bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immune Resistance in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Spella Magda , Stathopoulos Georgios T.
Published: January 2021

Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer worldwide, imposing grievous challenges for patients and clinicians. The incidence of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), the main histologic subtype of lung cancer, is still increasing in current-, ex-, and even non-smokers, whereas its five-year survival rate is approximately 15% as the vast majority of patients usually present with advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. The generation of novel drugs targeting key disease driver mutations has created optimism for the treatment of LUAD, but, as these mutations are not universal, this therapeutic line benefits only a subset of patients. More recently, the advent of targeted immunotherapies and their documented clinical efficacy in many different cancers, including LUAD, have started to change cancer management. Immunotherapies have been developed in order to overcome the cancer’s ability to develop mechanisms of immune resistance, i.e., to adapt to and evade the host inflammatory and immune responses. Identifying a cancer’s immune resistance mechanisms will likely advance the development of personalized immunotherapies. This review examines the key pathways of immune resistance at play in LUAD and explores therapeutic strategies which can unleash potent antitumor immune responses and significantly improve therapeutic efficacy, quality of life, and survival in LUAD.
Senolytic Targeting of Bcl-2 Anti-Apoptotic Family Increases Cell Death in Irradiated Sarcoma Cells
Authors: Lafontaine Julie , Cardin Guillaume B. , Malaquin Nicolas , Boisvert Jean-Sébastien , Rodier Francis , Wong Philip
Published: January 2021

Radiotherapy (RT) is a key component of cancer treatment. Most of the time, radiation is given after surgery but for soft-tissue sarcomas (STS), pre-surgical radiation is commonly utilized. However, despite improvements in RT accuracy, the rate of local recurrence remains high and is the major cause of death for patients with STS. A better understanding of cell fates in response to RT could provide new therapeutic options to enhance tumour cell killing by RT and facilitate surgical resection. Here, we showed that irradiated STS cell cultures do not die but instead undergo therapy-induced senescence (TIS), which is characterized by proliferation arrest, senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity, secretion of inflammatory cytokines and persistent DNA damage. STS-TIS was also associated with increased levels of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family of proteins which rendered cells targetable using senolytic Bcl-2 inhibitors. As oppose to radiation alone, the addition of senolytic agents Venetoclax (ABT-199) or Navitoclax (ABT-263) after irradiation induced a rapid apoptotic cell death in STS monolayer cultures and in a more complex three-dimensional culture model. Together, these data suggest a new promising therapeutic approach for sarcoma patients who receive neoadjuvant RT. The addition of senolytic agents to radiation treatments may significantly reduce tumour volume prior to surgery and thereby improve the clinical outcome of patients.
Calcium Signaling and Mitochondrial Function in Presenilin 2 Knock-Out Mice: Looking for Any Loss-of-Function Phenotype Related to Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Rossi Alice , Galla Luisa , Gomiero Chiara , Zentilin Lorena , Giacca Mauro , Giorgio Valentina , Calì Tito , Pozzan Tullio , Greotti Elisa , Pizzo Paola
Published: January 2021

Alzheimer′s disease (AD) is the most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder in which learning, memory and cognitive functions decline progressively. Familial forms of AD (FAD) are caused by mutations in amyloid precursor protein (APP), presenilin 1 (PSEN1) and presenilin 2 (PSEN2) genes. Presenilin 1 (PS1) and its homologue, presenilin 2 (PS2), represent, alternatively, the catalytic core of the γ-secretase complex that, by cleaving APP, produces neurotoxic amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides responsible for one of the histopathological hallmarks in AD brains, the amyloid plaques. Recently, PSEN1 FAD mutations have been associated with a loss-of-function phenotype. To investigate whether this finding can also be extended to PSEN2 FAD mutations, we studied two processes known to be modulated by PS2 and altered by FAD mutations: Ca2+ signaling and mitochondrial function. By exploiting neurons derived from a PSEN2 knock-out (PS2–/–) mouse model, we found that, upon IP3-generating stimulation, cytosolic Ca2+ handling is not altered, compared to wild-type cells, while mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake is strongly compromised. Accordingly, PS2–/– neurons show a marked reduction in endoplasmic reticulum–mitochondria apposition and a slight alteration in mitochondrial respiration, whereas mitochondrial membrane potential, and organelle morphology and number appear unchanged. Thus, although some alterations in mitochondrial function appear to be shared between PS2–/– and FAD-PS2-expressing neurons, the mechanisms leading to these defects are quite distinct between the two models. Taken together, our data appear to be difficult to reconcile with the proposal that FAD-PS2 mutants are loss-of-function, whereas the concept that PS2 plays a key role in sustaining mitochondrial function is here confirmed.
Research Progress in the Molecular Functions of Plant mTERF Proteins
Authors: Robles Pedro , Quesada Víctor
Published: January 2021

Present-day chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes contain only a few dozen genes involved in ATP synthesis, photosynthesis, and gene expression. The proteins encoded by these genes are only a small fraction of the many hundreds of proteins that act in chloroplasts and mitochondria. Hence, the vast majority, including components of organellar gene expression (OGE) machineries, are encoded by nuclear genes, translated into the cytosol and imported to these organelles. Consequently, the expression of nuclear and organellar genomes has to be very precisely coordinated. Furthermore, OGE regulation is crucial to chloroplast and mitochondria biogenesis, and hence, to plant growth and development. Notwithstanding, the molecular mechanisms governing OGE are still poorly understood. Recent results have revealed the increasing importance of nuclear-encoded modular proteins capable of binding nucleic acids and regulating OGE. Mitochondrial transcription termination factor (mTERF) proteins are a good example of this category of OGE regulators. Plant mTERFs are located in chloroplasts and/or mitochondria, and have been characterized mainly from the isolation and analyses of Arabidopsis and maize mutants. These studies have revealed their fundamental roles in different plant development aspects and responses to abiotic stress. Fourteen mTERFs have been hitherto characterized in land plants, albeit to a different extent. These numbers are limited if we consider that 31 and 35 mTERFs have been, respectively, identified in maize and Arabidopsis. Notwithstanding, remarkable progress has been made in recent years to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which mTERFs regulate OGE. Consequently, it has been experimentally demonstrated that plant mTERFs are required for the transcription termination of chloroplast genes (mTERF6 and mTERF8), transcriptional pausing and the stabilization of chloroplast transcripts (MDA1/mTERF5), intron splicing in chloroplasts (BSM/RUG2/mTERF4 and Zm-mTERF4) and mitochondria (mTERF15 and ZmSMK3) and very recently, also in the assembly of chloroplast ribosomes and translation (mTERF9). This review aims to provide a detailed update of current knowledge about the molecular functions of plant mTERF proteins. It principally focuses on new research that has made an outstanding contribution to unravel the molecular mechanisms by which plant mTERFs regulate the expression of chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes.
Berberine Prevents Disease Progression of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis through Modulating Multiple Pathways
Authors: Wang Yanyan , Tai Yun-Ling , Zhao Derrick , Zhang Yuan , Yan Junkai , Kakiyama Genta , Wang Xuan , Gurley Emily C. , Liu Jinze , Liu Jinpeng , Liu Jimin , Lai Guanhua , Hylemon Phillip B. , Pandak William M. , Chen Weidong , Zhou Huiping
Published: January 2021

Background and Aims: The disease progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) from simple steatosis (NAFL) to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is driven by multiple factors. Berberine (BBR) is an ancient Chinese medicine and has various beneficial effects on metabolic diseases, including NAFLD/NASH. However, the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood due to the limitation of the NASH animal models used. Methods: A high-fat and high-fructose diet-induced mouse model of NAFLD, the best available preclinical NASH mouse model, was used. RNAseq, histological, and metabolic pathway analyses were used to identify the potential signaling pathways modulated by BBR. LC–MS was used to measure bile acid levels in the serum and liver. The real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis were used to validate the RNAseq data. Results: BBR not only significantly reduced hepatic lipid accumulation by modulating fatty acid synthesis and metabolism but also restored the bile acid homeostasis by targeting multiple pathways. In addition, BBR markedly inhibited inflammation by reducing immune cell infiltration and inhibition of neutrophil activation and inflammatory gene expression. Furthermore, BBR was able to inhibit hepatic fibrosis by modulating the expression of multiple genes involved in hepatic stellate cell activation and cholangiocyte proliferation. Consistent with our previous findings, BBR’s beneficial effects are linked with the downregulation of microRNA34a and long noncoding RNA H19, which are two important players in promoting NASH progression and liver fibrosis. Conclusion: BBR is a promising therapeutic agent for NASH by targeting multiple pathways. These results provide a strong foundation for a future clinical investigation.
Longitudinal Multi-Parametric Liquid Biopsy Approach Identifies Unique Features of Circulating Tumor Cell, Extracellular Vesicle, and Cell-Free DNA Characterization for Disease Monitoring in Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Keup Corinna , Suryaprakash Vinay , Storbeck Markus , Hoffmann Oliver , Kimmig Rainer , Kasimir-Bauer Sabine
Published: January 2021

Dynamics of mRNA from circulating tumor cells (CTCs), mRNA from extracellular vesicles (EVs), and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) were assessed to examine the relevance of a longitudinal multi-parametric liquid biopsy strategy. Eighteen milliliters of blood was drawn from 27 hormone receptor-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients at disease progression and at two subsequent radiologic staging time points. CTC mRNA and EV mRNA were analyzed using multi-marker qPCR, and cfDNA was analyzed using targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS). The presence of ERBB2 or ERBB3 overexpression signals in CTCs significantly correlated with disease progression (87% specificity, 36% sensitivity, p-value = 0.023), and the presence of either ERBB3 signals in CTCs or EVs or cfDNA variants in ERBB3 also showed a significant association with progressive MBC. Fluctuations during treatment were detected in the EV fraction with the appearance of hitherto undetected ERCC1 signals correlating with progressive disease (97% specificity, 18% sensitivity, p-value = 0.030). Allele frequency development of ESR1 and PIK3CA variants detected at subsequent staging time points could be used as a predictor for therapy success and, importantly, might help guide therapy decisions. The three analytes, each with their own unique features for disease monitoring, were shown to be complementary, underlining the usefulness of the longitudinal multi-parametric liquid biopsy approach.
Successive Crystallization of Organically Templated Uranyl Sulfates: Synthesis and Crystal Structures of [pyH](H3O)[(UO2)3(SO4)4(H2O)2], [pyH]2[(UO2)6(SO4)7(H2O)], and [pyH]2[(UO2)2(SO4)3]
Authors: Nazarchuk Evgeny V. , Charkin Dmitri O. , Siidra Oleg I.
Published: January 2021

Three new uranyl sulfates, [pyH](H3O)[(UO2)3(SO4)4(H2O)2] (1), [pyH]2[(UO2)6(SO4)7(H2O)] (2), and [pyH]2[(UO2)2(SO4)3] (3), were produced upon hydrothermal treatment and successive isothermal evaporation. 1 is monoclinic, P21/c, a = 14.3640(13), b = 10.0910(9), c = 18.8690(17) Å, β = 107.795(2), V = 2604.2(4) Å3, R1 = 0.038; 2 is orthorhombic, C2221, a = 10.1992(8), b = 18.5215(14), c = 22.7187(17) Å, V = 4291.7(6) Å3, R1 = 0.030; 3 is orthorhombic, Pccn, a = 9.7998(8), b = 10.0768(8), c = 20.947(2) Å, V = 2068.5(3) Å3, R1 = 0.055. In the structures of 1 and 2, the uranium polyhedra and SO4 tetrahedra share vertices to form ∞3[(UO2)3(SO4)4(H2O)2]2− and ∞3[(UO2)6(SO4)7(H2O)]2− frameworks featuring channels (12.2 × 6.7 Å in 1 and 12.9 × 6.5 Å in 2), which are occupied by pyridinium cations. The structure of 3 is comprised of ∞2[(UO2)2(SO4)3]2− layers linked by hydrogen bonds donated by pyridinium cations. The compounds 1–3 are formed during recrystallization processes, in which the evaporation of mother liquor leads to a stepwise loss of hydration water.
Estimation of Engagement in Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity from Direct Observation: A Proposal for School Physical Education
Authors: Gouveia Élvio R. , Gouveia Bruna R. , Marques Adilson , Lopes Helder , Rodrigues Ana , Quintal Tomás , Pestana Marcelo , Peralta Miguel , Kliegel Matthias , Ihle Andreas
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to test an observational momentary time sampling tool to estimate in-class moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), in terms of validity, reliability and agreement between observational momentary time sampling and accelerometry, and to develop a regression equation to estimate MVPA from observational momentary time sampling. The sample comprised 78 pupils (38 girls), mean age 14.0 ± 1.1 years. Measurements were taken in three similar Physical Education classes, on three different days. To monitor MVPA, we applied the observational momentary time sampling method. Students wore an ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer. Reliabilities were determined by the intraclass correlations, the agreement between methods was analyzed using the Bland–Altman method, and a multiple regression analysis was performed to estimate the equation. The observational momentary time sampling showed good reliability across time (0.59 < r < 0.72, p < 0.001). It was significantly correlated with accelerometry (r = 0.51, p < 0.001). The MVPA assessed via accelerometer could be predicted from the following equation: Y = 44.3 + 0.47⋅(MVPA observational momentary time sampling method) + 8.0⋅(sex; with 0 = girls and 1 = boys). This observational momentary time sampling method is a stable and reliable tool to estimate MVPA. A regression equation using the score of observational momentary time sampling and sex can be used to better estimate the real MVPA.
Risk-Based Decision Making: A Systematic Scoping Review of Animal Models and a Pilot Study on the Effects of Sleep Deprivation in Rats
Authors: Leenaars Cathalijn H.C. , Van der Mierden Stevie , Joosten Ruud N.J.M.A. , Van der Weide Marnix A. , Schirris Mischa , Dematteis Maurice , Meijboom Franck L.B. , Feenstra Matthijs G.P. , Bleich André
Published: January 2021

Animals, including humans, frequently make decisions involving risk or uncertainty. Different strategies in these decisions can be advantageous depending the circumstances. Short sleep duration seems to be associated with more risky decisions in humans. Animal models for risk-based decision making can increase mechanistic understanding, but very little data is available concerning the effects of sleep. We combined primary- and meta-research to explore the relationship between sleep and risk-based decision making in animals. Our first objective was to create an overview of the available animal models for risky decision making. We performed a systematic scoping review. Our searches in Pubmed and Psychinfo retrieved 712 references, of which 235 were included. Animal models for risk-based decision making have been described for rodents, non-human primates, birds, pigs and honey-bees. We discuss task designs and model validity. Our second objective was to apply this knowledge and perform a pilot study on the effect of sleep deprivation. We trained and tested male Wistar rats on a probability discounting task; a “safe” lever always resulted in 1 reward, a “risky” lever resulted in 4 or no rewards. Rats adapted their preferences to variations in reward probabilities (p < 0.001), but 12 h of sleep deprivation during the light phase did not clearly alter risk preference (p = 0.21).
Disorders of Arousal: A Chronobiological Perspective
Authors: Mainieri Greta , Loddo Giuseppe , Provini Federica
Published: January 2021

Non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep parasomnias are characterized by motor and emotional behaviors emerging from incomplete arousals from NREM sleep and they are currently referred to as disorders of arousal (DoA). Three main clinical entities are recognized, namely confusional arousal, sleep terror and sleepwalking. DoA are largely present in pediatric populations, an age in which they are considered as transitory, unhabitual physiological events. The literature background in the last twenty years has extensively shown that DoA can persist in adulthood in predisposed individuals or even appear de novo in some cases. Even though some episodes may arise from stage 2 of sleep, most DoA occur during slow wave sleep (SWS), and particularly during the first two sleep cycles. The reasons for this timing are linked to the intrinsic structure of SWS and with the possible influence on this sleep phase of predisposing, priming and precipitating factors for DoA episodes. The objective of this paper is to review the intrinsic sleep-related features and chronobiological aspects affecting SWS, responsible for the occurrence of the majority of DoA episodes during the first part of the night.
Multi-Level Evaluation of UV Action upon Vitamin D Enhanced, Silver Doped Hydroxyapatite Thin Films Deposited on Titanium Substrate
Authors: Negrila Catalin Constantin , Predoi Daniela , Ghita Rodica V. , Iconaru Simona Liliana , Ciobanu Steluta Carmen , Manea Mirela , Badea Monica Luminita , Costescu Adrian , Trusca Roxana , Predoi Gabriel , Stanciu George A. , Hristu Radu , Dragu Laura Denisa , Bleotu Coralia , Groza Andreea , Marinas Ioana Cristina , Chifiriuc Mariana Carmen
Published: January 2021

Hydroxyapatite Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 (HAp) is an important bioactive material for bone tissue reconstruction, due to its highly thermodynamic stability at a physiological pH without bio-resorption. In the present study, the Ag:HAp and the corresponding Ag:HAp + D3 thin films (~200 nm) coating were obtained by vacuum deposition method on Ti substrate. The obtained samples were exposed to different UV irradiation times, in order to investigate the UV light action upon thin films, before considering this method for the thin film’s decontamination. The effects of UV irradiation upon Ag:Hap + D3 are presented for the first time in the literature, marking a turning point for understanding the effect of UV light on composite biomaterial thin films. The UV irradiation induced an increase in the initial stages of surface roughness of Ag:HAp thin film, correlated with the modifications of XPS and FTIR signals. The characteristics of thin films measured by AFM (RMS) analysis corroborated with XPS and FTIR investigation highlighted a process of recovery of the thin film’s properties (e.g., RMS), suggesting a possible adaptation to UV irradiation. This process has been a stage to a more complicated UVA rapid degradation process. The antifungal assays demonstrated that all the investigated samples exhibited antifungal properties. Moreover, the cytotoxicity assays revealed that the HeLa cells morphology did not show any alterations after 24 h of incubation with the Ag:HAp and Ag:HAp + D3 thin films.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Colloids and Interfaces in 2020
Authors:   Colloids and Interfaces Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that Colloids and Interfaces maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
Magnetic and Electronic Properties of Heavy Lanthanides (Gd, Tb, Dy, Er, Ho, Tm)
Authors: Gimaev Radel , Komlev Aleksei , Davydov Andrei , Kovalev Boris , Zverev Vladimir
Published: January 2021

Rare earth metals (REM) occupy a special and important place in our lives. This became especially noticeable during the rapid development of industry in the industrial era of the twentieth century. The tendency of development of the rare-earth metals market certainly remains in the XXI century. According to experts estimates the industry demand for chemical compounds based on them will tend to grow during the nearest years until it reaches the market balance. At the same time, the practical use of high-purity rare-earth metals requires the most accurate understanding of the physical properties of metals, especially magnetic ones. Despite a certain decline in interest in the study of high-purity REM single crystals during the last decade, a number of scientific groups (Ames Lab, Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU), Baikov Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Science Russian Academy of Science (RAS)) are still conducting high-purity studies on high-purity metal samples. The present article is a combination of a review work covering the analysis of the main works devoted to the study of heavy REMs from gadolinium to thulium, as well as original results obtained at MSU. The paper considers the electronic properties of metals in terms of calculating the density of states, analyzes the regularities of the magnetic phase diagrams of metals, gives the original dependences of the Neel temperature and tricritical temperatures for Gd, Tb, Dy, Er, Ho, Tm, and also introduces a phenomenological parameter that would serve as an indicator of the phase transformation in heavy REMs.
Effects of Al Composition and High-Temperature Atomic Layer-Deposited Al2O3 Layer on the Leakage Current Characteristics of AlGaN/GaN Schottky Barrier Diodes
Authors: Lee Jae-Hoon , Lee Jung-Hee , Im Ki-Sik
Published: January 2021

AlGaN/GaN Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) with high Al composition and high temperature atomic layer deposition (ALD) Al2O3 layers were investigated. Current–voltage (I–V), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscope (AFM), and capacitance–voltage (C–V) measurements were conducted in order to find the leakage current mechanism and reduce the reverse leakage current. The fabricated AlGaN/GaN SBDs with high Al composition exhibited two orders’ higher leakage current compared to the device with low Al composition (20%) due to large bulk and surface leakage components. The leakage current measured at −60 V for the fabricated SBD with Al2O3 deposited at temperature of 550 °C was decreased to 1.5 μA, compared to the corresponding value of 3.2 mA for SBD with nonpassivation layer. The high quality ALD Al2O3 deposited at high temperature with low interface trap density reduces the donorlike surface states, which effectively decreases surface leakage current of the AlGaN/GaN SBD.
Belantamab Mafodotin to Treat Multiple Myeloma: A Comprehensive Review of Disease, Drug Efficacy and Side Effects
Authors: Lassiter Grace , Bergeron Cole , Guedry Ryan , Cucarola Julia , Kaye Adam M. , Cornett Elyse M. , Kaye Alan D. , Varrassi Giustino , Viswanath Omar , Urits Ivan
Published: January 2021

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematologic malignancy characterized by excessive clonal proliferation of plasma cells. The treatment of multiple myeloma presents a variety of unique challenges due to the complex molecular pathophysiology and incurable status of the disease at this time. Given that MM is the second most common blood cancer with a characteristic and unavoidable relapse/refractory state during the course of the disease, the development of new therapeutic modalities is crucial. Belantamab mafodotin (belamaf, GSK2857916) is a first-in-class therapeutic, indicated for patients who have previously attempted four other treatments, including an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody, a proteosome inhibitor, and an immunomodulatory agent. In November 2017, the FDA designated belamaf as a breakthrough therapy for heavily pretreated patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. In August 2020, the FDA granted accelerated approval as a monotherapy for relapsed or treatment-refractory multiple myeloma. The drug was also approved in the EU for this indication in late August 2020. Of note, belamaf is associated with the following adverse events: decreased platelets, corneal disease, decreased or blurred vision, anemia, infusion-related reactions, pyrexia, and fetal risk, among others. Further studies are necessary to evaluate efficacy in comparison to other standard treatment modalities and as future drugs in this class are developed.
Asexual Reproduction and Strobilation of Sanderia malayensis (Scyphozoa, Pelagiidae) in Relation to Temperature: Experimental Evidence and Implications
Authors: Avian Massimo , Motta Gregorio , Prodan Mattia , Tordoni Enrico , Macaluso Vanessa , Beran Alfred , Goruppi Alenka , Bacaro Giovanni , Tirelli Valentina
Published: January 2021

Sanderia malayensis is a scyphozoan species present in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, ranging from the Suez Canal to Japan. Although this jellyfish is commonly kept in aquariums around the world, there is a knowledge gap regarding its biology and ecology, especially at the polyp stage. In this study, we tested the asexual reproductive activity of S. malayensis at three different temperatures: 10, 15 and 20 °C. Results showed significant increases of polyps at 15 and 20 °C, and a minimum at 10 °C, corresponding with daily budding rates of 6.61% ± 0.92%, 5.85% ± 2.36% and 0.66% ± 0.24%, respectively. Moreover, a second experiment was carried out to report about the ability of S. malayensis to prey on Aurelia solida at the ephyra stage. Unidirectional predation of S. malayensis ephyrae on A. solida and an absence of inverse predation was observed. These results could give new insights on the potential fitness and survival of this species if it will ever invade the Mediterranean Sea.
On Linear and Circular Approach to GPS Data Processing: Analyses of the Horizontal Positioning Deviations Based on the Adriatic Region IGS Observables
Authors: Šakan Davor , Kos Serdjo , Ban Biserka Drascic , Brčić David
Published: January 2021

Global and regional positional accuracy assessment is of the highest importance for any satellite navigation system, including the Global Positioning System (GPS). Although positioning error can be expressed as a vector quantity with direction and magnitude, most of the research focuses on error magnitude only. The positional accuracy can be evaluated in terms of navigational quadrants as further refinement of error distribution, as it was shown here. This research was conducted in the wider area of the Northern Adriatic Region, employing the International Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) Service (IGS) data and products. Similarities of positional accuracy and deviations distributions for Single Point Positioning (SPP) were addressed in terms of magnitudes. Data were analyzed during the 11-day period. Linear and circular statistical methods were used to quantify regional positional accuracy and error behavior. This was conducted in terms of both scalar and vector values, with assessment of the underlying probability distributions. Navigational quadrantal positioning error subset analysis was carried out. Similarity in the positional accuracy and positioning deviations behavior, with uneven positional distribution between quadrants, indicated the directionality of the total positioning error. The underlying distributions for latitude and longitude deviations followed approximately normal distributions, while the radius was approximated by the Rayleigh distribution. The Weibull and gamma distributions were considered, as well. Possible causes of the analyzed positioning deviations were not investigated, but the ultimate positioning products were obtained as in standard, single-frequency positioning scenarios.
Time Flies—Age Grading of Adult Flies for the Estimation of the Post-Mortem Interval
Authors: Amendt Jens , Bugelli Valentina , Bernhardt Victoria
Published: January 2021

The estimation of the minimum time since death is one of the main applications of forensic entomology. This can be done by calculating the age of the immature stage of necrophagous flies developing on the corpse, which is confined to approximately 2–4 weeks, depending on temperature and species of the first colonizing wave of flies. Adding the age of the adult flies developed on the dead body could extend this time frame up to several weeks when the body is in a building or closed premise. However, the techniques for accurately estimating the age of adult flies are still in their beginning stages or not sufficiently validated. Here we review the current state of the art of analysing the aging of flies by evaluating the ovarian development, the amount of pteridine in the eyes, the degree of wing damage, the modification of their cuticular hydrocarbon patterns, and the increasing number of growth layers in the cuticula. New approaches, including the use of age specific molecular profiles based on the levels of gene and protein expression and the application of near infrared spectroscopy, are introduced, and the forensic relevance of these methods is discussed.
Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing of Liquid Biopsy Samples from Patients with NSCLC
Authors: Mellert Hestia , Reese Jordan , Jackson Leisa , Maxwell Victoria , Tschida Chérie , Pestano Gary A.
Published: January 2021

Liquid biopsy tests have become an integral part of the molecular diagnosis of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We describe a new test panel that uses very low input (20 ng) of cell-free nucleic acids extracted from human plasma, which is designed to yield results in less than 72 h. In this study, we performed novel amplicon-based targeted next-generation sequencing with a semiconductor-based system, the Ion GeneStudio S5 Prime. The analytic performance of the assay was evaluated using contrived and retrospectively collected clinical specimens. The cumulative percent coefficient of variation for the new test process was very precise at 8.4% for inter-day, 4.0% for inter-operator and 3.4% for inter-instrument. We also observed significant agreement (95.7–100%) with an orthogonal, high-sensitivity droplet digital™ Polymerase Chain Reaction (ddPCR) test. This method offers a valuable supplement to assessing targeted mutations from blood while conserving specimens and maintaining sensitivity, with rapid turn-around times to actionable results.
Complexity in Economic and Social Systems
Authors: Drożdż Stanisław , Kwapień Jarosław , Oświęcimka Paweł
Published: January 2021

During recent years we have witnessed a systematic progress in the understanding of complex systems, both in the case of particular systems that are classified into this group and, in general, as regards the phenomenon of complexity [...]
Effect of KOH on the Energy Storage Performance of Molasses-Based Phosphorus and Nitrogen Co-Doped Carbon
Authors: Denmark Iris , Macchi Samantha , Watanabe Fumiya , Viswanathan Tito , Siraj Noureen
Published: January 2021

In this study, we have evaluated the effect of potassium hydroxide (KOH) on the energy storage performance of metal-free carbon-based materials prepared from molasses. Molasses are a renewable-resource biomass and economical by-product of sugar refinement, used here as a carbon precursor. Two co-doped carbon materials using molasses were synthesized via a time and cost-efficient microwave carbonization process, with ammonium polyphosphate as a phosphorus and nitrogen doping agent. The phosphorus and nitrogen co-doped carbon (PNDC) samples were prepared in the presence and absence of a chemical activating agent (KOH), to study the role of chemical activation on PNDCs. Physical characterizations were performed to gain insight into the composition, pore size and topographical data of each material. Electrochemical characterization via cyclic voltammetry in 1 M sulfuric acid (H2SO4) as well as in 6 M KOH as electrolytes, revealed high current density and specific capacitance for the chemically activated material (PNDC2) compared to one without chemical activation (PNDC1). The capacitance value of 244 F/g in KOH electrolyte was obtained with PNDC2. It is concluded that addition of KOH prior to carbonization increases the surface functionality, which significantly enhances the electrochemical properties of the PNDC material such as current density, stability, and specific capacitance.
Privacy-Preserving Surveillance as an Edge Service Based on Lightweight Video Protection Schemes Using Face De-Identification and Window Masking
Authors: Fitwi Alem , Chen Yu , Zhu Sencun , Blasch Erik , Chen Genshe
Published: January 2021

With a myriad of edge cameras deployed in urban and suburban areas, many people are seriously concerned about the constant invasion of their privacy. There is a mounting pressure from the public to make the cameras privacy-conscious. This paper proposes a Privacy-preserving Surveillance as an Edge service (PriSE) method with a hybrid architecture comprising a lightweight foreground object scanner and a video protection scheme that operates on edge cameras and fog/cloud-based models to detect privacy attributes like windows, faces, and perpetrators. The Reversible Chaotic Masking (ReCAM) scheme is designed to ensure an end-to-end privacy while the simplified foreground-object detector helps reduce resource consumption by discarding frames containing only background-objects. A robust window-object detector was developed to prevent peeping via windows; whereas human faces are detected by using a multi-tasked cascaded convolutional neural network (MTCNN) to ensure de-identification. The extensive experimental studies and comparative analysis show that the PriSE scheme (i) can efficiently detect foreground objects, and scramble those frames that contain foreground objects at the edge cameras, and (ii) detect and denature window and face objects, and identify perpetrators at a fog/cloud server to prevent unauthorized viewing via windows, to ensure anonymity of individuals, and to deter criminal activities, respectively.
Optimization of the Bi-Axial Tracking System for a Photovoltaic Platform
Authors: Alexandru Cătălin
Published: January 2021

The article deals with the optimization of the azimuthal tracking mechanism for a photovoltaic (PV) platform, which uses linear actuators as actuation elements for both movements (diurnal and elevation). In the case of diurnal movement, where the platform’s angular field of orientation is large, a mechanism with a relatively simple structure is used for amplifying the actuator’s stroke and avoiding the risk of the system locking itself (by limiting the values of the transmission angle). The optimization study targets the mechanical device, the control device, and the bi-axial tracking program (embodied by the laws of motion in time for the platform’s diurnal and elevation angles) with the purpose of obtaining a high input of solar radiation, with a minimal energy consumption to achieve tracking. The study is carried out by using a virtual prototyping platform, which includes Computer Aided Design (CAD), Multi-Body Systems (MBS), and Design for Control (DFC) computer applications. The mechanical and control devices of the solar tracker are integrated and tested in mechatronic concept. The simulations’ results, which were performed for a set of representative days throughout the year, prove the effectiveness of the proposed design.
The Use of Capsuled Paraffin Wax in Low-Temperature Thermal Energy Storage Applications: An Experimental and Numerical Investigation
Authors: Ochman Agnieszka , Chen Wei-Qin , Błasiak Przemysław , Pomorski Michał , Pietrowicz Sławomir
Published: January 2021

The article deals with the experimental and numerical thermal-flow behaviours of a low-temperature Phase Change Material (PCM) used in Thermal Energy Storage (TES) industrial applications. The investigated PCM is a composition that consists of a mixture of paraffin wax capsuled in a melamine-formaldehyde membrane and water, for which a phase change process occurs within the temperature range of 4 °C to 6 °C and the maximum heat storage capacity is equal to 72 kJ/kg. To test the TES capabilities of the PCM for operating conditions close to real ones, a series of experimental tests were performed on cylindrical modules with fixed heights of 250 mm and different outer diameters of 15, 22, and 28 mm, respectively. The module was tested in a specially designed wind tunnel where the Reynolds numbers of between 15,250 to 52,750 were achieved. In addition, a mathematical model of the analysed processes, based on the enthalpy porosity method, was proposed and validated. The temperature changes during the phase transitions that were obtained from the numerical analyses in comparison with the experimental results have not exceeded 20% of the relative error for the phase change region and no more than 10% for the rest. Additionally, the PCM was examined while using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), which indicated no changes in the internal structure during phase transitions and a homogeneous structure, regardless of the tested temperature ranges.
Experimental Determination of CO2 Diffusion Coefficient in a Brine-Saturated Core Simulating Reservoir Condition
Authors: Li Zerong , Yuan Lei , Sun Guodong , Lv Junchen , Zhang Yi
Published: January 2021

CO2 diffusion coefficient plays a crucial part in saline aquifers for the CO2 storage and the safety of long-term sequestration. Therefore, it is particularly important to measure the diffusion coefficient accurately. As far as we know, there are currently no CO2 brine diffusion data in real cores under reservoir temperature and pressure conditions. In this paper, a study on the CO2 diffusion coefficient diffused in a brine-saturated Berea core along the radial direction was conducted at temperatures of 313.15 K to 373.15 K and pressures of 8 MPa to 30 MPa. On account of the experimental results, the effect of permeability, NaCl concentration, temperature and pressure on the CO2 diffusivity is analyzed. The results in this study indicate that the diffusion coefficient increases with increasing permeability, pressure and temperature and decreases with increasing NaCl concentration. However, the relationship between pressure and the diffusion coefficient is not linear. As the pressure gradually increases, the effect of pressure will become weak. In addition, an empirical correlation of the relationship between temperature–pressure and the CO2 diffusion coefficient could be obtained based on the experimental data. The data in this paper fill the blank on the study of the CO2 diffusivity in brine under reservoir conditions, which has positive significance for the study of supercritical CO2 diffusion in a brine-saturated core.
Fundamentals and Physical Principles for Drilled Cuttings Transport—Cuttings Bed Sedimentation and Erosion
Authors: Pedrosa Camilo , Saasen Arild , Ytrehus Jan David
Published: January 2021

The increasing necessity of challenging wellbore structures and drilling optimization for improved hole cuttings cleaning has been growing along time. As a result, operator companies have been researching and applying different hole cleaning techniques. Some of these are applied as traditional rules of thumb but are not always suitable for the new and up-coming challenges. This may result in inefficient hole cleaning, non-productive times, pipe stocking and low rate of penetration (ROP), among other problems. Here are presented some results and improvements for hole cleaning optimization obtained by the different research groups. The different authors mainly focus on specific cuttings transport parameters and sometimes combination of some of them. For this reason, there has not been a study that takes into account all of the different factors at the same time to accurately predict the cuttings bed height, formation and erosion, critical fluid velocity and properties and other key parameters. Consequently, there is a lack of understanding about the relation between different factors, such as the cohesiveness of the drilled cuttings with the different interstitial drilling fluids within the cuttings-bed. This relation can be analyzed establishing a wet-granular approach to obtain more efficient cuttings transport mechanism in challenging conditions.
Identifying Privacy Related Requirements for the Design of Self-Adaptive Privacy Protections Schemes in Social Networks
Authors: Kitsiou Angeliki , Tzortzaki Eleni , Kalloniatis Christos , Gritzalis Stefanos
Published: January 2021

Social Networks (SNs) bring new types of privacy risks threats for users; which developers should be aware of when designing respective services. Aiming at safeguarding users’ privacy more effectively within SNs, self-adaptive privacy preserving schemes have been developed, considered the importance of users’ social and technological context and specific privacy criteria that should be satisfied. However, under the current self-adaptive privacy approaches, the examination of users’ social landscape interrelated with their privacy perceptions and practices, is not thoroughly considered, especially as far as users’ social attributes concern. This study, aimed at elaborating this examination in depth, in order as to identify the users’ social characteristics and privacy perceptions that can affect self-adaptive privacy design, as well as to indicate self-adaptive privacy related requirements that should be satisfied for users’ protection in SNs. The study was based on an interdisciplinary research instrument, adopting constructs and metrics from both sociological and privacy literature. The results of the survey lead to a pilot taxonomic analysis for self-adaptive privacy within SNs and to the proposal of specific privacy related requirements that should be considered for this domain. For further establishing of our interdisciplinary approach, a case study scenario was formulated, which underlines the importance of the identified self-adaptive privacy related requirements. In this regard, the study provides further insight for the development of the behavioral models that will enhance the optimal design of self-adaptive privacy preserving schemes in SNs, as well as designers to support the principle of PbD from a technical perspective.
Multiple Alignment of Promoter Sequences from the Arabidopsis thaliana L. Genome
Authors: Korotkov Eugene V. , Suvorova Yulia M. , Kostenko Dmitrii O. , Korotkova Maria A.
Published: January 2021

In this study, we developed a new mathematical method for performing multiple alignment of highly divergent sequences (MAHDS), i.e., sequences that have on average more than 2.5 substitutions per position (x). We generated sets of artificial DNA sequences with x ranging from 0 to 4.4 and applied MAHDS as well as currently used multiple sequence alignment algorithms, including ClustalW, MAFFT, T-Coffee, Kalign, and Muscle to these sets. The results indicated that most of the existing methods could produce statistically significant alignments only for the sets with x < 2.5, whereas MAHDS could operate on sequences with x = 4.4. We also used MAHDS to analyze a set of promoter sequences from the Arabidopsis thaliana genome and discovered many conserved regions upstream of the transcription initiation site (from −499 to +1 bp); a part of the downstream region (from +1 to +70 bp) also significantly contributed to the obtained alignments. The possibilities of applying the newly developed method for the identification of promoter sequences in any genome are discussed. A server for multiple alignment of nucleotide sequences has been created.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Geosciences in 2020
Authors:   Geosciences Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that Geosciences maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
Knee Extension Strength Measures Indicating Probable Sarcopenia Is Associated with Health-Related Outcomes and a Strong Predictor of 1-Year Mortality in Patients Following Hip Fracture Surgery
Authors: Kristensen Morten Tange , Hulsbæk Signe , Faber Louise Lohmann , Kronborg Lise
Published: January 2021

To examine if knee-extension strength (KES) measures indicating probable sarcopenia are associated with health-related outcomes and if KES and hand grip strength (HGS) measures are associated with 1-year mortality after hip fracture. Two groups of older patients with hip fracture had either HGS (n = 32) or KES (n = 150) assessed during their acute hospital stay. Cut-points for HGS (<27 kg for men and <16 kg for women), and cut-points for maximal isometric KES (non-fractured limb), being the lowest sex-specific quintile (<23.64 kg for men and <15.24 kg for women), were used to examine association with health-related outcomes and 1-year mortality. Overall, 1-year mortality was 12.6% in the two strength groups, of which 47% (HGS) and 46% (KES) respectively, were classified as probable sarcopenia. Probable sarcopenia patients (KES) had lower prefracture function, performed poorly in mobility measures and expressed a greater concern of falling compared to their stronger counterparts. Hazard ratio for 1-year mortality was 2.7 (95%CI = 0.49–14.7, p = 0.3) for HGS and 9.8 (95%CI = 2.2–43.0, p = 0.002) for KES for probable sarcopenia patients compared to those not. Sex-specific KES measures indicating sarcopenia is associated with health-related outcomes and a strong predictor of 1-year mortality after hip fracture.
Risk Stratification and Management of Arterial Hypertension and Cardiovascular Adverse Events Related to Cancer Treatments: An Oncology Network from Piedmont and Aosta Valley (North-Western Italy) Consensus Document
Authors: Mingrone Giulia , Coletti Moia Elena , Delsignore Erica , Demicheli Gloria , Destefanis Paola , Forno Davide , Giglio Tos Giovanna , Luciano Alessia , Pinna Giuliano , Ravera Laura , Fava Antonella , Veglio Franco , Bertetto Oscar , Milan Alberto
Published: January 2021

Cancer patients receiving a potentially cardiotoxic oncologic therapy have an increased risk of cardiovascular adverse events (CVAEs), especially in presence of concomitant arterial hypertension (AH). Therefore, cancer patients should be evaluated before, during and after cardiotoxic treatments, to early identify new-onset or worsening AH or CVAEs. An expert panel of oncology networks from Piedmont and Aosta Valley (North-Western Italy) aimed to provide recommendations to support health professionals in selecting the best management strategies for patients, considering the impact on outcome and the risk–benefit ratio of diagnostic/therapeutic tools. We proposed an useful document for evaluating and managing AH related to cancer treatments. Patients should be divided into 4 cardiovascular (CV) risk groups before starting potentially cardiotoxic therapies: patients with low/moderate risk who should be entirely evaluated by oncologists and patients with high/very high risk who should be referred to a cardiologist or arterial hypertension specialist. According to the CV risk class, every patient should be followed up during cancer treatment to monitor any possible CV complications. Adequate control of AH related to antineoplastic treatments is crucial to prevent severe CVAEs. In the presence of high-profile risk or lack of response to anti-hypertensive therapy, the patients should be managed with a cardiovascular-oncology expert center.