bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased Prevalence of Elevated DHEAS in PCOS Women with Non-Classic (B or C) Phenotypes: A Retrospective Analysis in Patients Aged 20 to 29 Years
Authors: Carmina Enrico , Longo Rosa Alba
Published: October 2022

It is well known that a subgroup of women with PCOS present an excessive adrenal androgen production, generally associated with ovarian hyperandrogenism. In the past, it has been impossible to correlate adrenal hyperandrogenism to any clinical or hormonal pattern of PCOS. However, adrenal androgens are strictly dependent on age and their blood values reduce by 40% in patients moving from their twenties to thirties. Due to this, serum DHEAS values are strongly influenced by the age distribution of studied populations. To avoid this bias, in this study we retrospectively analyzed the clinical and hormonal data of PCOS women in their twenties (age between 20 and 29 years). Data of 648 young hyperandrogenic women with PCOS were evaluated. Serum DHEAS was increased in a third (33%) of studied patients and was associated with higher values of testosterone (T) and androstenedione (A). In each phenotype, patients with high DHEAS had higher values of T and A than patients with normal DHEAS of the same phenotype. Therefore, a DHEAS increase is generally part of a generalized higher androgen production in a subgroup of PCOS patients, independently of the finding of anovulatory or ovulatory cycles or of polycystic or normal ovaries. However, our study showed some important differences between PCOS phenotypes. A lower prevalence of increased DHEAS in A phenotype PCOS patients who generally have the highest androgen levels, versus non-classic (B or C) PCOS phenotypes, was observed. It was also found that patients with A phenotype PCOS present significantly lower BMI and serum insulin than patients with normal DHEAS of the same phenotype while, in patients with the B or C phenotype, the opposite occurs. We conclude that adrenal hyperandrogenism is more common in patients with non-classic (B and C) phenotypes of PCOS and is generally part of a generalized higher production of androgens in a subgroup of PCOS patients. However, other factors may increase the adrenal androgen production and influence the clinical expression of the syndrome. More studies in large, selected for age, populations of PCOS women with different phenotypes are needed.
An Alzheimer’s Disease Patient-Derived Olfactory Stem Cell Model Identifies Gene Expression Changes Associated with Cognition
Authors: Rantanen Laura M. , Bitar Maina , Lampinen Riikka , Stewart Romal , Quek Hazel , Oikari Lotta E. , Cunί-Lόpez Carla , Sutharsan Ratneswary , Thillaiyampalam Gayathri , Iqbal Jamila , Russell Daniel , Penttilä Elina , Löppönen Heikki , Lehtola Juha-Matti , Saari Toni , Hannonen Sanna , Koivisto Anne M. , Haupt Larisa M. , Mackay-Sim Alan , Cristino Alexandre S. , Kanninen Katja M. , White Anthony R.
Published: October 2022

An early symptom of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an impaired sense of smell, for which the molecular basis remains elusive. Here, we generated human olfactory neurosphere-derived (ONS) cells from people with AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and performed global RNA sequencing to determine gene expression changes. ONS cells expressed markers of neuroglial differentiation, providing a unique cellular model to explore changes of early AD-associated pathways. Our transcriptomics data from ONS cells revealed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with cognitive processes in AD cells compared to MCI, or matched healthy controls (HC). A-Kinase Anchoring Protein 6 (AKAP6) was the most significantly altered gene in AD compared to both MCI and HC, and has been linked to cognitive function. The greatest change in gene expression of all DEGs occurred between AD and MCI. Gene pathway analysis revealed defects in multiple cellular processes with aging, intellectual deficiency and alternative splicing being the most significantly dysregulated in AD ONS cells. Our results demonstrate that ONS cells can provide a cellular model for AD that recapitulates disease-associated differences. We have revealed potential novel genes, including AKAP6 that may have a role in AD, particularly MCI to AD transition, and should be further examined.
Electron-Beam Sintering of Al2O3-Cr-Based Composites Using a Forevacuum Electron Source
Authors: Klimov Aleksandr , Bakeev Ilya , Dolgova Anna , Oks Efim , Tran Van Tu , Zenin Aleksey
Published: October 2022

We describe our studies of the influence of Cr content in an Al2O3-Cr composite on its thermal and electrical conductivity properties during and after electron-beam sintering in the forevacuum range of pressure. Sintering was carried out using a plasma-cathode forevacuum-pressure electron source of an original design, capable of processing non-conducting materials directly. It is shown that the chromium content affects the efficiency of the beam power transfer to the irradiated composite. The efficiency decreases with increasing chromium content. Measurement of the composite’s coefficient of thermal conductivity, in the temperature range 50–400 °C, shows that it varies almost linearly from 25 W/(m∙K) to 68 W/(m∙K) as the Cr content in the composite increases from 25% to 75% wt. The electrical conductivity properties after sintering exhibit a non-linear behavior. The conduction activation energy Ea, measured via the dependence of the current through composites of different compositions, is slightly lower than the Al2O3 band-gap. The addition of metallic Cr results in a disproportionate decrease in Ea, almost by an order of magnitude, from 6.9 eV to 0.68 eV. By varying the chromium content, it is possible to form a material with thermal and electrical conductivities controllable over a wide range.
Formidable Challenges in Additive Manufacturing of Solid Oxide Electrolyzers (SOECs) and Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) for Electrolytic Hydrogen Economy toward Global Decarbonization
Authors: Minary-Jolandan Majid
Published: October 2022

Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) and solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are the leading high-temperature devices to realize the global “Hydrogen Economy”. These devices are inherently multi-material (ceramic and cermets). They have multi-scale, multilayer configurations (a few microns to hundreds of microns) and different morphology (porosity and densification) requirements for each layer. Adjacent layers should exhibit chemical and thermal compatibility and high-temperature mechanical stability. Added to that is the need to stack many cells to produce reasonable power. The most critical barriers to widespread global adoption of these devices have been their high cost and issues with their reliability and durability. Given their complex structure and stringent requirements, additive manufacturing (AM) has been proposed as a possible technological path to enable the low-cost production of durable devices to achieve economies of scale. However, currently, there is no single AM technology capable of 3D printing these devices at the complete cell level or, even more difficult, at the stack level. This article provides an overview of challenges that must be overcome for AM to be a viable path for the manufacturing of SOECs and SOFCs. A list of recommendations is provided to facilitate such efforts.
Mercury Ion Chemosensor Derived from Barbiturate Acid with Aggregation-Induced Emission Effect
Authors: Guo Xuezu , Gao Lanlan , Tao Furong , Wu Shining , Cui Yuezhi
Published: October 2022

The detection of toxic metals is indispensable for water safety. In this paper, a small molecule of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) with barbiturate group was synthesized. It combined with mercury ions to form a stable metal complex so as to enhance the color of the solution to achieve the visualization of ion detection. The fluorescent molecule showed good selectivity and anti-interference ability and had a low detection limit (DL = 22.27 nM) for mercury ion.
A Narrative Review about Prosocial and Antisocial Behavior in Childhood: The Relationship with Shame and Moral Development
Authors: Maggi Susanna , Zaccaria Valerio , Breda Maria , Romani Maria , Aceti Franca , Giacchetti Nicoletta , Ardizzone Ignazio , Sogos Carla
Published: October 2022

We conducted a literature review aimed at identifying the origins of shame as well as its effects on moral development, especially in terms of behavioral outcomes, and we reflected on the practical implications of our findings. We explored the role of shame in moral development through cultural differences and parental influences, collecting evidence of psychopathological consequences of primary moral emotion dysregulation. These studies showed a dichotomous feature of shame, as a prosocial behavior enhancer in morally relevant situations and, simultaneously, a risk factor for aggressive and antisocial behaviors on other occasions. Dysregulated shame leads to maladaptive interpersonal behaviors, which could evolve towards psychopathological paths. Therefore, an integrated intervention is recommended in children with emotional/behavioral problems.
Prognostic Factors of Biologic Therapy in Pediatric IBD
Authors: Buczyńska Anna , Grzybowska-Chlebowczyk Urszula
Published: October 2022

This was a retrospective cohort study aimed at identifying parameters measured at diagnosis of pediatric IBD to predict subsequent biologic therapy, as an equivalent to an unfavorable clinical course. Identification of predictors of poor outcomes is an important issue in current ECCO guidelines on pIBD. The study population consisted of 119 children with Crohn’s disease and 112 with ulcerative colitis, diagnosed and monitored for at least 1 year from 2009–2019. The population was divided into the study groups separately: 39 children with CD and 14 with UC who received biologics before the age of 18 y compared to 80 with CD and 98 with UC who did not. The combined analysis of 53 biologic therapy recipients vs. 178 non-recipients with IBD was also conducted. Logistic regression tests (OR, RR) and sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were used. Factors significantly correlated with subsequent biologic therapy were perianal disease, complicated disease behavior, high PCDAI (CD), fatigue, hypoalbuminemia, high PUCAI (UC) and fever, fatigue, hypoalbuminemia, hypoproteinemia, and elevated CRP (IBD). Marginally significant factors were ileocecal disease, elevated serum IgA, anemia, and L4a–L4b coexistence. Apart from parameters already accepted as POPO (B2/3, perianal disease), interesting observations are the significance of IgA, L4a–L4b in CD, and hypoalbuminemia in UC.
Parents and Their Children in the Face of Cancer: Parents’ Expectations, Changes in Family Functioning in the Opinion of Caregivers of Children with Neoplastic Diseases—Further Studies
Authors: Lewandowska Anna
Published: October 2022

(1) Background: The onset and duration of the child’s illness is a difficult test for the entire family. The stress, in which the family lives from this moment, influences the relationships within it, as well as external relations with the environment. The child’s cancer fundamentally changes the way the family functions, the quality of interactions within the family, and life plans. (2) Patients and Approach: A population survey was run between 2015 and 2020. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 800 family caregivers of children with cancer during active treatment. The aim of the study was to assess changes in the family functioning in the opinion of parents of a child with cancer. (3) Results: Parents experience chronic anxiety (67%), nervousness (60%), and worry (64%). For 50% of parents, the illness of their child entirely changed their plans. As many as 75% of parents feel guilty for exposing their child to carcinogens. According to the parents, the child’s illness is a psychological (89%), somatic (49%) and financial (77%) burden for them. Only 7% of children cause behavioural problems and 16% have trouble learning due to their sibling’s illness. (4) Conclusions: Cancer is a great difficulty for all members of a family system. The disease disturbs the balance within the family and relations in the family, as well as more distant psychological, social, and material consequences.
Impacts of COVID-19 Restrictions on Young Children’s Outdoor Activity: A Systematic Review
Authors: Liu Junjie , Wyver Shirley , Chutiyami Muhammad
Published: October 2022

We sought to identify and synthesise available evidence to aid the understanding of the impact that COVID-19 restrictions had on the outdoor activity of children aged from birth to 12 years. Seven databases (Education Research Complete, ERIC, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection, WHO COVID-19 Database) were searched for relevant journal articles in English published from 2020 on. Four qualitative and eleven quantitative studies were included after screening. JBI’s Critical Appraisal Tools were used for quality assessment. All qualitative studies showed an increase in outdoor activity. Less than half of the quantitative studies indicated an increase. Family demography, home characteristics, access to outdoor spaces, and parental support/encouragement/co-play were influential factors. The evidence also supports the recommendation for educators to increase children’s outdoor play time to adhere to the physical distancing guidance and sanitisation requirements. Limited evidence suggests that when COVID-19 restrictions led to decreased outdoor activity, it was associated with less peer socialisation. We identified significant gaps in understanding of the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on young children’s outdoor activity.
Burkholderia cepacia Complex Infections in Urgently Referred Neonates from Syrian Border Regions to a Hospital in Turkey: A Cross-Border Cluster
Authors: Cetin Benhur Sirvan , Orman Ayşen
Published: October 2022

Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) is a rare cause of sepsis in neonates, but infections are usually severe. It can be encountered unexpectedly when adequate health care is not provided. In this study, 49 neonatal cases with blood culture-proven BCC bacteremia within the first 72 h following admission to the neonatal intensive care unit between June 2017 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed in detail. All but one of the cases were born in Jarabulus, Al Bab, or Aleppo in Syria and were referred to Turkey due to urgent medical treatment needs. The rate of BCC bacteremia among the neonates transferred from across the border was 16.1% (48/297). The most common coexisting problems in the cases were multiple congenital malformations (12.2%), gastrointestinal system atresia (8.2%), and congenital heart diseases (4.1%). The median age at the time of their admission in Turkey was three days, and the median length of stay in another center before the referral was 11.5 h. The case fatality rate was 14.3%. In this study, a high rate of BCC infection and associated mortality was seen in neonates referred from cross-border regions. For centers accepting cases from conflict-affected regions, it is crucial to be careful regarding early detection of bacteremia, planning appropriate treatments, and preventing cross-contamination risks within the unit.
Analysis of Factors Affecting the Rate of Latent Tuberculosis Infection and Management in Pediatrics
Authors: Ma Hee Won , Lee Hee Soo , Ahn Ji Young
Published: October 2022

The incidence of tuberculosis remains high in South Korea; the management of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) has become the prime target for reducing the infection rate. The management of pediatric LTBI is especially crucial because children can serve as a long-term source of infection upon developing active tuberculosis. Therefore, it is important to assess pediatric LTBI using contact investigation and follow-up. We conducted a retrospective study on children aged between 0 and 18 years who visited our hospital for tuberculosis contact screening from February 2012 to February 2021. Tuberculosis index cases and their clinical characteristics were also reviewed retrospectively. A total of 350 children were investigated, and 68 of 247 (27.5%) were diagnosed with LTBI. The rate of LTBI (r = 7.98, p < 0.001) and the risk of loss to follow-up (r = 27.038, p < 0.001) were higher in cases with close household contact. Sputum (r = 10.992, p < 0.001) and positive acid-fast bacillus (AFB) stain (r = 4.458, p = 0.001) in tuberculosis index cases were related to the diagnosis of LTBI in pediatric contacts. Active management is needed for tuberculosis screening in pediatric contacts, especially when the contacts are older and the index case is within the family, and when the index case has sputum and has tested positive for AFB smear.
Effectiveness of Non-Pharmacological Methods, Such as Breastfeeding, to Mitigate Pain in NICU Infants
Authors: Koukou Zoi , Theodoridou Anatoli , Taousani Eleftheria , Antonakou Angeliki , Panteris Eleftherios , Papadopoulou Styliani-Stella , Skordou Anna , Sifakis Stavros
Published: October 2022

Neonates do experience pain and its management is necessary in order to prevent long-term, as well as, short-term effects. The most common source of pain in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is caused by medically invasive procedures. NICU patients have to endure trauma, medical adhesive related skin injuries, heel lance, venipuncture and intramuscular injection as well as nasogastric catheterization besides surgery. A cornerstone in pain assessment is the use of scales such as COMFORT, PIPP-R, NIPS and N-PASS. This narrative review provides an up to date account of neonate pain management used in NICUs worldwide focusing on non-pharmacological methods. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have well established adverse side effects and opioids are addictive thus pharmacological methods should be avoided if possible at least for mild pain management. Non-pharmacological interventions, particularly breastfeeding and non-nutritive sucking as primary strategies for pain management in neonates are useful strategies to consider. The best non-pharmacological methods are breastfeeding followed by non-nutritive sucking coupled with sucrose sucking. Regrettably most parents used only physical methods and should be trained and involved for best results. Further research in NICU is essential as the developmental knowledge changes and neonate physiology is further uncovered together with its connection to pain.
Expression of AKT1 Related with Clinicopathological Parameters in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Choi Taesoo , Yoo Koo Han , Kim Man S.
Published: October 2022

Pathways such as VEGF, EGF and mTOR are known to be one of the major mechanisms of tumorigenesis including kidney cancer. To identify potential signaling pathway proteins, we performed differential/correlation analyses of mTOR-associated genes from three public datasets. AKT1 protein, one of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways, turned out to be the potential by showing a consistent discrepancy between ccRCC-associated conditions as well as strong correlation with other mTOR-associated genes across the datasets. Then, we analyzed how AKT1 alteration affects clear cell renal cell carcinoma. The pathology of 58 kidney cancer patients was constructed to analyze the relationship between the expression level of AKT1 through immunohistochemical staining and their clinicopathological data. Gender, age and TNM stage did not show significant results. AKT1 is a known oncogene. However, in this study, high expression of AKT1 showed a slight correlation with lower WHO/ISUP grade, longer recurrence-free and progression-free survival rates.
The Value-Add of Tailored Seasonal Forecast Information for Industry Decision Making
Authors: Goodess Clare Mary , Troccoli Alberto , Vasilakos Nicholas , Dorling Stephen , Steele Edward , Amies Jessica D. , Brown Hannah , Chowienczyk Katie , Dyer Emma , Formenton Marco , Nicolosi Antonio M. , Calcagni Elena , Cavedon Valentina , Perez Victor Estella , Geertsema Gertie , Krikken Folmer , Nielsen Kristian Lautrup , Petitta Marcello , Vidal José , De Ruiter Martijn , Savage Ian , Upton Jon
Published: October 2022

There is a growing need for more systematic, robust, and comprehensive information on the value-add of climate services from both the demand and supply sides. There is a shortage of published value-add assessments that focus on the decision-making context, involve participatory or co-evaluation approaches, avoid over-simplification, and address both the quantitative (e.g., economic) and qualitative (e.g., social) values of climate services. The 12 case studies that formed the basis of the European Union-funded SECLI-FIRM project were co-designed by industrial and research partners in order to address these gaps while focusing on the use of tailored sub-seasonal and seasonal forecasts in the energy and water industries. For eight of these case studies, it was possible to apply quantitative economic valuation methods: econometric modelling was used in five case studies while three case studies used a cost/loss (relative economic value) analysis and avoided costs. The case studies illustrated the challenges in attempting to produce quantitative estimates of the economic value-add of these forecasts. At the same time, many of them highlighted how practical value for users—transcending the actual economic value—can be enhanced; for example, through the provision of climate services as an extension to their current use of weather forecasts and with the visualisation tailored towards the user.
Research on the Influence of Process Parameters on the Flow Field in Mold
Authors: Du Fengming , Zhao Jian , Zheng Yue , Li Tianyi , Zheng Gengtao
Published: October 2022

The mold is one of the core components of steelmaking, and its flow field distribution will directly affect the quality of the casting slab. A three-dimensional nozzle model is built in this work, and fluid simulation is carried out to investigate the influence of the casting speed, immersion depth, slab thickness, and width on flow behavior in the mold. This model combined simulation with real conditions. The casting speed, immersion depth, slab width, and slab thickness are the actual process parameters used in the steel factory. The results show that when the casting speed increases from 0.6 to 1.0 m/min, the strike positions of the narrow surface are 0.439, 0.476, and 0.480 m below the liquid level, respectively. When the immersion depth increases from 180 to 220 mm, the impact depth of the stream at the exit of the nozzle side hole moves down, the lower recirculation zone moves to the centre and bottom of the slab, and the upper recirculation zone moves downward. When the slab thickness increases, the strike locations of the narrow face move down. Further, when the slab width increases, the distance of the strike location from the strike position increases first and then decreases. From the fluid results, the process parameters can be optimized by considering the strike location and the change of the surface turbulent kinetic energy. The model proposed in this work provides a theoretical guidance and optimization for the nozzle.
A Tool Life Prediction Model Based on Taylor’s Equation for High-Speed Ultrasonic Vibration Cutting Ti and Ni Alloys
Authors: Zhang Xiangyu , Peng Zhenlong , Liu Liangbao , Zhang Xi
Published: October 2022

A high-speed ultrasonic vibration cutting (HUVC) method has been proposed for the precision machining of Ti and Ni alloys with high efficiency and fine surface quality in recent years. During the HUVC, the tool life can be enhanced significantly at a relatively high cutting speed. The effective cooling due to the tool-workpiece separation resulting from the ultrasonic vibration is regarded as the primary reason for these advantages. In order to figure out the influences of effective cooling and ultrasonic vibration for further understanding of the mechanism of HUVC and guidance of practical engineering, a quantitative relationship between the tool life and cutting conditions (including cutting, ultrasonic and cooling parameters) needs to be built. Therefore, in this paper, a tool life prediction model based on Taylor’s equation was established. Both the cooling contribution during the separation interval and tool impact resulting from the ultrasonic vibration were added to be considered. Then, experiments were conducted and the results showed that the separation effect with effective cooling was the main reason for the considerable benefits of HUVC. Although the impact was inevitable, high-speed, stable cutting regions of Ti and Ni alloys could still increase to 200–450 and 80–300 m/min, respectively. The prediction model could be used to optimize the cutting parameters and monitor the machining process according to the actual machining requirements.
Relationship between Stress State and Microstructure of 7B04 Aluminum Alloy Surface Fatigue Properties by Laser Shock Peening Improvement
Authors: Shu Song , Cheng Zonghui , Wang Leilei , Zhan Xiaohong , Lyu Feiyue , Dou Zhiwei
Published: October 2022

Fatigue performance is always an important factor affecting the application of aluminum alloys. The service life of the 7B04 aluminum alloy tends to reduce under continuous alternating loads. Therefore, a new method is urgently needed to improve fatigue performance. Laser shock peening (LSP) is a widely proposed method to enhance fatigue performance. It is found that LSP can prolong the fatigue life of 7B04 by improving the surface stress state. During the strengthening process, the residual stress is mainly attributed to the change in microstructure, which the statistical results of grain size can reflect. The microhardness of the treated 7B04 is 22.7% higher than that of the untreated sample. In addition, there is a significant residual compressive stress from the specimen surface to its interior of about 1500 µm after the process of laser shock peening. The fatigue life is extended to 93%, and the ultimate fracture changes macroscopically. The fatigue performance of 7B04 is greatly improved by the LSP treatment. The strengthening mechanism of LSP is established to reveal the relationship between microstructure and stress state to improve the fatigue performance of metal parts of any shape.
Ni-NiS Heterojunction Composite-Coated Separator for High-Performance Lithium Sulfur Battery
Authors: Wang Jun , Wu Zhen-Yi , Zhong Xiao-Na , Li Yongjun , Han Shuqin
Published: October 2022

The shuttle effect and slow REDOX kinetics of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) lead to low sulfur utilization rate, short cycle life, poor rate performance, which hinder the application of Li–S batteries. Herein, the Ni-NiS/NCF heterojunction composite was prepared with multistage pore structure and a large specific surface area, which can effectively capture LiPSs, provide more active sites for catalyzing LiPSs. Moreover, due to the heterojunction structure of Ni-NiS, in which NiS can effectively capture and catalyze lithium polysulfide, and Ni can effectively accelerate the diffusion and charge transfer of lithium ions, the Ni-NiS/NCF heterojunction composite establishes a high ion and electron conduction network, so as to achieve efficient mass and charge transfer capacity. The mutual coordination of uniformly distributed Ni-NiS heterojunctions inhibits the shuttle effect of LiPSs. When the sulfur load is 1.8 mg/cm2, the initial capacity of the cell with Ni-NiS/NCF-coated separator at 1 C is 1109.6 mAh/g, and the final discharge capacity is maintained at 618.0 mAh/g after 300 cycles. At the same time, the reversible specific capacity was maintained at 674.0 mAh/g after 50 cycles even under high sulfur load.
Jointing of CFRP/5083 Aluminum Alloy by Induction Brazing: Processing, Connecting Mechanism, and Fatigue Performance
Authors: Guo Kang , Gou Guoqing , Lv Hang , Shan Meile
Published: October 2022

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) is widely used in the lightweight design of high-speed trains due to its high specific strength. In order to further reduce the weight of the high-speed train body, it is necessary to study the joining process and fatigue properties of CFRP/aluminum alloys (CFRP/Al) structure. In this work, the CFRP plate and 5083P-O aluminum plate were successfully connected by an induction brazing method. The optimum parameters of induction brazing were determined to be an induction temperature of 290 °C, a normal pressure of 200 kPa, and a holding time of 5 s. After the 5083 plate was pre-anodized, the tensile strength of the CFRP/5083 joint reached a maximum value of 176.5 MPa. The anodization process introduced more surface micro-structures on the 5083 plate, leading to a better wetting behavior between CFRP and oxide film. Meanwhile, a new chemical bond, Al-O-C, was also formed at the interface of the CFRP/5083 joint. The fatigue limit of the CFRP/5083 joint was calculated to be 71.68 MPa through high-cycle fatigue (HCF) testing. The fatigue cracks initiated from the interface of CFRP/oxide film, and then propagated to base metal. Finally, the oxide film was peeled off from the base metal under shear stress, which contributed to the fracture of the CFRP/5083 joint. The bonding strength between CFRP and 5083 aluminum alloy is far from the conventional welded joints. Therefore, feasible approaches should be proposed to obtain a more robust bonding between CFRP and aluminum alloy in the future.
Crosslinked PVA/Nanoclay Hydrogel Coating for Improving Water Vapor Barrier of Cellulose-Based Packaging at High Temperature and Humidity
Authors: Gu Feng , Yang Wenjing , Song Junlong , Xiao Huining , Wang Wangxia , Cai Zhaosheng
Published: October 2022

Improving the water vapor barrier of cellulose-based packaging in tropical conditions is very challenging for moisture-sensitive products. In this work, we developed a crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol/nanoclay (PVA/NC) hydrogel for paper surface coating. Layered NC and crosslinking can effectively improve the stability of PVA and block the flow paths of water molecules at elevated temperature and humidity. The result indicates that the crosslinked PVA/NC hydrogel coating (4 g/m2) can reduce the water vapor transmission rate of copy paper from 1861 g/m2/day to 195 g/m2/day at 38 °C (90% RH). The coated paper has an initial contact angle of 108° and can maintain hydrophobicity (>90°) under direct contact with water for three minutes. A Kit No. as high as 12 and a Cobb No. of 10 were also achieved by the coating.
Development and Characterization of CrCoNi Medium Entropy Alloy Particles Reinforced Aluminum Matrix Composite
Authors: Wu Yue , Luo Siwei , Wu Jiawei , Guo Baisong , Wu Zhenggang , Chen Biao , Yu Zhentao , Zhang Zhiguo , Li Wei
Published: October 2022

As for metal matrix composites (MMCs), the selection and application of reinforcements play a vital role in their comprehensive properties. In this work, the CrCoNi medium entropy alloy (MEA) was selected as reinforcement for Al matrix composites, and the effects of the content of the CrCoNi MEA on the mechanical properties and friction resistance were systematically investigated. It was found that the CrCoNi MEA can effectively improve the mechanical properties of the Al matrix composites, especially the 5 wt.% CrCoNi/Al composite can achieve a high strength without the sacrifice of ductility, due to the strengthened interfacial bonding between the Al matrix and the CrCoNi reinforcements caused by the element interdiffusion and the high mechanical performance of the CrCoNi MEA itself. In addition, the wear resistance of the composites can be enhanced by the inclusion of the CrCoNi MEA reinforcement, because the CrCoNi MEA can substantially improve the hardness of the composites and promote the formation of the oxidative protection film during the friction process. This work paves a new route for preparing Al matrix composites with high mechanical properties and friction resistance.
Numerical Investigation of Optical and Photoelectric Properties for 850 nm VCSELs with Arbitrary Crystal Orientation
Authors: Li Jianwei , Zhao Jia , Gao Feng
Published: October 2022

High-speed VCSELs are widely used for high-capacity, short-range data communication links. Here, we numerically investigate the optical and electronic properties of a crystal orientation-dependent 1.06% compression InGaAs-AlGaAs laser emitting around 850 nm. The reduction of the density of states is observed in the largest energy range for the quantum well in the (110) orientation compared with the conventional (001) orientation. The calculated transparency carrier density decreases from 2.74 × 1018 cm−3 to 1.88 × 1018 cm−3 with the gain coefficient rising from 4969.4 cm−1 to 5427.2 cm−1 in (110) orientation. The 3 dB bandwidth of 31.25 GHz is realized in the (110) orientation, which can support 60 Gbps (NRZ) applications.
Deep Learning Classification of Crystal Structures Utilizing Wyckoff Positions
Authors: Ali Hakami Nada , Hosni Mahmoud Hanan Ahmed
Published: October 2022

In materials science, crystal lattice structures are the primary metrics used to measure the structure–property paradigm of a crystal structure. Crystal compounds are understood by the number of various atomic chemical settings, which are associated with Wyckoff sites. In crystallography, a Wyckoff site is a point of conjugate symmetry. Therefore, features associated with the various atomic settings in a crystal can be fed into the input layers of deep learning models. Methods to analyze crystals using Wyckoff sites can help to predict crystal structures. Hence, the main contribution of our article is the classification of crystal classes using Wyckoff sites. The presented model classifies crystals using diffraction images and a deep learning method. The model extracts feature groups including crystal Wyckoff features and crystal geometry. In this article, we present a deep learning model to predict the stage of the crystal structure–property. The lattice parameters and the structure–property commotion values are used as inputs into the deep learning model for training. The structure–property value of a crystal with a lattice width value of one-half millimeter on average is used for learning. The model attains a considerable increase in speed and precision for the real structure–property prediction. The experimental results prove that our proposed model has a fast learning curve, and can have a key role in predicting the structure–property of compound structures.
Surface Dispersion Suppression in High-Frequency GaN Devices
Authors: Zhu Pengfei , Ni Xianfeng , Fan Qian , Gu Xing
Published: October 2022

GaN-based high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) are shown to have excellent properties, showing themselves to perform well among the throng of solid-state power amplifiers. They are particularly promising candidates for next-generation mobile communication applications due to their high power density, frequency, and efficiency. However, the radio-frequency (RF) dispersion aroused by a high surface-state density inherent in nitrides causes the degradation of GaN devices’ performance and reliability. Although various dispersion suppression strategies have been proposed successively—including surface treatment, passivation, field plate, cap layer, and Si surface doping—outcomes were not satisfactory for devices with higher frequencies until the emergence of a novel N-polar deep recess (NPDR) structure broke this deadlock. This paper summarizes the generation of dispersion, several widespread dispersion containment approaches, and their bottlenecks under high frequencies. Subsequently, we highlight the NPDR structure as a potential substitute, evaluate its technical benefits, and review the continuous exertions in recent years.
Computational Analysis to Optimize the Performance of Thin Film Liquid Crystal Biosensors
Authors: Shadkami Reza , Chan Philip K.
Published: October 2022

A nonlinear unsteady-state mathematical model employing torque balance and Frank free energy according to the Leslie-Ericksen continuum theory is developed and implemented to simulate the performance of nematic liquid crystal biosensor films with aqueous interfaces. A transient liquid crystal-aqueous interface realignment is modeled using the Euler–Lagrange equation by changing the easy axis when the surfactant molecules at the interface are introduced. In our study, we evaluated the dynamics between bulk and interface by controlling surface properties of the interface, such as homeotropic anchoring energy and surface viscosity. In addition, transient optical interference and response time have been examined in this study. Our parametric study results indicated that both homeotropic anchoring energy and surface viscosity at the interface contribute to bulk reorientation. Furthermore, the obtained numerical results indicate that as homeotropic anchoring strength increases, the effective birefringence decreases more gradual due to the increasing surfactant concentration at the aqueous interface, consistent with available experimental observations. Our results have been validated and compared to experimental results from thin-film liquid crystal biosensors in this study.
Outcomes of Early Transition of Low-Risk Thyroid Cancer Patients from Specialist to Primary Care
Authors: Nguyen Patricia , Azizi-Mehr Parsa , Townsley Carol , Zahedi Afshan
Published: October 2022

Background: Recently published clinical pathways for management of thyroid cancer outlined the criteria for transitioning low-risk patients to primary care within one to five years from diagnosis. However, discharge patterns among endocrinologists remain heterogeneous as there lacks a consensus regarding post-treatment care for thyroid cancer patients. Objective: This study described general characteristics and outcomes of thyroid cancer patients who were discharged from specialist care and transitioned to a primary care-based follow-up clinic. Methods: Thyroid cancer patients seen in the After Cancer Treatment Transition (ACTT) clinic at Women’s College Hospital (Toronto, Canada) were included in the study. Electronic medical records were reviewed between May and October 2021 to collect patient characteristics and outcomes. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Results: The study cohort included 148 thyroid cancer patients and 76% were female. All cases were papillary thyroid cancer and most diagnoses were classified as T2 (42%), N0 (55%), M0 (91%), and stage 1 (83%). Nearly all patients (n = 147) had complete thyroidectomy. Levels of thyroglobulin and thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) were low overall, with only 5% of the study cohort deemed TgAb positive. Mean levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) measured at 2 time points (1.37 mIU/L, 1.42 mIU/L) were within normal range. About 91% of the study cohort had normal TSH levels and 82% met target TSH levels. There were 2 cases of recurrence; however, investigation determined that they were not initially appropriate candidates for transition to primary care. Nearly 99% (n = 146) of patients had excellent response to therapy, showed no evidence of disease recurrence, and have not required re-referral to specialist care. Conclusions: These findings may reassure specialists that low-risk, stable thyroid cancer patients can be safely transitioned to primary care for post-treatment follow-up.
Cancer Patients First Treated with Chemotherapy: Are They More Likely to Receive Surgery in the Pandemic?
Authors: Fu Rui , Sutradhar Rinku , Dare Anna , Li Qing , Hanna Timothy P. , Chan Kelvin K. W. , Irish Jonathan C. , Coburn Natalie , Hallet Julie , Singh Simron , Parmar Ambica , Earle Craig C. , Lapointe-Shaw Lauren , Krzyzanowska Monika K. , Finelli Antonio , Louie Alexander V. , Witterick Ian J. , Mahar Alyson , Urbach David R. , McIsaac Daniel I. , Enepekides Danny , Look Hong Nicole J. , Eskander Antoine
Published: October 2022

Due to the ramping down of cancer surgery in early pandemic, many newly diagnosed patients received other treatments first. We aimed to quantify the pandemic-related shift in rate of surgery following chemotherapy. This is a retrospective population-based cohort study involving adults diagnosed with cancer between 3 January 2016 and 7 November 2020 in Ontario, Canada who received chemotherapy as first treatment within 6-months of diagnosis. Competing-risks regression models with interaction effects were used to quantify the association between COVID-19 period (receiving a cancer diagnosis before or on/after 15 March 2020) and receipt of surgical reSection 9-months after first chemotherapy. Among 51,653 patients, 8.5% (n = 19,558) of them ultimately underwent surgery 9-months after chemotherapy initiation. Receipt of surgery was higher during the pandemic than before (sHR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02–1.13). Material deprivation was independently associated with lower receipt of surgery (least vs. most deprived quintile: sHR 1.11, 95% CI 1.04–1.17), but did not change with the pandemic. The surgical rate increase was most pronounced for breast cancer (sHR 1.13, 95% CI 1.06–1.20). These pandemic-related shifts in cancer treatment requires further evaluations to understand the long-term consequences. Persistent material deprivation-related inequity in cancer surgical access needs to be addressed.
The Geriatric G8 Score Is Associated with Survival Outcomes in Older Patients with Advanced Prostate Cancer in the ADHERE Prospective Study of the Meet-URO Network
Authors: Banna Giuseppe Luigi , Basso Umberto , Giunta Emilio Francesco , Fratino Lucia , Rebuzzi Sara Elena , Buti Sebastiano , Maruzzo Marco , De Giorgi Ugo , Murianni Veronica , Cinausero Marika , Lipari Helga , Gamba Teresa , Caffo Orazio , Bimbatti Davide , Dri Arianna , Mosca Alessandra , Ermacora Paola , Vignani Francesca , Msaki Aichi , Bonifacio Barbara , Lombardo Valentina , Conteduca Vincenza , Fornarini Giuseppe , Rescigno Pasquale
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPIs) have been increasingly offered to older patients with prostate cancer (PC). However, prognostic factors relevant to their outcome with ARPIs are still little investigated. Methods and Materials: The Meet-URO network ADHERE was a prospective multicentre observational cohort study evaluating and monitoring adherence to ARPIs metastatic castrate-resistant PC (mCRPC) patients aged ≥70. Cox regression univariable and multivariable analyses for radiographic progression-free (rPFS) and overall survival (OS) were performed. Unsupervised median values and literature-based thresholds where available were used as cut-offs for quantitative variables. Results: Overall, 234 patients were enrolled with a median age of 78 years (73–82); 86 were treated with abiraterone (ABI) and 148 with enzalutamide (ENZ). With a median follow-up of 15.4 months (mo.), the median rPFS was 26.0 mo. (95% CI, 22.8–29.3) and OS 48.8 mo. (95% CI, 36.8–60.8). At the MVA, independent prognostic factors for both worse rPFS and OS were Geriatric G8 assessment ≤ 14 (p < 0.001 and p = 0.004) and PSA decline ≥50% (p < 0.001 for both); time to castration resistance ≥ 31 mo. and setting of treatment (i.e., post-ABI/ENZ) for rPFS only (p < 0.001 and p = 0.01, respectively); age ≥78 years for OS only (p = 0.008). Conclusions: Baseline G8 screening is recommended for mCRPC patients aged ≥70 to optimise ARPIs in vulnerable individuals, including early introduction of palliative care.
Can Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Influence the Quality of Life, Anxiety, and Depression of Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer? —A Review
Authors: Ladenbauer Severin , Singer Josef
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common form of cancerous disease worldwide. Its treatment leads to a variety of physiological and psychological side effects. This review investigates the question of how mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), a stress management program, can influence the quality of life, anxiety, and depression of women diagnosed with breast cancer. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE and Cochrane Library. Screening by title, abstract and full text was performed, whereby only those articles were included that fit the inclusion criteria. A risk of bias assessment was performed for each included study. Results: Overall, six studies were included, but not every study investigated all three outcomes. Two studies found positive impacts on quality of life, whereas three did not find a positive correlation between the intervention and quality of life. Four out of six studies found a positive relation between MBSR and anxiety scores, but only half of the included studies found positive results for the interaction between MBSR and depression scores. Conclusion: Published data suggest that anxiety can be positively influenced by MBSR, which can be used to improve the psychological care of breast cancer patients, both during and after treatment. However, further studies with larger patient numbers and longer observation periods should be conducted in order to elucidate the full potential of MSBR on important areas such as depression and quality of life.
Therapeutic Advances of Rare ALK Fusions in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Xiang Yan , Zhang Shiyu , Fang Xiaoxu , Jiang Yingying , Fang Tingwen , Liu Jinwen , Lu Kaihua
Published: October 2022

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases and is the leading cause of cancer-related death. Despite advances in chemotherapy and immunotherapy, the prognosis for advanced patients remains poor. The discovery of oncogenic driver mutations, such as anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) mutations, means that a subset of patients has opportunities for targeted therapy. With the improvement of genetic testing coverage, more and more ALK fusion subtypes and ALK partners have been discovered, and more than 90 rare ALK fusion subtypes have been found in NSCLC. However, unlike the common fusion, echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 (EML4)-ALK, some rare ALK fusions such as striatin (STRN)-ALK and huntingtin interacting protein 1 (HIP1)-ALK, etc., the large-scale clinical data related to its efficacy are still immature. The clinical application of ALK-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (ALK-TKIs) mainly depends on the positivity of the ALK gene, regardless of the molecular characteristics of the fusion partner. Recent clinical studies in the ALK-positive NSCLC population have demonstrated differences in progression-free survival (PFS) among patients based on different ALK fusion subtypes. This article will introduce the biological characteristics of ALK fusion kinase and common detection methods of ALK fusion and focus on summarizing the differential responses of several rare ALK fusions to ALK-TKIs, and propose corresponding treatment strategies, so as to better guide the application of ALK-TKIs in rare ALK fusion population.
Comparisons among the Ultrasonography Prediction Model, Real-Time and Shear Wave Elastography in the Evaluation of Major Salivary Gland Tumors
Authors: Cheng Ping-Chia , Lo Wu-Chia , Chang Chih-Ming , Wen Ming-Hsun , Cheng Po-Wen , Liao Li-Jen
Published: October 2022

We aimed to validate the diagnostic accuracy of a novel sonographic scoring model and compare it with other methods in the evaluation of malignant major salivary gland tumors. We enrolled 138 patients who received neck ultrasound (US) with fine needle aspiration (FNA) and further operations or core needle biopsies for major salivary gland tumors from June 2015 to October 2021. The sonographic scoring model was presented as 2.08 × (vague boundary) + 1.75 × (regional lymphadenopathy) + 1.18 × (irregular or speculated shape) + 1.45 × (absence of posterior acoustic enhancement) + 2.4 × (calcification). We compared the diagnostic accuracy of the sonographic scoring model with shear wave elastography (SWE), real-time elastography (RTE), and US-FNA cytology for differentiating between benign and malignant lesions. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 58%, 89%, and 85% for the sonographic scoring model, 74%, 62%, and 64% for the SD of SWE with optimal cutoff value of 31.5 kPa, 69%, 70%, and 70% for the 4-point scoring system of RTE, and 74%, 93%, and 91% for US-FNA cytology, respectively. The sonographic scoring model is feasible as assistance in the evaluation of major salivary gland tumors. US-FNA cytology remains the tool of choice in diagnosing malignant salivary gland tumors.