A cooperative protocol for pervasive underwater acoustic networks

Wireless Networks - The novel Underwater Wireless Sensor Network (UWSN) can contribute to monitor and explore aquatic environments. But, communicating in these environments is still hard and has...     

Robust parameter estimation of a deterministic signal in impulsivenoise

This paper presents a robust class of estimators for the parameters of a deterministic signal in impulsive noise. The proposed technique has the structure of the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) but has an extra degree of freedom: the choice of a nonlinear function (which is different from the score function suggested by the MLE) that can be adjusted to improve robustness. The effect of this nonlinear function is studied analytically via an asymptotic performance analysis. We investigate the covariance of the estimates and the loss of efficiency induced by nonoptimal choices of the nonlinear function, giving special attention to the case of α-stable noise. Finally, we apply the theoretical results to the problem of estimating the parameters of a sinusoidal signal in impulsive noise     

Elastic properties of porous media in the vicinity of the percolation limit

A new approach to calculation of the elastic bulk modulus of low consolidated porous media in the vicinity of the percolation limit under dry and saturated conditions is developed based on a physical consolidation model of rocks and the classical contact theory developed by H. Hertz in 1882. The derived analytical relationships for the elastic bulk modulus, which take into account the structural architecture of packing, are compared with theoretical predictions from popular micromechanic theories, Hashin–Shtrikman strict bounds as well as with experimental results available for low consolidated granular materials. The latter comparison demonstrates a good agreement under both dry and water saturated conditions.     

Scaffolds of poly (ε-caprolactone) with whiskers of hydroxyapatite

Scaffolds of Poly (ε-caprolactone)/hydroxyapatite were produced and studied for tissue engineering applications. The materials were selected due to its biodegradability (PCL) and bioactivity (HA), and above all their biocompatibility toward the human tissue. The composites produced were characterized by SEM, XRD, and EDS. By analyzing these characterizations it was possible to obtain further information about the composition and morphology aspects of all portions of the composite scaffold.     

The Role of Somatic Mutations on the Immune Response of the Tumor Microenvironment in Prostate Cancer

Immunotherapy has improved patient survival in many types of cancer, but for prostate cancer, initial results with immunotherapy have been disappointing. Prostate cancer is considered an immunologically excluded or cold tumor, unable to generate an effective T-cell response against cancer cells. However, a small but significant percentage of patients do respond to immunotherapy, suggesting that some specific molecular subtypes of this tumor may have a better response to checkpoint inhibitors. Recent findings suggest that, in addition to their function as cancer genes, somatic mutations of PTEN, TP53, RB1, CDK12, and DNA repair, or specific activation of regulatory pathways, such as ETS or MYC, may also facilitate immune evasion of the host response against cancer. This review presents an update of recent discoveries about the role that the common somatic mutations can play in changing the tumor microenvironment and immune response against prostate cancer. We describe how detailed molecular genetic analyses of the tumor microenvironment of prostate cancer using mouse models and human tumors are providing new insights into the cell types and pathways mediating immune responses. These analyses are helping researchers to design drug combinations that are more likely to target the molecular and immunological pathways that underlie treatment failure.     

Comparison of thermal performance between test cells with different coverage systems for experimental typical day of heat in Brazilian Southeastern

This article shows experimentally the thermal performance of two test cells with different coverage systems, Light Green Roof (LGR) and ceramic roof by analyzing internal surface temperatures (IST) in the ceiling and dry bulb temperatures (DBT). The objective was to evaluate the spatial distribution of temperatures in buildings according to spatial and temporal Dynamic Climatology approaches. An experimental, typical day for heat conditions was determined. The data of the main climatic variables provided by an automatic weather station and temperatures inside the test cells were collected using thermocouples installed such that the entire space is included. The results led to the conclusion that the LGR has a balanced IST and DBT spatial distribution compared with ceramic roofs. Nevertheless, the analysis of the thermal performance is only one of the variables that must be considered when developing a construction proposal that is adapted to the context. The manner in which the thermocouples were placed inside the test cells also showed the importance of specifying the location of the sensors in experimental studies on the behavior and thermal performance of buildings.