bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Off-Cycle Emissions of Particle Number from Gasoline and DPF Diesel Passenger Cars in High-Load Conditions
Authors: Yamada Hiroyuki , Kimura Taichi , Konno Hidenori , Kondo Yoshinori
Published: April 2023

To evaluate regulated gases and solid particle number (SPN) emissions in high-load off-cycle conditions, two diesel vehicles with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and a urea selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system, respectively, and four gasoline port fuel injection (PFI) vehicles were tested with the worldwide light-duty test cycle, including an extra-high (Ex-hi) phase. All the tested vehicles were developed for the Japanese market and did not comply with the Ex-hi phase. All vehicles exhibited higher CO2 emissions in the Ex-hi phase than in low, the mid and high phases. Increased NOx and SPN10-23 emissions were observed with the DPF vehicle. These increased emissions were due to the occurrence of passive regeneration of the DPF, and the urea SCR system was stopped as a result. The small gasoline PFI cars showed increased CO and SPN emissions in the Ex-hi phase. These emissions were due to enrichment control, which occurred in a quite high load operation condition. The feature of higher emissions with enrichment control differed from that observed in a warming-up process in the cold-start mode. SPN23 increased mainly in the warming-up process, whereas SPN10-23 increased in the Ex-hi phase with enrichment control. Hybrid vehicles seem to have fewer opportunities to show the enrichment control due to motor assist.
Towards Determining an Engineering Stress-Strain Curve and Damage of the Cylindrical Lithium-Ion Battery Using the Cylindrical Indentation Test
Authors: Voyiadjis George Z. , Akbari Edris , Łuczak Bartosz , Sumelka Wojciech
Published: April 2023

Mechanical internal short circuit (ISC) is one of the significant safety issues in lithium-ion battery design. As a result, it is possible to subject LIB cells to thorough mechanical abuse tests to determine when and why failure may occur. The indentation test is a recommended loading condition for evaluating mechanical damage and ISC. In this study, 18,650 cylindrical battery cells underwent indentation tests and a voltage reduction following the peak force identified by the ISC. Due to the complexity of the contact surface shape between two cylinders (LIB cell and indenter), a new phenomenological analytical model is proposed to measure the projected contact area, which the FEM model confirms. Moreover, the stress-strain curve and Young’s modulus reduction were calculated from the load-depth data. In contrast to previously published models, the model developed in this paper assumes anisotropic hyperelasticity (the transversely isotropic case) and predicts the growing load-carrying capacity (scalar damage), whose variation is regulated by the Caputo-Almeida fractional derivative.
Structural and Dynamic Characterization of Li–Ionic Liquid Electrolyte Solutions for Application in Li-Ion Batteries: A Molecular Dynamics Approach
Authors: Salvador Michele A. , Maji Rita , Rossella Francesco , Degoli Elena , Ruini Alice , Magri Rita
Published: April 2023

Pyrrolidinium-based (Pyr) ionic liquids (ILs) have been proposed as electrolyte components in lithium-ion batteries (LiBs), mainly due to their higher electrochemical stability and wider electrochemical window. Since they are not naturally electroactive, in order to allow their use in LiBs, it is necessary to mix the ionic liquids with lithium salts (Li). Li–PF6, Li–BF4, and Li–TFSI are among the lithium salts more frequently used in LiBs, and each anion, namely PF6 (hexafluorophosphate), BF4 (tetrafluoroborate), and TFSI (bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)azanide), has its own solvation characteristics and interaction profile with the pyrrolidinium ions. The size of Pyr cations, the anion size and symmetry, and cation–anion combinations influence the Li-ion solvation properties. In this work, we used molecular dynamics calculations to achieve a comprehensive view of the role of each cation–anion combination and of different fractions of lithium in the solutions to assess their relative advantage for Li-ion battery applications, by comparing the solvation and structural properties of the systems. This is the most-comprehensive work so far to consider pyrrolidinium-based ILs with different anions and different amounts of Li: from it, we can systematically determine the role of each constituent and its concentration on the structural and dynamic properties of the electrolyte solutions.
In Vitro Cytotoxic Effect of Aqueous Extracts from Leaves and Rhizomes of the Seagrass Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile on HepG2 Liver Cancer Cells: Focus on Autophagy and Apoptosis
Authors: Abruscato Giulia , Chiarelli Roberto , Lazzara Valentina , Punginelli Diletta , Sugár Simon , Mauro Manuela , Librizzi Mariangela , Di Stefano Vita , Arizza Vincenzo , Vizzini Aiti , Vazzana Mirella , Luparello Claudio
Published: April 2023

Aqueous extracts from Posidonia oceanica’s green and brown (beached) leaves and rhizomes were prepared, submitted to phenolic compound and proteomic analysis, and examined for their potential cytotoxic effect on HepG2 liver cancer cells in culture. The chosen endpoints related to survival and death were cell viability and locomotory behavior, cell-cycle analysis, apoptosis and autophagy, mitochondrial membrane polarization, and cell redox state. Here, we show that 24 h exposure to both green-leaf- and rhizome-derived extracts decreased tumor cell number in a dose–response manner, with a mean half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) estimated at 83 and 11.5 μg of dry extract/mL, respectively. Exposure to the IC50 of the extracts appeared to inhibit cell motility and long-term cell replicating capacity, with a more pronounced effect exerted by the rhizome-derived preparation. The underlying death-promoting mechanisms identified involved the down-regulation of autophagy, the onset of apoptosis, the decrease in the generation of reactive oxygen species, and the dissipation of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, although, at the molecular level, the two extracts appeared to elicit partially differentiating effects, conceivably due to their diverse composition. In conclusion, P. oceanica extracts merit further investigation to develop novel promising prevention and/or treatment agents, as well as beneficial supplements for the formulation of functional foods and food-packaging material with antioxidant and anticancer properties.
Abnormal Characterization and Distribution of Circulating Regulatory T Cells in Patients with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury According to the Period of Evolution
Authors: Gómez-Lahoz Ana M. , Girón Sergio Haro , Sanz Jorge Monserrat , Fraile-Martínez Oscar , Garcia-Montero Cielo , Jiménez Diego J. , de Leon-Oliva Diego , Ortega Miguel A. , Atienza-Perez Mar , Diaz David , Lopez-Dolado Elisa , Álvarez-Mon Melchor
Published: April 2023

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a progressive and complex neurological disorder accompanied by multiple systemic challenges. Peripheral immune dysfunction is a major event occurring after SCI, especially in its chronic phase. Previous works have demonstrated significant changes in different circulating immune compartments, including in T cells. However, the precise characterization of these cells remains to be fully unraveled, particularly when considering important variants such as the time since the initial injury. In the present work, we aimed to study the level of circulating regulatory T cells (Tregs) in SCI patients depending on the duration of evolution. For this purpose, we studied and characterized peripheral Tregs from 105 patients with chronic SCI using flow cytometry, with patients classified into three major groups depending on the time since initial injury: short period chronic (SCI-SP, <5 years since initial injury); early chronic (SCI-ECP, from 5–15 years post-injury) and late chronic SCI (SCI-LCP, more than 15 years post-injury. Our results show that both the SCI-ECP and SCI-LCP groups appeared to present increased proportions of CD4+ CD25+/low Foxp3+ Tregs in comparison to healthy subjects, whereas a decreased number of these cells expressing CCR5 was observed in SCI-SP, SCI-ECP, and SCI-LCP patients. Furthermore, an increased number of CD4+ CD25+/high/low Foxp3 with negative expression of CD45RA and CCR7 was observed in SCI-LCP patients when compared to the SCI-ECP group. Taken together, these results deepen our understanding of the immune dysfunction reported in chronic SCI patients and how the time since initial injury may drive this dysregulation.
High-Glucose Media Reduced the Viability and Induced Differential Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines in Human Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts
Authors: Aldoss Alaa , Lambarte Rhodanne , Alsalleeh Fahd
Published: April 2023

Hyperglycemic condition in diabetic patients tends to exacerbate periodontitis severity. Thus, the influence of hyperglycemia on the biological and inflammatory response of periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLFs) needs to be elucidated. In this study, PDLFs were seeded in media containing glucose concentrations (5.5, 25, or 50 mM) and stimulated with 1 µg/mL of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). PDLFs’ viability, cytotoxicity, and the migration ability were determined. The mRNA expression of Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and IL-23 (p19/p40), and Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 were analyzed; at 6 and 24 h, protein expression of IL-6 and IL-10 was also determined. PDLFs grown in 50 mM glucose medium showed lower viability. The 5.5 mM glucose led to the highest percentage of wound closure compared to 25 mM and 50 mM glucose with/without LPS. Additionally, 50 mM glucose with LPS exhibited the least migration ability among all groups. The expression of IL-6 was amplified significantly in LPS-stimulated cells in 50 mM glucose medium. IL-10 was constitutively expressed in different glucose concentrations, and LPS stimulation decreased it. IL-23 p40 was up-regulated after LPS stimulation in 50 mM glucose concentration. TLR-4 was highly expressed after LPS stimulation in all glucose concentrations. Hyperglycemic conditions limit PDLF proliferation and migration, and enhance the expression of certain pro-inflammatory cytokines to induce periodontitis.
Ameliorative Effects of Isoeugenol and Eugenol against Impaired Nerve Function and Inflammatory and Oxidative Mediators in Diabetic Neuropathic Rats
Authors: Alharthy Khalid , Balaha Mohamed , Devi Sushma , Altharawi Ali , Yusufoglu Hasan , Aldossari Rana , Alam Aftab , di Giacomo Viviana
Published: April 2023

Diabetic polyneuropathy is characterized by structural abnormalities, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. The current study aimed to determine the antinociceptive effects of isoeugenol and eugenol and their combinations in neuropathic pain resulting from streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes and neuroinflammation. Female SD rats were categorized into normal control, diabetic control, and treatment groups. On the 28th day and 45th day, behavioral studies (allodynia and hyperalgesia) were performed to analyze the development and protection of diabetic polyneuropathy. The levels of inflammatory and oxidative mediators, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), catalase, reduced glutathione, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), were estimated. In addition, the level of nerve growth factor (NGF) was estimated at the end of the study in different groups. The anti-NGF treatment decreased its upregulation in the dorsal root ganglion significantly. The results showed that isoeugenol, eugenol, and their combination have therapeutic potential against neuronal and oxidative damage induced by diabetes. In particular, both compounds significantly affected behavioral function in treated rats and showed neuroprotection against diabetic neuropathy, and their combination had synergistic effects.
The Challenges of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava: A Case Report and Concise Literature Review
Authors: Pescariu Silvius Alexandru , Șoșdean Raluca , Mircea Monica Nicoleta , Ionac Adina , Pescariu Sorin
Published: April 2023

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is a chronic and debilitating disease, which requires extensive diagnostic and treatment resources in order to achieve an acceptable quality of life for the patient. While optimal medical treatment remains at the core of the disease’s management, interventional cardiology also plays a very important role. However, in very rare situations, interventionists might find cases especially challenging due to the presence of venous anomalies, such as persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC), anomalies that may go undiscovered during the patient’s lifetime until venous cannulation is necessary. While these types of malformations also pose challenges in regards to standard pacemaker implantation, cardiac resynchronization (CRT) devices pose several additional challenges due to the complexity of the device and the necessity of finding an optimal position for the coronary sinus (CS) lead. We present the case of a 55-year-old male patient with advanced heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and LBBB who was a candidate for CRT-D therapy, describing the investigations that led to the discovery of the PLSVC as well as the technique and results of the intervention, while comparing our case to similar cases found in recent literature.
Cheek-Pro-Heart: What Can the Buccal Mucosa Do for Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy?
Authors: Bueno-Beti Carlos , Asimaki Angeliki
Published: April 2023

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a heart muscle disease associated with ventricular arrhythmias and a high risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Although the disease was described over 40 years ago, its diagnosis is still difficult. Several studies have identified a set of five proteins (plakoglobin, Cx43, Nav1.5, SAP97 and GSK3β), which are consistently re-distributed in myocardial samples from ACM patients. Not all protein shifts are specific to ACM, but their combination has provided us with a molecular signature for the disease, which has greatly aided post-mortem diagnosis of SCD victims. The use of this signature, however, was heretofore restricted in living patients, as the analysis requires a heart sample. Recent studies have shown that buccal cells behave similarly to the heart in terms of protein re-localization. Protein shifts are associated with disease onset, deterioration and favorable response to anti-arrhythmic therapy. Accordingly, buccal cells can be used as a surrogate for the myocardium to aid diagnosis, risk stratification and even monitor response to pharmaceutical interventions. Buccal cells can also be kept in culture, hence providing an ex vivo model from the patient, which can offer insights into the mechanisms of disease pathogenesis, including drug response. This review summarizes how the cheek can aid the heart in the battle against ACM.
The Impact of Benign Jawbone Tumors on the Temporomandibular Joint and Occlusion in Children: A Ten-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Crasnean Emil , Ban Alina , Roman Raluca , Dinu Cristian , Băciuț Mihaela , Nechita Vlad-Ionuț , Bran Simion , Onișor Florin , Badiu Teodora , Almășan Oana , Hedeșiu Mihaela
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to provide a complex analysis of the modifications in craniofacial skeleton development that may arise following the diagnosis of pediatric benign jaw tumors. A prospective study was undertaken involving 53 patients younger than 18 years of age, who presented for treatment at the Department of Maxillo-Facial Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, with a primary benign jaw lesion between 2012 and 2022. A total of 28 odontogenic cysts (OCs), 14 odontogenic tumors (OTs), and 11 non-OTs were identified. At follow-up, dental anomalies were identified in 26 patients, and overjet changes were found in 33 children; lateral crossbite, midline shift, and edge-to-edge bite were found in 49 cases; deep or open bite were found in 23 patients. Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) were found in 51 children, with unilateral TMJ changes identified in 7 cases and bilateral modifications found in 44 patients. Degenerative changes in the TMJ were also diagnosed in 22 pediatric patients. Although benign lesions could be associated with dental malocclusions, a direct etiological factor could be not identified. The presence of jaw tumors or their surgical treatment could, however, be linked to a change of the occlusal relationships or the onset of a TMD.
“10,000 Available” or “10% Remaining”: The Impact of Scarcity Framing on Ticket Availability Perceptions in the Secondary Ticket Market
Authors: Jee Wonsok (Frank) , Hyun Moonsup
Published: April 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of numeracy framing and demand on participants’ perceived ticket availability and likelihood of finding a lower-priced deal in the secondary ticket market for National Football League (NFL) games. A total of 640 participants were recruited via Qualtrics where participants were solicited electronically via 10 date-specific email blasts prior to a New York Giants Sunday Night Football home game. Participants were randomly assigned to one of five treatment conditions (control, percentage frame × low demand, percentage frame × high demand, frequency frame × low demand, frequency frame × high demand) to complete an online survey. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was performed to discern overall differences in the mean likelihood scores of the dependent variable between groups. The results showed that participants presented with the “percentage” frame perceived tickets as less available than those presented with the “frequency scarcity” frame, and the effect was greater for high-demand games. Additionally, game demand moderated the effect of scarcity framing on participants’ perceived ticket availability and expected lower rate. Several manipulation checks were applied to ensure the study’s validity. The findings of this study have practical implications for ticket marketers in the sport industry to effectively frame scarcity information and facilitate transactions for online buyers and sellers.
Good Architecture Matters: The Architect’s Perspective on Design for Ageing and Energy Efficiency
Authors: Lameira Gisela , Ramos Rui Jorge Garcia , Valentim Nuno , Mohammadpanah Azar
Published: April 2023

Custom-built solutions for ageing, urban regeneration, energy efficiency, thermal performance, and well-being are contemporary challenges that have prompted considerable research over the past decades. In the construction field, subjects such as energy efficiency and thermal performance are often addressed within the scope of mandatory regulations, the suitability of construction solutions and the incorporation of technical equipment. Considering four residential structures for older adults under construction in Portugal, this paper aims to highlight the importance of a comprehensive approach to these issues, including architectural quality as the main target. In pursuit of this, a cohesive set of intervention principles guided the analysis: the adaptive reuse of raw materials; taking advantage of the site’s conditions; vegetation (type and location); construction options and durability; solar exposure and shading; the pedagogy of building use; and the comfort and thermal perception. Several reflections emerge from the analysis: good architectural design must consider dynamic models incorporating each context and the site’s conditions; the culture of use and maintenance and the notion of “adaptive comfort” are primary factors to enhance thermal performance and energy efficiency; and each building is a unique result of a complex negotiation process. Bridging research through practice, and multidisciplinary scientific integration enable engagement with reality and raise awareness of the constraints and challenges to innovation in LTC design.
Numerical Design of the Roof Structure of a Vehicle Charging Carport Based on the Dragonfly Wing Grid Pattern
Authors: Mei Xiaoqing , Liu Chajuan , Wang Xinxia , Wei Yangyang
Published: April 2023

The realization of the global “Double carbon” target is closely related to the energy-saving travel of human beings. Along with the increase in the number of new energy vehicles around the world, the number of new energy vehicle charging post carports has also increased. However, the collapse of the carport of the new energy vehicle charging post often occurs. The search for ways to optimize the carport structure construction and build a lighter and more stable charging post carport structure has become one of the hot spots in the new energy vehicle industry. Dragonfly wings have a comprehensive evolution in structure, form and function, and their stiffness, stability and resistance to deformation may be a potential solution to optimize the structure of the shed roof. Inspired by this, the study designs two new energy vehicle charging pile canopies based on the dragonfly wing mesh structure to enhance the loading capacity and structural stability of the canopies. The study firstly concludes that the dragonfly wing mesh can enhance the stiffness through experimental analysis, and simulates and models the structure based on the quadrilateral mesh wrinkling and hexagonal mesh arching in its mesh morphology, combined with the national design standard of the charging pile canopy. Studies on the numerical design experiment of the new energy vehicle charging station canopy model based on finite element software under different natural loads, the deflection of shed under the action of self-weight and the deflection, tensile stress and compressive stress under external load are analyzed, and the results show that: (1) The grid structure of the dragonfly wing bionic charging pile shed can optimize the stiffness of the car charging pile shed. (2) According to the wing structure, the test results of the shed roof structure under different working conditions are better than the national standard. (3) Compared with the vertical load, the transverse load of the arched membrane structure, which is represented by the charging pile shed of the new energy vehicle, is larger. (4) According to the stress point of the shed, the structure constraint of the shed can effectively reduce the pressure on the and share part of the load, which can enhance the stability of the shed. (5) In comparison with the displacement of common carport types, the bionic carport shows superior stability and durability. The new bionic carport structure proposed by the research, with stronger pressure bearing, smaller force deformation and lighter weight, is a kind of membrane structure for stable new energy vehicle charging pile carports, which will help further the optimization and promotion of the new energy vehicle industry.
Applying Deep Learning and Single Shot Detection in Construction Site Image Recognition
Authors: Lung Li-Wei , Wang Yu-Ren
Published: April 2023

A construction site features an open field and complexity and relies mainly on manual labor for construction progress, quality, and field management to facilitate job site coordination and productive results. It has a tremendous impact on the effectiveness and efficiency of job site supervision. However, most job site workers take photos of the construction activities. These photos serve as aids for project management, including construction history records, quality, and schedule management. It often takes a great deal of time to process the many photos taken. Most of the time, the image data are processed passively and used only for reference, which could be better. For this, a construction activity image recognition system is proposed by incorporating image recognition through deep learning, using the powerful image extraction ability of a convolution neural network (CNN) for automatic extraction of contours, edge lines, and local features via filters, and feeding feature data to the network for training in a fully connected way. The system is effective in image recognition, which is in favor of telling minute differences. The parameters and structure of the neural network are adjusted for using a CNN. Objects like construction workers, machines, and materials are selected for a case study. A CNN is used to extract individual features for training, which improves recognizability and helps project managers make decisions regarding construction safety, job site configuration, progress control, and quality management, thus improving the efficiency of construction management.
PARP Inhibitors in Breast and Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Wang Samuel S. Y. , Jie Yeo Ee , Cheng Sim Wey , Ling Goh Liuh , Ming Heong Valerie Yue
Published: April 2023

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors are one of the most successful examples of clinical translation of targeted therapies in medical oncology, and this has been demonstrated by their effective management of BRCA1/BRCA2 mutant cancers, most notably in breast and ovarian cancers. PARP inhibitors target DNA repair pathways that BRCA1/2-mutant tumours are dependent upon. Inhibition of the key components of these pathways leads to DNA damage triggering subsequent critical levels of genomic instability, mitotic catastrophe and cell death. This ultimately results in a synthetic lethal relationship between BRCA1/2 and PARP, which underpins the effectiveness of PARP inhibitors. Despite the early and dramatic response seen with PARP inhibitors, patients receiving them often develop treatment resistance. To date, data from both clinical and preclinical studies have highlighted multiple resistance mechanisms to PARP inhibitors, and only by understanding these mechanisms are we able to overcome the challenges. The focus of this review is to summarise the underlying mechanisms underpinning treatment resistance to PARP inhibitors and to aid both clinicians and scientists to develop better clinically applicable assays to better select patients who would derive the greatest benefit as well as develop new novel/combination treatment strategies to overcome these mechanisms of resistance. With a better understanding of PARP inhibitor resistance mechanisms, we would not only be able to identify a subset of patients who are unlikely to benefit from therapy but also to sequence our treatment paradigm to avoid and overcome these resistance mechanisms.
Exploring the Control of PARP1 Levels in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Raspaglio Giuseppina , Buttarelli Marianna , Cappoli Natalia , Ciucci Alessandra , Fagotti Anna , Scambia Giovanni , Gallo Daniela
Published: April 2023

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is a leading cause of mortality from gynecologic malignancies worldwide. Although a transformative improvement has been shown with the introduction of PARP (poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase) inhibitors, the emergence of resistance to these drugs represents a therapeutic challenge. Hence, expanding our understanding of mechanisms behind the control of PARP1 expression can provide strategic guidance for the translation of novel therapeutic strategies. The Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) family of proteins consists of transcription factors critically involved in the regulation of important cellular functions. Notably, we recently demonstrated that, in cervical cancer cells, STAT1 controls PARP1 levels through multiple mechanisms, possibly involving also STAT3. Here, we tested the hypothesis that a similar mechanism might be operative in HGSOC. To this end, the impact of STAT1/STAT3 modulation on PARP1 expression was assessed in established and primary HGSOC cells, and molecular biology studies proved that STAT1 might act at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels to modulate the PARP1 level. Notably, bioinformatics analysis of TCGA databases demonstrated that increased STAT1 mRNA expression levels are associated with a favorable prognosis and with response to chemotherapy in HGSOC patients. Our findings suggest an alternative strategy for targeting HGSOC cells based on their dependency on PARP1.
Update on Locoregional Therapies for Cholangiocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Morawitz Janna , Bruckmann Nils-Martin , Jannusch Kai , Kirchner Julian , Antoch Gerald , Loosen Sven , Luedde Tom , Roderburg Christoph , Minko Peter
Published: April 2023

Locoregional therapy options for CCA are used, in particular, for non-resectable tumors and aim to reduce tumor viability or delay tumor growth and ultimately prolong overall survival. In addition to local ablative procedures such as radiofrequency- or microwave-ablation, transarterial procedures such as transarterial embolization (TAE), transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), or selective internal radiotherapy (SIRT) play a major role. In particular, in combination with advances in molecular medicine and immunotherapy, there has been a further development in the therapy of primary malignant liver tumors in recent years. In this review, we analyze data from recent studies and examine the implications for therapy of CCA, particularly with regard to the combination of locoregional therapies with modern systemic therapies.
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: A Protective Factor against Recurrence in BRAF-Wild Type Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Issa Peter P. , Omar Mahmoud , Buti Yusef , Aboueisha Mohamed , Munshi Ruhul , Hussein Mohammad , Haidari Muhib , Blair Graham , Issa Chad P. , Shama Mohamed , Toraih Eman , Kandil Emad
Published: April 2023

A recent work analyzing the concomitant factors BRAF mutation (risk factor) and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) (protective factor) found that the presence of HT reduced lymph node metastasis in BRAF-mutated papillary thyroid carcinoma. Whether this notion is upheld with respect to disease recurrence and differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), however, is unknown. We aimed to investigate the effect of underlying HT in DTC patients and its influence on recurrence with a specific emphasis in BRAF-mutated tumors. A total of 469 patients were included. Patients were stratified according to BRAF and HT status. Multivariate regression analysis was conducted to determine protective and risk factors of disease recurrence in patients with DTC. HT was associated with less-aggressive carcinomas including more frequent microcarcinomas (HT: 45.0% vs. no-HT: 34.0%, p = 0.02), less lymph node involvement (HT: 16.4% vs. no-HT: 26.1%, p = 0.02), and less disease recurrence (HT: 2.9% vs. no-HT: 11.9%, p = 0.002). BRAF mutation was also significantly associated with higher rates of lymph node involvement (BRAF-mutant: 41.9% vs. BRAF-wild type: 14.6%, p < 0.001) and almost two times the rate of recurrence (BRAF-mutant: 14.9% vs. BRAF-wild type: 6.5%, p = 0.004). Underlying HT was the only protective factor determined, reducing the odds of developing recurrence by 70% (HR: 0.30, 95%CI: 0.11–0.88). In the BRAF-wild type cohort, regression analysis continued to determine HT as a protective factor (p = 0.03). However, in the BRAF-mutant cohort, HT was no longer an independent protective factor (p = 0.20) against recurrence. Sub-group regression analysis, including PTC patients, similarly found HT as a protective factor only in BRAF-wild type patients (p = 0.039) and not BRAF-mutant (p = 0.627). The presence of underlying HT is associated with less aggressive tumors and is an independent protective factor against DTC recurrence, reducing the risk by 70%. HT remains a protective factor in BRAF-wild type carcinoma, but not in patients with BRAF-mutant carcinoma. HT may potentially be considered as a parameter which enhances American Thyroid Association patient risk stratification.
Genetic Polymorphisms of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Neonatal Pathologies: A Systematic Search and Narrative Synthesis of the Literature
Authors: Hăşmăşanu Monica G. , Procopciuc Lucia M. , Matyas Melinda , Zonda Gabriela I. , Zaharie Gabriela C.
Published: April 2023

(1) Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is essential in vasculo- and angiogenesis due to its role in endothelial cell proliferation and migration. As a vascular proliferative factor, VEGF is one of the hallmarks of cancer and, in adult populations, the relationship between genetic polymorphism and neoplasm was widely investigated. For the neonatal population, only a few studies attempted to uncover the link between the genetic polymorphism of VEGF and neonatal pathology, especially related to late-onset complications. Our objective is to evaluate the literature surrounding VEGF genetic polymorphisms and the morbidity of the neonatal period. (2) Methods: A systematic search was initially conducted in December 2022. The PubMed platform was used to explore MEDLINE (1946 to 2022) and PubMed Central (2000 to 2022) by applying the search string ((VEGF polymorphism*) and newborn*). (3) Results: The PubMed search yielded 62 documents. A narrative synthesis of the findings was undertaken considering our predetermined subheadings (infants with low birth weight or preterm birth, heart pathologies, lung diseases, eye conditions, cerebral pathologies, and digestive pathologies). (4) Conclusion: The VEGF polymorphisms seem to be associated with neonatal pathology. The involvement of VEGF and VEGF polymorphism has been demonstrated for retinopathy of prematurity.
Linear and Nonlinear Optical Properties of Iridium Nanoparticles Grown via Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Schmitt Paul , Paul Pallabi , Li Weiwei , Wang Zilong , David Christin , Daryakar Navid , Hanemann Kevin , Felde Nadja , Munser Anne-Sophie , Kling Matthias F. , Schröder Sven , Tünnermann Andreas , Szeghalmi Adriana
Published: April 2023

Nonlinear optical phenomena enable novel photonic and optoelectronic applications. Especially, metallic nanoparticles and thin films with nonlinear optical properties offer the potential for micro-optical system integration. For this purpose, new nonlinear materials need to be continuously identified, investigated, and utilized for nonlinear optical applications. While noble-metal nanoparticles, nanostructures, and thin films of silver and gold have been widely studied, iridium (Ir) nanoparticles and ultrathin films have not been investigated for nonlinear optical applications yet. Here, we present a combined theoretical and experimental study on the linear and nonlinear optical properties of iridium nanoparticles deposited via atomic layer deposition (ALD). Linear optical constants, such as the effective refractive index and extinction coefficient, were evaluated at different growth stages of nanoparticle formation. Both linear and nonlinear optical properties of these Ir ALD coatings were calculated theoretically using the Maxwell Garnett theory. The third-order susceptibility of iridium nanoparticle samples was experimentally investigated using the z-scan technique. According to the experiment, for an Ir ALD coating with 45 cycles resulting in iridium nanoparticles, the experimentally determined nonlinear third-order susceptibility is about χIr(3) = (2.4 − i2.1) × 10−17 m2/V2 at the fundamental wavelength of 700 nm. The theory fitted to the experimental results predicts a 5 × 106-fold increase around 230 nm. This strong increase is due to the proximity to the Mie resonance of iridium nanoparticles.
Phylogenomics of One of the World’s Most Intriguing Groups of CAM Plants, the Opuntioids (Opuntioideae: Cactaceae): Adaptation to Tropical Dry Forests Helped Drive Prominent Morphological Features in the Clade
Authors: Majure Lucas C. , Achá Serena , Baker Marc A. , Puente-Martínez Raul , Köhler Matias , Fehlberg Shannon
Published: April 2023

Opuntioideae, composed of roughly 370 species, occur in almost every biome in the Americas, from seasonally dry tropical forests (SDTF) to high-elevation Andean grasslands, American deserts and temperate zones. The interrelationships among the three major clades of Opuntioideae (Cylindropuntieae, Opuntieae and Tephrocacteae) are not well resolved, and thus, the ancestral habitat, biogeographic history and evolution of morphological characters, such as large photosynthetic leaves and flattened stems, are poorly understood. To test their geographic origin and evolution of key morphological characters, we built the largest phylogenomic dataset for Cactaceae to date using 103 plastid genes of 107 taxa of Opuntioideae. The subfamily Opuntioideae likely evolved in South America in a combination of seasonally dry tropical forest (SDTF)/desert habitats. Opuntieae most likely evolved in South America in SDTF and, from there, moved into desert regions, Chaco and temperate/subtropical zones, while Tephrocacteae and Cylindropuntieae evolved in South America in desert regions and moved into SDTF, Chaco and temperate/subtropical zones. Analyses of morphological evolution suggest that, although large leaves are plesiomorphic in Opuntioideae, long-lived, photosynthetically active leaves in Cylindropuntieae and Tephrocacteae are homoplasious and do not represent retained plesiomorphy, as is often assumed. Flattened stems are synapomorphic for Opuntieae, possibly representing adaptation to competition for light resources in SDTF, their most likely ancestral area.
The Genus Allochrusa: A Comprehensive Review of Botany, Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Biological Activities
Authors: Mamadalieva Rano , Khujaev Vahobjon , Šoral Michal , Mamadalieva Nilufar Z. , Wink Michael
Published: April 2023

The genus Allochrusa (Caryophyllaceae) comprises nine species, which are native to Central Asia, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, and the Caucasus. They have been used in folk medicine and in the preparation of various sweets and detergents, especially in Asian countries. A diversity of secondary metabolites has been reported from the genus Allochrusa, including triterpene glycosides, ecdysteroids, flavonoids, volatile compounds, fatty acids, polysaccharides, pectins, hemicelluloses, and other phytochemicals. In vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies on isolated compound fractions and extracts from Allochrusa species showed anti-inflammatory, adjuvant, hemolytic, cytotoxic, antifungal, analgesic, antioxidant, and other activities. In this review, the chemical compounds and diverse biological activities of the Allochrusa genus are summarized.
Salivary Biomarkers to Differentiate between Streptococcus pneumoniae and Influenza A Virus-Related Pneumonia in Children
Authors: Tang Kuo-Shu , Tsai Chih-Min , Cheng Ming-Chou , Huang Ying-Hsien , Chang Chih-Hao , Yu Hong-Ren
Published: April 2023

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is common among children and can be fatal in certain conditions. In children, CAP can be caused by viral or bacterial infections. Identification of pathogens can help select appropriate therapeutic strategies. Salivary analysis may be a potential diagnostic tool because it is noninvasive, patient-friendly, and easy to perform in children. A prospective study was conducted in children with pneumonia admitted to a hospital. Salivary samples from patients with definite Streptococcus pneumoniae and influenza A strains were used for gel-free (isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)) proteomics. No statistically significant difference was detected in salivary CRP levels between Streptococcus pneumoniae and influenza A pneumonia in children. Several potential salivary biomarkers were identified using gel-free iTRAQ proteomics to differentiate pneumonia from Streptococcus pneumoniae or influenza A virus infections in pediatric patients. ELISA validated that Streptococcus pneumoniae group has a higher abundance of salivary alpha 1-antichymotrypsin than those in the influenza A group. Whether these salivary biomarkers can be used to distinguish other bacteria from viral pneumonia requires further verification.
Staging as Communicative Activity of Shared Experiences a Way into a Fellowship for Deaf Children with Autism
Authors: Madsen Janne , Kehlet Bjørk
Published: April 2023

We explore whether staging (a combination of symbols, drawings, paintings, and re-creating action using Playmobil figures) used as a communicative activity of shared experiences influences the sense of fellowship. This study is part of a combined research and development project, and the findings are canalised back into the daily work. The assistants are interviewed, and the data are analysed in a coding process. We found that (1) ‘being confident’ is important for belongingness. Staging supports a shared understanding and a shared feeling of belonging. We also found that (2) developing a shared repertoire of concepts is possible when staging, and this scaffolds the fellowship. However, the concepts and the communication must (3) be meaningful to all parties. One does not take part in communication without meaning, and when one does not participate, one is not part of the fellowship. Staging enabled Magne, the main person in this study, to express himself better. Moreover, when discussing a shared experience with the personal assistants, Magne seemed to communicate well and showed signs of belonging. We conclude that communication about shared activities and experiences leads to interest and engagement and fosters a shared feeling of ‘doing something together’ and being part of a fellowship.
Multi-Mode Data Generation and Fault Diagnosis of Bearings Based on STFT-SACGAN
Authors: Wang Hongxing , Zhu Hua , Li Huafeng
Published: April 2023

To achieve multi-mode fault sample generation and fault diagnosis of bearings in a complex operating environment with scarce labeled data. Combining a semi-supervised generative adversarial network (SGAN) and an auxiliary classifier generative adversarial network (ACGAN), a semi-supervised auxiliary classifier generative adversarial network (SACGAN) is constructed in this paper. The network structure and the loss function are improved. A fault diagnosis method based on STFT-SACGAN is also proposed. The method uses a short-time Fourier transform (STFT) to convert one-dimensional time-domain vibration signals of bearings into two-dimensional time-frequency images, which are used as the input of SACGAN. Two multi-mode fault data generation and intelligent diagnosis cases for bearings are studied. The experimental results show that the proposed method generates high-quality multi-mode fault samples with high fault diagnosis accuracy, generalization, and stability.
Research and Optimization of a Lightweight Refined Mask-Wearing Detection Algorithm Based on an Attention Mechanism
Authors: Shi Xiangbo , Tong Yala , Mei Fei , Wu Zhongjian
Published: April 2023

To address the current problems of the incomplete classification of mask-wearing detection data, small-target miss detection, and the insufficient feature extraction capabilities of lightweight networks dealing with complex faces, a lightweight method with an attention mechanism for detecting mask wearing is presented in this paper. This study incorporated an “incorrect_mask” category into the dataset to address incomplete classification. Additionally, the YOLOv4-tiny model was enhanced with a prediction feature layer and feature fusion execution, expanding the detection scale range and improving the performance on small targets. A CBAM attention module was then introduced into the feature enhancement network, which re-screened the feature information of the region of interest to retain important feature information and improve the feature extraction capabilities. Finally, a focal loss function and an improved mosaic data enhancement strategy were used to enhance the target classification performance. The experimental results of classifying three objects demonstrate that the lightweight model’s detection speed was not compromised while achieving a 2.08% increase in the average classification precision, which was only 0.69% lower than that of the YOLOv4 network. Therefore, this approach effectively improves the detection effect of the lightweight network for mask-wearing.
Voting-Based Deep Convolutional Neural Networks (VB-DCNNs) for M-QAM and M-PSK Signals Classification
Authors: Talha Muhammad , Sarfraz Mubashar , Rahman Atta , Ghauri Sajjad A. , Mohammad Rami M. , Krishnasamy Gomathi , Alkharraa Mariam
Published: April 2023

Automatic modulation classification (AMC) using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) is an active area of research that has the potential to improve the efficiency and reliability of wireless communication systems significantly. AMC is the approach used in a communication system to detect the type of modulation format at the receiver end. This paper proposes a voting-based deep convolutional neural network (VB-DCNN) for classifying M-QAM and M-PSK signals. M-QAM and M-PSK signal waveforms are generated and passed through the fading channel in the presence of additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN). The VB-DCNN extracts features from the input signal through convolutional layers, and classification is performed on these features. Multiple network instances are trained on different subsets of training data in the VB-DCNN. A network instance predicts the input signal during testing. Based on the votes, the final prediction is made. Different simulation experiments are carried out to analyze the performance of the trained network, and the DCNN is designed with the Deep Neural Network Toolbox in MATLAB. The generated frames are divided into training, validation, and test datasets. Lastly, the classification accuracy of the trained network is determined using test frames. The proposed model’s accuracy is near to 100% at lower SNRs. The simulation results show the superiority of the proposed VB-DCNN compared to existing state-of-the-art techniques.
A 278-Year Summer Minimum Temperature Reconstruction Based on Tree-Ring Data in the Upper Reaches of Dadu River
Authors: Li Jinjian , Jin Liya , Zheng Zeyu
Published: April 2023

In the context of global warming, climate change in river headwater regions and its drivers have attracted increasing attention. In this study, tree-ring width (TRW) chronology was constructed using tree-ring samples of fir (Abies faxoniana) in Dadu River Basin in the central part of the western Sichuan Plateau, China. Correlation analysis with climatic factors implies that the radial growth of trees in the region is mainly limited by temperature and has the highest correlation with the mean minimum temperature in summer (June and July) (R = 0.602, p < 0.001). On this basis, the TRW chronology was adopted to reconstruct variations in the mean minimum temperatures in summer from 1733 to 2010 in the upper reaches of Dadu River. The reconstruction equation was stable and reliable and offered a variance explanation rate of 36.2% in the observed period (1962~2010). In the past 278 years, the region experienced nine warm periods and ten cold periods. The warmest and coldest years occurred in 2010 and 1798, respectively, with values of 13.6 °C and 11.0 °C. The reconstruction was highly spatiotemporally representative and verified by temperatures reconstructed using other tree-ring data in surrounding areas. A significant warming trend was found in the last few decades. Moreover, the multi-taper method (MTM) analysis indicated significant periodic changes in quasi-2-year and 21–35-year periods, for which the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) could be the key controlling factors.