bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypoxia-Mimetic CoCl2 Agent Enhances Pro-Angiogenic Activities in Ovine Amniotic Epithelial Cells-Derived Conditioned Medium
Authors: Di Mattia Miriam , Mauro Annunziata , Delle Monache Simona , Pulcini Fanny , Russo Valentina , Berardinelli Paolo , Citeroni Maria Rita , Turriani Maura , Peserico Alessia , Barboni Barbara
Published: January 2022

Amniotic epithelial stem cells (AECs) are largely studied for their pro-regenerative properties. However, it remains undetermined if low oxygen (O2) levels that AECs experience in vivo can be of value in maintaining their biological properties after isolation. To this aim, the present study has been designed to evaluate the effects of a hypoxia-mimetic agent, cobalt chloride (CoCl2), on AECs’ stemness and angiogenic activities. First, a CoCl2 dose-effect was performed to select the concentration able to induce hypoxia, through HIF-1α stabilization, without promoting any cytotoxicity effect assessed through the analysis of cell vitality, proliferation, and apoptotic-related events. Then, the identified CoCl2 dose was evaluated on the expression and angiogenic properties of AECs’ stemness markers (OCT-4, NANOG, SOX-2) by analysing VEGF expression, angiogenic chemokines’ profiles, and AEC-derived conditioned media activity through an in vitro angiogenic xeno-assay. Results demonstrated that AECs are sensitive to the cytotoxicity effects of CoCl2. The unique concentration leading to HIF-1α stabilization and nuclear translocation was 10 µM, preserving cell viability and proliferation up to 48 h. CoCl2 exposure did not modulate stemness markers in AECs while progressively decreasing VEGF expression. On the contrary, CoCl2 treatment promoted a significant short-term release of angiogenic chemokines in culture media (CM). The enrichment in bio-active factors was confirmed by the ability of CoCl2-derived CM to induce HUVEC growth and the cells’ organization in tubule-like structures. These findings demonstrate that an appropriate dose of CoCl2 can be adopted as a hypoxia-mimetic agent in AECs. The short-term, chemical-induced hypoxic condition can be targeted to enhance AECs’ pro-angiogenic properties by providing a novel approach for stem cell-free therapy protocols.
Dysregulated PI3K Signaling in B Cells of CVID Patients
Authors: Harder Ina , Münchhalfen Matthias , Andrieux Geoffroy , Boerries Melanie , Grimbacher Bodo , Eibel Hermann , Maccari Maria Elena , Ehl Stephan , Wienands Jürgen , Jellusova Julia , Warnatz Klaus , Keller Baerbel
Published: January 2022

The altered wiring of signaling pathways downstream of antigen receptors of T and B cells contributes to the dysregulation of the adaptive immune system, potentially causing immunodeficiency and autoimmunity. In humans, the investigation of such complex systems benefits from nature’s experiments in patients with genetically defined primary immunodeficiencies. Disturbed B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling in a subgroup of common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) patients with immune dysregulation and expanded T-bethighCD21low B cells in peripheral blood has been previously reported. Here, we investigate PI3K signaling and its targets as crucial regulators of survival, proliferation and metabolism by intracellular flow cytometry, imaging flow cytometry and RNAseq. We observed increased basal but disturbed BCR-induced PI3K signaling, especially in T-bethighCD21low B cells from CVID patients, translating into impaired activation of crucial downstream molecules and affecting proliferation, survival and the metabolic profile. In contrast to CVID, increased basal activity of PI3K in patients with a gain-of-function mutation in PIK3CD and activated PI3K delta syndrome (APDS) did not result in impaired BCR-induced AKT-mTOR-S6 phosphorylation, highlighting that signaling defects in B cells in CVID and APDS patients are fundamentally different and that assessing responses to BCR stimulation is an appropriate confirmative diagnostic test for APDS. The active PI3K signaling in vivo may render autoreactive T-bethighCD21low B cells in CVID at the same time to be more sensitive to mTOR or PI3K inhibition.
Magneto-Electronic Hydrogen Gas Sensors: A Critical Review
Authors: Maksymov Ivan S. , Kostylev Mikhail
Published: January 2022

Devices enabling early detection of low concentrations of leaking hydrogen and precision measurements in a wide range of hydrogen concentrations in hydrogen storage systems are essential for the mass-production of fuel-cell vehicles and, more broadly, for the transition to the hydrogen economy. Whereas several competing sensor technologies are potentially suitable for this role, ultra-low fire-hazard, contactless and technically simple magneto-electronic sensors stand apart because they have been able to detect the presence of hydrogen gas in a range of hydrogen concentrations from 0.06% to 100% at atmospheric pressure with the response time approaching the industry gold standard of one second. This new kind of hydrogen sensors is the subject of this review article, where we inform academic physics, chemistry, material science and engineering communities as well as industry researchers about the recent developments in the field of magneto-electronic hydrogen sensors, including those based on magneto-optical Kerr effect, anomalous Hall effect and Ferromagnetic Resonance with a special focus on Ferromagnetic Resonance (FMR)-based devices. In particular, we present the physical foundations of magneto-electronic hydrogen sensors and we critically overview their advantages and disadvantages for applications in the vital areas of the safety of hydrogen-powered cars and hydrogen fuelling stations as well as hydrogen concentration meters, including those operating directly inside hydrogen-fuelled fuel cells. We believe that this review will be of interest to a broad readership, also facilitating the translation of research results into policy and practice.
Do Metacognitions of Children and Adolescents with Anxiety Disorders Change after Intensified Exposure Therapy?
Authors: Köcher Laura Marie , Pflug Verena , Schneider Silvia , Christiansen Hanna
Published: January 2022

Metacognitive beliefs have repeatedly proven to play a role in anxiety disorders in children and adolescents, but few studies have investigated whether they change after cognitive behavioral therapy. This longitudinal intervention study explores whether positive and negative metacognitive beliefs in particular change after exposure-focused treatment, and if metacognitive changes predict reductions in anxiety symptoms. A sample of 27 children between 8 and 16 years of age with a primary diagnosis of specific phobia, separation-anxiety disorder or social phobia completed assessments of anxiety symptoms, metacognitive beliefs, worry and repetitive negative thoughts before and after 11 sessions of intensified exposure treatment. Metacognitive beliefs did not change significantly after intensified exposure, but post-hoc power analysis revealed a lack of power here. Change in negative metacognitive beliefs correlated with a change in anxiety symptoms, but did not independently contribute as a predictor variable. Differences between subsamples showed that patients with separation-anxiety disorder scored higher on negative metacognitive beliefs than those with specific or social phobia. Consideration of metacognition, and negative metacognitive beliefs in particular could help us further improve the understanding and treatment of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents and should therefore receive more attention in psychotherapy research.
Possibilities of Sustainable Development including Improvement in Air Quality for the City of Murmansk-Examples of Best Practice from Scandinavia
Authors: Huber Miłosz , Rusek Adrianna , Menshakova Marija , Zhigunova Galina , Chmiel Stanisław , Iakovleva Olga
Published: January 2022

The Russian city of Murmansk has about 300,000 inhabitants and is located inside the Arctic Circle in NE Scandinavia (Russia). It has one of the largest such concentrations of people in the Arctic. The city is a scientific, industrial, cultural, and transportation centre (an ice-free port in the so-called Northern Sea Route, connecting Europe with Asia). Currently, air pollution in the city is associated with outdated city heating technology, coal dust from the port and vehicular traffic, and so-called “small emissions”. The authors propose practical solutions based on known examples of Scandinavian cities with similar climatic conditions such as: the modernisation of heat energy acquisition; diversification of energy acquisition including renewable sources; thermal insulation of buildings; arrangement of urban greenery with dust-catching plants, and proposals for changing the habits within the population by promoting the use of public transport.
Mechanical Properties of Multi-Sized Porous Thermal Barrier Coatings at Micro and Nano Scales after Long-Term Service at High Temperature
Authors: Gao Peihu , Zeng Shengcong , Jin Can , Zhang Bo , Chen Baiyang , Yang Zhong , Guo Yongchun , Liang Minxian , Li Jianping , Wang Wei , Lu Yongqing , Jia Lu , Zhao Dan
Published: January 2022

Atmospheric plasma-sprayed multi-sized porous structures in thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) were constructed with hollow spherical (HOSP) 8YSZ powders and polypropylene pore formers. The mechanical properties of the multi-sized TBCs were investigated through the nanoindentation method as comparations of the as-sprayed coating and those serving at 1100 °C for a long-term. The results showed that the introduction of the multi-sized pores into TBCs could lead to the decrease of the hardness and modulus as well as the increase of fracture toughness. The hardness and modulus of the coating increased, and the fracture toughness of the coating decreased with the prolongation of the serving times at high temperatures. The mechanical properties of the coating became stable after 60 days’ serving at 1100 °C. The hardness, elastic modulus and fracture toughness of the TBCs increased to 6.51, 7.79, 10.04 GPa and 126.36, 135.13, 145.22 GPa as well as 1.049, 1.157, 1.255 MPa·m0.5, respectively, corresponding to the multi-sized porous TBCs with 0%, 10% and 15% PP powders. The nano-size pores disappeared gradually in the multi-sized TBCs during serving at 1100 °C. The macropores deposited between the ceramic particles penetrated with little diffusion and were not easy to disappear. The introduction of a multi-scale pore structure into the TBCs could improve the stress-strain tolerance of the TBCs.
Preparation and Self-Healing Application of Isocyanate Prepolymer Microcapsules
Authors: Xiang Guifeng , Tu Jing , Xu Heng , Ji Jie , Liang Li , Li Haozhe , Chen Haoran , Tian Jingqing , Guo Xiaode
Published: January 2022

In this study, we successfully manufactured polyurethane microcapsules containing isocyanate prepolymer as a core material for self-healing protection coatings via interfacial polymerization of a commercial polyurethane curing agent (Bayer L-75) and 1,4-butanediol (BDO) as a chain extender in an emulsion solution. With an optical microscope (OM) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM), the resulting microcapsules showed a spherical shape and an ideal structure with a smooth surface. Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) showed that the core material was successfully encapsulated. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the initial evaporation temperature of the microcapsules was 270 °C. In addition, we examined the influence of the concentration of the emulsifier and chain extender on the structure and morphology of the microcapsules. The results indicate that the optimal parameters of the microcapsule are an emulsifier concentration of 7.5% and a chain extender concentration of 15.38%. Microcapsules were added to the epoxy resin coating to verify the coating’s self-healing performance by a surface scratch test, and the results showed that the cracks could heal in 24 h. Furthermore, the self-healing coating had excellent corrosion resistance.
Magnetic Poly(glycidyl methacrylate) Microspheres with Grafted Polypyrrole Chains for the High-Capacity Adsorption of Congo Red Dye from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Yu Ying , Su Jielong , Liu Jia , Li Wensong
Published: January 2022

In this study, novel magnetic poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) microspheres with grafted polypyrrole chains (magnetic PGMA-g-PPy) were developed for the high-capacity adsorption of Congo red (CR) from aqueous solutions. The magnetic PGMA-g-PPy was synthesized by the typical dispersion polymerization method and the ring-opening reaction of epoxy groups, producing abundant hydroxyls for the grafting polymerization of pyrrole in the presence of FeCl3 as an oxidizing agent on the surface of the microspheres. The characterization results showed that magnetic PGMA-g-PPy was successfully fabricated. The adsorption equilibrium data of the adsorbents could be well fitted by the Langmuir isotherm model, showing a high maximum adsorption capacity of 502.5 mg/g for CR. The adsorption followed pseudo-second-order kinetics with a fast speed. The adsorbents had no leaching of Fe in the solution at pH 1.0–11.0 for 24 h. The adsorption process was strongly pH-dependent and weakly ionic-strength-dependent. Furthermore, the magnetic microspheres could be easily regenerated, rapidly separated from the solution, and reused for wastewater treatment. The results suggest that magnetic PGMA-g-PPy microspheres are a promising efficient adsorbent for the removal of CR from wastewater.
Silver-Containing Thin Films on Transparent Polymer Foils for Antimicrobial Applications
Authors: Vitelaru Catalin , Parau Anca C. , Kiss Adrian E. , Pana Iulian , Dinu Mihaela , Constantin Lidia R. , Vladescu Alina , Tonofrei Lavinia E. , Adochite Cristina S. , Costinas Sarah , Rogozea Liliana , Badea Mihaela , Idomir Mihaela E.
Published: January 2022

The increasing occurrence of infections caused by pathogens found on objects of everyday use requires a variety of solutions for active disinfection. Using active materials that do not require daily maintenance has a potential advantage for their acceptance. In this contribution, transparent films, with silver as the main antimicrobial agent and a total thickness of a few tens of nm, were deposited on flexible self-adhesive polymer foils used as screen protectors. TiO2 and SiO2 were used as transparent matrix to embed the Ag nanoparticles, ensuring also their mechanical protection and controlled growth. HiPIMS (High-Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering) was used for the sputtering of the Ag target and fine control of the Ag amount in the layer, whereas TiO2 and SiO2 were sputtered in RF (Radio Frequency) mode. The thin film surface was investigated by AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy), providing information on the topography of the coatings and their preferential growth on the textured polymer foil. XRD (X-Ray Diffraction) revealed the presence of specific Ag peaks in an amorphous oxide matrix. UV-Vis-NIR (Ultraviolet-Visible-Near Infrared) spectroscopy revealed the presence of nanostructured Ag, characterized by preferential absorption in the 400 to 500 nm spectral range. The antimicrobial properties were assessed using an antimicrobial test with the Escherichia coli strain. The highest efficiency was observed for the Ag/SiO2 combination, in the concentration range of 104–105 CFU/mL.
Hydrogen Isotope Permeation Behavior of AlCrFeTiNb, AlCrMoNbZr and AlCrFeMoTi High-Entropy Alloys Coatings
Authors: Hong Zhihao , Wang Long , Zhang Wei , Yang Jian , Feng Yongjin , Yang Jijun , Li Haoxiang , Yin Huaqiang , Zhang Long , Wang Xiaoyu
Published: January 2022

The hydrogen permeation behavior of novel AlCrFeTiNb, AlCrMoNbZr and AlCrFeMoTi high-entropy alloy (HEA) coatings were investigated. The hydrogen permeability of HEA coatings prepared by magnetron sputtering technology were tested using gas-driven deuterium permeation and electrochemical hydrogen permeation methods. The gas-driven permeation results show that the deuterium permeation resistance of the AlCrFeTiNb coating is the worst because of the unstable structure at a high temperature. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis proved a loose surface morphology of the AlCrFeTiNb coating and demonstrated the formation of iron-based oxides after deuterium permeation experiments. A high content of iron in HEA coating is disadvantageous for improving the hydrogen permeability. Differently, electrochemical hydrogen permeation reveals that the AlCrMoNbZr coating could resist hydrogen permeation better in a corrosive environment (0.2 mol/L KOH solution). The AlCrFeMoTi coating was peeled off after an electrochemical hydrogen permeation test due to the poor corrosion resistance. The hydrogen behavior of HEA coatings was discussed in detail. Our study provides a promising thought on hydrogen permeation of HEA coatings.
Bio-Inspired Proanthocyanidins from Blueberries’ Surface Coating Prevents Red Blood Cell Agglutination on Urinary Silicon-Based Catheters
Authors: Orozco-Fernández Viviana , Gómez-Solano Sofía , Calderón Jennifer , Vega Baudrit José , Rischka Klaus , Corrales-Ureña Yendry
Published: January 2022

Thrombosis can cause the occlusion of implantable medical devices, leading to the rejection of the device and subsequent mortality. Thrombosis is primarily induced by red blood aggregation and coagulation. The administration of anticoagulant drugs is generally used as a treatment to avoid these processes. Adverse effects such as bleeding in the event of an anticoagulant overdose, osteoporosis associated with prolonged use, hypersensitivity, and hives have been reported. New strategies such as biomolecule surface functionalization have recently been studied to overcome these problems. In this study, we report a novel coating composed of polydopamine (PDA) and proanthocyanidins (PACs) from blueberry extract to avoid red blood aggregation in short-term use medical devices such as silicone catheters. We showed that PDA formed stable films on silicone surfaces and PACs could be immobilized on PDA layers using laccase as a catalyst. The PDA–PACs films decreased surface hydrophilicity, increased surface roughness, and decreased plasma protein adsorption. The films were stable in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) and cell culture media. Furthermore, red blood cell adsorption and aggregation decreased. These effects are attributed to changes in the membrane fluidity that influences adhesion, the steric hindrance of the layers, and the low adsorption of plasma proteins on the PAC layer.
Numerical Analysis and Experimental Verification of Resistance Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Li Suli , Ma Kaiyue , Xu Chao , Yang Laixia , Lu Bingheng
Published: January 2022

In recent years, scholars have proposed a metal wire forming method based on the Joule heat principle in order to improve the accuracy of additive manufacturing and reduce energy consumption and cost, but it is still in the theoretical stage. In this paper, a mathematical model of resistance additive manufacturing was established using finite element software, and the temperature variation of the melting process under different currents was analyzed. A suitable current range was preliminarily selected, and an experimental system was built. Through experimental study of the current and wire feeding speed, the influences of different process parameters on the forming appearance of the coating were analyzed. The results showed that the forming appearance was the best for Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy wire with a diameter of 0.8 mm, when the current was 160 A, the voltage was 10 V, the wire feeding speed was 2.4 m/min, the workbench moving speed was 5 mm/s, and the gas flow rate was 0.7 m3/h. Finally, the process parameters were used for continuous single-channel multilayer printing, verified the feasibility of the process at the experimental level and provided reference data for the subsequent development of this technology.
CO2 and CH2 Adsorption on Copper-Decorated Graphene: Predictions from First Principle Calculations
Authors: Lisovski Oleg , Piskunov Sergei , Bocharov Dmitry , Zhukovskii Yuri , Kleperis Janis , Knoks Ainars , Lesnicenoks Peteris
Published: January 2022

Single-layer graphene decorated with monodisperse copper nanoparticles can support the size and mass-dependent catalysis of the selective electrochemical reduction of CO2 to ethylene (C2H4). In this study, various active adsorption sites of nanostructured Cu-decorated graphene have been calculated by using density functional theory to provide insight into its catalytic activity toward carbon dioxide electroreduction. Based on the results of our calculations, an enhanced adsorption of the CO2 molecule and CH2 counterpart placed atop of Cu-decorated graphene compared to adsorption at pristine Cu metal surfaces was predicted. This approach explains experimental observations for carbon-based catalysts that were found to be promising for the two-electron reduction reaction of CO2 to CO and, further, to ethylene. Active adsorption sites that lead to a better catalytic activity of Cu-decorated graphene, with respect to general copper catalysts, were identified. The atomic configuration of the most selective CO2 toward the reduction reaction nanostructured catalyst is suggested.
New Insight into the Effects of Various Parameters on the Crystallization of Ribulose-1,5-Bisphosphate Carboxylase/Oxygenase (RuBisCO) from Alcaligenes eutrophus
Authors: Choe Hui-Woog , Kim Yong Ju
Published: January 2022

Crystallization remains a bottleneck for determining the three-dimensional X-ray structure of proteins. Many parameters influence the complexity of protein crystallization. Therefore, it is not easy to systematically examine all of these parameters individually during crystallization because of a limited quantity of purified protein. We studied several factors that influence crystallization including protein concentration, pH, temperature, age, volume of crystallization, inhibitors, metal ions, seeding, and precipitating agents on RuBisCO samples from Alcaligenes eutrophus which are not only freshly purified, but are also dissolved both individually and in combination from microcrystals and precipitated droplets of recycled RuBisCO. Single-, twin-, and/or microcrystals are dependent upon the concentration of RuBisCO by both RuBisCO samples. The morphology, either orthorhombic- or monoclinic-space group, depends upon pH. Furthermore, ammonium sulfate((NH4)2SO4) concentration at 20 °C (22% saturated) and/or at 4 °C (28% saturated) affected the crystallization of RuBisCO differently from one another. Finally, the age of RuBisCO also affected more uniformity and forming sharp edge during crystallization. Unexpected surprising monoclinic RuBisCO crystals were grown from dissolved microcrystals and precipitated droplets recycled RuBisCO samples. This quaternary RuBisCO single crystal, which contained Mg2+ and HCO3 for an activated ternary complex and is inhibited with a transition substrate analogue, CABP (2-carboxyarabinitol-1,5-bisphosphate)−, diffracts better than 2.2 Å. It is different from Hansen S. et al. reported RuBisCO crystals which were grown ab initio in absence of Mg2+, HCO3− and CABP, a structure which was determined at 2.7 Å resolution.
Unidirectional Invisibility in PT-Symmetric Cantor Photonic Crystals
Authors: Wu Min , Liu Fangmei , Zhao Dong , Wang Yang
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we investigate the nonreciprocity of reflection in parity-time−symmetric (PT-symmetric) Cantor photonic crystals (PCs). Two one-dimensional PCs abiding by the Cantor sequence are PT-symmetric about the center. The PT symmetry and defect cavities in Cantor PCs can induce optical fractal states which are transmission modes. Subsequently, the left and right reflectionless states are located on both sides of a transmission peak. The invisible effect depends on the incident direction and the invisible wavelength can be modulated by the gain–loss factor. This study has potential applications in tunable optical reflectors and invisible cloaks.
The Psychosocial Impact of COVID-19 on Older Adults with Cancer: A Rapid Review
Authors: Verma Ridhi , Kilgour Heather M. , Haase Kristen R.
Published: January 2022

Background: Older adults with cancer are amongst the most vulnerable population to be negatively impacted by COVID-19 due to their likelihood of comorbidities and compromised immune status. Considering the longevity of the pandemic, understanding the subjective perceptions and psychosocial concerns of this population may help ameliorate the psychological aftermath. In this review, we systematically analyze the literature surrounding the psychosocial impact and coping strategies among older adults with cancer within the context of COVID-19. Methods: We conducted a rapid review of literature following PRISMA guidelines between January 2020 to August 2021 using (1) MEDLINE, (2) Embase, (3) CINAHL, and (4) PsychINFO and keyword searches for “cancer” and “COVID-19” focused on adults 65 years or older. Results: Of the 6597 articles screened, 10 met the inclusion criteria. Based on the included articles, the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 was reported under four domains, (1) impact of COVID-19 on quality of life (QoL), (2) concerns related to COVID-19, (3) coping with the impact of COVID-19, and (4) recommendations for future care. Results pertaining to perceived quality of life were inconsistent across the included articles. The most common concerns related to: contracting COVID-19, survivorship transitions, and feelings of isolation. Coping strategies reported by older adults included: spiritual care, lived experience, acceptance, and positive reinterpretation. Conclusions: We found many psychosocial impacts of the pandemic on older adults with cancer. The findings from this review can inform interventions related to shared decision-making and tailored patient care in the future.
Attitudes of Canadian Colorectal Cancer Care Providers towards Liver Transplantation for Colorectal Liver Metastases: A National Survey
Authors: Guidolin Keegan , Choi Woo Jin , Servidio-Italiano Filomena , Quereshy Fayez , Sapisochin Gonzalo
Published: January 2022

Up to 50% of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients develop colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). The aim of this study was to gauge the awareness and perception of liver transplantation (LT) for non-resectable CRLM, and to describe the current referral patterns and management strategies for CRLM in Canada. Surgeons who provide care for patients with CRC were invited to an online survey through the Canadian Association of General Surgeons, the Canadian Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, and the Canadian Society of Surgical Oncology. Thirty-seven surveys were included. The most utilized management strategy for CRLM was to refer to a hepatobiliary surgeon for assessment of metastectomy (78%), and/or refer to medical oncologists for consideration of chemotherapy (73%). Among the respondents, 84% reported that their level of knowledge about LT for CRLM was low, yet the perception of exploring the option of LT for non-resectable CRLM seemed generally favorable (81%). The decision to refer for consideration of LT for CRLM treatment seemed to depend on patient-specific factors and the local hepatobiliary surgeon’s recommendation. Providing CRC care providers with educational materials on up-to-date CRLM management may help raise the awareness of the use of LT for non-resectable CRLM.
ROS-1 Fusions in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Evidence to Date
Authors: Gendarme Sébastien , Bylicki Olivier , Chouaid Christos , Guisier Florian
Published: January 2022

The ROS-1 gene plays a major role in the oncogenesis of numerous tumors. ROS-1 rearrangement is found in 0.9–2.6% of non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLCs), mostly lung adenocarcinomas, with a significantly higher rate of women, non-smokers, and a tendency to a younger age. It has been demonstrated that ROS-1 is a true oncogenic driver, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) targeting ROS-1 can block tumor growth and provide clinical benefit for the patient. Since 2016, crizotinib has been the first-line reference therapy, with two-thirds of the patients’ tumors responding and progression-free survival lasting ~20 months. More recently developed are ROS-1-targeting TKIs that are active against resistance mechanisms appearing under crizotinib and have better brain penetration. This review summarizes current knowledge on ROS-1 rearrangement in NSCLCs, including the mechanisms responsible for ROS-1 oncogenicity, epidemiology of ROS-1-positive tumors, methods for detecting rearrangement, phenotypic, histological, and molecular characteristics, and their therapeutic management. Much of this work is devoted to resistance mechanisms and the development of promising new molecules.
COI Metabarcoding Provides Insights into the Highly Diverse Diet of a Generalist Salamander, Salamandra salamandra (Caudata: Salamandridae)
Authors: Marques Adam J. D. , Mata Vanessa A. , Velo-Antón Guillermo
Published: January 2022

DNA metabarcoding has proven to be an accessible, cost-effective, and non-invasive tool for dietary analysis of predators in situ. Although DNA metabarcoding provides numerous benefits in characterizing diet—such as detecting prey animals that are difficult to visually identify—this method has seen limited application in amphibian species. Here, we used DNA metabarcoding to characterize the diet of fire salamanders (Salamandra salamandra) (Linnaeus, 1758) in three distinct regions across the northwestern Iberian Peninsula. To test the efficiency of COI-based metabarcoding in determining salamanders’ diet diversity, we compared our COI-based results with results from traditional diet studies from neighboring and distant populations, as well as with recent findings obtained in a DNA metabarcoding study using 18S. Two COI primers were used in combination to investigate the potential impact of primer bias in prey detection. Our COI metabarcoding approach increased taxonomic resolution and supported a generalist diet in S. salamandra. Between primers, there were no significant differences in the diversity and richness of prey detected. We observed differences in the prevalence of prey identified between sampling regions both in our study and in other studies of S. salamandra diet. This COI metabarcoding study provides recommendations and resources for subsequent research using DNA metabarcoding to study amphibian diets.
Conservation of Genetic Diversity of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in a Central European National Park Based on cpDNA Studies
Authors: Przybylski Paweł , Tereba Anna , Meger Joanna , Szyp-Borowska Iwona , Tyburski Łukasz
Published: January 2022

In the old pine stands of national parks, it is possible to observe genetic processes in a state free from disturbance by humans. Studies of this type make it possible to evaluate the effectiveness of the conservation of genetic variation and its transfer between generations. The present study was conducted in the largest national forest park in Poland, located in the Central European pine area. The oldest stands of Kampinos National Park and their natural descendants were selected for detailed analyses. The main objective of the study was to compare the mother pine stand, excluded from forest management, with its progeny generations on the basis of their chloroplast DNA (cpDNA), which was used as a diagnostic tool. The results demonstrate significant genetic difference between the maternal and progeny generations of the studied sites. The degree of variation observed in the maternal generation haplotypes in the present study was found to be reduced in the next generation. A significant proportion of the genetic diversity of the studied stands was also lost in the subsequent progeny generation. The obtained results allow conclusions to be drawn about the genetic processes taking place in valuable old-growth forests.
OCT-Guided Surgery for Gliomas: Current Concept and Future Perspectives
Authors: Yashin Konstantin , Bonsanto Matteo Mario , Achkasova Ksenia , Zolotova Anna , Wael Al-Madhaji , Kiseleva Elena , Moiseev Alexander , Medyanik Igor , Kravets Leonid , Huber Robert , Brinkmann Ralf , Gladkova Natalia
Published: January 2022

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been recently suggested as a promising method to obtain in vivo and real-time high-resolution images of tissue structure in brain tumor surgery. This review focuses on the basics of OCT imaging, types of OCT images and currently suggested OCT scanner devices and the results of their application in neurosurgery. OCT can assist in achieving intraoperative precision identification of tumor infiltration within surrounding brain parenchyma by using qualitative or quantitative OCT image analysis of scanned tissue. OCT is able to identify tumorous tissue and blood vessels detection during stereotactic biopsy procedures. The combination of OCT with traditional imaging such as MRI, ultrasound and 5-ALA fluorescence has the potential to increase the safety and accuracy of the resection. OCT can improve the extent of resection by offering the direct visualization of tumor with cellular resolution when using microscopic OCT contact probes. The theranostic implementation of OCT as a part of intelligent optical diagnosis and automated lesion localization and ablation could achieve high precision, automation and intelligence in brain tumor surgery. We present this review for the increase of knowledge and formation of critical opinion in the field of OCT implementation in brain tumor surgery.
Metallic Component Preserving Algorithm Based on the Cerebral Computed Tomography Angiography in Aneurysm Surgery
Authors: Shim Jina , Lee Su Hwan , Lee Youngjin , Kim Kyu Bom , Kim Kyuseok
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate the viability of the proposed method in preventing the loss of metallic components including the clip and coil in cerebral computed tomography angiography (CTA). Forty patients undergoing surgery for aneurysms carried metallic materials. The proposed method is based on conventional bone subtraction CTA (BS-CTA) system. Briefly, the position of metal components was determined using the threshold value and a region of interest (ROI). An appropriate threshold was used to separate the background from the target materials based on the Otsu method. A three-dimensional (3D) rendering was performed from the proposed BS-CTA data carrying the extracted target information. The accuracy of clip and coil region measured using the dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and bidirectional Hausdorff distance (HD) is reported. The metallic components of the proposed BS-CTA were significantly visualized in various patient cases. Quantitative evaluation using the proposed method is based on the mean DSC of 0.93 with a standard deviation (SD) of ±0.05 (e.g., maximum value = 0.99, minimum value = 0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.91 to 0.95, and all p < 0.05). The mean HD was 1.50 voxels with an SD of ± 0.58 (e.g., maximum value = 5.95, minimum value = 0.12, 95% CI = 1.10 to 1.90, and all p < 0.05). The proposed method demonstrates effective segmentation of the metallic component and application to the existing conventional BS-CTA system.
Precursor Lesions of Gallbladder Carcinoma: Disease Concept, Pathology, and Genetics
Authors: Fukumura Yuki , Rong Lu , Maimaitiaili Yifare , Fujisawa Toshio , Isayama Hiroyuki , Nakahodo Jun , Kikuyama Masataka , Yao Takashi
Published: January 2022

Understanding the pathogenesis and carcinogenesis of gallbladder adenocarcinoma is important. The fifth edition of the World Health Organization’s tumor classification of the digestive system indicates three types of preinvasive neoplasm of the gallbladder: pyloric gland adenoma (PGA), biliary intraepithelial neoplasia (BilIN), and intracholecystic papillary neoplasm (ICPN). New terminologies have also been introduced, such as intracholecystic papillary-tubular neoplasm, gastric pyloric, simple mucinous type, and intracholecystic tubular non-mucinous neoplasm (ICTN). Pancreatobiliary maljunction (PBM) poses a markedly high risk for bile duct carcinoma, which was analyzed and investigated mainly by Asian researchers in the past; however, recent studies have clarified a similar significance of biliary carcinogenesis in Western countries as well. In this study, we reviewed and summarized information on three gallbladder neoplastic precursors, PGA, BilIN, and ICPN, and gallbladder lesions in patients with PBM.
Corneal Confocal Microscopy Findings in Neuro Lyme Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Cañadas Pilar , García-Gonzalez Montserrat , Cañones-Zafra Rafael , Teus Miguel A.
Published: January 2022

Neuro Lyme disease is caused by several bacteriae of the Borreliaceae family, such as Borrelia Miyamotoi. In late stages of illness, patients with Lyme disease may develop chronic neurologic symptoms such as cognitive disturbances or small fiber peripheral neuropathy. Confocal microscopy is a non-invasive method designed to evaluate the human cornea in vivo. Thus, all the corneal layers, including the cells and the sub-basal nerve plexus, can be easily visualized and analyzed. This is the first report of the morphology of small-fiber peripheral neuropathy analyzed by confocal microscopy in a patient diagnosed of neuro Lyme disease. The decrease in the number of unmyelinated sub-basal nerve fibers with abundant presence of dendritic cells (DC) in comparison with healthy corneas strongly supports the diagnosis of small fiber peripheral neuropathy in a case of neuroborreliosis disease.
Laser Treatment of Peri-Implantitis: A Systematic Review of Radiographic Outcomes
Authors: Ting Miriam , Alluri Leela Subhashini C. , Sulewski John G. , Suzuki Jon B. , Paes Batista da Silva Andre
Published: January 2022

(1) Background: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of laser therapy on radiographic bone level (RBL) changes in peri-implantitis defects. (2) Methods: A literature search with defined inclusion criteria was performed. PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were searched through September 2020. The evaluated primary outcomes were RBL changes. In studies that reported RBL data, corresponding secondary clinical outcomes were probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), and clinical attachment level (CAL). (3) Results: Thirteen articles were selected for data extraction and risk of bias assessment. Eight studies showed evidence of RBL gain in the laser groups compared to baseline, but did not report the statistical significance. Eight of these 13 studies reported comparisons to control. Five of the eight studies did not show RBL gain in the laser groups compared to control. In the laser groups compared to baseline, 11 of 13 reported reduced PD, and 6 of 13 reported significantly reduced BOP. Compared to the control, eight of the eight reported reduction of PD, and three of six reported significantly reduced BOP. Statistical significance was not consistently reported. (4) Conclusions: Within the limits of this systematic review, laser treatment may promote bone gain in peri-implantitis defects, may reduce BOP and PDs, and may be comparable to mechanical therapy. However, definitive conclusions can only be made with statistically significant data, which were found lacking in the currently available studies. This systematic review was registered with the National Institute for Health Research, international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO): CRD42020207972.
Spectral Properties of Stochastic Processes Possessing Finite Propagation Velocity
Authors: Giona Massimiliano , Cairoli Andrea , Cocco Davide , Klages Rainer
Published: January 2022

This article investigates the spectral structure of the evolution operators associated with the statistical description of stochastic processes possessing finite propagation velocity. Generalized Poisson–Kac processes and Lévy walks are explicitly considered as paradigmatic examples of regular and anomalous dynamics. A generic spectral feature of these processes is the lower boundedness of the real part of the eigenvalue spectrum that corresponds to an upper limit of the spectral dispersion curve, physically expressing the relaxation rate of a disturbance as a function of the wave vector. We also analyze Generalized Poisson–Kac processes possessing a continuum of stochastic states parametrized with respect to the velocity. In this case, there is a critical value for the wave vector, above which the point spectrum ceases to exist, and the relaxation dynamics becomes controlled by the essential part of the spectrum. This model can be extended to the quantum case, and in fact, it represents a simple and clear example of a sub-quantum dynamics with hidden variables.
Multivariate Functional Kernel Machine Regression and Sparse Functional Feature Selection
Authors: Naiman Joseph , Song Peter Xuekun
Published: January 2022

Motivated by mobile devices that record data at a high frequency, we propose a new methodological framework for analyzing a semi-parametric regression model that allow us to study a nonlinear relationship between a scalar response and multiple functional predictors in the presence of scalar covariates. Utilizing functional principal component analysis (FPCA) and the least-squares kernel machine method (LSKM), we are able to substantially extend the framework of semi-parametric regression models of scalar responses on scalar predictors by allowing multiple functional predictors to enter the nonlinear model. Regularization is established for feature selection in the setting of reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces. Our method performs simultaneously model fitting and variable selection on functional features. For the implementation, we propose an effective algorithm to solve related optimization problems in that iterations take place between both linear mixed-effects models and a variable selection method (e.g., sparse group lasso). We show algorithmic convergence results and theoretical guarantees for the proposed methodology. We illustrate its performance through simulation experiments and an analysis of accelerometer data.
Information Theory and Its Application in Machine Condition Monitoring
Authors: Li Yongbo , Gu Fengshou , Liang Xihui
Published: January 2022

Rotating machinery is part and parcel of modern industrial applications [...]
Digital Signatures with Quantum Candies
Authors: Mor Tal , Shapira Roman , Shemesh Guy
Published: January 2022

Quantum candies (qandies) represent a type of pedagogical simple model that describes many concepts from quantum information processing (QIP) intuitively without the need to understand or make use of superpositions and without the need of using complex algebra. One of the topics in quantum cryptography that has gained research attention in recent years is quantum digital signatures (QDS), which involve protocols to securely sign classical bits using quantum methods. In this paper, we show how the “qandy model” can be used to describe three QDS protocols in order to provide an important and potentially practical example of the power of “superpositionless” quantum information processing for individuals without background knowledge in the field.
On the Mortality of Companies
Authors: Richmond Peter , Roehner Bertrand M.
Published: January 2022

Using data from both the US and UK we examine the survival and mortality of companies in both the early stage or start-up and mature phases. The shape of the mortality curve is broadly similar to that of humans. Even small single cellular organisms such as rotifers have a similar shape. The mortality falls in the early stages in a hyperbolic manner until around 20–30 years when it begins to rise broadly according to the Gompertz exponential law. To explain in simple terms these features we adapt the MinMax model introduced by the authors elsewhere to explain the shape of the human mortality curve.
Energy, Exergy, Exergoeconomic and Emergy-Based Exergoeconomic (Emergoeconomic) Analyses of a Biomass Combustion Waste Heat Recovery Organic Rankine Cycle
Authors: Effatpanah Saeed Khojaste , Ahmadi Mohammad Hossein , Delbari Seyed Hamid , Lorenzini Giulio
Published: January 2022

In recent decades, there has been an increasing trend toward the technical development of efficient energy system assessment tools owing to the growing energy demand and subsequent greenhouse gas emissions. Accordingly, in this paper, a comprehensive emergy-based exergoeconomic (emergoeconomic) method has been developed to study the biomass combustion waste heat recovery organic Rankine cycle (BCWHR-ORC), taking into account thermodynamics, economics, and sustainability aspects. To this end, the system was formulated in Engineering Equation Solver (EES) software, and then the exergy, exergoeconomic, and emergoeconomic analyses were conducted accordingly. The exergy analysis results revealed that the evaporator unit with 55.05 kilowatts and the turbine with 89.57% had the highest exergy destruction rate and exergy efficiency, respectively. Based on the exergoeconomic analysis, the cost per exergy unit (c), and the cost rate (C˙) of the output power of the system were calculated to be 24.13 USD/GJ and 14.19 USD/h, respectively. Next, by applying the emergoeconomic approach, the monetary emergy content of the system components and the flows were calculated to evaluate the system’s sustainability. Accordingly, the turbine was found to have the highest monetary emergy rate of capital investment, equal to 5.43×1012 sej/h, and an output power monetary emergy of 4.77×104 sej/J. Finally, a sensitivity analysis was performed to investigate the system’s overall performance characteristics from an exergoeconomic perspective, regarding the changes in the transformation coefficients (specific monetary emergy).
Entropy, Economics, and Criticality
Authors: Harré Michael S.
Published: January 2022

Information theory is a well-established method for the study of many phenomena and more than 70 years after Claude Shannon first described it in A Mathematical Theory of Communication it has been extended well beyond Shannon’s initial vision. It is now an interdisciplinary tool that is used from ‘causal’ information flow to inferring complex computational processes and it is common to see it play an important role in fields as diverse as neuroscience, artificial intelligence, quantum mechanics, and astrophysics. In this article, I provide a selective review of a specific aspect of information theory that has received less attention than many of the others: as a tool for understanding, modelling, and detecting non-linear phenomena in finance and economics. Although some progress has been made in this area, it is still an under-developed area that I argue has considerable scope for further development.
Do Local Fiscal Expenditures Promote the Growth of Profit-Seeking Enterprise Numbers in Neighboring Areas?
Authors: Huang Hao-Chen , Liu Hsin-Hung , Peng Chi-Lu , Liao Ting-Hsiu
Published: January 2022

In order to allocate resources and formulate policies effectively, governments and enterprises often need accurate geographical information on profit-seeking enterprises. This study explores the impact of local fiscal expenditure and environmental regulation on the number of profit-seeking enterprises in Taiwan’s counties and cities from the perspective of spatial econometrics, and analyzes data from 2001 to 2019. After comparing the explanatory power differences of various spatial econometric models, the spatial Durbin model, with spatial and time fixed effects, was used to explore the direct effect on the number of local profit-seeking enterprises, and the spillover effect of the number of local profit-seeking enterprises in different geographical locations on neighboring regions, especially the spatial spillover effect of local fiscal expenditure and labor and environmental regulations. This paper discusses the decision-making choices of local government regarding the competition strategy of environmental regulation, and finally provides the policy implications for the government as a reference.