bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of the Immune System in IBD-Associated Colorectal Cancer: From Pro to Anti-Tumorigenic Mechanisms
Authors: Frigerio Sofía , Lartey Dalia A. , D’Haens Geert R. , Grootjans Joep
Published: November 2021

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have increased incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC). IBD-associated cancer follows a well-characterized sequence of intestinal epithelial changes, in which genetic mutations and molecular aberrations play a key role. IBD-associated cancer develops against a background of chronic inflammation and pro-inflammatory immune cells, and their products contribute to cancer development and progression. In recent years, the effect of the immunosuppressive microenvironment in cancer development and progression has gained more attention, mainly because of the unprecedented anti-tumor effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors in selected groups of patients. Even though IBD-associated cancer develops in the background of chronic inflammation which is associated with activation of endogenous anti-inflammatory or suppressive mechanisms, the potential role of an immunosuppressive microenvironment in these cancers is largely unknown. In this review, we outline the role of the immune system in promoting cancer development in chronic inflammatory diseases such as IBD, with a specific focus on the anti-inflammatory mechanisms and suppressive immune cells that may play a role in IBD-associated tumorigenesis.
Delineating the Molecular Events Underlying Development of Prostate Cancer Variants with Neuroendocrine/Small Cell Carcinoma Characteristics
Authors: Kanayama Mayuko , Luo Jun
Published: November 2021

The treatment landscape of prostate cancer has changed dramatically following the advent of novel systemic therapies, most of which target the androgen receptor (AR). Agents such as abiraterone, enzalutamide, apalutamide, darolutamide were designed to further suppress androgen receptor signaling following gonadal suppression achieved by first-line androgen deprivation therapies. These potent AR targeting agents are increasingly used in the earlier stages of the disease spectrum with the goal of delaying disease progression and extending survival. Although these therapies are effective in controlling prostate tumors dependent on or addicted to AR signaling, prostate tumors surviving the onslaught of potent treatments may evolve and develop drug resistance. A substantial proportion of treatment failures can be explained by the development of treatment-induced aggressive prostate cancer variants such as neuroendocrine/small cell carcinoma. These emerging disease entities demand detailed characterization and precise definitions. We postulate that these treatment-induced prostate cancer entities should be defined molecularly to overcome the drawbacks associated with the current clinical and pathological definitions. A precise molecular definition conforms with current knowledge on the molecular evolution of this disease entity and will enable early detection and early intervention.
The Role of Toll-like Receptors (TLRs) Mediated Inflammation in Pancreatic Cancer Pathophysiology
Authors: Orlacchio Arturo , Mazzone Pellegrino
Published: November 2021

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most lethal forms of cancer, characterized by its aggressiveness and metastatic potential. Despite significant improvements in PC treatment and management, the complexity of the molecular pathways underlying its development has severely limited the available therapeutic opportunities. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a pivotal role in inflammation and immune response, as they are involved in pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Activation of TLRs initiates a signaling cascade, which in turn, leads to the transcription of several genes involved in inflammation and anti-microbial defense. TLRs are also deregulated in several cancers and can be used as prognostic markers and potential targets for cancer-targeted therapy. In this review we discuss the current knowledge about the role of TLRs in PC progression, focusing on the available TLRs-targeting compounds and their possible use in PC therapy.
Octacalcium Phosphate for Bone Tissue Engineering: Synthesis, Modification, and In Vitro Biocompatibility Assessment
Authors: Teterina Anastasia Yu. , Smirnov Igor V. , Fadeeva Irina S. , Fadeev Roman S. , Smirnova Polina V. , Minaychev Vladislav V. , Kobyakova Margarita I. , Fedotov Aleksandr Yu. , Barinov Sergey M. , Komlev Vladimir S.
Published: November 2021

Octacalcium phosphate (OCP, Ca8H2(PO4)6·5H2O) is known to be a possible precursor of biological hydroxyapatite formation of organic bone tissue. OCP has higher biocompatibility and osseointegration rate compared to other calcium phosphates. In this work, the synthesis of low-temperature calcium phosphate compounds and substituted forms of those at physiological temperatures is shown. Strontium is used to improve bioactive properties of the material. Strontium was inserted into the OCP structure by ionic substitution in solutions. The processes of phase formation of low-temperature OCP with theoretical substitution of strontium for calcium up to 50 at.% in conditions close to physiological, i.e., temperature 35–37 °C and normal pressure, were described. The effect of strontium substitution range on changes in the crystal lattice of materials, the microstructural features, surface morphology and biological properties in vitro has been established. The results of the study indicate the effectiveness of using strontium in OCP for improving biocompatibility of OCP based composite materials intended for bone repair.
Polyaminoacid Based Core@shell Nanocarriers of 5-Fluorouracil: Synthesis, Properties and Theranostics Application
Authors: Szczęch Marta , Hinz Alicja , Łopuszyńska Natalia , Bzowska Monika , Węglarz Władysław P. , Szczepanowicz Krzysztof
Published: November 2021

Cancer is one of the most important health problems of our population, and one of the common anticancer treatments is chemotherapy. The disadvantages of chemotherapy are related to the drug’s toxic effects, which act on cancer cells and the healthy part of the body. The solution of the problem is drug encapsulation and drug targeting. The present study aimed to develop a novel method of preparing multifunctional 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) nanocarriers and their in vitro characterization. 5-FU polyaminoacid-based core@shell nanocarriers were formed by encapsulation drug-loaded nanocores with polyaminoacids multilayer shell via layer-by-layer method. The size of prepared nanocarriers ranged between 80–200 nm. Biocompatibility of our nanocarriers as well as activity of the encapsulated drug were confirmed by MTT tests. Moreover, the ability to the real-time observation of developed nanocarriers and drug accumulation inside the target was confirmed by fluorine magnetic resonance imaging (19F-MRI).
The Role of Melatonin on Behavioral Changes and Concomitant Oxidative Stress in icvAβ1-42 Rat Model with Pinealectomy
Authors: Tzoneva Rumiana , Georgieva Irina , Ivanova Natasha , Uzunova Veselina , Nenchovska Zlatina , Apostolova Sonia , Stoyanova Tzveta , Tchekalarova Jana
Published: November 2021

One of the pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) associated with its progression that contributes to β-amyloid (Aβ) generation is oxidative stress (OS). Clinical data suggest that melatonin is a potent antioxidant that might be effective in the adjunctive therapy of this neurodegenerative disease. The present study aimed to explore the role of melatonin on behavioral changes and markers of OS in three rat models, namely, pinealectomy (pin) model of melatonin deficit, intracerebroventricular (icv)Aβ1-42 model of AD, and combination of both pin and Aβ1-42 model (pin+icvAβ1-42). The chronic injection with vehicle/melatonin (50 mg/kg, i.p. for 40 days) started on the same day of sham/pin and icv vehicle/Aβ1-42 infusion procedures. Anxiety in the open field and the elevated plus-maze test and cognitive responses in the object recognition test were tested between the 30th–35th day after the surgical procedures. Markers of OS in the frontal cortex (FC) and hippocampus were detected by the ELISA method. Melatonin treatment corrected the exacerbated anxiety response only in the pin+icvAβ1-42 model while it alleviated the cognitive impairment in the three models. Pinealectomy disturbed the antioxidant system via enhanced SOD activity and decreased GSH levels both in the FC and hippocampus. The Aβ1-42 model decreased the SOD activity in the FC and elevated the MDA level in the two brain structures. The pin+icvAβ1-42 model impaired the antioxidant system and elevated lipid peroxidation. Melatonin supplementation restored only the elevated MDA level of icvAβ1-42 and pin+icvAβ1-42 model in the hippocampus. In conclusion, our study reveals that the pin+icvAβ1-42 rat model triggers more pronounced anxiety and alterations in markers of OS that may be associated with melatonin deficit concomitant to icvAβ1-42-induced AD pathology.
Dysregulated MicroRNAs as Biomarkers or Therapeutic Targets in Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity: A Systematic Review
Authors: de Godoy Torso Nadine , Pereira João Kleber Novais , Visacri Marília Berlofa , Vasconcelos Pedro Eduardo Nascimento Silva , Loren Pía , Saavedra Kathleen , Saavedra Nicolás , Salazar Luis A. , Moriel Patricia
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this systematic review was to map out and summarize scientific evidence on dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) that can be possible biomarkers or therapeutic targets for cisplatin nephrotoxicity and have already been tested in humans, animals, or cells. In addition, an in silico analysis of the two miRNAs found to be dysregulated in the majority of studies was performed. A literature search was performed using eight databases for studies published up to 4 July 2021. Two independent reviewers selected the studies and extracted the data; disagreements were resolved by a third and fourth reviewers. A total of 1002 records were identified, of which 30 met the eligibility criteria. All studies were published in English and reported between 2010 and 2021. The main findings were as follows: (a) miR-34a and miR-21 were the main miRNAs identified by the studies as possible biomarkers and therapeutic targets of cisplatin nephrotoxicity; (b) the in silico analysis revealed 124 and 131 different strongly validated targets for miR-34a and miR-21, respectively; and (c) studies in humans remain scarce.
Astrocytes Exhibit a Protective Role in Neuronal Firing Patterns under Chemically Induced Seizures in Neuron–Astrocyte Co-Cultures
Authors: Ahtiainen Annika , Genocchi Barbara , Tanskanen Jarno M. A. , Barros Michael T. , Hyttinen Jari A. K. , Lenk Kerstin
Published: November 2021

Astrocytes and neurons respond to each other by releasing transmitters, such as γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate, that modulate the synaptic transmission and electrochemical behavior of both cell types. Astrocytes also maintain neuronal homeostasis by clearing neurotransmitters from the extracellular space. These astrocytic actions are altered in diseases involving malfunction of neurons, e.g., in epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Convulsant drugs such as 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) and gabazine are commonly used to study epilepsy in vitro. In this study, we aim to assess the modulatory roles of astrocytes during epileptic-like conditions and in compensating drug-elicited hyperactivity. We plated rat cortical neurons and astrocytes with different ratios on microelectrode arrays, induced seizures with 4-AP and gabazine, and recorded the evoked neuronal activity. Our results indicated that astrocytes effectively counteracted the effect of 4-AP during stimulation. Gabazine, instead, induced neuronal hyperactivity and synchronicity in all cultures. Furthermore, our results showed that the response time to the drugs increased with an increasing number of astrocytes in the co-cultures. To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first that shows the critical modulatory role of astrocytes in 4-AP and gabazine-induced discharges and highlights the importance of considering different proportions of cells in the cultures.
The Effect of Organoselenium Compounds on Histone Deacetylase Inhibition and Their Potential for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Adimulam Theolan , Arumugam Thilona , Foolchand Ashmika , Ghazi Terisha , Chuturgoon Anil A.
Published: November 2021

Genetic and epigenetic changes alter gene expression, contributing to cancer. Epigenetic changes in cancer arise from alterations in DNA and histone modifications that lead to tumour suppressor gene silencing and the activation of oncogenes. The acetylation status of histones and non-histone proteins are determined by the histone deacetylases and histone acetyltransferases that control gene transcription. Organoselenium compounds have become promising contenders in cancer therapeutics. Apart from their anti-oxidative effects, several natural and synthetic organoselenium compounds and metabolites act as histone deacetylase inhibitors, which influence the acetylation status of histones and non-histone proteins, altering gene transcription. This review aims to summarise the effect of natural and synthetic organoselenium compounds on histone and non-histone protein acetylation/deacetylation in cancer therapy.
Ecological Entomology: How Is Gibson’s Framework Useful?
Authors: Berger Dauxère Aimie , Serres Julien R. , Montagne Gilles
Published: November 2021

To date, numerous studies have demonstrated the fundamental role played by optic flow in the control of goal-directed displacement tasks in insects. Optic flow was first introduced by Gibson as part of their ecological approach to perception and action. While this theoretical approach (as a whole) has been demonstrated to be particularly suitable for the study of goal-directed displacements in humans, its usefulness in carrying out entomological field studies remains to be established. In this review we would like to demonstrate that the ecological approach to perception and action could be relevant for the entomologist community in their future investigations. This approach could provide a conceptual and methodological framework for the community in order to: (i) take a critical look at the research carried out to date, (ii) develop rigorous and innovative experimental protocols, and (iii) define scientific issues that push the boundaries of the current scientific field. After a concise literature review about the perceptual control of displacement in insects, we will present the framework proposed by Gibson and suggest its added value for carrying out research in the field of behavioral ecology in insects.
Association between Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency and Asthma
Authors: Fois Alessandro , Dore Maria Pina , Manca Andrea , Scano Valentina , Pirina Pietro , Pes Giovanni Mario
Published: November 2021

Background: Among the determinants contributing to the pathogenesis of asthma, antioxidant genetic factors play a leading role. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is an enzyme that is competent to detoxify free radicals. Although a relationship between G6PD deficiency and asthma has been previously reported, the literature is still scanty. In this study, we test this hypothesis in a large cohort of patients from Sardinia, Italy. Methods: A retrospective case–control study was performed using data from 11,829 clinical records of outpatients referred to a teaching hospital for a medical visit. In total, 455 cases (asthma-positive) and 11,374 controls (asthma-negative) were compared for G6PD status using multivariable analysis, adjusting for all covariates. Results: Overall, G6PD deficiency was detected in 11.2% of study participants and was associated with an increased risk of asthma (odds ratio (OR) 1.63; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.27–2.10). Additional variables significantly associated with asthma were female sex (OR 1.66; 95% CI 1.34–2.06), overweight/obesity (OR 1.56; 95% CI 1.27–1.92), smoking (OR 1.44; 95% CI 1.449–3.963), and high socioeconomic status (OR 1.40; 95% CI 1.16–1.70), whereas age was inversely related with asthma (OR 0.49; 95% CI 0.39–0.61). Conclusions: Our study shows that G6PD deficiency is an independent risk for asthma. These findings suggest that G6PD should be assessed in asthmatic patients for better risk stratification.
Sesquiterpenoids Specially Produced by Fungi: Structures, Biological Activities, Chemical and Biosynthesis (2015–2020)
Authors: Dai Quan , Zhang Fa-Lei , Feng Tao
Published: November 2021

Fungi are widely distributed in the terrestrial environment, freshwater, and marine habitat. Only approximately 100,000 of these have been classified although there are about 5.1 million characteristic fungi all over the world. These eukaryotic microbes produce specialized metabolites and participate in a variety of ecological functions, such as quorum detection, chemical defense, allelopathy, and maintenance of symbiosis. Fungi therefore remain an important resource for the screening and discovery of biologically active natural products. Sesquiterpenoids are arguably the richest natural products from plants and micro-organisms. The rearrangement of the 15 high-ductility carbons gave rise to a large number of different skeletons. At the same time, abundant structural variations lead to a diversification of biological activity. This review examines the isolation, structural determination, bioactivities, and synthesis of sesquiterpenoids that were specially produced by fungi over the past five years (2015–2020).
Suitability of Laser Engineered Net Shaping Technology for Inconel 625 Based Parts Repair Process
Authors: Barwinska Izabela , Kopec Mateusz , Łazińska Magdalena , Brodecki Adam , Durejko Tomasz , Kowalewski Zbigniew L.
Published: November 2021

In this paper, the Inconel 625 laser clads characterized by microstructural homogeneity due to the application of the Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS, Optomec, Albuquerque, NM, USA) technology were studied in detail. The optimized LENS process parameters (laser power of 550 W, powder flow rate of 19.9 g/min, and heating of the substrate to 300 °C) enabled to deposit defect-free laser cladding. Additionally, the laser clad was applied in at least three layers on the repairing place. The deposited laser clads were characterized by slightly higher mechanical properties in comparison to the Inconel 625 substrate material. Microscopic observations and X-ray Tomography (XRT, Nikon Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) confirmed, that the substrate and cladding interface zone exhibited a defect-free structure. Mechanical properties and flexural strength of the laser cladding were examined using microhardness and three-point bending tests. It was concluded, that the LENS technology could be successfully applied for the repair since a similar strain distribution was found after Digital Image Correlation measurements during three-point bending tests.
Preparation and Characterization of the Functional Properties of Synthetic Aggregates from Silico-Manganese Slag
Authors: Xing Zhibing , Han Fenglan , Tian Jiuliang , Xu Zhichao , Wang Jiaqi , Liu Tengteng , Zheng Bin , Huang Jiahe
Published: November 2021

A large number of natural aggregates are used in the field of construction materials, resulting in the exhaustion of natural aggregates. Therefore, looking for an alternative will slow down the consumption of natural aggregates. The sintering method not only consumes a lot of energy to prepare aggregates but also produces a lot of pollutants. In this study, silico-manganese (SM) slag was dried, ground into powder, and used as raw material. Solid and liquid alkaline activator methods were used to prepare SM slag non-burning aggregate (SMNA) by the cold bonding method. The effects of grinding time, amounts of solid and liquid alkaline activators, curing temperature, and the amount of added fly ash on aggregate properties were investigated. The aggregate microstructure was characterized by XRD, SEM, and FTIR methods, and the toxic leaching analysis of aggregate was performed. The results showed that with a fixed amount of liquid activator (16.2% wt.) and solid activator (15% wt.) and fly ash (20% wt.), respectively, and curing was performed at room temperature, the aggregate properties were optimal: the bulk density of 1236.6–1476.9 kg/m3 and the water absorption lower than 4.9–5.5%. The apparent density was 1973.1–2281.6 kg/m3, and the bulk crushing strength was 24.7–27.9 MPa. The XRD, SEM, and FTIR results indicated that amorphous gel could be formed from SM under an alkaline activator, improving the aggregate strength. The results of toxic leaching showed that the aggregate prepared from SM exhibited environmentally friendly characteristics. The SMNA was obtained via the simple and low-energy consumption production process, paving the new way toward large-scale utilization of SM.
Effect of Strain Rate on the Transverse Tension and Compression Behavior of a Unidirectional Non-Crimp Fabric Carbon Fiber/Snap-Cure Epoxy Composite
Authors: Rouf Khizar , Suratkar Aaditya , Imbert-Boyd Jose , Wood Jeffrey , Worswick Michael , Montesano John
Published: November 2021

The strain rate-dependent behavior of a unidirectional non-crimp fabric (UD-NCF) carbon fiber/snap-cure epoxy composite loaded along the transverse direction under quasi-static and dynamic conditions was characterized. Transverse tension and compression tests at quasi-static and intermediate strain rates were performed using hydraulic testing machines, while a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) apparatus was used for transverse compression tests at high strain rates. A pulse shaper was used on the SHPB apparatus to ensure dynamic equilibrium was achieved and that the test specimens deformed homogenously with a nearly constant strain rate. The transverse tensile strength at a strain rate of 16 s−1 increased by 16% when compared to that at quasi-static strain rates, while distinct localized fracture surface morphology was observed for specimens tested at different strain rates. The transverse compressive yield stress and strength at a strain rate of 325 s−1 increased by 94% and 96%, respectively, when compared to those at quasi-static strain rates. The initial fracture plane orientation for the transverse compression tests was captured with high-speed cameras and found to increase with increasing strain rate. The study provides an important data set for the strain rate-dependent response of a UD-NCF composite material, while the qualitative fracture surface observations provide a deeper understanding of the failure characteristics.
Comparison of Precursor Preparation Routes on Final Density of Y3Fe5O12 Garnets Prepared via Reactive Sintering
Authors: Wojciechowski Kamil , Lach Radosław , Stan Magdalena , Łańcucki Łukasz , Gajewska Marta , Zientara Dariusz
Published: November 2021

Yttrium iron garnet was obtained using four methods of synthesis. A modified citrate method and a modified citrate method with YIG (yttrium iron garnet, Y3Fe5O12) nucleation were used. In two subsequent methods, YIP (yttrium iron perovskite, YFeO3) and α-Fe2O3 obtained in the first case by the citrate method and in the second by precipitation of precursors with an ammonia solution were used as the input precursors for reaction sintering. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements of the output powders obtained by all methods allowed to identify the effects observed during the temperature increase. Dilatometric measurements allowed to determine the changes in linear dimensions at individual stages of reaction sintering. In the case of materials obtained by the citrate method, two effects occur with the increasing temperature, the first of which corresponds to the reaction of the formation of yttrium iron perovskite (YIP), and the second is responsible for the reaction of the garnet (YIG) formation. However, in the case of heat treatment of the mixture of YIP and α-Fe2O3, we observe only the effect responsible for the solid state reaction leading to the formation of yttrium iron garnet. The obtained materials were reaction sintered at temperatures of 1300 and 1400 °C. Only in the case of material obtained from a mixture of perovskite and iron(III) oxide obtained by ammonia precipitation at temperature of 1400 °C were densities achieved higher than 98% of the theoretical density. The use of Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) in the case of this material allowed to eliminate the remaining porosity and to obtain full density.
Characteristics of Thermal Parameters and Some Physical Properties of Mineral Eutectic Type: Petalite–Alkali Feldspars
Authors: Stempkowska Agata
Published: November 2021

The aim of the research was to check whether the system of three fluxes based on lithium aluminium silicate and alkali feldspars has a eutectic point, i.e., with the lowest melting temperature. Lithium was introduced into the mixtures in the form of petalite, which occurs naturally in nature (Bikita Zimbabwe deposit). Using naturally occurring raw materials such as petalite, sodium feldspar, and potassium feldspar, an attempt was made to obtain eutectics with the lowest melting point to facilitate thermal processing of the mineral materials. In addition, the high-temperature viscosity of the mineral alloys and physical parameters such as density, linear shrinkage, and open porosity were studied. The study showed that in these systems, there is one three-component eutectic at 1345 °C, with the lowest viscosity of 1·105 Pas and the highest density of 2.34g/cm3, with a weight content of petalite 20%, sodium feldspar 20%, and potassium feldspar 20%.
Waste Aluminum Application as Energy Valorization for Hydrogen Fuel Cells for Mobile Low Power Machines Applications
Authors: Salueña-Berna Xavier , Marín-Genescà Marc , Massagués Vidal Lluís , Dagà-Monmany José M.
Published: November 2021

This article proposes a new model of power supply for mobile low power machines applications, between 10 W and 30 W, such as radio-controlled (RC) electric cars. This power supply is based on general hydrogen from residual aluminum and water with NaOH, so it is proposed energy valorization of aluminum waste. In the present research, a theoretical model allows us to predict the requested aluminum surface and the required flow of hydrogen has been developed, also considering, in addition to the geometry and purity of the material, two key variables as the temperature and the molarity of the alkaline solution used in the hydrogen production process. Focusing on hydrogen production, isopropyl alcohol plays a key role in the reactor’s fuel cell vehicle as it filters out NaOH particles and maintains a constant flow of hydrogen for the operation of the machine, keeping the reactor temperature controlled. Finally, a comparison of the theoretical and experimental data has been used to validate the developed model using aluminum sheets from ring cans to generate hydrogen, which will be used as a source of hydrogen in a power fuel cell of an RC car. Finally, the manuscript shows the parts of the vehicle’s powertrain, its behavior, and mode of operation.
Modeling the Effect of Alternative Cementitious Binders in Ultra-High-Performance Concrete
Authors: Park Solmoi , Lee Namkon , An Gi-Hong , Koh Kyeong-Taek , Ryu Gum-Sung
Published: November 2021

The use of alternative cementitious binders is necessary for producing sustainable concrete. Herein, we study the effect of using alternative cementitious binders in ultra-high-performance concrete (UPHC) by calculating the phase assemblages of UHPC in which Portland cement is replaced with calcium aluminate cement, calcium sulfoaluminate cement, metakaolin or blast furnace slag. The calculation result shows that replacing Portland cement with calcium aluminate cement or calcium sulfoaluminate cement reduces the volume of C-S-H but increases the overall solid volume due to the formation of other phases, such as strätlingite or ettringite. The modeling result predicts that using calcium aluminate cement or calcium sulfoaluminate cement may require more water than it would for plain UHPC, while a similar or lower amount of water is needed for chemical reactions when using blast furnace slag or metakaolin.
Automatic Image Characterization of Psoriasis Lesions
Authors: Martínez-Torres Javier , Silva Piñeiro Alicia , Alesanco Álvaro , Pérez-Rey Ignacio , García José
Published: November 2021

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that affects 125 million people worldwide and, particularly, 2% of the Spanish population, characterized by the appearance of skin lesions due to a growth of the epidermis that is seven times larger than usual. Its diagnosis and monitoring are based on the use of methodologies for measuring the severity and extent of these spots, and this includes a large subjective component. For this reason, this paper presents an automatic method for characterizing psoriasis images that is divided into four parts: image preparation or pre-processing, feature extraction, classification of the lesions, and the obtaining of parameters. The methodology proposed in this work covers different digital-image processing techniques, namely, marker-based image delimitation, hair removal, nipple detection, lesion contour detection, areal-measurement-based lesion classification, as well as lesion characterization by means of red and white intensity. The results obtained were also endorsed by a professional dermatologist. This methodology provides professionals with a common software tool for monitoring the different existing typologies, which proved satisfactory in the cases analyzed for a set of 20 images corresponding to different types of lesions.
Multimodal Identification Based on Fingerprint and Face Images via a Hetero-Associative Memory Method
Authors: Han Qi , Yang Heng , Weng Tengfei , Chen Guorong , Liu Jinyuan , Tian Yuan
Published: November 2021

Multimodal identification, which exploits biometric information from more than one biometric modality, is more secure and reliable than unimodal identification. Face recognition and fingerprint recognition have received a lot of attention in recent years for their unique advantages. However, how to integrate these two modalities and develop an effective multimodal identification system are still challenging problems. Hetero-associative memory (HAM) models store some patterns that can be reliably retrieved from other patterns in a robust way. Therefore, in this paper, face and fingerprint biometric features are integrated by the use of a hetero-associative memory method for multimodal identification. The proposed multimodal identification system can integrate face and fingerprint biometric features at feature level when the system converges to the state of asymptotic stability. In experiment 1, the predicted fingerprint by inputting an authorized user’s face is compared with the real fingerprint, and the matching rate of each group is higher than the given threshold. In experiment 2 and experiment 3, the predicted fingerprint by inputting the face of an unauthorized user and the stealing authorized user’s face is compared with its real fingerprint input, respectively, and the matching rate of each group is lower than the given threshold. The experimental results prove the feasibility of the proposed multimodal identification system.
Optimality Conditions and Duality for a Class of Generalized Convex Interval-Valued Optimization Problems
Authors: Guo Yating , Ye Guoju , Liu Wei , Zhao Dafang , Treanţǎ Savin
Published: November 2021

This paper is devoted to derive optimality conditions and duality theorems for interval-valued optimization problems based on gH-symmetrically derivative. Further, the concepts of symmetric pseudo-convexity and symmetric quasi-convexity for interval-valued functions are proposed to extend above optimization conditions. Examples are also presented to illustrate corresponding results.
Ensemble of Deep Learning-Based Multimodal Remote Sensing Image Classification Model on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Networks
Authors: Joshi Gyanendra Prasad , Alenezi Fayadh , Thirumoorthy Gopalakrishnan , Dutta Ashit Kumar , You Jinsang
Published: November 2021

Recently, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been used in several applications of environmental modeling and land use inventories. At the same time, the computer vision-based remote sensing image classification models are needed to monitor the modifications over time such as vegetation, inland water, bare soil or human infrastructure regardless of spectral, spatial, temporal, and radiometric resolutions. In this aspect, this paper proposes an ensemble of DL-based multimodal land cover classification (EDL-MMLCC) models using remote sensing images. The EDL-MMLCC technique aims to classify remote sensing images into the different cloud, shades, and land cover classes. Primarily, median filtering-based preprocessing and data augmentation techniques take place. In addition, an ensemble of DL models, namely VGG-19, Capsule Network (CapsNet), and MobileNet, is used for feature extraction. In addition, the training process of the DL models can be enhanced by the use of hosted cuckoo optimization (HCO) algorithm. Finally, the salp swarm algorithm (SSA) with regularized extreme learning machine (RELM) classifier is applied for land cover classification. The design of the HCO algorithm for hyperparameter optimization and SSA for parameter tuning of the RELM model helps to increase the classification outcome to a maximum level considerably. The proposed EDL-MMLCC technique is tested using an Amazon dataset from the Kaggle repository. The experimental results pointed out the promising performance of the EDL-MMLCC technique over the recent state of art approaches.
Supercyclic and Hypercyclic Generalized Weighted Backward Shifts over a Non-Archimedean c0(N) Space
Authors: Mukhamedov Farrukh , Khakimov Otabek , Souissi Abdessatar
Published: November 2021

In the present paper, we propose to study generalized weighted backward shifts BB over non-Archimedean c0(N) spaces; here, B=(bij) is an upper triangular matrix with supi,j|bij|<∞. We investigate the sypercyclic and hypercyclic properties of BB. Furthermore, certain properties of the operator I+BB are studied as well. To establish the hypercyclic property of I+BB we have essentially used the non-Archimedeanity of the norm which leads to the difference between the real case.
Graph, Spectra, Control and Epidemics: An Example with a SEIR Model
Authors: Aletti Giacomo , Benfenati Alessandro , Naldi Giovanni
Published: November 2021

Networks and graphs offer a suitable and powerful framework for studying the spread of infection in human and animal populations. In the case of a heterogeneous population, the social contact network has a pivotal role in the analysis of directly transmitted infectious diseases. The literature presents several works where network-based models encompass realistic features (such as contacts networks or host–pathogen biological data), but analytical results are nonetheless scarce. As a significant example, in this paper, we develop a multi-group version of the epidemiological SEIR population-based model. Each group can represent a social subpopulation with the same habits or a group of geographically localized people. We consider also heterogeneity in the weighting of contacts between two groups. As a simple application, we propose a simple control algorithm in which we optimize the connection weights in order to minimize the combination between an economic cost and a social cost. Some numerical simulations are also provided.
A New Inversion-Free Iterative Scheme to Compute Maximal and Minimal Solutions of a Nonlinear Matrix Equation
Authors: Zaka Ullah Malik
Published: November 2021

The goal of this article is to investigate a new solver in the form of an iterative method to solve X+A∗X−1A=I as an important nonlinear matrix equation (NME), where A,X,I are appropriate matrices. The minimal and maximal solutions of this NME are discussed as Hermitian positive definite (HPD) matrices. The convergence of the scheme is given. Several numerical tests are also provided to support the theoretical discussions.
Semiclassical Approach to the Nonlocal Kinetic Model of Metal Vapor Active Media
Authors: Shapovalov Alexander V. , Kulagin Anton E.
Published: November 2021

A semiclassical approach based on the WKB–Maslov method is developed for the kinetic ionization equation in dense plasma with approximations characteristic of metal vapor active media excited by a contracted discharge. We develop the technique for constructing the leading term of the semiclassical asymptotics of the Cauchy problem solution for the kinetic equation under the supposition of weak diffusion. In terms of the approach developed, the local cubic nonlinear term in the original kinetic equation is considered in a nonlocal form. This allows one to transform the nonlinear nonlocal kinetic equation to an associated linear partial differential equation with a given accuracy of the asymptotic parameter using the dynamical system of moments of the desired solution of the equation. The Cauchy problem solution for the nonlinear nonlocal kinetic equation can be obtained from the solution of the associated linear partial differential equation and some algebraic equations for the coefficients of the linear equation. Within the developed approach, the plasma relaxation in metal vapor active media is studied with asymptotic solutions expressed in terms of higher transcendental functions. The qualitative analysis of such the solutions is given.
An Astrocyte-Flow Mapping on a Mesh-Based Communication Infrastructure to Defective Neurons Phagocytosis
Authors: Rahmani Amir Masoud , Ali Naqvi Rizwan , Ali Saqib , Hosseini Mirmahaleh Seyedeh Yasaman , Alswaitti Mohammed , Hosseinzadeh Mehdi , Siddique Kamran
Published: November 2021

In deploying the Internet of Things (IoT) and Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)-based applications and infrastructures, the researchers faced many sensors and their output’s values, which have transferred between service requesters and servers. Some case studies addressed the different methods and technologies, including machine learning algorithms, deep learning accelerators, Processing-In-Memory (PIM), and neuromorphic computing (NC) approaches to support the data processing complexity and communication between IoMT nodes. With inspiring human brain structure, some researchers tackled the challenges of rising IoT- and IoMT-based applications and neural structures’ simulation. A defective device has destructive effects on the performance and cost of the applications, and their detection is challenging for a communication infrastructure with many devices. We inspired astrocyte cells to map the flow (AFM) of the Internet of Medical Things onto mesh network processing elements (PEs), and detect the defective devices based on a phagocytosis model. This study focuses on an astrocyte’s cholesterol distribution into neurons and presents an algorithm that utilizes its pattern to distribute IoMT’s dataflow and detect the defective devices. We researched Alzheimer’s symptoms to understand astrocyte and phagocytosis functions against the disease and employ the vaccination COVID-19 dataset to define a set of task graphs. The study improves total runtime and energy by approximately 60.85% and 52.38% after implementing AFM, compared with before astrocyte-flow mapping, which helps IoMT’s infrastructure developers to provide healthcare services to the requesters with minimal cost and high accuracy.
Asymptotic Properties of One Mathematical Model in Food Engineering under Stochastic Perturbations
Authors: Shaikhet Leonid
Published: November 2021

For the example of one nonlinear mathematical model in food engineering with several equilibria and stochastic perturbations, a simple criterion for determining a stable or unstable equilibrium is reported. The obtained analytical results are illustrated by detailed numerical simulations of solutions of the considered Ito stochastic differential equations. The proposed criterion can be used for a wide class of nonlinear mathematical models in different applications.
Combined Effects of Sequential Velocity and Variable Magnetic Field on the Phase Change Process in a 3D Cylinder Having a Conic-Shaped PCM-Packed Bed System
Authors: Kolsi Lioua , Selimefendigil Fatih , Omri Mohamed , Ladhar Lotfi
Published: November 2021

Effects of sequential velocity and variable magnetic field on the phase change during hybrid nanofluid convection through a 3D cylinder containing a phase-change material packed bed (PCM-PB) system is analyzed with the finite element method. As the heat transfer fluid, 40% ethylene glycol with hybrid TiO2-Al2O3 nanoparticles is considered. Impacts of the sequential velocity parameter (K, between 0.5 and 1.5), geometric factor of the conic-shaped PCM-PB (M, between 0.2 and 0.9), magnetic field strength (Ha number between 0 and 50) and solid volume fraction of hybrid nanoparticles (vol.% between 0.02% and 0.1%) on the phase change dynamics are explored. Effects of both constant and varying magnetic fields on the phase change process were considered. Due to the increased fluid velocity at the walls, the phase change becomes higher with higher values of the sequential velocity parameter (K). There is a 21.6% reduction in phase transition time (tF) between the smallest and highest values of K both in the absence and presence of a constant magnetic field. The value of tF is reduced with higher magnetic field strength and the amount of reduction depends upon the sequential velocity parameter. At K = 1.5, the reduction amount with the highest Ha number is 14.7%, while it is 26% at K = 0.5. When nanoparticle is loaded in the base fluid, the value of tF is further reduced. In the absence of a magnetic field, the amount of phase-transition time reduction is 6.9%, while at Ha = 50, it is 11.7%. The phase change process can be controlled with varying magnetic field parameters as well. As the wave number and amplitude of the varying magnetic field are considered, significant changes in the tF are observed.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation on Thermal Damage of Granite Subjected to Heating and Cooling
Authors: Li Qiang , Yin Tubing , Li Xibing , Shu Ronghua
Published: November 2021

Rock mass is frequently subjected to rapid cooling in geothermal reservoir during water injection and reinjection. In this paper, to understand the effects of cooling treatments on heated granite, heat conduction tests, magnetic resonance imaging tests and numerical investigations were carried out to evaluate variations of thermal damage. The test results reveal that the heat flux and the heat transfer coefficient increases to a maximum within a few seconds and then gradually decreases. The maximum heat transfer coefficient of the samples treated with the initial temperature of 500, 400, 300, 200 and 100 °C is 2.3, 2.15, 1.9, 1.22 and 1.86 W·m−2K−1, respectively. The edge area with drastic temperature changes is accompanied by the densely distributed microcracks; in contrast, the internal cracks of the specimen with gentle temperature are relatively sparse. The thermal damage contributed by the heating cracks occurs at a continuous decrease, and the thermal damage contributed by cooling occurs at a continuous increase, with the increasing heating temperature. The damage caused by heating is the result of the uneven thermal expansion of the local particles, the propagation of cooling cracks is strongly affected by heating cracks, and stress concentration induced by thermal shock promotes the coalescence of the pre-existing heating cracks.
Inference for One-Shot Devices with Dependent k-Out-of-M Structured Components under Gamma Frailty
Authors: Ling Man-Ho , Balakrishnan Narayanaswamy , Yu Chenxi , So Hon Yiu
Published: November 2021

A device that performs its intended function only once is referred to as a one-shot device. Actual lifetimes of such kind of devices under test cannot be observed, and they are either left-censored or right-censored. In addition, one-shot devices often consist of multiple components that could cause the failure of the device. The components are coupled together in the manufacturing process or assembly, resulting in the failure modes possessing latent heterogeneity and dependence. In this paper, we develop an efficient expectation–maximization algorithm for determining the maximum likelihood estimates of model parameters, on the basis of one-shot device test data with multiple failure modes under a constant-stress accelerated life-test, with the dependent components having exponential lifetime distributions under gamma frailty that facilitates an easily understandable interpretation. The maximum likelihood estimate and confidence intervals for the mean lifetime of k-out-of-M structured one-shot device under normal operating conditions are also discussed. The performance of the proposed inferential methods is finally evaluated through Monte Carlo simulations. Three examples including Class-H failure modes data, mice data from ED01 experiment, and simulated data with four failure modes are used to illustrate the proposed inferential methods.
Attraction Basins in Metaheuristics: A Systematic Mapping Study
Authors: Baketarić Mihael , Mernik Marjan , Kosar Tomaž
Published: November 2021

Context: In this study, we report on a Systematic Mapping Study (SMS) for attraction basins in the domain of metaheuristics. Objective: To identify research trends, potential issues, and proposed solutions on attraction basins in the field of metaheuristics. Research goals were inspired by the previous paper, published in 2021, where attraction basins were used to measure exploration and exploitation. Method: We conducted the SMS in the following steps: Defining research questions, conducting the search in the ISI Web of Science and Scopus databases, full-text screening, iterative forward and backward snowballing (with ongoing full-text screening), classifying, and data extraction. Results: Attraction basins within discrete domains are understood far better than those within continuous domains. Attraction basins on dynamic problems have hardly been investigated. Multi-objective problems are investigated poorly in both domains, although slightly more often within a continuous domain. There is a lack of parallel and scalable algorithms to compute attraction basins and a general framework that would unite all different definitions/implementations used for attraction basins. Conclusions: Findings regarding attraction basins in the field of metaheuristics reveal that the concept alone is poorly exploited, as well as identify open issues where researchers may improve their research.
Nonlinear Analysis of Tropical Waves and Cyclogenesis Excited by Pressure Disturbance in Atmosphere
Authors: Li Zi-Liang , Liu Jin-Qing
Published: November 2021

The horizontal equations of motion for an inviscid homogeneous fluid under the influence of pressure disturbance and waves are applied to investigate the nonlinear process of solitary waves and cyclone genesis forced by a moving pressure disturbance in atmosphere. Based on the reductive perturbation analysis, it is shown that the nonlinear evolution equation for the wave amplitude satisfies the Korteweg–de Vries equation with a forcing term (fKdV equation for short), which describes the physics of a shallow layer of fluid subject to external pressure forcing. Then, with the help of Hirota’s direct method, the analytic solutions of the fKdV equation are studied and some exact vortex solutions are given as examples, from which one can see that the solitary waves and vortex multi-pole structures can be excited by external pressure forcing in atmosphere, such as pressure perturbation and waves. It is worthy to point out that cyclone and waves can be excited by different type of moving atmospheric pressure forcing source.