Classification with Bio-Inspired Optimization for Analyzing Cardiovascular Disorders
Authors: Prabhakar Sunil Kumar , Rajaguru Harikumar , Kim Sun-Hee
Published: September 2020

The main aim of this paper is to optimize the output of diagnosis of Cardiovascular Disorders (CVD) in Photoplethysmography (PPG) signals by utilizing a fuzzy-based approach with classification. The extracted parameters such as Energy, Variance, Approximate Entropy (ApEn), Mean, Standard Deviation (STD), Skewness, Kurtosis, and Peak Maximum are obtained initially from the PPG signals, and based on these extracted parameters, the fuzzy techniques are incorporated to model the Cardiovascular Disorder(CVD) risk levels from PPG signals. Optimization algorithms such as Differential Search (DS), Shuffled Frog Leaping Algorithm (SFLA), Wolf Search (WS), and Animal Migration Optimization (AMO) are implemented to the fuzzy modeled levels to optimize them further so that the PPG cardiovascular classification can be characterized well. This kind of approach is totally new in PPG signal classification, and the results show that when fuzzy-inspired modeling is implemented with WS optimization and classified with the Radial Basis Function (RBF) classifier, a classification accuracy of 94.79% is obtained for normal cases. When fuzzy-inspired modeling is implemented with AMO and classified with the Support Vector Machine–Radial Basis Function (SVM–RBF) classifier, a classification accuracy of 95.05% is obtained for CVD cases.
A Lateral Flow Immunoassay for the Rapid Identification of CTX-M-Producing Enterobacterales from Culture Plates and Positive Blood Cultures
Authors: Bernabeu Sandrine , Ratnam Kayaththiry Caroline , Boutal Hervé , Gonzalez Camille , Vogel Anaïs , Devilliers Karine , Plaisance Marc , Oueslati Saoussen , Malhotra-Kumar Surbhi , Dortet Laurent , Fortineau Nicolas , Simon Stéphanie , Volland Hervé , Naas Thierry
Published: September 2020

We have developed a lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA), named NG-Test CTX-M MULTI (NG-Test), to detect group 1, 2, 8, 9, 25 CTX-M producers from agar plates and from positive blood cultures in less than 15 min. The NG-Test was validated retrospectively on 113 well-characterized enterobacterial isolates, prospectively on 102 consecutively isolated ESBL-producers from the Bicêtre hospital and on 100 consecutive blood cultures positive with a gram-negative bacilli (GNB). The NG-Test was able to detect all CTX-M producers grown on the different agar plates used in clinical microbiology laboratories. No false positive nor negative results were observed. Among the 102 consecutive ESBL isolates, three hyper mucous isolates showed an incorrect migration leading to invalid results (no control band). Using an adapted protocol, the results could be validated. The NG-Test detected 99/102 ESBLs as being CTX-Ms. Three SHV producers were not detected. Among the 100 positive blood cultures with GNB tested 10/11 ESBL-producers were detected (8 CTX-M-15, 2 CTX-M-27). One SHV-2-producing-E. cloacae was missed. The NG-Test CTX-M MULTI showed 100% sensitivity and specificity with isolates cultured on agar plates and was able to detect 98% of the ESBL-producers identified in our clinical setting either from colonies or from positive blood cultures.
Monte Carlo Tree Search-Based Recursive Algorithm for Feature Selection in High-Dimensional Datasets
Authors: Chaudhry Muhammad Umar , Yasir Muhammad , Asghar Muhammad Nabeel , Lee Jee-Hyong
Published: September 2020

The complexity and high dimensionality are the inherent concerns of big data. The role of feature selection has gained prime importance to cope with the issue by reducing dimensionality of datasets. The compromise between the maximum classification accuracy and the minimum dimensions is as yet an unsolved puzzle. Recently, Monte Carlo Tree Search (MCTS)-based techniques have been invented that have attained great success in feature selection by constructing a binary feature selection tree and efficiently focusing on the most valuable features in the features space. However, one challenging problem associated with such approaches is a tradeoff between the tree search and the number of simulations. In a limited number of simulations, the tree might not meet the sufficient depth, thus inducing biasness towards randomness in feature subset selection. In this paper, a new algorithm for feature selection is proposed where multiple feature selection trees are built iteratively in a recursive fashion. The state space of every successor feature selection tree is less than its predecessor, thus increasing the impact of tree search in selecting best features, keeping the MCTS simulations fixed. In this study, experiments are performed on 16 benchmark datasets for validation purposes. We also compare the performance with state-of-the-art methods in literature both in terms of classification accuracy and the feature selection ratio.
Optimizing Our Patients’ Entropy Production as Therapy? Hypotheses Originating from the Physics of Physiology
Authors: Seely Andrew J. E.
Published: September 2020

Understanding how nature drives entropy production offers novel insights regarding patient care. Whilst energy is always preserved and energy gradients irreversibly dissipate (thus producing entropy), increasing evidence suggests that they do so in the most optimal means possible. For living complex non-equilibrium systems to create a healthy internal emergent order, they must continuously produce entropy over time. The Maximum Entropy Production Principle (MEPP) highlights nature’s drive for non-equilibrium systems to augment their entropy production if possible. This physical drive is hypothesized to be responsible for the spontaneous formation of fractal structures in space (e.g., multi-scale self-similar tree-like vascular structures that optimize delivery to and clearance from an organ system) and time (e.g., complex heart and respiratory rate variability); both are ubiquitous and essential for physiology and health. Second, human entropy production, measured by heat production divided by temperature, is hypothesized to relate to both metabolism and consciousness, dissipating oxidative energy gradients and reducing information into meaning and memory, respectively. Third, both MEPP and natural selection are hypothesized to drive enhanced functioning and adaptability, selecting states with robust basilar entropy production, as well as the capacity to enhance entropy production in response to exercise, heat stress, and illness. Finally, a targeted focus on optimizing our patients’ entropy production has the potential to improve health and clinical outcomes. With the implications of developing a novel understanding of health, illness, and treatment strategies, further exploration of this uncharted ground will offer value.
Exploration of Outliers in If-Then Rule-Based Knowledge Bases
Authors: Nowak-Brzezińska Agnieszka , Horyń Czesław
Published: September 2020

The article presents both methods of clustering and outlier detection in complex data, such as rule-based knowledge bases. What distinguishes this work from others is, first, the application of clustering algorithms to rules in domain knowledge bases, and secondly, the use of outlier detection algorithms to detect unusual rules in knowledge bases. The aim of the paper is the analysis of using four algorithms for outlier detection in rule-based knowledge bases: Local Outlier Factor (LOF), Connectivity-based Outlier Factor (COF), K-MEANS, and SMALLCLUSTERS. The subject of outlier mining is very important nowadays. Outliers in rules If-Then mean unusual rules, which are rare in comparing to others and should be explored by the domain expert as soon as possible. In the research, the authors use the outlier detection methods to find a given number of outliers in rules (1%, 5%, 10%), while in small groups, the number of outliers covers no more than 5% of the rule cluster. Subsequently, the authors analyze which of seven various quality indices, which they use for all rules and after removing selected outliers, improve the quality of rule clusters. In the experimental stage, the authors use six different knowledge bases. The best results (the most often the clusters quality was improved) are achieved for two outlier detection algorithms LOF and COF.
An Elementary Introduction to Information Geometry
Authors: Nielsen Frank
Published: September 2020

In this survey, we describe the fundamental differential-geometric structures of information manifolds, state the fundamental theorem of information geometry, and illustrate some use cases of these information manifolds in information sciences. The exposition is self-contained by concisely introducing the necessary concepts of differential geometry. Proofs are omitted for brevity.
A Double Dual Boost Converter with Switching Ripple Cancellation for PEMFC Systems
Authors: Villarreal-Hernandez Carlos A. , Loranca-Coutiño Javier , Mayo-Maldonado Jonathan C. , Valdez-Resendiz Jesus E. , García-Vite Pedro M. , Valderrabano-Gonzalez Antonio , Rosas-Caro Julio C.
Published: September 2020

This paper presents a current-based control for a proton-exchange membrane fuel cell using the so-called double dual boost topology. In particular, we introduce a discrete time controller that, in coordination with a particular selection of inductors and capacitors, minimizes the switching ripple at the input port (current ripple) and the output port (voltage ripple) of the double dual boost converter. This converter has a particular characteristic, in contrast to the classical interleaved boost topology, in the double dual boost, the phases of the converter can have different duty ratios. The freedom to choose the duty ration for each phase can be used to select the operative point in which the input current is equal to zero. However, if individual controllers are used for each branch of the converter, the equilibrium after a transient can differ from the minimum ripple operation point; the proposed scheme regulates the output voltage and, at the same time, ensures the equilibrium remains in the minimum ripple operation in steady state. In this way, the converter can mitigate the harmonic distortion on the current extracted from the proton-exchange membrane fuel cell, which is beneficial to improve the efficiency and lifetime of the cell, and on the output voltage delivered to an output direct current bus. The results of the experiment are presented to validate the principles of the proposed system.
ESR Estimation Schemes of Output Capacitor for Buck Converter from Capacitor Perspective
Authors: Ren Lei , Zhang Lei , Gong Chunying
Published: September 2020

The aluminum electrolytic capacitor (AEC) is one of the most vulnerable parts in power electronic converters and its reliability is crucial to the whole system. With the growth of service time, the equivalent series resistance (ESR) increases and the capacitance (C) decreases due to the loss of electrolytes, which will result in extra power loss and even damage to transistors. To prevent significant damages, the AEC must be replaced at an optimal period and online health monitoring is indispensable. Through the analysis of degradation parameters (ESR and C), ESR is proved to be a better health indicator and therefore is determined as the monitoring parameter for AEC. From the capacitor perspective, ESR estimation schemes of output capacitors for a Buck converter are studied. Based on the voltage–current characteristics, two ESR calculation models are proposed, which are applicable for both continuous conduction mode (CCM) and discontinuous conduction mode (DCM). From the point of implementation view, the advantages and disadvantages of the two estimation schemes are pointed out, respectively. A Buck prototype is built and tested, and simulation and experimental results are provided to validate the proposed ESR estimation schemes.
Characterization of Hybrid-nano/Paraffin Organic Phase Change Material for Thermal Energy Storage Applications in Solar Thermal Systems
Authors: Pasupathi Manoj Kumar , Alagar Karthick , P Michael Joseph Stalin , M.M Matheswaran , Aritra Ghosh
Published: September 2020

In this work, the experimental investigations were piloted to study the influence of hybrid nanoparticles containing SiO2 and CeO2 nanoparticles on thermo-physical characteristics of the paraffin-based phase change material (PCM). Initially, the hybrid nanoparticles were prepared by blending equal mass of SiO2 and CeO2 nanoparticles. The hybrid-nano/paraffin (HnP) samples were prepared by cautiously dispersing 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 percentage mass of hybrid nanoparticles inside the paraffin, respectively. The synthesized samples were examined under different instruments such as field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), and thermal properties analyzer to ascertain the influence of hybrid nanoparticles on thermo-physical characteristics of the prepared samples. The obtained experimental results proved that the hybrid nanoparticles were uniformly diffused in the paraffin matrix without affecting the chemical arrangement of paraffin molecules. Prominently, the relative thermal stability and relative thermal conductivity of the paraffin were synergistically enriched up to 115.49% and 165.56%, respectively, when dispersing hybrid nanoparticles within paraffin. Furthermore, the hybrid nanoparticles appropriately amended the melting and crystallization point of the paraffin to reduce its supercooling, and the maximum reduction in supercooling was ascertained as 35.81%. The comprehensive studies indicated that the paraffin diffused with SiO2 and CeO2 hybrid nanoparticles at 1.0 mass percentage would yield a better outcome compared to the next higher mass fractions without much diminishing the latent heat of paraffin. Hence, it is recommended to utilize the hybrid-nano/paraffin with 1.0 mass fraction of the aforementioned hybrid nanoparticles for effectively augmenting the thermal energy capacity of low-temperature solar thermal systems.
Evolution of Production and Transport Characteristics of Steeply-Dipping Ultra-Thick Coalbed Methane Reservoirs
Authors: Liang Shun , Han Hao , Elsworth Derek , Fu Xuehai , Yao Qiangling , Kang Junqiang , Li Xin , Li Xuehua
Published: September 2020

The large spatial variability of in-situ stress and initial reservoir pressure in steeply-dipping ultra-thick coalbed methane (UTCBM) reservoirs exert strong control on the initial distribution of stress-sensitive permeability. This results in significant differences in the propagation of reservoir depressurization, gas production characteristics, distribution of fluid saturation, and evolution of permeability relative to flat-lying and thin counterpart coalbed methane (CBM) reservoirs. We contrast these responses using the Fukang mining area of the Junggar Basin, Xinjiang, China, as a type-example using coupled hydro-mechanical modeling. Production response indicates: (1) Dual peaks in CBM production rate, due to the asynchronous changes in the gas production rate in each the upper and lower sections of the reservoir; (2) higher depressurization and water saturation levels in the lower section of the reservoir relative to the upper at any given distance from the production well that ameliorate with time to be similar to those of standard horizontal reservoirs; (3) the heterogeneity in effective stress is further amplified by the asymmetry of the initial pressure drawdown distribution of the reservoir to exert extreme control on the down-dip evolution of absolute permeability—with implications for production. Field drainage data and simulation results obtained in this study more accurately reflect the drainage characteristics of the steeply-dipping UTCBM reservoirs. For ultra-thick low-rank coal seams, permeability anisotropy plays an important role in determining the utility of horizontal wells and hydraulic fracturing to maximize rates and yields CBM production, and requiring further study.
Description of a Decentralized Small Scale Digester for Treating Organic Wastes
Authors: González Rubén , Blanco Daniel , González-Arias Judith , García-Cascallana José , Gómez Xiomar
Published: September 2020

This manuscript deals with the detailed design of a small digestion prototype intended as a commercial unit fully operational to cover the demand for decentralized treatment of wastes. These plants are highly affected by the complex nature of wastes giving rise to different operating problems that should be considered in detail. This paper describes the design and start-up strategy of a small-scale digestion plant with a volume of 8 m3 designed to operate with a hydrolysis pretreatment unit. The plant was designed to treat fruit and vegetable wastes as substrates derived from a local processing food factory. The performance of the plant during fed-batch operation was reported. The strategy of inoculating the reactor only to a third of its original volume and subsequently increasing the volume of the reactor by using the fed-batch mode was inadequate. The acid pH of the feeding substrate resulted in the application of a low organic loading rate with a volumetric variation of just 19.7 L/d. The performance of the plant was evaluated at non-steady state conditions and resulted in excessive destruction of volatile solids due to the low nitrogen content of the feeding substrate. The prototype reported a specific methane production of 232 L/kg volatile solids despite the low feeding rate supplemented.
Current Trends in Multidisciplinary Approaches to Understanding Consumer Preference and Acceptance of Food Products
Authors: Byrne Derek Victor
Published: September 2020

Acceptance and preference of the sensory properties of foods are among the most important criteria determining food choice. Sensory perception and our response to food products and finally food choice itself are affected by a myriad of intrinsic as well as extrinsic factors. The pressing question is, how do these factors specifically affect our acceptance and preference for foods, both in and of themselves, and in combination in various contexts, both fundamental and applied? In addition, which factors overall play the largest role in how we perceive and behave towards food in daily life? Finally, how can these factors be utilized to affect our preferences and final acceptance of real food and food products from industrial production and beyond for healthier eating? A closer look at trends in research showcasing the influence that these factors and our senses have on our perception and affective response to food products and our food choices is timely. Thus, in this Special Issue collection “Consumer Preferences and Acceptance of Food Products”, we bring together articles which encompass the wide scope of multidisciplinary research in the space related to the determination of key factors involved linked to fundamental interactions, cross-modal effects in different contexts and eating scenarios, as well as studies that utilize unique study design approaches and methodologies.
Are Issuer Margins Fairly Stated? Evidence from the Issuer Estimated Value for Retail Structured Products
Authors: Bauer Janis , Fink Holger , Stoller Eva
Published: September 2020

From 2014 to 2018, issuers of retail structured products in Germany established and calculated the Issuer Estimated Value (IEV), a fair value designed to offer more transparency for retail investors. By reporting the IEV in the product information sheet, banks implicitly make a statement on their expected gross margin and, as one of the first papers, we provide an empirical study of the fairness of these disclosed figures. On a sample of discount and capped bonus certificates, we find that reported issuer margins can be verified using standard option pricing models and we illustrate that hedging costs take on an important role for structured product valuation. Consequently, the answer to the raised question in the title seems to be an (initial) ‘yes’ for our chosen product sample. Even though in 2018 the IEV calculations have been replaced by similar margin and cost statements due to the newly introduced Packaged Retail and Insurance-based Investment Products Regulation, this finding might still be a good guide for future research.
Comprehensive Analysis of ABCG2 Genetic Variation in the Polish Population and Its Inter-Population Comparison
Authors: Słomka Marcin , Sobalska-Kwapis Marta , Korycka-Machała Małgorzata , Dziadek Jarosław , Bartosz Grzegorz , Strapagiel Dominik
Published: September 2020

ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 2 (ABCG2), also known as breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), is one of the key efflux ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters of xenobiotics, their metabolites and endogenous compounds such as urate. Some of its genetic variants have been found to influence protein functioning, resulting in serious clinical implications concerning chemotherapy response, as well as gout or blood group phenotype Jr(a-). Previous reports have suggested that the frequencies of certain crucial polymorphisms, such as c.34G>A (p.Val12Met) and c.421C>A (p.Gln141Lys) differ significantly between the Polish population and other Caucasian populations. Thus, to clarify this issue, the present study performs a complete analysis of the genetic variation of ABCG2 coding sequence in the Polish population. The genetic variation in 14 out of 15 coding exons of the ABCG2 gene, as well as their flanking intron sequences, were examined among 190 healthy representatives of the Polish population using scanning with High Resolution Melting (HRM). HRM scanning revealed 17 polymorphisms: eight in the exons (including five missense variants and one point-nonsense mutation) and nine in the intron sequences (eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and one deletion variant). These included variants correlating with the presence of gout and phenotype Jr(a-). Linkage disequilibrium, haplotype blocks and haplotype analyses were also performed. The frequencies of the most common polymorphisms in the Polish population did not differ significantly to those observed for other Caucasian populations, but demonstrated divergence from non-Caucasian populations. We hope that our findings may be helpful for other researchers and clinicians, evaluating the pharmacogenetic role of ABCG2.
Effects of Residential Instability of Renters on Their Perceived Health Status: Findings from the Korean Welfare Panel Study
Authors: Park Kiduk , Seo Wonseok
Published: September 2020

Identifying the impact of housing instability on the health status of renters with relatively high economic difficulties is important for the improvement of renters’ quality of life and their social security. Accordingly, this study adopted a panel data regression approach to examine the associations between residential instability and perceived health status—including physical and mental health—using 14 waves (2006–2019) of longitudinal data collected by the Korean Welfare Panel Study. The results showed that residential instability significantly affected perceived health status, and renters who experienced residential instability perceived worse health status and had more severe depression than those who did not experience residential instability. Moreover, failure to meet the minimum housing standard worsened depression in renters. Despite assistance benefits from the government, permanent rental housing and the national basic living security were also factors that worsened depression. Dissatisfaction with one’s residential environment and social relationships were also associated with increased depression. We recommend that the overall quality of housing welfare services, including a focus on the mental health of low-income renters, be improved by expanding the range of services, increasing the number of professional housing welfare workers, and supplying community facilities for increasing residential and social relationship satisfactions.
How Do German General Practitioners Assess Medical Specialist Care Needs of Nursing Home Residents? Results of a Postal Survey in North-Western Germany
Authors: Spreckelsen Ove , Schmiemann Guido , Fassmer Alexander Maximilian , Engel Bettina , Hoffmann Falk , Freitag Michael Hermann
Published: September 2020

The frequency of contacts of nursing home residents with medical specialists is lower compared to the general population of the same age group in Germany. The aim of this study was to assess general practitioners’ (GPs) views on specialist care needs of nursing home residents, on questions of qualification and care coordination. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a postal questionnaire among a representative sample of 1121 GPs in north-western Germany in 2018. The perceptions of GPs about the relative importance of the type of specialist care that is required in nursing homes was assessed on a five-point Likert scale (0 = very low to 4 = very high). A total of 375 GPs (response 33.5%; mean age 54.4 years; 57.6% male) participated in the survey. GPs assessed care needs as highest for neurologists and psychiatrists (68.7%) and lowest for gynecologists (6.5%). Almost all respondents (96.2%) strongly agreed that medical care for nursing home residents should be coordinated by GPs and that GPs should initiate the referral for further specialist care when required (87.5%). A minority (25.7%) agreed that quality of medical care would improve when care for a nursing home was provided by only one GP practice. GPs perceive the needs of nursing home residents for specialist care as high only in relation to care by neurologists and psychiatrists. GPs consider their own coordination function for medical care in nursing homes as very important.