bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interstitial Photodynamic Therapy Using 5-ALA for Malignant Glioma Recurrences
Authors: Lietke Stefanie , Schmutzer Michael , Schwartz Christoph , Weller Jonathan , Siller Sebastian , Aumiller Maximilian , Heckl Christian , Forbrig Robert , Niyazi Maximilian , Egensperger Rupert , Stepp Herbert , Sroka Ronald , Tonn Jörg-Christian , Rühm Adrian , Thon Niklas
Published: April 2021

Interstitial photodynamic therapy (iPDT) using 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)-induced protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) as a cytotoxic photosensitizer could be a feasible treatment option for malignant gliomas. In a monocentric cohort of consecutive patients treated between 2006 and 2018, a risk profile analysis of salvage iPDT for local malignant glioma recurrences and associated outcome measures are presented here. It was considered indicated in patients with circumscribed biopsy-proven malignant glioma recurrences after standard therapy, if not deemed eligible for safe complete resection. A 3D treatment-planning software was used to determine the number and suitable positions of the cylindrical diffusing fibers placed stereotactically to ensure optimal interstitial irradiation of the target volume. Outcome measurements included the risk profile of the procedure, estimated time-to-treatment-failure (TTF), post-recurrence survival (PRS) and prognostic factors. Forty-seven patients were treated, of which 44 (median age, 49.4 years, range, 33.4–87.0 years, 27 males) could be retrospectively evaluated. Recurrent gliomas included 37 glioblastomas (WHO grade IV) and 7 anaplastic astrocytomas (WHO grade III). Thirty (68.2%) tumors were O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT)-methylated, 29 (65.9%)—isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-wildtype. Twenty-six (59.1%) patients were treated for their first, 9 (20.5%)—for their second, 9 (20.5%)—for the third or further recurrence. The median iPDT target volume was 3.34 cm3 (range, 0.50–22.8 cm3). Severe neurologic deterioration lasted for more than six weeks in one patient only. The median TTF was 7.1 (95% confidence interval (CI), 4.4–9.8) months and the median PRS was 13.0 (95% CI, 9.2–16.8) months. The 2- and 5-year PRS rates were 25.0% and 4.5%, respectively. The treatment response was heterogeneous and not significantly associated with patient characteristics, treatment-related factors or molecular markers. The promising outcome and acceptable risk profile deserve further prospective evaluation particularly to identify mechanisms and prognostic factors of favorable treatment response.
Treatment Strategies for ARID1A-Deficient Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Takahashi Kazuaki , Takenaka Masataka , Okamoto Aikou , Bowtell David D. L. , Kohno Takashi
Published: April 2021

Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) is a histological subtype of ovarian cancer that is more frequent in Asian countries (~25% of ovarian cancers) than in US/European countries (less than 10%). OCCC is refractory to conventional platinum-based chemotherapy, which is effective against high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC), a major histological subtype of ovarian cancer. Notably, deleterious mutations in SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling genes, such as ARID1A, are common in OCCC but rare in HGSC. Because this complex regulates multiple cellular processes, including transcription and DNA repair, molecularly targeted therapies that exploit the consequences of SWI/SNF deficiency may have clinical efficacy against OCCC. Three such strategies have been proposed to date: prioritizing a gemcitabine-based chemotherapeutic regimen, synthetic lethal therapy targeting vulnerabilities conferred by SWI/SNF deficiency, and immune checkpoint blockade therapy that exploits the high mutational burden of ARID1A-deficient tumor. Thus, ARID1A deficiency has potential as a biomarker for precision medicine of ovarian cancer.
Editorial Catalysts: Special Issue on Transition Metal Catalyzed Cross-Coupling Reactions
Authors: Kostas Ioannis D.
Published: April 2021

Transition metal catalyzed cross-coupling reactions have proved to be powerful tools for carbon–carbon as well as carbon–heteroatom bond formation in the development of synthetic methodologies for applications ranging from pharmaceuticals to materials [...]
Neurological Disorders Associated with WWOX Germline Mutations—A Comprehensive Overview
Authors: Banne Ehud , Abudiab Baraa , Abu-Swai Sara , Repudi Srinivasa Rao , Steinberg Daniel J. , Shatleh Diala , Alshammery Sarah , Lisowski Leszek , Gold Wendy , Carlen Peter L. , Aqeilan Rami I.
Published: April 2021

The transcriptional regulator WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) is a key player in a number of cellular and biological processes including tumor suppression. Recent evidence has emerged associating WWOX with non-cancer disorders. Patients harboring pathogenic germline bi-allelic WWOX variants have been described with the rare devastating neurological syndromes autosomal recessive spinocerebellar ataxia 12 (SCAR12) (6 patients) and WWOX-related epileptic encephalopathy (DEE28 or WOREE syndrome) (56 patients). Individuals with these syndromes present with a highly heterogenous clinical spectrum, the most common clinical symptoms being severe epileptic encephalopathy and profound global developmental delay. Knowledge of the underlying pathophysiology of these syndromes, the range of variants of the WWOX gene and its genotype-phenotype correlations is limited, hampering therapeutic efforts. Therefore, there is a critical need to identify and consolidate all the reported variants in WWOX to distinguish between disease-causing alleles and their associated severity, and benign variants, with the aim of improving diagnosis and increasing therapeutic efforts. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the literature on WWOX, and analyze the pathogenic variants from published and unpublished reports by collecting entries from the ClinVar, DECIPHER, VarSome, and PubMed databases to generate the largest dataset of WWOX pathogenic variants. We estimate the correlation between variant type and patient phenotype, and delineate the impact of each variant, and used GnomAD to cross reference these variants found in the general population. From these searches, we generated the largest published cohort of WWOX individuals. We conclude with a discussion on potential personalized medicine approaches to tackle the devastating disorders associated with WWOX mutations.
Interspecies Chromosome Mapping in Caprimulgiformes, Piciformes, Suliformes, and Trogoniformes (Aves): Cytogenomic Insight into Microchromosome Organization and Karyotype Evolution in Birds
Authors: Kretschmer Rafael , de Souza Marcelo Santos , Furo Ivanete de Oliveira , Romanov Michael N. , Gunski Ricardo José , Garnero Analía del Valle , de Freitas Thales Renato Ochotorena , de Oliveira Edivaldo Herculano Corrêa , O’Connor Rebecca E. , Griffin Darren K.
Published: April 2021

Interchromosomal rearrangements involving microchromosomes are rare events in birds. To date, they have been found mostly in Psittaciformes, Falconiformes, and Cuculiformes, although only a few orders have been analyzed. Hence, cytogenomic studies focusing on microchromosomes in species belonging to different bird orders are essential to shed more light on the avian chromosome and karyotype evolution. Based on this, we performed a comparative chromosome mapping for chicken microchromosomes 10 to 28 using interspecies BAC-based FISH hybridization in five species, representing four Neoaves orders (Caprimulgiformes, Piciformes, Suliformes, and Trogoniformes). Our results suggest that the ancestral microchromosomal syntenies are conserved in Pteroglossus inscriptus (Piciformes), Ramphastos tucanus tucanus (Piciformes), and Trogon surrucura surrucura (Trogoniformes). On the other hand, chromosome reorganization in Phalacrocorax brasilianus (Suliformes) and Hydropsalis torquata (Caprimulgiformes) included fusions involving both macro- and microchromosomes. Fissions in macrochromosomes were observed in P. brasilianus and H. torquata. Relevant hypothetical Neognathae and Neoaves ancestral karyotypes were reconstructed to trace these rearrangements. We found no interchromosomal rearrangement involving microchromosomes to be shared between avian orders where rearrangements were detected. Our findings suggest that convergent evolution involving microchromosomal change is a rare event in birds and may be appropriate in cytotaxonomic inferences in orders where these rearrangements occurred.
Signalling Pathways Mediating the Effects of CD40-Activated CD40L Reverse Signalling on Inhibitory Medium Spiny Neuron Neurite Growth
Authors: Carriba Paulina , Davies Alun M.
Published: April 2021

CD40-activated CD40L-mediated reverse signalling is a major physiological regulator of neurite growth from excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the developing central nervous system (CNS). Whereas in excitatory pyramidal neurons, CD40L reverse signalling promotes the growth and elaboration of dendrites and axons, in inhibitory GABAergic striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs), it restricts neurite growth and branching. In pyramidal neurons, we previously reported that CD40L reverse signalling activates an interconnected and interdependent signalling network involving protein kinase C (PKC), extracellular regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signalling pathways that regulates dendrite and axon growth. Here, we have studied whether these signalling pathways also influence neurite growth from striatal inhibitory MSNs. To unequivocally activate CD40L reverse signalling, we treated MSN cultures from CD40-deficient mice with CD40-Fc. Here, we report that activation of CD40L reverse signalling in these cultures also increased the phosphorylation of PKC, ERK1/2, and JNK. Using pharmacological activators and inhibitors of these signalling pathways singularly and in combination, we have shown that, as in pyramidal neurons, these signalling pathways work in an interconnected and interdependent network to regulate the neurite growth, but their functions, relationships, and interdependencies are different from those observed in pyramidal neurons. Furthermore, immunoprecipitation studies showed that stimulation of CD40L reverse signalling recruits the catalytic fragment of Syk tyrosine kinase, but in contrast to pyramidal neurons, PKC does not participate in this recruitment. Our findings show that distinctive networks of three signalling pathways mediate the opposite effects of CD40L reverse signalling on neurite growth in excitatory and inhibitory neurons.
The In Vitro Effect of Steroid Hormones, Arachidonic Acid, and Kinases Inhibitors on Aquaporin 1, 2, 5, and 7 Gene Expression in the Porcine Uterine Luminal Epithelial Cells during the Estrous Cycle
Authors: Tanski Damian , Skowronska Agnieszka , Tanska Malgorzata , Lepiarczyk Ewa , Skowronski Mariusz T.
Published: April 2021

Aquaporins (AQPs) are integral membrane proteins, which play an important role in water homeostasis in the uterus. According to the literature, the expression of aquaporins in reproductive structures depends on the local hormonal milieu. The current study investigated the effect of selected PKA kinase inhibitor H89 and MAPK kinase inhibitor PD98059, on the expression of AQP1, 2, 5, and 7, and steroid hormones (E2), progesterone (P4), and arachidonic acid (AA) in the porcine endometrium on days 18–20 and 2–4 of the estrous cycle (the follicular phase where estrogen and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are secreted increasingly in preparation for estrus and the luteal phase where the ovarian follicles begin the process of luteinization with the formation of the corpus luteum and progesterone secretion, respectively). The luminal epithelial cells were incubated in vitro in the presence of the aforementioned factors. The expression of mRNA was determined by the quantitative real-time PCR technique. In general, in Experiment 1, steroid hormones significantly increased expression of AQP1, 2, and 5 while arachidonic acid increased expression of AQP2 and AQP7. On the other hand, MAPK kinase inhibitor significantly decreased the expression of AQP1 and 5. In Experiment 2, E2, P4, or AA combined with kinase inhibitors differentially affected on AQPs expression. E2 in combination with PKA inhibitor significantly decreased expression of AQP1 but E2 or P4 combined with this inhibitor increased the expression of AQP5 and 7. On the contrary, E2 with PD98059 significantly increased AQP5 and AQP7 expression. Progesterone in combination with MAPK kinase inhibitor significantly downregulated the expression of AQP5 and upregulated AQP7. Arachidonic acid mixed with H89 or PD98059 caused a decrease in the expression of AQP5 and an increase of AQP7. The obtained results indicate that estradiol, progesterone, and arachidonic acid through PKA and MAPK signaling pathways regulate the expression of AQP1 and AQP5 in the porcine luminal epithelial cells in the periovulatory period.
p53 Protein Isoform Profiles in AML: Correlation with Distinct Differentiation Stages and Response to Epigenetic Differentiation Therapy
Authors: Haaland Ingvild , Hjelle Sigrun M. , Reikvam Håkon , Sulen André , Ryningen Anita , McCormack Emmet , Bruserud Øystein , Gjertsen Bjørn Tore
Published: April 2021

p53 protein isoform expression has been found to correlate with prognosis and chemotherapy response in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We aimed to investigate how p53 protein isoforms are modulated during epigenetic differentiation therapy in AML, and if p53 isoform expression could be a potential biomarker for predicting a response to this treatment. p53 full-length (FL), p53β and p53γ protein isoforms were analyzed by 1D and 2D gel immunoblots in AML cell lines, primary AML cells from untreated patients and AML cells from patients before and after treatment with valproic acid (VPA), all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and theophylline. Furthermore, global gene expression profiling analysis was performed on samples from the clinical protocol. Correlation analyses were performed between p53 protein isoform expression and in vitro VPA sensitivity and FAB (French–American–British) class in primary AML cells. The results show downregulation of p53β/γ and upregulation of p53FL in AML cell lines treated with VPA, and in some of the patients treated with differentiation therapy. p53FL positively correlated with in vitro VPA sensitivity and the FAB class of AML, while p53β/γ isoforms negatively correlated with the same. Our results indicate that p53 protein isoforms are modulated by and may predict sensitivity to differentiation therapy in AML.
Cooperative Interaction of Nck and Lck Orchestrates Optimal TCR Signaling
Authors: Hartl Frederike A. , Ngoenkam Jatuporn , Beck-Garcia Esmeralda , Cerqueira Liz , Wipa Piyamaporn , Paensuwan Pussadee , Suriyaphol Prapat , Mishra Pankaj , Schraven Burkhart , Günther Stefan , Pongcharoen Sutatip , Schamel Wolfgang W. A. , Minguet Susana
Published: April 2021

The T cell antigen receptor (TCR) is expressed on T cells, which orchestrate adaptive immune responses. It is composed of the ligand-binding clonotypic TCRαβ heterodimer and the non-covalently bound invariant signal-transducing CD3 complex. Among the CD3 subunits, the CD3ε cytoplasmic tail contains binding motifs for the Src family kinase, Lck, and the adaptor protein, Nck. Lck binds to a receptor kinase (RK) motif and Nck binds to a proline-rich sequence (PRS). Both motifs only become accessible upon ligand binding to the TCR and facilitate the recruitment of Lck and Nck independently of phosphorylation of the TCR. Mutations in each of these motifs cause defects in TCR signaling and T cell activation. Here, we investigated the role of Nck in proximal TCR signaling by silencing both Nck isoforms, Nck1 and Nck2. In the absence of Nck, TCR phosphorylation, ZAP70 recruitment, and ZAP70 phosphorylation was impaired. Mechanistically, this is explained by loss of Lck recruitment to the stimulated TCR in cells lacking Nck. Hence, our data uncover a previously unknown cooperative interaction between Lck and Nck to promote optimal TCR signaling.
Double-Encapsulated Microcapsules for the Adsorption to Cotton Fabrics
Authors: Xiao Zuobing , Xu Wenwen , Ma Jiajia , Zhao Yi , Niu Yunwei , Kou Xingran , Ke Qinfei
Published: April 2021

Double-encapsulated microcapsules (DEMs) were prepared and effectively adsorbed onto the cotton fabric surfaces during impregnation without crosslinking agents to obtain functional cotton fabrics. Specifically, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) showed two different molecules (lavender essence and dye indigo) were encapsulated into the microcapsules simultaneously, with loading capacity of 10% and 9.73%, respectively. The spherical shape of DEMs was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) and average particle sizes were about 617 nm, as measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS). According to the results of IR and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) experiments, DEMs was combined with cotton fabrics by hydrogen bond. The superior thermal stability of microcapsules and functional cotton fabrics was also demonstrated. The adsorption behavior and mechanism of microparticles onto cotton fabrics were further examined by chemical property characterization in combination with adsorption kinetic model. The kinetic adsorption process included three stages: fast adsorption, slow adsorption rate, and adsorption equilibrium. Finally, the good color fastness of the functional cotton fabrics was demonstrated by the tests of rubbing and accelerated laundering. Herein, this study will be beneficial to the development of functional cotton fabrics-based materials.
Reduction of Wall Friction of Fine Powders by Use of Wall Surface Coatings
Authors: Lanzerstorfer Christof , Forsich Christian , Heim Daniel
Published: April 2021

In this study, the possibilities for the reduction of powder wall friction by different types of surface coatings on the wall material were investigated. Two conventional coatings, an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene plate and an anti-friction varnish, were tested, together with a diamond-like carbon coating. It is the first time a diamond-like carbon coating has been researched with respect to powder wall friction reduction. The wall friction angles were measured with a ring-shear tester. The results showed that the conventional coatings did not really reduce wall friction in comparison to structural steel. In comparison to the stainless steel they even increased it. In contrast, the diamond-like carbon coating reduced wall friction significantly. These first results are very promising. However, more detailed investigations are required.
Effect of Mismatched Electron-Hole Effective Masses on Superfluidity in Double Layer Solid-State Systems
Authors: Conti Sara , Perali Andrea , Peeters François M. , Neilson David
Published: April 2021

Superfluidity has been predicted and now observed in a number of different electron-hole double-layer semiconductor heterostructures. In some of the heterostructures, such as GaAs and Ge-Si electron-hole double quantum wells, there is a strong mismatch between the electron and hole effective masses. We systematically investigate the sensitivity to unequal masses of the superfluid properties and the self-consistent screening of the electron-hole pairing interaction. We find that the superfluid properties are insensitive to mass imbalance in the low density BEC regime of strongly-coupled boson-like electron-hole pairs. At higher densities, in the BEC-BCS crossover regime of fermionic pairs, we find that mass imbalance between electrons and holes weakens the superfluidity and expands the density range for the BEC-BCS crossover regime. This permits screening to kill the superfluid at a lower density than for equal masses.
Development of Cold In-Place Recycling with Bitumen Emulsion and Biomass Bottom Ash
Authors: Suárez-Macías Jorge , Terrones-Saeta Juan María , Iglesias-Godino Francisco Javier , Corpas-Iglesias Francisco Antonio
Published: April 2021

Power generation from biomass is one of the most promising energy sources available today. However, this industry has a series of wastes derived from its activity, mainly biomass fly ash and biomass bottom ash. Biomass bottom ash is a waste that has no current use and, in most cases, is deposited in landfills. In turn, road construction is one of the activities that produces the most pollution, as it requires huge amounts of raw materials. Therefore, this research proposes the use of biomass bottom ashes, in an unaltered form, for the formation of cold in-place recycling with bitumen emulsion. This type of mixture, which is highly sustainable owing to the use of a high percentage of waste, was made with reclaimed asphalt pavement, biomass bottom ash, water, and bitumen emulsion. To this end, the grading curve of the materials was analyzed, different bituminous mixtures were made with varying percentages of emulsion and water, and the mechanical properties of the mixtures were analyzed. At the same time, the same type of mix was made with reclaimed asphalt pavement and commercial limestone aggregate, in order to compare the results. The tests showed a better mechanical behavior of the bituminous mixes made with biomass bottom ash, maintaining physical properties similar to those of conventional mixes. In short, it was confirmed that the production of this type of mix with biomass bottom ash was feasible, creating sustainable materials that reuse currently unused waste and avoid landfill disposal.
Research on the Mechanical Performance of Carbon Nanofiber Reinforced Concrete under Impact Load Based on Fractal Theory
Authors: Xia Wei , Xu Jinyu , Nie Liangxue
Published: April 2021

The research is focused on the dynamic compressive strength, impact toughness and the distribution law of fragmentation size for the plain concrete and the carbon nanofiber reinforced concrete with four fiber volume contents (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3% and 0.5%) under impact load by using the Φ100 mm split-Hopkinson pressure bar. Based on the fractal theory and considering the micropore structure characteristics of the specimen, the impact of the strain rate and the dosage of carbon nanofibers on the dynamic mechanical performance of concrete is analyzed. According to the results, both the dynamic compressive strength and the impact toughness increase continuously with the improvement of the strain rate level at the same dosage of fiber, showing strong strain rate strengthening effect; at the same strain rate level, the impact toughness increases gradually with the increase in the fiber dosage, while the dynamic compressive strength tends to increase at first and then decrease; the distribution of the fragmentation size of concrete is a fractal in statistical sense, in general, the higher the strain rate level, the higher the number of fragments, the lower the size, and the larger the fractal dimension; the optimal dosage of carbon nanofibers to improve the dynamic compressive strength of concrete is 0.3%, and the pore structure characteristics of carbon nanofiber reinforced concrete exhibit obvious fractal features.
First-Principles Study on Lattice Dynamics and Thermal Conductivity of Thermoelectric Intermetallics Fe3Al2Si3
Authors: Sato Naoki , Takagiwa Yoshiki
Published: April 2021

Thermoelectric materials have been expected as a critical underlying technology for developing an autonomous power generation system driven at near room temperature. For this sake, Fe3Al2Si3 intermetallic compound is a promising candidate, though its high lattice thermal conductivity is a bottleneck toward practical applications. Herein, we have performed the first-principles calculations to clarify the microscopic mechanism of thermal transport and establish effective ways to reduce the lattice thermal conductivity of Fe3Al2Si3. Our calculations show that the lowest-lying optical mode has a significant contribution from Al atom vibration. It should correspond to large thermal displacements Al atoms. However, these behaviors do not directly cause an increase of the 3-phonon scattering rate. The calculated lattice thermal conductivity shows a typical temperature dependence and moderate magnitude. From the calculated thermal conductivity spectrum and cumulative thermal conductivity, we can see that there is much room to reduce the lattice thermal conductivity. We can expect that heavy-element doping on Al site and controlling fine microstructure are effective strategies to decrease the lattice thermal conductivity. This work suggests useful information to manipulate the thermal transport of Fe3Al2Si3, which will make this material closer to practical use.
Impact of CdCl2 Treatment in CdTe Thin Film Grown on Ultra-Thin Glass Substrate via Close Spaced Sublimation
Authors: Amin Nowshad , Karim Mohammad Rezaul , ALOthman Zeid Abdullah
Published: April 2021

In this study, close-spaced sublimation (CSS) grown cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin films with good adhesion to 100 µm thin Schott D263T ultra-thin glass (UTG) were investigated. Cadmium chloride (CdCl2) treatment in vacuum ambient was executed to enhance the film quality and optoelectrical properties of CdTe thin film. The post-deposition annealing temperature ranging from 360–420 °C was examined to improve the CdTe film quality on UTG substrate. Various characterization techniques have been used to observe the compositional, morphological, optical, as well as electrical properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) verified that the CdTe morphology and grain size could be controlled via CdCl2 treatment temperature. Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX) results confirmed that the annealing temperature range of 375–390 °C yielded the stoichiometric CdTe films. UV-Vis analysis estimated the post-treatment bandgap energy in the range of 1.39–1.46 eV. Carrier concentration and resistivity were obtained in the order of 1013 cm−3 and 104 Ω-cm, respectively. All the experimental results established that the CdCl2 treatment temperature range of 390–405 °C might be considered as the optimum process temperature for the deposition of CdTe solar cell on UTG substrate in close-spaced sublimation (CSS) method.
Benefit from Adjuvant TKIs Versus TKIs Plus Chemotherapy in EGFR-Mutant Stage III-pN2 Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Qiwen , Ma Li , Qiu Bo , Wen Yuzhi , Liang Wenhua , Hu Wanming , Chen Naibin , Zhang Tian , Xu Shuangbing , Chen Lingjuan , Guo Minzhang , Zhao Yi , Liu Songran , Guo Jinyu , Wang Junye , Wang Siyu , Wang Xin , Pang Qingsong , Long Hao , Liu Hui
Published: April 2021

Background: Recent studies have demonstrated benefits from adjuvant tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (TKIs) compared with chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer. We launched a multi-center retrospective study to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of adjuvant TKIs with or without chemotherapy in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant stage III-pN2 lung adenocarcinoma. Methods: Two hundred and seventy-four consecutive cases with stage III-pN2 lung adenocarcinoma and complete resection have been investigated. Clinic-pathologic characteristics, adjuvant treatments, long-term survivals, and toxicities were documented. Risk factors of distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. Results: There were 52 (19.0%) patients treated with adjuvant TKIs alone, 199 (72.6%) with adjuvant chemotherapy alone, and 23 (8.4%) with both. After a median follow-up time of 29 months, the two-year DMFS, DFS, and OS was 61.2%, 54.1%, and 91.2%, respectively. According to univariable analyses, the risk factors were lymphovascular invasion (p < 0.001), extranodal extension (p = 0.005), and adjuvant systemic therapy (p = 0.006) for DMFS, EGFR mutation type (p = 0.025), lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.013), extranodal extension (p = 0.004), and adjuvant systemic therapy (p < 0.001) for DFS, and EGFR mutation type (p < 0.001) for OS. Multivariable analyses indicated that the independent prognostic factors were adjuvant systemic therapy (TKIs vs. TKIs+chemotherapy, Harzard ratio (HR) = 0.40; p = 0.036; TKIs vs. chemotherapy, HR = 0.38; p = 0.004), lymphovascular invasion (yes vs. no, HR = 2.22; p = 0.001) for DMFS, and adjuvant systemic therapy (TKIs vs. TKIs+chemotherapy, HR = 0.42; p = 0.034; TKIs vs. chemotherapy, HR = 0.33; p < 0.001) for DFS. No significant difference was found in the incidence of Grade 3–4 toxicities between groups (p = 0.445). Conclusions: Adjuvant TKIs might be a beneficial choice compared with adjuvant chemotherapy or combination systemic treatments.
On the Prognosis of Multifocal Glioblastoma: An Evaluation Incorporating Volumetric MRI
Authors: Kasper Johannes , Hilbert Nicole , Wende Tim , Fehrenbach Michael Karl , Wilhelmy Florian , Jähne Katja , Frydrychowicz Clara , Hamerla Gordian , Meixensberger Jürgen , Arlt Felix
Published: April 2021

Primary glioblastoma (GBM), IDH-wildtype, especially with multifocal appearance/growth (mGBM), is associated with very poor prognosis. Several clinical parameters have been identified to provide prognostic value in both unifocal GBM (uGBM) and mGBM, but information about the influence of radiological parameters on survival for mGBM cohorts is scarce. This study evaluated the prognostic value of several volumetric parameters derived from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Data from the Department of Neurosurgery, Leipzig University Hospital, were retrospectively analyzed. Patients treated between 2014 and 2019, aged older than 18 years and with adequate peri-operative MRI were included. Volumetric assessment was performed manually. One hundred and eighty-three patients were included. Survival of patients with mGBM was significantly shorter (p < 0.0001). Univariate analysis revealed extent of resection, adjuvant therapy regimen, residual tumor volume, tumor necrosis volume and ratio of tumor necrosis to initial volume as statistically significant for overall survival. In multivariate Cox regression, however, only EOR (for uGBM and the entire cohort) and adjuvant therapy were independently significant for survival. Decreased ratio of tumor necrosis to initial tumor volume and extent of resection were associated with prolonged survival in mGBM but failed to achieve statistical significance in multivariate analysis.
High Differentiation among Populations of Green Foxtail, Setaria viridis, in Taiwan and Adjacent Islands Revealed by Microsatellite Markers
Authors: Hsieh Wei-Hsun , Chen Yen-Chiun , Liao Hsien-Chun , Lin Yann-Rong , Chen Chih-Hui
Published: April 2021

Setaria viridis (L.) Beauv., or green foxtail, is native to Eurasia and is the putative ancestor of foxtail millet. Due to the advantageous genetic characteristics of S. viridis, it is a model species for C4 plants. However, S. viridis has seriously spread to the agricultural system around the world because of its wide adaptability. This study is aimed to understand the distribution of S. viridis in Taiwan, and also to investigate the genetic diversity and relationships among different wild populations. A total of 141 S. viridis collected at 10 sites with sampling sizes ranging from 8 to 24 plants in Taiwan were analyzed by 13 highly polymorphic SSR markers, and 6.1 alleles per locus were detected in our study. The relationships of collected S. viridis mostly corresponded to its distribution in different parts of Taiwan revealed by PCoA and phylogenetic tree. Similarly, the results for population structure showed the significance of collecting site or geographical factors. Finally, the extent of gene flow was studied with the genetic differentiation (FST) and Nm values, and two S. viridis populations were found to significantly contain the existence of gene-flow events. In conclusion, S. viridis showed a pattern of low diversity and heterozygosity within a population, but high differentiation among populations because of its selfing attribute and the barriers of sea and mountain range for gene flow. In addition, the founder effect may be the other reason for this pattern of population genetic structure.
Dynamic PET/CT with the Hepatobiliary Tracer [68Ga]Ga-Tmos-DAZA for Characterization of a Hepatic Tumor
Authors: Freesmeyer Martin , Greiser Julia , Winkens Thomas , Gühne Falk , Kühnel Christian , Rauchfuß Falk , Tautenhahn Hans-Michael , Drescher Robert
Published: April 2021

Established imaging modalities for the characterization of liver tumors are computed tomography (CT), magnetical resonance (MR) imaging, sonography, and hepatobiliary scintigraphy. In some cases, their results may be inconclusive or certain examinations not possible due to contraindications. Positron emission tomography (PET)/CT has the capability of dynamic imaging with high temporal resolution. With radiolabeled tri-alkoxysalicyl-1,4-diazepan-6-amine (TAoS-DAZA) tracers, imaging of liver perfusion and hepatobiliary function is possible in a single examination. In the presented case, the PET/CT was performed in a patient with suspected hepatocellular carcinoma and atypical CT findings. PET imaging characteristics were consistent with a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). PET with DAZA ligands may be a supplemental method for liver tumor characterization in difficult cases.
Salivary Biomarkers and Oral Health in Liver Transplant Recipients, with an Emphasis on Diabetes
Authors: Norrman Annika Emilia , Tervahartiala Taina , Sahlberg Ella , Sorsa Timo , Ruokonen Hellevi , Grönroos Lisa , Meurman Jukka H. , Isoniemi Helena , Nordin Arno , Åberg Fredrik , Helenius-Hietala Jaana
Published: April 2021

Salivary biomarkers have been linked to various systemic diseases. We examined the association between salivary biomarkers, periodontal health, and microbial burden in liver transplant (LT) recipients with and without diabetes, after transplantation. We hypothesized that diabetic recipients would exhibit impaired parameters. This study included 84 adults who received an LT between 2000 and 2006 in Finland. Dental treatment preceded transplantation. The recipients were re-examined, on average, six years later. We evaluated a battery of salivary biomarkers, microbiota, and subjective oral symptoms. Periodontal health was assessed, and immunosuppressive treatments were recorded. Recipients with impaired periodontal health showed higher matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) levels (p < 0.05) and MMP-8/tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1) ratios (p < 0.001) than recipients with good periodontal health. Diabetes post-LT was associated with impaired periodontal health (p < 0.05). No difference between groups was found in the microbial counts. Salivary biomarker levels did not seem to be affected by diabetes. However, the advanced pro-inflammatory state induced by and associated with periodontal inflammation was reflected in the salivary biomarker levels, especially MMP-8 and the MMP-8/TIMP-1 molar ratio. Thus, these salivary biomarkers may be useful for monitoring the oral inflammatory state and the course of LT recipients.
Multi-Objective Optimization and Performance Assessments of an Integrated Energy System Based on Fuel, Wind and Solar Energies
Authors: Li Jingyun , Zhao Hong
Published: April 2021

The integrated energy system (IES) is an efficient method for improving the utilization of renewable energy. This paper proposes an IES based on fuel, wind and solar energies, following an optimization study focused on determining optimal device capacities. The study included gas turbines, wind turbines, solar photovoltaic panels, ground source heat pumps, absorption chillers/heaters, batteries, and thermal storage. Objectives were incorporated into the optimization model for the overall performance of the IES; these included the primary energy saving rate, annual cost-saving rate, and carbon dioxide emission reduction. Then, the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II was employed to solve the optimization problem for multiple objectives. Ultimately, the verification and sensitivity analyses of the optimization method were achieved by a case study of hospital buildings in Harbin. The optimization results indicated a primary energy saving rate, annual cost saving rate, and carbon dioxide emission reduction rate of 17.3%, 39.8%, and 53.8%, respectively. The total installed capacity for renewable energy generation accounted for 64.5% of performance optimization. Moreover, the price of natural gas affected the economic indicators of the IES–but failed to impact energy consumption indicators.
A Decision Support Model for Hotel Recommendation Based on the Online Consumer Reviews Using Logarithmic Spherical Hesitant Fuzzy Information
Authors: Khan Aziz , Abosuliman Shougi S. , Abdullah Saleem , Ayaz Muhammad
Published: April 2021

Spherical hesitant fuzzy sets have recently become more popular in various fields. It was proposed as a generalization of picture hesitant fuzzy sets and Pythagorean hesitant fuzzy sets in order to deal with uncertainty and fuzziness information. Technique of Aggregation is one of the beneficial tools to aggregate the information. It has many crucial application areas such as decision-making, data mining, medical diagnosis, and pattern recognition. Keeping in view the importance of logarithmic function and aggregation operators, we proposed a novel algorithm to tackle the multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) problems. First, novel logarithmic operational laws are developed based on the logarithmic, t-norm, and t-conorm functions. Using these operational laws, we developed a list of logarithmic spherical hesitant fuzzy weighted averaging/geometric aggregation operators to aggregate the spherical hesitant fuzzy information. Furthermore, we developed the spherical hesitant fuzzy entropy to determine the unknown attribute weight information. Finally, the design principles for the spherical hesitant fuzzy decision-making have been developed, and a practical case study of hotel recommendation based on the online consumer reviews has been taken to illustrate the validity and superiority of presented approach. Besides this, a validity test is conducted to reveal the advantages and effectiveness of developed approach. Results indicate that the proposed method is suitable and effective for the decision process to evaluate their best alternative.
Emotional Intelligence Profiles and Mobbing in Nursing: The Mediating Role of Social Support and Sensitivity to Anxiety
Authors: Molero Jurado María del Mar , Martos Martínez África , Barragán Martín Ana Belén , Simón Márquez María del Mar , Oropesa Ruiz Nieves Fátima , Sisto Maria , Pérez-Fuentes María del Carmen , Gázquez Linares José Jesús
Published: April 2021

The prevalence of mobbing among nurses in various countries is around 17–20%. Some researchers have attempted to explain the success or failure of adaptation to the work environment and teamwork and to buffer the effects of psychological harassment in the workplace by incorporating emotional intelligence into the mobbing context. As its main objectives, this quantitative, observational, cross-sectional study analyzed the relationship between emotional intelligence and mobbing as perceived by nurses and sought to establish the mediating roles of other variables involved, such as social support and sensitivity to anxiety. The final sample consisted of 1357 Spanish, self-selected nurses aged 22–58 from multiple healthcare institutions. The questionnaires (Perceived Psychological Harassment Questionnaire, The Brief Emotional Intelligence Inventory, Brief Perceived Social Support Questionnaire, Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3) were implemented on a web platform, which enabled the participants to complete them online. Descriptive analyses and mediation models were estimated. Personal characteristics related to high sensitivity to anxiety and low emotional intelligence implied greater presence of mobbing at work. This mobbing may be buffered if the person perceives enough support from family, friends or significant others. Our results recommend reinforcing the social support network of nursing personnel to improve the work climate and training them in emotional intelligence in university and on-the-job programs.
Integrated Risk Assessment for Robustness Evaluation and Resilience Optimisation of Power Systems after Cascading Failures
Authors: Beyza Jesus , Yusta Jose M.
Published: April 2021

Power systems face failures, attacks and natural disasters on a daily basis, making robustness and resilience an important topic. In an electrical network, robustness is a network’s ability to withstand and fully operate under the effects of failures, while resilience is the ability to rapidly recover from such disruptive events and adapt its structure to mitigate the impact of similar events in the future. This paper presents an integrated framework for jointly assessing these concepts using two complementary algorithms. The robustness model, which is based on a cascading failure algorithm, quantifies the degradation of the power network due to a cascading event, incorporating the circuit breaker protection mechanisms of the power lines. The resilience model is posed as a mixed-integer optimisation problem and uses the previous disintegration state to determine both the optimal dispatch and topology at each restoration stage. To demonstrate the applicability of the proposed framework, the IEEE 118-bus test network is used as a case study. Analyses of the impact of variations in both generation and load are provided for 10 simulation scenarios to illustrate different network operating conditions. The results indicate that a network’s recovery could be related to the overload capacity of the power lines. In other words, a power system with high overload capacity can withstand higher operational stresses, which is related to increased robustness and a faster recovery process.
Studying the Complexity of Biomass Derived Biofuels
Authors: Xu Yun , Schrader Wolfgang
Published: April 2021

Biofuel produced from biomass pyrolysis is a good example of a highly complex mixture. Detailed understanding of its composition is a prerequisite for optimizing transformation processes and further upgrading conditions. The major challenge in understanding the composition of biofuel derived from biomass is the wide range of compounds with high diversity in polarity and abundance that can be present. In this work, a comprehensive analysis using mass spectrometry is reported. Different operation conditions are studied by utilizing multiple ionization methods (positive mode atmospheric pressure photo ionization (APPI), atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) and electrospray ionization (ESI) and negative mode ESI) and applying different resolving power set-ups (120 k, 240 k, 480 k and 960 k) and scan techniques (full scan and spectral stitching method) to study the complexity of a pyrolysis biofuel. Using a mass resolution of 960 k and the spectral stitching scan technique gives a total of 21,703 assigned compositions for one ionization technique alone. The number of total compositions is significantly expanded by the combination of different ionization methods.
The Role of the Key Components of Renewable Energy (Combustible Renewables and Waste) in the Context of CO2 Emissions and Economic Growth of Selected Countries in Europe
Authors: Ali Shahjahan , Akter Shahnaj , Fogarassy Csaba
Published: April 2021

In the case of developing countries, it is not clear which crisis management tools will ensure sustainable development in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way, as well as reducing CO2 emissions in addition to ensuring GDP growth. The next analysis discusses the details of this issue. The study explores the connection between per capita GDP, emission of CO2, combustible energy, and waste consumption. The Hausman test ratifies that the regression model with the fixed effect is the proper method for the panel balanced data from 1990 to 2019 in the selected 13 countries of the EU. This study ordered the data into three categories (for 13 selected countries, the top nine EU countries (in GDP), and Visegrad countries (Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Poland)). The study found a significant positive effect of combustible energy and waste consumption and the negative impact of CO2 emission on GDP per capita. The cointegration test confirms that all three variables are cointegrated. This implies a long-term link among all three variables in the context of all three types of the selected panel. The Granger causality results ensure that there is a two-way cause–effect relation between the variables. The study strongly recommends that developed European Union countries (the top nine EU countries) increase energy production from biomass-based renewable energy and waste to stimulate economic growth. The same strategy was not recommended in the Visegrad countries because of the much lower GDP growth due to the N-shaped Kuznets curve. In these countries, it is advisable to avoid unexpected increases in CO2 emissions from biomass and fossil fuel-burning, to achieve greenhouse gas reductions using other circular, platform-based models instead of simple biomass energy production. Due to the low level of energy efficiency and the lack of application of technological innovation, the energy use of biomass can significantly slow down GDP growth in less developed EU countries (such as the V4 countries).
The Well-Being of Children in Nurseries Does Not Have to Be Expensive: The Real Costs of Maintaining Low Carbon Dioxide Concentrations in Nurseries
Authors: Ratajczak Katarzyna , Basińska Małgorzata
Published: April 2021

There are different standards and regulations outlining the requirements regarding building air quality as well as in nurseries. These requirements specify air stream supplies and carbon dioxide concentration levels, both of which ensure proper indoor air quality. Mechanical ventilation should be used to maintain acceptable carbon dioxide levels. This article analyses the use of ventilation equipped with decentralized units, which helps secure the well-being of children. This paper proposes and evaluates economically affordable ventilation units. An algorithm for selecting the size of the devices is described by the supplied air stream depending on the number of children present at the nursery. A method of transferring the investment costs related to the assembly of the given units to the parents is proposed. Air quality in terms of CO2 concentrations was based on the following levels: 750 ppm, 1000 ppm, 1500 ppm. This assessment also includes the investment costs resulting from device usage and the costs of electricity consumed by the fans. These results showed the additional costs that assure the air quality improvement do not have to be high (45 PLN/month, ~10 EUR/month) per child attending the nursery. A 3% tuition increase returns the investment costs on mechanical ventilation within four years.
The Impact of Economic and Non-Economic Incentives to Induce Residential Demand Response—Findings from a Living Lab Experiment
Authors: Scharnhorst Leandra , Sandmeier Thorben , Ardone Armin , Fichtner Wolf
Published: April 2021

This study assesses the impact of economic and non-economic incentives to induce demand response in private households. The experiment was realized by a three-months residential phase in which two tenants lived in the Energy Smart Home Lab, an experimental lab with the equipment of a modern smart home. The tenants received calls to action (CtAs) on a regular basis, incentivized economically or by moral nudges with a social or environmental background. A mixed-methods approach, consisting of smart meter data analysis, a value scale assessment, surveys and interviews, assessed the tenants’ reactions on their energy consumption behavior towards the CtAs. The smart meter data shows that the tenants performed the majority of CtAs, revealing no significant difference between economic or non-economic incentives. Results from the value scale, the interviews and the surveys indicate that this behavior might be due to the tenants’ high tendency towards biospheric and altruistic values and a high self-efficacy. Furthermore, the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic caused a 100% home-office situation, suggesting a higher flexibility of the tenants. Although the results are not representative and need further experiments to be confirmed, the incentives show a promising potential to evoke residential demand response.