bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of Pancreatic Cancer and Its Microenvironment: Potential Impact of Nano-Targeting
Authors: Perko Nardeen , Mousa Shaker A.
Published: June 2022

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is rare and difficult to treat, making it a complicated diagnosis for every patient. These patients have a low survival rate along with a poor quality of life under current pancreatic cancer therapies that adversely affect healthy cells due to the lack of precise drug targeting. Additionally, chemoresistance and radioresistance are other key challenges in PDAC, which might be due in part to the lack of tumor-targeted delivery of sufficient levels of different chemotherapies because of their low therapeutic index. Thus, instead of leaving a trail of off-target damage when killing these cancer cells, it is best to find a way that targets them directly. More seriously, metastatic relapse often occurs after surgery, and therefore, achieving improved outcomes in the management of PDAC in the absence of strategies preventing metastasis is likely to be impossible. Nano-targeting of the tumor and its microenvironment has shown promise for treating various cancers, which might be a promising approach for PDAC. This review updates the advancements in treatment modalities for pancreatic cancer and highlights future directions that warrant further investigation to increase pancreatic patients’ overall survival.
MAEL Augments Cancer Stemness Properties and Resistance to Sorafenib in Hepatocellular Carcinoma through the PTGS2/AKT/STAT3 Axis
Authors: Shi Chaoran , Kwong Dora Lai-Wan , Li Xue , Wang Xia , Fang Xiaona , Sun Liangzhan , Tang Ying , Guan Xin-Yuan , Li Shan-Shan
Published: June 2022

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are responsible for tumorigenesis, therapeutic resistance, and metastasis in hepatocellular cancer (HCC). Cancer/testis antigen Maelstrom (MAEL) is implicated in the formation of CSC phenotypes, while the exact role and underlying mechanism remain unclear. Here, we found the upregulation of MAEL in HCC, with its expression negatively correlated with survival outcome. Functionally, MAEL promoted tumor cell aggressiveness, tumor stem-like potentials, and resistance to sorafenib in HCC cell lines. Transcriptional profiling indicated the dysregulation of stemness in MAEL knockout cells and identified PTGS2 as a critical downstream target transactivated by MAEL. The suppression effect of MAEL knockout in tumor aggressiveness was rescued in PTGS2 overexpression HCC cells. A molecular mechanism study revealed that the upregulation of PTGS2 by MAEL subsequently resulted in IL-8 secretion and the activation of AKT/NF-κB/STAT3 signaling. Collectively, our work identifies MAEL as an important stemness regulation gene in HCC. Targeting MAEL or its downstream molecules may provide a novel possibility for the elimination of CSC to enhance therapeutic efficacy for HCC patients in the future.
A Fraction of CD8+ T Cells from Colorectal Liver Metastases Preferentially Repopulate Autologous Patient-Derived Xenograft Tumors as Tissue-Resident Memory T Cells
Authors: Liang Frank , Nilsson Lisa M. , Byvald Fabian , Rezapour Azar , Taflin Helena , Nilsson Jonas A. , Yrlid Ulf
Published: June 2022

The diversity of T cells in the human liver may reflect the composition of TILs in CRLM. Our ex vivo characterization of CRLM vs. adjacent liver tissue detected CD103+CD39+CD8+ TRM cells predominantly in CRLM, which prompted further assessments. These TRM cells responded to cognate antigens in vitro. As functional activities of autologous TILs are central to the implementation of personalized cancer treatments, we applied a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model to monitor TILs’ capacity to control CRLM-derived tumors in vivo. We established PDX mice with CRLMs from two patients, and in vitro expansion of their respective TILs resulted in opposing CD4+ vs. CD8+ TIL ratios. These CRLMs also displayed mutated KRAS, which enabled trametinib-mediated inhibition of MEK. Regardless of the TIL subset ratio, persistent or transient control of CRLM-derived tumors of limited size by the transferred TILs was observed only after trametinib treatment. Of note, a portion of transferred TILs was observed as CD103+CD8+ TRM cells that strictly accumulated within the autologous CRLM-derived tumor rather than in the spleen or blood. Thus, the predominance of CD103+CD39+CD8+ TRM cells in CRLM relative to the adjacent liver and the propensity of CD103+CD8+ TRM cells to repopulate the autologous tumor may identify these TILs as strategic targets for therapies against advanced CRC.
Evidence for Recombinant GRP78, CALR, PDIA3 and GPI as Mediators of Genetic Instability in Human CD34+ Cells
Authors: Fabarius Alice , Samra Vanessa , Drews Oliver , Mörz Handan , Bierbaum Miriam , Darwich Ali , Weiss Christel , Brendel Susanne , Kleiner Helga , Seifarth Wolfgang , Greffrath Wolfgang , Hofmann Wolf-Karsten , Schmitt Clemens A. , Popp Henning D.
Published: June 2022

Soluble factors released from irradiated human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) may induce genetic instability in human CD34+ cells, potentially mediating hematologic disorders. Recently, we identified four key proteins in the secretome of X-ray-irradiated MSC, among them three endoplasmic reticulum proteins, the 78 kDa glucose-related protein (GRP78), calreticulin (CALR), and protein disulfide-isomerase A3 (PDIA3), as well as the glycolytic enzyme glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI). Here, we demonstrate that exposition of CD34+ cells to recombinant GRP78, CALR, PDIA3 and GPI induces substantial genetic instability. Increased numbers of γH2AX foci (p < 0.0001), centrosome anomalies (p = 0.1000) and aberrant metaphases (p = 0.0022) were detected in CD34+ cells upon incubation with these factors. Specifically, γH2AX foci were found to be induced 4–5-fold in response to any individual of the four factors, and centrosome anomalies by 3–4 fold compared to control medium, which contained none of the recombinant proteins. Aberrant metaphases, not seen in the context of control medium, were detected to a similar extent than centrosome anomalies across the four factors. Notably, the strongest effects were observed when all four factors were collectively provided. In summary, our data suggest that specific components of the secretome from irradiated MSC act as mediators of genetic instability in CD34+ cells, thereby possibly contributing to the pathogenesis of radiation-induced hematologic disorders beyond direct radiation-evoked DNA strand breaks.
The Role of Immune Modulatory Cytokines in the Tumor Microenvironments of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Kondoh Nobuo , Mizuno-Kamiya Masako
Published: June 2022

HNSCCs are the major progressive malignancy of the upper digestive and respiratory organs. Malignant phenotypes of HNSCCs are regulated by the pro- and anti-tumoral activities of the immune modulatory cytokines associated with TMEs, i.e., a representative pro-inflammatory cytokine, interferon (IFN)-γ, plays a role as an anti-tumor regulator against HNSCCs; however, IFN-γ also drives programmed death-ligand (PD-L) 1 expression to promote cancer stem cells. Interleukin (IL)-2 promotes the cytotoxic activity of T cells and natural killer cells; however, endogenous IL-2 can promote regulatory T cells (Tregs), resulting in the protection of HNSCCs. In this report, we first classified and mentioned the immune modulatory aspects of pro-inflammatory cytokines, pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokines, and anti-inflammatory cytokines upon HNSCC phenotypes. In the TME of HNSCCs, pro-tumoral immune modulation is mediated by stromal cells, including CAFs, MDSCs, pDCs, and TAMs. Therefore, we evaluated the functions of cytokines and chemokines that mediate the crosstalk between tumor cells and stromal cells. In HNSCCs, the status of lymph node metastasis is an important hallmark of a worse prognosis. We therefore evaluated the possibility of chemokines mediating lymph node metastases in HNSCC patients. We also mention therapeutic approaches using anti-tumoral cytokines or immunotherapies that target cytokines, chemokines, or signal molecules essential for the immune evasion of HNSCCs. We finally discuss modulation by HPV infection upon HNSCC phenotypes, as well as the prognostic significance of serum cytokine levels in HNSCC patients.
Current and Emerging Methods for Ovarian Cancer Screening and Diagnostics: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Liberto Juliane M. , Chen Sheng-Yin , Shih Ie-Ming , Wang Tza-Huei , Wang Tian-Li , Pisanic Thomas R.
Published: June 2022

With a 5-year survival rate of less than 50%, ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) is one of the most highly aggressive gynecological malignancies affecting women today. The high mortality rate of HGSC is largely attributable to delays in diagnosis, as most patients remain undiagnosed until the late stages of -disease. There are currently no recommended screening tests for ovarian cancer and there thus remains an urgent need for new diagnostic methods, particularly those that can detect the disease at early stages when clinical intervention remains effective. While diagnostics for ovarian cancer share many of the same technical hurdles as for other cancer types, the low prevalence of the disease in the general population, coupled with a notable lack of sensitive and specific biomarkers, have made the development of a clinically useful screening strategy particularly challenging. Here, we present a detailed review of the overall landscape of ovarian cancer diagnostics, with emphasis on emerging methods that employ novel protein, genetic, epigenetic and imaging-based biomarkers and/or advanced diagnostic technologies for the noninvasive detection of HGSC, particularly in women at high risk due to germline mutations such as BRCA1/2. Lastly, we discuss the translational potential of these approaches for achieving a clinically implementable solution for screening and diagnostics of early-stage ovarian cancer as a means of ultimately improving patient outcomes in both the general and high-risk populations.
The Role of Immunosuppression for Recurrent Cholangiocellular Carcinoma after Liver Transplantation
Authors: Gül-Klein Safak , Schmitz Paulina , Schöning Wenzel , Öllinger Robert , Lurje Georg , Jonas Sven , Uluk Deniz , Pelzer Uwe , Tacke Frank , Schmelzle Moritz , Pratschke Johann , Ossami Saidy Ramin Raul , Eurich Dennis
Published: June 2022

Liver transplantation (LT) for cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), or biliary tract cancer (BTC), remains controversial regarding high recurrence rates and poor prognosis. Oncological follow-up may benefit from tumor-inhibiting properties of mTOR inhibitors (mTORI), shown with improved survival for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after LT. The aim of this study was to investigate the recurrence and survival in relation to tumor type and type of immunosuppression (IS). LT patients with CCA or mixed HCC/CCA (mHCC/CCA) (n = 67) were retrospectively analyzed. Endpoints were the time from LT to recurrence (n = 44) and survival after recurrence. Statistically significant impairment in survival for recurrent CCA (rCCA) was shown in patients not eligible for surgical resection (HR 2.46 (CI: 1.2–5.1; p = 0.02). Histological proven grading >1 and N1 status at initial transplantation were associated with impaired survival (HR 0.13 (CI: 0.03–0.58); p < 0.01 and HR 3.4 (CI: 1.0–11.65); p = 0.05). Reduced IS after tumor recurrence improved survival (HR 4.2/CI: 1.3–13.6; p = 0.02). MTORI initiation before recurrence or after had no significant impact on survival. Our data thereby indicate, similar to findings in recurrent HCC after LT, that patients with rCCA after LT benefit from a reduction in IS upon recurrence.
Detection of IDH1 Mutations in Plasma Using BEAMing Technology in Patients with Gliomas
Authors: Cabezas-Camarero Santiago , García-Barberán Vanesa , Pérez-Alfayate Rebeca , Casado-Fariñas Isabel , Sloane Hillary , Jones Frederick S. , Pérez-Segura Pedro
Published: June 2022

Molecular testing using blood-based liquid biopsy approaches has not been widely investigated in patients with glioma. A prospective single-center study enrolled patients with gliomas ranging from grade II to IV. Peripheral blood (PB) was drawn at different timepoints for circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) monitoring. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used for the study of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) mutations in the primary tumor. Beads, Emulsion, Amplification and Magnetics (BEAMing) was used for the study of IDH1 mutations in plasma and correlated with the NGS results in the tumor. Between February 2017 and July 2018, ten patients were enrolled, six with IDH1-mutant and four with IDH1 wild-type gliomas. Among the six IDH-mutant gliomas, three had the same IDH1 mutation detected in plasma (50%), and the IDH1-positive ctDNA result was obtained in patients either at diagnosis (no treatment) or during progressive disease. While the false-negative rate reached 86% (18/21), 15 out of the 18 (83%) plasma-negative results were from PB collected from the six IDH-mutant patients at times at which there was no accompanying evidence of tumor progression, as assessed by MRI. There were no false-positive cases in plasma collected from patients with IDH1 wild-type tumors. BEAMing detected IDH1 mutations in the plasma of patients with gliomas, with a modest clinical sensitivity (true positivity rate) but with 100% clinical specificity, with complete agreement between the mutant loci detected in tumor and plasma. Larger prospective studies should be conducted to expand on these findings, and further explore the clearance of mutations in PB from IDH1-positive patients in response to therapy.
Localized Small Bowel Adenocarcinoma Management: Evidence Summary
Authors: Turpin Anthony , El Amrani Mehdi , Zaanan Aziz
Published: June 2022

Small bowel cancers are rare diseases whose prognosis is poorer than that of colon cancers. Due to disease rarity, there is little data on small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA) treatment, and most recommendations come from expert agreements or analogies to the management of colon cancer. Although relatively high rates of local recurrence are observed for duodenal malignancies, distant metastatic relapse remains common and requires adjuvant systemic therapy. Given the similarities between SBA and colorectal cancer, radiotherapy and chemotherapy strategies used for the latter disease are frequently pursued for the former disease, specifically for tumors located in the duodenum. However, no previous randomized study has evaluated the benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy on the overall survival of SBA patients. Most previous studies on treatment outcomes and prognostic factors in this context were based on large international databases, such as the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results or the National Cancer Database. Studies are required to establish and validate prognostic and predictive markers relevant in this context to inform the use of (neo) adjuvant treatment. Among those, deficient mismatch repair tumors represent 20% of SBAs, but their impact on chemosensitivity remains unknown. Herein, we summarize the current evidence on the management of localized SBA, including future perspectives.
Modification of the Acidic and Textural Properties of HY Zeolite by AHFS Treatment and Its Coke Formation Performance in the Catalytic Cracking Reaction of N-Butene
Authors: Lu Xu , Wei Chenhao , Zhao Liang , Gao Jinsen , Xu Chunming
Published: June 2022

Coke formation on n-butene cracking catalyst is the main reason for the reducing of its lifetime. To study the effects of acidity and textural properties on the coke formation process, a series of HY zeolite-type catalysts were prepared by ammonium hexafluorosilicate treatment (AHFS). NH3-TPD and Py-IR-TPD were used to systematically study the change law of zeolite acidity. It was found that with the increase of AHFS concentration, the acid density decreased, whereas the ratio of Brønsted acid to Lewis acid first increased and then decreased. Meanwhile, the percentage of Brønsted acid inside the supper cages increased and the strength of Brønsted acid increased with the degree of dealumination. Combined with in situ IR study on coke formation, the relationship between coking and acid site was revealed. It was found that the rate of coke formation on zeolites was affected by acid density, which is the rate of coke formation decreased with the decline of acid density. When the acid density remains at the same level, it was the acid strength that determined the coke formation rate—the stronger the acid strength, the faster the coke formation rate.
Depleting Ly6G Positive Myeloid Cells Reduces Pancreatic Cancer-Induced Skeletal Muscle Atrophy
Authors: Deyhle Michael R. , Callaway Chandler S. , Neyroud Daria , D’Lugos Andrew C. , Judge Sarah M. , Judge Andrew R.
Published: June 2022

Immune cells can mount desirable anti-cancer immunity. However, some immune cells can support cancer disease progression. The presence of cancer can lead to production of immature myeloid cells from the bone marrow known as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). The immunosuppressive and pro-tumorigenic effects of MDSCs are well understood. Whether MDSCs are involved in promoting cancer cachexia is not well understood. We orthotopically injected the pancreas of mice with KPC cells or PBS. One group of tumor-bearing mice was treated with an anti-Ly6G antibody that depletes granulocytic MDSCs and neutrophils; the other received a control antibody. Anti-Ly6G treatment delayed body mass loss, reduced tibialis anterior (TA) muscle wasting, abolished TA muscle fiber atrophy, reduced diaphragm muscle fiber atrophy of type IIb and IIx fibers, and reduced atrophic gene expression in the TA muscles. Anti-ly6G treatment resulted in greater than 50% Ly6G+ cell depletion efficiency in the tumors and TA muscles. These data show that, in the orthotopic KPC model, anti-Ly6G treatment reduces the number of Ly6G+ cells in the tumor and skeletal muscle and reduces skeletal muscle atrophy. These data implicate Ly6G+ cells, including granulocytic MDSCs and neutrophils, as possible contributors to the development of pancreatic cancer-induced skeletal muscle wasting.
Reactive Oxygen Species Distribution Involved in Stipe Gradient Elongation in the Mushroom Flammulina filiformis
Authors: Yan Junjie , Chekanova Julia , Liu Yuanyuan , Gan Bingcheng , Long Ying , Han Xing , Tong Zongjun , Miao Juan , Lian Lingdan , Xie Baogui , Liu Fang
Published: June 2022

The mushroom stipe raises the pileus above the substrate into a suitable position for dispersing spores. The stipe elongates at different speeds along its length, with the rate of elongation decreasing in a gradient from the top to the base. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying stipe gradient elongation are largely unknown. Here, we used the model basidiomycete mushroom Flammulina filiformis to investigate the mechanism of mushroom stipe elongation and the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling in this process. Our results show that O2− and H2O2 exhibit opposite gradient distributions in the stipe, with higher O2− levels in the elongation region (ER), and higher H2O2 levels in the stable region (SR). Moreover, NADPH-oxidase-encoding genes are up-regulated in the ER, have a function in producing O2−, and positively regulate stipe elongation. Genes encoding manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) are up-regulated in the SR, have a function in producing H2O2, and negatively regulate stipe elongation. Altogether, our data demonstrate that ROS (O2−/H2O2) redistribution mediated by NADPH oxidase and MnSODs is linked to the gradient elongation of the F. filiformis stipe.
Primary Human Trophoblasts Mimic the Preeclampsia Phenotype after Acute Hypoxia–Reoxygenation Insult
Authors: Fuenzalida Barbara , Kallol Sampada , Zaugg Jonas , Mueller Martin , Mistry Hiten D. , Gutierrez Jaime , Leiva Andrea , Albrecht Christiane
Published: June 2022

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific disorder that affects 3 to 5% of pregnancies worldwide and is one of the leading causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, how these events occur remains unclear. We hypothesized that the induction of hypoxic conditions in vitro in primary human trophoblast cells would mimic several characteristics of PE found in vivo. We applied and characterized a model of primary cytotrophoblasts isolated from healthy pregnancies that were placed under different oxygen concentrations: ambient O2 (5% pCO2, 21%pO2, 24 h, termed “normoxia”), low O2 concentration (5% pCO2, 1.5% pO2, 24 h, termed “hypoxia”), or “hypoxia/reoxygenation” (H/R: 6 h intervals of normoxia and hypoxia for 24 h). Various established preeclamptic markers were assessed in this cell model and compared to placental tissues obtained from PE pregnancies. Seventeen PE markers were analyzed by qPCR, and the protein secretion of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlT-1) and the placenta growth factor (PlGF) was determined by ELISA. Thirteen of seventeen genes associated with angiogenesis, the renin–angiotensin system, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and the inflammasome complex were susceptible to H/R and hypoxia, mimicking the expression pattern of PE tissue. In cell culture supernatants, the secretion of sFlT-1 was increased in hypoxia, while PlGF release was significantly reduced in H/R and hypoxia. In the supernatants of our cell models, the sFlT-1/PlGF ratio in hypoxia and H/R was higher than 38, which is a strong indicator for PE in clinical practice. These results suggest that our cellular models reflect important pathological processes occurring in PE and are therefore suitable as PE in vitro models.
Impact of the Free-Pelvis Innovation in Very Rigid Braces for Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis: Short-Term Results of a Matched Case-Control Study
Authors: Negrini Stefano , Tessadri Fabrizio , Negrini Francesco , Tavernaro Marta , Zonta Andrea , Zaina Fabio , Donzelli Sabrina
Published: June 2022

We introduced pelvis semi-rigid material (ethylene vinyl acetate) (Free-Pelvis) to improve the comfort and adaptability of very rigid braces (VRBs) for adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), but this can also negatively impact the corrective forces on the trunk. Study Design: This was a matched retrospective cohort study. The inclusion criteria were AIS, age 10–16, VRB 23 h/day, X-rays available, primary curve 36°–65°, and angle of trunk rotation 7–23°. The cases were Sforzesco VRB with Free-Pelvis (FPB). The controls included classical Sforzesco VRB matched for Risser (range 0/4), menarche age (10/15), weight (33.5/83 kg), height (140/180 cm), BMI (13.5/29 kg/sqm), aesthetics (TRACE 4/12), plumbline distances (S1: −60/35; C7 + L3: −10/115 mm), and referred brace use (22/24 h/day). Statistics: predictors of the results have been tested with linear and logistic regression according to the outcome variable type. We performed logistic regression for improved vs. worsened. The explanatory variable was brace type. We included 777 VRB and 25 FPB, age 13 ± 1, 47° ± 8° Cobb, and 11% men. The few baseline statistical differences were not clinically relevant. We achieved in-brace corrections of 15.2° ± 7.7° and 17.4° ± 6.5° for VRB and FPB, respectively (p = 0.21); out-of-brace corrections at 5 ± 2 months were 7.8° ± 0.2° for VRB and 8.1° ± 1.3° for FPB (p = 0.83). The type of brace did not influence the Cobb angle at either time interval or affect the odds of improvement. Free-Pelvis innovation, introduced to improve comfort and adaptability, does not change the in-brace or short-term results of classical VRB and consequently can be safely applied.
Electro-Assisted 3D Printing Multi-Layer PVDF/CaCl2 Composite Films and Sensors
Authors: Wang Andong , Liu Jianhua , Shao Chenkang , Zhang Youming , Chen Caifeng
Published: June 2022

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) films are widely used in sensors for their wide response frequency, good flexibility, low acoustic impedance, and chemical stability. In this work, PVDF/CaCl2 piezoelectric films were prepared by an electro-assisted 3D printing method and used to form a multi-layer composite film sensor. The study found that the addition of CaCl2 can effectively increase the β-phase content in the PVDF film and improve the piezoelectric and dielectric properties of the PVDF composite film sensors. When the content of CaCl2 is 0.15 wt.%, the β-phase content of the PVDF/CaCl2 composite film can reach the highest value of up to 48.47%, and the output voltage response of the sensor is 0.62 V at an input frequency of 10 Hz, 10 V voltage. The output voltage of PVDF composite film sensor with two and three layers is 1.306 and 1.693 times that of a single layer, respectively. The sensitivity of the multi-layer sensors has also been greatly improved.
Non-Zero Crossing Point Detection in a Distorted Sinusoidal Signal Using Logistic Regression Model
Authors: Veeramsetty Venkataramana , Srinivasula Srividya , Salkuti Surender Reddy
Published: June 2022

Non-Zero crossing point detection in a sinusoidal signal is essential in case of various power system and power electronics applications like power system protection and power converters controller design. In this paper 96 data sets are created from a distorted sinusoidal signal based on MATLAB simulation. Distorted sinusoidal signals are generated in MATLAB with various noise and harmonic levels. In this paper, logistic regression model is used to predict the non-zero crossing point in a distorted signal based on input features like slope, intercept, correlation and RMSE. Logistic regression model is trained and tested in Google Colab environment. As per simulation results, it is observed that logistic regression model is able to predict all non-zero-crossing point in a distorted signal.
Properties of Composite Powder Based on Boron Nitride Prepared under Concentrated Light
Authors: Sartinska Lina , Kasumov Anatoliy , Koval Alexander , Frolov Gennadiy
Published: June 2022

The results of direct synthesis of composite powder based on boron nitride (BN) are considered. Concentrated light heating of the initial boron powder was carried out in a xenon high-flux optical furnace in a nitrogen flow. Formation of particles of the desired sizes and architecture highly dependent of the synthesis conditions. The flow of nitrogen separates the particles depending on their architecture and size. An increase in the distance from the reaction zone leads to the formation of powder with a wider bandgap, increases the amount of amorphous phase, and decreases the amount of oxide in the collected composite powder. However, the close distance to the reaction zone and high temperatures provide a denser packing of the structure on the particle surface and the disappearance of the BN transition phases. Incorporation of the nickel sulfate hexahydrate to initial boron contributes to the formation of graphene-like structures.
Computational Simulation by Phase Field: Martensite Transformation Kinetics and Variant Selection under External Fields
Authors: Wang Chenchong , Yuan Jiahua , Huang Minghao
Published: June 2022

Tailoring martensite transformation is critical for improving the mechanical properties of advanced steels. To provide preliminary guidance for the control of martensite transformation behaviour using external fields by computational simulation method, the phase-field method was used to calculate the morphology evolution, kinetics, and variant selection of the martensite transformation under different loading modes and magnetic field intensities. The incubation, transformation, and stable stages of the three variants based on the Bain strain group were investigated using different kinetic curves. These results clearly indicate that both uniaxial tension and compression can greatly promote the formation of martensite during the transformation stage and cause an obvious preferred variant selection. In contrast, the different variants have relatively balanced forms under shearing conditions. In addition, the magnetic field is a gentler way to form a state with balanced variants than other techniques such as shearing. Additionally, all these simulation results are consistent with classical martensitic transformation theory and thermodynamic mechanism, which proves the rationality of this research. The aim of the present study was to provide qualitative guidance for the selection of external fields for microstructural improvement in advanced steels.
A Review of Trastuzumab Biosimilars in Early Breast Cancer and Real World Outcomes of Neoadjuvant MYL-1401O versus Reference Trastuzumab
Authors: Yang Charlie , Khwaja Raida , Tang Patricia , Nixon Nancy , King Karen , Lupichuk Sasha
Published: June 2022

The reduced cost of trastuzumab biosimilars has led to increased adoption for HER2-positive breast cancer. This review of trastuzumab biosimilars encompasses this development and real world clinical data in early breast cancer. In addition, we present a retrospective study evaluating the total pathological complete response (tpCR) rates (lack of residual invasive cancer in resected breast tissue and axillary nodes), of MYL-1401O to reference trastuzumab (TRZ) in the neoadjuvant setting for HER2+ early breast cancer (EBC) in Alberta, Canada. Neoadjuvant patients with HER2+ EBC treated with TRZ from November 2018–October 2019 and MYL-1401O from December 2019–September 2020 were identified. Logistic regression was used to control for variables potentially associated with tpCR: trastuzumab product, age, pre-operative T- and N-stage, grade, hormone receptor (HR)-status, HER2-status, chemotherapy regimen, and chemotherapy completion. tpCR was 35.6% in the MYL-1401O group (n = 59) and 40.3% in the TRZ (n = 77) group, p = 0.598. After controlling for clinically relevant variables, there was no significant difference in the odds of achieving tpCR in patients treated with TRZ versus MYL-1401O (OR 1.1, 95% CI 0.5–2.4, p = 0.850). tpCR rates were similar for patients treated with MYL-1401O compared to trastuzumab in our real world study of HER2+ neoadjuvant EBC and comparable to pivotal phase 3 trials.
The Chromosome-Level Genome of Elaeagnus moorcroftii Wall., an Economically and Ecologically Important Tree Species in Drylands
Authors: Fu Xinxing , Wu Jingjing , Ma Xiaohui , Li Kunpeng , Zhang Hui , Wu Shengdan , Sun Kun
Published: June 2022

Elaeagnus moorcroftii Wall. (Elaeagnaceae) is an important tree species naturally growing in arid Northwest China that has great economic and ecological values in drylands. In this study, we de novo assembled a chromosome-level genome for E. moorcroftii by using PacBio’s high-fidelity (HiFi) sequencing and Hi-C-assisted assembly technology. The assembled genome size was 529.56 Mb, of which 94.56% was anchored to 14 pseudochromosomes with a contig N50 up to 28.21 Mb. In total, 29,243 protein-coding genes were annotated, and 98.5% of the Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCOs) were captured in the genome. Evolutionary genomic analysis showed that E. moorcroftii split with Elaeagnus mollis 9.38 million years ago (Ma), and contrasted evolutionary trajectories of gene family expansion and contraction were observed for these two closely related species. Furthermore, we identified two successive whole genome duplication (WGD) events occurred in the genome of E. moorcroftii, in addition to the ancient gamma hexaploidization event shared by core eudicots. Together, the chromosome-level genome assembly for E. moorcroftii decoded here provides valuable genomic information for the further genetic improvement and molecular breeding of this indigenous species in drylands.
Low-Dose High-Resolution Photon-Counting CT of the Lung: Radiation Dose and Image Quality in the Clinical Routine
Authors: Woeltjen Matthias Michael , Niehoff Julius Henning , Michael Arwed Elias , Horstmeier Sebastian , Moenninghoff Christoph , Borggrefe Jan , Kroeger Jan Robert
Published: June 2022

This study aims to investigate the qualitative and quantitative image quality of low-dose high-resolution (LD-HR) lung CT scans acquired with the first clinical approved photon counting CT (PCCT) scanner. Furthermore, the radiation dose used by the PCCT is compared to a conventional CT scanner with an energy-integrating detector system (EID-CT). Twenty-nine patients who underwent a LD-HR chest CT scan with dual-source PCCT and had previously undergone a LD-HR chest CT with a standard EID-CT scanner were retrospectively included in this study. Images of the whole lung as well as enlarged image sections displaying a specific finding (lesion) were evaluated in terms of overall image quality, image sharpness and image noise by three senior radiologists using a 5-point Likert scale. The PCCT images were reconstructed with and without a quantum iterative reconstruction algorithm (PCCT QIR+/−). Noise and signal-to-noise (SNR) were measured and the effective radiation dose was calculated. Overall, image quality and image sharpness were rated best in PCCT (QIR+) images. A significant difference was seen particularly in image sections of PCCT (QIR+) images compared to EID-CT images (p < 0.005). Image noise of PCCT (QIR+) images was significantly lower compared to EID-CT images in image sections (p = 0.005). In contrast, noise was lowest on EID-CT images (p < 0.001). The PCCT used significantly less radiation dose compared to the EID-CT (p < 0.001). In conclusion, LD-HR PCCT scans of the lung provide better image quality while using significantly less radiation dose compared to EID-CT scans.
Mitochondrial DNA: Consensuses and Controversies
Authors: Shokolenko Inna , Alexeyev Mikhail
Published: June 2022

In the course of its short history, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has made a long journey from obscurity to the forefront of research on major biological processes. mtDNA alterations have been found in all major disease groups, and their significance remains the subject of intense research. Despite remarkable progress, our understanding of the major aspects of mtDNA biology, such as its replication, damage, repair, transcription, maintenance, etc., is frustratingly limited. The path to better understanding mtDNA and its role in cells, however, remains torturous and not without errors, which sometimes leave a long trail of controversy behind them. This review aims to provide a brief summary of our current knowledge of mtDNA and highlight some of the controversies that require attention from the mitochondrial research community.
Lyapunov Stability of a Planar Vertical Take-Off and Landing Aircraft Exerting a Force in the Environment
Authors: Lozano Rogelio , Calderón Samantha , González-Hernández Iván
Published: June 2022

This work proposes a simplified control method to stabilize the model of a nonlinear Planar Vertical Take-Off and Landing (PVTOL) system when a constant force is applied in the horizontal axis. Since the stability analysis is based on a Lyapunov function, exponential stability is guaranteed when the initial conditions fall inside a domain of attraction that is also specified. The performance of the suggested control algorithm is demonstrated using numerical simulations.
Verification of Information Thermodynamics in a Trapped Ion System
Authors: Yan Lei-Lei , Wang Lv-Yun , Su Shi-Lei , Zhou Fei , Feng Mang
Published: June 2022

Information thermodynamics has developed rapidly over past years, and the trapped ions, as a controllable quantum system, have demonstrated feasibility to experimentally verify the theoretical predictions in the information thermodynamics. Here, we address some representative theories of information thermodynamics, such as the quantum Landauer principle, information equality based on the two-point measurement, information-theoretical bound of irreversibility, and speed limit restrained by the entropy production of system, and review their experimental demonstration in the trapped ion system. In these schemes, the typical physical processes, such as the entropy flow, energy transfer, and information flow, build the connection between thermodynamic processes and information variation. We then elucidate the concrete quantum control strategies to simulate these processes by using quantum operators and the decay paths in the trapped-ion system. Based on them, some significantly dynamical processes in the trapped ion system to realize the newly proposed information-thermodynamic models is reviewed. Although only some latest experimental results of information thermodynamics with a single trapped-ion quantum system are reviewed here, we expect to find more exploration in the future with more ions involved in the experimental systems.
Low Light Image Enhancement Algorithm Based on Detail Prediction and Attention Mechanism
Authors: Hui Yanming , Wang Jue , Shi Ying , Li Bo
Published: June 2022

Most LLIE algorithms focus solely on enhancing the brightness of the image and ignore the extraction of image details, leading to losing much of the information that reflects the semantics of the image, losing the edges, textures, and shape features, resulting in image distortion. In this paper, the DELLIE algorithm is proposed, an algorithmic framework with deep learning as the central premise that focuses on the extraction and fusion of image detail features. Unlike existing methods, basic enhancement preprocessing is performed first, and then the detail enhancement components are obtained by using the proposed detail component prediction model. Then, the V-channel is decomposed into a reflectance map and an illumination map by proposed decomposition network, where the enhancement component is used to enhance the reflectance map. Then, the S and H channels are nonlinearly constrained using an improved adaptive loss function, while the attention mechanism is introduced into the algorithm proposed in this paper. Finally, the three channels are fused to obtain the final enhancement effect. The experimental results show that, compared with the current mainstream LLIE algorithm, the DELLIE algorithm proposed in this paper can extract and recover the image detail information well while improving the luminance, and the PSNR, SSIM, and NIQE are optimized by 1.85%, 4.00%, and 2.43% on average on recognized datasets.
Machine Learning Techniques for the Prediction of the Magnetic and Electric Field of Electrostatic Discharges
Authors: Fotis Georgios , Vita Vasiliki , Ekonomou Lambros
Published: June 2022

The magnetic and electric fields of electrostatic discharges are assessed using the Naïve Bayes algorithm, a machine learning technique. Laboratory data from electrostatic discharge generators were used for the implementation of this algorithm. The applied machine learning algorithm can be used to predict the radiated field knowing the discharge current. The results of the Naïve Bayes algorithm are compared to a previous software tool derived by Artificial Neural Networks, proving its better outcome. The Naïve Bayes algorithm has excellent performance on most classification tasks, despite its simplicity, and usually is more accurate than many sophisticated methods. The proposed algorithm can be used by laboratories that conduct electrostatic discharge tests on electronic equipment. It will be a useful software tool, since they will be able to predict the radiating electromagnetic field by simply measuring the discharge current from the electrostatic discharge generators.
Public Transport Decarbonization via Urban Bus Fleet Replacement in Portugal
Authors: Ribeiro Paulo J. G. , Mendes José F. G.
Published: June 2022

The transport sector accounts for around one-quarter of the GHG emissions in Europe, and, in Portugal, it represents almost one-third of the total emissions to the atmosphere. Unfortunately, these emissions have increased in recent years. Hence, cities and countries need plans to decarbonize their public transport fleets, and, more specifically, to replace fossil-fueled buses with electric buses that produce zero CO2 emissions. Thus, the main objective of this paper is to present a method to decarbonize the bus fleet in Portugal by a scheduled replacement of the current fleet, which is fueled by fossil fuels, with a completely electric fleet, in fourteen years. The study shows that it is possible to replace all Portuguese urban bus fleets with electric vehicles considering that all vehicles will be replaced when reaching the age of 14 years. Replacing the urban bus fleet with zero-emission buses would aid policymakers and bus companies to reduce the GHGs, and therefore contribute to fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, namely, Goal 13—take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
High-Frequency Sea-Level Cycle Reconstruction and Vertical Distribution of Carbonate Ramp Shoal Facies Dolomite Reservoir in Gucheng Area, East Tarim Basin
Authors: Lin Tong , Zhu Kedan , Zhang You , Feng Zihui , Zheng Xingping , Li Bin , Yi Qifan
Published: June 2022

During the sedimentary period of the Ordovician Yingshan Formation, the carbonate platform of the Gucheng area in the Tarim basin was characterized by a distally steepened ramp. Relative sea-level changes exerted a strong influence on the shoal facie dolomite reservoirs of the 3rd Member of the Ordovician Yingshan Formation (the Ying 3 member), sedimented in the context of a shallow water environment on the carbonate ramp. However, previous studies that lacked high-frequency sea-level changes in the Gucheng area prevent further dolomite reservoir characterization. The current work carries out systematic sampling based on the continuous core from the upper and middle parts of the Ying 3 member in two newly drilled exploration wells (GC17 and GC601) and a series of geochemistry analyses, such as C-O isotope, Sr isotope, and rare earth elements (REE), which helps to investigate the features of the shoal facies dolomite reservoir development against high-frequency sea-level changes. With the help of Fischer plots of these two wells, high-density δ13C data (sample interval is about 0.272 m) were merged to construct a comprehensive curve, contributing to characterizing the high-frequency sea-level changes of the upper and middle parts of the Ying 3 member in the Gucheng area and validating the relationship between the pore-vug vertical distribution and high-frequency sea-level changes. Results revealed that the porosity of dolomite reservoirs increased when the high-frequency sea-level fell and decreased when it rose. Furthermore, the karst surface can be found at the top of the upward-shallowing cycle during the high-frequency sea-level falling; the pore-vug reservoirs are concentrated below the karst exposure surface, and porous spaces are more developed closer to the top of the cycle. The high frequency sea-level curve built in this study can be used as a standard for further research of regional sea-levels in the Gucheng area, and this understanding is highly practical in the prediction of shoal facies carbonate reservoir in carbonate ramp.
Applying Machine Learning to Predict the Rate of Penetration for Geothermal Drilling Located in the Utah FORGE Site
Authors: Ben Aoun Mohamed Arbi , Madarász Tamás
Published: June 2022

Well planning for every drilling project includes cost estimation. Maximizing the rate of penetration (ROP) reduces the time required for drilling, resulting in reducing the expenses required for the drilling budget. The empirical formulas developed to predict ROP have limited field applications. Since real-time drilling data acquisition and computing technologies have improved over the years, we implemented the data-driven approach for this purpose. We investigated the potential of machine learning and deep learning algorithms to predict the nonlinear behavior of the ROP. The well was drilled to confirm the geothermal reservoir characteristics for the FORGE site. After cleaning and preprocessing the data, we selected two models and optimized their hyperparameters. According to our findings, the random forest regressor and the artificial neural network predicted the behavior of our field ROP with a maximum absolute mean error of 3.98, corresponding to 19% of the ROP’s standard deviation. A tool was created to assist engineers in selecting the best drilling parameters that increase the ROP for future drilling tasks. The tool can be validated with an existing well from the same field to demonstrate its capability as an ROP predictive model.
Computerized Design, Simulation of Meshing and Stress Analysis of External Helical Gear Drives Based on Critical Control Points
Authors: Chen Zhen , Lei Bo , Qin Ling , Qiu Guoting , Fuentes-Aznar Alfonso
Published: June 2022

Helical gears are widely used in powertrain systems. The computerized design of a new type of non-generated external helical gears based on critical control points at the transverse tooth profile is presented. The entire tooth profile is divided into different parts including the active tooth profile and fillet by control points. Involutes, circular arcs and Hermite curves are defined between two critical control points and smoothly connected with each other at those control points. The parametric equations for the tooth surfaces are derived considering the position of the mentioned control points. The basic design parameters and equations of the geometric sizing are proposed. The contact patterns, variation of the maximum stresses and peak-to-peak level of loaded transmission errors for six cases of design of the proposed new geometry of helical gear drives are studied with two cases of traditional helical gear drives as a reference, including gears with and without micro-geometry modifications. One case of an external helical gear drive designed with a combination of a circular arc and an involute to form the active tooth profile for both the pinion and the gear shows a much lower maximum bending stress and similar lower peak-to-peak level of loaded transmission errors with respect to the other cases of design. The proposed design method of tooth profiles based on critical control points lays the foundation for the topological optimization of helical gear drives.