bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Case Study of Empirical Validation of EnergyPlus Infiltration Models Based on Different Wind Data
Authors: Bastos Porsani Gabriela , Fernández Bandera Carlos
Published: February 2023

Building retrofitting is an efficient means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Its first focus is on building façade, as transmission and air leakage are the main sources of energy loss in buildings. Nowadays, building modellers cannot easily implement envelope air leakage and assume constant values, which results in erroneous energy estimates. Additionally, in energy simulations, a weather file is usually inserted with measurements provided by a weather station. In this study, we revealed the use of wind data from the weather file (herein as global wind) to calculate the infiltration of a test case in Spain, using the three algebraic equations of EnergyPlus. Furthermore, four other wind data were applied: eastbound and westbound winds from the weather file and two from in situ measurements (on the southeast and on the northwest façades). The fifteen combinations of the three infiltration models and the five wind data were empirically evaluated, using the tracer gas results performed during three different periods. The combinations were validated according to the American Society for Testing Materials D5157 standard criteria, and the best and the only ones that complied with the standard were those using the wind data from the southeast in situ sensor and the west wind from the weather station. The global wind was not able to generate accurate infiltration models, which raises doubts about its use in the highly-time calibration of energy models. However, its disaggregation was a cost-effective strategy to estimate the infiltration of this case study.
Behavior of Concrete-Filled U-Shaped Steel Beam to CFSST Column Connections
Authors: Lin Yan , Zhao Zhijie , Gao Xuhui , Wang Zhen , Qu Shuang
Published: February 2023

Two new types of connection between concrete-filled U-shaped steel (CFUS) beams and concrete-filled square steel tube (CFSST) columns were presented in this study, including rebar-sleeve with internal diaphragm connection and rebar-through with internal diaphragm connection. Based on the experiments of the rebar-plate with internal diaphragm connections between CFUS beams and CFSST columns under cyclic loading, the nonlinear finite element models of the tested specimens were developed and validated by comparing them with the experimental results. The numerical results were in agreement with the experimental results in terms of failure modes, stress distribution, and load-displacement skeleton curves. Based on the FEA results, the mechanical behavior of the two new types of connection were comprehensively discussed and compared. Furthermore, this parametric study was conducted for the rebar-sleeve with internal diaphragm connection to investigate the effect of specific parameters on the capacity of the connection. The parameters included: The thickness of U-shaped steel, the ratio of longitudinal reinforcement in the concrete slab, the strength of concrete in the beam, the strength of the U-shaped steel, and the thickness of the internal diaphragm. The results indicate that the thickness of the U-shaped steel (tb), the ratio of the longitudinal reinforcement in concrete slab (ρ), and the strength of the U-shaped steel have significant effects on the loading capacity of the connection—the loading capacity increases by about 20% when tb increases from 6 mm to 8 mm, increases by about 45% when ρ increases from 1.5% to 4.8% under negative P, and increases by about 20% when the steel yield strength (fy) increases from 235 Mpa to 420 Mpa.
Chloride Ion Corrosion Resistance of Innovative Self-Healing SMA Fiber-Reinforced Engineering Cementitious Composites under Dry-Wet Cycles for Ocean Structures
Authors: Chen Weihong , Liu Yi , Qian Hui , Wu Peng , Wu Yingxiong , Liu Fanghao
Published: February 2023

To evaluate the chloride ion corrosion resistance of proposed innovative self-healing concrete based on shape memory alloys (SMA) and engineering cementitious composites (ECC), a total of 2 kinds of 22 specimens were prepared. Chloride ion corrosion tests of self-healing SMA-ECC concrete under dry-wet cycles were carried out. It was found that the chloride ion erosion depths of SMA-ECC were significantly smaller than that of MC, and the growth rate of erosion depth of SMA-ECC was obviously smaller than that of MC after 15 dry-wet (dry and wet) corrosion cycles. The chloride ion content of SMA-ECC vanished at the erosion depth more than 10 mm, which was consistent with the test result of AgNO3 solution color-rendering test. Test results indicate that, compared to marine concrete (MC), SMA-ECC has a better chloride ion corrosion resistance behavior. Moreover, the chloride ion concentration of SMA-ECC at a chloride ion erosion depth of less than 10 mm decreased more significantly than that of MC, indicating that almost all chloride salt solution reacted in the outer layer of SMA-ECC, which is consistent with the conclusions of 4.1 and 4.2. Finally, based on the erosion distribution of chloride ions and Fick’s second law, a calculation model describing the relationship between the apparent chloride ion diffusion coefficient and the boundary condition of the chloride ion content was proposed.
Surgical Outcomes, Long-Term Recurrence Rate, and Resource Utilization in a Prospective Cohort of 165 Patients Treated by Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision for Distal Rectal Cancer
Authors: Gloor Severin , Pozza Gioia , Troller Rebekka , Wehrli Markus , Adamina Michel
Published: February 2023

A transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) is a smart alternative to a conventional TME. However, worrisome reports of a high recurrence and complications triggered a moratorium in a few countries. This study assessed the outcomes and resource utilization of a taTME. Consecutive patients with distal rectal cancer treated by a taTME were prospectively included. Outcomes were reported as the median and interquartile range (IQR). One hundred sixty-five patients (67% male and 33% female) with a tumor 7 cm (IQR 5–10) from the anal verge were followed for 50 months (IQR 32–79). The resection margins were threatened in 25% of the patients, while 75% of the patients received neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy. A good mesorectal dissection and clear margins were achieved in 96% of the specimens, and 27 lymph nodes (IQR 20–38) were harvested. Ninety-day major morbidity affected 36 patients (21.8%), including 12 with anastomotic leakages (7.2%). A recurrence occurred locally in 9 patients (5.4%), and 44 patients had a distant metastasis (26.7%). The five-year disease-free survival and overall survival were 67% and 90%, respectively. A multivariate analysis found a long operation and frailty predicted an anastomotic leak, while a positive distal margin and lymph nodes predicted a local recurrence and distant metastasis. A two-team taTME saved 102 min of operative time and EUR 1385 when compared to a one-team approach. Transanal total mesorectal excision produced sound surgical quality and excellent oncologic outcomes.
Unraveling the Peculiar Features of Mitochondrial Metabolism and Dynamics in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Fontana Fabrizio , Anselmi Martina , Limonta Patrizia
Published: February 2023

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in Western countries. Mitochondria, the “powerhouse” of cells, undergo distinctive metabolic and structural dynamics in different types of cancer. PCa cells experience peculiar metabolic changes during their progression from normal epithelial cells to early-stage and, progressively, to late-stage cancer cells. Specifically, healthy cells display a truncated tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and inefficient oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) due to the high accumulation of zinc that impairs the activity of m-aconitase, the enzyme of the TCA cycle responsible for the oxidation of citrate. During the early phase of cancer development, intracellular zinc levels decrease leading to the reactivation of m-aconitase, TCA cycle and OXPHOS. PCa cells change their metabolic features again when progressing to the late stage of cancer. In particular, the Warburg effect was consistently shown to be the main metabolic feature of late-stage PCa cells. However, accumulating evidence sustains that both the TCA cycle and the OXPHOS pathway are still present and active in these cells. The androgen receptor axis as well as mutations in mitochondrial genes involved in metabolic rewiring were shown to play a key role in PCa cell metabolic reprogramming. Mitochondrial structural dynamics, such as biogenesis, fusion/fission and mitophagy, were also observed in PCa cells. In this review, we focus on the mitochondrial metabolic and structural dynamics occurring in PCa during tumor development and progression; their role as effective molecular targets for novel therapeutic strategies in PCa patients is also discussed.
The Superiority of Fibroblast Activation Protein Inhibitor (FAPI) PET/CT Versus FDG PET/CT in the Diagnosis of Various Malignancies
Authors: Dong Yanzhao , Zhou Haiying , Alhaskawi Ahmad , Wang Zewei , Lai Jingtian , Yao Chengjun , Liu Zhenfeng , Hasan Abdullah Ezzi Sohaib , Goutham Kota Vishnu , Hasan Abdulla Hasan Abdulla Mohamed , Lu Hui
Published: February 2023

Cancer represents a major cause of death worldwide and is characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal cells that escape immune regulation. It is now understood that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which express specific fibroblast activation protein (FAP), are critical participants in tumor development and metastasis. Researchers have developed various FAP-targeted probes for imaging of different tumors from antibodies to boronic acid-based inhibitor molecules and determined that quinoline-based FAP inhibitors (FAPIs) are the most appropriate candidate as the radiopharmaceutical for FAPI PET/CT imaging. When applied clinically, FAPI PET/CT yielded satisfactory results. Over the past few years, the utility and effectiveness of tumor detection and staging of FAPI PET/CT have been compared with FDG PET/CT in various aspects, including standardized uptake values (SUVs), rate of absorbance and clearance. This review summarizes the development and clinical application of FAPI PET/CT, emphasizing the diagnosis and management of various tumor types and the future prospects of FAPI imaging.
Individualized Multimodal Immunotherapy for Adults with IDH1 Wild-Type GBM: A Single Institute Experience
Authors: Van Gool Stefaan W. , Makalowski Jennifer , Van de Vliet Peter , Van Gool Stefanie , Sprenger Tobias , Schirrmacher Volker , Stuecker Wilfried
Published: February 2023

Synergistic activity between maintenance temozolomide (TMZm) and individualized multimodal immunotherapy (IMI) during/after first-line treatment has been suggested to improve the overall survival (OS) of adults with IDH1 wild-type MGMT promoter-unmethylated (unmeth) GBM. We expand the data and include the OS of MGMT promoter-methylated (meth) adults with GBM. Unmeth (10 f, 18 m) and meth (12 f, 10 m) patients treated between 27 May 2015 and 1 January 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. There were no differences in age (median: 48 y) or Karnofsky performance index (median: 80). The IMI consisted of 5-day immunogenic cell death (ICD) therapies during TMZm: Newcastle disease virus (NDV) bolus injections and sessions of modulated electrohyperthermia (mEHT); subsequent active specific immunotherapy: dendritic cell (DC) vaccines plus modulatory immunotherapy; and maintenance ICD therapy. There were no differences in the number of vaccines (median: 2), total number of DCs (median: 25.6 × 106), number of NDV injections (median: 31), and number of mEHT sessions (median: 28) between both groups. The median OS of 28 unmeth patients was 22 m (2y-OS: 39%), confirming previous results. OS of 22 meth patients was significantly better (p = 0.0414) with 38 m (2y-OS: 81%). There were no major treatment-related adverse reactions. The addition of IMI during/after standard of care should be prospectively explored.
Hyponatremia and Cancer: From Bedside to Benchside
Authors: Fibbi Benedetta , Marroncini Giada , Naldi Laura , Anceschi Cecilia , Errico Alice , Norello Dario , Peri Alessandro
Published: February 2023

Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder encountered in hospitalized patients. This applies also to cancer patients. Multiple causes can lead to hyponatremia, but most frequently this electrolyte disorder is due to the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis. In cancer patients, this syndrome is mostly secondary to ectopic secretion of arginine vasopressin by tumoral cells. In addition, several chemotherapeutic drugs induce the release of arginine vasopressin by the hypothalamus. There is evidence that hyponatremia is associated to a more negative outcome in several pathologies, including cancer. Many studies have demonstrated that in different cancer types, both progression-free survival and overall survival are negatively affected by hyponatremia, whereas the correction of serum [Na+] has a positive effect on patient outcome. In vitro studies have shown that cells grown in low [Na+] have a greater proliferation rate and motility, due to a dysregulation in intracellular signalling pathways. Noteworthy, vasopressin receptors antagonists, which were approved more than a decade ago for the treatment of euvolemic and hypervolemic hyponatremia, have shown unexpected antiproliferative effects. Because of this property, vaptans were also approved for the treatment of polycystic kidney disease. In vitro evidence indicated that this family of drugs effectively counteracts proliferation and invasivity of cancer cells, thus possibly opening a new scenario among the pharmacological strategies to treat cancer.
ONEST (Observers Needed to Evaluate Subjective Tests) Analysis of Stromal Tumour-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (sTILs) in Breast Cancer and Its Limitations
Authors: Cserni Bálint , Kilmartin Darren , O’Loughlin Mark , Andreu Xavier , Bagó-Horváth Zsuzsanna , Bianchi Simonetta , Chmielik Ewa , Figueiredo Paulo , Floris Giuseppe , Foschini Maria Pia , Kovács Anikó , Heikkilä Päivi , Kulka Janina , Laenkholm Anne-Vibeke , Liepniece-Karele Inta , Marchiò Caterina , Provenzano Elena , Regitnig Peter , Reiner Angelika , Ryška Aleš , Sapino Anna , Stovgaard Elisabeth Specht , Quinn Cecily , Zolota Vasiliki , Webber Mark , Glynn Sharon A. , Bori Rita , Csörgő Erika , Oláh-Németh Orsolya , Pancsa Tamás , Sejben Anita , Sejben István , Vörös András , Zombori Tamás , Nyári Tibor , Callagy Grace , Cserni Gábor
Published: February 2023

Tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) reflect antitumour immunity. Their evaluation of histopathology specimens is influenced by several factors and is subject to issues of reproducibility. ONEST (Observers Needed to Evaluate Subjective Tests) helps in determining the number of observers that would be sufficient for the reliable estimation of inter-observer agreement of TIL categorisation. This has not been explored previously in relation to TILs. ONEST analyses, using an open-source software developed by the first author, were performed on TIL quantification in breast cancers taken from two previous studies. These were one reproducibility study involving 49 breast cancers, 23 in the first circulation and 14 pathologists in the second circulation, and one study involving 100 cases and 9 pathologists. In addition to the estimates of the number of observers required, other factors influencing the results of ONEST were examined. The analyses reveal that between six and nine observers (range 2–11) are most commonly needed to give a robust estimate of reproducibility. In addition, the number and experience of observers, the distribution of values around or away from the extremes, and outliers in the classification also influence the results. Due to the simplicity and the potentially relevant information it may give, we propose ONEST to be a part of new reproducibility analyses.
Ablative Therapy in Non-HCC Liver Malignancy
Authors: Robinson Tyler P. , Pebror Travis , Krosin Matthew E. , Koniaris Leonidas G.
Published: February 2023

Surgical extirpation of liver tumors remains a proven approach in the management of metastatic tumors to the liver, particularly those of colorectal origin. Ablative, non-resective therapies are an increasingly attractive primary therapy for liver tumors as they are generally better tolerated and result in far less morbidity and mortality. Ablative therapies preserve greater normal liver parenchyma allowing better post-treatment liver function and are particularly appropriate for treating subsequent liver-specific tumor recurrence. This article reviews the current status of ablative therapies for non-hepatocellular liver tumors with a discussion of many of the clinically available approaches.
Biomaterial-Assisted 3D In Vitro Tumor Models: From Organoid towards Cancer Tissue Engineering Approaches
Authors: Contessi Negrini Nicola , Franchi Alessandro , Danti Serena
Published: February 2023

Cancers are a leading cause of death around the world, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths yearly [...]
Intensification of Photo-Assisted Advanced Oxidation Processes for Water Treatment: A Critical Review
Authors: Rodríguez-Chueca Jorge , Carbajo Jaime , García-Muñoz Patricia
Published: February 2023

In recent decades, ultraviolet-assisted advanced oxidation processes (UV-AOPs) have been successfully applied to remove a wide range of contaminants from polluted water. Despite this, their extended use on an industrial scale is still far from being a reality, largely limited by the operational costs that these processes still entail. In recent years, many researchers have been working to increase UV-AOP efficiency and reduce capital and operating costs. This work aims to review different strategies devoted to the intensification of UV-AOPs. Firstly, the optimization of operational parameters, such as catalyst loading, pH, temperature, or oxidant concentration, has been reviewed as a strategy to augment the efficiency of the photocatalytic processes and reduce reagent consumption and/or treatment time. The review also discusses the development of photocatalytic materials to intensify the UV-AOPs process, and finally, the combination or integration of different UV-AOPs for the treatment of pollutants is also examined.
FGF23 in Chronic Kidney Disease: Bridging the Heart and Anemia
Authors: Figurek Andreja , Rroji Merita , Spasovski Goce
Published: February 2023

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a phosphaturic hormone produced mainly in osteocytes. In chronic kidney disease (CKD) FGF23 levels increase due to higher production, but also as the result of impaired cleavage and reduced excretion from the body. FGF23 has a significant role in disturbed bone and mineral metabolism in CKD, which leads to a higher cardiovascular risk and mortality in these patients. Current research has emphasized the expression of FGF23 in cardiac myocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells, and in addition to the effects on the kidney, its primary role is in cardiac remodeling in CKD patients. Recent discoveries found a significant link between increased FGF23 levels and anemia development in CKD. This review describes the FGF23 role in cardiac hypertrophy and anemia in the setting of CKD and discusses the best therapeutical approach for lowering FGF23 levels.
Mitochondrial Lipid Peroxidation Is Responsible for Ferroptosis
Authors: Lyamzaev Konstantin G. , Panteleeva Alisa A. , Simonyan Ruben A. , Avetisyan Armine V. , Chernyak Boris V.
Published: February 2023

Ferroptosis induced by erastin (an inhibitor of cystine transport) and butionine sulfoximine (an inhibitor of glutathione biosynthesis) was prevented by the mitochondria-targeted antioxidants SkQ1 and MitoTEMPO. These effects correlate with the prevention of mitochondrial lipid peroxidation, which precedes cell death. Methylene blue, a redox agent that inhibits the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in complex I of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, also inhibits ferroptosis and mitochondrial lipid peroxidation. Activation of ROS production in complex I with rotenone in the presence of ferrous iron stimulates lipid peroxidation in isolated mitochondria, while ROS produced by complex III are ineffective. SkQ1 and methylene blue inhibit lipid peroxidation. We suggest that ROS formed in complex I promote mitochondrial lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis.
Curcumin-Mediated Resistance to Lenvatinib via EGFR Signaling Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Miyazaki Katsuki , Morine Yuji , Xu Caiming , Nakasu Chiharu , Wada Yuma , Teraoku Hiroki , Yamada Shinichiro , Saito Yu , Ikemoto Tetsuya , Shimada Mitsuo , Goel Ajay
Published: February 2023

Lenvatinib is a multi-kinase inhibitor approved as a first-line treatment for patients with unresectable advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, its response rate is unsatisfactory, primarily due to the acquisition of resistance, which limits its clinical significance for treating patients with HCC. Recent evidence suggests that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation can trigger Lenvatinib-resistance; and is considered an important therapeutic target in HCC. Curcumin, one of the most studied naturally occurring botanicals with robust anti-cancer activity, is also reported to be a potent tyrosine kinase inhibitor. In this study, we hypothesized that the anti-EGFR potential of Curcumin might help overcome Lenvatinib resistance in HCC. We established two Lenvatinib-resistant cells and discovered that a combination of Curcumin and Lenvatinib exhibited a synergistic anti-tumor efficacy in the resistant HCC cell lines. In line with previous reports, Lenvatinib-resistant cell lines revealed significant activation of the EGFR, and genomewide transcriptomic profiling analysis identified that the PI3K-AKT pathway was associated with Lenvatinib resistance. The combination treatment with Curcumin and Lenvatinib dramatically suppressed gene and protein expression of the EGFR-PI3K-AKT pathway, suggesting Curcumin overcomes Lenvatinib resistance via inhibition of EGFR. We further validated these findings in tumor spheroids derived from resistant cell lines. In conclusion, we, for the first time, report that Curcumin reverses Lenvatinib resistance in HCC, and that their combination has clinical application potential for adjunctive treatment in HCC.
Retinoic Acid and POU Genes in Developing Amphioxus: A Focus on Neural Development
Authors: Bozzo Matteo , Bellitto Deianira , Amaroli Andrea , Ferrando Sara , Schubert Michael , Candiani Simona
Published: February 2023

POU genes are a family of evolutionarily conserved transcription factors with key functions in cell type specification and neurogenesis. In vitro experiments have indicated that the expression of some POU genes is controlled by the intercellular signaling molecule retinoic acid (RA). In this work, we aimed to characterize the roles of RA signaling in the regulation of POU genes in vivo. To do so, we studied POU genes during the development of the cephalochordate amphioxus, an animal model crucial for understanding the evolutionary origins of vertebrates. The expression patterns of amphioxus POU genes were assessed at different developmental stages by chromogenic in situ hybridization and hybridization chain reaction. Expression was further assessed in embryos subjected to pharmacological manipulation of endogenous RA signaling activity. In addition to a detailed description of the effects of these treatments on amphioxus POU gene expression, our survey included the first description of Pou2 and Pou6 expression in amphioxus embryos. We found that Pit-1, Pou2, Pou3l, and Pou6 expression are not affected by alterations of endogenous RA signaling levels. In contrast, our experiments indicated that Brn1/2/4 and Pou4 expression are regulated by RA signaling in the endoderm and the nerve cord, respectively. The effects of the treatments on Pou4 expression in the nerve cord revealed that, in developing amphioxus, RA signaling plays a dual role by (1) providing anteroposterior patterning information to neural cells and (2) specifying neural cell types. This finding is coherent with a terminal selector function of Pou4 for GABAergic neurons in amphioxus and represents the first description of RA-induced changes in POU gene expression in vivo.
Comparison of Surface and Spectral Properties of Optical Sensor Layers Prepared by Spin/Spray Coating and Printing Techniques
Authors: Dimitrušev Nena , Nedeljko Polonca , Mabes Raj A. F. P. Allwin , Lobnik Aleksandra
Published: February 2023

This study investigated the surface properties of optical sensor layers prepared using sol-gel technology and their response to dissolved NH3. A glass substrate was used to fabricate the optical sensor layers. The sol-gel solution was applied to the glass substrate using three different techniques: spin coating (SC), inkjet printing (IP), and spray coating (SP). In this work, we have attempted to investigate the effects of the different techniques for producing the sensor layers and to determine their response in the presence of ammonia. The surface properties (surface free energy—SFE and surface chemical composition—XPS) and spectral properties (response to ammonia and real-time response) of the prepared optical sensor layers were characterised. The results show that the sensor layers prepared by different techniques have similar SFE and XPS values, but different responses to dissolved NH3 solution and different responses in real-time measurements (exposure to fresh fish). Sensor layers prepared with a spray coating (SP) are the most responsive, the most sensitive, and have a higher response over time and the biggest colour change compared to SC and IP sensor layers.
Evaluation of a “Picture Assisted Illustration Reinforcement” (PAIR) System for Oral Hygiene in Children with Autism: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Pai Khot Atrey J. , Choudhury Abhra Roy , Ankola Anil V. , Sankeshwari Roopali M. , Hampiholi Vinuta , Hebbal Mamata , Jalihal Sagar , Kumar Ram Surath , Kabra Laxmi , Kotha Sree Lalita
Published: February 2023

This study evaluated the potential of a novel pre-validated “Picture Assisted Illustration Reinforcement” (PAIR) communication system and conventional verbal techniques for Oral Health Education (OHE) in terms of dentition status, gingival health, oral hygiene status, and practices in 7- to 18-year-old children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). A double-blind randomized controlled trial was undertaken in a school for children with autism from July to September 2022. A total of 60 children were randomly assigned into two groups: a PAIR group (n = 30) and a Conventional group (n = 30). Cognition and pre-evaluation of all the children were assessed by standardized scaling measures. A pre-validated closed-ended questionnaire was administered to caregivers of both groups. At a 12-week post-intervention, a clinical examination was performed using the World Health Organization (WHO) Oral Health Assessment form 2013, gingival and Oral Hygiene Index Simplified (OHI-S). The gingival scores in the PAIR group (0.35 ± 0.12) exhibited a statistically significant decline in scores as compared to Conventional group (0.83 ± 0.37), p = 0.043. Meanwhile, the oral hygiene scores in the PAIR group and Conventional group were 1.22 ± 0.14 and 1.94 ± 0.15, respectively (p < 0.05). A significant improvement in oral hygiene practices was observed in the PAIR group. Incorporating the PAIR technique resulted in significant progress in child cognitive ability and adaptive behavior, which reduced gingival scores and improved oral hygiene scores, consequently improving oral hygiene practices among children with ASD.
Experimental Measurement and Numerical Simulation on the Snow-Cover Process of Solar Photovoltaic Modules and Its Impact on Photoelectric Conversion Efficiency
Authors: Quan Zijia , Lu Hao , Zheng Chuanxiao , Zhao Wenjun , Xu Yongzhong , Qin Jing , An Feng
Published: February 2023

The snow falling on the surface of photovoltaic modules tends to reduce the output power. In order to understand the process of snow accumulating on solar photovoltaic modules and reveal the impact of snow accumulation on photovoltaic conversion efficiency, the snow-cover process was simulated on the surface of photovoltaic modules with different tilt angles by computational fluid dynamics (CFD). On this basis, the relationship between the amount of snow and tilt angle was explored. The snow effect of photovoltaic modules on photoelectric conversion efficiency was studied by building a test platform. At the same time, a measurement platform of snow accumulation on photovoltaic modules and photoelectric conversion efficiency was constructed. Through the experiment of the relationship between snow thickness and snow sliding distance and the power generation efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) modules, the influence of snow thickness and snow area on the power generation efficiency of PV modules is discussed. The results show that the larger angle between the photovoltaic panel and the ground is adverse to the accumulation of snow on the panel. When the thickness of snow reaches 1 cm, the power generation efficiency of the entire photovoltaic module reduces to 7.1% of that as normal. At the same time, the sliding of snow on the photovoltaic panel improves the efficiency of photoelectric conversion. Through the analysis of numerical simulation and experimental results, targeted suggestions are made on how to improve the efficiency of power generation for photovoltaic power stations under snowy conditions, which may provide a reference for engineering work.
Special Issue “Thin Films and Nanostructures by MOCVD: Fabrication, Characterization and Applications—Volume II”
Authors: Longo Massimo
Published: February 2023

In our world dominated by global communications, data centers, travels and environmental concerns, there is an increasing need for the deposition of materials with competitive quality, thruput, and relatively low cost/impact, to be implemented in smart devices capable of integrating complex systems, such as the emerging Internet of Things (IoT) [...]
N-Rich Algal Sludge Biochar for Peroxymonosulfate Activation toward Sulfadiazine Removal
Authors: Liu Chao , Chen Zhenxiang , Kang Ruiqin , Wang Jing , Lu Qingwei , Wang Tao , Tian Dayong , Xu Ying , Wang Zhan , Ding Huiping
Published: February 2023

The fabrication of a green, high activity and low-cost carbon-based catalyst capable of activating new oxidant (peroxymonosulfate, PMS) for contaminants abatement is needed. In this research, we prepared novel N-doped biochars via one-step pyrolysis of algal sludge without external nitrogen sources. The obtained ASBC800 possessed the largest specific surface area (SBET = 145.596 m2 g−1) and thus it displayed the best catalytic performance, as revealed by the effective elimination of sulfadiazine (SDZ, >95% within 70 min) with 0.2 g L−1 ASBC800 and 0.5 mM PMS. Both radical species (e.g., SO4•−, and •OH), and nonradical regime (1O2 and electron-transfer) contributed to SDZ oxidation, in which ASBC800 played essential roles in activating PMS, accumulating SDZ, and regulating electron shuttle from SDZ to ASBC800-PMS*. Overall, this work not only provides a novel strategy for the synthesis of N-rich and cost-effective biochar but also promotes the development and application of carbon-based functional materials in environmental remediation.
Ultrathin Rare-Earth-Doped MoS2 Crystalline Films Prepared with Magnetron Sputtering and Ar + H2 Post-Annealing
Authors: Heng Chenglin , Wang Xuan , Zhao Chaonan , Wu Gang , Lv Yanhui , Wu Hanchun , Zhao Ming , Finstad Terje G.
Published: February 2023

In this work, we propose a method to prepare large-area, crystalline ultrathin rare-earth (RE, i.e., Eu, Yb, Er and Tb)-doped MoS2 thin films, using magnetron sputtering and subsequent Ar + H2 annealing. The film thickness of as-deposited samples varied from 60 to 100 nm, and decreases to be below 10 nm after annealing at 550 °C for 30 min. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectra analysis revealed that the sample films were crystallized after the annealing, which resulted in a MoS2 crystallite size of about 4–5 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that most of the RE ions existed in the films in trivalent states. The optical bandgap of the RE-doped MoS2 samples decreased from 1.6 eV (undoped) to 1.3 eV (Eu-doped) in the UV-vis absorption spectra. Electrical measurements showed that the electrical resistance decreased from 9.13 MΩ (undoped) to 0.34 MΩ (Yb-doped), the carrier density increased by one to two orders of magnitude and the carrier mobility decreased from 5.4 cm2/V·s (undoped) to 0.65 cm2/V·s (Yb-doped). The sign of the Hall coefficients indicated that the undoped MoS2 and the Yb-, Tb- and Er-doped MoS2 samples were n-type semiconductors, while the Eu-doped sample showed p-type characteristics. This study may be helpful to broaden the photoelectronic applications of these two-dimensional materials.
Repair of Fused Silica Damage Using Selective Femtosecond Laser-Induced Etching
Authors: Fang Zhenhua , Chen Jing , Jiang Xiaolong , Zhang Chuanchao , Zhang Lijuan , Wang Jingxuan , Luan Xiaoyu , Wang Haijun , Wu Qiankun , Liao Wei
Published: February 2023

Timely repair of fused silica damage ensures the stable operation of high-power laser systems. In the traditional repair process, the material nearby the damaged area is gradually ablated with CO2 or femtosecond laser. Subsequently, homogenization and residual stress removal are required because of the microcracks and thermal accumulation generated with the ablation. As a result, the repair efficiency is greatly restricted. In this paper, a new method using in-volume, selective femtosecond laser-induced etching to repair the damage of fused silica is proposed. The region irradiated by femtosecond laser becomes more susceptible to the etching solution due to its constitutive characteristics having undergone chemical restructuring. In this way, material nearby the damaged area transparent to the laser radiation is modified locally inside the volume. A femtosecond laser is used to scan the damaged area with a 3D hollow trajectory. The applicable modification of fused silica occurs when the single pulse energy is approximately 2 μJ to 5 μJ, the repetition frequency is approximately 200 kHz to 500 kHz, and the scanning speed is approximately 10 mm/s. Then, the etching solution reacts quickly along the 3D profile of the modified path, and the damaged area is removed as a whole piece. This method can greatly reduce the workload of repair, and the etching process of fused silica is carried out synchronously. So, the etching efficiency is not affected by the number of damage points. In addition, the weak reaction between the etching solution and the substrate could homogenize the interface. It provides an efficient way to repair the surface damage of fused silica.
Generation of Oxygen-Related Defects in Crystal Silicon Processed by the RPD
Authors: Hara Tomohiko , Oura Iori , Matsuzuki Takuma , Ohshita Yoshio
Published: February 2023

Suppression of the formation of crystal defects is essential for the realization of high-efficiency solar cells. The reactive plasma deposition (RPD) process introduces defects in the silicon crystal bulk and at the passivation layer/silicon crystal interface. This study suggests that oxygen impurities can affect the generation of RPD-induced defects. Although the RPD deposition conditions were the same, the number of RPD-induced recombination centers in Cz-Si was larger than that in the Fz wafer. The increase in 950 °C pre-annealing resulted in increased peak intensity corresponding to defect level E1 in the Cz-Si MOS sample. In the case of Fz-Si, the increase in intensity with increasing pre-annealing time was slight. This indicates that oxygen precipitation might be related to the structure of RPD-induced defects.
Designing Black Phosphorus and Heptazine-Based Crystalline Carbon Nitride Composites for Photocatalytic Water Splitting
Authors: Xiao Zijie , Wang Yayun , Chen Hui , Wang Haotian , Li Yuke , Chen Yilin , Zheng Yun
Published: February 2023

Black phosphorus (BP) and heptazine-based crystalline carbon nitride (KPHI) composite photocatalysts were synthesized by molten salt and ultrasound-assisted liquid phase exfoliation methods. The structure, morphology and optical properties of the as-prepared BP/KPHI composites were evaluated by various characterization techniques. In addition, the photocatalytic performance of BP/KPHI composites for hydrogen production was investigated. The photocatalytic activity of BP/KPHI composite catalysts could be modulated by changing the loading mass ratio of BP. The BP/KPHI composite photocatalyst with a mass ratio of 10% exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity with the hydrogen production rate of 4.3 mmol g−1 h−1, about three times higher than that of pristine KPHI. Benefiting from the advantages of simplicity, rapidity, high yield and good controllability, this nanocomposite photocatalyst has the potential to serve as an excellent photocatalytic material for solar energy conversion.
Risk Stratified Follow-Up for Endometrial Cancer: The Clinicians’ Perspective
Authors: Amirthanayagam Anumithra , Boulter Louise , Millet Nessa , McDermott Hilary J. , Morrison Jo , Taylor Alexandra , Miles Tracie , Coton Lorna , Moss Esther L.
Published: February 2023

Risk-stratified follow-up for endometrial cancer (EC) is being introduced in many cancer centres; however, there appears to be diversity in the structure and availability of schemes across the UK. This study aimed to investigate clinicians’ and clinical specialist nurses’ (CNS) experiences of follow-up schemes for EC, including patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU), telephone follow-up (TFU) and clinician-led hospital follow-up (HFU). A mixed-methods study was conducted, consisting of an online questionnaire to CNSs, an audience survey of participants attending a national “Personalising Endometrial Cancer Follow-up” educational meeting, and qualitative semi-structured telephone interviews with clinicians involved in the follow-up of EC. Thematic analysis identified three main themes to describe clinicians’ views: appropriate patient selection; changing from HFU to PIFU schemes; and the future of EC follow-up schemes. Many participants reported that the COVID-19 pandemic impacted EC follow-up by accelerating the transition to PIFU/TFU. Overall, there was increasing support for non-HFU schemes for patients who have completed primary treatment of EC; however, barriers were identified for non-English-speaking patients and those who had communication challenges. Given the good long-term outcome associated with EC, greater focus is needed to develop resources to support patients post-treatment and individualise follow-up according to patients’ personal needs and preferences.
A Hybrid Machine Learning Approach to Screen Optimal Predictors for the Classification of Primary Breast Tumors from Gene Expression Microarray Data
Authors: Alromema Nashwan , Syed Asif Hassan , Khan Tabrej
Published: February 2023

The high dimensionality and sparsity of the microarray gene expression data make it challenging to analyze and screen the optimal subset of genes as predictors of breast cancer (BC). The authors in the present study propose a novel hybrid Feature Selection (FS) sequential framework involving minimum Redundancy-Maximum Relevance (mRMR), a two-tailed unpaired t-test, and meta-heuristics to screen the most optimal set of gene biomarkers as predictors for BC. The proposed framework identified a set of three most optimal gene biomarkers, namely, MAPK 1, APOBEC3B, and ENAH. In addition, the state-of-the-art supervised Machine Learning (ML) algorithms, namely Support Vector Machine (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Neural Net (NN), Naïve Bayes (NB), Decision Tree (DT), eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and Logistic Regression (LR) were used to test the predictive capability of the selected gene biomarkers and select the most effective breast cancer diagnostic model with higher values of performance matrices. Our study found that the XGBoost-based model was the superior performer with an accuracy of 0.976 ± 0.027, an F1-Score of 0.974 ± 0.030, and an AUC value of 0.961 ± 0.035 when tested on an independent test dataset. The screened gene biomarkers-based classification system efficiently detects primary breast tumors from normal breast samples.
Low-Dose CT Fluoroscopy-Guided Drainage of Deep Pelvic Fluid Collections after Colorectal Cancer Surgery: Technical Success, Clinical Outcome and Safety in 40 Patients
Authors: Stahl Robert , Seidensticker Max , de Figueiredo Giovanna Negrão , Pedersen Vera , Crispin Alexander , Forbrig Robert , Ozpeynirci Yigit , Liebig Thomas , D’Anastasi Melvin , Hackner Danilo , Trumm Christoph G.
Published: February 2023

Purpose: To assess the technical (TS) and clinical success (CS) of CT fluoroscopy-guided drainage (CTD) in patients with symptomatic deep pelvic fluid collections following colorectal surgery. Methods: A retrospective analysis (years 2005 to 2020) comprised 43 drain placements in 40 patients undergoing low-dose (10–20 mA tube current) quick-check CTD using a percutaneous transgluteal (n = 39) or transperineal (n = 1) access. TS was defined as sufficient drainage of the fluid collection by ≥50% and the absence of complications according to the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE). CS comprised the marked reduction of elevated laboratory inflammation parameters by ≥50% under minimally invasive combination therapy (i.v. broad-spectrum antibiotics, drainage) within 30 days after intervention and no surgical revision related to the intervention required. Results: TS was gained in 93.0%. CS was obtained in 83.3% for C-reactive Protein and in 78.6% for Leukocytes. In five patients (12.5%), a reoperation due to an unfavorable clinical outcome was necessary. Total dose length product (DLP) tended to be lower in the second half of the observation period (median: years 2013 to 2020: 544.0 mGy*cm vs. years 2005 to 2012: 735.5 mGy*cm) and was significantly lower for the CT fluoroscopy part (median: years 2013 to 2020: 47.0 mGy*cm vs. years 2005 to 2012: 85.0 mGy*cm). Conclusions: Given a minor proportion of patients requiring surgical revision due to anastomotic leakage, the CTD of deep pelvic fluid collections is safe and provides an excellent technical and clinical outcome. The reduction of radiation exposition over time can be achieved by both the ongoing development of CT technology and the increased level of interventional radiology (IR) expertise.
Through the Looking Glass: Updated Insights on Ovarian Cancer Diagnostics
Authors: Chakraborty Sourav , Shenoy Priti S. , Mehrotra Megha , Phadte Pratham , Singh Prerna , Rekhi Bharat , Ray Pritha
Published: February 2023

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the deadliest gynaecological malignancy and the eighth most prevalent cancer in women, with an abysmal mortality rate of two million worldwide. The existence of multiple overlapping symptoms with other gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and gynaecological maladies often leads to late-stage diagnosis and extensive extra-ovarian metastasis. Due to the absence of any clear early-stage symptoms, current tools only aid in the diagnosis of advanced-stage patients, wherein the 5-year survival plummets further to less than 30%. Therefore, there is a dire need for the identification of novel approaches that not only allow early diagnosis of the disease but also have a greater prognostic value. Toward this, biomarkers provide a gamut of powerful and dynamic tools to allow the identification of a spectrum of different malignancies. Both serum cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) and human epididymis 4 (HE4) are currently being used in clinics not only for EOC but also peritoneal and GI tract cancers. Screening of multiple biomarkers is gradually emerging as a beneficial strategy for early-stage diagnosis, proving instrumental in administration of first-line chemotherapy. These novel biomarkers seem to exhibit an enhanced potential as a diagnostic tool. This review summarizes existing knowledge of the ever-growing field of biomarker identification along with potential future ones, especially for ovarian cancer.
An Automatic Visual Inspection of Oil Tanks Exterior Surface Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle with Image Processing and Cascading Fuzzy Logic Algorithms
Authors: Ali Mohammed A. H. , Baggash Muhammad , Rustamov Jaloliddin , Abdulghafor Rawad , Abdo Najm Al-Deen N. , Abdo Mubarak H. G. , Mohammed Talep S. , Hasan Ameen A. , Abdo Ali N. , Turaev Sherzod , Nukman Yusoff
Published: February 2023

This paper presents an automatic visual inspection of exterior surface defects of oil tanks using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and image processing with two cascading fuzzy logic algorithms. Corrosion is one of the defects that has a serious effect on the safety of the surface of oil and gas tanks. At present, human inspection, and climbing robots inspection are the dominant approach for rust detection in oil and gas tanks. However, there are many shortcomings to this approach, such as taking longer, high cost, and covering less surface area inspection of the tank. The purpose of this research is to detect the rust in oil tanks by localizing visual inspection technology using UAVs, as well as to develop algorithms to distinguish between defects and noise. The study focuses on two basic aspects of oil tank inspection through the images captured by the UAV, namely, the detection of defects and the distinction between defects and noise. For the former, an image processing algorithm was developed to improve or remove noise, adjust the brightness of the captured image, and extract features to identify defects in oil tanks. Meanwhile, for the latter aspect, a cascading fuzzy logic algorithm and threshold algorithm were developed to distinguish between defects and noise levels and reduce their impact through three stages of processing: The first stage of fuzzy logic aims to distinguish between defects and low noise generated by the appearance of objects on the surface of the tank, such as trees or stairs, and reduce their impact. The second stage aims to distinguish between defects and medium noise generated by shadows or the presence of small objects on the surface of the tank and reduce their impact. The third stage of the thresholding algorithm aims to distinguish between defects and high noise generated by sedimentation on the surface of the tank and reduce its impact. The samples were classified based on the output of the third stage of the threshold process into defective or non-defective samples. The proposed algorithms were tested on 180 samples and the results show its superiority in the inspection and detection of defects with an accuracy of 83%.
A Complementary View to Computational Thinking and Its Interplay with Systems Thinking
Authors: Hamidi Ali , Mirijamdotter Anita , Milrad Marcelo
Published: February 2023

Computational Thinking (CT) pervasively shares its methods, practices, and dispositions across other disciplines as a new way of thinking about problem-solving. Few studies have been carried out studying CT from an Information Systems (IS) perspective. This study elaborates on how systems thinking (ST), an acknowledged theory in the IS field, bonds to CT to address some well-known common issues related to CT such as reductionism and dogmatism, and to supplement the computing nature of CT with behavioral and societal facets involved in its implications. We studied how ST is applied to CT research in the literature. To do so, two primary approaches have been identified that link ST and CT. First, ST is embedded in CT practices meaning that ST is considered as a component of CT. Second, ST and CT are parallelly studied, and ST is considered as a supplementary concept to CT. Correspondingly, we propose a complementary approach that looks at CT from the ST lenses to provide a clearer picture of CT in an educational context. Moreover, we expect this new perspective can help to broaden the development of educational CT concepts and scenarios by including new notions such as framework, interpretation, norms, paradigm, and context.