bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene Expression Programming for Estimating Shear Strength of RC Squat Wall
Authors: Tariq Moiz , Khan Azam , Ullah Asad , Zamin Bakht , Kashyzadeh Kazem Reza , Ahmad Mahmood
Published: June 2022

The flanged, barbell, and rectangular squat reinforced concrete (RC) walls are broadly used in low-rise commercial and highway under and overpasses. The shear strength of squat walls is the major design consideration because of their smaller aspect ratio. Most of the current design codes or available published literature provide separate sets of shear capacity equations for flanged, barbell, and rectangular walls. Also, a substantial scatter exists in the predicted shear capacity due to a large discrepancy in the test data. Thus, this study aims to develop a single gene expression programming (GEP) expression that can be used for predicting the shear strength of these three cross-sectional shapes based on a dataset of 646 experiments. A total of thirteen influencing parameters are identified to contrive this efficient empirical compared to several shear capacity equations. Owing to the larger database, the proposed model shows better performance based on the database analysis results and compared with 9 available empirical models.
Downburst-Induced Vibration Coefficient of Long-Span Roof Structures
Authors: Chen Chaohao , Huo Linsheng , Wang Ziru , Li Hongnan
Published: June 2022

Long-span roof structures are vulnerable to being damaged by downbursts due to the sensitivity of such structures to wind loads. However, there is still no simple and practical method for the downburst-resistant design of such structures to date. Inspired by the wind-induced vibration coefficient (WVC) frequently used by engineers, this paper proposes a downburst-induced vibration coefficient (DVC) to evaluate the response of a roof structure subjected to downbursts. The proposed DVC is defined as the ratio of the total response to the mean response of the structure due to the action of downburst wind loads. The influences of different parameters on the downburst-induced vibration response of a long-span single-layer spherical reticulated structure are first analyzed in detail. Then, using a statistical approach, a design DVC, which can be practically adopted for civil engineers to evaluate the total structural response, is proposed to facilitate the structural downburst-resistant design. With the influences of different structural parameters fully taken into consideration, the design DVCs of displacement and internal force are studied through orthogonal analysis. Finally, regression models of the design DVCs are presented, and their reliability is verified via the application to a case study. The verification results indicate that the proposed regression models of the design DVCs are reliable and can be utilized to simply calculate the structural downburst-induced vibration response. The results obtained can serve as a reference for the downburst-resistant design of long-span roof structures.
Exploring Value Generation in Target Value Design Applying a Value Analysis Model
Authors: Giménez Zulay , Mourgues Claudio , Alarcón Luis F. , Mesa Harrison
Published: June 2022

Target value design (TVD) is a management approach that applies target costing in the design and construction industry. TVD enables a project environment with favorable characteristics to generate value. However, because the TVD’s primary assessment is cost, target cost can be met without necessarily achieving the project’s full value. This research applies the action research approach to implement TVD in a housing project and explores the value generation of the project using a value analysis model (VAM) to study the balance between cost and value fulfillment in the product and design process. According to the results, even though the target cost was achieved, the desired value of the project was not achieved during the project design. However, there is a tendency to increase value over time to a greater extent in the product and not so much in the process. The main contributions of this study are the possibility of comparing cost and value, identifying the emphasis of product over process and cost over value throughout the TVD project. This study enhances the literature on project value generation and maximization, offering new knowledge for a better understanding of how to conduct a value analysis in combination with costing in TVD projects.
Challenging Tendering-Phase Factors in Public Construction Projects—A Delphi Study in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alahmadi Nawaf , Alghaseb Mohammed
Published: June 2022

Public construction projects in Saudi Arabia are fraught with several challenges threatening open and fair competition, which consequently negatively influence the decision of contractors to participate in bidding. Nevertheless, the construction sector has witnessed rapid reforms since 2016, which have resulted in the issuing of new legislation and regulations as well as the creation of governing bodies. Hence, the concept of open and fair competition plays a significant role in the governance of these challenges in the upstream process of construction tendering. Therefore, this paper explores challenges that are hindering contractors’ participation in the tendering phase of public construction projects in light of these new legislations and authorities. Twelve challenging factors were identified from a structured literature review of previous relevant empirical studies available in online search engines since the 1980s. Those factors were measured through Delphi survey questionnaires, which provided respondents with the option of adding new challenging factors. Thus, twenty factors were identified. A descriptive method was used to determine and prioritize these challenging factors. The survey findings indicate that the most influential hindering factors are (1) awarding contracts based on the lowest bidder, (2) inadequate or incomplete specifications, (3) poor contract documents, and (4) poor cost-estimating practices. These findings are vital in exposing the lack of relationships between the construction industry, regulators, and stakeholders for robust partnerships, thereby helping to ensure the fair participation of contractors, which boosts open and fair competition concepts for public construction projects.
Preoperative Planning Using Three-Dimensional Multimodality Imaging for Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Axilla: A Pilot Study
Authors: Fang Xiang , Xiong Yan , Yuan Fang , Lei Senlin , Yuan Dechao , Luo Yi , Zhou Yong , Min Li , Zhang Wenli , Tu Chongqi , Duan Hong
Published: June 2022

Axillary soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is challenging due to its proximity to vital neurovascular bundles. We conducted a prospective observational pilot study to explore whether 3D multimodality imaging (3DMMI) can improve preoperative planning for and surgical outcomes of patients with axillary STS. Twenty-one patients with STS (diameter > 5 cm) of the axilla were allocated, at their discretion, to either a control group undergoing traditional preoperative planning with separate computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and magnetic resonance neurography, or an intervention group where 3DMMI, digitally created based on these images, revealed the tumour and adjacent skeletomuscular and neurovascular structures in three dimensions. Primary outcome measures were surgical margins and surgical complications. Secondary outcomes included operative time, blood loss, serum C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, length of hospital stay, and limb function. The 3DMMI group had a lower, although not significantly different, inadvertent positive margin rate (1/12 vs. 3/9, p = 0.272), a significantly shorter operative time (p = 0.048), reduced blood loss (p = 0.038), and reduced length of hospital stay (p = 0.046). This endorses larger trials to improve complex surgical procedures and study how preoperative planning could be performed in the future.
18FDG PET Assessment of Therapeutic Response in Patients with Advanced or Metastatic Melanoma Treated with First-Line Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Rivas Alexia , Delyon Julie , Martineau Antoine , Blanc Estelle , Allayous Clara , Da Meda Laetitia , Merlet Pascal , Lebbé Céleste , Baroudjian Barouyr , Vercellino Laetitia
Published: June 2022

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are currently the first-line treatment for patients with metastatic melanoma. We investigated the value of positron emission tomography (PET) response criteria to assess the therapeutic response to first-line ICI in this clinical context and explore the potential contribution of total tumor metabolic volume (TMTV) analysis. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study in patients treated with first-line ICI for advanced or metastatic melanoma, with 18F-FDG PET/CT performed at baseline and 3 months after starting treatment. Patients’ metabolic response was classified according to PERCIST5 and imPERCIST 5 criteria. TMTV was recorded for each examination. Results: Twenty-nine patients were included. The median overall survival (OS) was 51.2 months (IQR 13.6—not reached), and the OS rate at 2 years was 58.6%. Patients classified as responders (complete and partial response) had a 90.9% 2-year OS rate versus 38.9% for non-responders (stable disease and progressive disease) (p = 0.03), for PERCIST5 and imPERCIST 5 criteria. The median change in metabolic volume was 9.8% (IQR −59–+140%). No significant correlation between OS and changes in TMTV was found. Conclusion: The evaluation of response to immunotherapy using metabolic imaging with PERCIST5 and imPERCIST5 was significantly associated with OS in patients with advanced or metastatic melanoma.
Challenges and Obstacles in Applying Therapeutical Indications Formulated in Molecular Tumor Boards
Authors: Crimini Edoardo , Repetto Matteo , Tarantino Paolo , Ascione Liliana , Antonarelli Gabriele , Rocco Elena Guerini , Barberis Massimo , Mazzarella Luca , Curigliano Giuseppe
Published: June 2022

Considering the rapid improvement of cancer drugs’ efficacy and the discovery of new molecular targets, the formulation of therapeutical indications based on the multidisciplinary approach of MTB is becoming increasingly important for attributing the correct salience to the targets identified in a single patient. Nevertheless, one of the biggest stumbling blocks faced by MTBs is not the bare indication, but its implementation in the clinical practice. Indeed, administering the drug suggested by MTB deals with some relevant difficulties: the economical affordability and geographical accessibility represent some of the major limits in the patient’s view, while bureaucracy and regulatory procedures are often a disincentive for the physicians. In this review, we explore the current literature reporting MTB experiences and precision medicine clinical trials, focusing on the challenges that authors face in applying their therapeutical indications. Furthermore, we analyze and discuss some of the solutions devised to overcome these difficulties to support the MTBs in finding the most suitable solution for their specific situation. In conclusion, we strongly encourage regulatory agencies and pharmaceutical companies to develop effective strategies with medical centers implementing MTBs to facilitate access to innovative drugs and thereby allow broader therapeutical opportunities to patients.
Circulating and Tumor-Infiltrating Immune Checkpoint-Expressing CD8+ Treg/T Cell Subsets and Their Associations with Disease-Free Survival in Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Alsalman Alhasan , Al-Mterin Mohammad A. , Murshed Khaled , Alloush Ferial , Al-Shouli Samia T. , Toor Salman M. , Elkord Eyad
Published: June 2022

T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) have diverse roles in anti-tumor immunity, including orchestration of immune responses and anti-tumor cytotoxic attack. However, different T cell subsets may have opposing roles in tumor progression, especially in inflammation-related cancers such as colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, we phenotypically characterized CD3+CD4- (CD8+) T cells in colorectal tumor tissues (TT), normal colon tissues (NT) and in circulation of CRC patients. We investigated the expression levels of key immune checkpoints (ICs) and Treg-related markers in CD8+ T cells. Importantly, we investigated associations between different tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cell subpopulations and disease-free survival (DFS) in CRC patients. We found that FoxP3 expression and ICs including PD-1, CTLA-4, TIM-3, and LAG-3 were significantly increased in tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells compared with NT and peripheral blood. In the TME, we found that TIM-3 expression was significantly increased in patients with early stages and absent lymphovascular invasion (LVI) compared to patients with advanced stages and LVI. Importantly, we report that high levels of certain circulating CD8+ T cell subsets (TIM-3-expressing, FoxP3−Helios−TIM-3+ and FoxP3−Helios+TIM-3+ cells) in CRC patients were associated with better DFS. Moreover, in the TME, we report that elevated levels of CD25+ and TIM-3+ T cells, and FoxP3+Helios−TIM-3+ Tregs were associated with better DFS.
Methyladenosine Modification in RNAs: From Regulatory Roles to Therapeutic Implications in Cancer
Authors: Qu Xiaolin , Zhang Yongqiu , Sang Xianzheng , Ren Ding , Zhao Hong , Wong Stephen T. C.
Published: June 2022

Methyladenosine modifications are the most abundant RNA modifications, including N6-methyladenosine (m6A), N1-methyladenosine (m1A), and 2’-O-methyladenosine (m6Am). As reversible epigenetic modifications, methyladenosine modifications in eukaryotic RNAs are not invariable. Drastic alterations of m6A are found in a variety of diseases, including cancers. Dynamic changes of m6A modification induced by abnormal methyltransferase, demethylases, and readers can regulate cancer progression via interfering with the splicing, localization, translation, and stability of mRNAs. Meanwhile, m6A, m1A, and m6Am modifications also exert regulatory effects on noncoding RNAs in cancer progression. In this paper, we reviewed recent findings concerning the underlying biomechanism of methyladenosine modifications in oncogenesis and metastasis and discussed the therapeutic potential of methyladenosine modifications in cancer treatments.
Lanthanum–Cerium-Modified Nickel Catalysts for Dry Reforming of Methane
Authors: Lanre Mahmud S. , Abasaeed Ahmed E. , Fakeeha Anis H. , Ibrahim Ahmed A. , Al-Awadi Abdulrahman S. , Jumah Abdulrahman bin , Al-Mubaddel Fahad S. , Al-Fatesh Ahmed S.
Published: June 2022

The catalyst MNi0.9Zr0.1O3 (M = La, Ce, and Cs) was prepared using the sol–gel preparation technique investigated for the dry reforming of methane reaction to examine activity, stability, and H2/CO ratio. The lanthanum in the catalyst LaNi0.9Zr0.1O3 was partially substituted for cerium and zirconium for yttrium to give La0.6Ce0.4Ni0.9Zr0.1−xYxO3 (x = 0.05, 0.07, and 0.09). The La0.6Ce0.4Ni0.9Zr0.1−xYxO3 catalyst’s activity increases with an increase in yttrium loading. The activities of the yttrium-modified catalysts La0.6Ce0.4Ni0.9Zr0.03Y0.07O3 and La0.6Ce0.4Ni0.9Zr0.01Y0.09O3 are higher than the unmodified La0.6Ce0.4Ni0.9Zr0.1O3 catalyst, the latter having methane and carbon dioxide conversion values of 84% and 87%, respectively, and the former with methane and carbon dioxide conversion values of 86% and 90% for La0.6Ce0.4Ni0.9Zr0.03Y0.07O3 and 89% and 91% for La0.6Ce0.4Ni0.9Zr0.01Y0.09O3, respectively. The BET analysis depicted a low surface area of samples ranging from 2 to 9 m2/g. The XRD peaks confirmed the formation of a monoclinic phase of zirconium. The TPR showed that apparent reduction peaks occurred in moderate temperature regions. The TGA curve showed weight loss steps in the range 773 K–973 K, with CsNi0.9Zr0.1O3 carbon deposition being the most severe. The coke deposit on La0.6Ce0.4Ni0.9Zr0.1O3 after 7 h time on stream (TOS) was the lowest, with 20% weight loss. The amount of weight loss increases with a decrease in zirconium loading.
New Insights into Hippo/YAP Signaling in Fibrotic Diseases
Authors: Mia Masum M. , Singh Manvendra K.
Published: June 2022

Fibrosis results from defective wound healing processes often seen after chronic injury and/or inflammation in a range of organs. Progressive fibrotic events may lead to permanent organ damage/failure. The hallmark of fibrosis is the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), mostly produced by pathological myofibroblasts and myofibroblast-like cells. The Hippo signaling pathway is an evolutionarily conserved kinase cascade, which has been described well for its crucial role in cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell fate decisions, and stem cell self-renewal during development, homeostasis, and tissue regeneration. Recent investigations in clinical and pre-clinical models has shown that the Hippo signaling pathway is linked to the pathophysiology of fibrotic diseases in many organs including the lung, heart, liver, kidney, and skin. In this review, we have summarized recent evidences related to the contribution of the Hippo signaling pathway in the development of organ fibrosis. A better understanding of this pathway will guide us to dissect the pathophysiology of fibrotic disorders and develop effective tissue repair therapies.
Gene Therapy in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Fang Ton , Je Goun , Pacut Peter , Keyhanian Kiandokht , Gao Jeff , Ghasemi Mehdi
Published: June 2022

Since the discovery of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) gene mutation, in 1993, as the first genetic abnormality in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), over 50 genes have been identified as either cause or modifier in ALS and ALS/frontotemporal dementia (FTD) spectrum disease. Mutations in C9orf72, SOD1, TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TARDBP), and fused in sarcoma (FUS) genes are the four most common ones. During the last three decades, tremendous effort has been made worldwide to reveal biological pathways underlying the pathogenesis of these gene mutations in ALS/FTD. Accordingly, targeting etiologic genes (i.e., gene therapies) to suppress their toxic effects have been investigated widely. It includes four major strategies: (i) removal or inhibition of abnormal transcribed RNA using microRNA or antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), (ii) degradation of abnormal mRNA using RNA interference (RNAi), (iii) decrease or inhibition of mutant proteins (e.g., using antibodies against misfolded proteins), and (iv) DNA genome editing with methods such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (CRISPR/Cas). The promising results of these studies have led to the application of some of these strategies into ALS clinical trials, especially for C9orf72 and SOD1. In this paper, we will overview advances in gene therapy in ALS/FTD, focusing on C9orf72, SOD1, TARDBP, and FUS genes.
Insights into the Structure and Function of the Pex1/Pex6 AAA-ATPase in Peroxisome Homeostasis
Authors: Judy Ryan M. , Sheedy Connor J. , Gardner Brooke M.
Published: June 2022

The AAA-ATPases Pex1 and Pex6 are required for the formation and maintenance of peroxisomes, membrane-bound organelles that harbor enzymes for specialized metabolism. Together, Pex1 and Pex6 form a heterohexameric AAA-ATPase capable of unfolding substrate proteins via processive threading through a central pore. Here, we review the proposed roles for Pex1/Pex6 in peroxisome biogenesis and degradation, discussing how the unfolding of potential substrates contributes to peroxisome homeostasis. We also consider how advances in cryo-EM, computational structure prediction, and mechanisms of related ATPases are improving our understanding of how Pex1/Pex6 converts ATP hydrolysis into mechanical force. Since mutations in PEX1 and PEX6 cause the majority of known cases of peroxisome biogenesis disorders such as Zellweger syndrome, insights into Pex1/Pex6 structure and function are important for understanding peroxisomes in human health and disease.
Phospho-Specific Flow Cytometry Reveals Signaling Heterogeneity in T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cell Lines
Authors: Perbellini Omar , Cavallini Chiara , Chignola Roberto , Galasso Marilisa , Scupoli Maria T.
Published: June 2022

Several signaling pathways are aberrantly activated in T-ALL due to genetic alterations of their components and in response to external microenvironmental cues. To functionally characterize elements of the signaling network in T-ALL, here we analyzed ten signaling proteins that are frequently altered in T-ALL -namely Akt, Erk1/2, JNK, Lck, NF-κB p65, p38, STAT3, STAT5, ZAP70, Rb- in Jurkat, CEM and MOLT4 cell lines, using phospho-specific flow cytometry. Phosphorylation statuses of signaling proteins were measured in the basal condition or under modulation with H2O2, PMA, CXCL12 or IL7. Signaling profiles are characterized by a high variability across the analyzed T-ALL cell lines. Hierarchical clustering analysis documents that higher intrinsic phosphorylation of Erk1/2, Lck, ZAP70, and Akt, together with ZAP70 phosphorylation induced by H2O2, identifies Jurkat cells. In contrast, CEM are characterized by higher intrinsic phosphorylation of JNK and Rb and higher responsiveness of Akt to external stimuli. MOLT4 cells are characterized by higher basal STAT3 phosphorylation. These data document that phospho-specific flow cytometry reveals a high variability in intrinsic as well as modulated signaling networks across different T-ALL cell lines. Characterizing signaling network profiles across individual leukemia could provide the basis to identify molecular targets for personalized T-ALL therapy.
On What Tasks Did Children between the Ages of 3 and 12 Years Spend Their Time during the COVID-19 Pandemic? An International Comparative Study between Ibero-America and Europe
Authors: Sanmiguel-Rodríguez Alberto , Zagalaz-Sánchez Mª Luisa , Arufe-Giráldez Víctor , Cachón-Zagalaz Javier , González-Valero Gabriel
Published: June 2022

The pandemic caused by COVID-19 meant, in many countries, the establishment of a period of confinement in which families were forced to restrict movement and social contacts with the consequent risk of inactivity. Our objective as to analyze the degree of psychosocial well-being, sociodemographic aspects and use of technological means depending on the educational level of the parents. The sample consisted of 2316 children aged between 3 and 12 years (M = 7.70; SD = 2.86). For the analysis and treatment of the data, the statistical software SPSS 25.0 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY, USA) was used. We found that the European participants used more video consoles (M = 0.89 ± 1.33) and tablets (M = 1.30 ± 0.95), while the Ibero-Americans obtained higher values in the use of TV (M = 2.28 ± 1.10) and levels higher in a negative state of psychosocial well-being (M = 7.29 ± 1.07) and in tiredness/fatigue (M = 4.34 ± 2.44). We concluded that, during the period of confinement in European areas, higher values were obtained in the time dedicated to Physical Activity (PA), use of tablets, school task performance, artistic activities, family games, reading, free play and hours of sleep; while in Ibero-America, there were longer times in the use of technological devices and performing domestic tasks.
Pediatric Narcolepsy—A Practical Review
Authors: Chung I-Hang , Chin Wei-Chih , Huang Yu-Shu , Wang Chih-Huan
Published: June 2022

Pediatric narcolepsy is a chronic sleep-wakefulness disorder. Its symptoms frequently begin in childhood. This review article examined the literature for research reporting on the effects of treatment of pediatric narcolepsy, as well as proposed etiology and diagnostic tools. Symptoms of pediatric narcolepsy include excessive sleepiness and cataplexy. In addition, rapid-eye-movement-related phenomena such as sleep paralysis, sleep terror, and hypnagogic or hypnapompic hallucinations can also occur. These symptoms impaired children’s function and negatively influenced their social interaction, studying, quality of life, and may further lead to emotional and behavioral problems. Therefore, early diagnosis and intervention are essential for children’s development. Moreover, there are differences in clinical experiences between Asian and Western population. The treatment of pediatric narcolepsy should be comprehensive. In this article, we review pediatric narcolepsy and its treatment approach: medication, behavioral modification, and education/mental support. Pharmacological treatment including some promising newly-developed medication can decrease cataplexy and daytime sleepiness in children with narcolepsy. Other forms of management such as psychosocial interventions involve close cooperation between children, school, family, medical personnel, and can further assist their adjustment.
Management of Pediatric Facial Burns with Zinc-Hyaluronan Gel
Authors: Lőrincz Aba , Lamberti Anna Gabriella , Juhász Zsolt , Garami András , Józsa Gergő
Published: June 2022

Zinc-hyaluronan-containing burn dressings have been associated with enhanced reepithelialization and low infection rates, although their effectiveness has not yet been investigated in pediatric facial thermal injuries. This single-arm, retrospective cohort study assessed the characteristics of 23 children (≤17-year-old) with facial superficial partial-thickness burns and the wound closure capabilities of the applied zinc-hyaluronan gel. Patients were admitted consecutively to the Pediatric Surgery Division in Pécs, Hungary, between 1 January 2016 and 15 October 2021. The mean age of the children was 6.2 years; 30.4% of them were younger than 1 year. An average of 3% total body surface was injured in the facial region and 47.8% of the patients had other areas damaged as well, most frequently the left upper limb (30.4%). The mean time until complete reepithelialization was 7.9 days and the children spent 2 days in the hospital. Wound cultures revealed normal bacterial growth in all cases and follow-up examinations found no hypertrophic scarring. In conclusion, pediatric facial superficial partial-thickness burns are prevalent during infancy and coincide with left upper limb injuries. Rapid wound closure and low complication rates are accountable for the moderate amount of hospitalization. These benefits, along with the gel’s ease of applicability and spontaneous separation, are linked to child-friendly burn care.
Enhanced Interfacial Adhesion of Nylon 66 to Epoxy Resin EPON 825 by Non-thermal Atmospheric Pressure Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasmas
Authors: Wu Chi-Chin , Demaree John Derek , Weerasooriya Amanda , Bujanda Andres , Robinette Eric Jason
Published: June 2022

Poly(hexamethylene adipamide), nylon 66, is a popular plastic that requires high surface wettability and strong adhesive bonds for many applications. However, pristine nylon is difficult to bond due to its hydrophobic nature and poor surface wettability. The objective of this work was to modify the physio-chemical surface properties of nylon 66 via a novel atmospheric plasma surface treatment approach using oxygen (O2) or water vapor (H2O) plasma glow. The surface hydrophilicity of the plasma-treated nylon surface was substantially enhanced immediately after either helium (He)/H2O or He/O2 plasma surface treatment. The average water contact angle was reduced from 65 degrees to ~30 degrees after He/H2O plasma and ~40 degrees after He/O2 plasma treatments. The improved hydrophilicity was also evidenced by the increased intensities of the surface oxygen and hydroxyl bonds in the X-ray photoelectron spectra. The interfacial adhesion strength of nylon surfaces before and after plasma treatment was further evaluated by uniaxial tensile tests of nylon single-joint lap shears bonded with three adhesives, i.e., thermoset epoxy resins EPON 825/ JEFFAMINE D-230 and EPON825/JEFFAMINE D-2000, and the thermoelastic polyurethane adhesive Sikaflex 252. The most significant improvements in bond strengths due to plasma treatment were found for lap shears bonded with the EPON 825/JEFFAMINE D-230 epoxy resin; their shear strengths with maximum loads were more than doubled—from 299–451 to 693–1594 N—after plasma treatment and were further enhanced by a factor of four to 895–1857 N after a subsequent silane treatment. In contrast, the bond strength of lap shears bonded with EPON 825/JEFFAMINE D-2000 and Sikaflex was not significantly improved because of the different a, re-affirming the importance of adhesive bulk properties This work presents the preliminary success of effective surface functionalization leading to enhanced interfacial adhesive bonds for nylon 66 via the development of scalable atmospheric plasma surface treatments.
Special Issue: Optical Properties of Crystals and Thin Films
Authors: Potera Piotr
Published: June 2022

Crystalline materials and coatings can be found almost everywhere in the modern world [...]
Characterization of Microstructure and High Temperature Compressive Strength of Austenitic Stainless Steel (21-4N) through Powder Metallurgy Route
Authors: Murali Arun Prasad , Ganesan Dharmalingam , Salunkhe Sachin , Abouel Nasr Emad , Davim João Paulo , Hussein Hussein Mohamed Abdelmoneam
Published: June 2022

Exposure of the engine valve to high temperatures led to the degradation of the valve material due to microstructural instability and deteriorating mechanical properties. Performance enhancement and alteration in microstructures can be attained through the powder metallurgy route which is a viable method to produce near net shape components. In this current study, the development of austenitic stainless steel (21-4N) through the powder metallurgy route as an alternate material for engine valves was investigated. Mechanical alloying was carried out for the pre-alloyed mixtures and consolidated using vacuum hot pressing. Sintering parameters were fixed at 1200 °C, 50 MPa and at a vacuum level of 10-3 Torr. A scanning electron microscope was used to analyze the morphology of the milled powders. Densities for the hot pressed powders were compared with theoretical densities and found to be around 98–99%. Observations regarding grain size, the presence of austenitic grain, heterogeneous distribution of metal carbides and analysis of chemical composition along the metal matrix were determined using both optical and electron microscopes. X-ray diffraction was carried out for both the consolidated and powder samples. The hot pressed samples exhibited a hardness value of 410 ± 10 Hv. An isothermal compression test for the sintered samples was carried out at a temperature of 650 °C and strain rate of 0.001 s−1. It is showed that the compressive strength of 1380 MPa. An analysis between the room temperature yield strength obtained from hardness measurement and the strengthening mechanism based on the microstructure was conducted. Grain size, dislocation and solid solution are the major strengthening mechanisms which strengthen the material. Overall, the development of valve steel material through the powder metallurgy route exhibited improved metallurgical and mechanical properties in comparison to the corresponding cast product.
Exploring Routes to Coexistence: Developing and Testing a Human–Elephant Conflict-Management Framework for African Elephant-Range Countries
Authors: Gross Eva M. , Pereira Joana G. , Shaba Tadeyo , Bilério Samuel , Kumchedwa Brighton , Lienenlüke Stephanie
Published: June 2022

Creating a future for elephants and people is a highly complex and dynamic challenge, involving social, behavioral, and ecological dimensions as well as multiple actors with various interests. To foster learning from human–elephant conflict (HEC) management projects and share best practices, a study was conducted to review the management of conflicts between elephants and humans in 12 African countries by qualitative expert interviews. Based on this information, a HEC management framework was developed in a two-tiered process. In the first phase, the theory of the framework was developed. In a second phase, the theoretical framework was validated and adjusted through stakeholder participation in two southern African projects (in Mozambique and Malawi). This holistic approach considers environmental as well as social, political, cultural, and economic factors directly or indirectly affecting interactions between people and wildlife. The framework integrates six interlinked strategies to guide managers and conservation practitioners to address HWC drivers and mitigate their impact. A legal environment and spatial planning form the basis of the framework. Social strategies, including meaningful stakeholder engagement and design of appropriate institutional structures and processes are considered the heart of the framework. Technical and financial strategies represent its arms and hands. At the top, monitoring steers all processes, provides feedback for adjustment, and informs decisions. The integration and coordination of these six strategies has great potential as a guiding route to human–wildlife coexistence in Africa and elsewhere.
Goat Kidding Dataset
Authors: Gonçalves Pedro , Marques Maria R. , Belo Ana T. , Monteiro António , Braz Fernando
Published: June 2022

The detection of kidding in production animals is of the utmost importance, given the frequency of problems associated with the process, and the fact that timely human help can be a safeguard for the well-being of the mother and kid. The continuous human monitoring of the process is expensive, given the uncertainty of when it will occur, so the establishment of an autonomous mechanism that does so would allow calling the human responsible who could intervene at the opportune moment. The present dataset consists of data from the sensorization of 16 pregnant and two non-pregnant Charnequeira goats, during a period of four weeks, the kidding period. The data include measurements from neck to floor height, measured by ultrasound and accelerometry data measured by an accelerometer existing at the monitoring collar. Data was continuously sampled throughout the experiment every 10 s. The goats were monitored both in the goat shelter (day and night) and during the grazing period in the pasture. The births of the animals were also registered, both in terms of the time at which they took place, but also with details regarding how they took place and the number of offspring, and notes were also added.
Virtual Pathology Education in Medical Schools Worldwide during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Advantages, Challenges Faced, and Perspectives
Authors: Ishak Angela , AlRawashdeh Mousa M. , Meletiou-Mavrotheris Maria , Nikas Ilias P.
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic shifted pathology education in medical schools worldwide towards online delivery. To achieve this goal, various innovative platforms were used by pathology educators and medical students, facilitating both synchronous and asynchronous learning. The aim of this study was to review the published evidence regarding remote pathology teaching at the medical school level during this period, present our own experience, and provide some perspectives regarding the best mode of pathology teaching post-pandemic. Among its advantages, virtual pathology education was considered among students and educators as convenient, flexible, and engaging, while learning outcomes were met and students’ academic performance was in general satisfactory. However, several challenges were faced. For instance, suboptimal internet connection compromised the flow of classes and was even associated with a lower academic performance. The lack of hands-on laboratory activities, such as operating the light microscope and tissue grossing, and the reduced student interactions among themselves and their instructors, were also pointed out as significant drawbacks of remote pathology education. Whereas online education has multiple advantages, experiencing the physical university environment, in-person interactions and teamwork, exposure to the “hidden curriculum”, and hands-on activities are vital for medical school education and future student development. In conclusion, the implementation of a blended approach in pathology education—where online and face-to-face sessions are jointly used to promote students’ engagement, interaction with their instructors and peers, and learning—could be the most optimal approach to pathology teaching in medical schools post-pandemic.
Development of a New Index to Distinguish Hepatic Encephalopathy through Automated Quantification of Globus Pallidal Signal Intensity Using MRI
Authors: Tamai Yasuyuki , Iwasa Motoh , Yoshida Yuichi , Nomoto Jun , Kato Takahiro , Asuke Hiroe , Eguchi Akiko , Takei Yoshiyuki , Nakagawa Hayato
Published: June 2022

Hyperintensities within the bilateral globus pallidus on T1-weighted magnetic resonance images were present in some liver cirrhosis patients with hepatic encephalopathy. The symptoms of covert hepatic encephalopathy are similar to those of mild dementia. We aimed to develop a new diagnostic index in which to distinguish hepatic encephalopathy from dementia. The globus pallidus signal hyperintensity was quantified using three-dimensional images. In addition, the new index value distribution was evaluated in a cohort of dementia patients. Signal intensity of globus pallidus significantly increased in liver cirrhosis patients with hepatic encephalopathy compared to those without hepatic encephalopathy (p < 0.05), healthy subjects (p < 0.05) or dementia patients (p < 0.001). Only 12.5% of liver cirrhosis patients without hepatic encephalopathy and 2% of dementia patients exceeded the new index cut-off value of 0.994, which predicts hepatic encephalopathy. One dementia patient in our evaluation had a history of liver cancer treatment and was assumed to have concomitant hepatic encephalopathy. The automatic assessment of signal intensity in globus pallidus is useful for distinguishing liver cirrhosis patients with hepatic encephalopathy from healthy subjects and liver cirrhosis patients without hepatic encephalopathy. Our image analyses exclude possible cases of hepatic encephalopathy from patients with neurocognitive impairment, including dementia.
Low-Dose Abdominal CT for Evaluating Suspected Appendicitis: Recommendations for CT Imaging Techniques and Practical Issues
Authors: Park Ji Hoon , Kim Hae Young , Sim Ji Ye , Lee Kyoung Ho
Published: June 2022

A vast disparity exists between science and practice for CT radiation dose. Despite high-level evidence supporting the use of low-dose CT (LDCT) in diagnosing appendicitis, a recent survey showed that many care providers were still concerned that the low image quality of LDCT may lead to incorrect diagnoses. For successful implementation of LDCT practice, it is important to inform and educate the care providers not only of the scientific discoveries but also of concrete guidelines on how to overcome more practical matters. Here, we discuss CT imaging techniques and other practical issues for implementing LDCT practice.
Predictive Value of Ultrasound Characteristics for Disease-Free Survival in Breast Cancer
Authors: Guo Qiang , Dong Zhiwu , Jiang Lixin , Zhang Lei , Li Ziyao , Wang Dongmo
Published: June 2022

The main objective of this study was to determine the predictive value of US characteristics for disease-free survival (DFS) in BC patients. We retrospectively analyzed the ultrasonic images and clinical data of BC patients who had previously undergone breast surgery at least 10 years before study enrollment and divided them into a case group and a control group according to the cutoff value of 120 months for DFS. Correlation analysis was performed to identify US characteristics as independent predictors for DFS by multivariable logistic regression and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. A total of 374 patients were collected, including 174 patients in the case group with short-DFS and 200 patients in the control group with long-DFS. Three US characteristics (size on US, mass shape, mass growth orientation) and two clinical factors (axillary lymph node (ALN), molecular subtypes) were identified as independent predictors for DFS (p < 0.05). The ROC curve showed good performance of the multivariate linear regression model with the area under the curve being 0.777. The US characteristics of large size, irregular shape, and nonparallel orientation were significantly associated with short-DFS, which is a promising supplementary for clinicians to optimize clinical decisions and improve prognosis in BC patients.
Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening: The First Report of Pentasomy X Detected by Plasma Cell-Free DNA and Karyotype Analysis
Authors: De Falco Luigia , Suero Teresa , Savarese Giovanni , Savarese Pasquale , Ruggiero Raffaella , Di Carlo Antonella , Bruno Mariasole , Petrillo Nadia , Ianniello Monica , Scarpato Ciro , Sarli Camilla , Fico Antonio
Published: June 2022

Pentasomy X is a sex chromosome anomaly caused by the presence of three extra X chromosomes in females (49,XXXXX instead of 46,XX) and is probably due to a nondisjunction during the meiosis. So far, only five cases prenatally diagnosed were described. The main features in 49,XXXXX karyotype include severe intellectual disability with delayed speech development, short stature, facial dysmorphisms, osseous and articular abnormalities, congenital heart malformations, and skeletal and limb abnormalities. Prenatal diagnosis is often difficult due to the lack of a clear echographic sign like nuchal translucency (NT), and mostly cases were postnatally described. We report the first case of a 49,XXXXX female that was detected by non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS), quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR) and a fetal karyotype.
Folding Free Energy Determination of an RNA Three-Way Junction Using Fluctuation Theorems
Authors: Aspas-Caceres Jaime , Rico-Pasto Marc , Pastor Isabel , Ritort Felix
Published: June 2022

Nonequilibrium work relations and fluctuation theorems permit us to extract equilibrium information from nonequilibrium measurements. They find application in single-molecule pulling experiments where molecular free energies can be determined from irreversible work measurements by using unidirectional (e.g., Jarzynski’s equality) and bidirectional (e.g., Crooks fluctuation theorem and Bennet’s acceptance ratio (BAR)) methods. However, irreversibility and the finite number of pulls limit their applicability: the higher the dissipation, the larger the number of pulls necessary to estimate ΔG within a few kBT. Here, we revisit pulling experiments on an RNA three-way junction (3WJ) that exhibits significant dissipation and work-distribution long tails upon mechanical unfolding. While bidirectional methods are more predictive, unidirectional methods are strongly biased. We also consider a cyclic protocol that combines the forward and reverse work values to increase the statistics of the measurements. For a fixed total experimental time, faster pulling rates permit us to efficiently sample rare events and reduce the bias, compensating for the increased dissipation. This analysis provides a more stringent test of the fluctuation theorem in the large irreversibility regime.
A New Hyperchaotic 4D-FDHNN System with Four Positive Lyapunov Exponents and Its Application in Image Encryption
Authors: Liu Zefei , Li Jinqing , Di Xiaoqiang
Published: June 2022

In this paper, a hyperchaotic four-dimensional fractional discrete Hopfield neural network system (4D-FDHNN) with four positive Lyapunov exponents is proposed. Firstly, the chaotic dynamics’ characteristics of the system are verified by analyzing and comparing the iterative trajectory diagram, phase diagram, attractor diagram, 0-1 test, sample entropy, and Lyapunov exponent. Furthermore, a novel image encryption scheme is designed to use the chaotic system as a pseudo-random number generator. In the scenario, the confusion phase using the fractal idea proposes a fractal-like model scrambling method, effectively enhancing the complexity and security of the confusion. For the advanced diffusion phase, we proposed a kind of Hilbert dynamic random diffusion method, synchronously changing the size and location of the pixel values, which improves the efficiency of the encryption algorithm. Finally, simulation results and security analysis experiments show that the proposed encryption algorithm has good efficiency and high security, and can resist common types of attacks.
Law of Total Probability in Quantum Theory and Its Application in Wigner’s Friend Scenario
Authors: Yang Jianhao M.
Published: June 2022

It is well-known that the law of total probability does not generally hold in quantum theory. However, recent arguments on some of the fundamental assumptions in quantum theory based on the extended Wigner’s friend scenario show a need to clarify how the law of total probability should be formulated in quantum theory and under what conditions it still holds. In this work, the definition of conditional probability in quantum theory is extended to POVM measurements. A rule to assign two-time conditional probability is proposed for incompatible POVM operators, which leads to a more general and precise formulation of the law of total probability. Sufficient conditions under which the law of total probability holds are identified. Applying the theory developed here to analyze several quantum no-go theorems related to the extended Wigner’s friend scenario reveals logical loopholes in these no-go theorems. The loopholes exist as a consequence of taking for granted the validity of the law of total probability without verifying the sufficient conditions. Consequently, the contradictions in these no-go theorems only reconfirm the invalidity of the law of total probability in quantum theory rather than invalidating the physical statements that the no-go theorems attempt to refute.
Contextual Mathematical Modelling: Problem-Solving Characterization and Feasibility
Authors: Kohen Zehavit , Nitzan-Tamar Ortal
Published: June 2022

The current study investigates contextual mathematical modelling (MM) problems that were retrieved from authentic workplace situations and simplified for formal secondary school math lessons. First, the study aims to characterize contextual MM problems according to Schoenfeld’s framework of problem-solving (PS). Second, it aims to investigate the perceptions of two stakeholder groups: (1) math experts and policymakers and (2) math teachers with respect to the characteristics of the contextual MM problems and their feasibility regarding implementation in secondary school education. Based on the Delphi methodology, we employed two phases for our analysis: an open-ended questionnaire to interview ten stakeholders and, subsequently, a Likert-type questionnaire to collect data from 122 stakeholders. The main results indicate that the contextual MM problems are characterized by PS. A similar view was expressed by different stakeholder groups, and no differences were caused by various background variables, such as educational level or STEM background. Additionally, the findings revealed that both stakeholder groups perceived that it is highly feasible for these problems to be integrated into secondary school education. This study contributes theoretically to the interrelationship between MM and PS frameworks, and provides practical recommendations for the implementation of contextual MM problems in secondary schools by applying PS skills.