bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research Progress on Heterogeneous Reactions of Pollutant Gases on the Surface of Atmospheric Mineral Particulate Matter in China
Authors: Zheng Fei , Dong Faqin , Zhou Lin , Chen Yunzhu , Yu Jieyu , Luo Xijie , Zhang Xingyu , Lv Zhenzhen , Xia Xue , Xue Jingyuan
Published: August 2022

Haze is the phenomenon of visibility degradation caused by extinction effects related to the physicochemical properties of atmospheric particulate matter (APM). Atmosphere heterogeneous reactions can alter the physicochemical properties of APM. Therefore, it is important to understand the atmospheric heterogeneous reactions of APM in order to reveal the cause of haze. Herein, the current situation, developmental trend, source, and composition of APM pollution in China are reviewed. Additionally, we introduce the reaction characteristics and key chemical processes of common inorganic, organic, and mixed pollutant gases on the surface of mineral particles. The effects of mineral particulate matter on aggregation, regulation, and catalysis in the formation of atmospheric aerosols and the synergistic reaction mechanism of SO2, NO2, O3, and VOCs on the surfaces of different mineral particles are summarized. The problems existing in the current research on heterogeneous reactions on the surfaces of mineral particles are also evaluated. This paper aims to gain a deep understanding of the mechanism of mineral particulate matter promoting the formation of secondary aerosols and attempts to provide theoretical support for effective haze control.
Influence of Urban Road Green Belts on Pedestrian-Level Wind in Height-Asymmetric Street Canyons
Authors: Zeng Fanhao , Simeja David , Ren Xinyi , Chen Zhonggou , Zhao Hanyi
Published: August 2022

This study was conducted to examine the effect on airflow of the shape of an urban road green belt in an asymmetrical street canyon. In this paper, the airflow field at pedestrian height in an asymmetrical street with different building height ratios (ASF) on both sides of the street is modeled and simulated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software, ANSYS FLUENT, and the flow rate characteristic distribution index and the average airflow intensity index are used to evaluate and analyze the airflow at the pedestrian level. The study shows that: (1) in an empty street scheme with different building ratios, the static wind area is located on the roof of the downstream building; the closer to the ground in a street with an ASF = 1/3, the lower the airflow rate. However, the situation is the opposite of that in other streets (2/3, 3/1, and 3/2). (2) The position of the green belt makes the windward side flow rate in the step-up street higher than that of the leeward side, and the flow rate of the leeward side in the step-down street is higher than that of the windward side. (3) Compared with other green belt forms, the use of two plates and three belts in the incremental street can increase the circumferential sinking at the roofs of the windward side of the street, thereby improving the wind environment in the entire street. The use of one plate, two-belt and three-plate, four-belt scenarios in the step-down street allows the two ends of the corner vortex to carry more airflow into the interior of the street and reduces both the “wind shadow effect” area in the middle of the street and the “air outlet effect” at both ends.
Predictability and Predictions
Authors: Anthes Richard A.
Published: August 2022

This essay describes the author’s lifetime experiences with predictability theory and weather predictions.
Stability Analysis of Delayed COVID-19 Models
Authors: Zaitri Mohamed A. , Silva Cristiana J. , Torres Delfim F. M.
Published: August 2022

We analyze mathematical models for COVID-19 with discrete time delays and vaccination. Sufficient conditions for the local stability of the endemic and disease-free equilibrium points are proved for any positive time delay. The stability results are illustrated through numerical simulations performed in MATLAB.
Characterization of the Aeration and Hydrodynamics in Vertical-Wheel™ Bioreactors
Authors: Neto Pedro M. , Nogueira Diogo E. S. , Hashimura Yas , Jung Sunghoon , Pedras Bruno , Berberan-Santos Mário N. , Palmeira Tiago , Lee Brian , Cabral Joaquim M. S. , Geraldes Vitor , Rodrigues Carlos A. V.
Published: August 2022

In this work, the oxygen transport and hydrodynamic flow of the PBS Vertical-Wheel MINI™ 0.1 bioreactor were characterized using experimental data and computational fluid dynamics simulations. Data acquired from spectroscopy-based oxygenation measurements was compared with data obtained from 3D simulations with a rigid-lid approximation and LES-WALE turbulence modeling, using the open-source software OpenFOAM-8. The mass transfer coefficients were determined for a range of stirring speeds between 10 and 100 rpm and for working volumes between 60 and 100 mL. Additionally, boundary condition, mesh refinement, and temperature variation studies were performed. Lastly, cell size, energy dissipation rate, and shear stress fields were calculated to determine optimal hydrodynamic conditions for culture. The experimental results demonstrate that the kL can be predicted using Sh=1.68Re0.551Sc13G1.18, with a mean absolute error of 2.08%. Using the simulations and a correction factor of 0.473, the expression can be correlated to provide equally valid results. To directly obtain them from simulations, a partial slip boundary condition can be tuned, ensuring better near-surface velocity profiles or, alternatively, by deeply refining the mesh. Temperature variation studies support the use of this correlation for temperatures up to 37 °C by using a Schmidt exponent of 1/3. Finally, the flow was characterized as transitional with diverse mixing mechanisms that ensure homogeneity and suspension quality, and the results obtained are in agreement with previous studies that employed RANS models. Overall, this work provides new data regarding oxygen mass transfer and hydrodynamics in the Vertical-Wheel bioreactor, as well as new insights for air-water mass transfer modeling in systems with low interface deformation, and a computational model that can be used for further studies.
Promotion of Plant Growth in Arid Zones by Selected Trichoderma spp. Strains with Adaptation Plasticity to Alkaline pH
Authors: Cabral-Miramontes Juan Pablo , Olmedo-Monfil Vianey , Lara-Banda María , Zúñiga-Romo Efrén Ricardo , Aréchiga-Carvajal Elva Teresa
Published: August 2022

Trichoderma species are filamentous fungi that support plant health and confer improved growth, disease resistance, and abiotic stress tolerance. The objective of this study is to describe the physiological characteristics of the abundance and structure of Trichoderma model strains from arid zones and evaluate and describe their possible adaptation and modulation in alkaline pH. The presence of biotic factors such as phytopathogens forces farmers to take more actions such as using pesticides. In addition, factors such as the lack of water worldwide lead to losses in agricultural production. Therefore, the search for biocontrol microorganisms that support drought opens the door to the search for variations in the molecular mechanisms involved in these phenomena. In our case, we isolated 11 tested Trichoderma fungal strains from samples collected both from the rhizosphere and roots from two endemic plants. We probed their molecular markers to obtain their identity and assessed their resistance to alkaline conditions, as well as their response to mycoparasitism, plant growth promotion, and drought stress. The findings were worthy of being analyzed in depth. Three fungal taxa/species were grouped by phylogenetic/phenotypic characteristics; three T. harzianum strains showed outstanding capabilities to adapt to alkalinity stress. They also showed antagonistic activity against three phytopathogenic fungi. Additionally, we provided evidence of significant growth promotion in Sorghum bicolor seedlings under endemic agriculture conditions and a reduction in drought damage with Trichoderma infection. Finally, beneficial fungi adapted to specific ambient niches use various molecular mechanisms to survive and modulate their metabolism.
Screw-Type Collar vs. Non-Screw-Type Collar Implants—Comparison of Initial Stability, Soft Tissue Adaptation, and Early Marginal Bone Loss—A Preclinical Study in the Dog
Authors: Tal Haim , Reiser Vadim , Naishlos Sarit , Avishai Gal , Kolerman Roni , Chaushu Liat
Published: August 2022

Background: Implant neck characteristics may affect initial implant stability, soft tissue healing, and early marginal bone loss (EMBL) at second-stage surgery. The null hypothesis was that, following two-stage implant insertion, rough surface, non-screw-type collar implants will present lower EMBL at 2nd-stage surgery than rough-surface, screw-type collar implants. Methods: The study comprised seven male beagle dogs (mean weight 10.57 ± 2.8 kg; range 9–17 kg). A novel implant design was developed, composed of 2 parts: an apical part resembling a regular threaded implant, and a coronal non-screw-type collar, 4.2 mm long, served as the study group, whereas standard threaded implants served as control. Twenty-eight implants were placed: two on each side of the mandible. All implants were sand-blasted/acid-etched and of similar dimensions. Each dog received four implants. To assess location (anterior vs. posterior) impact on the outcomes, implants were placed as follows: group I—posterior mandible right—non-screw-type collar implants; group II—anterior mandible right—similar non-screw-type collar implants. To assess the collar-design effect on the outcomes, implants were placed as follows—Group III—anterior mandible left—control group, screw-type collar implants; Group IV—study group, posterior mandible left—non-screw-type collar implants. The following parameters were measured and recorded: insertion torque, soft tissue healing, early implant failure, and EMBL at 2nd-stage surgery. Results: No statistically significant differences were noted between groups I and II regarding all outcome parameters. At the same time, although insertion torque (55 N/cm) and early implant failure (0) were similar between groups III and IV, group III presented significantly poorer soft tissue healing (1.43 vs. 0.14) and increased marginal bone loss (0.86 vs. 0 mm). Conclusions: When a two-stage implant protocol was used, rough-surface non-screw-type collar implants led to superior outcomes at 2nd-stage surgery. Implant location did not affect the results. The significance of this result in preventing EMBL awaits further research.
Molecular Threat of Splicing Factor Mutations to Myeloid Malignancies and Potential Therapeutic Modulations
Authors: Zhang Fangliang , Chen Liang
Published: August 2022

Splicing factors are frequently mutated in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). These mutations are presumed to contribute to oncogenic transformation, but the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. While no specific treatment option is available for MDS/AML patients with spliceosome mutations, novel targeting strategies are actively explored, leading to clinical trials of small molecule inhibitors that target the spliceosome, DNA damage response pathway, and immune response pathway. Here, we review recent progress in mechanistic understanding of splicing factor mutations promoting disease progression and summarize potential therapeutic strategies, which, if successful, would provide clinical benefit to patients carrying splicing factor mutations.
Design Strategies and Biomimetic Approaches for Calcium Phosphate Scaffolds in Bone Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Pupilli Federico , Ruffini Andrea , Dapporto Massimiliano , Tavoni Marta , Tampieri Anna , Sprio Simone
Published: August 2022

Bone is a complex biologic tissue, which is extremely relevant for various physiological functions, in addition to movement, organ protection, and weight bearing. The repair of critical size bone defects is a still unmet clinical need, and over the past decades, material scientists have been expending efforts to find effective technological solutions, based on the use of scaffolds. In this context, biomimetics which is intended as the ability of a scaffold to reproduce compositional and structural features of the host tissues, is increasingly considered as a guide for this purpose. However, the achievement of implants that mimic the very complex bone composition, multi-scale structure, and mechanics is still an open challenge. Indeed, despite the fact that calcium phosphates are widely recognized as elective biomaterials to fabricate regenerative bone scaffolds, their processing into 3D devices with suitable cell-instructing features is still prevented by insurmountable drawbacks. With respect to biomaterials science, new approaches maybe conceived to gain ground and promise for a substantial leap forward in this field. The present review provides an overview of physicochemical and structural features of bone tissue that are responsible for its biologic behavior. Moreover, relevant and recent technological approaches, also inspired by natural processes and structures, are described, which can be considered as a leverage for future development of next generation bioactive medical devices.
Wearable Technologies for Pediatric Patients with Surgical Infections—More than Counting Steps?
Authors: Mack Ines , Juchler Norman , Rey Sofia , Hirsch Sven , Hoelz Bianca , Eckstein Jens , Bielicki Julia
Published: August 2022

Reliable vital sign assessments are crucial for the management of patients with infectious diseases. Wearable devices enable easy and comfortable continuous monitoring across settings, especially in pediatric patients, but information about their performance in acutely unwell children is scarce. Vital signs were continuously measured with a multi-sensor wearable device (Everion®, Biofourmis, Zurich, Switzerland) in 21 pediatric patients during their hospitalization for appendicitis, osteomyelitis, or septic arthritis to describe acceptance and feasibility and to compare validity and reliability with conventional measurements. Using a wearable device was highly accepted and feasible for health-care workers, parents, and children. There were substantial data gaps in continuous monitoring up to 24 h. The wearable device measured heart rate and oxygen saturation reliably (mean difference, 2.5 bpm and 0.4% SpO2) but underestimated body temperature by 1.7 °C. Data availability was suboptimal during the study period, but a good relationship was determined between wearable device and conventional measurements for heart rate and oxygen saturation. Acceptance and feasibility were high in all study groups. We recommend that wearable devices designed for medical use in children be validated in the targeted population to assure future high-quality continuous vital sign assessments in an easy and non-burdening way.
Liquid Crystal Biosensors: Principles, Structure and Applications
Authors: Wang Haonan , Xu Tianhua , Fu Yaoxin , Wang Ziyihui , Leeson Mark S. , Jiang Junfeng , Liu Tiegen
Published: August 2022

Liquid crystals (LCs) have been widely used as sensitive elements to construct LC biosensors based on the principle that specific bonding events between biomolecules can affect the orientation of LC molecules. On the basis of the sensing interface of LC molecules, LC biosensors can be classified into three types: LC–solid interface sensing platforms, LC–aqueous interface sensing platforms, and LC–droplet interface sensing platforms. In addition, as a signal amplification method, the combination of LCs and whispering gallery mode (WGM) optical microcavities can provide higher detection sensitivity due to the extremely high quality factor and the small mode volume of the WGM optical microcavity, which enhances the interaction between the light field and biotargets. In this review, we present an overview of the basic principles, the structure, and the applications of LC biosensors. We discuss the important properties of LC and the principle of LC biosensors. The different geometries of LCs in the biosensing systems as well as their applications in the biological detection are then described. The fabrication and the application of the LC-based WGM microcavity optofluidic sensor in the biological detection are also introduced. Finally, challenges and potential research opportunities in the development of LC-based biosensors are discussed.
Advancing the Role of Neuroimmunity and Genetic Susceptibility in Gulf War Illness
Authors: Sullivan Kimberly , O’Callaghan James P.
Published: August 2022

Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a chronic multi-symptom disorder affecting as many as 30% of veterans of the 1991 Gulf War [...]
The Relationship between Oxidative Stress and Subjective Sleep Quality in People with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Feng Vivian , Tumati Shankar , Wang Ruoding , Bawa Kritleen K. , Gallagher Damien , Herrmann Nathan , Marzolini Susan , Oh Paul , Andreazza Ana , Lanctôt Krista L.
Published: August 2022

Background: (1) Sleep disorders are prevalent in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients and predict cardiac events and prognosis. While increased oxidative stress (OS) has been associated with sleep disorders, less is known about its relationship with sleep quality. Similarly, little is known of how this relationship might change with exercise, which can improve sleep quality. Factors of sleep quality, such as sleep duration and disturbances, are also important as they predict cardiovascular diseases better than a global score alone. This study investigated whether OS was associated with self-rated sleep quality and its factors before and after completing a 24-week exercise intervention. (2) Methods: CAD patients undergoing an exercise program were recruited. OS was measured at baseline by the concentrations of early- (lipid hydroperoxides, LPH) and late-stage (8-isoprostane, 8-ISO) lipid peroxidation products and their ratio. Sleep quality was measured by the self-reported Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) instrument at baseline and termination. Three sleep factors—perceived sleep quality, sleep efficiency, and daily disturbances—were derived from the PSQI. (3) Results: Among CAD patients (n = 113, 85.0% male, age = 63.7 ± 6.4 years, global PSQI = 5.8 ± 4.0), those with poor sleep (PSQI ≥ 5) had higher baseline 8-ISO levels (F(1, 111) = 6.212, p = 0.014, ηp2 = 0.053) compared to those with normal sleep. Concentrations of LPH (F(1, 105) = 0.569, p = 0.453, ηp2 = 0.005) and 8-ISO/LPH ratios (F(1, 105) = 2.173, p = 0.143, ηp2 = 0.020) did not differ between those with poor sleep and normal sleep. Among factors, perceived sleep quality was associated with 8-ISO and 8-ISO/LPH, and daily disturbances were associated with 8-ISO. (4) Conclusions: A marker of late-stage lipid peroxidation is elevated in CAD patients with poor sleep and associated with daily disturbances, but not with other factors or with sleep quality and its factors after exercise intervention.
A Review of Hand Function Rehabilitation Systems Based on Hand Motion Recognition Devices and Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Gu Yuexing , Xu Yuanjing , Shen Yuling , Huang Hanyu , Liu Tongyou , Jin Lei , Ren Hang , Wang Jinwu
Published: August 2022

The incidence of stroke and the burden on health care and society are expected to increase significantly in the coming years, due to the increasing aging of the population. Various sensory, motor, cognitive and psychological disorders may remain in the patient after survival from a stroke. In hemiplegic patients with movement disorders, the impairment of upper limb function, especially hand function, dramatically limits the ability of patients to perform activities of daily living (ADL). Therefore, one of the essential goals of post-stroke rehabilitation is to restore hand function. The recovery of motor function is achieved chiefly through compensatory strategies, such as hand rehabilitation robots, which have been available since the end of the last century. This paper reviews the current research status of hand function rehabilitation devices based on various types of hand motion recognition technologies and analyzes their advantages and disadvantages, reviews the application of artificial intelligence in hand rehabilitation robots, and summarizes the current research limitations and discusses future research directions.
Small Pupils Lead to Lower Judgements of a Person’s Characteristics for Exaggerated, but Not for Realistic Pupils
Authors: Lau Wee Kiat , Sauter Marian , Huckauf Anke
Published: August 2022

Our eyes convey information about a person. The pupils may provide information regarding our emotional states when presented along with different emotional expressions. We examined the effects of pupil size and vergence on inferring other people’s characteristics in neutral expression eyes. Pupil sizes were manipulated by overlaying black disks onto the pupils of the original eye images. The disk area was then changed to create small, medium, and large pupils. Vergence was simulated by shifting the medium-sized disks nasally in one eye. Pupil sizes were exaggerated for Experiment 1 and followed values from the literature for Experiment 2. The first Purkinje image from the eye photos in Experiment 2 was kept to preserve image realism. The characteristics measured were sex, age, attractiveness, trustworthiness, intelligence, valence, and arousal. Participants completed one of two online experiments and rated eight eye pictures with differently sized pupils and with vergence eyes. Both experiments were identical except for the stimuli designs. Results from Experiment 1 revealed rating differences between pupil sizes for all characteristics except sex, age, and arousal. Specifically, eyes with extremely small pupil sizes and artificial vergence received the lowest ratings compared to medium and large pupil sizes. Results from Experiment 2 only indicated weak effects of pupil size and vergence, particularly for intelligence ratings. We conclude that the pupils can influence how characteristics of another person are perceived and may be regarded as important social signals in subconscious social interaction processes. However, the effects may be rather small for neutral expressions.
The Influence of the Flexural Strength Ratio of Columns to Beams on the Collapse Capacity of RC Frame Structures
Authors: Gong Maosheng , Liu Bo , Zuo Zhanxuan , Sun Jing , Zhang Hao
Published: August 2022

Reinforced concrete (RC) frames are designed based on the strong column-weak beam (SCWB) philosophy to reduce structural damage and collapse during earthquakes. The SCWB design philosophy is ensured by the required minimum flexural strength ratio of columns to beams (FSRCB) in the seismic code. Quantifying the relationship between the FSRCB and the collapse capacity of the frames may facilitate the efficient assessment of the seismic performance of the existing or newly designed RC frames. This paper investigates the influence of different FSRCBs on the collapse capacity of three- and nine-story RC frames designed according to Chinese seismic codes. The results show that the collapse capacities of the RC frames can be efficiently improved by increasing the FSRCB, and the collapse capacities of frames with FSRCB = 2.0 are improved by approximately 1.6–2.0 times compared with those of the frames with FSRCB = 1.2. Compared with the middle- or high-rise (nine-story) frames, it is more efficient to improve the collapse capacity for low-rise (three-story) frames by increasing the value of CBFSR. The logarithmic standard deviation of the collapse capacity of the RC frames designed according to the Chinese seismic codes ranges from 0.5–0.9, which is larger than the proposed maximum logarithmic standard deviation (0.4) in FEMA P695.
Materials to Mitigate the Urban Heat Island Effect for Cool Pavement: A Brief Review
Authors: Wang Zheng , Xie Yugang , Mu Minghao , Feng Lichao , Xie Ning , Cui Na
Published: August 2022

The urban heat island (UHI) effect has a significantly negative impact on the living environment in urban areas. Asphalt pavement is one of the most widely used infrastructures that absorbs solar energy, which leads to the UHI effect and premature failure. As a result, cool pavement technology has been rapidly developed in recent years to mitigate the UHI effect originating from asphalt pavement. Although several outstanding review articles have analyzed previous studies on cool pavement technologies, very few review articles have focused on how to design and expand cool pavement technology from a materials perspective. In this mini-review article, the theoretical and practical factors of the solar reflective coatings and phase-change materials, which are significantly dependent on the design of new materials, have been summarized. The main challenges and potential problem-solving ideas have been presented. In a cool pavement, the solar reflective coatings are composed of epoxy resin or acrylic polymer matrix filled with solar reflective nanoparticles, such as TiO2, SiO2, ZnO, Al2O3, or Fe2O3. The main challenges of the solar reflective coatings are the spalling of the coating polymers from the asphalt pavement surface and the dispersion of the solar reflective nanoparticle in the polymer matrix. Most importantly, it is critical to harmonize the balance between the bonding strength, aging rate, solar reflectance, curing requirements, mechanical properties, and durability of the solar reflective coating. For the nanofillers, the cost of the filler materials, the balance between UV, visible light, and near-infrared reflectance and the dispersion status of the nanofillers in the polymer matrix are the primary factors that must be concerned. For the phase-change materials (PCMs), the interaction between the asphalt and the PCMs, the decomposition of the PCMs, the toxicity of the PCMs, the distribution status of the PCMs in the asphalt matrix, and the cost are the main factors that have to be considered in constructions. This review article can not only provide basic knowledge for the development of new solar reflective pavement materials but also serve as a guide for practical applications of cool pavement in the field.
Diffusion Characteristics of PM2.5 in Rural Dwelling under Different Daily Life Behavior: A Case Study in Rural Shenyang of China
Authors: Zhang Xueyan , Yang Yiming , Huang Guanhua , Chen Bin , Chen Yu , Zhao Joe , Sun Helen
Published: August 2022

The highest concentration of PM2.5 in cold rural dwellings of Northeast China is often generated by using mini stoves for cooking and heating, which can directly influence human health. As of yet, little is known about the impact of different daily life behavior on PM2.5 diffusion and residents’ exposure in rural dwellings. In this study, the characteristics of indoor PM2.5 variation and diffusion in rural dwellings was described by measuring some rural dwellings and establishing a multi-zone network model. The calculated results indicated that the relative errors between theoretical calculated results and experimental measured results are within 10%. PM2.5 diffusion in a rural dwelling can be predicted. Furthermore, the impacts of daily life behavior on PM2.5 diffusion and exposure assessment can be analyzed. Through discussion, heating behavior is the most important factor causing high concentrations of PM2.5 in each room, followed by cooking, smoking, and cleaning. Door opening time can lead to different interzonal airflows and PM2.5 diffusion rates. By reducing the inner door opening time to less than 1 min, PM2.5 could decrease to 300 μg/m3. Door closing behavior could decrease risk that PM2.5 diffuses to bedrooms by more than 50%, and exposure of residents in bedrooms could reduce to 100 (μg·h)/m3 effectively.
Acoustic Radiation Study of a Box Girder Viaduct Considering the Frequency-Dependent Viscoelasticity of the Rail Pad
Authors: Zuo Zhiyuan , Liu Linya , Zhou Yunlai , Qin Jialiang , Cui Weitao
Published: August 2022

In order to investigate the mechanism of the frequency-dependent viscoelasticity of the rail pad on the acoustic radiation characteristics of a box girder viaduct, this study establishes a high-order model of its dynamic parameters to reveal the frequency-varying viscoelasticity of the rail pad, and establishes a vehicle–track–viaduct vertical coupling model. Finally, the acoustic radiation characteristics of a box girder viaduct are analyzed by combining the finite element method and the boundary element theory. The results show that the S-stiffness and D-stiffness of the rail pad increase with the increase in frequency, and the frequency sensitivity of the S-stiffness is greater than that of the D-stiffness. The high-order characterization model of the dynamic parameters of the rail pad has a good fitting effect. The main influence frequency band of the frequency variable viscoelasticity of the rail pad on the wheel–rail force and the equivalent discrete spring force of the sliding layer is 30–90 Hz, resulting in the shift of the dominant frequency to a high frequency by 4 Hz. We consider that the frequency-varying viscoelasticity of the rail pad will cause the dominant frequency of the acoustic pressure level of the field point to shift to a high frequency of 4–6 Hz, which has the greatest influence on the sound pressure level of each field point at the Peak Frequency Point of Insertion Loss (PFPIL), and the influence degree is consistent, resulting in the maximum value of the total sound pressure level of the surface field increasing by 4.1 dB. Without considering the frequency-varying viscoelasticity of the rail pad, the sound pressure level of each field point at 20–53 Hz will be overestimated and the sound pressure level of each field point in the 53–100 Hz frequency band will be underestimated. The panel sound power level contribution coefficient of the box girder is obviously different at different frequency points.
Pediatric Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Malignancies: From Extramedullary to Medullary Involvement
Authors: Kroeze Emma , Arias Padilla Laura , Bakker Max , Boer Judith M. , Hagleitner Melanie M. , Burkhardt Birgit , Mori Takeshi , Attarbaschi Andishe , Verdú-Amorós Jaime , Pillon Marta , Anderzhanova Liliya , Kabíčková Edita , Chiang Alan K. S. , Kebudi Rejin , Mellgren Karin , Lazic Jelena , Jazbec Janez , Meijerink Jules P. P. , Beishuizen Auke , Loeffen Jan L. C.
Published: August 2022

B-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (BCP-LBL) and B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) are the malignant counterparts of immature B-cells. BCP-ALL is the most common hematological malignancy in childhood, while BCP-LBL accounts for only 1% of all hematological malignancies in children. Therefore, BCP-ALL has been well studied and treatment protocols have changed over the last decades, whereas treatment for BCP-LBL has stayed roughly the same. Clinical characteristics of 364 pediatric patients with precursor B-cell malignancies were studied, consisting of BCP-LBL (n = 210) and BCP-ALL (n = 154) patients. Our results indicate that based on the clinical presentation of disease, B-cell malignancies probably represent a spectrum ranging from complete isolated medullary disease to apparent complete extramedullary disease. Hepatosplenomegaly and peripheral blood involvement are the most important discriminators, as both seen in 80% and 95% of the BCP-ALL patients and in 2% of the BCP-LBL patients, respectively. In addition, we show that the overall survival rates in this cohort differ significantly between BCP-LBL and BCP-ALL patients aged 1–18 years (p = 0.0080), and that the outcome for infants (0–1 years) with BCP-LBL is significantly decreased compared to BCP-LBL patients of all other pediatric ages (p < 0.0001).
Validation and Application of MD Anderson Symptom Inventory Module for Patients with Bladder Cancer in the Perioperative Setting
Authors: Kamal Mona , Navai Neema , Bree Kelly K. , Williams Loretta A. , Cleeland Charles S. , Shen Shu-En , Wang Xin Shelley
Published: August 2022

Objectives: We developed and validated a disease-specific tool for perioperative patient-reported outcomes assessment for bladder cancer (BLC) patients undergoing radical cystectomy, The MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (the MDASI-PeriOp-BLC). Methods: Patients who underwent radical cystectomy were recruited. We used qualitative interviews and experts’ input to generate disease/treatment-specific items of the MDASI-PeriOp-BLC module; conducted item reduction; examined the psychometric properties of the resultant items for reliability, validity, and clinical interpretability; and conducted cognitive debriefing interviews to assess the tool’s performance. Results: A total of 150 BLC patients contributed to psychometric validation. We identified and defined eight BLC-specific module items (blood in urine, leaking urine, frequent urination, urinary urgency, burning with urination, constipation, changes in sexual function, and stomal problems). We included those 8 items in addition to 13 MDASI core symptoms and 6 interference items to form the MDASI-PeriOp-BLC module. Cronbach alphas were 0.89 and 0.90 for the 21 severity items and the 6 interference items, respectively. Test–retest reliability (intra-class correlation) was 0.92 for the 21 severity items. The MDASI-PeriOp-BLC module significantly differentiated the patients by performance status (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The MDASI-PeriOp-BLC is a valid, reliable, and concise tool for monitoring symptom burden during perioperative care in BLC patients undergoing radical cystectomy.
Radiotherapy for Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis in Breast Cancer Patients: A Narrative Review
Authors: Pawłowska Ewa , Romanowska Anna , Jassem Jacek
Published: August 2022

Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LC), defined as the infiltration of the leptomeninges by cancer cells, is a rare oncological event with the most common etiology being breast cancer (BC), lung cancer, and melanoma. Despite innovations in radiotherapy (RT), firm evidence of its impact on survival is lacking, and concerns are related to its possible neurotoxicity. Owing to a paucity of data, the optimal treatment strategy for LC remains unknown. This review discusses current approaches, indications, and contraindications for various forms of RT for LC in BC. A separate section is dedicated to new RT techniques, such as proton therapy. We also summarize ongoing clinical trials evaluating the role of RT in patients with LC.
Correction: Ciardiello et al. Biomarker-Guided Anti-EGFR Rechallenge Therapy in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Cancers 2021, 13, 1941
Authors: Ciardiello Davide , Martini Giulia , Famiglietti Vincenzo , Napolitano Stefania , De Falco Vincenzo , Troiani Teresa , Latiano Tiziana Pia , Ros Javier , Elez Fernandez Elena , Vitiello Pietro Paolo , Maiello Evaristo , Ciardiello Fortunato , Martinelli Erika
Published: August 2022

In the original publication [...]
Investigating the Role of CTCs with Stem/EMT-like Features in Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Eribulin Mesylate
Authors: Papadaki Maria A. , Mala Anastasia , Merodoulaki Aikaterini C. , Vassilakopoulou Maria , Mavroudis Dimitrios , Agelaki Sofia
Published: August 2022

We herein aimed to assess the effect of eribulin mesylate on the cancer stem cell (CSC)/EMT-like phenotype of CTCs, and to investigate the prognostic role of CTC detection and monitoring for eribulin-treated BC patients. Peripheral blood was obtained at baseline (n = 42 patients) and 8 days after treatment initiation (C1D8: n = 22), and on disease progression (PD: n = 26). PBMCs cytospins were immunofluorescently stained for Cytokeratins/ALDH1/TWIST1/DAPI and analyzed via Ariol microscopy. CTCs were detected in 33.3%, 27.3%, and 23.1% of patients at baseline, C1D8, and PD, respectively. Accordingly, partial-EMT+ CTCs represented 61.3%, 0%, and 37.5% of total CTCs, whereas the CSC-like phenotype was consistently expressed by 87.5%, 75%, and 91.7% of CTCs at the respective time points. Interestingly, the CSC+/partial-EMT+ subset prevailed at baseline, but it was eradicated on C1D8 and resurged again during PD. CTC detection at baseline was associated with reduced PFS (p = 0.007) and OS (p = 0.005), and was an independent risk factor for death (HR: 3.779, p = 0.001; multivariate analysis). The CSC+/partial-EMT+ CTCs emerged as the only subset with adverse prognostic significance, while CTC monitoring during eribulin therapy improved the prediction of disease progression. These results indicate that resistant CTC subsets persevere eribulin treatment and highlight the prognostic implications of CTC analyses for eribulin-treated BC patients.
ICOSeg: Real-Time ICOS Protein Expression Segmentation from Immunohistochemistry Slides Using a Lightweight Conv-Transformer Network
Authors: Singh Vivek Kumar , Sarker Md. Mostafa Kamal , Makhlouf Yasmine , Craig Stephanie G. , Humphries Matthew P. , Loughrey Maurice B. , James Jacqueline A. , Salto-Tellez Manuel , O’Reilly Paul , Maxwell Perry
Published: August 2022

In this article, we propose ICOSeg, a lightweight deep learning model that accurately segments the immune-checkpoint biomarker, Inducible T-cell COStimulator (ICOS) protein in colon cancer from immunohistochemistry (IHC) slide patches. The proposed model relies on the MobileViT network that includes two main components: convolutional neural network (CNN) layers for extracting spatial features; and a transformer block for capturing a global feature representation from IHC patch images. The ICOSeg uses an encoder and decoder sub-network. The encoder extracts the positive cell’s salient features (i.e., shape, texture, intensity, and margin), and the decoder reconstructs important features into segmentation maps. To improve the model generalization capabilities, we adopted a channel attention mechanism that added to the bottleneck of the encoder layer. This approach highlighted the most relevant cell structures by discriminating between the targeted cell and background tissues. We performed extensive experiments on our in-house dataset. The experimental results confirm that the proposed model achieves more significant results against state-of-the-art methods, together with an 8× reduction in parameters.
PD-L1 Expression in Endometrial Cancer and Its Association with Clinicopathological Features: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mamat @ Yusof Mohd Nazzary , Chew Kah Teik , Kampan Nirmala , Abd. Aziz Nor Haslinda , Md Zin Reena Rahayu , Tan Geok Chin , Shafiee Mohamad Nasir
Published: August 2022

Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most common malignancies of the female genital tract and its current treatment mainly relies on surgical removal of the tumour bulk, followed by adjuvant radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy/hormonal therapy. However, the outcomes of these approaches are often unsatisfactory and are associated with severe toxicity and a higher recurrence rate of the disease. Thus, more clinical research exploring novel medical intervention is needed. Involvement of the immune pathway in cancer has become important and the finding of a high positive expression of programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in EC may offer a better targeted therapeutic approach. Numerous studies on the PD-L1 role in EC have been conducted, but the results remained inconclusive. Hence, this systematic review was conducted to provide an update and robust analysis in order to determine the pooled prevalence of PD-L1 expression in EC and evaluate its association with clinicopathological features in different focuses of tumour cells (TC) and immune cells (IC). A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Twelve articles between 2016 and 2021 with 3023 EC cases met the inclusion criteria. The effect of PD-L1 expression on the outcome parameters was estimated by the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each study. The pooled prevalence of PD-L1 was 34.26% and 51.39% in the tumour cell and immune cell, respectively, among women with EC. The PD-L1 expression was significantly associated with Stage III/IV disease (in both TC and IC) and correlated to the presence of lympho-vascular invasion in IC. However, the PD-L1 expression in TC was not associated with the age groups, histology types, myometrial invasion, and lympho-vascular invasion. In IC, PD-L1 expression was not associated with age group, histology type, and myometrial invasion. The meta-analysis survival outcomes of PD-L1 high expression had a significant association with worse OS in IC but not in TC.
Interleukin-3-Receptor-α in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC): An Additional Novel Biomarker of TNBC Aggressiveness and a Therapeutic Target
Authors: Koni Malvina , Castellano Isabella , Venturelli Emilio , Sarcinella Alessandro , Lopatina Tatiana , Grange Cristina , Cedrino Massimo , Femminò Saveria , Cossu-Rocca Paolo , Orrù Sandra , D’Ascenzo Fabrizio , Cotellessa Ilaria , Tampieri Cristian , Debernardi Carla , Cugliari Giovanni , Matullo Giuseppe , Camussi Giovanni , De Miglio Maria Rosaria , Brizzi Maria Felice
Published: August 2022

Tumour molecular annotation is mandatory for biomarker discovery and personalised approaches, particularly in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacking effective treatment options. In this study, the interleukin-3 receptor α (IL-3Rα) was investigated as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in TNBC. IL-3Rα expression and patients’ clinical and pathological features were retrospectively analysed in 421 TNBC patients. IL-3Rα was expressed in 69% human TNBC samples, and its expression was associated with nodal metastases (p = 0.026) and poor overall survival (hazard ratio = 1.50; 95% CI = 1.01–2.2; p = 0.04). The bioinformatics analysis on the Breast Invasive Carcinoma dataset of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) proved that IL-3Rα was highly expressed in TNBC compared with luminal breast cancers (p = 0.017, padj = 0.026). Functional studies demonstrated that IL-3Rα activation induced epithelial-to-endothelial and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, promoted large blood lacunae and lung metastasis formation, and increased programmed-cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) in primary tumours and metastases. Based on the TCGA data, IL-3Rα, PD-L1, and EMT coding genes were proposed to discriminate against TNBC aggressiveness (AUC = 0.86 95% CI = 0.82–0.89). Overall, this study identified IL-3Rα as an additional novel biomarker of TNBC aggressiveness and provided the rationale to further investigate its relevance as a therapeutic target.
Diagnosis Biomarkers of Cholangiocarcinoma in Human Bile: An Evidence-Based Study
Authors: Bao Fang , Liu Jiayue , Chen Haiyang , Miao Lu , Xu Zhaochao , Zhang Guixin
Published: August 2022

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a multifactorial malignant tumor of the biliary tract, and the incidence of CCA is increasing in recent years. At present, the diagnosis of CCA mainly depends on imaging and invasive examination, with limited specificity and sensitivity and late detection. The early diagnosis of CCA always faces the dilemma of lacking specific diagnostic biomarkers. Non-invasive methods to assess the degree of CAA have been developed throughout the last decades. Among the many specimens looking for CCA biomarkers, bile has gotten a lot of attention lately. This paper mainly summarizes the recent developments in the current research on the diagnostic biomarkers for CCA in human bile at the levels of the gene, protein, metabolite, extracellular vesicles and volatile organic compounds.
Regioselective Synthesis of Novel Functionalized Dihydro-1,4-thiaselenin-2-ylsufanyl Derivatives under Phase Transfer Catalysis
Authors: Filippov Andrey S. , Amosova Svetlana V. , Albanov Alexander I. , Potapov Vladimir A.
Published: August 2022

The regioselective one-pot synthesis of novel functionalized 2,3-dihydro-1,4-thiaselenin-2-ylsufanyl derivatives in high yields based on 2-bromomethyl-1,3-thiaselenole and activated alkenes was developed under phase transfer catalysis conditions. The reactions proceed under mild conditions at room temperature in a regioselective manner with the addition of sodium dihydro-1,4-thiaselenin-2-ylthiolate exclusively at the terminal carbon atom of the double bond of vinyl methyl ketone, alkylacrylates, acrylamide, acrylonitrile, divinyl sulfone, and divinyl sulfoxide. The sodium dihydro-1,4-thiaselenin-2-ylthiolate was generated from 2-[amino(imino)methyl]sulfanyl-2,3-dihydro-1,4-thiaselenine hydrobromide. The latter compound was obtained by the reaction of 2-bromomethyl-1,3-thiaselenole with thiourea, which was accompanied by a rearrangement with ring expansion to the six-membered heterocycle. The obtained 2,3-dihydro-1,4-thiaselenin-2-ylsufanyl derivatives are a novel family of compounds with putative biological activity. The addition products of sodium dihydro-1,4-thiaselenin-2-ylthiolate at one double bond of divinyl sulfone and divinyl sulfoxide, containing vinylsulfonyl and vinylsulfinyl groups, are capable of further addition reactions. A possibility to obtain corresponding alcohol derivatives was shown in the reaction with vinyl methyl ketone.
Adding Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Did Not Improve Outcomes in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Yumeng , Kumar Premsai , Adashek Jacob J. , Skelton William P. , Li Jiannong , Vosoughi Aram , Chahoud Jad , Manley Brandon J. , Spiess Philippe E.
Published: August 2022

Modulating the cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) pathway has improved responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in certain solid tumors, such as melanoma. Little is known about COX-2 inhibition in response to ICIs in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). In this retrospective cohort study, we examined the effect of COX-2 inhibitors on the long-term outcomes of mRCC patients undergoing ICI therapies. Among 211 patients with mRCC, 23 patients were excluded due to loss to follow-up. Among 188 included patients, 120 patients received either an NSAID or aspirin for at least three weeks during ICI therapies. Clear cell histology was present in 96% of cases. The median overall survival (OS) was similar regardless of the COX inhibitor (COXi) (i.e., NSAID or aspirin) use (27 months for COXi vs. 33 months for no-COXi groups; p = 0.73). The no-COXi group showed a trend toward longer median progression-free survival (8 months for COXi vs. 13 months for no-COXi groups; p = 0.13). When looking specifically at NSAID use in a multivariate analysis, NSAID use was associated with a higher risk of progression (HR = 1.52 [95% CI, 1.04–2.22]) and death (HR = 1.60 [95% CI, 1.02–2.52]). In summary, COXis did not improve disease control or survival among patients with mRCC who were undergoing ICI therapies. Instead, the concurrent use of NSAIDs was associated with worse outcomes. Larger studies are needed to validate our observation.
Non-Invasive Rapid Detection of Lung Cancer Biomarker Toluene with a Cataluminescence Sensor Based on the Two-Dimensional Nanocomposite Pt/Ti3C2Tx-CNT
Authors: Wang Hongyan , Shi Xiaoqi , Liu Fei , Duan Tingmei , Sun Bai
Published: August 2022

A novel two-dimensional nanocomposite Pt/Ti3C2Tx-CNT was synthesized for the non-invasive rapid detection of toluene, a lung cancer biomarker, via cataluminescence (CTL). Pt/Ti3C2Tx-CNT exhibited a good catalytic performance toward toluene. The CTL sensor based on Pt/Ti3C2Tx-CNT has the advantage of rapid response: The average response time was about 1 s, and the average recovery time was about 30 s. Moreover, the material has a wide scope of detection for toluene, and the limit of detection defined as 3 S/N was about 2 ppm. The optimal working temperature (150 °C) is lower than common sensors, so it has a broad prospect in the actual detection process. Aside from its weak response to formaldehyde, the sensor only exerted a strong response signal to toluene, and no response was observed to other VOCs, indicating that this CTL sensor has good selectivity for toluene. The possible sensing mechanism of CTL showed that toluene was oxidized to generate excited-state CO2*, which emitted a luminescent signal when it returned to the ground state.