bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Presence of Concurrent TP53 Mutations Is Necessary to Predict Poor Outcomes within the SMAD4 Mutated Subgroup of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Wang Chongkai , Sandhu Jaideep , Tsao Amber , Fakih Marwan
Published: July 2022

Prior studies have resulted in conflicting conclusions on the value of SMAD4 mutations as a prognostic biomarker in metastatic colorectal cancer. In this study, the impact of coexisting mutations with SMAD4 on overall survival was evaluated retrospectively in 433 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. SMAD4 mutation was found in 16.2% (70/433) of tumors. A systemic univariate and multivariate survival analysis model including age, gender, sidedness of primary tumor, RAS, BRAFV600E, APC, TP53 and SMAD4 status showed that SMAD4 mutations were not associated with worse prognosis (multivariate HR = 1.25, 95% CI 0.90–1.73, p = 0.18). However, coexisting mutations in SMAD4 and TP53 were significantly associated with worse overall survival (multivariate HR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.44–4.36, p = 0.001). The median overall survival of patients with coexisting SMAD4 and TP53 mutation was 24.2 months, compared to 42.2 months for the rest of the population (p = 0.002). Concurrent SMAD4 and TP53 defines a new subgroup of patients of metastatic colorectal cancer with poor clinical outcomes.
SMARCB1-Deficient Cancers: Novel Molecular Insights and Therapeutic Vulnerabilities
Authors: Cooper Garrett W. , Hong Andrew L.
Published: July 2022

SMARCB1 is a critical component of the BAF complex that is responsible for global chromatin remodeling. Loss of SMARCB1 has been implicated in the initiation of cancers such as malignant rhabdoid tumor (MRT), atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT), and, more recently, renal medullary carcinoma (RMC). These SMARCB1-deficient tumors have remarkably stable genomes, offering unique insights into the epigenetic mechanisms in cancer biology. Given the lack of druggable targets and the high mortality associated with SMARCB1-deficient tumors, a significant research effort has been directed toward understanding the mechanisms of tumor transformation and proliferation. Accumulating evidence suggests that tumorigenicity arises from aberrant enhancer and promoter regulation followed by dysfunctional transcriptional control. In this review, we outline key mechanisms by which loss of SMARCB1 may lead to tumor formation and cover how these mechanisms have been used for the design of targeted therapy.
Benefits of Physical Activity during and after Thyroid Cancer Treatment on Fatigue and Quality of Life: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ferrante Margherita , Distefano Giulia , Distefano Carlo , Copat Chiara , Grasso Alfina , Oliveri Conti Gea , Cristaldi Antonio , Fiore Maria
Published: July 2022

Background: Several epidemiological studies have provided evidence of the usefulness of physical activity for cancer prevention, increased survival and quality of life (QoL), but no comprehensive review is available on the effects on thyroid cancer. The present systematic review provides an overview of the effects of physical activity on fatigue, QoL and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with thyroid cancer diagnosis both during and after treatment, with a focus on sex. Methods: A literature search was conducted in the PubMed and Scopus databases. We included studies investigating the impact of physical activity during and after thyroid cancer treatment, including fatigue, QoL and/or HRQoL among the outcomes. Review articles, conference papers, short communications and articles written in a language other than English articles were excluded. Study selection followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines (PRISMA). Two reviewers independently selected the studies and assessed their eligibility. The same two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. Outcomes of interest were fatigue, QoL and HRQoL. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of the selected studies. We compared the outcomes between groups of patients with subclinical hyperthyroidism undergoing a physical activity program and a sedentary group, evaluating the possible presence of sex differences. Results and Discussion: We found five studies eligible for inclusion in our review; only two were prospective studies including an exercise training program. One study was a quasi-experimental study with a non-equivalent control group. Three out of five studies comprised low-quality evidence with a high risk of bias. Conclusion: The level of confidence in the available evidence is very low. A close association between physical activity and fatigue, QoL and HRQoL in patients with thyroid cancer diagnosis with a focus on sex can neither be supported nor refuted. Future studies are needed to understand which training programs are optimal, both in terms of beneficial effects and to avoid potential adverse responses, in addition to focusing on gender differences. The protocol of this systematic review was registered with PROSPERO: CRD42022322519.
Total Neoadjuvant Therapy for Rectal Cancer in the CAO/ARO/AIO-12 Randomized Phase 2 Trial: Early Surrogate Endpoints Revisited
Authors: Diefenhardt Markus , Schlenska-Lange Anke , Kuhnt Thomas , Kirste Simon , Piso Pompiliu , Bechstein Wolf O. , Hildebrandt Guido , Ghadimi Michael , Hofheinz Ralf-Dieter , Rödel Claus , Fokas Emmanouil
Published: July 2022

Background: Early efficacy outcome measures in rectal cancer after total neoadjuvant treatment are increasingly investigated. We examined the prognostic role of pathological complete response (pCR), tumor regression grading (TRG) and neoadjuvant rectal (NAR) score for disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with rectal carcinoma treated within the CAO/ARO/AIO-12 randomized phase 2 trial. Methods: Distribution of pCR, TRG and NAR score was analyzed using the Pearson’s chi-squared test. Univariable analyses were performed using the log-rank test, stratified by treatment arm. Discrimination ability of non-pCR for DFS was assessed by analyzing the ROC curve as a function of time. Results: Of the 311 patients enrolled, 306 patients were evaluable (Arm A:156, Arm B:150). After a median follow-up of 43 months, the 3-year DFS was 73% in both groups (HR, 0.95, 95% CI, 0.63–1.45, p = 0.82). pCR tended to be higher in Arm B (17% vs. 25%, p = 0.086). In both treatment arms, pCR, TRG and NAR were significant prognostic factors for DFS, whereas survival in subgroups defined by pCR, TRG or NAR did not significantly differ between the treatment arms. The discrimination ability of non-pCR for DFS remained constant over time (C-Index 0.58) but was slightly better in Arm B (0.61 vs. 0.56). Conclusion: Although pCR, TRG and NAR were strong prognostic factors for DFS in the CAO/ARO/AIO-12 trial, their value in selecting one TNT approach over another could not be confirmed. Hence, the conclusion of a long-term survival benefit of one treatment arm based on early surrogate endpoints should be stated with caution.
Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumour: State of the Art
Authors: Gros Louis , Dei Tos Angelo Paolo , Jones Robin L. , Digklia Antonia
Published: July 2022

An inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a neoplasm composed of myofibroblastic and fibroblastic spindle cells accompanied by inflammatory cells, including lymphocytes and eosinophils. It is an ultra-rare tumor, the optimal management of which remains to be defined. Surgery is the treatment of choice for localized tumors. The treatment of advanced disease is not precisely defined. Chemotherapy regimens result in an overall response rate of approximately 50% based on retrospective data. The latest pathophysiological data highlight the role played by tyrosine kinase fusion genes in IMT proliferation. Anaplast lymphoma kinase (ALK) oncogenic activation mechanisms have been characterized in approximately 80% of IMTs. In this context, data regarding targeted therapies are most important. The aims of this article are to review the latest published data on the use of systematic therapy, particularly the use of molecular targeted therapy, and to publish an additional case of an IMT with Ran-binding protein 2 (RANPB2)-ALK fusion showing a long response to a tyrosine kinase inhibitor.
A Synopsis Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential in Hematology
Authors: Bou Zerdan Maroun , Nasr Lewis , Saba Ludovic , Meouchy Paul , Safi Nadine , Allam Sabine , Bhandari Jenish , Chaulagain Chakra P.
Published: July 2022

Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential can be defined as genetic mutations that correlate in hematologic neoplasia such as myelodysplastic syndrome. Patients with cytopenia increasingly undergo molecular genetic tests of peripheral blood or bone marrow for diagnostic purposes. Recently, a new entity has been demarcated to lessen the risk of incorrect diagnoses of hematologic malignancies. This new entity is a potential precursor of myeloid diseases, analogous to monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance as a potential precursor of multiple myeloma.
MORPHEUS Phase II–III Study: A Pre-Planned Interim Safety Analysis and Preliminary Results
Authors: Garant Aurelie , Vasilevsky Carol-Ann , Boutros Marylise , Khosrow-Khavar Farzin , Kavan Petr , Diec Hugo , Des Groseilliers Sylvain , Faria Julio , Ferland Emery , Pelsser Vincent , Martin André-Guy , Devic Slobodan , Vuong Te
Published: July 2022

Background: We explored image-guided adaptive endorectal brachytherapy patients electing non-operative management for rectal cancer. We present the first pre-planned interim analysis. Methods: In this open-label phase II–III randomized study, patients with operable cT2-3ab N0 M0 rectal cancer received 45 Gy in 25 fractions of pelvic external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) with 5-FU/Capecitabine. They were randomized 1:1 to receive either an EBRT boost of 9 Gy in 5 fractions (Arm A) or three weekly adaptive brachytherapy (IGAEBT) boosts totaling 30 Gy (Arm B). Patient characteristics and toxicity are presented using descriptive analyses; TME-free survival between arms with the intention to treat the population is explored using the Kaplan–Meier method. Results: A total of 40 patients were in this analysis. Baseline characteristics were balanced; acute toxicities were similar. Complete clinical response (cCR) was 50% (n = 10/20) in Arm A and 90% in Arm B (n = 18/20). Median follow-up was 1.3 years; 2-year TME-free survival was 38.6% (95% CI: 16.5–60.6%) in the EBRT arm and 76.6% (95% CI: 56.1–97.1%) in the IGAEBT arm. Conclusions: Radiation intensification with IGAEBT is feasible. This interim analysis suggests an improvement in TME-free survival when comparing IGAEBT with EBRT, pending confirmation upon completion of this trial.
Improvement in the Environmental Stability of Haloalkane Dehalogenase with Self-Assembly Directed Nano-Hybrid with Iron Phosphate
Authors: Chen Jianxiong , Ming Xiaodong , Guo Zitao , Shi Yi , Li Moying , Guo Zhongpeng , Xin Yu , Gu Zhenghua , Zhang Liang , Guo Xuan
Published: July 2022

Haloalkane dehalogenase (DhaA) catalyzes the hydrolysis of halogenated compounds through the cleavage of carbon halogen bonds. However, the low activity, poor environmental stability, and difficult recycling of free DhaA greatly increases the economic cost of practical application. Inspired by the organic–inorganic hybrid system, an iron-based hybrid nanocomposite biocatalyst FeHN@DhaA is successfully constructed to enhance its environmental tolerability. A series of characterization methods demonstrate that the synthesized enzyme–metal iron complexes exhibit granular nanostructures with good crystallinity. Under optimized conditions, the activity recovery and the effective encapsulation yield of FeHN@DhaA are 138.54% and 87.21%, respectively. Moreover, it not only exhibits excellent immobilized enzymatic properties but also reveals better tolerance to extreme acid, and is alkali compared with the free DhaA. In addition, the immobilized enzyme FeHN@DhaA can be easily recovered and has a satisfactory reusability, retaining 57.8% of relative activity after five reaction cycles. The results of this study might present an alternative immobilized DhaA-based clean biotechnology for the decontamination of organochlorine pollutants.
Inorganic Salts and Dehydrating Agents Cooperatively Promoted Ru-Catalyzed Ethylene Methoxycarbonylation Using CO2 as a CO Surrogate
Authors: Qi Meijiao , Dong Tianli , Kang Yu , Zhang Li , Duan Zhongyu , Liu Binyuan
Published: July 2022

The use of CO2 as a CO surrogate for the carbonylation of olefin has attracted considerable attention due to its abundance, readily availability, nontoxicity, and recyclability. In this work, we describe the synthesis of methyl propionate (MPA), a key intermediate for methyl methacrylate in the commercial Lucite Alpha process, by the ruthenium-catalyzed methoxycarbonylation of ethylene with CO2 as a carbonyl source. An efficient approach to producing MPA has been developed by adding metal halide promoters and dehydrating agents. Control experiments suggest that the NHC-Ru-hydride may be the real active species formed in situ by the reaction of Ru3(CO)12 with ionic liquid (IL). NMR data demonstrate that inorganic salts favor the formation of active species, which is an important issue for their promotion effect. In terms of the strategy to overcome chemical equilibrium by the addition of dehydrating agents and IL participation in the formation of NHC-Ru-hydride active species, a tasked IL containing a siloxyl group was employed to Ru-catalyze the methoxycarbonylation of ethylene, which showed higher catalytic efficiency in comparison to IL without a siloxyl group.
Pd Supported on Pr-Rich Cerium–Zirconium–Praseodymium Mixed Oxides for Propane and CO Oxidation
Authors: Fahed Simon , Pointecouteau Rémy , Aouine Mimoun , Boreave Antoinette , Gil Sonia , Bazin Philippe , Demourgues Alain , Daturi Marco , Vernoux Philippe
Published: July 2022

The activity of emission control catalysts must be improved in urban mode at low temperatures. One possible way is to tailor the metal-support interaction between platinum group metals (PGMs) and ceria to stabilize small clusters or single atoms, optimizing the utilization of costly PGMs. In this study, a small loading of Pd (<0.2 wt.%) was dispersed on Pr-rich cerium–zirconium–praseodymium mixed oxides (CZP45: Ce0.45Zr0.10Pr0.45O2−x). After the initial calcination at 800 °C, Pd was mainly in the form of dispersed isolated cations which were found to be efficient for low-temperature CO oxidation but inactive for propane combustion. Nevertheless, a pre-reduction step can trigger the formation of Pd nanoparticles and promote the propane oxidation. Pd nanoparticles, formed during the reduction step, coupled with the high oxygen mobility of CZP45, lead to outstanding catalytic activity for propane oxidation starting from 250 °C. However, the re-oxidation of Pd nanoparticles and their partial re-dispersion, promoted by the fast oxygen mobility of the mixed oxide, rapidly deactivate the catalysts in lean conditions.
Roles of Cartilage-Resident Stem/Progenitor Cells in Cartilage Physiology, Development, Repair and Osteoarthritis
Authors: Xu Wei , Wang Wei , Liu Da , Liao Dongfa
Published: July 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease that causes irreversible destruction of articular cartilage for which there is no effective treatment at present. Although articular cartilage lacks intrinsic reparative capacity, numerous studies have confirmed the existence of cartilage-resident stem/progenitor cells (CSPCs) in the superficial zone (SFZ) of articular cartilage. CSPCs are characterized by the expression of mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-related surface markers, multilineage differentiation ability, colony formation ability, and migration ability in response to injury. In contrast to MSCs and chondrocytes, CSPCs exhibit extensive proliferative and chondrogenic potential with no signs of hypertrophic differentiation, highlighting them as suitable cell sources for cartilage repair. In this review, we focus on the organizational distribution, markers, cytological features and roles of CSPCs in cartilage development, homeostasis and repair, and the application potential of CSPCs in cartilage repair and OA therapies.
The Role of Inflammatory Mediators in Colorectal Cancer Hepatic Metastasis
Authors: Goodla Lavanya , Xue Xiang
Published: July 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of death in cancer patients in the USA, whereas the major cause of CRC deaths is hepatic metastases. The liver is the most common site of metastasis in patients with CRC due to hepatic portal veins receiving blood from the digestive tract. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of hepatic metastases is of dire need for the development of potent targeted therapeutics. Immuno-signaling molecules including cytokines and chemokines play a pivotal role in hepatic metastases from CRC. This brief review discusses the involvement of three representative cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β), a lipid molecule PGE2 and two chemokines (CXCL1 and CXCL2) in the process of CRC liver metastases.
Understanding Metabolic Alterations in Cancer Cachexia through the Lens of Exercise Physiology
Authors: Kareva Irina
Published: July 2022

Cancer cachexia is one of the leading causes of mortality for late-stage cancer patients. One of its key characteristics is abnormal metabolism and loss of metabolic flexibility, i.e., loss of ability to switch between use of fats and carbohydrates as needed. Here, it is hypothesized that late-stage systemic cancer creates a chronic resource drain on the body that may result in the same metabolic adaptations that occur during intense endurance exercise, activating some of the same mechanisms of nutrient consumption that are supposed to be transient during strenuous physical activity. This hypothesis is evaluated by creating a mathematical model that characterizes the relationships between increased exercise intensity and carbohydrate and fat oxidation. The model is parametrized using published data on these characteristics for a group of professional athletes, moderately active individuals, and individuals with metabolic syndrome. Transitions between different zones of relative nutrient consumption as a function of increased effort are captured through explicitly modeling ventilatory thresholds, particularly VT1 and VT2, where fat is primarily used below VT1, both carbohydrates and fats are used between VT1 and VT2, and where carbohydrates become the primary source of fuel above VT2. A simulation is conducted of projected patterns of nutrient consumption when simulated “effort” remains between VT1 and VT2, or above VT2, and it is proposed that it is the scenario when the simulated effort is maintained primarily above VT2 that most closely resembles metabolic patterns characteristic of cachexia. A discussion of a broader framework for understanding cachectic metabolism using insights from exercise physiology, including potential intervention strategies, concludes this paper.
The Loss-Function of the Male Sterile Gene ZmMs33/ZmGPAT6 Results in Severely Oxidative Stress and Metabolic Disorder in Maize Anthers
Authors: Li Ziwen , Liu Shuangshuang , Zhu Taotao , An Xueli , Wei Xun , Zhang Juan , Wu Suowei , Dong Zhenying , Long Yan , Wan Xiangyuan
Published: July 2022

In plants, oxidative stress and metabolic reprogramming frequently induce male sterility, however our knowledge of the underlying molecular mechanism is far from complete. Here, a maize genic male-sterility (GMS) mutant (ms33-6038) with a loss-of-function of the ZmMs33 gene encoding glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase 6 (GPAT6) displayed severe deficiencies in the development of a four-layer anther wall and microspores and excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) content in anthers. In ms33-6038 anthers, transcriptome analysis identified thousands of differentially expressed genes that were functionally enriched in stress response and primary metabolism pathways. Further investigation revealed that 64 genes involved in ROS production, scavenging, and signaling were specifically changed in expression levels in ms33-6038 anthers compared to the other five investigated GMS lines. The severe oxidative stress triggered premature tapetal autophagy and metabolic reprogramming mediated mainly by the activated SnRK1-bZIP pathway, as well as the TOR and PP2AC pathways, proven by transcriptome analysis. Furthermore, 20 reported maize GMS genes were altered in expression levels in ms33-6038 anthers. The excessive oxidative stress and the metabolic reprogramming resulted in severe phenotypic deficiencies in ms33-6038 anthers. These findings enrich our understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which ROS and metabolic homeostasis impair anther and pollen development in plants.
Chemically Bound Resorbable Ceramics as an Antibiotic Delivery System in the Treatment of Purulent–Septic Inflammation of Bone Tissue
Authors: Lukina Yuliya , Panov Yuriy , Panova Ludmila , Senyagin Aleksandr , Bionyshev-Abramov Leonid , Serejnikova Natalya , Kireynov Aleksey , Sivkov Sergey , Gavryushenko Nikolay , Smolentsev Dmitriiy , Toshev Otabek , Lemenovsky Dmitriy , Krutko Dmitriy
Published: July 2022

Local drug delivery systems are an effective approach in the treatment of purulent–septic inflammation of bone tissue. Chemically bonded multiphase ceramics based on calcium-deficient carbonate-substituted hydroxyapatite combine resorbability, osteoconductivity, and the possibility of volumetric incorporation of antibiotics. Macroporosity is regulated by the concentration of polyethylene glycol granules introduced into the initial powder composition, followed by their extraction. The selected conditions for the consolidation of the ceramic matrix and the extraction of PEG granules retain the activity of vancomycin, which is confirmed by the results of microbiological studies. The concentration of vancomycin and the porosity affect the local concentration and release of the antibiotic. The incorporation method provides a prolonged release of the antibiotic for up to 31 days. In vivo experiments with bone implantation have shown that chemically bound macroporous ceramics with incorporated vancomycin are a therapeutically effective carrier of the substance during the healing of bone defects in conditions of surrounding purulent–septic inflammation, and can be considered as a carrier for local antibacterial therapy, at the site of implantation.
Topography Control of Micro-Nanosized Anatase Coating on Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Hou Shusen , Yang Tingting , Li Yue , Lian Liming , Yu Weixin , Yang Lin
Published: July 2022

Constructing surface topographies in the micro- or nanometer range is an effective way to improve the biocompatibility of biomaterials. For the present work, anatase coatings with controllable micro/nanoscale characteristics were successfully prepared on an MgZn alloy surface via solvothermal route, and their formation mechanisms are discussed. The features of the as-prepared coatings were characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), a transmission electron microscope (TEM), an atomic force microscope (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and a contact angle goniometer. The corrosion behavior of the coatings was also evaluated by testing the open circuit potential (OCP) in SBF (Simulated Body Fluid). The results show that a gradual variation of the anatase coating morphologies was obtained through adjusting the solvothermal reaction conditions. With the increase of NH4F concentration in the solution, the cross-combined anatase nanosheets became more dispersed. The micro/nanostructured anatase coatings provide the MgZn alloy with good corrosion resistance, which increased with the density of anatase nanosheets in the coatings. In addition, the coatings exhibit the inhibition of platelet aggregation, and the micro/nano structures can also adsorb endothelial cells.
Aligning Software Engineering Teaching Strategies and Practices with Industrial Needs
Authors: Metrôlho José , Ribeiro Fernando , Graça Paula , Mourato Ana , Figueiredo David , Vilarinho Hugo
Published: July 2022

Several approaches have been proposed to reduce the gap between software engineering education and the needs and practices of the software industry. Many of them aim to promote a more active learning attitude in students and provide them with more realistic experiences, thus recreating industry software development environments and collaborative development and, in some cases, with the involvement of companies mainly acting as potential customers. Since many degree courses typically offer separate subjects to teach requirements engineering, analysis and design, coding, or validation, the integration of all these phases normally necessitates experience in a project context and is usually carried out in a final year project. The approach described in this article benefits from the close involvement of a software house company which goes beyond the common involvement of a potential customer. Students are integrated into distributed teams comprising students, teachers and IT professionals. Teams follow the agile Scrum methodology and use the OutSystems low-code development platform providing students with the experience of an almost real scenario. The results show that this approach complements the knowledge and practice acquired in course subjects, develops the students’ technical and non-technical skills, such as commitment, teamwork, and communication, and initiates them in the methodologies and development strategies used in these companies. The feedback from the teachers involved, software companies and students was very positive.
Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Perovskite Materials for Ultrasonic Transducer in Medical Diagnosis
Authors: Li Qiongyuan , Yang Lifeng , Zhang Shengjian , Wang Fen , Gu Yu , Deng Xiaochun , Yang Yingguo
Published: July 2022

The ultrasonic transducer is considered the most important component of ultrasound medical instruments, and its key active layer is generally fabricated by piezoelectric materials, such as BaTiO3, Pb (Zn, Ti)O3, PVDF, etc. As the star material, perovskite photovoltaic materials (organic and inorganic halide perovskite materials, such as CH3NH3PbI3, CsPbI3, etc.) have great potential to be widely used in solar cells, LEDs, detectors, and photoelectric and piezoelectric detectors due to their outstanding photoelectric and piezoelectric effects. Herein, we firstly discussed the research progress of commonly used piezoelectric materials and the corresponding piezoelectric effects, the current key scientific status, as well as the current application status in the field of ultrasound medicine. Then, we further explored the current progress of perovskite materials used in piezoelectric-effect devices, and their research difficulties. Finally, we designed an ideal ultrasonic transducer fabricated by perovskite photovoltaic materials and considered the future application prospects of organic and inorganic halide perovskite material in the field of ultrasound.
Mechanical Properties and Thermal Shock Performance of High-Energy-Rate-Forged W-1%TaC Alloy
Authors: Feng Fan , Lian Youyun , Wang Jianbao , Song Jiupeng , Yan Binyou , Liu Xiang
Published: July 2022

Tungsten is a metal with a high melting point and thermal conductivity, but its inherent brittleness limits its application in the industry. Dispersion strengthening and plastic deformation are considered to be an effective means to improve the properties of tungsten alloys. In this work, the mechanical properties and thermal shock performance of W-1% TaC alloy prepared by hot pressing followed by high-energy-rate forging (HERFing) and annealing treatment were investigated. The microstructure of the tungsten material was characterized via metallography, scanning electron microscopy and electron backscattering diffraction imaging. The mechanical properties were studied by tensile testing. The thermal shock performance of the HERFed W-TaC was evaluated using an electron beam device. The forged tungsten possessed a disc-shaped grain structure. The forged W-TaC alloy exhibited a good mechanical performance at an elevated temperature, which was different from the response of other tungsten alloys. The HERFing process effectively increased the cracking threshold of W-TaC alloy under electron beam transient thermal load. The lamellar grain structure of the forged tungsten material prevented cracks from propagating deeply into the material.
Intraoperative Positive Pancreatic Parenchymal Resection Margin: Is It a True Indication of Completion Total Pancreatectomy after Partial Pancreatectomy for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma?
Authors: Jung Ji-Hye , Yoon So-Jeong , Lee Ok-Joo , Shin Sang-Hyun , Heo Jin-Seok , Han In-Woong
Published: July 2022

Background: Total pancreatectomy (TP) can be performed in cases with positive resection margin after partial pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer. However, despite complete removal of the residual pancreatic parenchyme, it is questionable whether an actual R0 resection and favorable survival can be achieved. This study aimed to identify the R0 resection rate and postoperative outcomes, including survival, following completion TP (cTP) performed due to intraoperative positive margin. Methods: From 1995 to 2015, 1096 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma underwent elective pancreatectomy at the Samsung Medical Center. Among these, 25 patients underwent cTP, which was converted during partial pancreatectomy because of a positive resection margin. To compare survival after R0 resection between the cTP R0 and pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) R0 cases, propensity score matching was conducted to balance the baseline characteristics. Results: The R0 rate of cTP performed due to intraoperative positive margin was 84% (21/25). The overall 5-year survival rate (5YSR) in the 25 cTP cases was 8%. There was no difference in the 5YSR between the cTP R0 and cTP R1 groups (9.5% versus 0.0%, p = 0.963). However, the 5YSR of the cTP R0 group was significantly lower than that of the PD R0 group (9.5% versus 20.0%, p = 0.022). There was no distinct difference in postoperative complications between the cTP R0 versus cTP R1 and cTP R0 versus PD R0 groups. Conclusions: In cases with intraoperative positive pancreatic parenchymal resection margin, survival after cTP was not favorable. Careful patient selection is needed to perform cTP in such cases.
Open Access to the Digital Biodiversity Database: A Comprehensive Functional Model of the Natural History Collections
Authors: Jackowiak Bogdan , Lawenda Marcin , Nowak Maciej M. , Wolniewicz Paweł , Błoszyk Jerzy , Urbaniak Michał , Szkudlarz Piotr , Jędrasiak Damian , Wiland-Szymańska Justyna , Bajaczyk Rafał , Meyer Norbert
Published: July 2022

The Natural History Collections of Adam Mickiewicz University (AMUNATCOLL) in Poznań contain over 2.2 million specimens. Until recently, access to the collections was limited to specialists and was challenging because of the analogue data files. Therefore, this paper presents a new approach to data sharing called the Scientific, Educational, Public, and Practical Use (SEPP) Model. Since the stakeholder group is broad, the SEPP Model assumes the following key points: full open access to the digitized collections, the structure of metadata in accordance with certain standards, and a versatile tool set for data mining or statistical and spatial analysis. The SEPP Model was implemented in the AMUNATCOLL IT system, which consists of a web portal equipped with a wide set of explorative functionalities tailored to different user groups: scientists, students, officials, and nature enthusiasts. An integral part of the system is a mobile application designed for field surveys, enabling users to conduct studies comparing their own field data and AMUNATCOLL data. The AMUNATCOLL IT database contains digital data on specimens, biological samples, bibliographic sources, and multimedia nature documents. The metadata structure was developed in accordance with ABCD 2.06 and Darwin Core standards.
Turnover of Plant Species on an Ecological Gradient in Karst Dolines Is Reflected in Plant Traits: Chorotypes, Life Forms, Plant Architecture and Strategies
Authors: Jakob Aljaž , Breg Valjavec Mateja , Čarni Andraž
Published: July 2022

We analyzed plants and their traits in dolines, which are characteristic enclosed terrain depressions on carbonate (karst) plateaus. These landforms range from a few meters to over 100 m in diameter, their depth generally varying from a few meters to a few tens of meters. A pronounced ecological gradient can be found from the bottom to the top, starting from humid, cool and shaded bottoms to sunny, dry and warm slopes and tops. We sampled dolines of various depths and analyzed the distribution of plant species on the gradient and how this distribution is reflected in plant traits: chorotypes, life forms, plant architecture and strategies. We used the transect method and sampled the floristic composition from the doline bottom to the top. We collected information about plant traits from various literature sources. The results show life forms and plant architecture explain this gradient well and, to a lesser extent, also chorotypes, but functional strategies have a low explanatory power. Life forms and plant architecture are the result of adaptation of species to the environment, and chorotypes are defined as species with an overlapping geographical distribution pattern due to their distribution and environmental histories. Functional strategies, which have evolved to enable plants to succeed in various environments, unexpectedly have a low explanatory power.
Prognosis Associated with Glycolytic Activity in Regional Lymph Nodes of Patients with Previously Untreated Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Cho Hojin , Cho Arthur , Kang Won Jun
Published: July 2022

Better mechanisms of predicting prognoses in patients with metastatic breast cancer will improve the identification of patients for whom curative treatments may be the most effective. In this study, the prognostic value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) was assessed in patients with metastatic breast cancer. A retrospective analysis of women who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT for staging of newly diagnosed metastatic breast cancer was conducted. In each patient, the maximum standardized uptake value (SUV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) of primary tumors and regional lymph nodes were measured and analyzed for association with survival using the Cox proportional hazards regression model. From 346 consecutive patients, 32 with metastatic invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast were included in the study. The median duration of follow-up was 22.5 months. Disease progression occurred in 26 patients, and 11 patients died. When multivariate analyses with a stepwise forward regression were applied, only the maximum SUV and TLG of regional lymph nodes showed a significant correlation with progression-free survival and overall survival, respectively. This study demonstrates that increased 18F-FDG uptake in regional lymph nodes is a strong independent predictor of survival in women with metastatic invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast.
Clinical Outcome of Fully Digital Workflow for Single-Implant-Supported Crowns: A Retrospective Clinical Study
Authors: Gianfreda Francesco , Pesce Paolo , Marcano Erich , Pistilli Valeria , Bollero Patrizio , Canullo Luigi
Published: July 2022

A digital workflow by means of intraoral scanners and computer tomography has been used in dental implantology, allowing clinicians to be potentially more accurate and precise. Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD-CAM) and 3D models facilitate the process from treatment planning to the surgical procedure, up to the implant placement and final prosthesis. The aim of the present retrospective study was to evaluate a fully digital workflow for single-tooth implant rehabilitation. A total of 19 patients (22 implants) were included in the present study, with a mean follow-up time of 2 years. A fully digital workflow was performed on each patient through the planning, design and printing of a surgical guide, following a digital impression made with an intraoral scanner, computer-tomography-guided implant placement and, finally, with the delivery of a CAD-CAM crown. The two-year follow-up results were satisfactory in terms of the aesthetic yield and precision of the prosthesis. In single-implant-supported restorations, due to digital protocols and digital planning, a reduced number of clinical sessions was registered and the treatment plan results were more predictable. Future studies are needed to understand the application of fully digital protocols in cases of partially or totally edentulous patients.
Inference for a Kavya–Manoharan Inverse Length Biased Exponential Distribution under Progressive-Stress Model Based on Progressive Type-II Censoring
Authors: Alotaibi Naif , Hashem Atef F. , Elbatal Ibrahim , Alyami Salem A. , Al-Moisheer A. S. , Elgarhy Mohammed
Published: July 2022

In this article, a new one parameter survival model is proposed using the Kavya–Manoharan (KM) transformation family and the inverse length biased exponential (ILBE) distribution. Statistical properties are obtained: quantiles, moments, incomplete moments and moment generating function. Different types of entropies such as Rényi entropy, Tsallis entropy, Havrda and Charvat entropy and Arimoto entropy are computed. Different measures of extropy such as extropy, cumulative residual extropy and the negative cumulative residual extropy are computed. When the lifetime of the item under use is assumed to follow the Kavya–Manoharan inverse length biased exponential (KMILBE) distribution, the progressive-stress accelerated life tests are considered. Some estimating approaches, such as the maximum likelihood, maximum product of spacing, least squares, and weighted least square estimations, are taken into account while using progressive type-II censoring. Furthermore, interval estimation is accomplished by determining the parameters’ approximate confidence intervals. The performance of the estimation approaches is investigated using Monte Carlo simulation. The relevance and flexibility of the model are demonstrated using two real datasets. The distribution is very flexible, and it outperforms many known distributions such as the inverse length biased, the inverse Lindley model, the Lindley, the inverse exponential, the sine inverse exponential and the sine inverse Rayleigh model.
Coded Caching for Broadcast Networks with User Cooperation
Authors: Huang Zhenhao , Chen Jiahui , You Xiaowen , Ma Shuai , Wu Youlong
Published: July 2022

Caching technique is a promising approach to reduce the heavy traffic load and improve user latency experience for the Internet of Things (IoT). In this paper, by exploiting edge cache resources and communication opportunities in device-to-device (D2D) networks and broadcast networks, two novel coded caching schemes are proposed that greatly reduce transmission latency for the centralized and decentralized caching settings, respectively. In addition to the multicast gain, both schemes obtain an additional cooperation gain offered by user cooperation and an additional parallel gain offered by the parallel transmission among the server and users. With a newly established lower bound on the transmission delay, we prove that the centralized coded caching scheme is order-optimal, i.e., achieving a constant multiplicative gap within the minimum transmission delay. The decentralized coded caching scheme is also order-optimal if each user’s cache size is larger than a threshold which approaches zero as the total number of users tends to infinity. Moreover, theoretical analysis shows that to reduce the transmission delay, the number of users sending signals simultaneously should be appropriately chosen according to the user’s cache size, and always letting more users send information in parallel could cause high transmission delay.
Estimation of Convex Polytopes for Automatic Discovery of Charge State Transitions in Quantum Dot Arrays
Authors: Krause Oswin , Brovang Bertram , Rasmussen Torbjørn , Chatterjee Anasua , Kuemmeth Ferdinand
Published: July 2022

In spin based quantum dot arrays, material or fabrication imprecisions affect the behaviour of the device, which must be taken into account when controlling it. This requires measuring the shape of specific convex polytopes. We present an algorithm that automatically discovers count, shape and size of the facets of a convex polytope from measurements by alternating a phase of model-fitting with a phase of querying new measurements, based on the fitted model. We evaluate the algorithm on simulated polytopes and devices, as well as a real 2 × 2 spin qubit array. Results show that we can reliably find the facets of the convex polytopes, including small facets with sizes on the order of the measurement precision.
An Improved Yolov5 for Multi-Rotor UAV Detection
Authors: Liu Bailin , Luo Huan
Published: July 2022

Multi-rotor drones have a wide range of applications in practical scenarios; however, the use of multi-rotor drones for illegal acts is also on the rise, in order to improve the recognition accuracy of multi-rotor drones. A new multi-rotor drone detection algorithm is proposed. Firstly, the Yolov5 backbone is replaced with Efficientlite, thus reducing the number of parameters in the model. Secondly, adaptively spatial feature fusion is injected into the head of the baseline model to facilitate the fusion of feature maps with different spatial resolutions, in order to balance the accuracy loss caused by the lightweight of the model backbone. Finally, a constraint of angle is introduced into the original regression loss function to avoid the mismatch between the prediction frame and the real frame orientation during the training process in order to improve the speed of network convergence. Experiments show that the improved Yolov5s exhibits better detection performance, which provides a superior method for detecting multi-rotor UAVs in real-world scenarios.
Defect Detection Scheme for Key Equipment of Transmission Line for Complex Environment
Authors: Wang Jian , Deng Fangming , Wei Baoquan
Published: July 2022

Aiming at the difficulty in detecting defects of key equipment of transmission lines in small samples and complex environments, and the problems of low accuracy and unreliability in one-time detection using traditional deep learning-based methods, an image detection scheme combining optimized deep convolutional neural networks and Kalman filtering is proposed. The convolutional neural network architecture is based on Faster Region-based Convolutional Neural Networks (R-CNNs). First, the model backbone network is constructed by MobileNet, which effectively reduces the computational cost. Secondly, a soft nonmaximum suppression algorithm is integrated to solve the occlusion problem of target parts, and the context-aware ROI pooling layer replaces the original pooling layer, maintaining the original structure of small-sized components. Finally, the detection results are corrected twice by Kalman filtering to further improve the detection accuracy and reliability. The experimental results show that this method can realize the accurate detection of components in complex transmission line equipment, the mean Average Precision (mAP) reaches 91.10%, which is 11.05% higher than the original model, and the detection time of each picture is only 0.05 s. Compared with other detection algorithms under the same conditions, the comprehensive performance of the proposed method can be improved by 20%.
Time-Varying Formation Tracking Control for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles with the Leader’s Unknown Input and Obstacle Avoidance: Theories and Applications
Authors: Li Qing , Hua Yongzhao , Dong Xiwang , Yu Jianglong , Ren Zhang
Published: July 2022

This paper investigates the time-varying formation tracking (TVFT) problems for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) swarm systems with the leader’s unknown input and collision and obstacle avoidance mechanism. To solve the TVFT control problem which has not been studied extensively, distributed observers are proposed to estimate the leader’s position and a TVFT control protocol is constructed. Stability of control protocol is proved by Lyapunov stability theory. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the TVFT control protocol is verified by numerical simulations and flying experiments, which is more convincing than the theoretical results only.
A Configurable IP Core for Calculating the Integer Square Root for Serial and Parallel Implementations in FPGA
Authors: Matyukha Vladimir , Voloshchuk Sergey , Mosin Sergey
Published: July 2022

The development of digital technologies is in many ways associated with an improvement of integrated technologies, microelectronic components, and the capabilities of hardware acceleration of the most computationally complex operations. Field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) are actively used for prototyping or the small-scale production of special purpose digital signal processing (DSP) devices. The implementation of DSP algorithms is variative in nature and affects important indicators of a produced device, such as the accuracy of the numerical solution, performance, structural/functional complexity, etc. The architectural features of the FPGA can be used for choosing an effective DSP algorithm in the form of solving the multicriteria discrete optimization problem. This paper analyzes and selects an effective algorithm for calculating the integer square root, which is one of the most frequently used digital signal processing operations. A behavioral model based on a non-restoring algorithm is presented. The SystemVerilog description of the module for calculating the square root, presented in the form of a universal configurable IP core, has been developed and synthesized. The configuration allows one to change the width of the input data bus and select the serial or parallel processing mode for scalar or vector data. The results of testing and comparison of the obtained characteristics with the corresponding Xilinx Cordic IP core are presented. The field test of the proposed IP core implemented in the Xilinx FPGA SOC xc7z045ffg900-2 has demonstrated the gain in the maximum system frequency at 174 MHz in the sequential mode with a 48-bit input bus and 169 MHz in the pipelined mode at a reduction of both the structural complexity and the number of used FPGA internal resources in comparison with the Xilinx Cordic IP core.
Nonlinear Robust Control of a Quadratic Boost Converter in a Wide Operation Range, Based on Extended Linearization Method
Authors: Alonge Francesco , Busacca Alessandro , Calabretta Michele , D’Ippolito Filippo , Fagiolini Adriano , Garraffa Giovanni , Messina Angelo Alberto , Sferlazza Antonino , Stivala Salvatore
Published: July 2022

This paper proposes a control system for a quadratic boost DC/DC converter in a wide range of operations, based on an inner loop with a sliding mode controller, for reaching a desired equilibrium state, and an outer loop with integral-type controller, for assuring robustness against load and input voltage variations and converter parameter uncertainties. The sliding mode controller is designed with the extended linearization method and assures local asymptotic stability, whereas the integral controller is designed using classical frequency methods, and assures input–output stability. It is shown that the proposed controller also deals with the sudden changes in the nominal operating conditions; thus, if a change of the operating conditions takes place, the proposed control scheme automatically creates a sliding regime which stabilizes the converter trajectories to the new equilibrium point. Experimental results carried out on a suitably developed test set up show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.