Side-by-side Research Articles

Metamaterial-based Artificial magnetic conductor for efficient breast cancer diagnosis using a low-cost antenna array

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women globally, stemming from gene mutations that prompt irregular cellular growth and subsequent tumor development. Early-stage detection of cancer cells results in a remarkable 99% survival rate. This research presents a microwave imaging technique for the non-invasive identification of tumors in the initial stages within the women’s breast. A low-cost antenna array with an Artificial Magnetic Conductor (AMC) is proposed, featuring a compact structure size of 37.2 ×\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\ imes$$\\end{document} 37.2 mm2\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$^{2}$$\\end{document}. The AMC, a metamaterial, acts as a reflective surface to enhance frequency selectivity, specifically at 8.48 GHz. The maximum gains reached 9.35 dBi in simulated results and 10.51 dBi in measured results. The fabricated antenna validates the simulated findings, and its operational efficiency has undergone experimental validation. Moreover, fidelity factors in face-to-face (FtF) and side-by-side (SbS) scenarios are delineated. The antenna, operating as a transceiver, is applied to a modeled breast phantom across five distinct cases for numerical simulations pertaining to cancer cell detection applications. The outcomes of this research bear considerable implications for advancing early-stage breast cancer detection methodologies.

Mentoring Matters When Growing Your Own Educators

The journey to establish the Future Educator Pathway (FEP), formerly known as Project Teacher Development, has been a long yet gratifying one. My colleagues and my students have been instrumental in helping to design a pathway for middle school and high school students of color to pursue a career in education. The whole process began with the Color of Teaching Mentoring Program (CoT) established in 2007 and now includes the CoT, Side-by-Side (SBS) in-school seminars for high school students, a Future Educator Academy (FEA), which is a summer residential college experience, and an opportunity for high school students to take up to four dual enrollment courses to jump start their college careers. The mentoring components of the FEP are the most crucial as they establish effective mentor-mentee relationships to foster a sense of belonging on a college campus, encourage exploration of careers in education, support mentees’ goal achievement, and endeavor to diversify the educator workforce. This paper describes the development and impact of the FEP on recruiting and retaining students of color to pursue a career in education. Findings indicate that mentees who participate in at least two of the four FEP programs persist toward their goal at a higher rate, and mentors report growth in their understanding of the importance of being culturally responsive mentors and educators demonstrating the reciprocal nature of mentoring.

69‐4: Distinguished Paper: High‐luminance and Highly Reliable Tandem OLED Display Including New Intermediate Connector Designed for Photolithography Applications

We achieved a high‐luminance and highly reliable tandem organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) designed for photolithography applications by developing a new intermediate connector with resistance to water and atmospheric elements. We succeeded in fabricating a side‐by‐side (SBS) tandem OLED display by our SBS pixel‐patterning method involving organic layer etching via photolithography.

High‐luminance and Highly Reliable Tandem OLED Display Including New Intermediate Connector Designed for Photolithography Applications

AbstractWe achieved a high‐luminance and highly reliable tandem organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) designed for photolithography applications by developing a new intermediate connector with high resistance to water and atmospheric elements. We succeeded in fabricating a red, green, and blue (RGB) side‐by‐side (SBS) tandem OLED display without a fine metal mask using our SBS pixel‐patterning method involving organic layer etching via photolithography.

Advisory firm paths to side-by-side management and mutual fund performance

We examine whether the performance of mutual funds under side-by-side (SBS) management with hedge funds is affected by an adviser’s path to SBS management. When advisers start with mutual funds and follow the MFtoSBS path, their mutual funds tend to perform similarly to funds without SBS advisers. By contrast, when advisers start with hedge funds and follow the HFtoSBS path, their mutual funds outperform funds without SBS advisers, though outperformance is not observed when SBS management is conducted at the portfolio manager level. Additional analyses link our path results to managerial compensation, talent retention, and managerial experience.

A novel structural design of cellulose-based conductive composite fibers for wearable e-textiles

Cellulose-based conductive composite fibers hold great promise in smart wearable applications, given cellulose's desirable properties for textiles. Blending conductive fillers with cellulose is the most common means of fiber production. Incorporating a high content of conductive fillers is demanded to achieve desirable conductivity. However, a high filler load deteriorates the processability and mechanical properties of the fibers. Here, developing wet-spun cellulose-based fibers with a unique side-by-side (SBS) structure via sustainable processing is reported. Sustainable sources (cotton linter and post-consumer cotton waste) and a biocompatible intrinsically conductive polymer (i.e., polyaniline, PANI) were engineered into fibers containing two co-continuous phases arranged side-by-side. One phase was neat cellulose serving as the substrate and providing good mechanical properties; another phase was a PANI-rich cellulose blend (50 wt%) affording electrical conductivity. Additionally, an eco-friendly LiOH/urea solvent system was adopted for the fiber spinning process. With the proper control of processing parameters, the SBS fibers demonstrated high conductivity and improved mechanical properties compared to single-phase cellulose and PANI blended fibers. The SBS fibers demonstrated great potential for wearable e-textile applications.

Passively enhanced VIV responses of side-by-side cylinders at moderate Reynolds number

Stationary upstream cylinders were used to enhance the response of vortex-induced vibration (VIV) of side-by-side (SBS) cylinders at Reynolds number Re = 1000. A modified direct-forcing immersed boundary (DFIB) with a large eddy simulation (LES) technique was employed to get the numerical solution. The VIV responses and VIVACE (vortex-induced vibration for aquatic clean energy) efficiency were investigated for various reduced velocities (UR∗) at a constant mass-damping (m∗ζ). Furthermore, the influence of diameter (d∗) and spacing (s∗) of stationary upstream cylinders on the enhancement of amplitude response and VIVACE efficiency were analysed. The optimal upstream cylinder diameter and spacing were d∗ = 0.4 - 0.6 and s∗⩽ 0.4. Within these ranges, the enhancement of amplitude response and efficiency was observed for UR∗⩾ 5.0, while the decrease in amplitude response and efficiency for UR∗ = 4.0 – 4.5 was minimized.

Vortex-induced vibration of two circular cylinders in a side-by-side arrangement at moderate Reynolds number: A numerical study

Vortex-induced vibration (VIV) of two transversely vibrating cylinders in a side-by-side (SBS) arrangement is numerically investigated using a combination of direct-forcing immersed boundary and large eddy simulation techniques. The VIV responses of vibrating SBS cylinders at two reduced velocities (UR* = 4.0 and 6.0) are studied for a range of gap ratio 1.0 ≤g*≤ 3.0. Moreover, the influence of mass ratio, damping ratio, and Reynolds number in the amplitude response and efficiency of VIVACE (Vortex-Induced Vibration for Aquatic Clean Energy) from vibrating SBS cylinders are investigated at moderate Reynolds numbers (Re = 1000 and 10 000). The optimal gap ratio for UR* = 4.0 is in the range of 1.0 ≤g*≤ 1.2. Larger than this range, the VIV responses are close to single-cylinder responses. At UR* = 6.0, all gap ratios show lower responses than a single-cylinder case. The vibrating SBS cylinder with a larger damping ratio results in higher maximum VIVACE efficiency with a narrower UR* range for significant efficiency. With almost the same amplitude response, the SBS cylinders with a lower mass ratio result in lower VIVACE efficiency. Using the same mass-damping parameters, it appears that a low mass ratio could be desirable to increase the UR* range of significant VIVACE efficiency and pick the proper damping ratio to reach a high value of maximum VIVACE efficiency. The effect of flow conditions on the amplitude response and VIVACE efficiency of vibrating SBS cylinders with the same VIV parameters is not significant.

Two-Dimensional Analysis Method for Highly Sensitive Detection of Dual MicroRNAs in Breast Cancer Cells.

Multiple biomarker detection is crucial for early clinical diagnosis, and it is significant to achieve the simultaneous detection of multiple biomarkers with the same nanomaterial. In this work, the hairpin DNA strands were selectively modified on the surface of gold nanorods (AuNRs) to construct two kinds of nanoprobes by rational design. When in the presence of dual microRNAs, AuNRs were assembled to form end-to-end (ETE) and side-by-side (SBS) dimers. Compared with a single AuNR, the dark-field scattering intensity and red color percentage variation of dimers were extremely distinguished, which could be developed for dual microRNA detection by combining the red color percentage and scattering intensity with the data processing method of principal component analysis to construct a two-dimensional analysis method. Especially, the fraction of AuNR dimers presented a linear relationship with the amount of microRNAs. Based on this, microRNA-21 and microRNA Let-7a in breast cancer cells were detected with the detection limits of 1.72 and 0.53 fM, respectively. This method not only achieved the sensitive detection of dual microRNAs in human serum but also realized the high-resolution intracellular imaging, which developed a new way for the oriented assembly of nanomaterials and biological detection in living cells.

Microwave Imaging Approach for Breast Cancer Detection Using a Tapered Slot Antenna Loaded with Parasitic Components

In this paper, a wideband antenna is proposed for ultra-wideband microwave imaging applications. The antenna is comprised of a tapered slot ground, a rectangular slotted patch and four star-shaped parasitic components. The added slotted patch is shown to be effective in improving the bandwidth and gain. The proposed antenna system provides a realized gain of 6 dBi, an efficiency of around 80% on the radiation bandwidth, and a wide impedance bandwidth (S11 < -10 dB) of 6.3 GHz (from 3.8 to 10.1 GHz). This supports a true wideband operation. Furthermore, the fidelity factor for face-to-face (FtF) direction is 91.6%, and for side by side (SbS) is 91.2%. This proves the excellent directionality and less signal distortion of the designed antenna. These high figures establish the potential use of the proposed antenna for imaging. A heterogeneous breast phantom with dielectric characteristics identical to actual breast tissue with the presence of tumors was constructed for experimental validation. An antenna array of the proposed antenna element was situated over an artificial breast to collect reflected and transmitted waves for tumor characterization. Finally, an imaging algorithm was used to process the retrieved data to recreate the image in order to detect the undesirable tumor object inside the breast phantom.

Accuracy and Time Comparison Between Side-by-Side and Artificial Intelligence Overlayed Images.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and the time to find a lesion, taken in different platforms, color fundus photographs and infrared scanning laser ophthalmoscope images, using the traditional side-by-side (SBS) colocalization technique to an artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted technique. Fifty-three pathological lesions were studied in 11 eyes. Images were aligned using SBS and AI overlaid methods. The location of each color fundus lesion on the corresponding infrared scanning laser ophthalmoscope image was analyzed twice, one time for each method, on different days, for two specialists, in random order. The outcomes for each method were measured and recorded by an independent observer. The colocalization AI method was superior to the conventional in accuracy and time (P < .001), with a mean time to colocalize 37% faster. The error rate using AI was 0% compared with 18% in SBS measurements. AI permitted a more accurate and faster colocalization of pathologic lesions than the conventional method. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2023;54:108-113.].

Optimal endoscopic drainage strategy for unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction.

Endoscopic biliary drainage strategies for managing unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction differ in terms of stent type, drainage area, and deployment method. However, the optimal endoscopic drainage strategy remains unclear. Uncovered self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) are the preferred type because of their higher functional success rate, longer time to recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO), and fewer cases of reintervention than plastic stents (PS). Other PS subtypes and covered SEMS, which feature a longer time to RBO than PS, can be removed during reintervention for RBO. Bilateral SEMS placement is associated with a longer time to RBO and a longer survival time than unilateral SEMS placement. Unilateral drainage is acceptable if a drainage volume of greater than 50% of the total liver volume can be achieved. In terms of deployment method, no differences were observed in clinical outcomes between side-by-side (SBS) and stent-in-stent deployment. Simultaneous SBS boasts a shorter procedure time and higher technical success rate than sequential SBS. This review of previous studies aimed to clarify the optimal endoscopic biliary drainage strategy for unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction.

A fast and cost-effective procedure for reliable measurement of trypsin inhibitor activity in soy and soy products.

Rapid and accurate measurement of trypsin inhibitor is critical for soy processors to assess the quality of soy meal. Currently, trypsin inhibitor activity is measured using the American Oil Chemists' Society (AOCS) and the American Association of Cereal Chemists International (AACCI) approved method. We have modified and improved the AACCI/AOCS approved method resulting in the elimination of several time-consuming steps and drastically reducing the assay volume. By employing our simplified procedure, we have measured trypsin inhibitor activity of several soy and soy products. A side-by side comparison of our simplified procedure with AOCS approved method revealed strikingly similar results indicating that several time-consuming and tedious steps associated with AACCI/AOCS approved methods can be eliminated without sacrificing the accuracy of the assay. Moreover, we demonstrate that our assay can also be carried out in 96-well microplates which will enable high-throughput screening of large number of soy meal samples.

Numerical predictions of vibration responses and flow energy conversion efficiency of side-by-side cylinders at moderate Reynolds number

Vortex-induced vibration (VIV) of two circular cylinders in a side-by-side (SBS) configuration was modelled using three-dimensional numerical simulation at Reynolds number Re = 1,000. The VIV parameter values used for the study were mass ratio, m∗ = 10.0, damping ratio, ζ = 0.01, and a range of reduced velocities, UR∗ = 2.0 to 10.0. Various VIV responses were investigated, such as amplitude, frequency, and response correlation for gap ratios 1.0 ⩽g∗⩽ 3.0. Moreover, the efficiency of flow energy conversion was determined to assess the potential of this configuration for VIVACE (Vortex-Induced Vibration Aquatic Clean Energy). For comparison, the VIV responses and efficiency of the single-cylinder case were also presented with identical variables. It was found that the optimal gap ratio between the SBS cylinders was in the interval of 1.0 ⩽g∗⩽ 1.2. A significant increase in efficiency occurred in the initial excitation region between 4.0 ⩽UR∗⩽ 5.0. Above this range, the efficiency was less than that of a single cylinder. In the case of SBS cylinders, the soft lock-in appeared to start early. The anti-phase correlation led to a significant increase in the vibration response as well as efficiency. The increase in maximum efficiency was more than twofold.

Low-Cost Antenna-Array-Based Metamaterials for Non-Invasive Early-Stage Breast Tumor Detection in the Human Body.

Microstrip patch antennas have been used in many applications since their appearance. Despite their great promise, their narrow bandwidth and the loss at high-frequency bands have limited their usage in medical applications. This work proposes a developed low-cost microstrip patch antenna suitable for microwave imaging (MWI) applications within the wideband frequency range. The proposed antenna is loaded with an artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) to improve the antenna performance. The simulated results obtained using computer simulation technology (CST) indicate that the presence of the AMC has improved the frequency selectivity of the antenna at 8.6 GHz with a peak realized gain of 9.90443 dBi and 10.61 dBi for simulated and measured results, respectively. The proposed microstrip antenna has been fabricated to validate the simulated results, and its performance is tested experimentally. Additionally, the fidelity factor of face-to-face (FtF) and side-by-side (SbS) scenarios have been presented. The breast phantom models with a tumor and the antenna operating as a transceiver have been numerically simulated for the application of cancer tumor cell detection. The work will have a significant impact on the design of electromagnetic biosensors.

Experimental investigation of local scour around two submerged short square piles under tandem, side-by-side and staggered arrangements in steady current

This research investigates the effects of the arrangement of two submerged square piles on water flow induced local scour topography at the sand-covered bed in steady current under clear water scour condition. The height of each pile is the same as its boundary length. Experimental tests were conducted for G/D = 1 to 5 under the tandem arrangement and G/D = 1 and 2 under side-by-side (SBS) and staggered arrangements, where G is the gap between the two piles and D is the boundary length of the square piles. Results showed that in the tandem arrangement, the scour of the upstream pile is similar to that of a single pile, but the scour of the downstream pile goes through three stages: scour, backfill and re-scour. The backfill stage is caused by the downstream motion of the sand dunes generated from the upstream pile. In the SBS arrangement, the evolution of scour of each pile is similar to that of a single pile. However, the scour rates at the two inner upstream corners of the piles are slowed down by the sand dune between the gap at G/D = 1. In the staggered arrangement, the maximum scour depth of the downstream pile is greater than that of the upstream pile because the flow is accelerated twice from the corners of the two piles, respectively. The maximum scour depth at the SBS and staggered arrangements at G/D = 1 and 2 are slightly greater than that of a single pile, while the maximum scour depth of the tandem arrangement at G/D = 1 to 5 is similar to that of a single pile.

Characteristics assessment of local scour encircling twin bridge piers positioned side by side (SbS)

Characteristics assessment of local scour encircling twin bridge piers positioned side by side (SbS)

Theoretical Models of PV-EC Windows Based on the Architectural Analysis of PV-EC Technologies

Abstract The paper provides an architectural analysis of the switchable PV-EC glazing technology based on combining photovoltaic (PV) technology with electrochromic (EC) glazing. The integration of these technologies is considered to constitute future-oriented façade solutions in shaping buildings that are energy-saving and environmentally friendly. The paper aims to define theoretical models of windows using PV-EC technology as solutions adequate from the architectural point of view. To achieve this goal, a comparative analysis of three PV-EC technologies was conducted, i.e., side-by-side (SBS) technology and tandem technologies, namely tandem solid technology (TST) and tandem liquid technology (TLT). The analysis covered functional aspects related to such issues as thermal and visual comfort, energy and aesthetics. The analysis led to extracting the features of the three compared technologies; consequently, their strengths and weaknesses were determined. As a result, seven window models were developed which, based on the above analysis and the insights derived from it, were recognized as the solutions in which the potential of PV and EC technology is best used. The dominant advantages of SBS, being the most developed technology and one with the greatest flexibility in construction applications, are indicated. The research is of a contributory nature, as it constitutes the basis for further numerical and simulation research. Such studies may prove useful to architects in making design decisions, especially at the initial design stages. However, at the current stage of technological development, the study mainly serves as an introduction to further research on improving the PV-EC properties towards integration with the building and its architecture.

Side‐by‐side management of mutual funds and actively managed exchange traded funds

AbstractWe document the recent rise in the side‐by‐side (SBS) management of mutual funds and actively managed ETFs (AMETFs). Although these funds are run in a SBS manner, only 21% share an investment objective code. This relationship is started by families with more ETF experience and is not used to reward “star” managers. On average, mutual funds with SBS AMETFs perform similarly to comparable funds after SBS formation; however, their flows fall when pairs share the same investment objective. We find evidence of both a substitution effect and conflicts of interest between SBS funds, depending on the contracting and organizational structures.

Wet-Spun Side-by-Side Electrically Conductive Composite Fibers

Electrically conductive fibers play an important role in smart electronic textiles to connect the key components of a smart system, convey energy, and sometimes serve as a sensor. Polymers for traditional fibers are insulating. Incorporating conductive fillers to produce blend fibers is a common method to produce conductive flexible fibers. In the filler/polymer blend system, increasing the filler load enhances fiber conductivity but that adversely affects fiber processability and deteriorates the fiber mechanical performance. In this study, an innovative wet spinning technique was used to manufacture heterostructured polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and polyaniline (PANI) conductive fibers. A PAN/PANI blend solution was co-spun with a neat PAN solution to produce side-by-side (SBS) fibers. The results showed that, by employing the SBS technique, PAN/PANI solutions of high PANI load that were not spinnable by themselves could be co-spun into SBS fibers with neat PAN. The SBS fibers maintained a similar level of conductivity to the fibers produced from the PAN/PANI blend solution only, although the overall PANI load in the SBS fiber was much lower. Additionally, the SBS fibers exhibited superior mechanical performance with the neat PAN serving as a substrate. The study demonstrated a manufacturing technique to produce conductive polymer composite fibers for e-textiles.