bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Improved Greedy Heuristic for the Minimum Positive Influence Dominating Set Problem in Social Networks
Authors: Bouamama Salim , Blum Christian
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a performance comparison of greedy heuristics for a recent variant of the dominating set problem known as the minimum positive influence dominating set (MPIDS) problem. This APX-hard combinatorial optimization problem has applications in social networks. Its aim is to identify a small subset of key influential individuals in order to facilitate the spread of positive influence in the whole network. In this paper, we focus on the development of a fast and effective greedy heuristic for the MPIDS problem, because greedy heuristics are an essential component of more sophisticated metaheuristics. Thus, the development of well-working greedy heuristics supports the development of efficient metaheuristics. Extensive experiments conducted on a wide range of social networks and complex networks confirm the overall superiority of our greedy algorithm over its competitors, especially when the problem size becomes large. Moreover, we compare our algorithm with the integer linear programming solver CPLEX. While the performance of CPLEX is very strong for small and medium-sized networks, it reaches its limits when being applied to the largest networks. However, even in the context of small and medium-sized networks, our greedy algorithm is only 2.53% worse than CPLEX.
Nonlinear Finite Element Modelling of Thermo-Visco-Plastic Styrene and Polyurethane Shape Memory Polymer Foams
Authors: Jarrah Hamid Reza , Zolfagharian Ali , Hedayati Reza , Serjouei Ahmad , Bodaghi Mahdi
Published: March 2021

This paper presents nonlinear finite element (FE) models to predict time- and temperature-dependent responses of shape memory polymer (SMP) foams in the large deformation regime. For the first time, an A SMP foam constitutive model is implemented in the ABAQUS FE package with the aid of a VUMAT subroutine to predict thermo-visco-plastic behaviors. A phenomenological constitutive model is reformulated adopting a multiplicative decomposition of the deformation gradient into thermal and mechanical parts considering visco-plastic SMP matrix and glass microsphere inclusions. The stress split scheme is considered by a Maxwell element in parallel with a hyper-elastic rubbery spring. The Eyring dashpot is used for modelling the isotropic resistance to the local molecular rearrangement such as chain rotation. A viscous flow rule is adopted to prescribe shear viscosity and stress. An evolution rule is also considered for the athermal shear strengths to simulate macroscopic post-yield strain-softening behavior. In order to validate the accuracy of the model as well as the solution procedure, the numerical results are compared to experimental responses of Styrene and Polyurethane SMP foams at different temperatures and under different strain rates. The results show that the introduced FE modelling procedure is capable of capturing the major phenomena observed in experiments such as elastic and elastic-plastic behaviors, softening plateau regime, and densification.
New Age Informality: Hispanics and the Sharing Economy
Authors: Pisani Michael J.
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study is to advance understanding of the Hispanic contribution to the engagement and production of the sharing and informal economies in the US. The study is situated within the domains of the sharing economy and informality within a broader frame of entrepreneurship. Specifically, Hispanic participation rates, rationale for engagement, and the major drivers of involvement in the production of the sharing and informal economies are analyzed. To evaluate this, data are reported from a nationally representative subsample of Hispanics derived from the US Federal Reserve Board’s Enterprising and Informal Work Activities Survey (EIWA) conducted in the late fall of 2015. The finding is that more than one-third of Hispanics engage in EIWA. Hispanics participate in EIWA primarily as a means to earn extra income or as a key avenue to earn a living. By choice, relatively affluent Hispanics have the largest stake in sharing and informal economies. However, it is the lowest income Hispanics that engage in EIWA out of necessity. The major drivers of EIWA participation among Hispanics are revealed. This is the first known study with a nationally representative sample of Hispanics focused on participation rates, rationale for engagement, and drivers of involvement in the production of new age sharing and informal economies.
Influence of the Presence of Grape Skins during White Wine Alcoholic Fermentation
Authors: Sancho-Galán Pau , Amores-Arrocha Antonio , Jiménez-Cantizano Ana , Palacios Víctor
Published: March 2021

The production of white wines with the presence of grape skins is a historical technique used in different regions with winemaking tradition. However, the current trend is to maintain the presence of grape skins during white wine making only during the pre-fermentation phase in order to enrich and give greater complexity to the sensory profile of the wines. Given these precedents, this study is the first to consider the effect of the presence of different grape skins doses throughout the alcoholic fermentation process. To this end, the effect of 5 different doses of grape skins (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100%) has been studied with respect to a control (0%) during alcoholic fermentation, the physicochemical composition of the final wines and a preliminary sensory analysis. The presence of grape skins has led to an increase in viable biomass and speed of fermentation with respect to the control. However, no differences have been observed in terms of the consumption of nitrogenous sources by yeasts. The wines produced have not shown great differences in their physicochemical composition, except for the volatile acidity. In addition, the preliminary sensory analysis showed differences between the different grape skins doses studied, where the wine produced with 20% grape skins has been the best evaluated by the tasting panel. In this sense, the production of wines with a 20% grape skins presence during the entire alcoholic fermentation is presented as a viable technique that would allow the diversification of the production of white wines and meet the trends and expectations of current wine consumers.
Genetic Diversity of Castor Bean (Ricinus communis L.) Revealed by ISSR and RAPD Markers
Authors: Kim HyokChol , Lei Pei , Wang Aizhi , Liu Shuo , Zhao Yong , Huang Fenglan , Yu Zhenliang , Zhu Guoli , He Zhibiao , Tan Deyun , Wang Hongwei , Meng Fanjuan
Published: March 2021

Castor (Ricinus communis L.), known as castor oil plant or castor bean, is a non-edible oilseed crop. In the present study, the genetic diversity among 54 samples (3 wild and 51 cultivated) collected worldwide was evaluated using inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSRs) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. A total of 9 ISSR primers produced 83 high-resolution bands with 61 (74.53%) as polymorphic. The percentage of polymorphic bands per primer and the genetic similarity coefficient ranged from 54.55% (UBC-836) to 100% (UBC-808) and from 0.74 to 0.96, respectively. A total of 11 out of 20 RAPD primers amplified unique polymorphic products with an average percentage of polymorphic bands of 60.98% (56 polymorphic bands out of a total of 90 bands obtained). The percentage of polymorphic bands per primer ranged from 25% (OPA-02 and B7) to 90.91% (B21) with the genetic similarity coefficient ranging from 0.73 to 0.98. The unweighted pair group method with arithmetic averages (UPGMA) dendrogram using two molecular markers divided 54 castor genotypes into three groups. Furthermore, based on morphological data, all 54 castor varieties were grouped into three main clusters. The genetic diversity analysis based on two molecular makers showed that most varieties from China were closely related to each other with three varieties (GUANGDONGwild, ZHEJIANGWild, and HANNANWild) belonging to a wild group separated from most of the cultivated castor samples from China, India, France, and Jordan. These results suggested that the cultivated castor contains a narrow genetic base. Accordingly, we recommend that wild castor genetic resources be introduced for breeding novel castor varieties. Furthermore, the Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Nigeria accessions were clustered into the same group. The results of principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and UPGMA cluster analysis were consistent with each other. The findings of this study are important for future breeding studies of castor.
Exploring the Presence of Five Rare Earth Elements in Vineyard Soils on Different Lithologies: Campo de Calatrava, Spain
Authors: Jiménez-Ballesta Raimundo , Bravo Sandra , Pérez-de-los-Reyes Caridad , Amorós José Angel , García-Pradas Jesús , Sánchez-Ormeño Mónica , García-Navarro Francisco Jesús
Published: March 2021

The aim of the work described here was to understand the pedogeochemical signature of five rare earth elements (REEs; Ce, Nd, La, Y, and Sc) in vineyard soils in Campo de Calatrava (a unique territory with calcareous, volcanic and metamorphic rocks). The mean contents in surface horizons of Ce, Nd, La, Y, and Sc were 65.7, 32.0, 35.5, 18.8, and 13.9 mg·kg–1, respectively. In subsurface horizons the contents were Ce 62.8, Nd 31.1, La 35.7, Y 17.9, and Sc 14.4 mg·kg–1. The results show that mean contents of REEs in the area under investigation are in the order Ce > Nd > La > Y > Sc. Ce has a very high range, with a value close to 150 mg·kg–1. On the other hand, concentrations of Ce, Nd, Y, and Sc are higher in soils on volcanic material than in soils on nonvolcanic material, while only La values are lower in soils on volcanic rocks. The distributional maps of REEs in surface and subsurface horizons suggest that parent material and pedogenesis such as argillization and calcium carbonate accumulation are more important factors than the use of REE-based fertilizers, except in certain exceptional cases (consistent with a possible specific human impact after continuous fertilization).
COVID-19 in Farm Animals: Host Susceptibility and Prevention Strategies
Authors: Subedi Sachin , Koirala Sulove , Chai Lilong
Published: March 2021

COVID-19 is caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2 that belongings to the family of Coronaviridae, which has affected multiple species and demonstrated zoonotic potential. The COVID-19 infections have been reported on farm animals (e.g., minks) and pets, which were discussed and summarized in this study. Although the damage of COVID-19 has not been reported as serious as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) for poultry and African Swine Fever (ASF) for pigs on commercial farms so far, the transmission mechanism of COVID-19 among group animals/farms and its long-term impacts are still not clear. Prior to the marketing of efficient vaccines for livestock and animals, on-farm biosecurity measures (e.g., conventional disinfection strategies and innovated technologies) need to be considered or innovated in preventing the direct contact spread or the airborne transmission of COVID-19.
Influence of Enzyme Supplementation in the Diets of Broiler Chickens Formulated with Different Corn Hybrids Dried at Various Temperatures
Authors: Giacobbo Franciele C. N. , Eyng Cinthia , Nunes Ricardo V. , de Souza Cleison , Teixeira Levy V. , Pilla Rachel , Suchodolski Jan S. , Bortoluzzi Cristiano
Published: March 2021

We evaluated the influence of enzymatic supplementation on the growth performance and cecal microbiota of broilers. A total of 2160 1-day-old male chicks were used in a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (three corn hybrids, two drying temperatures −80 and 110 °C, with or without the inclusion of an enzymatic blend (amylase, xylanase, and protease) (20 birds/pen, n = 9). For all performance and digestibility parameters, we observed, in general, isolated effects of the corn hybrids and drying temperature. Birds that received the enzymatic blend in the diet showed better weight gain from 1 to 21 days (d) and better digestibility coefficients of nutrients at 42 d. Birds fed diets with corn dried at 80 °C showed a better feed conversion ratio from 1 to 42 d. At 21 d of age, enzymatic supplementation had positive effects on jejunum morphology. Enzyme supplementation increased the abundance of the phylum Tenericutes, class Bacilli and Mollicutes, reduced Clostridia, and increased the abundances of the families Lactobacillaceae, Anaeroplasmataceae, and O_RF39;F. In conclusion, the addition of amylase, xylanase, and protease led to a better nutrient digestibility, performance, and intestinal morphology. In addition, enzyme supplementation changed the diversity, composition, and predicted function of the cecal microbiota at d 21.
Validation and Application of an HPLC-UV Method for Routine Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Cefiderocol
Authors: Zimmer Julia , Röhr Anka C. , Kluge Stefan , Faller Jonas , Frey Otto R. , Wichmann Dominic , König Christina
Published: March 2021

Cefiderocol is a new siderophore cephalosporin approved for the treatment of multidrug resistant bacteria including activity against carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. As cephalosporins are known for their high pharmacokinetic variability in critically ill patients, cefiderocol therapeutic drug monitoring might become a valuable tool. Therefore, we aimed to develop and validate a simple, rapid, cost-effective high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the quantification of cefiderocol in serum. Samples were treated for protein precipitation followed by chromatographic separation on a reverse phase column (HPLC C-18) with gradient elution of the mobile phase. Cefiderocol was detected via UV absorption and quantification was performed with the internal standard (metronidazole) method. The calibration range showed linearity from 4 to 160 mg/L. The intra and interday precision was less than 10% with a recovery rate of 81%. The method was successfully used for the analysis of subsequent serum samples of critically ill patients and showed good performance in monitoring serum levels and optimizing antibiotic therapy.
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Clonal Complex 398 as a Major MRSA Lineage in Dogs and Cats in Thailand
Authors: Chueahiran Surawit , Yindee Jitrapa , Boonkham Pongthai , Suanpairintr Nipattra , Chanchaithong Pattrarat
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study was to present molecular and antimicrobial resistance characteristics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clonal complex (CC) 398 isolated from diseased dogs and cats in Thailand. A total of 20 MRSA isolates of 134 Staphylococcus aureus isolated from canine and feline clinical samples during 2017–2020 were CC398, consisting of sequence type (ST) 398 (18 isolates), ST5926 (1 isolate), and ST6563 (1 isolate) by multilocus sequence typing. spa t034 and staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) V were predominantly associated with ST398. Intraclonal differentiation was present by additional spa (t1255, t4653), non-detectable spa, composite SCCmec with a hybrid of ccrA1B1+ccrC and class A mec complex, and DNA fingerprints by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. The isolates essentially carried antimicrobial resistance genes, mediating multiple resistance to β-lactams (mecA, blaZ), tetracyclines [tet(M)], aminoglycosides [aac(6′)-Ie-aph(2′)-Ia], and trimethoprim (dfr). Livestock-associated MRSA ST398 resistance genes including lnu(B), lsa(E), spw, fexA, and tet(L) were heterogeneously found and lost in subpopulation, with the absence or presence of additional erm(A), erm(B), and ileS2 genes that corresponded to resistance phenotypes. As only a single CC398 was detected with the presence of intraclonal variation, CC398 seems to be the successful MRSA clone colonizing in small animals as a pet-associated MRSA in Thailand.
High Risk Clone: A Proposal of Criteria Adapted to the One Health Context with Application to Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli in the Pig Population
Authors: de Lagarde Maud , Vanier Ghyslaine , Arsenault Julie , Fairbrother John Morris
Published: March 2021

The definition of a high risk clone for antibiotic resistance dissemination was initially established for human medicine. We propose a revised definition of a high risk clone adapted to the One Health context. Then, we applied our criteria to a cluster of enrofloxacin non susceptible ETEC:F4 isolates which emerged in 2013 in diseased pigs in Quebec. The whole genomes of 183 ETEC:F4 strains isolated in Quebec from 1990 to 2018 were sequenced. The presence of virulence and resistance genes and replicons was examined in 173 isolates. Maximum likelihood phylogenetic trees were constructed based on SNP data and clones were identified using a set of predefined criteria. The strains belonging to the clonal lineage ST100/O149:H10 isolated in Quebec in 2013 or later were compared to ETEC:F4 whole genome sequences available in GenBank. Prior to 2000, ETEC:F4 isolates from pigs in Quebec were mostly ST90 and belonged to several serotypes. After 2000, the isolates were mostly ST100/O149:H10. In this article, we demonstrated the presence of a ETEC:F4 high risk clone. This clone (1) emerged in 2013, (2) is multidrug resistant, (3) has a widespread distribution over North America and was able to persist several months on farms, and (4) possesses specific virulence genes. It is crucial to detect and characterize high risk clones in animal populations to increase our understanding of their emergence and their dissemination.
Rootstock Effect on Volatile Composition of Albariño Wines
Authors: Vilanova Mar , Genisheva Zlatina , Tubío Miguel , Alvarez Katia , Lissarrague José Ramón , Oliveira José Maria
Published: March 2021

Background: Rootstock is a viticultural practice used to combat the devastating Phylloxera vitifoliae (Fitch). Additionally, it is well-known that wine aroma composition depends mainly on variety, viticulture management and winemaking; therefore, rootstocks can affect to berry quality. This study evaluated the influence of nine rootstocks (110R, SO4, 196-17C, Riparia G, 161-49C, 420A, Gravesac, 3309C and 41B) on volatile composition of Albariño wine in two consecutive vintages. Material and Methods: Volatile compounds belonging to eight groups (alcohols, C6-compounds, ethyl esters+acetates, terpenes + C13-norisoprenoids, volatile phenols, volatile acids, lactones and carbonyl compounds) were determined in Albariño wines by GC–MS, during 2009 and 2010 vintages. Results: Rootstock 110R had a positive influence on Albariño wines, increasing total volatile concentration, due mainly to 2-phenylethanol, decanoic and hexanoic acids, ethyl esters and acetates, and C13-norisoprenoids. However, the higher contribution of volatile fatty acids to Albariño wine was shown when grapevines were grafted onto SO4. Conclusions: This work provides new information about the impact of rootstocks on Albariño wine volatile composition, where 110R had a positive influence on Albariño wines under the edaphoclimatic conditions of Salnés Valley (Galicia, Spain).
Electric-Field Induced Shift in the Plasmon Resonance Due to the Interfacial Pockels Effect of Water on a Silver Surface
Authors: Nishi Yurina , Watanabe Ryosuke , Sasaki Subaru , Okada Akihiro , Seto Keisuke , Kobayashi Takayoshi , Tokunaga Eiji
Published: March 2021

In the research on application of an optical modulator used for information communication, materials having a large Pockels effect, a refractive index change proportional to the electric-field, are required. It is known that the interfacial water on the surface of transparent oxide electrodes has a giant Pockels coefficient, which is an order of magnitude larger than the solid Pockels crystals practically used. It is important to know the Pockels coefficient of water on not only an oxide surface, but also a metal surface to understand the mechanism of the interfacial Pockels effect of water. However, a method has not yet been established for evaluating the coefficient of water–metal interface. Here we present an evaluation method of the Pockels coefficient of interfacial water on a metal (silver) surface from the spectral shift of the surface plasmon polariton resonance due to electric-field induced refractive index change of the interfacial water. The Pockels coefficient of interfacial water on Ag was evaluated as |r33|=5±1 pm/V, without need for exact knowledge of the thickness of the interfacial layer (electric double layer of water) as long as the penetration depth of the plasmon is larger than the thickness.
Conformal Wireframe Nets for Trimmed Symmetric Unit Cells in Functionally Graded Lattice Materials
Authors: Trudel Eric , ElSayed Mostafa S. A.
Published: March 2021

Tessellating a periodic unit cell of lattice material to fill a design space in complex geometries has many challenges arising from their computer-aided design (CAD) modeling intricacy. A solution to this difficulty is the use of trimmed micro-truss lattice structures with a conformal net. This paper presents a novel algorithm for constructing conformal lattice net as wireframe of one-dimensional line segments suitable for Bravais cubic symmetric truss-based topologies. The novel algorithm is an excellent candidate when dealing with lattice structures using cubic, body-centered cubic (BCC), face-centered cubic (FCC), and/or diamond unit cell configurations. The wireframe structure is easily transferred into one-dimensional beam elements for microscale optimizations to obtain a functionally graded lattice material. It is shown that introduction of the lattice net resulted in a significant reduction in the mass of the optimized design.
Maximum Instantaneous Wind Speed Forecasting and Performance Evaluation by Using Numerical Weather Prediction and On-Site Measurement
Authors: Yamaguchi Atsushi , Ishihara Takeshi
Published: March 2021

A maximum instantaneous wind speed forecast methodology based on the autoregressive with exogenous inputs (ARX) model is proposed, in which numerical weather prediction and on-site measurement are used as inputs and the model parameters are estimated using non-parametric regression with forgetting factors. The accuracy of prediction using a proposed dynamic model is then evaluated and compared to the conventional static model output statistics (MOS) model. It is found that the prediction accuracy is improved by utilizing numerical weather prediction with a higher horizontal resolution. Finally, the predictability of the maximum instantaneous wind speed higher than 15m/s is evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the curve (AUC). The optimal quantile level of the maximum instantaneous wind speed is derived using a cost function.
Does Habitat Diversity Modify the Dietary and Reproductive Response to Prey Fluctuations in a Generalist Raptor Predator, the Eurasian Buzzard Buteo buteo?
Authors: Panek Marek
Published: March 2021

Predators can modify their diet and demography in response to changes in food availability and habitat quality. I tested the prediction that some species can change their predation pattern, between specialist type and generalist type, depending on the complexity of habitat structure. It was hypothesized that their dietary response is stronger in diversified habitats than in simplified ones, but the opposite tendency occurs in the case of reproductive response. The nestling diet and breeding success of the Eurasian Buzzard Buteo buteo, the abundance of its main prey (the common vole Microtus arvalis), and that of the most important alternative prey group (passerines) were estimated over ten years in two types of agricultural habitat in western Poland, i.e., in the diversified habitat of small fields and the simplified habitat of large fields. The vole abundance was higher in large fields, but the abundance of passerines was greater in small fields. The frequency of voles in the Eurasian Buzzard nestling diet was higher in large fields than in small fields and increased with the abundance of this prey in crop fields. However, no difference in the relationship between the vole frequency in the diet of Eurasian Buzzards and the abundance of voles was found between the two habitat types. The breeding success of Eurasian Buzzards was dependent on the vole abundance, but this relationship did not differ between the two field types. It seems that the pattern of dietary and reproductive response of Eurasian Buzzards depends on the actual availability of individual prey species, which can be modified by habitat quality, rather than on relative prey abundance.
Apoptotic Blocks in Primary Non-Hodgkin B Cell Lymphomas Identified by BH3 Profiling
Authors: Rys Ryan N. , Wever Claudia M. , Geoffrion Dominique , Goncalves Christophe , Ghassemian Artin , Brailovski Eugene , Ryan Jeremy , Stoica Liliana , Hébert Josée , Petrogiannis-Haliotis Tina , Dmitrienko Svetlana , Frenkiel Saul , Staiger Annette , Ott German , Steidl Christian , Scott David W. , Sesques Pierre , del Rincon Sonia , Mann Koren K. , Letai Anthony , Johnson Nathalie A.
Published: March 2021

To determine causes of apoptotic resistance, we analyzed 124 primary B cell NHL samples using BH3 profiling, a technique that measures the mitochondrial permeabilization upon exposure to synthetic BH3 peptides. Our cohort included samples from chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), follicular lymphoma (FL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), high-grade B cell lymphoma with translocations in MYC and BCL2 (HGBL-DH), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and marginal zone lymphoma (MZL). While a large number of our samples displayed appropriate responses to apoptosis-inducing peptides, pro-apoptotic functional defects, implicating BAX, BAK, BIM or BID, were seen in 32.4% of high-grade NHLs (12/37) and in 3.4% of low-grade NHLs (3/87, p < 0.0001). The inhibition of single anti-apoptotic proteins induced apoptosis in only a few samples, however, the dual inhibition of BCL2 and MCL1 was effective in 83% of samples, indicating MCL1 was the most common cause of lack of response to the BCL2 inhibitor, venetoclax. We then profiled Toledo and OCI-Ly8 high-grade lymphoma cell lines to determine which drugs could reduce MCL1 expression and potentiate venetoclax responses. Doxorubicin and vincristine decreased levels of MCL1 and increased venetoclax-induced apoptosis (all p < 0.05). Overall, in primary NHLs expressing BCL2 that have no defects in pro-apoptotic signaling, a poor response to venetoclax is primarily due to the presence of MCL1, which may be overcome by combining venetoclax with doxorubicin and vincristine-based chemotherapy or with other anti-microtubule inhibitors.
A Lung Organotypic Coculture Reveals a Role for TFEB-Lysosomal Axis in the Survival of Disseminated Dormant Cancer Cells
Authors: Zangrossi Manuela , Chakravarty Probir , Romani Patrizia , Dupont Sirio , Hooper Steven , Sahai Erik , Montagner Marco
Published: March 2021

(1) Background: metastatic relapse following a prolonged period of disease-free survival is a common cause of mortality for many cancer patients. Disseminated dormant cancer cells (DDCCs) lie below the radar before waking up years, or even decades, after the removal of the primary tumor. This implies that they are able to survive in a latent state in a foreign environment for an extended period of time supported by intrinsic and extrinsic factors still to be elucidated. (2) Methods: we employed a coculture of DDCCs with lung epithelial cells together with RNA sequencing analysis to understand the overlap in gene transcription between in vivo and cocultured DDCCs. (3) Results: we found a significant overlap between the processes activated in DDCCs from lungs and in the coculture, as well as in alveolar type I cells in vivo and in coculture. We identified the transcription factor EB (TFEB)-lysosomal axis as a relevant process activated in DDCCs upon dissemination to the lung and confirmed the results in our lung coculture. Interestingly, breast cancer patients with a higher expression of TFEB targets show increased likelihood of developing relapses. (4) Conclusions: we propose that lysosomal accumulation following TFEB activation is an important feature of breast cancer DDCCs that might be exploited for future therapeutic interventions.
Risk Factors of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma beyond Alcohol and Smoking
Authors: Tarazi Munir , Chidambaram Swathikan , Markar Sheraz R.
Published: March 2021

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the sixth most common cause of death worldwide. Incidence rates vary internationally, with the highest rates found in Southern and Eastern Africa, and central Asia. Initial observational studies identified multiple factors associated with an increased risk of ESCC, with subsequent work then focused on developing plausible biological mechanistic associations. The aim of this review is to summarize the role of risk factors in the development of ESCC and propose future directions for further research. A systematic search of the literature was conducted by screening EMBASE, MEDLINE/PubMed, and CENTRAL for relevant publications. In total, 73 studies were included that sought to identify risk factors associated with the development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Risk factors were divided into seven subcategories: genetic, dietary and nutrition, gastric atrophy, infection and microbiome, metabolic, epidemiological and environmental and other risk factors. Risk factors from each subcategory were summarized and explored with mechanistic explanations for these associations. This review highlights several current risk factors of ESCC. These risk factors were explored, and explanations dissected. Most studies focused on investigating genetic and dietary and nutritional factors, whereas this review identified other potential risk factors that have yet to be fully explored. Furthermore, there is a lack of literature on the association of these risk factors with tumor factors and disease prognosis. Further research to validate these results and their effects on tumor biology is absolutely necessary.
The Exciting New Field of HER2-Low Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Eiger Daniel , Agostinetto Elisa , Saúde-Conde Rita , de Azambuja Evandro
Published: March 2021

Since human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) characterization, going through clinical research and regulatory approval of HER2-targeted therapies, much has elapsed and is still unfolding. Hitherto, only breast cancer (BC) patients with HER2 immunohistochemistry 3+ or with HER2 gene fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) amplification (a.k.a., HER2-positive BC) have benefited from anti-HER2 agents. In recent years, however, much of the research effort has been expanded, with positive outcomes being reached for formerly known HER2-negative BC that yet express HER2 to some degree (HER2 immunohistochemistry 1+ or 2+, but FISH negative) and are currently being classified as HER2-low BC for the purpose of trial enrollment. In this sense, our aim is to review the body of evidence of HER2-low BC that led to the study of first-generation anti-HER2 agents, like trastuzumab, and how they have failed to achieve any clinical applicability in this setting. In addition, we review new data that is leading to the growing success of the new generation of drugs, especially the promising HER2-directed antibody–drug conjugates. A narrative review is also performed regarding the rationale behind the consolidated and ongoing clinical trials studying anti-HER2 agents in combination with unrelated agents, such as immunotherapy, endocrine therapy, and CDK4/6 inhibitors. Hopefully, all this ongoing research effort will be able to extend the survival benefits seen with anti-HER2 agents in HER2-positive disease, at least to some degree, to the greater proportion of patients with HER2-low BC.
Implication of Interleukin Family in Cancer Pathogenesis and Treatment
Authors: Gonzalez-Aparicio Manuela , Alfaro Carlos
Published: March 2021

Cytokines are small proteins that are crucial for controlling the growth and activity of blood cells and other cells of the immune system [...]
Surgical Management of Sporadic Peripheral Nerve Schwannomas in Adults: Indications and Outcome in a Single Center Cohort
Authors: Zipfel Julian , Al-Hariri Meizer , Gugel Isabel , Grimm Alexander , Steger Volker , Ladurner Ruth , Krimmel Michael , Tatagiba Marcos , Schuhmann Martin U.
Published: March 2021

Most sporadic peripheral nerve sheath tumors in adults are schwannomas. These tumors usually present with significant pain but can also cause neurological deficits. Symptomatology is diverse, and successful surgical interventions demand interdisciplinarity. We retrospectively reviewed 414 patients treated between 2006 and 2017 for peripheral nerve sheath tumors. We analyzed clinical signs, symptoms, histology, and neurological function in the cohort of adult patients with schwannomas without a neurocutaneous syndrome. In 144 patients, 147 surgical interventions were performed. Mean follow-up was 3.1 years. The indication for surgery was pain (66.0%), neurological deficits (23.8%), significant tumor growth (8.8%), and suspected malignancy (1.4%). Complete tumor resection was achieved on 136/147 occasions (92.5%). The most common location of the tumors was intraspinal (49.0%), within the cervical neurovascular bundles (19.7%), and lower extremities (10.9%). Pain and neurological deficits improved significantly (p ≤ 0.003) after 131/147 interventions (89.1%). One patient had a persistent decrease in motor function after surgery. Complete resection was possible in 67% of recurrent tumors, compared to 94% of primary tumors. There was a significantly lower chance of complete resection for schwannomas of the cervical neurovascular bundle as compared to other locations. The surgical outcome of sporadic schwannoma surgery within the peripheral nervous system is very favorable in experienced peripheral nerve surgery centers. Surgery is safe and effective and needs a multidisciplinary setting. Early surgical resection in adult patients with peripheral nerve sheath tumors with significant growth, pain, neurological deficit, or suspected malignancy is thus recommended.
Integrated Proteomic and Phosphoproteomics Analysis of DKK3 Signaling Reveals Activated Kinase in the Most Aggressive Gallbladder Cancer
Authors: Gondkar Kirti , Sathe Gajanan , Joshi Neha , Nair Bipin , Pandey Akhilesh , Kumar Prashant
Published: March 2021

DKK3 is a secreted protein, which belongs to a family of Wnt antagonists and acts as a potential tumor suppressor in gallbladder cancer. To further understand its tumor suppressor functions, we overexpressed DKK3 in 3 GBC cell lines. We have employed high-resolution mass spectrometry and tandem mass tag (TMT) multiplexing technology along with immobilized metal affinity chromatography to enrich phosphopeptides to check the downstream regulators. In this study, we reported for the first time the alteration in the phosphorylation of 14 kinases upon DKK3 overexpression. In addition, we observed DKK3 induced hyper phosphorylation of 2 phosphatases: PPP1R12A and PTPRA, which have not been reported previously. Canonical pathway analysis of altered molecules indicated differential enrichment of signaling cascades upon DKK3 overexpression in all the 3 cell lines. Protein kinase A signaling, Sirtuin signaling pathway, and Cell Cycle Control of Chromosomal Replication were observed to be differentially activated in the GBC cell lines. Our study revealed, DKK3 overexpression has differential effect based on the aggressive behavior of the cell lines. This study expands the understanding of DKK3-mediated signaling events and can be used as a primary factor for understanding the complex nature of this molecule.
State-Subsidised Housing and Architecture in 20th-Century Portugal: A Critical Review Outlining Multidisciplinary Implications
Authors: Ramos Rui Jorge Garcia , Gonçalves Eliseu , Lameira Gisela , Rocha Luciana
Published: March 2021

Stable access to affordable quality housing is a core feature of public health principles and practices. In this report, we provide an update on the research project “Mapping Public Housing: A Critical Review of the State-subsidised Residential Architecture in Portugal (1910–1974)” (MdH), developed between 2016 and 2019 at the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Porto (FAUP) in Portugal. This funded research project (PTDC/CPC-HAT/1688/2014) brought together an international and multidisciplinary team composed of architects, sociologists, historians, an economist, an anthropologist, information scientists and archivists, from different academic levels (senior researchers, postdoctoral, PhD and Master’s degree students), adopting a variety of approaches and operating in a range of different contexts. The aim of the research undertaken was to investigate the reality of social and state-subsidised housing in terms of its architecture, while, at the same time, seeking to broaden our understanding of this phenomenon and of the transition to a democratic regime. Furthermore, this research project was designed to contribute towards the development of common ground for supporting decisions in the environmental, social and economic fields relating to housing management, as well as architectural heritage management and protection. This review is based on the submitted application (2015) and final report (2020).
Towards High Efficacy of Pd-Au/C Catalyst for Tetrachloromethane Hydrodechlorination
Authors: Bonarowska Magdalena , Kaszkur Zbigniew , Matus Krzysztof , Drelinkiewicz Alicja , Szumełda Tomasz , Kubas Adam
Published: March 2021

We present an efficient strategy for synthesising the PdAu catalysts with a homogeneous PdAu alloy phase for environmentally important hydrodechlorination of tetrachloromethane in the gas phase. The synthesis of carbon-supported catalysts involved two major steps: (i) incorporation of palladium and gold nanoparticles into carbon support and (ii) activation of the catalysts. The critical part of this work was to find the optimal conditions for both steps. Thus, the incorporation of the nanoparticles was carried out in two ways, by impregnation and direct redox reaction method using acetone solutions of metal precursor salts. The activation was performed either by a conventional thermal reduction in hydrogen or flash irradiation in a microwave oven. The homogeneity and structure of the PdAu alloy were found to depend on the catalyst activation method critically. In all cases, we observed better homogeneity for catalysts that were subject to microwave irradiation. Moreover, the flash microwave irradiation of prepared catalysts provided catalysts of better stability and selectivity towards the desired products (hydrocarbons) in the hydrodechlorination of tetrachloromethane as compared to the catalyst obtained by conventional thermal activation in hydrogen.
Sex Differences in Dysfunctional Movements and Asymmetries in Young Normal Weight, Overweight, and Obese Children
Authors: Vehrs Pat R. , Barker Haley , Nomiyama Misea , Vehrs Zachary , Tόth Miklόs , Uvacsek Martina , Mitchel Ulrike H. , Johnson Aaron W.
Published: March 2021

This study evaluated overall performance on the functional movement screen (FMS), prevalence of asymmetries and dysfunctional movements, and the relationship between measures of adiposity and the FMS score. Methods: Ninety-four (53 boys; 41 girls) 10–12-year-old children in Hungary and Germany who were participating in daily physical education performed the FMS. The mean FMS score in girls (14.1) was significantly higher than in boys (12.9). Individual test item scores were similar, except girls scored higher on the straight-leg raise. Most children (55% of boys, 68% of girls) presented with at least one asymmetry and 72% of boys and 76% of girls had at least one dysfunctional score. Measures of adiposity were negatively correlated to performance on all test items. Underweight and normal weight children performed significantly better on the FMS than overweight and obese children. Sex differences and the high prevalence of asymmetries and dysfunctional scores should be interpreted with caution since they may be due to dynamic changes in strength, proprioception, balance, and motor control that occur as part of growth and involvement in activities. Nevertheless, the high prevalence of asymmetries and dysfunctional scores indicate that most children have movement limitations.
Developmental Coordination Disorder, Motor Performance, and Daily Participation in Children with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Montes-Montes Rebeca , Delgado-Lobete Laura , Rodríguez-Seoane Sara
Published: March 2021

Children with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often present with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) or motor coordination problems that further impact their daily functioning. However, little is known about the prevalence of co-occurring DCD and ADHD in the Spanish context, and research about the impact of ADHD on performance and participation in motor-based activities of daily living (ADL) is scarce. The aims of this study were to explore the prevalence of co-occurring DCD in children with ADHD, and to examine differences in performance and participation in motor-based ADL between children with ADHD and typically developing children. We conducted a case-control study including 20 children with ADHD and 40 typically developing controls randomly matched for exact age and sex (males = 80%; mean age = 8, 9 (2, 3) years). Presence of probable DCD (p-DCD) was confirmed with the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (DCDQ). The DCDDaily-Q was administered to assess performance and participation in ADL. A 75% prevalence of p-DCD was found in the ADHD group (OR = 27; p < 0.001). Children with ADHD showed poorer motor performance and less participation in ADL (p < 0.01; d = 0.9–1.4). These findings contribute to understand the functional consequences of ADHD in motor-based ADL and its relationship with DCD.
Reducing the Structural Mass of Large Direct Drive Wind Turbine Generators through Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces Enabled by Hybrid Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Hayes Austin C. , Whiting Gregory L.
Published: March 2021

As the power output of direct drive generators increases, they become prohibitively large with much of this material structural support. In this work, implicit modeling was coupled to finite element analysis through a genetic algorithm variant to automate lattice optimization for the rotor of a 5 MW permanent magnet direct drive generator for mass reduction. Three triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) were chosen: Diamond, Schwartz Primitive, and Gyroid. Parameter and functionally graded lattice optimization were employed to reduce mass within deflection criteria. Inactive mass for the 5 MW Diamond, Schwartz Primitive, and Gyroid optimized designs was 10,043, 10,858, and 10,990 kg, respectively. The Schwartz Primitive rotor resulted in a 34% reduction in inactive mass compared to a 5 MW baseline design. Radial and axial deflections were below the critical limit of 0.65 and 32.17 mm, respectively. The lowest torsional deflection was seen in the Schwartz Primitive TPMS lattice at 3.89 mm. Based on these designs, hybrid additive manufacturing with investment casting was used to validate manufacturability in metal. A fused deposition modeling (FDM) TPMS topology was printed for validation of the FEA results. Comparison between digital image correlation of the FDM printed design and FEA design resulted in a 6.7% deformation difference for equivalent loading conditions.
Comparative Study of Corrosion Properties of Different Graphene Nanoplate/Epoxy Composite Coatings for Enhanced Surface Barrier Protection
Authors: Abakah Randy , Huang Feng , Hu Qian , Wang Yicong , Liu Jing
Published: March 2021

Loading of graphene to polymeric materials has proven a widespread increase in the corrosion properties of nanocomposites. In this study, graphene nanoplatelets (Gnps)/epoxy composite coatings were prepared by incorporating three commercial graphene nanoparticles (C750, M15, and X50 Gnps) into epoxy resin. The morphological impact of the Gnps on the surface barrier protection were evaluated in terms of coating’s adhesion to the substate, hydrophobicity and water uptake performance. Salt spray resistance and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) authenticated that the coating integrated with C750 Gnp remarkably improved the anti-corrosion performance of neat epoxy composite coatings. A robust passive layer and surface barrier characteristics formed by the composite coatings incorporated with C750 nanoparticle should be the main reason for better protection properties offered by C750 Gnp/epoxy nanocomposites. At the same time, homogeneous dispersion and lesser agglomerates in C750 Gnp/epoxy composite coatings mainly contributed to the coating’s excessive corrosion resistance.
Anisotropic Multiscale Modelling in SAE-AISI 1524 Gas Tungsten Arc Welded Joints
Authors: Bonifaz Edison A. , Watanabe Ikumu
Published: March 2021

A transient non-linear multiscale finite element heat flow-mechanical model to determine micro residual stresses (type III) and micro plastic strains in SAE-AISI 1524 gas tungsten arc welded joints is developed. To include anisotropy by preferred crystallographic orientation or texture, the global domain was decomposed into small subdomains based on the concept of representative volume elements (RVEs). A three-dimensional numerical procedure was developed by using the coupling DREAM.3D-ABAQUS. The macro scale temperature gradient information as prescribed driven (load) boundary conditions was used to calculate the meso thermal cycles, and the meso scale temperature gradient information was used to calculate the micro thermal cycles needed in the subsequent mechanical analysis. Anisotropy was included by randomly entering in each grain of the RVE specimen either the maximum Young’s modulus (Emax) in the stiffest direction <111>, or the minimum Young’s modulus (Emin) in the least stiff direction <100>. Under this assumption, the averaging of the grain orientations over all grains in the textured polycrystal with greater number of grains ocurred, and the strength was diluted by the spread of orientations present. Higher Mises stresses evolved in the sample with coarse grain size (16 µm), which indicates that the strong dependence of residual micro stresses on grain size was reversed. The influence of the grain size on the response of the aggregates is clearly observed.
Identification of a Novel Pathogenic Rearrangement Variant of the APC Gene Associated with a Variable Spectrum of Familial Cancer
Authors: Garza-Rodríguez María Lourdes , Treviño Víctor , Pérez-Maya Antonio Alí , Rodríguez-Gutiérrez Hazyadee Frecia , González-Escamilla Moisés , Elizondo-Riojas Miguel Ángel , Ramírez-Correa Genaro A. , Vidal-Gutiérrez Oscar , Burciaga-Flores Carlos Horacio , Pérez-Ibave Diana Cristina
Published: March 2021

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an autosomal-dominant condition characterized by the presence of multiple colorectal adenomas, caused by germline variants in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene. More than 300 germline variants have been characterized. The detection of novel variants is important to understand the mechanisms of pathophysiology. We identified a novel pathogenic germline variant using next-generation sequencing (NGS) in a proband patient. The variant is a complex rearrangement (c.422+1123_532-577 del ins 423-1933_423-1687 inv) that generates a complete deletion of exon 5 of the APC gene. To study the variant in other family members, we designed an endpoint PCR method followed by Sanger sequencing. The variant was identified in the proband patient’s mother, one daughter, her brother, two cousins, a niece, and a second nephew. In patients where the variant was identified, we found atypical clinical symptoms, including mandibular, ovarian, breast, pancreatic, and gastric cancer. Genetic counseling and cancer prevention strategies were provided for the family. According to the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) guidelines, this novel variant is considered a PVS1 variant (very strong evidence of pathogenicity), and it can be useful in association with clinical data for early surveillance and suitable treatment.