bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On fractional and fractal Einstein’s field equations
Authors: El-Nabulsi Rami Ahmad , Golmankhaneh Alireza Khalili
Published: January 2021

In this study, Einstein’s field equations are derived based on two dissimilar frameworks: the first is based on the concepts of “fractional velocity” and “fractal action” motivated by Calcagni’s approach to fractional spacetime while the second is derived based on fractal calculus which is a generalization of ordinary calculus that include fractal sets and curves. The fractional theory displays a breakdown of Lorentz invariance. It was observed that a spatially dependent cosmological constant emerges in the fractional theory. A connection between the fractional order parameter and the dimensionless parameter [Formula: see text] arising in the parameterized post-Newtonian (PPN) formalism is observed. A confrontation with very long-baseline radio interferometry targeting quasars 3C273 and 3C279 is done which proves that the fractional order parameter is within the range [Formula: see text]. Moreover, emergence of quantum Hawking radiation is realized in the theory supporting Hawking’s best calculations that black holes are not black. Nevertheless, based on the fractal calculus approach, there is a conservation of the Lorentz invariance and absence of spatially-dependent cosmological constant. The theory depends on the fractal order [Formula: see text] and gives rise to a fractal Schwarzschild radius of the massive body greater than the conventional radius besides a fractal Hawking’s temperature less than the standard one. However, the confrontation with radio interferometry targeting quasars 3C273 and 3C279 gives [Formula: see text].
Systematic study of alpha-decay of super-heavy isotopes withZ= 120–126
Authors: Seyyedi S. A.
Published: January 2021

Alpha-decay half-lives of the even–even superheavy isotopes with proton numbers [Formula: see text] have been calculated within the cluster model. The alpha-daughter potential was constructed by employing the density-dependent double-folding model with a realistic nucleon–nucleon interaction whose exchange part has a finite range approximation. The half-lives were calculated using Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin (WKB) approximation with the alpha preformation factor. The results have shown that the computed alpha-decay half-lives were in good agreement with their counterpart calculated by different semi-empirical approaches. The obtained results have also shown a negative linear relationship between the logarithm of the preformation factor and the fragmentation potential for the understudy isotopes. Also, the calculated results have shown that isotopes [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] had longer half-lives than their adjacent isotopes, which indicates that the corresponding neutron or proton numbers have a magical or semi-magical properties. Furthermore, we have studied the competition between alpha-decay and spontaneous fission to predict possible decay modes from the even–even isotopes [Formula: see text]. The results revealed that the isotopes [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] had alpha-decay as a predominant mode of decay and the nuclei [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] could not survive from the spontaneous fission. We hope that the theoretical prediction could be helpful for future investigation in this field.
τ-Rigid Modules for Algebras with Radical Square Zero
Authors: Zhang Xiaojin
Published: January 2021

For a radical square zero algebra [Formula: see text] and an indecomposable right [Formula: see text]-module [Formula: see text], when [Formula: see text] is Gorenstein of finite representation type or [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-rigid, [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-rigid if and only if the first two projective terms of a minimal projective resolution of [Formula: see text] have no non-zero direct summands in common. In particular, we determine all [Formula: see text]-tilting modules for Nakayama algebras with radical square zero.
Empirical performance of stochastic volatility option pricing models
Authors: Stilger Przemyslaw S. , Nguyen Ngoc Quynh Anh , Nguyen Tri Minh
Published: January 2021

This paper examines the empirical performance of four stochastic volatility option pricing models: Heston, Heston[Formula: see text], Bates and Heston–Hull–White. To compare these models, we use individual stock options data from January 1996 to August 2014. The comparison is made with respect to pricing and hedging performance, implied volatility surface and risk-neutral return distribution characteristics, as well as performance across industries and time. We find that the Heston model outperforms the other models in terms of in-sample pricing, whereas Heston[Formula: see text] model outperforms the other models in terms of out-of-sample hedging. This suggests that taking jumps or stochastic interest rates into account does not improve the model performance after accounting for stochastic volatility. We also find that the model performance deteriorates during the crises as well as when the implied volatility surface is steep in the maturity or strike dimension.
Chapter 1.1 Tectonic history of Antarctica over the past 200 million years
Authors: Storey Bryan C. , Granot Roi
Published: January 2021

The tectonic evolution of Antarctica in the Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras was marked by igneous activity that formed as a result of simultaneous continental rifting and subduction processes acting during the final stages of the southward drift of Gondwana towards the South Pole. For the most part, continental rifting resulted in the progressive disintegration of the Gondwana supercontinent from Middle Jurassic times to the final isolation of Antarctica at the South Pole following the Cenozoic opening of the surrounding ocean basins, and the separation of Antarctica from South America and Australia. The initial rifting into East and West Gondwana was proceeded by emplacement of large igneous provinces preserved in present-day South America, Africa and Antarctica. Continued rifting within Antarctica did not lead to continental separation but to the development of the West Antarctic Rift System, dividing the continent into the East and West Antarctic plates, and uplift of the Transantarctic Mountains. Motion between East and West Antarctica has been accommodated by a series of discrete rifting pulses with a westward shift and concentration of the motion throughout the Cenozoic leading to crustal thinning, subsidence, elevated heat flow conditions and rift-related magmatic activity. Contemporaneous with the disintegration of Gondwana and the isolation of Antarctica, subduction processes were active along the palaeo-Pacific margin of Antarctica recorded by magmatic arcs, accretionary complexes, and forearc and back-arc basin sequences. A low in magmatic activity between 156 and 142 Ma suggests that subduction may have ceased during this time. Today, following the gradual cessation of the Antarctic rifting and surrounding subduction, the Antarctic continent is situated close to the centre of a large Antarctic Plate which, with the exception of an active margin on the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, is surrounded by active spreading ridges.
Chapter 3.2a Bransfield Strait and James Ross Island: volcanology
Authors: Smellie John L.
Published: January 2021

Following more than 25 years of exploration and research since the last regional appraisal, the number of known subaerially exposed volcanoes in the northern Antarctic Peninsula region has more than trebled, from less than 15 to more than 50, and that total must be increased at least three-fold if seamounts in Bransfield Strait are included. Several volcanoes remain unvisited and there are relatively few detailed studies. The region includes Deception Island, the most prolific active volcano in Antarctica, and Mount Haddington, the largest volcano in Antarctica. The tectonic environment of the volcanism is more variable than elsewhere in Antarctica. Most of the volcanism is related to subduction. It includes very young ensialic marginal basin volcanism (Bransfield Strait), back-arc alkaline volcanism (James Ross Island Volcanic Group) and slab-window-related volcanism (seamount offshore of Anvers Island), as well as volcanism of uncertain origin (Anvers and Brabant islands; small volcanic centres on Livingston and Greenwich islands). Only ‘normal’ arc volcanism is not clearly represented, possibly because active subduction virtually ceased at
c.
4 Ma. The eruptive environment for the volcanism varied between subglacial, marine and subaerial but a subglacial setting is prominent, particularly in the James Ross Island Volcanic Group.
WattScale
Authors: Iyengar Srinivasan , Lee Stephen , Irwin David , Shenoy Prashant , Weil Benjamin
Published: January 2021

Buildings consume over 40% of the total energy in modern societies, and improving their energy efficiency can significantly reduce our energy footprint. In this article, we present WattScale, a data-driven approach to identify the least energy-efficient buildings from a large population of buildings in a city or a region. Unlike previous methods such as least-squares that use point estimates, WattScale uses Bayesian inference to capture the stochasticity in the daily energy usage by estimating the distribution of parameters that affect a building. Further, it compares them with similar homes in a given population. WattScale also incorporates a fault detection algorithm to identify the underlying causes of energy inefficiency. We validate our approach using ground truth data from different geographical locations, which showcases its applicability in various settings. WattScale has two execution modes—(i) individual and (ii) region-based, which we highlight using two case studies. For the individual execution mode, we present results from a city containing >10,000 buildings and show that more than half of the buildings are inefficient in one way or another indicating a significant potential from energy improvement measures. Additionally, we provide probable cause of inefficiency and find that 41%, 23.73%, and 0.51% homes have poor building envelope, heating, and cooling system faults, respectively. For the region-based execution mode, we show that WattScale can be extended to millions of homes in the U.S. due to the recent availability of representative energy datasets.
Designing Deep Reinforcement Learning for Human Parameter Exploration
Authors: Scurto Hugo , Kerrebroeck Bavo Van , Caramiaux Baptiste , Bevilacqua Frédéric
Published: January 2021

Software tools for generating digital sound often present users with high-dimensional, parametric interfaces, that may not facilitate exploration of diverse sound designs. In this article, we propose to investigate artificial agents using deep reinforcement learning to explore parameter spaces in partnership with users for sound design. We describe a series of user-centred studies to probe the creative benefits of these agents and adapting their design to exploration. Preliminary studies observing users’ exploration strategies with parametric interfaces and testing different agent exploration behaviours led to the design of a fully-functioning prototype, called Co-Explorer, that we evaluated in a workshop with professional sound designers. We found that the Co-Explorer enables a novel creative workflow centred on human–machine partnership, which has been positively received by practitioners. We also highlight varied user exploration behaviours throughout partnering with our system. Finally, we frame design guidelines for enabling such co-exploration workflow in creative digital applications.
Systems-on-Chip with Strong Ordering
Authors: Puthoor Sooraj , Lipasti Mikko H.
Published: January 2021

Sequential consistency (SC) is the most intuitive memory consistency model and the easiest for programmers and hardware designers to reason about. However, the strict memory ordering restrictions imposed by SC make it less attractive from a performance standpoint. Additionally, prior high-performance SC implementations required complex hardware structures to support speculation and recovery.

In this article, we introduce the lockstep SC consistency model (LSC), a new memory model based on SC but carefully defined to accommodate the data parallel lockstep execution paradigm of GPUs. We also describe an efficient LSC implementation for an APU system-on-chip (SoC) and show that our implementation performs close to the baseline relaxed model. Evaluation of our implementation shows that the geometric mean performance cost for lockstep SC is just 0.76% for GPU execution and 6.11% for the entire APU SoC compared to a baseline with a weaker memory consistency model. Adoption of LSC in future APU and SoC designs will reduce the burden on programmers trying to write correct parallel programs, while also simplifying the implementation and verification of systems with heterogeneous processing elements and complex memory hierarchies.
1
SecRET
Authors: Misra Sudip , Ojha Tamoghna , P Madhusoodhanan
Published: January 2021

Node localization is a fundamental requirement in underwater sensor networks (UWSNs) due to the ineptness of GPS and other terrestrial localization techniques in the underwater environment. In any UWSN monitoring application, the sensed information produces a better result when it is tagged with location information. However, the deployed nodes in UWSNs are vulnerable to many attacks, and hence, can be compromised by interested parties to generate incorrect location information. Consequently, using the existing localization schemes, the deployed nodes are unable to autonomously estimate the precise location information. In this regard, similar existing schemes for terrestrial wireless sensor networks are not applicable to UWSNs due to its inherent mobility, limited bandwidth availability, strict energy constraints, and high bit-error rates. In this article, we propose
SecRET
, a Secure Range-based localization scheme empowered by Evidence Theory for UWSNs. With trust-based computations, the proposed scheme,
SecRET
, enables the unlocalized nodes to select the most reliable set of anchors with low resource consumption. Thus, the proposed scheme is adaptive to many attacks in UWSN environment. NS-3 based performance evaluation indicates that
SecRET
maintains energy-efficiency of the deployed nodes while ensuring efficient and secure localization, despite the presence of compromised nodes under various attacks.
Power-efficient Spike Sorting Scheme Using Analog Spiking Neural Network Classifier
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Anand Kumar , Sharma Atul , Chakrabarti Indrajit , Basu Arindam , Sharad Mrigank
Published: January 2021

The method to map the neural signals to the neuron from which it originates is spike sorting. A low-power spike sorting system is presented for a neural implant device. The spike sorter constitutes a two-step trainer module that is shared by the signal acquisition channel associated with multiple electrodes. A low-power Spiking Neural Network (SNN) module is responsible for assigning the spike class. The two-step shared supervised on-chip training module is presented for improved training accuracy for the SNN. Post implant, the relatively power-hungry training module can be activated conditionally based on a statistics-driven retraining algorithm that allows on the fly training and adaptation. A low-power analog implementation for the SNN classifier is proposed based on resistive crossbar memory exploiting its approximate computing nature. Owing to the direct mapping of SNN functionality using physical characteristics of devices, the analog mode implementation can achieve ∼21 × lower power than its fully digital counterpart. We also incorporate the effect of device variation in the training process to suppress the impact of inevitable inaccuracies in such resistive crossbar devices on the classification accuracy. A variation-aware, digitally calibrated analog front-end is also presented, which consumes less than ∼50 nW power and interfaces with the digital training module as well as the analog SNN spike sorting module. Hence, the proposed scheme is a low-power, variation-tolerant, adaptive, digitally trained, all-analog spike sorter device, applicable to implantable and wearable multichannel brain-machine interfaces.
Filtering and Informing the Design Space
Authors: Halskov Kim , Lundqvist Caroline
Published: January 2021

Building on the concept “prototypes that filter the design space,” we establish how other kinds of design artifacts and activities (e.g., sketching, tests, concept posters, metaphors, design tools) are equally critical in filtering the design space. We also suggest a parallel term, “informing the design space,” to define how design artifacts and activities expand the design space. We focus on a 16-month, full-scale media architecture design project and zero in on seven of its component events, and use design-space schemas to shed light on the dynamics of the design space with respect to informing and filtering the design space. Our concluding contribution is to propose design-space thinking as a sub-discipline of design research. We argue that this research perspective serves to address the creative aspects of the design process, the generative potential of design-space thinking, and the tools that support design-space thinking and research.
Olivine-Hosted Melt Inclusions: A Microscopic Perspective on a Complex Magmatic World
Authors: Wallace Paul J. , Plank Terry , Bodnar Robert J. , Gaetani Glenn A. , Shea Thomas
Published: January 2021

Inclusions of basaltic melt trapped inside of olivine phenocrysts during igneous crystallization provide a rich, crystal-scale record of magmatic processes ranging from mantle melting to ascent, eruption, and quenching of magma during volcanic eruptions. Melt inclusions are particularly valuable for retaining information on volatiles such as H2O and CO2 that are normally lost by vesiculation and degassing as magma ascends and erupts. However, the record preserved in melt inclusions can be variably obscured by postentrapment processes, and thus melt inclusion research requires careful evaluation of the effects of such processes. Here we review processes by which melt inclusions are trapped and modified after trapping, describe new opportunities for studying the rates of magmatic and volcanic processes over a range of timescales using the kinetics of post-trapping processes, and describe recent developments in the use of volatile contents of melt inclusions to improve our understanding of how volcanoes work. ▪  Inclusions of silicate melt (magma) trapped inside of crystals formed by magma crystallization provide a rich, detailed record of what happens beneath volcanoes. ▪  These inclusions record information ranging from how magma forms deep inside Earth to its final hours as it ascends to the surface and erupts. ▪  The melt inclusion record, however, is complex and hazy because of many processes that modify the inclusions after they become trapped in crystals. ▪  Melt inclusions provide a primary archive of dissolved gases in magma, which are the key ingredients that make volcanoes erupt explosively.
Food Processing, Dysbiosis, Gastrointestinal Inflammatory Diseases, and Antiangiogenic Functional Foods or Beverages
Authors: Losso Jack N.
Published: January 2021

Foods and beverages provide nutrients and alter the gut microbiota, resulting in eubiosis or dysbiosis. Chronic consumption of a diet that is high in saturated or trans fats, meat proteins, reducing sugars, and salt and low in fiber induces dysbiosis. Dysbiosis, loss of redox homeostasis, mast cells, hypoxia, angiogenesis, the kynurenine pathway, transglutaminase 2, and/or the Janus kinase pathway are implicated in the pathogenesis and development of inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and gastrointestinal malignancy. This review discusses the effects of oxidative, carbonyl, or glycative stress–inducing dietary ingredients or food processing–derived compounds on gut microbiota and gastrointestinal epithelial and mast cells as well as on the development of associated angiogenic diseases, including key signaling pathways. The preventive or therapeutic potential and the biochemical pathways of antiangiogenic or proangiogenic foods or beverages are also described. The outcomes of the interactions between disease pathways and components of food are critical for the design of foods and beverages for healthy lives.
Semiconductor Properties of Electrodeposited Manganese Dioxide for Electrochemical Capacitors: Mott-Schottky Analysis
Authors: Forghani Marveh , McCarthy Julien , Cameron Amanda P. , Davey Sofia B. , Donne Scott W.
Published: January 2021

Herein the semiconducting nature of electrodeposited manganese dioxide (γ-MnO2) is examined for its effects on pseudo-capacitive electrode behaviour in neutral electrolytes. Electrochemical analysis of the manganese dioxide electrode is achieved using a combination of cyclic voltammetry (CV), step potential electrochemical spectroscopy (SPECS) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), in particular the combination of SPECS and EIS in a single experiment, enabling the determination of electronic properties across the full potential window. After establishing stable cycling with CV, electrode performance is examined using SPECS. EIS data, recorded under quasi-equilibrium conditions at the end of each potential step rest period, is then analyzed using the Mott-Schottky equation, leading to the identification of both n-type and p-type behaviour for the manganese dioxide electrode. Flat band potentials are determined (Vfb,n = −0.34 V vs SCE and Vfb,p = 0.98 V vs SCE), and conclusions about the electrochemically active surface area being more closed related to the geometric surface area were reached.
Ultra Responsive and Highly Selective Ethanol Gas Sensor Based on Au Nanoparticles Embedded ZnO Hierarchical Structures
Authors: Vuong Nguyen Minh , Than Le Hong , Phan Thanh Hai , Hieu Hoang Nhat , Van Nghia Nguyen , Tu Nguyen
Published: January 2021

Ultra sensitive and highly selective sensor towards ethanol (C2H5OH) vapor was developed from Au embedded open space ZnO hierarchical nanostructures. The ethanol sensing behaviors were examined at different working temperatures and various quantities of Au nanoparticles as the variable. The response of the Au/ZnO nanostructure based sensor at the optimal working temperature of 220 °C towards ethanol vapor is 167 times higher than that of the pristine ZnO structure at the optimal working temperature of 260 °C. In addition, the developed sensor exhibited excellent selectivity to ethanol compared with other vapors such as methanol, acetone, 2-propanol and toluene. The ethanol sensing mechanism of the Au embedded ZnO sensor structure is also proposed. The morphology and characteristics of the fabricated samples were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), photoluminescence (PL), and electrical measurements. This finding offers a new way of thinking for the design and development of ethanol sensors based on Au nanoparticles embedded ZnO hierarchical structures.
High Sensing Performance of Nanoimprinted HfO2 Sensing Membrane for Electrode-Insulator-Semiconductor pH Sensors
Authors: Pan Tung-Ming , Chan Chi-Lin
Published: January 2021

In this paper, HfO2 thin films as a sensing membrane deposited on nanoimprinted Si substrates by both atomic layer deposition (ALD) and sputtering methods were investigated for an electrolyte–insulator–semiconductor (EIS) pH sensor application. X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy were performed to examine the crystalline structures, chemical compositions and surface morphologies of the HfO2 sensing films, respectively. The structural properties of these HfO2 films were correlated to their sensing performances. Compared with the sputtering method, the unpatterned HfO2 sensing film by the ALD method showed a higher pH sensitivity of 55.06 mV pH−1, a lower drift rate of 0.31 mV h−1 and a smaller hysteresis voltage of 0.90 mV. The high pH sensitivity and good stability may be attributed to the increase in surface roughness and the reduction of a silicate layer caused by the ALD method. Additionally, the ALD-HfO2 EIS sensor deposited on the nanoimprinted Si substrate demonstrated a Nernstian pH response (61.36 mV pH−1) than that on an unpatterned Si substrate. For compatibility with advanced complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor technology, the ALD-HfO2 sensing film deposited on the nanoimprinted Si substrate is a promising candidate for pH sensing applications.
Constitutive activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK1) in ileal enterocytes leads to dysplasia and a predisposition to cancer
Authors: Shneider Benjamin L. , Cortes-Santiago Nahir , Schady Deborah A. , Krishnamoorthy Swapna , Thevananther Sundararajah , Rajapakshe Kimal , Perera Dimuthu , Huang Shixia , Coarfa Cristian
Published: January 2021

The ileum of mice with constitutive expression of activated MEK1 (via phosphomimetic changes) in enterocytes is markedly abnormal with architectural distortion and cytologic atypia, which evolves into an adenoma invasive carcinoma sequence. Phosphoproteomic analysis reveals upregulation of proteins downstream of MEK1, associated with enhanced markers of proliferation, diminished apoptosis, alterations in cell-fate determination, cell-cell interactions, and tight junctions. This novel model provides new insights into intestinal homeostasis and carcinogenesis.
Understanding chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis and strategies to improve gut resilience
Authors: Sougiannis Alexander T. , VanderVeen Brandon N. , Davis J. Mark , Fan Daping , Murphy E. Angela
Published: January 2021

Intestinal mucositis, or damage to the intestinal mucosa, is a common side effect of chemotherapy. In this review, we describe the pathobiology of intestinal mucositis that is associated with chemotherapy treatments. In addition, we discuss the efficacy of several potential therapeutic strategies that have shown some potential in alleviating chemotherapies’ off-target effects.
Stromal DLK1 promotes proliferation and inhibits differentiation of the intestinal epithelium during development
Authors: Ichinose Mari , Suzuki Nobumi , Wang Tongtong , Wright Josephine A. , Lannagan Tamsin R. M. , Vrbanac Laura , Kobayashi Hiroki , Gieniec Krystyna A. , Ng Jia Q. , Hayakawa Yoku , García-Gallastegui Patricia , Monsalve Eva M. , Bauer Steven R. , Laborda Jorge , García-Ramírez J. J. , Ibarretxe Gaskon , Worthley Daniel L. , Woods Susan L.
Published: January 2021

Using a novel coculture system, transcriptomics, and transgenic mice, we investigated differential molecular signaling between the intestinal epithelium and mesenchyme during development and in the adult. We show that the Notch pathway factor delta-like protein-1 (DLK1) is stromally produced during development and uncover a new role for DLK1 in the regulation of intestinal epithelial stem/precursor expansion and differentiation to secretory lineages.
Modulation of saccade trajectories during sequential saccades
Authors: Azadi Reza , Zhu Elizabeth Y. , McPeek Robert M.
Published: January 2021

We show that in saccade sequences, saccade trajectory is modulated in the direction of the preceding saccade and away from the following saccade. The magnitude of this effect is correlated with preceding and following saccade amplitude. This confirms that programming of sequential saccades overlaps. Curvature is also correlated with the deviation of saccade start and end points. Thus, we propose a novel benefit for the modulation of saccade trajectories: minimizing end point error in sequential saccades.
S1P Signaling Pathways in Pathogenesis of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: He Qiong , Bo Jiaqi , Shen Ruihua , Li Yan , Zhang Yi , Zhang Jiaxin , Yang Jing , Liu Yunfeng
Published: January 2021

The pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is very complicated. The currently well-accepted etiology is the “Ominous Octet” theory proposed by Professor Defronzo. Since presently used drugs for T2DM have limitations and harmful side effects, studies regarding alternative treatments are being conducted. Analyzing the pharmacological mechanism of biomolecules in view of pathogenesis is an effective way to assess new drugs. Sphingosine 1 phosphate (S1P), an endogenous lipid substance in the human body, has attracted increasing attention in the T2DM research field. This article reviews recent study updates of S1P, summarizing its effects on T2DM with respect to pathogenesis, promoting β cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis, reducing insulin resistance, protecting the liver and pancreas from lipotoxic damage, improving intestinal incretin effects, lowering basal glucagon levels, etc. With increasing research, S1P may help treat and prevent T2DM in the future.
DVH Prediction for VMAT in NPC with GRU‐RNN: An Improved Method by Considering Biological Effects
Authors: Zhuang Yongdong , Xie Yaoqin , Wang Luhua , Huang Shaomin , Chen Li-Xin , Wang Yuenan
Published: January 2021

Purpose. A recurrent neural network (RNN) and its variants such as gated recurrent unit‐based RNN (GRU‐RNN) were found to be very suitable for dose‐volume histogram (DVH) prediction in our previously published work. Using the dosimetric information generated by nonmodulated beams of different orientations, the GRU‐RNN model was capable of accurate DVH prediction for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treatment planning. On the basis of our previous work, we proposed an improved approach and aimed to further improve the DVH prediction accuracy as well as study the feasibility of applying the proposed method to relatively small‐size patient data. Methods. Eighty NPC volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans with local IRB’s approval in recent two years were retrospectively and randomly selected in this study. All these original plans were created using the Eclipse treatment planning system (V13.5, Varian Medical Systems, USA) with ≥95% of PGTVnx receiving the prescribed doses of 70 Gy, ≥95% of PGTVnd receiving 66 Gy, and ≥95% of PTV receiving 60 Gy. Among them, fifty plans were used to train the DVH prediction model, and the remaining were used for testing. On the basis of our previously published work, we simplified the 3‐layer GRU‐RNN model to a single‐layer model and further trained every organ at risk (OAR) separately with an OAR‐specific equivalent uniform dose‐ (EUD‐) based loss function. Results. The results of linear least squares regression obtained by the new proposed method showed the excellent agreements between the predictions and the original plans with the correlation coefficient r = 0.976 and 0.968 for EUD results and maximum dose results, respectively, and the coefficient r of our previously published method was 0.957 and 0.946, respectively. The Wilcoxon signed‐rank test results between the proposed and the previous work showed that the proposed method could significantly improve the EUD prediction accuracy for the brainstem, spinal cord, and temporal lobes with a p value < 0.01. Conclusions. The accuracy of DVH prediction achieved in different OARs showed the great improvements compared to the previous works, and more importantly, the effectiveness and robustness showed by the simplified GRU‐RNN trained from relatively small‐size DVH samples, fully demonstrated the feasibility of applying the proposed method to small‐size patient data. Excellent agreements in both EUD results and maximum dose results between the predictions and original plans indicated the application prospect in a physically and biologically related (or a mixture of both) model for treatment planning.
Aluminum-Induced Alterations in Purinergic System Parameters of BV-2 Brain Microglial Cells
Authors: Assmann Charles Elias , Mostardeiro Vitor Bastianello , Weis Grazielle Castagna Cezimbra , Reichert Karine Paula , de Oliveira Alves Audrei , Miron Vanessa Valéria , Bagatini Margarete Dulce , Palma Taís Vidal , de Andrade Cinthia Melazzo , Pillat Micheli Mainardi , Carvalho Fabiano Barbosa , Reschke Cristina Ruedell , da Cruz Ivana Beatrice Mânica , Schetinger Maria Rosa Chitolina , Morsch Vera Maria Melchiors
Published: January 2021

Aluminum (Al) is ubiquitously present in the environment and known to be a neurotoxin for humans. The trivalent free Al anion (Al3+) can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), accumulate in the brain, and elicit harmful effects to the central nervous system (CNS) cells. Thus, evidence has suggested that Al increases the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Purinergic signaling has been shown to play a role in several neurological conditions as it can modulate the functioning of several cell types, such as microglial cells, the main resident immune cells of the CNS. However, Al effects on microglial cells and the role of the purinergic system remain elusive. Based on this background, this study is aimed at assessing the modulation of Al on purinergic system parameters of microglial cells. An in vitro study was performed using brain microglial cells exposed to Al chloride (AlCl3) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 96 h. The uptake of Al, metabolism of nucleotides (ATP, ADP, and AMP) and nucleoside (adenosine), and the gene expression and protein density of purinoceptors were investigated. The results showed that both Al and LPS increased the breakdown of adenosine, whereas they decreased nucleotide hydrolysis. Furthermore, the findings revealed that both Al and LPS triggered an increase in gene expression and protein density of P2X7R and A2AR receptors, whereas reduced the A1R receptor expression and density. Taken together, the results showed that Al and LPS altered the setup of the purinergic system of microglial cells. Thus, this study provides new insights into the involvement of the purinergic system in the mechanisms underlying Al toxicity in microglial cells.
Progress in Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Periprosthetic Joint Infection
Authors: Wang Kai , Li Wei , Liu Huayu , Yang Yang , Lv Lingyun
Published: January 2021

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after joint replacement surgery is a severe complication associated with high morbidity and increased treatment costs. More than 25% of joint implant failures are attributed to PJI. PJI diagnosis and treatment methods have substantially improved in recent years. However, the prevalence of PJI remains high, primarily due to the increased prevalences of obesity, diabetes, and other underlying conditions. Moreover, increasing elderly prefers to total joint replacement surgery. However, due to frailty and comorbidities, most are at increased risk of infectious arthritis and artificial joint infection (PJI). Therefore, PJI management for the elderly requires multilevel and multiangle intervention. In this review, we summarize the risk factors and diagnostic methods currently available for PJI and discuss the current PJI prevention and treatment interventions, especially the management in older adults.
Yeast Fermentate Prebiotic Ameliorates Allergic Asthma, Associating with Inhibiting Inflammation and Reducing Oxidative Stress Level through Suppressing Autophagy
Authors: Gong Subo , Ji Xiaoying , Su Jing , Wang Yina , Yan Xianghong , Wang Guyi , Xiao Bin , Dong Haiyun , Xiang Xudong , Liu Shaokun
Published: January 2021

Background and Purpose. Allergic asthma, a respiratory disease with high morbidity and mortality, is reported to be related to the airway allergic inflammation and autophagy-induced oxidative stress. Although the therapeutic effects of fermentate prebiotic (YFP) on allergic asthma have been widely claimed, the underlying mechanism is still unclear. This study is aimed at investigating the possible mechanism for the antiasthma property of YFP in a mouse model. Methods. Ovalbumin was used to induce allergic asthma following administration of YFP for one week in mice, to collect the lung tissues, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BLFA), and feces. The pathological state, tight-junction proteins, inflammatory and oxidative stress-associated biomarkers, and TLRs/NF-κB signaling pathway of the lung tissues were evaluated by HE staining, immunofluorescence, ELISA, and WB, separately. RT-PCR was used to test oxidative stress-associated genes. Leukocyte counts of BLFA and intestinal microbiota were also analyzed using a hemocytometer and 16S rDNA-sequencing, separately. Result. YFP ameliorated the lung injury of the mouse asthma model by inhibiting peribronchial and perivascular infiltrations of eosinophils and increasing tight-junction protein expression. YFP inhibited the decrease in the number of BALF leukocytes and expression of inflammatory-related genes and reversed OVA-induced TLRs/NF-κB signaling pathway activation. YFP ameliorated the level of oxidative stress in the lung of the mouse asthma model by inhibiting MDA and promoting the protein level of GSH-PX, SOD, CAT, and oxidative-related genes. ATG5, Beclin1, and LC3BII/I were significantly upregulated in asthma mice, which were greatly suppressed by the introduction of YFP, indicating that YFP ameliorated the autophagy in the lung of the mouse asthma model. Lastly, the distribution of bacterial species was slightly changed by YFP in asthma mice, with a significant difference in the relative abundance of 6 major bacterial species between the asthma and YFP groups. Conclusion. Our research showed that YFP might exert antiasthmatic effects by inhibiting airway allergic inflammation and oxidative stress level through suppressing autophagy.
Research on 2.4 GHz Wireless Channel Propagation Characteristics in a Steel Ship Cabin
Authors: Tu Wanli , Xu Hong , Xu Yiqun , Ye Qiubo , Shen Mingxian
Published: January 2021

Wireless sensor network (WSN) has become a popular technology and has a good potential application in naval architecture and marine engineering field. Analysis of transmission ability of wireless signal in steel ship environment is important for network deployment including base station and node installation, which would directly impact network performance and has become a hot research field. This paper investigates 2.4 GHz frequency wireless signal propagation characteristics in the steel ship cabin. A 3D ray-tracing model of 2.4 GHz wave propagation in the ship cabin is established, a multipath propagation prediction is carried on, and receiving power is calculated. Besides, the experimental test is performed in the real ship. The simulated and experimental results are processed and compared; the influence law of large obstacles on the signal is discussed, and the guidance scheme for node and base station deployment of the wireless sensor network is proposed. The results show that this analysis could provide valid interpretation of wireless channel propagation characteristics in steel ships.
Analyzing the Dynamic Data Sponsoring in the Case of Competing Internet Service Providers and Content Providers
Authors: El Amrani Mohamed , Garmani Hamid , Ait Omar Driss , Baslam Mohamed , Minaoui Brahim
Published: January 2021

With a sponsored content plan on the Internet market, a content provider (CP) negotiates with the Internet service providers (ISPs) on behalf of the end-users to remove the network subscription fees. In this work, we have studied the impact of data sponsoring plans on the decision-making strategies of the ISPs and the CPs in the telecommunications market. We develop game-theoretic models to study the interaction between providers (CPs and ISPs), where the CPs sponsor content. We formulate the interactions between the ISPs and between the CPs as a noncooperative game. We have shown the existence and uniqueness of the Nash equilibrium. We used the best response dynamic algorithm for learning the Nash equilibrium. Finally, extensive simulations show the convergence of a proposed schema to the Nash equilibrium and show the effect of the sponsoring content on providers’ policies.
Shaking Table Tests for Seismic Response of Orthogonal Overlapped Tunnel under Horizontal Seismic Loading
Authors: Wu Honggang , Lei Hao , Lai Tianwen
Published: January 2021

This paper presents the seismic dynamic response and spectrum characteristics of an orthogonal overlapped tunnel by shaking table tests. First, a prototype of the engineering and shaking table test device, which was used to design details of the experiment, was developed. Then, the sensors used in the test were selected, and the measurement points were arranged. Subsequently, the Wenchuan seismic wave with horizontal direction in different peak ground accelerations was inputted into the model, followed by a short analysis of the seismic response of the overlapped tunnel in the shaking table test as well as the distribution of the peak acceleration. Throughout the studies, the model exhibited obvious deformation stages during the seismic wave loading process, which can be divided into elastic, plastic, plastic enhancement, and failure stage. In particular, the time‐ and frequency‐domain characteristics of the key parts of the tunnel were discussed in detail by using the continuous wavelet transform (CWT) based on the Morlet wavelet as the basis function. We found that the acceleration response was more intense within 25–60 s after the seismic wave was inputted. Furthermore, owing to “the superposition effect,” the seismic response at the crown of the under‐crossing tunnel was stronger than that at the invert of the upper‐span tunnel. The low and medium frequencies in the transformation of small scales (5–20) significantly affected the overlapped tunnel. These results elucidate the seismic dynamic response of the overlapped tunnel and provide guidance for the design of stabilizing structures for reinforcing tunnels against earthquakes.
A Camouflage Text-Based Password Approach for Mobile Devices against Shoulder-Surfing Attack
Authors: Alsuhibany Suliman A.
Published: January 2021

Authentication in mobile devices is inherently vulnerable to attacks and has the weakness of being susceptible to shoulder-surfing attack. Shoulder-surfing attack is a type of attack that uses direct observation techniques such as looking over someone’s shoulder to get information. This paper aims to introduce a novel way of concealing the password within a contingent of randomly selected entries. In particular, the traditional password concept where what you input is what you get is redefined by proposing the camouflage characters approach. Based on this approach, three defensive techniques are introduced for mobile devices. By using an Android platform, the introduced techniques are implemented. Experimental studies are conducted in order to evaluate both security and usability perspectives. The empirical results showed that the proposed approach is reasonably resistant against shoulder-surfing attacks and usable for participants. Moreover, it is possible to choose very short passwords, while insuring that the password remains hidden amongst a large number of key presses. Based on the achieved results, the proposed approach is recommended to be a new avenue in the field of security to produce very simple and yet very complicated passwords, to be observed by the attacker, at the same time.
ECG Markers of Cardiovascular Toxicity in Adult and Pediatric Cancer Treatment
Authors: Spînu Ștefan , Cismaru Gabriel , Boarescu Paul-Mihai , Istratoaie Sabina , Negru Alina Gabriela , Lazea Cecilia , Căinap Simona Sorana , Iacob Daniela , Grosu Alin Ionut , Saraci George , Burz Claudia , Cismaru Andrei Cosmin
Published: January 2021

When a cardiologist is asked to evaluate the cardiac toxic effects of chemotherapy, he/she can use several tools: ECG, echocardiography, coronary angiography, ventriculography, and cardiac MRI. Of all these, the fastest and easiest to use is the ECG, which can provide information on the occurrence of cardiac toxic effects and can show early signs of subclinical cardiac damage. These warning signs are the most desired to be recognized by the cardiologist, because the dose of chemotherapeutics can be adjusted so that the clinical side effects do not occur, or the therapy can be stopped in time, before irreversible side effects. This review addresses the problem of early detection of cardiotoxicity in adult and pediatric cancer treatment, by using simple ECG recordings.
Clinical Outcomes of “U” Route Transforaminal Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy in Chronic Pain Patients with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Combined with Disc Herniation
Authors: Wu Binbin , Tian Xinyi , Shi Ce , Jiang Chenchen , Zhang Jing , Zhan Gonghao , Xie Danli
Published: January 2021

Introduction. “U” route transforaminal percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) was introduced for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) combined with disc herniation (DH) treatment. This study aims to explore the efficacy and safety of “U” route PELD on chronic pain patients with LSS combined with DH. Methods. Degenerative LSS combined with DH patients who underwent “U” route PELD were reexamined, and 80 patients were recruited and followed up for 2 years. The other 80 healthy individuals who were age- and sex-matched to the patients without chronic pain were enrolled as healthy controls. Minimum dura sac cross-sectional area (mDCSA) by MRI, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and modified MacNab outcomes were assessed. Emotional evaluation of pain catastrophizing and depression was documented with Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), respectively, for patients before and after surgery and healthy individuals. Results . All patients were of the age range from 47 to 85 years, with an average of 59.5 ± 9.76 years. Symptoms duration was 114.6 ± 22.77 months, operation time was 87.7 ± 25.20 minutes, and the average hospital stay was 5.8 ± 2.81 days. Four patients quit, and hence, a total of 76 patients completed the follow-up. The results indicated that mDCSA was improved significantly after operation (

p
<
0.001

), either low back and leg VAS or ODI decreased over time (

p
<
0.001

), and the excellent-to-good rate was improved from 88.75% to 93.42% during postoperative 2 years (

p
<
0.05

). Complications of dural tear, nerve root, or dysesthesia were reported in 5 patients, and all recovered after conservative therapy. The scores of pain catastrophizing were reduced after operation (

p
<
0.001

), but no significance of BDI was found between patients and healthy controls (

p
>
0.05

). Conclusions. The “U” route PELD seems an alternative to LSS combined with DH treatment, which might reach a better decompression and effectively improve chronic pain conditions. Still, the complications were potential and required further consideration.