bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stator-Rotor Contact Force Estimation of Rotating Machine
Authors: Spiller Mark , Söffker Dirk
Published: June 2021

In turbomachines, dry friction resulting from stator–rotor contacts is a severe problem that may degrade lifetime of the machine or even lead to complete failure. Knowledge about the system states and contact forces is beneficial for system monitoring or to prevent contacts through, e.g., active magnetic bearings. In this paper, a nonlinear model is derived that describes the lateral rotor vibrations in the case of contact and no contact. The elastic behavior of the shaft is modeled based on the finite-element method. The contact is described by a dry friction model. An augmented system description is formulated that allows estimation of rotor displacements and contact forces by means of nonlinear filtering approaches like an extended Kalman filter. A simulation study was conducted that explicitly considered the hazardous backward whirl. The suggested approach shows suitable estimation performance related to both state and contact force estimation.
Ligands of Adrenergic Receptors: A Structural Point of View
Authors: Wu Yiran , Zeng Liting , Zhao Suwen
Published: June 2021

Adrenergic receptors are G protein-coupled receptors for epinephrine and norepinephrine. They are targets of many drugs for various conditions, including treatment of hypertension, hypotension, and asthma. Adrenergic receptors are intensively studied in structural biology, displayed for binding poses of different types of ligands. Here, we summarized molecular mechanisms of ligand recognition and receptor activation exhibited by structure. We also reviewed recent advances in structure-based ligand discovery against adrenergic receptors.
The Role of Resolvins, Protectins and Marensins in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
Authors: Maciejewska-Markiewicz Dominika , Stachowska Ewa , Hawryłkowicz Viktoria , Stachowska Laura , Prowans Piotr
Published: June 2021

Increased triacylglycerols’ (TAG) synthesis, insulin resistance, and prolonged liver lipid storage might lead to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Global prevalence of NAFLD has been estimated to be around 25%, with gradual elevation of this ratio along with the increased content of adipose tissue in a body. The initial stages of NAFLD may be reversible, but the exposition to pathological factors should be limited. As dietary factors greatly influence various disease development, scientists try to find dietary components, helping to alleviate the steatosis. These components include n-3 polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA). This review focused on the role of resolvins, protectins and merensins in NAFLD.
Growth under Different Trophic Regimes and Synchronization of the Red Microalga Galdieria sulphuraria
Authors: Náhlík Vít , Zachleder Vilém , Čížková Mária , Bišová Kateřina , Singh Anjali , Mezricky Dana , Řezanka Tomáš , Vítová Milada
Published: June 2021

The extremophilic unicellular red microalga Galdieria sulphuraria (Cyanidiophyceae) is able to grow autotrophically, or mixo- and heterotrophically with 1% glycerol as a carbon source. The alga divides by multiple fission into more than two cells within one cell cycle. The optimal conditions of light, temperature and pH (500 µmol photons m−2 s−1, 40 °C, and pH 3; respectively) for the strain Galdieria sulphuraria (Galdieri) Merola 002 were determined as a basis for synchronization experiments. For synchronization, the specific light/dark cycle, 16/8 h was identified as the precondition for investigating the cell cycle. The alga was successfully synchronized and the cell cycle was evaluated. G. sulphuraria attained two commitment points with midpoints at 10 and 13 h of the cell cycle, leading to two nuclear divisions, followed subsequently by division into four daughter cells. The daughter cells stayed in the mother cell wall until the beginning of the next light phase, when they were released. Accumulation of glycogen throughout the cell cycle was also described. The findings presented here bring a new contribution to our general understanding of the cell cycle in cyanidialean red algae, and specifically of the biotechnologically important species G. sulphuraria.
Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in SARS-CoV-2- and Chlamydia pneumoniae-Associated Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Filardo Simone , Di Pietro Marisa , Diaco Fabiana , Romano Silvio , Sessa Rosa
Published: June 2021

Throughout the years, a growing number of studies have provided evidence that oxidative stress and inflammation may be involved in the pathogenesis of infectious agent-related cardiovascular diseases. Amongst the numerous respiratory pathogens, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel coronavirus responsible for the global ongoing pandemic, and Chlamydia pneumoniae, a widely known intracellular obligate bacteria, seem to have an essential role in promoting reactive oxygen species and cytokine production. The present review highlights the common oxidative and inflammatory molecular pathways underlying the cardiovascular diseases associated with SARS-CoV-2 or C. pneumoniae infections. The main therapeutic and preventive approaches using natural antioxidant compounds will be also discussed.
Increased Th1 Cells with Disease Resolution of Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Non-Atopic Patients
Authors: Lo Chun-Yu , Huang Yu-Chen , Huang Hung-Yu , Chung Fu-Tsai , Lin Chang-Wei , Chung Kian Fan , Wang Chun-Hua
Published: June 2021

Type 1 CD4+ T helper (Th1) cells mediate resistance to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), and Th2 immunity generates specific immunoglobulin E upon allergen exposure. We investigated the impact of active tuberculosis (TB), atopic status, and anti-TB treatment on the balance between Th1 and Th2 (type 2 CD4+ T helper) immunity. CD4+/interferon (IFN)-γ+ Th1 cells (%Th1) and CD4+/interleukin-4+ Th2 cells (%Th2) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were measured by flow cytometry. The BAL %Th1 was higher in TB patients at baseline, compared to that in non-TB subjects, and was further increased in TB patients after stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate and ionomycin. The stimulated BAL %Th1 was inversely correlated with the severity score of chest radiography in TB patients. Heat-killed Mtb triggered more IFN-γ and nitrite production, as determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the Griess reaction, respectively, from the alveolar macrophages of TB patients than that of non-TB subjects. Non-atopic TB participants had a higher %Th1 in PBMCs, compared to atopic individuals, and their %Th1 decreased after 3-month anti-TB treatment. Th1 response is provoked by active TB infection, is associated with less severe radiographic changes, is reduced in atopic patients with active TB infection, and is attenuated after anti-TB treatment.
Preoperative Short-Course Radiotherapy and Surgery versus Surgery Alone for Patients with Rectal Cancer: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis at 18-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Pach Radoslaw , Richter Piotr , Sierzega Marek , Papp Natalia , Szczepanik Antoni
Published: June 2021

A significant problem for long-term rectal cancer survivors may be the late toxicity of radiotherapy. It creates the possible risk of developing second primary malignancy and a theoretical decrease in overall survival. This study aimed to assess the influence of short-course preoperative radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer on overall survival, local recurrence rate, and second malignancy at 18-year follow-up. The rectal cancer trial was conducted in a single tertiary center between February 1992 and June 2006. A total of 389 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (cT2-cT4, cN0/+, cM0) were included in the study. Preoperative radiotherapy was conducted in 148 patients and 241 patients underwent surgery alone. The propensity-matched group consisted of 105 patients operated on after radiotherapy and 105 controls. The number of local recurrences was 7 (6.7%) in the preoperative radiotherapy group and 22 (21%) in the surgery alone group (p = 0.016). The 18-year survival analysis showed no survival benefit in the preoperative radiotherapy group (38% versus 48%, p = 0.107) but improved recurrence-free survival (81% versus 58%, p = 0.001). The preoperative short-course radiotherapy significantly decreases the risk of local recurrence in locally advanced rectal cancer and may improve recurrence-free survival without an increased risk of second primary malignancy.
Female Participation in Academic European Neurosurgery—A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Conzen Catharina , Hakvoort Karlijn , Clusmann Hans , Höllig Anke
Published: June 2021

The study aims to provide data on authors’ gender distribution with special attention on publications from Europe. Articles (October 2019–March 2020) published in three representative neurosurgical journals (Acta Neurochirurgica, Journal of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery) were analyzed with regard to female participation. Out of 648 publications, 503 original articles were analyzed: 17.5% (n = 670) of the 3.821 authors were female, with 15.7% (n = 79) females as first and 9.5% (n = 48) as last authors. The lowest ratio of female first and last authors was seen in original articles published in the JNS (12.3%/7.7% vs. Neurosurgery 14.9%/10.6% and Acta 23.0/11.5%). Articles originated in Europe made up 29.8% (female author ratio 21.1% (n = 226)). Female first authorship was seen in 20.7% and last authorship in 10.7% (15.3% and 7.3% were affiliated to a neurosurgical department). The percentages of female authorship were lower if non-original articles (n = 145) were analyzed (11.7% first/4.8% last authorships). Female participation in editorial boards was 8.0%. Considering the percentages of European female neurosurgeons, the current data are proportional. However, the lack of female last authors, the discrepancy regarding non-original articles and the composition of the editorial boards indicate that there still is a structural underrepresentation and that females are limited in achieving powerful positions.
Eliciting and Recording Event Related Potentials (ERPs) in Behaviourally Unresponsive Populations: A Retrospective Commentary on Critical Factors
Authors: Rokos Alexander , Mah Richard , Boshra Rober , Harrison Amabilis , Choy Tsee Leng , Blain-Moraes Stefanie , Connolly John F.
Published: June 2021

A consistent limitation when designing event-related potential paradigms and interpreting results is a lack of consideration of the multivariate factors that affect their elicitation and detection in behaviorally unresponsive individuals. This paper provides a retrospective commentary on three factors that influence the presence and morphology of long-latency event-related potentials—the P3b and N400. We analyze event-related potentials derived from electroencephalographic (EEG) data collected from small groups of healthy youth and healthy elderly to illustrate the effect of paradigm strength and subject age; we analyze ERPs collected from an individual with severe traumatic brain injury to illustrate the effect of stimulus presentation speed. Based on these critical factors, we support that: (1) the strongest paradigms should be used to elicit event-related potentials in unresponsive populations; (2) interpretation of event-related potential results should account for participant age; and (3) speed of stimulus presentation should be slower in unresponsive individuals. The application of these practices when eliciting and recording event-related potentials in unresponsive individuals will help to minimize result interpretation ambiguity, increase confidence in conclusions, and advance the understanding of the relationship between long-latency event-related potentials and states of consciousness.
Problems with Social Cognition and Decision-Making in Huntington’s Disease: Why Is it Important?
Authors: Mason Sarah L. , Schaepers Miriam , Barker Roger A.
Published: June 2021

Huntington’s disease starts slowly and progresses over a 15–20 year period. Motor changes begin subtly, often going unnoticed by patients although they are typically visible to those close to them. At this point, it is the early non-motor problems of HD that arguably cause the most functional impairment. Approximately 65% of gene carriers will experience a reduction in their occupational level, and just under half will feel unable to manage their finances independently before a clinical diagnosis is made. Understanding what drives this impairment in activities of daily living is the key to helping people with HD to live more independently for longer, especially in early disease. Early cognitive decline is likely to play a contributory factor although few studies have looked directly at this relationship. Recently, it has been shown that along with the well documented dysexecutive syndrome seen in HD, changes in social cognition and decision-making are more common than previously thought. Furthermore, some of the early neuropathological and neurochemical changes seen in HD disrupt networks known to be involved in social functioning. In this review, we explore how HD changes the way individuals interact in a social world. Specifically, we summarise the literature on both classical and social decision-making (value-based decision-making in a social context) along with studies of theory of mind, empathy, alexithymia, and emotion recognition in HD. The literature specific to HD is discussed and supported by evidence from similar neurodegenerative disorders and healthy individuals to propose future directions and potential therapeutic avenues to be explored.
Galectin-1 Expression Is Associated with the Response and Survival Following Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy in Locally Advanced Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Li Shau-Hsuan , Chen Yen-Hao , Lu Hung-I , Lo Chien-Ming , Huang Chao-Cheng , Wang Yu-Ming , Huang Eng-Yen
Published: June 2021

The galectin-1 has been found to be involved in poor outcomes after treatment of a variety of cancers. To the best of our knowledge, however, the significance of galectin-1 expression in the sensitivity to chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) of patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. Expression levels of galectin-1 were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and correlated with the treatment outcome in 93 patients with locally advanced ESCC who received preoperative CCRT between 1999 and 2012. Galectin-1 expression was significantly associated with the pathological complete response (pCR). The pCR rates were 36.1% and 13.0% (p = 0.01) in patients with low and high galectin-1 expression, respectively. Univariate analyses revealed that galectin-1 overexpression, clinical 7th American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage III and a positive surgical margin were significant factors of worse overall survival and disease-free survival. In multivariate analyses, galectin-1 overexpression and a positive surgical margin represented the independent adverse prognosticators. Therefore, galectin-1 expression both affects the pCR and survival in patients with locally advanced ESCC receiving preoperative CCRT. Our results suggest that galectin-1 may be a potentially therapeutic target for patients with ESCC treated with preoperative CCRT.
Challenges with Approved Targeted Therapies against Recurrent Mutations in CLL: A Place for New Actionable Targets
Authors: López-Oreja Irene , Playa-Albinyana Heribert , Arenas Fabián , López-Guerra Mónica , Colomer Dolors
Published: June 2021

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by a high degree of genetic variability and interpatient heterogeneity. In the last decade, novel alterations have been described. Some of them impact on the prognosis and evolution of patients. The approval of BTK inhibitors, PI3K inhibitors and Bcl-2 inhibitors has drastically changed the treatment of patients with CLL. The effect of these new targeted therapies has been widely analyzed in TP53-mutated cases, but few data exist about the response of patients carrying other recurrent mutations. In this review, we describe the biological pathways recurrently altered in CLL that might have an impact on the response to these new therapies together with the possibility to use new actionable targets to optimize treatment responses.
High Density of NRF2 Expression in Malignant Cells Is Associated with Increased Risk of CNS Metastasis in Early-Stage NSCLC
Authors: Tsakonas Georgios , Martín-Bernabé Alfonso , Rounis Konstantinos , Moreno-Ruiz Pablo , Botling Johan , De Petris Luigi , Ylipää Antti , Mezheyeuski Artur , Micke Patrick , Östman Arne , Ekman Simon
Published: June 2021

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) protein expression promotes cancer progression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, its role in the clinical setting has not been established. We retrospectively analyzed data from 304 patients with surgically removed NSCLC. Multiplex antibody staining of NRF2 and thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1) was conducted and scored in cytokeratin-positive (CK+) cells within the whole-tissue core as well as the tumor and stromal compartments of each tissue microarray (TMA) core. A high density of NRF2+/CK+ cells in the whole-tissue core compartment was correlated with a higher risk of central nervous system (CNS) relapse OR = 7.36 (95% CI: 1.64–33.06). The multivariate analysis showed an OR = 8.00 (95% CI: 1.70–37.60) for CNS relapse in NRF2+/CK+ high-density cases. The density of TrxR1+/CK+ cells failed to show any statistically significant risk of relapse. The OS analyses for NRF2+/CK+ and TrxR1+/CK+ cell density failed to show any statistical significance. This is the first study to report a correlation between NRF2+/CK+ cell density and the risk of CNS relapse in early-stage NSCLC. The results of our study may impact the follow-up strategy for early-stage NSCLC patients and eventually improve their prognosis.
Clinical Correlations of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 in Different Tumor Types
Authors: Erokhin Maksim , Chetverina Olga , Győrffy Balázs , Tatarskiy Victor V. , Mogila Vladic , Shtil Alexander A. , Roninson Igor B. , Moreaux Jerome , Georgiev Pavel , Cavalli Giacomo , Chetverina Darya
Published: June 2021

PRC2 (Polycomb repressive complex 2) is an evolutionarily conserved protein complex required to maintain transcriptional repression. The core PRC2 complex includes EZH2, SUZ12, and EED proteins and methylates histone H3K27. PRC2 is known to contribute to carcinogenesis and several small molecule inhibitors targeting PRC2 have been developed. The present study aimed to identify the cancer types in which PRC2 targeting drugs could be beneficial. We queried genomic and transcriptomic (cBioPortal, KMplot) database portals of clinical tumor samples to evaluate clinical correlations of PRC2 subunit genes. EZH2, SUZ12, and EED gene amplification was most frequently found in prostate cancer, whereas lymphoid malignancies (DLBCL) frequently showed EZH2 mutations. In both cases, PRC2 alterations were associated with poor prognosis. Moreover, higher expression of PRC2 subunits was correlated with poor survival in renal and liver cancers as well as gliomas. Finally, we generated a Python application to analyze the correlation of EZH2/SUZ12/EED gene knockouts by CRISPR with the alterations detected in the cancer cell lines using DepMap data. As a result, we were able to identify mutations that correlated significantly with tumor cell sensitivity to PRC2 knockout, including SWI/SNF, COMPASS/COMPASS-like subunits and BCL2, warranting the investigation of these genes as potential markers of sensitivity to PRC2-targeting drugs.
Effects of CAF-Derived MicroRNA on Tumor Biology and Clinical Applications
Authors: Wang Xu , Wang Xin , Xu Midie , Sheng Weiqi
Published: June 2021

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), prominent cell components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in most types of solid tumor, play an essential role in tumor cell growth, proliferation, invasion, migration, and chemoresistance. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding, single-strand RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression by post-transcription modification. Increasing evidence has suggested the dysregulation of miRNAs in CAFs, which facilitates the conversion of normal fibroblasts (NFs) into CAFs, then enhances the tumor-promoting capacity of CAFs. To understand the process of tumor progression, as well as the development of chemoresistance, it is important to explore the regulatory function of CAF-derived miRNAs and the associated molecular mechanisms, which may become potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and targets of anti-tumor therapeutics. In this review, we describe miRNAs that are differentially expressed by NFs and CAFs, summarize the modulating role of CAF-derived miRNAs in fibroblast activation and tumor advance, and eventually identify a potential clinical application for CAF-derived miRNAs as diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in several tumors.
18F-FET PET Uptake Characteristics of Long-Term IDH-Wildtype Diffuse Glioma Survivors
Authors: Mittlmeier Lena M. , Suchorska Bogdana , Ruf Viktoria , Holzgreve Adrien , Brendel Matthias , Herms Jochen , Bartenstein Peter , Tonn Joerg C. , Unterrainer Marcus , Albert Nathalie L.
Published: June 2021

Background: IDHwt diffuse gliomas represent the tumor entity with one of the worst clinical outcomes. Only rare cases present with a long-term survival of several years. Here we aimed at comparing the uptake characteristics on dynamic 18F-FET PET, clinical and molecular genetic parameters of long-term survivors (LTS) versus short-term survivors (STS): Methods: Patients with de-novo IDHwt glioma (WHO grade III/IV) and 18F-FET PET prior to any therapy were stratified into LTS (≥36 months survival) and STS (≤15 months survival). Static and dynamic 18F-FET PET parameters (mean/maximal tumor-to-background ratio (TBRmean/max), biological tumor volume (BTV), minimal time-to-peak (TTPmin)), diameter and volume of contrast-enhancement on MRI, clinical parameters (age, sex, Karnofksy-performance-score), mode of surgery; initial treatment and molecular genetics were assessed and compared between LTS and STS. Results: Overall, 75 IDHwt glioma patients were included (26 LTS, 49 STS). LTS were significantly younger (p < 0.001), had a higher rate of WHO grade III glioma (p = 0.032), of O(6)-Methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation (p < 0.001) and missing Telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter (TERTp) mutations (p = 0.004) compared to STS. On imaging, LTS showed a smaller median BTV (p = 0.017) and a significantly longer TTPmin (p = 0.008) on 18F-FET PET than STS, while uptake intensity (TBRmean/max) did not differ. In contrast to the tumor-volume on PET, MRI-derived parameters such as tumor size as well as all other above-mentioned parameters did not differ between LTS and STS (p > 0.05 each). Conclusion: Besides molecular genetic prognosticators, a long survival time in IDHwt glioma patients is associated with a longer TTPmin as well as a smaller BTV on 18F-FET PET at initial diagnosis. 18F-FET uptake intensity as well as the MRI-derived tumor size (volume and maximal diameter) do not differ in patients with long-term survival.
The Identification of RNA-Binding Proteins Functionally Associated with Tumor Progression in Gastrointestinal Cancer
Authors: Konishi Hiroaki , Kashima Shin , Goto Takuma , Ando Katsuyoshi , Sakatani Aki , Tanaka Hiroki , Ueno Nobuhiro , Moriichi Kentaro , Okumura Toshikatsu , Fujiya Mikihiro
Published: June 2021

Previous investigations have indicated that RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are key molecules for the development of organs, differentiation, cell growth and apoptosis in cancer cells as well as normal cells. A bioinformatics analysis based on the mRNA expression and a somatic mutational database revealed the association between aberrant expression/mutations of RBPs and cancer progression. However, this method failed to detect functional alterations in RBPs without changes in the expression, thus leading to false negatives. To identify major tumor-associated RBPs, we constructed an siRNA library based on the database of RBPs and assessed the influence on the growth of colorectal, pancreatic and esophageal cancer cells. A comprehensive analysis of siRNA functional screening findings using 1198 siRNAs targeting 416 RBPs identified 41 RBPs in which 50% inhibition of cell growth was observed in cancer cells. Among these RBPs, 12 showed no change in the mRNA expression and no growth suppression in non-cancerous cells when downregulated by specific siRNAs. We herein report for the first time cancer-promotive RBPs identified by a novel functional assessment using an siRNA library of RBPs combined with expressional and mutational analyses.
On the Oxygen Reduction Reaction Mechanism Catalyzed by Pd Complexes on 2D Carbon. A Theoretical Study
Authors: Bonechi Marco , Giurlani Walter , Vizza Martina , Savastano Matteo , Stefani Andrea , Bianchi Antonio , Fontanesi Claudio , Innocenti Massimo
Published: June 2021

Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) is the bottle-neck strategic reaction ruling the fuel cell efficiency process. The slow kinetics of the reaction require highly effective electrocatalysts for proper boosting. In this field, composite catalysts formed by carbon nanotubes functionalized with palladium(II) complexes showed surprising catalytic activity comparable to those of a commercial Pt electrode, but the catalytic mechanisms of these materials still remain open to discussion. In this paper, we propose the combination of experimental and theoretical results to unfold the elementary reaction steps underlying the ORR catalysis.
The Lord of the Chemical Rings: Catalytic Synthesis of Important Industrial Epoxide Compounds
Authors: Meng Yudong , Taddeo Francesco , Aguilera Adriana Freites , Cai Xiaoshuang , Russo Vincenzo , Tolvanen Pasi , Leveneur Sébastien
Published: June 2021

The epoxidized group, also known as the oxirane group, can be considered as one of the most crucial rings in chemistry. Due to the high ring strain and the polarization of the C–O bond in this three-membered ring, several reactions can be carried out. One can see such a functional group as a crucial intermediate in fuels, polymers, materials, fine chemistry, etc. Literature covering the topic of epoxidation, including the catalytic aspect, is vast. No review articles have been written on the catalytic synthesis of short size, intermediate and macro-molecules to the best of our knowledge. To fill this gap, this manuscript reviews the main catalytic findings for the production of ethylene and propylene oxides, epichlorohydrin and epoxidized vegetable oil. We have selected these three epoxidized molecules because they are the most studied and produced. The following catalytic systems will be considered: homogeneous, heterogeneous and enzymatic catalysis.
Eco-Friendly Colloidal Aqueous Sol-Gel Process for TiO2 Synthesis: The Peptization Method to Obtain Crystalline and Photoactive Materials at Low Temperature
Authors: Mahy Julien G. , Lejeune Louise , Haynes Tommy , Lambert Stéphanie D. , Marcilli Raphael Henrique Marques , Fustin Charles-André , Hermans Sophie
Published: June 2021

This work reviews an eco-friendly process for producing TiO2 via colloidal aqueous sol–gel synthesis, resulting in crystalline materials without a calcination step. Three types of colloidal aqueous TiO2 are reviewed: the as-synthesized type obtained directly after synthesis, without any specific treatment; the calcined, obtained after a subsequent calcination step; and the hydrothermal, obtained after a specific autoclave treatment. This eco-friendly process is based on the hydrolysis of a Ti precursor in excess of water, followed by the peptization of the precipitated TiO2. Compared to classical TiO2 synthesis, this method results in crystalline TiO2 nanoparticles without any thermal treatment and uses only small amounts of organic chemicals. Depending on the synthesis parameters, the three crystalline phases of TiO2 (anatase, brookite, and rutile) can be obtained. The morphology of the nanoparticles can also be tailored by the synthesis parameters. The most important parameter is the peptizing agent. Indeed, depending on its acidic or basic character and also on its amount, it can modulate the crystallinity and morphology of TiO2. Colloidal aqueous TiO2 photocatalysts are mainly being used in various photocatalytic reactions for organic pollutant degradation. The as-synthesized materials seem to have equivalent photocatalytic efficiency to the photocatalysts post-treated with thermal treatments and the commercial Evonik Aeroxide P25, which is produced by a high-temperature process. Indeed, as-prepared, the TiO2 photocatalysts present a high specific surface area and crystalline phases. Emerging applications are also referenced, such as elaborating catalysts for fuel cells, nanocomposite drug delivery systems, or the inkjet printing of microstructures. Only a few works have explored these new properties, giving a lot of potential avenues for studying this eco-friendly TiO2 synthesis method for innovative implementations.
Age-Dependent Hippocampal Proteomics in the APP/PS1 Alzheimer Mouse Model: A Comparative Analysis with Classical SWATH/DIA and directDIA Approaches
Authors: van der Spek Sophie J. F. , Gonzalez-Lozano Miguel A. , Koopmans Frank , Miedema Suzanne S. M. , Paliukhovich Iryna , Smit August B. , Li Ka Wan
Published: June 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder in the human population, for which there is currently no cure. The cause of AD is unknown; however, the toxic effects of amyloid-β (Aβ) are believed to play a role in its onset. To investigate this, we examined changes in global protein levels in a hippocampal synaptosome fraction of the Amyloid Precursor Protein swe/Presenelin 1 dE9 (APP/PS1) mouse model of AD at 6 and 12 months of age (moa). Data independent acquisition (DIA), or Sequential Window Acquisition of all THeoretical fragment-ion (SWATH), was used for a quantitative label-free proteomics analysis. We first assessed the usefulness of a recently improved directDIA workflow as an alternative to conventional DIA data analysis using a project-specific spectral library. Subsequently, we applied directDIA to the 6- and 12-moa APP/PS1 datasets and applied the Mass Spectrometry Downstream Analysis Pipeline (MS-DAP) for differential expression analysis and candidate discovery. We observed most regulation at 12-moa, in particular of proteins involved in Aβ homeostasis and microglial-dependent processes, like synaptic pruning and the immune response, such as APOE, CLU and C1QA-C. All proteomics data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD025777.
Drug Tolerance to EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Lung Cancers with EGFR Mutations
Authors: Suda Kenichi , Mitsudomi Tetsuya
Published: June 2021

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) serve as the standard of care for the first-line treatment of patients with lung cancers with EGFR-activating mutations. However, the acquisition of resistance to EGFR TKIs is almost inevitable, with extremely rare exceptions, and drug-tolerant cells (DTCs) that demonstrate reversible drug insensitivity and that survive the early phase of TKI exposure are hypothesized to be an important source of cancer cells that eventually acquire irreversible resistance. Numerous studies on the molecular mechanisms of drug tolerance of EGFR-mutated lung cancers employ lung cancer cell lines as models. Here, we reviewed these studies to generally describe the features, potential origins, and candidate molecular mechanisms of DTCs. The rapid development of an optimal treatment for EGFR-mutated lung cancer will require a better understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of the drug insensitivity of DTCs.
Evolutionary Origins of DNA Repair Pathways: Role of Oxygen Catastrophe in the Emergence of DNA Glycosylases
Authors: Prorok Paulina , Grin Inga R. , Matkarimov Bakhyt T. , Ishchenko Alexander A. , Laval Jacques , Zharkov Dmitry O. , Saparbaev Murat
Published: June 2021

It was proposed that the last universal common ancestor (LUCA) evolved under high temperatures in an oxygen-free environment, similar to those found in deep-sea vents and on volcanic slopes. Therefore, spontaneous DNA decay, such as base loss and cytosine deamination, was the major factor affecting LUCA’s genome integrity. Cosmic radiation due to Earth’s weak magnetic field and alkylating metabolic radicals added to these threats. Here, we propose that ancient forms of life had only two distinct repair mechanisms: versatile apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) endonucleases to cope with both AP sites and deaminated residues, and enzymes catalyzing the direct reversal of UV and alkylation damage. The absence of uracil–DNA N-glycosylases in some Archaea, together with the presence of an AP endonuclease, which can cleave uracil-containing DNA, suggests that the AP endonuclease-initiated nucleotide incision repair (NIR) pathway evolved independently from DNA glycosylase-mediated base excision repair. NIR may be a relic that appeared in an early thermophilic ancestor to counteract spontaneous DNA damage. We hypothesize that a rise in the oxygen level in the Earth’s atmosphere ~2 Ga triggered the narrow specialization of AP endonucleases and DNA glycosylases to cope efficiently with a widened array of oxidative base damage and complex DNA lesions.
Coating-Based Quartz Crystal Microbalance Detection Methods of Environmentally Relevant Volatile Organic Compounds
Authors: Pérez Rocío L. , Ayala Caitlan E. , Park Jong-Yoon , Choi Jin-Woo , Warner Isiah M.
Published: June 2021

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that evaporate under standard atmospheric conditions are of growing concern. This is because it is well established that VOCs represent major contamination risks since release of these compounds into the atmosphere can contribute to global warming, and thus, can also be detrimental to the overall health of worldwide populations including plants, animals, and humans. Consequently, the detection, discrimination, and quantification of VOCs have become highly relevant areas of research over the past few decades. One method that has been and continues to be creatively developed for analyses of VOCs is the Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM). In this review, we summarize and analyze applications of QCM devices for the development of sensor arrays aimed at the detection of environmentally relevant VOCs. Herein, we also summarize applications of a variety of coatings, e.g., polymers, macrocycles, and ionic liquids that have been used and reported in the literature for surface modification in order to enhance sensing and selective detection of VOCs using quartz crystal resonators (QCRs) and thus QCM. In this review, we also summarize novel electronic systems that have been developed for improved QCM measurements.
Attention Components and Spelling Accuracy: Which Connections Matter?
Authors: Bigozzi Lucia , Malagoli Chiara , Pecini Chiara , Pezzica Sara , Vezzani Claudio , Vettori Giulia
Published: June 2021

Attention and working memory are cross-domain functions that regulate both behavioural and learning processes. Few longitudinal studies have focused on the impact of these cognitive resources on spelling skills in the early phase of learning to write. This longitudinal study investigates the contributions of attention and working memory processes to spelling accuracy and handwriting speed in 112 primary school children (2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade; age range: 7.6–9.4 years) learning to write in the Italian transparent orthography. Standardised batteries were used to assess their attention and working memory skills, as well as their spelling. Homophone and non-homophone errors were measured, as they may involve different attentional and working memory processes. The results showed that, for 2nd grade children, selective attention shifting, planning, and inhibition predicted non-homophone errors, whereas sequential working memory predicted homophone errors and writing speed was explained by planning and selective attention. In 3rd grade, only homophone errors were predicted by planning and inhibition. No significant relationships were found in 4th grade, nor in the transition across grades. Dynamic and diversified roles of attentional and working memory processes in predicting different writing skills in early primary school years emerged, with a gradual decrease in the attention–writing relationship with age.
Monitoring Public Perception of Health Risks in Brazil and Italy: Cross-Cultural Research on the Risk Perception of Choking in Children
Authors: Hochdorn Alexander , Oliveira Alexia , Lorenzoni Giulia , Francavilla Andrea , Baldas Solidea , Berchialla Paola , Oliveira Alessandra , Alves Vicente Paulo , Gregori Dario , Azzolina Danila
Published: June 2021

One of the most relevant public health issues among pediatric injuries concerns foreign body (FB) aspiration. The risk perception of choking hazards (CH) and risk perception, in general, are complex multifactorial problems that play a significant role in defining protective behavior. Risk prevention policies should take this aspect into account. A lack of scientific knowledge of FB injury risk perception may be evidenced in Brazil and other newly developed countries. This study aims to characterize the differences and peculiarities in risk perception of CH between Italian and Brazilian populations. The risk perception among adults in Italy and Brazil between September and October 2017 was investigated in a survey. A Multiple Correspondence Analysis was carried out to identify the latent components characterizing the risk perception in Italian and Brazilian population samples. The most relevant dimension characterizing risk perception is the “Professional–educational status and the related perception of Risk” (13% of factorial inertia). The Italians identify batteries and magnets as the most dangerous choking risks (20% of responses). On the other hand, Brazilian people, mainly manual laborers (22%) with secondary or primary education (94%), perceive coins as the most dangerous items (30% of responses, p < 0.001). Socio-economic issues characterize the subjective risk perception of Italian and Brazilian survey respondents. In this framework, data-driven prevention strategies could be helpful to tailor intervention strategies to the cultural context to which they are addressed.
Which Is More Important for Health: Sleep Quantity or Sleep Quality?
Authors: Kohyama Jun
Published: June 2021

Sleep is one of the basic physiological processes for human survival. Both sleep quantity and sleep quality are fundamental components of sleep. This review looks at both sleep quantity and sleep quality, considering how to manage the complex but probably unavoidable physiological phenomenon of sleep. The need for sleep has marked variations between individuals, in addition to the effects of variable conditions. Studies on sleep quality started later than those on sleep quantity, beginning in 1989 when Ford and Kamerow revealed that insomnia increases the risk of psychiatric disorders. According to the nationwide research team on the quality of sleep (19FA0901), sleep quality is superior to sleep quantity as an index for assessing sleep, and that restfulness obtained through sleep is a useful index for assessing sleep quality. We should pay more attention to obtaining sleep of good quality (restfulness, no sleepiness, no need for more sleep, sufficient objective sleep depth, etc.), although there have not been enough studies on the associations between sleep quality and health or disorders in children and adolescents. Further studies using the deviation from an individual’s optimal sleep quantity may show us another aspect of the effects of sleep quantity on various life issues.
The Effect of RF Sputtering Temperature Conditions on the Structural and Physical Properties of Grown SbGaN Thin Film
Authors: Thao Cao Phuong , Kuo Dong-Hau , Tuan Thi Tran Anh
Published: June 2021

By using a single ceramic SbGaN target containing a 14% Sb dopant, Sb0.14GaN films were successfully grown on n-Si(100), SiO2/Si(100), and quartz substrates by an RF reactive sputtering technology at different growth temperatures, ranging from 100 to 400 °C. As a result, the structural characteristics, and optical and electrical properties of the deposited Sb0.14GaN films were affected by the various substrate temperature conditions. By heating the temperature deposition differently, the sputtered Sb0.14GaN films had a wurtzite crystal structure with a preferential (101¯0) plane, and these Sb0.14GaN films experienced a structural distortion and exhibited p-type layers. At the highest depositing temperature of 400 °C, the Sb0.14GaN film had the smallest bandgap energy of 2.78 eV, and the highest hole concentration of 8.97 × 1016 cm−3, a conductivity of 2.1 Scm−1, and a high electrical mobility of 146 cm2V−1s−1. The p-Sb0.14GaN/n-Si heterojunction diode was tested at different temperatures, ranging from 25 to 150 °C. The testing data showed that the change of testing temperature affected the electrical characteristics of the diode.
Interfacial Structure and Physical Properties of High-Entropy Oxide Coatings Prepared via Atmospheric Plasma Spraying
Authors: Park Tae-sung , Adomako Nana Kwabena , Ashong Andrews-nsiah , Kim Young-kuk , Yang Seung-min , Kim Jeoung-han
Published: June 2021

The feasibility of using a high-entropy rare-earth oxide (REO) as a top coating material for thermal barrier coatings was explored using the atmospheric plasma spray technique. The microstructure and Vickers hardness of the coating layer were compared to those of an 8 mol % yttria-stabilized zirconia (8YSZ) top coating material. Macroscopic observations revealed the formation of a well-coated surface with no surface defects or delamination. Scanning electron microscopy images showed the presence of several parallel and vertical microcracks in the REO and 8YSZ coating layers. The origin of these cracks is attributed to differences in the coefficient of thermal expansion, very fast cooling, and process parameters. X-ray diffraction demonstrated the high phase stability and excellent thermal properties of REO due to the absence of phase transformation after plasma spray processing. The measured Vickers hardness of REO was 425 HV, which is lower than that of sintered REO powder and the 8YSZ coating.
Study on Simulation and Experiment of Y-Mo Co-Doped AgSnO2 Contact Materials
Authors: Wang Jingqin , Chang Yongqiang , Zhu Yancai , Zhang Guangzhi , Huang Guanglin
Published: June 2021

Due to the shortcomings of AgSnO2 as a contact material, models of SnO2, Y-SnO2, Mo-SnO2, and Y-Mo-SnO2 were built to calculate their electrical and mechanical properties based on the first principles of density functional theory. The Y-Mo co-doped SnO2 was the most stable of all the models according to the enthalpy change and the impurity formation energy. By analyzing the energy band structure and the density of states, it was shown that the doped models are still direct bandgap semiconductor materials. The valence band moved up and the conduction band moved down after doping, reducing the band gap and enhancing conductivity. With the reduced energy for carrier transition, the electrical performance of Y-Mo co-doped SnO2 was improved best. The mechanical properties of SnO2 were completely improved by Y-Mo co-doping according to calculation results. The doped SnO2 materials were prepared by the sol-gel method, and the doped AgSnO2 materials were prepared by the powder metallurgy method. X-ray diffraction, hardness, conductivity and wettability experiments were undertaken, with experimental results showing that AgSnO2 can be improved comprehensively by Y-Mo co-doping, verifying the conclusions of the simulation. Overall, the present study provides an effective method for the preparation of high-performance contact materials.
Experimental Study on Durability of Hybrid Fiber-Reinforced Concrete in Deep Alluvium Frozen Shaft Lining
Authors: Yao Zhishu , Fang Yu , Zhang Ping , Huang Xianwen
Published: June 2021

This article proposes hybrid fiber-reinforced concrete (HFRC) mixed with polyvinyl alcohol fiber (PVA) and polypropylene steel fiber (FST) as a wall construction material to improve the bearing capacity and durability of frozen shaft lining structures in deep alluvium. According to the stress characteristics and engineering environment of the frozen shaft lining, the strength, impermeability, freeze–thaw damage, and corrosion resistance are taken as the evaluation and control indexes. The C60 concrete commonly used in freezing shaft lining is selected as the reference group. Compared to the reference group, the test results show that the compressive strength of HFRC is similar to that of the reference concrete, but its splitting tensile strength and flexural strength are higher; according to the strength test, the optimum mixed content of 1.092 kg/m3 PVA and 5 kg/m3 FST are obtained. According to the impermeability test results, the mixing of PVA and FST can improve the impermeability resistance of concrete. For the freeze–thaw cycle test results, the mixing of PVA and FST can improve the frost resistance of concrete; based on the 120 days sulfate corrosion test, the mixing of PVA and FST will improve the corrosion resistance of concrete.
Effect of Grit Blasting and Polishing Pretreatments on the Microhardness, Adhesion and Corrosion Properties of Electrodeposited Ni-W/SiC Nanocomposite Coatings on 45 Steel Substrate
Authors: Gbenontin Bertrand Vigninou , Kang Min , Ndiithi Ndumia Joseph , Nyambura Samuel Mbugua , Awuah Emmanuel , Zhang Yin
Published: June 2021

In this study, a grit-blasting pretreatment was used to improve the adhesion, corrosion resistance and microhardness of Ni-W/SiC nanocomposite coatings fabricated using the conventional electrodeposition technique. Prior to deposition, grit blasting and polishing (more commonly used) pretreatments were used to prepare the surface of the substrate and the 3D morphology of the pretreated substrates was characterized using laser scanning confocal microscopy. The coating surface and the cross-section morphology were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The chemical composition, crystalline structure, microhardness, adhesion and corrosion behavior of the deposited coatings were characterized using energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), a microhardness tester, a scratch tester and an electrochemical workstation, respectively. The results indicated that the grit blasting and SiC addition improved the microhardness, adhesion and corrosion resistance. The Ni-W/SiC nanocomposites pretreated by grit blasting exhibited the best adhesion strength, up to 36.5 ± 0.75 N. Its hardness was the highest and increased up to 673 ± 5.47 Hv and its corrosion resistance was the highest compared to the one pretreated by polishing.
Retained Free Energy with Enhanced Nucleation during Electrostatic Levitation of Undercooled Fe-Co Alloys
Authors: Matson Douglas M. , Liu Xuanjiang , Rodriguez Justin E. , Jeon Sangho , Shuleshova Olga
Published: June 2021

Double recalescence in many ferrous alloy systems involves rapid solidification of metastable ferrite from the undercooled melt with subsequent transformation to stable austenite. Containerless processing is used to monitor the process using pyrometry and high-speed cinematography such that delay behavior can be predicted based on the application of the retained damage model (RDM). When comparing Fe-Cr-Ni alloys to Fe-Co alloys, the cluster attachment rate is enhanced while free energy retention is reduced. These trends are tied to specific alloy properties. A retained free energy criterion is proposed based on the ratio of thermophysical properties used to define the transformation driving force such that the thermodynamic limit for energy retention may be predicted. Surprisingly, at long delay times, healing occurs such that much of the retained free energy is not available to enhance the transition from metastable to stable phases. At delay times less than one second, no healing is observed and the RDM correctly predicts transformation delay behavior over a wide range of alloy compositions.