bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct Sailing Variable Acceleration Dynamics Characteristics of Water-Jet Propulsion with a Screw Mixed-Flow Pump
Authors: Han Wei , Shang Ting , Su Min , Gong Chengyong , Li Rennian , Meng Bin
Published: October 2019

Strong nonlinearity and the relevance of time-varying dynamic parameters in the maneuverable process of water-jet propulsion were major problems encountered in the prediction of variable acceleration dynamics characteristics. The relationships between the thrust and rotation speed of a screw mixed-flow pump, drag and submerged speed of water-jet propulsion were obtained from flume experiments and numerical calculations, based on which a dynamic model of pump-jet propulsion was established in this paper. As an initial condition, the numerical solution of the submerged speed with respect to time was inputted to computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for unsteady calculation based on a user-defined function (UDF). Thus, the relationships between the acceleration, drag, net thrust, propulsion torque and efficiency with respect to time were revealed. The results indicate that the relationship between the thrust and rotational speed of a water-jet propeller is a quadratic function, which agrees well with the experimental values. The variation of submerged speed with respect to time satisfies a hyperbolic tangent function distribution. The acceleration increases sharply at the beginning and then decreases gradually to zero, especially at high rotation speeds of the water-jet pump. The variations in drag and propulsion efficiency with respect to time coincide with the step response of a second-order system with critical damping. The method and results of this study can give a better understanding of the changes in dynamic parameters such as velocity, acceleration, thrust, and drag during the acceleration of a pump-jet submersible and helped to estimate the effects of pump performance on water-jet propulsion kinetic parameters.
Numerical Investigation on the Influence of Water Vapor Ionization on the Dynamic and Energy Deposition of Femtosecond Ultraviolet Laser Filamentation in Air
Authors: Zeng Qingwei , Liu Lei , Zhang Kejin , Hu Shuai , Gao Taichang , Weng Chensi , Chen Ming
Published: October 2019

The effects of water vapor ionization on the nonlinear propagation of femtosecond laser pulses with a 248 nm wavelength are numerically investigated in this paper. It is found that ionization of H2O molecules plays a significant role in air ionization, which seriously affects the dynamic and energy deposition of filamentation. The propagation of femtosecond pulses in air with different humidity levels are compared. The total number of electrons and total deposited pulse energy increase with the humidity increases. However, they tend to be saturated in high humidity conditions. Results presented here are conducive to characterizing the long-range propagation of filaments under atmospheric conditions.
A 28 GHz 5G Phased Array Antenna with Air-Hole Slots for Beam Width Enhancement
Authors: Lee Hojoo , Kim Sungpeel , Choi Jaehoon
Published: October 2019

In this paper, a 28 GHz fifth-generation (5G) phased array antenna with air-hole slots for beam width enhancement is proposed. The proposed antenna consists of eight dipole radiators on a mobile handset-sized ground with air-hole slots between the two adjacent elements for enhancing the half power beam width (HPBW) in the elevation plane. The dimensions of the proposed antenna are 130 mm × 42 mm × 0.127 mm. The proposed array antenna satisfies a −10 dB reflection coefficient in the frequency range from 27.2 to 29.2 GHz with a peak gain of 10.33 dBi and a side lobe level (SLL) of 13 dB. In addition to its good performance, the proposed antenna has a very wide HPBW (measured) in the elevation plane, up to 219 degree with a scan coverage of ±45 degree in the azimuth plane. The proposed antenna demonstrates excellent hemispheric beam coverage for 5G mobile handset devices and can enable cost-effective mass production.
A Study on the Electromagnetic–Temperature Coupled Analysis Method for In-Wheel Motors
Authors: Tan Di , Wu Yanshou , Yang Kun , Qin Zhichang , Ma Chao
Published: October 2019

As the core component of in-wheel motor-driven electric vehicles, the in-wheel motor (IWM) directly affects the driving/braking performance of each driving wheel and the driving performance of the vehicle. The IWM operation involves a coupling of multi-fields, including the electromagnetic, temperature, flow, and mechanical fields, which influence each other. It is necessary to study coupling analysis methods to obtain accurate and consistent results. In this paper, a 15 kW in-wheel motor is taken as the research object. Based on the finite element model of the IWM, the coupling factors between the electromagnetic and temperature field, and the influence trend of coupling factors on the two fields are investigated. On this basis, considering the strong coupling factors obtained from the above analysis, the unidirectional coupling and bidirectional coupling analysis methods are used to analyze the electromagnetic–temperature characteristics of the IWM, and the comparative results between the two methods are discussed. It was found that the results showed the temperature of the IWM calculated by the bidirectional coupling method was higher than that obtained by the unidirectional coupling analysis method. The maximum temperature of stator windings calculated by bidirectional coupling was 7.1% higher than that calculated by unidirectional coupling analysis, and the effect on the relative difference of torque could reach 7.4%. Bidirectional coupling can more accurately reflect the variation of variables in the fields and the prediction of motor performance in the process of motor operation. The progress made in the electromagnetic–temperature coupled analysis method can provide a theoretical basis and useful ideas for the multi-fields coupling analysis of IWMs.
Experimental Verification of Use of Vacuum Insulating Material in Electric Vehicle Headliner to Reduce Thermal Load
Authors: Baek Soo-Whang , Lee Sang Wook , Kim Chul-Soo
Published: October 2019

In electric vehicles (EVs), the use of high-temperature heat transfer components that effectively block external heat and minimize cooling losses can increase vehicle mileage during heating/cooling operations and improve passenger comfort. In particular, in ensuring high thermal insulation, the car headliner forms an important component for effectively managing environmental heat energy and heating and cooling processes inside the EV. In this study, we have proposed and experimentally verified the use and efficacy of vacuum insulation material in the headliner of EVs to reduce the heat load. The thermal conductivity and air permeability of various conventional insulating and vacuum insulation materials used for the headliner were compared to accurately predict the vacuum insulation material performance. We found that the vacuum insulation material affords reduced surface roughness and thermal conductivity and high formability relative to conventional insulation. We also confirmed consequent improvements in the insulation performance by comparing the characteristics of the proposed vacuum-insulation-material headliner (relative to conventional materials) via prototyping and reliability testing. With the “improved” headliner, in summer, the temperature of the automobile cabin was lowered by 2.8 °C, and the cabin temperature was lowered by 3.9 °C during the cooling period relative to conventional insulators, which proves that the cabin temperature can be maintained at a low value during summer parking or cooling. In winter, the cabin temperature was found to be 7.7 °C higher than that obtained with the conventional insulator, which indicates that the cabin temperature can be maintained higher via reduction in the heat loss (because of using vacuum insulation) under the same heating energy conditions during winter.
Evaluation of Surface Radiative Fluxes over the Tropical Oceans in AMIP Simulations
Authors: Zhou Xin , Ray Pallav , Boykin Kristine , Barrett Bradford S. , Hsu Pang-Chi
Published: October 2019

The performance of 20 models from the Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP) was evaluated concerning surface radiation over the tropical oceans (30° S–30° N) from 1979 to 2000. The model ensemble mean of the net surface shortwave radiation (QSW) was underestimated compared to the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) data by 4 W m−2. On the other hand, net longwave radiation (QLW) was overestimated by 4 W m−2, leading to an underestimation of the net surface radiation (Qrad) by 8 W m−2. The most prominent bias in the Qrad appears to be over regions of low-level clouds in the off-equatorial eastern Pacific, eastern Atlantic, and the south-eastern Indian Ocean. The root means squared error of QLW was larger than that of QSW in 17 out of 20 AMIP models. Overestimation of the total cloud cover and atmospheric humidity contributed to the underestimation of Qrad. In general, models with higher horizontal resolutions performed slightly better than those with coarser horizontal resolutions, although some systematic bias persists in all models and in all seasons, in particular, in regions of low-level clouds for QLW, and high-level clouds for QSW. The ensemble mean performed better than most models, but two high-resolution models (GFDL-HIRAM-C180 and GFDL-HIRAM-C360) outperform the model ensemble.
Inversion Models for the Retrieval of Total and Tropospheric NO2 Columns
Authors: Liu Song
Published: October 2019

Inversion models for retrieving the total and tropospheric nitrogen dioxide ( NO 2 ) columns from spaceborne remote sensing data are presented. For total column retrieval, we propose the so-called differential radiance models with internal and external closure and solve the underlying nonlinear equations by using the method of Tikhonov regularization and the iteratively regularized Gauss–Newton method. For tropospheric column retrieval, we design a nonlinear and a linear model by using the results of the total column retrieval and the value of the stratospheric NO 2 column delivered by a stratosphere–troposphere separation method. We also analyze the fundamentals of the commonly used differential optical absorption spectroscopy (DOAS) model and outline its relationship to the proposed inversion models. By a numerical analysis, we analyze the accuracy of the inversion models to retrieve total and tropospheric NO 2 columns.
Comparative Study on Probabilistic Forecasts of Heavy Rainfall in Mountainous Areas of the Wujiang River Basin in China Based on TIGGE Data
Authors: Qi Haixia , Zhi Xiefei , Peng Tao , Bai Yongqing , Lin Chunze
Published: October 2019

Based on the ensemble precipitation forecast data in the summers of 2014–2018 from the Observing System Research and Predictability Experiment (THORPEX) Interactive Grand Global Ensemble (TIGGE), a comparative study of two multi-model ensemble methods, the Bayesian model average (BMA) and the logistic regression (LR), was conducted. Meanwhile, forecasts of heavy precipitation from the two models over the Wujiang River Basin in China for the summer of 2018 were compared to verify their performances. The training period sensitivity test results show that a training period of 2 years was the best for BMA probability forecast model. Compared with the BMA method, the LR model required more statistical samples and its optimal length of the training period was 5 years. According to the Brier score (BS), for precipitation events exceeding 10 mm with lead times of 1–7 days, the BMA outperformed the LR and the raw ensemble prediction system forecasts (RAW) except for forecasts with a lead time of 1 day. Furthermore, for heavy rainfall events exceeding 25 and 50 mm, the RAW and the BMA performed much the same in terms of prediction. The reliability diagram of the two multi-model ensembles (i.e., BMA and LR) was more reliable than the RAW for heavy and moderate rainfall forecasts, and the BMA model had the best performance. The BMA probabilistic forecast can produce a highly concentrated probability density function (PDF) curve and can also provide deterministic forecasts through analyzing percentile forecast results. With regard to the heavy rainfall forecast in mountainous areas, it is recommended to refer to the forecast with a larger percentile between the 75th and 90th percentiles. Nevertheless, extreme events with low probability forecasts may occur and cannot be ignored.
Replacing Rules by Neural Networks A Framework for Agent-Based Modelling
Authors: Jäger Georg
Published: October 2019

Agent-based modelling is a successful technique in many different fields of science. As a bottom-up method, it is able to simulate complex behaviour based on simple rules and show results at both micro and macro scales. However, developing agent-based models is not always straightforward. The most difficult step is defining the rules for the agent behaviour, since one often has to rely on many simplifications and assumptions in order to describe the complicated decision making processes. In this paper, we investigate the idea of building a framework for agent-based modelling that relies on an artificial neural network to depict the decision process of the agents. As a proof of principle, we use this framework to reproduce Schelling’s segregation model. We show that it is possible to use the presented framework to derive an agent-based model without the need of manually defining rules for agent behaviour. Beyond reproducing Schelling’s model, we show expansions that are possible due to the framework, such as training the agents in a different environment, which leads to different agent behaviour.
Wine Traceability
Authors: Cravero Maria Carla
Published: October 2019

This Special Issue concerns wine traceability, a central theme in the current world market where consumers are increasingly demanding the quality and origin of food and drink [...]
Simulation of the Effect of Material Properties on Soft Contact Lens On-Eye Power
Authors: Moore Joshua , Lopes Bernardo T. , Eliasy Ashkan , Geraghty Brendan , Wu Richard , White Lynn , Elsheikh Ahmed , Abass Ahmed
Published: October 2019

Purpose: To evaluate the variation in the optical power achieved following soft contact lens eye fitting for spherical and cylindrical lenses with differing hydrogel material properties. Methods: Uniaxial tensile tests were performed on four hydrogel materials 77% water-content (w-c) hydrogel, 74% w-c blue silicone hydrogel, 74% w-c clear silicone hydrogel, and 64% w-c clear hydrogel (shortly referred to as H77p0, SiH74p5-blue, SiH74p5-clear, and H64p0-clear), under loading conditions that would be expected in vivo. Finite element models of the cornea and contact lens interaction were generated using spherical and cylindrical lenses with powers varying from −10 to +20 D; overall diameters of either 13.5, 14.0, or 14.5 mm; and with material properties matching those determined through experimental testing. Results: The moduli of elasticity for each of the tested hydrogel materials were 0.195 ± 0.027 MPa, 0.277 ± 0.019 MPa, 0.279 ± 0.01 MPa, and 0.457 ± 0.013 MPa for H77p0, SiH74p5-blue, SiH74p5-clear, and H64p0 respectively. The calculated values of effective power change (EPC) showed strong negative correlations with lens power. This was particularly apparent in the higher end of the lens power spectrum (over +5 D), where each of the materials demonstrated a highly linear reduction in EPC with increased lens power. Conclusions: Soft contact lenses composed of a stiffer hydrogel are far more resilient to changes in EPC across the lower end of the lens power spectrum (−10 to +5 D). Beyond this range, the material choice does not have a significant effect on the EPC.
Cytotoxic Potential of the Coelomic Fluid Extracted from the Sea Cucumber Holothuria tubulosa against Triple-Negative MDA-MB231 Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Luparello Claudio , Ragona Debora , Asaro Dalia Maria Lucia , Lazzara Valentina , Affranchi Federica , Celi Monica , Arizza Vincenzo , Vazzana Mirella
Published: October 2019

Growing evidence has demonstrated that the extracts of different holothurian species exert beneficial effects on human health. Triple negative breast cancers (TNBC) are highly malignant tumors that present a poor prognosis due to the lack of effective targeted therapies. In the attempt to identify novel compounds that might counteract TNBC cell growth, we studied the effect of the exposure of the TNBC cell line MDA-MB231 to total and filtered aqueous extracts of the coelomic fluid obtained from the sea cucumber Holoturia tubulosa, a widespread species in the Mediterranean Sea. In particular, we examined cell viability and proliferative behaviour, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, autophagy, and mitochondrial metabolic/cell redox state. The results obtained indicate that both total and fractionated extracts are potent inhibitors of TNBC cell viability and growth, acting through both an impairment of cell cycle progression and mitochondrial transmembrane potential and a stimulation of cellular autophagy, as demonstrated by the increase of the acidic vesicular organelles and of the intracellular protein markers beclin-1, and total LC3 and LC3-II upon early exposure to the preparations. Identification of the water-soluble bioactive component(s) present in the extract merit further investigation aiming to develop novel prevention and/or treatment agents efficacious against highly metastatic breast carcinomas.
Sequence Determinants of Substrate Ambiguity in a HAD Phosphosugar Phosphatase of Arabidopsis Thaliana
Authors: Caparrós-Martín José A. , McCarthy-Suárez Iva , Culiáñez-Macià Francisco A.
Published: October 2019

The Arabidopsis thaliana broad-range sugar phosphate phosphatase AtSgpp (NP_565895.1, locus AT2G38740) and the specific DL-glycerol-3-phosphatase AtGpp (NP_568858.1, locus AT5G57440) are members of the wide family of magnesium-dependent acid phosphatases subfamily I with the C1-type cap domain haloacid dehalogenase-like hydrolase proteins (HAD). Although both AtSgpp and AtGpp have a superimporsable α/β Rossmann core active site, they differ with respect to the loop-5 of the cap domain, accounting for the differences in substrate specificity. Recent functional studies have demonstrated the essential but not sufficient role of the signature sequence within the motif-5 in substrate discrimination. To better understand the mechanism underlying the control of specificity, we explored additional sequence determinants underpinning the divergent evolutionary selection exerted on the substrate affinity of both enzymes. The most evident difference was found in the loop preceding the loop-5 of the cap domain, which is extended in three additional residues in AtSgpp. To determine if the shortening of this loop would constrain the substrate ambiguity of AtSgpp, we deleted these three aminoacids. The kinetic analyses of the resulting mutant protein AtSgpp3Δ (ΔF53, ΔN54, ΔN55) indicate that promiscuity is compromised. AtSgpp3Δ displays highest level of discrimination for D-ribose-5-phosphate compared to the rest of phosphate ester metabolites tested, which may suggest a proper orientation of D-ribose-5-phosphate in the AtSgpp3Δ active site.
Bioguided Purification of Active Compounds from Leaves of Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil (Griseb.) Altschul
Authors: Rodrigo Cavalcante de Araújo Daniel , Diego da Silva Túlio , Harand Wolfgang , Sampaio de Andrade Lima Claudia , Paulo Ferreira Neto João , de Azevedo Ramos Bárbara , Alves Rocha Tamiris , da Silva Alves Harley , Sobrinho de Sousa Rayane , Paula de Oliveira Ana , Cláudio Nascimento da Silva Luís , Roberto Guedes da Silva Almeida Jackson , Vanusa da Silva Márcia , Tereza dos Santos Correia Maria
Published: October 2019

Anadenanthera colubrina var cebil (Griseb.) Altschul is a medicinal plant found throughout the Brazilian semi-arid area. This work performed a bioguided purification of active substances present in ethyl acetate extract from A. colubrina leaves. The anti-Staphylococcus aureus and antioxidant actions were used as markers of bioactivity. The extract was subjected to flash chromatography resulting in five fractions (F1, F2, F3, F4, and F5). The fractions F2 and F4 presented the highest antimicrobial action, with a dose able to inhibit 50% of bacteria growth (IN50) of 19.53 μg/mL for S. aureus UFPEDA 02; whereas F4 showed higher inhibitory action towards DPPH radical (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) [dose able to inhibit 50% of the radical (IC50) = 133 ± 9 μg/mL]. F2 and F4 were then subjected to preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), resulting in the identification of p-hydroxybenzoic acid and hyperoside as the major compounds in F2 and F4, respectively. Hyperoside and p-hydroxybenzoic acid presented IN50 values of 250 μg/mL and 500 μg/mL against S. aureus UFPEDA 02, respectively. However, the hyperoside had an IN50 of 62.5 μg/mL against S. aureus UFPEDA 705, a clinical isolate with multidrug resistant phenotype. Among the purified compounds, the proanthocyanidins obtained from F2 exhibited the higher antioxidant potentials. Taken together, these results highlight the potential of A. colubrina leaves as an alternative source of biomolecules of interest for the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries.
Magnetic Elastomers with Smart Variable Elasticity Mimetic to Sea Cucumber
Authors: Kobayashi Yusuke , Akama Shota , Ohori Suguru , Kawai Mika , Mitsumata Tetsu
Published: October 2019

A magnetic-responsive elastomer consisting of magnetic elastomer and zinc oxide with a tetrapod shape and long arms was fabricated mimetic to the tissue of sea cucumber in which collagen fibrils are dispersed. Only the part of magnetic elastomer is active to magnetic fields, zinc oxide plays a role of reinforcement for the chain structure of magnetic particles formed under magnetic fields. The magnetic response of storage modulus for bimodal magnetic elastomers was measured when the magnetic particle was substituted to a nonmagnetic one, while keeping the total volume fraction of both particles. The change in storage modulus obeyed basically a mixing rule. However, a remarkable enhancement was observed at around the substitution ratio of 0.20. In addition, the bimodal magnetic elastomers with tetrapods exhibited apparent change in storage modulus even at regions with a high substitution ratio where monomodal magnetic elastomers consist of only magnetic particles with less response to the magnetic field. This strongly indicates that discontinuous chains of small amounts of magnetic particles were bridged by the nonmagnetic tetrapods. On the contrary, the change in storage modulus for bimodal magnetic elastomers with zinc oxide with irregular shape showed a mixing rule with a substitution ratio below 0.30. However, it decreased significantly at the substitution ratio above it. The structures of bimodal magnetic elastomers with tetrapods and the tissue of sea cucumber with collagen fibrils are discussed.
Challenges and Opportunities of Carbon Nanomaterials for Biofuel Cells and Supercapacitors: Personalized Energy for Futuristic Self-Sustainable Devices
Authors: Jeerapan Itthipon , Ma Nicolás
Published: October 2019

Various carbon allotropes are fundamental components in electrochemical energy-conversion and energy-storage devices, e.g., biofuel cells (BFCs) and supercapacitors. Recently, biodevices, particularly wearable and implantable devices, are of distinct interest in biomedical, fitness, academic, and industrial fields due to their new fascinating capabilities for personalized applications. However, all biodevices require a sustainable source of energy, bringing widespread attention to energy research. In this review, we detail the progress in BFCs and supercapacitors attributed to carbon materials. Self-powered biosensors for futuristic biomedical applications are also featured. To develop these energy devices, many challenges needed to be addressed. For this reason, there is a need to: optimize the electron transfer between the enzymatic site and electrode; enhance the power efficiency of the device in fluctuating oxygen conditions; strengthen the efficacy of enzymatic reactions at the carbon-based electrodes; increase the electrochemically accessible surface area of the porous electrode materials; and refine the flexibility of traditional devices by introducing a mechanical resiliency of electrochemical devices to withstand daily multiplexed movements. This article will also feature carbon nanomaterial research alongside opportunities to enhance energy technology and address the challenges facing the field of personalized applications. Carbon-based energy devices have proved to be sustainable and compatible energy alternatives for biodevices within the human body, serving as attractive options for further developing diverse domains, including individual biomedical applications.
Whole Tumor Histogram Analysis Using DW MRI in Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma Correlates with Tumor Biomarkers and Outcome
Authors: Chong Insun , Ostrom Quinn , Khan Bilal , Dandachi Dima , Garg Naveen , Kotrotsou Aikaterini , Colen Rivka , Morón Fanny
Published: October 2019

The ability to non-invasively predict outcomes and monitor treatment response in primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is important as treatment regimens are constantly being trialed. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of using apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) histogram values to predict Ki-67 expression, a tumor proliferation marker, and patient outcomes in PCNSL in both immunocompetent patients and patients living with HIV (PLWH). Qualitative PCNSL magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics from 93 patients (23 PLWH and 70 immunocompetent) were analyzed, and whole tumor segmentation was performed on the ADC maps. Quantitative histogram analyses of the segmentations were calculated. These measures were compared to PCNSL Ki-67 expression. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed via comparison to the International Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma Collaboration Group Response Criteria. Associations between ADC measures and clinical outcomes were assessed using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models. Normalized ADC (nADC)Min, nADCMean, nADC1, nADC5, and nADC15 values were significantly associated with a poorer OS. nADCMax, nADCMean, nADC5, nADC15, nADC75, nADC95, nADC99 inversely correlated with Ki-67 expression. OS was also significantly associated with lesion hemorrhage. PFS was not significantly associated with ADC values but with lesion hemorrhage. ADC histogram values and related parameters can predict the degree of tumor proliferation and patient outcomes for primary central nervous system lymphoma patients and in both immunocompetent patients and patients living with HIV.
Tumor Microenvironment of Metastasis (TMEM) Doorways Are Restricted to the Blood Vessel Endothelium in Both Primary Breast Cancers and Their Lymph Node Metastases
Authors: Ginter Paula S. , Karagiannis George S. , Entenberg David , Lin Yu , Condeelis John , Jones Joan G. , Oktay Maja H.
Published: October 2019

Cancer cells metastasize from primary tumors to regional lymph nodes and distant sites via the lymphatic and blood vascular systems, respectively. Our prior work has demonstrated that in primary breast tumors, cancer cells utilize a three-cell complex (known as tumor microenvironment of metastasis, or TMEM) composed of a perivascular macrophage, a tumor cell expressing high levels of the actin-regulatory protein mammalian enabled (Mena), and an endothelial cell as functional “doorways” for hematogenous dissemination. Here, we studied a well-annotated case–control cohort of human invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast and metastatic lymph nodes from a separate breast cancer cohort. We demonstrate that in primary breast tumors, blood vessels are always present within tumor cell nests (TCNs) and tumor-associated stroma (TAS), while lymphatic vessels are only occasionally present in TCN and TAS. Furthermore, TMEM doorways not only exist in primary tumors as previously reported but also in lymph node metastases. In addition, we show that TMEM intravasation doorways are restricted to the blood vascular endothelium in both primary tumors and lymph node metastases, suggesting that breast cancer dissemination to distant sites from both primary tumors and metastatic foci in lymph nodes occurs hematogenously at TMEM doorways. TMEMs are very rarely detected at lymphatic vessels and do not confer clinical prognostic significance, indicating they are not participants in TMEM-associated hematogenous dissemination. These findings are consistent with recent observations that hematogenous dissemination from lymph nodes occurs via blood vessels.
Orthopedia Homeobox (OTP) in Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Tumors: The Diagnostic Value and Possible Molecular Interactions
Authors: Moonen Laura , Derks Jules , Dingemans Anne-Marie , Speel Ernst-Jan
Published: October 2019

Generally, patients with stage I-IIIa (TNM) pulmonary carcinoid disease have a favourable prognosis after curative resection. Yet, distant recurrence of disease after curative surgery occurs in approximately 1–6% of patients with typical carcinoid and 14–29% in patients with atypical carcinoid disease, respectively. Known predictors of distant recurrence of disease are atypical carcinoid, lymphatic involvement, and incomplete resection status. However, none of them can be reliably used, alone or in combination, to exclude patients from long-term follow-up (advised 15 years). By genomic profiling, Orthopedia homeobox (OTP) has been identified as a promising prognostic marker for pulmonary carcinoid with a favourable prognosis and low risk of distant disease recurrence. Moreover, OTP is a highly specific marker for carcinoids of pulmonary origin and recent genome wide analysis has identified OTP as a crucial predictor of aggressive tumor behaviour. OTP in combination with CD44, a stem cell marker and cell-surface protein, enables the identification of patients with surgical resected carcinoid disease that could potentially be excluded from long-term follow-up. In future clinical practice OTP may enable clinicians to reduce the diagnostic burden and related distress and reduce costs of long-term radiological assessments in patients with a pulmonary carcinoid. This review addresses the current clinical value of OTP and the possible molecular mechanisms regulating OTP expression and function in pulmonary carcinoids.
Tumor Endothelial Heterogeneity in Cancer Progression
Authors: Maishi Nako , Annan Dorcas A. , Kikuchi Hiroshi , Hida Yasuhiro , Hida Kyoko
Published: October 2019

Tumor blood vessels supply nutrients and oxygen to tumor cells for their growth and provide routes for them to enter circulation. Thus, angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is essential for tumor progression and metastasis. Tumor endothelial cells (TECs) that cover the inner surfaces of tumor blood vessels reportedly show phenotypes distinct from those of their normal counterparts. As examples, TECs show cytogenetic abnormalities, resistance to anticancer drugs, activated proliferation and migration, and specific gene expression patterns. TECs contain stem-like cell populations, which means that the origin of TECs is heterogeneous. In addition, since some abnormal phenotypes in TECs are induced by factors in the tumor microenvironment, such as hypoxia and tumor cell-derived factors, phenotypic diversity in TECs may be caused in part by intratumoral heterogeneity. Recent studies have identified that the interaction of tumor cells and TECs by juxtacrine and paracrine signaling contributes to tumor malignancy. Understanding TEC abnormality and heterogeneity is important for treatment of cancers. This review provides an overview of the diversity of TECs and discusses the interaction between TECs and tumor cells in the tumor microenvironment.
Transcriptome Profiling Reveals Matrisome Alteration as a Key Feature of Ovarian Cancer Progression
Authors: Mitra Sumegha , Tiwari Kartikeya , Podicheti Ram , Pandhiri Taruni , Rusch Douglas B. , Bonetto Andrea , Zhang Chi , Mitra Anirban K.
Published: October 2019

Background: Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy. There is a lack of comprehensive investigation of disease initiation and progression, including gene expression changes during early metastatic colonization. Methods: RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) was done with matched primary tumors and fallopian tubes (n = 8 pairs) as well as matched metastatic and primary tumors (n = 11 pairs) from ovarian cancer patients. Since these are end point analyses, it was combined with RNA-seq using high-grade serous ovarian cancer cells seeded on an organotypic three-dimensional (3D) culture model of the omentum, mimicking early metastasis. This comprehensive approach revealed key changes in gene expression occurring in ovarian cancer initiation and metastasis, including early metastatic colonization. Results: 2987 genes were significantly deregulated in primary tumors compared to fallopian tubes, 845 genes were differentially expressed in metastasis compared to primary tumors and 304 genes were common to both. An assessment of patient metastasis and 3D omental culture model of early metastatic colonization revealed 144 common genes that were altered during early colonization and remain deregulated even in the fully developed metastasis. Deregulation of the matrisome was a key process in early and late metastasis. Conclusion: These findings will help in understanding the key pathways involved in ovarian cancer progression and eventually targeting those pathways for therapeutic interventions.
Calcium Dyshomeostasis and Lysosomal Ca2+ Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Tedeschi Valentina , Petrozziello Tiziana , Secondo Agnese
Published: October 2019

Recent findings in the understanding of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) revealed that alteration in calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis may largely contribute to motor neuron demise. A large part of these alterations is due to dysfunctional Ca2+-storing organelles, including the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria. Very recently, lysosomal Ca2+ dysfunction has emerged as an important pathological change leading to neuronal loss in ALS. Remarkably, the Ca2+-storing organelles are interacting with each other at specialized domains controlling mitochondrial dynamics, ER/lysosomal function, and autophagy. This occurs as a result of interaction between specific ionic channels and Ca2+-dependent proteins located in each structure. Therefore, the dysregulation of these ionic mechanisms could be considered as a key element in the neurodegenerative process. This review will focus on the possible role of lysosomal Ca2+ dysfunction in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS and shed light on the possibility that specific lysosomal Ca2+ channels might represent new promising targets for preventing or at least delaying neurodegeneration in ALS.
miR-371a-3p, miR-373-3p and miR-367-3p as Serum Biomarkers in Metastatic Testicular Germ Cell Cancers Before, During and After Chemotherapy
Authors: Rosas Plaza Ximena , van Agthoven Ton , Meijer Coby , van Vugt Marcel A. T. M. , de Jong Steven , Gietema Jourik A. , Looijenga Leendert H. J.
Published: October 2019

Background: LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) and β-HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) are used in diagnosis and follow-up of testicular germ cell cancer (TGCC) patients. Our aim was to investigate the association between levels of miR-371a-3p, miR-373-3p and miR-367-3p and clinical features in metastatic TGCC. Methods: relative levels of miR-371a-3p, miR-373-3p and miR-367-3p were evaluated in serum of metastatic TGCC patients. A prospectively included and a retrospectively selected cohort were studied (total patient number = 109). Blood samples were drawn at start of chemotherapy and during follow-up. Serum microRNA (miR) levels were determined using the ampTSmiR test. Results: at start of chemotherapy, miR-371a-3p, miR-373-3p and miR-367-3p levels were positively correlated to LDH. The median level of these miRs was higher in patients who developed a relapse after complete biochemical remission (n = 34) than in those who had complete durable remission (n = 60). Higher levels of miR-367-3p were found in patients with refractory disease (n = 15) compared to those who had complete response. miR levels decreased during the first week of chemotherapy in patients with complete response and stayed below threshold after one year of treatment. Conclusion: high miR levels at start of chemotherapy are associated with worse clinical outcome and can assist in early diagnosing of relapses.
Dissimilar Infrared Brazing of CoCrFe(Mn)Ni Equiatomic High Entropy Alloys and 316 Stainless Steel
Authors: Lin Chieh , Shiue Ren-Kae , Wu Shyi-Kaan , Lin Yu-Sy
Published: October 2019

Dissimilar infrared brazing of CoCrFeMnNi/CoCrFeNi equiatomic high entropy alloys and 316 stainless steel using MBF601 and BNi-2 foils was evaluated. The wetting angles of the two fillers at 50 °C above their liquidus temperatures on the three substrates were below 40 degrees. The CoCrFeMnNi/316 SS joint had the highest shear strength of 361 MPa with BNi-2 filler brazing at 1020 °C for 180 s, and fractured at the CrB compound in the joint. The CoCrFeMnNi/MBF601/316 SS joint contained a CoCrFeMnNi-based matrix, phosphides and B-containing compounds. The CoCrFeNi/316 SS joint had the highest shear strength of 374 MPa when brazed with BNi-2 filler at 1020 °C for 600 s, and fractured at the CrB in the joint. The CoCrFeNi/MBF601/316 SS joint consisted of a (Fe,Ni)-rich matrix, phosphides and B/Cr/Fe/P compounds, and the highest shear strength of 324 MPa was achieved when it was brazed at 1080 °C for 600 s.
Improved Quantification of 18F-FDG PET during 131I-Rituximab Therapy on Mouse Lymphoma Models after 131I Prompt Emission Correction
Authors: Lee Young Sub , Kim Hee-Joung , Kim Jin Su
Published: October 2019

18F-FDG Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is used to monitor tumor response to 131I-therapy, but is confounded by prompt emissions (284, 364, 637, and 723 keV) from 131I, particularly in animal PET imaging. We propose a method for correcting this emission in 18F-FDG PET. The 131I prompt emission effect was assessed within various energy windows and various activities. We applied a single gamma correction method to a phantom and in vivo mouse model. The 131I prompt emission fraction was 12% when 300 µCi of 131I and 100 µCi of FDG were administered, and increased exponentially with escalating 131I activity for all energy windows. The difference in spill-over ratio was reduced to <5% after 131I prompt emission correction. In the mouse model, the standard uptake value (SUV) did not differ significantly between FDG PET only (gold standard) and FDG PET after 131I prompt emission-correction, whereas it was overestimated by 38% before correction. Contrast was improved by 18% after 131I prompt emission correction. We first found that count contamination on 18F-FDG follow-up scans due to 131I spilled-over count after 131I rituximab tumor targeted therapy. Our developed 131I prompt emission-correction method increased accuracy during measurement of standard uptake values on 18F-FDG PET.
BRCA1/2 Molecular Assay for Ovarian Cancer Patients: A Survey through Italian Departments of Oncology and Molecular and Genomic Diagnostic Laboratories
Authors: Capoluongo Ettore , La Verde Nicla , Barberis Massimo , Bella Maria Angela , Buttitta Fiamma , Carrera Paola , Colombo Nicoletta , Cortesi Laura , Genuardi Maurizio , Gion Massimo , Guarneri Valentina , Lorusso Domenica , Marchetti Antonio , Marchetti Paolo , Normanno Nicola , Pasini Barbara , Pensabene Matilde , Pignata Sandro , Radice Paolo , Ricevuto Enrico , Sapino Anna , Tagliaferri Pierosandro , Tassone Pierfrancesco , Trevisiol Chiara , Truini Mauro , Varesco Liliana , Russo Antonio , Gori Stefania
Published: October 2019

In Italy, 5200 new ovarian cancers were diagnosed in 2018, highlighting an increasing need to test women for BRCA1/2. The number of labs offering this test is continuously increasing. The aim of this study was to show the results coming from the intersociety survey coordinated by four different Clinical and Laboratory Italian Scientific Societies (AIOM, SIAPEC-IAP, SIBIOC, and SIGU). A multidisciplinary team belonging to the four scientific societies drew up two different questionnaires: One was targeted toward all Italian Departments of Medical Oncology, and the second toward laboratories of clinical molecular biology. This survey was implemented from September 2017 to March 2018. Seventy-seven out of 305 (25%) Departments of Medical Oncology filled our survey form. Indeed, 59 molecular laboratories were invited. A total of 41 laboratories (70%) filled in the questionnaire. From 2014 to 2017, 16 new molecular laboratories were activated. A total of 12,559 tests were performed in the year 2016, with a mean of 339 tests and a median of 254 tests per laboratory, showing a glimpse of an extreme low number of tests performed per year by some laboratories. In terms of the type and number of professionals involved in the pre- and post-test counseling, results among the onco-genetic team were heterogeneous. Our data show that the number of laboratories providing BRCA1/2 germline assays is significantly increased with further implementation of the somatic test coming soon. The harmonization of the complete laboratory diagnostic path should be encouraged, particularly in order to reduce the gap between laboratories with high and low throughput.
Graph-Based Policy Change Detection and Implementation in SDN
Authors: Hussain Mudassar , Shah Nadir , Tahir  Ali
Published: October 2019

Software Defined Networking (SDN), as a cutting-edge network, splits control and management planes from the data plane for simplifying network manageability as well as programmability. In SDN, network policies change with the passage of time due to changes in the application environment, topology or user/admin requirements. As a result, modifications at the control plane take place. In existing research works, packet violations occur due to already installed flow rules at the data plane (switches) that are not modified in case of a change of the Access Control List (ACL) policies at the SDN controller. There has been no research carried out that identifies packet violations and network inefficiencies in case of policy change. Our novel approach stores generated flow rules at the SDN controller and detects policy change, along with conflicting flow rules, to resolve the identified problem of policy change. Afterwards, the conflicting flow rules are removed from switches and new flow rules are installed along the new path according to new ACL policies. It helps to minimize packet violations, which increases network efficiency. In this research work, we deal with the inefficiencies of policy change detection with respect to access time, cost and space. In this regard, we used abstractions to formalize and detect network policies with the help of multi-attributed graphs. We utilized intent-based policies for the representation and implementation of our proposed approach. In addition, we used extended performance metrics for the analysis of our proposed approach. The simulation results show that our proposed approach performs better as compared to the existing approach, by varying the number of policy change and packet transmission rate. The results clearly indicate that our proposed approach helps to increase network performance and efficiency.
Delta-Sigma Modulator with Relaxed Feedback Timing for High Speed Applications
Authors: Jung Youngho , Jeon Jooyoung
Published: October 2019

In this paper, a ΔΣ analog-to-digital converter (ADC) was designed and measured for broadband and high-resolution applications by applying the simple circuit technique to alleviate the feedback timing of input feed-forward architecture. With the proposed technique, a low-speed comparator and dynamic element matching (DEM) logic can be applied even for high-speed implementation, which helps to decrease power dissipation. Two prototypes using slightly different input branch topologies were fabricated with a 0.18 um 2-poly and 4-metal CMOS process, and measured to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed circuit technique. The sampling capacitor and feedback DAC capacitors were separated in prototype A, while they were shared in prototype B. The prototypes achieved 81.2 dB and 72.4 dB of SNDR in a 2.1 MHz signal band, respectively.
An SNR Estimation Technique Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Yang Kai , Huang Zhitao , Wang Xiang , Wang Fenghua
Published: October 2019

Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is a priori information necessary for many signal processing algorithms or techniques. However, there are many problems exsisting in conventional SNR estimation techniques, such as limited application range of modulation types, narrow effective estimation range of signal-to-noise ratio, and poor ability to accommodate non-zero timing offsets and frequency offsets. In this paper, an SNR estimation technique based on deep learning (DL) is proposed, which is a non-data-aid (NDA) technique. Second and forth moment (M2M4) estimator is used as a benchmark, and experimental results show that the performance and robustness of the proposed method are better, and the applied ranges of modulation types is wider. At the same time, the proposed method is not only applicable to the baseband signal and the incoherent signal, but can also estimate the SNR of the intermediate frequency signal.
A Fast GMPPT Algorithm Based on PV Characteristic for Partial Shading Conditions
Authors: Başoğlu Mustafa Engin
Published: October 2019

Photovoltaic (PV) modules experience some partial shading conditions (PSC) due to some various factors. In that kind of a condition, a few maximum power points (MPPs) possibly appear on the power-voltage (P-V) curve, which increases the tracking difficulties. It is known that maximum power point tracking (MPPT) may not be realized by hill climbing (HC) based conventional MPPT algorithms under PSCs. In this context, this paper presents a novel micro converter based algorithm that was developed by using P-V characteristics of PV modules. Unlike voltage or duty ratio scanning techniques, this paper introduces a new deciding method to determine the correct global MPP (GMPP) region. For this, the proposed method uses some duty ratios that were calculated corresponding to each MPP region. Thus, the initialization of duty ratio is done properly, which results in high tracking speed and accurate tracking of the GMPP. The other advantages of the proposed algorithm are structural simplicity, less computational burden, and ease of implementation with a basic microcontroller. The simulation results show that this algorithm has fast tracking capability and it manages to track GMPP for PSCs correctly, since it includes an artificial scanning procedure. Single ended primary inductance converter (SEPIC) is built in order to validate the proposed global maximum power point tracking (GMPPT) algorithm. The performance of the proposed GMPPT technique is verified by experimental studies. The results show that the proposed GMPPT technique is fast by up to five times than an adaptive full scanning strategy and improved IC algorithm. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm can be commercially used in micro converters, since it is compatible with small number of bypass diodes in a module.