bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coexisting Molecular Alterations Increase the Risk of Malignancy in Thyroid Nodules with Copy Number Alterations
Authors: Rajab Mohannad , Bandargal Saruchi , Pusztaszeri Marc Philippe , Forest Véronique-Isabelle , Alohali Sama , Silva Sabrina Daniela da , Tamilia Michael , Payne Richard J.
Published: December 2022

Molecular mutations and alterations play a role in thyroid tumorigenesis. Different alterations are associated with different clinical and pathological characteristics. Copy number alterations (CNAs) are known to be present in some thyroid tumors; however, their idiosyncratic clinicopathological implications are not yet well elucidated. A retrospective chart review was performed to identify patients with CNAs on pre-operative molecular testing results who subsequently underwent surgical treatment between January 2016 and April 2022 at McGill University teaching hospitals. Of the 316 patients with thyroid nodules who opted for molecular testing with ThyroSeqV3 followed by surgery, 67 (21.2%) nodules were positive for CNAs, including 23 Bethesda III, 31 Bethesda IV, 12 Bethesda V and 1 Bethesda VI nodules. On surgical pathology, 29.9% were benign and 70.1% were malignant or non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP). Among those that were malignant/NIFTP, 17.02% were considered to be aggressive cancers. The presence of other molecular alterations was found to be an independent predictor of malignancy in multivariate analysis (OR = 5.087, 95% C.I. = 1.12–23.04, p = 0.035). No unique factor was correlated with aggressiveness; however, CNA-positive thyroid nodules that were associated with high-risk mutations such as BRAF V600E, TP53, NTRK1/3 fusion, or PTEN mutation with high allele frequency (AF) ended up being aggressive cancers. Most of the CNA-positive thyroid nodules resulted in follicular patterned tumors in 41 (65.2%) cases and oncocytic tumors in 20 (29.9%) cases. This study demonstrates that 70.1% of surgically resected thyroid nodules with CNAs were malignant/NIFTP. Most CNA-positive thyroid nodules were either oncocytic patterned tumors or follicular patterned tumors. Furthermore, CNA-positive thyroid nodules were more likely to be malignant if they were associated with other molecular alterations or mutations.
A Computational Framework for Comprehensive Genomic Profiling in Solid Cancers: The Analytical Performance of a High-Throughput Assay for Small and Copy Number Variants
Authors: Giacò Luciano , Palluzzi Fernando , Guido Davide , Nero Camilla , Giacomini Flavia , Duranti Simona , Bria Emilio , Tortora Giampaolo , Cenci Tonia , Martini Maurizio , De Paolis Elisa , Onori Maria Elisabetta , De Bonis Maria , Normanno Nicola , Scambia Giovanni , Minucci Angelo
Published: December 2022

In January 2022, our institution launched a comprehensive cancer genome profiling program on 10 cancer types using a non-IVD solution named the TruSight Oncology 500 Assay provided by Illumina®. The assay analyzes both DNA and RNA, identifying Single-Nucleotide Variants (SNV)s and Insertion–Deletion (InDel) in 523 genes, as well as known and unknown fusions and splicing variants in 55 genes and Copy Number Alterations (CNVs), Mutational Tumor Burden (MTB) and Microsatellite Instability (MSI). According to the current European IVD Directive 98/79/EC, an internal validation was performed before running the test. A dedicated open-source bioinformatics pipeline was developed for data postprocessing, panel assessment and embedding in high-performance computing framework using the container technology to ensure scalability and reproducibility. Our protocols, applied to 71 DNA and 64 RNA samples, showed full agreement between the TruSight Oncology 500 assay and standard approaches, with only minor limitations, allowing to routinely perform our protocol in patient screening.
PDX Models: A Versatile Tool for Studying the Role of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Breast Cancer
Authors: Gjerstorff Morten , Traynor Sofie , Gammelgaard Odd , Johansen Simone , Pedersen Christina , Ditzel Henrik , Terp Mikkel
Published: December 2022

The pivotal role of myeloid-derived suppressive cells (MDSCs) in cancer has become increasingly apparent over the past few years. However, to fully understand how MDSCs can promote human tumor progression and to develop strategies to target this cell type, relevant models that closely resemble the clinical complexity of human tumors are needed. Here, we show that mouse MDSCs of both the monocytic (M-MDCS) and the granulocytic (PMN-MDSC) lineages are recruited to human breast cancer patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumors in mice. Transcriptomic analysis of FACS-sorted MDSC-subpopulations from the PDX tumors demonstrated the expression of several MDSC genes associated with both their mobilization and immunosuppressive function, including S100A8/9, Ptgs2, Stat3, and Cxcr2, confirming the functional identity of these cells. By combining FACS analysis, RNA sequencing, and immune florescence, we show that the extent and type of MDSC infiltration depend on PDX model intrinsic factors such as the expression of chemokines involved in mobilizing and recruiting tumor-promoting MDSCs. Interestingly, MDSCs have been shown to play a prominent role in breast cancer metastasis, and in this context, we demonstrate increased recruitment of MDSCs in spontaneous PDX lung metastases compared to the corresponding primary PDX tumors. We also demonstrate that T cell-induced inflammation enhances the recruitment of MDSC in experimental breast cancer metastases. In conclusion, breast cancer PDX models represent a versatile tool for studying molecular mechanisms that drive myeloid cell recruitment to primary and metastatic tumors and facilitate the development of innovative therapeutic strategies targeting these cells.
Single Center Experience with a 4-Week 177Lu-PSMA-617 Treatment Interval in Patients with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Kemppainen Jukka , Kangasmäki Aki , Malaspina Simona , Pape Bernd , Jalomäki Jarno , Kairemo Kalevi , Kononen Juha , Joensuu Timo
Published: December 2022

Background: 177Lu-PSMA-617 is a promising theragnostic treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). However, both the optimal treatment dose and interval in mCRPC and the rate of identification of responders from non-responders among possible treatment candidates are unknown. Methods: 62 men with mCRPC who were treated with 177Lu-PSMA-617 during 1/2017–2/2019 were included in the study. Treatment responses, overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) were determined. The median follow-up time was 1.4 years (IQR 0.5–2.2). Tumor volume of metastases (MTV), SUVmax and tumor lesion activity (TLA) were quantitated from pre-treatment PSMA PET/CT images together with pre-treatment PSA. Results: An average of three treatment cycles (2–5) were given within a four-week interval. PFS was 4.9 months (2.4–9.6) and OS was 17.2 months (6–26.4). There were no major adverse events reported. A significant PSA response of >50% was found in 58.7% of patients, which was significantly associated with longer OS, p < 0.004. PSA response was not associated with staging PSMA-derived parameters. Conclusions: 177Lu-PSMA-617 treatment in four-week intervals was safe and effective. Almost 60% of patients had a significant PSA response, which was associated with better OS. Pre-treatment PSA kinetics or staging PSMA PET/CT-derived parameters were not helpful in identifying treatment responders from non-responders; better biomarkers are needed to aid in patient selection.
Where Robotic Surgery Meets the Metaverse
Authors: van Leeuwen Fijs W. B. , van der Hage Jos A.
Published: December 2022

With a focus on hepatobiliary surgery, the review by Giannone et al [...]
Trends in Liver Cancer Incidence and Survival in Italy by Histologic Type, 2003–2017
Authors: Mancini Silvia , Bucchi Lauro , Zamagni Federica , Guzzinati Stefano , Dal Maso Luigino , Rugge Massimo , Bisceglia Lucia , Serraino Diego , Casella Claudia , Caldarella Adele , Falcini Fabio , Musolino Antonino , Carrozzi Giuliano , Rizzello Roberto Vito , Mangone Lucia , Mazzoleni Guido , Seghini Pietro , Ferretti Stefano ,   the Italian Cancer Registries’ Collaborative Group
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: Liver cancer in Italy is characterised by one of the highest incidence rates worldwide outside of Asia coupled with comparatively favourable survival figures. The objective of this study was to evaluate the most recent epidemiologic trends of the disease. (2) Methods: Thirteen cancer registries covering a population of about 12,740,000 (21% of the national population) made available the records of 35,574 cases registered between 2003 and 2017. Trends in age-standardised (Europe 2013) incidence rates were analysed using the results of age–drift models. Trends in survival were analysed using 1-year, 2-year, 5-year and 10-year net survival (NS) and 5|1-year and 5|2-year conditional NS. (3) Results: Over the study period, the average annual incidence rates per 100,000 persons were 29.4 (men) and 9.4 (women) for total liver cancer; 14.6 and 3.5 for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); 1.8 and 1.1 for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC); and 13.0 and 4.8 for the ‘other liver cancer types’ group. The incidence of total liver cancer and HCC decreased significantly for both sexes. For total liver cancer, the estimated average annual percent change was −1.6% among men and −2.1% among women. For HCC, the change was −1.3% among men and −2.7% among women. ICC followed an opposite trend. For men, the risk of HCC had two peaks, one in the birth cohorts of 1928 and 1933 and another, more moderate peak in the cohort of 1958. Men and women exhibited comparable improvements in both early and mid-term conditional NS from HCC. In 2013–2017, 5-year NS was 28.9% (95% CI: 27.3%; 30.6%) for men and 30.1% (95% CI: 26.9%; 33.5%) for women. The uptrend in survival from ICC was less pronounced and was weakly significant, with a 5-year NS in 2013-2017 of 13.9% (95% CI: 10.8%; 17.3%) for men and 17.4% (95% CI: 13.5%; 21.7%) for women. (4) Conclusions: The opposite incidence trends of HCC and ICC confirm a pattern observed in other populations. The generalised, albeit slow, improvement in survival from HCC indicates a trend towards earlier detection coupled with improvements in treatments.
Phytoestrogens and Breast Cancer: Should French Recommendations Evolve?
Authors: Mauny Aurore , Faure Sébastien , Derbré Séverine
Published: December 2022

Breast cancer (BC) occurs less frequently in Asia, where there is high soy consumption. It has been hypothesized that soy isoflavones could be protective against BC recurrence and mortality. At the same time, health organizations in several countries have differing recommendations for soy consumption (soy foods or dietary supplements) in BC survivors. The objective of this review is to analyze the literature and to determine whether it is justified to advise avoiding soy in dietary supplements and/or food in women with a history of BC. We conducted a systematic literature search with the Medline/Pubmed and Web of Science databases. Only prospective cohort studies published since 2009 were retained. The endpoint of studies was BC recurrence and/or mortality, and the association with soy isoflavone intake was specifically targeted. Seven studies were included. None of these studies found statistically significant adverse effects of soy consumption on BC recurrence or mortality (specific or all-cause). Overall, only one study was not able to find beneficial effects of soy intake on BC patients. The other studies concluded that there were positive associations but in very variable ways. Two studies found a decrease in BC recurrence associated with a higher isoflavone intake only for post-menopausal women. The other four studies concluded that there were positive associations regardless of menopausal status. Four studies showed better results on women with hormonal-sensitive cancer and/or patients receiving hormonal treatment. Only one found a stronger association for patients with ER-negative BC. No adverse effects of soy isoflavones on BC mortality/recurrence were found. Soy isoflavones may exert beneficial effects. These results coincide with other recent works and suggest that soy isoflavone intake is safe for BC survivors. Thus, these data no longer seem to coincide with the French recommendations, which could then be brought to evolve. However, in order to confirm the current results, larger studies are needed.
CD163 as a Potential Biomarker in Colorectal Cancer for Tumor Microenvironment and Cancer Prognosis: A Swedish Study from Tissue Microarrays to Big Data Analyses
Authors: Ma Shuwen , Zhao Yuxin , Liu Xingyi , Sun Zhang Alexander , Zhang Hong , Hu Guang , Sun Xiao-Feng
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: CD163, a specific macrophage receptor, affects the progression of malignant tumors. Unfortunately, the regulation and expression of CD163 are poorly understood. In this study, we determined the expressions of CD163 in TMA samples from CRC patients and combined them with patient data from several Swedish hospitals. (2) Methods: The expressions of CD163 in tissue samples from CRC patients were examined. After combining 472 CRC patients’ gene expression and 438 CRC patients’ clinical data with the TCGA database, 964 cases from the GEO database, and experimental expression data from 1247 Swedish CRC patients, we selected four genes (PCNA, LOX, BCL2, and CD163) and analyzed the tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TICs) and CRC prognosis. (3) Results: Based on histopathological TMA analysis, CD163 was strongly expressed in the stroma of both normal and cancer tissues, and the expressions in normal and cancer cells varied from negative to strong. The results from public databases show decreased expression of CD163 in cancer tissue compared to normal mucosa (|log FC| > 1 and FDR < 0.01), and it is a negative prognostic factor for CRC patients (p-value < 0.05). Through tumor microenvironment (TME) analysis, we found a potential influence of CD163 on immune cell infiltration. Furthermore, the enrichment analysis indicated the possible interaction with other proteins and biological pathways. (4) Conclusions: CD163 is expressed differently in CRC tissue and is a negative prognostic factor. Its expression is associated with the TME and tumor purity of CRC. Considering all results, CD163 has the potential to be a predictive biomarker in the investigation of CRC.
Renal Carcinoma and Angiogenesis: Therapeutic Target and Biomarkers of Response in Current Therapies
Authors: Guillaume Zoé , Auvray Marie , Vano Yann , Oudard Stéphane , Helley Dominique , Mauge Laetitia
Published: December 2022

Due to the aberrant hypervascularization and the high immune infiltration of renal tumours, current therapeutic regimens of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) target angiogenic or immunosuppressive pathways or both. Tumour angiogenesis plays an essential role in tumour growth and immunosuppression. Indeed, the aberrant vasculature promotes hypoxia and can also exert immunosuppressive functions. In addition, pro-angiogenic factors, including VEGF-A, have an immunosuppressive action on immune cells. Despite the progress of treatments in RCC, there are still non responders or acquired resistance. Currently, no biomarkers are used in clinical practice to guide the choice between the different available treatments. Considering the role of angiogenesis in RCC, angiogenesis-related markers are interesting candidates. They have been studied in the response to antiangiogenic drugs (AA) and show interest in predicting the response. They have been less studied in immunotherapy alone or combined with AA. In this review, we will discuss the role of angiogenesis in tumour growth and immune escape and the place of angiogenesis-targeted biomarkers to predict response to current therapies in RCC.
UICC Staging after Neoadjuvant/Perioperative Chemotherapy Reveals No Significant Survival Differences Compared to Primary Surgery for Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer
Authors: Dimpel Rebekka , Novotny Alexander , Slotta-Huspenina Julia , Langer Rupert , Friess Helmut , Reim Daniel
Published: December 2022

Background: The applicability of UICC TNM staging for gastric cancer (GC) patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (nCTX) and surgery was not yet analyzed in comparison to patients undergoing primary surgery (PS). The purpose of this analysis was to analyze if the prognostic impact of TNM staging after nCTx is comparable with PS. Methods: Data for patients having been treated for GC with or without nCTx between 1990 and 2016 were analyzed. Uni-(URA) and multivariable regression analyses (MRA) were performed to identify predictors. Survival according to the UICC 8th edition stages was analyzed by the Kaplan–Meier method and cox regression analysis. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to balance for confounders. Results: 1149 patients with GC were eligible for primary analysis. URA demonstrated age (p < 0.0001), tumor localization (p < 0.0001), clinical UICC-stage, complications, UICC stage 0, IIB-IIIC, Lauren subtype, grading, and R-stage to be significantly associated with OS. MRA revealed that age, distal tumor localization, more than 25 dissected lymph nodes, UICC stage 0, IIB-IIIC, and Lauren subtype were significantly and independently related to OS. After PSM, survival analyses revealed only a significant difference for pN2/ypN2 (p = 0.03), while all other T and N stages were comparable. Conclusion: UICC dependent survival stages do not change significantly after nCTx treatment for GC. Therefore, UICC staging in its present version is applicable to patients undergoing nCTx.
Immune Modulations by Glucocorticoids: From Molecular Biology to Clinical Research
Authors: J. M. Schaaf Marcel , Meijer Onno C.
Published: December 2022

Due to their potent anti-inflammatory and immune-suppressive actions, glucocorticoids have been used in the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune disease for more than 70 years [...]
Role of Endogenous Lipopolysaccharides in Neurological Disorders
Authors: Kalyan Manjunath , Tousif Ahmed Hediyal , Sonali Sharma , Vichitra Chandrasekaran , Sunanda Tuladhar , Praveenraj Sankar Simla , Ray Bipul , Gorantla Vasavi Rakesh , Rungratanawanich Wiramon , Mahalakshmi Arehally M. , Qoronfleh M. Walid , Monaghan Tanya M. , Song Byoung-Joon , Essa Musthafa Mohamed , Chidambaram Saravana Babu
Published: December 2022

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a cell-wall immunostimulatory endotoxin component of Gram-negative bacteria. A growing body of evidence reveals that alterations in the bacterial composition of the intestinal microbiota (gut dysbiosis) disrupt host immune homeostasis and the intestinal barrier function. Microbial dysbiosis leads to a proinflammatory milieu and systemic endotoxemia, which contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic disorders. Two important pathophysiological hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are oxidative/nitrative stress and inflammation, which can be initiated by elevated intestinal permeability, with increased abundance of pathobionts. These changes lead to excessive release of LPS and other bacterial products into blood, which in turn induce chronic systemic inflammation, which damages the blood–brain barrier (BBB). An impaired BBB allows the translocation of potentially harmful bacterial products, including LPS, and activated neutrophils/leucocytes into the brain, which results in neuroinflammation and apoptosis. Chronic neuroinflammation causes neuronal damage and synaptic loss, leading to memory impairment. LPS-induced inflammation causes inappropriate activation of microglia, astrocytes, and dendritic cells. Consequently, these alterations negatively affect mitochondrial function and lead to increases in oxidative/nitrative stress and neuronal senescence. These cellular changes in the brain give rise to specific clinical symptoms, such as impairment of locomotor function, muscle weakness, paralysis, learning deficits, and dementia. This review summarizes the contributing role of LPS in the development of neuroinflammation and neuronal cell death in various neurodegenerative diseases.
Fat Quality Impacts the Effect of a High-Fat Diet on the Fatty Acid Profile, Life History Traits and Gene Expression in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Eickelberg Virginia , Rimbach Gerald , Seidler Yvonne , Hasler Mario , Staats Stefanie , Lüersen Kai
Published: December 2022

Feeding a high-fat diet (HFD) has been shown to alter phenotypic and metabolic parameters in Drosophila melanogaster. However, the impact of fat quantity and quality remains uncertain. We first used butterfat (BF) as an example to investigate the effects of increasing dietary fat content (3–12%) on male and female fruit flies. Although body weight and body composition were not altered by any BF concentration, health parameters, such as lifespan, fecundity and larval development, were negatively affected in a dose-dependent manner. When fruit flies were fed various 12% HFDs (BF, sunflower oil, olive oil, linseed oil, fish oil), their fatty acid profiles shifted according to the dietary fat qualities. Moreover, fat quality was found to determine the effect size of the response to an HFD for traits, such as lifespan, climbing activity, or fertility. Consistently, we also found a highly fat quality-specific transcriptional response to three exemplary HFD qualities with a small overlap of only 30 differentially expressed genes associated with the immune/stress response and fatty acid metabolism. In conclusion, our data indicate that not only the fat content but also the fat quality is a crucial factor in terms of life-history traits when applying an HFD in D. melanogaster.
Generation of CD34+CD43+ Hematopoietic Progenitors to Induce Thymocytes from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Flippe Léa , Gaignerie Anne , Sérazin Céline , Baron Olivier , Saulquin Xavier , Anegon Ignacio , David Laurent , Guillonneau Carole
Published: December 2022

Immunotherapy using primary T cells has revolutionized medical care in some pathologies in recent years, but limitations associated to challenging cell genome edition, insufficient cell number production, the use of only autologous cells, and the lack of product standardization have limited its clinical use. The alternative use of T cells generated in vitro from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) offers great advantages by providing a self-renewing source of T cells that can be readily genetically modified and facilitate the use of standardized universal off-the-shelf allogeneic cell products and rapid clinical access. However, despite their potential, a better understanding of the feasibility and functionality of T cells differentiated from hPSCs is necessary before moving into clinical settings. In this study, we generated human-induced pluripotent stem cells from T cells (T-iPSCs), allowing for the preservation of already recombined TCR, with the same properties as human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). Based on these cells, we differentiated, with high efficiency, hematopoietic progenitor stem cells (HPSCs) capable of self-renewal and differentiation into any cell blood type, in addition to DN3a thymic progenitors from several T-iPSC lines. In order to better comprehend the differentiation, we analyzed the transcriptomic profiles of the different cell types and demonstrated that HPSCs differentiated from hiPSCs had very similar profiles to cord blood hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Furthermore, differentiated T-cell progenitors had a similar profile to thymocytes at the DN3a stage of thymic lymphopoiesis. Therefore, utilizing this approach, we were able to regenerate precursors of therapeutic human T cells in order to potentially treat a wide range of diseases.
Needs Assessment in Parents of Children Affected by Cancer: A Qualitative Perspective
Authors: Bretones Nieto Blanca , Pozo Muñoz Carmen , Vázquez López María Ángeles
Published: December 2022

Background: Childhood cancer is a “stressful experience” for parents in their role as caregivers. The aim of this study is to analyze the needs of a group of parents who have children diagnosed with cancer. The assessment looks at all areas of their daily life using a qualitative content analysis approach. Methods: This study uses open questions designed to investigate the main problems faced by the parents of children with cancer. All the answers were analyzed using MAXQDA 20 software. The study was conducted according to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ). Results: The content analysis of the answers from 13 mothers and 7 fathers is presented. The main themes as priority areas of need were: “informal social support”, “coping”, “stressors/imbalances” and “health problems”. Dissatisfaction with the support provided from the informal network was detected. Although the participants expressed active coping, they also exhibited helplessness, as well as concerns regarding possible sequelae and the impact of this situation on the family’s economic/work context. Conciliation problems were a source of stress. All this is consistent with the participants suffering from a variety of health issues. Conclusions: the results show the effect of childhood cancer on different aspects of family life. They provide essential information for designing psychosocial interventions.
Advances and Future Challenges of Minimally Invasive Surgery in Children
Authors: Pogorelić Zenon
Published: December 2022

Minimally invasive surgery is a relatively new field of surgery where the surgeons operate through small incisions using a variety of techniques to perform less damage to the patient’s body than with conventional open surgery [...]
Red-Green-Blue Mini-LEDs Lighting Design with High Uniformity under Thin Form Factor
Authors: Zhou Yuan-Kai , Jian Liang-Jhe , Su Guo-Dung John
Published: December 2022

We present a design of a non-imaging system based on a ray-tracing methodology. This system is mainly made of polycarbonate, while part of its surface is coated with metal. The Zemax® optical simulation tool was used to calculate the optimal parameters of this system, such as heights, widths, and angles. This design aims to improve the light distribution uniformity of blended red-green-blue mini light-emitting diodes. Our simulation results show that this design can achieve 93% light distribution uniformity in a 36 mm × 36 mm area, and the height of this design is less than 5 mm.
Two Novel Pyrene Tetra-Sulfonate Europium Coordination Polymers: Structure Formation Mechanism Analysis and Sequential Modulation Strategy
Authors: Li Haoran , Sun Xiaolian , Fu Jiaju , Zhu Wenlei
Published: December 2022

For the purpose of broadening the understanding of the sulfonic acid coordination mechanism, a coordination system consisting of Eu(III) ion and 1,3,6,8-pyrene tetra-sulfonate (1,3,6,8-PTS) ligand was chosen as the typical research object. By step regulating the volume ratio of mixed solvents and the molar ratio of metal salts to ligands, two pyrene tetra-sulfonate europium coordination polymers, Eu6(μ6-O)(μ3-OH)8(NO3)6(1,3,6,8-H2PTS)(H2O)10 (1) and Eu(NO3)(1,3,6,8-PTS)0.5(H2O)3·0.5bipy (2), were obtained in sequence. Compound 1 shows a 1D chain-like structure interconnected with 1,3,6,8-PTS bridging ligands and rare [Eu6(μ6-O)(μ3-OH)8(NO3)6]2+ cluster nodes, while compound 2 shows a 2D layered structure. Further structural comparison with compound Eu(1,3,6,8-PTS)(H2O)7·4H2O·Hbipy (EuPTSbp-1) was discussed in detail and the structure formation mechanism was analyzed. On this basis, a sequential modulation strategy for pyrene tetra-sulfonate europium coordination polymers was proposed.
Migratory Movements and Home Ranges of Geographically Distinct Wintering Populations of a Soaring Bird
Authors: Ogawa Ryo , Davis J. Brian , King D. Tommy , Burger L. Wes , Strickland Bronson K. , Sovada Marsha A. , Wang Guiming , Cunningham Fred L.
Published: December 2022

Migratory soaring birds exhibit spatiotemporal variation in their circannual movements. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain how different winter environments affect the circannual movement patterns of migratory soaring birds. Here, we investigated annual movement strategies of American white pelicans Pelecanus erythrorhynchos (hereafter, pelican) from two geographically distinct wintering grounds in the Southern and Northern Gulf of Mexico (GOM). We hypothesized that hourly movement distance and home range size of a soaring bird would differ between different geographic regions because of different thermals and wind conditions and resource availability. We calculated average and maximum hourly movement distances and seasonal home ranges of GPS-tracking pelicans. We then evaluated the effects of hour of the day, seasons, two wintering regions in the Southern and Northern GOM, human footprint index, and relative pelican abundance from Christmas Bird Count data on pelican hourly movement distances and seasonal home ranges using linear mixed models and generalized linear mixed models. American white pelicans moved at greatest hourly distance near 1200 h at breeding grounds and during spring and autumn migrations. Both wintering populations in the Northern and Southern GOM exhibited similar hourly movement distances and seasonal home ranges at the shared breeding grounds and during spring and autumn migrations. However, pelicans wintering in the Southern GOM showed shorter hourly movement distances and smaller seasonal home ranges than those in the Northern GOM. Hourly movement distances and home ranges of pelicans increased with increasing human footprint index. Winter hourly movements and home ranges of pelicans differed between the Northern and Southern GOM; however, the winter difference in pelican movements did not carry over to the shared breeding grounds during summers. Therefore, exogenous factors may be the primary drivers to shape the flying patterns of migratory soaring birds.
Two- and Three-Dimensional Benchmarks for Particle Detection from an Industrial Rotary Kiln Combustion Chamber Based on Light-Field-Camera Recording
Authors: Vogelbacher Markus , Zhang Miao , Aleksandrov Krasimir , Gehrmann Hans-Joachim , Matthes Jörg
Published: December 2022

This paper describes a benchmark dataset for the detection of fuel particles in 2D and 3D image data in a rotary kiln combustion chamber. The specific challenges of detecting the small particles under demanding environmental conditions allows for the performance of existing and new particle detection techniques to be evaluated. The data set includes a classification of burning and non-burning particles, which can be in the air but also on the rotary kiln wall. The light-field camera used for data generation offers the potential to develop and objectively evaluate new advanced particle detection methods due to the additional 3D information. Besides explanations of the data set and the contained ground truth, an evaluation procedure of the particle detection based on the ground truth and results for an own particle detection procedure for the data set are presented.
Multiple Synchronous Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Lymphomas Involving in the Stomach, Duodenum, Ileum, and Sigmoid
Authors: Chen Chun-Wei , Chen Yang-Yuan , Chen Yung-Fang
Published: December 2022

Gastric MALToma is an extra-nodal marginal-type B-cell lymphoma. MALToma may occur secondary to chronic inflammation and autoimmunity. The most common gastrointestinal (GI) site of MALToma is the stomach, with approximately 50% of lesions occurring there. Synchronous upper and lower GI MALTomas rarely occur, with few cases reported. We present the case of a 67-year-old patient who presented asymptomatic and was found to have synchronous multifocal upper and lower GI MALTomas in the stomach, duodenum, terminal ileum, and sigmoid, which did not respond to H. Pylori eradication therapy.
Reinducing Radioiodine-Sensitivity in Radioiodine-Refractory Thyroid Cancer Using Lenvatinib (RESET): Study Protocol for a Single-Center, Open Label Phase II Trial
Authors: Dotinga Maaike , Vriens Dennis , van Velden Floris H. P. , Stam Mette K. , Heemskerk Jan W. T. , Dibbets-Schneider Petra , Pool Martin , Rietbergen Daphne D. D. , de Geus-Oei Lioe-Fee , Kapiteijn Ellen
Published: December 2022

Background: Management of patients with radioiodine (RAI)-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is a challenge as I-131 therapy is deemed ineffective while standard-of-care systemic therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) lenvatinib is associated with frequent toxicities leading to dose reductions and withdrawal. A potential new treatment approach is to use TKIs as redifferentiation agent to restore RAI uptake to an extent that I-131 therapy is warranted. Prior studies show that short-term treatment with other TKIs restores RAI uptake in 50–60% of radioiodine-refractory DTC patients, but this concept has not been investigated for lenvatinib. Furthermore, the optimal duration of treatment with TKIs for maximal redifferentiation has not been explored. Methods and Design: A total of 12 patients with RAI-refractory DTC with an indication for lenvatinib will undergo I-124 PET/CT to quantify RAI uptake. This process is repeated after 6 and 12 weeks post-initiating lenvatinib after which the prospective dose estimate to target lesions and organs at risk will be determined. Patients will subsequently stop lenvatinib and undergo I-131 treatment if it is deemed effective and safe by predefined norms. The I-124 PET/CT measurements after 6 and 12 weeks of the first six patients are compared and the optimal timepoint will be determined for the remaining patients. In all I-131 treated patients post-therapy SPECT/CT dosimetry verification will be performed. During follow-up, clinical response will be evaluated using serum thyroglobulin levels and F-18 FDG PET/CT imaging for 6 months. It is hypothesized that at least 40% of patients will show meaningful renewed RAI uptake after short-term lenvatinib treatment. Discussion: Shorter treatment duration of lenvatinib treatment is preferred because of frequent toxicity-related dose reductions and drug withdrawals in long-term lenvatinib treatment. Short-term treatment with lenvatinib with subsequent I-131 therapy poses a potential new management approach for these patients. Since treatment duration is reduced and I-131 therapy is more tolerable for most patients, this potentially leads to less toxicity and higher quality of life. Identifying RAI-refractory DTC patients who redifferentiate after lenvatinib therapy is therefore crucial. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NTC04858867.
A Modified Run-Off Resistance Score from Cross-Sectional Imaging Discriminates Chronic Critical Limb Ischemia from Intermittent Claudication in Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: Frese Jan Paul , Schawe Larissa , Carstens Jan , Milbergs Karlis , Speichinger Fiona , Gratl Alexandra , Greiner Andreas , Raude Ben
Published: December 2022

Atherosclerotic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) leads to intermittent claudication (IC) and may progress into chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). Scoring systems to determine the atherosclerotic burden of a diseased extremity have been developed. This study aimed to evaluate a modification of the run-off resistance (mROR) score for its usability in cross-sectional imaging. The mROR was determined from preoperative imaging of patients undergoing revascularization for PAD. A total of 20 patients with IC and 20 patients with CLTI were consecutively included. A subgroup analysis for diabetic patients was conducted. The mROR was evaluated for its correlation with disease severity and clinical covariates. Patients with CLTI were older; cardiovascular risk factors, diabetes, and ASA 4 were more frequent. The mROR scores were higher in CLTI than in IC. In diabetic patients, no difference was detected between CLTI and IC. In CLTI, non-diabetic patients had a higher mROR. The mROR score is positively correlated with the severity of PAD and can discriminate CLTI from IC. In diabetic patients with CLTI, the mROR is lower than in non-diabetic patients. The mROR score can be determined from cross-sectional imaging angiographies. It may be useful for clinicians helping with vascular case planning, as well as for scientific purposes.
Remaining Useful Life Prediction Using Dual-Channel LSTM with Time Feature and Its Difference
Authors: Peng Cheng , Wu Jiaqi , Wang Qilong , Gui Weihua , Tang Zhaohui
Published: December 2022

At present, the research on the prediction of the remaining useful life (RUL) of machinery mainly focuses on multi-sensor feature extraction and then uses the features to predict RUL. In complex operations and multiple abnormal environments, the impact of noise may result in increased model complexity and decreased accuracy of RUL predictions. At the same time, how to use the sensor characteristics of time is also a problem. To overcome these issues, this paper proposes a dual-channel long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network model. Compared with the existing methods, the advantage of this method is to adaptively select the time feature and then perform first-order processing on the time feature value and use LSTM to extract the time feature and first-order time feature information. As the RUL curve predicted by the neural network is zigzag, we creatively designed a momentum-smoothing module to smooth the predicted RUL curve and improve the prediction accuracy. Experimental verification on the commercial modular aerospace propulsion system simulation (C-MAPSS) dataset proves the effectiveness and stability of the proposed method.
A Review of the Emulsification Method for Alternative Fuels Used in Diesel Engines
Authors: Hamid Mohd Fadzli , Teoh Yew Heng , Idroas Mohamad Yusof , Mohamed Mazlan , Sa’ad Shukriwani , Mat Sharzali Che , Abdullah Muhammad Khalil , Le Thanh Danh , How Heoy Geok , Nguyen Huu Tho
Published: December 2022

Diesel engines are one of the most popular reciprocating engines on the market today owing to their great thermal efficiency and dependability in energy conversion. Growing concerns about the depletion of fossil resources, fluctuating prices in the market, and environmental issues have prompted the search for renewable fuels with higher efficiencies compared with conventional fuels. Fuel derived from vegetable oils and animal fats has comparable characteristics to diesel fuel, but is renewable, despite being manufactured from various feedstocks. Nevertheless, the direct use of these fuels is strictly prohibited because it will result in many issues in the engine, affecting engine performance and durability, as well as emissions. To make biofuels as efficient as fossil fuels, it is essential to alter their characteristics. The use of emulsification techniques to obtain emulsified biofuels is one of the many ways to modify the fuel characteristics. Emulsification techniques allow for a decrease in viscosity and an increase in atomisation during injection. To date, emulsification techniques have been studied less thoroughly for use with vegetable oils and animal fats. This article will discuss the preparation and characterisation of emulsified biofuels made from vegetable oils and animal fats. This current paper reviewed research studies carried out on different emulsification techniques for biofuels used in diesel engines.
A Review of Pile Foundations in Viscoelastic Medium: Dynamic Analysis and Wave Propagation Modeling
Authors: Wu Wenbing , Zhang Yunpeng
Published: December 2022

The dynamic viscoelastic theory of soil–pile interaction dominates the initial impedance calculation during the pile dynamic design and analysis. Further, it provides a firm theoretical ground for the wave propagation simulation, which could be the basis of seismic analysis and some geotechnical testing approaches. This review traces the development history and key findings of viscoelastic soil–pile interaction theory and expounds on the advantages and limitations of various theoretical advances in terms of dynamic design and wave propagation modeling. The review consists of three sub-divisions, which are the longitudinal, horizontal, and torsional viscoelastic soil-pile theories. The development and implement of multi-phase soil constitutive equations, multi-dimensional soil–pile interaction modeling methods, pile–soil–pile mutual interactions in pile groups, and the fluid–structure interaction problems in offshore piles are especially remarked and concluded. Finally, the shortcomings and deficiencies of the present development are pointed out with a view to addressing them in the future.
Very Short-Term Forecast: Different Classification Methods of the Whole Sky Camera Images for Sudden PV Power Variations Detection
Authors: Niccolai Alessandro , Ogliari Emanuele , Nespoli Alfredo , Zich Riccardo , Vanetti Valentina
Published: December 2022

Solar radiation is by nature intermittent and influenced by many factors such as latitude, season and atmospheric conditions. As a consequence, the growing penetration of Photovoltaic (PV) systems into the electricity network implies significant problems of stability, reliability and scheduling of power grid operation. Concerning the very short-term PV power production, the power fluctuations are primarily related to the interaction between solar irradiance and cloud cover. In small-scale systems such as microgrids, the adoption of a forecasting tool is a brilliant solution to minimize PV power curtailment and limit the installed energy storage capacity. In the present work, two different nowcasting methods are applied to classify the solar attenuation due to clouds presence on five different forecast horizons, from 1 to 5 min: a Pattern Recognition Neural Network and a Random Forest model. The proposed methods are tested and compared on a real case study: available data consists of historical irradiance measurements and infrared sky images collected in a real PV facility, the SolarTechLAB in Politecnico di Milano. The classification output is a range of values corresponding to the future value assumed by the Clear Sky Index (CSI), an indicator allowing to account for irradiance variations only related to clouds passage, neglecting diurnal and seasonal influences. The developed models present similar performance in all the considered time horizons, reliably detecting the CSI drops caused by incoming overcast and partially cloudy sky conditions.
Design and Analysis of a DC Solid-State Circuit Breaker for Residential Energy Router Application
Authors: Rahimpour Saeed , Husev Oleksandr , Vinnikov Dmitri
Published: December 2022

Energy routers act as an interface between the distribution network and electrical facilities, which meet the requirements of clean energy substitution and achieve the energy sharing and information transmission in the energy network. However, the protection of the dc load side of residential energy routers including interruption and isolation of short-circuit fault currents is vital for discussion. Since the traditional mechanical and hybrid circuit breakers for dc fault protection have the drawback of slow operation, a solid-state circuit breaker (SSCB) is an optimal solution for fast dc fault interruption. In this paper, a dc SSCB is proposed that uses an RCD + MOV snubber circuit, which is considered the best and most complete circuit used in common SSCBs. There are two main contributions in this paper: First, a dc SSCB is designed, which isolates both positive and negative terminals of a circuit and its working principle and operating modes along with the formulas for calculation of crucial time intervals, voltages, and currents along with the design procedure are provided. Second, a soft turn-on auxiliary is designed to prevent a high current surge caused by the capacitance difference between the source and the load. The experimental results demonstrate the proper performance of the topology and the validity of the findings.
Preparation and Thermal Model of Tetradecane/Expanded Graphite and A Spiral Wavy Plate Cold Storage Tank
Authors: Zhang Hongguang , Wu Tanghan , Tang Lei , Ling Ziye , Zhang Zhengguo , Fang Xiaoming
Published: December 2022

A cold storage unit can store the cold energy off-peak and release it for building cooling on-peak, which can reduce the electricity load of air conditioning systems. n-tetradecane is a suitable cold storage material for air conditioning, with a phase change temperature of is 4–8 °C and a phase change enthalpy of 200 kJ/kg. However, its low thermal conductivity limits the application of n-tetradecane for high-power cold storage/release. This paper prepares a tetradecane/expanded graphite (EG) composite phase change material (CPCM), whose thermal conductivity can be increased up to 21.0 W/m·K, nearly 100 times over the raw n-tetradecane. A novel model to predict the maximum loading fraction of paraffin in the EG matrix is presented, with an error within 1.7%. We also develop a thermal conductivity model to predict the thermal conductivity of the CPCM precisely, with an error of less than 10%. In addition, an innovative spiral wave plate cold storage tank has been designed for the tetradecane/EG composite. The power and energy density of the cold storage tank are significantly improved compared to that of raw tetradecane. The energy density reaches 40 kWh/m3, which is high among the organic PCM thermal storage tank. This paper shows the significance of thermal conductivity enhancement in designing a cold storage tank.
A Wind Power Probabilistic Model Using the Reflection Method and Multi-Kernel Function Kernel Density Estimation
Authors: Choi Juseung , Eom Hoyong , Baek Seung-Mook
Published: December 2022

This paper proposes a wind power probabilistic model (WPPM) using the reflection method and multi-kernel function kernel density estimation (KDE). With the increasing penetration of renewable energy sources (RESs) into power systems, several probabilistic approaches have been introduced to assess the impact of RESs on the power system. A probabilistic approach requires a wind power scenario (WPS), and the WPS is generated from the WPPM. Previously, WPPM was generated using a parametric density estimation, and it had limitations in reflecting the characteristics of wind power data (WPD) due to a boundary bias problem. The paper proposes a WPPM generated using the KDE, which is a non-parametric method. Additionally, the paper proposes a reflection method correcting for the boundary bias problem caused by the double-bounded characteristic of the WPD and the multi-kernel function KDE minimizing the effect of tied values. Six bandwidth selectors are used to calculate the bandwidth for the KDE, and one is selected by analyzing the correlation between the normalized WPD and the calculated bandwidth. The results were validated by generating WPPMs with WPDs in six regions of the Republic of Korea, and it was confirmed that the accuracy and goodness-of-fit are improved when the proposed method is used.