bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detecting Rewiring Events in Protein-Protein Interaction Networks Based on Transcriptomic Data
Authors: Hollander Markus , Do Trang , Will Thorsten , Helms Volkhard
Published: September 2021

Proteins rarely carry out their cellular functions in isolation. Instead, eukaryotic proteins engage in about six interactions with other proteins on average. The aggregated protein interactome of an organism forms a “hairy ball”-type protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Yet, in a typical human cell, only about half of all proteins are expressed at a particular time. Hence, it has become common practice to prune the full PPI network to the subset of expressed proteins. If RNAseq data is available, one can further resolve the specific protein isoforms present in a cell or tissue. Here, we review various approaches, software tools and webservices that enable users to construct context-specific or tissue-specific PPI networks and how these are rewired between two cellular conditions. We illustrate their different functionalities on the example of the interactions involving the human TNR6 protein. In an outlook, we describe how PPI networks may be integrated with epigenetic data or with data on the activity of splicing factors.
Silver Nanoparticle Synthesis Using an Inkjet Mixing System
Authors: Maki Taisuke , Takeda Saki , Muranaka Yosuke , Mae Kazuhiro
Published: September 2021

Individual nanoscale silver particles were produced using an inkjet mixing system. First, the behaviors of colliding droplets were investigated to prepare to conduct the synthesis without splitting merged droplets. When small droplets collided, they merged to form droplets that stayed in a state of coalescence at a higher discharging velocity. In addition, by changing the orientation at the collision point, the droplet velocity could be increased. Then, silver nanoparticle synthesis was conducted under conditions that avoided droplet splitting. Smaller particles were produced by higher-velocity collisions for all the examined droplet sizes. When droplets were 50–100 μm, an average particle diameter of 2.5 nm was produced. In addition, when droplets of different sizes collided, they formed a continuous supply of precursor, which subsequently resulted in production of particles with uniform size.
Ore-Forming Fluid Evolution of Shallow Polyhalite Deposits in the Kunteyi Playa in the North Qaidam Basin
Authors: Yuan Xiaolong , Meng Fanwei , Zhang Xiying , Sheng Jinchang , Galamay A. R. , Cheng Huaide , Li Yongshou , Miao Weiliang , Li Wenxia , Tang Qiliang , Li Jun , Du Yongsheng
Published: September 2021

Polyhalite occurrence in the Kunteyi Playa in the Qaidam Basin has been known for many years. However, the genetic mechanism of this deposit remains unclear. In this study, a typical section in the playa depocenter is selected to study the polyhalite mineralogy combined with the homogenization temperature and composition of halite fluid inclusions in shallow evaporitic strata. The results show that 1) the main evaporite minerals in the strata are halite and polyhalite; no common gypsum is found; 2) analyses of homogenization temperatures of halite fluid inclusions indicate that a higher temperature is needed for polyhalite generation compared with other saline minerals; and 3) the fluid inclusion chemical analysis shows that they are sulfate-type minerals with a shortage of Ca. Thus, it can be concluded that the formation of polyhalite is not related to gypsum replacement, and deep oilfield brines may provide a Ca source and a higher temperature for polyhalite formation, where the mixing and interaction occurred between K- and Mg-enriched sulfate brines and deep Ca-enriched brines under the control of climate and tectonics in the study area. While most polyhalite was generated natively, some formed during secondary generation, which was potentially related to replacement with carnallites or sylvites.
Roles of Nursing in the Management of Geriatric Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Zhang Chunzhi , Xiang Congling , Tian Xin , Xue Jun , He Gengxu , Wu Xueliang , Mei Zubing , Li Tian
Published: September 2021

The nursing field occupies the largest secion of the cardiovascular healthcare services. Despite this, the roles of nursing within the cardiovascular healthcare system has not been well displayed. The authors searched PubMed and Embase (between January 1, 1950, and June 17, 2021) and created a narrative review of recent publications regarding the role of nursing in the management of geriatric cardiovascular disease (CVD). Patients with geriatric CVD, which includes mainly myocardial ischemia and heart failure, were enrolled. Nursing can improve the outcomes of myocardial ischemia and heart failure. It plays a pivotal role in the recovery, rehabilitation, and outcomes of geriatric CVD, especially for chronic heart diseases. Taken together, this paper compiled is focused on the current status of cardiovascular nursing and may facilitate future treatment and rehabilitation in geriatric CVD.
High Neutrophil Percentage-To-Albumin Ratio Can Predict Occurrence of Stroke-Associated Infection
Authors: Zhang Haipeng , Wu Ti , Tian Xiaolin , Lyu Panpan , Wang Jianfei , Cao Yang
Published: September 2021

Purpose: Stroke-associated infection (SAI) is associated with adverse outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association between neutrophil percentage-to-albumin ratio (NPAR) and SAI occurrence in patients with AIS.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all AIS patients who were admitted to the Neurology ward of The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University from November 2018 to October 2020. The relationship between NPAR and SAI was analyzed by multivariable analysis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to compare the predicted value of albumin, neutrophil percentage, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and NPAR.

Results: We included 379 AIS patients out of which 51 (13.5%) developed SAI. The NPAR was independently associated with increased risk of SAI adjusting for confounders [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 10.52; 95% confidence interval (CI), 3.33–33.28; P <0.001]. The optimal cutoff value of NPAR for predicting SAI incidence was 1.64, with sensitivity and specificity of 90.2 and 55.8%, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) value of NPAR [0.771 (0.725–0.812)] was higher than that of albumin [0.640 (0.590–0.689)], neutrophil percentage [0.747 (0.700–0.790)], and NLR [0.736 (0.689–0.780)], though the statistical significance appeared only between NPAR and albumin.

Conclusions: We demonstrated that a higher NPAR could predict the occurrence of SAI. Thus, NPAR might be a more effective biomarker to predict SAI compared with albumin, neutrophil percentage, and NLR.
Efficacy of a Single-Task ERP Measure to Evaluate Cognitive Workload During a Novel Exergame
Authors: Ghani Usman , Signal Nada , Niazi Imran Khan , Taylor Denise
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to validate the efficacy of single-task event-related potential (ERP) measures of cognitive workload to be implemented in exergame-based rehabilitation. Twenty-four healthy participants took part in a novel gamified balance task where task-irrelevant auditory tones were presented in the background to generate ERPs in the participants’ electroencephalogram (EEG) as a measure of cognitive workload. For the balance task, a computer-based tilt-ball game was combined with a balance board. Participants played the game by shifting their weight to tilt the balance board, which moved a virtual ball to score goals. The game was manipulated by adjusting the size of the goalposts to set three predefined levels of game difficulty (easy, medium, and hard). The participant’s experience of game difficulty was evaluated based on the number of goals scored and their subjective reporting of perceived difficulty. Participants experienced a significant difference in the three levels of task difficulty based on the number of goals scored and perceived difficulty (p < 0.001). Post hoc analysis revealed the lowest performance for the hardest level. The mean amplitude of the N1 ERP component was used to measure the cognitive workload associated with the three difficulty levels. The N1 component’s amplitude decreased significantly (p < 0.001), with an increase in the task difficulty. Moreover, the amplitude of the N1 component for the hard level was significantly smaller compared to medium (p = 0.0003) and easy (p < 0.001) levels. These results support the efficacy of the N1 ERP component to measure cognitive workload in dynamic and real-life scenarios such as exergames and other rehabilitation exercises.
Comparison and Reliability of Hippocampal Subfield Segmentations Within FreeSurfer Utilizing T1- and T2-Weighted Multispectral MRI Data
Authors: Seiger René , Hammerle Fabian P. , Godbersen Godber M. , Reed Murray B. , Spurny-Dworak Benjamin , Handschuh Patricia , Klöbl Manfred , Unterholzner Jakob , Gryglewski Gregor , Vanicek Thomas , Lanzenberger Rupert
Published: September 2021

The accurate segmentation of in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data is a crucial prerequisite for the reliable assessment of disease progression, patient stratification or the establishment of putative imaging biomarkers. This is especially important for the hippocampal formation, a brain area involved in memory formation and often affected by neurodegenerative or psychiatric diseases. FreeSurfer, a widely used automated segmentation software, offers hippocampal subfield delineation with multiple input options. While a single T1-weighted (T1) sequence is regularly used by most studies, it is also possible and advised to use a high-resolution T2-weighted (T2H) sequence or multispectral information. In this investigation it was determined whether there are differences in volume estimations depending on the input images and which combination of these deliver the most reliable results in each hippocampal subfield. 41 healthy participants (age = 25.2 years ± 4.2 SD) underwent two structural MRIs at three Tesla (time between scans: 23 days ± 11 SD) using three different structural MRI sequences, to test five different input configurations (T1, T2, T2H, T1 and T2, and T1 and T2H). We compared the different processing pipelines in a cross-sectional manner and assessed reliability using test-retest variability (%TRV) and the dice coefficient. Our analyses showed pronounced significant differences and large effect sizes between the processing pipelines in several subfields, such as the molecular layer (head), CA1 (head), hippocampal fissure, CA3 (head and body), fimbria and CA4 (head). The longitudinal analysis revealed that T1 and multispectral analysis (T1 and T2H) showed overall higher reliability across all subfields than T2H alone. However, the specific subfields had a substantial influence on the performance of segmentation results, regardless of the processing pipeline. Although T1 showed good test-retest metrics, results must be interpreted with caution, as a standard T1 sequence relies heavily on prior information of the atlas and does not take the actual fine structures of the hippocampus into account. For the most accurate segmentation, we advise the use of multispectral information by using a combination of T1 and high-resolution T2-weighted sequences or a T2 high-resolution sequence alone.
ATP and ACh Evoked Calcium Transients in the Neonatal Mouse Cochlear and Vestibular Sensory Epithelia
Authors: Rabbitt Richard D. , Holman Holly A.
Published: September 2021

Hair cells in the mammalian inner ear sensory epithelia are surrounded by supporting cells which are essential for function of cochlear and vestibular systems. In mice, support cells exhibit spontaneous intracellular Ca2+ transients in both auditory and vestibular organs during the first postnatal week before the onset of hearing. We recorded long lasting (>200 ms) Ca2+ transients in cochlear and vestibular support cells in neonatal mice using the genetic calcium indicator GCaMP5. Both cochlear and vestibular support cells exhibited spontaneous intracellular Ca2+ transients (GCaMP5 ΔF/F), in some cases propagating as waves from the apical (endolymph facing) to the basolateral surface with a speed of ∼25 μm per second, consistent with inositol trisphosphate dependent calcium induced calcium release (CICR). Acetylcholine evoked Ca2+ transients were observed in both inner border cells in the cochlea and vestibular support cells, with a larger change in GCaMP5 fluorescence in the vestibular support cells. Adenosine triphosphate evoked robust Ca2+ transients predominantly in the cochlear support cells that included Hensen’s cells, Deiters’ cells, inner hair cells, inner phalangeal cells and inner border cells. A Ca2+ event initiated in one inner border cells propagated in some instances longitudinally to neighboring inner border cells with an intercellular speed of ∼2 μm per second, and decayed after propagating along ∼3 cells. Similar intercellular propagation was not observed in the radial direction from inner border cell to inner sulcus cells, and was not observed between adjacent vestibular support cells.
MRI-Only Radiotherapy Planning for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Using Deep Learning
Authors: Ma Xiangyu , Chen Xinyuan , Li Jingwen , Wang Yu , Men Kuo , Dai Jianrong
Published: September 2021

Background

Radical radiotherapy is the main treatment modality for early and locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has the advantages of no ionizing radiation and high soft-tissue resolution compared to computed tomography (CT), but it does not provide electron density (ED) information for radiotherapy planning. Therefore, in this study, we developed a pseudo-CT (pCT) generation method to provide necessary ED information for MRI-only planning in NPC radiotherapy.

Methods

Twenty patients with early-stage NPC who received radiotherapy in our hospital were investigated. First, 1433 sets of paired T1 weighted magnetic resonance (MR) simulation images and CT simulation images were rigidly registered and preprocessed. A 16-layer U-Net was used to train the pCT generative model and a “pix2pix” generative adversarial network (GAN) was also trained to compare with the pure U-Net regrading pCT quality. Second, the contours of all target volumes and organs at risk in the original CT were transferred to the pCT for planning, and the beams were copied back to the original CT for reference dose calculation. Finally, the dose distribution calculated on the pCT was compared with the reference dose distribution through gamma analysis and dose-volume indices.

Results

The average time for pCT generation for each patient was 7.90 ± 0.47 seconds. The average mean (absolute) error was −9.3 ± 16.9 HU (102.6 ± 11.4 HU), and the mean-root-square error was 209.8 ± 22.6 HU. There was no significant difference between the pCT quality of pix2pix GAN and that of pure U-Net (p > 0.05). The dose distribution on the pCT was highly consistent with that on the original CT. The mean gamma pass rate (2 mm/3%, 10% low dose threshold) was 99.1% ± 0.3%, and the mean absolute difference of nasopharyngeal PGTV D99% and PTV V95% were 0.4% ± 0.2% and 0.1% ± 0.1%.

Conclusion

The proposed deep learning model can accurately predict CT from MRI, and the generated pCT can be employed in precise dose calculations. It is of great significance to realize MRI-only planning in NPC radiotherapy, which can improve structure delineation and considerably reduce additional imaging dose, especially when an MR-guided linear accelerator is adopted for treatment.
Effect of Intravenous IgM-Enriched Immunoglobulins on Presepsin and Other Sepsis Biomarkers
Authors: Scarpati Giuliana , Baldassarre Daniela , Tripepi Giovanni , Boffardi Massimo , Piazza Ornella
Published: September 2021

Patients in septic shock with low IgG and IgM serum concentrations have higher mortality rates compared to those with normal immunoglobulin levels and, therefore, there is a rational explanation to administer intravenous IgM-enriched immunoglobulins to septic patients in ICU. Aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of intravenous IgM-enriched immunoglobulins in decreasing several sepsis biomarker concentrations. 26 sepsis patients were enrolled in this observational cohort study and Nitric Oxide, Endocan, Pentraxin and presepsin serum levels were measured during their first 3 days of ICU stay. The use of intravenous IgM-enriched immunoglobulins did not influence the temporal evolution of SOFA, Nitric Oxide, Endocan, Pentraxin and Presepsin in the first 3 days of ICU stay in a statistically significant manner, even if Presepsin decreased of 25% from day 1 to day 2 in the Pentaglobin group. It seems possible that Pentaglobin infusion reduces the Presepsin level in a more effective way if it were administered to a younger population (p = 0.012). In conclusion, age modifies the response of Presepsin to Pentaglobin and is a critical variable when investigating the effect of intravenous IgM-enriched immunoglobulins on sepsis.
Ferulic Acid Ameliorates Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrotic Liver Injury by Inhibiting PTP1B Activity and Subsequent Promoting AMPK Phosphorylation
Authors: Wu Jianzhi , Xue Xiaoyong , Fan Guifang , Gu Yiqing , Zhou Fei , Zheng Qi , Liu Runping , Li Yajing , Ma Boning , Li Shuo , Huang Guangrui , Ma Lin , Li Xiaojiaoyang
Published: September 2021

Chronic inflammation in response to persistent exogenous stimuli or damage results in liver fibrosis, which subsequently progresses into malignant liver diseases with high morbidity and mortality. Ferulic acid (FA) is a phenolic acid widely isolated from abundant plants and exhibits multiple biological activities including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammation and enhancement of immune responses. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) functions as a critical energy sensor and is regulated through the phosphorylation of liver kinases like LKB1 or dephosphorylation by protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). However, the role of FA in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced chronic inflammation and liver fibrosis and AMPK activation has not been elucidated. Here we reported that FA ameliorated CCl4-induced inflammation and fibrotic liver damage in mice as indicated by reduced levels of serum liver function enzyme activities and decreased expression of genes and proteins associated with fibrogenesis. Additionally, FA inhibited hepatic oxidative stress, macrophage activation and HSC activation via AMPK phosphorylation in different liver cells. Mechanically, without the participation of LKB1, FA-induced anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects were abrogated by a specific AMPK inhibitor, compound C. Combining with the results of molecular docking, surface plasmon resonance and co-immunoprecipitation assays, we further demonstrated that FA directly bound to and inhibited PTP1B, an enzyme responsible for dephosphorylating key protein kinases, and eventually leading to the phosphorylation of AMPK. In summary, our results indicated that FA alleviated oxidative stress, hepatic inflammation and fibrotic response in livers through PTP1B-AMPK signaling pathways. Taken together, we provide novel insights into the potential of FA as a natural product-derived therapeutic agent for the treatment of fibrotic liver injury.
Transcriptional Landscapes of Long Non-coding RNAs and Alternative Splicing in Pyricularia oryzae Revealed by RNA-Seq
Authors: Li Zhigang , Yang Jun , Peng Junbo , Cheng Zhihua , Liu Xinsen , Zhang Ziding , Bhadauria Vijai , Zhao Wensheng , Peng You-Liang
Published: September 2021

Pyricularia oryzae causes the rice blast, which is one of the most devastating crop diseases worldwide, and is a model fungal pathogen widely used for dissecting the molecular mechanisms underlying fungal virulence/pathogenicity. Although the whole genome sequence of P. oryzae is publicly available, its current transcriptomes remain incomplete, lacking the information on non-protein coding genes and alternative splicing. Here, we performed and analyzed RNA-Seq of conidia and hyphae, resulting in the identification of 3,374 novel genes. Interestingly, the vast majority of these novel genes likely transcribed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and most of them were localized in the intergenic regions. Notably, their expressions were concomitant with the transcription of neighboring genes thereof in conidia and hyphae. In addition, 2,358 genes were found to undergo alternative splicing events. Furthermore, we exemplified that a lncRNA was important for hyphal growth likely by regulating the neighboring protein-coding gene and that alternative splicing of the transcription factor gene CON7 was required for appressorium formation. In summary, results from this study indicate that lncRNA transcripts and alternative splicing events are two important mechanisms for regulating the expression of genes important for conidiation, hyphal growth, and pathogenesis, and provide new insights into transcriptomes and gene regulation in the rice blast fungus.
Building Africa’s Homegrown Humanitarian Systems: Restoration as an Alternative to Localization
Authors: Boateng Oheneba A.
Published: September 2021

Many humanitarian actors now recognize that it is crucial to build response structures on the basis of the norms, knowledge, and institutions of those affected by disasters. Currently, this concept has been captured through the term localization. However, the use of localization both as a term and process has so far been done without critical reflection on the traditional meaning of the term, and the impact of its historical application. It has also come about without proper historicization of the broader localization process and how this related to historical antecedents. This paper problematizes localization as a troubled term that describes a concept that has been applied in the past to help erode the homegrown humanitarian initiatives that Africans started. It draws attention to how international humanitarian actors established themselves in Africa as a process of localization which eventually contributed to the erosion of the homegrown initiatives that they interacted with. Given its historically erosive effects on homegrown initiatives, localization, the paper argues, is a troubled term that cannot be redeemed or repurposed for the current attempt to build humanitarian action on homegrown structures. A more reflective and appropriate term is restoration, which not only recognises this history of erosion, but repairs historical mistakes, and ensures that homegrown structures are built in a sustainable manner that avoids a repeat of those mistakes. Restoration in practice should be based on self-determination, and will depend on the leadership of African states, their ability to create a conducive environment for homegrown NGOs to thrive, and the successful synergies they build with other restoration processes across the continent. International actors will have to intentionally reconcile themselves with their erosion footprints, exercise restraint, and scale back their involvement so that local actors can gain the space to evolve. The paper concludes that all this starts with the ability of those leading the process to build homegrown structures to imagine an alternative humanitarian future.
Biologically-Inspired Pulse Signal Processing for Intelligence at the Edge
Authors: Li Kan , Príncipe José C.
Published: September 2021

There is an ever-growing mismatch between the proliferation of data-intensive, power-hungry deep learning solutions in the machine learning (ML) community and the need for agile, portable solutions in resource-constrained devices, particularly for intelligence at the edge. In this paper, we present a fundamentally novel approach that leverages data-driven intelligence with biologically-inspired efficiency. The proposed Sparse Embodiment Neural-Statistical Architecture (SENSA) decomposes the learning task into two distinct phases: a training phase and a hardware embedment phase where prototypes are extracted from the trained network and used to construct fast, sparse embodiment for hardware deployment at the edge. Specifically, we propose the Sparse Pulse Automata via Reproducing Kernel (SPARK) method, which first constructs a learning machine in the form of a dynamical system using energy-efficient spike or pulse trains, commonly used in neuroscience and neuromorphic engineering, then extracts a rule-based solution in the form of automata or lookup tables for rapid deployment in edge computing platforms. We propose to use the theoretically-grounded unifying framework of the Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Space (RKHS) to provide interpretable, nonlinear, and nonparametric solutions, compared to the typical neural network approach. In kernel methods, the explicit representation of the data is of secondary nature, allowing the same algorithm to be used for different data types without altering the learning rules. To showcase SPARK’s capabilities, we carried out the first proof-of-concept demonstration on the task of isolated-word automatic speech recognition (ASR) or keyword spotting, benchmarked on the TI-46 digit corpus. Together, these energy-efficient and resource-conscious techniques will bring advanced machine learning solutions closer to the edge.
Rate-Splitting Multiple Access in Cache-Aided Cloud-Radio Access Networks
Authors: Reifert Robert-Jeron , Alameer Ahmad Alaa , Mao Yijie , Sezgin Aydin , Clerckx Bruno
Published: September 2021

Rate-splitting multiple access (RSMA) has been recognized as a promising physical layer strategy for 6G. Motivated by the ever-increasing popularity of cache-enabled content delivery in wireless communications, this paper proposes an innovative multigroup multicast transmission scheme based on RSMA for cache-aided cloud-radio access networks (C-RAN). Our proposed scheme not only exploits the properties of content-centric communications and local caching at the base stations (BSs) but also incorporates RSMA to better manage interference in multigroup multicast transmission with statistical channel state information (CSI) known at the central processor (CP) and the BSs. At the RSMA-enabled cloud CP, the message of each multicast group is split into a private and a common part with the former private part being decoded by all users in the respective group and the latter common part being decoded by multiple users from other multicast groups. Common message decoding is done for the purpose of mitigating the interference. In this work, we jointly optimize the clustering of BSs and the precoding with the aim of maximizing the minimum rate among all multicast groups to guarantee fairness serving all groups. The problem is a mixed-integer nonlinear stochastic program (MINLSP), which is solved by a practical algorithm we propose including a heuristic clustering algorithm for assigning a set of BSs to serve each user followed by an efficient iterative algorithm that combines the sample average approximation (SAA) and weighted minimum mean square error (WMMSE) to solve the stochastic non-convex subproblem of precoder design. Numerical results show the explicit max-min rate gain of our proposed transmission scheme compared to the state-of-the-art trivial interference processing methods. Therefore, we conclude that RSMA is a promising technique for cache-aided C-RAN.
How Do Broken Bones Heal?
Authors: Warczak Magdalena , Krajewska Katarzyna , Chałubińska-Fendler Justyna , Osial Magdalena
Published: September 2021

The human skeleton is truly amazing. It is a moving frame that protects soft tissues and organs, while simultaneously storing minerals and producing blood cells and immune cells. Bones also have an amazing ability to rebuild and repair themselves. There is no need to worry much if you break a bone because, with the support of your doctors and therapists, the bone should heal itself. Bones have a flexible structure that serves as the scaffolding for the minerals that create a strong and stable skeleton. Unfortunately, bone strength may decrease with age or due to food or hormonal deficiencies. When you experience pain, swelling, or bruising following a fall, you should go to the doctor to see if you have a bone fracture. But do not worry—remember that bones can repair themselves! Have you ever wondered how bone healing happens? You can find the answers in this article.
Terminal Distributed Cooperative Guidance Law for Multiple UAVs Based on Consistency Theory
Authors: Jiang Zhanyuan , Ge Jianquan , Xu Qiangqiang , Yang Tao
Published: September 2021

In order to realize a saturation attack of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on the same target, the problem is transformed into one of multiple UAVs hitting the same target simultaneously, and a terminal distributed cooperative guidance law for multiple UAVs based on consistency theory is proposed. First, a new time-to-go estimation method is proposed, which is more accurate than the existing methods when the leading angle is large. Second, a non-singular sliding mode guidance law (NSMG) of impact time control with equivalent control term and switching control term is designed, which still appears to have excellent performance even if the initial leading angle is zero. Then, based on the predicted crack point strategy, the NSMG law is extended to attack maneuvering targets. Finally, adopting hierarchical cooperative guidance architecture, a terminal distributed cooperative guidance law based on consistency theory is designed. Numerical simulation results verify that the terminal distributed cooperative guidance law is not only applicable to different forms of communication topology, but also effective in the case of communication topology switching.
Screening for Copy Number Variations of the 15q13.3 Hotspot in CHRNA7 Gene and Expression in Patients with Migraines
Authors: Özaltun Mehmet Fatih , Geyik Sırma , Yılmaz Şenay Görücü
Published: September 2021

Background: a migraine is a neurological disease. Copy number variation (CNV) is a phenomenon in which parts of the genome are repeated. We investigated the effects of the CNV and gene expression at the location 15q13.3 in the Cholinergic Receptor Nicotinic Alpha 7 Subunit (CHRNA7) gene, which we believe to be effective in the migraine clinic. Methods: we evaluated changes in CHRNA7 gene expression levels and CNV of 15q13.3 in patients with migraine (n = 102, with aura, n = 43; without aura, n = 59) according to healthy controls (n = 120) by q-PCR. The data obtained were analyzed against the reference telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene with the double copy number by standard curve analysis. Copy numbers were graded as a normal copy (2), gain (2>), and loss (<2). Results: we analyzed using the 2−ΔΔCT calculation method. The CHRNA7 gene was significantly downregulated in patients (p < 0.05). The analysis of CNV in the CHRNA7 gene was statistically significant in the patient group, according to healthy controls (p < 0.05). A decreased copy number indicates a dosage loss. However, no significant difference was observed among gain, normal, and loss copy numbers and expression values in patients (p > 0.05). The change in CNV was not associated with the downregulation of the CHRNA7 gene. Conclusion: Downregulation of the CHRNA7 gene may contribute to the formation of migraine by inactivation of the alpha-7 nicotinic receptor (α7nAChR). The association of CNV gains and losses with migraines will lead to better understanding of the molecular mechanisms and pathogenesis, to better define the disease, to be used as a treatment target.
X-ray Pulsar Signal Denoising Based on Variational Mode Decomposition
Authors: Chen Qiang , Zhao Yong , Yan Lixia
Published: September 2021

Pulsars, especially X-ray pulsars detectable for small-size detectors, are highly accurate natural clocks suggesting potential applications such as interplanetary navigation control. Due to various complex cosmic background noise, the original pulsar signals, namely photon sequences, observed by detectors have low signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) that obstruct the practical uses. This paper presents the pulsar denoising strategy developed based on the variational mode decomposition (VMD) approach. It is actually the initial work of our interplanetary navigation control research. The original pulsar signals are decomposed into intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) via VMD, by which the Gaussian noise contaminating the pulsar signals can be attenuated because of the filtering effect during signal decomposition and reconstruction. Comparison experiments based on both simulation and HEASARC-archived X-ray pulsar signals are carried out to validate the effectiveness of the proposed pulsar denoising strategy.
Heat Modulation on Target Thermal Bath via Coherent Auxiliary Bath
Authors: Yu Wen-Li , Li Tao , Li Hai , Zhang Yun , Zou Jian , Wang Ying-Dan
Published: September 2021

We study a scheme of thermal management where a three-qubit system assisted with a coherent auxiliary bath (CAB) is employed to implement heat management on a target thermal bath (TTB). We consider the CAB/TTB being ensemble of coherent/thermal two-level atoms (TLAs), and within the framework of collision model investigate the characteristics of steady heat current (also called target heat current (THC)) between the system and the TTB. It demonstrates that with the help of the quantum coherence of ancillae the magnitude and direction of heat current can be controlled only by adjusting the coupling strength of system-CAB. Meanwhile, we also show that the influences of quantum coherence of ancillae on the heat current strongly depend on the coupling strength of system—CAB, and the THC becomes positively/negatively correlated with the coherence magnitude of ancillae when the coupling strength below/over some critical value. Besides, the system with the CAB could serve as a multifunctional device integrating the thermal functions of heat amplifier, suppressor, switcher and refrigerator, while with thermal auxiliary bath it can only work as a thermal suppressor. Our work provides a new perspective for the design of multifunctional thermal device utilizing the resource of quantum coherence from the CAB.
Mechanical Ventilation Strategies in the Critically Ill Burn Patient: A Practical Review for Clinicians
Authors: Folwell Jared S , Basel Anthony P , Britton Garrett W , Mitchell Thomas A , Rowland Michael R , Cindass Renford , Lowery David R , Williams Alicia M , Lidwell David S , Hong Linda , Nam Jason J , Lundy Jonathan B , Pamplin Jeremy C , Cancio Leopoldo C
Published: September 2021

Burn patients are a unique population when considering strategies for ventilatory support. Frequent surgical operations, inhalation injury, pneumonia, and long durations of mechanical ventilation add to the challenging physiology of severe burn injury. We aim to provide a practical and evidence-based review of mechanical ventilation strategies for the critically ill burn patient that is tailored to the bedside clinician.
Smart Grid in China, EU, and the US: State of Implementation
Authors: Sospiro Paolo , Amarnath Lohith , Di Nardo Vincenzo , Talluri Giacomo , Gandoman Foad H.
Published: September 2021

Depletion of fossil fuel deposits is the main current issue related to the world’s power generation. Renewable energy sources integrated with energy efficiency represent an effective solution. The electrification of end-use coupled with renewable power generation integration is considered as an important tool to achieve these tasks. However, the current electric power system does not currently have the suitable features to allow this change. Therefore, in the future, it has to allow two-way direction power flows, communication, and automated controls to fully manage the system and customers. The resulting system is defined as the smart grid. This article analyses the smart grid state of play within China, the US, and the EU, assessing the completion state of each smart grid technology and integrated asset. The analysis related to these countries presented here shows that the smart grid overall state of play in China, the US, and the EU are equal to 18%, 15%, and 13%, respectively, unveiling the need related to further efforts and investments in these countries for the full smart grid development.
Short-Circuit Fault Analysis of the Sen Transformer Using Phase Coordinate Model
Authors: Bu Liang , Han Song , Feng Jinling
Published: September 2021

The Sen Transformer (ST) provides an economical solution for power flow control and voltage regulation. However, fault analysis and evaluation of the performance of the transmission protection system in the presence of a ST have not been investigated. Hence, a short-circuit model of the ST using the phase coordinate method is proposed in this paper. Firstly, according to the coupled-circuit ST model, the nodal admittance matrix between the sending end and receiving end of the ST was deduced. Subsequently, a fully decoupled mathematical model was established that can reflect three characteristics, including its winding connection structure, electrical parameters, and ground impedance. Thus, with the help of the phase-coordinate-based solving methodology, a short-circuit ST model may be built for various short-circuit faults. The MATLAB and PSCAD/EMTDC software were employed to carry out simulated analyses for an equivalent two-bus system. The short-circuit currents obtained from the time-domain simulation and the analytic calculation utilizing the proposed model reached an acceptable agreement, confirming the simulation’s effectiveness. Moreover, the variation of the fault currents with the variation of the compensating voltage after single-phase-to-ground and three-phase short-circuit faults was demonstrated and used to analyze the effect of the ST on the fault currents.
Ground Source and Sewage Water Source Heat Pump Systems for Block Heating and Cooling Network
Authors: Kim Min-Hwi , Kim Deuk-Won , Han Gwangwoo , Heo Jaehyeok , Lee Dong-Won
Published: September 2021

The demand for district heating and cooling systems in block units with a heat pump that utilizes various unused energy sources for energy supply has been increasing. This study investigated experimentally the ground source heat pump (GSHP) and sewage water source heat pump (SWSHP) facilities used in block cooling and heating networks. Then, a heat pump performance prediction model was derived for utilization in future designs. Operational data for heating and cooling energy supply from an experimental site were investigated for the period between 2018 and 2020. During the cooling season, the coefficient of performance (COP) of the GSHP was approximately 4.1, and that of the SWSHP was approximately 2.9. The cooling performance of the SWSHP gradually decreased because of the fouling. The COP of the GSHP and SWSHP during the heating season was approximately 3.6 and 3.4, respectively. The results also demonstrated that, if fouling in the SWSHP can be prevented or reduced, the acquired COP can be similar to that of the GSHP. The derived prediction model serves as a good reference for engineers who require information on the performance of field operations.
Power System Stabilizer Tuning Algorithm in a Multimachine System Based on S-Domain and Time Domain System Performance Measures
Authors: Marić Predrag , Kljajić Ružica , Chamorro Harold R. , Glavaš Hrvoje
Published: September 2021

One of the main characteristics of power systems is keeping voltages within given limits, done by implementing fast automatic voltage regulators (AVR), which can raise generator voltage (i.e., excitation voltage) in a short time to ceiling voltage limits while simultaneously affecting the damping component of the synchronous generator electromagnetic torque. The efficient way to increase damping in the power system is to implement a power system stabilizer (PSS) in the excitation circuit of the synchronous generator. This paper proposes an enhanced algorithm for PSS tuning in the multimachine system. The algorithm is based on the analysis of system participation factors and the pole placement method while respecting the time domain behavior of the system after being subdued with a small disturbance. The observed time-domain outputs, namely active power, speed, and rotor angle of the synchronous generator, have been classified and validated with proposed weight functions based on the minimal square deviation between the initial values in a steady-state and all sampled values during the transitional process. The system weight function proposed in this algorithm comprises s-domain and time-domain indices and represents a novel approach for PSS tuning. The proposed algorithm performance is validated on IEEE 14-bus system with a detailed presentation of the results in a graphical and table form.
Detection of Harmonic Overvoltage and Resonance in AC Railways Using Measured Pantograph Electrical Quantities
Authors: Mariscotti Andrea , Sandrolini Leonardo
Published: September 2021

Harmonic resonances are part of the power quality (PQ) problems of electrified railways and have serious consequences for the continuity of service and integrity of components in terms of overvoltage stress. The interaction between traction power stations (TPSs) and trains that causes line resonances is briefly reviewed, showing the dependence on infrastructure conditions. The objective is monitoring of resonance conditions at the onboard pantograph interface, which is new with respect to the approaches proposed in the literature and is equally applicable to TPS terminals. Voltage and current spectra, and derived impedance and power spectra, are analyzed, proposing a compact and efficient method based on short-time Fourier transform that is suitable for real-time implementation, possibly with the hardware available onboard for energy metering and harmonic interference monitoring. The methods are tested by sweeping long recordings taken at some European railways, covering cases of longer and shorter supply sections, with a range of resonance frequencies of about one decade. They give insight into the spectral behavior of resonances, their dependency on position and change over time, and the criteria needed to recognize genuine infrastructure resonances from rolling stock emissions.
Electrical Capacitance Volume Tomography (ECVT) for Characterization of Additively Manufactured Lattice Structures (AMLS) in Gas-Liquid Systems
Authors: Spille Claas , Tholan Vaishakh Prasannan , Straiton Benjamin , Johannsen Monika , Hoffmann Marko , Marashdeh Qussai , Schlüter Michael
Published: September 2021

Against the background of current and future global challenges, such as climate change, process engineering requires increasingly specific solutions adapted to the respective problem or application, especially in gas–liquid contact apparatuses. One possibility to adjust the conditions in this kind of apparatuses is an intelligent and customized structuring, which leads to consistent fluid properties and flow characteristics within the reactor. In the course of this, the interfacial area for mass transfer, as well as residence times, have to be adjusted and optimized specifically for the respective application. In order to better understand and advance the research on intelligent customized additively manufactured lattice structures (AMLS), the phase distributions and local gas holdups that are essential for mass transfer are investigated for different structures and flow conditions. For the first time a tomographic measurement technique is used, the Electrical Capacitance Volume Tomography (ECVT), and validated with the volume expansion method and a fiber optical needle probe (A2PS-B-POP) for an air-water system for different modes of operation (with or without co-current liquid flow in empty or packed state). The ECVT proved to be particularly useful for both in the empty tube and the packed state and provided new insights into the phase distributions occurring within structured packings, which would have led to significantly underestimated results based on the visual reference measurements, especially for a densely packed additively manufactured lattice structure (5 mm cubic on the tip). Particularly for the modified structures, which were supposed to show local targeted differences, the ECVT was able to resolve the changes locally. The additional use of a pump for co-current flow operation resulted in slightly higher fluctuations within the ECVT data, although local events could still be resolved sufficiently. The final comparison of the empty tube at rest data with a fiber optical needle probe showed that the results were in good agreement and that the local deviations were due to general differences in the respective measurement techniques.
A Model of Two Quantum Fluids for the Low Energy Excited States of the Systems with Entities That Mimic the Magnetic Monopoles
Authors: López-Aguilar Fernando M. , López-Bara Fernando I.
Published: September 2021

The low energy excitation states in frustrated magnetic structures can generate quasiparticles that behave as if they were magnetic charges. These excited states produce, in the so-called spin-ice materials, two different peaks of specific heat at temperatures less than 1.5 K. In this paper, we consider that the first structure is caused by the formation of fluid of magnetic dipoles configured by the dumbbell model with a boson nature in consonance with that described by Witten for mesons. The second structure, wider than the first one, corresponds to a plasma state that comes from the breaking of a great number of dipoles, which provokes the appearance of free magnetic charges, which constitute a cool magnetic plasma fluid. In this paper, we determine thermodynamic analytical functions: the thermo-potential and internal energy and their respective derivative physical magnitudes: entropy, and magnetic specific heat. We obtain results in a good concordance with the experimental data, which allow us to explain the phase transitions occurred in these spin-ice materials at very low temperatures.
From Cyberpunk to Cramped Dweller: The Peculiar History of Hong Kong ‘Heterotopias’
Authors: McCoy Daniel
Published: September 2021

75.6% of land comprising Hong Kong remains undeveloped according to the special administrative region’s planning department. In turn, Hong Kong’s constricted real estate, now estimated to be the world’s costliest, has created eye-popping living arrangements historically and contemporarily. Denizens’ colorful reputation and imagination for flouting city ordinances, zoning laws, and spatial management stand emblematic of tenacious self-sufficiency and a free-spirited brand of runaway capitalist initiative. Why is this conspicuous trademark of Hong Kong’s societal fabric very much alive in the 21st Century? Why does this matter in a rapidly urbanizing world witnessing the ascension of mega-urban centers alongside ever-widening socioeconomic chasms? This paper intends to illuminate the peculiar origins and longevity of the Kowloon Walled City, an urban monolith of notoriety and autonomy that blossomed in a semi-legal grey zone unencumbered under British protectorate rule for nearly a century. Parallels will connect the linear trajectory between Kowloon’s hardnosed living to today’s comparable Chungking Mansions and the hundreds of thousands of cage homes appearing in all corners of the city. This paper aims to answer why these residential paradoxes continue to function with efficiency and relevancy, posing solutions for indigent housing while exacerbating the stigma of social and economic ostracism.