bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuroendocrine Differentiation in Conventional Colorectal Adenocarcinomas: Incidental Finding or Prognostic Biomarker?
Authors: Konukiewitz Björn , Kasajima Atsuko , Schmitt Maxime , Schwamborn Kristina , Groll Tanja , Schicktanz Felix , Delbridge Claire , Schütze Lisa Marie , Wilhelm Dirk , Lang Corinna , Lange Sebastian , Foersch Sebastian , Jank Paul , Steiger Katja , Werder Alexander von , Denkert Carsten , Weichert Wilko , Klöppel Günter , Jesinghaus Moritz
Published: October 2021

Background: Colorectal mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinomas (MANECs) are clinically highly aggressive neoplasms. MANECs are composed of variable adenocarcinoma components combined with morphologically distinct neuroendocrine carcinoma components, which are confirmed by synaptophysin immunohistochemistry, the gold standard marker of a neuroendocrine differentiation. However, the biological behavior of adenocarcinomas that express synaptophysin but do not show a typical neuroendocrine morphology remains unclear. Methods: We investigated synaptophysin expression in 1002 conventional colorectal adenocarcinomas and correlated the results with clinicopathological characteristics and patient survival and compared the survival characteristics of synaptophysin expression groups to MANECs. Results: Synaptophysin expression in conventional colorectal adenocarcinomas was associated with a shortened disease-free survival (p = 0.037), but not with overall survival or disease-specific survival (DSS) in univariate analyses and without any survival impact in multivariate analyses. Patients with “true” MANECs, on the other hand, showed a significantly shorter survival than all conventional adenocarcinomas with or without synaptophysin expression in uni- and multivariate analyses (e.g., multivariate DSS: p < 0.001, HR: 5.20). Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that synaptophysin expression in conventional colorectal adenocarcinomas, in contrast to MANECs, is not associated with a significantly poorer clinical outcome when compared to adenocarcinomas without synaptophysin expression. Furthermore, our data suggest that conventional adenocarcinomas with a diffuse synaptophysin expression should not be classified as MANECs, also strongly arguing that synaptophysin testing should be reserved for carcinomas with an H&E morphology suggestive of a neuroendocrine differentiation.
Combinatorial Effect of PLK1 Inhibition with Temozolomide and Radiation in Glioblastoma
Authors: Pandey Arvind , Tripathi Satyendra C. , Mai Junhua , Hanash Samir M. , Shen Haifa , Mitra Sankar , Rostomily Robert C.
Published: October 2021

New strategies that improve median survivals of only ~15–20 months for glioblastoma (GBM) with the current standard of care (SOC) which is concurrent temozolomide (TMZ) and radiation (XRT) treatment are urgently needed. Inhibition of polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), a multifunctional cell cycle regulator, overexpressed in GBM has shown therapeutic promise but has never been tested in the context of SOC. Therefore, we examined the mechanistic and therapeutic impact of PLK1 specific inhibitor (volasertib) alone and in combination with TMZ and/or XRT on GBM cells. We quantified the effects of volasertib alone and in combination with TMZ and/or XRT on GBM cell cytotoxicity/apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential (MtMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS), cell cycle, stemness, DNA damage, DNA repair genes, cellular signaling and in-vivo tumor growth. Volasertib alone and in combination with TMZ and/or XRT promoted apoptotic cell death, altered MtMP, increased ROS and G2/M cell cycle arrest. Combined volasertib and TMZ treatment reduced side population (SP) indicating activity against GBM stem-like cells. Volasertib combinatorial treatment also significantly increased DNA damage and reduced cell survival by inhibition of DNA repair gene expression and modulation of ERK/MAPK, AMPK and glucocorticoid receptor signaling. Finally, as observed in-vitro, combined volasertib and TMZ treatment resulted in synergistic inhibition of tumor growth in-vivo. Together these results identify new mechanisms of action for volasertib that provide a strong rationale for further investigation of PLK1 inhibition as an adjunct to current GBM SOC therapy.
Intra- and Interobserver Variability in Magnetic Resonance Imaging Measurements in Rectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Grimm Peter , Loft Martina Kastrup , Dam Claus , Pedersen Malene Roland Vils , Timm Signe , Rafaelsen Søren Rafael
Published: October 2021

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in Europe, and accurate lymph node staging in rectal cancer patients is essential for the selection of their treatment. MRI lymph node staging is complex, and few studies have been published regarding its reproducibility. This study assesses the inter- and intraobserver variability in lymph node size, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements, and morphological characterization among inexperienced and experienced radiologists. Four radiologists with different levels of experience in MRI rectal cancer staging analyzed 36 MRI scans of 36 patients with rectal adenocarcinoma. Inter- and intraobserver variation was calculated using interclass correlation coefficients and Cohens-kappa statistics, respectively. Inter- and intraobserver agreement for the length and width measurements was good to excellent, and for that of ADC it was fair to good. Interobserver agreement for the assessment of irregular border was moderate, heterogeneous signal was fair, round shape was fair to moderate, and extramesorectal lymph node location was moderate to almost perfect. Intraobserver agreement for the assessment of irregular border was fair to substantial, heterogeneous signal was fair to moderate, round shape was fair to moderate, and extramesorectal lymph node location was substantial to almost perfect. Our data indicate that subjective variables such as morphological characteristics are less reproducible than numerical variables, regardless of the level of experience of the observers.
European Multicenter Study on Degradable Starch Microsphere TACE: The Digestible Way to Conquer HCC in Patients with High Tumor Burden
Authors: Ludwig Johannes M. , Iezzi Roberto , Theysohn Jens M. , Albrecht Thomas , Posa Alessandro , Gross Alexander
Published: October 2021

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization with degradable starch microspheres (DSM-TACE) for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with a high tumor burden ineligible for or failing other palliative therapies, 121 patients from three European centers were included. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used for median overall survival (OS) and time to progression (TTP, mRECIST criteria) in months with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Uni- (UVA) and multivariate (MVA) analyses were performed using the Cox Proportional Hazard Model. The median OS of the study cohort was 15.5 (13.3–18.7) months. The UVA identified HCC lesions ≤10 cm, unilobar involvement, lower Child–Pugh class and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage, absence of vascular invasion, and extrahepatic metastases as factors for prolonged survival. MVA confirmed lesions of ≤10 cm and unilobar disease as independent OS factors. Median TTP was 9.5 (7.6–10.3) months. The best response was achieved after a median of 3 (range: 1–6) treatments with CR/PR/SD/PD in 13.5%/44.5%/25.2%/16.8%, respectively. DSM-TACE was well tolerated with no major clinical adverse events and only limited major laboratory events. Preserved liver function was observed after repetitive DSM-TACE treatments. Repetitive DSM-TACE is a safe, well-tolerated and effective treatment option for HCC patients with high tumor burden ineligible or failing other palliative therapies.
In the Era of Systemic Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Is Transarterial Chemoembolization Still a Card to Play?
Authors: Bucalau Ana-Maria , Tancredi Illario , Verset Gontran
Published: October 2021

Conventional transarterial embolization (cTACE) has been proven to be effective for intermediate stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with a recent systematic review showing an overall survival (OS) of 19.4 months. Nevertheless, due to the rapid development of the systemic therapeutic landscape, the place of TACE is becoming questionable. Is there still a niche for TACE in the era of immunotherapy and combination treatments such as atezolizumab–bevacizumab, which has shown an OS of 19.2 months with excellent tolerance? The development of drug-eluting microspheres (DEMs) has led to the standardization of the technique, and along with adequate selection, it showed an OS of 48 months in a retrospective study. In order to increase treatment selectivity, new catheters have also been added to the TACE arsenal as well as the use of cone-beam CT (CBCT), which provides three-dimensional volumetric images and guidance during procedures. Moreover, the TACE indications have also widened. It may serve as a “bridging therapy” for liver transplantation candidates while they are on the waiting list, and it represents a valuable downstaging tool to transplantation criteria. The aim of this review is to explore the current data on the advancements of TACE and its future place amongst the growing panel of treatments.
Morphology and Catalytic Performance of MoS2 Hydrothermally Synthesized at Various pH Values
Authors: Lee Seung-Jae , Son Yang-Seung , Choi Jin-Hoon , Kim Seong-Soo , Park Sung-Youl
Published: October 2021

Although preparation conditions are known to affect the morphology and catalytic performance of hydrothermally synthesized MoS2, the influence of pH remains unclear. Herein, unsupported MoS2 was prepared from ammonium tetrathiomolybdate (ATTM) by a hydrothermal reaction at various pH values under a reaction pressure of 2 MPa. The physical and chemical properties of the MoS2 samples were characterized, and the catalytic performance for CO methanation was examined. With increasing pH, the morphology of the MoS2 particles transformed from aggregates of irregular grain-like particles to flower-like particles through the agglomeration of fine mesoporous nanoflakes. Hydrothermal synthesis at a pH of 9.5 increased the MoS2 crystallinity by enhancing the stacking of the (0 0 2) lattice plane. The MoS2 samples prepared at pH 7.0 and 9.5 showed increased CO conversion during methanation, which was associated with a low concentration of Mo5+ species and the presence of surface sulfate species. Thus, a high pH during catalyst preparation may promote the complete decomposition of ATTM to MoS2 and the formation of sulfur vacancies, which can facilitate methanation.
The LEDGF/p75 Integrase Binding Domain Interactome Contributes to the Survival, Clonogenicity, and Tumorsphere Formation of Docetaxel-Resistant Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Ortiz-Hernandez Greisha L. , Sanchez-Hernandez Evelyn S. , Ochoa Pedro T. , Elix Catherine C. , Alkashgari Hossam R. , McMullen James R. W. , Soto Ubaldo , Martinez Shannalee R. , Diaz Osterman Carlos J. , Mahler Michael , Roy Sourav , Casiano Carlos A.
Published: October 2021

Patients with prostate cancer (PCa) receiving docetaxel chemotherapy invariably develop chemoresistance. The transcription co-activator lens epithelium-derived growth factor p75 (LEDGF/p75), also known as DFS70 and PSIP1, is upregulated in several human cancers, including PCa and promotes resistance to docetaxel and other drugs. The C-terminal region of LEDGF/p75 contains an integrase binding domain (IBD) that tethers nuclear proteins, including the HIV-1 integrase and transcription factors, to active chromatin to promote viral integration and transcription of cellular survival genes. Here, we investigated the contribution of the LEDGF/p75 IBD interactome to PCa chemoresistance. Quantitative immunoblotting revealed that LEDGF/p75 and its IBD-interacting partners are endogenously upregulated in docetaxel-resistant PCa cell lines compared to docetaxel-sensitive parental cells. Using specific human autoantibodies, we co-immunoprecipitated LEDGF/p75 with its endogenous IBD-interacting partners JPO2, menin, MLL, IWS1, ASK1, and PogZ, as well as transcription factors c-MYC and HRP2, in docetaxel-resistant cells, and confirmed their nuclear co-localization by confocal microscopy. Depletion of LEDGF/p75 and selected interacting partners robustly decreased the survival, clonogenicity, and tumorsphere formation capacity of docetaxel-resistant cells. These results implicate the LEDGF/p75 IBD interactome in PCa chemoresistance and could lead to novel therapeutic strategies targeting this protein complex for the treatment of docetaxel-resistant tumors.
IQSEC2 Deficiency Results in Abnormal Social Behaviors Relevant to Autism by Affecting Functions of Neural Circuits in the Medial Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Mehta Anuradha , Shirai Yoshinori , Kouyama-Suzuki Emi , Zhou Mengyun , Yoshizawa Takahiro , Yanagawa Toru , Mori Takuma , Tabuchi Katsuhiko
Published: October 2021

IQSEC2 is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for ADP-ribosylation factor 6 (Arf6), of which protein is exclusively localized to the postsynaptic density of the excitatory synapse. Human genome studies have revealed that the IQSEC2 gene is associated with X-linked neurodevelopmental disorders, such as intellectual disability (ID), epilepsy, and autism. In this study, we examined the behavior and synapse function in IQSEC2 knockout (KO) mice that we generated using CRIPSR/Cas9-mediated genome editing to solve the relevance between IQSEC2 deficiency and the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders. IQSEC2 KO mice exhibited autistic behaviors, such as overgrooming and social deficits. We identified that up-regulation of c-Fos expression in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) induced by social stimulation was significantly attenuated in IQSEC2 KO mice. Whole cell electrophysiological recording identified that synaptic transmissions mediated by α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR), N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), and γ-aminobutyric acid receptor (GABAR) were significantly decreased in pyramidal neurons in layer 5 of the mPFC in IQSEC2 KO mice. Reexpression of IQSEC2 isoform 1 in the mPFC of IQSEC2 KO mice using adeno-associated virus (AAV) rescued both synaptic and social deficits, suggesting that impaired synaptic function in the mPFC is responsible for social deficits in IQSEC2 KO mice.
Role of MiR-325-3p in the Regulation of CFL2 and Myogenic Differentiation of C2C12 Myoblasts
Authors: Nguyen Mai Thi , Lee Wan
Published: October 2021

Skeletal myogenesis is required to maintain muscle mass and integrity, and impaired myogenesis is causally linked to the etiology of muscle wasting. Recently, it was shown that excessive uptake of saturated fatty acids (SFA) plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of muscle wasting. Although microRNA (miRNA) is implicated in the regulation of myogenesis, the molecular mechanism whereby SFA-induced miRNAs impair myogenic differentiation remains largely unknown. Here, we investigated the regulatory roles of miR-325-3p on CFL2 expression and myogenic differentiation in C2C12 myoblasts. PA impeded myogenic differentiation, concomitantly suppressed CFL2 and induced miR-325-3p. Dual-luciferase analysis revealed that miR-325-3p directly targets the 3′UTR of CFL2, thereby suppressing the expression of CFL2, a crucial factor for actin dynamics. Transfection with miR-325-3p mimic resulted in the accumulation of actin filaments (F-actin) and nuclear Yes-associated protein (YAP) in myoblasts and promoted myoblast proliferation and cell cycle progression. Consequently, miR-325-3p mimic significantly attenuated the expressions of myogenic factors and thereby impaired the myogenic differentiation of myoblasts. The roles of miR-325-3p on CFL2 expression, F-actin modulation, and myogenic differentiation suggest a novel miRNA-mediated regulatory mechanism of myogenesis and PA-inducible miR-325-3p may be a critical mediator between obesity and muscle wasting.
Cofilin and Actin Dynamics: Multiple Modes of Regulation and Their Impacts in Neuronal Development and Degeneration
Authors: Bamburg James , Minamide Laurie , Wiggan O’Neil , Tahtamouni Lubna , Kuhn Thomas
Published: October 2021

Proteins of the actin depolymerizing factor (ADF)/cofilin family are ubiquitous among eukaryotes and are essential regulators of actin dynamics and function. Mammalian neurons express cofilin-1 as the major isoform, but ADF and cofilin-2 are also expressed. All isoforms bind preferentially and cooperatively along ADP-subunits in F-actin, affecting the filament helical rotation, and when either alone or when enhanced by other proteins, promotes filament severing and subunit turnover. Although self-regulating cofilin-mediated actin dynamics can drive motility without post-translational regulation, cells utilize many mechanisms to locally control cofilin, including cooperation/competition with other proteins. Newly identified post-translational modifications function with or are independent from the well-established phosphorylation of serine 3 and provide unexplored avenues for isoform specific regulation. Cofilin modulates actin transport and function in the nucleus as well as actin organization associated with mitochondrial fission and mitophagy. Under neuronal stress conditions, cofilin-saturated F-actin fragments can undergo oxidative cross-linking and bundle together to form cofilin-actin rods. Rods form in abundance within neurons around brain ischemic lesions and can be rapidly induced in neurites of most hippocampal and cortical neurons through energy depletion or glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. In ~20% of rodent hippocampal neurons, rods form more slowly in a receptor-mediated process triggered by factors intimately connected to disease-related dementias, e.g., amyloid-β in Alzheimer’s disease. This rod-inducing pathway requires a cellular prion protein, NADPH oxidase, and G-protein coupled receptors, e.g., CXCR4 and CCR5. Here, we will review many aspects of cofilin regulation and its contribution to synaptic loss and pathology of neurodegenerative diseases.
Lung Fibrosis Is Improved by Extracellular Vesicles from IFNγ-Primed Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Murine Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Rozier Pauline , Maumus Marie , Maria Alexandre Thibault Jacques , Toupet Karine , Jorgensen Christian , Guilpain Philippe , Noël Danièle
Published: October 2021

Background: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a severe autoimmune disease for which mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs)-based therapy was reported to reduce SSc-related symptoms in pre-clinical studies. Recently, extracellular vesicles released by MSCs (MSC-EVs) were shown to mediate most of their therapeutic effect. Here, we aimed at improving their efficacy by increasing the MSC-EV dose or by IFNγ-priming of MSCs. Methods: small size (ssEVs) and large size EVs (lsEVs) were recovered from murine MSCs that were pre-activated using 1 or 20 ng/mL of IFNγ. In the HOCl-induced model of SSc, mice were treated with EVs at day 21 and sacrificed at day 42. Lung and skin samples were collected for histological and molecular analyses. Results: increasing the dose of MSC-EVs did not add benefit to the dose previously reported to be efficient in SSc. By contrast, IFNγ pre-activation improved MSC-EVs-based treatment, essentially in the lungs. Low doses of IFNγ decreased the expression of fibrotic markers, while high doses improved remodeling and anti-inflammatory markers. IFNγ pre-activation upregulated iNos, IL1ra and Il6 in MSCs and ssEVs and the PGE2 protein in lsEVs. Conclusion: IFNγ-pre-activation improved the therapeutic effect of MSC-EVs preferentially in the lungs of SSc mice by modulating anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic markers.
Steatosis Alters the Activity of Hepatocyte Membrane Transporters in Obese Rats
Authors: Pastor Catherine M. , Vilgrain Valérie
Published: October 2021

Fat accumulation (steatosis) in ballooned hepatocytes alters the expression of membrane transporters in Zucker fatty (fa/fa) rats. The aim of the study was to quantify the functions of these transporters and their impact on hepatocyte concentrations using a clinical hepatobiliary contrast agent (Gadobenate dimeglumine, BOPTA) for liver imaging. In isolated and perfused rat livers, we quantified BOPTA accumulation and decay profiles in fa/+ (normal) and fa/fa hepatocytes by placing a gamma counter over livers. Profiles of BOPTA accumulation and decay in hepatocytes were analysed with nonlinear regressions to characterise BOPTA influx and efflux across hepatocyte transporters. At the end of the accumulation period, BOPTA hepatocyte concentrations and influx clearances were not significantly different in fa/+ and fa/fa livers. In contrast, bile clearance was significantly lower in fatty hepatocytes while efflux clearance back to sinusoids compensated the low efflux into canaliculi. The time when BOPTA cellular efflux impacts the accumulation profile of hepatocyte concentrations was slightly delayed (2 min) by steatosis, anticipating a delayed emptying of hepatocytes. The experimental model is useful for quantifying the functions of hepatocyte transporters in liver diseases.
Simple Approach to Medical Grade Alumina and Zirconia Ceramics Surface Alteration via Acid Etching Treatment
Authors: Nakonieczny Damian Stanislaw , Slíva Aleš , Paszenda Zbigniew , Hundáková Marianna , Kratošová Gabriela , Holešová Sylva , Majewska Justyna , Kałużyński Piotr , Sathish Sajjan Kumar , Simha Martynková Gražyna
Published: October 2021

In order for bioceramics to be further used in composites and their applications, it is important to change the surface so that the inert material is ready to interact with another material. Medical grade alumina and zirconia ceramic powders have been chemically etched with three selected acidic mixtures. Powder samples were taken for characterization, which was the key to evaluating a successful surface change. Changes in morphology, together with chemical composition, were studied using scanning electron microscopy, phase composition using X-ray diffraction methods, and nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms are used to evaluate specific surface area and porosity. The application of HF negatively affected the morphology of the material and caused agglomeration. The most effective modification of ceramic powders was the application of a piranha solution to obtain a new surface and a satisfactory degree of agglomeration. The prepared micro-roughness of the etched ceramic would provide an improved surface of the material either for its next step of incorporation into the selected matrix or to directly aid in the attachment and proliferation of osteoblast cells.
Incidence, Etiology, Prevention and Management of Ureteroenteric Strictures after Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy: A Review of Published Evidence and Personal Experience
Authors: Narita Shintaro , Saito Mitsuru , Numakura Kazuyuki , Habuchi Tomonori
Published: October 2021

Benign ureteroenteric anastomosis strictures (UESs) are one of many critical complications that may cause irreversible disability following robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC). Previous studies have shown that the incidence rates of UES after RARC can reach 25.3%, with RARC having higher UES incidence rates compared to open radical cystectomy. Various known and unknown factors are involved in the occurrence of UES. To minimize the incidence of UES after RARC, our group has standardized the procedure and technique for intracorporeal urinary diversion by applying the following five strategies: (1) wide delicate dissection of the ureter and preservation of the periureteral tissues; (2) gentle handling of the ureter and security of periureteral tissues at the anastomotic site; (3) use of indocyanine green to confirm good blood supply; (4) standardization of the ample ureteral spatulation length for Wallace ureteroenteric anastomosis through objective measurements; and (5) development of an institutional standardized procedure manual. This review focused on the incidence, etiology, prevention, and management of UES after RARC to bring attention to the incidence of this complication while also proposing standardized surgical procedures to minimize its incidence after RARC.
Edge-Preserving Denoising of Image Sequences
Authors: Yi Fan , Qiu Peihua
Published: October 2021

To monitor the Earth’s surface, the satellite of the NASA Landsat program provides us image sequences of any region on the Earth constantly over time. These image sequences give us a unique resource to study the Earth’s surface, changes of the Earth resource over time, and their implications in agriculture, geology, forestry, and more. Besides natural sciences, image sequences are also commonly used in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of medical studies for understanding the functioning of brains and other organs. In practice, observed images almost always contain noise and other contaminations. For a reliable subsequent image analysis, it is important to remove such contaminations in advance. This paper focuses on image sequence denoising, which has not been well-discussed in the literature yet. To this end, an edge-preserving image denoising procedure is suggested. The suggested method is based on a jump-preserving local smoothing procedure, in which the bandwidths are chosen such that the possible spatio-temporal correlations in the observed image intensities are accommodated properly. Both theoretical arguments and numerical studies show that this method works well in the various cases considered.
Assembly of a Coreset of Earth Observation Images on a Small Quantum Computer
Authors: Otgonbaatar Soronzonbold , Datcu Mihai
Published: October 2021

Satellite instruments monitor the Earth’s surface day and night, and, as a result, the size of Earth observation (EO) data is dramatically increasing. Machine Learning (ML) techniques are employed routinely to analyze and process these big EO data, and one well-known ML technique is a Support Vector Machine (SVM). An SVM poses a quadratic programming problem, and quantum computers including quantum annealers (QA) as well as gate-based quantum computers promise to solve an SVM more efficiently than a conventional computer; training the SVM by employing a quantum computer/conventional computer represents a quantum SVM (qSVM)/classical SVM (cSVM) application. However, quantum computers cannot tackle many practical EO problems by using a qSVM due to their very low number of input qubits. Hence, we assembled a coreset (“core of a dataset”) of given EO data for training a weighted SVM on a small quantum computer, a D-Wave quantum annealer with around 5000 input quantum bits. The coreset is a small, representative weighted subset of an original dataset, and its performance can be analyzed by using the proposed weighted SVM on a small quantum computer in contrast to the original dataset. As practical data, we use synthetic data, Iris data, a Hyperspectral Image (HSI) of Indian Pine, and a Polarimetric Synthetic Aperture Radar (PolSAR) image of San Francisco. We measured the closeness between an original dataset and its coreset by employing a Kullback–Leibler (KL) divergence test, and, in addition, we trained a weighted SVM on our coreset data by using both a D-Wave quantum annealer (D-Wave QA) and a conventional computer. Our findings show that the coreset approximates the original dataset with very small KL divergence (smaller is better), and the weighted qSVM even outperforms the weighted cSVM on the coresets for a few instances of our experiments. As a side result (or a by-product result), we also present our KL divergence findings for demonstrating the closeness between our original data (i.e., our synthetic data, Iris data, hyperspectral image, and PolSAR image) and the assembled coreset.
Quasi-Static Research of ATV/UTV Non-Pneumatic Tires
Authors: Jackowski Jerzy , Żmuda Marcin , Wieczorek Marcin , Zuska Andrzej
Published: October 2021

The non-pneumatic tire (NPT) is a type of wheel whichdevelopment is related to the beginning of automotive development. The non-pneumatic tire (NPT) is a type of tire that does not contain compressed gases or fluid to provide directional control and traction. Nowadays, this type of wheel is more and more often used in special purpose vehicles, e.g., in military vehicles and working machines. The main feature of the non-pneumatic tire is a flexible support structure (including the part of the wheel between the tread and the rim). This paper presents the results of research aimed at determining the influence of the geometry of the NPT’s (intended for All-Terrain Vehicle–ATV/Utility Task Vehicle–UTV) load-bearing structure on its quasi-static directional characteristics. The experimental tests included the determination of the radial stiffness of research objects on a non-deformable flat surface and on a single obstacle, as well as the determination of the degree of deformation for the elastic structure and belt. The significant influence of the elastic structure’s shape and the elastomer, as the material forming the NPT, on its radial stiffness was revealed.
The Methodology for Assessing the Impact of Offshore Wind Farms on Navigation, Based on the Automatic Identification System Historical Data
Authors: Naus Krzysztof , Banaszak Katarzyna , Szymak Piotr
Published: October 2021

Mounting offshore renewable energy installations often involves extra risk regarding the safety of navigation, especially for areas with high traffic intensity. The decision-makers planning such projects need to anticipate and plan appropriate solutions in order to manage navigation risks. This process is referred to as “environmental impact assessment”. In what way can these threats be reduced using the available Automatic Identification System (AIS) tool? This paper presents a study of the concept for the methodology of an a posteriori vessel traffic description in the form of quantitative and qualitative characteristics created based on a large set of historical AIS data (big data). The research was oriented primarily towards the practical application and verification of the methodology used when assessing the impact of the planned Offshore Wind Farm (OWF) Baltic II on the safety of ships in Polish Marine Areas, and on the effectiveness of navigation, taking into account the existing shipping routes and customary and traffic separation systems. The research results (e.g., a significant distance of the Baltic II from the nearest customary shipping route equal to 3 Nm, a small number of vessels in its area in 2017 amounting to only 930) obtained on the basis of the annual AIS data set allowed for an unambiguous and reliable assessment of the impact of OWFs on shipping, thus confirming the suitability of the methodology for MREI spatial planning.
Thermodynamic Analysis of the Effect of Green Hydrogen Addition to a Fuel Mixture on the Steam Methane Reforming Process
Authors: Kaczmarczyk Robert
Published: October 2021

Steam methane (CH4–H2O) reforming in the presence of a catalyst, usually nickel, is the most common technology for generating synthesis gas as a feedstock in chemical synthesis and a source of pure H2 and CO. What is essential from the perspective of further gas use is the parameter describing a ratio of equilibrium concentration of hydrogen to carbon monoxide (H/C=xH2/xCO). The parameter is determined by operating temperature and the initial ratio of steam concentration to methane SC=xH2O0/xCH40. In this paper, the author presents a thermodynamic analysis of the effect of green hydrogen addition to a fuel mixture on the steam methane reforming process of gaseous phase (CH4/H2)–H2O. The thermodynamic analysis of conversion of hydrogen-enriched methane (CH4/H2)–H2O has been performed using parametric equation formalism, allowing for determining the equilibrium composition of the process in progress. A thermodynamic condition of carbon precipitation in methane reforming (CH4/H2) with the gaseous phase of H2O has been interpreted. The ranges of substrate concentrations creating carbon deposition for temperature T = 1000 K have been determined, based on the technologies used. The results obtained can serve as a model basis for describing the properties of steam reforming of methane and hydrogen mixture (CH4/H2)–H2O.
Definition of Residential Power Load Profiles Clusters Using Machine Learning and Spatial Analysis
Authors: Flor Mario , Herraiz Sergio , Contreras Ivan
Published: October 2021

This study presents a novel approach for discovering actionable knowledge and exploring data-based models from data recorded by household smart meters. The proposed framework is supported by a machine learning architecture based on the application of data mining methods and spatial analysis to extract temporal and spatial restricted clusters of characteristic monthly electricity load profiles. In addition, it uses these clusters to perform short-term load forecasting (1 week) using recurrent neural networks. The approach analyses a database with measurements of 1000 smart meters gathered during 4 years in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Results of the proposed methodology led us to obtain a precise and efficient stratification of typical consumption patterns and to extract neighbour information to improve the performance of residential energy consumption forecasting.
Novel Concept for Electro-Hydrostatic Actuators for Motion Control of Hydraulic Manipulators
Authors: Jensen Konrad Johan , Ebbesen Morten Kjeld , Hansen Michael Rygaard
Published: October 2021

Self-contained hydraulic cylinders have gained popularity in the recent years but have not been implemented for high power articulated hydraulic manipulators. This paper presents a novel concept for an electro-hydrostatic actuator applicable to large hydraulic manipulators. The actuator is designed and analyzed to comply with requirements such as load holding, overload handling, and differential flow compensation. The system is analyzed during four quadrant operation to investigate energy efficiency and regenerative capabilities. Numerical simulation is carried out using path control and 2DOF anti-swing of a hydraulic crane as a load case to illustrate a real world scenario. A comparison with traditional valve-controlled actuators is conducted, showing significantly improved efficiency and with similar dynamic response, as well as the possibility for regenerating energy.
Evaluation of Surfactant Mixture for Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Foamed Acid in Carbonate Matrix Acidizing
Authors: Kartini Rachmi , Kim Youngmin , Lee Wonsuk
Published: October 2021

The effectiveness of matrix acidizing using CO2 foamed acid is dependent on the duration of foam stability. This paper presents a supercritical CO2 foamed acid with a surfactant mixture to improve the foam stability in carbonate matrix acidizing. The experimental apparatus was developed to conduct foam-stability and wormhole-propagation tests under high-pressure and high-temperature (HPHT) conditions. The foam decay times of five types of surfactants were measured under atmospheric conditions. Trimax (blend of cocamidopropyl betaine, disodium cocoamphodiacetate, and amine oxide) and Aromox C/12W (coco bis-(2-hydroxyethyl) amine oxide) had a high foam decay time. The surfactant mixture was prepared using these two surfactants. The foam stability tests of the surfactant mixture were performed according to the HCl concentration, surfactant mixing ratio, and injection rate of HCl under HPHT conditions. As a result, the foam stability could be improved by adding an HCl concentration of 20% to the surfactant mixture. Wormhole-propagation tests were performed using Indiana and Indonesian limestones. Because of the supercritical CO2 foamed acid injection, dominant wormholes were formed in all the core samples; thus, the absolute permeabilities significantly increased. The results of the scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and thin-section analyses revealed that the number of large pores with pore sizes of ≥0.5 mm increased by the injection of CO2 foamed acid. Therefore, the supercritical CO2 foamed acid with the surfactant mixture exhibited a high efficiency of matrix acidizing in carbonate reservoirs.
Experimental Energy and Exergy Analysis of an Automotive Turbocharger Using a Novel Power-Based Approach
Authors: Kazemi Bakhshmand Sina , Luu Ly Tai , Biet Clemens
Published: October 2021

The performance of turbochargers is heavily influenced by heat transfer. Conventional investigations are commonly performed under adiabatic assumptions and are based on the first law of thermodynamics, which is insufficient for perceiving the aerothermodynamic performance of turbochargers. This study aims to experimentally investigate the non-adiabatic performance of an automotive turbocharger turbine through energy and exergy analysis, considering heat transfer impacts. It is achieved based on experimental measurements and by implementing a novel innovative power-based approach to extract the amount of heat transfer. The turbocharger is measured on a hot gas test bench in both diabatic and adiabatic conditions. Consequently, by carrying out energy and exergy balances, the amount of lost available work due to heat transfer and internal irreversibilities within the turbine is quantified. The study allows researchers to achieve a deep understanding of the impacts of heat transfer on the aerothermodynamic performance of turbochargers, considering both the first and second laws of thermodynamics.
High Hydrostatic Pressure vs. Thermal Pasteurization: The Effect on the Bioactive Compound Profile of a Citrus Maqui Beverage
Authors: Salar Francisco J. , Periago Paula M. , Agulló Vicente , García-Viguera Cristina , Fernández Pablo S.
Published: October 2021

The effects of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) compared to thermal pasteurization (TP) were studied in healthy citrus-maqui beverages. The impact of the processing technologies on the microbiological and phytochemical profile was assessed by applying two HHP treatments at 450 and 600 MPa for 180 s and TP at 85 °C for 15 s. The shelf life under refrigeration (4 °C) and room temperature (20 °C) was monitored for 90 days. All treatments ensured microbiological stability at both storage temperatures. Aside from that, the physicochemical parameters were not significantly different after processing or throughout the storage period. Regarding color parameters, an increase in the reddish coloration was observed during storage for those beverages treated by HHP. In general, phenolic compounds were little affected by the processing technique, even when treatment under HHP was more stable than by TP during storage. On the other hand, vitamin C showed great degradation after processing under any condition. It can be concluded that HHP is an effective alternative to thermal treatments, achieving effective microbial inactivation and extending the shelf life of the juices by contributing to a better preservation of color and bioactive compounds.
Formation of Secondary and Tertiary Volatile Compounds Resulting from the Lipid Oxidation of Rapeseed Oil
Authors: Grebenteuch Sandra , Kroh Lothar W. , Drusch Stephan , Rohn Sascha
Published: October 2021

The lipid oxidation of fats and oils leads to volatile organic compounds, having a decisive influence on the sensory quality of foods. To understand formation and degradation pathways and to evaluate the suitability of lipid-derived aldehydes as marker substances for the oxidative status of foods, the formation of secondary and tertiary lipid oxidation compounds was investigated with gas chromatography in rapeseed oils. After 120 min, up to 65 compounds were detected. In addition to secondary degradation products, tertiary products such as alkyl furans, ketones, and aldol condensation products were also found. The comparison of rapeseed oils, differing in their initial peroxide values, showed that the formation rate of secondary compounds was higher in pre-damaged oils. Simultaneously, a faster degradation, especially of unsaturated aldehydes, was observed. Consequently, the formation of tertiary products (e.g., alkyl furans, aldol adducts) from well-known lipid oxidation products (i.e., propanal, hexanal, 2-hexenal, and 2-nonenal) was investigated in model systems. The experiments showed that these compounds form the new substances in subsequent reactions, especially, when other compounds such as phospholipids are present. Hexanal and propanal are suitable as marker compounds in the early phase of lipid oxidation, but at an advanced stage they are subject to aldol condensation. Consequently, the detection of tertiary degradation products needs to be considered in advanced lipid oxidation.
The Mycorrhiza-and Trichoderma-Mediated Elicitation of Secondary Metabolism and Modulation of Phytohormone Profile in Tomato Plants
Authors: Iula Giusy , Miras-Moreno Begoña , Lucini Luigi , Trevisan Marco
Published: October 2021

Arbuscular mycorrhiza and Trichoderma are well-known beneficial fungi whose plant growth promotion and defense elicitation effects are known. However, the molecular and biochemical processes underlying the beneficial effects of these priming microorganisms have not been fully elucidated yet. On this basis, the present work aimed to use metabolomics to dissect comprehensively the modulation of secondary metabolism induced by mycorrhiza and Trichoderma, using tomato as a model plant. To this aim, either mycorrhiza or Trichoderma were applied to tomato roots at transplanting using a commercial formulation and then harvested once the mutualistic relationship was well established. Shoots were analyzed using an MS-based untargeted metabolomics approach, and differential metabolites identified by multivariate statistics were subjected to pathway analysis. Together with promoting plant growth, the treatments induced a broad molecular reprogramming with the phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway (including defense phenolics like coumarins and glycosylated anthocyanins) being strongly elicited. An accumulation of auxins, cytokinins, and jasmonate (especially after treatment with Trichoderma) could be observed concerning phytohormone profiles. Overall, the broad and distinctive effects triggered by mycorrhiza and Trichoderma in tomato secondary metabolism supported both plant growth promotion and immunity.
Views on Adolescents’ Mental Health in Sweden—A Qualitative Study among Different Professionals Working with Adolescents
Authors: Beckman Linda , Hellström Lisa
Published: October 2021

Professionals who meet and work with adolescents hold important information and perspectives on adolescents’ mental health that, in addition to the adolescents’ voices, can shed light on complex issues. The aim was to explore professionals’ views on what challenges they face and how they can strengthen today’s adolescents’ mental health. This study involves four group interviews, conducted in March and October of 2020, including professionals with different working backgrounds. Data were analyzed with a qualitative content analysis. Two categories emerged: navigating life arenas and support for mental health. The first category included the demanding aspects of school, the challenges of social media, and the professionals’ thoughts on which pieces of mental health knowledge adolescents are lacking. The second category included what the professionals thought today’s parents need to develop and do to best support their children. Moreover, self-critical views were expressed on which aspects the professionals could do better to improve adolescents’ mental health. In conclusion, listening to professionals working with adolescents talk about adolescents’ mental health gives important insights. According to the professionals, both adolescents and their parents need improved life skills, including a strengthened and empowered self-esteem as well as improved mental health literacy.
Impact of Heat Waves on Hospitalisation and Mortality in Nursing Homes: A Case-Crossover Study
Authors: Van den Wyngaert Ine , De Troeyer Katrien , Vaes Bert , Alsaiqali Mahmoud , Van Schaeybroeck Bert , Hamdi Rafiq , Casas Ruiz Lidia , Van Pottelbergh Gijs
Published: October 2021

Climate change leads to more days with extremely hot temperatures. Previous analyses of heat waves have documented a short-term rise in mortality. The results on the relationship between high temperatures and hospitalisations, especially in vulnerable patients admitted to nursing homes, are inconsistent. The objective of this research was to examine the discrepancy between heat-related mortality and morbidity in nursing homes. A time-stratified case-crossover study about the impact of heat waves on mortality and hospitalisations between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2017 was conducted in 10 nursing homes over 5 years in Flanders, Belgium. In this study, the events were deaths and hospitalisations. We selected our control days during the same month as the events and matched them by day of the week. Heat waves were the exposure. Conditional logistic regression models were applied. The associations were reported as odds ratios at lag 0, 1, 2, and 3 and their 95% confidence intervals. In the investigated time period, 3048 hospitalisations took place and 1888 residents died. The conditional logistic regression showed that odds ratios of mortality and hospitalisations during heat waves were 1.61 (95% confidence interval 1.10–2.37) and 0.96 (95% confidence interval 0.67–1.36), respectively, at lag 0. Therefore, the increase in mortality during heat waves was statistically significant, but no significant changes in hospitalisations were obtained. Our result suggests that heat waves have an adverse effect on mortality in Flemish nursing homes but have no significant effect on the number of hospitalisations.
Loneliness and Depression among Women in Poland during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Idzik(199) Anna , Leńczuk-Gruba Anna , Kobos Ewa , Pietrzak Mariola , Dziedzic Beata
Published: October 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many changes in the functioning of people all over the world in a short period of time. According to a WHO report (2020), it is women who are at a particular risk of the negative effects of the pandemic, especially in terms of mental health. Aim of study: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of anxiety, depression, irritability, and loneliness among adult women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on a representative sample of women in Poland (n = 452). The data were collected using the HADS-M scale and the R-UCLA scale. Results: A low level of loneliness was found in 37.3% of the women, moderate in 38.9%, moderately high in 22.3% and very high in 1.3% of women. Self-rating of physical and mental health was significantly positively correlated with anxiety, depression, and irritability in HADS-M, and loneliness in R-UCLA. As the severity of loneliness increased, so did Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores on all subscales (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The study group presented with mental well-being disorders in the form of anxiety and depression. Two in three women experienced loneliness.