bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of the Elastic Properties of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Reinforced Polypropylene Composites Using a Numerical Homogenisation Approach
Authors: Yun Jong-Hwan , Jeon Yu-Jae , Kang Min-Soo
Published: March 2023

The elastic properties of polypropylene (PP) and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) textile composites were predicted using finite element analysis (FEA). A three-dimensional (3D) model of composites was generated by introducing a cloth made from UHMWPE fibers into a PP matrix. Regarding the weaving type, the reinforcement was fabricated by replicating plain and twill-woven materials. Additionally, the elastic properties of the composites were compared and evaluated by varying the volume fraction of UHMWPE in the composites from 45% to 75%. The elastic modulus of the composites containing textiles prepared using the plain weaving method was greater than that of the composites containing textiles prepared using the twill weaving method. Along the axial direction, the shear modulus calculation results for the plain-woven reinforcement textiles were distinct. However, the shear moduli in both directions were similar in the twill-woven reinforcement materials. Moreover, the future development of composites should quantify the simulation by measuring the tensile strength and shear strength of real materials.
Effect of Unbalanced and Non-Linear Loads on Operation of the Turbogenerator of a Distributed Generation Unit
Authors: Bulatov Yuri , Kryukov Andrey , Suslov Konstantin
Published: March 2023

The article presents a description of models and results of research on separate and joint effects of unbalanced and non-linear loads on the operation of a lower-power synchronous generator. The modeling of the generator included automatic regulators of excitation and rotor speed. For our studies, we used computer models built in the MATLAB environment and the Fazonord package, as well as a physical model of a low-power synchronous generator. The simulation results attested to the occurrence of the following negative effects: there was a noticeable negative sequence current, the generator began to emit higher harmonics into the network, and the amplitude of forced oscillations of the excitation current increased. The presence of these effects can lead to additional mechanical vibrations of the rotor, accelerated wear of the equipment, and loss of stability. To ensure that low-power generators can operate in the presence of unbalance and harmonic distortion, it is necessary to limit their load. The maximum phase current difference, which must not exceed 12% of the nominal current, can be used as a criterion. Furthermore, when distributed generation units serve non-linear and unbalanced loads, it is necessary to implement special measures to protect the generating equipment: the use of direct current links, the use of harmonic filters, the installation of generator protections limiting negative sequence current, the use of automatic excitation current limitation, etc.
Antifungal, Antibacterial, and Interference Effects of Plant-Extracted Essential Oils Used for Mural Conservation at Buyeo Royal Tomb No. 1
Authors: Lee Hyun-Ju , Chung Yong-Jae
Published: March 2023

Although subterranean tombs are largely protected from the external environment, the colonization of microorganisms threatens their conservation. Conventional biocides have negative effects on the environment, human health, and the sensitive materials in ancient tombs, especially painted murals. Therefore, we tested the biocidal effects of 11 plant-extracted essential oils (EOs) against two fungal strains and four bacterial strains isolated from Buyeo Royal Tomb No. 1, a World Heritage Site in South Korea. Oregano, clove bud, thyme, and cinnamon cassia EOs showed the highest antifungal and antibacterial activities. At concentrations suitable for practical application (3–10%), oregano and cinnamon cassia EOs exhibited the highest antifungal and antibacterial activities against the tested microbial strains. No variation in the surface properties and mineral composition was detected for the lithotype specimens (granite and gneiss) treated with the EOs at 1–10%. Low-concentration thyme and oregano EOs led to minimal color change in the painting layer specimens, whereas clove bud and cinnamon cassia EOs caused yellowing of the oyster shell white pigment at a concentration of 3–10%. Our results suggest that 3% oregano EO is a candidate biocide that could minimize the biological damage to and promote the conservation of ancient tomb murals.
Cooperative Games Based on Coalition Functions in Biform Games
Authors: Liu Chenwei , Xiang Shuwen , Yang Yanlong , Luo Enquan
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we try to study a class of biform games with the coalition function from the cooperation of players. For this purpose, we interpret the biform games as cooperative games by defining a characteristic function of minimax representation based on the coalition function and giving the core and Shapley value as cooperative solutions. The relations between the coalition function and the characteristic function are investigated in terms of additivity and convexity, and the properties associated with the characteristic function, such as individual rationalities and cores, are compared with the corresponding results. The relations among the solutions of the normal-form game, biform game, and cooperative game are discussed with several examples.
Current and Potential Future Global Distribution of the Raisin Moth Cadra figulilella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) under Two Different Climate Change Scenarios
Authors: Wang Bing-Xin , Zhu Liang , Ma Gang , Najar-Rodriguez Adriana , Zhang Jin-Ping , Zhang Feng , Avila Gonzalo , Ma Chun-Sen
Published: March 2023

Global trade facilitates the introduction of invasive species that can cause irreversible damage to agriculture and the environment, as well as stored food products. The raisin moth (Cadra figulilella) is an invasive pest that poses a significant threat to fruits and dried foods. Climate change may exacerbate this threat by expanding moth’s distribution to new areas. In this study, we used CLIMEX and MaxEnt niche modeling tools to assess the potential global distribution of the raisin moth under current and future climate change scenarios. Our models projected that the area of suitable distribution for the raisin moth could increase by up to 36.37% by the end of this century under high emission scenario. We also found that excessive precipitation decreased the probability of raisin moth establishment and that the optimum temperature range for the species during the wettest quarter of the year was 0–18 °C. These findings highlight the need for future research to utilize a combined modeling approach to predict the distribution of the raisin moth under current and future climate conditions more accurately. Our results could be used for environmental risk assessments, as well as to inform international trade decisions and negotiations on phytosanitary measures with regards to this invasive species.
C-Type Natriuretic Peptide Acts as a Microorganism-Activated Regulator of the Skin Commensals Staphylococcus epidermidis and Cutibacterium acnes in Dual-Species Biofilms
Authors: Ovcharova Maria A. , Schelkunov Mikhail I. , Geras’kina Olga V. , Makarova Nadezhda E. , Sukhacheva Marina V. , Martyanov Sergey V. , Nevolina Ekaterina D. , Zhurina Marina V. , Feofanov Alexey V. , Botchkova Ekaterina A. , Plakunov Vladimir K. , Gannesen Andrei V.
Published: March 2023

The effect of C-type natriuretic peptide in a concentration closer to the normal level in human blood plasma was studied on the mono-species and dual-species biofilms of the skin commensal bacteria Cutibacterium acnes HL043PA2 and Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC14990. Despite the marginal effect of the hormone on cutibacteria in mono-species biofilms, the presence of staphylococci in the community resulted in a global shift of the CNP effect, which appeared to increase the competitive properties of C. acnes, its proliferation and the metabolic activity of the community. S. epidermidis was mostly inhibited in the presence of CNP. Both bacteria had a significant impact on the gene expression levels revealed by RNA-seq. CNP did not affect the gene expression levels in mono-species cutibacterial biofilms; however, in the presence of staphylococci, five genes were differentially expressed in the presence of the hormone, including two ribosomal proteins and metal ABC transporter permease. In staphylococci, the Na-translocating system protein MpsB NADH-quinone oxidoreductase subunit L was downregulated in the dual-species biofilms in the presence of CNP, while in mono-species biofilms, two proteins of unknown function were downregulated. Hypothetically, at least one of the CNP mechanisms of action is via the competition for zinc, at least on cutibacteria.
Body Composition and Strength Symmetry of Kettlebell Sport Athletes
Authors: Stagi Silvia , Mulliri Gabriele , Doneddu Azzurra , Ghiani Giovanna , Marini Elisabetta
Published: March 2023

Kettlebell sport (KBs) is increasingly popular, but very few studies have been focused on this discipline. This research aims to investigate the effects of KBs on body composition, strength symmetry, and segmental body composition symmetry in a sample of Italian elite athletes. Data were collected from a sample of 16 athletes of both sexes (11 men and 5 women; 34.5 ± 9.0 years of age). Anthropometric (height, weight, arm, thigh, calf, and waist circumferences), hand grip strength, and total and segmental bioelectrical variables were taken. Body composition was analysed by using specific bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA). Paired t-tests and confidence ellipses were applied to analyse bilateral differences. Elite athletes of both sexes showed high values of phase angle, indicative of high body cell mass and quality and proxy of muscle mass. Hand grip strength and body composition were symmetrical, with the only exception of a higher %FM in the right leg (Zsp: t = 3.556; p = 0.003). In conclusion, this study suggests that KBs contributes to muscle mass improvement, body composition, and strength symmetry, especially in the upper body.
Repetitive Direct Comparison Method for Odor Sensing
Authors: Imamura Gaku , Minami Kosuke , Yoshikawa Genki
Published: March 2023

Olfactory sensors are one of the most anticipated applications of gas sensors. To distinguish odors—complex mixtures of gas species, it is necessary to extract sensor responses originating from the target odors. However, the responses of gas sensors tend to be affected by interfering gases with much higher concentrations than target odor molecules. To realize practical applications of olfactory sensors, extracting minute sensor responses of odors from major interfering gases is required. In this study, we propose a repetitive direct comparison (rDC) method, which can highlight the difference in odors by alternately injecting the two target odors into a gas sensor. We verified the feasibility of the rDC method on chocolates with two different flavors by using a sensor system based on membrane-type surface stress sensors (MSS). The odors of the chocolates were measured by the rDC method, and the signal-to-noise ratios (S/N) of the measurements were evaluated. The results showed that the rDC method achieved improved S/N compared to a typical measurement. The result also indicates that sensing signals could be enhanced for a specific combination of receptor materials of MSS and target odors.
ZnO-Based Electrochemical Immunosensor to Assess Vaccine-Induced Antibody-Mediated Immunity against Wild-Type and Gamma SARS-CoV-2 Strains
Authors: Nunez Freddy A. , Castro Ana C. H. , Daher Isabela P. , Cunha-Neto Edecio , Kalil Jorge , Boscardin Silvia B. , Lanfredi Alexandre J. C. , Oliveira Vivian L. de , Alves Wendel A.
Published: March 2023

The evaluation of serological responses to COVID-19 is crucial for population-level surveillance, developing new vaccines, and evaluating the efficacy of different immunization programs. Research and development of point-of-care test technologies remain essential to improving immunity assessment, especially for SARS-CoV-2 variants that partially evade vaccine-induced immune responses. In this work, an impedimetric biosensor based on the immobilization of the recombinant trimeric wild-type spike protein (S protein) on zinc oxide nanorods (ZnONRs) was employed for serological evaluation. We successfully assessed its applicability using serum samples from spike-based COVID-19 vaccines: ChAdOx1-S (Oxford–AstraZeneca) and BNT162b2 (Pfizer–BioNTech). Overall, the ZnONRs/ spike-modified electrode displayed accurate results for both vaccines, showing excellent potential as a tool for assessing and monitoring seroprevalence in the population. A refined outcome of this technology was achieved when the ZnO immunosensor was functionalized with the S protein from the P.1 linage (Gamma variant). Serological responses against samples from vaccinated individuals were acquired with excellent performance. Following studies based on traditional serological tests, the ZnONRs/spike immunosensor data reveal that ChAdOx1-S vaccinated individuals present significantly less antibody-mediated immunity against the Gamma variant than the BNT162b2 vaccine, highlighting the great potential of this point-of-care technology for evaluating vaccine-induced humoral immunity against different SARS-CoV-2 strains.
Association between Social and Emotional Competencies and Quality of Life in the Context of War, Pandemic and Climate Change
Authors: Gameiro Fátima , Ferreira Paula , Faria Miguel
Published: March 2023

The present context, with an ongoing pandemic situation, war and climate change, seems to play a critical role in both the peoples’ perception of their quality of life, and the acquisition and development of social and emotional competencies. In this study, our goal was to assess the relationship between social and emotional competencies and peoples’ quality of life in a Portuguese sample. Participants were 1139 individuals living in Portugal, aged between 16 and 85 years old, who were mostly (73%) female. An online protocol for data acquisition was used, which included sociodemographic characterization, the Portuguese version of the scale of Social and Emotional Competencies (SEC-Q) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BRIEF). Correlation analysis and a canonical correlation were performed, with results showing a high association between the dimensions of social and emotional competencies and peoples’ quality of life. Two significant canonical roots were extracted, and the results show that the first is characterized by internal factors, linking psychological health and self-management and motivation, and the second root evidences the external factors, linking social relations and environment with social awareness and pro-social behavior.
Analysis of Physical Education Classroom Teaching after Implementation of the Chinese Health Physical Education Curriculum Model: A Video-Based Assessment
Authors: Liu Chao , Dong Cuixiang , Li Xiaohui , Huang Huanhuan , Wang Qiulin
Published: March 2023

This study assessed the Chinese health physical education curriculum model recently suggested to meet the recommended physical education curriculum reforms addressing the declining physical and mental health of students in China. We used video analyses of 41 physical education classroom teaching cases with a physical education classroom teaching behavior analysis system to provide quantitative and qualitative behavioral data. We established reference ranges for classroom teaching behavior indicators, summarized classroom teaching patterns, and assessed classroom discourse and the emotional climate. Notable findings included teachers in elementary schools using closed-ended questions, predictable responses, and general feedback significantly more often than teachers in senior high school, and ball sports instructors using demonstration and competition significantly more frequently than instructors in athletics. Overall, three teaching patterns were most commonly used—lecture, practice, and dialogue—with practice being dominant. Analysis of the top 50 most commonly spoken words by teachers identified five types of discourse—motivational, directive, specialized, transitional, and regulatory—with motivational words being most frequent. The classroom atmosphere was mainly positive. These findings provide evidence that the use of this curriculum model may bring positive changes to physical education classroom teaching methods in China and will inform subsequent innovative physical education classroom teaching practices.
Time-Domain Structural Damage and Loss Estimates for Wind Loads: Road to Resilience-Targeted and Smart Buildings Design
Authors: Iancovici Mihail , Nica George Bogdan
Published: March 2023

A time-domain wind-induced damage evaluation for the risk- and resilience-targeted design of building structures requires nonlinear dynamic analysis (NDA) solvers to handle long duration input loads. Moreover, post-construction damage identification based on real-time vibration monitoring depends on accurate damage simulation from the design stage and available artificial intelligence (AI)-based technology. In this paper, an integrated time-domain approach for the performance-based analysis and design for wind is presented. The nonlinear dynamic analysis (NDA) is performed with the Force Analogy Method (FAM) and the state–space formulation to solve the nonlinear equations of motion. Then, the Incremental Dynamic Analysis (IDA) is used to perform probabilistic fragility analyses for a typical reinforced concrete (RC) frame structure. The analysis also provides estimates of expected losses, gives the building owners business support data to compare, e.g., the final annual building income (FABI), the cost of repair and the function recovery duration for various wind events in an integrated resilience-based building design framework. This provides the basis for mapping structural damage on large urban scales and for straightforward quantification of wind-induced damage from available response acceleration time-series acquired from real-time vibration monitoring.
The Influence of Integral Water Tank on the Seismic Performance of Slender Structure: An Experimental Study
Authors: Xu Bing , Han Zhenyu , Wang Lang , Liu Qin , Xu Xueyuan , Chen Huihui
Published: March 2023

The slender structure is prone to be affected by horizontal force; therefore, the seismic performance needs to be considered carefully. Meanwhile, due to the low cost and good performance on the seismic resistance of the Tuned liquid dampers (TLDs) system, it has been widely used for vibration control. Regarding the abovementioned background, in this study, we conduct the experiment to investigate the seismic performance of the slender structure with the integral water tank, and two designed parameters (the placement location and the water level of the water tank) are studied. The experimental phenomenon and the structural accelerations are recorded to be analyzed further and discussed, then a useful design guide for an integral water tank is summarized. Finally, some practical and helpful advice and conclusions are put forward for the design of the water tank that is used for the purpose of seismic resistance in the slender structure. Our research can fill the blank in the research on the integral water tank of TLDs system, which also has good potential to achieve the enhancement of slender structure seismic performance.
Flexural Tensile Behavior of Interface between Precast and Cast-in-Place UHPC Members Based on Four-Point Bending Test
Authors: Cai Hong , Liu Zhifeng , Xu Ziyi , Zhang Ziyang , Xu Tengfei
Published: March 2023

This paper proposed a new method of exposing fibers using expandable polyethylene (EPE) foam to improve the interface performance. The flexural tensile behavior of the interface between precast steam-cured and cast-in-place non-steam-cured ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) members was examined under four-point bending. The improvement effects of four non-destructive interface treatments—e.g., coating with epoxy glue and coating with a cement-based interface agent—were experimentally studied for comparison. The load-deflection curves of the specimens were measured, and the flexural tensile behavior of the interfaces was analyzed, including the failure mode, flexural tensile strength, ductility, fracture energy, and residual strength. The results indicate that the flexural tensile strength of an interface without any treatment is low and that coating with the cement epoxy glue or the cement-based interface agent has a limited effect on improving the flexural tensile strength. As a result of the bridging effect, the exposed steel fibers can transfer the tensile force across the interface. Therefore, exposing fibers using EPE foam can significantly improve the bond behavior of an interface. This enhancement effect depends on the number of exposed steel fibers and can be simulated based on the pullout load–slip relationship of the steel fiber embedded in the UHPC matrix. The proposed numerical model can be used to predict the bond behavior of an interface with the fiber-exposing treatment.
Computational Analysis and Experimental Testing of the Molecular Mode of Action of Gatastatin and Its Derivatives
Authors: Vottero Paola , Wang Qian , Michalak Marek , Aminpour Maral , Tuszynski Jack Adam
Published: March 2023

Given its critical role in cell mitosis, the tubulin γ chain represents a viable chemotherapeutic target to solve the specificity issues associated with targeting α and β tubulin. Since γ tubulin is overexpressed in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and some breast lesions, the glaziovianin A derivative gatastatin, presented as a γ-tubulin-specific inhibitor, could yield a successful therapeutic strategy. The present work aims to identify the binding sites and modes of gatastatin and its derivatives through molecular-docking simulations. Computational binding free energy predictions were compared to experimental microscale thermophoresis assay results. The computational simulations did not reveal a strong preference toward γ tubulin, suggesting that further derivatization may be needed to increase its specificity.
Histology and PSMA Expression on Immunohistochemistry in High-Risk Prostate Cancer Patients: Comparison with 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT Features in Primary Staging
Authors: Vetrone Luigia , Mei Riccardo , Bianchi Lorenzo , Giunchi Francesca , Farolfi Andrea , Castellucci Paolo , Droghetti Matteo , Presutti Massimiliano , Degiovanni Alessio , Schiavina Riccardo , Brunocilla Eugenio , D’Errico Antonietta , Fanti Stefano
Published: March 2023

PSMA-PET/CT is a suitable replacement for conventional imaging in the primary staging of PCa. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the correlation between parameters discovered by PSMA PET/CT in primary staging and either prostate histopathology (pT) findings or PSMA-IHC expression in a cohort of biopsy-proven high-risk PCa candidates for surgery. Clinical information (age, iPSA-value, and grading group) and PSMA-PET/CT parameters (SUVmax, PSMA tumor volume [PSMA-TV], and total lesion [PSMA-TL]) were compared with pT (including histologic pattern, Gleason grade, and lymphovascular invasion [LVI]) and PSMA-IHC features, including visual quantification (VS) with a four-tiered score (0 = negative, 1+ = weak, 2+ = moderate, 3+ = strong), growth pattern (infiltrative vs expansive), and visual pattern (cytoplasmic vs membranous). In total, 44 patients were enrolled, with a median age of 67 (IQR 57-77); the median iPSA was 9.4 ng/dL (IQR 12.5-6.0). One patient (3%) was grading group (GG) 3, 27/44 (61%) were GG4, and 16/44 (36%) were GG5. PSMA-PET/CT detection rate for the presence of primary prostate cancer was 100%. Fused/poorly formed Gleason grade 4 features were predominant (22/44–50%); a cribriform pattern was present in 18/44 (41%) and acinar in 4/44 (9%). We found that lower PSMA-TVs were mostly related to acinar, while higher PSMA-TVs correlated with a higher probability to have a cribriform pattern (p-value 0.04). LVI was present in 21/44(48%) patients. We found that higher PSMA-TV and PSMA-TL are predictive of LVI p-value 0.002 and p-value 0.01, respectively. There was no correlation between PET-parameters and perineural invasion (PNI), probably because this was present in almost all the patients. Moreover, patients with high PSMA-TL values displayed the highest PSMA-IHC expression (VS3+) with a membranous pattern. In conclusion, PSMA-TV and PSMA-TL are predictors of a cribriform pattern and LVI. These conditions are mostly related to higher aggressiveness and worse outcomes.
A Novel Systematic Oxidative Stress Score Predicts the Survival of Patients with Early-Stage Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Qian Jia-Yi , Hao Yun , Yu Hai-Hong , Wu Lei-Lei , Liu Zhi-Yuan , Peng Qiao , Li Zhi-Xin , Li Kun , Liu Yu’e , Wang Rang-Rang , Xie Dong
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to construct an effective nomogram based on the clinical and oxidative stress-related characteristics to predict the prognosis of stage I lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). A retrospective study was performed on 955 eligible patients with stage I LUAD after surgery at our hospital. The relationship between systematic-oxidative-stress biomarkers and the prognosis was analyzed. The systematic oxidative stress score (SOS) was established based on three biochemical indicators, including serum creatinine (CRE), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and uric acid (UA). SOS was an independent prognostic factor for stage I LUADs, and the nomogram based on SOS and clinical characteristics could accurately predict the prognosis of these patients. The nomogram had a high concordance index (C-index) (0.684, 95% CI, 0.656–0.712), and the calibration curves for recurrence-free survival (RFS) probabilities showed a strong agreement between the nomogram prediction and actual observation. Additionally, the patients were divided into two groups according to the cut-off value of risk points based on the nomogram, and a significant difference in RFS was observed between the high-risk and low-risk groups (p < 0.0001). SOS is an independent prognostic indicator for stage I LUAD. These things considered, the constructed nomogram based on SOS could accurately predict the survival of those patients.
Mir-153-3p Modulates the Breast Cancer Cells’ Chemosensitivity to Doxorubicin by Targeting KIF20A
Authors: Rahman Khalil Ur , Yang Shuo , Azam Nasir , Yuan Zhen , Yu Jiawen , Zhao Chunhui , Feng Bin
Published: March 2023

Breast cancer is considered the solid tumor most sensitive to chemotherapy. However, it can become resistant to various chemotherapeutic drugs, including doxorubicin, which triggers cell death by intercalation between DNA bases, free radical formation, and topoisomerase II inhibition. When drug resistance develops, several miRNAs are dysregulated, suggesting that miRNAs may play a significant role in resistance formation. In the current study, we investigated how doxorubicin sensitivity of breast cancer cells is affected by miR-153-3p and its target gene. The MTT method was used to determine the chemo-sensitizing effect of miR-153-3p on doxorubicin in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Results of Western blot and dual luciferase confirmed that miR-153-3p targets KIF20A and decreases its expression. Transwell and flow cytometry experiments showed that miR-153-3p and doxorubicin together had higher effects on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, as well as increasing apoptosis and arresting cells in the G1 phase. Proteins related to apoptosis and the cell cycle exhibited the same tendency. Intracellular vesicle formation was inhibited and RAB26 was also downregulated by treatment with miR-153-3p alone or in combination with doxorubicin. Doxorubicin’s ability to suppress tumors may be enhanced by miR-153-3p, according to in vivo studies. According to our findings, miR-153-3p has a direct effect on KIF20A and may regulate the formation of intracellular vesicles, which in turn makes breast cancer cells more susceptible to doxorubicin.
A Feasibility Study of Functional Lung Volume Preservation during Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy Guided by Gallium-68 Perfusion PET/CT
Authors: Lucia François , Hamya Mohamed , Pinot Fanny , Goasduff Gaëlle , Blanc-Béguin Frédérique , Bourhis David , Pradier Olivier , Lucia Anne-Sophie , Hennebicq Simon , Mauguen Maëlle , Floch Romain , Schick Ulrike , Bourbonne Vincent , Salaün Pierre-Yves , Le Roux Pierre-Yves
Published: March 2023

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of sparing functional lung areas by integration of pulmonary functional mapping guided by 68Ga-perfusion PET/CT imaging in lung SBRT planification. Sixty patients that planned to receive SBRT for primary or secondary lung tumors were prospectively enrolled. Lung functional volumes were defined as the minimal volume containing 50% (FV50%), 70% (FV70%) and 90% (FV90%) of the total activity within the anatomical volume. All patients had a treatment planning carried out in 2 stages: an anatomical planning blinded to the PET results and then a functional planning respecting the standard constraints but also incorporating “lung functional volume” constraints. The mean lung dose (MLD) in functional volumes and the percentage of lung volumes receiving xGy (VxGy) within the lung functional volumes using both plans were calculated and compared. SBRT planning optimized to spare lung functional regions led to a significant reduction (p < 0.0001) of the MLD and V5 to V20 Gy in all functional volumes. Median relative difference of the MLD in the FV50%, FV70% and FV90% was −8.0% (−43.0 to 1.2%), −7.1% (−34.3 to 1.2%) and −5.7% (−22.3 to 4.4%), respectively. Median relative differences for VxGy ranged from −12.5% to −9.2% in the FV50%, −11.3% to −7.2% in the FV70% and −8.0% to −5.3% in the FV90%. This study shows the feasibility of significantly decreasing the doses delivered to the lung functional volumes using 68Ga-perfusion PET/CT while still respecting target volume coverage and doses to other organs at risk.
Analysis of the Clinicopathological Characteristics, Prognosis, and Lymphocyte Infiltration of Esophageal Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: A Surgery-Based Cohort and Propensity-Score Matching Study
Authors: Zhang Long , Yu Boyao , Liu Zhichao , Wei Jinzhi , Pan Jie , Jiang Chao , Li Zhigang
Published: March 2023

Background: Esophageal neuroendocrine neoplasms (E-NENs) are a rare and poorly reported subtype of esophageal carcinoma. We analyzed the differences in clinicopathological features, prognosis, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) between E-NENs and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods: A total of 3620 patients who underwent esophagectomy were enrolled retrospectively. The study cohort was divided into two groups (E-NENs and ESCC) through propensity-score matching, and the prognosis and TILs were compared between the two groups. The TILs were assessed using tumor specimens (including six cases of ESCC, six cases of neuroendocrine carcinomas [NECs], and six cases of mixed neuroendocrine–non-neuroendocrine neoplasms [MiNENs]). Results: E-NENs accounted for 3.0% (107/3620) of cases, among which there were just 3 neuroendocrine tumor cases, 51 NEC cases, and 53 MiNENs cases. After matching, esophageal neuroendocrine carcinomas (E-NECs) showed both poorer 5-year overall survival (OS; 35.4% vs. 54.8%, p = 0.0019) and recurrence-free survival (RFS; 29.3% vs. 48.9%, p < 0.001) compared with ESCC. However, the differences were not prominent in the subgroup with stage I. No significant survival benefit was observed for E-NECs with multimodal therapy. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that E-NECs are an independent risk factor for OS and RFS. In the exploratory analysis, E-NECs were associated with less infiltration of immune cells compared with ESCC. Conclusion: E-NECs are significantly associated with a poorer prognosis than ESCC except for early-stage disease. The fewer TILs within the tumor microenvironment of E-NECs compared with ESCC results in weaker anti-tumor immunity and may lead to a poorer prognosis.
Analysis of Unregulated VOCs Downstream a Three-Way Catalyst in a Simulated Gasoline Engine Exhaust under Non-Optimum Conditions
Authors: Louarn Essyllt , Boreave Antoinette , Raffin Guy , George Christian , Vernoux Philippe
Published: March 2023

Urban air pollution is partly due to exhaust emissions from road transport. Vehicle emissions have been regulated for more than 30 years in many countries around the world. Each motor type is equipped with a specific emission control system. In gasoline vehicles, a three-way catalytic converter (TWC) is implemented to remove at the same time hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxides (NOx). However, TWCs are only efficient above 200 °C and at a stoichiometric air-to-fuel ratio in the exhaust. However, deviations from stoichiometry occur during fast accelerations and decelerations. This study reports the analysis of unregulated VOCs commercial mini-TWC fed by model gasoline gas mixtures. A synthetic gas bench was used to control the model exhaust containing two model hydrocarbons (propene and propane) to identify the conditions at which VOCs are created under non-optimal conditions. Most of the pollutants such as N2O and VOCs were emitted between 220 and 500 °C with a peak at around 280 °C, temperature which corresponds to the tipping point of the TWC activity. The combination of different mass spectrometric analysis (online and offline) allowed to identify many different VOCs: carbonated (acetone, acetaldehyde, acroleine), nitrile (acetonitrile, propanenitrile, acrylonitrile, cyanopropene) and aromatic (benzene, toluene) compounds. Growth mechanisms from propene and to a lesser extend propane are responsible for the formation of these higher aromatic compounds that could lead to the formation of secondary organic aerosol in a near-field area.
Dimethyl Ether to Olefins on Hybrid Intergrowth Structure Zeolites
Authors: Magomedova Maria V. , Starozhitskaya Anastasiya V. , Davidov Ilya A. , Tsaplin Dmitry E. , Maximov Anton L.
Published: March 2023

A series of catalysts based on hybrid intergrowth structure zeolites MFI-MEL, MFI-MTW, and MFI-MCM-41 are studied in the reaction of olefins synthesis from dimethyl ether at atmospheric pressure and a temperature of 340 °C. The total acidity of hybrid zeolite-based catalysts is shown to correlate with their activity. However, the use of zeolite with the structure MFI-MCM-41, which is characterized by a high content of medium acid sites, additionally catalyzes the methanol dehydration reaction, resulting in a decrease in the observed DME conversion. The obtained product distributions are brought into correlation with the texture of catalysts. It is shown that the use of hybrid zeolites does not change the mechanism of reaction, but the structural features of zeolites influence the priority of the competing MTO reactions: high ethylene yield is observed for catalysts with high micropore volume. The topology of the hybrid zeolite has been shown to influence the hydrogen transfer reaction rate, but not to change the isomerizing activity of the catalyst.
Comparative Studies on Effects of Metal Cation (La) and Non-Metal Anion (N) Doping on CeO2 Nanoparticles for Regenerative Scavenging of Reactive Oxygen Radicals
Authors: Paick Jihun , Hong Seunghee , Jyoung Jy-Young , Lee Eun-Sook , Lee Doohwan
Published: March 2023

The intrinsic effects of metal cation (La) and non-metallic anion (N) doping of CeO2 nanoparticles (NPs) for regenerative scavenging of reactive oxygen radicals were studied. La-doped CeO2 NPs were prepared by the conventional impregnation method at various La doping levels. N-doped CeO2 NPs were prepared by urea thermolysis with two different methods: (i) direct thermolysis of urea after physical mixing with CeO2 NPs and (ii) wet impregnation of CeO2 NPs with urea followed by thermolysis under inert N2 atmosphere. Physicochemical properties of samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and N2 sorption measurement. Radical scavenging properties of the samples were characterized by applying Fenton’s reaction. Results indicated that atomic N doping on CeO2 NPs significantly enhanced radical scavenging properties of CeO2 NPs, resulting in an activity of N-doped CeO2 about 3.6 times greater than the pristine CeO2 NPs and 1.6 times higher than the La-doped CeO2 NPs. This result suggests that anionic N doping of CeO2 NPs is highly effective in enhancing radical scavenging properties of CeO2 NPs, whereas such modifications have been typically practiced by hetero-metal doping with rare earth metal elements. A collective structure–property correlation analysis suggested that enhancement of radical scavenging properties of heteroatom-doped CeO2 NPs was largely attributed to an increase in surface oxygen vacancies on CeO2 NPs due to heteroatom doping.
Microencapsulated Hepatocytes Differentiated from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: Optimizing 3D Culture for Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Hussein Marwa , Pasqua Mattia , Pereira Ulysse , Benzoubir Nassima , Duclos-Vallée Jean-Charles , Dubart-Kupperschmitt Anne , Legallais Cecile , Messina Antonietta
Published: March 2023

Liver cell therapy and in vitro models require functional human hepatocytes, the sources of which are considerably limited. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) represent a promising and unlimited source of differentiated human hepatocytes. However, when obtained in two-dimensional (2D) cultures these hepatocytes are not fully mature and functional. As three-dimensional culture conditions offer advantageous strategies for differentiation, we describe here a combination of three-dimensional (3D) approaches enabling the successful differentiation of functional hepatocytes from hiPSCs by the encapsulation of hiPSC-derived hepatoblasts in alginate beads of preformed aggregates. The resulting encapsulated and differentiated hepatocytes (E-iHep-Orgs) displayed a high level of albumin synthesis associated with the disappearance of α-fetoprotein (AFP) synthesis, thus demonstrating that the E-iHep-Orgs had reached a high level of maturation, similar to that of adult hepatocytes. Gene expression analysis by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence confirmed this maturation. Further functional assessments demonstrated their enzymatic activities, including lactate and ammonia detoxification, as well as biotransformation activities of Phase I and Phase II enzymes. This study provides proof of concept regarding the benefits of combining three-dimensional techniques (guided aggregation and microencapsulation) with liver differentiation protocols as a robust approach to generate mature and functional hepatocytes that offer a permanent and unlimited source of hepatocytes. Based on these encouraging results, our combined conditions to produce mature hepatocytes from hiPSCs could be extended to liver tissue engineering and bioartificial liver (BAL) applications at the human scale for which large biomasses are mandatory.
New Insights into the Role of Ferroptosis in Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Fratta Pasini Anna Maria , Stranieri Chiara , Busti Fabiana , Di Leo Edoardo Giuseppe , Girelli Domenico , Cominacini Luciano
Published: March 2023

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the principal cause of disease burden and death worldwide. Ferroptosis is a new form of regulated cell death mainly characterized by altered iron metabolism, increased polyunsaturated fatty acid peroxidation by reactive oxygen species, depletion of glutathione and inactivation of glutathione peroxidase 4. Recently, a series of studies have indicated that ferroptosis is involved in the death of cardiac and vascular cells and has a key impact on the mechanisms leading to CVDs such as ischemic heart disease, ischemia/reperfusion injury, cardiomyopathies, and heart failure. In this article, we reviewed the molecular mechanism of ferroptosis and the current understanding of the pathophysiological role of ferroptosis in ischemic heart disease and in some cardiomyopathies. Moreover, the comprehension of the machinery governing ferroptosis in vascular cells and cardiomyocytes may provide new insights into preventive and therapeutic strategies in CVDs.
Two Homeobox Transcription Factors, Goosecoid and Ventx1.1, Oppositely Regulate Chordin Transcription in Xenopus Gastrula Embryos
Authors: Kumar Vijay , Umair Zobia , Lee Unjoo , Kim Jaebong
Published: March 2023

The reciprocal inhibition between two signaling centers, the Spemann organizer (dorsal mesoderm) and ventral region (mesoderm and ectoderm), collectively regulate the overall development of vertebrate embryos. Each center expresses key homeobox transcription factors (TFs) that directly control target gene transcription. Goosecoid (Gsc) is an organizer (dorsal mesoderm)-specific TF known to induce dorsal fate and inhibit ventral/ectodermal specification. Ventx1.1 (downstream of Bmp signaling) induces the epidermal lineage and inhibits dorsal organizer-specific genes from the ventral region. Chordin (Chrd) is an organizer-specific secreted Bmp antagonist whose expression is primarily activated by Gsc. Alternatively, chrd expression is repressed by Bmp/Ventx1.1 in the ventral/epidermal region. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying the transcription mediated by Gsc and Ventx1.1 remain elusive. Here, we found that the chrd promoter contained two cis-acting response elements that responded negatively to Ventx1.1 and positively to Gsc. In the ventral/ectodermal region, Ventx1.1 was directly bound to the Ventx1.1 response element (VRE) and inhibited chrd transcription. In the organizer region, Gsc was bound to the Gsc response elements (GRE) to activate chrd transcription. The Gsc-mediated positive response on the chrd promoter completely depended on another adjacent Wnt response cis-acting element (WRE), which was the TCF7 (also known as Tcf1) binding element. Site-directed mutagenesis of VRE, GRE, or WRE completely abolished the repressive or activator activity of Ventx1.1 and Gsc, respectively. The ChIP-PCR results confirmed the direct binding of Ventx1.1 and Gsc/Tcf7 to VRE and GRE/WRE, respectively. These results demonstrated that chrd expression is oppositely modulated by homeobox TFs, Ventx1.1, and Gsc/Tcf7 during the embryonic patterning of Xenopus gastrula.
Ischemic Tolerance—A Way to Reduce the Extent of Ischemia–Reperfusion Damage
Authors: Burda Rastislav , Burda Jozef , Morochovič Radoslav
Published: March 2023

Individual tissues have significantly different resistance to ischemia–reperfusion damage. There is still no adequate treatment for the consequences of ischemia–reperfusion damage. By utilizing ischemic tolerance, it is possible to achieve a significant reduction in the extent of the cell damage due to ischemia–reperfusion injury. Since ischemia–reperfusion damage usually occurs unexpectedly, the use of preconditioning is extremely limited. In contrast, postconditioning has wider possibilities for use in practice. In both cases, the activation of ischemic tolerance can also be achieved by the application of sublethal stress on a remote organ. Despite very encouraging and successful results in animal experiments, the clinical results have been disappointing so far. To avoid the factors that prevent the activation of ischemic tolerance, the solution has been to use blood plasma containing tolerance effectors. This plasma is taken from healthy donors in which, after exposure to two sublethal stresses within 48 h, effectors of ischemic tolerance occur in the plasma. Application of this activated plasma to recipient animals after the end of lethal ischemia prevents cell death and significantly reduces the consequences of ischemia–reperfusion damage. Until there is a clear chemical identification of the end products of ischemic tolerance, the simplest way of enhancing ischemic tolerance will be the preparation of activated plasma from young healthy donors with the possibility of its immediate use in recipients during the initial treatment.
Photocatalytic Self-Cleaning PVDF Membrane Blended with MWCNT-ZnO Nanocomposites for RhB Removal
Authors: Toloman Dana , Stefan Maria , Macavei Sergiu , Barbu-Tudoran Lucian , Popa Adriana
Published: March 2023

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes blended with various amounts of MWCNT-ZnO (0.1%–3%) nanocomposites were prepared by the phase inversion method. The effect of nanocomposites blending on the membrane structural and morphological properties was investigated by XRD, FT-IR and SEM techniques. Contact angle measurement reveals that the hydrophilicity of the membrane increases with the increase of nanocomposite content; a reduction of the contact angle from 103° for PVDF to 49° for hybrid membrane was obtained. An optimum amount of 0.5% of MWCNT-ZnO blended in a PVDF hybrid membrane assured 85% removal rate of RbB under UV light irradiation. It was observed that the pollutant removal occurs through the simultaneous action of two processes: adsorption and photocatalysis. By blending with MWCNT-ZnO nanoparticles, the PVDF membrane acquires photocatalytic properties which assure a self-cleaning property in the membrane, increasing its lifetime.
Preparation and Performance of a Self-Produced High-Molecular-Weight Waterborne Epoxy–Acrylic Emulsion
Authors: Liu Jianbao , Zhang Yifu , Sun Jianping
Published: March 2023

To improve the stability of waterborne epoxy–acrylic emulsions and their comprehensive properties, such as the chemical resistance of coatings, a new research idea is proposed in this paper. First, a series of high-molecular-weight epoxy resins were synthesized with epoxy resin E-51 and bisphenol A (BPA) using benzyl triphenyl phosphine bromide as the catalyst. Then, free-radical graft copolymerization was carried out between the epoxy resin and methacrylic acid (MAA), styrene (ST), and butyl acrylate (BA) using benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as the initiator. This method ensured that the epoxy groups were retained. Finally, the carboxylic acid groups were neutralized with N,N-dimethylethanolamine (DMEA), and a stable aqueous epoxy–acrylic emulsion was obtained by high-speed dispersion in deionized water. The effects of key factors such as temperature, time, the molecular weight and dosage of epoxy resin, the dosage of MAA, the dosage of BPO, and the neutralization degree of the synthesis of emulsions and coating film properties were mainly discussed. The molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of the epoxy resin were determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The epoxy resin and its graft copolymer were analyzed and characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The particle size and distribution of the emulsions were tested by laser particle size analysis. The morphology of the emulsion particles was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the acrylic monomers (MAA, ST, and BA) were grafted onto the epoxy resin. The graft copolymers showed higher glass transition temperatures compared with those of the pure epoxy resin. TGA showed that the graft copolymer started to decompose at a high temperature before the pure epoxy resin did, and the thermal stability was slightly reduced. The prepared emulsions with a particle size of 160 nm had a storage stability of more than one year and showed excellent dilution stability, mechanical stability, and freeze–thaw stability. The emulsions were coated and cured at 150 °C for 1 h with a pencil hardness of 5 H, an adhesion of grade 1, and a flexibility of 1 mm. The water resistance was >60 days, the salt water resistance was >30 days, the acid resistance was >10 days, and the alkali resistance was >5 days.