bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Influencing Choice of Wooden Frames for Construction of Multi-Story Buildings in Sweden
Authors: Bahrami Alireza , Jakobsson Jonas , Söderroos Tobias
Published: January 2023

Construction of buildings with wooden frames higher than two stories has been permitted in Sweden since 1994. As construction of multi-story buildings with wooden frames is relatively new, people in the construction industry are more likely to construct these buildings with concrete frames. The current research evaluates the factors influencing the choice of wooden frames for construction of multi-story buildings in Sweden. The purpose of this study is to explain which advantages and disadvantages construction companies in Sweden consider with wooden construction and to highlight the factors for why multi-story buildings are built with wood to a lesser extent than with other materials. The main goal is to investigate what factors or assumptions construction companies base their decisions on, and whether experience and competence in wooden frames for construction of multi-story buildings are considered in short supply in Sweden today. The chosen method for this research is a descriptive survey study with a qualitative and quantitative approach. The survey is based on respondents from five leading building companies in Sweden with regard to the companies’ revenue. The respondents had either previous experience in constructing multi-story buildings with wooden frames, experienced respondents (ERs), or no experience, unexperienced respondents (UERs). 63% of the respondents were ERs, while 37% of them were UERs. It is resulted that the respondents think there is a lack of competence and experience in wooden frames for construction of multi-story buildings in Sweden. Factors that have the greatest impact on decisions to construct with wooden frames are positive environmental and climatic aspects as well as production advantages. Factors that are considered as major obstacles to construct with wooden frames are cost, acoustics, and moisture problems.
A Scientometric Analysis of Construction Bidding Research Activities
Authors: Rashidi Amirreza , Tamošaitienė Jolanta , Ravanshadnia Mehdi , Sarvari Hadi
Published: January 2023

Bidding is the process in which a contractor submits a tender to the owner of a construction project to undertake its execution. This enables companies to properly employ required contractors. This paper investigates the trends of research conducted on construction bidding from 1975 to 2022 through a scientometric analysis from different viewpoints. A total of 299 relevant articles published in 191 journals were collected from the Web of Science database and analyzed by HistCite and CiteSpace software. The top journals, articles, institutes, and authors that contributed to bidding studies were ranked. The trends of published articles and contributions from different countries on the subject were examined. Moreover, the co-occurrence network, strongest burst detection, trends of the top keywords, and cluster analysis were determined. This review creates an in-depth insight into the content, enabling researchers to understand the existing body of knowledge and to trace a practical guideline for future studies.
Extreme Wind Loading on Flat-Roof-Mounted Solar Arrays with Consideration of Wind Directionality
Authors: Wang Jingxue , Liu Min , Yang Qingshan , Hui Yi , Nie Shidong
Published: January 2023

The assessment of extreme wind loading on solar arrays plays a significant role in ensuring their safe operation under strong winds. Therefore, this paper investigates the extreme wind loading on solar arrays mounted on a flat roof by taking into account the wind directionality effect. The estimation process is conducted by using in situ wind speeds obtained from meteorological stations and wind loading coefficients on solar arrays obtained from wind tunnel tests based on the joint probability distribution of multiple variables and their conditional probabilities. This allows a discussion regarding how the extreme wind loading of solar arrays would be affected by such factors as the uncertainty of wind loading coefficient, the structural orientation of buildings on which solar arrays are mounted, and the directional characteristics of wind speeds. Finally, a comparison among the proposed methods, considering the wind directionality in current wind loading codes, is performed. The extreme wind loading determined by multivariate extreme value theory is found to be comparable to the corresponding estimate calculated according to the independent assumption of directional extreme wind speed. The results of this study provide a valuable reference for the design of wind-resistant solar arrays that takes account of wind directionality effect.
Sandwich Composite Panel from Spent Mushroom Substrate Fiber and Empty Fruit Bunch Fiber for Potential Green Thermal Insulation
Authors: Shakir Mohammad Aliff , Ahmad Mardiana Idayu , Yusup Yusri , Wabaidur Saikh Mohammad , Siddiqui Masoom Raza , Alam Mahboob , Rafatullah Mohd
Published: January 2023

Massive generation of natural waste fiber from agricultural industries followed by improper disposal management might result in a detrimental effect on our ecosystem contributing to various types of environmental pollution. With the growing significance of climate change, an effort is being undertaken by utilizing natural waste fiber into eco-friendly insulation panels to reduce the environmental impact of buildings. In this research, a composite panel was developed from spent mushroom substrate (SMS) and empty fruit bunch (EFB) fibers via a sandwich technique. Five samples were made, each with a different fiber ratio (100 SMS: 0 EFB, 80 SMS: 20 EFB, 60 SMS: 40 EFB, 40 SMS: 60 EFB, and 0 SMS: 100 EFB) at density 0.8 g/cm3. Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) Soxhlet extraction followed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated that the SMS and EFB fibers were relevant for fabrication into a composite panel for thermal insulation. Thermal conductivity, thermal resistance, and thermal diffusivity values for these five composite samples were 0.231 to 0.31 W/(mK), 0.0194 to 0.0260 m2K/W, and 0.2665 to 0.3855 mm2/s, respectively. The flexural strength of the composite was at the range 15.61 to 23.62 MPa. These research findings suggest that the fabrication of a sandwich composite panel from SMS and EFB fiber is a promising alternative way to utilize natural waste fiber.
3D Variable Range Hopping Electrical Conduction of a Carbon from Polyaniline Vapor
Authors: Goto Hiromasa
Published: January 2023

Carbon with a metallic reflection was prepared from polyaniline (PANI) vapor deposited on the inner quartz wall of a furnace. Electron probe microanalyzer analysis proved that the resultant contained carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur atoms. A Dysonian line shape with paramagnetic properties was observed for the resulting carbon from PANI in the electron spin-resonance spectroscopy measurement. The resistance vs. temperature curve of the carbon indicated semiconductor-insulator properties in a low-temperature range. Electrical conduction in the carbon was carried out with 3D variable range hopping.
Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Inhibition Leads to Decreased Glycolysis, Increased Reliance on Gluconeogenesis and Alternative Sources of Acetyl-CoA in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Anderson Rebecca , Pladna Kristin M. , Schramm Nathaniel J. , Wheeler Frances B. , Kridel Steven , Pardee Timothy S.
Published: January 2023

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive disease characterized by poor outcomes and therapy resistance. Devimistat is a novel agent that inhibits pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDH). A phase III clinical trial in AML patients combining devimistat and chemotherapy was terminated for futility, suggesting AML cells were able to circumvent the metabolic inhibition of devimistat. The means by which AML cells resist PDH inhibition is unknown. AML cell lines treated with devimistat or deleted for the essential PDH subunit, PDHA, showed a decrease in glycolysis and decreased glucose uptake due to a reduction of the glucose transporter GLUT1 and hexokinase II. Both devimistat-treated and PDHA knockout cells displayed increased sensitivity to 2-deoxyglucose, demonstrating reliance on residual glycolysis. The rate limiting gluconeogenic enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 2 (PCK2) was significantly upregulated in devimistat-treated cells, and its inhibition increased sensitivity to devimistat. The gluconeogenic amino acids glutamine and asparagine protected AML cells from devimistat. Non-glycolytic sources of acetyl-CoA were also important with fatty acid oxidation, ATP citrate lyase (ACLY) and acyl-CoA synthetase short chain family member 2 (ACSS2) contributing to resistance. Finally, devimistat reduced fatty acid synthase (FASN) activity. Taken together, this suggests that AML cells compensate for PDH and glycolysis inhibition by gluconeogenesis for maintenance of essential glycolytic intermediates and fatty acid oxidation, ACLY and ACSS2 for non-glycolytic production of acetyl-CoA. Strategies to target these escape pathways should be explored in AML.
Developing and Validating a Lung Cancer Risk Prediction Model: A Nationwide Population-Based Study
Authors: Rubin Katrine H. , Haastrup Peter F. , Nicolaisen Anne , Möller Sören , Wehberg Sonja , Rasmussen Sanne , Balasubramaniam Kirubakaran , Søndergaard Jens , Jarbøl Dorte E.
Published: January 2023

Lung cancer can be challenging to diagnose in the early stages, where treatment options are optimal. We aimed to develop 1-year prediction models for the individual risk of incident lung cancer for all individuals aged 40 or above living in Denmark on 1 January 2017. The study was conducted using population-based registers on health and sociodemographics from 2007–2016. We applied backward selection on all variables by logistic regression to develop a risk model for lung cancer and applied the models to the validation cohort, calculated receiver-operating characteristic curves, and estimated the corresponding areas under the curve (AUC). In the populations without and with previously confirmed cancer, 4274/2,826,249 (0.15%) and 482/172,513 (0.3%) individuals received a lung cancer diagnosis in 2017, respectively. For both populations, older age was a relevant predictor, and the most complex models, containing variables related to diagnoses, medication, general practitioner, and specialist contacts, as well as baseline sociodemographic characteristics, had the highest AUC. These models achieved a positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.0127 (0.006) and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.989 (0.997) with a 1% cut-off in the population without (with) previous cancer. This corresponds to 1.2% of the screened population experiencing a positive prediction, of which 1.3% would be incident with lung cancer. We have developed and tested a prediction model with a reasonable potential to support clinicians and healthcare planners in identifying patients at risk of lung cancer.
The Effect of Cannabis Plant Extracts on Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma and the Quest for Cannabis-Based Personalized Therapy
Authors: Blal Kifah , Besser Elazar , Procaccia Shiri , Schwob Ouri , Lerenthal Yaniv , Abu Tair Jawad , Meiri David , Benny Ofra
Published: January 2023

Cannabis sativa plants have a wide diversity in their metabolite composition among their different chemovars, facilitating diverse anti-tumoral effects on cancer cells. This research examined the anti-tumoral effects of 24 cannabis extracts representative of three primary types of chemovars on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The chemical composition of the extracts was determined using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Mass Spectrometry (MS). The most potent anti-tumoral extracts were type III decarboxylated extracts, with high levels of Cannabidiol (CBD). We identified extract 296 (CAN296) as the most potent in inducing HNSCC cell death via proapoptotic and anti-proliferative effects. Using chemical fractionation of CAN296, we identified the CBD fraction as the primary inducer of the anti-tumoral activity. We succeeded in defining the combination of CBD with cannabichromene (CBC) or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) present in minute concentrations in the extract, yielding a synergic impact that mimics the extract’s full effect. The cytotoxic effect could be maximized by combining CBD with either CBC or THC in a ratio of 2:1. This research suggests using decarboxylated CBD-type extracts enriched with CBC for future preclinical trials aimed at HNSCC treatment.
Identification of New Amylolytic Enzymes from Marine Symbiotic Bacteria of Bacillus Species
Authors: Erfanimoghadam Mohammad Reza , Homaei Ahmad
Published: January 2023

α-amylases are one of the most common and important industrial enzymes widely used in various industries. The present study was conducted with the aim of isolating and identifying symbiotic α-amylase enzyme-producing bacteria in the intestine of Silago Sihama and Rasterliger Canagorta fish living in Qeshm Island, Hormozgan. The intestinal symbiotic bacteria of these species were isolated using nutrient agar culture medium; then, α-amylase producing bacteria were screened using a special culture medium containing starch and the Lugol’s solution test. The α-amylase enzyme activity of enzyme-producing bacteria was measured using the starch substrate. Finally, bacteria with the highest enzyme activity were selected and identified by the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The results showed that out of 22 isolated bacteria, 10 were able to grow in a special culture medium, and 5 strains of these 10 bacteria had the ability to produce relatively stronger halos. The four bacterial strains belonging to the genus Bacillus that had the highest α-amylase enzyme activity were identified and registered in the NCBI gene database as B. subtilis strains HR13, HR14, HR15, and HR16. Among these four strains, two strains of B. subtilis, HR13 and HR16, displayed high enzyme activity and maximum activity at 60 °C at pH values of 5 and 7, respectively. α-Amylase enzymes isolated from marine symbiotic bacteria of Bacillus species can be considered potential candidates for application in various industries.
Novel Complex Titanium NASICON-Type Phosphates as Acidic Catalysts for Ethanol Dehydration
Authors: Zhukova Anna I. , Asabina Elena A. , Kharlanov Andrey N. , Osaulenko Diana A. , Chuklina Sofia G. , Zhukov Dmitry Yu. , Pet’kov Vladimir I. , Deyneko Dina V.
Published: January 2023

The conversion of ethanol towards ethylene and diethyl ether in the presence of catalysts requires special consideration from the perspective of green chemistry. Ethanol dehydration was studied on a complex titanium phosphate MAlTiP (M0.5(1+x)AlxTi2-x(PO4)3 with M = Ni, Mn (x = 0; 0.2)) catalysts, alongside a NASICON-type structure synthesized by the sol–gel method. The initial catalysts were characterized by N2 gas sorption, SEM, XRD and spectroscopic methods (Raman and DRIFT of adsorbed CO and C6H6). The results revealed that all catalysts exhibited high activity and selectivity at 300–420 °C. The conversion of ethanol increases with the reaction temperature, reaching 67–80% at 420 °C. The MnAlTiP exhibited the highest ethylene selectivity among other catalysts, with 87% at 420 °C. The aluminum modification improved the acid properties of the catalysts, due to the appearance of Lewis acid sites (LAS) and the strength moderate Brønsted acid sites (BAS). It was shown that the activity of complex phosphates in ethanol dehydration increases with the strength of the Brønsted acid sites (BAS).
Effect of Calcination Temperature of SiO2/TiO2 Photocatalysts on UV-VIS and VIS Removal Efficiency of Color Contaminants
Authors: Babyszko Aleksandra , Wanag Agnieszka , Kusiak-Nejman Ewelina , Morawski Antoni Waldemar
Published: January 2023

This paper presents the effect of fumed silica modification and calcination temperature on the physicochemical properties of photocatalysts and their activity under the UV-VIS and VIS light range. The materials were obtained by hydrolysis of titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) combined with a calcination step. The obtained nanomaterials were characterized using analytical methods such as X-ray diffraction XRD, FT-IR/DRS infrared spectroscopy, UV-Vis/DRS spectroscopy and SEM scanning electron microscopy. BET specific surface area and zeta potential were also measured. It was observed that SiO2 modification inhibited the transformation phase of anatase to rutile and the increase in crystallite size during calcination. The calcination process contributed to a change in the surface character of photocatalysts under study from positively to negatively charged. The photocatalytic activity of samples was identified by determining the methylene blue decomposition under UV-VIS and VIS light. Experimental results showed that the addition of SiO2 and the calcination process increased the photoactivity. The obtained materials showed higher activity compared to the reference samples. It was found that the degree of dye removal increased along with increased calcination temperature. The highest activity was observed for photocatalyst SiO2(11.1%)/TiO2_600.
Full-Scale O3/Micro-Nano Bubbles System Based Advanced Oxidation as Alternative Tertiary Treatment in WWTP Effluents
Authors: Ponce-Robles Laura , Pagán-Muñoz Aránzazu , Lara-Guillén Andrés Jesús , Masdemont-Hernández Beatriz , Munuera-Pérez Teresa , Nortes-Tortosa Pedro Antonio , Alarcón-Cabañero Juan José
Published: January 2023

Wastewater treatment plant effluents can be an important source of contamination in agricultural reuse practices, as pharmaceuticals are poorly degraded by conventional treatments and can enter crops, thereby becoming a toxicological risk. Therefore, advanced tertiary treatments are required. Ozone (O3) is a promising alternative due to its capacity to degrade pharmaceutical compounds, together with its disinfecting power. However, mass transfer from the gas to the liquid phase can be a limiting step. A novel alternative for increased ozone efficiency is the combination of micro-nano bubbles (MNBs). However, this is still a fairly unknown method, and there are also many uncertainties regarding their implementation in large-scale systems. In this work, a combined O3/MNBs full-scale system was installed in a WWTP to evaluate the removal efficiency of 12 pharmaceuticals, including COVID-19-related compounds. The results clearly showed that the use of MNBs had a significantly positive contribution to the effects of ozone, reducing energy costs with respect to conventional O3 processes. Workflow and ozone production were key factors for optimizing the system, with the highest efficiencies achieved at 2000 L/h and 15.9 gO3/h, resulting in high agronomic water quality effluents. A first estimation of the transformation products generated was described, jointly with the energy costs required.
Advances in Recellularization of Decellularized Liver Grafts with Different Liver (Stem) Cells: Towards Clinical Applications
Authors: Toprakhisar Burak , Verfaillie Catherine M. , Kumar Manoj
Published: January 2023

Liver transplantation is currently the only curative therapy for patients with acute or chronic liver failure. However, a dramatic gap between the number of available liver grafts and the number of patients on the transplantation waiting list emphasizes the need for valid liver substitutes. Whole-organ engineering is an emerging field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. It aims to generate transplantable and functional organs to support patients on transplantation waiting lists until a graft becomes available. It comprises two base technologies developed in the last decade; (1) organ decellularization to generate a three-dimensional (3D) extracellular matrix scaffold of an organ, and (2) scaffold recellularization to repopulate both the parenchymal and vascular compartments of a decellularized organ. In this review article, recent advancements in both technologies, in relation to liver whole-organ engineering, are presented. We address the potential sources of hepatocytes and non-parenchymal liver cells for repopulation studies, and the role of stem-cell-derived liver progeny is discussed. In addition, different cell seeding strategies, possible graft modifications, and methods used to evaluate the functionality of recellularized liver grafts are outlined. Based on the knowledge gathered from recent transplantation studies, future directions are summarized.
The Role of CTGF in Liver Fibrosis Induced in 3D Human Liver Spheroids
Authors: Trampuž Sara Redenšek , van Riet Sander , Nordling Åsa , Ingelman-Sundberg Magnus
Published: January 2023

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is involved in the regulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) production. Elevated levels of CTGF can be found in plasma from patients with liver fibrosis and in experimental animal models of liver fibrosis, but the exact role of CTGF in, e.g., diet-induced human liver fibrosis is not entirely known. To address this question, we utilized a 3D human liver co-culture spheroid model composed of hepatocytes and non-parenchymal cells, in which fibrosis is induced by TGF-β1, CTGF or free fatty acids (FFA). Treatment of the spheroids with TGF-β1 or FFA increased COL1A1 deposition as well as the expression of TGF-β1 and CTGF. Recombinant CTGF, as well as angiotensin II, caused increased expression and/or production of CTGF, TGF-β1, COL1A1, LOX, and IL-6. In addition, silencing of CTGF reduced both TGF-β1- and FFA-induced COL1A1 deposition. Furthermore, we found that IL-6 induced CTGF, COL1A1 and TGF-β1 production, suggesting that IL-6 is a mediator in the pathway of CTGF-induced fibrosis. Taken together, our data indicate a specific role for CTGF and CTGF downstream signaling pathways for the development of liver inflammation and fibrosis in the human 3D liver spheroid model.
Advances in Aquaporins
Authors: Calamita Giuseppe
Published: January 2023

[Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of transmembrane channel proteins, widespread...]
Essential Role of Adhesion GPCR, GPR123, for Human Pluripotent Stem Cells and Reprogramming towards Pluripotency
Authors: Krasnova Olga A. , Kulakova Karina A. , Sopova Julia V. , Smirnov Evgenyi Y. , Silonov Sergey A. , Lomert Ekaterina V. , Bystrova Olga A. , Martynova Marina G. , Neganova Irina E.
Published: January 2023

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of cell surface receptors. They modulate key physiological functions and are required in diverse developmental processes including embryogenesis, but their role in pluripotency maintenance and acquisition during the reprogramming towards hiPSCs draws little attention. Meanwhile, it is known that more than 106 GPCRs are overexpressed in human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). Previously, to identify novel effectors of reprogramming, we performed a high-throughput RNA interference (RNAi) screening assay and identified adhesion GPCR, GPR123, as a potential reprogramming effector. Its role has not been explored before. Herein, by employing GPR123 RNAi we addressed the role of GPR123 for hPSCs. The suppression of GPR123 in hPSCs leads to the loss of pluripotency and differentiation, impacted colony morphology, accumulation of cells at the G2 phase of the cell cycle, and absence of the scratch closure. Application of the GPR123 RNAi at the initiation stage of reprogramming leads to a decrease in the percentage of the “true” hiPSC colonies, a drop in E-cadherin expression, a decrease in the percentage of NANOG+ nuclei, and the absence of actin cytoskeleton remodeling. Together this leads to the absence of the alkaline-phosphatase-positive hiPSCs colonies on the 18th day of the reprogramming process. Overall, these data indicate for the first time the essential role of GPR123 in the maintenance and acquisition of pluripotency.
Principle Superiority and Clinical Extensibility of 2D and 3D Charged Nanoprobe Detection Platform Based on Electrophysiological Characteristics of Circulating Tumor Cells
Authors: Chen Jingyao , Li Dan , Zhou Chenqi , Zhu Yuqian , Lin Chenyu , Guo Liting , Le Wenjun , Gu Zhengrong , Chen Bingdi
Published: January 2023

The electrical characteristic of cancer cells is neglected among tumor biomarkers. The development of nanoprobes with opposing charges for monitoring the unique electrophysiological characteristics of cancer cells. Micro-nano size adsorption binding necessitates consideration of the nanoprobe’s specific surface area. On the basis of the electrophysiological characteristics of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), clinical application and performance assessment are determined. To demonstrate that cancer cells have a unique pattern of electrophysiological patterns compared to normal cells, fluorescent nanoprobes with opposing charges were developed and fabricated. Graphene oxide (GO) was used to transform three-dimensional (3D) nanoprobes into two-dimensional (2D) nanoprobes. Compare 2D and 3D electrophysiological magnetic nanoprobes (MNP) in clinical samples and evaluate the adaptability and development of CTCs detection based on cell electrophysiology. Positively charged nanoprobes rapidly bind to negatively charged cancer cells based on electrostatic interactions. Compared to MNPs(+) without GO, the GO/MNPs(+) nanoprobe is more efficient and uses less material to trap cancer cells. CTCs can be distinguished from normal cells that are fully unaffected by nanoprobes by microscopic cytomorphological inspection, enabling the tracking of the number and pathological abnormalities of CTCs in the same patient at various chemotherapy phases to determine the efficacy of treatment. The platform for recognizing CTCs on the basis of electrophysiological characteristics compensates for the absence of epithelial biomarker capture and size difference capture in clinical performance. Under the influence of electrostatic attraction, the binding surface area continues to influence the targeting of cancer cells by nanoprobes. The specific recognition and detection of nanoprobes based on cell electrophysiological patterns has enormous potential in the clinical diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of cancer.
Panobinostat Induced Spatial In Situ Biomarkers Predictive of Anti-PD-1 Efficacy in Mouse Mammary Carcinoma
Authors: Tatarova Zuzana , Blumberg Dylan C. , Bensen AeSoon , Mills Gordon B. , Jonas Oliver
Published: January 2023

Immunotherapies, including anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint blocking (ICB) antibodies, have revolutionized the treatment of many solid malignancies. However, their efficacy in breast cancer has been limited to a subset of patients with triple-negative breast cancer, where ICBs are routinely combined with a range of cytotoxic and targeted agents. Reliable biomarkers predictive of the therapeutic response to ICB in breast cancer are critically missing, though a combination response has been associated with immunogenic cell death (ICD). Here, we utilized a recently developed integrated analytical platform, the multiplex implantable microdevice assay (MIMA), to evaluate the presence and spatial cell relations of literature-based candidate markers predictive of ICB efficacy in luminal mouse mammary carcinoma. MIMA integrates (i) an implantable microdevice for the localized delivery of small amounts of drugs inside the tumor bed with (ii) sequential multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) and spatial cell analysis pipelines to rapidly (within days) describe drug mechanisms of action and find predictive biomarkers in complex tumor tissue. We show that the expression of cleaved caspase-3, ICAM-1, neuropilin-1, myeloperoxidase, calreticulin, galectin-3, and PD-L1 were spatially associated with the efficacy of panobinostat, a pan-HDAC inhibitor that was previously shown to induce immunogenic cell death and synergize with anti-PD-1 in breast cancer. PD-L1 by itself, however, was not a reliable predictor. Instead, ICB efficacy was robustly identified through the in situ hotspot detection of galectin-3-positive non-proliferating tumor zones enriched in cell death and infiltrated by anti-tumor cytotoxic neutrophils positive for ICAM-1 and neuropilin-1. Such hotspots can be specifically detected using distance-based cluster analyses. Single-cell measurements of the functional states in the tumor microenvironment suggest that both qualitative and quantitative effects might drive effective therapy responses. Overall, the presented study provides (i) complementary biological knowledge about the earliest cell events of induced anti-tumor immunity in breast cancer, including the emergence of resistant cancer stem cells, and (ii) newly identified biomarkers in form of specific spatial cell associations. The approach used standard cell-type-, IHC-, and FFPE-based techniques, and therefore the identified spatial clustering of in situ biomarkers can be readily integrated into existing clinical or research workflows, including in luminal breast cancer. Since early drug responses were detected, the biomarkers could be especially applicable to window-of-opportunity clinical trials to rapidly discriminate between responding and resistant patients, thus limiting unnecessary treatment-associated toxicities.
Disabilities in Early Childhood: A Global Health Perspective
Authors: Olusanya Bolajoko O. , Storbeck Claudine , Cheung Vivian G. , Hadders-Algra Mijna
Published: January 2023

Prior to the launch of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, childhood disability was rarely considered an important subject in global health. The SDGs till 2030 now require that children under 5 years who are at risk of not benefitting from inclusive quality education are identified, monitored, and promptly supported. A new tool for identifying children who are not developmentally on track has been developed by UNICEF but has limited sensitivity for detecting children with disabilities due to reliance on parental assessment of child behavior in certain everyday situations. In this paper, we identified conditions that are commonly associated with developmental disabilities based on the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes and clarified the concept of “developmentally on track” as it relates to children with developmental disabilities and developmental delays. We summarized the latest evidence on the global burden of developmental disabilities in children under 5 years based on the diagnostic and functional approaches for measuring disabilities at the population level. We highlighted the global health context for addressing the needs of children with developmental disabilities and provided an overview of the opportunities and the role of pediatric caregivers in supporting children with developmental disabilities.
High Temperature Oxidation and Oxyacetylene Ablation Properties of ZrB2-ZrC-SiC Ultra-High Temperature Composite Ceramic Coatings Deposited on C/C Composites by Laser Cladding
Authors: Huang Kaijin , Xia Yahao , Wang Aihua
Published: January 2023

In order to improve the high temperature oxidation and ablation resistance of C/C composites, ZrB2-ZrC-SiC ultra-high temperature composite ceramic coatings were prepared on C/C composites by laser cladding using Zr, B4C, and Si as raw materials. The microstructure of the coating was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Air isothermal oxidation (1600 °C, 80 min) and oxyacetylene flame ablation (2400 kW/m2, 300 s) were used to evaluate the high-temperature oxidation and ablation properties of the coating, respectively. The results show that the microstructure of laser cladding coating is a totem of black and white. The white part is mainly the first solidified high melting point ZrB2 phase, and the black part is the latter solidified eutectic structure, which is mainly composed of ZrB2(ZrB12)-ZrC or ZrB2(ZrB12)-SiC two phases. After oxidation at 1600 °C and 80 min, the coating is mainly composed of ZrO2 and ZrSiO4 phases, and ZrSiO4 is basically distributed among ZrO2 particles. The high temperature oxidation and ablation properties of the coating are better than the C/C composite matrix, and the mass ablation rate of the coating is about 1/4 of the latter.
A Review on the Transport-Chemo-Mechanical Behavior in Concrete under External Sulfate Attack
Authors: Yin Guang-Ji , Wen Xiao-Dong , Miao Ling , Cui Dong , Zuo Xiao-Bao , Tang Yu-Juan
Published: January 2023

Cementitious concrete structures serving in sulfate environments suffer from serious durability challenges caused by chemical sulfate attacks (CSA), which lead to the volume expansion, cracking, and spalling of concrete and the early failure of structures. CSA on concrete involves the behaviors of ion transport, chemical reactions, the crystallization of reaction products, microstructural damage to the cement matrix, and the macroscopic deterioration of concrete, namely the transport-chemo-mechanical behaviors. This paper first introduces the reaction products, such as gypsum, ettringite, brucite, and thaumasite, between sulfate and concrete under different environmental conditions and their formation mechanism. Then, aiming at the ettringite type CSA, the theories of volume increase and crystallization pressure are elaborated to explain it-induced concrete degradation. Additionally, the crystallization pressure theory is used to describe the cracking behavior in the microstructure slurry caused by the ettringite crystal filling pore. Finally, a series of transport-chemo-mechanical models for ettringite type CSA are displaced module by module. It includes the sulfate diffusion-reaction model, the free expansion of concrete, and equivalent expansive force in concrete related to the reaction behavior: the model for chemo-mechanical behavior in concrete caused by CSA. These models can be used to analyze the distribution of sulfate ions and the reaction product content, expansive stress and strain in the concrete, and the cracking and spalling degree of the concrete, which is beneficial to evaluate the durability of concrete structures serving permanently in a sulfate environment.
A Testset-Based Method to Analyse the Negation-Detection Performance of Lexicon-Based Sentiment Analysis Tools
Authors: Naldi Maurizio , Petroni Sandra
Published: January 2023

The correct detection of negations is essential to the performance of sentiment analysis tools. The evaluation of such tools is currently conducted through the use of corpora as an opportunistic approach. In this paper, we advocate using a different evaluation approach based on a set of intentionally built sentences that include negations, which aim to highlight those tools’ vulnerabilities. To demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach, we propose a basic testset of such sentences. We employ that testset to evaluate six popular sentiment analysis tools (with eight lexicons) available as packages in the R language distribution. By adopting a supervised classification approach, we show that the performance of most of these tools is largely unsatisfactory.
Supervised Machine Learning Models for Liver Disease Risk Prediction
Authors: Dritsas Elias , Trigka Maria
Published: January 2023

The liver constitutes the largest gland in the human body and performs many different functions. It processes what a person eats and drinks and converts food into nutrients that need to be absorbed by the body. In addition, it filters out harmful substances from the blood and helps tackle infections. Exposure to viruses or dangerous chemicals can damage the liver. When this organ is damaged, liver disease can develop. Liver disease refers to any condition that causes damage to the liver and may affect its function. It is a serious condition that threatens human life and requires urgent medical attention. Early prediction of the disease using machine learning (ML) techniques will be the point of interest in this study. Specifically, in the content of this research work, various ML models and Ensemble methods were evaluated and compared in terms of Accuracy, Precision, Recall, F-measure and area under the curve (AUC) in order to predict liver disease occurrence. The experimental results showed that the Voting classifier outperforms the other models with an accuracy, recall, and F-measure of 80.1%, a precision of 80.4%, and an AUC equal to 88.4% after SMOTE with 10-fold cross-validation.
A New Non-linear Stilbazolium Derivative Crystal of 4-[2-(3 Methoxy-phenyl)-vinyl]-1-methyl-pyridinium+ Iodide− (MMPI): Analysis of Its Structural, Surface, Optical and NLO Properties
Authors: Krishnan Nandhini , Sivaperuman Kalainathan
Published: January 2023

New organic stilbazolium family of 4-[2-(3 methoxy-phenyl)-vinyl]-1-methyl-pyridinium+ iodide− (MMPI) was successfully synthesized using the condensation reaction method. The recrystallization process was carried out to improve the purity of the synthesized material, and MMPI and grown into a single crystal by the solvent evaporation method. The solubility of the (MMPI) material was taken at different temperatures with a mixture of solvent Methanol: Acetonitrile (1:1). The grown MMPI crystal structure and cell parameters were solved via single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The structural formation of the title material was also confirmed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopic (NMR) studies. The experimental vibrational bands in the synthesized material have been assigned by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectrum analysis. From the optical analysis, the grown crystal’s lower cut-off wavelength, transmittance range, and optical band gap were calculated. Chemical etching analysis was carried out on the grown crystal surface (MMPI) to study the surface property of the grown MMPI crystal. Along with etching, atomic force microscope (AFM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were also used to analyses the grown MMPI crystal surface. Hirshfeld surface analysis was used to analyses the intermolecular interactions. HOMO and LUMO energies were calculated theoretically using the Gaussian View 6 programmer. The chemical activity was evaluated via the molecular electrostatic potential using the density functional theory (DFT) method. The third-order nonlinear optical parameters of the title crystal were evaluated at He-Ne laser (632.8 nm) source with the single beam Z-scan technique. In addition, it shows significant reverse saturable absorption and self-defocusing.
Very High Cycle Fatigue Damage of TC21 Titanium Alloy under High/Low Two-Step Stress Loading
Authors: Nie Baohua , Liu Shuai , Wu Yue , Song Yu , Qi Haiying , Shi Binqing , Zhao Zihua , Chen Dongchu
Published: January 2023

Very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) tests were carried out under variable amplitude loading for TC21 titanium alloy. The first level of high amplitude loading was set as 950 MPa close to yield strength, and the second level of low amplitude loading was determined between 435 MPa and 500 MPa where fatigue cracks initiated at the specimen subsurface under constant amplitude. The results indicate that the high/low stress block significantly reduced the cumulative fatigue life of low stress amplitude, and the fatigue crack initiation site changed from the specimen subsurface under constant loading to the specimen surface under stress block. Based on continuum damage mechanics, the fatigue damage model of two-step stress block was established to estimate the fatigue damage process. The prediction of cumulative fatigue life generally agreed with the experimental data. The cumulative fatigue damage of the stress block was related to the stress amplitude and the cycle ratio, which determined the stress fatigue damage and its interaction damage. The surface crack initiation in the stress block accelerated fatigue damage of low stress amplitude, reducing the cumulative life.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Hp and New Gastric Cancer Screening Scoring System for Screening and Prevention of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Zheng Peiyu , Liu Jinchun
Published: January 2023

Gastric cancer is one of the most common gastrointestinal cancers. Early diagnosis can improve the 5-year survival rate. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) and a new gastric cancer screening scoring system (NGCS) in areas with a high incidence of gastric cancer. A decision-analytic Markov model was constructed based on the theory and method of cost-effectiveness analysis, which included three decisions: no screening, Hp screening, and NGCS screening. The uncertainty of each parameter in the model was determined using a one-way sensitivity analysis and probability sensitivity analysis. The results of the cost-effectiveness analysis revealed that the application of the NGCS had the highest cost-effectiveness, while the one-way sensitivity analysis revealed that the probability of intestinal metaplasia progression to dysplasia had the most significant effect on the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. The probability sensitivity analysis concluded that the result of the NGCS having the highest cost-effectiveness was stable. Although the application of the NGCS will require upfront screening costs, it can significantly improve the detection rate of early gastric cancer and save the consequent long-term healthcare costs. It is practicable and can be popularized in China.
Fatal Progression of Mutated TP53-Associated Clonal Hematopoiesis following Anti-CD19 CAR-T Cell Therapy
Authors: Eder Lea Naomi , Martinovic Danilo , Mazzeo Paolo , Ganster Christina , Hasenkamp Justin , Thomson Julia , Trummer Arne , Haase Detlef , Wulf Gerald
Published: January 2023

We present the case of a 64-year-old man diagnosed with large B-cell lymphoma who relapsed twice after standard-of-care therapy. Due to persisting cytopenia, Next generation sequencing analysis was performed, revealing a small TP53-mutated clone. As a third-line therapy, the patient was treated with CAR-T cells, which resulted in complete remission. However, this treatment also led to the expansion of the TP53-mutated clone and therapy-related myelodysplasia with a complex aberrant karyotype. This case may serve as a paradigmatic example of clonal hematopoietic progression in a patient undergoing CAR-T cell therapy, especially in the context of a TP53-mutated clone.
Enchytraeidae (Annelida: Oligochaeta) from the North-Western Caucasus, Russia, with the Description of Fridericia gongalskyi sp. nov.
Authors: Degtyarev Maxim I. , Medvedev Dmitry A. , Zvychaynaya Elena Y. , Korobushkin Daniil I.
Published: January 2023

The first list of terrestrial enchytraeids of the north-western Caucasus includes 24 species belonging to seven genera. A new enchytraeid species of the genus Fridericia, Fridericia gongalskyi sp. nov., is described. It clearly differs from other species of the genus by the presence of only three pairs of preclitellar nephridia, the postclitellar position of the chylus cells and two elongated spermathecal diverticula. The phylogenetic relations of the new species within the genus are discussed.
About Commensurability of Diversity within and among Communities
Authors: Gregorius Hans-Rolf , Gillet Elizabeth M.
Published: January 2023

(1) Background: Is variation among the communities of a metacommunity higher than within the communities? Community ecologists and population geneticists often characterize the structure of metacommunities by partitioning variation (diversity) into the two following components using measures such as FST or GST and α- and β-diversity. The within-communities component is usually some average of (type, species, genetic) diversities within the communities, and the among-communities component is the additive or multiplicative complement of the overall diversity. Such an among-communities component lacks independent conceptual specification, a matter of long-standing dispute. Only if the two components are independently and commensurably specified can the central question of comparability be answered meaningfully. (2) Methods: A novel approach to overcoming this conceptual weakness identifies two principles of the partitioning of variation among communities (concentration and division) then relates these principles to the common notions of variation (diversity) within and among communities, distinguishes primary indicators to quantify the partitioning principles, transforms the indicators into conceptually independent measures (indices) of variation within and among communities, and by this attains their commensurability and thus comparability. The application of the methods to quantifying the effects of evolutionary mechanisms is outlined. (3) Results: Common approaches are corrected and extended. (a) Analyses of metacommunity/metapopulation structures that rely on apportionment or related indices and take its complement to be differentiation yield incomparable measures of variation within and among communities. (b) The common practice of partitioning the total diversity into additive or multiplicative components produces the inconsistent ranking of the two components. (c) Community concentration and division can result from elementary processes of adaptive differentiation and migration (gene flow) among communities, where the (commensurable) amounts of community concentration and division reflect the relative participation of these processes in metacommunity structuring and translate directly into the measures of diversity within and among communities. (d) The modelling of the contributions of the two partitioning principles to the metacommunity structure is restricted by the marginal distributions of types and community affiliation. (e) The model demonstrates the degree to which adaptational processes at the metacommunity level are mixtures of adaptational events within and among communities.
Phylogenomic Insights into the Phylogeography of Halophila baillonii Asch.
Authors: van Dijk Kor-jent , Waycott Michelle , Biffin Ed , Creed Joel C. , Albertazzi Federico J. , Samper-Villarreal Jimena
Published: January 2023

A molecular genetic approach was used to elucidate the phylogeographic relationships of the clover grass (Halophila baillonii Asch.) from three key regions within its current distributional range. Halophila baillonii is a small seagrass that has historically been only found in a few locations in the Caribbean and Atlantic coast of Brazil. In the past few decades H. baillonii has also been observed in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP). Very little is known about the relationship between the ETP populations and the Caribbean and Atlantic ones. To study their relationship, we used a hybrid capture approach targeting chloroplast loci on samples from Belize, Brazil, and the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Phylogenetic analyses resolved H. baillonii as monophyletic and placed the samples from Belize and Costa Rica in a clade sister to the Brazilian ones. The results clearly indicate that the ETP samples are very closely related to Belize and that the most likely explanation of its occurrence in the ETP is a recent introduction, possibly as a consequence of the opening of the Panama Canal.
Fructose Metabolism and Its Effect on Glucose-Galactose Malabsorption Patients: A Literature Review
Authors: Alruwaili Nawaf W. , Alshdayed Fahad
Published: January 2023

Glucose-galactose malabsorption is a rare inherited autosomal recessive genetic defect. A mutation in the glucose sodium-dependent transporter-1 gene will alter the transportation and absorption of glucose and galactose in the intestine. The defect in the SGLT-1 leads to unabsorbed galactose, glucose, and sodium, which stay in the intestine, leading to dehydration and hyperosmotic diarrhea. Often, glucose-galactose malabsorption patients are highly dependent on fructose, their primary source of carbohydrates. This study aims to investigate all published studies on congenital glucose-galactose malabsorption and fructose malabsorption. One hundred published studies were assessed for eligibility in this study, and thirteen studies were identified and reviewed. Studies showed that high fructose consumption has many health effects and could generate life-threatening complications. None of the published studies included in this review discussed or specified the side effects of fructose consumption as a primary source of carbohydrates in congenital glucose-galactose malabsorption patients.