bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The median effective concentration of propofol in combination with different doses of esketamine during gastrointestinal endoscopy in adults
Authors: Feng Miaomiao , Shi Gaoxiang , Cui Wenjing , Zhang Ning , Xie Qipeng , Zhang Weiwei
Published: October 2022

We designed a four-arm randomized controlled trial to investigate the median effective concentration (EC50) of propofol in combination with different doses of esketamine inducing appropriate depth of anaesthesia during gastrointestinal endoscopy in adults. One hundred patients aged 18–65 years planning for gastrointestinal endoscopy were divided into four groups randomly: esketamine 0, 0.15, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg groups (n = 25). Propofol doses followed the Dixon and Massey up-and-down method with different starting between groups. The primary endpoint was the EC50 of propofol. Secondary outcomes included the cumulative dose of propofol, the duration of the procedure, recovery time, and adverse effects. The EC50 (median, 95% confidence interval) of propofol was significantly less in the esketamine 0.5 mg/kg group compared with the esketamine 0, 0.15, and 0.25 mg/kg groups [1.34 (1.15, 1.54) vs. 3.48 (3.25, 3.71), 2.82 (2.58, 3.07), and 2.36 (2.11, 2.61), respectively; p < 0.001]. The total dose of propofol (mean ± SD) required for the whole procedure was significantly less in the esketamine 0.5 mg/kg group compared with the esketamine 0, 0.15, and 0.25 mg/kg groups [95.5 ± 43.1 vs. 277.4 ± 49.0, 207.8 ± 31.6, and 135.1 ± 27.7, respectively; p < 0.001]. The recovery time was significantly longer in esketamine 0 and 0.5 mg/kg group compared with other two groups (p < 0.001). More patients in the esketamine 0.5 mg/kg group experienced visual disturbance compared with the other groups (p = 0.016). Additionally, the incidence of hypotensionin the esketamine 0 mg/kg group after inducation was higher compared with other groups (p < 0.001). In summary, the administration of esketamine significantly and dose-dependently reduced the dose of propofol required to accomplish procedures.
Development of QSAR models to predict blood-brain barrier permeability
Authors: Faramarzi Sadegh , Kim Marlene T. , Volpe Donna A. , Cross Kevin P. , Chakravarti Suman , Stavitskaya Lidiya
Published: October 2022

Assessing drug permeability across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is important when evaluating the abuse potential of new pharmaceuticals as well as developing novel therapeutics that target central nervous system disorders. One of the gold-standard in vivo methods for determining BBB permeability is rodent log BB; however, like most in vivo methods, it is time-consuming and expensive. In the present study, two statistical-based quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models were developed to predict BBB permeability of drugs based on their chemical structure. The in vivo BBB permeability data were harvested for 921 compounds from publicly available literature, non-proprietary drug approval packages, and University of Washington’s Drug Interaction Database. The cross-validation performance statistics for the BBB models ranged from 82 to 85% in sensitivity and 80–83% in negative predictivity. Additionally, the performance of newly developed models was assessed using an external validation set comprised of 83 chemicals. Overall, performance of individual models ranged from 70 to 75% in sensitivity, 70–72% in negative predictivity, and 78–86% in coverage. The predictive performance was further improved to 93% in coverage by combining predictions across the two software programs. These new models can be rapidly deployed to predict blood brain barrier permeability of pharmaceutical candidates and reduce the use of experimental animals.
Cluster decays of 12Be excited states
Authors: Vukman Nikola , Soić Neven , Freer Martin , Alcorta Martin , Connolly Devin , Čolović Petra , Davinson Thomas , Di Pietro Alessia , Lennarz Annika , Psaltis Athanasios , Ruiz Chris , Uroić Milivoj , Williams Matthew
Published: October 2022

An experimental study of the helium-cluster decays of the 12Be excited states has been performed using the 9Li + 7Li → α + α + 8He and 9Li + 7Li → α + 6He + 6He reactions at the 9Li beam energy of 74.8 MeV. At excitation energies between 10 and 25 MeV, the 12Be excited states decaying into the 4He + 8He, 6He + 6He, and 6He + 6He*(1.8 MeV, Jπ = 2+) have been observed. Most of the observed states decaying into the 4He + 8He and 6He + 6He correspond to previously reported states. The decay to the 6He + 6He*(1.8 MeV, Jπ = 2+) channel has been observed for the first time. Two of the five states observed in this new decay channel are also observed in the ground state channel 6He + 6He, while two may correspond to the 4He + 8He decaying states. The states around 13.5 and 20.0 MeV decay to the 6He + 6He and 4He + 8He channels, while the state around 22.3 MeV decays into all three decay channels examined. This experiment is complementary to all previous studies of the 12Be cluster states because of the different reaction mechanisms used for the population of the 12Be cluster states. The observation of the states at high excitations with these exotic decay properties strongly supports the molecular structure of the 12Be excited states.
Comparison of three cognitive assessment methods in post-stroke aphasia patients
Authors: Yan Zhijie , Xu Shuo , Wei Dongshuai , He Xinyuan , Li Chong , Zhang Yongli , Chen Mengye , Zhang Jingna , Li Xiaofang , Yang Qing , Jia Jie
Published: October 2022

Background

The cognitive level of post-stroke aphasia (PSA) patients is generally lower than non-aphasia patients, and cognitive impairment (CI) affects the outcome of stroke. However, for different types of PSA, what kind of cognitive assessment methods to choose is not completely clear. We investigated the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and the Non-language-based Cognitive Assessment (NLCA) to observe the evaluation effect of CI in patients with fluent aphasia (FA) and non-fluent aphasia (NFA).

Methods

92 stroke patients were included in this study. Demographic and clinical data of the stroke group were documented. The language and cognition were evaluated by Western Aphasia Battery (WAB), MoCA, MMSE, and NLCA. PSA were divided into FA and NFA according to the Chinese aphasia fluency characteristic scale. Pearson’s product–moment correlation coefficient test and multiple linear regression analysis were performed to explore the relationship between the sub-items of WAB and cognitive scores. The classification rate of CI was tested by Pearson’s Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test.

Results

The scores of aphasia quotient (AQ), MoCA, MMSE, and NLCA in NFA were lower than FA. AQ was positively correlated with MoCA, MMSE, and NLCA scores. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis suggested that naming explained 70.7% of variance of MoCA and 79.9% of variance of MMSE; comprehension explained 46.7% of variance of NLCA. In the same type of PSA, there was no significant difference in the classification rate. The classification rate of CI in NFA by MoCA and MMSE was higher than that in FA. There was no significant difference in the classification rate of CI between FA and NFA by NLCA.

Conclusion

MoCA, MMSE, and NLCA can be applied in FA. NLCA is recommended for NFA.
Scales assessing L2 speaking anxiety: Development, validation, and application
Authors: Gao Jie
Published: October 2022

Through featuring a historical review of the L2 speaking assessment scales applied in related studies, this paper targets at providing responses for the following three questions (a) How are the scales assessing L2 speaking anxiety developed and adapted in related research? (b) What are the frequently adopted methods for validating speaking anxiety scales? (c) How is L2 speaking anxiety represented and interpreted with a dynamic approach? Based on analyzing the development process of frequently-used scales for assessing test anxiety, foreign language classroom anxiety, and speaking anxiety, the author classified the scales into three categories: test-based scales measuring speaking anxiety, classroom-based scales measuring speaking anxiety, and activity-based scales measuring L2 speaking anxiety. As for the scale validation methods, Classical Testing Theory (CTT) and Rasch measurement were introduced as two major statistical paradigms for guaranteeing the reliability of the scales. This paper also summarizes the emerging themes generalized from research focusing speaking anxiety assessment, where the dynamic approach is discussed as a guideline to interpret the relationship among anxiety, language performance, and other factors involved in language learning. This paper ends with highlighting possible directions for anxiety-related research in the future, where technology intervention and the “positivity ratio” might become new attempts for pedagogical design.
Managing treatment resistance in schizophrenia: A joint study in Hong Kong and Singapore
Authors: Zheng Shushan , Chan Sherry Kit Wa , Lee Jimmy
Published: October 2022

Objective

This study surveyed clinicians in psychiatry in Hong Kong and Singapore to understand their familiarity and prescribing practices in treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) and clozapine-resistant schizophrenia (CRS).

Materials and methods

All clinicians in psychiatry in both regions were invited through email to participate in an anonymous online survey. The survey collected information on the participants’ characteristics, their familiarity and experience with clozapine use, and their treatment practices in TRS and CRS. Data collection took place between September 2019 and February 2020 in Hong Kong and December 2018 and March 2019 in Singapore.

Results

261 clinicians responded to the survey, with response rates of 19% (105 out of 556 participants) in Hong Kong and 50% (156 out of 309 participants) in Singapore. The majority of respondents (99.0% in Hong Kong; 87.9% in Singapore) were familiar with treatment guidelines for TRS. However, approximately half (54.2% in Hong Kong; 41.7% in Singapore) delayed the prescription of clozapine when indicated. In terms of alternatives to clozapine, approximately half or more of the clinicians in both regions would use high dose antipsychotics, long-acting injectable antipsychotics, antipsychotic polypharmacy, while the adjuvant use of mood stabilizers and electroconvulsive therapy differed between the two regions. In those with CRS, between 10 and 20% of the respondents added adjuvant mood stabilizers or antipsychotics, and 3-10% would use an antidepressant.

Conclusion

Clozapine delays occur in spite of clinicians’ familiarity with treatment guidelines. More research is needed to guide the use of augmentation strategies and the search for effective treatments beyond clozapine.
Spatial-temporal evolution and peak prediction of embodied carbon emissions in China's interregional trade
Authors: Mo Shu , Wang Ting
Published: October 2022

The embodied carbon in inter-regional trade has a vital impact on the allocation of carbon emission reduction obligations and the formulation of carbon emission reduction strategies. Fewer studies have examined the spatial-temporal evolution pattern and peak prediction of embodied carbon emissions in China's inter-regional trade compared with the more numerous results on embodied carbon in international commerce. This paper applies the multi-regional input-output method to estimate the embodied carbon in inter-regional trade resulting from value-added transfer and investigates the spatial and temporal evolution of its patterns. The existence of an environmental Kuznets curve model with embodied carbon emissions as the index of environmental pollution in China is examined, and the time of the inflection point is calculated. The environmental Kuznets curve model is divided into four stages, and a two-dimensional model of economic development and embodied carbon emissions is proposed. The empirical findings indicate that the embodied carbon in China's interregional commerce has an overall rising tendency in the temporal dimension and a distribution characteristic of high in the west and north and low in the east and south in the spatial dimension. The Environmental Kuznets curve, which uses embodied carbon emissions as a measure of environmental pollution, has an inverse U-shaped and the time required to reach the inflection point varies by area. Economic development cannot be cross-stage but can shorten the duration of high carbon emissions. The government should promote the development of differentiated carbon emission reduction policies in each region, construct an inter-regional cooperative carbon emission reduction mechanism, encourage the low-carbon development of inter-regional trade, and realize the internal cycle of China's green economy. This study serves as a guide for the regions to establish scientific and acceptable carbon emission reduction strategies in order to achieve quality interregional trade development.
Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health, daily and occupational activities of pediatric otolaryngologists in Latin America
Authors: Peñaranda Augusto , Moreno-López Sergio , Peñaranda Daniel , Pérez-Herrera Lucía C.
Published: October 2022

Background

Otolaryngologists have a higher risk of physical/psychological problems due to their frequent exposure to SARS-CoV-2. There is no information about the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of these specialists in low/middle-income countries from Latin America. This study aimed to assess the frequency of anxiety, depression, and stress, as well as the changes in occupational and daily activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic in a group of pediatric otolaryngologists in Latin America.

Methods

Observational, cross-sectional study conducted between October and December 2020. Mental health tools such as the Generalized Anxiety Disorder−7, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the Perceived Stress Scale-10 were applied. Fear to COVID-19 scale and questionnaires about occupational and daily activities were also applied.

Results

Among 55 pediatric otolaryngologists, the frequency of anxiety, depression, and stress were 67.3%, 45.5, and 40%, respectively. Up to 27.3% of the specialists reported moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety, while 7.3 and 40% presented moderate depression and stress symptoms. The specialists reported a reduction of 58.3% of their consultations, as well as a 51.7% reduction in their monthly income compared to the same period before the pandemic. Up to 14.6% of the specialists expect to incorporate long-term (>1 year) drastic changes in their daily activities due to the pandemic.

Conclusions

The frequency of anxiety, depression, and stress was high among pediatric otolaryngologists in Latin America compared to previous studies performed in high-income countries. Further research on these psychological outcomes is needed to achieve early mental health strategies.
The impact of Otago exercise programme on the prevention of falls in older adult: A systematic review
Authors: Yang Yi , Wang Kun , Liu Hengxu , Qu Jiawei , Wang Yan , Chen Peijie , Zhang TingRan , Luo Jiong
Published: October 2022

Objective

To improve the quality of life of older adult in their later years, by increasing the physical activity participation of older adult, the occurrence of falls accident scores in older adult can be prevented. This paper comprehensively summarizes the origin, development, participation forms, and fitness effects of the Otago exercise program (OEP).

Methods

Using PubMed, web of science, CNKI, dimensional spectrum, and other databases, search for research papers from 2005 to April 2021 by using keywords such as Otago project exercise; aged, Fall; Cognitive function, Balance ability, Lower limb strength, Fall efficiency, and so on. PEDro Scale was used to check the quality of the literatures.

Results

A total of 34 papers were included after searching for kinds of literature related to the subject of this paper and after careful review by researchers.

Conclusions

Otago exercise programme is beneficial to improve the cognitive function of older adult, enhance their lower limb muscle strength and dynamic and static balance ability, and then improve the gait stability and posture control ability of older adult, which has significant positive benefits for the prevention of falls in older adult. OEP is helpful to improve the falling efficiency of older adult, help older adult overcome the fear of falling, and form a positive emotion of “exercise improves exercise,” to reduce the harm caused by sedentary behavior and the incidence of depression and improve their subjective wellbeing. Although OEP has significant positive effects on improving the health and physical fitness of older adult, preventing falls, and restoring clinical function, the corresponding neural mechanism for preventing falls is not very clear. At the same time, how OEP can be combined with emerging technologies to maximize its benefits needs to be further discussed in the future.
Nature-based climate adaptation projects, their governance and transitional potential-cases from Copenhagen
Authors: Jørgensen Gertrud , Fryd Ole , Lund Anna Aslaug , Andersen Peter Stubkjær , Herslund Lise
Published: October 2022

This paper investigates and broadens the discussion of nature-based climate adaptation for storm water management and coastal flooding. Based on three Copenhagen cases of locally initiated innovative flagship projects and framed by governance and transition theory, we investigate how nature-based solutions can be understood in a real-life context, and how hybrid projects joining technical and nature-based solutions might work; the governance methods of such projects; and their transitional potential. The cases underscore the importance of nature perception for the design of the project, and the role of daily recreational users as crucial for project legitimacy. Innovative projects might seem local, but often they are embedded in larger strategies and serve to flesh out such strategies and might even change them in a longer perspective. New problems and projects foster a need for new types of partnerships, which can challenge co-operation. Finally, it is questioned how – and if – experiences from flagship projects can be anchored and mainstreamed into a new normal for climate adaptation.
Anomaly Detection in Financial Time Series by Principal Component Analysis and Neural Networks
Authors: Crépey Stéphane , Lehdili Noureddine , Madhar Nisrine , Thomas Maud
Published: October 2022

A major concern when dealing with financial time series involving a wide variety of market risk factors is the presence of anomalies. These induce a miscalibration of the models used to quantify and manage risk, resulting in potential erroneous risk measures. We propose an approach that aims to improve anomaly detection in financial time series, overcoming most of the inherent difficulties. Valuable features are extracted from the time series by compressing and reconstructing the data through principal component analysis. We then define an anomaly score using a feedforward neural network. A time series is considered to be contaminated when its anomaly score exceeds a given cutoff value. This cutoff value is not a hand-set parameter but rather is calibrated as a neural network parameter throughout the minimization of a customized loss function. The efficiency of the proposed approach compared to several well-known anomaly detection algorithms is numerically demonstrated on both synthetic and real data sets, with high and stable performance being achieved with the PCA NN approach. We show that value-at-risk estimation errors are reduced when the proposed anomaly detection model is used with a basic imputation approach to correct the anomaly.
Multi-Attribute Decision Making with Einstein Aggregation Operators in Complex Q-Rung Orthopair Fuzzy Hypersoft Environments
Authors: Ying Changyan , Slamu Wushour , Ying Changtian
Published: October 2022

The purpose of our research is to extend the formal representation of the human mind to the concept of the complex q-rung orthopair fuzzy hypersoft set (Cq-ROFHSS), a more general hybrid theory. A great deal of imprecision and ambiguity can be captured by it, which is common in human interpretations. It provides a multiparameterized mathematical tool for the order-based fuzzy modeling of contradictory two-dimensional data, which provides a more effective way of expressing time-period problems as well as two-dimensional information within a dataset. Thus, the proposed theory combines the parametric structure of complex q-rung orthopair fuzzy sets and hypersoft sets. Through the use of the parameter q, the framework captures information beyond the limited space of complex intuitionistic fuzzy hypersoft sets and complex Pythagorean fuzzy hypersoft sets. By establishing basic set-theoretic operations, we demonstrate some of the fundamental properties of the model. To expand the mathematical toolbox in this field, Einstein and other basic operations will be introduced to complex q-rung orthopair fuzzy hypersoft values. The relationship between it and existing methods demonstrates its exceptional flexibility. The Einstein aggregation operator, score function, and accuracy function are used to develop two multi-attribute decision-making algorithms, which prioritize based on the score function and accuracy function to ideal schemes under Cq-ROFHSS, which captures subtle differences in periodically inconsistent data sets. The feasibility of the approach will be demonstrated through a case study of selected distributed control systems. The rationality of these strategies has been confirmed by comparison with mainstream technologies. Additionally, we demonstrate that these results are compatible with explicit histograms and Spearman correlation analyses. The strengths of each approach are analyzed in a comparative manner. The proposed model is then examined and compared with other theories, demonstrating its strength, validity, and flexibility.
Improved Structural Local Thermal Energy Planning Based on Prosumer Profile: Part B
Authors: Papatsounis Adamantios G. , Botsaris Pantelis N.
Published: October 2022

Distributed energy systems (DES) are currently at the forefront of the energy transition. Their placement brings production closer to the demand side of urban and sub-urban environments, making optimal design a necessity. However, the complexity of accurately addressing the energy demands via DES has received increasing research attention. This is mainly due to the impact they have on the energy transition’s socioeconomic aspect, as these systems are far from viable in most cases, especially when cutting-edge renewable technologies are involved. The current study aims to provide a practical and non-repetitive approach to DES design, explicitly referring to thermal distributed supply systems (TDESS). The authors present the last two of their three-layer Hierarchically Dependent Layering Methodology (HDLM) approach in designing a thermal local energy community (TLEC) from the ground up. The 2nd layer is the superstructure design of the TLEC, where a map approach is introduced and explores several combinations of the selected equipment, how they will interact to meet the heating and cooling loads and how they will form the superstructure. The 3rd is the economic assessment of the proposed scenario. The study results indicate relative ease of use of the model, as a non a priori approach is needed. Additionally, the proposed solution is economically viable as the respective performance indicators suggest.
Li4Ti5O12 Coated by Biomass-Derived Carbon Quantum Dots as Anode Material with Enhanced Electrochemical Performance for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Krajewski Marcin , Chen Chun-Hao , Huang Zhi-Ting , Lin Jeng-Yu
Published: October 2022

Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) is a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its stable reversibility, high-rate cyclability, and high operational potential. On the other hand, it suffers from poor electronic conductivity and low capacitance. To overcome these disadvantages, modification of the LTO surface is frequently undertaken. Considering this idea, the production of a biomass-derived carbon-coated LTO material (LTO/C) and its application as an anode in LIBs is described in this work. The carbon precursor was obtained from commercial carrot juice, which was degraded using microwaves. According to the UV studies, the carbon precursor revealed similar properties to carbon quantum dots. Then, it was deposited on LTO synthetized through a sol-gel method. The LTO/C electrode exhibited a high specific capacity of 211 mAhg−1 at 0.1 C. Capacity retention equal to 53% of the initial value was found for the charge–discharge rate increase from 0.1 C to 20 C. The excellent electrochemical performance of LTO/C was caused by the carbon coating, which provided (i) short diffusion pathways for the Li+ ions into the LTO structure and (ii) enhanced electronic conductivity. The obtained results indicated that biomass-derived carbon quantum dot-coated LTO can be considered as a promising anode for LIBs.
Aerodynamic Shape Optimization with Grassmannian Shape Parameterization Method
Authors: Zhang Yang , Pang Bo , Li Xiankai , Chen Gang
Published: October 2022

The conventional method of optimizing the aerodynamic performance of an airfoil heavily depends on the confines of the design space. The design variables create a non-normalized space that is fragmented into several different clusters of airfoils. An approach that is data-driven and deforms airfoils over a Grassmannian submanifold is utilized in the work that is being presented here. The affine deformation, which includes camber and thickness, can be uncoupled from the method that is currently in use, and the operations that are performed on the airfoil shape can be made smooth enough to prevent unreasonable shapes from being produced. The CST method is also a part of the current study so that a comparison can be made between the two. A new method to describe the airfoil geometries over the Grassmannian space was generated using a dataset that contained 7007 different shapes of airfoils. These two methods are used to parameterize the subsonic (NACA0012) and transonic (RAE2822) airfoils, and the new method cuts the number of design variables from twelve to six, resulting in a reduction in overall complexity. The findings demonstrate that the new method maintains a high degree of consistency regardless of the flow conditions.
The Spectral Approach of Love and Mindlin-Herrmann Theory in the Dynamical Simulations of the Tower-Cable Interactions under the Wind and Rain Loads
Authors: Soares Fernandes Yanne Marcela , Rodrigues Machado Marcela , Dutkiewicz Maciej
Published: October 2022

The paper presents the transmission line dynamic response considering tower-conductor cable coupling under wind and rain load is presented. The cable and the tower are modeled using the Spectral Element Method. The finite Element Method with different types of elements is used for verification. Excitations, such as wind and rain, are researched in the analysis and the results show the variation of the OTL displacements in each case. The tower modulates the dynamic cable response close to the coupling point and has a high influence in the response of the system. The application of the methodology based on spectral modeling, confirming good feasibility for the overhead transmission line, tower, and cable is the purpose of the study. The new approach of Love and Mindlin-Herrmann theory in the dynamical simulations and tower-cable interactions depending on the distance from the cable connection point is studied. Analysis of the wave number depending on the frequency is also shown.
The Optimal Configuration of Wave Energy Conversions Respective to the Nearshore Wave Energy Potential
Authors: Shadmani Alireza , Nikoo Mohammad Reza , Al-Raoush Riyadh I. , Alamdari Nasrin , Gandomi Amir H.
Published: October 2022

Ocean energy is one potential renewable energy alternative to fossil fuels that has a more significant power generation due to its better predictability and availability. In order to harness this source, wave energy converters (WECs) have been devised and used over the past several years to generate as much energy and power as is feasible. While it is possible to install these devices in both nearshore and offshore areas, nearshore sites are more appropriate places since more severe weather occurs offshore. Determining the optimal location might be challenging when dealing with sites along the coast since they often have varying capacities for energy production. Constructing wave farms requires determining the appropriate location for WECs, which may lead us to its correct and optimum design. The WEC size, shape, and layout are factors that must be considered for installing these devices. Therefore, this review aims to explain the methodologies, advancements, and effective hydrodynamic parameters that may be used to discover the optimal configuration of WECs in nearshore locations using evolutionary algorithms (EAs).
Landscape of Genomic Alterations and PD-L1 Expression in Early-Stage Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)—A Single Center, Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Stephan-Falkenau Susann , Streubel Anna , Mairinger Thomas , Kollmeier Jens , Misch Daniel , Thiel Sebastian , Bauer Torsten , Pfannschmidt Joachim , Hollmann Manuel , Wessolly Michael , Blum Torsten Gerriet
Published: October 2022

Precision oncology and immunotherapy have revolutionized the treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Emerging studies show that targeted therapies are also beneficial for patients with driver alterations such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in early-stage NSCLC (stages I–IIIA). Furthermore, patients with elevated programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression appear to respond favorably to adjuvant immunotherapy. To determine the frequency of genomic alterations and PD-L1 status in early-stage NSCLC, we retrospectively analyzed data from 2066 unselected, single-center patients with NSCLC diagnosed using next-generation sequencing and immunohistochemistry. Nine-hundred and sixty-two patients (46.9%) presented with early-stage NSCLC. Of these, 37.0% had genomic alterations for which targeted therapies have already been approved for advanced NSCLC. The frequencies of driver mutations in the early stages were equivalent to those in advanced stages, i.e., the rates of EGFR mutations in adenocarcinomas were 12.7% (72/567) and 12.0% (78/650) in early and advanced NSCLC, respectively (p = 0778). In addition, 46.3% of early-stage NSCLC cases were PD-L1-positive, with a tumor proportion score (TPS) of ≥1%. With comparable frequencies of driver mutations in early and advanced NSCLC and PD-L1 overexpression in nearly half of patients with early-stage NSCLC, a broad spectrum of biomarkers for adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapies is available, and several are currently being investigated in clinical trials.
Characteristics of Exosomes and the Vascular Landscape Regulate Exosome Sequestration by Peripheral Tissues and Brain
Authors: Banks William A. , Sharma Priyanka , Hansen Kim M. , Ludwig Nils , Whiteside Theresa L.
Published: October 2022

Exosomes mediate intercellular communication, shuttling messages between cells and tissues. We explored whether exosome tissue sequestration is determined by the exosomes or the tissues using ten radiolabeled exosomes from human or murine, cancerous or noncancerous cell lines. We measured sequestration of these exosomes by the liver, kidney, spleen, and lung after intravenous injection into male CD-1 mice. Except for kidney sequestration of three exosomes, all exosomes were incorporated by all tissues, but sequestration levels varied greatly among exosomes and tissues. Species of origin (mouse vs. human) or source (cancerous vs. noncancerous cells) did not influence tissue sequestration. Sequestration of J774A.1 exosomes by liver involved the mannose-6 phosphate (M6P) receptor. Wheatgerm agglutinin (WGA) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatments enhanced sequestration of exosomes by brain and lung but inhibited sequestration by liver and spleen. Response to LPS was not predictive of response to WGA. Path and heat map analyses included our published results for brain and found distinct clusters among the exosomes and the tissues. In conclusion, we found no evidence for a universal binding site controlling exosome-tissue interactions. Instead, sequestration of exosomes by tissues is differentially regulated by both exosomes and tissues and may be stimulated or inhibited by WGA and inflammation.
Assessing and Evaluating the Scope and Constraints of Idylla Molecular Assays by Using Different Source Materials in Routine Diagnostic Settings
Authors: Boppudi Sanga Mitra , Scheil-Bertram Stefanie , Faust Elisabeth , Annamneedi Anil , Fisseler-Eckhoff Annette
Published: October 2022

For cancer treatment, diagnostics concerning tumor type and determination of molecular markers in short TAT is critical. The fully automated, real-time PCR-based molecular diagnostic Idylla assays are well established in many laboratories for qualitative detection, short TAT and routine screening of clinically relevant oncogenic mutations. According to the manufacturer, all IVD assays are recommended for use only with FFPE tissue samples of 5–10 µM dissections with at least 10% tumor content. In this study, we tested the performance and accuracy of the IVD assays along with the gene fusion assay (RUO) with different tissue/source materials like isolated DNA/RNA, cryomaterial, etc. The study also included testing archival FFPE tissue sections dating back from 20 years and a performance check for different pan-cancer samples individually. All the assays tested with FFPE sections and gDNA/RNA input showed above 96% accuracy and sensitivity, individually with 100% specificity. The Idylla assays also performed exceptionally well on the archival FFPE tissues, and the use of assays for other solid tumors was also remarkable. The performance test and accuracy of Idylla assays showed high efficiency with certain limitations. For the use of Idylla assays, both qualitative and quantitative applicability of different tumor source materials could produce efficient results in different diagnostic settings within a short TAT.
Cytotoxic T Cell Expression of Leukocyte-Associated Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor-1 (LAIR-1) in Viral Hepatitis C-Mediated Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Hammad Reham , Aglan Reda Badr , Mohammed Shaymaa A. , Awad Eman Abu-elnasr , Elsaid Marwa A. , Bedair Hanan M. , Khirala Seham K. , Selim Mohamed A , Abo Elqasem Asmaa A. , Rushdi Areej , Ali Mohamed , Abo-Elkheir Omaima I. , Sanad Eman F. , Hamdy Nadia M.
Published: October 2022

Virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) pathogenesis involves liver inflammation, therefore, despite successful treatment, hepatitis C virus (HCV) may progress to HCC from initiated liver cirrhosis. Cytotoxic T cells (Tcs) are known to be involved in HCV-related cirrhotic complications and HCC pathogenesis. The inhibitory checkpoint leukocyte-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor-1 (LAIR-1) is expressed on Tcs. Therefore, we aimed to determine whether the Tc expression level of LAIR-1 is associated with HCC progression and to evaluate LAIR-1 expression as a noninvasive biomarker for HCC progression in the context of liver cirrhosis related to HCV genotype 4 (G4) in Egyptian patients’ peripheral venous blood liquid biopsy. A total of 64 patients with HCC and 37 patients with liver cirrhosis were enrolled in this case-controlled study, and their LAIR-1 expression on Tc related to the progression of liver cirrhosis was examined and compared to that of the apparently healthy control group (n = 20). LAIR-1 expression was analyzed using flow cytometry. Results: The HCC group had significantly higher LAIR-1 expression on Tc and percentage of Tc positive for LAIR-1 (LAIR-1+Tc%) than the HCV G4-related liver cirrhosis group. LAIR-1+Tc% was correlated with the HCC surrogate tumor marker AFP (r = 0.367, p = 0.001) and insulin resistance and inflammation prognostic ratios/indices. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve revealed that adding LAIR-1+Tc% to AFP can distinguish HCC transformation in the Egyptian patients’ cohort. Upregulated LAIR-1 expression on Tc could be a potential screening noninvasive molecular marker for chronic inflammatory HCV G4 related liver cirrhosis. Moreover, LAIR-1 expression on Tc may be one of the players involved in the progression of liver cirrhosis to HCC.
Chemiluminescence in Combination with Organic Photosensitizers: Beyond the Light Penetration Depth Limit of Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Gao Jie , Chen Zhengjun , Li Xinmin , Yang Mingyan , Lv Jiajia , Li Hongyu , Yuan Zeli
Published: October 2022

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising noninvasive medical technology that has been approved for the treatment of a variety of diseases, including bacterial and fungal infections, skin diseases, and several types of cancer. In recent decades, many photosensitizers have been developed and applied in PDT. However, PDT is still limited by light penetration depth, although many near-infrared photosensitizers have emerged. The chemiluminescence-mediated PDT (CL-PDT) system has recently received attention because it does not require an external light source to achieve targeted PDT. This review focuses on the rational design of organic CL-PDT systems. Specifically, PDT types, light wavelength, the chemiluminescence concept and principle, and the design of CL-PDT systems are introduced. Furthermore, chemiluminescent fraction examples, strategies for combining chemiluminescence with PDT, and current cellular and animal applications are highlighted. Finally, the current challenges and possible solutions to CL-PDT systems are discussed.
Compositional and Structural Modifications by Ion Beam in Graphene Oxide for Radiation Detection Studies
Authors: Cutroneo Mariapompea , Torrisi Lorenzo , Silipigni Letteria , Michalcova Alena , Havranek Vladimir , Mackova Anna , Malinsky Petr , Lavrentiev Vasily , Noga Pavol , Dobrovodsky Jozef , Slepicka Petr , Fajstavr Dominik , Andò Lucio , Holy Vaclav
Published: October 2022

In the present study, graphene oxide foils 10 μm thick have been irradiated in vacuum using same charge state (one charge state) ions, such as protons, helium and oxygen ions, at the same energies (3 MeV) and fluences (from 5 × 1011 ion/cm2 to 5 × 1014 ion/cm2). The structural changes generated by the ion energy deposition and investigated by X-ray diffraction have suggested the generation of new phases, as reduced GO, GO quantum dots and graphitic nanofibers, carbon nanotubes, amorphous carbon and stacked-cup carbon nanofibers. Further analyses, based on Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry and Elastic Recoil Detection Analysis, have indicated a reduction of GO connected to the atomic number of implanted ions. The morphological changes in the ion irradiated GO foils have been monitored by Transmission Electron, Atomic Force and Scanning Electron microscopies. The present study aims to better structurally, compositionally and morphologically characterize the GO foils irradiated by different ions at the same conditions and at very low ion fluencies to validate the use of GO for radiation detection and propose it as a promising dosimeter. It has been observed that GO quantum dots are produced on the GO foil when it is irradiated by proton, helium and oxygen ions and their number increases with the atomic number of beam gaseous ion.
Studies on the Detection of Oleuropein from Extra Virgin Olive Oils Using Enzymatic Biosensors
Authors: Bounegru Alexandra Virginia , Apetrei Constantin
Published: October 2022

Oleuropein (OLEU) is an important indicator of the quality and authenticity of extra virgin olive oils (EVOO). Electrochemical sensors and biosensors for the detection of oleuropein can be used to test the adulteration of extra virgin olive oils. The present study aimed at the qualitative and quantitative determination of oleuropein in commercial EVOO samples by applying electrochemical techniques, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV). The sensing devices used were two newly constructed enzyme biosensors, supported on single-layer carbon-nanotube-modified carbon screen-printed electrode (SPE/SWCNT) on whose surface tyrosinase (SPE/SWCNT/Tyr) and laccase (SPE/SWCNT/Lac) were immobilized, respectively. The active surfaces of the two biosensors were analyzed and characterized by different methods, cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and the results confirmed the efficient immobilization of the enzymes. SPE/SWCNT/Tyr was characterized by a low detection limit (LOD = 9.53 × 10−8 M) and a very good sensitivity (0.0718 μA·μM−1·cm−2) over a wide linearity range from 0.49 to 11.22 μM. The process occurring at the biosensor surface corresponds to kinetics (h = 0.90), and tyrosinase showed a high affinity towards OLEU. The tyrosinase-based biosensor was shown to have superior sensitive properties to the laccase-based one. Quantitative determination of OLEU in EVOOs was performed using SPE/SWCNT/Tyr and the results confirmed the presence of the compound in close amounts in the EVOOs analysed, proving that they have very good sensory properties.
Versatile Medium Entropy Ti-Based Bulk Metallic Glass Composites
Authors: Liu Tianzeng , Zhao Yanchun , Feng Li , Gong Pan
Published: October 2022

An ultra-strong Ti-based bulk metallic glass composite was developed via the transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) effect to enhance both the ductility and work-hardening capability of the amorphous matrix. The functionally graded composites with a continuous gradient microstructure were obtained. It was found that the austenitic center possesses good plasticity and toughness. Furthermore, the amorphous surface exhibited high strength and hardness, as well as excellent wear corrosion resistance. Compared with the Ti-6Al-4V alloy, bulk metallic glass composites (BMGCs) exhibit better spontaneous passivation behavior during the potential dynamic polarization. No crystallization was observed on the friction surface, indicating their good friction-reduction and anti-wear properties.
Theoretical and Experimental Studies of the Impact of High-Speed Raindrops on the Structural Elements of Modern Technology
Authors: Sun Ying , Pronina Polina F. , Rabinskiy Lev N. , Tushavina Olga V.
Published: October 2022

Objects of modern technology located in the rain zone experience additional loads and can be destroyed due to water droplet erosion. With a significant number of successive impacts in a certain period of time, rain causes damage to the surface of materials or structures. It should be noted that supersonic water droplet impact has a low probability of occurrence; however, the peak pressure impulse of the water hammer (up to GPa level) far exceeds the strength of many materials, and a small number of impacts are enough to damage the material or structure. Therefore, it is very interesting to determine the external load caused by a water droplet’s impact and its response to various obstacles. In this work, the external load is determined on the basis of experimental studies. To carry out such tests, a single-jet generator is most widely used, which, with a certain ease of operation, makes it possible to investigate the mechanisms of damage to materials and the effect of water droplet impact erosion on structural elements. Based on the obtained research results, mathematical modeling of the droplet impact with an obstacle is provided. The examples are considered.
Prediction of Resistance Spot Welding Quality Based on BPNN Optimized by Improved Sparrow Search Algorithm
Authors: Hu Jianming , Bi Jing , Liu Hanwei , Li Yang , Ao Sansan , Luo Zhen
Published: October 2022

Accurately predicting resistance spot welding (RSW) quality is essential for the manufacturing process. In this study, the RSW process signals of 2219/5A06 aluminum alloy under two assembly conditions (including gap and spacing) were analyzed, and then artificial intelligence modeling was carried out. To improve the performance and efficiency of RSW quality evaluation, this study proposed a multi-signal fusion method that was performed by combining principal component analysis and a correlation analysis. A backpropagation neural network (BPNN) model was optimized using the sine-chaotic-map-improved sparrow search algorithm (SSA), and the input and output of the model were the variables after multi-signal fusion and the button diameter, respectively. Compared with the standard BPNN model, the Sine-SSA-BP model reduced the MAE by 42.33%, MSE by 51.84%, and RMSE by 31.45%. Its R2 coefficient reached 0.6482, which is much higher than that of BP (0.2464). According to various indicators (MAE, MSE, RMSE, and R2), the evaluation performance of the Sine-SSA-BP model was better than that of the standard BPNN model. Compared with other models (BP, GA-BP, PSO-BP, SSA-BP, and Sine-PSO-BP), the evaluation performance of the Sine-SSA-BP model was best, which can successfully predict abnormal spot welds.
Wrapper Functions for Integrating Mathematical Models into Digital Twin Event Processing
Authors: Jedermann Reiner , Lang Walter
Published: October 2022

Analog sensors often require complex mathematical models for data analysis. Digital twins (DTs) provide platforms to display sensor data in real time but still lack generic solutions regarding how mathematical models and algorithms can be integrated. Based on previous tests for monitoring and predicting banana fruit quality along the cool chain, we demonstrate how a system of multiple models can be converted into a DT. Our new approach provides a set of generic “wrapper functions”, which largely simplify model integration. The wrappers connect the in- and outputs of models to the streaming platform and, thus, require only minor changes to the model software. Different scenarios for model linking structures are considered, including simultaneous processing of multiple models, sequential processing of life-cycle-specific models, and predictive models, based on data from the current and previous life cycles. The wrapper functions can be easily adapted to host models or microservices from various applications fields, to predict the future system behavior and to test what-if scenarios.
Multiple Sensor Fault Detection Using Index-Based Method
Authors: Narzary Daijiry , Veluvolu Kalyana Chakravarthy
Published: October 2022

The research on sensor fault detection has drawn much interest in recent years. Abrupt, incipient, and intermittent sensor faults can cause the complete blackout of the system if left undetected. In this research, we examined the observer-based residual analysis via index-based approaches for fault detection of multiple sensors in a healthy drive. Seven main indices including the moving mean, average, root mean square, energy, variance, first-order derivative, second-order derivative, and auto-correlation-based index were employed and analyzed for sensor fault diagnosis. In addition, an auxiliary index was computed to differentiate a faulty sensor from a non-faulty one. These index-based methods were utilized for further analysis of sensor fault detection operating under a range of various loads, varying speeds, and fault severity levels. The simulation results on a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) are provided to demonstrate the pros and cons of various index-based methods for various fault detection scenarios.