bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Occupation in Shaping Cancer Disparities
Authors: Collatuzzo Giulia , Teglia Federica , Boffetta Paolo
Published: September 2022

Cancer occurrence is characterized globally by profound socioeconomic differences. Occupation is a fundamental component of socioeconomic status. In this review, we discuss the role of occupation as a determinant of cancer disparities. First, we address the issue of participation in cancer screening programs based on income, health insurance, occupational status and job title. Second, we review the role of occupation in contributing to disparities by acting as a mediator between cancer and (i) education and (ii) race/ethnicity. Lastly, we analyze data from a multicenter case−control study of lung cancer to calculate the mediating role of occupational exposure to diesel exhaust, silica and welding fumes in the association between education and lung cancer. By addressing the complex paths from occupation to cancer inequalities from multiple points of view, we provide evidence that occupational-related characteristics, such as income, health insurance, unemployment and hazardous exposures impinge on cancer control and outcomes. The increasing awareness of these aspects is fundamental and should lead to public health interventions to avoid inequalities rising from occupational factors.
Defining the Immune Checkpoint Landscape in Human Colorectal Cancer Highlights the Relevance of the TIGIT/CD155 Axis for Optimizing Immunotherapy
Authors: Ducoin Kathleen , Bilonda-Mutala Linda , Deleine Cécile , Oger Romain , Duchalais Emilie , Jouand Nicolas , Bossard Céline , Jarry Anne , Gervois-Segain Nadine
Published: September 2022

While immune checkpoint (IC) therapies, particularly those targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis, have revolutionized the treatment of melanoma and several other cancers, their effect remains very limited in colorectal cancer (CRC). To define a comprehensive landscape of ICs in the human CRC tumor microenvironment (TME), we evaluated, using multiparametric flow cytometry, their ex vivo expression via tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) (n = 40 CRCs) as well as that of their respective ligands on tumor and myeloid cells (n = 29). Supervised flow cytometry analyses showed that (i) most CD3+ TILs expressed PD-1 and TIGIT and, to a lesser extent, Tim-3, Lag3 and NKG2A, and (ii) EpCAM+ tumor cells and CD11b+ myeloid cells differed in their IC ligand expression profile, with a strikingly high expression of CD155 by tumor cells. An in situ analysis of IC and their ligands using immunohistochemistry on paraffin sections of CRC confirmed the overexpression of TIGIT and its ligand, CD155, in the TME. Most interestingly, an unsupervised clustering analysis of IC co-expression on CD4+ and CD8+ TILs identified two tumor subgroups, named IChigh and IClow. Altogether, our findings highlight the TIGIT/CD155 axis as a potential target that could be used in combination IC therapy in CRC.
Patterns of Healthcare Utilization Leading to Diagnosis of Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer (yCRC): Population-Based Case-Control Study
Authors: Farooq Ameer , Brown Carl J. , Sayre Eric C. , Raval Manoj J. , Loree Jonathan M. , Garg Ria , De Vera Mary A.
Published: September 2022

Background: The increasing risk of young-onset colorectal cancer (yCRC) in adults < 50 years has called for better understanding of patients’ pathways to diagnosis. This study evaluated patterns of healthcare utilization before diagnosis of yCRC. Methods: Using linked administrative health databases in British Columbia, Canada, we identified yCRC cases and cancer-free controls matched (1:10) on age, sex, and healthcare utilization. The index date was the date of diagnosis for yCRC cases and matched date for controls. Outpatient visits, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations over a 5-year prediagnosis period (e.g., year-1 to year-5) were compared using descriptive statistics and Poisson regression models. Results: The study included 2567 yCRC cases (49.6% females, 43.0 ± 5.8 years) and 25,455 controls (48.6% females, 43.0 ± 5.8 years). We observed an increasing number of outpatient visits from prediagnosis year-5 (median = 3) to year-1 (median = 8) for yCRC cases. Among controls, outpatient visits were stable and did not have a pattern of increase. Poisson regression models indicated higher adjusted count ratios for outpatient visits for yCRC cases compared to controls in the year before diagnosis (1.11; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.15). In the year before diagnosis, 35.1% of yCRC cases had potentially related visits to CRC (e.g., nausea, vomiting) and 16.9% had potentially red flag visits (e.g., gastrointestinal hemorrhage or iron deficiency anemia). Conclusions: Using population-based data, we found that individuals with yCRC did not have higher healthcare utilization than individuals without in the prediagnosis period except for the year before diagnosis.
Oncogenic and Stemness Signatures of the High-Risk HCMV Strains in Breast Cancer Progression
Authors: El Baba Ranim , Pasquereau Sébastien , Haidar Ahmad Sandy , Diab-Assaf Mona , Herbein Georges
Published: September 2022

Background: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) oncomodulation, molecular mechanisms, and ability to support polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) generation might underscore its contribution to oncogenesis, especially breast cancers. The heterogeneity of strains can be linked to distinct properties influencing the virus-transforming potential, cancer types induced, and patient’s clinical outcomes. Methods: We evaluated the transforming potential in vitro and assessed the acquired cellular phenotype, genetic and molecular features, and stimulation of stemness of HCMV strains, B544 and B693, isolated from EZH2HighMycHigh triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) biopsies. Therapeutic response assessment after paclitaxel (PTX) and ganciclovir (GCV) treatment was conducted in addition to the molecular characterization of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Findings: HCMV-B544 and B693 transformed human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs). We detected multinucleated and lipid droplet-filled PGCCs harboring HCMV. Colony formation was detected and Myc was overexpressed in CMV-Transformed-HMECs (CTH cells). CTH-B544 and B693 stimulated stemness and established an epithelial/mesenchymal hybrid state. HCMV-IE1 was detected in CTH long-term cultures indicating a sustained viral replication. Biopsy B693 unveiled a tumor signature predicting a poor prognosis. CTH-B544 cells were shown to be more sensitive to PTX/GCV therapy. Conclusion: The oncogenic and stemness signatures of HCMV strains accentuate the oncogenic potential of HCMV in breast cancer progression thereby leading the way for targeted therapies and innovative clinical interventions that will improve the overall survival of breast cancer patients.
Complications of Immediate versus Delayed DIEP Reconstruction: A Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies
Authors: Alves André S. , Tan Vincent , Scampa Matteo , Kalbermatten Daniel F. , Oranges Carlo M.
Published: September 2022

Purpose: The setting regarding the ideal timing for deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP) reconstruction remains unclear. Immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) is performed at the same time as mastectomy, while delayed breast reconstruction (DBR) is performed at any time after mastectomy except immediately. We compared both strategies to assess whether IBR or DBR should be performed to reduce postoperative adverse events. Methods: A systematic review of PubMed, Embase, Medline, Cochrane, and Web of Science was conducted, aiming at articles comparing the recipient site outcomes of IBR versus DBR with DIEP. We used the Mantel–Haenszel method with a fixed effects model. Results were expressed as the OR with a 95% CI. Results: Two retrospective and two prospective studies were identified involving 5784 DIEPs (1744 immediate and 4040 delayed). We showed a significant difference in favor of IBR for wound healing issues (OR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.41, 0.77; p = 0.0003). However, no significant differences for hematoma, infection, fat necrosis, partial flap loss, and total flap loss rate were seen. Conclusions: Despite variability in the choice of the ideal time for breast reconstruction and outcomes reported among studies, immediate DIEP surgery appears to be a reliable setting with less delayed healing issues.
Prospective Study of 4 Gy Radiotherapy for Orbital Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma (FORMAL)
Authors: Park Jaehyeon , Yea Ji Woon , Oh Se An , Kim Min Kyoung , Son Jun Hyuk , Park Jae Won
Published: September 2022

External beam radiotherapy is effective for stage I orbital mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (MALToma). Hence, very-low-dose radiotherapy is increasingly being investigated. We conducted a single-center prospective phase II trial to evaluate the effectiveness of very-low-dose radiotherapy of 4 Gy (2 Gy × 2 fractions) in pathologically confirmed stage I orbital MALToma. In this first prospective trial, patients with complete response were observed after 3–6 months of follow-up. For patients without complete remission, a radiation dose of 24 Gy/12 fractions was additionally delivered. The primary endpoint was complete response rate; secondary endpoints were overall survival, local control, and progression-free survival. Seventeen patients were screened and three patients refused enrollment during October 2018–October 2021. Thus, 14 patients (17 eyes) were analyzed (median follow-up, 28.2 months). The overall response rate was 100% (complete remission: 11 lesions; partial remission: six lesions). In all lesions with residual disease, additional radiation therapy (dose: 24 Gy) was performed. One local failure was observed. Therefore, 4 Gy ultralow-dose radiation therapy for orbital MALToma was safely performed with a planned second-line treatment in patients without complete remission. This is the first prospective study to report the effectiveness of ultralow-dose radiotherapy of 4 Gy for stage I orbital MALToma treatment.
Furfural Influences Hydrogen Evolution and Energy Conversion in Photo-Fermentation by Rhodobacter capsulatus
Authors: Cao Wen , Wei Xuan , Jiang Youmin , Feng Jiali , Gao Zixuan , Tang Canfang
Published: September 2022

Furfural, as a typical byproduct produced during the hydrolysis of lignocellulose biomass, is harmful to the photo fermentation hydrogen production. In this work, the effects of furfural on the photo fermentation hydrogen production by Rhodobacter capsulatus using glucose as substrate were investigated. The characteristics of cell growth, hydrogen production, and fermentation end-products with the addition of different concentrations of furfural (0–20 mM) were studied. The results showed that furfural negatively affected the maximum hydrogen production rate and total hydrogen yield. The maximum hydrogen yield of 2.59 ± 0.13 mol-H2/mol-glucose was obtained without furfural. However, 5 mM furfural showed a 40% increase in cell concentration. Furfural in high concentrations can favor the overproduction and accumulation of inhibitive end-products. Further analysis of energy conversion efficiency showed that most of the energy in the substrate was underused and unconverted when the furfural concentration was high. The maximum glucose consumption (93%) was achieved without furfural, while it dramatically declined to 7% with 20 mM furfural addition. The index of half-maximal inhibitory concentration was calculated as 13.40 mM. Moreover, the possible metabolic pathway of furfural and glucose was discussed.
Effective Production of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural from Fructose over a Highly Active Sulfonic Acid Functionalized SBA-15 Catalyst
Authors: Zhu Yutong , Song Ke , Xu Xiaofei , He Jian , Guo Jie
Published: September 2022

Utilizing sugar compounds (such as fructose) as feedstock for conversion to HMF is very appealing, because it makes the production processes sustainable and improves the economic viability of platform molecules derived from biomass. Here, SBA-15 with sulfonic acid functionalization was created as a heterogeneous base catalyst for fructose hydrolysis reactions to create significant platform chemicals. A fructose conversion rate as high as 100%, along with a 78.7% yield of HMF, were obtained in DMSO at 130 °C after 1 h. The excellent catalytic performance of SBA-15-SO3H in fructose hydrolysis reactions was confirmed by the activation energy’s low value (56.99 kJ/mol). The mild conditions, fast rate of reaction, and simple operation are worth mentioning for other catalysts. SBA-15-SO3H has the potential to promote fructose conversion at lower temperatures.
Ethylene Polymerization over Supported Vanadium-Magnesium Catalysts with Different Vanadium Content: The Effect of Hydrogen on Molecular Weight Characteristics of the Produced Bimodal Polyethylene
Authors: Mikenas Tatiana , Zhao Zenghui , Guan Peng , Matsko Mikhail , Zakharov Vladimir , Wu Wei
Published: September 2022

Data are presented on the activity of supported vanadium-magnesium catalysts (VMCs) with different vanadium content in ethylene polymerization and the molecular weight characteristics of the produced polyethylene. The VC1 catalyst, with a very low vanadium content (0.12 wt.%), showed a sixfold higher activity per unit weight of vanadium than the VC2 catalyst with a high-vanadium content (4.0 wt.%). Additionally, the total activity of VC2 (kg PE/g cat·h) was fivefold higher when compared to VC1. The introduction of hydrogen in polymerization leads to a considerable decrease in the activity of both catalysts. The polyethylene obtained in the presence of hydrogen over both catalysts has a broad bimodal molecular weight distribution (MWD) with a distinct shoulder in the high-molecular region (Mw ≥ 106 g/mol). Decomposition of the MWD curves of bimodal polyethylene into two fractions (high- and low-molecular fractions) made it possible to determine for the first time the ratio of the reaction rate constants of chain transfer with hydrogen (KtrH) and polymer chain propagation (Kp) for two groups of the VMC active sites producing low- and high-molecular fractions of bimodal polyethylene.
Targeting the Gut Microbiome to Treat Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease: Ready for Prime Time?
Authors: Lanthier Nicolas , Delzenne Nathalie
Published: September 2022

Numerous studies show a modification of the gut microbiota in patients with obesity or diabetes. Animal studies have also shown a causal role of gut microbiota in liver metabolic disorders including steatosis whereas the human situation is less clear. Patients with metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) also have a modification in their gut microbiota composition but the changes are not fully characterized. The absence of consensus on a precise signature is probably due to disease heterogeneity, possible concomitant medications and different selection or evaluation criteria. The most consistent changes were increased relative abundance of Proteobacteria, Enterobacteriaceae and Escherichia species and decreased abundance of Coprococcus and Eubacterium. Possible mechanisms linking the microbiota and MAFLD are increased intestinal permeability with translocation of microbial products into the portal circulation, but also changes in the bile acids and production of microbial metabolites such as ethanol, short chain fatty acids and amino acid derivatives able to modulate liver metabolism and inflammation. Several interventional studies exist that attempt to modulate liver disease by administering antibiotics, probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics or fecal transplantation. In conclusion, there are both gaps and hopes concerning the interest of gut microbiome evaluation for diagnosis purposes of MAFLD and for new therapeutic developments that are often tested on small size cohorts.
The Prostaglandin E2 Receptor EP4 Promotes Vascular Neointimal Hyperplasia through Translational Control of Tenascin C via the cAMP/PKA/mTORC1/rpS6 Pathway
Authors: Xu Hu , Fang Bingying , Bao Chengzhen , Mao Xiuhui , Zhu Chunhua , Ye Lan , Liu Qian , Li Yaqing , Du Chunxiu , Qi Hang , Zhang Xiaoyan , Guan Youfei
Published: September 2022

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is an important metabolite of arachidonic acid which plays a crucial role in vascular physiology and pathophysiology via its four receptors (EP1-4). However, the role of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) EP4 in neointimal hyperplasia is largely unknown. Here we showed that VSMC-specific deletion of EP4 (VSMC-EP4) ameliorated, while VSMC-specific overexpression of human EP4 promoted, neointimal hyperplasia in mice subjected to femoral artery wire injury or carotid artery ligation. In vitro studies revealed that pharmacological activation of EP4 promoted, whereas inhibition of EP4 suppressed, proliferation and migration of primary-cultured VSMCs. Mechanically, EP4 significantly increased the protein expression of tenascin C (TN-C), a pro-proliferative and pro-migratory extracellular matrix protein, at the translational level. Knockdown of TN-C markedly suppressed EP4 agonist-induced VSMC proliferation and migration. Further studies uncovered that EP4 upregulated TN-C protein expression via the PKA/mTORC1/Ribosomal protein S6 (rpS6) pathway. Together, our findings demonstrate that VSMC EP4 increases TN-C protein expression to promote neointimal hyperplasia via the PKA-mTORC1-rpS6 pathway. Therefore, VSMC EP4 may represent a potential therapeutic target for vascular restenosis.
BC-miR: Monitoring Breast Cancer-Related miRNA Profile in Blood Sera—A Prosperous Approach for Tumor Detection
Authors: Borsos Barbara N. , Páhi Zoltán G. , Ujfaludi Zsuzsanna , Sükösd Farkas , Nikolényi Alíz , Bankó Sarolta , Pankotai-Bodó Gabriella , Oláh-Németh Orsolya , Pankotai Tibor
Published: September 2022

Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer with a high fatality rate amongst women worldwide. Diagnosing at an early stage is challenging, and due to the limitations of the currently used techniques, including mammography and imaging diagnostics, it still remains unascertained. Serum biomarkers can be a solution for this as they can be isolated in a less painful, more cost-effective, and minimally invasive manner. In this study, we shed light on the relevant role of multiple microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential biomarkers in breast cancer diagnosis. We monitored the expressional changes of 15 pre-selected miRNAs in a large cohort, including 65 patients with breast cancer and 42 healthy individuals. We performed thorough statistical analyses on the cohort sample set and determined the diagnostic accuracy of individual and multiple miRNAs. Our study reveals a potential improvement in diagnostics by implicating the monitoring of miR-15a+miR-16+miR-221 expression in breast cancer management.
Carnitine Protects against MPP+-Induced Neurotoxicity and Inflammation by Promoting Primary Ciliogenesis in SH-SY5Y Cells
Authors: Bae Ji-Eun , Kim Joon Bum , Jo Doo Sin , Park Na Yeon , Kim Yong Hwan , Lee Ha Jung , Kim Seong Hyun , Kim So Hyun , Son Mikyung , Kim Pansoo , Ryu Hong-Yeoul , Lee Won Ha , Ryoo Zae Young , Lee Hyun-Shik , Jung Yong-Keun , Cho Dong-Hyung
Published: September 2022

Primary cilia help to maintain cellular homeostasis by sensing conditions in the extracellular environment, including growth factors, nutrients, and hormones that are involved in various signaling pathways. Recently, we have shown that enhanced primary ciliogenesis in dopamine neurons promotes neuronal survival in a Parkinson’s disease model. Moreover, we performed fecal metabolite screening in order to identify several candidates for improving primary ciliogenesis, including L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine. However, the role of carnitine in primary ciliogenesis has remained unclear. In addition, the relationship between primary cilia and neurodegenerative diseases has remained unclear. In this study, we have evaluated the effects of carnitine on primary ciliogenesis in 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+)-treated cells. We found that both L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine promoted primary ciliogenesis in SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, the enhancement of ciliogenesis by carnitine suppressed MPP+-induced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species overproduction and mitochondrial fragmentation in SH-SY5Y cells. Moreover, carnitine inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that enhanced ciliogenesis regulates MPP+-induced neurotoxicity and inflammation.
Safety and Efficacy of Regadenoson for Pediatric Stress Perfusion Cardiac MRI with Quantification of Myocardial Blood Flow
Authors: Patel Shivani , Husain Nazia , Rigsby Cynthia , Robinson Joshua
Published: September 2022

Myocardial stress perfusion magnetic resonance imaging is a non-invasive tool to assess for myocardial ischemia and viability. Pediatric myocardial stress perfusion MRI can be challenging due to multiple intravenous lines, sedation, inadequate breath holding, fast heart rates, and complex anatomy. We performed a retrospective analysis in 39 children to evaluate safety and efficacy of regadenoson, a coronary vasodilator administered via a single intravenous line (6–10 mcg/kg), with respiratory motion correction (MOCO) and semi-quantitative blood flow analysis. Stress response data and adverse events were recorded, and image quality compared between native and MOCO reconstructions, assessing for perfusion deficits. Semi-quantitative analysis compared myocardial perfusion reserve index (MPRI) between patients who had a focal perfusion defect, patients who had undergone an orthotopic heart transplant, and non-transplant patients with no focal defects. Stress perfusion was completed in 38/39 patients (median age 15 years with a 41 ± 27% rise in heart rate (p < 0.005). Fifteen out of thirty-eight had transient minor side effects with no major adverse events. MOCO image quality was better than non-MOCO (4.63 vs. 4.01 at rest, p < 0.005: 4.41 vs. 3.84 at stress, p < 0.005). Reversible perfusion defects were seen in 4/38 patients with lower segmental mean MPRI in the area of the perfusion defect, nearing statistical significance when compared to non-transplant patients with no defects (0.78 ± 0.22 vs. 0.99 ± 0.36, p = 0.07). The global MPRI of the 16 patients who had undergone orthotopic heart transplant was significantly lower than the non-transplant patients (0.75 ± 0.22 vs. 0.92 ± 0.23, p = 0.03). Regadenoson is a safe and effective coronary vasodilator for pediatric stress perfusion MRI with MOCO producing better image quality and allowing for semi-quantitative assessment of perfusion deficits that correlate with qualitative assessment.
Different N-Glycosylation Sites Reduce the Activity of Recombinant DSPAα2
Authors: Peng Huakang , Wang Mengqi , Wang Nan , Yang Caifeng , Guo Wenfang , Li Gangqiang , Huang Sumei , Wei Di , Liu Dehu
Published: September 2022

Bat plasminogen activators α2 (DSPAα2) has extremely high medicinal value as a powerful natural thrombolytic protein. However, wild-type DSPAα2 has two N-glycosylation sites (N185 and N398) and its non-human classes of high-mannose-type N-glycans may cause immune responses in vivo. By mutating the N-glycosylation sites, we aimed to study the effect of its N-glycan chain on plasminogen activation, fibrin sensitivity, and to observe the physicochemical properties of DSPAα2. A logical structure design was performed in this study. Four single mutants and one double mutant were constructed and expressed in Pichia pastoris. When the N398 site was eliminated, the plasminogen activator in the mutants had their activities reduced to ~40%. When the N185 site was inactivated, there was a weak decrease in the plasminogen activation of its mutant, while the fibrin sensitivity significantly decreased by ~10-fold. Neither N-glycosylation nor deglycosylation mutations changed the pH resistance or heat resistance of DSPAα2. This study confirms that N-glycosylation affects the biochemical function of DSPAα2, which provides a reference for subsequent applications of DSPAα2.
Evaluating the Influence of CAM5 Aerosol Configuration on Simulated Tropical Cyclones in the North Atlantic
Authors: Huff J. Jacob A. , Reed Kevin A. , Bacmeister Julio T. , Wehner Michael F.
Published: September 2022

This study examines the influence of prescribed and prognostic aerosol model configurations on the formation of tropical cyclones (TCs) in the North Atlantic Ocean in Community Atmosphere Model version 5 (CAM5). The impact of aerosol parameterization is examined by investigating storm track density, genesis density, potential intensity, and genesis potential index. This work shows that both CAM5 configurations simulate reduced storm frequency when compared to observations and that differences in TC climatology between the model configurations can be explained by differences in the large-scale environment. The analysis shows that simulation with the prognostic aerosol parameterization scheme reasonably captures the observed interannual variability in tropical cyclones and aerosols (i.e., dust) in the North Atlantic, while simulation with the prescribed configuration (climatology) is less favorable. The correlation between dust and TCs in observations (i.e., reanalysis and satellite datasets) is shown to be negative, and this relationship was also found for the prognostic aerosol configuration despite an overall decrease in the frequency of TCs. This indicates that, to accurately replicate certain aspects of TC interannual variability, the aerosol configuration within CAM5 needs to account for the appropriate dust variability.
Accrual-Monitoring Practices for Various Disease Trials among AACI Member Cancer Centers
Authors: Elliott Zachary T. , Goldberg Zachary , Philips Ramez , Johnson Jennifer M. , Kasner Margaret T. , Kelly William K. , Osipowicz Sarah , Dampman Rachael , Curry Joseph M.
Published: September 2022

Progress in the management of rare diseases, including rare cancers, is dependent upon clinical trials; however, as many as 32% of rare-disease trials go uncompleted or unpublished due to insufficient accrual. Monitoring practices may differ between institutions. We sought to survey the regulatory standards for various trial types among major U.S. cancer centers. A 10-question survey was designed using Qualtrics assessment software. The survey was sent via email to an internal server of member institutions of the Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI). Of 103 AACI centers, 31% completed the survey (n = 32). Respondents differed in their definitions of a rare disease, minimum expectations for rare tumor studies, and frequency of accrual monitoring by their institutional Protocol Review and Monitoring Committee. Seventy-three percent of respondents did not close trials based on low accrual. Strategies to optimize accrual included investigator incentives for high accrual and penalties for low accrual in 37% and 13% of respondents, respectively.
Fast Calculation Method for Predicting the Morphology of Steady-State Ablation
Authors: Wang Xiaobin , Jiang Peng , Tang Yujian , Cheng Pengfei , Zhang Weixu
Published: September 2022

Predicting the surface morphology of materials during steady-state ablation is important in rocket motor nozzles and the heat shields of vehicles performing atmospheric re-entry. When designing ablative materials, a high number of calculations is required for analyzing surface morphology. To effectively design these materials and reduce the number of experiments, a fast, effective, and simple calculation method is required. Although a fundamental theory for ablation has been established, quick and effective prediction of the morphology of the composites remains a challenge. In this study, we propose a fast, effective, and simple numerical calculation method to predict the surface morphology of steady-state ablation based on the geometric characteristics of the materials. The results obtained in this study were consistent with the experimental observations. The calculation time was significantly reduced. In addition, our method was found to be useful for analyzing the physical and chemical properties and surface roughness of ablative materials.
Structural, Magnetic, and Magnetothermal Properties of Co100−xNix Nanoparticles for Self-Controlled Hyperthermia
Authors: Al Nasir Muhammad Hisham , Siddique Shumaila , Aisida Samson O. , Altowairqi Yasir , Fadhali Mohammed M. , Shariq Mohammad , Khan M. Shakir , Qamar Muhammad Azam , Shahid Tauseef , Shahzad Muhammad Imran , Ali Syed Kashif
Published: September 2022

In this study, the structural and magnetic properties of a series of functionalized Co100−xNix (x = 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 85) nanoparticles (NPs) were analyzed with the objective of attaining a high specific absorption rate (SAR). The magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) obtained by ball milling at 1425 rpm lie in the range of 03–29 nm and are studied as potential candidates for magnetic fluid hyperthermia. Magnetic measurements show that all samples possess soft ferromagnetic properties with the reduction in the Curie temperature (TC) by Ni substitution in Co100−xNix alloys and by ball milling. The specific absorption rate (SAR) and specific loss power (SLP) obtained from magnetothermal measurements for powder and fluid samples lie in the range 4.4–83 W/g and 19–382 W/g, respectively, showing strong dependence on structural and magnetic properties. The SAR/SLP values as a function of the applied field at 425 kHz display a square dependence on the applied magnetic field below 165 Oe, which is expected for single domain ferromagnetic nanoparticles, but deviate from this at higher values of the applied field. We also obtained the effective anisotropy constant Keff for ball-milled nanoparticles at 1425 rpm for 200, 300, and 500 min. within the framework of linear response theory, showing strong dependence on average crystallite size. Additionally, the toxicity of the prepared nanoparticles in the form of percentage hemolysis was controlled with oleic acid.
Spillover Effects in Empirical Corporate Finance: Choosing the Proxy for Treatment Coverage
Authors: Gómez Fabiana , Pacini David
Published: September 2022

The existing literature indicates that spillovers can lead to a complicated bias in the estimation of causal effects in empirical corporate finance. We show that, under the assumption of simple random treatment assignment and when the proxy chosen for the group-level treatment coverage is the leave-one-out average treatment, such a spillover bias exists if and only if the average indirect effects on the treated and untreated groups are different. We quantify the gains in spillover bias reduction using Monte Carlo exercises. We propose a Wald test to statistically infer the presence of bias. We illustrate the application of this test to bear out spillovers in firms’ employment decisions.
Signal Processing Algorithm for Monopulse Noise Noncoherent Wideband Helicopter Altitude Radar
Authors: Volosyuk Valeriy , Pavlikov Volodymyr , Zhyla Simeon , Tserne Eduard , Odokiienko Oleksii , Humennyi Andrii , Popov Anatoliy , Uruskiy Oleh
Published: September 2022

Radio altimeters are an important component of modern helicopter on-board systems. These devices currently involve the use of narrowband deterministic signals, that limits their potential technical characteristics. Given the significant breakthrough in the development of wideband and ultra-wideband radio electronics, it is promising to create on-board radio complexes capable of obtaining the necessary information using wideband stochastic signals. At the same time, when developing such complexes, it is important to use optimal synthesis methods for radio systems, which will allow optimal signal processing algorithms and potential accuracy parameters to be obtained. In this work, the algorithm to measure flight altitude for a helicopter or an unmanned aerial vehicle based on the processing of wideband and ultra-wideband pulsed stochastic signals is synthesized for the first time by the maximum-likelihood method. When formulating the problem, the mathematical model of the signal and observation is specified, and their statistical characteristics are investigated. The peculiarity of the synthesis task is the use of a noise pulse transmitter, which implements the function of an underlying surface illuminator, as well as considering the signal structure destruction during its radiation, propagation, and reflection. This signal shape destruction makes it impossible to synthesize a radar with internally coherent processing when working on one receiving antenna. In accordance with the synthesized algorithm, a simulation model of a pulsed radar with a stochastic probing signal has been developed and the results of its modeling are presented.
STEMI Patients in the First and Second Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Northeast Slovenia—A Retrospective, Single-Center Observational Study
Authors: Sinkovič Andreja , Kraševec Manja , Šuran David , Marinšek Martin
Published: September 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the outcomes of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients in most countries. We aimed to retrospectively assess the admissions, treatments, complications, and mortality of STEMI patients in the northeast of Slovenia during the first (March–May 2020) and second waves (October–December 2020) of the COVID-19 pandemic and to compare them with data from 2019 (March–October). Comparing 2019 and both waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, we observed nonsignificant differences in the number of STEMI admissions, baseline characteristics, use of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within the first 3 (40.5%* vs. 38.7% vs. 25%*, *p = 0.074) or 6 h, TIMI III flow after primary PCI, and hospital complications, as well as significant increases in hospital heart failure (23.3% vs. 42%, p = 0.015) and mitral regurgitation in the second wave (10% vs. 26.9%, p = 0.008) of the pandemic and a nonsignificant increase in hospital mortality (8.9% vs. 9.4% vs. 13.6%) during both waves of the pandemic. We conclude that, due to the increased severity of the COVID-19 pandemic in the second wave, there were longer delays to primary PCI in STEMI patients, resulting in significantly increased hospital heart failure and non-significantly increased hospital mortality.
Improving Thermostability of GH11 Xylanase XynASP by the Design of Loop Region
Authors: Li Tongbiao , Yang Siwen , Wang Xiaoxiao , Cai Hongxuan , Wang Ye , Li Chao , Li Enzhong
Published: September 2022

Highly flexible loop regions can affect the structure-function relationship of enzymes. In this study, to reveal the effect of the loop on the thermal stability of GH11 xylanase XynASP from Aspergillus saccharolyticus JOP 1030-1, three mutants (T41V, A79Y, T81Q) located in the loop region were predicted by the FireProt web server and constructed by site-directed mutagenesis. Heat tolerance experiments were performed in the mutants and wild-type XynASP, as well as for previously reported mutant T41W, indicating that the thermostability of enzymes from weak to strong was wild-type XynASP, T41V, T81Q, A79Y and T41W. Novel hydrophobic contacts and hydrogen bonds in the single mutants were found and explained for enhanced thermostability. T41W, A79Y and T81Q were combined by site-directed mutagenesis. The combined double mutants T41W/A79Y and A79Y/T81Q displayed significantly higher thermostability than that of the wild-type, yet lower than that of the robust mutant T41W after 30 min of incubation at 35–60 °C. But the triple mutant T41W/A79Y/T81Q displayed a slight improvement in thermal stability compared to T41W after 30 min of incubation at 35–60 °C. Meanwhile, T41W/A79Y/T81Q exhibited substantially improved thermostability with a half-life of inactivation enhanced from 20.7 min to 127.0 min at 45 °C. Furthermore, the optimum temperature increased by 10 °C compared to the wild-type XynASP. The pH stability of T41W/A79Y/T81Q at pH 3.0-8.0 all obtained more than 88% residual activities, displaying a significant improvement compared to the wild-type XynASP (40–70% residual activities) at the same conditions. This study confirms that designing GH11xylanases in the loop region is an effective strategy for obtaining thermostabilizing xylanases.
Behind Enemy Lines: Vital Echocardiographic Data Prior to Ventricular Arrhythmia Ablation
Authors: Deaconu Silvia , Deaconu Alexandru , Marascu Gabriela , Petre Ioana , Vatasescu Radu
Published: September 2022

Ventricular arrhythmias (VA) are a major cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Echocardiography is the first widely available imaging tool which guides VA management strategies. Along with other invasive and noninvasive imaging techniques, it provides essential information for identification of VA substrate such as differentiation between ischemic and non-ischemic etiology and identification of structural heart disease. Both classic as well as novel echocardiographic techniques such as left ventricular strain measurement and mechanical dispersion assessment provide prognostic information and assist in risk stratification. Furthermore, intracardiac echocardiography may have an adjunctive role for the VA ablation by providing real-time visualization of cardiac structures, continuous monitoring of catheter location and early recognition of procedural complications. This review gathers all relevant information that echocardiography may offer prior to VA ablation procedures.
Evaluation of Root Canal Configuration of Maxillary and Mandibular First Molar by CBCT: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Alhujhuj Rakan Rafdan , Jouhar Rizwan , Ahmed Muhammad Adeel , Almujhim Abdullatif Abdulrahman , Albutayh Mohammed Tariq , Adanir Necdet
Published: September 2022

Adequate knowledge of root canal morphology along with its probable variations is imperative to acquire successful endodontic treatment. This retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the root canal configuration of maxillary and mandibular first molar using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) among patients in Al-Ahsa region, Saudi Arabia. A total of 377 samples were included, out of which 123 CBCT (I-CAT Vision QTM) scans with intact all first permanent molars were selected in this study and scanned in sagittal, axial, and coronal views by using BlueSkyPlan software. The number of canals in each root and their configuration according to the Vertucci classification system was evaluated. Statistical analysis was analyzed using SPSS version 21 (IBM). Chi-square test was applied to evaluate the association of root canal morphology and mandibular and maxillary first molars with respect to gender. Out of 123 CBCT scans, 59 (48.0%) were males and 64 (52.0%) were females; the mean age was 26.95 ± 10.65 years. The mesiobuccal root of bilateral maxillary first molar had Type-I (87.0%) of Vertucci classification followed by Type-IV (9.8%). Additionally, all mesiobuccal roots (100%) of the left mandibular first molar had Type-I of Vertucci’s classification. A significant association has been observed between gender and a number of canals in bilateral maxillary first molars. Females showed a significantly higher prevalence of three-root canal configuration in maxillary first molars of both sides compared four canals found most commonly in males (p = 0.004). This study concluded that the majority of maxillary and mandibular permanent first molars had three roots and three canals with Type-I Vertucci’s classification in patients belonging to the Al-Ahsa region of the Saudi Arabia. It was also proved that gender is significantly associated with the number of canals in a bilateral maxillary molar.
ARSD: An Adaptive Region Selection Object Detection Framework for UAV Images
Authors: Wan Yuzhuang , Zhong Yi , Huang Yan , Han Yi , Cui Yongqiang , Yang Qi , Li Zhuo , Yuan Zhenhui , Li Qing
Published: September 2022

Due to the rapid development of deep learning, the performance of object detection has greatly improved. However, object detection in high-resolution Unmanned Aerial Vehicles images remains a challenging problem for three main reasons: (1) the objects in aerial images have different scales and are usually small; (2) the images are high-resolution but state-of-the-art object detection networks are of a fixed size; (3) the objects are not evenly distributed in aerial images. To this end, we propose a two-stage Adaptive Region Selection Detection framework in this paper. An Overall Region Detection Network is first applied to coarsely localize the object. A fixed points density-based targets clustering algorithm and an adaptive selection algorithm are then designed to select object-dense sub-regions. The object-dense sub-regions are sent to a Key Regions Detection Network where results are fused with the results at the first stage. Extensive experiments and comprehensive evaluations on the VisDrone2021-DET benchmark datasets demonstrate the effectiveness and adaptiveness of the proposed framework. Experimental results show that the proposed framework outperforms, in terms of mean average precision (mAP), the existing baseline methods by 2.1% without additional time consumption.
Recent Insight in Transition Metal Anchored on Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Catalysts: Preparation and Catalysis Application
Authors: Li Boyang , Zhang Lihua , Zhang Jianrui , Su Yaqiong
Published: September 2022

The design and preparation of novel, high-efficiency, and low-cost heterogeneous catalysts are important topics in academic and industry research. In the past, inorganic materials, metal oxide, and carbon materials were used as supports for the development of heterogeneous catalysts due to their excellent properties, such as high specific surface areas and tunable porous structures. However, the properties of traditional pristine carbon materials cannot keep up with the sustained growth and requirements of industry and scientific research, since the introduction of nitrogen atoms into carbon materials may significantly enhance a variety of their physicochemical characteristics, which gradually become appropriate support for synthesizing supported transition metal catalysts. In the past several decades, the transition metal anchored on nitrogen-doped carbon catalysts has attracted a tremendous amount of interest as potentially useful catalysts for diverse chemical reactions. Compared with original carbon support, the doping of nitrogen atoms can significantly regulate the physicochemical properties of carbon materials and allow active metal species uniformly dispersed on the support. The various N species in support also play a critical role in accelerating the catalytic performance in some reactions. Besides, the interaction between support and transition metal active sites can offer an anchor site to stabilize metal species during the preparation process and then improve reaction performance, atomic utilization, and stability. In this review, we highlight the recent advances and the remaining challenges in the preparation and application of transition metal anchored on nitrogen-doped carbon catalysts.
Improving the Energy Efficiency of Software-Defined Networks through the Prediction of Network Configurations
Authors: Jiménez-Lázaro Manuel , Herrera Juan Luis , Berrocal Javier , Galán-Jiménez Jaime
Published: September 2022

During the last years, huge efforts have been conducted to reduce the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector energy consumption due to its impact on the carbon footprint, in particular, the one coming from networking equipment. Although the irruption of programmable and softwarized networks has opened new perspectives to improve the energy-efficient solutions already defined for traditional IP networks, the centralized control of the Software-Defined Networking (SDN) paradigm entails an increase in the time required to compute a change in the network configuration and the corresponding actions to be carried out (e.g., installing/removing rules, putting links to sleep, etc.). In this paper, a Machine Learning solution based on Logistic Regression is proposed to predict energy-efficient network configurations in SDN. This solution does not require executing optimal or heuristic solutions at the SDN controller, which otherwise would result in higher computation times. Experimental results over a realistic network topology show that our solution is able to predict network configurations with a high feasibility (>95%), hence improving the energy savings achieved by a benchmark heuristic based on Genetic Algorithms. Moreover, the time required for computation is reduced by a factor of more than 500,000 times.
Impact of Passive-Components’ Models on the Stability Assessment of Inverter-Dominated Power Grids
Authors: del Giudice Davide , Bizzarri Federico , Grillo Samuele , Linaro Daniele , Brambilla Angelo Maurizio
Published: September 2022

Power systems are experiencing some profound changes, which are posing new challenges in many different ways. One of the most significant of such challenges is the increasing presence of inverter-based resources (ibrs), both as loads and generators. This calls for new approaches and a wide reconsideration of the most commonly established practices in almost all the levels of power systems’ analysis, operation, and planning. This paper focuses specifically on the impacts on stability analyses of the numerical models of power system passive components (e.g., lines, transformers, along with their on-load tap changers). Traditionally, loads have been modelled as constant power loads, being this both a conservative option for what concerns stability results and a computationally convenient simplification. However, compared to their counterparts above, in some operating conditions ibrs can effectively be considered real constant power loads, whose behaviour is much more complex in terms of the equivalent impedance seen by the network. This has an impact on the way passive network components should be modelled to attain results and conclusions consistent with the real power system behaviour. In this paper, we investigate these issues on the ieee14 bus test network. To begin with, we assess the effects of constant-power and constant-impedance load models. Then, we replace a transmission line with a dc line connected to the network through two modular multilevel converters (mmcs), which account for the presence of ibrs in modern grids. Lastly, we analyse how and to which extent inaccurate modelling of mmcs and other passive components can lead to wrong stability analyses and transient simulations.
Study on the Bending Effect and Rock Burst Mechanism of Middle Rock Pillars in Extremely Thick Subvertical Coal Seams
Authors: Hao Yuxi , Sun Yangyang , Hu Jiangchun , He Manchao , Wang Jiong , Li Mingliang
Published: September 2022

Rock bursts occur in nearly vertical coal seam mines at shallow to moderate burial depths, which endangers safe mining. To study the rock burst mechanisms of nearly vertical and extremely thick coal seams, the characteristics of rock bursts were studied via on-site investigation, and a field test of in situ stress was carried out. The mechanical behavior of rock pillars in the middle of the B1+2 and B3+6 coal seams was analyzed using theoretical and numerical simulation methods. The results show that the horizontal maximum principal stress orientation and the nearly vertical coal seam strike were both 82°. The bending of the rock pillars occurred due to the horizontal unbalanced force, and a large amount of bending energy was accumulated within 50 m above the mining level. Rock pillars were bent toward the B1+2 mining goaf and exerted a reverse bending and squeezing effect on the B3+6 coal seam below the mining levels. In addition to the inclination and compression of the B3+6 coal seam roof, stress concentration zones formed in the B3+6 coal seam, where a large amount of elastic energy had accumulated in the coal-rock mass. Consequently, both the rock pillars and the B3+6 coal body at the mining level are in an unstable state undue to mining disturbance. Rock burst energy theory and numerical calculation results showed that in the stress concentration zones of the B3+6 coal seam, the energy density of the coal mass reached or exceeded its critical value before rock burst occurred, and rock bursts were prone to occur under mining disturbances. The in situ microseismic results showed that high-energy microseismic events were mainly concentrated in middle rock pillars around the mining levels and the coal mass in high-stress concentration zones.