bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishment of an Academic Tissue Microarray Platform as a Tool for Soft Tissue Sarcoma Research
Authors: Lee Che-Jui , Wozniak Agnieszka , Van Cann Thomas , Timmermans Iris , Wellens Jasmien , Vanleeuw Ulla , Briaire-de Bruijn Inge H. , Britschgi Christian , Bovée Judith V. M. G. , Zlobec Inti , Sciot Raf , Schöffski Patrick
Published: March 2021

Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is a heterogeneous family of rare mesenchymal tumors, characterized by histopathological and molecular diversity. Tissue microarray (TMA) is a tool that allows performing research in orphan diseases in a more efficient and cost-effective way. TMAs are paraffin blocks consisting of multiple small representative tissue cores from biological samples, for example, from multiple donors, diverse sites of disease, or multiple different diseases. In 2015, we began constructing TMAs using archival tumor material from STS patients. Specimens were well annotated in terms of histopathological diagnosis, treatment, and clinical follow-up of the tissue donors. Each TMA block contains duplicate or triplicate 1.0–1.5 mm tissue cores from representative tumor areas selected by sarcoma pathologists. The construction of TMAs was performed with TMA Grand Master (3DHistech). So far, we have established disease-specific TMAs from 7 STS subtypes: gastrointestinal stromal tumor (72 cases included in the array), alveolar soft part sarcoma (n = 12 + 47), clear cell sarcoma (n = 22 + 32), leiomyosarcoma (n = 55), liposarcoma (n = 42), inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (n = 12 + 21), and alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (n = 24). We also constructed a multisarcoma TMA covering a representative number of important histopathological subtypes on arrays for screening purposes, namely, angiosarcoma, dedifferentiated liposarcoma, pleomorphic liposarcoma, and myxoid liposarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, myxofibrosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, with 7–11 individual cases per subtype. We are currently expanding the list of TMAs with additional sarcoma entities, considering the heterogeneity of this family of tumors. Our extensive STS TMA platform is suitable for rapid and cost-effective morphological, immunohistochemical, and molecular characterization of the tumor as well as for the identification of potential novel diagnostic markers and drug targets. It is readily available for collaborative projects with research partners.
Numerical Approximation for Fractional Neutron Transport Equation
Authors: Zhao Zhengang , Zheng Yunying
Published: March 2021

Fractional neutron transport equation reflects the anomalous transport processes in nuclear reactor. In this paper, we will construct the fully discrete methods for this type of fractional equation with Riesz derivative, where the generalized WENO5 scheme is used in spatial direction and Runge–Kutta schemes are adopted in temporal direction. The linear stabilities of the generalized WENO5 schemes with different stages and different order ERK are discussed detailed. Numerical examples show the combinations of forward Euler/two-stage, second-order ERK and WENO5 are unstable and the three-stage, third-order ERK method with generalized WENO5 is stable and can maintain sharp transitions for discontinuous problem, and its convergence reaches fifth order for smooth boundary condition.
Atypical Sjögrenʼs Syndrome Initially Presenting as Lymphocytic Interstitial Pneumonitis followed by Immune Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Mehmood Maham , Jog Abhishrut , Niazi Masooma , Tieng Arlene , Franchin Giovanni
Published: March 2021

Background. Sjögrenʼs syndrome is an autoimmune disease characterized primarily by decreased exocrine gland function leading to eye and mouth dryness. Extraglandular manifestations occur less frequently. Case Report. A 74-year-old man with hypertension was admitted with productive cough and fever. On physical examination, he had bilateral lower lung decreased breath sounds. A chest radiograph showed bibasilar patchy infiltrate. Laboratory studies revealed hemoglobin of 11.9 g/dL, white blood cell count of 16,000/uL, and platelet count of 250,000/uL. Empiric antibiotic therapy was begun for suspected community acquired pneumonia, and then he was discharged home. However, his cough recurred. Chest computed tomography demonstrated adenopathy throughout the mediastinum and multiple ill-defined patchy groundglass opacities with a lower lobe prominence. He underwent a transbronchial biopsy to rule out malignancy; however, it showed lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis. Antinuclear antibody was 1 : 80 homogeneous, and anti-SSA antibody was 6.3 AI (normal <1.0 AI). The patient was treated with prednisone 20 mg/day with marked improvement in his symptoms. Repeat chest computed tomography showed decreased groundglass opacities and decreased mediastinal lymph nodes. After more than a year, he was readmitted due to petechiae on his buccal mucosa and a platelet count of 2000/μL. The patient was started on prednisone 80 mg/d and intravenous immunoglobulin 80 g/d for 2 consecutive days. The platelet count eventually increased to 244,000/μL. Conclusion. We report a rare presentation of Sjogrenʼs syndrome manifesting as acute lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis and followed by immune thrombocytopenia. Both extraglandular manifestations responded well to corticosteroid therapy.
Chemical Composition and Antibacterial Activities of Eight Plant Essential Oils from Morocco against Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from Different Turkey Organs
Authors: Jaber Hassna , Oubihi Asmaa , Ouryemchi Imane , Boulamtat Rachid , Oubayoucef Ali , Bourkhiss Brahim , Ouhssine Mohammed
Published: March 2021

The aim of the present study was to determine the chemical composition of eight plant essential oils and evaluate their antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli strains isolated from different turkey organs. The essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. All essential oil yielded high in a range between 2.2 and 3.12%. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) revealed that the major constituents of Thymus vulgaris, Ocimum basilicum, Artemisia herba-alba, and Syzygium aromaticum oils were thymol (41.39%), linalool (37.16%), camphor (63.69%), and eugenol (80.83%), respectively. Results of the E. coli sensitivity evaluated by the standard antimicrobial sensitivity method varied depending on the organ of isolation. Similarly, the essential oils antimicrobial activity determined by the disc diffusion method varied all along within the organs of isolation. T. vulgaris essential oil showed the highest effective antibacterial activity against E. coli isolated from the throat with an inhibition zone diameter value of up to 23.33 mm. However, all the essential oils showed antibacterial activity and the MIC and MBC values were in the range of 1/3000 to 1/100 (v/v) and the ratios MBC/MIC were equal to 1. In conclusion, this study showed that the essential oils could be promising alternatives to overcome E. coli multiresistance in turkey.
Some Properties of Fractional Boas Transforms of Wavelets
Authors: Khanna Nikhil , Zothansanga A. , Kaushik S. K. , Kumar Dilip
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we introduce fractional Boas transforms and discuss some of their properties. We also introduce the notion of wavelets associated with fractional Boas transforms and give some results related to their vanishing moments. Finally, a comparative study of Hilbert transforms and fractional Boas transforms is done.
Classical Active Ingredients and Extracts of Chinese Herbal Medicines: Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Molecular Mechanisms for Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Zhu Ting , Wang Lei , Feng Yicheng , Sun Guibo , Sun Xiaobo
Published: March 2021

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, and approximately 87% of cases are attributed to ischemia. The main factors that cause ischemic stroke include excitotoxicity, energy metabolism disorder, Ca+ overload, oxidative damage, apoptosis, autophagy, and inflammation. However, no effective drug is currently available for the comprehensive treatment of ischemic stroke in clinical applications; thus, there is an urgent need to find and develop comprehensive and effective drugs to treat postischemic stroke. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has unique advantages in treating ischemic stroke, with overall regulatory effects at multiple levels and on multiple targets. Many researchers have studied the effective components of TCMs and have achieved undeniable results. This paper reviews studies on the anticerebral ischemia effects of TCM monomers such as tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), dl‐3‐n‐butylphthalide (NBP), ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1), tanshinone IIA (TSA), gastrodin (Gas), and baicalin (BA) as well as effective extracts such as Ginkgo biloba extract (EGB). Research on the anticerebral ischemia effects of TCMs has focused mostly on their antioxidative stress, antiapoptotic, anti‐inflammatory, proangiogenic, and proneurogenic effects. However, the research on the use of TCM to treat ischemic stroke remains incompletely characterized. Thus, we summarized and considered this topic from the perspective of pharmacokinetics, pharmacological effects, and mechanistic research, and we have provided a reference basis for future research and development on anticerebral ischemia TCM drugs.
The Concept of Building a Network of Digital Twins to Increase the Efficiency of Complex Telecommunication Systems
Authors: Seilov Sh. Zh. , Kuzbayev А. T. , Seilov A. A. , Shyngisov D. S. , Goikhman V. Yu. , Levakov A. K. , Sokolov N. A. , Zhursinbek Y. Sh.
Published: March 2021

The technical literature actively discusses ideas for creating digital twins to solve a wide range of problems that arise for enterprises of various kinds. Advances in the areas of information technology and the development of the necessary software really make it possible to obtain important new results through the creation of digital twins. This paper proposes the concept of building a network of digital twins, used to solve a number of actual problems in complex telecommunication systems. Two applications are considered examples of such tasks. The first application is the organization of information feedback for enterprises involved in the life cycle of a telecommunication network: “elaboration of modernization principles, development of equipment, design, construction, and operation.” The second application is monitoring traffic, including its atypical behavior, in order to avoid the recurrence of erroneous actions in case of emergency situations. Another important feature of the digital twin network is that it will become an effective tool for conducting interdisciplinary research.
Development of a Histopathology Informatics Pipeline for Classification and Prediction of Clinical Outcomes in Subtypes of Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Marostica Eliana , Barber Rebecca , Denize Thomas , Kohane Isaac S. , Signoretti Sabina , Golden Jeffrey A. , Yu Kun-Hsing
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

Histopathology evaluation is the gold standard for diagnosing clear cell (ccRCC), papillary, and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, interrater variability has been reported, and the whole-slide histopathology images likely contain underutilized biological signals predictive of genomic profiles.

Experimental Design:

To address this knowledge gap, we obtained whole-slide histopathology images and demographic, genomic, and clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas, the Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium, and Brigham and Women's Hospital (Boston, MA) to develop computational methods for integrating data analyses. Leveraging these large and diverse datasets, we developed fully automated convolutional neural networks to diagnose renal cancers and connect quantitative pathology patterns with patients' genomic profiles and prognoses.

Results:

Our deep convolutional neural networks successfully detected malignancy (AUC in the independent validation cohort: 0.964–0.985), diagnosed RCC histologic subtypes (independent validation AUCs of the best models: 0.953–0.993), and predicted stage I ccRCC patients' survival outcomes (log-rank test P = 0.02). Our machine learning approaches further identified histopathology image features indicative of copy-number alterations (AUC > 0.7 in multiple genes in patients with ccRCC) and tumor mutation burden.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that convolutional neural networks can extract histologic signals predictive of patients' diagnoses, prognoses, and genomic variations of clinical importance. Our approaches can systematically identify previously unknown relations among diverse data modalities.
Dolaflexin: A Novel Antibody–Drug Conjugate Platform Featuring High Drug Loading and a Controlled Bystander Effect
Authors: Yurkovetskiy Aleksandr V. , Bodyak Natalya D. , Yin Mao , Thomas Joshua D. , Clardy Susan M. , Conlon Patrick R. , Stevenson Cheri A. , Uttard Alex , Qin LiuLiang , Gumerov Dmitry R. , Ter-Ovanesyan Elena , Bu Charlie , Johnson Alex J. , Gurijala Venu R. , McGillicuddy Dennis , DeVit Michael J. , Poling Laura L. , Protopopova Marina , Xu Ling , Zhang Qingxiu , Park Peter U. , Bergstrom Donald A. , Lowinger Timothy B.
Published: March 2021

After significant effort over the last 30 years, antibody–drug conjugates (ADC) have recently gained momentum as a therapeutic modality, and nine ADCs have been approved by the FDA to date, with additional ADCs in late stages of development. Here, we introduce dolaflexin, a novel ADC technology that overcomes key limitations of the most common ADC platforms with two key features: a higher drug-to-antibody ratio and a novel auristatin with a controlled bystander effect. The novel, cell permeable payload, auristatin F-hydroxypropylamide, undergoes metabolic conversion to the highly potent, but less cell permeable auristatin F to balance the bystander effect through drug trapping within target cells. We conducted studies in mice, rats, and cynomolgus monkeys to complement in vitro characterization and contrasted the performance of dolaflexin with regard to antitumor activity, pharmacokinetic properties, and safety in comparison with the ADC platform utilized in the approved ADC ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1). A HER2-targeted dolaflexin ADC was shown to have a much lower threshold of antigen expression for potent cell killing in vitro, was effective in vivo in tumors with low HER2 expression, and induced tumor regressions in a xenograft model that is resistant to T-DM1.
Frondoside A Inhibits an MYC-Driven Medulloblastoma Model Derived from Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Xue Yingchao , Fu Yi , Zhao Fenghong , Gui Gege , Li Yuguo , Rivero-Hinojosa Samuel , Liu Guanshu , Li Yunqing , Xia Shuli , Eberhart Charles G. , Ying Mingyao
Published: March 2021

Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor. MYC-driven MBs, commonly found in the group 3 MB, are aggressive and metastatic with the worst prognosis. Modeling MYC-driven MB is the foundation of therapeutic development. Here, we applied a synthetic mRNA-driven strategy to generate neuronal precursors from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). These neuronal precursors were transformed by the MYC oncogene combined with p53 loss of function to establish an MYC-driven MB model recapitulating the histologic and transcriptomic hallmarks of group 3 MB. We further show that the marine compound Frondoside A (FA) effectively inhibits this MYC-driven MB model without affecting isogenic neuronal precursors with undetectable MYC expression. Consistent results from a panel of MB models support that MYC levels are positively correlated with FA's antitumor potency. Next, we show that FA suppresses MYC expression and its downstream gene targets in MB cells, suggesting a potential mechanism underlying FA's inhibitory effects on MYC-driven cancers. In orthotopic xenografts of MYC-driven MB, intratumoral FA administration potently induces cytotoxicity in tumor xenografts, significantly extends the survival of tumor-bearing animals, and enhances the recruitment of microglia/macrophages and cytotoxic T lymphocytes to tumors. Moreover, we show that MYC levels also predict FA potency in glioblastoma and non–small cell lung cancer cells. Taken together, this study provides an efficient human iPSC-based strategy for personalizable cancer modeling, widely applicable to mechanistic studies (e.g., genetic predisposition to cancer) and drug discovery. Our preclinical results justify the clinical translation of FA in treating MYC-driven MB and other human cancers.
Calcium Signal Profiles in Vascular Endothelium from Cdh5-GCaMP8 and Cx40-GCaMP2 Mice
Authors: Chen Yen Lin , Baker Thomas M. , Lee Frank , Shui Bo , Lee Jane C. , Tvrdik Petr , Kotlikoff Michael I. , Sonkusare Swapnil K.
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Studies in Cx40-GCaMP2 mice, which express calcium biosensor GCaMP2 in the endothelium under connexin 40 promoter, have identified the unique properties of endothelial calcium signals. However, Cx40-GCaMP2 mouse is associated with a narrow dynamic range and lack of signal in the venous endothelium. Recent studies have proposed many GCaMPs (GCaMP5/6/7/8) with improved properties although their performance in endothelium-specific calcium studies is not known. Methods: We characterized a newly developed mouse line that constitutively expresses GCaMP8 in the endothelium under the VE-cadherin (Cdh5-GCaMP8) promoter. Calcium signals through endothelial IP3 receptors and TRP vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) ion channels were recorded in mesenteric arteries (MAs) and veins from Cdh5-GCaMP8 and Cx40-GCaMP2 mice. Results: Cdh5-GCaMP8 mice showed lower baseline fluorescence intensity, higher dynamic range, and higher amplitudes of individual calcium signals than Cx40-GCaMP2 mice. Importantly, Cdh5-GCaMP8 mice enabled the first recordings of discrete calcium signals in the intact venous endothelium and revealed striking differences in IP3 receptor and TRPV4 channel calcium signals between MAs and mesenteric veins. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that Cdh5-GCaMP8 mice represent significant improvements in dynamic range, sensitivity for low-intensity signals, and the ability to record calcium signals in venous endothelium.
Implications of Atrial Fibrillation on the Mechanisms of Mitral Regurgitation and Response to MitraClip in the COAPT Trial
Authors: Gertz Zachary M. , Herrmann Howard C. , Lim D. Scott , Kar Saibal , Kapadia Samir R. , Reed Grant W. , Puri Rishi , Krishnaswamy Amar , Gersh Bernard J. , Weissman Neil J. , Asch Federico M. , Grayburn Paul A. , Kosmidou Ioanna , Redfors Björn , Zhang Zixuan , Abraham William T. , Lindenfeld JoAnn , Stone Gregg W. , Mack Michael J.
Published: March 2021

Background:

Atrial fibrillation (AF), mitral regurgitation (MR), and left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction have a complex interplay. We evaluated the role of AF in patients with heart failure and moderate-to-severe or severe secondary MR enrolled in the randomized COAPT trial (Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients With Functional Mitral Regurgitation) and its impact on mechanisms and outcomes with the MitraClip.

Methods:

Patients in the COAPT trial were stratified by the presence (n=327) or absence (n=287) of a history of AF and by assignment to treatment group. Clinical, echocardiographic, and outcome measures were assessed. The primary outcome was the composite rate of death or heart failure hospitalization at 24 months.

Results:

Patients with history of AF were older and more often male. They had a higher LV ejection fraction, larger left atrial volumes and mitral valve orifice areas, smaller LV volumes, and similar MR severity. Patients with AF compared with those without a history of AF had a higher unadjusted (hazard ratio [HR], 1.32 [95% CI, 1.06–1.64],
P
=0.01) and adjusted (HR, 1.30 [1.03–1.64],
P
=0.03) 2-year rate of the primary outcome. Treatment with the MitraClip compared with guideline-directed medical therapy alone reduced death or heart failure hospitalization in both those with (HR, 0.61 [0.46–0.82]) and without (HR, 0.46 [0.33–0.66]) a history of AF (
P
int
=0.18). Treatment with the MitraClip was associated with a lower risk of stroke in patients with a history of AF (HR, 0.18 [0.04–0.86]) but not in those without a history of AF (HR, 1.64 [0.58–4.62];
P
int
=0.02).

Conclusions:

In the COAPT trial, patients with a history of AF had larger left atrial and mitral valve orifice areas with higher LV ejection fraction and smaller LV volumes, suggesting an atrial mechanism contribution to functional MR. Despite the worse prognosis of heart failure patients with a history of AF, MR reduction with the MitraClip still afforded substantial clinical benefits. Treatment with MitraClip was associated with a lower risk of stroke in patients with a history of AF.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01626079.
Trends in Coded Indications for Percutaneous Coronary Interventions in Medicare and the Veterans Affairs After Implementation of Hospital-Level Reporting of Appropriate Use Criteria
Authors: Dayoub Elias J. , Nathan Ashwin S. , Khatana Sameed Ahmed M. , Wadhera Rishi K. , Kolansky Daniel M. , Yeh Robert W. , Giri Jay , Groeneveld Peter W.
Published: March 2021

Background:

In 2009, the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association published Appropriate Use Criteria for Coronary Revascularization (AUC) to aid patient selection for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The subsequent decline in inappropriate PCIs was interpreted as a success of AUC. However, there are concerns clinicians reclassify nonacute PCIs to acute indications to fulfill AUC.

Methods:

A longitudinal, observational difference-in-differences analysis was performed using administrative claims from US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) beneficiaries coenrolled in Medicare and from a national random sample of Medicare beneficiaries, undergoing PCI from September 30, 2009, to December 31, 2013. Non-VA hospitals participating in the American College of Cardiology CathPCI registry began receiving AUC reports in 2011, while VA hospitals did not receive reports, serving as quasiexperimental and control cohorts, respectively. We measured the proportion of PCIs coded for acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, and nonacute coronary syndrome indications by quarter.

Results:

There were 87 464 and 30 251 PCIs performed in the Medicare and VA cohorts, respectively. In Medicare, proportion of PCIs coded for acute myocardial infarction and unstable angina changed from 31.9% and 12.6% in quarter 4 2009 to 41.0% and 10.5% in quarter 4 2013, an associated 2.00% (95% CI, 1.56%–2.44%;
P
<0.001) increase per year in PCIs coded for acute coronary syndrome indications. In the VA, proportion of PCIs coded for acute myocardial infarction and unstable angina changed from 26.5% and 15.7% in quarter 4 2009 to 34.3% and 12.3% in quarter 4 2013, an associated 1.20% (95% CI, 0.56%–1.88%;
P
=0.001) increase per year in PCIs coded for acute coronary syndrome indications. Difference-in-differences modeling found no statistically significant change in PCI coded for acute indications between Medicare and VA, pre- and post-AUC reporting.

Conclusions:

After introduction of AUC assessments and reporting, we observed comparable increases in coding for acute myocardial infarction and corresponding decreases in coding for unstable angina and nonacute coronary syndrome indications among national cohorts of Medicare and VA enrollees. The provision of appropriate use reporting did not appear to have a substantial impact on the proportion of PCIs coded for acute indications during this study period.
Elevated Pulmonary Pressure Noted on Echocardiogram: A Simplified Approach to Next Steps
Authors: Kanwar Manreet K. , Tedford Ryan J. , Thenappan Thenappan , De Marco Teresa , Park Myung , McLaughlin Vallerie
Published: March 2021

An elevated right ventricular/pulmonary artery systolic pressure suggestive of pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common finding noted on echocardiography and is considered a marker for poor clinical outcomes, regardless of the cause. Even mild elevation of pulmonary pressure can be considered a modifiable risk factor, informing the trajectory of patients' clinical outcome. Although guidelines have been published detailing diagnostic and management algorithms, this echocardiographic finding is often underappreciated or not acted upon. Hence, patients with PH are often diagnosed in clinical practice when hemodynamic abnormalities are already moderate or severe. This results in delayed initiation of potentially effective therapies, referral to PH centers, and greater patient morbidity and mortality. This mini‐review presents a succinct, simplified case‐based approach to the “next steps” in the work‐up of PH, once elevated pulmonary pressures have been noted on an echocardiogram. Our goal is for clinicians to develop a good overview of diagnostic approach to PH and recognition of high‐risk features that may require early referral.
Antarctic Freshwater Microalga, Micractinium simplicissimum, Suppresses Inflammation
Authors: Chae Hae-Jung , Seo Jong Bae , Kim Sung-Hak , Youn Ei Joung , Kim Sanghee , Suh Sung-Suk
Published: March 2021

Inflammation mediated by the innate immune system is the organism’s protective mechanism against infectious environmental risk factors. Uncontrolled acute inflammation can become chronic, contributing to various chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, asthma, autoimmune
diseases, and atherosclerosis. Although microalgae are increasingly receiving attention as a source of bioactive molecules with therapeutic potential for various human diseases, the underlying mechanisms are not yet well understood. In the present study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms
underlying the anti-inflammatory and anti-aging activities of ethanol extracts of Antarctic freshwater microalga Micractinium simplicissimum. Using RAW 264.7 macrophages, microalgal extracts exerted anti-inflammatory activity by regulating the major inflammatory indicators including
cyclooxy-genase (COX)-2, interleukin (IL)-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and nitric oxide (NO). Besides, we observed the anti-aging activity of the microalgal extract by suppressing MMP-1 production in human dermal fibroblast. Taken together,
these data suggest that anti-inflammatory and anti-aging activities of Antarctic freshwater microalga, Micractinium simplicissimum, can provide new clues to understanding the molecular link between inflammation and diseases, and be a potential anti-inflammatory agent.
Probing the Interaction of Plasma with Nano-Catalysts for CO2 Conversion Using In-Situ Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy
Authors: Park Kilsu , Kim Taegyu
Published: March 2021

The effect of γ-Al2O3 and Ce/Al2O3 nano-catalysts under plasma on CO2 conversion was investigated via In-Situ DRIFTS. The adsorption of CO2 on the nanoparticle of γ-Al2O3
surface caused to produce the carbonate species, of which the amount was dependent on temperature. In addition, we confirmed that the formation of carbonate could be more activated by plasma. The Ce nano-catalyst played a role to inhibit the production of carbonate on the surface of Al2O3
under the plasma. Indeed, when the Ce/Al2O3 catalyst was exposed to plasma-excited CO2, the carbonate was almost eliminated at over 300 °C, resulting in the improved CO2 conversion. Notably, the Ce-promoted catalyst was able to enhance the formation
of intermediate formate species by the plasma-excited CO2. Consequently, the formed intermediate species facilitated the generation of CO by the reaction of formate and bicarbonate.
An In-Situ Transmission Fourier Transform Infrared Study on the Interaction Mechanism of Plasma with Nano-Catalyst for CO2 Methanation
Authors: Park Kilsu , Bae Gisung , Kim Taegyu
Published: March 2021

The effects of discharge conditions and catalysts on CO2 methanation under the plasma were investigated via In-Situ transmission FTIR and OES analysis. The bare Al2O3, Ni/Al2O3 and Ru/Al2O3 catalysts
were coated on the ZnSe window using the modified sol–gel method for In-Situ transmission FTIR analysis. It was confirmed from the OES analysis that the intensity of excited hydrogen increased in all catalysts as the discharge frequency and voltage increased, and the increment
of H+ peak intensity was the largest in the Ru/Al2O3 catalyst. In addition, it was found from the In-Situ transmission FTIR analysis that the O-H band was all disappeared as the frequency and voltage increased. In conclusion, the increased H+ with the decomposition
of O–H led to the increase in the CH4 conversion, resulting in the highest CH4 conversion in the Ru/Al2O3 catalyst.
Conversion of Multicyclic Hydrocarbons to Mono-Aromatic Hydrocarbons Over CoMo/Zeolite Socony Mobil-5 Catalysts
Authors: Ku Huiji , Oh Seung Kyo , Kim Kyuri , Park Young-Kwon , Jeon Jong-Ki
Published: March 2021

This study focuses on analyzing the effects of the SiO2/Al2O3 ratio of a support on the physico-chemical properties of bead-type CoMo/HZSM-5 catalysts and on the catalytic performance during the hydrocracking reaction of PFO. CoMo/HZSM-5 catalysts were
prepared by an incipient wetness method. Subsequently, binder-added catalysts were molded into the bead type catalysts. The N2 adsorption-dersorption results clearly indicate that the nanoporous structure was well developed in the bead-type CoMo/HZSM-5 catalyst. The CoMo/HZSM-5(30)
catalyst not only possessed the highest number of acid sites but also showed the highest ratio of strong acid to weak acid sites. Moreover, the Lewis acid/Brönsted acid site ratio is highest with the CoMo/HZSM-5(30) catalysts. A hydrocracking reaction of PFO over the bead-type CoMo/HZSM-5
catalysts was conducted at 400 °C and under 40 atm in a fixed-bed reactor. The bead-type CoMo/HZSM-5(30) catalyst showed the highest BTXE yield with a sum of BTXE outcome of 43.0% in the catalytic cracking reaction of PFO, which is attributed to the synergistic combination of suitable
acidity and hierarchical porosity.
Characteristics of High Content Steel Briquettes Using Nanosized Solid Binders
Authors: Lim Seung-Ju , Seo Seong-Gyu , Yoon Hyung-Sun
Published: March 2021

In this study, we investigated the characteristics of high-content steel briquettes produced using various nanoscale solid binders and steel byproducts (SS, SCS, SLD, and BSD). The average particle size was 0.171 nm for S5, 0.065 nm for S1, 0.058 nm for S4, and 0.040 nm for S2 and S3.
The SEM-EDS analysis of the solid power binder resulted in mostly rectangular images. The compressive strength of the high-content steel briquettes was 120 kgf/cm2, with the highest HSL1 using S4 binders. The compressive strength of the high-content steel briquettes was
in the order of HSS4 > HSS1 > HSS3 > HSS5 > HSS2.
Pd-Decorated Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Sensor for Hydrogen Detection
Authors: Kim Jae Keon , Han Maeum , Kim Yeongsam , An Hee Kyung , Lee Suwoong , Kong Seong Ho , Jung Daewoong
Published: March 2021

As hydrogen (H2) gas is highly reactive and explosive in ambient atmosphere, its prompt detection in industrial areas is imperative to prevent serious accidents. In particular, high-performance H2 sensors that can promptly detect even low-concentrations of H2
gas are necessary for safety. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have a large surface area and a high surface-to-volume ratio, and therefore, they are suitable for use as sensing materials in gas sensors. Moreover, gold, platinum, and palladium are known to be excellent catalyst metals that increase
reactivity with H2 gas through the catalytic effect referred to as spill-over mechanism. In this study, a CNT felt sensor with a palladium (Pd) layer was fabricated, and its reactivity with H2 was evaluated. The sensitivity of a CNT felt sensor to H2 gas at
room temperature was found to improve when coated with Pd layer.
Sintered Characteristics of 3 Mole% Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Polycrystals (3Y-TZP) Implants Manufactured by Slip-Casting and Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM)
Authors: Kim Dae Sung , Lee Jong Kook
Published: March 2021

Two types of dense and toughened 3Y-TZP zirconia implants were fabricated by the sintering of green compacts. Then, the sintered properties of the two implants were compared. Slip-cast and post-sintered all-ceramic zirconia implants were fabricated by the heat treatment at 1450 °C
for 2 h using optimal slurry conditions (60 wt% solid content, 1 wt% dispersant, and pH 12). Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM)-machined and post-sintered zirconia crowns, supplied by a dental hospital, were obtained by sintering at 1650 °C for 5 h. The X-ray diffraction
results indicated that the phase composition of the slip-casted specimen was completely tetragonal, but the CAD/CAM machined sample was composed of mixed phases of main tetragonal and minor monoclinic crystals. The sintered density and Vickers hardness of the slip-casted specimen were 6.07
g/cm3 and 1367 Hv, respectively, and these were higher than those of the CAD/CAM machined specimen. From the comparative results of the surface microstructure, hardness, and roughness between the two sintered specimens, the slip-casted specimen was found to have higher surface roughness
and mechanical hardness, smaller grain size, and less surface micro-cracks than the CAD/CAM machined specimen.
Preparation of Nanosized TiO2-Photocatalyst From-Sludge (TFS) and the Characteristics of Concrete Sidewalk Blocks Using TFS
Authors: Jung Yong-Wook , Kim Jong Kyu
Published: March 2021

In this study, nano-sized low cost titanium dioxide (TFS) was prepared using sludge from sewage treatment and performance was verified. To remove air pollutants, the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue and efflorescence characteristics is assessed according to the mixing ratio
of the nano-sized TFS by applying them to concrete sidewalk blocks. The photocatalytic degradation performance of concrete sidewalk blocks shows that the methylene blue removal rate of specimens containing 2.5%, 5%, and 10% of nano-sized TFS is 29%, 27%, and 38%, respectively. When the nano-sized
TFS is mingled on the surface of the sidewalk block, the performance of anti-corrosion and antifouling showed excellency mainly due to the moisture blocking derived by the antifouling function of photocatalysts.
Comparison and Synthesis of Molybdenum Carbonyl Complexes Substituted with Mono- and Bis-Triphenylphosphine Ligands for Hydrocracking of Vacuum Residue
Authors: Kim Sung Hyeon , Choi Byeong Min , Park Sun Yeong , Kang Ki Hyuk , Chung MinChul , Choi Hong Ki
Published: March 2021

(PPh3)Mo(CO)5 and (PPh3)2Mo(CO)4 were synthesized by the reaction of molybdenum hexacar-bonyl with triphenylphosphine and applied as precursors to hydrocracking of vacuum residue under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions.
(PPh3)2Mo(CO)4 could also be synthesized by the reaction of (PPh3)Mo(CO)5 with triphenyl phosphine. A commercial precursor (Mo-octoate) for hydrocracking of vacuum residue was used for comparison. The thermal decomposition behavior of
(PPh3)Mo(CO)5, (PPh3)2Mo(CO)4, and Mo-octoate was also examined by the thermogravimetric analysis. The TGA curve of (PPh3)Mo(CO)5 and (PPh3)2Mo(CO)4 showed a similar weight-loss pattern.
(PPh3)Mo(CO)5 and (PPh3)2Mo(CO)4 were decomposed into Mo metal and ligands rapidly in the range of 140 °C~270 °C. There were no ligands bound to a metal center of (PPh3)Mo(CO)5 and (PPh3)2Mo(CO)4
at the reaction temperature (430 °C) of hydrocracking. The amount of coke formed after hydrocracking over (PPh3)Mo(CO)5 and (PPh3)2Mo(CO)4 was 2.3% and 0.5%, respectively. Upgrading the qualities of heavy oils is an important issue
in the energy industry. It is not easy to achieve the complete conversion of vacuum residue due to coke forming during hydrocracking of vacuum residue. This study showed that (PPh3)2Mo(CO)4 was considerably effective in reducing coke formation.
Microwave-Assisted Expanded Graphite as a Long Cyclic Cathode for the Lithium Dual-Ion Battery
Authors: Salunkhe Tejaswi Tanaji , Kim Il Tae
Published: March 2021

Lithium metal (Li) has been recognized as a promising anode for most energy storage devices, owing to its high theoretical capacity. Nevertheless, Li anode present serious safety hazards and have a rapidly fading capacity, which limits its practical applications. Herein, a lithium-expanded
graphite dual-ion battery (Li-EG DIB) was developed by combining a Li metal sheet as an anode with expanded graphite (EG) as a cathode. EG was produced by microwave (MW) photons energy (~1 × 10-5 eV) at different time durations (15, 30, 45, and 60 s) to allow moderate expansion
between the graphite sheets and the removal of the surface functional groups that encourage the intercalation and de-intercalation of the ions; consequently, the capacity was improved. The MW-EG samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform
infrared spectrophotometry (FT-IR). The EG synthesized at 45 s in MW exhibited a high capacity and a stable and long cycling life. The charge capacity of the Li–EG-45 DIB after 500 cycles at 0.05 Ag-1 was 20.3 mAh g-1 in the voltage window of 2–5 V. It is
worth noting that the EG-45 electrode showed ~100% capacity retention, even after the rate test.
Zinc Telluride as Electrochemical Storage Material for High-Performance Sodium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Ko Jaewook , So Seongjoon , Hur Jaehyun
Published: March 2021

High-energy ball milling (HEBM) is used to synthesize zinc telluride (ZnTe) and amorphous C (ZnTe-C) nanocomposites as novel anode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). A nanostruc-tured ZnTe-C composite is prepared using Zn, Te, and acetylene black as precursor materials via a
facile two-step HEBM process. The initial HEBM of Zn and Te induces the formation of the ZnTe alloy nanostructure via a mechanochemical reaction. The subsequent HEBM process generates the ZnTe composite embedded in amorphous C (ZnTe-C), as confirmed using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron
microscopy, and element mapping analyses. When used as SIB anode, the ZnTe-C composite exhibits good cyclic life (specific discharge capacities of 383 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 over 150 cycles and 373 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 after
500 cycles) and excellent rate capability (89% capacity retention at 10 A g−1 relative to that at 0.1 A g−1). The impedance analysis and ex situ scanning electron microscopy results reveal that the properties of ZnTe-C are superior to those of ZnTe
because C serves as buffering matrix that suppresses the volume changes in ZnTe during alloying/dealloying and reduces the charge transfer resistance. The ZnTe-C nanocomposite in this study is a promising candidate for high-performance SIB anodes.
Electrical Instability of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Network Thin-Film Transistors
Authors: Choi Ji-Hoon , Lee Hyeonju , Bae Jin-Hyuk , Park Jaehoon
Published: March 2021

The electrical instability of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) network-based thin-film transistors is investigated in atmospheric air and under vacuum. Atomic force microscopy images show that the nanotube bundles form X-type and Y-type nodes in the SWCNT-networkfilm.
The Raman spectrum reveals that the structural defects in the SWCNTs are negligible. The fabricated SWCNT-network TFTs operate in a p-channel accumulation mode both in air and under vacuum. In contrast, TFTs exposed to atmospheric air environment exhibit lower drain currents and larger
hysteresis compared with the vacuum environment case. An analysis of the time-dependent characteristic degradation of the SWCNT-network TFTs also demonstrates that the initial decay of the drain current in atmospheric air environment is more acute than that under vacuum. These results can
be explained in terms of the hole-trapping behavior of the water molecules near the nanotubes or at the SWCNT/dielectric interface as well as the compensation effect of the electrons donated by water molecules with free holes in the SWCNT-networkfilm.
Dynamics of the Layered Circulation Inferred from Kinetic Energy Pathway in the South China Sea
Authors: Cai Zhongya , Gan Jianping
Published: March 2021

We investigated the mean kinetic energy (MKE) and eddy kinetic energy (EKE) in the South China Sea to illustrate the dynamics of the vertically rotating cyclonic–anticyclonic–cyclonic (CAC) circulation in the upper, middle, and deep layers. We found that strong MKE along the basin slope and the associated EKE arising from the vertical shear and stratification of the mean current characterize the circulation. In the upper layer, the external MKE input from the Kuroshio intrusion and wind forcing drive the cyclonic circulation, with the wind forcing providing most of the EKE. External forcing, however, does not directly provide the MKE and EKE of the CAC circulation in the semi-enclosed middle and deep layers, where the internal pressure work near Luzon Strait and the vertical buoyancy flux (VBF) in the southern basin and along the western slope maintain the MKE and EKE. The internal pressure work is formed by ageostrophic motion and pressure gradient field associated with circulation. The VBF is generated by vertical motion induced by the geostrophic cross-isobath transport along the slope where variable density field is maintained by the external flow and the internal mixing. The kinetic energy pathway in the CAC circulation indicates that the external forcing dominates upper-layer circulation and the coupling between internal and external dynamics is crucial for maintaining the circulation in the middle and deep layers. This study provides a new interpretation to the maintenance of CAC circulation from energy prospect.
Correction of Monthly SST Forecasts in CFSv2 Using the Local Dynamical Analog Method
Authors: Hou Zhaolu , Li Jianping , Zuo Bin
Published: March 2021

Numerical seasonal forecasts in Earth science always contain forecast errors that cannot be eliminated by improving the ability of the numerical model. Therefore, correction of model forecast results is required. Analog correction is an effective way to reduce model forecast errors, but the key question is how to locate analogs. In this paper, we updated the local dynamical analog (LDA) algorithm to find analogs and depicted the process of model error correction as the LDA correction scheme. The LDA correction scheme was first applied to correct the operational seasonal forecasts of sea surface temperature (SST) over the period 1982–2018 from the state-of-the-art coupled climate model named NCEP Climate Forecast System, version 2. The results demonstrated that the LDA correction scheme improves forecast skill in many regions as measured by the correlation coefficient and root-mean-square error, especially over the extratropical eastern Pacific and tropical Pacific, where the model has high simulation ability. El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) as the focused physics process is also improved. The seasonal predictability barrier of ENSO is in remission, and the forecast skill of central Pacific ENSO also increases due to the LDA correction method. The intensity of the ENSO mature phases is improved. Meanwhile, the ensemble forecast results are corrected, which proves the positive influence from this LDA correction scheme on the probability forecast of cold and warm events. Overall, the LDA correction scheme, combining statistical and model dynamical information, is demonstrated to be readily integrable with other advanced operational models and has the capability to improve forecast results.
Initial Perturbations Based on Ensemble Transform Kalman Filter with Rescaling Method for Ensemble Forecasting
Authors: Wang Jingzhuo , Chen Jing , Zhang Hanbin , Tian Hua , Shi Yining
Published: March 2021

Ensemble forecasting is a method to faithfully describe initial and model uncertainties in a weather forecasting system. Initial uncertainties are much more important than model uncertainties in the short-range numerical prediction. Currently, initial uncertainties are described by the ensemble transform Kalman filter (ETKF) initial perturbation method in Global and Regional Assimilation and Prediction Enhanced System–Regional Ensemble Prediction System (GRAPES-REPS). However, an initial perturbation distribution similar to the analysis error cannot be yielded in the ETKF method of the GRAPES-REPS. To improve the method, we introduce a regional rescaling factor into the ETKF method (we call it ETKF_R). We also compare the results between the ETKF and ETKF_R methods and further demonstrate how rescaling can affect the initial perturbation characteristics as well as the ensemble forecast skills. The characteristics of the initial ensemble perturbation improve after applying the ETKF_R method. For example, the initial perturbation structures become more reasonable, the perturbations are better able to explain the forecast errors at short lead times, and the lower kinetic energy spectrum as well as perturbation energy at the initial forecast times can lead to a higher growth rate of themselves. Additionally, the ensemble forecast verification results suggest that the ETKF_R method has a better spread–skill relationship, a faster ensemble spread growth rate, and a more reasonable rank histogram distribution than ETKF. Furthermore, the rescaling has only a minor impact on the assessment of the sharpness of probabilistic forecasts. The above results all suggest that ETKF_R can be effectively applied to the operational GRAPES-REPS.
A focus on postpartum depression among Jordanian mothers
Authors: Taybeh Esra’ O
Published: March 2021

Background:

The magnitude of postpartum depression in Jordan is under documented, and little is known about its potential sociodemographic and clinical correlates.

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence and risk factors associated with postpartum depression among Jordanian mothers in the first 18 months after delivery.

Method:

This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out from April to June 2020 in Jordan. A web-based survey was used for recruiting eligible participants. An Arabic version of the validated self-administered Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale questionnaire was used to measure postpartum depression with a cut-off score of ⩾12 which indicates probable depression.

Results:

A total of 1,071 Jordanian women participated in the study. Of those, 567 women had postpartum depression (52.9%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that postpartum depression was significantly associated with marital conflict (OR: 4.91; 95% CI: 2.36–10.20), negative attitude from the pregnancy (OR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.45–0.99), unplanned pregnancies (OR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.16–2.60), lack of social support (OR: 1.93; 95% CI: 1.12–3.32), time from last delivery (OR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.98–1.00), insomnia (OR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.35–0.82), and depression during the pregnancy (OR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.33–0.78). Most of the participants (65.7%) sought social support to avoid, reduce, or treat postpartum depression.

Conclusions:

Postpartum depression among Jordanian women was the highest in comparison to that of women in other countries in the region. Therefore, screening for the presence of depressive symptoms should be implemented during regular pregnancy care visits. Social support should be encouraged in order to avoid, reduce, or treat postpartum depression.