bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hyperpolarized 13C-Pyruvate Metabolism as a Surrogate for Tumor Grade and Poor Outcome in Renal Cell Carcinoma—A Proof of Principle Study
Authors: Ursprung Stephan , Woitek Ramona , McLean Mary A. , Priest Andrew N. , Crispin-Ortuzar Mireia , Brodie Cara R. , Gill Andrew B. , Gehrung Marcel , Beer Lucian , Riddick Antony C. P. , Field-Rayner Johanna , Grist James T. , Deen Surrin S. , Riemer Frank , Kaggie Joshua D. , Zaccagna Fulvio , Duarte Joao A. G. , Locke Matthew J. , Frary Amy , Aho Tevita F. , Armitage James N. , Casey Ruth , Mendichovszky Iosif A. , Welsh Sarah J. , Barrett Tristan , Graves Martin J. , Eisen Tim , Mitchell Thomas J. , Warren Anne Y. , Brindle Kevin M. , Sala Evis , Stewart Grant D. , Gallagher Ferdia A.
Published: January 2022

Differentiating aggressive clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) from indolent lesions is challenging using conventional imaging. This work prospectively compared the metabolic imaging phenotype of renal tumors using carbon-13 MRI following injection of hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate (HP-13C-MRI) and validated these findings with histopathology. Nine patients with treatment-naïve renal tumors (6 ccRCCs, 1 liposarcoma, 1 pheochromocytoma, 1 oncocytoma) underwent pre-operative HP-13C-MRI and conventional proton (1H) MRI. Multi-regional tissue samples were collected using patient-specific 3D-printed tumor molds for spatial registration between imaging and molecular analysis. The apparent exchange rate constant (kPL) between 13C-pyruvate and 13C-lactate was calculated. Immunohistochemistry for the pyruvate transporter (MCT1) from 44 multi-regional samples, as well as associations between MCT1 expression and outcome in the TCGA-KIRC dataset, were investigated. Increasing kPL in ccRCC was correlated with increasing overall tumor grade (ρ = 0.92, p = 0.009) and MCT1 expression (r = 0.89, p = 0.016), with similar results acquired from the multi-regional analysis. Conventional 1H-MRI parameters did not discriminate tumor grades. The correlation between MCT1 and ccRCC grade was confirmed within a TCGA dataset (p < 0.001), where MCT1 expression was a predictor of overall and disease-free survival. In conclusion, metabolic imaging using HP-13C-MRI differentiates tumor aggressiveness in ccRCC and correlates with the expression of MCT1, a predictor of survival. HP-13C-MRI may non-invasively characterize metabolic phenotypes within renal cancer.
Prognosis of Single Early-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) with CEUS Inconclusive Imaging (LI-RADS LR-3 and LR-4) Is No Better than Typical HCC (LR-5)
Authors: Terzi Eleonora , Giamperoli Alice , Iavarone Massimo , Leoni Simona , De Bonis Ludovico , Granito Alessandro , Forgione Antonella , Tovoli Francesco , Piscaglia Fabio
Published: January 2022

The American College of Radiology (ACR) released the Liver Imaging Report and Data System (LI-RADS) scheme, which categorizes hepatic nodules in risk classes from LR-1 to LR-5 (according to the degree of risk to be HCC) and LR-M (probable malignancy not specific for HCC). The aim of this study was to test whether HCC with different LR patterns on CEUS have different overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). We retrospectively enrolled 167 patients with the first definitive diagnosis of single HCC (by using CT/MRI or histological techniques if CT/MRI were inconclusive) for whom CEUS examination was available. The median size of HCC lesions was 2.2 cm (range 1.0–7.2 cm). According to CEUS LI-RADS classification, 28 patients were in LR-3, 48 in LR-4, 83 in LR-5, and 8 in LR-M. Patient liver function and nodule characteristics were not statistically different between CEUS LI-RADS classes. Using univariate analysis, CEUS LI-RADS class was not found to be a predictor of survival (p = 0.347). In conclusion, HCC showing the CEUS LI-RADS classes LR-3 and LR-4 have no better clinical outcome than typical HCC. Such data support the EASL policy, aimed at conclusive diagnostic investigations of indeterminate nodules up to obtaining histological proof to avoid leaving aggressive HCC not timely treated.
High ETV6 Levels Support Aggressive B Lymphoma Cell Survival and Predict Poor Outcome in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Patients
Authors: Marino Dario , Pizzi Marco , Kotova Iuliia , Schmidt Ronny , Schröder Christoph , Guzzardo Vincenza , Talli Ilaria , Peroni Edoardo , Finotto Silvia , Scapinello Greta , Dei Tos Angelo Paolo , Piazza Francesco , Trentin Livio , Zagonel Vittorina , Piovan Erich
Published: January 2022

The identification of prognostic factors for aggressive B-cell lymphomas still represents an unmet clinical need. We used forward phase protein arrays (FFPA) to identify proteins associated with overall survival (OS) from diagnostic formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded material of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients (n = 47). Univariate Cox regression analysis identified numerous proteins, including immune check-point molecules (PDCD1, PDCD2 and PD1L2) and BCL2 to be significantly associated with OS. However, only ETV6 and PIM2 proteins persisted following multivariate Cox analysis. Independent validation studies by immunohistochemistry and analysis of public gene expression profiles of DLBCL confirmed a prognostic role for high ETV6 and ETV6/PIM2 ratios in DLBCL. ETV6 is a recurrently mutated/deleted gene in DLBCL for which its function in this disease entity is currently unknown. We find that ETV6 is upregulated during oncogenic transformation of germinal center B-cells and that it regulates DLBCL survival, as its acute loss results in marked apoptosis. Fluctuations in survivin (BIRC5) expression levels were associated with this phenomenon. Furthermore, an inverse correlation between ETV6 and BIRC5 expression levels was found and correlated with a response to the BIRC5 inhibitor, YM155. In conclusion, we present evidence for an oncogenic function of ETV6 in DLBCL.
TMS Seeded Diffusion Tensor Imaging Tractography Predicts Permanent Neurological Deficits
Authors: Muir Matthew , Prinsloo Sarah , Michener Hayley , Traylor Jeffrey I. , Patel Rajan , Gadot Ron , de Almeida Bastos Dhiego Chaves , Kumar Vinodh A. , Ferguson Sherise , Prabhu Sujit S.
Published: January 2022

Surgeons must optimize the onco-functional balance by maximizing the extent of resection and minimizing postoperative neurological morbidity. Optimal patient selection and surgical planning requires preoperative identification of nonresectable structures. Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a method of noninvasively mapping the cortical representations of the speech and motor systems. Despite recent promising data, its clinical relevance and appropriate role in a comprehensive mapping approach remains unknown. In this study, we aim to provide direct evidence regarding the clinical utility of transcranial magnetic stimulation by interrogating the eloquence of TMS points. Forty-two glioma patients were included in this retrospective study. We collected motor function outcomes 3 months postoperatively. We overlayed the postoperative MRI onto the preoperative MRI to visualize preoperative TMS points in the context of the surgical cavity. We then generated diffusion tensor imaging tractography to identify meaningful subsets of TMS points. We correlated the resection of preoperative imaging features with clinical outcomes. The resection of TMS-positive points was significantly predictive of permanent deficits (p = 0.05). However, four out of eight patients had TMS-positive points resected without a permanent deficit. DTI tractography at a 75% FA threshold identified which TMS points are essential and which are amenable to surgical resection. TMS combined with DTI tractography shows a significant prediction of postoperative neurological deficits with both a high positive predictive value and negative predictive value.
Impact of Cancer Cachexia on Cardiac and Skeletal Muscle: Role of Exercise Training
Authors: Bordignon Cláudia , dos Santos Bethânia S. , Rosa Daniela D.
Published: January 2022

Cachexia is a multifactorial syndrome that presents with, among other characteristics, progressive loss of muscle mass and anti-cardiac remodeling effect that may lead to heart failure. This condition affects about 80% of patients with advanced cancer and contributes to worsening patients’ tolerance to anticancer treatments and to their premature death. Its pathogenesis involves an imbalance in metabolic homeostasis, with increased catabolism and inflammatory cytokines levels, leading to proteolysis and lipolysis, with insufficient food intake. A multimodal approach is indicated for patients with cachexia, with the aim of reducing the speed of muscle wasting and improving their quality of life, which may include nutritional, physical, pharmacologic, and psychological support. This review aims to outline the mechanisms of muscle loss, as well as to evaluate the current clinical evidence of the use of physical exercise in patients with cachexia.
Glucose Limitation Sensitizes Cancer Cells to Selenite-Induced Cytotoxicity via SLC7A11-Mediated Redox Collapse
Authors: Chen Hui , Zhang Han , Cao Lixing , Cui Jinling , Ma Xuan , Zhao Chong , Yin Shutao , Hu Hongbo
Published: January 2022

Combination of intermittent fasting and chemotherapy has been drawn an increasing attention because of the encouraging efficacy. In this study, we evaluated the anti-cancer effect of combination of glucose limitation and selenite (Se), a representative inorganic form of selenium, that is preferentially accumulated in tumors. Results showed that cytotoxic effect of selenite on cancer cells, but not on normal cells, was significantly enhanced in response to the combination of selenite and glucose limitation. Furthermore, in vivo therapeutic efficacy of combining selenite with fasting was dramatically improved in xenograft models of lung and colon cancer. Mechanistically, we found that SLC7A11 expression in cancer cells was up-regulated by selenite both in vitro and in vivo. The elevated SLC7A11 led to cystine accumulation, NADPH depletion and the conversion of cystine to cysteine inhibition, which in turn boosted selenite-mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS), followed by enhancement of selenite-mediated cytotoxic effect. The findings of the present study provide an effective and practical approach for increasing the therapeutic window of selenite and imply that combination of selenite and fasting holds promising potential to be developed a clinically useful regimen for treating certain types of cancer.
Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells and Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Fu Chunmei , Zhou Li , Mi Qing-Sheng , Jiang Aimin
Published: January 2022

Despite largely disappointing clinical trials of dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccines, recent studies have shown that DC-mediated cross-priming plays a critical role in generating anti-tumor CD8 T cell immunity and regulating anti-tumor efficacy of immunotherapies. These new findings thus support further development and refinement of DC-based vaccines as mono-immunotherapy or combinational immunotherapies. One exciting development is recent clinical studies with naturally circulating DCs including plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs). pDC vaccines were particularly intriguing, as pDCs are generally presumed to play a negative role in regulating T cell responses in tumors. Similarly, DC-derived exosomes (DCexos) have been heralded as cell-free therapeutic cancer vaccines that are potentially superior to DC vaccines in overcoming tumor-mediated immunosuppression, although DCexo clinical trials have not led to expected clinical outcomes. Using a pDC-targeted vaccine model, we have recently reported that pDCs required type 1 conventional DCs (cDC1s) for optimal cross-priming by transferring antigens through pDC-derived exosomes (pDCexos), which also cross-prime CD8 T cells in a bystander cDC-dependent manner. Thus, pDCexos could combine the advantages of both cDC1s and pDCs as cancer vaccines to achieve better anti-tumor efficacy. In this review, we will focus on the pDC-based cancer vaccines and discuss potential clinical application of pDCexos in cancer immunotherapy.
Evolutionary Origin of Insulin-Degrading Enzyme and Its Subcellular Localization and Secretion Mechanism: A Study in Microglial Cells
Authors: Corraliza-Gómez Miriam , Lillo Concepción , Cózar-Castellano Irene , Arranz Eduardo , Sanchez Diego , Ganfornina Maria D.
Published: January 2022

The insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) is a zinc-dependent metalloendopeptidase that belongs to the M16A metalloprotease family. IDE is markedly expressed in the brain, where it is particularly relevant due to its in vitro amyloid beta (Aβ)-degrading activity. The subcellular localization of IDE, a paramount aspect to understand how this enzyme can perform its proteolytic functions in vivo, remains highly controversial. In this work, we addressed IDE subcellular localization from an evolutionary perspective. Phylogenetic analyses based on protein sequence and gene and protein structure were performed. An in silico analysis of IDE signal peptide suggests an evolutionary shift in IDE exportation at the prokaryote/eukaryote divide. Subcellular localization experiments in microglia revealed that IDE is mostly cytosolic. Furthermore, IDE associates to membranes by their cytoplasmatic side and further partitions between raft and non-raft domains. When stimulated, microglia change into a secretory active state, produces numerous multivesicular bodies and IDE associates with their membranes. The subsequent inward budding of such membranes internalizes IDE in intraluminal vesicles, which later allows IDE to be exported outside the cells in small extracellular vesicles. We further demonstrate that such an IDE exportation mechanism is regulated by stimuli relevant for microglia in physiological conditions and upon aging and neurodegeneration.
SCF Ligases and Their Functions in Oogenesis and Embryogenesis—Summary of the Most Important Findings throughout the Animal Kingdom
Authors: Kinterová Veronika , Kaňka Jiří , Bartková Alexandra , Toralová Tereza
Published: January 2022

SCF-dependent proteolysis was first discovered via genetic screening of budding yeast almost 25 years ago. In recent years, more and more functions of SCF (Skp1-Cullin 1-F-box) ligases have been described, and we can expect the number of studies on this topic to increase. SCF ligases, which are E3 ubiquitin multi-protein enzymes, catalyse protein ubiquitination and thus allow protein degradation mediated by the 26S proteasome. They play a crucial role in the degradation of cell cycle regulators, regulation of the DNA repair and centrosome cycle and play an important role in several diseases. SCF ligases seem to be needed during all phases of development, from oocyte formation through fertilization, activation of the embryonic genome to embryo implantation. In this review, we summarize known data on SCF ligase-mediated degradation during oogenesis and embryogenesis. In particular, SCFβTrCP and SCFSEL-10/FBXW7 are among the most important and best researched ligases during early development. SCFβTrCP is crucial for the oogenesis of Xenopus and mouse and also in Xenopus and Drosophila embryogenesis. SCFSEL-10/FBXW7 participates in the degradation of several RNA-binding proteins and thereby affects the regulation of gene expression during the meiosis of C. elegans. Nevertheless, a large number of SCF ligases that are primarily involved in embryogenesis remain to be elucidated.
Differential LysoTracker Uptake Defines Two Populations of Distal Epithelial Cells in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Wasnick Roxana Maria , Shalashova Irina , Wilhelm Jochen , Khadim Ali , Schmidt Nicolai , Hackstein Holger , Hecker Andreas , Hoetzenecker Konrad , Seeger Werner , Bellusci Saverio , El Agha Elie , Ruppert Clemens , Guenther Andreas
Published: January 2022

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and fatal degenerative lung disease of unknown etiology. Although in its final stages it implicates, in a reactive manner, all lung cell types, the initial damage involves the alveolar epithelial compartment, in particular the alveolar epithelial type 2 cells (AEC2s). AEC2s serve dual progenitor and surfactant secreting functions, both of which are deeply impacted in IPF. Thus, we hypothesize that the size of the surfactant processing compartment, as measured by LysoTracker incorporation, allows the identification of different epithelial states in the IPF lung. Flow cytometry analysis of epithelial LysoTracker incorporation delineates two populations (Lysohigh and Lysolow) of AEC2s that behave in a compensatory manner during bleomycin injury and in the donor/IPF lung. Employing flow cytometry and transcriptomic analysis of cells isolated from donor and IPF lungs, we demonstrate that the Lysohigh population expresses all classical AEC2 markers and is drastically diminished in IPF. The Lysolow population, which is increased in proportion in IPF, co-expressed AEC2 and basal cell markers, resembling the phenotype of the previously identified intermediate AEC2 population in the IPF lung. In that regard, we provide an in-depth flow-cytometry characterization of LysoTracker uptake, HTII-280, proSP-C, mature SP-B, NGFR, KRT5, and CD24 expression in human lung epithelial cells. Combining functional analysis with extracellular and intracellular marker expression and transcriptomic analysis, we advance the current understanding of epithelial cell behavior and fate in lung fibrosis.
Accelerated Aging Characterizes the Early Stage of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Leparulo Alessandro , Bisio Marta , Redolfi Nelly , Pozzan Tullio , Vassanelli Stefano , Fasolato Cristina
Published: January 2022

For Alzheimer’s disease (AD), aging is the main risk factor, but whether cognitive impairments due to aging resemble early AD deficits is not yet defined. When working with mouse models of AD, the situation is just as complicated, because only a few studies track the progression of the disease at different ages, and most ignore how the aging process affects control mice. In this work, we addressed this problem by comparing the aging process of PS2APP (AD) and wild-type (WT) mice at the level of spontaneous brain electrical activity under anesthesia. Using local field potential recordings, obtained with a linear probe that traverses the posterior parietal cortex and the entire hippocampus, we analyzed how multiple electrical parameters are modified by aging in AD and WT mice. With this approach, we highlighted AD specific features that appear in young AD mice prior to plaque deposition or that are delayed at 12 and 16 months of age. Furthermore, we identified aging characteristics present in WT mice but also occurring prematurely in young AD mice. In short, we found that reduction in the relative power of slow oscillations (SO) and Low/High power imbalance are linked to an AD phenotype at its onset. The loss of SO connectivity and cortico-hippocampal coupling between SO and higher frequencies as well as the increase in UP-state and burst durations are found in young AD and old WT mice. We show evidence that the aging process is accelerated by the mutant PS2 itself and discuss such changes in relation to amyloidosis and gliosis.
Ion Channel Modeling beyond State of the Art: A Comparison with a System Theory-Based Model of the Shaker-Related Voltage-Gated Potassium Channel Kv1.1
Authors: Langthaler Sonja , Lozanović Šajić Jasmina , Rienmüller Theresa , Weinberg Seth H. , Baumgartner Christian
Published: January 2022

The mathematical modeling of ion channel kinetics is an important tool for studying the electrophysiological mechanisms of the nerves, heart, or cancer, from a single cell to an organ. Common approaches use either a Hodgkin–Huxley (HH) or a hidden Markov model (HMM) description, depending on the level of detail of the functionality and structural changes of the underlying channel gating, and taking into account the computational effort for model simulations. Here, we introduce for the first time a novel system theory-based approach for ion channel modeling based on the concept of transfer function characterization, without a priori knowledge of the biological system, using patch clamp measurements. Using the shaker-related voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.1 (KCNA1) as an example, we compare the established approaches, HH and HMM, with the system theory-based concept in terms of model accuracy, computational effort, the degree of electrophysiological interpretability, and methodological limitations. This highly data-driven modeling concept offers a new opportunity for the phenomenological kinetic modeling of ion channels, exhibiting exceptional accuracy and computational efficiency compared to the conventional methods. The method has a high potential to further improve the quality and computational performance of complex cell and organ model simulations, and could provide a valuable new tool in the field of next-generation in silico electrophysiology.
Microcephaly in Neurometabolic Diseases
Authors: Kempińska Wiktoria , Korta Karolina , Marchaj Magdalena , Paprocka Justyna
Published: January 2022

Neurometabolic disorders are an important group of diseases that mostly occur in neonates and infants. They are mainly due to the lack or dysfunction of an enzyme or cofactors necessary for a specific biochemical reaction, which leads to a deficiency of essential metabolites in the brain. This, in turn, can cause certain neurometabolic diseases. Disruption of metabolic pathways, and the inhibition at earlier stages, may lead to the storage of reaction intermediates, which are often toxic to the developing brain. Symptoms are caused by the progressive deterioration of mental, motor, and perceptual functions. The authors review the diseases with microcephaly, which may be one of the most visible signs of neurometabolic disorders.
Study on Performance Optimization of Composite Natural Asphalt Modified Gussasphalt Mix
Authors: Sun Huadong , Jiang Peng , Ding Yongling , Pang Laixue , Liu Yinbin , Wang Yafei , Shang Xuhe
Published: January 2022

In order to systematically study and develop a type of gussasphalt (GA) mix with superior performance, namely GA-10; the effect of Qingchuan Rock Asphalt (QRA) and Trinidad Lake asphalt (TLA) on the GA-10 mix was assessed based on the study of composite natural asphalt modified gussasphalt (CNAMGA) binder. Various analytical tests were used to evaluate the engineering properties, thermal stability and microstructure of CNAMGA mix. The results indicate that the stability of QRA modified binder and TLA modified binder in the normal temperature range and the high temperature range have been improved, and the temperature susceptibility is reduced. The optimal asphalt–aggregate ratio of the GA mix is determined to be 9.7%, which has good high-temperature stability, low-temperature crack resistance and construction workability. The QRA mix has better high-temperature stability than the TLA mix, whereas the low-temperature cracking resistance of the TLA mix is better than that of the QRA mix. The two kinds of GA-10 mix have similar construction workability. The fact that the abundant fine aggregates wrapped in binder fill the coarse aggregates surface contributes to the better adhesion of the GA asphalt concrete. The distribution of aggregate and binder is relatively uniform with fewer pores, and the overall proportion of the binder is greater than that of aggregate.
Development and Evaluation of a Dual-Layer-Offset PET Detector Constructed with Different Reflectors
Authors: Zhang Xi , Yu Xin , Zhu Zhiliang , Yu Hongsen , Zhang Heng , Zhang Yibin , Gu Zheng , Xu Jianfeng , Peng Qiyu , Xie Siwei
Published: January 2022

Dual-layer-offset or multi-layer-offset design of a PET detector can improve spatial resolution while maintaining high sensitivity. In this study, three dual-layer-offset LYSO detectors with three different reflectors (ESR, Toray, and BaSO4) were developed. The top layer consisted of a 17 × 17 array of crystals 1 × 1 × 6.5 mm3 in size and the bottom layer consisted of an 18 × 18 array of crystals 1 × 1 × 9.5 mm3 in size. Neither light guides nor optical glue were used between the two layers of crystals. A custom-designed electronics system, composed of a 6 × 6 SiPM array, two FPC cables, and a custom-designed data processing module, was used to read out signals. An optimized interaction-decoding algorithm using the center of gravity to determine the position and threshold of analog signals for timing methods was applied to generate decoding flood histograms. The detector performances, in terms of peak to valley ratio of the flood histograms and energy resolutions, were calculated and compared. The dual-layer-offset PET detector constructed with BaSO4 reflectors performed much better than the other two reflectors in both crystal identification and energy resolution. The average peak-to-valley ratio and the energy resolution were approximately 7 and 11%, respectively. In addition, the crystals in the bottom layer showed better performance at crystal identification than those in the top layer. This study can act as a reference providing guidance in choosing scintillator reflectors for multi-layer dedicated DOI detectors designed for small-animal PET imaging.
Recent Progresses on Experimental Investigations of Topological and Dissipative Solitons in Liquid Crystals
Authors: Shen Yuan , Dierking Ingo
Published: January 2022

Solitons in liquid crystals have received increasing attention due to their importance in fundamental physical science and potential applications in various fields. The study of solitons in liquid crystals has been carried out for over five decades with various kinds of solitons being reported. Recently, a number of new types of solitons have been observed, among which, many of them exhibit intriguing dynamic behaviors. In this paper, we briefly review the recent progresses on experimental investigations of solitons in liquid crystals.
Synthesis, Crystal Structures and Magnetic Properties of Trinuclear {Ni2Ln} (LnIII = Dy, Ho) and {Ni2Y} Complexes with Schiff Base Ligands
Authors: Dermitzaki Despina , Panagiotopoulou Angeliki , Pissas Michael , Sanakis Yiannis , Psycharis Vassilis , Raptopoulou Catherine P.
Published: January 2022

The reaction of the Schiff base ligand o-OH-C6H4-CH=N-C(CH2OH)3, H4L, with Ni(O2CMe)2∙4H2O and lanthanide nitrate salts in a 4:2:1 ratio lead to the formation of the trinuclear complexes [Ni2Ln(H3L)4(O2CMe)2](NO3) (Ln = Dy (1), Ho (2), and Y (3)) which crystallize in the non-centrosymmetric space group Pna21. The complex cation consists of the three metal ions in an almost linear arrangement. The {Ni2Ln} moieties are bridged through two deprotonated Ophenolato groups from two different ligands. Each terminal NiII ion is bound to two ligands through their Ophenolato, the Nimino atoms and one of the protonated Oalkoxo groups in a distorted octahedral. The central lanthanide ion is coordinated to four Ophenolato oxygen from the four ligands, and four Ocarboxylato atoms from two acetates which are bound in the bidentate chelate mode, and the coordination polyhedron is biaugmented trigonal prism, which probably results in a non-centrosymmetric arrangement of the complexes in the lattice. The magnetic properties of 1–3 were studied and showed that 1 exhibits field induced slow magnetic relaxation.
A Repertoire of Virtual-Reality, Occupational Therapy Exercises for Motor Rehabilitation Based on Action Observation
Authors: Scalona Emilia , De Marco Doriana , Bazzini Maria Chiara , Nuara Arturo , Zilli Adolfo , Taglione Elisa , Pasqualetti Fabrizio , Della Polla Generoso , Lopomo Nicola Francesco , Fabbri-Destro Maddalena , Avanzini Pietro
Published: January 2022

There is a growing interest in action observation treatment (AOT), i.e., a rehabilitative procedure combining action observation, motor imagery, and action execution to promote the recovery, maintenance, and acquisition of motor abilities. AOT studies employed basic upper limb gestures as stimuli, but—in principle—the AOT approach can be effectively extended to more complex actions like occupational gestures. Here, we present a repertoire of virtual-reality (VR) stimuli depicting occupational therapy exercises intended for AOT, potentially suitable for occupational safety and injury prevention. We animated a humanoid avatar by fitting the kinematics recorded by a healthy subject performing the exercises. All the stimuli are available via a custom-made graphical user interface, which allows the user to adjust several visualization parameters like the viewpoint, the number of repetitions, and the observed movement’s speed. Beyond providing clinicians with a set of VR stimuli promoting via AOT the recovery of goal-oriented, occupational gestures, such a repertoire could extend the use of AOT to the field of occupational safety and injury prevention.
Function Computation under Privacy, Secrecy, Distortion, and Communication Constraints
Authors: Günlü Onur
Published: January 2022

The problem of reliable function computation is extended by imposing privacy, secrecy, and storage constraints on a remote source whose noisy measurements are observed by multiple parties. The main additions to the classic function computation problem include (1) privacy leakage to an eavesdropper is measured with respect to the remote source rather than the transmitting terminals’ observed sequences; (2) the information leakage to a fusion center with respect to the remote source is considered a new privacy leakage metric; (3) the function computed is allowed to be a distorted version of the target function, which allows the storage rate to be reduced compared to a reliable function computation scenario, in addition to reducing secrecy and privacy leakages; (4) two transmitting node observations are used to compute a function. Inner and outer bounds on the rate regions are derived for lossless and lossy single-function computation with two transmitting nodes, which recover previous results in the literature. For special cases, including invertible and partially invertible functions, and degraded measurement channels, simplified lossless and lossy rate regions are characterized, and one achievable region is evaluated as an example scenario.
Smart Sustainable Production and Distribution Network Model for City Multi-Floor Manufacturing Clusters
Authors: Dudek Tomasz , Dzhuguryan Tygran , Wiśnicki Bogusz , Pędziwiatr Kamil
Published: January 2022

This study focuses on management ways within a city multi-floor manufacturing cluster (MFMC). The application of MFMC in megapolises is closely related to the problem of urban spatial development and the problem of matching transport and logistics services. The operation of the MFMC depends on the efficiency of production and transport management considering technical, economic, end environmental factors. Therefore, conditions affecting decision-making in the field of production planning by MFMCs and accompanying transports within the agglomeration area with the use of the production-service platform were presented. Assumptions were created for the decision model, allowing for the selection of partners within the MFMC to execute the production order. A simplified decision model using the Hungarian algorithm was proposed, which was verified with the use of test data. The model is universal for material flow analysis and is an assessments basis for smart sustainable supply chain decision-making and planning. Despite the narrowing of the scope of the analysis and the simplifications applied, the presented model using the Hungarian algorithm demonstrated its potential to solve the problem of partner selection for the execution of the contract by MFMC.
Foresight Management of National Oil and Gas Industry Development
Authors: Petrenko Yelena , Denisov Igor , Metsik Oleg
Published: January 2022

Changes in modern technologies have led to a decrease in the role of oil and threaten the well-being of oil-exporting countries. The oil and gas industry is the leading one in the economy of Kazakhstan, and the future of the country depends on its development. The purpose of the presented research is to determine the long-term image of the future oil and gas industry and develop a strategy for the government and national companies in different spheres for actions in conditions of increasing uncertainty. The article presents the materials of an expert survey using the Delphi method (211 industry experts) and a group discussion during a foresight session (75 participants), in which the authors provided methodological support and practical participation. The top nine development trends have been identified, the majority of experts (about 90%) see the future of the industry as the development of unmanned production based on digital management and an increase in environmental requirements (85%). The author’s methodology is based on a pragmatic approach to conducting an industry technological foresight in the medium term. The visionary image of the development of the oil and gas industry is built on the basis of the possibilities of technological breakthroughs. The refined image was formed as a response to the challenges of the external environment on the principle of the “Most Advanced, Yet Acceptable”. The main characteristic of the future of the oil and gas industry in Kazakhstan is a deserted production, where the production process is fully automated and robotic. Risks of oil and gas industry development are critical for the entire economy of Kazakhstan, so plans based on industry foresight projections to prevent them are a national priority.
Sensitivity of Piezoresistive Pressure Sensors to Acceleration
Authors: Szczerba Zygmunt , Szczerba Piotr , Szczerba Kamil
Published: January 2022

The article presents the negative aspects of the influence of static and dynamic acceleration on the accuracy of pressure measurement for a selected type of transmitter. The influence of static accelerations from catalog notes was shown and compared with the tests results for a few selected sensors. The results of research on the influence of dynamic acceleration for various types of its variability for selected converters are presented. Moreover, a method of measurement patented by the authors that uses a complex transducer is shown. The method allows for more accurate measurements on moving objects. The tests were performed based on the proposed method. The obtained results of the influence of acceleration on the classical sensor as well as the construction using the proposed method are shown. The paper presents approximate pressure measurement errors resulting from the influence of acceleration. For example, errors in measuring the speed of an airplane may occur without the proposed method. The last part of the article presents a unique design dedicated to a multi-point pressure measurement system, which uses the presented method of eliminating the influence of accelerations on the pressure measurement.
Thermodynamic Optimization of Electrical and Thermal Energy Production of PV Panels and Potential for Valorization of the PV Low-Grade Thermal Energy into Cold
Authors: Idir Anis , Perier-Muzet Maxime , Aymé-Perrot David , Stitou Driss
Published: January 2022

In the present study, the evaluation of potential improvement of the overall efficiency of a common PV panel, valorizing the heat extracted by a heat exchanger that is integrated on its back side, either into work using an endoreversible Carnot engine or into cold by using an endoreversible tri-thermal machine consisting of a heat-driven refrigeration machine operating between three temperature sources and sink (such as a liquid/gas absorption machine), was carried out. A simplified thermodynamic analysis of the PV/thermal collector shows that there are two optimal operating temperatures T˜h and Th* of the panels, which maximize either the thermal exergy or the overall exergy of the PV panel, respectively. The cold produced by the endoreversible tri-thermal machine during the operating conditions of the PV/thermal collector at T˜h is higher with a coefficient of performance (COP) of 0.24 thanks to the higher heat recovery potential. In the case of using the cold produced by a tri-thermal machine to actively cool of an additional PV panel in order to increase its electrical performances, the operating conditions at the optimal temperature Th* provide a larger and more stable gain: the gain is about 12.2% compared with the conventional PV panel when the operating temperature of the second cooled panel varies from 15 to 35 °C.
Seismic Fragility Assessment of a Novel Suction Bucket Foundation for Offshore Wind Turbine under Scour Condition
Authors: Ngo Duc-Vu , Kim Young-Jin , Kim Dong-Hyawn
Published: January 2022

This study proposed a new suction bucket (SB) foundation model for offshore wind turbines (OWT) suitable for a shallow muddy seabed, using more than three single buckets through kinetic derivation. The performance of new optimal foundation was evaluated by its horizontal displacement capacity and compared with a conventional SB composed of three buckets. Under external loads such as earthquakes, wind, and the combination of the both, the stability of this novel SB foundation was verified. The seismic fragility curve was also evaluated at some scour depths. These results were compared with the response of a tripod suction bucket (TSB) foundation, which was also designed for a shallow muddy seabed. The results indicated that scour significantly changed the dynamic response of this novel SB foundation but it had a better bearing capacity than the TSB foundation, despite its smaller size and weight. The fragility of TSB is always higher than the developed foundation in the same environmental condition. With reasonable volume and size, this novel SB foundation has great potential for future industrialization and commercialization.
A Novel Dynamic Approach to Cost-Optimal Energy Performance Calculations of a Solar Hot Water System in an nZEB Multi-Apartment Building
Authors: Patrčević Filip , Dović Damir , Horvat Ivan , Filipović Petar
Published: January 2022

This paper presents the methodology for conducting a cost-optimal energy performance calculation of a solar hot water system, used for space heating and domestic hot water needs. The calculation is based on dynamic hourly methods, according to the new Energy Performance of Buildings’ (EPB) set of standards EN 15316:2017, and a revision of the standard EN 15316-5:2017 from the year 2021, dealing with storage-tank water temperature calculations. The paper provides proposals for modifications to these newly introduced standards, in order to overcome the observed ambiguities and shortcomings. The calculation of annual energy performance of a building was performed on an hourly basis over a year for the reference of an nZEB multi-apartment building, for a climate area of the city of Zagreb, taking into account water temperature change in the layers of the storage tank connected to solar collectors and hot water boilers. The cost-optimal solution was then determined by varying individual parameters of the building technical system. The influence of these parameters on the energy efficiency of the building was analyzed in detail. Furthermore, the results were compared against those obtained by the Croatian calculation algorithm based on the previous set of EPB standards, EN 15316:2008, currently used EU-wide for the energy performance certification of buildings. The results indicated that the calculation methods of the present algorithm underestimated the consumption of building primary energy by 12%. The energy delivered by solar collectors was underestimated by 18%.
Primary Hyperaldosteronism: When to Suspect It and How to Confirm Its Diagnosis
Authors: Ruiz-Sánchez Jorge Gabriel , Pazos Guerra Mario , Meneses Diego , Runkle Isabelle
Published: January 2022

The definition of primary hyperaldosteronism (PA) has shifted, as progress has been made in understanding the disease. PA can be produced by unilateral or bilateral cortical adrenal hyperproduction of aldosterone, due to hyperplasia, aldosterone-secreting cell clusters, aldosterone-producing macro or micro adenoma/s, and combinations of the above, or by an aldosterone-producing carcinoma. PA is a highly prevalent disease, affecting close to 10% of the hypertensive population. However, PA is clearly underdiagnosed. The purpose of this review is to address current knowledge of PA’s clinical manifestations, as well as current methods of diagnosis. PA is associated with a higher cardiovascular morbidity and mortality than essential hypertension with similar blood pressure control. Young hypertensive patients, those with a first-degree relative with PA or ictus, and/or those with apnea/hypopnea syndrome, moderate/severe/resistant hypertension, adrenal incidentaloma, and/or hypokalemia should be screened for PA. PA can induce atrial fibrillation (AF), and those patients should also be screened for PA. We propose the use of the Captopril challenge test (CCT), oral salt loading, or intravenous salt loading for PA diagnosis, given their availability in the majority of hospital centers. CCT could be first-line, since it is safe and easy to perform.
Westward Expansion by Juniperus virginiana of the Eastern United States and Intersection with Western Juniperus Species in a Novel Assemblage
Authors: Hanberry Brice B.
Published: January 2022

Eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana L.) is increasing in density in the eastern United States and expanding in range to the west, while western Juniperus species also are increasing and expanding, creating the potential for a novel assemblage. I estimated range expansion and intersection by comparing recent USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis surveys (mean year = 2009) to the oldest available surveys (mean year = 1981), with adjustments for sampling changes, and predicted climate envelopes during the following year ranges: 1500–1599, 1800–1849, 1850–1899, 1900–1949, and 1960–1989. During approximately 28 years, eastern redcedar range expanded by about 54 million ha (based on ≥0.5% of total stems ≥12.7 cm in diameter in ecological subsections). Combined range of western species of juniper did not expand. Range intersection of eastern redcedar and western Juniperus species totaled 200,000 km2 and increased by 31,600 km2 over time, representing a novel assemblage of eastern and western species. Predicted ranges during the other time intervals were 94% to 98% of predicted area during 1960–1989, suggesting major climate conditions have been suitable for centuries. The southern western Juniperus species and Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum Sarg.) have the greatest potential for intersection with eastern redcedar, whereas eastern redcedar may have concluded westward expansion.
Development of Recombinant Dihydrolipoamide Dehydrogenase Subunit Vaccine against Vibrio Infection in Large Yellow Croaker
Authors: Li Xiaomeng , Tan Yuanzhen , Zhang Zheng , Huang Yupeng , Mu Pengfei , Cui Zhengwei , Chen Xinhua
Published: January 2022

Large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea), an economically important marine fish in China, has suffered from serious vibriosis, which has resulted in great economic losses for the large yellow croaker industry. Vaccination has been considered to be a safe and effective method to prevent and control vibriosis. However, due to the complex diversity and serotypes of the Vibrio genus, the progress of Vibrio vaccine development is still slow. In this study, we prepared recombinant Vibrio dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (rDLD) protein and investigated its potential as a candidate to be a subunit vaccine against Vibrio. The lysozyme activity and the rDLD-specific antibody level in sera of large yellow croakers immunized with rDLD were significantly higher than those in the control group, and the transcript levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β), MHC IIα/β, CD40, CD8α, IL-4/13A, and IL-4/13B were significantly up-regulated in the spleen and head kidney of large yellow croakers immunized with rDLD, suggesting that rDLD could induce both specific and nonspecific immune responses in this species. In addition, rDLD protein increased the survival rate of large yellow croakers against Vibrio alginolyticus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus, with the relative percent of survival (RPS) being 74.5% and 66.9%, respectively. These results will facilitate the development of a potential subunit vaccine against Vibrio in large yellow croaker aquaculture.
Characterization of the Ejector Pump Performance for the Assisted Bidirectional Glenn Procedure
Authors: Jia Dongjie , Esmaily Mahdi
Published: January 2022

This study introduces an algebraic model informed by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to investigate the performance of the assisted bidirectional Glenn (ABG) operation on a broad range of conditions. The performance of this operation, as measured by the superior vena cava (SVC) pressure, depends on the nozzle area in its ejector pump and the patient’s pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). Using the developed algebraic model to explore this two-dimensional parameter space shows that the ejector pump can create a pressure difference between the pulmonary artery and the SVC as high as 5 mmHg. The lowest SVC pressure is produced at a nozzle area that decreases linearly with the PVR such that, at PVR =4.2 (Wood units-m2), there is no added benefit in utilizing the ejector pump effect (optimal nozzle area is zero, corresponding to the bidirectional Glenn circulation). At PVR =2 (Wood units-m2), the SVC pressure can be lowered to less than 4 mmHg by using an optimal nozzle area of ≈2.5 mm2. Regardless of the PVR, adding a 2 mm2 nozzle to the baseline bidirectional Glenn boosts the oxygen saturation and delivery by at least 15%. The SVC pressure for that 2 mm2 nozzle remains below 14 mmHg for all PVRs less than 7 Wood units-m2. The mechanical efficiency of the optimal designs consistently remains below 30%, indicating the potential for improvement in the future. A good agreement is observed between the algebraic model and high-fidelity CFD simulations.
Emulsion Surimi Gel with Tunable Gel Properties and Improved Thermal Stability by Modulating Oil Types and Emulsification Degree
Authors: Zhu Shichen , Chen Xiaocao , Zheng Jiani , Fan Wenlong , Ding Yuting , Zhou Xuxia
Published: January 2022

High resistance to heating treatments is a prerequisite for ready-to-eat (RTE) surimi products. In this study, emulsion-formulated surimi gels were prepared, and the effects of oil types and emulsification degrees on the thermal stability of surimi gel were investigated. The results showed the gel properties of surimi gels were modulated by oil types and emulsification degrees. In detail, the rising pre-emulsification ratio caused the increase of the emulsifying activity index (EAI) and decrease of emulsifying stability index (ESI) for both emulsions. The larger droplet sizes of perilla seed oil than soybean oil may be responsible for their emulsifying stability difference. The gel strength, water retention, dynamic modulus and texture properties of both kinds of surimi gels displayed a firstly increased and then decreased tendency with the rising pre-emulsification ratios. The peak values were obtained as perilla seed oil emulsion with emulsification ratio of 20% group (P1) and soybean oil emulsion with emulsification ratio of 40% group (S2), respectively. Anyway, all emulsion gels showed higher thermal stability than the control group regardless of oil types. Similar curves were also obtained for the changes of hydrogen bond, ionic bond and hydrophobic interactions. Overall, perilla seed oil emulsion with emulsification ratio of 20% (P1 group) contributed to the improved thermal stability of surimi gels.