bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating Virtual, Mixed, and Augmented Reality into Remote Robotic Applications: A Brief Review of Extended Reality-Enhanced Robotic Systems for Intuitive Telemanipulation and Telemanufacturing Tasks in Hazardous Conditions
Authors: Su Yun-Peng , Chen Xiao-Qi , Zhou Cong , Pearson Lui Holder , Pretty Christopher G. , Chase J. Geoffrey
Published: November 2023

There is an increasingly urgent need for humans to interactively control robotic systems to perform increasingly precise remote operations, concomitant with the rapid development of space exploration, deep-sea discovery, nuclear rehabilitation and management, and robotic-assisted medical devices. The potential high value of medical telerobotic applications was also evident during the recent coronavirus pandemic and will grow in future. Robotic teleoperation satisfies the demands of the scenarios in which human access carries measurable risk, but human intelligence is required. An effective teleoperation system not only enables intuitive human-robot interaction (HRI) but ensures the robot can also be operated in a way that allows the operator to experience the “feel” of the robot working on the remote side, gaining a “sense of presence”. Extended reality (XR) technology integrates real-world information with computer-generated graphics and has the potential to enhance the effectiveness and performance of HRI by providing depth perception and enabling judgment and decision making while operating the robot in a dynamic environment. This review examines novel approaches to the development and evaluation of an XR-enhanced telerobotic platform for intuitive remote teleoperation applications in dangerous and difficult working conditions. It presents a strong review of XR-enhanced telerobotics for remote robotic applications; a particular focus of the review includes the use of integrated 2D/3D mixed reality with haptic interfaces to perform intuitive remote operations to remove humans from dangerous conditions. This review also covers primary studies proposing Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) solutions where humans can better control or interact with real robotic platforms using these devices and systems to extend the user’s reality and provide a more intuitive interface. The objective of this article is to present recent, relevant, common, and accessible frameworks implemented in research articles published on XR-enhanced telerobotics for industrial applications. Finally, we present and classify the application context of the reviewed articles in two groups: mixed reality–enhanced robotic telemanipulation and mixed reality–enhanced robotic tele-welding. The review thus addresses all elements in the state of the art for these systems and ends with recommended research areas and targets. The application range of these systems and the resulting recommendations is readily extensible to other application areas, such as remote robotic surgery in telemedicine, where surgeons are scarce and need is high, and other potentially high-risk/high-need scenarios.
In-Situ Test and Numerical Simulation of Anchoring Performance of Embedded Rock GFRP Anchor
Authors: Hao Zengming , Liu Honghua , Yan Nan , Wang Zhongsheng , Bai Xiaoyu , Han Jianyong , Mi Chunrong , Jia Shixiang , Sun Gan , Zhu Lei , Zhang Mingyi
Published: November 2023

Compared to traditional steel reinforcement, GFRP anchors demonstrate outstanding mechanical performance and corrosion resistance, and so they are an ideal substitute for steel reinforcement in anti-floating projects. Based on finite element software, a 3D axisymmetric calculation model of GFRP anti-floating anchors in medium-weathered granite was established in this paper. Combined with the in-situ ultimate pull-out tests, the bonding anchoring performance and bearing characteristics between the anchor body, anchoring mortar, and rock–soil mass were analyzed. The research findings indicated that the cohesive bonding elements exhibited a high degree of conformity in defining the interface contact relationship of the GFRP anti-floating anchor anchoring system. The axial force of the GFRP anti-floating anchor body is “attenuated” along the depth direction, and there was a critical value of anchoring length; under the same conditions, the reasonable anchoring length should be 3.5~5.0 m. All the anchors in the in-situ tests exhibited interfacial shear slip failure between the anchor body and the anchor mortar, with an average maximum load of 450 kN, which is consistent with the maximum failure load of the simulated anchors. Compared to a load of 50 kN, the maximum stress of the anchor mortar increased by 50% under a load of 450 kN. The displacement variation of the surrounding rock–soil mass showed a decreasing trend from the inside to the outside and from the top to the bottom. The research results provided valuable references for the optimization design of GFRP anti-floating anchors.
Beyond Total Mesorectal Excision (TME)—Results of MRI-Guided Multivisceral Resections in T4 Rectal Carcinoma and Local Recurrence
Authors: Stelzner Sigmar , Kittner Thomas , Schneider Michael , Schuster Fred , Grebe Markus , Puffer Erik , Sims Anja , Mees Soeren Torge
Published: November 2023

Rectal cancer invading adjacent organs (T4) and locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC) pose a special challenge for surgical resection. We investigate the diagnostic performance of MRI and the results that can be achieved with MRI-guided surgery. All consecutive patients who underwent MRI-based multivisceral resection for T4 rectal adenocarcinoma or LRRC between 2005 and 2019 were included. Pelvic MRI findings were reviewed according to a seven-compartment staging system and correlated with histopathology. Outcomes were investigated by comparing T4 tumors and LRRC with respect to cause-specific survival in uni- and multivariate analysis. We identified 48 patients with T4 tumors and 28 patients with LRRC. Overall, 529 compartments were assessed with an accuracy of 81.7%, a sensitivity of 88.6%, and a specificity of 79.2%. Understaging was as low as 3.0%, whereas overstaging was 15.3%. The median number of resected compartments was 3 (interquartile range 3–4) for T4 tumors and 4 (interquartile range 3–5) for LRRC (p = 0.017). In 93.8% of patients with T4 tumors, a histopathologically complete (R0(local)-) resection could be achieved compared to 57.1% in LRRC (p < 0.001). Five-year overall survival for patients with T4 tumors was 53.3% vs. 32.1% for LRRC (p = 0.085). R0-resection and M0-category emerged as independent prognostic factors, whereas the number of resected compartments was not associated with prognosis in multivariate analysis. MRI predicts compartment involvement with high accuracy and especially avoids understaging. Surgery based on MRI yields excellent loco-regional results for T4 tumors and good results for LRRC. The number of resected compartments is not independently associated with prognosis, but R0-resection remains the crucial surgical factor.
Multigene Profiling of Circulating Tumor Cells in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Identifies Prognostic Cancer Driver Genes Associated with Epithelial-Mesenchymal-Transition Progression and Chemoresistance
Authors: Tan Zhen , Ko Josephine Mun-Yee , Yu Valen Zhuoyou , Lam Ka-On , Kwong Dora Lai-Wan , Wong Ian Yu-Hong , Chan Fion Siu-Yin , Wong Claudia Lai-Yin , Chan Kwan-Kit , Law Tsz-Ting , Choy Faith Sin-Fai , Ng Hoi-Yan , Law Simon Ying-Kit , Lung Maria Li
Published: November 2023

We investigated the clinical significance of CTCs in cancer progression by detecting multiple cancer driver genes associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) at the transcript level. The 10-gene panel, comprising CCND1, ECT2, EpCAM, FSCN1, KRT5, KRT18, MET, TFRC, TWIST1, and VEGFC, was established for characterizing CTCs from mouse ESCC xenograft models and clinical ESCC peripheral blood (PB) samples. Correlations between gene expression in CTCs from PB samples (n = 77) and clinicopathological features in ESCC patients (n = 55) were examined. The presence of CTCs at baseline was significantly correlated with tumor size (p = 0.031). The CTC-high patients were significantly correlated with advanced cancer stages (p = 0.013) and distant metastasis (p = 0.029). High mRNA levels of TWIST1 (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 5.44, p = 0.007), VEGFC (HR = 6.67, p < 0.001), TFRC (HR = 2.63, p = 0.034), and EpCAM (HR = 2.53, p = 0.041) at baseline were significantly associated with a shorter overall survival (OS) in ESCC patients. This study also revealed that TWIST1 facilitates EMT and enhances malignant potential by promoting tumor migration, invasion, and cisplatin chemoresistance through the TWIST1-TGFBI-ZEB1 axis in ESCC, highlighting the prognostic and therapeutic potential of TWIST1 in clinical ESCC treatment.
Dehydrogenative Conversions of Aldehydes and Amines to Amides Catalyzed by a Nickel(II) Pincer Complex
Authors: Szwedo Peter , Jumper Travis , Sanford Karie , Arnold Taylor , Coffman Sarah , Hokes Davonte , Munshi Pradip , Walker Brian , Ghosh Anindya
Published: November 2023

A C-N cross-coupling approach involving oxidative amidations of aromatic aldehydes in the presence of an amide-based nickel(II) pincer catalyst (2) is demonstrated. Upon optimization, quick reaction times (15 min) and an ideal temperature (25 °C) were established and implemented for the conversion of 33 different amide products using only 0.2 mol% of catalyst. Moderate to good turnover numbers (TONs) were obtained for secondary benzamide products, and moderate TONs were obtained for tertiary benzamide products, with the highest turnover number calculated for the 4-chloro-N-(3-phenylpropyl)benzamide product (4i, 309). Gas chromatographic–mass spectrometric (GC–MS) analysis also indicates the formation of alcohols in different reactions, indicating an oxidative amidation process. Kinetic studies were performed by varying the amount of catalyst, aldehyde, LiHMDS base, and amine substrate to determine the order of reaction for each component. Benzaldehyde and benzaldehyde-d6 were reacted with benzylamine, and the kH/kD ratio was determined to understand the rate-determining step. Isotope labeling further revealed that deuterium was being transferred to both the alcohol side product and the target amide product. With the help of kinetic data and UV–visible spectra, a mechanism for the amidation process via the catalyst (2) is proposed through a Ni(I)–Ni(III) pathway.
Sphingolipid-Based Synergistic Interactions to Enhance Chemosensitivity in Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Mesén-Porras Susana , Rojas-Céspedes Andrea , Molina-Mora José Arturo , Vega-Baudrit José , Siles Francisco , Quiros Steve , Mora-Rodríguez Rodrigo
Published: November 2023

Tumor heterogeneity leads to drug resistance in cancer treatment with the crucial role of sphingolipids in cell fate and stress signaling. We analyzed sphingolipid metabolism and autophagic flux to study chemotherapeutic interactions on the A549 lung cancer model. Loaded cells with fluorescent sphingomyelin analog (BODIPY) and mCherry-EGFP-LC3B were used to track autophagic flux and assess cytotoxicity when cells are exposed to chemotherapy (epirubicin, cisplatin, and paclitaxel) together with sphingolipid pathway inhibitors and autophagy modulators. Our cell model approach employed fluorescent sphingolipid biosensors and a Gaussian Mixture Model of cell heterogeneity profiles to map the influence of chemotherapy on the sphingolipid pathway and infer potential synergistic interactions. Results showed significant synergy, especially when combining epirubicin with autophagy inducers (rapamycin and Torin), reducing cell viability. Cisplatin also synergized with a ceramidase inhibitor. However, paclitaxel often led to antagonistic effects. Our mapping model suggests that combining chemotherapies with autophagy inducers increases vesicle formation, possibly linked to ceramide accumulation, triggering cell death. However, the in silico model proposed ceramide accumulation in autophagosomes, and kinetic analysis provided evidence of sphingolipid colocalization in autophagosomes. Further research is needed to identify specific sphingolipids accumulating in autophagosomes. These findings offer insights into potential strategies for overcoming chemotherapy resistance by targeting the sphingolipid pathway.
Raman Spectroscopy Spectral Fingerprints of Biomarkers of Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Harris Georgia , Stickland Clarissa A. , Lim Matthias , Goldberg Oppenheimer Pola
Published: November 2023

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects millions of people of all ages around the globe. TBI is notoriously hard to diagnose at the point of care, resulting in incorrect patient management, avoidable death and disability, long-term neurodegenerative complications, and increased costs. It is vital to develop timely, alternative diagnostics for TBI to assist triage and clinical decision-making, complementary to current techniques such as neuroimaging and cognitive assessment. These could deliver rapid, quantitative TBI detection, by obtaining information on biochemical changes from patient’s biofluids. If available, this would reduce mis-triage, save healthcare providers costs (both over- and under-triage are expensive) and improve outcomes by guiding early management. Herein, we utilize Raman spectroscopy-based detection to profile a panel of 18 raw (human, animal, and synthetically derived) TBI-indicative biomarkers (N-acetyl-aspartic acid (NAA), Ganglioside, Glutathione (GSH), Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE), Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP), Ubiquitin C-terminal Hydrolase L1 (UCHL1), Cholesterol, D-Serine, Sphingomyelin, Sulfatides, Cardiolipin, Interleukin-6 (IL-6), S100B, Galactocerebroside, Beta-D-(+)-Glucose, Myo-Inositol, Interleukin-18 (IL-18), Neurofilament Light Chain (NFL)) and their aqueous solution. The subsequently derived unique spectral reference library, exploiting four excitation lasers of 514, 633, 785, and 830 nm, will aid the development of rapid, non-destructive, and label-free spectroscopy-based neuro-diagnostic technologies. These biomolecules, released during cellular damage, provide additional means of diagnosing TBI and assessing the severity of injury. The spectroscopic temporal profiles of the studied biofluid neuro-markers are classed according to their acute, sub-acute, and chronic temporal injury phases and we have further generated detailed peak assignment tables for each brain-specific biomolecule within each injury phase. The intensity ratios of significant peaks, yielding the combined unique spectroscopic barcode for each brain-injury marker, are compared to assess variance between lasers, with the smallest variance found for UCHL1 (σ2 = 0.000164) and the highest for sulfatide (σ2 = 0.158). Overall, this work paves the way for defining and setting the most appropriate diagnostic time window for detection following brain injury. Further rapid and specific detection of these biomarkers, from easily accessible biofluids, would not only enable the triage of TBI, predict outcomes, indicate the progress of recovery, and save healthcare providers costs, but also cement the potential of Raman-based spectroscopy as a powerful tool for neurodiagnostics.
The Construction of an α-F2O3/Tubular g-C3N4 Z-Scheme Heterojunction Catalyst for the Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation of Tetracycline
Authors: Xu Feng , Zhang Kai , Li Kun , Ju Hao , Xue Qian , Qi Xueqiang , Jiang Jinxia
Published: November 2023

Morphological engineering and semiconductor coupling show significant potential to increase the photocatalytic performance of graphite carbon nitride (g-C3N4). In this work, a unique Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst composed of tubular g-C3N4 (TCN) and α-F2O3 was successfully synthesized. Combining the experimental results and characterization, we extensively investigated the charge transfer mechanism of the α-F2O3/tubular g-C3N4 (FO-TCN) heterojunctions and processes in the photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline (TC). The tubular morphology provided a larger specific surface area, enhancing the light absorption area and thus improving the exposure of the active sites. Not only was the light absorption range expanded through the coupling with α-F2O3, but the charge transfer properties of the sample were also strengthened. The synergism between photocatalysis and the Fenton reaction enhanced the photocatalytic performance of the FO-TCN. Due to the previously mentioned beneficial factors, the performance of the FO-TCN photocatalyst was significantly increased; its reaction rate k value in the degradation of TC (0.0482 min−1) was 4.05 times faster than that of single g-C3N4 and it exhibited the best photocatalytic performance (95.02%) for the degradation of TC in 60 min, with an enhancement of 38.41%. Quenching experiments showed that h+ and ·O2− were the major active substances in the photocatalytic degradation process.
The Use of Polyurethane Composites with Sensing Polymers as New Coating Materials for Surface Acoustic Wave-Based Chemical Sensors—Part I: Analysis of the Coating Results, Sensing Responses and Adhesion of the Coating Layers of Polyurethane–Polybutylmethacrylate Composites
Authors: Rapp Michael , Voigt Achim , Dirschka Marian , Carvalho Mauro dos Santos de
Published: November 2023

The sensing layers for surface acoustic wave-based (SAW) sensors are the main factor in defining the selectivity and reproducibility of the responses of the sensor systems. Among the materials used as sensing layers for SAW sensors, polymers present a wide range of advantages, from availability to a large choice of chemical-sensing environments. However, depending on the physical–chemical properties of the polymer, issues about the chemical and mechanical stability of the sensing layer have been reported that can compromise the application of sensor systems in the long-term. The sensor properties are defined basically by the properties of the coating material and the quality of the coating process. The strategy used to improve the properties of polymeric coating layers for SAW technology involved the use of polyurethane (PU) in combination with a second polymer that is responsible for the sensing properties of the resulting layer; this is obtained by a reproducible and robust coating procedure. In this first part of our research, we used polymer composites of different compositions of polybutylmetacrylate (PBMA) as the sensing polymer with polyurethane. The analysis of the coating (ultrasonic parameters), the relative sensor responses and the adhesion results for the PU–PBMA composites were determined. The ultrasonic analysis and the relative sensor responses showed very reproducible and precise results, indicating the reproducibility and robustness of the coating process. Accurate correlations between the results of the ultrasonic parameters due to the coating and the relative sensor responses for the organic analytes analyzed were obtained, showing a precise quantitative relationship between the results and the constitution of the composite coating materials. The composites show practically no significant sensor responses to water. The PU–PBMA composites substantially enhanced adhesion to the surface of the piezoelectric sensor element in comparison to the coating with pure PBMA, without loss of its sensing properties. Other PU–polymer composites will be presented in the future, as well as an analysis of the selectivity for the organic analytes for these types of coating materials.
Magnetic Resonance Perfusion-Weighted Imaging in Predicting Hemorrhagic Transformation of Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Li Ming , Lv Yifan , Wang Mingming , Zhang Yaying , Pan Zilai , Luo Yu , Zhang Haili , Wang Jing
Published: November 2023

Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is one of the common complications in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). This study aims to investigate the value of different thresholds of Tmax generated from perfusion-weighted MR imaging (PWI) and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value in the prediction of HT in AIS. A total of 156 AIS patients were enrolled in this study, with 55 patients in the HT group and 101 patients in non-HT group. The clinical baseline data and multi-parametric MRI findings were compared between HT and non-HT groups to identify indicators related to HT. The optimal parameters for predicting HT and the corresponding cutoff values were obtained using the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of the volumes of ADC < 620 × 10−6 mm2/s and Tmax > 6 s, 8 s, and 10 s. The results showed that the volumes of ADC < 620 × 10−6 mm2/s and Tmax > 6 s, 8 s, and 10 s in the HT group were all significantly larger than that in the non-HT group and were all independent risk factors for HT. Early measurement of the volume of Tmax > 10 s had the highest value, with a cutoff lesion volume of 10.5 mL.
Individual Keratinocyte Necroses in the Epidermis Are Apoptotic Keratinocytes in the Skin
Authors: Tachibana Mitsuhiro , Hamayasu Hideki , Tomita Kazuki , Kage Yuta
Published: November 2023

The patient was a 44-year-old woman with Stevens–Johnson syndrome due to receiving Baktar® (sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim) medication at our outpatient dermatology clinic. The epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous adipose tissue samples showed numerous necrotic keratinocytes in the epidermis. Apoptotic nuclei were visualized as diaminobenzidine brown deposits with immunoperoxidase staining for cleaved caspase-3. The cleaved caspase-3-positive findings were consistent with eosinophilic material that appeared to be necrotic cells within the epidermis. Therefore, these eosinophilic materials may be apoptotic bodies. Generally speaking, eosinophilic cells are considered necrotic keratinocytes, especially in Japan. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have used apoptotic immunohistochemical markers to examine whether these structures are apoptotic in a human specimen.
Reconfigurable Amplitude-Phase-Coding Metasurface with Flexible Beamforming Capability
Authors: Gao Lu , Zhou Yuxin , Zhu Hailiang , Zheng Pei , Liu Jiaqi , He Zhonghang , Xu Ziwei , Cui Yichun
Published: November 2023

Recently, reconfigurable coding metasurfaces have attracted extensive attention due to their dynamic and flexible manipulation of electromagnetic (EM) waves, making them an effective solution to connect physical reality and information science. Nevertheless, most previously reported reconfigurable metasurfaces suffer from limited applications, as they solely possess either phase or amplitude modulation. In this article, we propose a reconfigurable coding metasurface that can regulate both phase and amplitude response independently. In the field of the metasurface, the phase response can tailor the wavefronts, and the amplitude response can adjust the redistribution of the energy of the EM waves. Specifically, by integrating a PIN diode into the meta-atom and controlling its bias voltage, the reflection phase can be switched between two opposite phases with a phase difference of about 180°, and the reflection amplitude can be manipulated from 0.02 to 0.98 continuously at 11 GHz. The unit element consists of simple multi-layer structures, reducing its production cost and processing difficulty. By loading 1-bit phase code and multi-bit amplitude code to each unit element severally, this metasurface can modulate the distribution of reflected EM waves in two-dimensional (2-D) space while simultaneously suppressing the sidelobes for any quantity of scattered beams over a wide operating band ranging from 10.5 to 11.5 GHz. This metasurface exhibits promising potential for manipulating the distribution of EM wave energy and shaping of EM beams, which can be expected to facilitate wireless communication technology.
Integrated Algorithm Based on Bidirectional Characteristics and Feature Selection for Fire Image Classification
Authors: Wang Zuoxin , Zhao Xiaohu , Tao Yuning
Published: November 2023

In some fire classification task samples, it is especially important to learn and select limited features. Therefore, enhancing shallow characteristic learning and accurately reserving deep characteristics play a decisive role in the final fire classification task. In this paper, we propose an integrated algorithm based on bidirectional characteristics and feature selection for fire image classification called BCFS-Net. This algorithm is integrated from two modules, a bidirectional characteristics module and feature selection module; hence, it is called an integrated algorithm. The main process of this algorithm is as follows: First, we construct a bidirectional convolution module to obtain multiple sets of bidirectional traditional convolutions and dilated convolutions for the feature mining and learning shallow features. Then, we improve the Inception V3 module. By utilizing the bidirectional attention mechanism and Euclidean distance, feature points with greater correlation between the feature maps generated by convolutions in the Inception V3 module are selected. Next, we comprehensively consider and integrate feature points with richer semantic information from multiple dimensions. Finally, we use convolution to further learn the deep features and complete the final fire classification task. We validated the feasibility of our proposed algorithm in three sets of public fire datasets, and the overall accuracy value in the BoWFire dataset reached 88.9%. The overall accuracy in the outdoor fire dataset reached 96.96%. The overall accuracy value in the Fire Smoke dataset reached 81.66%.
Roles of Wireless Networks in Bridging the Rural Smart Infrastructural Divide
Authors: Chen Xiaoqian , Chen Kang , Wang Minxiao , Li Ruopu
Published: November 2023

The past decade has seen a rise in the availability of modern information and communication technologies (ICTs) for developing smart societies and communities. However, the smart divide, characterized by inequalities in ICT infrastructures, software access, and individual capabilities, remains a significant barrier for rural communities. Limited empirical studies exist that explore what and how ICT infrastructures can be developed to bridge the smart divide. The paper aimed to address rural broadband access in the context of infrastructural dimensions of smart divide (i.e., smart infrastructural divide) in the United States, focusing on the wireless network infrastructure’s role in narrowing the gap. It examined the broadband specifications needed for smart applications like smart education and telehealth, emphasizing the importance of wireless network capabilities. While fixed broadband offers higher speeds, wireless networks can support many smart applications with decent flexibility and ease of access. To further understand the implications of wireless broadband to rural communities, we conducted a case study in Carbondale and Cairo, two rural towns in Southern Illinois, using on-site user-inspired speed testing. An Android application was developed to measure download/upload speeds and Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) for broadband quality. Results suggest both Carbondale and Cairo experienced below-average speeds with high variability among census blocks, which highlights the need for improved wireless network infrastructure. The paper culminated in the technological and policy recommendations to narrow down the smart infrastructural divide.
Synthetic Megavoltage Cone Beam Computed Tomography Image Generation for Improved Contouring Accuracy of Cardiac Pacemakers
Authors: Baroudi Hana , Chen Xinru , Cao Wenhua , El Basha Mohammad D. , Gay Skylar , Gronberg Mary Peters , Hernandez Soleil , Huang Kai , Kaffey Zaphanlene , Melancon Adam D. , Mumme Raymond P. , Sjogreen Carlos , Tsai January Y. , Yu Cenji , Court Laurence E. , Pino Ramiro , Zhao Yao
Published: November 2023

In this study, we aimed to enhance the contouring accuracy of cardiac pacemakers by improving their visualization using deep learning models to predict MV CBCT images based on kV CT or CBCT images. Ten pacemakers and four thorax phantoms were included, creating a total of 35 combinations. Each combination was imaged on a Varian Halcyon (kV/MV CBCT images) and Siemens SOMATOM CT scanner (kV CT images). Two generative adversarial network (GAN)-based models, cycleGAN and conditional GAN (cGAN), were trained to generate synthetic MV (sMV) CBCT images from kV CT/CBCT images using twenty-eight datasets (80%). The pacemakers in the sMV CBCT images and original MV CBCT images were manually delineated and reviewed by three users. The Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), 95% Hausdorff distance (HD95), and mean surface distance (MSD) were used to compare contour accuracy. Visual inspection showed the improved visualization of pacemakers on sMV CBCT images compared to original kV CT/CBCT images. Moreover, cGAN demonstrated superior performance in enhancing pacemaker visualization compared to cycleGAN. The mean DSC, HD95, and MSD for contours on sMV CBCT images generated from kV CT/CBCT images were 0.91 ± 0.02/0.92 ± 0.01, 1.38 ± 0.31 mm/1.18 ± 0.20 mm, and 0.42 ± 0.07 mm/0.36 ± 0.06 mm using the cGAN model. Deep learning-based methods, specifically cycleGAN and cGAN, can effectively enhance the visualization of pacemakers in thorax kV CT/CBCT images, therefore improving the contouring precision of these devices.
Anthropogenic Microparticles in Sea-Surface Microlayer in Osaka Bay, Japan
Authors: Zhou Mi , Yanai Hirofumi , Yap Chee Kong , Emmanouil Christina , Okamura Hideo
Published: November 2023

The abundance, distribution, and composition of microparticles (MPs) in the sea-surface microlayer (S-SML, less than 100 μm of sea surface in this experiment) and in bulk water (1 m under the sea surface) were investigated to evaluate the pollution level of MPs in Osaka Bay in Japan. Both seawater fractions were collected at eight sites including ship navigation routes, the coastal area, and the center of Osaka Bay for 2021–2023. MPs were filtered for four size ranges (10–53, 53–125, 125–500, and >500 μm) and then digested with H2O2. MPs’ abundance was microscopically assessed; and polymer types of MPs were identified by a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR). For the 22 collections performed along eight sites, the average MPs’ abundance was 903 ± 921 items/kg for S-SML, while for the 25 collections performed along the same sites, the average MPs’ abundance was 55.9 ± 40.4 items/kg for bulk water, respectively. MPs in both S-SML and bulk water exhibited their highest abundance along the navigation routes. The smallest MPs (10–53 μm) accounted for 81.2% and for 62.2% of all MPs in S-SML and in bulk water among all sites, respectively. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) was the major type of MPs identified while minor ones were polyethylene, polyesters, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, etc. PMMA comprised 95.1% of total MPs in S-SML and 45.6% of total MPs in bulk water. In addition, PMMA accounted for 96.6% in S-SML and 49.5% in bulk water for the smallest MP category (10–53 μm). It can be assumed that the MP sources were marine paints—primarily APPs (antifouling paint particles)—as well as land coatings. Sea pollution due to microparticles from ship vessels should be given proper attention.
Shear Testing of Topologically Optimised Web Cover Plates in Splice Connections—Experiment Design and Results
Authors: Ribeiro Tiago , Bernardo Luís , Nepomuceno Miguel C. S. , Maugeri Natale Antonio , Longo Paolo , De Domenico Dario
Published: November 2023

Testing shear-resisting plates in steel connections is one of the most challenging laboratory undertakings in steel construction, as the most common experimental layout design includes simulating the connection with its adjoining members. This significant hindrance gained particular magnitude as the need to test prototypes of topologically optimised shear cover plates became more pressing. Indeed, new code-compliant topology optimisation approaches for steel construction have recently been offered, and physically non-linear analyses have been demonstrated to be vital for assessing these elements. Hence, a rapid and reliable experimental process has become a fundamental necessity. To answer this need, a novel layout is herein proposed, in which topologically optimised and previously numerically examined bolted shear plates of a well-known steel joint were tested. The results allowed for the definition of the material trilinear model for use in subsequent numerical analysis, as well as the validation of the numerical simulation results. The discrepancy between the previously mathematically anticipated and empirically determined ultimate resistance did not exceed 1.7%.
Study on Low-Temperature Performance Decay of Composite-Modified Porous Asphalt Mixture under Medium- and High-Temperature Water Erosion
Authors: Chai Chao , Zhang Da , Wang Zhongkun , Ding Guangya
Published: November 2023

This paper studies the decay law of low-temperature crack resistance performance of rubber powder basalt fiber composite-modified porous asphalt concrete (CM-PAC) under medium- and high-temperature water erosion. Firstly, the prepared Marshall specimens were subjected to water erosion treatment at different temperatures of 20 °C, 40 °C, and 60 °C for 0–15 days. Then, the processed specimens were subjected to low-temperature splitting tests, and acoustic emission data during the splitting test process were collected using an acoustic emission device. It can be seen that the low-temperature splitting strength and low-temperature splitting stiffness modulus of CM-PAC gradually decrease with the increase in water erosion time. The maximum reduction rates of the two compared to the control group reached 72.63% and 91.60%, respectively. The low-temperature splitting failure strain gradually increases. Under the same erosion time, the higher the temperature of water, the more significant the amplitude of changes in the above parameters. In addition, it is shown that as the water erosion time increases, the first stage of loading on the specimen gradually shortens, and the second and third stages gradually advance. As the water temperature increases and the water erosion time prolongs, the acoustic emission energy released by the CM-PAC specimen during the splitting process slightly decreases. The application of acoustic emission technology in the splitting process can clarify the changes in the failure pattern of CM-PAC specimens during the entire loading stage, which can better reveal the impact of medium- to high-temperature water on the performance degradation of CM-PAC.
Epoxy Resin-Based Materials Containing Natural Additives of Plant Origin Dedicated to Rail Transport
Authors: Masek Anna , Olejnik Olga , Czechowski Leszek , Kaźmierczyk Filip , Miszczak Sebastian , Węgier Aleksandra , Krauze Sławomir
Published: November 2023

The presented study is focused on the modification of commercially available epoxy resin with flame retardants by means of using natural substances, including quercetin hydrate and potato starch. The main aim was to obtain environmentally friendly material dedicated to rail transport that is resistant to the aging process during exploitation but also more prone to biodegradation in environmental conditions after usage. Starch is a natural biopolymer that can be applied as a pro-ecological filler, which may contribute to degradation in environmental conditions, while quercetin hydrate is able to prevent a composite from premature degradation during exploitation. To determine the aging resistance of the prepared materials, the measurements of hardness, color, mechanical properties and surface free energy were performed before and after solar aging. To assess the mechanical properties of the composite material, one-directional tensile tests were performed for three directions (0, 90, 45 degrees referred to the plate edges). Moreover, the FT-IR spectra of pristine and aged materials were obtained to observe the changes in chemical structure. Furthermore, thermogravimetric analysis was conducted to achieve information about the impact of natural substances on the thermal resistance of the achieved composites.
Simulation of the Time Needed for Long-Term Asphalt Ageing in the Rolling Thin Film Oven Relative to That of the Pressure Ageing Vessel
Authors: de Oliveira Yuri Mello Müller , Cittadella Poliana Tonieto , Rohde Luciana , Thives Liseane Padilha
Published: November 2023

Rheological test standards require asphalt samples, both original and under ageing conditions. The most common laboratory equipment in specifications for short-term and long-term ageing simulation tests are the rolling thin film oven (RTFO) and the pressure ageing vessel (PAV). However, the cost of acquiring PAV and the duration of long-term ageing tests can be a limiting factor. This work aimed to establish the equivalent time of the long-term ageing test in the RTFO that corresponds to the PAV. For this, the Brazilian asphalt PEN 50/70, specified by penetration, was aged at different times (85, 170, 255, and 340 min) in the RTFO at the standard temperature (163 °C). For each time, using a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), tests such as Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR) and Linear Amplitude Sweep (LAS) were performed, and the rheological properties (complex modulus (G*) and phase angle (δ)) were measured. The same tests were conducted on the samples aged in the long term and in the PAV. The test parameters obtained from applying different times while using the RTFO were compared with the PAV results, and the equivalent time was settled through linear regression, resulting in 300 min. In order to confirm the equivalent time, samples aged in the RTFO for 300 min were assessed using the same rheological tests, and the parameters were compared to those obtained after PAV ageing. At the equivalent time, the difference between RTFO and the PAV for the rutting parameter (G*/sinδ, 58 °C) was 6%, while for the fatigue parameter (G*.sinδ, 19 °C), the difference was 1.0%. The MSCR non-recoverable creep compliance parameter differences, considering stress levels of 0.1 kPa and 3.2 kPa, were 9.7% and 11.7%, respectively. For the fatigue life obtained in the LAS test at strain levels of 1.25% and 2.5%, the difference between RTFO and PAV, at the equivalent time, was 7.6% and 7.8%, respectively. For the Brazilian unmodified asphalt PEN 50/70 and parameters evaluated in this work, 300 min is the equivalent time that simulates long-term ageing in the RTFO.
Effect of Plant-Based Mouthwash (Morinda citrifolia and Ocimum sanctum) on TNF-α, IL-α, IL-β, IL-2, and IL-6 in Gingival Crevicular Fluid and Plaque Scores of Patients Undergoing Fixed Orthodontic Treatment
Authors: Kamran Muhammad Abdullah , Alnazeh Abdullah A. , Almoammar Salem , Almagbol Mohammad , Baig Eisha Abrar , Alrwuili Mohammad Raji , Aljabab Mohammed Ahmed , Alshahrani Ibrahim
Published: November 2023

Background and Objectives: To investigate the antiplaque properties of two plant-based mouthwashes, Morinda citrifolia (MC) and Ocimum sanctum (OS), and their effect on TNF-α, IL-α, IL-β, IL-2, and IL-6 in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods: Seventy-five individuals were recruited according to defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. This study was structured into two distinct phases. Phase I was a combination of toothbrushing using toothpaste containing fluoride (Protocol A), while Phase II toothbrushing included fluoride toothpaste and use of a mouthwash (Protocol B). For Phase II, individuals participating in this study were allocated into different groups through a randomization process: Group 1—0.12% CHX, Group 2—5% MC, and Group 3—4% OS. Each individual’s Phase I and Phase II scores were assessed. GCF was measured in three phases to determine the level of inflammatory biomarkers. The paired t-test evaluated the disparities between the pre- and post-plaque index. Categorical data were subjected to crosstab analysis to assess qualitative variables. The mean values of cytokine levels were presented. An unpaired t-test was employed to assess the levels of cytokines between individuals in Phase I and Phase II. Results: Toothbrushing, fluoride toothpaste, and the supplementary use of mouthwash (Phase II) resulted in mean plaque scores significantly lower than group A (p < 0.001). Cytokines TNF-α, IL-α, and IL-β demonstrated a significant downward trend in herbal mouthwash users. Conclusions: In conjunction with fluoridated toothpaste and brushing, OS and MC can serve as a viable alternative to conventional synthetic mouthwash CHX. This combination demonstrates reducing mean plaque scores and diminishing the levels of cytokines TNF-α, IL-α, and IL-β.
Effects of Unrestricted Kinematically Aligned Total Knee Arthroplasty with a Modified Soft-Tissue Respecting Technique on the Deformity of Limb Alignment in Japanese Patients
Authors: Ishikawa Masahiro , Ishikawa Masaaki , Nagashima Hideaki , Ishizuka Shinya , Michishita Kazuhiko , Soda Yoshinori , Hiranaka Takafumi
Published: November 2023

Background and Objectives: Unrestricted kinematic alignment total knee arthroplasty (KA-TKA) with a soft-tissue respecting technique (STRT) is a soft-tissue-dependent tibial resection entailing the restoration of the original soft-tissue tension using ligamentotaxis after resurfacing the femur, based on the concept of restoring the native or pre-osteoarthritis alignment in each patient. However, there is no consensus on the indications of unrestricted KA-TKA with the STRT. We modified the STRT, followed by an investigation of the effects of surgery on the postoperative hip–knee–ankle angle (HKAA). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical background data, including the preoperative and postoperative HKAA, of 87 patients who underwent unrestricted KA-TKA with the modified STRT. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the factors affecting the postoperative HKAA. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to investigate the change in the cut-off values of preoperative HKAA with respect to the safe zone of the postoperative HKAA. We generated two regression models, the linear regression model and generalized additive model (GAM) using machine learning, to predict the postoperative HKAA. Results: Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed the preoperative HKAA as the factor most relevant to the postoperative HKAA. ROC analysis revealed that the preoperative HKAA exhibited a high predictive utility, with a cut-off value of −10°, when the safe range of postoperative HKAA was set at ±5°. The GAM was the superior machine learning model, indicating a non-linear association between the preoperative and postoperative HKAA. Patients with preoperative HKAAs ranging from −18° to 4° were more likely to fall within the ±5° safe range of the postoperative HKAA. Conclusions: The preoperative HKAA influences the postoperative HKAA in unrestricted KA-TKA with the modified STRT. Machine learning using the GAM may contribute to the selection of patients eligible for the surgical approach.
An FPGA-Based High-Performance Stateful Packet Processing Method
Authors: Lu Rui , Guo Zhichuan
Published: November 2023

Compared to a stateless data plane, a stateful data plane offloads part of state information and control logic from a controller to a data plane to reduce communication overhead and improve packet processing efficiency. However, existing methods for implementing stateful data planes face challenges, particularly maintaining state consistency during packet processing and improving throughput performance. This paper presents a high-performance, FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array)-based stateful packet processing approach, which addresses these challenges utilizing the PHV (Packet Header Vector) dynamic scheduling technique to ensure flow state consistency. Our experiments demonstrate that the proposed method could operate at 200 MHz while adding 3–12 microseconds latency. The method we proposed also provides a considerable degree of programmability.
Effects of Thermal Boundary Resistance on Thermal Management of Gallium-Nitride-Based Semiconductor Devices: A Review
Authors: Zhan Tianzhuo , Xu Mao , Cao Zhi , Zheng Chong , Kurita Hiroki , Narita Fumio , Wu Yen-Ju , Xu Yibin , Wang Haidong , Song Mengjie , Wang Wei , Zhou Yanguang , Liu Xuqing , Shi Yu , Jia Yu , Guan Sujun , Hanajiri Tatsuro , Maekawa Toru , Okino Akitoshi , Watanabe Takanobu
Published: November 2023

Wide-bandgap gallium nitride (GaN)-based semiconductors offer significant advantages over traditional Si-based semiconductors in terms of high-power and high-frequency operations. As it has superior properties, such as high operating temperatures, high-frequency operation, high breakdown electric field, and enhanced radiation resistance, GaN is applied in various fields, such as power electronic devices, renewable energy systems, light-emitting diodes, and radio frequency (RF) electronic devices. For example, GaN-based high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) are used widely in various applications, such as 5G cellular networks, satellite communication, and radar systems. When a current flows through the transistor channels during operation, the self-heating effect (SHE) deriving from joule heat generation causes a significant increase in the temperature. Increases in the channel temperature reduce the carrier mobility and cause a shift in the threshold voltage, resulting in significant performance degradation. Moreover, temperature increases cause substantial lifetime reductions. Accordingly, GaN-based HEMTs are operated at a low power, although they have demonstrated high RF output power potential. The SHE is expected to be even more important in future advanced technology designs, such as gate-all-around field-effect transistor (GAAFET) and three-dimensional (3D) IC architectures. Materials with high thermal conductivities, such as silicon carbide (SiC) and diamond, are good candidates as substrates for heat dissipation in GaN-based semiconductors. However, the thermal boundary resistance (TBR) of the GaN/substrate interface is a bottleneck for heat dissipation. This bottleneck should be reduced optimally to enable full employment of the high thermal conductivity of the substrates. Here, we comprehensively review the experimental and simulation studies that report TBRs in GaN-on-SiC and GaN-on-diamond devices. The effects of the growth methods, growth conditions, integration methods, and interlayer structures on the TBR are summarized. This study provides guidelines for decreasing the TBR for thermal management in the design and implementation of GaN-based semiconductor devices.