bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is Negative Pressure Wound Therapy with Instillation Suitable for the Treatment of Acute Periprosthetic Hip Joint Infection?
Authors: Beckmann Nicholas A. , Hanslmeier Maximilian G. , Omlor Georg W. , Feisst Manuel , Maier Michael W. , Lehner Burkhard
Published: July 2021

Background: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) can be devastating for the patient and demanding for the surgeon. In acute PJI, attempts are made to retain the prosthesis by debridement of the infected tissue, targeted antibiotic therapy and an exchange of modular components with implant retention (DAIR). There has been sparse research with adjunctive negative pressure wound treatment with wound irrigation (NPWTI) on the treatment outcome. Questions/purposes: The goal was to assess the efficacy of our protocol of DAIR with adjunctive NPWTI in acute PJI and to reduce the need for later additional DAIR and Irrigation and Debridement (I and D). Patients and Methods: Our cohort of 30 patients (31 hips) with acute PJI was divided into two groups based on symptom presentation up to 6 weeks or >6 weeks from prior (index) surgery (acute early or acute late groups, respectively). All received DAIR with an exchange of modular components and NPWTI with polyhexanide instillation, with the goal of bacterial elimination and biofilm elimination. Postoperatively, the patients were followed up clinically and radiographically for a mean of 4.3 years. Results: Of the 31 PJI hips, 19 were early acute and 12 were late acute. In total, 21 hips had no evidence of residual infection, 10 required further surgical revision: 1 due to dislocation and 9 due to infection. Of these nine, seven had a removal of all the components and two were treated with irrigation and debridement (I and D), with the demise of one patient from pneumonia shortly after the procedure. The Kaplan–Meier 60-month revision free implant survival from infection was 73.2% (CI: 58.9–91.0%) and at the final follow up, the mean Harris Hip Score (HHS) was 81.1 ± 11.8 and the mean WOMAC score was 33.3 ± 20.1. Conclusions: Our results are in line with those reported in prior studies. However, the utility of our protocol is inconclusive and needs further evaluation based on our small cohort and the lack of a control group. Level of Evidence: IV.
Prospective Evaluation of Resection Margins Using Standardized Specimen Protocol Analysis among Patients with Distal Cholangiocarcinoma and Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Garnier Jonathan , Ewald Jacques , Poizat Flora , Traversari Eddy , Marchese Ugo , Palen Anais , Delpero Jean Robert , Turrini Olivier
Published: July 2021

Purpose: Using a standardized specimen protocol analysis, this study aimed to evaluate the resection margin status of patients who underwent resection for either distal cholangiocarcinoma (DC) or pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This allowed a precise millimetric analysis of each inked margin. Methods: From 2010 to 2018, 355 consecutively inked specimens from patients with PDAC (n = 288) or DC (n = 67) were prospectively assessed. We assessed relationships between the tumor and the following margins: transection of the pancreatic neck, bile duct, posterior surface, margin toward superior mesenteric artery, and the surface of superior mesenteric vein/portal vein groove. Resection margins were evaluated using a predefined cut-off value of 1 mm; however, clearances of 0 and 1.5 mm were also evaluated. Results: Patients with DC were mostly men (64% vs. 49%, p = 0.028), of older age (68 yo vs. 65, p = 0.033), required biliary stenting more frequently (93% vs. 77%, p < 0.01), and received less neoadjuvant treatment (p < 0.001) than patients with PDAC. The venous resection rate was higher among patients with PDAC (p = 0.028). Postoperative and 90-day mortality rates were comparable. Patients with PDAC had greater tumor size (28.6 vs. 24 mm, p = 0.01) than those with DC. The R1 resection rate was comparable between the two groups, regardless of the clearance margin. Among the three types of resection margins, a venous groove was the most frequent in both entities. In multivariate analysis, the R1 resection margin did not influence patient survival in either PDAC or DC. Conclusion: Our standardized specimen protocol analysis showed that the R1 resection rate was comparable in PDAC and DC.
Arterial Stiffness: Its Relation with Prediabetes and Metabolic Syndrome and Possible Pathogenesis
Authors: Gagliardino Juan J. , Salazar Martin R. , Espeche Walter G. , Tolosa Chapasian Paula E. , Gomez Garizoain Daniela , Olano Ricardo D. , Stavile Rodolfo N. , Balbín Eduardo , Martinez Camilo , Leiva Sisnieguez Betty C. , Leiva Sisnieguez Carlos E. , Carbajal Horacio A.
Published: July 2021

Aims: To evaluate arterial stiffness indicators in people with prediabetes (PreD) and its possible pathogenesis. Materials and methods: Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured in 208 people with FINDRISC ≥ 13 (57 ± 8 years old, 68.7% women) and thereafter divided into those having either normal glucose tolerance (NGT) or PreD. In each subgroup we also identified those with/out insulin resistance (IR) measured by the triglyceride/HDL-c ratio (normal cut off values previously established in our population). Clinical and metabolic data were collected for all participants. PWV was compared between subgroups using independent t test. Results: Women and men had comparable clinical and metabolic characteristics with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) and antihypertensive-statin treatment, almost half with either NGT or PreD. Whereas 48% of NGT people presented IR (abnormally high TG/HDL-c ratio), 52% had PreD. PWV was significantly higher only in those with a complete picture of metabolic syndrome (MS). Conclusions: Since PWV was significantly impaired in people with a complete picture of MS, clinicians must carefully search for early diagnosis of this condition and prescribe a healthy life-style to prevent development/progression of CVD. This proactive attitude would provide a cost-effective preventive strategy to avoid CVD’s negative impact on patients’ quality of life and on health systems due to their higher care costs.
Risk of Heart Disease after Cholecystectomy: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study in South Korea
Authors: Kim Yoo Jin , Park Young Soo , Shin Cheol Min , Han Kyungdo , Park Sang Hyun , Yoon Hyuk , Kim Nayoung , Lee Dong Ho
Published: July 2021

The aim of the study is to evaluate the risk of heart disease in individuals who underwent cholecystectomy. This was a retrospective cohort study using the National Health Insurance Service database of South Korea. A total of 146,928 patients who underwent cholecystectomy and 268,502 age- and sex-matched controls were compared. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for heart disease after cholecystectomy. In results, a previous history of cholecystectomy increased the risk of heart disease (congestive heart failure [CHF], myocardial infarction [MI], atrial fibrillation [AF]) (adjusted HR [aHR]: 1.40, 95% CI: [1.36–1.44]). The increased risk was particularly seen for CHF (1.22 [1.16–1.29]) but not for MI and AF (p > 0.05). In the subgroup analyses, cholecystectomy was associated with an increased risk of MI in patients aged <65 years (1.49 [1.16–1.92] and 1.18 [1.05–1.35] in patients aged 40–49 and 50–64 years, respectively), but not in those aged ≥ 65 years (0.932 [0.838–1.037]). Moreover, the risk of MI was increased in patients without diabetes mellitus (DM) (1.16 [1.06–1.27]); however, it was decreased in patients with DM (0.83 [0.72–0.97]). In contrast, cholecystectomy did not modify the risk of AF in the subgroup analyses (all p > 0.05). In conclusion, a history of cholecystectomy is associated with an increased risk of CHF. Cholecystectomy may increase the risk of MI in the younger population without DM. These findings suggest that the alteration of bile metabolism and homeostasis might be potentially associated with the development of some heart diseases.
Lung Ultrasound Examination in Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Multicenter Study
Authors: Buda Natalia , Cylwik Jolanta , Mróz Katarzyna , Rudzińska Renata , Dubik Paweł , Malczewska Agnieszka , Oraczewska Aleksandra , Skoczyński Szymon , Suska Anna , Górecki Tomasz , Mendrala Konrad , Piotrkowski Jakub , Gola Wojciech , Segura-Grau Elena , Zamojska Anna , Wełnicki Marcin
Published: July 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has, by necessity, contributed to rapid advancements in medicine. Owing to the necessity of following strict anti-epidemic sanitary measures when taking care of infected patients, the accessibility of standard diagnostic methods may be limited. Consequently, the significance and potential of bedside diagnostic modalities increase, including lung ultrasound (LUS). Method: Multicenter registry study involving adult patients with confirmed COVID-19, for whom LUS was performed. Results: A total of 228 patients (61% males) qualified for the study. The average age was 60 years (±14), 40% were older than 65 years of age. In 130 from 173 hospitalized patients, HRCT (high-resolution computed tomography) was performed. In 80% of patients, LUS findings indicated interstitial pneumonia. In hospitalized patients multifocally located single B-lines, symmetrical B-lines, and areas of white lung were significantly more frequent as compared to ambulatory patients. LUS findings, both those indicating interstitial syndrome and consolidations, were positively correlated with HRCT images. As compared to HRCT, the sensitivity and specificity of LUS in detecting interstitial pneumonia were 97% and 100%, respectively. Conclusions: As compared to HRCT, LUS is characterized by a very high sensitivity and specificity in detecting interstitial pneumonia in COVID-19 patients. Potentially, LUS can be a particularly useful diagnostic modality for COVID-19 patients pneumonia.
COLREGs Compliant Fuzzy-Based Collision Avoidance System for Multiple Ship Encounters
Authors: Ahmed Yaseen Adnan , Hannan Mohammed Abdul , Oraby Mahmoud Yasser , Maimun Adi
Published: July 2021

As the number of ships for marine transportation increases with the advancement of global trade, encountering multiple ships in marine traffic becomes common. This situation raises the risk of collision of the ships; hence, this paper proposes a novel Fuzzy-logic based intelligent conflict detection and resolution algorithm, where the collision courses and possible avoiding actions are analysed by considering ship motion dynamics and the input and output fuzzy membership functions are derived. As a conflict detection module, the Collision Risk (CR) is measured for each ship by using a scaled nondimensional Distance to the Closest Point of Approach (DCPA) and Time to the Closest Point of Approach (TCPA) as inputs. Afterwards, the decisions for collision avoidance are made based on the calculated CR, encountering angle and relative angle of each ship measured from others. In this regard, the rules for the Fuzzy interface system are defined in accordance with the COLREGs, and the whole system is implemented on the MATLAB Simulink platform. In addition, to deal with the multiple ship encounters, the paper proposes a unique maximum-course and minimum-speed change approach for decision making, which has been found to be efficient to solve Imazu problems, and other complicated multiple-ship encounters.
Application of Large Eddy Simulation to Predict Underwater Noise of Marine Propulsors. Part 1: Cavitation Dynamics
Authors: Kimmerl Julian , Mertes Paul , Abdel-Maksoud Moustafa
Published: July 2021

Marine propulsors are identified as the main contributor to a vessel’s underwater radiated noise as a result of tonal propeller noise and broadband emissions caused by its induced cavitation. To reduce a vessel’s signature, spectral limits are set for the propulsion industry, which can be experimentally obtained for a complete vessel at the full-scale; however, the prediction capability of the sound sources is still rudimentary at best. To adhere to the regulatory demands, more accurate numerical methods for combined turbulence and two-phase modeling for a high-quality prediction of acoustic sources of a propeller are required. Several studies have suggested implicit LES as a capable tool for propeller cavitation simulation. In the presented study, the main objective was the evaluation of the tip and hub vortex cavitating flows with implicit LES focusing on probable sound source representation. Cavitation structures for free-running propeller test cases were compared with experimental measurements. To resolve the structure of the tip vortex accurately, a priory mesh refinement was employed during the simulation in regions of high vorticity. Good visual agreement with the experiments and a fundamental investigation of the tip cavity structure confirmed the capability of the implicit LES for resolving detailed turbulent flow and cavitation structures for free-running propellers.
Subcritical Water Extracts from Agaricus blazei Murrill’s Mycelium Inhibit the Expression of Immune Checkpoint Molecules and Axl Receptor
Authors: Yasuma Taro , Toda Masaaki , Kobori Hajime , Tada Naoto , D’Alessandro-Gabazza Corina N. , Gabazza Esteban C.
Published: July 2021

Agaricus blazei Murrill or Himematsutake is an edible and medicinal mushroom. Agaricus blazei Murrill’s fruiting body extracts have anticancer properties, although the mechanism is unknown. Basic or organic solvents, which are hazardous for human health, are generally used to prepare Agaricus blazei Murrill’s extracts. The inhibition of immune checkpoint molecules and Axl receptor is an effective therapy in cancer. This study assessed whether subcritical water extracts of the Agaricus blazei Murrill’s fruiting body or mycelium affect the expression of Axl and immune checkpoint molecules in lung cancer cells. We used A549 cells and mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells in the experiments. We prepared subcritical water extracts from the Agaricus blazei Murrill’s fruiting body or mycelium. The subcritical water extracts from the Agaricus blazei Murrill’s fruiting body or mycelium significantly inhibited the expression of immune checkpoint molecules and Axl compared to saline-treated cells. Additionally, the hot water extract, subcritical water extract, and the hot water extraction residue subcritical water extract from the Agaricus blazei Murrill’s mycelium significantly enhanced the expression of maturation markers in dendritic cells. These observations suggest that the subcritical water extract from Agaricus blazei Murrill’s mycelium is a promising therapeutic tool for stimulating the immune response in cancer.
What Can the New Vatican Spokesman Do in the Era of Abuse Crisis?
Authors: Zavadilová Tereza
Published: July 2021

The Catholic Church (Further referred to as “Church” for shortening) has been facing a number of scandals regarding its priests and religious figures for several decades. Therefore, effective measures, considering legal or pastoral changes, and a working communication strategy are necessary to deal with the sad facts and to regain credibility through means of accountability, transparency, and solidarity. The expectations of what the official Vatican media—which has been undergoing multi-layer reform since 2015—is for are changing quickly and dramatically in the era of abuse crisis, possibly even having a wicked character. Among the initial commitments of the curial Dicastery for Communication included the criteria of paying “special attention to situations of hardship, poverty and difficulty”. We shall necessarily ask whether the employees and servants in Catholic Church communication are aware of all the contemporary risks and possible consequences of being resistant to it. The goal of this contribution is to inquire if and how the character of Vatican communication changed in this direction and whether it reacted to the critique and to the doubts made on the level of credibility and accountability. The time limitation is the second half of 2019—since the appointment of the new Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni in July 2019 to November 2019. The article takes into account the official Vatican News website data source and asks how flexibly Bruni responded to the critical situation.
Neuroblastoma Risk Assessment and Treatment Stratification with Hybrid Capture-Based Panel Sequencing
Authors: Szymansky Annabell , Kruetzfeldt Louisa-Marie , Heukamp Lukas C. , Hertwig Falk , Theissen Jessica , Deubzer Hedwig E. , Willing Eva-Maria , Menon Roopika , Fuchs Steffen , Thole Theresa , Schulte Stefanie , Schmelz Karin , Künkele Annette , Lang Peter , Fuchs Jörg , Eggert Angelika , Eckert Cornelia , Fischer Matthias , Henssen Anton G. , Rodriguez-Fos Elias , Schulte Johannes H.
Published: July 2021

For many years, the risk-based therapy stratification of children with neuroblastoma has relied on clinical and molecular covariates. In recent years, genome analysis has revealed further alterations defining risk, tumor biology, and therapeutic targets. The implementation of a robust and scalable method for analyzing traditional and new molecular markers in routine diagnostics is an urgent clinical need. Here, we investigated targeted panel sequencing as a diagnostic approach to analyze all relevant genomic neuroblastoma risk markers in one assay. Our “neuroblastoma hybrid capture sequencing panel” (NB-HCSP) assay employs a technology for the high-coverage sequencing (>1000×) of 55 selected genes and neuroblastoma-relevant genomic regions, which allows for the detection of single nucleotide changes, structural rearrangements, and copy number alterations. We validated our assay by analyzing 15 neuroblastoma cell lines and a cohort of 20 neuroblastomas, for which reference routine diagnostic data and genome sequencing data were available. We observed a high concordance for risk markers identified by the NB-HSCP assay, clinical routine diagnostics, and genome sequencing. Subsequently, we demonstrated clinical applicability of the NB-HCSP assay by analyzing routine clinical samples. We conclude that the NB-HCSP assay may be implemented into routine diagnostics as a single assay that covers all essential covariates for initial neuroblastoma classification, extended risk stratification, and targeted therapy selection.
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors—A Mini Review
Authors: Gheorghe Gina , Bacalbasa Nicolae , Ceobanu Gabriela , Ilie Madalina , Enache Valentin , Constantinescu Gabriel , Bungau Simona , Diaconu Camelia Cristina
Published: July 2021

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. They are potentially malignant, and have an unpredictable evolution. The origin of these tumors is in the interstitial cells of Cajal, which are cells that are interposed between the intramural neurons and the smooth muscle cells of the digestive tract. GISTs are characterized by mutations in the gene c-Kit, but also other mutations, such as those of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha. The most common locations of these tumors are the stomach and small intestine, although they can occur at any level of the digestive tract and occasionally in the omentum, mesentery and peritoneum. Most cases of GISTs are sporadic, and about 5% of cases are part of family genetic syndromes. The correct diagnosis of GIST is determined by histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry. According to histopathology, there are three main types of GISTs: spindle cell type, epithelioid type and mixed type. The therapeutic management of GIST includes surgery, endoscopic treatment and chemotherapy. The prognosis of patients with GIST varies depending on a number of factors, such as risk category, GIST stage, treatment applied and recurrence after treatment.
Using Domain Knowledge and Data-Driven Insights for Patient Similarity Analytics
Authors: Oei Ronald Wihal , Fang Hao Sen Andrew , Tan Wei-Ying , Hsu Wynne , Lee Mong-Li , Tan Ngiap-Chuan
Published: July 2021

Patient similarity analytics has emerged as an essential tool to identify cohorts of patients who have similar clinical characteristics to some specific patient of interest. In this study, we propose a patient similarity measure called D3K that incorporates domain knowledge and data-driven insights. Using the electronic health records (EHRs) of 169,434 patients with either diabetes, hypertension or dyslipidaemia (DHL), we construct patient feature vectors containing demographics, vital signs, laboratory test results, and prescribed medications. We discretize the variables of interest into various bins based on domain knowledge and make the patient similarity computation to be aligned with clinical guidelines. Key findings from this study are: (1) D3K outperforms baseline approaches in all seven sub-cohorts; (2) our domain knowledge-based binning strategy outperformed the traditional percentile-based binning in all seven sub-cohorts; (3) there is substantial agreement between D3K and physicians (κ = 0.746), indicating that D3K can be applied to facilitate shared decision making. This is the first study to use patient similarity analytics on a cardiometabolic syndrome-related dataset sourced from medical institutions in Singapore. We consider patient similarity among patient cohorts with the same medical conditions to develop localized models for personalized decision support to improve the outcomes of a target patient.
Pre-Metabolic Syndrome and Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension: From the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study
Authors: Cho A-Ra , Kwon Yu-Jin , Kim Jong-Koo
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of premetabolic syndrome (pre-MetSyn) and its components and to longitudinally examine their association with new-onset type 2 diabetes (T2D) or hypertension. A total of 4037 men and 4400 women aged 40 to 69 years were selected from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study, observed from 2001 to 2014. Pre-MetSyn was defined as the presence of one or two components of MetSyn (B, elevated blood pressure; G, elevated glucose; H, low HDL-cholesterol; T, elevated triglycerides; W, increased waist circumference). The prevalence of pre-MetSyn was higher than that of non-MetSyn and MetSyn in both men and women. In multivariate Cox regression analyses, G, T, G+T, W+G, B+G, B+T, W+T, B+H, and H+T in men and G, T, G+H, B+T, and H+T in women were significantly associated with new-onset T2D. B, W, B+H, B+T, W+H, and W+T in men and B, B+T, B+H, B+W, and W+H in women were significantly associated with new-onset hypertension. The prevalence of pre-MetSyn components and their associations with new-onset T2D or hypertension differed according to sex and disease. Our results suggest that specific phenotypes of pre-MetSyn may be important factors for predicting and preventing the development of T2D and hypertension.
Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) Polymorphisms Are Associated with Prolonged ECG-Derived QTc Interval: A Cross-Sectional Study of the Australian Rural Population
Authors: Lu Yaxin , Ussher Nathan , Zhou Yuling , Jelinek Herbert , Hambly Brett , Li Amy , McLachlan Craig S.
Published: July 2021

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes that are integral in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. In age or disease, ECM may become dysregulated and contribute to fibrosis, which impairs cardiac electrical conduction. Two alleles regulate matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) activity: one with five adenosine bases (5A; associated with higher MMP-3 activity and decreased fibrosis) and another with six adenosine bases (6A; associated with lower MMP-3 activity and increased fibrosis). Here, we determined whether ECG-derived QTc and related parameters are associated with the MMP-3 5A/6A genotype in a cross-section of the Australian rural population. A retrospective cross-sectional population was obtained from the Charles Sturt University Diabetes Screening Research Initiative. Genotype and resting 12-lead ECG parameters of 295 participants were analyzed. Amongst these participants, 85 individuals carried the 5A/5A genotype, 141 individuals carried the 5A/6A genotype, and 65 individuals carried the 6A/6A genotype. Compared to 5A/5A genotype carriers, 5A/6A genotype carriers had a significantly longer QTc duration by 9.50 ms (95% CI: 3.48–15.52, p = 0.002), whilst 6A/6A genotype carriers had an even longer QTc duration by 12.19 ms (95% CI: 5.04–19.34, p = 0.001). We found an association between MMP-3 5A/6A polymorphisms and QTc, independent of adjustments for age, gender, alcohol consumption, smoking status, body mass index and blood pressure.
COVID-19 Pandemic and Romanian Stock Market Volatility: A GARCH Approach
Authors: Gherghina Ștefan Cristian , Armeanu Daniel Ștefan , Joldeș Camelia Cătălina
Published: July 2021

This paper investigates the volatility of daily returns on the Romanian stock market between January 2020 and April 2021. Volatility is analyzed by means of the representative index for Bucharest Stock Exchange (BSE), namely, the Bucharest Exchange Trading (BET) index, along with twelve companies traded on BSE. The quantitative investigation was performed using GARCH approach. In the survey, the GARCH model (1,1) was applied to explore the volatility of the BET and BSE traded shares. Conditional volatility for the daily return series showed noticeable evidence of volatility that shifts over the explored period. In the first quarter of 2020, the Romanian equity market volatility increased to a level very close to that recorded during the global financial crisis of 2007–2009. Over the next two quarters, volatility had a downward trend. Besides, after VAR estimation, no causal connection was found among the COVID-19 variables and the BET index.
Forecasting High-Dimensional Financial Functional Time Series: An Application to Constituent Stocks in Dow Jones Index
Authors: Tang Chen , Shi Yanlin
Published: July 2021

Financial data (e.g., intraday share prices) are recorded almost continuously and thus take the form of a series of curves over the trading days. Those sequentially collected curves can be viewed as functional time series. When we have a large number of highly correlated shares, their intraday prices can be viewed as high-dimensional functional time series (HDFTS). In this paper, we propose a new approach to forecasting multiple financial functional time series that are highly correlated. The difficulty of forecasting high-dimensional functional time series lies in the “curse of dimensionality.” What complicates this problem is modeling the autocorrelation in the price curves and the comovement of multiple share prices simultaneously. To address these issues, we apply a matrix factor model to reduce the dimension. The matrix structure is maintained, as information contains in rows and columns of a matrix are interrelated. An application to the constituent stocks in the Dow Jones index shows that our approach can improve both dimension reduction and forecasting results when compared with various existing methods.
Land Cover Mapping from Colorized CORONA Archived Greyscale Satellite Data and Feature Extraction Classification
Authors: Agapiou Athos
Published: July 2021

Land cover mapping is often performed via satellite or aerial multispectral/hyperspectral datasets. This paper explores new potentials for the characterisation of land cover from archive greyscale satellite sources by using classification analysis of colourised images. In particular, a CORONA satellite image over Larnaca city in Cyprus was used for this study. The DeOldify Deep learning method embedded in the MyHeritage platform was initially applied to colourise the CORONA image. The new image was then compared against the original greyscale image across various quality metric methods. Then, the geometric correction of the CORONA coloured image was performed using common ground control points taken for aerial images. Later a segmentation process of the image was completed, while segments were selected and characterised for training purposes during the classification process. The latest was performed using the support vector machine (SVM) classifier. Five main land cover classes were selected: land, water, salt lake, vegetation, and urban areas. The overall results of the classification process were then evaluated. The results were very promising (>85 classification accuracy, 0.91 kappa coefficient). The outcomes show that this method can be implemented in any archive greyscale satellite or aerial image to characterise preview landscapes. These results are improved compared to other methods, such as using texture filters.
Developing an Integrative Theoretical Framework for Climate Proofing Spatial Planning across Sectors, Policy Levels, and Planning Areas
Authors: Juschten Maria , Reinwald Florian , Weichselbaumer Roswitha , Jiricka-Pürrer Alexandra
Published: July 2021

Spatial planning holds a key role in preventing or mitigating the impacts of climate change on both cities and rural areas, taking a forward-thinking and holistic approach to urban and regional development. As such, spatial planning deals with challenges occurring at different scales and across sectors. The international literature points out the need for horizontal and vertical cooperation to tackle climate change impacts. This paper discusses the general challenges for climate proofing across planning levels, sectors, and areas and provides a systematic overview of challenges that would affect an integrative theoretical framework for climate proofing. Based on the latter, the study ultimately aims at presenting a novel theoretical framework for Climate Proofing specific to spatial planning involving a multi-sectoral perspective. An iterative process was used for conceptual development, based on a literature review followed by external feedback meetings with the core team of planning experts responsible for exchange across federal states and two workshops with focus groups of experts of planning departments responsible for federal, regional, and local spatial planning. Implementation and further development of the framework are planned as the second phase of this study. By specifically addressing the challenges relating to cross-regional and cross-sectoral planning, this novel framework attempts to discuss the (i) consideration of the hierarchy of climate proofing measures through enhanced vertical and horizontal cooperation as well as the (ii) long-term institutionalisation of integrative planning processes across planning borders. It attempts also to (iii) foster the consideration of co-benefits for joint adaptation purposes and climate change mitigation through encouraging multi-disciplinary perspectives
Chinese Pattern of Urban Development Quality Assessment: A Perspective Based on National Territory Spatial Planning Initiatives
Authors: Song Rong , Hu Yecui , Li Mengqi
Published: July 2021

The State Council of the People’s Republic of China issued the National Territory Spatial Planning Outline (2016–2030), which is a fundamental guide and blueprint for China to achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Based on its sustainable-city initiatives, this paper establishes a “four-space (4S)” assessment framework, and measured the urban development quality (UDQ) of 336 cities in China. Then we analyzed the spatial patterns of UDQ, and identified the main obstacles. Our results show that there is considerable room for improvement in UDQ in China. The spatial pattern of UDQ shows that the eastern economic zone score is higher than the western score and the northern lower than the southern. The spatial efficiency, structure, and quality in Chinese cities have significant hierarchical structure, while the form pattern is complicated. The most important obstacle to China’s high-quality development is spatial efficiency. The most significant limiting indicator is the industrial structure, followed by land output level and land consumption per unit GDP. Our findings help enhance the effectiveness of National Territory Spatial Planning policy implementation and guide China’s urban planning and management to achieve sustainability.
Endogenous Mammalian Cardiotonic Steroids—A New Cardiovascular Risk Factor?—A Mini-Review
Authors: Słabiak-Błaż Natalia , Piecha Grzegorz
Published: July 2021

The role of endogenous mammalian cardiotonic steroids (CTS) in the physiology and pathophysiology of the cardiovascular system and the kidneys has interested researchers for more than 20 years. Cardiotonic steroids extracted from toads or plants, such as digitalis, have been used to treat heart disease since ancient times. CTS, also called endogenous digitalis-like factors, take part in the regulation of blood pressure and sodium homeostasis through their effects on the transport enzyme called sodium–potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na/K-ATPase) in renal and cardiovascular tissue. In recent years, there has been increasing evidence showing deleterious effects of CTS on the structure and function of the heart, vasculature and kidneys. Understanding the role of CTS may be useful in the development of potential new therapeutic strategies.
Differential Expression of the Androgen Receptor, Splice Variants and Relaxin 2 in Renal Cancer
Authors: Bialek Joanna , Piwonka Maria , Kawan Felix , Fornara Paolo , Theil Gerit
Published: July 2021

Background: The role of the androgen receptor (AR) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is unclear. We aimed to analyze the expression of AR and its splice variants (SVs) and their correlation with relaxin 2 (RLN2) and cytokines in RCC. Methods: We investigated the expression of RLN2 and AR variants in 25 clear cell RCC (ccRCC) and 9 papillary (pRCC) tumor tissues and the corresponding controls using quantitative PCR and serum RLN2, testosterone and cytokine levels in matched samples using ELISA and chemiluminescent immunometric assay, respectively. Results: ccRCC tissues but not pRCC tissues more frequently expressed AR and the SVs than did normal tissues. All pRCC samples expressed more AR than did ccRCC samples. The highest expression of all AR variants except AR-V12 was found in low-stage tumors, with dominant expression of AR-V7. In males in the ccRCC cohort, the expression of AR-FL, AR-V1 and AR-V3 was significantly correlated with that of RLN2. The secretion pattern of proinflammatory IL-6 was higher in ccRCC than in pRCC. Conclusions: The results highlight additional molecular differences between ccRCC and pRCC, suggesting the influence of external factors on the whole kidney or genetic predispositions to developing certain types of renal cancer, and may support further pathological analysis and studies of targeted hormone therapy.
1-(4-Formyl-2,6-dimethoxyphenoxy)-4-chlorobut-2-yne
Authors: Husson Jérôme
Published: July 2021

A reaction of biomass-derived aldehyde synringaldehyde and half an equivalent of 1,4-dichlorobut-2-yne was attempted in order to obtain a bis-aldehyde with an alkyne spacer. The reaction was carried out in a basic media to effect bis O-alkylation, as described in literature for the preparation of structurally similar compounds. Nevertheless, only mono alkylation was observed.
2-Hydroxy-5-(3,5,7-trihydroxy-4-oxo-4H-chromen-2-yl)phenyl (E)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)acrylate: Synthesis, In Silico Analysis and In Vitro Pharmacological Evaluation
Authors: Brizzi Antonella , Trezza Alfonso , Spiga Ottavia , Maramai Samuele , Scorzelli Francesco , Saponara Simona , Fusi Fabio
Published: July 2021

Quercetin and ferulic acid are two phytochemicals extensively represented in the plant kingdom and daily consumed in considerable amounts through diets. Due to a common phenolic structure, these two molecules share several pharmacological properties, e.g., antioxidant and free radical scavenging, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-arrhythmic, and vasorelaxant. The aim of the present work was the combination of the two molecules in a single chemical entity, conceivably endowed with more efficacious vasorelaxant activity. Preliminary in silico studies herein described suggested that the new hybrid compound bound spontaneously and with high affinity on the KCa1.1 channel. Thus, the synthesis of the 3′-ferulic ester derivative of quercetin was achieved and its structure confirmed by 1H- and 13C-NMR spectra, HSQC and HMBC experiments, mass spectrometry, and elementary analysis. The effect of the new hybrid compound on vascular KCa1.1 and CaV1.2 channels revealed a partial loss of the stimulatory activity that characterizes the parent compound quercetin. Therefore, further studies are necessary to identify a better strategy to improve the vascular properties of this flavonoid.
Eurocode Shear Design of Coarse Recycled Aggregate Concrete: Reliability Analysis and Partial Factor Calibration
Authors: Pacheco João , de Brito Jorge , Chastre Carlos , Evangelista Luís
Published: July 2021

This paper contributes to the definition of design clauses for coarse recycled aggregate concrete. One of the main reasons for scepticism towards recycled aggregate concrete is the perceived notion that the heterogeneity of recycled aggregates may increase the uncertainty of the behaviour of concrete. Therefore, the paper uses structural reliability concepts to propose partial factors for recycled aggregate concrete’s design for shear failure. The paper builds upon a previous publication by the authors, in which the model uncertainty of recycled aggregate concrete elements designed for shear, with and without shear reinforcement, was compared with that of natural aggregate concrete elements. In that paper, the statistics of the model uncertainty for recycled aggregate concrete shear design were indeed found to be less favourable than those of natural aggregate concrete. Therefore, a partial factor for recycled aggregate concrete design is needed to ensure safety. This paper presents partial factors calibrated with explicit reliability analyses for different cases of design concerning beams (in the case of shear design of elements with shear reinforcement) and slabs (for the design of elements without shear reinforcement). For full incorporation of coarse recycled concrete aggregates and the design of elements without shear reinforcement, the calibrated partial factor reduces the design value of shear resistance by 10% (design with EN1992) or 15% (design with prEN1992) in comparison to natural aggregate concrete’s design. For the shear design of elements with shear reinforcement, the partial factor decreases resistance by 5% but a sensitivity analysis showed that the reduction might be, under pessimistic expectations, of up to 20%.
Economic Friendly ZnO-Based UV Sensors Using Hydrothermal Growth: A Review
Authors: Qin Liguo , Mawignon Fagla Jules , Hussain Mehboob , Ange Nsilani Kouediatouka , Lu Shan , Hafezi Mahshid , Dong Guangneng
Published: July 2021

Ultraviolet (UV) sensors offer significant advantages in human health protection and environmental pollution monitoring. Amongst various materials for UV sensors, the zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructure is considered as one of the most promising candidates due to its incredible electrical, optical, biomedical, energetic and preparing properties. Compared to other fabricating techniques, hydrothermal synthesis has been proven to show special advantages such as economic cost, low-temperature process and excellent and high-yield production. Here, we summarize the latest progress in research about the hydrothermal synthesis of ZnO nanostructures for UV sensing. We particularly focus on the selective hydrothermal processes and reveal the effect of key factors/parameters on ZnO architectures, such as the laser power source, temperature, growth time, precursor, seeding solution and bases. Furthermore, ZnO hydrothermal nanostructures for UV applications as well as their mechanisms are also summarized. This review will therefore enlighten future ideas of low-temperature and low-cost ZnO-based UV sensors.
Research on Cracking Mechanism of Early-Age Restrained Concrete under High-Temperature and Low-Humidity Environment
Authors: Yuan Min , Qiang Sheng , Xu Yingli , Li Yu , Xu Wenqiang
Published: July 2021

How to prevent the cracking of tunnel lining concrete under a high-temperature and low-humidity environment has gradually become a challenge faced by the engineering community. Actually, the concrete structure will be restrained, which easily leads to cracking. Aiming at this problem, a self-restraint device of concrete specimens was designed in this paper, which aims to more realistically simulate the restrained state of concrete structures during construction. SEM, EDS and XRD detection methods were used to study the macroscopic and microscopic properties of an early-age restrained concrete specimen under a high-temperature and low-humidity environment, and the results were compared with those of a non-restrained concrete specimen. The results show that the change in the internal relative humidity of the concrete was an extremely slow process, and the response rate of the internal humidity of the concrete was much slower than that of the temperature. A cubic curve model was used to fit the measured concrete damage degree with the loading age, and the fitting effect was good. Under the environment of high temperature and low humidity, the loading age from the 0.6th day to the 1st day was the period of a relatively large fluctuation in the concrete temperature and humidity, and the restraint would aggravate the damage of the concrete. The damage degree increased with the increase in the loading age, the microcracks gradually increased and, finally, macrocracks were formed. The restraint effect was to intensify the formation of microcracks, affect the hydration of the cement at the micro level and, finally, increase the risk of concrete cracking perpendicular to the restrained direction at the macro level. The research results may provide guidance for research on the cracking mechanism of tunnel lining concrete constructed under a high-temperature and low-humidity environment.
Characterization of Friction Stir and TIG Welded CK45 Carbon Steel
Authors: Rafati Mohammadreza , Mostafapour Amir , Laieghi Hossein , Somani Mahesh Chandra , Kömi Jukka
Published: July 2021

The present paper aims to compare the microstructural and mechanical properties of CK45 carbon steel plates, joined by friction stir (FSW) and tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding methods. Besides visual inspection, the welded joints and the base material were subsequently evaluated in respect of optical microstructures, hardness and tensile properties. Sound joints could be accomplished using both the FSW and TIG welding methods through proper selection of process parameters and the filler metal. The influence of a water-cooling system on the FSW and various filler metals on the quality of TIG welding were further assessed. Both the FS welded sample as well as TIG welded samples with two different filler metals ER70S-6 and ER80S-B2 exhibited brittle behavior that could be mitigated through optimized water cooling and use of R60 filler metal. A drastic reduction of brittle martensite phase constituent in the microstructure corroborated significant improvements in mechanical properties of the welded zones for both the FSW sample as well as TIG welded samples with R60 filler metal.
Thermal Expansion Behavior of Co-Spray Formed Al-20Si/7075 Bimetallic Gradient Alloy
Authors: Yu Lei , Jiang Sida , Cao Fuyang , Shen Hongxian , Zhang Lunyong , Gu Xu , Song Heqian , Sun Jianfei
Published: July 2021

Bimetallic gradient alloys have attracted research attention recently due to their potential applications in the aerospace and automobile industries. In this study, Al-20Si/7075 bimetallic gradient alloys were successfully manufactured by co-spray forming and the roll process. We investigated the thermal expansion behavior of the gradient alloy. It was found that the coefficients of thermal expansion increased with silicon content and increased temperature, reaching the highest point at 573 K, after which they decreased on account of the relaxation of residual thermal stress and the silicon desolvation from the supersaturated aluminum phase. The measured thermal expansion coefficient can be roughly predicted through the traditional theoretical models. Our results revealed the thermal expansion behavior of Al-20Si/7075 bimetallic gradient alloys and would improve the development of new type aluminum–silicon alloy for electronic packaging.
Influence of Rapid Heat Treatment on the Shrinkage and Strength of High-Performance Concrete
Authors: Stindt Jan , Forman Patrick , Mark Peter
Published: July 2021

Resource-efficient precast concrete elements can be produced using high-performance concrete (HPC). A heat treatment accelerates hardening and thus enables early stripping. To minimise damages to the concrete structure, treatment time and temperature are regulated. This leads to temperature treatment times of more than 24 h, what seems too long for quick serial production (flow production) of HPC. To overcome this shortcoming and to accelerate production speed, the heat treatment is started here immediately after concreting. This in turn influences the shrinkage behaviour and the concrete strength. Therefore, shrinkage is investigated on prisms made from HPC with and without steel fibres, as well as on short beams with reinforcement ratios of 1.8% and 3.1%. Furthermore, the flexural and compressive strengths of the prisms are measured directly after heating and later on after 28 d. The specimens are heat-treated between 1 and 24 h at 80 °C and a relative humidity of 60%. Specimens without heating serve for reference. The results show that the shrinkage strain is pronouncedly reduced with increasing temperature duration and rebar ratio. Moreover, the compressive and flexural strength decrease with decreasing temperature duration, whereby the loss of strength can be compensated by adding steel fibres.
Effects of Zinc Addition on the Corrosion Behavior of Pre-Filmed Alloy 690 in Borated and Lithiated Water at 330 °C
Authors: Jeon Soon-Hyeok , Lim Dong-Seok , Choi Jinsoo , Song Kyu-Min , Lee Jong-Hyeon , Hur Do-Haeng
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this work is to quantify the effects of dissolved zinc cations on corrosion and release rates from a pre-filmed Alloy 690 steam generator tubing material that was subsequently exposed to water containing zinc. The corrosion tests were performed in circulating 2 ppm Li and 1000 ppm B water without and with 60 ppb zinc at 330 °C. Gravimetric analyses and oxide characterization revealed that the corrosion rates, release rates, and oxide thicknesses decreased by subsequent exposure of the pre-filmed Alloy 690 to zinc. These benefits are attributed to the formation of a chromium-rich inner oxide layer incorporating zinc.
Morphology and Chemical Purity of Water Suspension of Graphene Oxide FLAKES Aged for 14 Months in Ambient Conditions. A Preliminary Study
Authors: Chlanda Adrian , Kowiorski Krystian , Małek Marcin , Kijeńska-Gawrońska Ewa , Bil Monika , Djas Małgorzata , Strachowski Tomasz , Swieszkowski Wojciech , Lipińska Ludwika
Published: July 2021

Graphene and its derivatives have attracted scientists’ interest due to their exceptional properties, making them alluring candidates for multiple applications. However, still little is known about the properties of as-obtained graphene derivatives during long-term storage. The aim of this study was to check whether or not 14 months of storage time impacts graphene oxide flakes’ suspension purity. Complementary micro and nanoscale characterization techniques (SEM, AFM, EDS, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and elemental combustion analysis) were implemented for a detailed description of the topography and chemical properties of graphene oxide flakes. The final step was pH evaluation of as-obtained and aged samples. Our findings show that purified flakes sustained their purity over 14 months of storage.