bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic Restrictions on CO, CO2, and CH4 in Downtown Toronto Using Open-Path Fourier Transform Spectroscopy
Authors: You Yuan , Byrne Brendan , Colebatch Orfeo , Mittermeier Richard L. , Vogel Felix , Strong Kimberly
Published: June 2021

During the global COVID-19 pandemic, anthropogenic emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases (GHGs), especially traffic emissions in urban areas, have declined. Long-term measurements of trace gas concentrations in urban areas can be used to quantify the impact of emission reductions on GHG mole fractions. Open-path Fourier transform infrared (OP-FTIR) spectroscopy is a non-intrusive technique that can be used to simultaneously measure multiple atmospheric trace gases in the boundary layer. This study investigates the reduction of mole fractions and mole fraction enhancements above background for surface CO, CO2, and CH4 in downtown Toronto, Canada (the fourth largest city in North America) during the 2020 and 2021 COVID-19 stay-at-home periods. Mean values obtained from these periods were compared with mean values from a reference period prior to the 2020 restrictions. Mean CO mole fraction enhancement declined by 51 ± 23% and 42 ± 24% during the 2020 and 2021 stay-at-home periods, respectively. The mean afternoon CO2 mole fraction enhancement declined by 3.9 ± 2.6 ppm (36 ± 24%) and 3.5 ± 2.8 ppm (33 ± 26%) during the stay-at-home periods in 2020 and 2021. In contrast, CH4 mole fraction enhancement did not show any significant decrease. Diurnal variation in CO during the stay-at-home period in 2020 was also significantly reduced relative to the reference period in 2020. These reductions in trace gas mole fraction enhancements coincide with the decline of local traffic during the stay-at-home periods, with an estimated reduction in CO and CO2 enhancements of 0.74 ± 0.15 ppb and 0.18 ± 0.05 ppm per percentage decrease in traffic, respectively.
Effects of Excessive Equatorial Cold Tongue Bias on the Projections of Tropical Pacific Climate Change. Part II: The Extreme El Niño Frequency in CMIP5 Multi-Model Ensemble
Authors: Li Gen , Zhang Zhiyuan , Lu Bo
Published: June 2021

Under increased greenhouse gas (GHG) forcing, climate models tend to project a warmer sea surface temperature in the eastern equatorial Pacific than in the western equatorial Pacific. This El Niño-like warming pattern may induce an increase in the projected occurrence frequency of extreme El Niño events. The current models, however, commonly suffer from an excessive westward extension of the equatorial Pacific cold tongue accompanied by insufficient equatorial western Pacific precipitation. By comparing the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5 experiments with the historical simulations based on the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5), a “present–future” relationship among climate models was identified: models with insufficient equatorial western Pacific precipitation error would have a weaker mean El Niño-like warming pattern as well as a lower increase in the frequency of extreme El Niño events under increased GHG forcing. Using this “present–future” relationship and the observed precipitation in the equatorial western Pacific, this study calibrated the climate projections in the tropical Pacific. The corrected projections showed a stronger El Niño-like pattern of mean changes in the future, consistent with our previous study. In particular, the projected increased occurrence of extreme El Niño events under RCP 8.5 forcing are underestimated by 30–35% in the CMIP5 multi-model ensemble before the corrections. This implies an increased risk of the El Niño-related weather and climate disasters in the future.
Secondary Organic Aerosols in PM2.5 in Bengbu, a Typical City in Central China: Concentration, Seasonal Variation and Sources
Authors: Zhang Shiwei , Tang Hao , Li Qing , Li Liang , Ge Chaojun , Li Li , Feng Jialiang
Published: June 2021

To investigate the concentration, seasonal variation, and sources of secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) in the inland areas of central China, 244 seasonal PM2.5 samples were collected from January to October 2019 at one urban site and one suburban site simultaneously in Bengbu of Anhui Province. Concentrations of organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC), and typical organic tracers, including saccharides, tracers of SOAs from isoprene, terpenes, and toluene, were measured. Results showed that Bengbu has high pollution levels of organic aerosols, with annual average OC concentrations of about 9.5 μg m−3. About 60% of the OC in PM2.5 in Bengbu was water soluble. Different seasonal trends were found for the SOA tracers of isoprene, monoterpene, seisquiterpene, and toluene. The highest seasonal average concentration of the isoprene SOA tracers was observed in summer and of the monoterpene and seisquiterpene SOA tracers in autumn. A stronger correlation was found between the 2-methylglyceric acid-to-2-methyltetrol ratio (MGA/MTL) and ambient temperature than that between MGA/MTLs and NOX concentration, suggesting that temperature has an important impact on the MGA/MTL ratio besides NOX concentration. The OC/EC-based method, WSOC-based method, tracer yield method, and positive matrix factorization (PMF)-based method were used to estimate the concentration and sources of secondary organic carbon (SOC), and the PMF-based method was believed to be able to give reasonable results. SOC was the main contributor of WSOC in PM2.5 in Bengbu, while biomass burning made an important contribution to WSOC in autumn and winter (~40%). SOC was mainly associated with SOA tracers in summer and mainly associated with secondary ions in spring and winter, suggesting different formation mechanisms in different seasons.
Skimmed Goat’s Milk Powder Enriched with Grape Pomace Seed Extract: Phenolics and Protein Characterization and Antioxidant Properties
Authors: Milinčić Danijel D. , Kostić Aleksandar Ž. , Gašić Uroš M. , Lević Steva , Stanojević Slađana P. , Barać Miroljub B. , Tešić Živoslav Lj. , Nedović Viktor , Pešić Mirjana B.
Published: June 2021

The aim of this research was phenolics and protein characterization and antioxidant properties evaluation of skimmed thermally treated goat’s milk powder enriched with different concentration of grape pomace seed extract (SE). The dominant phenolics in SE were phenolic acids, flavan–3-ols and procyanidins. Different electrophoretic techniques together with UHPLC-MS/MS analysis revealed the presence of phenolics-protein interactions in the samples, mainly procyanidins with whey protein/caseins complexes. Addition of SE into thermally treated goat’s milk significantly improved antioxidant properties of goat’s milk such as TAC, FRP, DPPH• and ABTS•+ scavenging activity. Gallic acid, catechin, and procyanidins mostly contributed to these activities. The schematic representation of phenolics–casein micelles interactions in thermally treated goat’s milk enriched with SE was given. The addition of SE into thermally treated goat’s milk can be a promising strategy in food waste recovery and to enhance the beneficial health effects of goat’s milk-based functional foods.
Vasculitis: From Target Molecules to Novel Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Chung Sang-Wan
Published: June 2021

Systemic vasculitis is a group of diverse diseases characterized by immune-mediated inflammation of blood vessels. Current treatments for vasculitis, such as glucocorticoids and alkylating agents, are associated with significant side effects. In addition, the management of both small and large vessel vasculitis is challenging due to a lack of robust markers of disease activity. Recent research has advanced our understanding of the pathogenesis of both small and large vessel vasculitis, and this has led to the development of novel biologic therapies capable of targeting key cytokine and cellular effectors of the inflammatory cascade. It is anticipated that these novel treatments will lead to more effective and less toxic treatment regimens for patients with systemic vasculitis.
Optimal Relabeling of Water Molecules and Single-Molecule Entropy Estimation
Authors: Fogolari Federico , Esposito Gennaro
Published: June 2021

Estimation of solvent entropy from equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations is a long-standing problem in statistical mechanics. In recent years, methods that estimate entropy using k-th nearest neighbours (kNN) have been applied to internal degrees of freedom in biomolecular simulations, and for the rigorous computation of positional-orientational entropy of one and two molecules. The mutual information expansion (MIE) and the maximum information spanning tree (MIST) methods were proposed and used to deal with a large number of non-independent degrees of freedom, providing estimates or bounds on the global entropy, thus complementing the kNN method. The application of the combination of such methods to solvent molecules appears problematic because of the indistinguishability of molecules and of their symmetric parts. All indistiguishable molecules span the same global conformational volume, making application of MIE and MIST methods difficult. Here, we address the problem of indistinguishability by relabeling water molecules in such a way that each water molecule spans only a local region throughout the simulation. Then, we work out approximations and show how to compute the single-molecule entropy for the system of relabeled molecules. The results suggest that relabeling water molecules is promising for computation of solvation entropy.
Does Motor Tract Integrity at 1 Month Predict Gait and Balance Outcomes at 6 Months in Stroke Patients?
Authors: Jun SoYeon , Hong BoYoung , Kim YoungKook , Lim SeongHoon
Published: June 2021

Recovery of balance and gait ability is important in stroke patients. Several studies have examined the role of white matter tracts in the recovery of gait and balance, but the results have been inconclusive. Therefore, we examined whether the integrity of the corticospinal tract (CST), corticoreticular pathway (CRP), and cortico-ponto-cerebellar tract (CPCT) at 1 month predicted balance and gait function 6 months after stroke onset. This retrospective longitudinal observational clinical study assessed 27 patients with first-ever unilateral supratentorial stroke. The subjects underwent diffusion tensor imaging 1 month after the stroke, and the Functional Ambulation Categories (FAC) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores were assessed after 6 months. The normalized fiber number (FN) and fractional anisotropy (FA) results for the CST, CRP and CPCT were also obtained. The FN and FA results for the CST, CRP, or CPCT at 1 month were not related to the gait or balance at 6 months. There was also no difference in FAC values at 1 month after stoke onset among three groups differing in degree of independence of ambulation. The integrity of the CST, CRP, and CPCT on 1 month after stroke onset was not associated with gait or balance after 6 months. The white matter integrity did not predict the clinical outcome.
Revisiting the Morphology and Classification of the Paracingulate Gyrus with Commentaries on Ambiguous Cases
Authors: Wysiadecki Grzegorz , Mazurek Agata , Walocha Jerzy , Majos Agata , Tubbs R. Shane , Iwanaga Joe , Żytkowski Andrzej , Radek Maciej
Published: June 2021

The anterior cingulate cortex is considered to play a crucial role in cognitive and affective regulation. However, this area shows a high degree of morphological interindividual variability and asymmetry. It is especially true regarding the paracingulate sulcus and paracingulate gyrus (PCG). Since the reports described in the literature are mainly based on imaging techniques, the goal of this study was to verify the classification of the PCG based on anatomical material. Special attention was given to ambiguous cases. The PCG was absent in 26.4% of specimens. The gyrus was classified as present in 28.3% of cases. The prominent type of the PCG was observed in 37.7% of the total. Occasionally, the gyrus was well-developed and roughly only a few millimeters were missing for classifying the gyrus as prominent, as it ended slightly anterior the level of the VAC. The remaining four cases involved two inconclusive types. We observed that the callosomarginal artery ran within the cingulate sulcus and provided branches that crossed the PCG. Based on Klingler’s dissection technique, we observed a close relationship of the PCG with the superior longitudinal fascicle. The awareness of the anatomical variability observed within the brain cortex is an essential starting point for in-depth research.
Brain Stimulation and Neuroplasticity
Authors: Palm Ulrich , Chalah Moussa A. , Ayache Samar S.
Published: June 2021

Electrical or magnetic stimulation methods for brain or nerve modulation have been widely known for centuries, beginning with the Atlantic torpedo fish for the treatment of headaches in ancient Greece, followed by Luigi Galvani’s experiments with frog legs in baroque Italy, and leading to the interventional use of brain stimulation methods across Europe in the 19th century [...]
A Comparative Study of Automatic Localization Algorithms for Spherical Markers within 3D MRI Data
Authors: Fiedler Christian , Jacobs Paul-Philipp , Müller Marcel , Kolbig Silke , Grunert Ronny , Meixensberger Jürgen , Winkler Dirk
Published: June 2021

Localization of features and structures in images is an important task in medical image-processing. Characteristic structures and features are used in diagnostics and surgery planning for spatial adjustments of the volumetric data, including image registration or localization of bone-anchors and fiducials. Since this task is highly recurrent, a fast, reliable and automated approach without human interaction and parameter adjustment is of high interest. In this paper we propose and compare four image processing pipelines, including algorithms for automatic detection and localization of spherical features within 3D MRI data. We developed a convolution based method as well as algorithms based on connected-components labeling and analysis and the circular Hough-transform. A blob detection related approach, analyzing the Hessian determinant, was examined. Furthermore, we introduce a novel spherical MRI-marker design. In combination with the proposed algorithms and pipelines, this allows the detection and spatial localization, including the direction, of fiducials and bone-anchors.
Effects of Orthographic Consistency on Bilingual Reading: Human and Computer Simulation Data
Authors: Paulesu Eraldo , Bonandrini Rolando , Zapparoli Laura , Rupani Cristina , Mapelli Cristina , Tassini Fulvia , Schenone Pietro , Bottini Gabriella , Perry Conrad , Zorzi Marco
Published: June 2021

English serves as today’s lingua franca, a role not eased by the inconsistency of its orthography. Indeed, monolingual readers of more consistent orthographies such as Italian or German learn to read more quickly than monolingual English readers. Here, we assessed whether long-lasting bilingualism would mitigate orthography-specific differences in reading speed and whether the order in which orthographies with a different regularity are learned matters. We studied high-proficiency Italian-English and English-Italian bilinguals, with at least 20 years of intensive daily exposure to the second language and its orthography and we simulated sequential learning of the two orthographies with the CDP++ connectionist model of reading. We found that group differences in reading speed were comparatively bigger with Italian stimuli than with English stimuli. Furthermore, only Italian bilinguals took advantage of a blocked presentation of Italian stimuli compared to when stimuli from both languages were presented in mixed order, suggesting a greater ability to keep language-specific orthographic representations segregated. These findings demonstrate orthographic constraints on bilingual reading, whereby the level of consistency of the first learned orthography affects later learning and performance on a second orthography. The computer simulations were consistent with these conclusions.
Prevalence and Characteristics of Polyneuropathy in Atypical Parkinsonian Syndromes: An Explorative Study
Authors: Rohmann Rachel , Kühn Eva , Scherbaum Raphael , Hilker Lovis , Kools Saskia , Scholz Leonard , Müller Katharina , Huckemann Sophie , Schneider-Gold Christiane , Gold Ralf , Pitarokoili Kalliopi , Tönges Lars , Kwon Eun Hae
Published: June 2021

(1) Background: Peripheral nerve involvement is increasingly recognized in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Although non-motor symptoms and postural instability are early features of atypical parkinsonian syndromes (APS), peripheral neuropathies in APS have not been addressed in detail thus far. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of polyneuropathies (PNP) in multiple system atrophy (MSA) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), as representative syndromes of APS. (2) Methods: In total, 8 MSA and 6 PSP patients were comprehensively analyzed regarding subjective, clinical (motor and non-motor) and paraclinical PNP features using nerve conduction studies and high resolution nerve ultrasounds (HRUS). (3) Results: A total of 87.5% of MSA and 66.7% of PSP patients complained of at least one neuropathic symptom, with electrophysiological confirmation of PNP in 50.0% of both, MSA and PSP patients. PNP symptom severity in PSP and motor nerve amplitude in MSA were associated with compromised motor function. Morphologic nerve examination by HRUS showed few alterations according to the axonal type of PNP. (4) Conclusions: The overall high PNP symptom burden may be partially credited to the significant prevalence of electrophysiologically diagnosed PNP, and impact motor aspects of APS. The findings of this exploratory study reinforce further investigations on a larger scale, in order to elucidate peripheral nerve involvement and the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of APS.
The Effect of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Improving Psychological Well-Being in Parents of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Marino Flavia , Failla Chiara , Chilà Paola , Minutoli Roberta , Puglisi Alfio , Arnao Antonino A. , Pignolo Loris , Presti Giovambattista , Pergolizzi Francesca , Moderato Paolo , Tartarisco Gennaro , Ruta Liliana , Vagni David , Cerasa Antonio , Pioggia Giovanni
Published: June 2021

Background: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has been demonstrated as effective in improving psychological well-being in several clinical domains, but there is no evidence regarding the parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, we evaluated the efficacy of the ACT matrix behavioral protocol in comparison to the Parent Training (PT) program, measuring several primary and secondary outcomes prior to and following treatments. Twelve parents were randomly and equally assigned to two demographically matched groups wherein individuals underwent 24 weekly meetings of ACT protocol (experimental group) or conventional PT (control group). Results: Parents enrolled in the ACT protocol demonstrated significant improvement in psychological flexibility, awareness states, personal values in everyday life, and parental stress, whereas reduced scores were elicited in parents’ perceptions of their child’s disruptive behaviors. Conclusions: The results of this randomized controlled trial, if repeated with a large number of subjects, could open the way to include ACT protocols in daily practice to support the development of new parenting skills.
A Spiral Single-Layer Reticulated Shell Structure: Imperfection and Damage Tolerance Analysis and Stability Capacity Formulation for Conceptual Design
Authors: Liu Huijuan , Li Fukun , Yuan Hao , Ai Desheng , Xu Chunli
Published: June 2021

Single-layer reticulated shell structures are widely used, but their stability performance is not ideal. Moreover, they are sensitive to structural damage and imperfections, while the existing conventional design methods of increasing the cross-section, strengthening corrosion protection, and densifying the structural grid are not economical. This study employs a modified and bionic structure—a spiral single-layer reticulated shell structure—to solve the problem. First of all, according to the current Chinese design codes, its mathematical model and geometric model are designed. Then, its damage and imperfection tolerances are analyzed and compared with a traditional single-layer reticulated shell. We then propose a universal bearing capacity formula. Our research conclusions prove that the spiral single-layer reticulated shell structure has a higher tolerance to damage and imperfections while maintaining stability. Moreover, the precise bearing capacity formula proposed will help engineers to efficiently select the structure configurations in the conceptual design phase. Therefore, the spiral single-layer reticulated shell structure is worthy of popularization and application in engineering practice.
COVID-19: Research Directions for Non-Clinical Aerosol-Generating Facilities in the Built Environment
Authors: Law Roger C. K. , Lai Joseph H. K. , Edwards David John , Hou Huiying (Cynthia)
Published: June 2021

Physical contact and respiratory droplet transmission have been widely regarded as the main routes of COVID-19 infection. However, mounting evidence has unveiled the risk of aerosol transmission of the virus. Whereas caution has been taken to avoid this risk in association with clinical facilities, facilities such as spa pools and Jacuzzis, which are characterized by bubble-aerosol generation, high bather loads, and limited turnover rates, may promote aerosol transmission. Focusing on these non-clinical facilities in the built environment, a review study was undertaken. First, the typical water disinfection and ventilation-aided operations for the facilities were illustrated. Second, cross comparisons were made between the applicable standards and guidelines of the World Health Organization and countries including Australia, Canada, China, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The similarities and differences in their water quality specifications, ventilation requirements, and air quality enhancement measures were identified; there were no specific regulations for preventing aerosol transmission at those aerosol-generating facilities. Third, a qualitative review of research publications revealed the emergence of studies on potential air-borne transmission of COVID-19, but research on built facilities posing high risks of aerosol transmission remains scant. This study’s results inform key directions for future research on abating aerosol transmission of COVID-19: the development of bespoke personal protective equipment and engineering and management controls on water quality, ventilation, and air quality.
Effects of Delayed Radical Prostatectomy and Active Surveillance on Localised Prostate Cancer—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chan Vinson Wai-Shun , Tan Wei Shen , Asif Aqua , Ng Alexander , Gbolahan Olayinka , Dinneen Eoin , To Wilson , Kadhim Hassan , Premchand Melissa , Burton Oliver , Koe Jasmine Sze-Ern , Wang Nicole , Leow Jeffrey J. , Giannarini Gianluca , Vasdev Nikhil , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Enikeev Dmitry , Ng Chi Fai , Teoh Jeremy Yuen-Chun
Published: June 2021

External factors, such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), can lead to cancellations and backlogs of cancer surgeries. The effects of these delays are unclear. This study summarised the evidence surrounding expectant management, delay radical prostatectomy (RP), and neoadjuvant hormone therapy (NHT) compared to immediate RP. MEDLINE and EMBASE was searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomised controlled studies pertaining to the review question. Risks of biases (RoB) were evaluated using the RoB 2.0 tool and the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. A total of 57 studies were included. Meta-analysis of four RCTs found overall survival and cancer-specific survival were significantly worsened amongst intermediate-risk patients undergoing active monitoring, observation, or watchful waiting but not in low- and high-risk patients. Evidence from 33 observational studies comparing delayed RP and immediate RP is contradictory. However, conservative estimates of delays over 5 months, 4 months, and 30 days for low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk patients, respectively, have been associated with significantly worse pathological and oncological outcomes in individual studies. In 11 RCTs, a 3-month course of NHT has been shown to improve pathological outcomes in most patients, but its effect on oncological outcomes is apparently limited.
Functional Genomic Analysis of Breast Cancer Metastasis: Implications for Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Yu Ziqi , Song Mei , Chouchane Lotfi , Ma Xiaojing
Published: June 2021

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most diagnosed cancers worldwide and is the second cause of cancer related death in women. The most frequent cause of BC-related deaths, like many cancers, is metastasis. However, metastasis is a complicated and poorly understood process for which there is a shortage of accurate prognostic indicators and effective treatments. With the rapid and ever-evolving development and application of genomic sequencing technologies, many novel molecules were identified that play previously unappreciated and important roles in the various stages of metastasis. In this review, we summarize current advancements in the functional genomic analysis of BC metastasis and discuss about the potential prognostic and therapeutic implications from the recent genomic findings.
LRG1 Promotes Metastatic Dissemination of Melanoma through Regulating EGFR/STAT3 Signalling
Authors: Kwan Yuet Ping , Teo Melissa Hui Yen , Lim Jonathan Chee Woei , Tan Michelle Siying , Rosellinny Graciella , Wahli Walter , Wang Xiaomeng
Published: June 2021

Although less common, melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer largely due to its highly metastatic nature. Currently, there are limited treatment options for metastatic melanoma and many of them could cause serious side effects. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the complex disease pathophysiology of metastatic melanoma may lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets and facilitate the development of targeted therapeutics. In this study, we investigated the role of leucine-rich α-2-glycoprotein 1 (LRG1) in melanoma development and progression. We first established the association between LRG1 and melanoma in both human patient biopsies and mouse melanoma cell lines and revealed a significant induction of LRG1 expression in metastatic melanoma cells. We then showed no change in tumour cell growth, proliferation, and angiogenesis in the absence of the host Lrg1. On the other hand, there was reduced melanoma cell metastasis to the lungs in Lrg1-deficient mice. This observation was supported by the promoting effect of LRG1 in melanoma cell migration, invasion, and adhesion. Mechanistically, LRG1 mediates melanoma cell invasiveness in an EGFR/STAT3-dependent manner. Taken together, our studies provided compelling evidence that LRG1 is required for melanoma metastasis but not growth. Targeting LRG1 may offer an alternative strategy to control malignant melanoma.
Identification of Potential Biomarkers and Biological Pathways for Poor Clinical Outcome in Mucinous Colorectal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kim Chang Woo , Cha Jae Myung , Kwak Min Seob
Published: June 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) comprises several histological subtypes, but the influences of the histological subtypes on prognosis remains unclear. We sought to evaluate the prognosis of mucinous adenocarcinoma (MAC), compared to that of traditional adenocarcinoma (TAC). This study used the data of patients diagnosed with CRC between 2004 and 2016, as obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. We established a predictive model for disease-specific survival using conditional survival forest, model, non-linear Cox proportional hazards, and neural multi-task logistic regression model and identified the gene signatures for predicting poor prognosis based on the arrayexpress datasets. In total, 9096 (42.1%) patients with MAC and 12,490 (58.9%) patients with TAC were included. Those with the MAC subtype were more likely to have a poorer overall survival rate compared to those with the TAC subtype in stage II CRC (p = 0.002). The eight major genes including RPS18, RPL30, NME2, USP33, GAB2, RPS3A, RPS25, and CEP57 were found in the interacting network pathway. MAC was found to have a poorer prognosis compared to TAC, especially in Stage II CRC. In addition, our findings suggest that identifying potential biomarkers and biological pathways can be useful in CRC prognosis.
Synthesis and Photocatalytic Activity of Hierarchical Zn-ZSM-5 Structures
Authors: Li Hongji , Zhang Yu , Diao Jiaqi , Qiang Mengmeng , Chen Zhe
Published: June 2021

Hierarchical Zn-ZSM-5 photocatalyst structures were synthesized via a hydrothermal one-pot synthesis route using a double template. Activated attapulgite (Si-ATP) and zinc nitrate (Zn(NO3)2) precursors were used as silicon and zinc sources, respectively. The structural properties, morphology, photocatalytic activity and the texture properties of the synthesized Zn-ZSM-5 photocatalysts were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), diffracted ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectrometry (DRUV–Vis) and N2 adsorption/desorption, respectively. It was found that the composites exhibit a typical MFI framework structure, a hexahedral twin structure and typical UV absorption peaks at 292 nm and 246 nm, when the Zn/Si mole ratio reaches its optimum value of 1:100. The hierarchical nanocrystals exhibit a similar Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area (309 m2 g−1) and a high mesopore ratio (37.47%) as compared to commercial zeolites. Sub-nano-sized zinc oxide (ZnO) particles with small size moieties were implanted and isolated in the silica matrices of micro-mesoporous zeolite, which had a significant photocatalytic activity and reusability of degrading methylene blue (MB) dyeing wastewater. Using a 500 W mercury lamp with the wavelength range from 185–500 nm operating during an illumination time of 30 min, the concentration of MB decreases significantly in the presence of Zn-ZSM-5 photocatalyst leading to a 95.56% of degradation, where the ratio still remained at 94.32% after six times of reuse.
Molecular Biology of the WWOX Gene That Spans Chromosomal Fragile Site FRA16D
Authors: Lee Cheng Shoou , Choo Amanda , Dayan Sonia , Richards Robert I. , O’Keefe Louise V.
Published: June 2021

It is now more than 20 years since the FRA16D common chromosomal fragile site was characterised and the WWOX gene spanning this site was identified. In this time, much information has been discovered about its contribution to disease; however, the normal biological role of WWOX is not yet clear. Experiments leading to the identification of the WWOX gene are recounted, revealing enigmatic relationships between the fragile site, its gene and the encoded protein. We also highlight research mainly using the genetically tractable model organism Drosophila melanogaster that has shed light on the integral role of WWOX in metabolism. In addition to this role, there are some particularly outstanding questions that remain regarding WWOX, its gene and its chromosomal location. This review, therefore, also aims to highlight two unanswered questions. Firstly, what is the biological relationship between the WWOX gene and the FRA16D common chromosomal fragile site that is located within one of its very large introns? Secondly, what is the actual substrate and product of the WWOX enzyme activity? It is likely that understanding the normal role of WWOX and its relationship to chromosomal fragility are necessary in order to understand how the perturbation of these normal roles results in disease.
Participation of L-Lactate and Its Receptor HCAR1/GPR81 in Neurovisual Development
Authors: Laroche Samuel , Stil Aurélie , Germain Philippe , Cherif Hosni , Chemtob Sylvain , Bouchard Jean-François
Published: June 2021

During the development of the retina and the nervous system, high levels of energy are required by the axons of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) to grow towards their brain targets. This energy demand leads to an increase of glycolysis and L-lactate concentrations in the retina. L-lactate is known to be the endogenous ligand of the GPR81 receptor. However, the role of L-lactate and its receptor in the development of the nervous system has not been studied in depth. In the present study, we used immunohistochemistry to show that GPR81 is localized in different retinal layers during development, but is predominantly expressed in the RGC of the adult rodent. Treatment of retinal explants with L-lactate or the exogenous GPR81 agonist 3,5-DHBA altered RGC growth cone (GC) morphology (increasing in size and number of filopodia) and promoted RGC axon growth. These GPR81-mediated modifications of GC morphology and axon growth were mediated by protein kinases A and C, but were absent in explants from gpr81−/− transgenic mice. Living gpr81−/− mice showed a decrease in ipsilateral projections of RGCs to the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN). In conclusion, present results suggest that L-lactate and its receptor GPR81 play an important role in the development of the visual nervous system.
The Role of NKT Cells in Glioblastoma
Authors: Brettschneider Emily E. S. , Terabe Masaki
Published: June 2021

Glioblastoma is an aggressive and deadly cancer, but to date, immunotherapies have failed to make significant strides in improving prognoses for glioblastoma patients. One of the current challenges to developing immunological interventions for glioblastoma is our incomplete understanding of the numerous immunoregulatory mechanisms at play in the glioblastoma tumor microenvironment. We propose that Natural Killer T (NKT) cells, which are unconventional T lymphocytes that recognize lipid antigens presented by CD1d molecules, may play a key immunoregulatory role in glioblastoma. For example, evidence suggests that the activation of type I NKT cells can facilitate anti-glioblastoma immune responses. On the other hand, type II NKT cells are known to play an immunosuppressive role in other cancers, as well as to cross-regulate type I NKT cell activity, although their specific role in glioblastoma remains largely unclear. This review provides a summary of our current understanding of NKT cells in the immunoregulation of glioblastoma as well as highlights the involvement of NKT cells in other cancers and central nervous system diseases.
A Personalized Genomics Approach of the Prostate Cancer
Authors: Iacobas Sanda , Iacobas Dumitru A.
Published: June 2021

Decades of research identified genomic similarities among prostate cancer patients and proposed general solutions for diagnostic and treatments. However, each human is a dynamic unique with never repeatable transcriptomic topology and no gene therapy is good for everybody. Therefore, we propose the Genomic Fabric Paradigm (GFP) as a personalized alternative to the biomarkers approach. Here, GFP is applied to three (one primary—“A”, and two secondary—“B” & “C”) cancer nodules and the surrounding normal tissue (“N”) from a surgically removed prostate tumor. GFP proved for the first time that, in addition to the expression levels, cancer alters also the cellular control of the gene expression fluctuations and remodels their networking. Substantial differences among the profiled regions were found in the pathways of P53-signaling, apoptosis, prostate cancer, block of differentiation, evading apoptosis, immortality, insensitivity to anti-growth signals, proliferation, resistance to chemotherapy, and sustained angiogenesis. ENTPD2, AP5M1 BAIAP2L1, and TOR1A were identified as the master regulators of the “A”, “B”, “C”, and “N” regions, and potential consequences of ENTPD2 manipulation were analyzed. The study shows that GFP can fully characterize the transcriptomic complexity of a heterogeneous prostate tumor and identify the most influential genes in each cancer nodule.
Epitaxial Growth and Stoichiometry Control of Ultrawide Bandgap ZnGa2O4 Films by Pulsed Laser Deposition
Authors: Wang Liu , Zhang Wenrui , Liu Ningtao , Zhang Tan , Wang Zilong , Wu Simiao , Zhan Zhaolin , Ye Jichun
Published: June 2021

ZnGa2O4 is a promising semiconductor for developing high-performance deep-ultraviolet photodetectors owing to a number of advantageous fundamental characteristics. However, Zn volatilization during the ZnGa2O4 growth is a widely recognized problem that seriously degrades the film quality and the device performance. In this study, we report the synthesis of epitaxial ZnGa2O4 thin films by pulsed laser deposition using a non-stoichiometric Zn1+xGa2O4 target. It is found that supplementing excessive Zn concentration from the target is highly effective to stabilize stochiometric ZnGa2O4 thin films during the PLD growth. The influence of various growth parameters on the phase formation, crystallinity and surface morphology is systematically investigated. The film growth behavior further impacts the resulting optical absorption and thermal conductivity. The optimized epitaxial ZnGa2O4 film exhibits a full width at half maximum value of 0.6 degree for a 120 nm thickness, a surface roughness of 0.223 nm, a band gap of 4.79 eV and a room-temperature thermal conductivity of 40.137 W/(m⋅K). This study provides insights into synthesizing epitaxial ZnGa2O4 films for high performance optoelectronic devices.
Electrochromic Performance and Capacitor Performance of α-MoO3 Nanorods Fabricated by a One-Step Procedure
Authors: Duan Ying , Wang Chen , Hao Jian , Jiao Yang , Xu Yanchao , Wang Jing
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we propose for the first time the synthesis of α-MoO3 nanorods in a one-step procedure at mild temperatures. By changing the growth parameters, the microstructure and controllable morphology of the resulting products can be customized. The average diameter of the as-prepared nanorods is about 200 nm. The electrochromic and capacitance properties of the synthesized products were studied. The results show that the electrochromic properties of α-MoO3 nanorods at 550 nm have 67% high transmission contrast, good cycle stability and fast response time. The MoO3 nanorods also exhibit a stable supercapacitor performance with 98.5% capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles. Although current density varies sequentially, the nanostructure always exhibits a stable capacitor to maintain 100%. These results indicate the as-prepared MoO3 nanorods may be good candidates for applications in electrochromic devices and supercapacitors.
Structure and Characterization of TiC/GLC Multilayered Films with Various Bilayers Periods
Authors: Wang Weiqi , Ling Xiaoming , Wang Rui , Nie Wenhao , Ji Li , Li Hongxuan
Published: June 2021

The spontaneously self-organizing multilayered graphite-like carbon (denoted as GLC) /TiC films with various bilayer periods in the range of 13.3–17.5 nm were deposited on silicon and 1Cr18Mn8Ni5N stainless steel substrates using closed field magnetron sputtering deposition facility. The microstructures and chemical compositions of the prepared multilayered films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy respectively. The self-organizing multilayered structures in all of the films consisted of titanium carbide layers and sp2-rich carbon layers periodically alternate arrangement. The TiC contents and bilayer periods of the multilayered films can be controlled by means of adjusting of sputtering current of graphite target. Furthermore, the mechanical and tribological performances of the prepared films were appraised by nano-indentor, scratch measures, and ball-on-plate tribometer respectively. The results indicated that multilayer structure endowed the as-deposited TiC/GLC films outstanding mechanical and tribological properties, especially the multilayer film with 15.9 nm bilayer period deposited at 10 A sputtering current showed the excellent adhesion strength and hardness; Simultaneously it also exhibited the lowest average friction coefficient in the humid environment owing to its high content of sp2 hybrid carbon.
A General Strategy towards Superhydrophobic Self-Cleaning and Anti-Corrosion Metallic Surfaces: An Example with Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Zheng Shunli , Li Cheng , Zhang Yupeng , Xiang Tengfei , Cao Ying , Li Quanli , Chen Zhong
Published: June 2021

Corrosion and contamination of metallic structures can cause loss of their functionality as well as aesthetic values. In this study, we describe a general strategy to prepare superhydrophobic self-cleaning and anti-corrosion surfaces for metallic structures. As a specific example, a superhydrophobic coating (SHC) on aluminum alloy was prepared by a simple etching combined with the decoration of a low-surface-energy material. The optimal SHC has a water contact angle (CA) at ~157.4° and a sliding angle (SA) of ~8.3° due to the synergy of binary hierarchical structures and chemical modification. The SHC showed low adhesion to dry contaminants and a series of liquids, displaying a good self-cleaning effect. The SHC maintained superhydrophobicity after exposure to air and humid condition at 60 °C for 7 days. In addition, the electrochemical measurements reveal that the anti-corrosion performance was enhanced by reducing the corrosion current density (Jcorr) by 1 order of magnitude and increasing the corrosion potential (Ecorr) by 0.527 V as compared to the bare Al alloy substrate after immersion for 168 h.
Have Covalent Organic Framework Films Revealed Their Full Potential?
Authors: Bildirir Hakan
Published: June 2021

Porous organic polymers provide high accessible surface areas, which make them attractive for gas storage, separation, and catalysis. In addition to those classical usage areas, such compounds are particularly interesting for electronic applications since their high dimensional, electron-rich backbone provides advanced electronic and photophysical properties. However, their non-soluble nature is a challenge for their processability, especially in the case of film formation, hence their limited utilization in organic electronic devices so far. Nevertheless, there are several techniques presented in the literature to overcome that issue, most of which were on the crystalline porous organic polymers, namely covalent organic frameworks (COFs). In this perspective, the developments on COF film formation and prospects for the improvements are discussed with suggestions to further their performances in organic electronics.
‘Horror Vacui’ in the Oxygen Sublattice of Lithium Niobate Made Affordable by Cationic Flexibility
Authors: Corradi Gábor , Kovács László
Published: June 2021

The present review is intended for a broader audience interested in the resolution of the several decades-long controversy on the possible role of oxygen-vacancy defects in LiNbO3. Confronting ideas of a selected series of papers from classical experiments to brand new large-scale calculations, a unified interpretation of the defect generation and annealing mechanisms governing processes during thermo- and mechanochemical treatments and irradiations of various types is presented. The dominant role of as-grown and freshly generated Nb antisite defects as traps for small polarons and bipolarons is demonstrated, while mobile lithium vacancies, also acting as hole traps, are shown to provide flexible charge compensation needed for stability. The close relationship between LiNbO3 and the Li battery materials LiNb3O8 and Li3NbO4 is pointed out. The oxygen sublattice of the bulk plays a much more passive role, whereas oxygen loss and Li2O segregation take place in external or internal surface layers of a few nanometers.
Vapour Diffusion Sitting Drop Method to Induce Nucleation of Calcium Phosphate on Exfoliated Graphene and Graphene Oxide Flakes
Authors: Acebedo-Martínez Francisco Javier , Fernández-Penas Raquel , Verdugo-Escamilla Cristóbal , Choquesillo-Lazarte Duane , Gómez-Morales Jaime
Published: June 2021

The preparation of graphene/apatite and graphene oxide/apatite hybrid nanocomposites has recently attracted great attention in the biomaterial community. The sitting drop vapor diffusion technique has been assessed as a preparative method for such nanocomposites in this work. The technique has been employed to induce heterogeneous nucleation and growth of calcium phosphate in the presence of exfoliated graphene and commercial graphene oxide flakes, both labeled with L-Alanine. Exfoliated multilayered graphene flakes were produced by sonication-assisted liquid-phase exfoliation of graphite. In both composites, the apatite nanocrystals displayed similar size and shape, but different labile and B-type carbonation contributions. Graphene and graphene oxide flakes also influenced the carbonation degree of the apatite, which was almost half that measured for the apatite blank, as well as the aggregation state of their composites. In this regard, those composites with graphene oxide formed larger aggregates because of their wider size distribution, with a high-volume percentage of nanosheets (of about 4 nm length). Overall, the method is very useful to prepare small amounts of nanocomposite with high reproducibility.
Renal Complications Related to Checkpoint Inhibitors: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Belliere Julie , Mazieres Julien , Meyer Nicolas , Chebane Leila , Despas Fabien
Published: June 2021

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) targeting CTLA-4 and the PD-1/PD-L1 axis have unprecedentedly improved global prognosis in several types of cancers. However, they are associated with the occurrence of immune-related adverse events. Despite their low incidence, renal complications can interfere with the oncologic strategy. The breaking of peripheral tolerance and the emergence of auto- or drug-reactive T-cells are the main pathophysiological hypotheses to explain renal complications after ICI exposure. ICIs can induce a large spectrum of renal symptoms with variable severity (from isolated electrolyte disorders to dialysis-dependent acute kidney injury (AKI)) and presentation (acute tubule-interstitial nephritis in >90% of cases and a minority of glomerular diseases). In this review, the current trends in diagnosis and treatment strategies are summarized. The diagnosis of ICI-related renal complications requires special steps to avoid confounding factors, identify known risk factors (lower baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate, proton pump inhibitor use, and combination ICI therapy), and prove ICI causality, even after long-term exposure (weeks to months). A kidney biopsy should be performed as soon as possible. The treatment strategies rely on ICI discontinuation as well as co-medications, corticosteroids for 2 months, and tailored immunosuppressive drugs when renal response is not achieved.