bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wall-Climbing Mobile Robot for Inspecting DEMO Vacuum Vessel
Authors: Qin Guodong , Li Changyang , Wu Huapeng , Ji Aihong
Published: September 2022

The vacuum vessel (VV) inside and outside inspection of the Demonstration Fusion Power Plant (DEMO) is very difficult due to various constraints, such as non-magnet effect material requirements, constrained space, and neutrons on its surfaces. We propose a design method for wall-climbing mobile robots (WMR) based on the vortex principle and investigate key technologies to meet VV inspection requirements. We developed a kinematic model based on the robot’s motion control requirements and a trajectory tracking control algorithm according to the tractrix principle, enabling the robot to follow the path for autonomous inspection. The impeller is designed based on the vortex principle. The aerodynamic characteristics and structural strength of the impeller were also analysed and optimised. A sliding-mode robust pressure control system was designed for the robot’s negative pressure adsorption, and its effectiveness was verified by simulation. Finally, an initial test prototype verified the structural design and vortex adsorption performance. We also addressed the potential applications of the WMR in DEMO and other fusion reactors.
A Testbed for Investigating the Effect of Salinity and Turbidity in the Red Sea on White-LED-Based Underwater Wireless Communication
Authors: Alatawi Ayshah S.
Published: September 2022

Several industrial and scientific underwater applications require high-speed wireless connectivity. Acoustic communications have low data rates and high latency, whereas attenuation in seawater severely limits radio frequency communications. Optical wireless communication is a promising solution, with high transmission rates (up to Gb/s) and little attenuation in water at visible wavelengths. This study explores the feasibility of white-LED-based underwater optical wireless communication (UWOC) by considering Red Sea parameters. High salinity is the most prominent attribute of the Red Sea that can affect underwater communication and requires investigation. Considering this, the received signal intensity fluctuation under increasing water salinity was experimentally investigated. In the same experiment, the impact of growing turbidity was tested, as it is the most influential parameter and tends to block the entire LED-based communication system with little increase. The experimental results show that the signals are affected less by salinity and more by turbidity but are found to be sufficiently strong to be used for communication in the Red Sea. Finally, it was concluded that a white LED is capable of sending data at the maximum possible salinity values of 40 g/L. However, the turbidity can significantly limit the transmission distance to less than 60 cm.
Analysis of Damage of Typical Composite/Metal Connecting Structure in Aircraft under the Influences of High-Velocity Fragments
Authors: Wang Yitao , Zhang Teng , He Yuting , Ye Jiyuan , Zhang Hanzhe , Fan Xianghong
Published: September 2022

A two-stage light gas gun was used to conduct a high-velocity impact test on the aircraft’s typical composite/metal connecting structure (CFRP/AL). The battle damage simulations used for the CFRP/AL connecting structure were carried out under different intersection conditions. Then, the damage morphology and mechanism of high-velocity prefabricated spherical fragments on typical structures, the dynamic process of hyper-velocity impact, and the formation of debris clouds on the secondary damage morphology of different component structures were investigated. Next, based on the X-ray computerized tomography (CT), the typical mode of different damage areas and evolution trends of CFRP under high-velocity impacts were explored. Finally, a simulation model was established for battle damages of typical structures by combining FEM methods, and structural components’ energy dissipation capabilities for fragments under different velocities were analyzed. The study results provide a reference and model support for the rapid repair of battle-damaged aircraft and aircraft survivability design.
Silver Nanorods Array on the Zinc Oxide Thin Film Deposited by Hydrothermal Methods for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering
Authors: Dong Suotao , Fu Xiuhua , Zhu Zhongyao , Li Cheng
Published: September 2022

The wide application of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is based on adaptable substrates, which are primarily limited to rough precious metals and colloidal nanoparticle materials. A novel method to enhance surface Raman scattering is present. This technique is reliant on the local surface plasmon resonance phenomena, in which incident light can be coupled to the plasma at the interface, resulting in a strong electric field. The field can propagate from the surface of the metal–dielectric interface, so adjacent molecules will experience more intense Raman scattering. The physical enhancement method was adopted; silver is deposited on the surface of different pH rough zinc oxide thin film, deposited by hydrothermal methods using the above principle, considerably improving the surface Raman scattering signal. Comparing the enhancement effects of zinc oxide substrates prepared in different pH environments on the Raman effect, the optimal acid–base environment was found, and the corresponding enhancement factors were calculated.
A Holistic Approach Based on Biomonitoring Techniques and Satellite Observations for Air Pollution Assessment and Health Risk Impact of Atmospheric Trace Elements in a Semi-Rural Area of Southern Italy (High Sauro Valley)
Authors: Caggiano Rosa , Speranza Antonio , Imbrenda Vito , Afflitto Nicola , Sabia Serena
Published: September 2022

Air pollution is one of the most important environmental problems for rural, urban and industrial areas. This study assesses the concentrations, the possible interaction with the vegetation conditions and the sources of trace elements in atmospheric aerosol particles. To this aim, a novel holistic approach integrating biomonitoring techniques, satellite observations and multivariate statistical analysis was carried out in a semi-rural area before an on-shore reservoir (crude oil and gas) and an oil/gas pre-treatment plant identified as “Tempa Rossa” (High Sauro Valley—Southern Italy) were fully operative. The atmospheric trace element concentrations (i.e., Al, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Ti and Zn) were assessed by “lichen-bag” monitoring. Satellite-derived normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI’) estimates were used to support the identification of environmental imbalances affecting vegetation conditions and linked to possible anthropogenic drivers. Principal component analysis (PCA) allowed identifying both natural and anthropogenic trace element sources, such as crustal resuspension, soil and road dust, traffic, biomass burning and agriculture practices. Empirical evidence highlighted an interaction between NDVI’ and S, Ni, Pb and Zn. The health risk impact of atmospheric trace elements on the exposed population, both adults and children, considering inhalation, ingestion and the dermal contact pathway, highlighted a possible non-carcinogenic risk concerning Ni and a not-negligible carcinogenic risk related to Cr(VI) for the adult population in the study area.
Organic Acids in Sequential Volume-Based Rainwater Samples in Shanghai: Seasonal Variations and Origins
Authors: Xie Zhixiong , Xiao Huayun , Xu Yu
Published: September 2022

Organic acids were investigated in the rain sequence. Samples were collected in Shanghai (East China) over a one-year period using an automatic volume-based sequential rain sampler designed by ourselves. Organic acids significantly contributed (17.8 ± 10.2%) to the acidity of rainfall events in Shanghai. We observed that the concentration of each water-soluble ion in the sequential volume-based rainwater samples did not change significantly after the cumulative rainfall reached ~1.2 mm, on average. The volume-weighted mean (VWM) concentrations of formic acid, acetic acid, and oxalic acid were 13.54 μeq L−1, 8.32 μeq L−1, and 5.85 μeq L−1, respectively. Organic acids might mostly come from fine particles, which was the reason for the differences in acid concentrations in rainfall events, cloud water, and early sequences of rainfall events. The VWM concentrations of organic acids in rainfall events, cloud water, and early sequences of rainfall events were highest in spring and lowest in winter. Further analysis, including positive matrix factorization (PMF), suggested that vehicle exhaust and secondary emission sources were dominant contributors of organic acids in rainfall events (40.5%), followed by biological emission sources (37.3%), and biomass combustion sources (18.6%). The overall results not only reveal the critical role of organic acids in cloud water and rainfall events but also indicate organic acids might pose an ecological threat to the local surface ecosystem.
A Quantizing Method for Atmospheric Environment Impact Post-Assessment of Highways Based on Computational Fluid Dynamics Model
Authors: Qin Xiaochun , Yang Dongxiao , Liu Shu , Yu Xiaoqing , Wangari Vicky Wangechi
Published: September 2022

The post-assessment of highway atmospheric environmental impacts was limited by the traditional air pollution prediction model, which cannot adapt to complex terrain and complex obstacle scenes. The traditional model has a single evaluation index, which cannot accurately evaluate and predict the transient and long-term emissions of various pollutants. Based on the computational fluid dynamics model, this work establishes a post-assessment method of the atmospheric environment impact of the Beijing–Chengde Expressway construction project. The main pollution factors NOx and CO of highway traffic for transmission and diffusion simulation analysis were selected. The influence law of traffic function, environmental impact, meteorological conditions, and landform on the diffusion of pollution factors in complex tunnel sections were analyzed. It concludes that the pollution within 200 m along the expressway is severe and mainly concentrated in the tunnel entrance and gully area. The NOx concentration is generally higher than CO. The environmental quality is not up to standard and has a diffusion trend with increased traffic flow, operation time, wind speed, wind temperature, and wind direction frequency. The research results can provide theoretical guidance and technical support for the scientific post-assessment of highway environmental impact under complex conditions.
Application of a Hybrid CEEMD-LSTM Model Based on the Standardized Precipitation Index for Drought Forecasting: The Case of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
Authors: Ding Yan , Yu Guoqiang , Tian Ran , Sun Yizhong
Published: September 2022

Accurate forecasting of droughts can effectively reduce the risk of drought. We propose a hybrid model based on complementary ensemble empirical mode decomposition (CEEMD) and long short-term memory (LSTM) to improve drought prediction accuracy. Taking the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region as an example, the prediction accuracy of the LSTM and CEEMD-LSTM models for the standardized precipitation index (SPI) on multiple timescales was compared and analyzed. Multiple evaluation metrics were used in the comparison of the models, such as the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE). The results show that (1) with increasing timescale, the prediction accuracy of the LSTM and CEEMD-LSTM models gradually improves, and both reach their highest accuracy at the 24-month timescale; (2) the CEEMD can effectively stabilize the time-series, and the prediction accuracy of the hybrid model is higher than that of the single model at each timescale; and (3) the NSE values for the hybrid CEEMD-LSTM model at SPI24 were 0.895, 0.930, 0.908, and 0.852 for Fuhai, Kuerle, Yutian, and Hami station, respectively. This indicates the applicability of the hybrid model in the forecasting of drought.
Assessing the Drought Variability in Northeast China over Multiple Temporal and Spatial Scales
Authors: Xue Lin , Kappas Martin , Wyss Daniel , Putzenlechner Birgitta
Published: September 2022

Long-term drought variation provides a scientific foundation for water resource planning and drought mitigation. However, the spatiotemporal variation characteristics of drought in northeast China (NEC) are unclear. We conducted a comprehensive assessment of drought status and trends based on the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) in NEC from 1990 until 2018. The findings show that: (1) the drying trend peaked in 2001, and then exhibited a mitigation tendency before drying again after 2013. The implementation of ecological restoration projects is primarily responsible for drought mitigation. (2) The areas with wetting and drying trends in the future would cover 86% and 17% of NEC, respectively. (3) There is a time lag between improved vegetation and the trend shift from dry to wet. (4) Spring and winter revealed wet trends within 71% and 84% of NEC, respectively, showing high sensitivity and resilience to drought, while 92–93% of NEC displayed dry tendencies during the summer and autumn seasons. The drought-affected area was the highest in summer and lowest in autumn. (5) The interannual drought severity was highest in May and June. (6) The highest drought impacts and trends occur within shrub and grass and sparsely vegetated land, as well as middle-temperate semiarid regions (M-semiarid). (7) The warmer the temperature zone, the more sensitive it is towards drought under the same hydrological conditions, showing a high drought-affected area. The drier the land, the higher the drought-affected area within the same temperature zone, with pronounced drought trends during the spring and summer seasons. Our findings highlight the need for the government to more explicitly develop drought mitigation strategies in accordance with NEC’s spatiotemporal drought variations and specifically the need to concentrate on droughts in M-semiarid regions occurring in summer, particularly in May and June.
Transmission of Seeding Agent for Aircraft Precipitation Enhancement Based on the HYSPLIT Model
Authors: Sha Xiuzhu , Chu Ronghao , Li Meng , Xiao Yao , Ding Jianfang , Feng Lisha
Published: September 2022

The precipitation enhancement operation data of aircraft from 2014 to 2019 and the global data assimilation system (NCEP GDAS) were used in this study. The transport process of the transmission of artificial precipitation enhancement seeding agents for aircraft was successfully simulated by the HYSPLIT model. The purpose of the study was to explore the applicability of the model in determining the artificial precipitation enhancement influence area and provide a technical method for evaluating the effect of artificial precipitation enhancement. The results show that (1) the HYSPLIT model can be used to track the transmission of aircraft precipitation enhancement seeding agents hourly. Suppose the seeding route satisfies the condition that the route and its interval area are the effective seeding area within 3 h after the end of the seeding agent. In that case, the seeding area’s boundary points can be used as dynamic change markers in the influence area. (2) The HYSPLIT model was used to simulate 24 aircraft precipitation enhancement seeding agent transmission processes. The transmission path for the seeding agent influence altitude layer was mostly southwest or west; the angle ranged from 225° to 268°; the horizontal transport distance of the seeding agent for three hours was 100–200 km; the vertical transmission direction was mostly upward; the range was 0–1200 m; the influence area decreased at the third h of seeding agent transport for 71% of the precipitation enhancement operations. (3) Based on the dynamic variations of 24 aircraft precipitation affected areas determined by the HYSPLIT model, and the contrast area selected by the similarity measurement method, 15 (63%) aircraft precipitation operations contributed to the increase in precipitation.
Rational and Semi-Rational Solutions to the (2 + 1)-Dimensional Maccari System
Authors: Zhang Yong , Dong Huan-He , Fang Yong
Published: September 2022

The KP hierarchy reduction method is one of the most reliable and efficient techniques for determining exact solitary wave solutions to nonlinear partial differential equations. In this paper, according to the KP hierarchy reduction technique, rational and some other semi-rational solutions to the (2 + 1)-dimensional Maccari system are investigated. It is shown that two different types of breathers can be derived, and under appropriate parameter constraints, they can be reduced to some well known solutions, involving the homoclinic orbits, dark soliton or anti-dark soliton solution. For the dark and anti-dark solution, its interaction is similar to a resonance soliton. Furthermore, by using a limiting technique, we derive two kinds of rational solutions, one is the lump and the other one is the rogue wave. After constructing these solutions, we further discuss the interactions between the obtained solutions. It is interesting that we obtain a parallel breather and a intersectional breather, which seems very surprising. Finally, we also provide a new three-state interaction, which is composed by the dark-soliton, rogue wave and breather and has never been provided for the Maccari system.
Development of a Fully Automated Desktop Analyzer and Ultrahigh Sensitivity Digital Immunoassay for SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Antigen Detection
Authors: Chiba Ryotaro , Miyakawa Kei , Aoki Kotaro , Morikawa Takamitsu J. , Moriizumi Yoshiki , Degawa Takuma , Arai Yoshiyuki , Segawa Osamu , Tanaka Kengo , Tajima Hideji , Arai Susumu , Yoshinaga Hisatoshi , Tsukada Ryohei , Tani Akira , Fuji Haruhito , Sato Akinobu , Ishii Yoshikazu , Tateda Kazuhiro , Ryo Akihide , Yoshimura Toru
Published: September 2022

Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak has had a significant impact on public health and the global economy. Several diagnostic tools are available for the detection of infectious diseases, with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing specifically recommended for viral RNA detection. However, this diagnostic method is costly, complex, and time-consuming. Although it does not have sufficient sensitivity, antigen detection by an immunoassay is an inexpensive and simpler alternative to RT-PCR. Here, we developed an ultrahigh sensitivity digital immunoassay (d-IA) for detecting SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein as antigens using a fully automated desktop analyzer based on a digital enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Methods: We developed a fully automated d-IA desktop analyzer and measured the viral N protein as an antigen in nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs from patients with coronavirus disease. We studied nasopharyngeal swabs of 159 and 88 patients who were RT-PCR-negative and RT-PCR-positive, respectively. Results: The limit of detection of SARS-CoV-2 d-IA was 0.0043 pg/mL of N protein. The cutoff value was 0.029 pg/mL, with a negative RT-PCR distribution. The sensitivity of RT-PCR-positive specimens was estimated to be 94.3% (83/88). The assay time was 28 min. Conclusions: Our d-IA system, which includes a novel fully automated desktop analyzer, enabled detection of the SARS-CoV-2 N-protein with a comparable sensitivity to RT-PCR within 30 min. Thus, d-IA shows potential for SARS-CoV-2 detection across multiple diagnostic centers including small clinics, hospitals, airport quarantines, and clinical laboratories.
The Interplay of Tumor Vessels and Immune Cells Affects Immunotherapy of Glioblastoma
Authors: Ghosh Mitrajit , Lenkiewicz Anna M. , Kaminska Bozena
Published: September 2022

Immunotherapies with immune checkpoint inhibitors or adoptive cell transfer have become powerful tools to treat cancer. These treatments act via overcoming or alleviating tumor-induced immunosuppression, thereby enabling effective tumor clearance. Glioblastoma (GBM) represents the most aggressive, primary brain tumor that remains refractory to the benefits of immunotherapy. The immunosuppressive immune tumor microenvironment (TME), genetic and cellular heterogeneity, and disorganized vasculature hinder drug delivery and block effector immune cell trafficking and activation, consequently rendering immunotherapy ineffective. Within the TME, the mutual interactions between tumor, immune and endothelial cells result in the generation of positive feedback loops, which intensify immunosuppression and support tumor progression. We focus here on the role of aberrant tumor vasculature and how it can mediate hypoxia and immunosuppression. We discuss how immune cells use immunosuppressive signaling for tumor progression and contribute to the development of resistance to immunotherapy. Finally, we assess how a positive feedback loop between vascular normalization and immune cells, including myeloid cells, could be targeted by combinatorial therapies with immune checkpoint blockers and sensitize the tumor to immunotherapy.
Current Insights on Neurodegeneration by the Italian Proteomics Community
Authors: Alberio Tiziana , Brughera Martina , Lualdi Marta
Published: September 2022

The growing number of patients affected by neurodegenerative disorders represents a huge problem for healthcare systems, human society, and economics. In this context, omics strategies are crucial for the identification of molecular factors involved in disease pathobiology, and for the discovery of biomarkers that allow early diagnosis, patients’ stratification, and treatment response prediction. The integration of different omics data is a required step towards the goal of personalized medicine. The Italian proteomics community is actively developing and applying proteomics approaches to the study of neurodegenerative disorders; moreover, it is leading the mitochondria-focused initiative of the Human Proteome Project, which is particularly important given the central role of mitochondrial impairment in neurodegeneration. Here, we describe how Italian research groups in proteomics have contributed to the knowledge of many neurodegenerative diseases, through the elucidation of the pathobiology of these disorders, and through the discovery of disease biomarkers. In particular, we focus on the central role of post-translational modifications analysis, the implementation of network-based approaches in functional proteomics, the integration of different omics in a systems biology view, and the development of novel platforms for biomarker discovery for the high-throughput quantification of thousands of proteins at a time.
Mesenchyme Stem Cell-Derived Conditioned Medium as a Potential Therapeutic Tool in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Kolios George , Paspaliaris Vasilis
Published: September 2022

Mesenchyme Stem Cells (MSCs) are the most used types of stem cells in regenerative medicine. Regenerative medicine is a rapidly emerging medicine section that creates new methods to regrow, restore, and replace diseased and damaged tissues, organs, and cells. Scholars have shown a positive correlation between MSCs-based therapies and successful treatment of diseases like cardiac ischemia, cartilage problems, bone diseases, diabetes, and even neurological disorders. Although MSCs have several varying features that make them unique, their immuno-regulatory effects in tissue repair emerge from their secretion of paracrine growth factors, exosomes, and cytokines. These cells secrete a secretome, which has regenerative and reparative properties that lead to injury amelioration, immune modulation, or fibrosis reduction. Recent studies have shown that the administration MCSs derived conditioned medium (MSCs-CM) in acute doses in humans is safe and well-tolerated. Studies from animal models and human clinical trials have also shown that they are efficacious tools in regenerative medicine. In this review, we will explore the therapeutic potential of MSCs-CM in pulmonary fibrosis, with further insight into the treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF).
Infant Stimulation Induced a Rapid Increase in Maternal Salivary Oxytocin
Authors: Minami Kana , Yuhi Teruko , Higashida Haruhiro , Yokoyama Shigeru , Tsuji Takahiro , Tsuji Chiharu
Published: September 2022

Oxytocin (OT) is a neuropeptide involved in human social behaviors and reproduction. Non-invasive OT levels in saliva have recently roused interest as it does not require a specialized medical setting. Here, we observed one woman’s basal serum and saliva OT from pregnancy to 1 year postpartum to track OT concentration changes over this period. We examined the changes in salivary OT levels over time in response to maternal physiological and behavioral responses. The fluctuation of saliva OT levels is well correlated with serum OT during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, while salivary OT increased rapidly during direct interaction (social interaction tests) with the infant and/or when the mother was watching her own infant’s video (video tests), no increase was observed in serum. We used social interaction and video tests on a group of mothers (nine mothers for social interaction and six for the video test) to clarify these single-subject results. In both tests, the mothers had increased OT in their saliva but not serum. Our study may suggest that salivary samples reflect not only the physical but also the emotional state and that saliva samples may be useful for monitoring women’s OT levels during pre- and postpartum periods. Further studies with larger sample numbers are necessary to confirm the rapid changes in salivary OT levels in response to maternal physiological and behavioral responses.
Brief Maternal Separation Promotes Resilience to Anxiety-like and Depressive-like Behaviors in Female C57BL/6J Offspring with Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis
Authors: Zhou Lin , Wu Zuotian , Li Yixin , Xiao Ling , Wang Huiling , Wang Gaohua
Published: September 2022

Background: Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease that often causes depression. Early life experience affects brain development and relates to depression. Whether the effect of different MS protocols in early life on anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors in female offspring with imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis is unknown. Methods: C57BL/6J mice were subjected to no separation (NMS), brief MS (15 min/day, MS15) or long MS (180 min/day, MS180) from postpartum days (PPD) 1 to PPD21. Then, 5% imiquimod cream was applied for 8 days in adults. Behavioral tests, skin lesions and hippocampal protein expression were also assessed. Results: We found significant psoriasis-like skin lesions in female mice following IMQ application, and mice showed anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors. Further, increased microglial activation and decreased expression of neuroplasticity were detected in mice following IMQ application. However, after MS15 in early life, mice showed decreased anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors, indicating resilience. Further, inhibited hippocampal neuroinflammation and increased neuroplasticity were detected. Conclusions: Collectively, this study confirms that brief MS confers resilience to the behavior deficits in female offspring with IMQ-induced psoriasis and reverses the activation of neuroinflammation and the damage of neuroplasticity injury.
Exploring How the Psychological Resilience of Residents of Tourism Destinations Affected Brand Ambassador Behavior during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Wang Haihong , Liu Litong , Sha Hongxia
Published: September 2022

In order to focus on the degree of adaptation and resilience of residents of tourist destinations to the changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and to explore how the psychological resilience of residents affects their attitudes and behavioral intentions toward destination brand development, this study constructs a structural equation model guided by positive organizational behavior and uses a questionnaire method to conduct the research. The results show that (1) residents’ psychological resilience has a positive effect on brand ambassador behavioral intentions; (2) residents’ psychological resilience has a positive effect on resident–tourist interaction; (3) resident–tourist interaction has a positive effect on brand ambassador behavioral intentions; (4) resident–tourist interaction plays a mediating role between psychological resilience and brand ambassador behavioral intentions; and (5) cognitive reappraisal plays a moderating role between psychological resilience and resident–tourist interaction. The findings not only fill the deficiency of positive organizational behavior in tourism research, but also provide a theoretical basis for developing residents as destination brand ambassadors in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic according to destination branding. In fact, destination managers not only need to strengthen residents’ behaviors to participate in destination brand development, but also should care about the psychological state and emotional events of residents who are negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thermal Comfort in the Overhead Public Space in Hot and Humid Climates: A Study in Shenzhen
Authors: Xie Xiaohuan , Liao Haitao , Wang Ruobing , Gou Zhonghua
Published: September 2022

In recent years, semi-outdoor space has become an important research subject in the field of thermal comfort. Overhead space located on the ground floor is a common type of semi-outdoor space in China’s Lingnan region with a hot and humid climate. Its thermal comfort has been scarcely studied. This study aims to reveal the importance and influencing factors of overhead public spaces in hot and humid areas, and to explore the corresponding adaptive behaviors of people. In this research, several overhead public spaces in Shenzhen University were selected to conduct field measurements and questionnaire surveys (n = 509) in hot and cold seasons. The results indicated that the acceptable physiologically equivalent temperature (PET) range for 90% of the population was 26.2–30.4 °C in hot season, 9.9–19.2 °C in cold season, and 17.6–25.3 °C for the whole year. The respondents preferred “neutral” in cold season and “slightly cool” in hot season. Respondents in hot season were more eager to adjust their thermal comfort, while those in cold season were more comfortable exposing themselves to the sun. Concurrently, the neutral temperature and neutral temperature range for different seasons was obtained and compared with the results of other studies. The results provide references for thermal comfort adjustment in hot and humid areas as well as optimization suggestions for the planning and design of overhead spaces.
Carbon Sequestration and Habitat Provisioning through Building-Integrated Vegetation: A Global Survey of Experts
Authors: Varshney Kamiya , Pedersen Zari Maibritt , Bakshi Nilesh
Published: September 2022

Carbon sequestration (CS) and habitat provisioning (HP) through building-integrated vegetation are interlinked approaches that could potentially reduce climate change and biodiversity loss attributed to the built environment. However, a practical approach is required to integrate CS and HP into building design. A two-stage approach was undertaken in this research; firstly, preparing a conceptual framework from an extensive literature review and, secondly, gauging the perspective of building industry experts on that framework through a survey. The survey was designed to determine expert opinion related to establishing the data gathering approaches, progressing to identifying strategies and methods to quantify them, and finally, monitoring performance indicators for achieving CS and HP goals. The results of descriptive analyses performed after data collection indicate a notable difference in opinions between built environment professionals (group A) and environmental scientists and researchers (group B). The findings indicate that respondents emphasized maintaining vegetation in order to maximize CS rates and biodiversity levels. Moreover, spatial ecology considerations, including landscape-level parameters (vegetative area coverage, habitat availability, quality, and connectivity) and species-specific parameters (species selection based on their CS rates and habitat requirements for keystone species), must be analyzed while designing buildings for vegetation-based CS and HP.
Selection of New Projects Considering the Synergistic Relationships in a Project Portfolio
Authors: Ma Ke , Bai Libiao , Sun Yichen , Pan Tong , Shi Victor , Zhang Yipei
Published: September 2022

Multiple internal conflicts and external emergencies can occur when an enterprise implements a project portfolio (PP), making the PP inevitably deviate from the enterprise’s strategic objectives. As a means of project portfolio change (PPC) that aims to align the PP with strategic objectives, adding new projects can compensate for this deviation. Furthermore, the synergistic relationships in the PP can significantly impact the achievement of the enterprise’s strategic objectives. Therefore, this study presents a procedure for the selection of new projects that considers the synergistic relationships in the PP. First, the deviation between the PP and the enterprise’s strategic objectives is identified. Second, the synergistic relationships between candidate new projects and the projects in the PP are analyzed, based on which a model of new project selection is built. Third, by comparing the model simulation results of the attainment of the strategic objectives of several PPs, the new projects that can best achieve these strategic objectives are added to the PP. This procedure is illustrated using a numerical example showing its applicability and efficacy. For academia, this study provides a theoretical framework for the selection of new projects. Moreover, the straightforward procedure can help manage PPs in business practice.
Contralesional Cortical and Network Features Associated with Preoperative Language Deficit in Glioma Patients
Authors: Zhou Chunyao , Fang Shengyu , Weng Shimeng , Zhang Zhong , Jiang Tao , Wang Yinyan , Wang Lei , Tang Kai
Published: September 2022

Lower-grade Gliomas anchored in eloquent areas cause varying degrees of language impairment. Except for a tumor’s features, contralesional compensation may explain these differences. Therefore, studying changes in the contralateral hemisphere can provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of language function compensation in patients with gliomas. This study included 60 patients with eloquent-area or near-eloquent-area gliomas. The participants were grouped according to the degree of language defect. T1 and diffusion tensor imaging were obtained. The contralesional cortical volume and the subcortical network were compared between groups. Patients with unimpaired language function showed elevated cortical volume in the midline areas of the frontal and temporal lobes. In subcortical networks, the group also had the highest global efficiency and shortest global path length. Ten nodes had intergroup differences in nodal efficiency, among which four nodes were in the motor area and four nodes were in the language area. Linear correlation was observed between the efficiency of the two nodes and the patient’s language function score. Functional compensation in the contralesional hemisphere may alleviate language deficits in patients with gliomas. Structural compensation mainly occurs in the contralesional midline area in the frontal and temporal lobes, and manifests as an increase in cortical volume and subcortical network efficiency.
Bone Scintigraphy versus PSMA-Targeted PET/CT or PET/MRI in Prostate Cancer: Lessons Learned from Recent Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
Authors: Dondi Francesco , Albano Domenico , Bertagna Francesco , Treglia Giorgio
Published: September 2022

Positron emission tomography (PET) combined with computed tomography (PET/CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) using several radiopharmaceuticals [...]
Addressing the Role of Angiogenesis in Patients with Advanced Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors Treated with Everolimus: A Biological Prospective Analysis of Soluble Biomarkers and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Cella Chiara Alessandra , Spada Francesca , Berruti Alfredo , Bertolini Francesco , Mancuso Patrizia , Barberis Massimo , Pisa Eleonora , Rubino Manila , Gervaso Lorenzo , Laffi Alice , Pellicori Stefania , Radice Davide , Zorzino Laura , Calleri Angelica , Funicelli Luigi , Petralia Giuseppe , Fazio Nicola
Published: September 2022

Background: The success of targeted therapies in the treatment of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors has emphasized the strategy of targeting angiogenesis and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. However, the major challenge in the targeted era remains the early identification of resistant tumors especially when the efficacy is rarely associated to a clear tumor shrinkage at by imaging assessment. Methods: In this prospective study (NCT02305810) we investigated the predictive and prognostic role of soluble biomarkers of angiogenesis turnover (VEGF, bFGF, VEGFR2, TSP-1) circulating endothelial cells and progenitors, in 43 patients with metastatic panNET receiving everolimus. Results: Among all tested biomarkers, we found a specific subpopulation of circulating cells, CD31+CD140b-, with a significantly increased tumor progression hazard for values less or equal to the first quartile. Conclusion: Our study suggested the evidence that circulating cells might be surrogate biomarkers of angiogenesis activity in patients treated with everolimus and their baseline levels can be correlated with survival. However, further studies are now needed to validate the role of these cells as surrogate markers for the selection of patients to be candidates for antiangiogenic treatments.
Longitudinal Changes and Predictive Value of Multiparametric MRI Features for Prostate Cancer Patients Treated with MRI-Guided Lattice Extreme Ablative Dose (LEAD) Boost Radiotherapy
Authors: Algohary Ahmad , Alhusseini Mohammad , Breto Adrian L. , Kwon Deukwoo , Xu Isaac R. , Gaston Sandra M. , Castillo Patricia , Punnen Sanoj , Spieler Benjamin , Abramowitz Matthew C. , Dal Pra Alan , Kryvenko Oleksandr N. , Pollack Alan , Stoyanova Radka
Published: September 2022

We investigated the longitudinal changes in multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) (T2-weighted, Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC), and Dynamic Contrast Enhanced (DCE-)MRI) of prostate cancer patients receiving Lattice Extreme Ablative Dose (LEAD) radiotherapy (RT) and the capability of their imaging features to predict RT outcome based on endpoint biopsies. Ninety-five mpMRI exams from 25 patients, acquired pre-RT and at 3-, 9-, and 24-months post-RT were analyzed. MRI/Ultrasound-fused biopsies were acquired pre- and at two-years post-RT (endpoint). Five regions of interest (ROIs) were analyzed: Gross tumor volume (GTV), normally-appearing tissue (NAT) and peritumoral volume in both peripheral (PZ) and transition (TZ) zones. Diffusion and perfusion radiomics features were extracted from mpMRI and compared before and after RT using two-tailed Student t-tests. Selected features at the four scan points and their differences (Δ radiomics) were used in multivariate logistic regression models to predict the endpoint biopsy positivity. Baseline ADC values were significantly different between GTV, NAT-PZ, and NAT-TZ (p-values < 0.005). Pharmaco-kinetic features changed significantly in the GTV at 3-month post-RT compared to baseline. Several radiomics features at baseline and three-months post-RT were significantly associated with endpoint biopsy positivity and were used to build models with high predictive power of this endpoint (AUC = 0.98 and 0.89, respectively). Our study characterized the RT-induced changes in perfusion and diffusion. Quantitative imaging features from mpMRI show promise as being predictive of endpoint biopsy positivity.
Hemopatch to Prevent Lymphatic Leak after Robotic Prostatectomy and Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Teoh Jeremy Yuen-Chun , Liu Alex Qinyang , Yuen Violet Wai-Fan , Lai Franco Pui-Tak , Yuen Steffi Kar-Kei , Chan Samson Yun-Sang , Wong Julius Ho-Fai , Li Joseph Kai-Man , Tam Mandy Ho-Man , Chiu Peter Ka-Fung , Yee Samuel Chi-Hang , Ng Chi-Fai
Published: September 2022

This study investigates whether the application of Hemopatch, a novel hemostatic patch, could prevent lymphatic leak after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection (BPLND). This is a prospective, single-center, phase III randomized controlled trial investigating the efficacy of Hemopatch in preventing lymphatic leak after RARP and BPLND. Participants were randomized to receive RARP and BPLND, with or without the use of Hemopatch, with an allocation ratio of 1:1. The primary outcome is the total drain output volume. The secondary outcomes include blood loss, operative time, lymph node yield, duration of drainage, drain output per day, hospital stay, transfusion and 30-day complications. A total of 32 patients were recruited in the study. The Hemopatch group had a significantly lower median total drain output than the control group (35 mL vs. 180 mL, p = 0.022) and a significantly lower drain output volume per day compared to the control group (35 mL/day vs. 89 mL/day, p = 0.038). There was no significant difference in the other secondary outcomes. In conclusion, the application of Hemopatch in RARP and BPLND could reduce the total drain output volume and the drain output volume per day. The use of Hemopatch should be considered to prevent lymphatic leakage after RARP and BPLND.
Downregulation of the Tumor Suppressor TFF1 Is Required during Induction of Colon Cancer Progression by L1
Authors: Saha Arka , Gavert Nancy , Brabletz Thomas , Ben-Ze’ev Avri
Published: September 2022

The immunoglobulin family cell adhesion receptor L1 is induced in CRC cells at the invasive front of the tumor tissue, and confers enhanced proliferation, motility, tumorigenesis, and liver metastasis. To identify putative tumor suppressors whose expression is downregulated in L1-expressing CRC cells, we blocked the L1–ezrin–NF-κB signaling pathway and searched for genes induced under these conditions. We found that TFF1, a protein involved in protecting the mucus epithelial layer of the colon, is downregulated in L1-expressing cells and displays characteristics of a tumor suppressor. Overexpression of TFF1 in L1-transfected human CRC cells blocks the pro-tumorigenic and metastatic properties conferred by L1 by suppressing NF-κB signaling. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that human CRC tissue samples often lose the expression of TFF1, while the normal mucosa displays TFF1 in goblet cells. Identifying TFF1 as a tumor suppressor in CRC cells could provide a novel marker for L1-mediated CRC development and a potential target for therapy.
The Role of the Microbiome in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Miyabayashi Koji , Ijichi Hideaki , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro
Published: September 2022

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal malignancies, with little improvement in outcomes in recent decades, although the molecular and phenotypic characterization of PDAC has contributed to advances in tailored therapies. PDAC is characterized by dense stroma surrounding tumor cells, which limits the efficacy of treatment due to the creation of a physical barrier and immunosuppressive environment. Emerging evidence regarding the microbiome in PDAC implies its potential role in the initiation and progression of PDAC. However, the underlying mechanisms of how the microbiome affects the local tumor microenvironment (TME) as well as the systemic immune system have not been elucidated in PDAC. In addition, therapeutic strategies based on the microbiome have not been established. In this review, we summarize the current evidence regarding the role of the microbiome in the development of PDAC and discuss a possible role for the microbiome in the early detection of PDAC in relation to premalignant pancreatic diseases, such as chronic pancreatitis and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN). In addition, we discuss the potential role of the microbiome in the treatment of PDAC, especially in immunotherapy, although the biomarkers used to predict the efficacy of immunotherapy in PDAC are still unknown. A comprehensive understanding of tumor-associated immune responses, including those involving the microbiome, holds promise for new treatments in PDAC.
Real-World Outcomes and Treatments Patterns Prior and after the Introduction of First-Line Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Danesi Valentina , Massa Ilaria , Foca Flavia , Delmonte Angelo , Crinò Lucio , Bronte Giuseppe , Ragonesi Maria , Maltoni Roberta , Manunta Silvia , Cravero Paola , Andrikou Kalliopi , Priano Ilaria , Balzi William , Gentili Nicola , Burke Thomas , Altini Mattia
Published: September 2022

Background: This study provides insights into the treatment use and outcomes of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients in a real-world setting prior to and after the availability of immuno-oncology (IO) regimens in the first line (1L). Methods: Metastatic NSCLC patients, who initiated systemic 1L anticancer treatment from 2014 to 2020, were identified from health records. Patients were grouped into Pre-1L IO and Post-1L IO, according to the availability of pembrolizumab 1L monotherapy at the date of initiating 1L systemic anticancer treatment. Patient characteristics, treatment patterns and outcomes were assessed by the cohort. Overall survival (OS) and real-world progression-free survival (rwPFS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: The most common 1L treatment was platinum-based chemotherapy regimens in both groups (≥46%), followed by single-agent chemotherapy (27.0%) in Pre-1L IO and pembrolizumab (26.0%) in Post-1L IO. Median OS was 6.2 (95% CI 5.5–7.4) in Pre- and 8.9 months (95% CI 7.5–10.6) in Post-1L IO, while rwPFS was 3.7 (95% CI 3.3–4.2) and 4.7 months (95% CI 3.9–5.7), respectively. Conclusions: Even if a small proportion of patients received a 1L IO, the data showed an improved survival outcomes in the Post-1L IO group.
MDMX Regulates Transcriptional Activity of p53 and FOXO Proteins to Stimulate Proliferation of Melanoma Cells
Authors: Heijkants Renier C. , Teunisse Amina F. A. S. , de Jong Danielle , Glinkina Kseniya , Mei Hailiang , Kielbasa Szymon M. , Szuhai Karoly , Jochemsen Aart G.
Published: September 2022

The tumor suppressor protein p53 has an important role in cell-fate determination. In cancer cells, the activity of p53 is frequently repressed by high levels of MDMX and/or MDM2. MDM2 is a ubiquitin ligase whose activity results in ubiquitin- and proteasome-dependent p53 degradation, while MDMX inhibits p53-activated transcription by shielding the p53 transactivation domain. Interestingly, the oncogenic functions of MDMX appear to be more wide-spread than inhibition of p53. The present study aimed to elucidate the MDMX-controlled transcriptome. Therefore, we depleted MDMX with four distinct shRNAs from a high MDMX expressing uveal melanoma cell line and determined the effect on the transcriptome by RNAseq. Biological function analyses indicate the inhibition of the cell cycle regulatory genes and stimulation of cell death activating genes upon MDMX depletion. Although the inhibition of p53 activity clearly contributes to the transcription regulation controlled by MDMX, it appeared that the transcriptional regulation of multiple genes did not only rely on p53 expression. Analysis of gene regulatory networks indicated a role for Forkhead box (FOX) transcription factors. Depletion of FOXO proteins partly prevented the transcriptional changes upon MDMX depletion. Furthermore, depletion of FOXO proteins relatively diminished the growth inhibition upon MDMX knockdown, although the knockdown of the FOXO transcription factors also reduces cell growth. In conclusion, the p53-independent oncogenic functions of MDMX could be partially explained by its regulation of FOXO activity.