bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reinforcement-Learning-Based Asynchronous Formation Control Scheme for Multiple Unmanned Surface Vehicles
Authors: Xie Jiajia , Zhou Rui , Liu Yuan , Luo Jun , Xie Shaorong , Peng Yan , Pu Huayan
Published: January 2021

The high performance and efficiency of multiple unmanned surface vehicles (multi-USV) promote the further civilian and military applications of coordinated USV. As the basis of multiple USVs’ cooperative work, considerable attention has been spent on developing the decentralized formation control of the USV swarm. Formation control of multiple USV belongs to the geometric problems of a multi-robot system. The main challenge is the way to generate and maintain the formation of a multi-robot system. The rapid development of reinforcement learning provides us with a new solution to deal with these problems. In this paper, we introduce a decentralized structure of the multi-USV system and employ reinforcement learning to deal with the formation control of a multi-USV system in a leader–follower topology. Therefore, we propose an asynchronous decentralized formation control scheme based on reinforcement learning for multiple USVs. First, a simplified USV model is established. Simultaneously, the formation shape model is built to provide formation parameters and to describe the physical relationship between USVs. Second, the advantage deep deterministic policy gradient algorithm (ADDPG) is proposed. Third, formation generation policies and formation maintenance policies based on the ADDPG are proposed to form and maintain the given geometry structure of the team of USVs during movement. Moreover, three new reward functions are designed and utilized to promote policy learning. Finally, various experiments are conducted to validate the performance of the proposed formation control scheme. Simulation results and contrast experiments demonstrate the efficiency and stability of the formation control scheme.
Modal Analysis of the Lysozyme Protein Considering All-Atom and Coarse-Grained Finite Element Models
Authors: Giordani Gustavo , Scaramozzino Domenico , Iturrioz Ignacio , Lacidogna Giuseppe , Carpinteri Alberto
Published: January 2021

Proteins are the fundamental entities of several organic activities. They are essential for a broad range of tasks in a way that their shapes and folding processes are crucial to achieving proper biological functions. Low-frequency modes, generally associated with collective movements at terahertz (THz) and sub-terahertz frequencies, have been appointed as critical for the conformational processes of many proteins. Dynamic simulations, such as molecular dynamics, are vastly applied by biochemical researchers in this field. However, in the last years, proposals that define the protein as a simplified elastic macrostructure have shown appealing results when dealing with this type of problem. In this context, modal analysis based on different modelization techniques, i.e., considering both an all-atom (AA) and coarse-grained (CG) representation, is proposed to analyze the hen egg-white lysozyme. This work presents new considerations and conclusions compared to previous analyses. Experimental values for the B-factor, considering all the heavy atoms or only one representative point per amino acid, are used to evaluate the validity of the numerical solutions. In general terms, this comparison allows the assessment of the regional flexibility of the protein. Besides, the low computational requirements make this approach a quick method to extract the protein’s dynamic properties under scrutiny.
The Effect of Different Frying Methods and the Addition of Potassium Aluminum Sulfate on Sensory Properties, Acrylamide, and Oil Content of Fried Bread (Youtiao)
Authors: Shyu Yung-Shin , Hwang Jean-Yu , Shen Shih-Ting , Sung Wen-Chieh
Published: January 2021

This study aims to compare traditional, vacuum, and electrostatic frying methods on the mitigation of acrylamide formation, and oil content with and without potassium aluminum sulfate in youtiao. The results obtained showed that the addition of potassium aluminum sulfate decreased pH and 79.88% acrylamide content in youtiao with traditional frying. Electrostatic frying and vacuum frying methods do not reduce acrylamide content and oil content of youtiao when compared to the traditional deep-frying method in this research. The present study indicated that the pH of youtiao with vacuum frying method increased from 5.87 to 6.49 without potassium aluminum sulfate addition. Youtiao with potassium aluminum sulfate fried by traditional deep-frying had higher flavor and appearance score and lower oil content than the electrostatic frying method. The results of this research could be a consideration for alternative slow acting aluminum acidulants, reducing oil adsorbing frying methods in future work.
Biomethane Potential of Sludges from a Brackish Water Fish Hatchery
Authors: da Borso Francesco , Chiumenti Alessandro , Fait Giulio , Mainardis Matia , Goi Daniele
Published: January 2021

The development of intensive aquaculture is facing the challenge of the sustainable management of effluents. The reproductive sectors (i.e., hatcheries) mainly use water recirculation systems (RAS), which discharge a portion of wastewater. Anaerobic digestion (AD) could reduce the environmental impact of this waste stream while producing biogas. The study is focused on the biochemical methane potential (BMP) of brackish fish hatchery sludges. Wastewater was concentrated by microfiltration and sedimentation and thickened sludges were treated in a BMP system with different inoculum/substrate (I/S) volatile solids ratios (from 50:1 to no inoculum). The highest I/S ratio showed the highest BMP (564.2 NmL CH4/g VS), while different I/S ratios showed a decreasing trend (319.4 and 127.7 NmL CH4/g VS, for I/S = 30 and I/S = 3). In absence of inoculum BMP resulted of 62.2 NmL CH4/g VS. The kinetic analysis (modified Gompertz model) showed a good correlation with the experimental data, but with a long lag-phase duration (from 14.0 to 5.5 days) in particular with the highest I/S. AD applied to brackish water sludges can be a promising treatment with interesting methane productions. For a continuous, full-scale application further investigation on biomass adaptation to salinity and on retention times is needed. Further experimental tests are ongoing.
Numerical Analysis of Ultrasonic Multiple Scattering for Fine Dust Number Density Estimation
Authors: Song Homin , Woo Ukyong , Choi Hajin
Published: January 2021

In this study, a method is presented for estimating the number density of fine dust particles (the number of particles per unit area) through numerical simulations of multiply scattered ultrasonic wavefields. The theoretical background of the multiple scattering of ultrasonic waves under different regimes is introduced. A series of numerical simulations were performed to generate multiply scattered ultrasonic wavefield data. The generated datasets are subsequently processed using an ultrasound data processing approach to estimate the number density of fine dust particles in the air based on the independent scattering approximation theory. The data processing results demonstrate that the proposed approach can estimate the number density of fine dust particles with an average error of 43.4% in the frequency band 1–10 MHz (wavenumber × particle radius ≤ 1) at a particle volume fraction of 1%. Several other factors that affect the accuracy of the number density estimation are also presented.
The Use of Infrared Thermography on the Measurement of Microstructural Changes of Reservoir Rocks Induced by Temperature
Authors: Junique Thomas , Vazquez Patricia , Thomachot-Schneider Céline , Hassoun Issra , Jean-Baptiste Mirlène , Géraud Yves
Published: January 2021

A variation of temperature produces a change in the microstructure of the rock due to the mineral thermal expansion and its residual strain. Depending on the temperature cycle and texture, microstresses may lead to the development of preexistent cracks or the creation of a new and irreversible cracking. The effect of temperature on reservoir rocks is an important topic since it conditions the permeability and the fluid flow. Two main questions arise from this: the first is if an irreversible cracking threshold is attained in the reservoir rocks at low temperature geothermal systems (around 100 °C); the second one is about the influence of thermal fatigue by the repetition of heating–cooling cycles on the different rock types. To answer these questions, four reservoir rocks (chalk, sandstone, fresh granite, and weathered granite) were submitted to two different thermal regimes. The first test was conceived to detect the irreversible cracking threshold, and for that, the rocks were submitted to progressive heating (90°, 100°, 110°, 120°, and 130 °C). The second test consisted of doing cycles of fast heating of the samples up to 200 °C. The microstructure variation was assessed by means of a scanning electron microscope, mercury porosimetry, and capillary water uptake combined with passive infrared thermography. Infrared thermography is an emerging tool in the field of rock study, used to detect water masses or determine thermal properties. The water transfer during the capillary tests of the rocks, before and after the tests, was monitored with this technique. In addition, the cooling rate index, a non-destructive parameter to detect cracking development, was calculated. The results made it possible to differentiate the behaviours in relation to the rock type, with a chalk and a weathered granite less susceptible to thermal stresses than a fresh granite and sandstone. In addition, infrared thermography resulted in being a very useful indirect technique to detect the changes on the surface, although they do not always correlate to the bulk microstructural changes.
A Two-Grid Interline Dynamic Voltage Restorer Based on Two Three-Phase Input Matrix Converters
Authors: Yáñez-Campos Sergio Constantino , Cerda-Villafaña Gustavo , Lozano-García José Merced
Published: January 2021

Energy quality problems can cause diverse failures of sensitive equipment. Dynamic voltage restorers (DVRs) are devices that have been proposed to protect sensitive loads from voltage sag effects. However, the compensation capacity of DVRs is limited by the amount of energy stored in the restorer. One way to overcome this limitation is to use the interline DVR (IDVR) structure in which two or more DVRs connected to different feeders share a common DC-link. This paper proposes a new IDVR topology based on two three-phase input matrix converters (TTI-MC) without a capacitor in the dc-link. The TTI-MC integrates the power from two feeders and synthesizes the dc-link voltage. The inverters take the dc-link voltage and generate the appropriate compensation voltages to keep the load voltages stable. Each one of the inverters has its own modulation algorithm which are synchronized with the TTI-MC control. Inverter control is carried out in the reference frame dq and a modified space vector pulse width modulation (MSV-PWM) technique is used. TTI-MC control is performed in the dq reference frame with proportional-integral controllers and the modulation is based on the carrier-based pulse width modulation (MCB-PWM) technique. The proposed Two Input Interline DVR (TI-IDVR) extends its compensation range and has multifunctional capabilities. The efficiency of the proposed TI-IDVR is corroborated by simulations on MATLAB/Simulink.
A Fully Automatic Procedure for Brain Tumor Segmentation from Multi-Spectral MRI Records Using Ensemble Learning and Atlas-Based Data Enhancement
Authors: Győrfi Ágnes , Szilágyi László , Kovács Levente
Published: January 2021

The accurate and reliable segmentation of gliomas from magnetic resonance image (MRI) data has an important role in diagnosis, intervention planning, and monitoring the tumor’s evolution during and after therapy. Segmentation has serious anatomical obstacles like the great variety of the tumor’s location, size, shape, and appearance and the modified position of normal tissues. Other phenomena like intensity inhomogeneity and the lack of standard intensity scale in MRI data represent further difficulties. This paper proposes a fully automatic brain tumor segmentation procedure that attempts to handle all the above problems. Having its foundations on the MRI data provided by the MICCAI Brain Tumor Segmentation (BraTS) Challenges, the procedure consists of three main phases. The first pre-processing phase prepares the MRI data to be suitable for supervised classification, by attempting to fix missing data, suppressing the intensity inhomogeneity, normalizing the histogram of observed data channels, generating additional morphological, gradient-based, and Gabor-wavelet features, and optionally applying atlas-based data enhancement. The second phase accomplishes the main classification process using ensembles of binary decision trees and provides an initial, intermediary labeling for each pixel of test records. The last phase reevaluates these intermediary labels using a random forest classifier, then deploys a spatial region growing-based structural validation of suspected tumors, thus achieving a high-quality final segmentation result. The accuracy of the procedure is evaluated using the multi-spectral MRI records of the BraTS 2015 and BraTS 2019 training data sets. The procedure achieves high-quality segmentation results, characterized by average Dice similarity scores of up to 86%.
Optimization Study on Longitudinal Joints in Quasi-Rectangular Shield Tunnels
Authors: Zhang Weixi , De Corte Wouter , Liu Xian , Taerwe Luc
Published: January 2021

There are large bending moments in quasi-rectangular shield tunnels due to their deviation from the circular shape, and as for other types of shield tunnels, the longitudinal joints are the most critical parts in the lining structure. A new type of joint with ductile iron joint panels (DIJPs) was installed in quasi-rectangular tunnels to solve these problems. The distance from the bolts to the segment’s inner surface was improved for better performance under specific bending moment types. Both tests and finite element modeling (FEM) simulations were conducted to investigate the effect of the bolt position improvements. The resistances to crack appearance increased by 33.6% and 18.0% for positive and negative moment cases, respectively. The resistances to crack penetration increased by 13.8% and 18.4% for positive and negative cases. From the FEM approach, it was found that the behavior of the joint under the design bending moment range can be divided into three stages, whereby the bolts are only active from the second stage on. The effects of other optimizing methods, such as enhancement of concrete properties and increase of bolt diameters and numbers, are explored. Through comparison, it is believed that optimizing the joint section to increase the lever arm between bolts and the compression zone can improve the joint behavior most effectively. This optimization direction is recommended when designing a shield tunnel joint with DIJPs.
Solder Joint Defect Detection in the Connectors Using Improved Faster-RCNN Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Kaihua , Shen Haikuo
Published: January 2021

The miniaturization and high integration of electronic products have higher and higher requirements for welding of internal components of electronic products. A welding quality detection method has always been one of the important research contents in the industry, among which, the research on solder joint defect detection of a connector has gradually attracted people’s attention with the development of image detection algorithm. The traditional solder joint detection method of connector adopts manual detection or automatic detection methods, which is inefficient and not safe enough. With the development of deep learning, the application of a deep convolutional neural network to target detection has become a research hotspot. In this paper, a data set of connector solder joint samples was made and the number of image samples was expanded to more than 3 times of the original by using data augmentation. Clustering generates anchor boxes and transfer learning with ResNet-101 were fused, so an improved faster region-based convolutional neural networks (Faster RCNN) algorithm was proposed. The experiment verified that the improved algorithm proposed in this paper had a great improvement in all aspects compared with the original algorithm. The average detection accuracy of this method can reach 94%, and the detection rate of some defects can even reach 100%, which can completely meet the industrial requirements.
Local Event Detection Scheme by Analyzing Relevant Documents in Social Networks
Authors: Choi Dojin , Park Soobin , Ham Dongho , Lim Hunjin , Bok Kyoungsoo , Yoo Jaesoo
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we propose a local event detection scheme by analyzing relevant documents in social networks to improve the accuracy of event detection. To detect local events by using geographical data, the proposed scheme embeds them using a geographical data dictionary and generates a weighted keyword graph using social network characteristics. The data left by users in social networks include not only postings but also related documents such as comments and threads. In this way, the proposed scheme detects a local event based on a keyword graph that is constructed through the analysis of the relevant documents. This can improve the accuracy of local event detection by analyzing relevant documents embedded with region-related information using a geographical data dictionary, without requiring users to tag geographic data. In order to verify the superiority of the proposed scheme, we compare it with the existing event detection schemes through various performance evaluations.
Characteristics of Toxic Gas Leakages with Change in Duration
Authors: Chaloupecká Hana , Kluková Zuzana , Kellnerová Radka , Jaňour Zbyněk
Published: January 2021

One of the emergencies rescue crews have to face is toxic gas leakages. The characteristics of the gas leakages differ with regard to their leakage duration. Long-term releases have plume-like behaviors that can be described by utilizing mean concentrations at individual exposed locations. In contrast, ensemble statistics of individual cloud characteristics are needed for short-term releases with puff-like behaviors to ensure fully aware risk assessment. The reason is that the time evolution of the concentration of short-term gas releases can differ wildly under the same mean ambient and leakage conditions. The duration from which the release can be classified as plume-like can be found only by studying the releases of different durations, which is the main aim of this paper. To investigate gas releases of different durations, wind tunnel experiments of gas releases in an idealized urban area were conducted. The results present a new method by which concentration signals of releases can be divided into three cloud phases: the arrival, the central and the departure cloud phase. The characteristics (e.g., lengths, mean concentrations) of the individual cloud phases are explored. The results indicate that the finite-duration releases for which the central cloud phase exists have the plume-like behavior for this cloud part.
Fractional Bernstein Series Solution of Fractional Diffusion Equations with Error Estimate
Authors: Alshbool Mohammed Hamed , Isik Osman , Hashim Ishak
Published: January 2021

In the present paper, we introduce the fractional Bernstein series solution (FBSS) to solve the fractional diffusion equation, which is a generalization of the classical diffusion equation. The Bernstein polynomial method is a promising one and can be generalized to more complicated problems in fractional partial differential equations. To get the FBSS, we first convert all terms in the problem to matrix forms. Then, the fundamental matrix equation is obtained and thus, the solution is obtained. Two error estimation methods based on a residual correction procedure and the consecutive approximations are incorporated to find the estimate and bound of the absolute error. The perturbation and stability analysis of the method is given. We apply the method to some illustrative examples. The numerical results are compared with the exact solutions and known second-order methods. The outcomes of the numerical examples are very encouraging and show that the FBSS is highly useful in solving fractional partial problems. The results show the accuracy and effectiveness of the method.
Butyric Acid Added Apically to Intestinal Caco-2 Cells Elevates Hepatic ApoA-I Transcription and Rescues Lower ApoA-I Expression in Inflamed HepG2 Cells Co-Cultured in the Basolateral Compartment
Authors: Tayyeb Jehad Z. , Popeijus Herman E. , Mensink Ronald P. , Plat Jogchum
Published: January 2021

Apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) concentrations are decreased during inflammation, which may reduce high-density lipoprotein (HDL) functionality. Thus, rescuing ApoA-I concentrations during inflammation might help to prevent atherosclerosis. Recent studies have shown that butyric acid (C4) has anti-inflammatory effects and rescues ApoA-I production. However, whether intestinal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are able to influence hepatic processes is unknown. Therefore, we investigated C4 anti-inflammatory effects on ApoA-I transcription in the intestine-liver co-culture model. C4 dose-response experiments in the presence or absence of cytokines were performed in a co-culture system including Caco-2 cells, HepG2 cells, or both. Changes in ApoA-I transcription in Caco-2 cells and HepG2 cells were analyzed using qPCR. C4 increased ApoA-I expression in HepG2 cells that cultured alone. When both cells were cultured together, C4 decreased ApoA-I expression in Caco-2 cells and increased ApoA-I expression in HepG2 cells. However, adding C4 to apical Caco-2 cells resulted in a smaller effect in HepG2 cells compared with adding C4 directly to the hepatocytes. Moreover, C4 rescued ApoA-I expression in inflamed HepG2 cells. These findings suggests that intestinal SCFAs can affect hepatic processes. However, the smaller effect in the co-culture experiment indicates cross-talk between intestine and liver.
The Role of the Unfolded Protein Response on Renal Lipogenesis in C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Figueroa-Juárez Elizabeth , Noriega Lilia G. , Pérez-Monter Carlos , Alemán Gabriela , Hernández-Pando Rogelio , Correa-Rotter Ricardo , Ramírez Victoria , Tovar Armando R. , Torre-Villalvazo Iván , Tovar-Palacio Claudia
Published: January 2021

Renal injury observed in several pathologies has been associated with lipid accumulation in the kidney. While it has been suggested that the accumulation of renal lipids depends on free fatty acids released from adipose tissue, it is not known whether in situ renal lipogenesis due to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress contributes to kidney injury. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the role of pharmacological ER stress in renal structure and function and its effect on renal lipid metabolism of C57BL/6 mice. ER stress increased serum creatinine and induced kidney structural abnormalities. Tunicamycin-administered mice developed hyperinsulinemia, augmented lipolysis and increased circulating leptin and adiponectin. Renal unfolded protein response (UPR) gene expression markers, the lipogenic transcription factor SREBP1 and the phosphorylation of eIF2α increased 8 h after tunicamycin administration. At 24 h, an increase in BiP protein content was accompanied by a reduction in p-eIF2α and increased SREBP-1 and FASn protein content, in addition to a significant increase in triglyceride content and a reduction in AMPK. Thus, ER stress induces in situ lipid synthesis, leading to renal lipid accumulation and functional alterations. Future pharmacological and/or dietary strategies must target renal ER stress to prevent kidney damage and the progression of metabolic diseases.
Prefrontal Cortex Involvement during Dual-Task Stair Climbing in Healthy Older Adults: An fNIRS Study
Authors: Salzman Talia , Aboualmagd Ahmed , Badawi Hawazin , Tobón-Vallejo Diana , Kim Hyejun , Dahroug Lama , Laamarti Fedwa , El Saddik Abdulmotaleb , Fraser Sarah
Published: January 2021

Executive function and motor control deficits adversely affect gait performance with age, but the neural correlates underlying this interaction during stair climbing remains unclear. Twenty older adults (72.7 ± 6.9 years) completed single tasks: standing and responding to a response time task (SC), ascending or descending stairs (SMup, SMdown); and a dual-task: responding while ascending or descending stairs (DTup, DTdown). Prefrontal hemodynamic response changes (∆HbO2, ∆HbR) were examined using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), gait speed was measured using in-shoe smart insoles, and vocal response time and accuracy were recorded. Findings revealed increased ∆HbO2 (p = 0.020) and slower response times (p < 0.001) during dual- versus single tasks. ∆HbR (p = 0.549), accuracy (p = 0.135) and gait speed (p = 0.475) were not significantly different between tasks or stair climbing conditions. ∆HbO2 and response time findings suggest that executive processes are less efficient during dual-tasks. These findings, in addition to gait speed and accuracy maintenance, may provide insights into the neural changes that precede performance declines. To capture the subtle differences between stair ascent and descent and extend our understanding of the neural correlates of stair climbing in older adults, future studies should examine more difficult cognitive tasks.
Evolution of the Autism Literature and the Influence of Parents: A Scientific Mapping in Web of Science
Authors: Carmona-Serrano Noemí , Moreno-Guerrero Antonio-José , Marín-Marín José-Antonio , López-Belmonte Jesús
Published: January 2021

Parents interventions are relevant to address autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The objective of this study is to analyze the importance and evolution of ASD and its relationship with the parents (ASD-PAR) in the publications indexed in Web of Science. For this, a bibliometric methodology has been used, based on a scientific mapping of the reported documents. We have worked with an analysis unit of 1381 documents. The results show that the beginnings of scientific production date back to 1971. There are two clearly differentiated moments in scientific production. A first moment (1971–2004), where the production volume is low. A second moment (2005–2019), where the volume of production increases considerably. Therefore, it can be said that the subject began to be relevant for the scientific community from 2005 to the present. The keyword match rate between set periods marks a high level of match between periods. It is concluded that the main focus of the research on ASD-PAR is on the stress that is generated in families with children with ASD, in addition to the family problems that the fact that these children also have behavior problems can cause.
A Novel Cyclic Pentadepsipeptide, N-Methylsansalvamide, Suppresses Angiogenic Responses and Exhibits Antitumor Efficacy against Bladder Cancer
Authors: Song Jun-Hui , Park Juhee , Park Sung Lyea , Hwang Byungdoo , Kim Wun-Jae , Lee Chan , Moon Sung-Kwon
Published: January 2021

Here, we explored the anti-tumor efficacy of a cyclic pentadepsipeptide, N-methylsansalvamide (MSSV), in bladder cancer. MSSV inhibited the proliferation of both bladder cancer 5637 and T24 cells, which was attributed to the G1-phase cell cycle arrest, apoptosis induction, and alteration of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and protein kinase b (AKT) signaling pathways. Additionally, the treatment of bladder cancer cells with MSSV suppressed migratory and invasive potential via the transcription factor-mediated expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9). MSSV abrogated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced angiogenic responses in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, our result showed the potent anti-tumor efficacy of MSSV in a xenograft mouse model implanted with bladder cancer 5637 cells. Finally, acute toxicity test data obtained from blood biochemical test and liver staining indicated that the oral administration of MSSV at 2000 mg/kg caused no adverse cytotoxic effects. Our preclinical data described the potent anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor efficacy of MSSV and showed no signs of acute toxicity, thereby suggesting the putative potential of oral MSSV as a novel anti-tumor agent in bladder cancer treatment.
Type I Interferons as Joint Regulators of Tumor Growth and Obesity
Authors: Gessani Sandra , Belardelli Filippo
Published: January 2021

Type I interferons (IFN-I) are antiviral cytokines endowed with multiple biological actions, including antitumor activity. Studies in mouse models and cancer patients support the concept that endogenous IFN-I play important roles in the control of tumor development and growth as well as in response to several chemotherapy/radiotherapy treatments. While IFN-I signatures in the tumor microenvironment are often considered as biomarkers for a good prognostic response to antitumor therapies, prolonged IFN-I signaling can lead to immune dysfunction, thereby promoting pathogen or tumor persistence, thus revealing the “Janus face” of these cytokines in cancer control, likely depending on timing, tissue microenvironment and cumulative levels of IFN-I signals. Likewise, IFN-I exhibit different and even opposite effects on obesity, a pathologic condition linked to cancer development and growth. As an example, evidence obtained in mouse models shows that localized expression of IFN-I in the adipose tissue results in inhibition of diet–induced obesity, while hyper-production of these cytokines by specialized cells such as plasmacytoid dendritic cells in the same tissue, can induce systemic inflammatory responses leading to obesity. Further studies in mouse models and humans should reveal the mechanisms by which IFN-I can regulate both tumor growth and obesity and to understand the role of factors such as genetic background, diet and microbioma in shaping the production and action of these cytokines under physiological and pathological conditions.
Bcl-2 Enhances Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Persistence by Reducing Activation-Induced Apoptosis
Authors: Wang Haiyong , Han Ping , Qi Xinyue , Li Fanlin , Li Min , Fan Lilv , Zhang Huihui , Zhang Xiaoqing , Yang Xuanming
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the potential added value of integrating anti-apoptotic molecules for improving the anti-tumor activity of CAR-T cells. Methods: Four small molecules inhibiting apoptosis were tested for their ability to prevent activated induced CAR-T cell death. Five CD20-targeting, CD137 (4-1BB) and CD3ζ integrated CAR-T cells (20BBZ) with constitutively expressed anti-apoptotic genes were established, and we screened out the strongest proliferation enhancer: Bcl-2. The memory subtype and the exhaustion markers of CAR-T cells were analyzed. The anti-tumor activities of Bcl-2 integrating CAR-T cells (20BBZ-Bcl-2) were evaluated in vitro and in a mouse xenograft lymphoma model. Conclusion: The 20BBZ-Bcl-2 CAR-T cells showed improved proliferation ability compared to 20BBZ CAR-T cells in vitro. In addition, activation-induced apoptosis was reduced in the 20BBZ-Bcl-2 CAR-T cells. Consistent with the enhanced proliferation in vitro, 20BBZ-Bcl-2 CAR-T cells exhibited improved anti-tumor activity in a mouse xenograft lymphoma model.
Spinal Stabilization Exercises for Cancer Patients with Spinal Metastases of High Fracture Risk: Feasibility of the DISPO-II Training Program
Authors: Rosenberger Friederike , Sprave Tanja , Clauss Dorothea , Hoffmann Paula , Welzel Thomas , Debus Jürgen , Rief Harald , Wiskemann Joachim
Published: January 2021

Exercise concomitant to radiotherapy for stable spinal metastases was demonstrated to increase bone density and reduce pain. In the DISPO-II study, the feasibility of exercise concomitant to radiotherapy for unstable spinal metastases was investigated. Here, a detailed analysis of the training program is presented. Cancer patients with spinal metastases (Taneichi score ≥ D) were randomly assigned to an intervention group (INT, n = 27, 62 ± 9 years) or control group (CON, n = 29, 61 ± 9 years). INT performed spinal stabilization exercises (“all fours”/“plank”/“swimmer”/“band exercise”), and CON received relaxation, daily concomitant to radiotherapy. Exercise attendance rate was 90% in INT and 80% in CON (p = 0.126). Within INT, exercise dose increased significantly (p < 0.001). 54% of patients could not perform “swimmer” in some or all sessions. 42% could not perform “plank” in some or all sessions. 13 and 25% could not perform “all fours” and “band exercise” in some sessions. “Plank” holding time increased in INT and remained unchanged in CON with different development between groups (p = 0.022). Handgrip strength did not develop differently between groups (p = 0.397). The exercise intervention demonstrated high acceptability but required frequent modifications due to pain, weakness and immobility to be feasible for the majority of participants. It enhanced specific muscle strength. Larger trials should now investigate exercise effects on health.
Insights into Urological Cancer
Authors: Manini Claudia , López José I.
Published: January 2021

The year the Covid-19 pandemic appeared has been quite prolific in urological cancer research, and the collection of articles, perspectives, and reviews on renal, prostate, and urinary tract tumors merged in this Urological Cancer 2020 issue is just a representative sample of this assertion [...]
Concurrent Aspirin Use Is Associated with Improved Outcome in Rectal Cancer Patients Who Undergo Chemoradiation Therapy
Authors: Farrugia Mark K. , Long Mark D. , Mattson David M. , Flaherty Leayn T. , Dong Bowen , Cortes Gomez Eduardo , Wei Lei , Witkiewicz Agnieszka K. , Yao Song , Kalinski Pawel , Singh Anurag K.
Published: January 2021

Background: The benefit of aspirin in rectal cancer during chemoradiation therapy (CRT) and the factors affecting its efficacy are not well characterized. We compared the outcomes of rectal patients undergoing neoadjuvant CRT based on aspirin use. Methods: Patients undergoing CRT for rectal cancer from 2010 to 2018 were evaluated. Aspirin use was determined by medication list prior to treatment. RNA sequencing and subsequent gene set enrichment analysis was performed on surgically resected specimens. Results: 147 patients underwent neoadjuvant CRT with a median follow-up of 38.2 months. Forty-two patients were taking aspirin prior to CRT. Aspirin users had significantly less local and distant progression, and improved progression-free and overall survival. On RNA-sequencing, neither PI3KCA nor KRAS mutational status were associated with the benefit of aspirin use or tumor downstaging. PTGS2/COX2 expression trended lower in aspirin users, but not with tumor response. Aspirin use was associated with increases of M1 macrophages, plasma cells, CD8+ T cells, and reduction of M2 macrophages in the resected tumor. Conclusions: Concurrent aspirin use during neoadjuvant CRT was associated with improved local and distant tumor control leading to significantly improved survival. Neither mutations in KRAS or PI3CKA, nor the levels of COX-2 expression at the time of resection of the residual tumor were predictive of these aspirin benefits.
Non-Invasive Mapping for Effective Preoperative Guidance to Approach Highly Language-Eloquent Gliomas—A Large Scale Comparative Cohort Study Using a New Classification for Language Eloquence
Authors: Ille Sebastian , Schroeder Axel , Albers Lucia , Kelm Anna , Droese Doris , Meyer Bernhard , Krieg Sandro M.
Published: January 2021

Objective: A considerable number of gliomas require resection via direct electrical stimulation (DES) during awake craniotomy. Likewise, the feasibility of resecting language-eloquent gliomas purely based on navigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (nrTMS) has been shown. This study analyzes the outcomes after preoperative nrTMS-based and intraoperative DES-based glioma resection in a large cohort. Due to the necessity of making location comparable, a classification for language eloquence for gliomas is introduced. Methods: Between March 2015 and May 2019, we prospectively enrolled 100 consecutive cases that were resected based on preoperative nrTMS language mapping (nrTMS group), and 47 cases via intraoperative DES mapping during awake craniotomy (awake group) following a standardized clinical workflow. Outcome measures were determined preoperatively, 5 days after surgery, and 3 months after surgery. To make functional eloquence comparable, we developed a classification based on prior publications and clinical experience. Groups and classification scores were correlated with clinical outcomes. Results: The functional outcome did not differ between groups. Gross total resection was achieved in more cases in the nrTMS group (87%, vs. 72% in the awake group, p = 0.04). Nonetheless, the awake group showed significantly higher scores for eloquence than the nrTMS group (median 7 points; interquartile range 6–8 vs. 5 points; 3–6.75; p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Resecting language-eloquent gliomas purely based on nrTMS data is feasible in a high percentage of cases if the described clinical workflow is followed. Moreover, the proposed classification for language eloquence makes language-eloquent tumors comparable, as shown by its correlation with functional and radiological outcomes.
Molecular Signature of Extracellular Vesicular Small Non-Coding RNAs Derived from Cerebrospinal Fluid of Leptomeningeal Metastasis Patients: Functional Implication of miR-21 and Other Small RNAs in Cancer Malignancy
Authors: Lee Kyue-Yim , Seo Yoona , Im Ji Hye , Rhim Jiho , Baek Woosun , Kim Sewon , Kwon Ji-Woong , Yoo Byong Chul , Shin Sang Hoon , Yoo Heon , Park Jong Bae , Gwak Ho-Shin , Kim Jong Heon
Published: January 2021

Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) is a fatal and rare complication of cancer in which the cancer spreads via the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). At present, there is no definitive treatment or diagnosis for this deleterious disease. In this study, we systemically and quantitatively investigated biased expression of key small non-coding RNA (smRNA) subpopulations from LM CSF extracellular vesicles (EVs) via a unique smRNA sequencing method. The analyzed subpopulations included microRNA (miRNA), Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA), Y RNA, small nuclear RNA (snRNA), small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNA), vault RNA (vtRNA), novel miRNA, etc. Here, among identified miRNAs, miR-21, which was already known to play an essential oncogenic role in tumorigenesis, was thoroughly investigated via systemic biochemical, miR-21 sensor, and physiological cell-based approaches, with the goal of confirming its functionality and potential as a biomarker for the pathogenesis and diagnosis of LM. We herein uncovered LM CSF extravesicular smRNAs that may be associated with LM-related complications and elucidated plausible pathways that may mechanistically contribute to LM progression. In sum, the analyzed smRNA subpopulations will be useful as targets for the development of therapeutic and diagnostic strategies for LM and LM-related complications.
Replacing Pyridine with Pyrazine in Molecular Cobalt Catalysts: Effects on Electrochemical Properties and Aqueous H2 Generation
Authors: Kohler Lars , Potocny Andrea M. , Niklas Jens , Zeller Matthias , Poluektov Oleg G. , Mulfort Karen L.
Published: January 2021

Four new molecular Co(II)tetrapyridyl complexes were synthesized and evaluated for their activity as catalysts for proton reduction in aqueous environments. The pyridine groups around the macrocycle were substituted for either one or two pyrazine groups. Single crystal X-ray analysis shows that the pyrazine groups have minimal impact on the Co(II)–N bond lengths and molecular geometry in general. X-band EPR spectroscopy confirms the Co(II) oxidation state and the electronic environment of the Co(II) center are only very slightly perturbed by the substitution of pyrazine groups around the macrocycle. The substitution of pyrazine groups has a substantial impact on the observed metal- and ligand-centered reduction potentials as well as the overall H2 catalytic activity in a multimolecular system using the [Ru(2,2′-bipyridine)3]Cl2 photosensitizer and ascorbic acid as a sacrificial electron donor. The results reveal interesting trends between the H2 catalytic activity for each catalyst and the driving force for electron transfer between either the reduced photosensitizer to catalyst step or the catalyst to proton reduction step. The work presented here showcases how even the difference of a single atom in a molecular catalyst can have an important impact on activity and suggests a pathway to optimize the photocatalytic activity and stability of molecular systems.
Solid-State Ball-Milling of Co3O4 Nano/Microspheres and Carbon Black Endorsed LaMnO3 Perovskite Catalyst for Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalysis
Authors: Karuppiah Chelladurai , Thirumalraj Balamurugan , Alagar Srinivasan , Piraman Shakkthivel , Li Ying-Jeng Jame , Yang Chun-Chen
Published: January 2021

Developing a highly stable and non-precious, low-cost, bifunctional electrocatalyst is essential for energy storage and energy conversion devices due to the increasing demand from the consumers. Therefore, the fabrication of a bifunctional electrocatalyst is an emerging focus for the promotion and dissemination of energy storage/conversion devices. Spinel and perovskite transition metal oxides have been widely explored as efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts to replace the noble metals in fuel cell and metal-air batteries. In this work, we developed a bifunctional catalyst for oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reaction (ORR/OER) study using the mechanochemical route coupling of cobalt oxide nano/microspheres and carbon black particles incorporated lanthanum manganite perovskite (LaMnO3@C-Co3O4) composite. It was synthesized through a simple and less-time consuming solid-state ball-milling method. The synthesized LaMnO3@C-Co3O4 composite was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, and micro-Raman spectroscopy techniques. The electrocatalysis results showed excellent electrochemical activity towards ORR/OER kinetics using LaMnO3@C-Co3O4 catalyst, as compared with Pt/C, bare LaMnO3@C, and LaMnO3@C-RuO2 catalysts. The observed results suggested that the newly developed LaMnO3@C-Co3O4 electrocatalyst can be used as a potential candidate for air-cathodes in fuel cell and metal-air batteries.
Enhancing Photocatalytic Activity of ZnO Nanoparticles in a Circulating Fluidized Bed with Plasma Jets
Authors: Ma Shiwei , Huang Yunyun , Hong Ruoyu , Lu Xuesong , Li Jianhua , Zheng Ying
Published: January 2021

In this work, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were modified in a circulating fluidized bed through argon and hydrogen (Ar–H) alternating-current (AC) arc plasma, which shows the characteristics of nonequilibrium and equilibrium plasma at the same time. In addition, a circulating fluidized bed with two plasma jets was used for cyclic processing. The catalytic degradation performance on Rhodamine B (Rh B) by Ar–H plasma-modified ZnO and pure ZnO was tested in aqueous media to identify the significant role of hydrogen atoms in Rh B degradation mechanism. Meanwhile, the effects of plasma treatment time on the morphology, size and photocatalytic performance of ZnO were also investigated. The results demonstrated that ZnO after 120-min treatment by Ar–H plasma showed Rh B photocatalytic degradation rate of 20 times greater than that of pure ZnO and the reaction follows a first kinetics for the Rh B degradation process. Furthermore, the photocatalyst cycle experiment curve exhibited that the modified ZnO still displays optimum photocatalytic activity after five cycles of experiment. The improvement of photocatalytic activity and luminescence performance attributes to the significant increase in the surface area, and the introduction of hydrogen atoms on the surface also could enhance the time of carrier existence where the hydrogen atoms act as shallow donors.
Porous Silica-Based Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Catalysts: A Review
Authors: Erigoni Andrea , Diaz Urbano
Published: January 2021

Hybrid organic-inorganic catalysts have been extensively investigated by several research groups in the last decades, as they allow combining the structural robust-ness of inorganic solids with the versatility of organic chemistry. Within the field of hybrid catalysts, synthetic strategies based on silica are among the most exploitable, due to the convenience of sol-gel chemistry, to the array of silyl-derivative precursors that can be synthesized and to the number of post-synthetic functionalization strategies available, amongst others. This review proposes to highlight these advantages, firstly describing the most common synthetic tools and the chemistry behind sol-gel syntheses of hybrid catalysts, then presenting exemplificative studies involving mono- and multi-functional silica-based hybrid catalysts featuring different types of active sites (acid, base, redox). Materials obtained through different approaches are described and their properties, as well as their catalytic performances, are compared. The general scope of this review is to gather useful information for those approaching the synthesis of organic-inorganic hybrid materials, while providing an overview on the state-of-the art in the synthesis of such materials and highlighting their capacities.
Circulating Platelet-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Are a Hallmark of Sars-Cov-2 Infection
Authors: Cappellano Giuseppe , Raineri Davide , Rolla Roberta , Giordano Mara , Puricelli Chiara , Vilardo Beatrice , Manfredi Marcello , Cantaluppi Vincenzo , Sainaghi Pier Paolo , Castello Luigi , De Vita Nello , Scotti Lorenza , Vaschetto Rosanna , Dianzani Umberto , Chiocchetti Annalisa
Published: January 2021

Sars-Cov-2 infection causes fever and cough that may rapidly lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Few biomarkers have been identified but, unfortunately, these are individually poorly specific, and novel biomarkers are needed to better predict patient outcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of circulating platelets (PLT)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) as biomarkers for Sars-Cov-2 infection, by setting a rapid and reliable test on unmanipulated blood samples. PLT-EVs were quantified by flow cytometry on two independent cohorts of Sars-CoV-2+ (n = 69), Sars-Cov-2− (n = 62) hospitalized patients, and healthy controls. Diagnostic performance of PLT-EVs was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. PLT-EVs count were higher in Sars-Cov-2+ compared to Sars-Cov-2− patients or HC. ROC analysis of the combined cohorts showed an AUC = 0.79 and an optimal cut-off value of 1472 EVs/μL, with 75% sensitivity and 74% specificity. These data suggest that PLT-EVs might be an interesting biomarker deserving further investigations to test their predictive power.