bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing the Impact of Depressive and Anxiety Features on the Association between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms and Academic Performance among University Students: A Mediation Analysis
Authors: Riboldi Ilaria , Crocamo Cristina , Callovini Tommaso , Capogrosso Chiara Alessandra , Piacenti Susanna , Calabrese Angela , Lucini Paioni Susanna , Moretti Federico , Bartoli Francesco , Carrà Giuseppe
Published: August 2022

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with poor academic performance also among university students. This relationship may be made more complex by comorbid conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mediating role of anxiety and depressive symptoms in the relationship between ADHD and academic performance. Data were drawn from the CAMPUS study (registration number: 0058642/21), an ongoing survey on university students’ mental health. Using a logit model, mediation analyses were carried out to test whether the relationship between ADHD symptoms (assessed by ASRS-5) and academic performance might be mediated by depressive (assessed by PHQ-9) and anxiety (assessed by GAD-7) symptoms. Our results showed that worse academic performance is associated with ADHD symptoms (p < 0.001). However, about 24% of the overall association between ADHD symptoms and academic performance was mediated by depressive symptoms (indirect effect: 0.065, 95%CI 0.022; 0.100), whereas the contribution of anxiety symptoms to the model was not significant. Along with the association between ADHD symptoms and poor academic performance, our findings highlight the key mediating role of depressive symptoms, which may be targeted with tailored support, ultimately improving both the academic performance and the well-being of university students with ADHD.
Frontostriatal Functional Connectivity Underlies the Association between Punishment Sensitivity and Procrastination
Authors: Dong Wenshan , Luo Jie , Huo Hangfeng , Seger Carol A. , Chen Qi
Published: August 2022

Procrastination is defined as putting off an intended course of action voluntarily despite the harmful consequences. Previous studies have suggested that procrastination is associated with punishment sensitivity in that high punishment sensitivity results in increased negative utility for task performance. We hypothesized the effects of punishment sensitivity on procrastination would be mediated by a network connecting the caudate nucleus and prefrontal cortex, both of which have been previously associated with self-control and emotional control during procrastination. We employed voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) to examine the neural substrates of punishment sensitivity and its relationship with procrastination (N = 268). The behavioral results indicated a strong positive correlation between measures of punishment sensitivity and procrastination. The VBM analysis revealed that the gray matter (GM) volume of the right caudate was significantly positively correlated with punishment sensitivity. The primary rsFC analysis revealed connectivity between this caudate location and the bilateral middle frontal gyrus (MFG) was significantly negatively correlated with punishment sensitivity. A mediation model indicated punishment sensitivity completely mediated the relation between functional connectivity within a caudate–bilateral MFG network and procrastination. Our results support the theory that those with higher punishment sensitivity have weaker effective emotional self-control supported by the caudate–MFG network, resulting in greater procrastination.
Peer Attachment and Proactive Socialization Behavior: The Moderating Role of Social Intelligence
Authors: Nie Ting , Zheng Yanying , Huang Yiying
Published: August 2022

Proactive socialization involves an active attempt to integrate into an organization, which can help an individual complete the transition from student to employee. This study—conducted via a survey involving college graduates (one year after graduation)—explores the peer attachment influence mechanism on proactive socialization behaviors and the moderating effects of social intelligence. The results of the empirical analysis show that core self-evaluation has a mediating effect between peer attachment and individual proactive socialization behavior. Peer trust and peer communication can improve individual proactive socialization behavior by enhancing core self-evaluation, but peer alienation may reduce core self-evaluation and inhibit individual proactive socialization behavior in the workplace. Social intelligence has a moderating mediating role between peer attachment, core self-evaluation, and proactive socialization behavior. High social intelligence may enhance the indirect influence of peer trust and communication on proactive socialization behavior through core self-evaluation and weaken the indirect influence of peer alienation on proactive socialization behavior through core self-evaluation. In recruitment and selection, organizations can predict the proactive socialization behaviors of candidates by investigating their peer relationships, and can also strive to create a harmonious working atmosphere and relationship to help new employees integrate into the organization.
Associations between Perceived Teacher Autonomy Support, Self-Determined Motivation, Physical Activity Habits and Non-Participation in Physical Education in a Sample of Lithuanian Adolescents
Authors: Jankauskiene Rasa , Urmanavicius Danielius , Baceviciene Migle
Published: August 2022

In this cross-sectional study, we tested the associations between teacher autonomy support, self-determined motivation for physical education (PE), physical activity habits and non-participation in physical education in a sample of adolescents. A total of 715 adolescents (of whom 371 (51.89%) were girls) participated. The ages ranged from 14 to 18 years, with mean ages of 16.00 (SD = 0.79) for girls and 15.99 (SD = 0.75) for boys. The study questionnaire consisted of demographic questions and the Learning Climate Questionnaire, Revised Perceived Locus of Causality in Physical Education Questionnaire, Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire 2, Self-Report Habit Index for Physical Activity, Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, perceived physical fitness and frequency of non-participation in PE classes. The results showed that perceived teacher autonomy support was directly positively associated with physical activity habits and negatively with non-participation in physical education classes. Autonomous motivation for PE was a mediator between perceived teacher autonomy support and physical activity habits, meaning that higher autonomous motivation was related to higher physical activity habits. Motivation for PE was also a mediator between teacher autonomy support and non-participation in PE. Higher autonomous motivation for PE was associated with less frequent non-participation in PE classes. The findings can inform PE teachers’ practice by showing that supporting students’ autonomy and strengthening their self-determined motivation can facilitate increased participation in PE classes and the formation of students’ physical activity habits.
Resilient Capabilities to Tackle Supply Chain Risks: Managing Integration Complexities in Construction Projects
Authors: Malik Afia , Khan Khurram Iqbal Ahmad , Qayyum Siddra , Ullah Fahim , Maqsoom Ahsen
Published: August 2022

Due to the increased globalization and the disruptions caused by pandemics, supply chains (SCs) are becoming more complex in all industries. Such increased complexities of the SCs bring in more risks. The construction industry is no exception; its SC has been disrupted in line with its industrial counterparts. Therefore, it is important to manage the complexities in integrating SC risks and resilient capabilities (RCs) to enable a resilient SC in construction. This study investigated the complexity involved in the dynamics of effects between organizations’ SC risks and RCs to overcome disruptive events. Past researchers investigated how to improve the performance of construction projects, regardless of the complexities and interdependencies associated with the risks across the entire SC. However, the system dynamics (SD) approach to describe the diversity of construction SCs under risks has received limited attention indicating a research gap pursued by this study. This work aimed to analyze and establish interconnectivity and functionality amongst the construction SC risks and RCs using systems thinking (ST) and SD modeling approach. The SD technique is used to assess the complexity and integrated effect of SC risks on construction projects to enhance their resilience. The risks and RCs were identified by critically scrutinizing the literature and were then ranked through content analysis. Questionnaire surveys and expert opinions (involving 10 experts) helped develop causal loop diagrams (CLDs) and SD models with simulations to assess complexity qualitatively and quantitatively within the system. Research reveals that construction organizations are more vulnerable to health pandemics, budget overruns, poor information coordination, insufficient management oversight, and error visibility to stakeholders. Further, the most effective RCs include assets visibility, collaborative information exchange, business intelligence gatherings, alternative suppliers, and inventory management systems. This research helps industry practitioners identify and plan for various risks and RCs within their organizations and SCs. Furthermore, it helps understand trade-offs between suitable RCs to abate essential risks and develop preparedness against disruptions to improve organizational policymaking, project efficiency, and performance.
Effect of Filling Phosphogypsum on the Axial Compression Behavior of Cold-Formed Thin-Walled Steel Walls
Authors: Yin Chao , Zhou Li , Zou Qingyu , Xu Yifeng
Published: August 2022

To study the effect of filling phosphogypsum (PG) on the axial compression behavior of cold-formed thin-walled steel (CFS) walls, four full-scale test specimens were designed and fabricated, in consideration of the filling regions of PG as well as measures with or without wall sheathings. The fabricated specimens were tested under monotonic vertical loads, and the failure processes and failure modes of specimens were elaborated. Each specimen’s axial load-displacement curve, bearing capacity, strain curve, and energy dissipation capacity were investigated in detail. Furthermore, the internal force distributions of wall components and failure mechanisms were revealed. The test results indicated that the failure characteristics of specimens include the buckling of the steel tubes, cracking of wall sheathings, crushing of PG, and distorting of tracks. Compared with the cavity wall specimen, the axial bearing capacity of the specimen filled with PG in the studs only increased by 37.4%, and the bearing capacity of the specimen filled with PG in and between the studs increased by 115.7%. This indicates that filling PG can effectively improve the axial bearing capacity of CFS walls. The bearing capacity of the specimen without wall sheathings is lower than that of the specimen with wall sheathings, indicating that the wall sheathing has a beneficial effect on the bearing capacity of the specimen. In addition, the internal forces of components during the loading process were analyzed. It found that the steel tube and PG made a great contribution to the bearing capacity of the wall. Specifically, the steel tube played a leading role in the early loading stage, while the PG played a leading role in the later loading stage.
Comparative Investigation of Office Layout Influences on Occupant Satisfaction from Priori and Posteriori Perspectives
Authors: Zhuang Dian , Zhao Xue , Gan Vincent J. L. , Yang Yue , Shi Xing
Published: August 2022

The layout of an office significantly affects human health, well-being and productivity in multi-occupancy offices, while the relationship and prioritization of various office layout factors have not been clarified. This study conducts a thorough investigation of office layout factors on occupant satisfaction. Existing pieces of literature were deconstructed and reorganized to extract five office layout factors. For a comparative investigation, an analytic hierarchy process-based online survey and a post-occupancy evaluation-based field survey focusing on academic buildings were implemented in China. The influence mechanisms in the satisfied and dissatisfied groups were explored together with the demographic differences by introducing the Kano model. The influence mechanism differences of the office layout factors between the priori and posteriori processes are emphasized. The results indicate that in academic buildings, the influence of a workstation location on satisfaction tends to be overestimated in the design stage, while the influence of space size tends to be underestimated in the design stage. Workstation orientation is a significant factor that is easily overlooked. Generally, an office layout design should focus more on ensuring the basic needs of all employees rather than creating design highlights. This study provides a new perspective to examine the gaps between actual satisfaction and expected satisfaction, and the obtained results can be directly used to guide user-centered office interior design.
Incremental Production of Urban Public Green Space: A ‘Spiral Space’ Building Typology
Authors: Zhang Xiang
Published: August 2022

This paper addresses a challenging global problem, insufficient accessible urban public green space, based on building typology. Offering sufficient public green spaces and maintaining the equalities of citizens’ accessibility in high-intensity urban cities has been increasingly challenging. Thus, providing adequate and accessible green public spaces by 2030 is a sub-goal of SDGs No. 11. Solving this urban problem is commonly considered the responsibility of urban planning; however, the potential of buildings is scarcely discussed in academia. Luckily, in the industry, many top architecture firms (studios) have tapped the particular potential of buildings via design practice. This practice-led research aims to understand the efforts made by industrial circles. Based on the fieldwork worldwide, this study proposes a ‘spiral space’ building typology to work as a conceptual framework for this emerging field. The key benefit of this building typology—incremental production of public green spaces—is qualitatively verified, and the good flexibility and international acceptance of this building typology are demonstrated based on global cases. This work could serve as a basis for future research on how buildings could play a greater role in supporting urban sustainability, such as enhancing the residents’ accessibility to public green space in metropolises. In addition, the building typology and corresponding design strategies discussed herein could also serve as references for future design practice for architects.
Radiofrequency Ablation versus Transarterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma within Milan Criteria: Prognostic Role of Tumor Burden Score
Authors: Ho Shu-Yein , Liu Po-Hong , Hsu Chia-Yang , Huang Yi-Hsiang , Liao Jia-I , Su Chien-Wei , Hou Ming-Chih , Huo Teh-Ia
Published: August 2022

Tumor burden score (TBS), estimated by the diameter and number of tumor nodules, was recently proposed to assess the tumor burden in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to evaluate the prognostic impact of TBS on HCC patients within the Milan criteria undergoing radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). A total of 883 patients undergoing RFA and TACE were included. The multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine independent prognostic predictors in different patient cohorts. The TACE group had significantly higher TBS compared with the RFA group. The RFA group had better long-term survival than the TACE group in patients within the Milan criteria in univariate survival analysis. In the Cox model, serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) > 20 ng/mL, performance status 1–2, medium and high TBS, albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) grade 2 and grade 3 were independent predictors linked with mortality (all p < 0.001). Overall, TACE was not an independent predictor; among patients with low TBS, TACE was independently associated with decreased survival compared with RFA (p = 0.034). Conclusions: TBS is a feasible prognostic marker for HCC patients within the Milan criteria. TACE may be an effective treatment alternative for these patients. Among patients with low TBS, RFA should be considered the priority treatment modality.
Metformin with Temozolomide for Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma: Results of Phase I Study and a Brief Review of Relevant Studies
Authors: Ohno Makoto , Kitanaka Chifumi , Miyakita Yasuji , Tanaka Shota , Sonoda Yukihiko , Mishima Kazuhiko , Ishikawa Eiichi , Takahashi Masamichi , Yanagisawa Shunsuke , Ohashi Ken , Nagane Motoo , Narita Yoshitaka
Published: August 2022

Glioblastoma (GBM) inevitably recurs due to a resistance to current standard therapy. We showed that the antidiabetic drug metformin (MF) can induce the differentiation of stem-like glioma-initiating cells and suppress tumor formation through AMPK-FOXO3 activation. In this study, we design a phase I/II study to examine the clinical effect of MF. We aim to determine a recommended phase II MF dose with maintenance temozolomide (TMZ) in patients with newly diagnosed GBM who completed standard concomitant radiotherapy and TMZ. MF dose-escalation was planned using a 3 + 3 design. Dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were assessed during the first six weeks after MF initiation. Three patients were treated with 1500 mg/day MF and four patients were treated with 2250 mg/day MF between February 2021 and January 2022. No DLTs were observed. The most common adverse effects were appetite loss, nausea, and diarrhea, all of which were manageable. Two patients experienced tumor progression at 6.0 and 6.1 months, and one died 12.2 months after initial surgery. The other five patients remained stable at the last follow-up session. The MF dose of up to 2250 mg/day combined with maintenance TMZ appeared to be well tolerated, and we proceeded to a phase II study with 2250 mg/day MF.
Comparison of Outcomes Following Prepectoral and Subpectoral Implants for Breast Reconstruction: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mégevand Vladimir , Scampa Matteo , McEvoy Helen , Kalbermatten Daniel F. , Oranges Carlo M.
Published: August 2022

(1) Background: Implant-based breast reconstruction following mastectomy helps to restore quality of life while aiming at providing optimal cosmetic outcomes. Both prepectoral (PP) and subpectoral (SP) breast implants are widely used to fulfill these objectives. It is, however, unclear which approach offers stronger postoperative benefits. (2) Methods: We performed a systematic review of the literature through PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ResearchGate, following the PRISMA guidelines. Quantitative analysis for postoperative pain as the primary outcome was conducted. Secondary outcomes included patient satisfaction and postoperative complications such as seroma, implant loss, skin necrosis, wound infection, and hematoma. (3) Results: Nine articles involving 1119 patients were retrieved. Our results suggested increased postoperative pain after SP implants and significantly higher rates of seroma following PP implants (p < 0.05). Patient satisfaction was found to be similar between the two groups; however, the heterogeneity of measurement tools did not allow us to pool these results. The rates of implant loss, skin necrosis, wound infection, and hematoma showed no significant differences between the two cohorts. (4) Conclusion: Our data suggest that both implant placements are safe and effective methods for breast reconstruction following mastectomy. However, homogeneity in outcome measurements would allow one to provide stronger statistical results.
Recent Advances of Doping and Surface Modifying Carbon Nitride with Characterization Techniques
Authors: Chen Jinbao , Fang Shun , Shen Qun , Fan Jiajie , Li Qin , Lv Kangle
Published: August 2022

As a non-metallic organic semiconductor photocatalyst, graphitic carbon nitride (g–C3N4, CN) has become a research hotspot due to its excellent performance in organic degradation, CO2 reduction and water splitting to produce hydrogen. However, the high recombination rate of electron-hole pairs, low specific surface area and weak light absorption of bulk CN synthesized by the traditional one-step thermal polymerization method seriously restrict its photocatalytic performance and practical application. To enhance the photocatalytic performance of CN, doping and surface modification strategies are usually employed to tune the band gap of carbon nitride and improve the separation of carriers. In this paper, the research progress of different methods to modify CN in recent years is introduced, and the mechanisms of improving the photocatalytic performance are mainly analyzed. Typical modification methods are mainly divided into metal doping, non-metal doping, co-doping and surface-functionalized modification. Some characterization methods that can analyze the doping state and surface modification are also discussed as examples. Finally, the difficulties that need to be addressed through modified CN photocatalysts and the directions for future research are pointed out.
Immobilization of a Bienzymatic System via Crosslinking to a Metal-Organic Framework
Authors: Ahmad Raneem , Rizaldo Sydnie , Shaner Sarah E. , Kissel Daniel S. , Stone Kari L.
Published: August 2022

A leading biotechnological advancement in the field of biocatalysis is the immobilization of enzymes on solid supports to create more stable and recyclable systems. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are porous materials that have been explored as solid supports for enzyme immobilization. Composed of organic linkers and inorganic nodes, MOFs feature empty void space with large surface areas and have the ability to be modified post-synthesis. Our target enzyme system for immobilization is glucose oxidase (GOx) and chloroperoxidase (CPO). Glucose oxidase catalyzes the oxidation of glucose and is used for many applications in biosensing, biofuel cells, and food production. Chloroperoxidase is a fungal heme enzyme that catalyzes peroxide-dependent halogenation, oxidation, and hydroxylation. These two enzymes work sequentially in this enzyme system by GOx producing peroxide, which activates CPO that reacts with a suitable substrate. This study focuses on using a zirconium-based MOF, UiO-66-NH2, to immobilize the enzyme system via crosslinking with the MOF’s amine group on the surface of the MOF. This study investigates two different crosslinkers: disuccinimidyl glutarate (DSG) and 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide (EDC)/N-hydroxysuccinidimide (NHS), providing stable crosslinking of the MOF to the enzymes. The two crosslinkers are used to covalently bond CPO and GOx onto UiO-66-NH2, and a comparison of the recyclability and enzymatic activity of the single immobilization of CPO and the doubly immobilized CPO and GOx is discussed through assays and characterization analyses. The DSG-crosslinked composites displayed enhanced activity relative to the free enzyme, and all crosslinked enzyme/MOF composites demonstrated recyclability, with at least 30% of the activity being retained after four catalytic cycles. The results of this report will aid researchers in utilizing CPO as a biocatalyst that is more active and has greater recyclability.
Modified Magnesium Alkyls for Ziegler–Natta Catalysts
Authors: Schwarz Julia Felicitas , Holtrichter-Rößmann Thorsten , Liedtke Claus Günter , Diddens Diddo , Paulik Christian
Published: August 2022

Magnesium alkyls such as butyl octyl magnesium and butyl ethyl magnesium are used as precursors for highly active and water-free magnesium chloride support materials for Ziegler–Natta catalysts. These alkyls show a high viscosity in hydrocarbon solvents which negatively affect their industrial application. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations supported the hypothesis that magnesium alkyls can form oligomeric chain structures responsible for the high viscosity. Heterocumulenes such as isocyanates, isothiocyanates and carbodiimides were studied as additives reducing the viscosity, supported by DFT calculations. The modified alkyls have further been tested in catalyst synthesis and in the polymerization of ethylene. The polymerization results showed high activities and similar polymer properties compared with a catalyst prepared without modified magnesium alkyl.
Highly Active Large Au Clusters and Even More Active Ag Nanoparticles Supported on Ceria-Zirconia: Impact of Particle Size and Potassium Ion Loading on Activity in Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation
Authors: Iwanek (nee Wilczkowska) Ewa M. , Gliński Marek , Siwiec Aleksandra , Siennicka Sylwia , Zybert Magdalena , Kaszkur Zbigniew
Published: August 2022

Although heterogeneous monometallic gold catalysts are commonly more active when the gold particles are smaller, this study shows that the reverse is true in the case of liquid phase catalytic transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone with 2-pentanol. Higher catalytic activity of larger gold particles, i.e., over 30 nm in diameter, than of smaller particles of average 4 nm in size was observed. Moreover, this effect was contradictory to that observed for supported monometallic silver catalysts in which the interaction with the support and hence particle size was shown to cause drastic changes in the activity in this reaction, with the large particles being completely inactive and tiny ones being the most active system studied. In this reaction, the ceria-zirconia solid solutions were used as the supports for the catalysts and both zirconium doped ceria, as well as cerium doped zirconia carriers were tested. The supports themselves exhibited little activity in this reaction. It was shown that the activity of the supports and catalysts depends on the Ce/Zr ratio and potassium content. Both types of catalysts showed excellent selectivity to 1-phenylethanol and conversion of acetophenone, although it was noted that a high loading of potassium carbonate in the gold catalysts propelled undesired reactions, thereby reducing the selectivity to 1-phenylethanol.
Monoamine Oxidase-Dependent Pro-Survival Signaling in Diabetic Hearts Is Mediated by miRNAs
Authors: Cagnin Stefano , Brugnaro Marco , Millino Caterina , Pacchioni Beniamina , Troiano Carmen , Di Sante Moises , Kaludercic Nina
Published: August 2022

Diabetes leads to cardiomyopathy and heart failure, the leading cause of death for diabetic patients. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibition in diabetic cardiomyopathy prevents oxidative stress, mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum stress and the development of diastolic dysfunction. However, it is unclear whether, in addition to the direct effects exerted on the mitochondria, MAO activity is able to post-transcriptionally regulate cardiomyocyte function and survival in diabetes. To this aim, we performed gene and miRNA expression profiling in cardiac tissue from streptozotocin-treated mice (model of type 1 diabetes (T1D)), administered with either vehicle or MAOs inhibitor pargyline for 12 weeks. We found that inhibition of MAO activity in T1D hearts leads to profound transcriptomic changes, affecting autophagy and pro-survival pathways activation. MAO activity in T1D hearts increased miR-133a-3p, -193a-3p and -27a-3p expression. These miRNAs target insulin-like growth factor receptor 1 (Igf1r), growth factor receptor bound protein 10 and inositol polyphosphate 4 phosphatase type 1A, respectively, all components of the IGF1R/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Indeed, AKT activation was significantly downregulated in T1D hearts, whereas MAO inhibition restored the activation of this pro-survival pathway. The present study provides an important link between MAO activity, transcriptomic changes and activation of pro-survival signaling and autophagy in diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Novel AR/AR-V7 and Mnk1/2 Degrader, VNPP433-3β: Molecular Mechanisms of Action and Efficacy in AR-Overexpressing Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer In Vitro and In Vivo Models
Authors: Thomas Elizabeth , Thankan Retheesh S. , Purushottamachar Puranik , Huang Weiliang , Kane Maureen A. , Zhang Yuji , Ambulos Nicholas P. , Weber David J. , Njar Vincent C. O.
Published: August 2022

Prostate cancer (PCa) relies in part on AR-signaling for disease development and progression. Earlier, we developed drug candidate galeterone, which advanced through phase 2-clinical trials in treating castration-resistant PCa (CRPC). Subsequently, we designed, synthesized, and evaluated next-generation galeterone-analogs including VNPP433-3β which is potently efficacious against pre-clinical models of PCa. This study describes the mechanism of action of VNPP433-3β that promotes degradation of full-length AR (fAR) and its splice variant AR-V7 besides depleting MNK1/2 in in vitro and in vivo CRPC models that stably overexpresses fAR. VNPP433-3β directly engages AR within the cell and promotes proteasomal degradation of fAR and its splice variant AR-V7 by enhancing the interaction of AR with E3 ligases MDM2/CHIP but disrupting AR-HSP90 binding. Next, VNPP433-3β decreases phosphorylation of 4EBP1 and abates binding of eIF4E and eIF4G to 5′ cap of mRNA by depleting MNK1/2 with consequent depletion of phosphorylated eIF4E. Finally, RNA-seq demonstrates modulation of multiple pathways that synergistically contribute to PCa inhibition. Therefore, VNPP433-3β exerts its antitumor effect by imposing 1) transcriptional regulation of AR and AR-responsive oncogenes 2) translational regulation by disrupting mRNA-5′cap-dependent translation initiation, 3) reducing AR half-life through enhanced proteasomal degradation in vitro and AR-overexpressing tumor xenografts in vivo.
Physiological Mineralization during In Vitro Osteogenesis in a Biomimetic Spheroid Culture Model
Authors: Koblenzer Maximilian , Weiler Marek , Fragoulis Athanassios , Rütten Stephan , Pufe Thomas , Jahr Holger
Published: August 2022

Bone health-targeting drug development strategies still largely rely on inferior 2D in vitro screenings. We aimed at developing a scaffold-free progenitor cell-based 3D biomineralization model for more physiological high-throughput screenings. MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts were cultured in α-MEM with 10% FCS, at 37 °C and 5% CO2 for up to 28 days, in non-adherent V-shaped plates to form uniformly sized 3D spheroids. Osteogenic differentiation was induced by 10 mM β-glycerophosphate and 50 µg/mL ascorbic acid. Mineralization stages were assessed through studying expression of marker genes, alkaline phosphatase activity, and calcium deposition by histochemistry. Mineralization quality was evaluated by Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analyses and quantified by micro-CT analyses. Expression profiles of selected early- and late-stage osteoblast differentiation markers indicated a well-developed 3D biomineralization process with strongly upregulated Col1a1, Bglap and Alpl mRNA levels and type I collagen- and osteocalcin-positive immunohistochemistry (IHC). A dynamic biomineralization process with increasing mineral densities was observed during the second half of the culture period. SEM–Energy-Dispersive X-ray analyses (EDX) and FTIR ultimately confirmed a native bone-like hydroxyapatite mineral deposition ex vivo. We thus established a robust and versatile biomimetic, and high-throughput compatible, cost-efficient spheroid culture model with a native bone-like mineralization for improved pharmacological ex vivo screenings.
Evaluation of ECMWF-SEAS5 Seasonal Temperature and Precipitation Predictions over South America
Authors: Ferreira Glauber W. S. , Reboita Michelle S. , Drumond Anita
Published: August 2022

Nowadays, a challenge in Climate Science is the seasonal forecast and knowledge of the model’s performance in different regions. The challenge in South America reflects its huge territory; some models present a good performance, and others do not. Nevertheless, reliable seasonal climate forecasts can benefit numerous decision-making processes related to agriculture, energy generation, and extreme events mitigation. Thus, given the few works assessing the ECMWF-SEAS5 performance in South America, this study investigated the quality of its seasonal temperature and precipitation predictions over the continent. For this purpose, predictions from all members of the hindcasts (1993–2016) and forecasts (2017–2021) ensemble were used, considering the four yearly seasons. The analyses included seasonal mean fields, bias correction, anomaly correlations, statistical indicators, and seasonality index. The best system’s performance occurred in regions strongly influenced by teleconnection effects, such as northern South America and northeastern Brazil, in which ECMWF-SEAS5 even reproduced the extreme precipitation anomalies that happened in recent decades. Moreover, the system indicated a moderate capability of seasonal predictions in medium and low predictability regions. In summary, the results show that ECMWF-SEAS5 climate forecasts are potentially helpful and should be considered to plan various strategic activities better.
Effect of Sodium Chloride on the Profiles of the IR Spectrum Bands of Kaolinite at Moistures under Plastic Limit
Authors: Morozov Andrey , Nazdracheva Tatiana , Kochur Andrei , Yavna Victor
Published: August 2022

This study presents data on the IR spectra of kaolinite at a moisture of 26% and after drying. The preparation of moistened samples was made with distilled water, and the solutions of NaCl with limiting and 50% of limiting concentrations at a temperature of 21 °C. To experimentally evaluate the effect of the interaction between liquid water and sorbing basal surfaces of kaolinite on the profile of the IR spectrum bands, the spectra of distilled water and NaCl solutions were additionally studied. Comparison of the band profiles in the wavenumber range of 2750–4000 cm−1 for kaolinite samples allows the conclusion that, when going from distilled water to the most saline water, the adsorption effect is inferior to the effect of solvation, and it decreases with increasing salinity. During drying of the samples, an increase in the peak intensities of the bands in the wavenumber range of 3550–3750 cm−1 is observed. Observed spectral variations are qualitatively interpreted by the results of calculations performed by the DFT method with the XLYP exchange–correlation potential. The presented data can be used to test theoretical approximations and computer models for calculating the structure and properties of moist minerals and salt adsorption mechanisms.
Tobacco Use and Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Corke Lucy K. , Li Janice J. N. , Leighl Natasha B. , Eng Lawson
Published: August 2022

Tobacco is a known risk factor for lung cancer, and continued tobacco use is associated with poorer outcomes across multiple lung cancer treatment modalities including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Less is known about the association of tobacco use and outcomes with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), which are becoming an important part of the treatment landscape in lung cancer, both in metastatic and curative settings. We reviewed the literature on the association of tobacco and tumor biology as it relates to immunotherapy. We also reviewed the association of tobacco use on outcomes among phase III randomized clinical trials involving ICIs in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We identified that patients with a smoking history may have a greater benefit with ICI treatment compared to never smokers in both treatment-naïve (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.69–0.97, vs. HR 1.06, 95% CI 0.81–1.38) and pre-treated (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.70–0.90 vs. 1.03, 95% CI 0.74–1.43) settings. In trials where smoking status was further defined, ex-smokers appear to demonstrate greater benefit with ICI therapy compared to current smokers (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.59–1.01 vs. 0.91, 95% CI 0.72–1.14). We conclude by offering our perspective on future directions in this area of research, including implementation of standardized collection and analysis of tobacco use in clinical trials involving ICI therapy in lung cancer and other disease sites, and also evaluating how tobacco may affect toxicities related to ICI therapy. Based on our review, we believe that a patient’s history of tobacco smoking does have a role to play in guiding treatment decision making in patients with lung cancer.
Characterization of Flexible Amorphous Silicon Thin-Film Transistor-Based Detectors with Positive-Intrinsic-Negative Diode in Radiography
Authors: Han Bongju , Park Minji , Kim Kyuseok , Lee Youngjin
Published: August 2022

Low-dose exposure and work convenience are required for mobile X-ray systems during the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated a novel X-ray detector (FXRD-4343FAW, VIEWORKS, Anyang, Korea) composed of a thin-film transistor based on amorphous silicon with a flexible plastic substrate. This detector is composed of a thallium-doped cesium iodide scintillator with a pixel size of 99 μm, pixel matrix of 4316 × 4316, and weight of 2.95 kg. The proposed detector has the advantages of high-noise characteristics and low weight, which provide patients and workers with an advantage in terms of the dose and work efficiency, respectively. We performed a quantitative evaluation and an experiment to demonstrate its viability. The modulation transfer function, noise power spectrum, and detective quantum efficiency were identified using the proposed and comparative detectors, according to the International Electrotechnical Commission protocol. Additionally, the contrast-to-noise ratio and coefficient of variation were investigated using a human-like phantom. Our results indicate that the proposed detector efficiently increases the image performance in terms of noise characteristics. The detailed performance evaluation demonstrated that the outcomes of the use of the proposed detector confirmed the viability of mobile X-ray devices that require low doses. Consequently, the novel FXRD-4343FAW X-ray detector is expected to improve the image quality and work convenience in extended radiography.
Risk Characteristics of Peri-Implant Infections: A Retrospective Evaluation in a University Consultation Setting
Authors: Schwartzenberg Achim V. , Liu Chun Ching , Sahrmann Philipp , Schmidlin Patrick R. , Jung Ronald E. , Naenni Nadja
Published: August 2022

Peri-implantitis is a common biological complication in dentistry. The aim of the present study was to retrospectively analyze risk characteristics in a group of patients referred to a university-based consultation for peri-implantitis. In all, 190 initial cases from 2010 to 2019 were evaluated and descriptively summarized. The evaluation included various parameters such as periodontitis, smoking and oral hygiene status, implant position, type of prosthetic restoration and retention, mucosal quality, and further anamnestic and clinical findings related to the potential risk of developing peri-implantitis. Peri-implantitis was diagnosed in 83% of the cases, with peri-implant mucositis alone in 16% of cases; furthermore, 38% of the patients were diagnosed with active/instable periodontitis, while 14% had stable periodontitis. Residual cement was considered as a potential co-factor of peri-implant inflammation in 43% of cases. Suboptimal implant positioning was found in 19% of patients. Peri-implantitis or peri-implant mucositis was present in about one-third of patients in the absence of smoking and periodontitis factors. Of note, 6% showed no identifiable risk factors. Factors related to an increased risk of peri-implantitis should be taken into consideration when planning implant treatment. Adequate prosthetic implant position, restoration, and cleanability remain important for long-term success.
Bearing-Based Distributed Formation Control of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Swarm by Quaternion-Based Attitude Synchronization in Three-Dimensional Space
Authors: Sial Muhammad Baber , Zhang Yuwei , Wang Shaoping , Ali Sara , Wang Xinjiang , Yang Xinyu , Liao Zirui , Yang Zunheng
Published: August 2022

Most of the recent research on distributed formation control of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) swarms is founded on position, distance, and displacement-based approaches; however, a very promising approach, i.e., bearing-based formation control, is still in its infancy and needs extensive research effort. In formation control problems of UAVs, Euler angles are mostly used for orientation calculation, but Euler angles are susceptible to singularities, limiting their use in practical applications. This paper proposed an effective method for time-varying velocity and orientation leader agents for distributed bearing-based formation control of quadcopter UAVs in three-dimensional space. It combines bearing-based formation control and quaternion-based attitude control using undirected graph topology between agents without the knowledge of global position and orientation. The performance validation of the control scheme was done with numerical simulations, which depicted that UAV formation achieved the desired geometric pattern, translation, scaling, and rotation in 3D space dynamically.
Improvement in the Between-Class Variance Based on Lognormal Distribution for Accurate Image Segmentation
Authors: Jumiawi Walaa Ali H. , El-Zaart Ali
Published: August 2022

There are various distributions of image histograms where regions form symmetrically or asymmetrically based on the frequency of the intensity levels inside the image. In pure image processing, the process of optimal thresholding tends to accurately separate each region in the image histogram to obtain the segmented image. Otsu’s method is the most used technique in image segmentation. Otsu algorithm performs automatic image thresholding and returns the optimal threshold by maximizing between-class variance using the sum of Gaussian distribution for the intensity level in the histogram. There are various types of images where an intensity level has right-skewed histograms and does not fit with the between-class variance of the original Otsu algorithm. In this paper, we proposed an improvement of the between-class variance based on lognormal distribution, using the mean and the variance of the lognormal. The proposed model aims to handle the drawbacks of asymmetric distribution, especially for images with right-skewed intensity levels. Several images were tested for segmentation in the proposed model in parallel with the original Otsu method and the relevant work, including simulated images and Medical Resonance Imaging (MRI) of brain tumors. Two types of evaluation measures were used in this work based on unsupervised and supervised metrics. The proposed model showed superior results, and the segmented images indicated better threshold estimation against the original Otsu method and the related improvement.
An Enhanced Differential Evolution Algorithm with Bernstein Operator and Refracted Oppositional-Mutual Learning Strategy
Authors: Wu Fengbin , Zhang Junxing , Li Shaobo , Lv Dongchao , Li Menghan
Published: August 2022

Numerical optimization has been a popular research topic within various engineering applications, where differential evolution (DE) is one of the most extensively applied methods. However, it is difficult to choose appropriate control parameters and to avoid falling into local optimum and poor convergence when handling complex numerical optimization problems. To handle these problems, an improved DE (BROMLDE) with the Bernstein operator and refracted oppositional-mutual learning (ROML) is proposed, which can reduce parameter selection, converge faster, and avoid trapping in local optimum. Firstly, a new ROML strategy integrates mutual learning (ML) and refractive oppositional learning (ROL), achieving stochastic switching between ROL and ML during the population initialization and generation jumping period to balance exploration and exploitation. Meanwhile, a dynamic adjustment factor is constructed to improve the ability of the algorithm to jump out of the local optimum. Secondly, a Bernstein operator, which has no parameters setting and intrinsic parameters tuning phase, is introduced to improve convergence performance. Finally, the performance of BROMLDE is evaluated by 10 bound-constrained benchmark functions from CEC 2019 and CEC 2020, respectively. Two engineering optimization problems are utilized simultaneously. The comparative experimental results show that BROMLDE has higher global optimization capability and convergence speed on most functions and engineering problems.
The Longitudinal Plasma Modes of κ-Deformed Kaniadakis Distributed Plasmas Carrying Orbital Angular Momentum
Authors: Tan Ling , Yang Qiaoyun , Chen Hui , Liu Sanqiu
Published: August 2022

Based on plasma kinetic theory, the dispersion and Landau damping of Langmuir and ion-acoustic waves carrying finite orbital angular momentum (OAM) were investigated in the κ-deformed Kaniadakis distributed plasma system. The results showed that the peculiarities of the investigated subjects relied on the deformation parameter κ and OAM parameter η. For both Langmuir and ion-acoustic waves, dispersion was enhanced with increased κ, while the Landau damping was suppressed. Conversely, both the dispersion and Landau damping were depressed by OAM. Moreover, the results coincided with the straight propagating plane waves in a Maxwellian plasma system when κ=0 and η→∞. It was expected that the present results would give more insight into the trapping and transportation of plasma particles and energy.
A New Model of Hemoglobin Oxygenation
Authors: Lavrinenko Igor A. , Vashanov Gennady A. , Hernández Cáceres José L. , Buchelnikov Anatoly S. , Nechipurenko Yury D.
Published: August 2022

The study of hemoglobin oxygenation, starting from the classical works of Hill, has laid the foundation for molecular biophysics. The cooperative nature of oxygen binding to hemoglobin has been variously described in different models. In the Adair model, which better fits the experimental data, the constants of oxygen binding at various stages differ. However, the physical meaning of the parameters in this model remains unclear. In this work, we applied Hill’s approach, extending its interpretation; we obtained a good agreement between the theory and the experiment. The equation in which the Hill coefficient is modulated by the Lorentz distribution for oxygen partial pressure approximates the experimental data better than not only the classical Hill equation, but also the Adair equation.
Turbulence Model Comparative Study for Complex Phenomena in Supersonic Steam Ejectors with Double Choking Mode
Authors: Li Yiqiao , Niu Chao , Shen Shengqiang , Mu Xingsen , Zhang Liuyang
Published: August 2022

Scholars usually ignore the non-equilibrium condensing effects in turbulence-model comparative studies on supersonic steam ejectors. In this study, a non-equilibrium condensation model considering real physical properties was coupled respectively with seven turbulence models. They are the k-ε Standard, k-ε RNG, k-ε Realizable, k-ω Standard, k-ω SST, Transition SST, and Linear Reynolds Stress Model. Simulation results were compared with the experiment results globally and locally. The complex flow phenomena in the steam ejector captured by different models, including shock waves, choking, non-equilibrium condensation, boundary layer separation, and vortices were discussed. The reasons for the differences in simulation results were explained and compared. The relationship between ejector performance and local flow phenomena was illustrated. The novelty lies in the conclusions that consider the non-equilibrium condensing effects. Results show that the number and type of shock waves predicted by different turbulence models are different. Non-equilibrium condensation and boundary layer separation regions obtained by various turbulence models are different. Comparing the ejector performance and the complex flow phenomena with the experimental results, the k-ω SST model is proposed to simulate supersonic steam ejectors.