bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Multiobjective Decision-Making Model for Risk-Based Maintenance Scheduling of Railway Earthworks
Authors: Stipanovic Irina , Bukhsh Zaharah Allah , Reale Cormac , Gavin Kenneth
Published: January 2021

Aged earthworks constitute a major proportion of European rail infrastructures, the replacement and remediation of which poses a serious problem. Considering the scale of the networks involved, it is infeasible both in terms of track downtime and money to replace all of these assets. It is, therefore, imperative to develop a rational means of managing slope infrastructure to determine the best use of available resources and plan maintenance in order of criticality. To do so, it is necessary to not just consider the structural performance of the asset but also to consider the safety and security of its users, the socioeconomic impact of remediation/failure and the relative importance of the asset to the network. This paper addresses this by looking at maintenance planning on a network level using multi-attribute utility theory (MAUT). MAUT is a methodology that allows one to balance the priorities of different objectives in a harmonious fashion allowing for a holistic means of ranking assets and, subsequently, a rational means of investing in maintenance. In this situation, three different attributes are considered when examining the utility of different maintenance options, namely availability (the user cost), economy (the financial implications) and structural reliability (the structural performance and subsequent safety of the structure). The main impact of this paper is to showcase that network maintenance planning can be carried out proactively in a manner that is balanced against the needs of the organization.
Effect of the Addition of Milk Protein Preparations on Selected Quality Parameters and Nutritional Characteristics of Kefir
Authors: Ziarno Małgorzata , Hasalliu Rozeta , Cwalina Angelika
Published: January 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of various milk protein powder preparations (MPC-80, WPC-70, sweet whey, non-demineralized or demineralized whey, whey permeate, rennet casein, buttermilk) to selected quality parameters and digestibility of milk proteins in kefir. Kefir samples analyzed in the study were prepared under laboratory conditions with three industrial bacterial starter cultures. They were examined microbiologically (lactobacilli, lactococci, yeast) and for pH, total protein content, hardness, adhesiveness, water-holding capacity (WHC), and protein digestibility (using two in vitro methods along with the determination of the content of available lysine and glycine). The counts of lactococci and lactobacilli were estimated at levels above 7 and 6 log(CFU/mL), respectively. Yeast was not found in the kefir samples. The pH value of the samples was 4.4–5.2. The pH, hardness, adhesiveness, and WHC were dependent on the type of kefir starter culture and the type of milk protein powder added. Each protein preparation added increased the amount of available lysine and glycine. However, when converted for 1 g of kefir protein, the changes in the content of available lysine and glycine were variable and depended on both the milk protein powder and starter culture used.
Droop Method Development for Microgrids Control Considering Higher Order Sliding Mode Control Approach and Feeder Impedance Variation
Authors: Saleh-Ahmadi Abdonaser , Moattari Mazda , Gahedi Amir , Pouresmaeil Edris
Published: January 2021

Due to the growing power demands in microgrids (MGs), the necessity for parallel production achieved from distributed generations (DGs) to supply the load required by customers has been increased. Since the DGs have to procure the demand in parallel mode, they are faced with several technical and economic challenges, such as preventing DGs overloading and not losing network stability considering feeder impedance variation. This paper presents a method that upgrades the droop controller based on sliding mode approach, so that DGs are able to prepare a suitable reactive power sharing without error even in more complex MGs. In the proposed strategy, the third-order sliding mode controller significantly reduces the V-Q error and increases the accuracy in adjusting the voltage at the DG output terminals. Various case studies conducted out in this paper validate the truthfulness of the proposed method, considering the stability analysis using Lyapunov function. Finally, by comparing the control parameters of the proposed technique with existing methods, the superiority, simplicity and effectiveness of the 3rd order sliding mode control (SMC) method are determined.
An Efficient Module for Instance Segmentation Based on Multi-Level Features and Attention Mechanisms
Authors: Sun Yingchun , Gao Wang , Pan Shuguo , Zhao Tao , Peng Yahui
Published: January 2021

Recently, multi-level feature networks have been extensively used in instance segmentation. However, because not all features are beneficial to instance segmentation tasks, the performance of networks cannot be adequately improved by synthesizing multi-level convolutional features indiscriminately. In order to solve the problem, an attention-based feature pyramid module (AFPM) is proposed, which integrates the attention mechanism on the basis of a multi-level feature pyramid network to efficiently and pertinently extract the high-level semantic features and low-level spatial structure features; for instance, segmentation. Firstly, we adopt a convolutional block attention module (CBAM) into feature extraction, and sequentially generate attention maps which focus on instance-related features along the channel and spatial dimensions. Secondly, we build inter-dimensional dependencies through a convolutional triplet attention module (CTAM) in lateral attention connections, which is used to propagate a helpful semantic feature map and filter redundant informative features irrelevant to instance objects. Finally, we construct branches for feature enhancement to strengthen detailed information to boost the entire feature hierarchy of the network. The experimental results on the Cityscapes dataset manifest that the proposed module outperforms other excellent methods under different evaluation metrics and effectively upgrades the performance of the instance segmentation method.
Optimal Control of a Spark Ignition Engine Including Cold Start Operations for Consumption/Emissions Compromises
Authors: Jeanneret Bruno , Guille Des Buttes Alice , Pelluet Jérémy , Keromnes Alan , Pélissier Serge , Le Moyne Luis
Published: January 2021

This study presents a semi-empirical modeling approach based on an extensive parametric study using a spark-ignition port-injection engine. The experimental results are used to derive engine-out emission models for each regulated pollutant (CO, HC, NOx) as a function of engine operating parameters. Such parameters include engine speed, intake manifold pressure, equivalence ratio, and spark advance. The proposed models provide accurate predictions over a large range of engine operating conditions. The adequate accuracy and low computational burden of the models are promising in the context of optimal control theory. Dynamic programming is applied in order to find the best operating parameters that define trade-off between fuel consumption and emissions over driving cycles.
Zingiber mioga Extract Improves Moisturization and Depigmentation of Skin and Reduces Wrinkle Formation in UVB-Irradiated HRM-2 Hairless Mice
Authors: Park Soo-Jeung , Lee Minhee , Yun Jeong-Moon , Kim Dakyung , Lee Jeonmin , Lee Yoo-Hyun
Published: January 2021

Here, we investigated the effects of Zingiber mioga extracts (FSH-ZM) on the moisturization and depigmentation of skin as well as wrinkle formation in UVB-irradiated HRM-2 hairless mice. The mice were divided into six groups as follows: normal control (NC), UVB-irradiated control (C), positive control 1 (PC1, L-ascorbic acid 200 mg/kg b.w.), positive control 2 (PC2, Arbutin 200 mg/kg b.w.), Z100 (FSH-ZM 100 mg/kg b.w.), and Z200 (FSH-ZM 200 mg/kg b.w.). The experiment spanned a period of 6 weeks. We found that FSH-ZM led to an increase in the expression of hyaluronan synthase 2, fibrillin-1, and elastin mRNAs, and showed improved skin hydration in HRM-2 hairless mice compared to that in the UVB-irradiated control group. Furthermore, FSH-ZM also inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines and wrinkle forming factors generated by UVB and reduced the formation of wrinkles in the test group relative to that in the control group by increasing collagen synthesis. Moreover, we found that FSH-ZM decreased the expression of melanogenesis factors, which improved depigmentation in UVB-irradiated hairless mice. These results suggest that Zingiber mioga can potentially be utilized to develop products aimed at improving skin moisturization and depigmentation and reducing wrinkle formation.
The Space for Preservation and Dilapidation of Historical Houses in Modlimowo Village in the Light of Post-Dependence Studies and Historical Politics after 1945
Authors: Rek-Lipczyńska Agnieszka
Published: January 2021

The main purpose of this article is to present the results of the research on spatial degradation of Modlimowo village. Modlimowo is an example of a settlement form typical of the Western Pomerania region. Until 1945, half-timbered buildings of Modlimowo village constituted a well-preserved architectural and cultural heritage of this region. Over the past 25 years, changes in the spatial layout of Modlimowo Village irreversibly destroyed the architectural layout of the village, its cultural landscape, and affected its spatial character. The process involved the demolition of around 70% of its historical buildings. The residents, the descendants of post-war settlers, also acted in favor of the rapid degradation. This was typical in the Polish western lands, the area of so-called “Recovered Territories.” The historical memory encapsulated in the village’s spatial structure has been successfully decoded. Spatial degradation of the village of Modlimowo is an example that proves a certain regularity. The processes and mechanisms that govern the devastation taking place in Polish villages of the region of the “Recovered Territories” are subject to extensive analysis in terms of social, economic, cultural, historical, and architectural aspects. There is an ongoing discussion about the reasons for this situation. The political reality of post-war Poland and the persistent traumas of that period have had a significant impact on the actual situation of the Polish countryside. The described research may offer a contribution to the ongoing discussion regarding post-dependence, as it extends the research field typical of architecture to include aspects of the importance of collective memory as well as historical politics. The theoretical model of the conducted research was based on the grounded theory. The author chose this form due to the specific flexibility it offers. An important aspect analyzed in the research was the ability to adapt to the existing conditions. Supplementing the collected data with historical and ethnographic materials proved to be very helpful. The open interview method enabled the collection of the required, standardized data. The conducted research allows to conclude that the language of the historical architectural forms typical for the region was not understood by its new inhabitants. Therefore, newcomers felt free to thoughtlessly demolish whatever previous occupants had left. The analysis of the political context, the trauma of the post-war regime, and post-memory mechanisms can help to diagnose the reality of those times.
Towards an Embodied Abstraction: An Historical Perspective on Lucinda Childs’ Calico Mingling (1973)
Authors: Forster Lou
Published: January 2021

In the 1970s, choreographer Lucinda Childs developed a reductive form of abstraction based on graphic representations of her dance material, walking, and a specific approach towards its embodiment. If her work has been described through the prism of minimalism, this case study on Calico Mingling (1973) proposes a different perspective. Based on newly available archival documents in Lucinda Childs’s papers, it traces how track drawing, the planimetric representation of path across the floor, intersected with minimalist aesthetics. On the other hand, it elucidates Childs’s distinctive use of literacy in order to embody abstraction. In this respect, the choreographer’s approach to both dance company and dance technique converge at different influences, in particular modernism and minimalism, two parallel histories which have been typically separated or opposed.
Polar Middle Atmospheric Responses to Medium Energy Electron (MEE) Precipitation Using Numerical Model Simulations
Authors: Lee Ji-Hee , Jee Geonhwa , Kwak Young-Sil , Hwang Heejin , Seppälä Annika , Song In-Sun , Turunen Esa , Lee Dae-Young
Published: January 2021

Energetic particle precipitation (EPP) is known to be an important source of chemical changes in the polar middle atmosphere in winter. Recent modeling studies further suggest that chemical changes induced by EPP can also cause dynamic changes in the middle atmosphere. In this study, we investigated the atmospheric responses to the precipitation of medium-to-high energy electrons (MEEs) over the period 2005–2013 using the Specific Dynamics Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (SD-WACCM). Our results show that the MEE precipitation significantly increases the amounts of NOx and HOx, resulting in mesospheric and stratospheric ozone losses by up to 60% and 25% respectively during polar winter. The MEE-induced ozone loss generally increases the temperature in the lower mesosphere but decreases the temperature in the upper mesosphere with large year-to-year variability, not only by radiative effects but also by adiabatic effects. The adiabatic effects by meridional circulation changes may be dominant for the mesospheric temperature changes. In particular, the meridional circulation changes occasionally act in opposite ways to vary the temperature in terms of height variations, especially at around the solar minimum period with low geomagnetic activity, which cancels out the temperature changes to make the average small in the polar mesosphere for the 9-year period.
A Constrained Stochastic Weather Generator for Daily Mean Air Temperature and Precipitation
Authors: Pan Feifei , Nagaoka Lisa , Wolverton Steve , Atkinson Samuel F. , Kohler Timothy A. , O’Neill Marty
Published: January 2021

A constrained stochastic weather generator (CSWG) for producing daily mean air temperature and precipitation based on annual mean air temperature and precipitation from tree-ring records is developed and tested in this paper. The principle for stochastically generating daily mean air temperature assumes that temperatures in any year can be approximated by a sinusoidal wave function plus a perturbation from the baseline. The CSWG for stochastically producing daily precipitation is based on three additional assumptions: (1) In each month, the total precipitation can be estimated from annual precipitation if there exists a relationship between the annual and monthly precipitations. If that relationship exists, then (2) for each month, the number of dry days and the maximum daily precipitation can be estimated from the total precipitation in that month. Finally, (3) in each month, there exists a probability distribution of daily precipitation amount for each wet day. These assumptions allow the development of a weather generator that constrains statistically relevant daily temperature and precipitation predictions based on a specified annual value, and thus this study presents a unique method that can be used to explore historic (e.g., archeological questions) or future (e.g., climate change) daily weather conditions based upon specified annual values.
Input-to-State Stability of a Scalar Conservation Law with Nonlocal Velocity
Authors: Göttlich Simone , Herty Michael , Weldegiyorgis Gediyon
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we study input-to-state stability (ISS) of an equilibrium for a scalar conservation law with nonlocal velocity and measurement error arising in a highly re-entrant manufacturing system. By using a suitable Lyapunov function, we prove sufficient and necessary conditions on ISS. We propose a numerical discretization of the scalar conservation law with nonlocal velocity and measurement error. A suitable discrete Lyapunov function is analyzed to provide ISS of a discrete equilibrium for the proposed numerical approximation. Finally, we show computational results to validate the theoretical findings.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil Phenols Vasodilate Rat Mesenteric Resistance Artery via Phospholipase C (PLC)-Calcium Microdomains-Potassium Channels (BKCa) Signals
Authors: D’Agostino Rossana , Barberio Laura , Gatto Mariacarmela , Tropea Teresa , De Luca Maria , Mandalà Maurizio
Published: January 2021

Recent evidence suggests that the reason Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of developing hypertension is partly due to minor components of EVOO, such as phenols. However, little is still known about the mechanism(s) through which EVOO phenols mediate anti-hypertensive effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanisms of action of EVOO phenols on mesenteric resistance arteries. A pressure myograph was used to test the effect of EVOO phenols on isolated mesenteric arteries in the presence of specific inhibitors of: (1) BKca channels (Paxillin, 10−5 M); (2) L-type calcium channels (Verapamil, 10−5 M); (3) Ryanodine receptor, RyR (Ryanodine, 10−5 M); (4) inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor, IP3R, (2-Aminoethyl diphenylborinate, 2-APB, 3 × 10−3 M); (5) phospholipase C, PLC, (U73122, 10−5 M), and (6) GPCR-Gαi signaling, (Pertussis Toxin, 10−5 M). EVOO phenols induced vasodilation of mesenteric arteries in a dose-dependent manner, and this effect was reduced by pre-incubation with Paxillin, Verapamil, Ryanodine, 2-APB, U73122, and Pertussis Toxin. Our data suggest that EVOO phenol-mediated vasodilation requires activation of BKca channels potentially through a local increase of subcellular calcium microdomains, a pivotal mechanism on the base of artery vasodilation. These findings provide novel mechanistic insights for understanding the vasodilatory properties of EVOO phenols on resistance arteries.
Functional Role of the RNA-Binding Protein Rbm24a and Its Target sox2 in Microphthalmia
Authors: Brastrom Lindy K. , Scott C. Anthony , Wang Kai , Slusarski Diane C.
Published: January 2021

Congenital eye defects represent a large class of disorders affecting roughly 21 million children worldwide. Microphthalmia and anophthalmia are relatively common congenital defects, with approximately 20% of human cases caused by mutations in SOX2. Recently, we identified the RNA-binding motif protein 24a (Rbm24a) which binds to and regulates sox2 in zebrafish and mice. Here we show that morpholino knockdown of rbm24a leads to microphthalmia and visual impairment. By utilizing sequential injections, we demonstrate that addition of exogenous sox2 RNA to rbm24a-deplete embryos is sufficient to suppress morphological and visual defects. This research demonstrates a critical role for understanding the post-transcriptional regulation of genes needed for development.
Insights into the Roles of the Sideroflexins/SLC56 Family in Iron Homeostasis and Iron-Sulfur Biogenesis
Authors: Tifoun Nesrine , De las Heras José M. , Guillaume Arnaud , Bouleau Sylvina , Mignotte Bernard , Le Floch Nathalie
Published: January 2021

Sideroflexins (SLC56 family) are highly conserved multi-spanning transmembrane proteins inserted in the inner mitochondrial membrane in eukaryotes. Few data are available on their molecular function, but since their first description, they were thought to be metabolite transporters probably required for iron utilization inside the mitochondrion. Such as numerous mitochondrial transporters, sideroflexins remain poorly characterized. The prototypic member SFXN1 has been recently identified as the previously unknown mitochondrial transporter of serine. Nevertheless, pending questions on the molecular function of sideroflexins remain unsolved, especially their link with iron metabolism. Here, we review the current knowledge on sideroflexins, their presumed mitochondrial functions and the sparse—but growing—evidence linking sideroflexins to iron homeostasis and iron-sulfur cluster biogenesis. Since an imbalance in iron homeostasis can be detrimental at the cellular and organismal levels, we also investigate the relationship between sideroflexins, iron and physiological disorders. Investigating Sideroflexins’ functions constitutes an emerging research field of great interest and will certainly lead to the main discoveries of mitochondrial physio-pathology.
A Paper-Based Colorimetric Aptasensor for the Detection of Gentamicin
Authors: Ramalingam Saipriya , Collier Christopher M. , Singh Ashutosh
Published: January 2021

Antibiotics are classes of antimicrobial substances that are administered widely in the field of veterinary science to promote animal health and feed efficiency. Cattle-administered antibiotics hold a risk of passing active residues to milk, during the milking process. This becomes a public health concern as these residues can cause severe allergic reactions to sensitive groups and considerable economic losses to the farmer. Hence, to ensure that the produced milk is safe to consume and adheres to permissible limits, an on-farm quick and reliable test is essential. This study illustrates the design and development of a microfluidic paper biosensor as a proof-of-concept detection system for gentamicin in milk. Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) properties of gold nanoparticles have been explored to provide the user a visual feedback on the test, which was also corroborated by RGB analysis performed using Image J. The assay involves the use of a short stretch of single stranded DNA, called aptamer, which is very specific to the gentamicin present in the milk sample. The camera-based LOD for the fabricated paper device for milk samples spiked with gentamicin was calculated to be 300 nM, with a reaction time of 2 min.
Asymmetric Supercapacitors: Optical and Thermal Effects When Active Carbon Electrodes Are Embedded with Nano-Scale Semiconductor Dots
Authors: Grebel Haim
Published: January 2021

Optical and thermal effects in asymmetric supercapacitors, whose active-carbon (AC) electrodes were embedded with nano-Si (n-Si) quantum dots (QD), are reported. We describe two structures: (1) p-n-like, obtained by using a polyethylimine (PEI) binder for the “n” electrode and a polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) binder for the “p” electrode; (2) a single component binder—poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). In general, AC appears black to the naked eye and one may assume that it indiscriminately absorbs all light spectra. However, on top of a flat lossy spectrum, AC (from two manufacturers) exhibited two distinct absorption bands: one in the blue (~400 nm) and the other one in the near IR (~840 nm). The n-Si material accentuated the absorption in the blue and bleached the IR absorption. Both bands contributed to capacitance increase: (a) when using aqueous solution and a PMMA binder, the optical-related increased capacitance was 20% for low n-Si concentration and more than 100% for a high-concentration dose; (b) when using ion liquid (IL) electrolyte, the large, thermal capacitance increase (of ca. 40%) was comparable to the optical effect (of ca. 42%) and hence was assigned as an optically induced thermal effect. The experimental data point to an optically induced capacitance increase even in the absence of the n-Si dots. Overall, the experimental data suggest intriguing possibilities for optically controlled supercapacitors.
Modifying Electronic and Elastic Properties of 2-Dimensional [110] Diamond by Nitrogen Substitution
Authors: Pakornchote Teerachote , Ektarawong Annop , Pinsook Udomsilp , Bovornratanaraks Thiti
Published: January 2021

One type of two-dimensional diamonds that are derived from [111] direction, so-called diamane, has been previously shown to be stabilized by N-substitution, where the passivation of dangling bonds is no longer needed. In the present work, we theoretically demonstrated that another type of two-dimensional diamonds derived from [110] direction exhibiting a washboard conformation can also be stabilized by N-substitution. Three structural models of washboard-like carbon nitrides with compositions of C6N2, C5N3, and C4N4 are studied together with the fully hydrogenated washboard-like diamane (C8H4). The result shows that the band gap of this type structure is only open the dangling bonds that are entirely diminished through N-substitution. By increasing the N content, the C11 and C22 are softer and the C33 is stiffer where their bulk modulus are in the same order, which is approximately 550 GPa. When comparing with the hydrogenated phase, the N-substituted phases have higher elastic constants and bulk modulus, suggesting that they are possibly harder than the fully hydrogenated diamane.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Cancers in 2020
Authors:   Cancers Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that Cancers maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
HIF2alpha-Associated Pseudohypoxia Promotes Radioresistance in Pheochromocytoma: Insights from 3D Models
Authors: Seifert Verena , Richter Susan , Bechmann Nicole , Bachmann Michael , Ziegler Christian G. , Pietzsch Jens , Ullrich Martin
Published: January 2021

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PCCs/PGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors arising from chromaffin tissue located in the adrenal or ganglia of the sympathetic or parasympathetic nervous system. The treatment of non-resectable or metastatic PCCs/PGLs is still limited to palliative measures, including somatostatin type 2 receptor radionuclide therapy with [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE as one of the most effective approaches to date. Nevertheless, the metabolic and molecular determinants of radiation response in PCCs/PGLs have not yet been characterized. This study investigates the effects of hypoxia-inducible factor 2 alpha (HIF2α) on the susceptibility of PCCs/PGLs to radiation treatments using spheroids grown from genetically engineered mouse pheochromocytoma (MPC) cells. The expression of Hif2α was associated with the significantly increased resistance of MPC spheroids to external X-ray irradiation and exposure to beta particle-emitting [177Lu]LuCl3 compared to Hif2α-deficient controls. Exposure to [177Lu]LuCl3 provided an increased long-term control of MPC spheroids compared to single-dose external X-ray irradiation. This study provides the first experimental evidence that HIF2α-associated pseudohypoxia contributes to a radioresistant phenotype of PCCs/PGLs. Furthermore, the external irradiation and [177Lu]LuCl3 exposure of MPC spheroids provide surrogate models for radiation treatments to further investigate the metabolic and molecular determinants of radiation responses in PCCs/PGLs and evaluate the effects of neo-adjuvant—in particular, radiosensitizing—treatments in combination with targeted radionuclide therapies.
Artificial Intelligence for Histology-Based Detection of Microsatellite Instability and Prediction of Response to Immunotherapy in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Hildebrand Lindsey A. , Pierce Colin J. , Dennis Michael , Paracha Munizay , Maoz Asaf
Published: January 2021

Microsatellite instability (MSI) is a molecular marker of deficient DNA mismatch repair (dMMR) that is found in approximately 15% of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Testing all CRC patients for MSI/dMMR is recommended as screening for Lynch Syndrome and, more recently, to determine eligibility for immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced disease. However, universal testing for MSI/dMMR has not been uniformly implemented because of cost and resource limitations. Artificial intelligence has been used to predict MSI/dMMR directly from hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained tissue slides. We review the emerging data regarding the utility of machine learning for MSI classification, focusing on CRC. We also provide the clinician with an introduction to image analysis with machine learning and convolutional neural networks. Machine learning can predict MSI/dMMR with high accuracy in high quality, curated datasets. Accuracy can be significantly decreased when applied to cohorts with different ethnic and/or clinical characteristics, or different tissue preparation protocols. Research is ongoing to determine the optimal machine learning methods for predicting MSI, which will need to be compared to current clinical practices, including next-generation sequencing. Predicting response to immunotherapy remains an unmet need.
Radiomics Features of 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron-Emission Tomography as a Novel Prognostic Signature in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Kang Jeonghyun , Lee Jae-Hoon , Lee Hye Sun , Cho Eun-Suk , Park Eun Jung , Baik Seung Hyuk , Lee Kang Young , Park Chihyun , Yeu Yunku , Clemenceau Jean R. , Park Sunho , Xu Hongming , Hong Changjin , Hwang Tae Hyun
Published: January 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of radiomics signatures derived from 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron-emission tomography (PET) in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). From April 2008 to Jan 2014, we identified CRC patients who underwent 18F-FDG-PET before starting any neoadjuvant treatments and surgery. Radiomics features were extracted from the primary lesions identified on 18F-FDG-PET. Patients were divided into a training and validation set by random sampling. A least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression model was applied for prognostic signature building with progression-free survival (PFS) using the training set. Using the calculated radiomics score, a nomogram was developed, and its clinical utility was assessed in the validation set. A total of 381 patients with surgically resected CRC patients (training set: 228 vs. validation set: 153) were included. In the training set, a radiomics signature labeled as a rad_score was generated using two PET-derived features, such as gray-level run length matrix long-run emphasis (GLRLM_LRE) and gray-level zone length matrix short-zone low-gray-level emphasis (GLZLM_SZLGE). Patients with a high rad_score in the training and validation set had a shorter PFS. Multivariable analysis revealed that the rad_score was an independent prognostic factor in both training and validation sets. A radiomics nomogram, developed using rad_score, nodal stage, and lymphovascular invasion, showed good performance in the calibration curve and comparable predictive power with the staging system in the validation set. Textural features derived from 18F-FDG-PET images may enable detailed stratification of prognosis in patients with CRC.
Tumor-Infiltrating CD20+ B Lymphocytes: Significance and Prognostic Implications in Oral Cancer Microenvironment
Authors: Suárez-Sánchez Faustino Julián , Lequerica-Fernández Paloma , Rodrigo Juan Pablo , Hermida-Prado Francisco , Suárez-Canto Julián , Rodríguez-Santamarta Tania , Domínguez-Iglesias Francisco , García-Pedrero Juana M. , de Vicente Juan Carlos
Published: January 2021

Immunohistochemical analysis of stromal/tumoral CD20+ B lymphocytes was performed in 125 OSCC patients. Correlations with immune profiles CD4+, CD8+, and FOXP3+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), tumoral PD-L1, and stem-related factors NANOG and SOX2 were assessed, and also associations with clinical data and patient survival. There was a strong positive correlation between the infiltration of CD20+ B lymphocytes and other immune profiles (i.e., CD4+, CD8+, and FOXP3+ TILs, and CD68+ and CD163+ macrophages) both in stroma and tumor nests. Strikingly, CD20+ TILs were inversely correlated with NANOG/SOX2 expression. Stromal CD20+ TILs were significantly associated with T classification and second primary tumors. A stratified survival analysis showed that tumoral CD20+ TILs were significantly associated with prognosis in male and younger patients, with tobacco or alcohol consumption, high tumoral CD8+ TILs, low tumoral infiltration by CD68+ macrophages, positive PD-L1 expression, and negative NANOG/SOX2. Multivariate Cox analysis further revealed clinical stage and tumoral CD20+ TILs independently associated with disease-specific survival (HR = 2.42, p = 0.003; and HR = 0.57, p = 0.04, respectively). In conclusion, high CD20+ TIL density emerges as an independent good prognostic factor in OSCC, suggesting a role in antitumor immunity. This study also uncovered an inverse correlation between CD20+ TILs and CSC marker expression.
Resistance against Carbon Deposition via Controlling Spatial Distance of Catalytic Components in Methane Dehydroaromatization
Authors: Zeng Yan , Kimura Ayano , Zhang Peipei , Liang Jiaming , Fan Jiaqi , Xiao Liwei , Wang Chengwei , Yang Guohui , Peng Xiaobo , Tsubaki Noritatsu
Published: January 2021

Molybdenum-zeolite catalysts always suffer from severe carbon deposition and rapid deactivation in the methane dehydroaromatization (MDA) process. Herein, we present a strategy that controls spatial distance between Mo species and HMCM-22 zeolite over Mo/HMCM-22 catalysts, to inhibit the severe carbon deposition. Our characterization analyses demonstrate that the Mo/HMCM-22 catalysts possess the same active components, but the spatial distance plays a key role in determining product selectivity in the MDA process. The MDA performance reveals that Mo/HMCM-22-MM (mechanical milling) catalyst, with a medium spatial distance between Mo species and HMCM-22 zeolite, significantly inhibits carbon deposition and produces high selectivity to benzene. This work shows that spatial distance between molybdenum and zeolite is an important property for suppressing carbon deposition and improving benzene selectivity in MDA process.
Expanding the Family of Octahedral Chiral-at-Metal Cobalt(III) Catalysts by Introducing Tertiary Amine Moiety into the Ligand
Authors: Savel’yeva Tat’yana F. , Khromova Olga V. , Larionov Vladimir A. , Smol’yakov Alexander F. , Fedyanin Ivan V. , Belokon Yuri N. , Maleev Victor I.
Published: January 2021

Chiral metal-templated complexes are attractive catalysts for organic synthetic transformations. Herein, we introduce a novel chiral cobalt(III)-templated complex based on chiral trans-3,4-diamino-1-benzylpyrrolidine and 3,5-di-tert-butyl-salicylaldehyde which features both hydrogen bond donor and Brønsted base functionalities. The obtained complexes were fully characterized by 1H, 13C NMR, IR-, UV-vis, CD-spectroscopy and by a single X-ray diffraction analysis. It was shown that chlorine anion is connected with amino groups of the complex via a hydrogen bonding. DFT calculations of charges and molecular electrostatic potential of the cobalt(III) complex showed that the basicity of the complex is certainly diminished as compared with the routine tertiary amines but the acidity of the conjugated acid of the complex should be increased. Thus, the catalytic potential of the complex may be much greater as a chiral acid than a chiral base. We believe that this work opens a new way in chiral bifunctional catalyst design.
Effect of Interventions in WNT Signaling on Healing of Cardiac Injury: A Systematic Review
Authors: Daskalopoulos Evangelos P. , Blankesteijn W. Matthijs
Published: January 2021

The wound healing that follows myocardial infarction is a complex process involving multiple mechanisms, such as inflammation, angiogenesis and fibrosis. In the last two decades, the involvement of WNT signaling has been extensively studied and effects on virtually all aspects of this wound healing have been reported. However, as often is the case in a newly emerging field, inconsistent and sometimes even contradictory findings have been reported. The aim of this systematic review is to provide a comprehensive overview of studies in which the effect of interventions in WNT signaling were investigated in in vivo models of cardiac injury. To this end, we used different search engines to perform a systematic search of the literature using the key words “WNT and myocardial and infarction”. We categorized the interventions according to their place in the WNT signaling pathway (ligand, receptor, destruction complex or nuclear level). The most consistent improvements of the wound healing response were observed in studies in which the acylation of WNT proteins was inhibited by administering porcupine inhibitors, by inhibiting of the downstream glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) and by intervening in the β-catenin-mediated gene transcription. Interestingly, in several of these studies, evidence was presented for activation of cardiomyocyte proliferation around the infarct area. These findings indicate that inhibition of WNT signaling can play a valuable role in the repair of cardiac injury, thereby improving cardiac function and preventing the development of heart failure.
The Jekyll and Hyde of Cellular Senescence in Cancer
Authors: Demirci Dilara , Dayanc Bengisu , Mazi Fatma Aybuke , Senturk Serif
Published: January 2021

Cellular senescence is a state of stable cell cycle arrest that can be triggered in response to various insults and is characterized by distinct morphological hallmarks, gene expression profiles, and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Importantly, cellular senescence is a key component of normal physiology with tumor suppressive functions. In the last few decades, novel cancer treatment strategies exploiting pro-senescence therapies have attracted considerable interest. Recent insight, however, suggests that therapy-induced senescence (TIS) elicits cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous implications that potentially entail detrimental consequences, reflecting the Jekyll and Hyde nature of cancer cell senescence. In essence, the undesirable manifestations that generally culminate in inflammation, cancer stemness, senescence reversal, therapy resistance, and disease recurrence are dictated by the persistent accumulation of senescent cells and the SASP. Thus, mitigating these pro-tumorigenic effects by eliminating these cells or inhibiting their SASP production holds great promise for developing innovative therapeutic strategies. In this review, we describe the fundamental aspects and dynamics of cancer cell senescence and summarize the comprehensive research on the adverse outcomes of TIS. Furthermore, we underline the rationale and motivation of emerging senotherapeutic modalities surrounding the removal of senescent cells and the SASP to help maximize the overall efficacy of cancer therapies.
Lattice Dynamics of KAgF3 Perovskite, Unique 1D Antiferromagnet
Authors: Koteras Kacper , Gawraczyński Jakub , Derzsi Mariana , Mazej Zoran , Grochala Wojciech
Published: January 2021

Theoretical DFT calculations using GGA+U and HSE06 frameworks enabled vibrational mode assignment and partial (atomic) phonon DOS determination in KAgF3 perovskite, a low-dimensional magnetic fluoroargentate(II). Twelve bands in the spectra of KAgF3 were assigned to either IR active or Raman active modes, reaching excellent correlation with experimental values (R2 > 0.997). Low-temperature Raman measurements indicate that the intriguing spin-Peierls-like phase transition at 230 K is an order–disorder transition and it does not strongly impact the vibrational structure of the material.
Combining Chemical Functionalization and FinFET Geometry for Field Effect Sensors as Accessible Technology to Optimize pH Sensing
Authors: Rani Dipti , Rollo Serena , Olthuis Wouter , Krishnamoorthy Sivashankar , Pascual García César
Published: January 2021

Field Effect Transistors (FETs) have led the progress of applications measuring the acidity in aqueous solutions thanks to their accuracy, ease of miniaturization and capacity of multiplexing. The signal-to-noise ratio and linearity of the sensors are two of the most relevant figures of merit that can facilitate the improvements of these devices. In this work we present the functionalization with aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) of a promising new FET design consisting of a high height-to-width aspect ratio with an efficient 2D gating architecture that improves both factors. We measured the transistor transfer and output characteristics before and after APTES functionalization, obtaining an improved sensitivity and linearity in both responses. We also compared the experimental results with a site-biding model of the surface buffering capacity of the APTES functionalized layers.
Effectiveness of Virtual Reality-Based Interventions for Children and Adolescents with ADHD: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Romero-Ayuso Dulce , Toledano-González Abel , Rodríguez-Martínez María del Carmen , Arroyo-Castillo Palma , Triviño-Juárez José Matías , González Pascual , Ariza-Vega Patrocinio , Del Pino González Antonio , Segura-Fragoso Antonio
Published: January 2021

This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality-based interventions (VR-based interventions) on cognitive deficits in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed according to the PRISMA statement and the Cochrane Handbook guidelines for conducting meta-analyses. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to assess the quality of the evidence. Clinical trials published up to 29 October 2020, were included. The meta-analysis included four studies, with a population of 125 participants with ADHD. The magnitude of the effect was large for omissions (SMD = −1.38; p = 0.009), correct hits (SMD = −1.50; p = 0.004), and perceptual sensitivity (SMD = −1.07; p = 0.01); and moderate for commissions (SMD = −0.62; p = 0.002) and reaction time (SMD = −0.67; p = 0.03). The use of VR-based interventions for cognitive rehabilitation in children with ADHD is limited. The results showed that VR-based interventions are more effective in improving sustained attention. Improvements were observed in attentional vigilance measures, increasing the number of correct responses and decreasing the number of errors of omission. No improvements were observed in impulsivity responses.
Secondary School Pupils’ Mental Wellbeing Is Associated with Belonging to a Perceived Minority and Experiencing Discrimination
Authors: Kokkonen Pinja , Athanasopoulou Christina , Leino-Kilpi Helena , Sakellari Evanthia
Published: January 2021

Adolescents’ mental health is a global issue and there is a growing interest in tackling mental health in schools. The study aimed to assess secondary school pupils’ mental wellbeing and the factors related to their mental wellbeing (sociodemographic characteristics, perception of belonging to a minority, and discrimination). Data were collected from 12–17-year-old pupils of a Finnish secondary school via an online questionnaire. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and ANOVA for group comparisons. Participants’ (Ν = 114) mental wellbeing scores were above average (47.5, max. 70). Worse family relations were independently associated with worse mental wellbeing. Additionally, significantly lower scores on mental wellbeing were found among pupils who thought they belonged to a minority due to appearance, sexual orientation, and/or chronic disease. Participants who had experienced discrimination had significantly lower mental wellbeing scores in comparison to those who never had such an experience. In conclusion, mental health promotion interventions which promote good family relations should be targeting different youth groups in order to address their specific needs. Thus, screening programs which identify pupils who are at risk or belong to minority groups are needed, in order to direct them to proper services when needed and/or implement mental health promotion interventions accordingly.
Comprehensive Treatment of a Skeletal Class III Growing Patient with Alveolar Bone Hypertrophy in the Anterior Mandible Associated with Becker’s Nevus Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Baik Won-Kyeong , Choi Sung-Hwan
Published: January 2021

Becker’s nevus is a relatively common skin lesion with brown hyperpigmentation and hypertrichosis. It may be expressed simultaneously with other cutaneous, muscular, or skeletal defects, such as hypoplasia of the breast or scoliosis, for which the term “Becker’s nevus syndrome” has been proposed. An 8-year-old boy presented with a Becker’s nevus on the right cheek, chin, and upper neck with alveolar bone hypertrophy in the anterior mandible, which led to an anterior crossbite and severe canting of the mandibular anterior teeth. Through orthopedic treatment using a face mask, the anteroposterior jaw relationship was improved. In phase 2 treatment, we corrected the canting of the mandibular anterior teeth with a segmental intrusion of the mandibular anterior right teeth into the hypertrophic alveolar bone area. The facial profile was improved along with acceptable occlusion, and the treatment result was stable at 1 year after the end of the treatment, without any periodontal attachment loss, root resorption of mandibular anterior teeth, or increase in the size of the hypertrophic region. This case report describes the successful comprehensive treatment of a growing patient with skeletal Class III malocclusion and multiple characteristics of Becker’s nevus syndrome.
Uncovering Engagement Networks for Adaptation in Three Regional Communities: Empirical Examples from New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Cunningham Rebecca , Jacobs Brent , Measham Thomas G.
Published: January 2021

Climate change is a significant challenge for policy makers, planners and communities. While adaptation responses are generally recognised to be place-based, policy processes on adaptation often reside with central (state or national) governments that may be remote from regional communities. In this paper, we contribute to the literature regarding how diverse regional communities engage with planning and policy for climate adaptation, which is important for successful implementation. We adopt a social network analysis (SNA) approach that enables an exploration of the interaction of community networks with policy information. There are limited empirical studies of information sharing about climate adaptation policy through community knowledge networks. One previous study, located in coastal New South Wales, Australia, mapped the community’s knowledge acquisition and diffusion to reveal the underlying network structures that influenced policy engagement pathways. However, further studies are needed to determine how the features of community networks may change with local context (e.g., coastal versus inland). This paper extends previous studies to compare and contrast adaptation knowledge networks in three NSW communities: Shoalhaven (the original coastal study site), Bega (coastal) and Orange (inland). Findings suggest that the presence of a natural resource-dependent industry, local geographies and boundary spanners acting as network knowledge brokers are factors influencing community knowledge flows. The work further demonstrates the utility of SNA to measure knowledge networks that can inform government engagement and communication with communities on climate adaptation policy.