bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Immunotherapy Has Changed the Continuum of Care in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Martini Giulia , Ciardiello Davide , Paragliola Fernando , Nacca Valeria , Santaniello Walter , Urraro Fabrizio , Stanzione Maria , Niosi Marco , Dallio Marcello , Federico Alessandro , Selvaggi Francesco , Della Corte Carminia Maria , Napolitano Stefania , Ciardiello Fortunato , Martinelli Erika
Published: September 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The use of local treatment, such as surgical resection, liver transplant, and local ablation, has improved the survival of patients with HCC detected at an early stage. Until recently, the treatment of patients with metastatic disease was limited to the use of the multikinase inhibitor (MKI) sorafenib with a marginal effect on survival outcome. New target approaches, such as the oral MKI lenvatinib in first-line treatment and regorafenib, ramucirumab, and cabozantinib in later lines of therapy, have demonstrated efficacy in patients with preserved liver function (Child–Pugh class A) and good performance status. On the other hand, the implementation of immune checkpoint inhibitors directed against PD-1 (nivolumab and pembrolizumab), PD-L1 (atezolizumab), and anti-CTLA4 (ipilimumab) in the management of advanced HCC has strongly changed the continuum of care of HCC. Future research should include the evaluation of molecular biomarkers that can help patient selection and provide new insight on potential combined approaches. In this review, we provide an overview of the clinical evidence of the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in HCC, and discuss how immunotherapy has been implemented into the continuum of HCC care.
Synthesis of Linoleic Acid 13-Hydroperoxides from Safflower Oil Utilizing Lipoxygenase in a Coupled Enzyme System with In-Situ Oxygen Generation
Authors: Gala Marti Valentin , Coenen Anna , Schörken Ulrich
Published: September 2021

Linoleic acid hydroperoxides are versatile intermediates for the production of green note aroma compounds and bifunctional ω-oxo-acids. An enzyme cascade consisting of lipoxygenase, lipase and catalase was developed for one-pot synthesis of 13-hydroperoxyoctadecadienoic acid starting from safflower oil. Reaction conditions were optimized for hydroperoxidation using lipoxygenase 1 from Glycine max (LOX-1) in a solvent-free system. The addition of green surfactant Triton CG-110 improved the reaction more than two-fold and yields of >50% were obtained at linoleic acid concentrations up to 100 mM. To combine hydroperoxidation and oil hydrolysis, 12 lipases were screened for safflower oil hydrolysis under the reaction conditions optimized for LOX-1. Lipases from Candida rugosa and Pseudomonas fluorescens were able to hydrolyze safflower oil to >75% within 5 h at a pH of 8.0. In contrast to C. rugosa lipase, the enzyme from P. fluorescens did not exhibit a lag phase. Combination of P. fluorescens lipase and LOX-1 worked well upon LOX-1 dosage and a synergistic effect was observed leading to >80% of hydroperoxides. Catalase from Micrococcus lysodeikticus was used for in-situ oxygen production with continuous H2O2 dosage in the LOX-1/lipase reaction system. Foam generation was significantly reduced in the 3-enzyme cascade in comparison to the aerated reaction system. Safflower oil concentration was increased up to 300 mM linoleic acid equivalent and 13-hydroperoxides could be produced in a yield of 70 g/L and a regioselectivity of 90% within 7 h.
Inducible Pluripotent Stem Cells to Model and Treat Inherited Degenerative Diseases of the Outer Retina: 3D-Organoids Limitations and Bioengineering Solutions
Authors: Andreazzoli Massimiliano , Barravecchia Ivana , De Cesari Chiara , Angeloni Debora , Demontis Gian Carlo
Published: September 2021

Inherited retinal degenerations (IRD) affecting either photoreceptors or pigment epithelial cells cause progressive visual loss and severe disability, up to complete blindness. Retinal organoids (ROs) technologies opened up the development of human inducible pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) for disease modeling and replacement therapies. However, hiPSC-derived ROs applications to IRD presently display limited maturation and functionality, with most photoreceptors lacking well-developed outer segments (OS) and light responsiveness comparable to their adult retinal counterparts. In this review, we address for the first time the microenvironment where OS mature, i.e., the subretinal space (SRS), and discuss SRS role in photoreceptors metabolic reprogramming required for OS generation. We also address bioengineering issues to improve culture systems proficiency to promote OS maturation in hiPSC-derived ROs. This issue is crucial, as satisfying the demanding metabolic needs of photoreceptors may unleash hiPSC-derived ROs full potential for disease modeling, drug development, and replacement therapies.
Assessment of Nitrate Removal Capacity of Two Selected Eukaryotic Green Microalgae
Authors: Rani Vaishali , Maróti Gergely
Published: September 2021

Eutrophication is a leading problem in water bodies all around the world in which nitrate is one of the major contributors. The present study was conducted to study the effects of various concentrations of nitrate on two eukaryotic green microalgae, Chlamydomonas sp. MACC-216 and Chlorella sp. MACC-360. For this purpose, both microalgae were grown in a modified tris-acetate-phosphate medium (TAP-M) with three different concentrations of sodium nitrate, i.e., 5 mM (TAP-M5), 10 mM (TAP-M10) and 15 mM (TAP-M15), for 6 days and it was observed that both microalgae were able to remove nitrate completely from the TAP-M5 medium. Total amount of pigments decreased with the increasing concentration of nitrate, whereas protein and carbohydrate contents remained unaffected. High nitrate concentration (15 mM) led to an increase in lipids in Chlamydomonas sp. MACC-216, but not in Chlorella sp. MACC-360. Furthermore, Chlamydomonas sp. MACC-216 and Chlorella sp. MACC-360 were cultivated for 6 days in synthetic wastewater (SWW) with varying concentrations of nitrate where both microalgae grew well and showed an adequate nitrate removal capacity.
Formation of Non-Nucleoplasmic Proteasome Foci during the Late Stage of Hyperosmotic Stress
Authors: Lee Jeeyoung , Le Ly Thi Huong Luu , Kim Eunkyoung , Lee Min Jae
Published: September 2021

Cellular stress induces the formation of membraneless protein condensates in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. The nucleocytoplasmic transport of proteins mainly occurs through nuclear pore complexes (NPCs), whose efficiency is affected by various stress conditions. Here, we report that hyperosmotic stress compartmentalizes nuclear 26S proteasomes into dense nuclear foci, independent of signaling cascades. Most of the proteasome foci were detected between the condensed chromatin mass and inner nuclear membrane. The proteasome-positive puncta were not colocalized with other types of nuclear bodies and were reversibly dispersed when cells were returned to the isotonic medium. The structural integrity of 26S proteasomes in the nucleus was slightly affected under the hyperosmotic condition. We also found that these insulator-body-like proteasome foci were possibly formed through disrupted nucleus-to-cytosol transport, which was mediated by the sequestration of NPC components into osmostress-responding stress granules. These data suggest that phase separation in both the nucleus and cytosol may be a major cell survival mechanism during hyperosmotic stress conditions.
Glucagon Potentiates Insulin Secretion Via β-Cell GCGR at Physiological Concentrations of Glucose
Authors: Zhang Yulin , Han Chengsheng , Zhu Wenzhen , Yang Guoyi , Peng Xiaohong , Mehta Sohum , Zhang Jin , Chen Liangyi , Liu Yanmei
Published: September 2021

Incretin-potentiated glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) is critical to maintaining euglycemia, of which GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) on β-cells plays an indispensable role. Recently, α-cell-derived glucagon but not intestine-derived GLP-1 has been proposed as the critical hormone that potentiates GSIS via GLP-1R. However, the function of glucagon receptors (GCGR) on β-cells remains elusive. Here, using GCGR or GLP-1R antagonists, in combination with glucagon, to treat single β-cells, α-β cell clusters and isolated islets, we found that glucagon potentiates insulin secretion via β-cell GCGR at physiological but not high concentrations of glucose. Furthermore, we transfected primary mouse β-cells with RAB-ICUE (a genetically encoded cAMP fluorescence indicator) to monitor cAMP level after glucose stimulation and GCGR activation. Using specific inhibitors of different adenylyl cyclase (AC) family members, we revealed that high glucose concentration or GCGR activation independently evoked cAMP elevation via AC5 in β-cells, thus high glucose stimulation bypassed GCGR in promoting insulin secretion. Additionally, we generated β-cell-specific GCGR knockout mice which glucose intolerance was more severe when fed a high-fat diet (HFD). We further found that β-cell GCGR activation promoted GSIS more than GLP-1R in HFD, indicating the critical role of GCGR in maintaining glucose homeostasis during nutrient overload.
Extended Adhesion-Sparing Liver Eversion during Kasai Portoenterostomy for Infants with Biliary Atresia
Authors: Parolini Filippo , Boroni Giovanni , Betalli Pietro , Cheli Maurizio , Pinelli Domenico , Colledan Michele , Alberti Daniele
Published: September 2021

Background: Despite the fact that Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) is the primary treatment for biliary atresia (BA), liver transplantation (LT) remains the ultimate surgery for two-thirds of these patients. Their true survival rate with the native liver reflects the original KPE and the burden of post-operative complications. We report an original modification of the adhesion-sparing liver eversion (ASLE) technique during KPE that facilitates the total native hepatectomy at time of transplantation. Methods: All consecutive patients with BA who underwent KPE at our department and subsequent LT at Paediatric Liver Transplant Centre at Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital between 2010–2018 were retrospectively enrolled. All patients underwent ASLE during KPE. Patients’ demographic data, type of KPE, total transplant time (TTT), hepatectomy time (HT), intra-operative packed red blood cells and plasma transfusions, intra- and post-operative complications were noted. Results: 44 patients were enrolled. Median TTT and HT were 337 and 57 min, respectively. The median volume of packed red blood cell transfusion was 95 mL. No patients presented bowel perforation during the procedure or in the short post-operative course. No mortality after LT was recorded. Conclusions: In addition to the well-known advantages of the standard liver eversion technique, ASLE reduces the formation of intra-abdominal adhesions, lowering significantly the risk of bowel perforation and bleeding when liver transplantation is performed for failure of KPE.
Rare Earth Elements Enhanced the Oxidation Resistance of Mo-Si-Based Alloys for High Temperature Application: A Review
Authors: Yu Laihao , Zhang Yingyi , Fu Tao , Wang Jie , Cui Kunkun , Shen Fuqiang
Published: September 2021

Traditional refractory materials such as nickel-based superalloys have been gradually unable to meet the performance requirements of advanced materials. The Mo-Si-based alloy, as a new type of high temperature structural material, has entered the vision of researchers due to its charming high temperature performance characteristics. However, its easy oxidation and even “pesting oxidation” at medium temperatures limit its further applications. In order to solve this problem, researchers have conducted large numbers of experiments and made breakthrough achievements. Based on these research results, the effects of rare earth elements like La, Hf, Ce and Y on the microstructure and oxidation behavior of Mo-Si-based alloys were systematically reviewed in the current work. Meanwhile, this paper also provided an analysis about the strengthening mechanism of rare earth elements on the oxidation behavior for Mo-Si-based alloys after discussing the oxidation process. It is shown that adding rare earth elements, on the one hand, can optimize the microstructure of the alloy, thus promoting the rapid formation of protective SiO2 scale. On the other hand, it can act as a diffusion barrier by producing stable rare earth oxides or additional protective films, which significantly enhances the oxidation resistance of the alloy. Furthermore, the research focus about the oxidation protection of Mo-Si-based alloys in the future was prospected to expand the application field.
The Structure and Property of Two Different Metal-Organic Frameworks Based on N/O-Donor Mixed Ligands
Authors: Lu Zhiqiang , Li Yanzhi , Ru Yi , Yang Shujian , Hao Chu , Zuo Mengke , Jiao Rongkai , Yao Hui
Published: September 2021

Two different metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) [Cd2(AZN)(HAZN)(btc)(Hbtc)·4H2O]·2H2O (1), and [Zn3(AZN)2(btc)2·4H2O] (2) were synthesized by the reactions of different metal salts with mixed ligands of 1-(4-(1H-imidazol-5-yl)phenyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole (AZN) and trimesic acid (H3btc). The different metal centers in the reaction condition have important impact on the resulting structures of MOFs 1 and 2. Compound 1 is a one-dimensional (1D) chain structure, while 2 features a three-dimensional (3D) framework with 3-fold interpenetration topology of Point (Schläfli) symbol of (6·82)4(62·82·102). Furthermore, the luminescent properties have been studied for MOFs 1 and 2.
Advances of Yb:CALGO Laser Crystals
Authors: Wang Hao , Pan Jing , Meng Yuan , Liu Qiang , Shen Yijie
Published: September 2021

Yb:CaGdAlO4, or Yb:CALGO, a new laser crystal, has been attracting increasing attention recently in a myriad of laser technologies. This crystal features salient thermal, spectroscopic and mechanical properties, which enable highly efficient and safe generation of continuous-wave radiations and ultrafast pulses with ever short durations. More specifically, its remarkable thermal-optic property and its high conversion efficiency allow high-power operation. Its high nonlinear coefficient facilitates study of optimized mode locking lasers. Besides, its ultrabroad and flat-top emission band benefits the generation of complex structured light with outstanding tunability. In this paper, we review the recent advances in the study of Yb:CALGO, covering its physical properties as well as its growing applications in various fields and prospect for future development.
Bandgap and Carrier Dynamic Controls in CsPbBr3 Nanocrystals Encapsulated in Polydimethylsiloxane
Authors: Liao Lianxing , Quan Kunhua , Bin Xiangshi , Zeng Ruosheng , Lin Tao
Published: September 2021

Bandgap tunability through ion substitution is a key feature of lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (LHP-NCs). However, the low stability and low luminescent performance of CsPbCl3 hinder their full-color applications. In this work, quantum confinement effect (QCE) was utilized to control the bandgap of CsPbBr3 NCs instead of using unstable CsPbCl3, which possess much higher emission efficiency in blue spectra region. Studies of microstructures, optical spectra and carrier dynamics revealed that tuning the reaction temperature was an effective way of controlling the NC sizes as well as QCE. Furthermore, the obtained CsPbBr3 NCs were encapsulated in a PDMS matrix while maintaining their size distribution and quantum-confined optoelectronic properties. The encapsulated samples showed long-term air and water stability. These results provide valuable guidance for both applications of LHP-NCs and principal investigation related to the carrier transition in LHP-NCs.
Crystalline S-Layer Protein Monolayers Induce Water Turbulences on the Nanometer Scale
Authors: Tscheliessnig Rupert , Breitwieser Andreas , Sleytr Uwe B. , Pum Dietmar
Published: September 2021

Bacterial surface layers (S-layers) have been observed as the outermost cell envelope component in a wide range of bacteria and most archaea. They are one of the most common prokaryotic cell surface structures and cover the cells completely. It is assumed that S-layers provide selection advantages to prokaryotic cells in their natural habitats since they act as protective envelopes, as structures involved in cell adhesion and surface recognition, as molecular or ion traps, and as molecular sieves in the ultrafiltration range. In order to contribute to the question of the function of S-layers for the cell, we merged high-resolution cryo-EM and small-angle X-ray scattering datasets to build a coarse-grained functional model of the S-layer protein SbpA from Lysinibacillus sphaericus ATCC 4525. We applied the Navier–Stokes and the Poisson equations for a 2D section through the pore region in the self-assembled SbpA lattice. We calculated the flow field of water, the vorticity, the electrostatic potential, and the electric field of the coarse-grained model. From calculated local changes in the flow profile, evidence is provided that both the characteristic rigidity of the S-layer and the charge distribution determine its rheological properties. The strength of turbulence and pressure near the S-layer surface in the range of 10 to 50 nm thus support our hypothesis that the S-layer, due to its highly ordered repetitive crystalline structure, not only increases the exchange rate of metabolites but is also responsible for the remarkable antifouling properties of the cell surface. In this context, studies on the structure, assembly and function of S-layer proteins are promising for various applications in nanobiotechnology, biomimetics, biomedicine, and molecular nanotechnology.
Impact of Bias Temperature Instabilities on the Performance of Logic Inverter Circuits Using Different SiC Transistor Technologies
Authors: Hernandez Yoanlys , Stampfer Bernhard , Grasser Tibor , Waltl Michael
Published: September 2021

All electronic devices, in this case, SiC MOS transistors, are exposed to aging mechanisms and variability issues, that can affect the performance and stable operation of circuits. To describe the behavior of the devices for circuit simulations, physical models which capture the degradation of the devices are required. Typically compact models based on closed-form mathematical expressions are often used for circuit analysis, however, such models are typically not very accurate. In this work, we make use of physical reliability models and apply them for aging simulations of pseudo-CMOS logic inverter circuits. The model employed is available via our reliability simulator Comphy and is calibrated to evaluate the impact of bias temperature instability (BTI) degradation phenomena on the inverter circuit’s performance made from commercial SiC power MOSFETs. Using Spice simulations, we extract the propagation delay time of inverter circuits, taking into account the threshold voltage drift of the transistors with stress time under DC and AC operating conditions. To achieve the highest level of accuracy for our evaluation we also consider the recovery of the devices during low bias phases of AC signals, which is often neglected in existing approaches. Based on the propagation delay time distribution, the importance of a suitable physical defect model to precisely analyze the circuit operation is discussed in this work too.
Radiation-Induced Emesis (RIE) in Extended-Field Radiotherapy for Gynecological Malignancies: Dosimetric and Non-Dosimetric Factors
Authors: Wang Yu-Ming , Chen Yi-Fan , Lee Pei-Yi , Ho Meng-Wei , Huang Eng-Yen
Published: September 2021

Radiation-induced emesis (RIE) is usually noted during abdominal-pelvic radiotherapy. In gynecological malignancies, it is usually noted in para-aortic but not whole-pelvic irradiation. Irradiated small bowel (SB) may be associated with RIE. The significance of SB dosimetry remains unclear. Dosimetric and non-dosimetric factors were evaluated and correlated with RIE in 45 patients with gynecological malignancies undergoing extended-field radiotherapy (EFRT) (median 45 Gy) from 2006 to 2021. Early-onset RIE (within 72 h after the first fraction of EFRT) was noted in 10 of 12 RIE patients. RIE was significantly associated with the SB mean dose. The RIE rates were 58.3% and 15.2% (p = 0.007) in patients with a low (<63%) and high (≥63%) SB mean dose. Logistic regression revealed that the SB mean dose remained the independent factor of overall RIE (p = 0.049) and early-onset RIE (p = 0.014). Therefore, constraint of the SB mean dose limited to less than 63% of the prescribed dose is suggested to decrease RIE.
Report from the 21st Annual Western Canadian Gastrointestinal Cancer Consensus Conference; Calgary, Alberta; 20–21 September 2019
Authors: Lee-Ying Richard , Ahmed Osama , Ahmed Shahid , Ahmed Shahida , Bathe Oliver F. , Brunet Bryan , Dawson Laura , Davies Janine , Gordon Valerie , Hebbard Pamela , Kasnik Jessica , Kim Christina A. , Le Duc , Lee Michael K. C. , Lim Howard , McGhie John Paul , Mulder Karen , Park Jason , Renouf Daniel , Tam Vincent , Visser Robin , Wong Ralph P. W. , Zaidi Adnan , Doll Corinne
Published: September 2021

The 21st annual Western Canadian Gastrointestinal Cancer Consensus Conference (WCGCCC) was held in Calgary, Alberta, 20–21 September 2019. The WCGCCC is an interactive multi-disciplinary conference attended by health care professionals from across Western Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba) involved in the care of patients with gastrointestinal cancer. Surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, and allied health care professionals such as dietitians and nurses participated in presentation and discussion sessions to develop the recommendations presented here. This consensus statement addresses current issues in the management of hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) cancers.
Focal Parenchymal Atrophy of the Pancreas Is Frequently Observed on Pre-Diagnostic Computed Tomography in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Miura Shin , Takikawa Tetsuya , Kikuta Kazuhiro , Hamada Shin , Kume Kiyoshi , Yoshida Naoki , Tanaka Yu , Matsumoto Ryotaro , Ikeda Mio , Kataoka Fumiya , Sasaki Akira , Hatta Waku , Inoue Jun , Masamune Atsushi
Published: September 2021

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) accounts for the majority of all pancreatic cancers and is highly lethal. Focal parenchymal atrophy (FPA) of the pancreas has been reported as a characteristic imaging finding of early PDAC. Here, we reviewed 76 patients with PDAC who underwent computed tomography (CT) between 6 months and 3 years before PDAC diagnosis, as well as 76 sex- and age-matched controls without PDAC on CT examinations separated by at least 5 years. FPA was observed corresponding to the location of the subsequent tumor on pre-diagnostic CT in 14/44 (31.8%) patients between 6 months and 1 year, 14/51 (27.5%) patients between 1 and 2 years, and 9/41 (22.0%) patients between 2 and 3 years before PDAC diagnosis. Overall, FPA was more frequently observed in patients with PDAC (26/76; 34.2%) on pre-diagnostic CT than that in controls (3/76; 3.9%) (p < 0.001). FPA was observed before the appearance of cut-off/dilatation of the main pancreatic duct, suggesting that FPA might be the earliest sign of PDAC. FPA was less frequently found in tumors in the pancreatic head (3/27; 11.1%) than in those in the body (14/30; 46.7%) or tail (9/19; 47.4%). FPA may predict the subsequent PDAC diagnosis, serving as an important imaging sign for the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
Evaluation of Two Serological Assays for Diagnosing Zika Virus Infection
Authors: Loyola Steev , Huaman Alfredo , Popuche Dina , Castillo Elizabeth , Ampuero Julia S. , Silva Maria , Guevara Carolina , Watts Douglas M.
Published: September 2021

Zika virus (ZIKV) emerged and spread rapidly in South American countries during 2015. Efforts to diagnose ZIKV infection using serological tools were challenging in dengue-endemic areas because of antigenic similarities between both viruses. Here, we assessed the performance of an in-house developed IgM antibody capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (MAC-ELISA) and the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) to diagnose ZIKV infection. Acute and convalescent paired serum samples from 51 patients who presented with clinical symptoms suggestive of an arbovirus illness in dengue-endemic areas of Honduras, Venezuela, Colombia and Peru were used in the assessment. Samples were tested for ZIKV, dengue and chikungunya virus using a variety of laboratory techniques. The results for the ZIKV-RNA screening and seroconversion detected by the microneutralization test were used to construct a composite reference standard. The overall sensitivity and specificity for the MAC-ELISA were 93.5% and 100.0%, respectively. Contrastingly, the overall sensitivity and specificity for the PRNT were 96.8% and 95.0%, respectively. Restricting the analysis according to IgM or neutralizing antibodies against dengue, the performances of both serological assays were adequate. The findings of this study reveal that the MAC-ELISA and PRNT would provide initial reliable laboratory diagnostic assays for ZIKV infection in dengue-endemic areas.
Quantitative Image Quality Metrics of the Low-Dose 2D/3D Slot Scanner Compared to Two Conventional Digital Radiography X-ray Imaging Systems
Authors: Abdi Ahmed Jibril , Mussmann Bo R. , Mackenzie Alistair , Gerke Oke , Klaerke Benedikte , Andersen Poul Erik
Published: September 2021

The aim of this study was to determine the quantitative image quality metrics of the low-dose 2D/3D EOS slot scanner X-ray imaging system (LDSS) compared with conventional digital radiography (DR) X-ray imaging systems. The effective detective quantum efficiency (eDQE) and effective noise quantum equivalent (eNEQ) were measured using chest and knee protocols. Methods: A Nationwide Evaluation of X-ray Trends (NEXT) of a chest adult phantom and a PolyMethylmethacrylate (PMMA) phantom were used for the chest and knee protocols, respectively. Quantitative image quality metrics, including effective normalised noise power spectrum (eNNPS), effective modulation transfer function (eMTF), eDQE and eNEQ of the LDSS and DR imaging systems were assessed and compared. Results: In the chest acquisition, the LDSS imaging system achieved significantly higher eNEQ and eDQE than the DR imaging systems at lower and higher spatial frequencies (0.001 ≤ p ≤ 0.044). For the knee acquisition, the LDSS imaging system also achieved significantly higher eNEQ and eDQE than the DR imaging systems at lower and higher spatial frequencies (0.001 ≤ p ≤ 0.002). However, there was no significant difference in eNEQ and eDQE between DR systems 1 and 2 at lower and higher spatial frequencies (0.10 < p < 1.00) for either chest or knee protocols. Conclusion: The LDSS imaging system performed well compared to the DR systems. Thus, we have demonstrated that the LDSS imaging system has the potential to be used for clinical diagnostic purposes.
Circulating miR-122-5p and miR-375 as Potential Biomarkers for Bone Mass Recovery after Parathyroidectomy in Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Lee Seunghyun , Hong Namki , Kim Yongnyun , Park Sunyoung , Kim Kyoung-Jin , Jeong Jongju , Jung Hyo-Il , Rhee Yumie
Published: September 2021

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is the leading cause of secondary osteoporosis. Although bone mineral density (BMD) tends to recover after parathyroidectomy in PHPT patients, the degree of recovery varies. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) profiles are known to be correlated with osteoporosis and fracture. We aimed to investigate whether osteoporotic fracture-related miRNAs are associated with postoperative BMD recovery in PHPT. Here, 16 previously identified osteoporotic fracture-related miRNAs were selected. We analyzed the association between the preoperative level of each miRNA and total hip (TH) BMD change. All 12 patients (among the 18 patients enrolled) were cured of PHPT after parathyroidectomy as parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcium levels were restored to the normal range. Preoperative miR-19b-3p, miR-122-5p, and miR-375 showed a negative association with the percent changes in TH BMD from baseline. The association remained robust for miR-122-5p and miR-375 even after adjusting for sex, age, PTH, and procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide levels in a multivariable model. In conclusion, preoperative circulating miR-122-5p and miR-375 levels were negatively associated with TH BMD changes after parathyroidectomy in PHPT patients. miRNAs have the potential to serve as predictive biomarkers of treatment response in PHPT patients, which merits further investigation.
Usability and Clinical Performance Characteristics of the Asante HIV1/2 Test by Trained Users in Two African Sites
Authors: Majam Mohammed , Rhagnath Naleni , Msolomba Vanessa , Singh Leanne , Urdea Michael S. , Lalla-Edward Samanta T.
Published: September 2021

HIV self-testing (HIVST) devices are acknowledged as having the potential to enable the acceleration of HIV diagnosis and linkage to care. How efficiently professional and trained users engaged with the Asante HIV-1/2 Oral Self-Test (Asante) (Sedia Biosciences, Portland, OR, USA), and the accuracy of the device in comparison to other HIV rapid diagnostic tests (RDT), was assessed to be able to guide the development and adoption of the device in Senegal and South Africa. Using convenience sampling, potential participants were recruited from catchment areas where HIV was prevalent. Trained users performed an HIV test on participants using an Oral HIVST. The professional user’s interpretation of results was then measured against the results of various other RDTs. The South African study had 1652 participants and the Senegalese, 500. Most of the participants in each study were 18–35 years old. Senegal had a higher number of females (346/500, 69.2%) compared to South Africa (699/1662, 42.1%). Asante displayed very high sensitivity and specificity when tested against other devices. In the final enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) comparison, in South Africa, the sensitivity: specificity was 99.1:99.9% and in Senegal, 98.4:100.0%. Senegal further identified 53/63 (84.1%) with HIV-1, 8/63 (12.7) with HIV-2 and 2/63 (3.2%) with HIV-1/2 co-infections. Professional or trained users’ interpretations of Asante results correlated strongly to results when using various RDTs, the ELISA assay and Western blot tests, making it a dependable HIV testing instrument.
A Deep Learning Based Approach for Patient Pulmonary CT Image Screening to Predict Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) Infection
Authors: Verma Parag , Dumka Ankur , Singh Rajesh , Ashok Alaknanda , Singh Aman , Aljahdali Hani Moaiteq , Kadry Seifedine , Rauf Hafiz Tayyab
Published: September 2021

The novel coronavirus (nCoV-2019) is responsible for the acute respiratory disease in humans known as COVID-19. This infection was found in the Wuhan and Hubei provinces of China in the month of December 2019, after which it spread all over the world. By March, 2020, this epidemic had spread to about 117 countries and its different variants continue to disturb human life all over the world, causing great damage to the economy. Through this paper, we have attempted to identify and predict the novel coronavirus from influenza-A viral cases and healthy patients without infection through applying deep learning technology over patient pulmonary computed tomography (CT) images, as well as by the model that has been evaluated. The CT image data used under this method has been collected from various radiopedia data from online sources with a total of 548 CT images, of which 232 are from 12 patients infected with COVID-19, 186 from 17 patients with influenza A virus, and 130 are from 15 healthy candidates without infection. From the results of examination of the reference data determined from the point of view of CT imaging cases in general, the accuracy of the proposed model is 79.39%. Thus, this deep learning model will help in establishing early screening of COVID-19 patients and thus prove to be an analytically robust method for clinical experts.
Impact of Governance Factors over Lecturers’ Scientific Research Output: An Empirical Evidence
Authors: Truong Hue Thi , Le Hung Manh , Do Duc Anh , Le Duc Anh , Nguyen Huyen Thi , Nguyen Thanh Kim
Published: September 2021

This study aims to determine the governance factors that influence the scientific research output of lecturers through the application of PLS-SEM, in conjunction with ANOVA and t-test. Based on a survey of 398 lecturers in twelve higher education institutions (HEIs) in Vietnam, the psychometric properties of the scales measuring the considered dimensions of scientific research outputs were initially examined through the Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) procedure, prior to being input into the PLS-SEM model. The SEM model comprised six constructs for the scientific research outputs: scientific research objectives of HEIs, leadership, decentralization, policies for lecturers, support for scientific research activities, and resources for scientific research. The results reveal that resources for scientific research have the most impact on lecturers’ scientific research output, followed by policies for lecturers, support for scientific research activities, scientific research objectives of HEIs, and finally, leadership.
Characterizing System-Level Masking Effects against Soft Errors
Authors: Ko Yohan
Published: September 2021

From early design phases to final release, the reliability of modern embedded systems against soft errors should be carefully considered. Several schemes have been proposed to protect embedded systems against soft errors, but they are neither always functional nor robust, even with expensive overhead in terms of hardware area, performance, and power consumption. Thus, system designers need to estimate reliability quantitatively to apply appropriate protection techniques for resource-constrained embedded systems. Vulnerability modeling based on lifetime analysis is one of the most efficient ways to quantify system reliability against soft errors. However, lifetime analysis can be inaccurate, mainly because it fails to comprehensively capture several system-level masking effects. This study analyzes and characterizes microarchitecture-level and software-level masking effects by developing an automated framework with exhaustive fault injections (i.e., soft errors) based on a cycle-accurate gem5 simulator. We injected faults into a register file because errors in the register file can easily be propagated to other components in a processor. We found that only 5% of injected faults can cause system failures on an average over benchmarks, mainly from the MiBench suite. Further analyses showed that 71% of soft errors are overwritten by write operations before being used, and the CPU does not use 20% of soft errors at all after fault injections. The remainder are also masked by several software-level masking effects, such as dynamically dead instructions, compare and logical instructions that do not change the result, and incorrect control flows that do not affect program outputs.
Novel Protection Coordination Scheme for Active Distribution Networks
Authors: Shaikh Muhammad Fawad , Katyara Sunny , Khand Zahid Hussain , Ali Shah Madad , Staszewski Lukasz , Bhan Veer , Majeed Abdul , Shaikh Shoaib , Zbigniew Leonowicz
Published: September 2021

Distribution networks are inherently radial and passive owing to the ease of operation and unidirectional power flow. Proper installation of Distributed Generators, on the one hand, makes the utility network active and mitigates certain power quality issues e.g., voltage dips, frequency deviations, losses, etc., but on the other hand, it disturbs the optimal coordination among existing protection devices e.g., over-current relays. In order to maintain the desired selectivity level, such that the primary and backup relays are synchronized against different contingencies, it necessitates design of intelligent and promising protection schemes to distinguish between the upstream and downstream power flows. This research proposes exploiting phase angle jump, an overlooked voltage sag parameter, to add directional element to digital over-current relays with inverse time characteristics. The decision on the direction of current is made on the basis of polarity of phase angle jump together with the impedance angle of the system. The proposed scheme at first is evaluated on a test system in a simulated environment under symmetrical and unsymmetrical faults and, secondly, as a proof of the concept, it is verified in real-time on a laboratory setup using a Power Hardware-in-loop (PHIL) system. Moreover, a comparative analysis is made with other state-of-the-art techniques to evaluate the performance and robustness of the proposed approach.
Stray Flux Multi-Sensor for Stator Fault Detection in Synchronous Machines
Authors: Irhoumah Miftah , Pusca Remus , Lefèvre Eric , Mercier David , Romary Raphael
Published: September 2021

The aim of this paper is to detect a stator inter-turn short circuit in a synchronous machine through the analysis of the external magnetic field measured by external flux sensors. The paper exploits a methodology previously developed, based on the analysis of the behavior with load variation of sensitive spectral lines issued from two flux sensors positioned at 180° from each other around the machine. Further developments to improve this method were made, in which more than two flux sensors were used to keep a good sensitivity for stator fault detection. The method is based on the Pearson correlation coefficient calculated from sensitive spectral lines at different load operating conditions. Fusion information with belief function is then applied to the correlation coefficients, which enable the detection of an incipient fault in any phase of the machine. The method has the advantage to be fully non-invasive and does not require knowledge of the healthy state.
A Systematic Review of the Use of Art in Virtual Reality
Authors: Aldridge Audrey , Bethel Cindy L.
Published: September 2021

Brain injuries can create life-altering challenges and have the potential to leave people with permanent disabilities. Art therapy is a popular method used for treating many of the disabilities that can accompany a brain injury. In a systematic review, an assessment of how art is being used in virtual reality (VR) was conducted, and the feasibility of brain injury patients to participate in virtual art therapy was investigated. Studies included in this review highlight the importance of artistic subject matter, sensory stimulation, and measurable performance outcomes for assessing the effect art therapy has on motor impairment in VR. Although there are limitations to using art therapy in a virtual environment, studies show that it can feasibly be used in virtual reality for neurorehabilitation purposes.
An Adaptive Hierarchical Sliding Mode Controller for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
Authors: Vu Quang Van , Dinh Tuan Anh , Nguyen Thien Van , Tran Hoang Viet , Le Hai Xuan , Pham Hung Van , Kim Thai Dinh , Nguyen Linh
Published: September 2021

The paper addresses a problem of efficiently controlling an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), where its typical underactuated model is considered. Due to critical uncertainties and nonlinearities in the system caused by unavoidable external disturbances such as ocean currents when it operates, it is paramount to robustly maintain motions of the vehicle over time as expected. Therefore, it is proposed to employ the hierarchical sliding mode control technique to design the closed-loop control scheme for the device. However, exactly determining parameters of the AUV control system is impractical since its nonlinearities and external disturbances can vary those parameters over time. Thus, it is proposed to exploit neural networks to develop an adaptive learning mechanism that allows the system to learn its parameters adaptively. More importantly, stability of the AUV system controlled by the proposed approach is theoretically proved to be guaranteed by the use of the Lyapunov theory. Effectiveness of the proposed control scheme was verified by the experiments implemented in a synthetic environment, where the obtained results are highly promising.
S Band Hybrid Power Amplifier in GaN Technology with Input/Output Multi Harmonic Tuned Terminations
Authors: Ghisotti Sandro , Pisa Stefano , Colantonio Paolo
Published: September 2021

In this paper, the design, fabrication, and measurements of an S band multi harmonic tuned power amplifier in GaN technology is described. The amplifier has been designed by exploiting second and third harmonic tuning conditions at both input and output ports of the active device. The amplifier has been realized in a hybrid form, and characterized in terms of small and large signal performance. An operating bandwidth of 300 MHz around 3.55 GHz, with 42.3 dBm output power, 9.3 dB power gain and 53.5% power added efficiency PAE (60% drain efficiency) at 3.7 GHz are measured.
SORT-YM: An Algorithm of Multi-Object Tracking with YOLOv4-Tiny and Motion Prediction
Authors: Wu Han , Du Chenjie , Ji Zhongping , Gao Mingyu , He Zhiwei
Published: September 2021

Multi-object tracking (MOT) is a significant and widespread research field in image processing and computer vision. The goal of the MOT task consists in predicting the complete tracklets of multiple objects in a video sequence. There are usually many challenges that degrade the performance of the algorithm in the tracking process, such as occlusion and similar objects. However, the existing MOT algorithms based on the tracking-by-detection paradigm struggle to accurately predict the location of the objects that they fail to track in complex scenes, leading to tracking performance decay, such as an increase in the number of ID switches and tracking drifts. To tackle those difficulties, in this study, we design a motion prediction strategy for predicting the location of occluded objects. Since the occluded objects may be legible in earlier frames, we utilize the speed and location of the objects in the past frames to predict the possible location of the occluded objects. In addition, to improve the tracking speed and further enhance the tracking robustness, we utilize efficient YOLOv4-tiny to produce the detections in the proposed algorithm. By using YOLOv4-tiny, the tracking speed of our proposed method improved significantly. The experimental results on two widely used public datasets show that our proposed approach has obvious advantages in tracking accuracy and speed compared with other comparison algorithms. Compared to the Deep SORT baseline, our proposed method has a significant improvement in tracking performance.
Experimental Analysis of Bi-Directional Heat Trading Operation Integrated with Heat Prosumers in Thermal Networks
Authors: Kim Min-Hwi , Kim Deuk-Won , Lee Dong-Won , Heo Jaehyeok
Published: September 2021

District cooling and heating methods that can utilize highly efficient heat pumps and various unused new and renewable types of energy are required to achieve low carbon emissions and zero energy usage in buildings and community units. The technical requirements for the implementation of decentralized thermal networks and heat trading are increasing, both for thermal networks in new buildings and for those remodeled based on existing centralized thermal networks. In this study, a conventional centralized thermal network was implemented as a decentralized thermal network and the possibility of heat prosumers feeding thermal networks was demonstrated experimentally. A real-scale plant was constructed by employing unused thermal energy facilities as prosumers in a school and childcare center based on the existing small-scale block heating and cooling thermal network. The decentralized thermal network and heat prosumer concepts were proven through operation experiments performed on the constructed system in summer and winter. An economic benefit can be achieved by increasing the peak power cost. The experimental results also showed that the proposed bi-directional heat trading reduced carbon emissions by 12.7% compared with conventional centralized thermal systems.
A Capacity Market for the Transition towards Renewable-Based Electricity Generation with Enhanced Political Feasibility
Authors: Schäfer Sebastian , Altvater Lisa
Published: September 2021

There is a debate if electricity markets on the basis of energy-only markets ensure a sufficient generation capacity. Various capacity mechanisms are discussed to tackle this potential problem. Capacity auctions with reliability options are seen as one market-based solution. Assuming a perfect energy-only market, this mechanism leads to an equilibrium with an optimal capacity mix. This optimum is missed if there are distorted price signals at the electricity market. This is a serious problem since, despite substantial cost reductions, renewable-based electricity generation still depends on subsidies, which are not internalized at electricity markets. We develop a capacity market that internalizes subsidies for RES without direct intervention in the electricity market. The result is an endogenous discrimination of capacity prices, which enhances acceptance for a capacity market. Arising incentives direct the capacity mix to an equilibrium where discriminated prices converge to one uniform capacity price. The equilibrium is the optimal answer of fossil capacity to RES-based electricity generation.
The Delay-Dependent DOFC for Damping Inter-Area Low-Frequency Oscillations in an Interconnected Power System Considering Packet Loss of Wide-Area Signals
Authors: Sun Miaoping , Guo Yaosheng , Song Seyha
Published: September 2021

In this paper, the inter-area low-frequency oscillations are restrained in the interconnected power system by making use of the delay-dependent wide-area dynamic output feedback controller (DOFC). Modal analysis is adopted to obtain the modes of inter-area oscillation to be controlled and the Schur truncation model reduction technique is represented to reduce the order of the power system. The augmented closed-loop system model, where the transmission delay and packet loss of wide-area signals are considered, is established. The sufficient conditions of exponentially mean-square stable are obtained according to Lyapunov’s stability theory. Finally, case studies are carried out on a two-area four-machine power system, where our proposed controller, a conventional controller, and the wide-area damping controller in the existing references are installed, respectively. The simulation results under different external disturbances, packet loss rates, and delays are presented to show the effectiveness and advantages of our proposed controller.
Recognizing VSC DC Cable Fault Types Using Bayesian Functional Data Depth
Authors: Baranowski Jerzy , Grobler-Dębska Katarzyna , Kucharska Edyta
Published: September 2021

Diagnostics of power and energy systems is obviously an important matter. In this paper we present a contribution of using new methodology for the purpose of signal type recognition (for example, faulty/healthy or different types of faults). Our approach uses Bayesian functional data analysis with data depths distributions to detect differing signals. We present our approach for discrimination of pole-to-pole and pole-to-ground short circuits in VSC DC cables. We provide a detailed case study with Monte Carlo analysis. Our results show potential for applications in diagnostics under uncertainty.