bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crest Factor Optimization for Multisine Excitation Signals with Logarithmic Frequency Distribution Based on a Hybrid Stochastic-Deterministic Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Kallel Ahmed Yahia , Kanoun Olfa
Published: October 2022

For diagnosis of batteries and fuel cells based on impedance spectroscopy, excitation signals are required, including low frequencies down to the mHz range. This leads to a long measurement time and compromises the stability condition for impedance spectroscopy. Multisine excitation signals with logarithmic frequency distribution can significantly reduce the measurement time but need optimization of the crest factor to realize a high signal-to-noise ratio at all excitation frequencies and maintain at the same time the linearity and stability conditions of impedance spectroscopy. Crest factor optimization is challenging, as the obtained results strongly depend on the initial phase values and many trials are necessary. It takes a very long time and can not be easily performed automatically up to now. In this paper, we propose a time-efficient hybrid stochastic-deterministic crest factor optimization method for multisine signals with logarithmic frequency distribution. A sigmoid transform on the multisine signal gradually transforms the multi-frequency signal into a binary-alike signal. The crest factor is significantly decreased, but the phases of the singular frequency signals remain sub-optimal. Further optimization based on the Gauss-Newton algorithm can determine the final phases, realizing a lower crest factor. The proposed method is less sensitive to initial phase values and provides more reasonable results in a reasonable time. The validation on a Samsung INR-18650-25R Lithium-ion battery cell shows that the crest factor of the optimized multisine signals has a median of 3.62 ± 0.7 within 6 min of run time, which is significantly better than the best previous work in the state-of-the-art of 3.85 ± 0.11 for the same run time.
Simulation, Set-Up, and Thermal Characterization of a Water-Cooled Li-Ion Battery System
Authors: Feinauer Max , Uhlmann Nils , Ziebert Carlos , Blank Thomas
Published: October 2022

A constant and homogenous temperature control of Li-ion batteries is essential for a good performance, a safe operation, and a low aging rate. Especially when operating a battery with high loads in dense battery systems, a cooling system is required to keep the cell in a controlled temperature range. Therefore, an existing battery module is set up with a water-based liquid cooling system with aluminum cooling plates. A finite-element simulation is used to optimize the design and arrangement of the cooling plates regarding power consumption, cooling efficiency, and temperature homogeneity. The heat generation of an operating Li-ion battery is described by the lumped battery model, which is integrated into COMSOL Multiphysics. As the results show, a small set of non-destructively determined parameters of the lumped battery model is sufficient to estimate heat generation. The simulated temperature distribution within the battery pack confirmed adequate cooling and good temperature homogeneity as measured by an integrated temperature sensor array. Furthermore, the simulation reveals sufficient cooling of the batteries by using only one cooling plate per two pouch cells while continuously discharging at up to 3 C.
Graph-Based Conversation Analysis in Social Media
Authors: Brambilla Marco , Javadian Sabet Alireza , Kharmale Kalyani , Sulistiawati Amin Endah
Published: October 2022

Social media platforms offer their audience the possibility to reply to posts through comments and reactions. This allows social media users to express their ideas and opinions on shared content, thus opening virtual discussions. Most studies on social networks have focused only on user relationships or on the shared content, while ignoring the valuable information hidden in the digital conversations, in terms of structure of the discussion and relation between contents, which is essential for understanding online communication behavior. This work proposes a graph-based framework to assess the shape and structure of online conversations. The analysis was composed of two main stages: intent analysis and network generation. Users’ intention was detected using keyword-based classification, followed by the implementation of machine learning-based classification algorithms for uncategorized comments. Afterwards, human-in-the-loop was involved in improving the keyword-based classification. To extract essential information on social media communication patterns among the users, we built conversation graphs using a directed multigraph network and we show our model at work in two real-life experiments. The first experiment used data from a real social media challenge and it was able to categorize 90% of comments with 98% accuracy. The second experiment focused on COVID vaccine-related discussions in online forums and investigated the stance and sentiment to understand how the comments are affected by their parent discussion. Finally, the most popular online discussion patterns were mined and interpreted. We see that the dynamics obtained from conversation graphs are similar to traditional communication activities.
A Study on the Structure and Biomedical Application Characteristics of Phosphate Coatings on ZKX500 Magnesium Alloys
Authors: Huang Ying-Ting , Wu Wen-Yu , Hung Fei-Yi , Kuan Fa-Chuan , Hsu Kai-Lan , Su Wei-Ren , Yen Chen-Wei
Published: October 2022

Magnesium-matrix implants can be detected by X-ray, making post-operative monitoring easier. Since the density and mechanical properties of Mg alloys are similar to those of human bones, the stress-shielding effect can be avoided, accelerating the recovery and regeneration of bone tissues. Additionally, Mg biodegradability shields patients from the infection risk and medical financial burden of needing another surgery. However, the major challenge for magnesium-matrix implants is the rapid degradation rate, which necessitates surface treatment. In this study, the ZKX500 Mg alloy was used, and a non-toxic and eco-friendly anodic oxidation method was adopted to improve corrosion resistance. The results indicate that the anodic coating mainly consisted of magnesium phosphate. After anodic oxidation, the specimen surface developed a coating and an ion-exchanged layer that could slow down the degradation and help maintain the mechanical properties. The results of the tensile and impact tests reveal that after being immersed in SBF for 28 days, the anodic oxidation-treated specimens maintained good strength, ductility, and toughness. Anodic coating provides an excellent surface for cell attachment and growth. In the animal experiment, the anodic oxidation-treated magnesium bone screw used had no adverse effect and could support the injured part for at least 3 months.
Supramolecular-Covalent Peptides Self-Assembly: From Design to Regenerative Medicine and Beyond
Authors: Pugliese Raffaele
Published: October 2022

The field of supramolecular peptides self-assembly has undergone outstanding growth since the early 1990s after the serendipitously discovery by Shuguang Zhang of an ionic self-complementary peptide as a repeating segment in a yeast protein. From then on, the field expanded at an accelerating pace and these self-assembled materials have become an integral part of a broad plethora of designer supramolecular nanomaterials useful for different applications ranging from 3D tissue cell cultures, regenerative medicine, up to optoelectronics. However, the supramolecular peptide based-nanomaterials available thus far for regenerative medicine still lack the dynamic complexity found in the biological structures that mediate regeneration. Indeed, self-assembling peptide (SAPs) suffer from poor mechanical stability, losing mechanical properties at low strains. Just like the extracellular matrix (ECM) of living systems, the chemical structure of the SAP-biomaterials should concurrently contain non-covalent and covalent bonds, bringing, respectively, infinite and finite lifetimes of interactions to obtain a reversibly dynamic matrix. In this review, will be highlighted the major advantages and current limitations of SAP-based biomaterials, and it will be discussed the most widely used strategies for precisely tune their mechanical properties (stiffness, resilience, strain-failure, stress resistance), describing recent and promising approaches in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and beyond.
Gene Co-Expression Network Modular Analysis Reveals Altered Immune Mechanisms in HIV-HAND
Authors: Petralia Maria Cristina , Nicoletti Ferdinando , Tancheva Lyubka , Kalfin Reni , Fagone Paolo , Mangano Katia
Published: October 2022

Although the introduction of HAART has completely changed the natural course of HIV infection, the number of chronic forms of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) has risen. It is estimated that up to half of subjects undergoing HAART therapy exhibit mild cognitive impairments. In the current study, we apply the gene co-expression network modular analysis, a well-established system biology approach, to the gene expression profiles of cases from the National NeuroAIDS Tissue Consortium (NNTC). We observed a negative enrichment for genes associated with the control of immune responses and putatively regulated by the transcription factors IRF8 and SPI1 and by both type I and II interferons. Our study provides evidence of altered immune responses, which are likely associated with the occurrence of HAND in the absence of HIV encephalitis (HIVE).
Stereotactic Radiofrequency Ablation for Treatment-Refractory Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Münchenberg Pauline Sarah , Joyce Eileen M. , Matthews Keith , Christmas David , Zrinzo Ludvic
Published: October 2022

(1) Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) generates a large proportion of global disease burden. Stereotactic radiofrequency ablation (SRA) may be beneficial for selected patients with its most debilitating and refractory forms, but effect size is uncertain. (2) Methods: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis on SRA for MDD was carried out. Patient-level data were extracted from articles reporting validated depression measures (Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)), pre- and at least six months post surgery. To accommodate different outcome measures, the standardised mean difference (SMD) between both scores was used as the principal effect size. Data were synthesised using a random-effects model. (3) Results: Five distinct studies were identified, comprising 116 patients (64 included in meta-analysis). Effect size comparing post- vs. pre-operative scores was 1.66 (CI 1.25–2.07). Anterior cingulotomy (two studies, n = 22) and anterior capsulotomy (three studies, n = 42) showed similar effect sizes: 1.51 (CI 0.82–2.20) vs. 1.74 (CI 1.23–2.26). Multiple procedures were performed in 30 of 116 (25.9%) patients. Based on patient-level data, 53% (n = 47) were responders (≥50% improvement), of which 34% reached remission (MADRS ≤ 10 or BDI ≤ 11). BDI mean improvement was 16.7 (44.0%) after a second procedure (n = 19). (4) Conclusions: The results are supportive of the benefit of SRA in selected patients with refractory MDD.
The Geometry of Timber Lamella Vaults: Prototype Analysis
Authors: Petrović Milica , Ilić Isidora , Mijatović Svetislav , Šekularac Nenad
Published: October 2022

This paper presents timber lamella structures applied to the circular cylinder surface when all lamellae axes intersect at the nodes. To achieve the uniformity of all elements in this structure, the geometry of the structure must be carefully designed. The main methods for the research are graphical and numerical methods for geometric design and a prototype construction for a specific geometric pattern. The methods are discussed for their ease of replication, as well as the possibility of reinterpretation on other surfaces, while the prototype design and construction give insight into the process from design to execution. The combination of these methods allows for a thorough analysis of the geometry for lamella structures. The analysis shows that geometrical design must begin from the whole to the lamella, and that the number of element types in the structure depends on the disposition of the elements and the angle of the pattern. The discussion shows the advantages and limitations of the proposed methods, while the conclusions give the guidelines for the implementation of lamella structures into new design projects.
Estimating the Bond Strength of FRP Bars Using a Hybrid Machine Learning Model
Authors: Li Ran , Liu Lulu , Cheng Ming
Published: October 2022

Although the use of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) rebars instead of mild steel can effectively avoid rebar corrosion, the bonding performance gets weakened. To accurately estimate the bond strength of FRP bars, this paper proposes a particle swarm optimization-based extreme learning machine model based on 222 samples. The model used six variables including the bar position (P), bar surface condition (SC), bar diameter (D), concrete compressive strength (fc), the ratio of the bar depth to the bar diameter (L/D), and the ratio of the concrete protective layer thickness to the bar diameter (C/D) as input features, and the relative importance of the input parameters was quantified using a sensitivity analysis. The results showed that the proposed model can effectively and accurately estimate the bond strength of the FRP bar with R2 = 0.945 compared with the R2 = 0.926 of the original ELM model, which shows that the model can be used as an auxiliary tool for the bond performance analysis of FRP bars. The results of the sensitivity analysis indicate that the parameter L/D is of the greatest importance to the output bond strength.
Correction: Radtke et al. Plasma Treatments and Light Extraction from Fluorinated CVD-Grown (400) Single Crystal Diamond Nanopillars. C 2020, 6, 37
Authors: Radtke Mariusz , Slablab Abdallah , Van Vlierberghe Sandra , Lin Chao-Nan , Lu Ying-Jie , Shan Chong-Xin
Published: October 2022

The authors would like to update the XPS spectrum in Figure 3c [...]
A CAF-Fueled TIMP-1/CD63/ITGB1/STAT3 Feedback Loop Promotes Migration and Growth of Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Dittmer Angela , Dittmer Jürgen
Published: October 2022

TIMP-1 is one of the many factors that CAFs have been shown to secret. TIMP-1 can act in a tumor-supportive or tumor-suppressive manner. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the role of CAF-secreted TIMP-1 for the effects of CAFs on breast cancer cell behavior. Breast cancer cells were exposed to conditioned medium collected from TIMP-1-secreting CAFs (CAF-CM), and the specific effects of TIMP-1 on protein expression, migration and growth were examined using TIMP-1-specifc siRNA (siTIMP1), recombinant TIMP-1 protein (rhTIMP-1) and TIMP-1 level-rising phorbol ester. We observed that TIMP-1 increased the expression of its binding partner CD63 and induced STAT3 and ERK1/2 activation by cooperating with CD63 and integrin β1. Since TIMP-1 expression was found to be dependent on STAT3, TIMP-1 activated its own expression, resulting in a TIMP-1/CD63/integrin β1/STAT3 feedback loop. IL-6, a classical STAT3 activator, further fueled this loop. Knock-down of each component of the feedback loop prevented the CAF-induced increase in migratory activity and inhibited cellular growth in adherent cultures in the presence and absence of the anti-estrogen fulvestrant. These data show that TIMP-1/CD63/integrin β1/STAT3 plays a role in the effects of CAFs on breast cancer cell behavior.
Recent Advances in the Aging Microenvironment of Breast Cancer
Authors: Jiang Xiaocong , Shen Haixing , Shang Xi , Fang Jianwen , Lu Yuexin , Lu Yue , Zheng Jingyan , Fu Peifen
Published: October 2022

Aging is one of the risk factors for advanced breast cancer. With the increasing trend toward population aging, it is important to study the effects of aging on breast cancer in depth. Cellular senescence and changes in the aging microenvironment in vivo are the basis for body aging and death. In this review, we focus on the influence of the aging microenvironment on breast cancer. Increased breast extracellular matrix stiffness in the aging breast extracellular matrix can promote the invasion of breast cancer cells. The role of senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (SASPs) such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, and matrix metalloproteases (MMPs), in breast cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis is worthy of exploration. Furthermore, the impact of senescent fibroblasts, adipocytes, and endothelial cells on the mammary matrix is discussed in detail. We also list potential targets for senotherapeutics and senescence-inducing agents in the aging microenvironment of breast cancer. In conclusion, this review offers an overview of the influence of the aging microenvironment on breast cancer initiation and progression, with the aim of providing some directions for future research on the aging microenvironment in breast cancer.
PFN1 Inhibits Myogenesis of Bovine Myoblast Cells via Cdc42-PAK/JNK
Authors: Zi Jingjing , Xu Jing , Luo Jintang , Yang Xu , Zhen Zhen , Li Xin , Hu Debao , Guo Yiwen , Guo Hong , Ding Xiangbin , Zhang Linlin
Published: October 2022

Myoblast differentiation is essential for the formation of skeletal muscle myofibers. Profilin1 (Pfn1) has been identified as an actin-associated protein, and has been shown to be critically important to cellular function. Our previous study found that PFN1 may inhibit the differentiation of bovine skeletal muscle satellite cells, but the underlying mechanism is not known. Here, we confirmed that PFN1 negatively regulated the myogenic differentiation of bovine skeletal muscle satellite cells. Immunoprecipitation assay combined with mass spectrometry showed that Cdc42 was a binding protein of PFN1. Cdc42 could be activated by PFN1 and could inhibit the myogenic differentiation like PFN1. Mechanistically, activated Cdc42 increased the phosphorylation level of p2l-activated kinase (PAK), which further activated the phosphorylation activity of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), whereas PAK and JNK are inhibitors of myogenic differentiation. Taken together, our results reveal that PFN1 is a repressor of bovine myogenic differentiation, and provide the regulatory mechanism.
Immunological Insights into Cigarette Smoking-Induced Cardiovascular Disease Risk
Authors: Dahdah Albert , Jaggers Robert M. , Sreejit Gopalkrishna , Johnson Jillian , Kanuri Babunageswararao , Murphy Andrew J. , Nagareddy Prabhakara R.
Published: October 2022

Smoking is one of the most prominent addictions of the modern world, and one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide. Although the number of tobacco smokers is believed to be at a historic low, electronic cigarette use has been on a dramatic rise over the past decades. Used as a replacement for cigarette smoking, electronic cigarettes were thought to reduce the negative effects of burning tobacco. Nonetheless, the delivery of nicotine by electronic cigarettes, the most prominent component of cigarette smoke (CS) is still delivering the same negative outcomes, albeit to a lesser extent than CS. Smoking has been shown to affect both the structural and functional aspects of major organs, including the lungs and vasculature. Although the deleterious effects of smoking on these organs individually is well-known, it is likely that the adverse effects of smoking on these organs will have long-lasting effects on the cardiovascular system. In addition, smoking has been shown to play an independent role in the homeostasis of the immune system, leading to major sequela. Both the adaptive and the innate immune system have been explored regarding CS and have been demonstrated to be altered in a way that promotes inflammatory signals, leading to an increase in autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, and cancer. Although the mechanism of action of CS has not been fully understood, disease pathways have been explored in both branches of the immune system. The pathophysiologically altered immune system during smoking and its correlation with cardiovascular diseases is not fully understood. Here we highlight some of the important pathological mechanisms that involve cigarette smoking and its many components on cardiovascular disease and the immune systems in order to have a better understanding of the mechanisms at play.
Evaluation of Tissue Expression of Vaspin and Serum Vaspin Concentration as a Prognostic and Risk Factor in Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Kozłowski Mateusz , Pietrzyk Dominika , Rychlicka Małgorzata , Piotrowska Katarzyna , Nowak Katarzyna , Kwiatkowski Sebastian , Cymbaluk-Płoska Aneta
Published: October 2022

Adipose tissue is a multifunctional endocrine organ. One of the biologically active substances is vaspin, which is part of the serpin family. The purpose of the following study is to determine the possibility of using vaspin as a prognostic and risk factor in endometrial cancer. The study included 127 patients with abnormal uterine bleeding. To determine the value of adipokine, the study used Kaplan-Meier curves to estimate patients survival. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed simultaneously using the Cox regression model. Tissue expression of vaspin was assessed in patients from the study group (endometrial cancer) and the control group (non-cancerous). We found that higher levels of vaspin are found in obese people, with lower staging (FIGO I and II), lower grading (G1), no LVSI metastases and no lymph node metastases. Higher serum vaspin levels are an independent protective factor for endometrial cancer. We concluded that endometrial cancer patients with serum vaspin concentrations above the median have longer DFS compared to patients with concentrations below the median. Considering multivariate analysis, vaspin concentrations above the median are independent favourable prognostic factors for endometrial cancer. Tissue expression of vaspin cannot be a histological marker to distinguish between cancer and non-cancerous lesions and between different grading levels.
Biomarker-Targeted Therapies in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer: Current Status and Perspectives
Authors: Guo Haiyang , Zhang Jun , Qin Chao , Yan Hang , Liu Tao , Hu Haiyang , Tang Shengjie , Tang Shoujun , Zhou Haining
Published: October 2022

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common malignancies and the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Despite many therapeutic advances in the past decade, NSCLC remains an incurable disease for the majority of patients. Molecular targeted therapies and immunotherapies have significantly improved the prognosis of NSCLC. However, the vast majority of advanced NSCLC develop resistance to current therapies and eventually progress. In this review, we discuss current and potential therapies for NSCLC, focusing on targeted therapies and immunotherapies. We highlight the future role of metabolic therapies and combination therapies in NSCLC.
A Molecular View of the Surface Pressure/Area Per Lipid Isotherms Assessed by FTIR/ATR Spectroscopy
Authors: Disalvo E. Anibal , Rosa Antonio Sebastian , Cejas Jimena P. , Frias Maria A.
Published: October 2022

The macroscopic behavior of a lipid monolayer in terms of packing and compressibility properties is classically obtained from surface pressure/area per molecule isotherms. Molecular interpretations trying to fit the II/A curves have been attempted by molecular dynamics. In this regard, the simulation is performed by introducing parameters accounting for the lipid-lipid interaction in the monolayer plane. However, water, as an essential component of the interfacial phenomena, is not explicitly included in terms of molecular arrays. This drawback appears to be a consequence of the lack of experimental evidence that may complement the macroscopic view with the microscopic features. In this work, we propose that II/A curves can be reproduced from microscopic molecular data obtained with FTIR/ATR spectroscopy. The changes in surface pressure, in fact, changes in the surface tension of the lipid–water interphase, can be related to the acyl regions exposed to water and evaluated by the ratio of isolated-to-connected CH2 populations. In turn, the area changes correspond to the variations in the primary and secondary hydration shells of the phosphate region. The isolated/connected CH2 ratio represents the extension of the non-polar region exposed to water and is linked to the resulting water surface tension. The area per lipid is determined by the excluded volume of the hydration shells around the phosphate groups in correlation to the carbonyl groups. The derivative of the frequencies of the -CH2 groups with respect to the water content gives an insight into the influence of water arrangements on the compressibility properties, which is important in understanding biologically relevant phenomena, such as osmotic stress in cells and the mechanical response of monolayers. It is concluded that the water population distributed around the different groups dominates, to a great extent, the physical properties of the lipid membranes.
Computational Study on the Conformational Preferences of Neutral, Protonated and Deprotonated Glycine Dimers
Authors: Pita M. Luisa , Mosquera Ricardo A.
Published: October 2022

A conformational analysis has been carried out for monoprotonated, unprotonated and deprotonated glycine dimers in the gas phase and an aqueous solution. MP2/6-311++(d,p), B3LYP/6-311++(d,p) and M06/6-311++(d,p) optimizations were performed for more than 200 initial conformations comprising nonionic (COOH–CH2–NH2) (N) and zwitterionic (COO−–CH2–NH3+) (Z) structures for neutral monomers. All the methods indicate that Z monomers are preferred over N ones for the neutral and deprotonated dimers in aqueous solutions, whereas the reverse trend is observed in the gas phase (including also protonated dimers). NC and ZC structures coexist in aqueous solutions for the protonated glycine dimer. The preferred geometries are significantly different depending on the media and total dimer charge. Moreover, several minima display close energies in each series (media and total dimer charge). New conformers, not previously reported, are found to be significantly populated in those conformational mixtures. Dimers containing Z monomers are associated with larger absolute solvation energies and are more prone than N-containing ones to experience protonation and deprotonation in the gas phase, whereas the reverse trend is observed in the aqueous solution. The Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) analysis reveals that uncharged dimers display trifling electron density transfer between monomers, whereas it is significant in anionic and cationic dimers.
Magnesium Coordination Chemistry: A Case Study of Magnesium Carboxylate Complexes with Hexamethylenetetramine
Authors: Sierański Tomasz , Trzęsowska-Kruszyńska Agata , Świątkowski Marcin , Bogdan Marta , Sobczak Paulina
Published: October 2022

Three magnesium coordination compounds were obtained to explore the influence of carboxylate anions on the pattern of the formed hydrogen bonds. For their synthesis, various salts of magnesium carboxylic acid (formate, acetate, and propionate) were utilized. As an N-donor ligand, hexamethylenetetramine was employed. The supramolecular structures of the obtained compounds were determined and evaluated in Hirshfeld analysis. The length of the carbon chain of the used carboxylate anions has been proven to have a considerable impact on the self-organization of the supramolecular system by altering the three-dimensional net of the created hydrogen bonds. IR spectroscopy was used to characterize the obtained compounds, revealing significant differences between distinct systems. The thermal analysis of the investigated compounds also shows noticeable differences, demonstrating better stability of the systems containing formate anions.
Texture Evolution of a Single Crystal Cu-8% at. Al Subjected to the Drawing Process
Authors: Tokarski Tomasz , Cios Grzegorz , Moszczynska Dorota , Adamczyk-Cieslak Boguslawa , Koralnik Milena , Mizera Jaroslaw
Published: October 2022

Single crystals of Cu-8.% at. Al were subjected to cold drawing up to 1.1 true strain. Development of the crystallographic texture was analysed at various stages of the drawing process. Investigations revealed significant crystal rotation and reorientation due to a twinning process, while general 4-fold symmetry around the drawing direction was preserved. Local texture analysis performed on cross-sections perpendicular to the drawing direction showed that due to crystal rotation, the original crystal was initially fragmented into four quadrants. However, within the volume near the central axis the initial cubic orientation was preserved. Subsequent deformation within dominating twinning systems led to further fragmentation which divided the crystal into sectors one eighth the size of the full circular cross-section. The obtained results also indicate that approximation of the drawing process stress state by the tensor having only normal components cannot be used during analysis of the activation of deformation systems.
Mediterranean Diet as a Supportive Intervention in Cancer Patients: Current Evidence and Future Directions
Authors: Rubino Roberta , Iuliucci Michela Rosaria , Gatani Simona , Piscosquito Arianna , D’Ambrosio Bruno , Ingenito Concetta , Scafuri Luca , Buonerba Carlo , Di Lorenzo Giuseppe
Published: October 2022

Cancer currently represents a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, and it can be held responsible for about one in six deaths worldwide [...]
Muscle and Tendon Stiffness of the Lower Limb of Professional Adolescent Soccer Athletes Measured Using Shear Wave Elastography
Authors: Römer Claudia , Czupajllo Julia , Zessin Enrico , Fischer Thomas , Wolfarth Bernd , Lerchbaumer Markus Herbert
Published: October 2022

Background: While adolescents have specific risk factors for acute and chronic injury, there is a lack of preventive medicine algorithms for this vulnerable group. Shear wave elastography (SWE) is currently mainly used for assessing muscle and tendon stiffness in adult athletes and can diagnose tissue pathologies such as tendinopathy. The aim was to investigate differences in quadriceps tendon and muscle stiffness between adolescent and adult professional soccer players using SWE and identify lateral imbalances in order to improve the knowledge of preventive medicine algorithms for professional adolescent athletes. Methods: Standardized SWE examinations of both lower limb tendons and muscles (the quadriceps tendon (QT) and the vastus medialis (VM) muscle) in the longitudinal plane and relaxed tendon position were performed in 13 healthy adolescent soccer athletes (13–17 years), and a control group of 19 healthy adult professional soccer athletes (18–29 years). Results: Adolescent soccer players had lower stiffness values for both the quadriceps tendon (3.11 m/s vs. 3.25 m/s) and the vastus medialis muscle (1.67 m/s vs. 1.71 m/s) than adult athletes. Moreover, QT stiffness in adolescent soccer players was significantly lower on the right side (QT: adult 3.50 m/s (2.73–4.56) vs. adolescent 2.90 m/s (2.61–3.12); p = 0.031). Analysis of the lateral differences revealed softer QT and VM tissue on the right side in over two-thirds of adolescent soccer athletes. Over two-thirds of adults had stiffer QT and VM tissue on the right side. Conclusion: In adolescent soccer players, the stiffness of the QT and VM muscle measured by SWE is lower in the right leg. SWE of the musculoskeletal system may thus become a relevant diagnostic tool to detect early lateral imbalances as a main risk factor for injury and may thus contribute to the prevention of acute and chronic injury prevention in adolescent athletes.
Utility of Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration and Biopsy for Histological Diagnosis of Type 2 Autoimmune Pancreatitis
Authors: Hayashi Hidehiro , Miura Shin , Fujishima Fumiyoshi , Kuniyoshi Shimpei , Kume Kiyoshi , Kikuta Kazuhiro , Hamada Shin , Takikawa Tetsuya , Matsumoto Ryotaro , Ikeda Mio , Sano Takanori , Kataoka Fumiya , Sasaki Akira , Sakano Misako , Masamune Atsushi
Published: October 2022

In Japan, type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is the most common type of AIP; type 2 AIP is rare. The aim of this study was to clarify the usefulness of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration and biopsy (EUS-FNAB) for the diagnosis of type 2 AIP. We analyzed the tissue specimens of 10 patients with suspected type 2 AIP who underwent EUS-FNAB at our hospital between April 2009 and March 2021 for tissue volume and histopathological diagnostic performance. The male-to-female ratio of the patients was 8:2, and the patient age (mean ± standard deviation) was 35.6 ± 15.5 years. EUS-FNAB provided sufficient tissue volume, with high-power field >10 in eight patients (80.0%). Based on the International Consensus Diagnostic Criteria (ICDC), four patients (40.0%) had histological findings corresponding to ICDC level 1, and five patients (50.0%) had histological findings corresponding to ICDC level 2. The results of this study show that EUS-FNB can be considered an alternative method to resection and core-needle biopsy for the collection of tissue samples of type 2 AIP.
Variable-to-Variable Huffman Coding: Optimal and Greedy Approaches
Authors: Tu Kun , Puchala Dariusz
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we address the problem of m-gram entropy variable-to-variable coding, extending the classical Huffman algorithm to the case of coding m-element (i.e., m-grams) sequences of symbols taken from the stream of input data for m>1. We propose a procedure to enable the determination of the frequencies of the occurrence of m-grams in the input data; we formulate the optimal coding algorithm and estimate its computational complexity as O(mn2), where n is the size of the input data. Since such complexity is high in terms of practical applications, we also propose an approximate approach with linear complexity, which is based on a greedy heuristic used in solving backpack problems. In order to verify the practical effectiveness of the proposed approximate approach, experiments involving different sets of input data were conducted. The experimental study shows that the results obtained with the approximate approach were, first, close to the optimal results and, second, better than the results obtained using the popular DEFLATE and PPM algorithms in the case of data that can be characterized by highly invariable and easy to estimate statistics.
Analysis of Vulnerability on Weighted Power Networks under Line Breakdowns
Authors: Yang Lixin , Gu Ziyu , Dang Yuanchen , He Peiyan
Published: October 2022

Vulnerability is a major concern for power networks. Malicious attacks have the potential to trigger cascading failures and large blackouts. The robustness of power networks against line failure has been of interest in the past several years. However, this scenario cannot cover weighted situations in the real world. This paper investigates the vulnerability of weighted power networks. Firstly, we propose a more practical capacity model to investigate the cascading failure of weighted power networks under different attack strategies. Results show that the smaller threshold of the capacity parameter can enhance the vulnerability of weighted power networks. Furthermore, a weighted electrical cyber-physical interdependent network is developed to study the vulnerability and failure dynamics of the entire power network. We perform simulations in the IEEE 118 Bus case to evaluate the vulnerability under various coupling schemes and different attack strategies. Simulation results show that heavier loads increase the likelihood of blackouts and that different coupling strategies play a crucial role in the cascading failure performance.
A Dual Attention Encoding Network Using Gradient Profile Loss for Oil Spill Detection Based on SAR Images
Authors: Zhai Jiding , Mu Chunxiao , Hou Yongchao , Wang Jianping , Wang Yingjie , Chi Haokun
Published: October 2022

Marine oil spills due to ship collisions or operational errors have caused tremendous damage to the marine environment. In order to better monitor the marine environment on a daily basis and reduce the damage and harm caused by oil pollution, we use marine image information acquired by synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and combine it with image segmentation techniques in deep learning to monitor oil spills. However, it is a significant challenge to accurately distinguish oil spill areas in original SAR images, which are characterized by high noise, blurred boundaries, and uneven intensity. Hence, we propose a dual attention encoding network (DAENet) using an encoder–decoder U-shaped architecture for identifying oil spill areas. In the encoding phase, we use the dual attention module to adaptively integrate local features with their global dependencies, thus improving the fusion feature maps of different scales. Moreover, a gradient profile (GP) loss function is used to improve the recognition accuracy of the oil spill areas’ boundary lines in the DAENet. We used the Deep-SAR oil spill (SOS) dataset with manual annotation for training, testing, and evaluation of the network, and we established a dataset containing original data from GaoFen-3 for network testing and performance evaluation. The results show that DAENet has the highest mIoU of 86.1% and the highest F1-score of 90.2% in the SOS dataset, and it has the highest mIoU of 92.3% and the highest F1-score of 95.1% in the GaoFen-3 dataset. The method proposed in this paper not only improves the detection and identification accuracy of the original SOS dataset, but also provides a more feasible and effective method for marine oil spill monitoring.
Evaluation of Three Reanalysis Soil Temperature Datasets with Observation Data over China
Authors: Zhao Cailing , Gong Chongshui , Duan Haixia , Yan Pengcheng , Liu Yuanpu , Zhou Ganlin
Published: October 2022

Soil temperature is a crucial parameter in surface emissions of carbon, water, and energy exchanges. This study utilized the soil temperature of 836 national basic meteorological observing stations over China to evaluate three soil temperature products. Soil temperature data from the China Meteorology Administration Land Data Assimilation System (CLDAS), European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ERA-Interim), and Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) during 2017 are evaluated. The results showed that soil temperature reanalysis datasets display a significant north-to-south difference over eastern China with generally underestimated magnitudes. CLDAS data perform soil temperature assessment best at different depths and can be reproduced well in most areas of China. CLDAS slightly overestimates soil temperature in summer. The most significant deviation of ERA-Interim (GLDAS) appears in summer (summer and autumn). As soil depth increases, the soil temperature errors of all three datasets increase. The CLDAS represents the soil temperature over China but owns a more considerable bias in barren or sparsely vegetated croplands. ERA-Interim performs poorest in urban and built-up and barren or sparsely vegetated areas. GLDAS overall owns an enormous bias at the mixed forest, grassland, and croplands areas, which should be improved, especially in summer. However, it performs better in open shrublands and barren or sparsely vegetated areas. The ST of mixed forests shows better results in the south region than the north region. For grasslands, smaller MEs are located in the north and northwest regions. The ST of croplands shows the poorest performance over the northwest region.
Review of Recent Offshore Photovoltaics Development
Authors: Wang Jun , Lund Peter D.
Published: October 2022

Photovoltaic power generation (PV) has significantly grown in recent years and it is perceived as one of the key strategies to reach carbon neutrality. Due to a low power density, PV requires much space, which may limit PV expansion in the future. Placing PV on water has therefore become an interesting alternative siting solution in several countries. China has the largest fleet of water floating photovoltaic power stations. Water-based PV is typically installed on inland shores, but now offshore areas may become the next step of development. In this paper, the background of offshore photovoltaic power generation and an analysis of existing offshore photovoltaic systems is presented. Fixed pile-based photovoltaic systems are stationary PV systems in offshore or tidal areas characterized by higher safety, but also a higher initial investment. Wave-proof PV systems are highly modular, easier to install, and more practical in countries with high population density and less available land. Floating platform photovoltaic systems are built on a floating platform with a floating body and frame structure. The photovoltaic module is installed on the floating platform at a certain height, which can avoid the direct action of waves. Floating thin-film PV is one of the most recently developed water-based PV systems. It has a reinforced film that can fluctuate with the waves, adapting to the wave and wind load. This paper finally discusses the challenges encountered by offshore PV and presents future prospects.
Research and Development of Adjustable Discontinuous Pulse Width Modulation Method for Three-Phase Voltage Source Inverter
Authors: Dar’enkov Andrey , Sokolov Victor , Sluzov Anton , Berdnikov Ivan , Shalukho Andrey
Published: October 2022

Continuous pulse width modulation (CPWM) and discontinuous pulse width modulation (DPWM) strategies are used to control voltage source inverter operation. CPWM strategies allow for the reduction of total harmonic distortion values, while DPWM strategies provide a more effective reduction in inverter switching losses. The paper is devoted to the problem of improving the three-phase voltage source inverter efficiency by a controlled transition from CPWM to DPWM. The article proposes an adjustable discontinuous pulse width modulation (ADPWM) method, which means a transition from space vector PWM (refers to CPWM strategies) to DPWM in all inverter phases when the switches’ temperatures exceed the allowable value in at least one of the inverter phases. The method flowchart is presented and an algorithm for modifying the envelope curve within one sector is given. In order to test the ADPWM method a Simulink-model of a three-phase voltage source inverter and its control system were developed. A study of the proposed ADPWM method’s efficiency in comparison with CPWM, PCDPWM and NCDPWM methods was carried out using a Simulink-model. It was established that the proposed ADPWM method provides dynamic losses reduction in the inverter switches by 2.86 times compared to CPWM and by 1.89 times compared to PCDPWM and NCDPWM methods. Power supply systems for medium and high-power AC motors provide a promising area for application of the proposed ADPWM method.
Effect of Slot Opening on Permanent Magnet Power Loss of a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine Driven by PWM
Authors: Yang Guohui , Wang Xiaolu , Yang Chaofan , Wang Danyang , Wu Hao , Wang Xin
Published: October 2022

In this study, the influence of slot opening on the leakage reactance, power factors, winding current, and air gap flux density, as well as other parameters of the surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor driven by an inverter is analyzed using the two-dimensional time-step finite element method. Thus, the law of permanent magnet power loss caused by slot opening under PWM qa obtained. The results show that the leakage reactance of the motor increased when the slot opening decreased from 7 mm to 2 mm. Then, the armature ripple current caused by the inverter was found to be suppressed well, and the high harmonic current was filtered well. This reduced the amplitude of the high-order harmonic of the air gap flux density, and the permanent magnet power loss was reduced by nearly 75%. Finally, two prototypes with different slot openings were tested for permanent magnet temperature rise, which verified the analysis method and calculation results proven in this paper.
Simulation Studies of Energy Recovery in a BLDC Motor-Based Kinetic Energy Storage
Authors: Gałuszkiewicz Patryk , Gałuszkiewicz Zbigniew , Baran Janusz
Published: October 2022

This paper presents research conducted on the development of an innovative system to increase the amount of energy recovered from a high-speed kinetic energy storage based on a three-phase permanent magnet brushless (PM BLDC) motor/generator (mogen) with a flywheel-shaped rotor, compared to the efficiency obtained for standard solutions with power electronics systems. This kinetic energy storage is currently under development. In the system presented in the paper, the regulated DC output voltage of the 6T thyristor bridge is controlled with a tolerance within ±10% of the reference voltage for a variable power load. The input voltage of the rectifier is a three-phase trapezoidal-shaped voltage from the rotating mogen, whose amplitude can vary from 0 to 650 V and frequency from 0 to 250 Hz voltage. The article presents example results of simulation tests of the mogen-based kinetic energy storage model with the thyristors’ firing angle control system. As part of the research, a prototype of the rectifier was built on a laboratory scale, to confirm the validity of the assumptions regarding the synchronization and control method of the bridge using a new design of the thyristor gate drivers.
Energy Harvesting in Implantable and Wearable Medical Devices for Enduring Precision Healthcare
Authors: Shuvo Md Maruf Hossain , Titirsha Twisha , Amin Nazmul , Islam Syed Kamrul
Published: October 2022

Modern healthcare is transforming from hospital-centric to individual-centric systems. Emerging implantable and wearable medical (IWM) devices are integral parts of enabling affordable and accessible healthcare. Early disease diagnosis and preventive measures are possible by continuously monitoring clinically significant physiological parameters. However, most IWM devices are battery-operated, requiring replacement, which interrupts the proper functioning of these devices. For the continuous operation of medical devices for an extended period of time, supplying uninterrupted energy is crucial. A sustainable and health-compatible energy supply will ensure the high-performance real-time functioning of IWM devices and prolong their lifetime. Therefore, harvesting energy from the human body and ambient environment is necessary for enduring precision healthcare and maximizing user comfort. Energy harvesters convert energy from various sources into an equivalent electrical form. This paper presents a state-of-the-art comprehensive review of energy harvesting techniques focusing on medical applications. Various energy harvesting approaches, working principles, and the current state are discussed. In addition, the advantages and limitations of different methods are analyzed and existing challenges and prospects for improvement are outlined. This paper will help with understanding the energy harvesting technologies for the development of high-efficiency, reliable, robust, and battery-free portable medical devices.