bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic alteration of colorectal adenoma‐carcinoma sequence among gastric adenocarcinoma and dysplastic lesions in a patient with attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis
Authors: Tanabe Hiroki , Moriichi Kentaro , Takahashi Keitaro , Ono Yusuke , Kobayashi Yu , Murakami Yuki , Iwama Takuya , Kunogi Takehito , Sasaki Takahiro , Ando Katsuyoshi , Ueno Nobuhiro , Kashima Shin , Takei Hidehiro , Mizukami Yusuke , Fujiya Mikihiro , Okumura Toshikatsu
Published: June 2020

Background

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is characterized by colorectal polyposis and adenocarcinoma that is frequently accompanied by extracolonic neoplasm. The risk of gastric carcinoma is increasing in Western FAP patients as well as Asian patients.

Methods

We report the case of an FAP patient with fundic gland polyposis who developed gastric adenocarcinoma and metachronous pyloric gland adenomas. These tumors were endoscopically resected, and immunohistochemistry with gastric mucin (i.e., MUC6, MUC5AC) showed that the tumors belonged to the gastric subtype. Somatic mutation profiles were determined by target amplicon sequencing using a next‐generation sequencer.

Results

Germline APC variant c.5782delC was found by direct sequencing and somatic KRAS mutations in these tumors were identified by next‐generation sequencing. Different KRAS mutation alleles (KRAS p.Gly12Ala, p.Gly12Arg, and p.Gly12Asp) indicated these dysplastic lesions developed from a distinct origin in fundic gland polyposis. Sequential mutations of the APC and KRAS were judged—based on a database search—to be characteristic of the adenoma‐carcinoma sequence in colorectal carcinogenesis.

Conclusion

The colonic adenoma‐carcinoma sequence among gastric adenocarcinoma and dysplastic lesions was indicated in FAP‐associated gastric carcinogenesis.
DMD‐related muscular dystrophy in Cameroon: Clinical and genetic profiles
Authors: Wonkam‐Tingang Edmond , Nguefack Séraphin , Esterhuizen Alina I. , Chelo David , Wonkam Ambroise
Published: June 2020

Background

Most of the previous studies on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) were conducted in Caucasian, Asian, and Arab populations. Therefore, little is known about the features of this disease in Africans. In this study, we aimed to determine the clinical characteristics of DMD, and the common mutations associated with this condition in a group of Cameroonian patients.

Methods

We recruited DMD patients and performed a general physical examination on each of them. Multiplex ligand‐dependant probe amplification was carried out to investigate exon deletions and duplications in the DMD gene (OMIM: 300377) of patients and their mothers.

Results

A total of 17 male patients from 14 families were recruited, aged 14 ± 5.1 (8–23) years. The mean age at onset of symptoms was 4.6 ± 1.5 years, and the mean age at diagnosis was 12.1 ± 5.2 years. Proximal muscle weakness was noted in all patients and calf hypertrophy in the large majority of them (88.2%; 15/17). Flexion contractures were particularly frequent on the ankle (85.7%; 12/14). Wasting of shoulder girdle and thigh muscles was present in 50% (6/12) and 46.2% (6/13) of patients, respectively. No patient presented with hearing impairment. Deletions in DMD gene (OMIM: 300377) occurred in 45.5% of patients (5/11), while duplications were observed in 27.3% (3/11). Both mutation types were clustered between exons 45 and 50, and the proportion of de novo mutation was estimated at 18.2% (2/11).

Conclusion

Despite the first symptoms of DMD occurring in infancy, the diagnosis is frequently made later in adolescence, indicating an underestimation of the number of cases of DMD in Cameroon. Future screening of deletions and duplications in patients from Cameroon should focus on the distal part of the gene.
Design, fabrication, and measurement of textile‐based frequency selective surfaces
Authors: Can Sultan , Karakaya Emrullah Uzay , Yılmaz Asım Egemen
Published: June 2020

In this study, textile based frequency selective surfaced designed, fabricated, and measured having both conformal dielectric and conductor layers. Designs are aimed to stop the band of interest for four different frequency bands, where electromagnetic pollution commonly occurs. The proposed designs are also fabricated and measured in an electromagnetically isolated environment. Each design has been simulated via CST Microwave Studio. The proposed designs named as S1, S2, S3, and S4 having S21 resonances at, 4.965 GHz 4.5 GHz, 4.6 GHz, and 3.78 GHz, respectively. For the forenamed samples, the bandwidth values are, 2.27 GHz, 0.25 GHz, 0.13 GHz, and 0.72 GHz. The experimental results have been compared with the simulation results and satisfactory agreement obtained.
Temperature‐mediated excitation of defect modes in a periodic structure at terahertz frequencies
Authors: De Simone Roberta , Chiadini Francesco , Scaglione Antonio , Fiumara Vincenzo
Published: June 2020

The dependence on temperature of a defect mode of a periodic dielectric multilayer is studied in the terahertz range by using the characteristic matrix method. The structure analyzed is composed of alternating layers of silica and polymethylpentene. The material of the defect is the indium antimonide (InSb), which has a permittivity that is temperature dependent causing a blueshift of the defect mode as the temperature rises. Although at terahertz frequencies, the InSb is a dissipative material, choosing appropriately the thickness of the defect results in a defect mode with a transmittance that, throughout the range explored, always remains above 0.9 with a maximum of 0.9914.
240 GHz meta‐surface band pass filter and lens integration in 6G telecommunication systems
Authors: Myllymäki Sami , Kokkonen Mikko
Published: June 2020

240 GHz operated meta‐surface band pass filter consisting of split‐ring resonator (SRR) matrix was simulated and measured as single and second order modes. The filter was integrated with hemispherical and Luneburg type of antenna lenses. The SRR meta‐material filter was recommended component for 6G telecommunication applications characterizing measured values of 80 GHz bandwidth, low insertion loss (−0.75 dB) and good attenuation (−8 dB) characteristics close to the band pass region, and the filters can be cascaded to enhance its filtering characteristics.
3D whole‐heart isotropic‐resolution motion‐compensated joint T1/T2 mapping and water/fat imaging
Authors: Milotta Giorgia , Bustin Aurelien , Jaubert Olivier , Neji Radhouene , Prieto Claudia , Botnar René M.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To develop a free‐breathing isotropic‐resolution whole‐heart joint T1 and T2 mapping sequence with Dixon‐encoding that provides coregistered 3D T1 and T2 maps and complementary 3D anatomical water and fat images in a single ~9 min scan.

Methods

Four interleaved dual‐echo Dixon gradient echo volumes are acquired with a variable density Cartesian trajectory and different preparation pulses: 1) inversion recovery‐preparation, 2) and 3) no preparations, and 4) T2 preparation. Image navigators are acquired to correct each echo for 2D translational respiratory motion; the 8 echoes are jointly reconstructed with a low‐rank patch‐based reconstruction. A water/fat separation algorithm is used to obtain water and fat images for each acquired volume. T1 and T2 maps are generated by matching the signal evolution of the water images to a simulated dictionary. Complementary bright‐blood and fat volumes for anatomical visualization are obtained from the T2‐prepared dataset. The proposed sequence was tested in phantom experiments and 10 healthy subjects and compared to standard 2D MOLLI T1 mapping, 2D balance steady‐state free precession T2 mapping, and 3D T2‐prepared Dixon coronary MR angiography.

Results

High linear correlation was found between T1 and T2 quantification with the proposed approach and phantom spin echo measurements (y = 1.1 × −11.68, R2 = 0.98; and y = 0.85 × +5.7, R2 = 0.99). Mean myocardial values of T1/T2 = 1116 ± 30.5 ms/45.1 ± 2.38 ms were measured in vivo. Biases of T1/T2 = 101.8 ms/−0.77 ms were obtained compared to standard 2D techniques.

Conclusion

The proposed joint T1/T2 sequence permitted the acquisition of motion‐compensated isotropic‐resolution 3D T1 and T2 maps and complementary coronary MR angiography and fat volumes, showing promising results in terms of T1 and T2 quantification and visualization of cardiac anatomy and pericardial fat.
Effects of Reservoir Elevation and Spatial Synchrony on Walleye Recruitment in Lake Oahe, Missouri River
Authors: Felts Eli A. , Fincel Mark J. , Graeb Brian D. S.
Published: June 2020

Recruitment is an important driver of fish population abundance and size structure and can be affected by a variety of density-dependent and density-independent factors. Walleye Sander vitreus populations often exhibit variable year-class strength, which has been attributed to a suite of factors. In this study, we quantified variability in Walleye recruitment, assessed within-lake recruitment synchrony, and modeled recruitment variability for year-classes that were produced from 1988 to 2013 in Lake Oahe, a large Missouri River reservoir. The objectives of this study were to determine (1) whether Walleye recruit annually, (2) whether Walleye recruitment is spatially synchronous, and (3) whether Walleye recruitment is better described by biotic or abiotic factors. The variability of Walleye recruitment was indexed by using gill-net catch of age-2 Walleye across nine locations in Lake Oahe, and factors affecting recruitment were evaluated by using stock–recruit analysis. Over the 26 years that were assessed, all year-classes were present and four exceptionally large year-classes were produced. Recruitment synchrony was apparent among locations within Lake Oahe, but this relationship was largely influenced by the spatial synchrony of the four exceptionally large year-classes and was no longer detectable when those year-classes were removed. The relative abundance of age-4 and older Walleye, taken as an index of spawner abundance, was a poor predictor of Walleye recruitment, indicating that Walleye recruitment was regulated by density-independent factors across the range of observations. The interactive effects of reservoir elevation and elevation change improved model fit to explain 59% of the recruitment variation and indicated that increased elevation from the previous year improved recruitment. Our results indicate that Walleye recruitment may be favored by increasing the water levels in the reservoir in spring.
Parameterization of metabolite and macromolecule contributions in interrelated MR spectra of human brain using multidimensional modeling
Authors: Hoefemann Maike , Bolliger Christine Sandra , Chong Daniel G.Q. , van der Veen Jan Willem , Kreis Roland
Published: June 2020

Macromolecular signals are crucial constituents of short echo‐time 1H MR spectra with potential clinical implications in themselves as well as essential ramifications for the quantification of the usually targeted metabolites. Their parameterization, needed for general fitting models, is difficult because of their unknown composition. Here, a macromolecular signal parameterization together with metabolite signal quantification including relaxation properties is investigated by multidimensional modeling of interrelated 2DJ inversion‐recovery (2DJ‐IR) datasets. Simultaneous and iterative procedures for defining the macromolecular background (MMBG) as mono‐exponentially or generally decaying signals over TE are evaluated. Varying prior knowledge and restrictions in the metabolite evaluation are tested to examine their impact on results and fitting stability for two sets of three‐dimensional spectra acquired with metabolite‐cycled PRESS from cerebral gray and white matter locations. One dataset was used for model optimization, and also examining the influence of prior knowledge on estimated parameters. The most promising model was applied to a second dataset. It turned out that the mono‐exponential decay model appears to be inadequate to represent TE‐dependent signal features of the MMBG. TE‐adapted MMBG spectra were therefore determined. For a reliable overall quantification of implicated metabolite concentrations and relaxation times, a general fitting model had to be constrained in terms of the number of fitting variables and the allowed parameter space. With such a model in place, fitting precision for metabolite contents and relaxation times was excellent, while fitting accuracy is difficult to judge and bias was likely influenced by the type of fitting constraints enforced. In summary, the parameterization of metabolite and macromolecule contributions in interrelated MR spectra has been examined by using multidimensional modeling on complex 2DJ‐IR datasets. A tightly restricted model allows fitting of individual subject data with high fitting precision documented in small Cramér‐Rao lower bounds, good repeatability values and a relatively small spread of estimated concentration and relaxation values for a healthy subject cohort.
Current and potential pharmacological treatment options for insomnia in patients with alcohol use disorder in recovery
Authors: Roehrs Timothy A. , Auciello Jessica , Tseng Jack , Whiteside Garth
Published: June 2020

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is characterized by dysfunction in motivational, mood‐stress regulation, and sleep systems that interact in complex ways to heighten the risk of relapse during abstinence. Emerging data suggest that excessive and chronic alcohol use disrupts sleep homeostasis and, in abstinence, subjects with AUD are known to experience insomnia that may persist for weeks to years, which we propose to refer to as insomnia associated with alcohol cessation (IAAC). The purpose of this review is to provide an update of pharmacological approaches to therapy including compounds in development, to raise awareness of the prevalence of and unmet need in IAAC and highlight differences in treatment consideration for IAAC as compared to insomnia disorder. We performed a search of select electronic databases to identify studies of pharmacological agents used to treat sleep disturbances in abstinent or treatment‐seeking patients with alcohol use disorder. The search, conducted in June 2019 and updated in December 2019, yielded 1,188 abstracts after duplicates were removed, of which 36 full‐text articles were assessed for eligibility. Eighteen studies were included, 15 randomized controlled trials and three open‐label studies. Several classes of medications including antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and antipsychotics have been evaluated for their effectiveness in treating sleep disturbances in abstinent or treatment‐seeking patients with AUD. None of these medications are approved by the FDA for the treatment of IAAC, and the currently available evidence for these agents is limited. Randomized, controlled clinical trials are warranted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of medications in the treatment of IAAC.
Gain perspective, expand your network by presenting internationally
Authors: Pavlik Amelia
Published: June 2020

Being part of something. This is the concept that's at the heart of why Joshua LaFave opted to start presenting at international conferences. “I can still remember the first time I raised my hand to get involved with a professional organization. Whether international or domestic, this has always been a priority for me,” said LaFave, Director of Graduate Business Programs in the Reh School of Business at Clarkson University. “Also, higher education is very much a global business, and working collaboratively across countries to support international student mobility is important.”
A dynamic mutational landscape associated with an inter‐regionally diverse immune response in malignant rhabdoid tumour
Authors: Yasui Hiroaki , Valind Anders , Karlsson Jenny , Pietras Christina , Jansson Caroline , Wille Joakim , Romerius Patrik , Backman Torbjörn , Gisselsson David
Published: June 2020

Malignant rhabdoid tumour (MRT) is a childhood neoplasm of high malignancy characterised by biallelic mutation and/or loss of the epigenetic master regulator SMARCB1, accompanied by no or few other oncogenic drivers. In spite of their generally low mutational burden, an intratumoural T‐cell response has been reported in a subset of MRTs, indicating that immune checkpoint inhibition may be considered a viable therapy option for some patients. We assess here the evolution over time and space of predicted neoantigens and indicators of immune checkpoint status in two MRT patients who progressed under treatment. Both patients showed an accumulation of novel clonal and subclonal mutations, including predicted neoantigens, in metastases compared to their inferred ancestral clones in the primary tumours. The first patient had peritoneal metastases from an MRT of the liver. Clonal deconvolution revealed polyclonal seeding from the primary tumour to a single metastatic site, followed by a local subclonal burst of mutations. The second patient had a renal MRT with multiple pulmonary metastases, each of which could be traced back to a single genetically unique founder cell, with formation of novel subclones in two metastases. Both patients showed a regionally heterogeneous landscape of predicted neoantigens and of tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes expressing CD8 and PD1. In both patients, some tumour regions fulfilled established criteria for PD‐L1 positivity (> 1% of tumour cells), while others did not. This suggests that even in a tumour type like MRT, with a single driver mutation, there can be heterogeneity in neoantigen repertoire, immune response, and biomarkers for checkpoint blockade among sampled locations. This must be taken into account when assessing progressed MRT patients for checkpoint inhibition therapy. © 2020 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Recent progress in EPR study of spin labeled polymers and spin probed polymer systems
Authors: Uddin Md Alim , Yu Haojie , Wang Li , Naveed Kaleem‐ur‐Rahman , Haq Fazal , Amin Bilal Ul , Mehmood Sahid , Nazir Ahsan , Xing Yusheng , Shen Di
Published: June 2020

The EPR technique is commonly used for the detection and characterization of paramagnetic centers in chemical science. This method can provides a lot of information, such as identity, structure, dynamics, interaction, orientation, glass transition temperature, adsorption behavior, functionality, phase behavior, nano‐inhomogeneities, and conformation of the free‐radical portion of the polymer chain. Most polymers intrinsically possess diamagnetic properties, so in order to study polymers with EPR, paramagnetic centers need to be incorporated into the polymer systems. Spin labeling and spin probing are main methods of covalently attaching paramagnetic centers to polymer chains or embedding them in polymer matrices through non‐covalent interactions, respectively. Spin labeling and spin probing techniques for polymers and polymer systems (especially with nitroxide radicals) have also been studied, which have a profound impact on polymer science. This review focuses on the continuous wave EPR technique and introduces the recent advances in spin labeled polymers and spin probed polymer systems in EPR research.
Accurate measurement of the ion saturation current collected by a cylindrical Langmuir probe in cold plasmas
Authors: Díaz‐Cabrera Juan Manuel , Fernández Palop José I. , Regodón Guillermo F. , Ballesteros Jerónimo
Published: June 2020

This paper analyzes the results of accurate measurements of the ion current collected by a cylindrical Langmuir probe immersed in cold argon, neon, and helium plasmas. These measurements make it possible to study the influence of the positive ion‐to‐electron temperature ratio β = T+/Te on the collected ion current, providing valuable information about the trajectory described by the positive ions when falling toward the probe. Several criteria have been applied to discriminate whether the ion current is described by using the orbital motion limited theory or the radial motion theory. In all the studied argon and neon plasma discharge conditions, the criteria indicate that the positive ion current collected by the probe is appropriately described by the radial motion theory; however, as β increases, some criteria indicate a trend toward the orbital theory. In contrast, for the studied helium plasmas discharge conditions, a transition from radial to orbital motion has been measured.
A Physiologically‐Based Quantitative Systems Pharmacology Model of the Incretin Hormones GLP‐1 and GIP and the DPP4 Inhibitor Sitagliptin
Authors: Balazki Pavel , Schaller Stephan , Eissing Thomas , Lehr Thorsten
Published: June 2020

Incretin hormones glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) and glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) play a major role in regulation of postprandial glucose and the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The incretins are rapidly metabolized, primarily by the enzyme dipeptidyl‐peptidase 4 (DPP4), and the neutral endopeptidase (NEP), although the exact metabolization pathways are unknown. We developed a physiologically‐based (PB) quantitative systems pharmacology model of GLP‐1 and GIP and their metabolites that describes the secretion of the incretins in response to intraduodenal glucose infusions and their degradation by DPP4 and NEP. The model describes the observed data and suggests that NEP significantly contributes to the metabolization of GLP‐1, and the traditional assays for the total GLP‐1 and GIP forms measure yet unknown entities produced by NEP. We further extended the model with a PB pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics model of the DPP4 inhibitor sitagliptin that allows predictions of the effects of this medication class on incretin concentrations.
Research on the safety assessment of RC workshop buildings in earthquake site based on the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation
Authors: Sun Baitao , Zhang Xianhui
Published: June 2020

The safety assessment of damaged buildings in earthquake site, which is always performed by experienced experts and is very important during the postearthquake emergency period. However, the conclusions often vary from person to person because of the limited number of experts and the differences in their knowledge, backgrounds, specific research directions, and practical field experience. Therefore, it is necessary to find a fast and accurate calculation model. A single‐story reinforced concrete column workshop is taken as an example in this paper. The earthquake damage assessment analysis and component detail earthquake damage are appraised according to the experts' previous earthquake experience and the qualitative provisions in the standard “Post‐earthquake Field Works, Part 2: Safety Assessment of Buildings” (GB18208.2‐2001). Based on these, the detail seismic damage is quantified. A mathematical model for the safety assessment of the single‐story reinforced concrete column workshop is established by quantifying the relevant qualitative provisions in the national standards and applying the two‐level fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method. The model is simple to use, which enables the general safety evaluators to share the experts' experience and minimizes the differences among the assessment results of different evaluators.
Pani‐Ag/PVA nanocomposite: Gamma induced changes in the thermal and optical characteristics
Authors: Alhazime Ali A. , Benthami Kaoutar A. , Alsobhi Bahia O. , Ali Ghareib W. , Nouh Samir A.
Published: June 2020

The gamma (γ) induced modifications in the synthesized Pani‐Ag/PVA nanocomposite (NCP) thermal and optical characteristics have been depicted. The induced effect was investigated applying X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and UV‐spectroscopy. Further, the color intensity (ΔE) of the irradiated NCP and blank has been estimated. The γ radiation decreases the optical band gap value from 2.65 to 1.54 eV owing to the randomly amorphous dominance in the irradiated NCP. Moreover, γ radiation induced noticeable defects generation, splitting the crystals, leading to depressed melting temperature.
Increased irrigation water salinity enhances nitrate transport to deep unsaturated soil
Authors: Weissman Gal , Bel Golan , Ben‐Gal Alon , Yermiyahu Uri , Alexandrov Boian , Rasmussen Kim Ørskov , Dahan Ofer
Published: June 2020

Excessive use of N fertilizers in agriculture often leads to NO3− accumulation in the unsaturated zone and to groundwater pollution. There is uncertainty regarding the variability in fertilizer transport and uptake efficiency due to the lack of studies based on continuous nondestructive measurements in unsaturated soils. In this study, we analyzed solute dynamics across the unsaturated zone underlying cultivated agricultural fields. Commercial crop rotations under four treatments, comprising two N fertilization regimes and two irrigation water salinity levels, were conducted in loess soil in the semiarid climate of the northern Negev Desert, Israel. The impact of the various treatments on water and solute dynamics below the root zone was monitored by a vadose zone monitoring system. The patterns of variations in soil water content and solute concentrations were analyzed using nonnegative tensor factorization. We found that irrigating using higher salinity water resulted in the earlier arrival of wetting fronts to the deeper layers and increased NO3− concentrations relative to the lower salinity treatments. Surprisingly, this effect was only seen in the deeper soil levels, whereas there was no significant difference in the arrival times and concentrations in the upper soil layers. Possible mechanisms are suggested and discussed.
The Intersectionality of Leadership and Spiritual Development Through Mentoring
Authors: Nolan‐Arañez Shannon I.
Published: June 2020

Educational environments have the capacity to cultivate transformative leaders who can resolve global issues and move society toward a positive social change. This chapter focuses on the value of mentorship and community‐based service projects to support students’ spiritual and leadership development. Lessons learned via a university case study of intergenerational mentoring are included.
Discovering Purpose: A Life‐Long Journey
Authors: Roberts Dennis C.
Published: June 2020

Deeper spiritual and leadership awareness is a developmental process that can most easily be understood by examining our own experiences. Presence, flow, and oscillation offer pathways that increase awareness of oneself, foster a realistic view of the world, and are a catalyst for deeper leadership.
Hadroproduction of scalar P -wave quarkonia in the light-front kT -factorization approach
Authors: Babiarz Izabela , Pasechnik Roman , Schäfer Wolfgang , Szczurek Antoni
Published: June 2020

Abstract

In this work, we present a thorough analysis of scalar P -wave χ

Q0, Q = c, b quarkonia electromagnetic form factors for the γ
∗
γ
∗
→ χ

Q0 couplings, as well as their hadroproduction observables in k
⊥-factorisation using the light-front (LF) potential approach for the quarkonium wave function. The electromagnetic form factors are presented as functions of photon virtualities. We discuss the role of the Melosh spin-rotation and relativistic corrections estimated by comparing our results with those in the standard nonrelativistic QCD (NRQCD) approach. Theoretical uncertainties of our approach are found by performing the analysis with two different unintegrated gluon densities and with five distinct models of the

$$ Q\overline{Q} $$

Q

Q
¯

interaction potentials consistent with the meson spectra. The results for the rapidity and transverse momentum distributions of χ

Q0 produced in high-energy pp collisions at

$$ \sqrt{s} $$

s

= 13 TeV are shown.
Surgical Consideration Based on Lymph Nodes Spread Patterns in Patients with Peripheral Right Middle Non‐small Cell Lung Cancer 3 cm or Less
Authors: Wang Rulan , Deng Han‐Yu , Zhou Jie , Jiang Rui , Zhou Qinghua
Published: June 2020

Background

The optimal extent of lung resection and lymph nodes dissection for peripheral early‐stage right middle non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) still remains controversial. In this study, we analyzed the patterns of lymph nodes metastasis (LNM) of patients with peripheral right middle NSCLC ≤ 3 cm, aiming to provide evidences for surgical choice for early‐stage peripheral right middle lobe NSCLC.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated the clinical and pathological data of patients diagnosed with peripheral right middle lobe NSCLC ≤ 3 cm between January 2015 and December 2019. The LNM patterns were analyzed by tumor size.

Results

A total of 60 patients were included for analysis. The tumor size was preoperatively divided as follows: ≤ 1 cm (13 patients); > 1 cm but ≤ 2 cm (36 patients); > 2 cm but ≤ 3 cm (11 patients). Fifty‐four patients were categorized as N0 group, 1 patient as N1 group, and 5 patients as N2 group. In the upper zone, 3 patients were found to have LNM. In the subcarinal zone, another 3 patients had LNM. But the lymph nodes of all these patients were negative in the lower zone. In station 10, 1 patient (1.67%) was found to have LNM, while in station 11–13, 2 patients (3.33%) were found to have LNM.

Conclusion

For the right middle lobe peripheral NSCLC ≤ 1 cm, sublobar resection with lymph node sampling may be a feasible treatment. For cancers > 1 cm but ≤ 2 cm, lobectomy with lobe‐specific lymph node dissection (especially station 2R and 4R) may be a preferred choice. For tumors > 2 cm but ≤ 3 cm, lobectomy with systematic lymph node dissection may still be the standard of care.
Carbonate mineral identification and quantification in sediment matrices using diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy
Authors: So Rachel T. , Blair Neal E. , Masterson Andrew L.
Published: June 2020

Carbonate minerals are a major reservoir in the global carbon cycle and a key player in the sequestration and emission of atmospheric CO2. In addition to the minerals’ frequent use in agriculture and construction, carbonate formation has been targeted for anthropogenic CO2 sequestration. Due to carbonate’s importance in geological and anthropogenic realms, research on carbonate characterization and quantification is of interest. Here, we demonstrate a method to identify and quantify calcite (CaCO3) and dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2) in sediment matrices using diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS). Needing only a few minutes per sample, DRIFTS is a rapid technique that does not require hazardous chemicals and does not destroy samples during analysis. We selected the 2515 ± 9 cm−1 absorbance bands for quantification as they exhibited little interference from sediment matrix minerals and large peak areas relative to other bands. The DRIFTS technique was compared to the traditional acidification headspace analysis method on artificial mixtures of sediment and carbonate as well as natural lake bed and river bank samples from the Upper Sangamon River Basin in Illinois, USA. DRIFTS offers an additional advantage over acidification in that it permits carbonate mineral identification simultaneously with its quantification. Though DRIFTS estimates were higher, a good correlation was found between DRIFTS and acidification estimates for both lake sediments (R2 = 0.99) and bank samples (R2 = 0.92), indicating DRIFTS is a reliable method for carbonate quantification in sediment matrices.
Positive temperature effects on the initiation and intensity of cannibalistic behaviour of larval pike, Esox lucius L. Is cannibalism reflected in otolith fluctuating asymmetry?
Authors: Greszkiewicz Martyna , Fey Dariusz P.
Published: June 2020

Cannibalism can be a significant factor limiting the survival of pike, Esox lucius, early life stages in both natural and aquaculture conditions. In the present research, type I cannibalism was studied in pike larvae (size range: 9–32.5 mm standard length, SL) in controlled conditions for 45 days post-hatching (dph). For this purpose, the occurrence of cannibalistic pairs, i.e. prey caught by a cannibal inside the cannibal’s mouth, was monitored for 15 min periods by two observers six times daily. Cannibalism was not observed in fish that still had yolk-sacs, but it did occur as soon as the yolk-sac was absorbed on 5 dph at a body size of 13 mm at 22 °C and 10 dph at a body size of 13.4 mm at 15 °C. The ratio of prey to predator size was on average 87%, but the smallest observed size difference was only 1.3%. The intensity of cannibalistic attacks depended on water temperature with more intense cannibalism at 22 °C than at 15 °C, and no cannibalism at 10 °C. Fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in all three sagittal otolith size parameters (area, width, and length) was higher in prey than in cannibals, the differences were not statistically significant.
Micro-tensile behavior of Scots pine sapwood after heat treatments in superheated steam or pressurized hot water
Authors: Altgen Michael , Awais Muhammad , Altgen Daniela , Kyyrö Suvi , Seppäläinen Hanna , Rautkari Lauri
Published: June 2020

Heat treatments reduce the strength and ductility of wood, but the extent depends on the direction of load and the treatment conditions applied. The tensile behavior of wood is very sensitive to heat treatments, but there is a lack of understanding how this is related to different heat treatment conditions. In this study, we treated homogeneous micro-veneers under different time-, temperature-, and moisture-environments and compared the effect on the tensile behavior of the treated veneers based on their chemical composition changes. The results confirmed the adverse effect of the preferential hemicellulose removal on the strength and toughness of wood. However, chemical composition changes could not fully explain the tensile behavior of dry heat-treated wood, which showed an additional loss in maximum load and work in traction at the same residual hemicellulose content compared to wet heat-treated wood. The scission of cellulose chains as well as the enhanced cross-linking of the cell wall matrix under dry heat conditions and elevated temperatures was discussed as additional factors. The enhanced cross-linking of the cell wall matrix helped in preserving the tensile properties when testing the veneers in water-saturated state, but may have also promoted the formation of cracks that propagated across the cell wall during tensile loading.

Graphic abstract
Safety evaluation of LD27-2 WHPB platform based on rod pumping
Authors: Yu Yanqun , Huang Xiaoguang , Yin Zhiming
Published: June 2020

The development of heavy oil with high efficiency is a worldwide difficulty for offshore oil field. The technology of rod pumping provides a possible effective way for offshore heavy oil thermal recovery, but the safety of working platform is the prerequisite for the implementation of this new technology. In this paper, the mechanical model of LD27-2 WHPB platform is established, and the safety performance of the platform under hydraulic pumping unit (HPU) load is evaluated. The distribution of the combined HPU load accords with the classical probability model. When the HPUs are all synchronous, the combined load reaches its maximum. The finite element-based platform safety analysis under the extreme condition is carried out. Under the combined action of wave current, wind load and the extreme HPU load, the maximum stress of the jacket is 83.2 MPa, and the safety coefficient is 4.33, indicating the overall strength of LD27-2 WHPB platform meets the safety requirement.
A new approach to heterogeneity analysis in a highly complex carbonate reservoir by using borehole image and conventional log data
Authors: Tadayoni Mehdi , Khalilbeyg Mahmoudreza , Bin Junin Radzuan
Published: June 2020

This study outstretches a new method to specify the heterogeneity of the studied reservoir by combining BHI (Borehole Image Log) and conventional log data for 4 existing wells. The first step to achieve this goal was utilizing borehole electrical images to assess the quantity of vugs/modals fraction and porosity distribution. Spectrum porosity was calculated through probabilistic analysis based on core and FMI data which has specified two general types of porosity in studied field as primary porosity (microporosities and intercrystalline) and secondary porosity (vugs). Due to irregular dispersion, non-categorization, and scattering of the porosity–permeability graph obtained from laboratory core data, next step was using petrophysical image facies prediction for generating an electrical facies to incorporate the different reservoir quality. This lithology (litho types) is produced by BHI analysis which reflects geological and petrophysical properties of the field. Then a porosity–permeability cross-plot has been made based on core data and produced facies codes which build in the previous step to check the validity of BHI Facies code extraction. Finally, heterogeneity analysis has been done through an innovative step-by-step workflow to determine spectrum porosity log which is divided into 6 categories/portions as Resistive, Matrix, Isolated, Connected, Bed boundaries and Fractures porosity.
A group-key-based sensitive attribute protection in cloud storage using modified random Fibonacci cryptography
Authors: Sumathi M. , Sangeetha S.
Published: June 2020

Cloud computing is an eminent technology for providing a data storage facility with efficient storage, maintenance, management and remote backups. Hence, user data are shifted from customary storage to cloud storage. In this transfer, the sensitive attributes are also shifted to cloud storage with high-end security. Current security techniques are processed with high encryption time and provide identical security of entire data with single key dependent. These processes are taking high computational time and leaks entire information if the key is hacked. The proposed Group Key Based Attribute Encryption using Modified Random Fibonacci Cryptographic (MRFC) technique rectifies these issues. Instead of machine learning technique, data owner preference-based attributes segregation is used to divide an input dataset into sensitive and non-sensitive attribute groups. Based on inter-organization usage and data owner’s willingness, sensitive attribute is divided into ‘n + 1′ subgroups and each subgroup is encrypted by ‘n + 1’ group keys. The encrypted sensitive subgroups are merged with non-sensitive attributes and uploaded into a private cloud. The novelties of this paper are, (1) data owner preferred sensitive attribute classification instead of machine learning algorithms, (2) sensitive attribute encryption instead of entire attributes, (3) To reduce encryption time without compromising data owner privacy, (4) To decrypt and access the required subgroup instead of the entire attribute. Our experimental results show that, the proposed method takes minimal processing time, better classification accuracy and minimal memory space with high security to selected attributes as compared to existing classification and security techniques. Hence, sensitive data security and privacy is achieved with minimal processing cost.
One Stone Four Birds: A Novel Liposomal Delivery System Multi-functionalized with Ginsenoside Rh2 for Tumor Targeting Therapy
Authors: Hong Chao , Liang Jianming , Xia Jiaxuan , Zhu Ying , Guo Yizhen , Wang Anni , Lu Chunyi , Ren Hongwei , Chen Chen , Li Shiyi , Wang Dan , Zhan Huaxing , Wang Jianxin
Published: June 2020

Liposomes hold great potential in anti-cancer drug delivery and the targeting treatment of tumors. However, the clinical therapeutic efficacy of liposomes is still limited by the complexity of tumor microenvironment (TME) and the insufficient accumulation in tumor sites. Meanwhile, the application of cholesterol and polyethylene glycol (PEG), which are usually used to prolong the blood circulation and stabilize the structure of liposomes respectively,
has been questioned due to various disadvantages. Herein, we developed a ginsenoside Rh2-based multifunctional liposome system (Rh2-lipo) to effectively address these challenges once for all. Different with the conventional ‘wooden’ liposomes, Rh2-lipo is a much more brilliant carrier with multiple functions. In Rh2-lipo, both cholesterol and PEG were substituted by Rh2, which works as membrane stabilizer, long-circulating stealther, active targeting ligand, and chemotherapy adjuvant at the same time. Firstly, Rh2 could keep the stability of liposomes and avoid the shortcomings caused by cholesterol. Secondly, Rh2-lipo showed a specifically prolonged circulation behavior in the blood. Thirdly, the accumulation of the liposomes in the tumor was significantly enhanced by the interaction of glucose transporter of tumor cells with Rh2. Fourth, Rh2-lipo could remodel the structure and reverse the immunosuppressive environment in TME. When tested in a 4T1 breast carcinoma xenograft model, the paclitaxel-loaded Rh2-lipo realized high efficient tumor growth suppression. Therefore, Rh2-lipo not only innovatively challenges the position of cholesterol as a liposome component, but also provides another innovative potential system with multiple functions for anti-cancer drug delivery.
Uncovering the internal structure of Boko Haram through its mobility patterns
Authors: Prieto Curiel Rafael , Walther Olivier , O’Clery Neave
Published: June 2020

Boko Haram has caused nearly 40,000 casualties in Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Chad, becoming one of the deadliest Jihadist organisations in recent history. At its current rate, Boko Haram takes part in more than two events each day, taking the lives of nearly 11 people daily. Yet, little is known concerning Boko Haram’s internal structure, organisation, and its mobility.

Here, we propose a novel technique to uncover the internal structure of Boko Haram based on the sequence of events in which the terrorist group takes part. Data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) gives the location and time of nearly 3,800 events in which Boko Haram has been involved since the organisation became violent 10 years ago. Using this dataset, we build an algorithm to detect the fragmentation of Boko Haram into multiple cells, assuming that travel costs and reduced familiarity with unknown locations limit the mobility of individual cells.

Our results suggest that the terrorist group has a very high level of fragmentation and consists of at least 50–60 separate cells. Our methodology enables us to detect periods of time during which Boko Haram exhibits exceptionally high levels of fragmentation, and identify a number of key routes frequently travelled by separate cells of Boko Haram where military interventions could be concentrated.
On sharp surface force model: Effect of sharpening coefficient
Authors: Vachaparambil Kurian J. , Einarsrud Kristian Etienne
Published: June 2020

Amongst the multitude of approaches available in literature to reduce spurious velocities in Volume of Fluid approach, the Sharp Surface Force (SSF) model is increasingly being used due to its relative ease to implement. The SSF approach relies on a user-defined parameter, the sharpening coefficient, which determines the extent of the smeared nature of interface used to determine the surface tension force. In this paper, we use the SSF model implemented in OpenFOAM® to investigate the effect of this sharpening coefficient on spurious velocities and accuracy of dynamic, i.e., capillary rise, and static bubble simulations. Results show that increasing the sharpening coefficient generally reduces the spurious velocities in both static and dynamic cases. Although static millimeter sized bubbles were simulated with the whole range of sharpening coefficients, sub-millimeter sized bubbles show nonphysical behavior for values larger than 0.3. The accuracy of the capillary rise simulations has been observed to change non-linearly with the sharpening coefficient. This work illustrates the importance of using an optimized value of the sharpening coefficient with respect to spurious velocities and accuracy of the simulation.
Purification of Turkish Bentonites and Investigation of the Contact Angle, Surface Free Energy and Zeta Potential Profiles of Organo-Bentonites as a Function of CTAB Concentration
Authors: Çiftçi H. , Ersoy B. , Evcin A.
Published: June 2020

Purification of raw bentonites and organo-bentonite preparations is sometimes required for industrial use. Zeta (electrokinetic) potential (ζ), contact angle (wettability/hydrophobicity), and surface free energy (SFE) are important surface characteristics and vary significantly according to the applied surfactant concentration when preparing organo-bentonite. Changes in these characteristics determine the stability, behavior, and efficiency of organo-bentonites in various applications such as adsorption, composite materials, and drug-delivery systems. Knowing how much surfactant should be used to prepare organo-bentonite is, therefore, critical. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of concentration of the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) adsorbed in organo-bentonite (prepared from two local and commercial raw bentonites with potential for use in adsorbent and composite materials) on the ζ potential, contact angle, and SFE profiles. The raw bentonites were purified using sedimentation and centrifugation techniques prior to preparation of the organo-bentonite. The purification results were evaluated in light of X-ray diffraction (XRD), cation exchange capacity (CEC), free swelling volume (FSV), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and particle-size analysis data. Most of the gangue minerals (feldspar, calcite, clinoptilolite, opal, quartz, and mica) having particle size >5 μm were removed from the raw bentonites by using a one-stage sedimentation or a Falcon gravity separator (FGS). Higher yields (68.8% and 81.3% for two bentonites) were obtained with the FGS compared to sedimentation while purification levels were almost the same. ζ changed greatly from –35 mV (and –40 mV) toward 38 mV (and 40 mV) with increasing CTAB concentrations. Similar profiles were also obtained for wettability; maximum contact angles for organo-bentonites were measured as ~72–73o, while they were 12.65 and 14.1o for two purified and unmodified bentonites. SFEs were calculated using contact-angle data, and decreased to minimum values of 41.5–43.6 mJ/m2 from 78.6–78.2 mJ/m2 upon treatment of raw bentonites with CTAB. 100–130% CEC concentration was sufficient to prepare organo-bentonites with maximum hydrophobicity and positively charged surfaces.