bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of High-k Gate Stack on Sub-10 nm SOI-FinFET for High-Performance Analog and RF Applications Perspective
Authors: Gupta Neha , Kumar Ajay
Published: November 2020

This work explored the performance evaluation of high-k gate stack on the analog and RF figure of merits (FOMs) of 9 nm Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) FinFET. The results have been observed by replacing high-k dielectric with SiO2 material between gate and fin. The dielectrics investigated in this exploration are Silicon Dioxide (SiO2), Silicon Nitride (Si3N4), Hafnium Dioxide (HfO2), and Aluminium Oxide (Al2O3). The characteristics such as DIBL (Drain Induced Barrier Lowering), SS (Subthreshold Slope), electron mobility, energy band, surface potential and switching ratio (Ion/Ioff) have been performed for the comparison analysis. Further, some important RF figure of merits (FOMs) has been explored and found that the high-k gate stacked SOI-FinFET configuration shows superior RF performance in terms of cut-off frequency (f
T) and maximum oscillation frequency (f
MAX), transconductance frequency product (TFP), gain frequency product (GFP) and gain transconductance frequency product (GTFP). Thus the implementation of a high-k gate stack, the major limitations of our transistor device such as short channel effects (SCEs), leakage current, and parasitic capacitance have been reduced and pave the way for high switching and RF application.
Temperature Effect of Low-Damage Plasma for Nitrogen-Modification of Graphene
Authors: Tsai Ming-Hsiu , Lin Chun-Hsuan , Chen Wei-Tong , Huang Chi-Hsien , Woon Wei-Yen , Lin Chih-Ting
Published: November 2020

This work investigates temperature effects of low-damage plasma (LD plasma) treatment for nitrogen-modification graphene. Different from traditional nitrogen-modification graphene achieved by ammonia plasma, in this work, it is accomplished by the LD plasma with pure nitrogen. The analyses of Raman and XPS spectra show that the concentration of modified nitrogen raised with the substrate temperature from room temperature to 125 °C. However, the decrease of nitrogen-modification ratio occurred as the substrate heating temperature higher than 150 °C. This might be resulted from the diffusion mechanism of ion species away from the graphene surface. Observed from these experimental results, the highest nitrogen doping ratio on artificial-stacked graphene bilayers (ASGBs) sample occurred at the substrate-heating temperature of 125 °C. Based on the developed method, advantages of nitrogen-modification graphene with less contamination can be achieved for further applications.
Uncoupling protein-1 expression does not protect mice from diet-induced obesity
Authors: Wang Hui , Willershäuser Monja , Li Yongguo , Fromme Tobias , Schnabl Katharina , Bast-Habersbrunner Andrea , Ramisch Samira , Mocek Sabine , Klingenspor Martin
Published: November 2020

To study the functional role of UCP1-dependent brown adipose tissue thermogenesis for energy balance, new animal models are needed. By metabolic phenotyping of a novel mouse model with low UCP1 levels in brown fat, we demonstrate that the susceptibility to diet-induced obesity is not increased despite impaired cold-induced thermogenic capacity. Brown fat requires pharmacological activation to promote negative energy balance in diet-induced obese mice.
Characterization and Pharmacological Efficacy of Silver Nanoparticles Biosynthesized Using the Bark Extract of Garcinia Kola
Authors: Akintelu Sunday Adewale , Olugbeko Seyifunmi Charles , Folorunso Femi Adekunle , Oyebamiji Abel Kolawole , Folorunso Aderonke Similoluwa
Published: November 2020

The delinquent peril of bacterial infections affecting human kind is becoming unbearable. This study was embarked on to investigate the antimicrobial activity of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Garcinia kola bark extract against some bacteria strains. Fresh barks of Garcinia kola were obtained from the “Gbeleju” farm land in Irele town in Ondo state region of Nigeria. Exactly 0.4 g of previously pulverized bark of Garcinia kola was immersed into 20 mL of distilled water and heated at 60–70°C for 10 minutes yielding the extract. The biosynthesized nanoparticle was characterized with UV spectroscope, Fourier infrared spectroscope (FTIR), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and energy dispersive X-Ray analyzer (EDX). Then, 0.2 g of the silver nanoparticles was dissolved in 2 ml of water to yield 100 mg/ml of the stock solution which was further diluted for the antibacterial analysis via the disc diffusion method. The result obtained from the analytical characterization of the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles revealed a spherical particle shape, particle size in the range of 12.23 to 27.90 nm with an average size of 20.07 nm via TEM analysis. The FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of -OH functional group for the stabilization of the silver nanoparticles formed due to the broad peak at wavelength 3324.52 and 3344.21 cm−1. The EDX analysis revealed carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, aluminum, potassium, copper, and silver as the elements present in the nanoparticles. Results obtained from the antibacterial screening of the biosynthesized AgNPs showed inhibitory potential that are capable of obstructing the growth of the test bacteria. This investigation ascertained the biosynthesized AgNPs as a remedy for curing bacterial infections and also a promising source for novel antibacterial agent.
Higher-Order Root-Finding Algorithms and Their Basins of Attraction
Authors: Naseem Amir , Rehman M. A. , Abdeljawad Thabet
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we proposed and analyzed three new root-finding algorithms for solving nonlinear equations in one variable. We derive these algorithms with the help of variational iteration technique. We discuss the convergence criteria of these newly developed algorithms. The dominance of the proposed algorithms is illustrated by solving several test examples and comparing them with other well-known existing iterative methods in the literature. In the end, we present the basins of attraction using some complex polynomials of different degrees to observe the fractal behavior and dynamical aspects of the proposed algorithms.
Simulation of the Damage Process in Quasi‐Brittle Materials by a Modified Finite Element Method Using the Consistent Embedded Discontinuity Formulation
Authors: Retama J. , Ayala A. G.
Published: November 2020

This paper investigates the variational finite element formulation and its numerical implementation of the damage evolution in solids, using a new discrete embedded discontinuity approach. For this purpose, the kinematically optimal symmetric (KOS) formulation, which guarantees kinematics, is consistently derived. In this formulation, rigid body motion of the parts in which the element is divided is obtained. To guarantee equilibrium at the discontinuity surfaces, the length of the discontinuity is introduced in the numerical implementation at elemental level. To illustrate and validate this approach, two examples, involving mode‐I failure, are presented. Numerical results are compared with those reported from experimental tests. The presented discontinuity formulation shows a robust finite element method to simulate the damage evolution processes in quasi‐brittle materials, without modifying the mesh topology when cohesive cracks propagate.
Compost and Biochar to Promote Soil Biological Activities under Sweet Potatoes Cultivation in a Subtropical Semiarid Region
Authors: Navarro Josabeth , Salazar Jahdiel , Kang James Jihoon , Parsons Jason , Cheng Chu-Lin , Castillo Alexandria , Pujol Pereira Engil Isadora
Published: November 2020

South Texas is located in a subtropical semiarid climate, and due to high temperature and irregular precipitation, farmers opt to leave their fields fallow during the summer months jeopardizing overall soil health. We evaluated whether sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) cultivation coupled with drip irrigation could restore soil biological activities compared with bare fallow. Additionally, because sweet potatoes have high demand of soil nutrients, especially potassium (K), we evaluated the nutrient supply of locally sourced soil amendments. Sweet potato was cultivated during summer 2018 in McAllen, Texas, under control (no fertilizer), NPK (synthetic fertilizer), RC (yard-waste compost), and AC (compost produced under an enhanced composting process), and biochar (gasified walnut shell at 900°C), each with three replicates. Soil amendments were applied at different amounts to result in a rate of 80 kg K ha−1. Soil biological indicators were microbial biomass phosphorous, phosphatase activity, and the rate of fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis (FDA). Available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium were also quantified. Aboveground biomass and storage root yield estimated sweet potato’s agronomic performance. Cultivation and irrigation stimulated soil enzyme activities and microbial biomass-phosphorous. Sweet potato yields were the highest in NPK treatment but still 2.8 times lower than variety’s potential yield. Storage root yield was inversely related to aboveground biomass, suggesting that growing conditions benefited the production of shoot versus roots. Both biochar and AC treatments stimulated FDA rates and K availability. Soil pH and sodium concentration increased in all treatments over the growing season, possibly due to river-sourced irrigation water. Together, these findings show that crop cultivation promoted soil biological activities and the maintenance of nutrient cycling, compared to bare-fallow conditions. For a better agronomic performance of sweet potato, it would be necessary to identify management practices that minimize increase in soil pH and salinity.
Mathematical Analysis of Nonlocal Implicit Impulsive Problem under Caputo Fractional Boundary Conditions
Authors: Ali Arshad , Gupta Vidushi , Abdeljawad Thabet , Shah Kamal , Jarad Fahd
Published: November 2020

This paper is related to frame a mathematical analysis of impulsive fractional order differential equations (IFODEs) under nonlocal Caputo fractional boundary conditions (NCFBCs). By using fixed point theorems of Schaefer and Banach, we analyze the existence and uniqueness results for the considered problem. Furthermore, we utilize the theory of stability for presenting Hyers-Ulam, generalized Hyers-Ulam, Hyers-Ulam-Rassias, and generalized Hyers-Ulam-Rassias stability results of the proposed scheme. Finally, some applications are offered to demonstrate the concept and results. The whole analysis is carried out by using Caputo fractional derivatives (CFDs).
Research Progress Review of Preparation and Applications of Fluorescent Hydrogels
Authors: Su Weiwei , Wang Ran , Qian Cheng , Li Xuetong , Tong Qi , Jiao Tifeng
Published: November 2020

The fluorescent gel with good flexibility and biocompatibility has attracted more and more attention due to its excellent optical properties. In this paper, the research progresses in preparation methods and applications of fluorescent gels are reviewed. In addition, the preparation methods of self-assembly and polymerization of fluorescent gel are also introduced. In this paper, it should be noted that some outstanding research about the fluorescent gels used in sensors, bio-imaging probes, drug delivery, and other application fields is summarized. This work provides useful reference information for further exploration and study of fluorescent hydrogels.
The Reaction Extraction Combining Crystallization for Growth of Sodium Chloride in a Spray Fluidized Bed Crystallizer
Authors: Zheng Dan , Yan Jie , Chen Jun , Wang Zeqin
Published: November 2020

At present, the crystal size of sodium chloride prepared by a traditional crystallization process (such as stirred crystallization) is inhomogeneous, and it has a great quantity of fine grains in crystallizer. This work presents a novel approach for the growth of sodium chloride from supersaturated solutions by reaction-extractive crystallization in a spray fluidized bed crystallizer (SFBC), in which sodium sulfate solution is transformed into potassium chloride and sulphuric acid based on a reactive extraction-crystallization process using triisooctylamine (TOL) in n-octanol as the extraction system. This paper mainly studies the effect of operating conditions (e.g., circulation flow rate, velocity ratio of oil and aqueous phases, crystallization temperature, hydraulic residence time, and feed velocity) on the crystal size distribution (CSD) during the crystallization process of sodium chloride in a SFBC. Experimental results show that the optimum conditions are 1.0362 m/s as the best circulation flow rate, 9.5 : 8.5 as the best velocity ratio of oil and aqueous phases, 313 K as the best temperature, 4320 s as residence time, and 8 mL.min−1 as the best feed velocity. Meanwhile, the proposed extraction kinetic model about extraction rates is developed and validated against data from the SFBC. And it proves that the reactive extraction system is controlled by diffusion and chemical reaction. Analysis of the extraction kinetic model and comparison with experiments reveal that the extraction kinetic model results are in well agreement with experiments. Furthermore, the uniform and large crystals can be obtained in a spray fluidized bed crystallizer without special concentration since extraction and crystallization are carried out in the same equipment. In addition, all of the sodium chloride products prepared under the optimal conditions in SFBC show a better CSD performance than the stirred crystallization. This research demonstrates that this process enables controlling the crystal size in a rather wide range, thus further underlining the potential of this technique for applications in the crystallization industry.
Joint Resource Allocation and Power Control Based on Vehicle’s Motion Characteristics in NOMA-Based V2V Systems
Authors: Gu Xinyu , Xu Yiyi , Zhang Jiahan
Published: November 2020

Due to the high spectrum utilization of Nonorthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA), it becomes one of the potential candidate technologies for future wireless communication systems. Meanwhile, in New Radio, Vehicle to Everything (V2X) has been proposed as a promising issue in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). This paper studies the resource allocation mechanism with power control strategy which makes full use of vehicles’ moving characteristics in the NOMA-based Vehicle to Vehicle (V2V) communication system. Firstly, vehicles are grouped according to their moving characteristics by spectral clustering. Then, vehicles which are in the same group are allocated the same wireless resource with NOMA strategy. Two grouping methods have been designed for freeway and urban scenarios separately. After that, the transmission power of vehicles is adjusted based on the result of power control strategy utilizing Q-learning. The simulation results show that the performance of the V2V system in terms of Packet Received Ratio (PRR) can be evidently improved by the proposed joint NOMA resource allocation and power control mechanism compared to typical energy sensing-based resource allocation method.
Clinical Versatility of the Facility-Equator Implant System as Mandibular Overdenture Retainers
Authors: Possebon Anna Paula da Rosa , Schuster Alessandra Julie , Bielemann Amália Machado , Martins Ana Paula Pinto , Miranda Samille Biasi , Chagas-Júnior Otacílio Luiz , Pinto Luciana de Rezende , Faot Fernanda
Published: November 2020

The use of mandibular overdentures (MO) for the rehabilitation of totally edentulous individuals with limited bone availability is widespread and has proven clinical success. Narrow diameter implants (NDI) are available on the market as MO retainers to solve problems related to limited bone availability and bone thickness, providing a low-cost, minimally invasive treatment option. This technique evolved over the years, and changes frequently involved the number of implants used as MO retainers, as the adoption of a smaller number of implants can generate biomechanical disadvantages, contributing to the increased stress in peri-implant tissues, which may accelerate marginal bone loss (MBL), in addition to reducing masticatory capacity and satisfaction with rehabilitation. Some studies pointed out that the use of 3 or more implants as MO retainers improves the biomechanics. Thus, the objective of this study was to report 3 different clinical cases where 3 or more NDI were adopted to retain mandibular overdentures in association with diverse loading protocols: (i) 3 implants adopting conventional loading, (ii) 4 implants using progressive loading, and (iii) 4 implants with hybrid loading. The case with 4 implants and progressive loading showed a slight worsening of masticatory function at 1 year, in addition to a more pronounced MBL compared to other cases, but with improvements in satisfaction and oral health-related quality of life. Thus, NDI can be used as MO retainers with predictability and clinical success, using different numbers of implants and loading protocols.
A Simplified Capillary Bundle Model for CO2-Alternating-Water Injection Using an Equivalent Resistance Method
Authors: Wang Wendong , Meng Fankun , Su Yuliang , Hou Lei , Geng Xueyu , Hao Yongmao , Li Lei
Published: November 2020

CO2-alternating-water injection is an effective way of enhancing recovery for low-permeability oil reservoirs. The injection process is one of the essential issues that are facing severe challenges because of the low permeability and poor pore space connectivity. Previous researchers mentioned that water injection ability could be decreased by around 20% after the CO2-flooding; hence, it is necessary to quantify the water injectivity variation during an alternated injection process. In this paper, a CO2 convection-diffusion model is established based on the seepage law of CO2 and dissipation effect. The relationship between the width of miscible flooding and injection time is defined. Besides, an equivalent resistance method is introduced for developing a capillary bundle model for featuring an unequal diameter for CO2 water vapor alternate flooding. CO2-oil and CO2-water interactions are analyzed using the new model. The effects of oil viscosity, pore throat ratio, CO2 slug size, and equivalent permeability of the capillary bundle on water injection are analyzed. The result indicates that water injection ability increases with the rise of CO2 slug size and equivalent permeability of the capillary bundle and decreases with the increase of viscosity and pore throat ratio.
K-Means Genetic Algorithms with Greedy Genetic Operators
Authors: Kazakovtsev Lev , Rozhnov Ivan , Shkaberina Guzel , Orlov Viktor
Published: November 2020

The k-means problem is one of the most popular models of cluster analysis. The problem is NP-hard, and modern literature offers many competing heuristic approaches. Sometimes practical problems require obtaining such a result (albeit notExact), within the framework of the k-means model, which would be difficult to improve by known methods without a significant increase in the computation time or computational resources. In such cases, genetic algorithms with greedy agglomerative heuristic crossover operator might be a good choice. However, their computational complexity makes it difficult to use them for large-scale problems. The crossover operator which includes the k-means procedure, taking the absolute majority of the computation time, is essential for such algorithms, and other genetic operators such as mutation are usually eliminated or simplified. The importance of maintaining the population diversity, in particular, with the use of a mutation operator, is more significant with an increase in the data volume and available computing resources such as graphical processing units (GPUs). In this article, we propose a new greedy heuristic mutation operator for such algorithms and investigate the influence of new and well-known mutation operators on the objective function value achieved by the genetic algorithms for large-scale k-means problems. Our computational experiments demonstrate the ability of the new mutation operator, as well as the mechanism for organizing subpopulations, to improve the result of the algorithm.
Schizophrenia EEG Signal Classification Based on Swarm Intelligence Computing
Authors: Prabhakar Sunil Kumar , Rajaguru Harikumar , Kim Sun-Hee
Published: November 2020

One of the serious mental disorders where people interpret reality in an abnormal state is schizophrenia. A combination of extremely disordered thinking, delusion, and hallucination is caused due to schizophrenia, and the daily functions of a person are severely disturbed because of this disorder. A wide range of problems are caused due to schizophrenia such as disturbed thinking and behaviour. In the field of human neuroscience, the analysis of brain activity is quite an important research area. For general cognitive activity analysis, electroencephalography (EEG) signals are widely used as a low-resolution diagnosis tool. The EEG signals are a great boon to understand the abnormality of the brain disorders, especially schizophrenia. In this work, schizophrenia EEG signal classification is performed wherein, initially, features such as Detrend Fluctuation Analysis (DFA), Hurst Exponent, Recurrence Quantification Analysis (RQA), Sample Entropy, Fractal Dimension (FD), Kolmogorov Complexity, Hjorth exponent, Lempel Ziv Complexity (LZC), and Largest Lyapunov Exponent (LLE) are extracted initially. The extracted features are, then, optimized for selecting the best features through four types of optimization algorithms here such as Artificial Flora (AF) optimization, Glowworm Search (GS) optimization, Black Hole (BH) optimization, and Monkey Search (MS) optimization, and finally, it is classified through certain classifiers. The best results show that, for normal cases, a classification accuracy of 87.54% is obtained when BH optimization is utilized with Support Vector Machine-Radial Basis Function (SVM-RBF) kernel, and for schizophrenia cases, a classification accuracy of 92.17% is obtained when BH optimization is utilized with SVM-RBF kernel.
Ling‐Gui‐Zhu‐Gan Decoction Protects H9c2 Cells against H2O2‐Induced Oxidative Injury via Regulation of the Nrf2/Keap1/HO‐1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Xiang , Tang Tongjuan , Zhai Mengting , Ge Ruirui , Wang Liang , Huang Jinling , Zhou Peng
Published: November 2020

Objectives. Ling‐Gui‐Zhu‐Gan decoction (LGZGD) is a potentially effective treatment for heart failure, and it showed significant anti‐inflammatory potential in our previous studies. However, its ability to ameliorate heart failure through regulation of oxidative stress response is still unknown. This study was aimed to investigate the protective effect of LGZGD‐containing serum on H2O2‐induced oxidative injury in H9c2 cells and explore the underlying mechanism. Methods. Eighteen rats were randomly divided into two groups: the blank control group and LGZGD group. The LGZGD group rats were administrated with 8.4 g/kg/d LGZGD for seven consecutive days through gavage, while the blank control group rats were given an equal volume of saline. The serum was extracted from all the rats. To investigate the efficacy and the underlying mechanism of LGZGD, we categorized the H9c2 cells into groups: the control group, model group, normal serum control (NSC) group, LGZGD group, LGZGD + all‐trans‐retinoic acid (ATRA) group, and ATRA group. Malonedialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were used as markers for oxidative stress. Dichlorodihydrofluorescin diacetate (DCFH‐DA) staining was used to measure the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The apoptosis rate was detected using flow cytometry. The expression levels of pro‐caspase‐3, cleaved‐caspase‐3, Bcl‐2, Bax, Keap1, Nrf2, and HO‐1 were measured using western blotting. The mRNA levels of Keap1, Nrf2, and HO‐1 were measured using RT‐qPCR. Results. The LGZGD attenuated injury to H9c2 cells and reduced the apoptosis rate. It was also found to upregulate the SOD activity and suppress the formation of MDA and ROS. The expression levels of pro‐caspase‐3 and Bcl‐2 were significantly increased, while those of cleaved‐caspase‐3 and Bax were decreased in the LGZGD group compared with the model group. As compared with the model group, the LGZGD group demonstrated decreased Keap1 protein expression and significantly increased Nrf2 nuclear expression and Nrf2‐mediated transcriptional activity. ATRA was found to reverse the LGZGD‐mediated antioxidative and antiapoptotic effect on injured H9c2 cells induced by H2O2. Conclusion. Our results demonstrated that LGZGD attenuated the H2O2‐induced injury to H9c2 cells by inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis via the Nrf2/Keap1/HO‐1 pathway. These observations suggest that LGZGD might prevent and treat heart failure through regulation of the oxidative stress response.
Open Tracheostomy for Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Hernández-García Estefanía , Martínez-RuizCoello Mar , Navarro Mediano Andrés , Pérez-Martín Nuria , García-Peces Victoria , Velayos Carlos , Rodríguez-Campoo Belen , Plaza Guillermo
Published: November 2020

Background. COVID-19 is a worldwide pandemic, with many patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation. Tracheostomy can shorten ICU length of stay and help weaning. Aims/Objectives. To describe the long-term evolution of the critically patient with COVID-19 and the need for invasive mechanical ventilation and orotracheal intubation (OTI), with or without tracheostomy. Material and Methods. A prospective study was performed including all patients admitted to the ICU due to COVID-19 from 10th March to 30th April 2020. Epidemiological data, performing a tracheostomy or not, mean time of invasive mechanical ventilation until tracheotomy, mean time from tracheotomy to weaning, and final outcome after one month of minimum follow-up were recorded. The Otolaryngology team was tested for COVID-19 before and after the procedures. Results. Out of a total of 1612 hospital admissions for COVID-19, only 5.8% (93 patients) required ICU admission and IOT. Twenty-seven patients (29%) underwent a tracheostomy. After three months, within the group of tracheotomized patients, 29.6% died and 48.15% were extubated in a mean time of 28.53 days. In the nontracheostomized patients, the mortality was 42.4%. Conclusions. Tracheostomy is a safe procedure for COVID-19 and helps weaning of prolonged OTI. Mortality after tracheostomy was less common than in nontracheostomized patients.
Image Digitization of Colorimetric Detection of Acephate Based on Its Complexation with Citrate-Capped Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Osman Mohd Junaedy , Wan Yunus Wan Md Zin , Ong Keat Khim , Chieng Buong Woei , Mohd Kassim Noor Azilah , Mohd Noor Siti Aminah , Feizal Knight Victor , Abd Rashid Jahwarhar Izuan , Teoh Chin Chuang
Published: November 2020

Acephate (Ac), an organophosphate (OP) insecticide, is very harmful to human and the environment. Conventional techniques of detection are sensitive and selective but relatively time-consuming, expensive, and require trained personnel. This paper describes the use of an image processing technique to digitize the red values (RVs) of the colour image of Ac-capped gold nanoparticles (Ac-Cit-AuNPs) complex captured using a digital microscope to improve the detection accuracy and precision. The formation of the suspension was characterised using laser test, ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer (UV-Vis), high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), and Fourier Transform infrared spectroscope (FTIR). The linear regression analysis revealed that the detection sensitivity improved as the smaller gold nanoparticles were used. For quantitative measurement using image processing, a good linear relationship (R2 = 0.9905 and 0.9924) for Cit-HAuNPs and Cit-MAuNPs, respectively, between the concentration of Ac and average red values was obtained in the range of 0–8 mM. The limit of detection (LOD) for Ac was found to be 0.3 mM and 0.4 mM for Cit-MAuNPs and Cit-HAuNPs, respectively.
Robust and Secure Data Fusion Algorithm Based on Intelligent Sensing in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Cheng Yong , Wang Jun , Ji Shuqiang , Yang Ling
Published: November 2020

Presently, the wireless sensor network (WSN) plays an important role in smart farming. However, due to the limitation of wireless sensor network resources, the time and space correlation of data acquisition is strong. In order to reduce the number of nodes participating in data compression, the robust and secure data fusion algorithm based on intelligent sensing is proposed. The algorithm can divide the whole network into many clusters. In order to maintain energy balance of nodes in the cluster, the probability of each node in each cluster participating in each round of data collection is computed according to the residual energy of the node. On the sink node, the number of sampling rounds of joint reconstruction of collected data is designated according to the application requirements and reconstruction accuracy requirements, and the number of nodes participating in is further reduced. The simulation results show that the number of nodes participating in the data collection of the proposed scheme in this paper is lower than that of the ordinary intelligent sensing LEACH data acquisition scheme. Meanwhile, the proposed scheme can dramatically extend the network lifetime. This paper provides an insight into various needs of WSN used in agriculture and challenges involved in the deployment of WSN.
The Challenge of Combining Chemo- and Radiotherapy with Checkpoint Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: van Bijsterveldt Linda , Durley Samuel C. , Maughan Tim S. , Humphrey Timothy C.
Published: November 2020

Preclinical models of cancer have demonstrated enhanced efficacy of cell-cycle checkpoint kinase inhibitors when used in combination with genotoxic agents. This combination therapy is predicted to be exquisitely toxic to cells with a deficient G1–S checkpoint or cells with a genetic predisposition leading to intrinsic DNA replication stress, as these cancer cells become fully dependent on the intra-S and G2–M checkpoints for DNA repair and cellular survival. Therefore, abolishing remaining cell-cycle checkpoints after damage leads to increased cell death in a tumor cell–specific fashion. However, the preclinical success of these drug combinations is not consistently replicated in clinical trials. Here, we provide a perspective on the translation of preclinical studies into rationally designed clinical studies. We will discuss successes and failures of current treatment combinations and drug regimens and provide a detailed overview of all clinical trials using ATR, CHK1, or WEE1 inhibitors in combination with genotoxic agents. This highlights the need for revised patient stratification and the use of appropriate pharmacodynamic biomarkers to improve the success rate of clinical trials.
Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy for a Phosphaturic Mesenchymal Tumor
Authors: Häfliger Simon , Seidel Ann-Katrin , Schoch Eric , Reichmann Jan , Wild Damian , Steinmann-Schwager Stephanie , Pless Miklos
Published: November 2020

Tumor-induced osteomalacia is a very rare paraneoplastic syndrome. It can be caused by phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor (PMT), a generally benign tumor that produces fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23), which can cause a severe renal phosphate wasting syndrome. Upon complete surgical removal of the tumor, FGF-23 normalizes and the osteomalacia is cured. In cases in which surgery is not feasible, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is the treatment of choice. We describe a case with a PMT situated in the sacrum, in close proximity to the sacral plexus. Both surgery and RFA were considered potentially nerve damaging. Since the tumor showed expression of somatostatin receptors, we opted for a peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) with 177Lu-DOTATOC. However, the therapy did not show the expected success, since the FGF-23 level had even temporarily increased. The patient was then successfully treated with RFA. A partial remission of the tumor was achieved and FGF-23 levels nearly normalized. Despite some severe neurological side effects, the patient showed a remarkable clinical improvement, with no symptoms of osteomalacia within a few weeks.
Eruptive Cherry Angiomas and Skin Melanoma: Further Insights into an Intriguing Association
Authors: Borghi Alessandro , Dika Emi , Maietti Elisa , Scuderi Valeria , Forconi Riccardo , Patrizi Annalisa , Corazza Monica
Published: November 2020

Background: Some risk factors for malignant melanoma (MM) are recognized. Objective: To compare the strength of association between MM and eruptive cherry angiomas (CAs) with that of other well-known associations. Methods: This cross-sectional study included all subjects referred to the Outpatient Dermatology-Oncology and Dermoscopy Units of the Universities of Ferrara and Bologna, Italy, over a 5-month period and submitted to total body skin examination. We recorded: age, sex, cutaneous and non-cutaneous malignancies, presence of CAs, arbitrarily considered as “eruptive” when >10, >40 common melanocytic naevi or >2 clinically atypical naevi. The strength of association between the possible risk factors and MM was calculated by odds ratio in both the whole population and age quartiles. Variables associated with MM were included in multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: 1,190 subjects were included; 615 had malignant skin tumours, 462 MM, 85 extracutaneous tumours. Five hundred and eighty-seven subjects had eruptive CAs, 485 subjects >40 melanocytic naevi and 368 more than 2 atypical melanocytic naevi. Eruptive CAs, especially in subjects younger than 70, and >2 atypical melanocytic naevi, mostly in subjects older than 50, were significantly associated with MM. The strength of these 2 associations was similar. The presence of >40 melanocytic naevi was not associated with MM. Conclusions: These findings confirmed an association between MM and eruptive CAs, which was as strong as the one between MM and >2 atypical melanocytic naevi. CAs seem an intriguing model of interaction between heterogeneous variables, like immunocompetence, stimuli inducing endothelial cell proliferation, and oncogenesis, which deserves further investigation.
Successful Treatment of a Patient with Brentuximab Vedotin-Refractory ALK-Negative Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma with Romidepsin
Authors: Jo Tatsuro , Sakai Takahiro , Matsuzaka Kaori , Shioya Haruna , Tominaga Hiroo , Kaneko Yohei , Hayashi Shizuka , Matsuo Masatoshi , Taguchi Jun , Abe Kuniko , Shigematsu Kazuto
Published: November 2020

We present the case of a 78-year-old male patient who was diagnosed with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-negative, CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4)-negative, and CD30-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). The patient had a past medical history of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and colon cancers that had developed simultaneously approximately 2 years prior to the development of ALCL that were treated with immunochemotherapy and resection, respectively. Initial treatment for ALCL included brentuximab vedotin, an anti-CD30 monoclonal antibody-monomethyl auristatin E conjugate; however, we were unable to achieve a sufficient treatment effect. Romidepsin, an oral histone deacetylase inhibitor, was introduced as salvage chemotherapy; complete remission was attained. Interestingly, a reversal of the CD4/CD8 ratio and a reduction in human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) virus load was observed after 2 cycles of immunochemotherapy; the patient experienced upregulation of HTLV-1 Tax-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes after a herpes zoster infection and the completion of immunotherapy. The immunologic status was maintained from the time of diagnosis through the completion of romidepsin therapy. Our findings indicate that romidepsin can be used safely and effectively to treat ALCL without impairing cellular immunity to HTLV-1.
Successful Treatment of Combined Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Harboring an EGFR Mutation with EGFR-TKIs plus Bevacizumab: A Case Report
Authors: Muto Satoshi , Ozaki Yuki , Okabe Naoyuki , Matsumura Yuki , Hasegawa Takeo , Shio Yutaka , Hashimoto Yuko , Suzuki Hiroyuki
Published: November 2020

Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) of the lung with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation is rare, and few cases have been treated with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). We report the treatment of combined LCNEC with adenocarcinoma harboring an EGFR mutation with EGFR-TKIs and bevacizumab. Our patient was a 70-year-old asymptomatic woman who underwent surgical resection of the lung for combined LCNEC with adenocarcinoma harboring an activating EGFR mutation 11 months previously. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography revealed metastatic lesions in the brain and lung. The patient was diagnosed with recurrence of combined LCNEC with adenocarcinoma. The brain lesion was irradiated, followed by administration of afatinib. Eight months after irradiation, brain MRI revealed ringed enhancement and perilesional edema after radiotherapy without new metastatic lesions. We switched treatment to erlotinib and bevacizumab, resulting in maintenance of stable disease for 10 months. Overall, the disease was controlled for 18 months with EGFR-TKIs and bevacizumab. Combination treatment with EGFR-TKIs and bevacizumab could be a treatment option for LCNEC of the lung harboring EGFR mutations, especially with brain metastasis.
Gait Disorder among Elderly People, Psychomotor Disadaptation Syndrome: Post-Fall Syndrome, Risk Factors and Follow-Up – A Cohort Study of 70 Patients
Authors: Meyer Maxence , Constancias Florentin , Vogel Thomas , Kaltenbach Georges , Schmitt Elise
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Falls among older people are a major health issue and the first cause of accidental death after 75 years of age. Post-fall syndrome (PFS) is commonly known and yet poorly studied. Objective: Identify risk factors for PFS and do a follow-up 1 year later. Methods: We included all patients over 70 years of age hospitalized after suffering a fall in a case-control study, and then followed them in a cohort study. PFS was retained in case of functional mobility decline (transferring, walking) occurring following a fall in the absence of an acute neurological, orthopedic or rheumatic pathology directly responsible for the decline. The data initially collected were: clinical (anamnestic, emergency and departmental/ward evolution, medical history, lifestyle, treatments, clinical examination items); and imaging if the patient had been subjected to brain imaging in the last 3 years prior to inclusion. Regarding the follow-up at 1 year, we collected from the general physician the occurrence and the characteristics of new falls, functional mobility assessment, hospitalization and death. Results: Inclusion took place from March 29, 2016 to June 7, 2016 and follow-up until June 30, 2017. We included 70 patients. A total of 29 patients exhibited a PFS (41.4 %). Risk factors for PFS included age, walking disorder prior to the fall, the use of a walking aid prior to the fall, no unaccompanied outdoor walk in the week before the fall, visual impairment making close reading impossible, stiffness in ankle dorsiflexion, grip strength and the fear of falling. Among patients with PFS, 52.9% could still perform a transfer at 1 year and 64.7% could still walk against 80.7% and 85.2%, respectively, for patients without PFS. Conclusion: The study showed the existence of body functions/structure impairments and activity limitations prior to the fall among patients exhibiting a PFS. This suggests the existence of a pre-fall syndrome, i.e., a psychomotor disadaptation syndrome existing prior to the fall. Among the 8 risk factors, fear of falling, vision impairment and muscle strength could be targeted for improvement. The diagnosis of PFS could be a marker of loss of functional mobility at 1 year.
Sinonasal FUS-ERG-Rearranged Ewing’s Sarcoma Mimicking Glomangiopericytoma
Authors: Zhou Maggie , Ko Yen Chen Kevin , Charville Gregory W. , Ganjoo Kristen N.
Published: November 2020

Ewing’s sarcoma is a rare and aggressive tumor that typically arises in the long bones of the extremities. It belongs in the family of small round blue cell tumors and is characterized immunohistochemically by diffuse CD99 expression and molecularly by one of several oncogenic translocations, most commonly t(11;22)(q24;q12) between the EWSR1 gene and the FLI1 gene. Here we present a rare case of Ewing’s sarcoma in the sinonasal tract with FUS-ERG gene arrangement that was regarded for almost a decade as a sinonasal-type hemangiopericytoma (glomangiopericytoma). This case illustrates the surprisingly prolonged natural history of Ewing’s sarcoma that did not receive therapy for many years and the importance of considering alternative genetic translocations. Our experience suggests that the presence of diffuse CD99 membranous staining pattern in a small blue round cell tumor with morphology typical for Ewing’s sarcoma but FISH negative for EWSR1 rearrangement should prompt consideration of FUS-ERG fusion.
A Phase 2 Randomized Trial of Asleep versus Awake Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Engelhardt Julien , Caire François , Damon-Perrière Nathalie , Guehl Dominique , Branchard Olivier , Auzou Nicolas , Tison François , Meissner Wassilios G. , Krim Elsa , Bannier Stéphanie , Bénard Antoine , Sitta Rémi , Fontaine Denys , Hoarau Xavier , Burbaud Pierre , Cuny Emmanuel
Published: November 2020

Objective: Asleep deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson’s disease (PD) is being performed more frequently; however, motor outcomes and safety of asleep DBS have never been assessed in a prospective randomized trial. Methods: We conducted a prospective, randomized, noncomparative trial to assess the motor outcomes of asleep DBS. Leads were implanted in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) according to probabilistic stereotactic coordinates with a surgical robot under O-arm© imaging guidance under either general anesthesia without microelectrode recordings (MER) (20 patients, asleep group) or local anesthesia with MER and clinical testing (9 patients, awake group). Results: The mean motor improvement rates on the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale Part III (UPDRS-3) between OFF and ON stimulation without medication were 52.3% (95% CI: 45.4–59.2%) in the asleep group and 47.0% (95% CI: 23.8–70.2%) in the awake group, 6 months after surgery. Except for a subcutaneous hematoma, we did not observe any complications related to the surgery. Three patients (33%) in the awake group and 8 in the asleep group (40%) had at least one side effect potentially linked with neurostimulation. Conclusions: Owing to its randomized design, our study supports the hypothesis that motor outcomes after asleep STN-DBS in PD may be noninferior to the standard awake procedure.
A simple levelized cost of electricity for EV charging with PV and battery energy storage system: Thailand case study
Authors: Wangsupphaphol Aree , Chaitusaney Surachai
Published: November 2020

This paper proposes the calculation of the simple levelized cost of electricity of PV and battery energy storage system for supporting the investment decision of the EV hybrid charging station. The paper introduces the problems of EV charging against the grid power system. Thus, the hybrid charging for EV is suggested. The study provides an architecture of the hybrid EV charging station along with the factor impacting the EV infrastructure for acknowledgment. The cost elements of the station are presented to address the benefits of the investment. Besides, the profit is mainly from the margin of the electricity price, therefore, this study compares the electricity cost of PV and PV equipped with a battery with the commercial on-peak electricity tariff.  The results show that the charging cost contributed by PV alone has the lowest amount throughout the study period year 2020 – 2030. In contrast, the hybrid charging cost contributed by PV and battery has a higher value than the on-peak tariff during 2020 – 2025 but it is lower afterward. The result supports the feasibility of charging an EV by solar power and the hybrid power system in the future.
A neotype for Hyla x-signata Spix, 1824 (Amphibia, Anura, Hylidae)
Authors: Araujo-Vieira Katyuscia , Pombal Jr. José P. , Caramaschi Ulisses , Novaes-e-Fagundes Gabriel , Orrico Victor G.D. , Faivovich Julián
Published: November 2020

The uncertain identity of Hyla x-signata Spix, 1824 has been a pervasive problem in the taxonomy of the genus Scinax. A species supposedly distributed from northeastern Brazil northwards to Colombia and Venezuela, described in a few lines without much information and with an accompanying figure, and its type specimen lost during World War II, combined to produce a curious situation. Twenty-one of the 39 species of the S. ruber Clade described in the last 50 years were considered to require a diagnosis from S. x-signatus by their authors. In most cases these had no other alternative than to gather information about this species from indirect sources, frequently pointing out the problems associated with its uncertain identity. In this paper, we review the taxonomic history of Hyla x-signata, designate a neotype, provide a redescription including advertisement call and sequence data, and diagnose it from all other species of the S. ruber Clade.
A new species of Drymaeus endemic from Currais Archipelago, Paraná, Brazil (Pulmonata, Bulimulidae)
Authors: Simone Luiz Ricardo Lopes de , Belz Carlos Eduardo , Gernet Marcos de Vasconcellos
Published: November 2020

The new bulimulid species, Drymaeus currais sp. nov., is described based on shell and anatomical features. It is endemic of Guapirá Island, belonging to the Currais Archipelago, a small protected area off Paraná coast. The species is thus, based at least on endemicity, endangered. It has as closest species D. castilhensis, another endemic species of Castilho Island, ~70 km northwards. Its main exclusivities are a banded shell (except for periumbilical area); a ureter ~1/3 opened (furrow); an external anus; a slightly different buccal and intestinal arrangement; a penis lacking internal chambers; a small receptacle with a genital appendix. Zoobank Register: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:25B25A8B-CED0-4284-A799-5383998BE481.