bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated treatment planning of prostate stereotactic body radiotherapy with focal boosting on a fast‐rotating O‐ring linac: Plan quality comparison with C‐arm linacs
Authors: De Roover Robin , Crijns Wouter , Poels Kenneth , Dewit Bertrand , Draulans Cédric , Haustermans Karin , Depuydt Tom
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The integration of auto‐segmentation and automated treatment planning methods on a fast‐rotating O‐ring linac may improve the time efficiency of online adaptive radiotherapy workflows. This study investigates whether automated treatment planning of prostate SBRT with focal boosting on the O‐ring linac could generate plans that are of similar quality as those obtained through manual planning on clinical C‐arm linacs.

Methods

For 20 men with prostate cancer, reference treatment plans were generated on a TrueBeam STx C‐arm linac with HD120 MLC and a TrueBeam C‐arm linac with Millennium 120 MLC using 6 MV flattened dual arc VMAT. Manual planning on the Halcyon fast‐rotating O‐ring linac was performed using 6 MV FFF dual arc VMAT (HA2‐DL10) and triple arc VMAT (HA3‐DL10) to investigate the performance of the dual‐layer MLC system. Automated planning was performed for triple arc VMAT on the Halcyon linac (ET3‐DL10) using the automated planning algorithms of Ethos Treatment Planning. The prescribed dose was 35 Gy to the prostate and 30 Gy to the seminal vesicles in five fractions. The iso‐toxic focal boost to the intraprostatic tumor nodule(s) was aimed to receive up to 50 Gy. Plan deliverability was verified using portal image dosimetry measurements.

Results

Compared to the C‐arm linacs, ET3‐DL10 shows increased seminal vesicles PTV coverage (D99%) and reduced high‐dose spillage to the bladder (V37Gy) and urethra (D0.035cc) but this came at the cost of increased high‐dose spillage to the rectum (V38Gy) and a higher intermediate dose spillage (D2cm). No statistically significant differences were found when benchmarking HA2‐DL10 and HA3‐DL10 with the C‐arm linacs. All plans passed the patient‐specific QA tolerance limit.

Conclusions

Automated planning of prostate SBRT with focal boosting on the fast‐rotating O‐ring linac is feasible and achieves similar plan quality as those obtained on clinical C‐arm linacs using manual planning.
Antiferroelectric Anisotropy of Epitaxial PbHfO3 Films for Flexible Energy Storage
Authors: Tsai Meng‐Fu , Zheng Yun‐Zhe , Lu Si‐Cheng , Zheng Jun‐Ding , Pan Hao , Duan Chun‐Gang , Yu Pu , Huang Rong , Chu Ying‐Hao
Published: July 2021

Dielectric capacitors are widely studied for power supply systems because they can quickly store and release electrical energy. Among various kinds of dielectric materials, antiferroelectrics show promising features of high energy‐storage density and efficiency. In this study, epitaxial antiferroelectric PbHfO3 films with different orientations are fabricated, in which remarkable anisotropies of polarization and energy storage properties are discovered. With the optimization of film orientation, much‐improved energy density and excellent high‐temperature efficiency are achieved in the PbHfO3 films. Moreover, the PbHfO3 films are fabricated onto flexible mica substrates, which exhibit excellent property robustness against mechanical bending. This study provides a fundamental understanding of the anisotropic antiferroelectric behaviors of epitaxial PbHfO3 films and provides a generalizable pathway for flexible energy‐storage dielectric capacitors.
Modification of the Enantioselectivity of Biocatalytic meso‐Desymmetrization for Synthesis of Both Enantiomers of cis‐1,2‐Disubstituted Cyclohexane by Amidase Engineering
Authors: Hu Hui‐Juan , Wang Qi‐Qiang , Wang De‐Xian , Ao Yu‐Fei
Published: July 2021

Both enantiomers of cis‐1,2‐disubstituted cyclohexane have been obtained enantioselectively through engineered amidase‐catalyzed desymmetrization of meso carbocyclic 1,2‐dicarboxamides under mild condition. Based on the enzyme‐substrate binding model suggested by molecular docking, the amplification and reversal of enantioselectivity of amidase was quickly achieved through generating and testing only 8 variants. The origin of enantiopreference for amidase was revealed by MD simulations and the reason for the reversal of enantioselectivity towards amidase variant was disclosed. The synthetic application of biocatalytic meso‐desymmetrization was demonstrated by straightforward transformation of the products to enantiomerically pure heterocyclic compounds.

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Multi‐Resonance Deep‐Red Emitters with Shallow Potential‐Energy Surfaces to Surpass Energy‐Gap Law**
Authors: Zhang Yuewei , Zhang Dongdong , Huang Tianyu , Gillett Alexander J. , Liu Yang , Hu Deping , Cui Linsong , Bin Zhengyang , Li Guomeng , Wei Jinbei , Duan Lian
Published: July 2021

Efficient organic emitters in the deep‐red region are rare due to the “energy gap law”. Herein, multiple boron (B)‐ and nitrogen (N)‐atoms embedded polycyclic heteroaromatics featuring hybridized π‐bonding/ non‐bonding molecular orbitals are constructed, providing a way to overcome the above luminescent boundary. The introduction of B‐phenyl‐B and N‐phenyl‐N structures enhances the electronic coupling of those para‐positioned atoms, forming restricted π‐bonds on the phenyl‐core for delocalized excited states and thus a narrow energy gap. The mutually ortho‐positioned B‐ and N‐atoms also induce a multi‐resonance effect on the peripheral skeleton for the non‐bonding orbitals, creating shallow potential energy surfaces to eliminate the high‐frequency vibrational quenching. The corresponding deep‐red emitters with peaks at 662 and 692 nm exhibit narrow full‐width at half‐maximums of 38 nm, high radiative decay rates of ca. 108 s−1, ≈100 % photo‐luminescence quantum yields and record‐high maximum external quantum efficiencies of ca. 28 % in a normal planar organic light‐emitting diode structure, simultaneously.
Functional Switch and Ethyl Group Formation in the Bacterial Polytrichastrene Synthase from Chryseobacterium polytrichastri
Authors: Hou Anwei , Goldfuss Bernd , Dickschat Jeroen S.
Published: July 2021

A reinvestigation of the linalool synthase from Chryseobacterium polytrichastri uncovered its diterpene synthase activity, yielding polytrichastrene A and polytrichastrol A with new skeletons, besides known wanju‐2,5‐diene and thunbergol. The enzyme mechanism was investigated by isotopic labeling experiments and DFT calculations to explain an unusual ethyl group formation. Rationally designed exchanges of active site residues showed major functional switches, resulting for I66F in the production of five more new compounds, including polytrichastrene B and polytrichastrol B, while A87T, A192V and the double exchange A87T, A192V gave a product shift towards wanju‐2,5‐diene.
Silacyclobutane‐functionalized cyclosiloxanes as photoactive precursors for high thermal stability, low dielectric constant and low dielectric loss polymers
Authors: Yuan Wen , Wei Xuelian , Peng Qiuxia , Fan Li , Li Xian , Hu Huan , Huang Yawen , Ma Jiajun , Yang Junxiao
Published: July 2021

Low dielectric photoactive materials have significant potential as components in future microelectronics. Although a number of photosensitive groups have been used to construct photopatternable materials, it remains challenging to introduce these groups into polymer chains via facile yet controlled polymerization techniques. The present work demonstrates the synthesis of a new class of photoactive cyclosiloxane monomers having hybrid siloxane‐carbosilane main chains. These compounds can be cured by applying ultraviolet radiation and heat to promote the reaction of the silacyclobutene units and form hyper‐cross‐linked cyclosiloxanes. The cured resins show high thermal stability (with T5% values in the range of 460–550°C), low dielectric constants (2.36–2.76 at 10 MHz) and low dielectric losses (10−3 at 10 MHz). Thus, these polymers could possibly be used as high‐performance dielectric materials.
Traces of a Swedish army camp from 1644 revealed at Uppåkra by extensive magnetometer survey
Authors: Trinks Immo , Gabler Manuel , Wallner Mario , Nau Erich , Hinterleitner Alois , Filzwieser Roland , Larsson Lars , Neubauer Wolfgang
Published: July 2021

In the framework of an archaeological prospection case study conducted at the Swedish Iron Age site of Uppåkra near Lund, a large number of anomalies caused by buried archaeological remains were detected using extensive magnetic surveys. Written sources report that the Swedish army under Field marshal Gustav Horn had established a camp near the village of Uppåkra in autumn 1644, awaiting the approaching Danish army. Magnetic anomalies of two large, square structures, numerous pits and several pit alignments have been interpreted as possible traces of buried remains of this army camp. We present archaeological prospection data from Uppåkra with regard to the events that took place during Horn's war in 1644.
In situ monitoring of chlorophyll a fluorescence in Nannochloropsis oceanica cultures to assess photochemical changes and the onset of lipid accumulation during nitrogen deprivation
Authors: Carneiro Mariana , Chini Zittelli Graziella , Cicchi Bernardo , Touloupakis Eleftherios , Faraloni Cecilia , Maia Inês B. , Pereira Hugo , Santos Tamára , Malcata Francisco X. , Otero Ana , Varela João , Torzillo Giuseppe
Published: July 2021

In situ chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements were applied to monitor changes in the photochemical variables of Nannochloropsis oceanica cultures under nitrogen‐deplete and nitrogen‐replete (control) conditions. In addition, growth, lipid, fatty acid, and pigment contents were also followed. In the control culture, growth was promoted along with pigment content, electron transport rate (ETR), and polyunsaturated fatty acids, while total lipid content and fatty acid saturation level diminished. Under nitrogen‐deplete conditions, the culture showed a higher de‐epoxidation state of the xanthophyll cycle pigments. Fast transients revealed a poor processing efficiency for electron transfer beyond QA, which was in line with the low ETR due to nitrogen depletion. Lipid content and the de‐epoxidation state were the first biochemical variables triggered by the change in nutrient status, which coincided with a 20% drop in the in situ effective quantum yield of PSII (ΔF’/Fm'), and a raise in the Vj measurements. A good correlation was found between the changes in ΔF’/Fm' and lipid content (r = −0.96, p < 0.01). The results confirm the reliability and applicability of in situ fluorescence measurements to monitor lipid induction in N. oceanica.
Exosomal TUBB3 mRNA expression of metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer patients: Association with patient outcome under abiraterone
Authors: Zhu Sha , Ni Yuchao , Sun Guangxi , Wang Zilin , Chen Junru , Zhang Xingming , Zhao Jinge , Zhu Xudong , Dai Jindong , Liu Zhenhua , Liang Jiayu , Zhang Haoran , Zhang Yaowen , Shen Pengfei , Zeng Hao
Published: July 2021

Background

To use ddPCR to quantify plasma exosomal class III β‐tubulin (βIII‐tubulin, TUBB3, encoded by the TUBB3 gene) mRNA expression in metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients, and study the association of this expression with abiraterone efficacy.

Methods

Blood samples were prospectively collected from 52 mCRPC patients using abiraterone as first‐line therapy to measure plasma exosomal TUBB3 mRNA expression value before the initiation of abiraterone. Study endpoints were PSA response rate, PSA‐progression‐free survival (PSA‐PFS), and overall survival (OS, from CRPC to death).

Results

Patients with positive exosomal TUBB3 expression showed shorter PSA‐PFS (negative TUBB3 vs. positive TUBB3: 11.0 vs. 7.9 months; p = 0.014). Further analysis demonstrated that patients with strongly positive exosomal TUBB3 (>20 copies/20 µl) was associated with even shorter PSA‐PFS (negative TUBB3 vs. positive TUBB3 [<20 copies/20 µl] vs. strongly positive TUBB3 [>20 copies/20 µl]: 11.0 vs. 8.3 vs. 3.6 months, p = 0.005). In multivariate analyzes, TUBB3 (+) (HR: 2.114, p = 0.033) and ECOG score >2 (HR: 3.039, p = 0.006) were independent prognosticators of poor PSA‐PFS. PSA response and OS did not present significant differences.

Conclusion

The exosomal TUBB3 mRNA expression level is associated with poor PSA‐PFS of abiraterone in mCRPC patients. The detection of exosomal TUBB3 can be valuable in their management.
Students with dyslexia between school and university: Post‐diploma choices and the reasons that determine them. An Italian study
Authors: Donato Antonella , Muscolo Maria , Arias Romero Mateo , Caprì Tindara , Calarese Tiziana , Olmedo Moreno Eva María
Published: July 2021

Although the number of students with dyslexia enrolled in Italian universities is constantly growing, their presence remains relatively limited. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the choices made by students with dyslexia in relation to university studies, and the underlying reasons for their choices. This study also compares these choices for students with and without dyslexia. In all, 440 high school students and their families agreed to take part in this project. Socio‐demographic data was collected for the 47 students with dyslexia and 47 class‐matched students without dyslexia, along with information on their current schools and their future educational plans. A specially developed questionnaire was used for the students, in combination with structured interviews with their families. The results show significant differences between these groups regarding both choices for university studies and the underlying motivations for these choices. Furthermore, certain psychological and emotional factors are implicated here in the decisions of the students with dyslexia regarding both university studies and their underlying reasons. Future research is needed to further investigate these factors in the educational choices of students with dyslexia.
The developmental course of the link between weight concerns and cigarette use across adolescence: Differences by gender
Authors: Hochgraf Anna K. , Lanza Stephanie T. , Fosco Gregory M. , McHale Susan M.
Published: July 2021

Objective

This study aimed to illuminate developmental changes and gender differences in the link between weight concerns and cigarette use across adolescence. Specifically, we examined whether and how the strength of the association between weight concerns and cigarette use changed across adolescence, and whether patterns of association differed between boys and girls.

Method

Participants were 397 predominately White adolescents ages 11–18 years (50.5% female) from a longitudinal observational study conducted in the United States.

Results

Time‐varying effect modeling revealed that even after adjusting for BMI, the association between weight concerns and cigarette use was positive and significant for girls from age 11.3 to 15.9, with the strongest association at 12.7 years. For boys, this association was non‐significant throughout adolescence.

Discussion

Results suggest a sensitive period in early‐ to mid‐adolescence during which girls with weight concerns may be at heightened risk for cigarette use. Findings have implications for the developmental timing of interventions to prevent cigarette use and weight concerns and suggest that tailored interventions for girls may be warranted.
The First Total Synthesis and Structure Revision of (+)‐Isostreptenol III
Authors: Sharma Kapil , Surineni Naresh , Dalal Anu , Gholap Shivajirao L.
Published: July 2021

The first asymmetric total synthesis of the reported isostreptenol III 1 is accomplished in high overall yield starting from D‐ribose. Incompatible spectroscopic data of the synthetic isostreptenol III in comparison to that of the reported isolate led us to propose a revised structure 2. The structure of the isolated (3R,4S)‐isostreptenol III was revised to (3R,4R)‐isostreptenol III. The salient features of this synthesis are highly diastereoselective Wittig olefination, regioselective epoxide opening, and stereoselective installation of hydroxymethyl group dictated by the inherent cis‐stereochemistry of the acetonide group of the lactol derived from D‐ribose.
Inorganic top electron transport layer for high performance inverted perovskite solar cells
Authors: Yang Boping , Peng Simin , Choy Wallace C. H.
Published: July 2021

As promising photovoltaic devices, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted extensive and ongoing attention due to easy manufacturing and high power conversion efficiency (PCE). Although the PCE is lower than that of PSCs with normal structure, inverted PSCs have been widely investigated due to their lower hysteresis and potential application. Electron transport layer (ETL) on top of perovskite film in inverted PSCs plays a significant role in device performance. Inorganic top ETL has been used to replace organic ETL for their excellent characters. This review summarizes the progress of inorganic top ETL for high‐performance inverted PSCs. Firstly, the principles of top ETL and advantages of inorganic ETL are highlighted. Then the established top ETLs are summarized. Subsequently, various strategies for top ETL fabrication are shown to demonstrate their advantages and shortcomings. Finally, conclusion and outlook of top ETL in inverted PSCs are presented, addressing the issues and directing the hopeful solutions.

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Leukocyte‐Derived High‐Mobility Group Box 1 Governs Hepatic Immune Responses to Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Volmari Annika , Foelsch Katharina , Zierz Elisabeth , Yan Karsten , Qi Minyue , Bartels Karlotta , Kondratowicz Stephanie , Boettcher Marius , Reimers Daniel , Nishibori Masahiro , Liu Keyue , Schwabe Robert F. , Lohse Ansgar W. , Huber Samuel , Mittruecker Hans‐Willi , Huebener Peter
Published: July 2021

High‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a nucleoprotein with proinflammatory functions following cellular release during tissue damage. Moreover, antibody‐mediated HMGB1 neutralization alleviates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced shock, suggesting a role for HMGB1 as a superordinate therapeutic target for inflammatory and infectious diseases. Recent genetic studies have indicated cell‐intrinsic functions of HMGB1 in phagocytes as critical elements of immune responses to infections, yet the role of extracellular HMGB1 signaling in this context remains elusive. We performed antibody‐mediated and genetic HMGB1 deletion studies accompanied by in vitro experiments to discern context‐dependent cellular sources and functions of extracellular HMGB1 during murine bloodstream infection with Listeria monocytogenes. Antibody‐mediated neutralization of extracellular HMGB1 favors bacterial dissemination and hepatic inflammation in mice. Hepatocyte HMGB1, a key driver of postnecrotic inflammation in the liver, does not affect Listeria‐induced inflammation or mortality. While we confirm that leukocyte HMGB1 deficiency effectuates disseminated listeriosis, we observed no evidence of dysfunctional autophagy, xenophagy, intracellular bacterial degradation, or inflammatory gene induction in primary HMGB1‐deficient phagocytes or altered immune responses to LPS administration. Instead, we demonstrate that mice devoid of leukocyte HMGB1 exhibit impaired hepatic recruitment of inflammatory monocytes early during listeriosis, resulting in alterations of the transcriptional hepatic immune response and insufficient control of bacterial dissemination. Bone marrow chimera indicate that HMGB1 from both liver‐resident and circulating immune cells contributes to effective pathogen control. Conclusion: Leukocyte‐derived extracellular HMGB1 is a critical cofactor in the immunologic control of bloodstream listeriosis. HMGB1 neutralization strategies preclude an efficient host immune response against Listeria.
Risk Prediction of Nosocomial and Posthospital Discharge Infections in Alcohol‐Associated Hepatitis
Authors: Penrice Daniel D. , Shah Serena , Kezer Camille A. , Peeraphatdit Thoetchai Bee , Sanyal Arun J. , Davis Brian , Mara Kristin C. , Shah Vijay H. , Kamath Patrick S. , Simonetto Douglas A.
Published: July 2021

Alcohol‐associated hepatitis (AAH) is a severe form of liver injury with mortality as high as 30%‐40% at 90 days. As a result of altered immune function in AAH, bacterial infections are common and are associated with poor outcomes. However, determining the risk and subsequent development of infection in patients with AAH remain challenging. We performed a retrospective study of consecutive patients admitted with a diagnosis of AAH at two independent tertiary centers from 1998 to 2018 (test cohort, n = 286) who developed infections following hospitalization. The diagnosis of AAH was confirmed by manual chart review according to the recent National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism definition. Infections were categorized by location and time of diagnosis as hospital‐acquired infection (48 hours after admission until discharge) and posthospital infections (up to 6 months following discharge). The cohort was 66% men, and the median age was 48 (21‐83) years. Corticosteroids were used in 32% of all patients with AAH. The overall infection rate was 24%. Of those with infections, 46% were hospital acquired and 54% were acquired after hospitalization. Variables found to be significant risk factors for bacterial infection included the presence of ascites on admission (hazard ratio [HR], 2.06), corticosteroid administration (HR, 1.70), Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) >23 (HR, 2.61), and white blood cell (WBC) count on admission per point (HR, 1.02). Conclusion: In this multicenter cohort study of patients hospitalized with AAH, MELD score, ascites, WBC count, and use of corticosteroids were identified as significant predictors of the development of bacterial infection. We created a novel predictive equation that may be used to aid in the identification of patients with AAH at high risk of infection.
Genetic variants of CYP4F12 gene are associated with glioma susceptibility
Authors: Li Nan , Shi Hangyu , Hou Pengfei , Gao Lu , Shi Yongqiang , Mi Weiyang , Zhang Gang , Wang Ning , Dai Wei , Wei Lin , Jin Tianbo , Shi Yongzhi , Guo Shiwen
Published: July 2021

Glioma is a common and fatal primary malignant tumor of the central nervous system, and its prognosis is poor. To determine the susceptibility markers of gliomas in Chinese population we conducted a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) of glioma in the Han Chinese population, with a total of 485 glioma cases and 485 controls. Genotyping was conducted using the Applied Biosystems Axiom Precision Medicine Diversity Array. Besides, we carried out imputation using IMPUTE 2.0 software, and the 1000 Genomes Phase 3 was used as the reference panel. The logistic regression model was used to analyze the association of each SNP with glioma risk, assuming an additive genetic model, which was implemented in PLINK version 1.9. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated from logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age and gender. The results revealed that the SNP (rs688755) in the exon region of CYP4F12 at 19p13.12 reached genome‐wide significance associated with gliomas (P = 2.35 × 10−8, OR = 3.55, 95% CI = 2.20‐5.74). Our findings provide deeper insight into the genetic contribution to glioma in different populations.
Curvelet and fast marching method‐based technique for efficient artifact detection and removal in dermoscopic images
Authors: Choudhary Priya , Singhai Jyoti , Yadav J. S.
Published: July 2021

Effective detection and removal of the artifacts from dermoscopic images require the analysis of structures within lesions for accurate cancer detection. But the dermoscopic images acquired may be affected by image acquisition noise, variation in texture, color, and irrelevant structure such as hairs, air bubbles, and contour blurring around the lesion. Hence preprocessing is very essential for accurate diagnosis. The proposed algorithm includes the preprocessing, to remove acquisition noise using curvelet transform, illumination correction using contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE) algorithm for image enhancement, Frangi vesselness algorithm is utilized for detection and removal of hairs and vessels like structures present in enhanced image, fast marching inpainting method is applied for repairing the information of lesion from removed hair pixels. The performance of the proposed algorithm is analyzed based on commonly used parameters such as diagnostic accuracy (DA), sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP), and precision (P). The performance is evaluated on PH2 and International Symposium on Biomedical Imaging (ISBI) datasets than compared with existing methods. The proposed algorithm segments the skin lesion with the highest diagnostic accuracy of 81.49% and sensitivity of 93.88% for the PH2 dataset and 75.39% and 79.34% respectively for the ISBI dataset. Results are better than existing methods. The proposed algorithm with improved preprocessing for artifact detection and removal is highly accurate and able to retrieve the hair occluded information.
Nampt affects mitochondrial function in aged oocytes by mediating the downstream effector FoxO3a
Authors: Zhuan Qingrui , Li Jun , Du Xingzhu , Zhang Luyao , Meng Lin , Cheng Keren , Zhu Shien , Hou Yunpeng , Fu Xiangwei
Published: July 2021

Maternal aging can impair the quality and decrease the developmental competence of ovulated oocytes. In this study, compromised germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) was found in aged mice oocytes. Furthermore, we observed increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial Ca2+ levels, along with reduced mitochondrial temperature in aged oocytes. Maternal aging also changed the crotonylation level in oocytes. Forkhead box O3 (FoxO3a), a member of the forkhead protein family involved in the regulation of cell survival and life span reached a peak level in the metaphase II stage. Compared with a younger group, FoxO3a expression increased in aged oocytes. Intracellular localization of FoxO3a changed from the cytoplasm to chromatin in response to aging. The expression of the upstream regulator nicotinamide‐phosphoribosyltransferase (Nampt) peaked in the GVBD stage. Moreover, Nampt expression was increased in aged oocytes, and more intense staining of Nampt was found in aged mice ovary. To further study the role of Nampt in mitochondrial function, specific agonist P7C3 and inhibitor FK866 were applied to aged oocytes, and FK866 significantly decreased adenosine triphosphate and mitochondrial membrane potential. In conclusion, mitochondrial dysfunction in aged oocytes was associated with elevated FoxO3a, and suppression of Nampt could further impair mitochondrial function.
Combined tumor epithelial and stromal histopathology with keratin 81 expression predicts prognosis for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Park Eunhyang , Yoo Jeong Eun , Hwang Ho Kyoung , Kang Chang Moo , Lee Choong‐Kun , Kim Min Hwan , Bang Seungmin , Park Young Nyun
Published: July 2021

Background

Development of a pragmatic pathologic classifier of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) that reflects biological behavior is needed.

Methods

The tumor epithelial and stromal features of PDAC and molecular subtype‐related markers were evaluated in three independent cohorts.

Results

In the non‐neoadjuvant therapy cohort (n = 108), regarding tumor‐epithelial feature, non‐gland‐forming type showed worse prognosis compared to gland‐forming type (P < .001). For tumor‐stromal feature, in gland‐forming type, the prognosis was good in order of inactivated stroma‐rich, stroma‐poor, and activated stroma‐rich (P = .027). Whereas, non‐gland‐forming type revealed no difference of prognosis according to tumor stroma. Of molecular subtype‐related markers, keratin 81 expression was correlated with non‐gland‐forming type and poor prognosis (P = .005 and P = .021, respectively). Other markers (HNF1A, c‐MET, and p53) showed no significant differences in prognosis. In the neoadjuvant therapy cohort (n = 68), non‐gland‐forming type was correlated with high residual tumor volume (≥20%) (P < .001) and gland‐forming/stroma‐poor type was not present. In the next‐generation sequencing cohort (n = 55), non‐gland‐forming type was correlated with a higher number of the KRAS, TP53, CDKN2A, and SMAD4 mutations (P = .038).

Conclusion

Combined tumor epithelial and stromal histopathology with keratin 81 expression is suggested to be useful for predicting prognosis of PDAC.
IFNγ-mediated repression of system xc− drives vulnerability to induced ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Kong Rui , Wang Nan , Han Wei , Bao Wen , Lu Jie
Published: July 2021

IFNγ released from CD8+ T cells or natural killer cells plays a crucial role in antitumor host immunity. Several studies have found that IFNγ is involved in regulating tumor cell proliferation and apoptosis. However, few studies have examined its role in cell ferroptosis. Here, we found that IFNγ treatment enhanced glutathione depletion, promoted cell cycle arrested in G0/G1 phase, increased lipid peroxidation, and sensitized cells to ferroptosis activators. Additionally, IFNγ down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of SLC3A2 and SLC7A11, two subunits of the glutamate-cystine antiporter system xc− via activating the JAK/STAT pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines. Furthermore, IFNγ increased reactive oxygen species levels and decreased mitochondiral membrane potential in Bel7402 and HepG2 cells. These changes were accompanied by decreased system xc− activity. Cancer cells exposed to TGFβ1 for 48 h showed sensitization to IFNγ + erastin-induced ferroptosis, with decreased system xc− expression. In conclusion, IFNγ repressed system xc− activation via activating JAK/STAT signaling. Additionally, enhanced lipid peroxidation was associated with altered mitochondrial function in HCC cells. Our findings identified a role for IFNγ in sensitizing HCC cells to ferroptosis, which provided new insights for applying IFNγ as a cancer treatment.
State‐of‐the‐art overview of the Loess Palaeolithic of Poland
Authors: Valde‐Nowak Pawel , łAnczont Maria
Published: July 2021

In Poland, loess mainly occurs in the southern part of the country, in the Polish Uplands, and on the northern foreland of the Sudetes and the Carpathians. Most of these sediments come from the time of the last glaciation–the Vistulian (Weichselian) glaciation. Thin covers of loess from the penultimate glaciation have been preserved in Upper Silesia. Only a few sites from the Middle Palaeolithic remain in the loess. In the eastern part of Poland loess creates profiles several metres high. Discoveries in this zone represent the cultural sequence from the transition from the Middle to Upper Palaeolithic. We know more traces of various cultures from the Upper Palaeolithic exist. The study attempts to synchronise profiles from selected archaeological open‐air sites, outlines of the history of research on loess sites, and attempts to explain terminological and conceptual issues. The issue of loess in the cave site profiles will not be discussed in the article.
Benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide‐induced transformed cells identify the significance of hsa_circ_0051488, a ERCC1‐derived circular RNA in pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Xiao Mingyang , Cui Su , Zhang Liang , Yu Tao , Zhang Guopei , Li Liuli , Cai Yuan , Jin Cuihong , Yang Jinghua , Wu Shengwen , Li Qingchang , Lu Xiaobo
Published: July 2021

ERCC1 is a gene for repairing DNA damage whose function is related to carcinogenic‐induced tumorigenesis and the effectiveness of platinum therapies. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are products of posttranscriptional regulation with pleiotropic effects on the pathogenesis of lung cancer. We aim to identify that specific circRNAs derived from ERCC1 can regulate key biological processes involved in the development of lung cancer. We performed bioinformatics analysis, in vitro experiments, and analyzed clinical samples, to determine the biological features of a certain ERCC1‐derived circRNA termed as hsa_circ_0051488 in benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide‐induced malignant transformed cell and lung cancer cell. The well‐established model of transformed cells provided an ideal platform for analyzing the molecular characteristics of this circRNA in the malignant transformation of lung epithelial cell, which supports that hsa_circ_0051488 functions in the onset and growth of lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). Further analysis indicates that the absence of hsa_circ_0051488 promoted the proliferation of cells with the malignant phenotype. Extensive experiments confirm that hsa_circ_0051488 is present in the cytoplasm and functioned as a competing endogenous RNA. In particular, hsa_circ_0051488 binds to mir‐6717‐5p, thereby modulating the expression of SATB2 gene, a lung cancer suppressor. Furthermore, our in silico experiments indicate that SATB2 can inhibit multiple tumor pathways and its expression positively correlated with the tumor suppressor gene CRMP1. These findings suggest a possible regulatory mechanism of hsa_circ_0051488 in LUSC, and that the newly discovered hsa_circ_0051488/miR‐6717‐5p/SATB2 axis may be a potential route for therapeutic intervention of LUSC.
The Association Between Coffee Consumption and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in the South Korean General Population
Authors: Tan Li‐Juan , Jung Hyein , Kim Seong‐Ah , Shin Sangah
Published: July 2021

Scope

To identify the cross‐sectional and prospective association between coffee consumption and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among South Korean adults.

Methods and Results

Participants are selected from the Health Examinees study. NAFLD is defined using three non‐invasive indexes: fatty liver index (FLI), hepatic steatosis index, and fibrosis‐4 calculator (FIB‐4). In the cross‐sectional analysis, higher habitual coffee consumption is associated with a lower risk for NAFLD, define using the FLI, (men, odds ratio [OR] 0.702; women, OR 0.810) compared with non‐consumers. Participants who consumed coffee with sugar and creamer also have a lower risk for NAFLD, defined using the FIB‐4, compared with non‐coffee‐consumers (men, OR 0.739; women, OR 0.807). A prospective analysis indicated that higher coffee consumption is associated with a lower incidence of NAFLD, defined using the FLI, in men (hazard ratio, 0.706). In both men and women, a lower FIB‐4 index score is associated with higher coffee consumption regardless of coffee type (all p‐value <0.05).

Conclusions

 Coffee consumption of >3 cups per day has a protective effect against the development of NAFLD to a certain extent, and a negative association is found between coffee consumed with sugar and creamer and the FIB‐4 index score in South Korean adults.
Predicting diurnal outdoor performance and degradation of organic photovoltaics via machine learning; relating degradation to outdoor stress conditions
Authors: David Tudur Wyn , Soares Gabriela Amorim , Bristow Noel , Bagnis Diego , Kettle Jeff
Published: July 2021

Accurate prediction of the future performance and remaining useful lifetime of next‐generation solar cells such as organic photovoltaics (OPVs) is necessary to drive better designs of materials and ensure reliable system operation. Degradation is multifactorial and difficult to model deterministically; however, with the advent of machine learning, data from outdoor performance monitoring can be used for understanding the relative impact of stress factors and could provide a powerful method to interpret large quantities of outdoor data automatically. Here, we propose the use of artificial neural networks and regression models for forecasting OPV module performance and their degradation as a function of climatic conditions. We demonstrate their predictive capability for short‐term energy forecasting of OPV modules, showing that energy yield can be predicted if climatic conditions are known. In addition, the model has been extended so that the impact of climatic conditions on degradation can be predicted. The combined model has been validated on unseen OPV module data and is able to predict energy yield to within 4% accuracy.
Neonatal FeNO, risk factors, and respiratory morbidity in infants: A cohort study
Authors: Goth Fanny E. M. , Schmidt Birgitte J. , Green Kent , Jensen Andreas K. , Agertoft Lone , Jørgensen Inger M.
Published: July 2021

Background

Respiratory symptoms in infancy are more common in premature infants. Nitric oxide (NO) is involved in prenatal and neonatal lung development. Measurement of exhaled NO is easy and well‐tolerated by neonates. We investigated whether neonatal exhaled NO can be used to predict subsequent respiratory symptoms. Furthermore, we sought to determine prenatal and postnatal factors associated with increased respiratory symptom risk during the first year of life in premature and mature infants.

Methods

Tidal fractional exhaled NO (FeNO) was measured in a birth cohort (n = 135) of premature and mature infants, up to six times during the first month of life. Primary outcomes were troublesome respiratory symptoms (TRS) and doctor‐diagnosed asthmatic bronchitis (AB) at 1 year of age.

Findings

The correlation between FeNO and TRS changed significantly in an age‐dependent pattern in moderately premature infants (p = .02). Moderately premature infants with a low FeNO of 2 ppb on postnatal Day 3 had a 48% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 17%–80%) probability of TRS, compared with a probability of 12% (95% CI: 1%–64%) for otherwise similar infants with a FeNO of 11 ppb. Respiratory syncytial virus infection and parental smoking significantly increased the TRS risk in premature infants. Parental asthma and maternal antibiotic use during pregnancy significantly increased the TRS risk in mature infants.

Interpretation

An age‐specific association between neonatal FeNO and respiratory symptoms was seen in moderately premature infants. TRS risk was associated with postnatal factors in premature and prenatal factors in mature infants.
Viscoelastic Properties of Inert Solid Rocket Propellants Exposed to a Shock Wave
Authors: Bentil Sarah A. , Jackson William J. , Williams Christopher , Miller Timothy C.
Published: July 2021

Inert solid rocket propellant samples were subjected to dynamic inflation experiments, to characterize the viscoelastic response at high strain rates. An oxyacetylene‐driven shock tube created the shock wave, which was used to dynamically pressurize the surface of the samples during the inflation experiments. Two high‐speed cameras captured the deforming samples, which were speckled to measure the full‐field surface displacements using the digital image correlation (DIC) algorithm. An inverse finite element analysis (iFEA) was used to calibrate parameters of a generalized Maxwell model (i. e. Prony series), which was used to characterize the propellants’ viscoelastic response to shock wave exposure. The viscoelastic parameters calibrated using a Prony series with one Maxwell branch provided a better fit with the out‐of‐plane displacement data from DIC. At least 50 % of the energy dissipated, within the inert solid rocket propellant, occurred within 5 ms following shock wave exposure. The softening phenomenon, due to debonding of the particles embedded in the inert solid rocket propellant, occurred since there was a decrease in instantaneous elastic modulus with increased strain rate. The results of this study will add to the limited knowledge of the linear viscoelastic behavior of inert HTPB propellant at high strain rates and may improve the predictive capabilities of health‐monitoring sensors that assess the solid rocket propellant's structural integrity.
Histidine protonation states are key in the LigI catalytic reaction mechanism
Authors: Zhao Li Na , Mondal Dibyendu , Li Weifeng , Mu Yuguang , Kaldis Philipp
Published: July 2021

Lignin is one of the world's most abundant organic polymers, and 2‐pyrone‐4,6‐dicarboxylate lactonase (LigI) catalyzes the hydrolysis of 2‐pyrone‐4,6‐dicarboxylate (PDC) in the degradation of lignin. The pH has profound effects on enzyme catalysis and therefore we studied this in the context of LigI. We found that changes of the pH mostly affects surface residues, while the residues at the active site are more subject to changes of the surrounding microenvironment. In accordance with this, a high pH facilitates the deprotonation of the substrate. Detailed free energy calculations by the empirical valence bond (EVB) approach revealed that the overall hydrolysis reaction is more likely when the three active site histidines (His31, His33 and His180) are protonated at the ɛ site, however, protonation at the δ site may be favored during specific steps of the reaction. Our studies have uncovered the determinant role of the protonation state of the active site residues His31, His33 and His180 in the hydrolysis of PDC.
Effects of Story Read‐Aloud Lessons on Literacy Development in the Early Grades: Experimental Evidence From Nigeria
Authors: Moussa Wael , Koester Emily
Published: July 2021

Research has indicated that reading aloud to young students can enhance their foundational reading skills and their reading motivation, but such research has been lacking in African contexts. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of story read‐aloud lessons in improving students’ foundational reading skills in Nigeria. The experiment took place in a cluster randomized trial of 199 schools in Northern Nigeria. In treatment schools, second‐grade teachers conducted weekly read‐aloud lessons as an addition to the core learning curriculum. In control schools, second‐grade teachers implemented only the core curriculum, without weekly read‐aloud lessons. We found that story read‐alouds led to positive effects on listening comprehension, letter sound recognition, nonword decoding, and reading fluency, with effect sizes between 0.17 and 0.33 standard deviations. These outcomes suggest that enhanced student motivation from read‐alouds may enhance text‐based skills. To identify the effects of increased teacher experience on read‐aloud effectiveness, we employed a two‐period difference‐in‐differences approach. We found that increased teacher experience explained between 26% and 51% of the overall read‐aloud effect, depending on the literacy subskill. We also found that the read‐aloud effects coupled with increased teacher experience had an equalizing effect on the reading outcomes of students from divergent home literacy environments.
Rational Design of Perforated Bimetallic (Ni, Mo) Sulfides/N‐doped Graphitic Carbon Composite Microspheres as Anode Materials for Superior Na‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lee Jae Seob , Saroha Rakesh , Oh Se Hwan , Shin Dong Hyeok , Jeong Sang Mun , Kim Jae‐Kwang , Cho Jung Sang
Published: July 2021

Highly conductive 3D ordered mesoporous Ni7S6‐MoS2/N‐doped graphitic carbon (NGC) composite (P‐NiMoS/C) microspheres are prepared as anode materials for Na‐ion batteries. The rationally designed nanostructure comprises stable Ni7S6‐ and MoS2‐phases along with the homogeneously distributed ordered mesopores (ϕ = 50 nm) over the external and internal structures generated through thermal decomposition of polystyrene nanobeads (ϕ = 100 nm). Therefore, the P‐NiMoS/C microspheres deliver initial discharge capacities of 662, 419, 373, 300, 231, 181, and 146 mA h g−1 at current densities of 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 A g−1, respectively. Furthermore, P‐NiMoS/C exhibits a stable discharge capacity of 444 mA h g−1 at the end of the 150th cycle at a current density of 0.5 A g−1, indicating higher cycling stability than the filled, that is, non‐mesoporous, Ni3S2‐MoS2/NGC (F‐NiMoS/C) microspheres and filled carbon‐free Ni3S2‐MoS2 (F‐NiMoS) microspheres. The superior electrochemical performance of P‐NiMoS/C microspheres is attributed to the rapid Na+ ion diffusion, alleviation of severe volume stress during prolonged cycling, and higher electrical conductivity of NGC, which results in fast charge transfer during the redox processes. The results in the present study can provide fundamental knowledge for the development of multicomponent, porous, and highly conductive anodes for various applications.
Mechanical aspects of Maxwell nanofluid in dynamic system with irreversible analysis
Authors: Khan Noor Saeed , Shah Qayyum , Sohail Arif , Kumam Poom , Thounthong Phatiphat , Muhammad Taseer
Published: July 2021

The study concerns with the mechanical characteristics of rotating system of two double disks. Hall current effect, entropy generation, Arrhenius activation energy and binary chemical reactions are investigated in heat and mass transfer bioconvection flow of Maxwell nanofluid. Brownian motion and thermophoresis with thermal radiation and buoyancy effects are encountered in the governing equations. The mechanical system has been investigated by the governing equations and boundary conditions which are simplified by the use of suitable similarity transformations. Optimal homotopy analysis method is implemented to obtain the series solution of non‐linear ordinary differential equations. Physical behaviors of heat and mass transfer flow with entropy generation are investigated through the effects of embedded parameters.
Introduction
Authors: Marois Guillaume , KC Samir
Published: July 2021

This chapter introduces the purpose of the book. When a researcher needs to perform microsimulation for population projections, building its own model with a common statistical software such as SAS might a good option, because this software is widely used among scholars and is taught in most social sciences departments. We define what is microsimulation: a modelling based on individual-level data rather than aggregated level data, in which transitions between the states are determined stochastically with a random experiment. We finally provide some examples of microsimulation models used by social scientists.
Extending and Adapting the Model
Authors: Marois Guillaume , KC Samir
Published: July 2021

This chapter shows different ways of extending or adapting the model built in previous chapters for other contexts. We show how adding and removing modules, how changing the country, how implementing a deterministic approach for some events and how calibrating projection outcomes on other projections.
Conclusion
Authors: Marois Guillaume , KC Samir
Published: July 2021

In this book, we have shown how to build a microsimulation model in the SAS language.
Three dimensional mirror symmetry beyond ADE quivers and Argyres-Douglas theories
Authors: Dey Anindya
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Mirror symmetry, a three dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 IR duality, has been studied in detail for quiver gauge theories of the ADE-type (as well as their affine versions) with unitary gauge groups. The A-type quivers (also known as linear quivers) and the associated mirror dualities have a particularly simple realization in terms of a Type IIB system of D3-D5-NS5-branes. In this paper, we present a systematic field theory prescription for constructing 3d mirror pairs beyond the ADE quiver gauge theories, starting from a dual pair of A-type quivers with unitary gauge groups. The construction involves a certain generalization of the S and the T operations, which arise in the context of the SL(2, ℤ) action on a 3d CFT with a U(1) 0-form global symmetry. We implement this construction in terms of two supersymmetric observables — the round sphere partition function and the superconformal index on S2 × S1. We discuss explicit examples of various (non-ADE) infinite families of mirror pairs that can be obtained in this fashion. In addition, we use the above construction to conjecture explicit 3d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 Lagrangians for 3d SCFTs, which arise in the deep IR limit of certain Argyres-Douglas theories compactified on a circle.