bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and Safety of Carbon-Ion Radiotherapy for Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with Coexisting Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Okano Naoko , Kubo Nobuteru , Yamaguchi Koichi , Kouno Shunichi , Miyasaka Yuhei , Mizukami Tatsuji , Shirai Katsuyuki , Saitoh Jun-ichi , Ebara Takeshi , Kawamura Hidemasa , Maeno Toshitaka , Ohno Tatsuya
Published: August 2021

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a risk factor both for the development and treatment failure of lung cancer. In this retrospective study, we analyzed the outcome of carbon-ion radiotherapy (CIRT) in 124 patients with clinical stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), of whom 26 (21%) had radiological signs of pre-existing ILD. ILD was diagnosed retrospectively by a pulmonologist based on critical review of CT-scans. Ninety-eight patients were assigned to the non-ILD group and 26 patients (21.0%) to the ILD group. There were significant differences in pre-treatment KL-6 values between the two groups. The three year overall survival and cause-specific survival rates were 83.2% and 90.7%, respectively, in the non-ILD group, and 59.7% and 59.7%, respectively, in the ILD group (between-group differences, p = 0.002 and p < 0.001). Radiation pneumonitis worse than Grade 2 was observed in three patients (3.0%) in the non-ILD group and two patients (7.6%) in the ILD group (p = 0.29). There were no cases of acute exacerbation in the ILD group. CIRT for stage I NSCLC was as safe in the ILD group as in the non-ILD group. Coexisting ILD was a poor prognostic factor in CIRT for clinical stage I lung cancer.
Computational Approaches for Cancer-Fighting: From Gene Expression to Functional Foods
Authors: Monticolo Francesco , Chiusano Maria Luisa
Published: August 2021

It is today widely accepted that a healthy diet is very useful to prevent the risk for cancer or its deleterious effects. Nutrigenomics studies are therefore taking place with the aim to test the effects of nutrients at molecular level and contribute to the search for anti-cancer treatments. These efforts are expanding the precious source of information necessary for the selection of natural compounds useful for the design of novel drugs or functional foods. Here we present a computational study to select new candidate compounds that could play a role in cancer prevention and care. Starting from a dataset of genes that are co-expressed in programmed cell death experiments, we investigated on nutrigenomics treatments inducing apoptosis, and searched for compounds that determine the same expression pattern. Subsequently, we selected cancer types where the genes showed an opposite expression pattern and we confirmed that the apoptotic/nutrigenomics expression trend had a significant positive survival in cancer-affected patients. Furthermore, we considered the functional interactors of the genes as defined by public protein-protein interaction data, and inferred on their involvement in cancers and/or in programmed cell death. We identified 7 genes and, from available nutrigenomics experiments, 6 compounds effective on their expression. These 6 compounds were exploited to identify, by ligand-based virtual screening, additional molecules with similar structure. We checked for ADME criteria and selected 23 natural compounds representing suitable candidates for further testing their efficacy in apoptosis induction. Due to their presence in natural resources, novel drugs and/or the design of functional foods are conceivable from the presented results.
The Impact of the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine on High-Grade Cervical Lesions in Urban and Rural Areas: An Age–Period–Cohort Analysis
Authors: Shing Jaimie Z. , Beeghly-Fadiel Alicia , Griffin Marie R. , Chang Rachel S. , Sudenga Staci L. , Slaughter James C. , Pemmaraju Manideepthi , Mitchel Edward F. , Hull Pamela C.
Published: August 2021

Disparities in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination exist between urban (metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs)) and rural (non-MSAs) regions. To address whether the HPV vaccine’s impact differs by urbanicity, we examined trends in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grades 2 or 3 and adenocarcinoma in situ (collectively, CIN2+) incidence in MSAs and non-MSAs among Tennessee Medicaid (TennCare)-enrolled women aged 18–39 years and among the subset screened for cervical cancer in Tennessee, United States. Using TennCare claims data, we identified annual age-group-specific (18–20, 21–24, 25–29, 30–34, and 35–39 years) CIN2+ incidence (2008–2018). Joinpoint regression was used to identify trends over time. Age–period–cohort Poisson regression models were used to evaluate age, period, and cohort effects. All analyses were stratified by urbanicity (MSA versus non-MSA). From 2008–2018, 11,243 incident CIN2+ events (7956 in MSAs; 3287 in non-MSAs) were identified among TennCare-enrolled women aged 18–39 years. CIN2+ incident trends (2008–2018) were similar between women in MSAs and non-MSAs, with largest declines among ages 18–20 (MSA average annual percent change (AAPC): −30.4, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): −35.4, −25.0; non-MSA AAPC: −30.9, 95%CI: −36.8, −24.5) and 21–24 years (MSA AAPC: −14.8, 95%CI: −18.1, −11.3; non-MSA AAPC: −15.1, 95%CI: −17.9, −12.2). Significant declines for ages 18–20 years began in 2008 in MSAs compared to 2010 in non-MSAs. Trends were largely driven by age and cohort effects. These patterns were consistent among screened women. Despite evidence of HPV vaccine impact on reducing CIN2+ incidence regardless of urbanicity, significant declines in CIN2+ incidence were delayed in non-MSAs versus MSAs.
Casein Kinase 1D Encodes a Novel Drug Target in Hedgehog—GLI-Driven Cancers and Tumor-Initiating Cells Resistant to SMO Inhibition
Authors: Peer Elisabeth , Aichberger Sophie Karoline , Vilotic Filip , Gruber Wolfgang , Parigger Thomas , Grund-Gröschke Sandra , Elmer Dominik Patrick , Rathje Florian , Ramspacher Andrea , Zaja Mirko , Michel Susanne , Hamm Svetlana , Aberger Fritz
Published: August 2021

(1) Background: Aberrant activation of the hedgehog (HH)—GLI pathway in stem-like tumor-initiating cells (TIC) is a frequent oncogenic driver signal in various human malignancies. Remarkable efficacy of anti-HH therapeutics led to the approval of HH inhibitors targeting the key pathway effector smoothened (SMO) in basal cell carcinoma and acute myeloid leukemia. However, frequent development of drug resistance and severe adverse effects of SMO inhibitors pose major challenges that require alternative treatment strategies targeting HH—GLI in TIC downstream of SMO. We therefore investigated members of the casein kinase 1 (CSNK1) family as novel drug targets in HH—GLI-driven malignancies. (2) Methods: We genetically and pharmacologically inhibited CSNK1D in HH-dependent cancer cells displaying either sensitivity or resistance to SMO inhibitors. To address the role of CSNK1D in oncogenic HH signaling and tumor growth and initiation, we quantitatively analyzed HH target gene expression, performed genetic and chemical perturbations of CSNK1D activity, and monitored the oncogenic transformation of TIC in vitro and in vivo using 3D clonogenic tumor spheroid assays and xenograft models. (3) Results: We show that CSNK1D plays a critical role in controlling oncogenic GLI activity downstream of SMO. We provide evidence that inhibition of CSNK1D interferes with oncogenic HH signaling in both SMO inhibitor-sensitive and -resistant tumor settings. Furthermore, genetic and pharmacologic perturbation of CSNK1D decreases the clonogenic growth of GLI-dependent TIC in vitro and in vivo. (4) Conclusions: Pharmacologic targeting of CSNK1D represents a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of both SMO inhibitor-sensitive and -resistant tumors.
Prognostic Role of Pre-Treatment [18F]FDG PET/CT in Patients with Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Kim Hyun Jeong , Chang Hang-Seok , Ryu Young Hoon
Published: August 2021

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a rare but highly lethal disease. Therefore, its diagnosis at an early stage and a rapid and accurate establishment of a proper treatment strategy is warranted. Tumor glycolysis assessed by 18fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) is predictive of many cancers despite its limited proven applicability to ATC. We investigated the prognostic capability of [18F]FDG PET/CT in patients with ATC. Forty patients with ATC were subjected to [18F]FDG PET/CT for pre-treatment evaluation. The tumor size and stage, overall survival (OS), and PET parameters, including the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) were analyzed. The 1-year OS rate was 17.5% with a mean life expectancy of 7.1 months. Distant metastasis was detected solely using PET/CT in 37.5% of cases. High SUVmax, MTV, and TLG were significantly associated with poor prognosis (p < 0.001, p = 0.002, and p < 0.001, respectively). A significant difference (p < 0.001) was observed in OS between patients with a high and low tumor SUVmax. Glucose metabolism assessed by [18F]FDG PET/CT was significantly associated with the OS of patients with ATC. PET-derived parameters such as SUVmax, MTV, and TLG are useful prognostic biomarkers for ATC.
Recent Advances in the Treatment of Bone Metastases and Primary Bone Tumors: An Up-to-Date Review
Authors: Bădilă Adrian Emilian , Rădulescu Dragoș Mihai , Niculescu Adelina-Gabriela , Grumezescu Alexandru Mihai , Rădulescu Marius , Rădulescu Adrian Radu
Published: August 2021

In the last decades, the treatment of primary and secondary bone tumors has faced a slow-down in its development, being mainly based on chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical interventions. However, these conventional therapeutic strategies present a series of disadvantages (e.g., multidrug resistance, tumor recurrence, severe side effects, formation of large bone defects), which limit their application and efficacy. In recent years, these procedures were combined with several adjuvant therapies, with different degrees of success. To overcome the drawbacks of current therapies and improve treatment outcomes, other strategies started being investigated, like carrier-mediated drug delivery, bone substitutes for repairing bone defects, and multifunctional scaffolds with bone tissue regeneration and antitumor properties. Thus, this paper aims to present the types of bone tumors and their current treatment approaches, further focusing on the recent advances in new therapeutic alternatives.
Concordance of Child Self-Reported and Parent Proxy-Reported Posttraumatic Growth in Childhood Cancer Survivors
Authors: Koutná Veronika , Blatný Marek , Jelínek Martin
Published: August 2021

This article aimed to analyze concordance of parent- and child-reported child posttraumatic growth (PTG) following pediatric cancer, the influence of the parents’ own level of PTG on the level of concordance and the influence of the parents’ and the child’s own level of PTG on the parents’ proxy reports of PTG in the child. The sample included 127 parent–child dyads. The children provided self-reports of PTG and the parents provided reports of their own as well as the child’s PTG. Overall, the results showed poor parent–child agreement on the child PTG, with the parents proxy-reporting higher levels of PTG than the children. The parents’ proxy reports of the child PTG were the most accurate at the lowest levels of the parents’ own level of PTG. The parents’ own level of PTG was a stronger predictor of the parents’ proxy reports than the child self-reported PTG. The results suggest that parents are not very accurate reporters of PTG in the child; therefore, their reports should be completed with child self-reports whenever possible.
Development of Pilot-Scale CO2 Methanation Using Pellet-Type Catalysts for CO2 Recycling in Sewage Treatment Plants and Its Validation through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Modeling
Authors: Ahn Jeongyoon , Kim Heysuk , Ro Yeonhee , Kim Jintae , Chung Woojin , Chang Soonwoong
Published: August 2021

In this study, a pilot-scale reactor was designed and compared using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for a high-efficiency CO2 methanation reaction. The trends of the CO2 methanation catalyst efficiency at a pilot or industrial scale could be lower than those measured at the laboratory scale, owing to the flow of fluid characteristics. Therefore, the CO2 methanation reactor was designed based on the results of the CFD analysis to minimize the above phenomenon. Ni–Ce–Zr was used to manufacture a CO2 methanation catalyst in the form of pellets. The catalyst successfully produced about 43.3 Nm3/d of methane from the reactor. This result shows that CO2 methanation, which is known as an exothermic reaction, was stable at the pilot scale. It is believed that the self-supply of energy will be possible when this CO2 methanation technology is applied to industrial processes generating large amounts of CO2 and H2 from by-product gases.
Photocatalytic Properties of Amorphous N-Doped TiO2 Photocatalyst under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Chung Kyong-Hwan , Kim Byung-Joo , Park Young-Kwon , Kim Sang-Chai , Jung Sang-Chul
Published: August 2021

Amorphous TiO2 doped with N was characterized by its photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation. The amorphous N-doped TiO2 was prepared by the sol-gel method through heat treatment at a low temperature. The photocatalyst showing activity in visible light despite heat treatment at low temperature can be applied to plastics and has excellent utility. The N-doped TiO2 appeared amorphous when heat-treated at 130 °C. It was converted into an anatase-type N-doped TiO2 when this was calcined at 500 °C. The photocatalyst showed photocatalytic activities in the photocatalytic decomposition of formaldehyde and methylene blue under visible light irradiation. The photocatalyst exhibited a higher rate of hydrogen production than that of TiO2 in photocatalytic decomposition of water under liquid-phase plasma irradiation. The bandgap of the amorphous N-doped TiO2 measured by investigation of optical properties was 2.4 eV. The lower bandgap induced the photocatalytic activities under visible light irradiation.
Inhibition of STAT3/PD-L1 and Activation of miR193a-5p Are Critically Involved in Apoptotic Effect of Compound K in Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Lee Jae-Hee , Lee Dae-Young , Lee Hyo-Jung , Im Eunji , Sim Deok-Yong , Park Ji-Eon , Park Woon-Yi , Shim Bum-Sang , Kim Sung-Hoon
Published: August 2021

Since the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) signaling plays an important role in tumor-immune microenvironments, in the present study, the role of STAT3/PD-L1 signaling in the apoptotic mechanism of an active ginseng saponin metabolite compound K (CK) was investigated in human prostate cancer cells. Here, CK exerted significant cytotoxicity without hurting RWPE1 normal prostate epithelial cells, increased sub-G1 and cleavage of Poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) and attenuated the expression of pro-PARP and Pro-cysteine aspartyl-specific protease3 (pro-caspase-3) in LANCap, PC-3 and DU145 cells. Further, CK attenuated the expression of p-STAT3 and PD-L1 in DU145 cells along with disrupted the binding of STAT3 to PD-L1. Furthermore, CK effectively abrogated the expression of p-STAT3 and PD-L1 in interferon-gamma (INF-γ)-stimulated DU145cells. Additionally, CK suppressed the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) as immune escape-related genes in DU145 cells. Likewise, as STAT3 targets genes, the expression of CyclinD1, c-Myc and B-cell lymphoma-extra-large (Bcl-xL) was attenuated in CK-treated DU145 cells. Notably, CK upregulated the expression of microRNA193a-5p (miR193a-5p) in DU145 cells. Consistently, miR193a-5p mimic suppressed p-STAT3, PD-L1 and pro-PARP, while miR193a-5p inhibitor reversed the ability of CK to attenuate the expression of p-STAT3, PD-L1 and pro-PARP in DU145 cells. Taken together, these findings support evidence that CK induces apoptosis via the activation of miR193a-5p and inhibition of PD-L1 and STAT3 signaling in prostate cancer cells.
Plectin-Mediated Intermediate Filament Functions: Why Isoforms Matter
Authors: Wiche Gerhard
Published: August 2021

This essay focuses on the role of plectin and its various isoforms in mediating intermediate filament (IF) network functions. It is based on previous studies that provided comprehensive evidence for a concept where plectin acts as an IF recruiter, and plectin-mediated IF networking and anchoring are key elements in IF function execution. Here, plectin’s global role as modulator of IF functionality is viewed from different perspectives, including the mechanical stabilization of IF networks and their docking platforms, contribution to cellular viscoelasticity and mechanotransduction, compartmentalization and control of the actomyosin machinery, connections to the microtubule system, and mechanisms and specificity of isoform targeting. Arguments for IF networks and plectin acting as mutually dependent partners are also given. Lastly, a working model is presented that describes a unifying mechanism underlying how plectin–IF networks mechanically control and propagate actomyosin-generated forces, affect microtubule dynamics, and contribute to mechanotransduction.
The Interactions of Insulin and Vitamin A Signaling Systems for the Regulation of Hepatic Glucose and Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Chen Guoxun
Published: August 2021

The pandemics of obesity and type 2 diabetes have become a concern of public health. Nutrition plays a key role in these concerns. Insulin as an anabolic hormonal was discovered exactly 100 years ago due to its activity in controlling blood glucose level. Vitamin A (VA), a lipophilic micronutrient, has been shown to regulate glucose and fat metabolism. VA’s physiological roles are mainly mediated by its metabolite, retinoic acid (RA), which activates retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and retinoid X receptors (RXRs), which are two transcription factors. The VA status and activations of RARs and RXRs by RA and synthetic agonists have shown to affect the glucose and lipid metabolism in animal models. Both insulin and RA signaling systems regulate the expression levels of genes involved in the regulation of hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism. Interactions of insulin and RA signaling systems have been observed. This review is aimed at summarizing the history of diabetes, insulin and VA signaling systems; the effects of VA status and activation of RARs and RXRs on metabolism and RAR and RXR phosphorylation; and possible interactions of insulin and RA in the regulation of hepatic genes for glucose and lipid metabolism. In addition, some future research perspectives for understanding of nutrient and hormone interactions are provided.
Insight into Hypoxia Stemness Control
Authors: Di Mattia Miriam , Mauro Annunziata , Citeroni Maria Rita , Dufrusine Beatrice , Peserico Alessia , Russo Valentina , Berardinelli Paolo , Dainese Enrico , Cimini Annamaria , Barboni Barbara
Published: August 2021

Recently, the research on stemness and multilineage differentiation mechanisms has greatly increased its value due to the potential therapeutic impact of stem cell-based approaches. Stem cells modulate their self-renewing and differentiation capacities in response to endogenous and/or extrinsic factors that can control stem cell fate. One key factor controlling stem cell phenotype is oxygen (O2). Several pieces of evidence demonstrated that the complexity of reproducing O2 physiological tensions and gradients in culture is responsible for defective stem cell behavior in vitro and after transplantation. This evidence is still worsened by considering that stem cells are conventionally incubated under non-physiological air O2 tension (21%). Therefore, the study of mechanisms and signaling activated at lower O2 tension, such as those existing under native microenvironments (referred to as hypoxia), represent an effective strategy to define if O2 is essential in preserving naïve stemness potential as well as in modulating their differentiation. Starting from this premise, the goal of the present review is to report the status of the art about the link existing between hypoxia and stemness providing insight into the factors/molecules involved, to design targeted strategies that, recapitulating naïve O2 signals, enable towards the therapeutic use of stem cell for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Causes of Anemia in Polish Older Population—Results from the PolSenior Study
Authors: Styszyński Arkadiusz , Chudek Jerzy , Mossakowska Małgorzata , Lewandowski Krzysztof , Puzianowska-Kuźnicka Monika , Klich-Rączka Alicja , Więcek Andrzej , Wieczorowska-Tobis Katarzyna
Published: August 2021

Vitamin B12, folate, iron deficiency (IDA), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and anemia of inflammation (AI) are among the main causes of anemia in the elderly. WHO criteria of nutritional deficiencies neglect aging-related changes in absorption, metabolism, and utilization of nutrients. Age-specific criteria for the diagnosis of functional nutritional deficiency related to anemia are necessary. We examined the nationally representative sample of Polish seniors. Complete blood count, serum iron, ferritin, vitamin B12, folate, and renal parameters were assessed in 3452 (1632 women, 1820 men) participants aged above 64. Cut-off points for nutritional deficiencies were determined based on the WHO criteria (method-A), lower 2.5 percentile of the studied population (method-B), and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis (method-C). Method-A leads to an overestimation of the prevalence of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency, while method-B to their underestimation with over 50% of unexplained anemia. Based on method-C, anemia was classified as nutritional in 55.9%. In 22.3% of cases, reasons for anemia remained unexplained, the other 21.8% were related to CKD or AI. Mild cases were less common in IDA, and more common in non-deficiency anemia. Serum folate had an insignificant impact on anemia. It is necessary to adopt the age-specific criteria for nutrient deficiency in an old population.
A Note on the Influence of Smectite Coating on the Coefficient of Restitution of Natural Sand Particles Impacting Granitic Blocks
Authors: Luo Lina , Ren Jing , Kasyap Sathwik S. , Senetakis Kostas
Published: August 2021

The study of the collision behavior of solid objects has received a significant amount of research in various fields such as industrial applications of powders and grains, impacts of proppants and between proppant and rocks during hydraulic fracturing, and the study of debris flows and avalanches and the interactions of landslide materials with protective barriers. This problem has predominantly been studied through the coefficient of restitution (COR), which is computed from the dropping and rebound paths of particles; its value corresponds to 1 for perfectly elastic impacts and 0 for perfectly plastic impacts (i.e., at the collision there is no rebound of the particle). Often, the colliding particles (or particle–block systems) are not perfectly clean, and there is debris (or dust) on their surfaces, forming a coating, which is a highly possible scenario in the debris flows of natural particles and fragments; however, the topic of the influence of natural coatings on the surfaces of particles on the collision behavior of particle–block systems has been largely overlooked. Thus, the present study attempts to provide preliminary results with respect to the influence of natural coating on the surfaces of sand grains in the COR values of grain–block systems using a stiff granitic block as an analogue wall. Montmorillonite powder, which belongs to the smectite clay group, was used and a sample preparation method was standardized to provide a specific amount of clay coating on the surfaces of the sand grains. The results from the study showed a significant influence of the smectite coating in the COR values of the grain–block systems, which was predominantly attributed to the dissipation of energy at the collision moment because of the compression of the soft coating of microparticles. Additionally, the method of analysis for calculating the COR values based on one and two high-speed cameras was explored, as the impacts of natural grains involve deviations from the vertical, which influences the rebound paths. Thus, a sensitivity analysis was performed investigating the differences in the COR values in two-dimensional and three-dimensional analysis of the impact tests.
Sound-Absorption Performance and Fractal Dimension Feature of Kapok Fibre/Polycaprolactone Composites
Authors: Lyu Lihua , Zhang Duoduo , Tian Yuanyuan , Zhou Xinghai
Published: August 2021

This article introduces a kind of composite material made of kapok fibre and polycaprolactone by the hot-pressing method. The effects of volume density, mass fraction of kapok fibre, and thickness on the sound-absorption performance of composites were researched using a single-factor experiment. The sound-absorption performance of the composites was investigated by the transfer function method. Under the optimal process parameters, when the density of the composite material was 0.172 g/cm3, the mass fraction of kapok was 40%, and the thickness was 2 cm, the composite material reached the maximum sound-absorption coefficient of 0.830, and when the sound-absorption frequency was 6300 Hz, the average sound-absorption coefficient was 0.520, and the sound-absorption band was wide. This research used the box dimension method to calculate composites’ fractal dimensions by using the Matlab program based on the fractal theory. It analysed the relationships between fractal dimension and volume density, fractal dimension and mass fraction of kapok fibre, and fractal dimension and thickness. The quantitative relations between fractal dimension and maximum sound-absorption coefficient, fractal dimension, and resonant sound-absorption frequency were derived, which provided a theoretical basis for studying sound-absorption performance. The results showed that kapok fibre/polycaprolactone composites had strong fractal characteristics, which had important guiding significance for the sound-absorption performance of kapok fibre composites.
Analytical Simulation for Magnetohydrodynamic Maxwell Fluid Flow Past an Exponentially Stretching Surface with First-Order Velocity Slip Condition
Authors: Dawar Abdullah , Saeed Anwar , Shah Zahir , Kumam Wiyada , Islam Saeed , Kumam Poom
Published: August 2021

The study of fluid flow upon an exponentially stretching surface has significant importance due to its applications in technological phenomena at the industrial level. These applications include condensing process of fluid film, heat exchanger processes, extrusion of plastic sheet in aerodynamics, cooling process of metal sheet, and growth of crystals, etc. Keeping in view all these applications, in this paper, we have discussed the magnetohydrodynamic flow of Maxwell fluid past an exponentially stretching sheet. The stretching surface is considered to be slippery by imposing the velocity slip condition. The magnetic field impact is taken into consideration. Furthermore, heat radiation, Joule heating, Brownian motion, and thermophoresis are also considered. The modeled system is reduced to ordinary differential equations with the help of similarity variables. For the analytical solution, we have used the homotopy analysis method. Furthermore, HAM is compared with the shooting method and found to be in great agreement. The squared residual error of the fluid flow problem at 15th order of approximations for Newtonian and non-Newtonian cases has been investigated. It is found that the fluid flow problem converges quickly for the case of non-Newtonian fluid as compared to Newtonian fluid. In addition, the velocity profile increases while the thermal and concentration profiles reduce with greater values of Darcy number. The thermal profile is the increasing function of the Brownian motion parameter and Eckert number whereas the concentration profile is the reducing function of the Brownian motion parameter and Eckert number. With the augmentation in Darcy number, the permeability strength of porous medium increases which concludes the increasing conduct of thermal and mass transportation.
Microwave Absorption Performance of Single-Layer and Multi-Layer Structures Prepared by CNTs/Fe3O4 Nonwoven Materials
Authors: Zhan Rong , Zhang Jiaqiao , Gao Qiang , Jia Qi , Zhang Zhixiang , Zhang Guangyu , Gu Wenyan
Published: August 2021

Electromagnetic radiation can cause serious harm to the human body, such as the rise in body temperature and the decrease in immune function. In this study, the carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/Fe3O4 nonwovens were used to prepare wearable flexible absorbing materials. First, the single-layer absorbing structures were prepared by hot rolling, dipping, and film fabrication, respectively. Then, the single-layer structures were combined to form the multi-layer absorbing structures. By testing and analyzing the absorbing performance of various structures in the X-band frequency range, the optimum combination scheme was found, together with a good reflection loss value of CNTs/Fe3O4 nonwoven material. The experiment results displayed that the single-layer hot-rolled nonwovens modified by CNTs have the best wave absorbing performance. Its minimum reflection loss of −18.59 dB occurred at 10.55 GHz, and the efficient frequency occurred at 8.86–12.40 GHz. The modified film can significantly improve the absorbing performance of multi-layer structures. In addition, the absorbing performance was closely related to both the place where the absorbing film was introduced and the type of absorbing fillers. When the film-forming CNTs (FC) film was located at the bottom layer of the multi-layer structure, the hot rolled CNTs hot rolled mixed reagent film forming CNTs (HC-HM-FC) structure constructed exhibited the best absorbing effects. Its minimum reflection loss can reach −33 dB, and the effective absorbing frequency range covered half of the X-band.
Development of a Sulfate Resistance Performance Test for Concrete by Tensile Strength Measurements: Determination of Test Conditions
Authors: Haufe Johannes , Vollpracht Anya , Matschei Thomas
Published: August 2021

Assessing the sulfate resistance of concrete is essential for the use of concrete in sulfate rich environments. A multitude of test methods exists worldwide, showing the relevance of the problem and the difficulty to find a suitable test setup. Testing the relative tensile strength of ASTM C307 concrete briquette specimens after exposure to a sulfate solution is a new direct method to assess the degree of deterioration. The aim of this study is to develop a new performance test, which considers both the chemical and physical resistance of a specific concrete mix against sulfate attack. In the experimental investigations, the binder type, storage temperature, type and concentration of sulfate solution, and concrete composition were varied, and the remaining tensile strength evaluated to define the test parameters. To gain significantly distinguishable data within nine months of storage, the use of sodium sulfate solution with 6000 mg SO42−/L at 5 °C is proposed.
The Polymorphism of 2-Benzoyl-N,N-diethylbenzamide
Authors: de Moraes Lygia S. , Liu Jie , Gopi Elumalai , Oketani Ryusei , Kennedy Alan R. , Geerts Yves H.
Published: August 2021

The crystal structures of two new polymorphs of 2-benzoyl-N,N-diethylbenzamide were obtained after recrystallization trials with different solvents. The new forms II and III were monoclinic and crystallized in the same space group with similar a, b and c lengths but different β angles. The forms had no conformation differences within themselves; however, the long-range packing (>two unit cells) was not isostructural. In comparison with the previously published crystal structure, form I, different conformations and packing arrangements were observed. The new form II was thermally characterized and stable at room temperature, when heated up to its melting point and when cooled to −170 °C. Additionally, once form II was re-heated, a fourth form is observed after a phase transition from the monoclinic to the orthorhombic crystal systems, form IV.
Properties of Barium Cerate-Zirconate Thin Films
Authors: Winiarz Piotr , Covarrubias Monica Susana Campos , Sriubas Mantas , Bockute Kristina , Miruszewski Tadeusz , Skubida Wojciech , Jaworski Daniel , Laukaitis Giedrius , Gazda Maria
Published: August 2021

In this work, we review several experimental results showing the electrical properties of barium cerate-zirconate thin films and discuss them in view of the possible influence of various factors on their properties. Most of the presented Ba(Ce, Zr, Y)O3 thin films were formed by the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique, however thin films prepared using other methods, like RF magnetron sputtering, electron-beam deposition, powder aerosol deposition (PAD), atomic layer deposition (ALD) and spray deposition are also reported. The electrical properties of the thin films strongly depend on the film microstructure. The influence of the interface layers, space-charge layers, and strain-modified layers on the total conductivity is also essential but in many cases is weaker.
What Matters in Cancer Survivorship Research? A Suite of Stakeholder-Relevant Outcomes
Authors: Urquhart Robin , Murnaghan Sarah , Kendell Cynthia , Sussman Jonathan , Porter Geoffrey A. , Howell Doris , Grunfeld Eva
Published: August 2021

The outcomes assessed in cancer survivorship research do not always match the outcomes that survivors and health system stakeholders identify as most important in the post-treatment follow-up period. This study sought to identify stakeholder-relevant outcomes pertinent to post-treatment follow-up care interventions. We conducted a descriptive qualitative study using semi-structured telephone interviews with stakeholders (survivors, family/friend caregivers, oncology providers, primary care providers, and cancer system decision-/policy-makers) across Canada. Data analysis involved coding, grouping, detailing, and comparing the data by using the techniques commonly employed in descriptive qualitative research. Forty-four participants took part in this study: 11 survivors, seven family/friend caregivers, 18 health care providers, and eight decision-makers. Thirteen stakeholder-relevant outcomes were identified across participants and categorized into five outcome domains: psychosocial, physical, economic, informational, and patterns and quality of care. In the psychosocial domain, one’s reintegration after cancer treatment was described by all stakeholder groups as one of the most important challenges faced by survivors and identified as a priority outcome to address in future research. The outcomes identified in this study provide a succinct suite of stakeholder-relevant outcomes, common across cancer types and populations, that should be used in future research on cancer survivorship care.
Evolution, Homology, and Development of Tetrapod Limb Muscles
Authors: Molnar Julia L. , Diogo Rui
Published: August 2021

Since the early 1900s, researchers have attempted to unravel the origin and evolution of tetrapod limb muscles using a combination of comparative anatomy, phylogeny, and development. The methods for reconstructing soft tissues in extinct animals have been refined over time as our ability to determine muscle homology and phylogenetic relationships between tetrapods has improved. Since many muscles do not leave osteological correlates, muscle reconstruction in extinct animals is largely based on anatomy and development in extant animals. While muscle anatomy in extant tetrapods is quite conservative, the homologies of certain muscles between taxonomic groups are still uncertain. Comparative developmental studies can help to resolve these controversies, as well as revealing general patterns of muscle morphogenesis across tetrapod groups. We review the methods, results, and controversies in the muscle reconstructions of early members of the amniote, mammalian, and lissamphibian lineages, including recent attempts to reconstruct limb muscles in members of the tetrapod stem group. We also review the contribution of recent comparative developmental studies toward understanding the evolution of tetrapod limb muscles, including morphogenic gradients, the origin of paired fins, and the evolution of morphological complexity. Finally, we discuss the role of broad, comparative myological studies as part of an integrative research program on vertebrate evolutionary biology.
Integrative Descriptions of Two New Tardigrade Species along with the New Record of Mesobiotus skorackii Kaczmarek et al., 2018 from Canada
Authors: Kayastha Pushpalata , Roszkowska Milena , Mioduchowska Monika , Gawlak Magdalena , Kaczmarek Łukasz
Published: August 2021

Two new tardigrade species from a moss sample collected in Canada, one representing Macrobiotus hufelandi complex and the second one belonging to the genus Bryodelphax, are described. Integrative analysis was undertaken based on morphological and morphometric data (using both light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)) combined with multilocus molecular analysis (nuclear sequences, i.e., 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA and ITS-2 as well as mitochondrial COI barcode sequences). Based on COI sequences, Macrobiotus birendrai sp. nov. is most similar to Mac. canaricus (p-distance 17%), whereas Bryodelphax mareki sp. nov. is most similar to Bry. parvulus (p-distance 16%). Both species differ also from their congeners in some morphological and morphometric characters of adults and/or details of egg chorion. Additionally, a large population of Mesobiotus skorackii was found in the sample and this is the first report of this species outside its terra typica in Kirghizia. The original description of this species was prepared based solely on the morphology and morphometry, therefore, here we provide updated data for this species enclosing morphometric and molecular data for the Canadian population.
Review of Harmful Algal Blooms in the Coastal Mediterranean Sea, with a Focus on Greek Waters
Authors: Tsikoti Christina , Genitsaris Savvas
Published: August 2021

Anthropogenic marine eutrophication has been recognized as one of the major threats to aquatic ecosystem health. In recent years, eutrophication phenomena, prompted by global warming and population increase, have stimulated the proliferation of potentially harmful algal taxa resulting in the prevalence of frequent and intense harmful algal blooms (HABs) in coastal areas. Numerous coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea (MS) are under environmental pressures arising from human activities that are driving ecosystem degradation and resulting in the increase of the supply of nutrient inputs. In this review, we aim to present the recent situation regarding the appearance of HABs in Mediterranean coastal areas linked to anthropogenic eutrophication, to highlight the features and particularities of the MS, and to summarize the harmful phytoplankton outbreaks along the length of coastal areas of many localities. Furthermore, we focus on HABs documented in Greek coastal areas according to the causative algal species, the period of occurrence, and the induced damage in human and ecosystem health. The occurrence of eutrophication-induced HAB incidents during the past two decades is emphasized.
Spatial Genetic Structure of Prunus mongolica in Arid Northwestern China Based on RAD Sequencing Data
Authors: Zhang Hong-Xiang , Wang Qian , Wen Zhi-Bin
Published: August 2021

The extensive range of sand deserts, gravel deserts, and recent human activities have shaped habitat fragmentation of relict and endangered plants in arid northwestern China. Prunus mongolica is a relict and endangered shrub that is mainly distributed in the study area. In the present study, population genomics was integrated with a species distribution model (SDM) to investigate the spatial genetic diversity and structure of P. mongolica populations in response to habitat fragmentation and create a proposal for the conservation of this endangered species. The results showed that the northern marginal populations were the first isolated from other populations. The SDM suggested that these marginal populations had low levels of habitat suitability during the glacial period. They could not obtain migration corridors, and thus possessed low levels of gene flow connection with other populations. Additionally, several populations underwent secondarily geographical isolation from other central populations, which preserved particular genetic lineages. Genetic diversity was higher in southern populations than in northern ones. It was concluded that long-term geographical isolation after historical habitat fragmentation promoted the divergence of marginal populations and refugial populations along mountains from other populations. The southern populations could have persisted in their distribution ranges and harbored higher levels of genetic diversity than the northern populations, whose distribution ranges fluctuated in response to paleoclimatic changes. We propose that the marginal populations of P. mongolica should be well considered in conservation management.
Observation of Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease Mouse Model Cornea with In Vivo Confocal Microscopy
Authors: Shimizu Shota , Sato Shinri , Taniguchi Hiroko , Shimizu Eisuke , He Jingliang , Hayashi Shunsuke , Negishi Kazuno , Ogawa Yoko , Shimmura Shigeto
Published: August 2021

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major complication after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), and ocular GVHD can cause severe dry eye disease that can lead to visual impairment. Epithelial damage, vascular invasion, corneal fibrosis, and corneal perforation may occur in severe cases. It is generally accepted that inflammatory cells such as dendritic cells and T cells contribute to this pathological condition. However, it is still unknown what pathological condition occurs on the ocular surface after HSCT, and when. We therefore observed the dynamics of inflammatory cells in the cornea of chronic GVHD (cGVHD) model mice from 1 to 4 weeks after bone marrow transplantation (BMT) by in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) and considered the relationship with the pathophysiology of ocular GVHD (tear volume, corneal epithelial damage). In the allogeneic group, neovascularization occurred in all eyes at 1 week after BMT, although almost all vessels disappeared at 2 weeks after BMT. In addition, we revealed that infiltration of globular cells, and tortuosity and branching of nerves in the cornea occurred in both cGVHD mice and human cGVHD patients. Thus, we consider that cGVHD mouse model study by IVCM reproduces the state of ocular GVHD and may contribute to elucidating the pathological mechanism for ocular GVHD.
Theoretical Computational Model for Cylindrical Permanent Magnet Coupling
Authors: Sun Ke , Shi Jianwen , Cui Wei , Meng Guoying
Published: August 2021

Permanent magnet coupling is extensively studied owing to its economic efficiency and stability. In this study, a computational model for cylindrical permanent magnet coupling (CPMC) was designed using the magnetic field division method to divide an air gap magnetic field. An equivalent magnetic circuit model was also designed based on the equivalent magnetic circuit method. The novelty of this study is that both the skin effect and the working point of the permanent magnet are taken into consideration to obtain the magnetic circuit and induce eddy current characteristics of permanent magnet coupling. Furthermore, a computational model was obtained for the transmission torque of the CPMC based on the principles of Faraday’s and Ampere’s laws. Additionally, the accuracy of the model was verified using a finite element simulation model and a test bench.
A Cross-Mode Universal Digital Pre-Distortion Technology for Low-Sidelobe Active Antenna Arrays in 5G and Satellite Communications
Authors: Li Yunfeng , Huang Yonghui , Nielsen Martin Hedegaard , Jalili Feridoon , Wei Wei , Ren Jian , Yin Yingzeng , Shen Ming , Pedersen Gert Frølund
Published: August 2021

A cross-mode universal digital pre-distortion (CMUDPD) technology is proposed here to linearize low-sidelobe active antenna arrays with non-uniform fixed power levels for each branch, which are desired in satellite communications with stringent requirements to minimize interference. In low-sidelobe arrays formed by nonuniform amplitude excitation, conventional digital pre-distortion (DPD) techniques require multiple feedback paths for either one-to-one or average linearization of the PAs, which increases system complexity and is infeasible for large-scale arrays. This is because the power amplifiers (PAs) usually operate in different modes where the supply voltages, bias voltages, and input power levels are different. The proposed CMUDPD method aims at solving this issue by intentionally arranging the PAs to work in different modes but with shared nonlinear characteristics. Based on the nonlinear correlation established among the PAs’ different operating modes, a single feedback path is sufficient to capture the common nonlinearity of all the PAs and determine the parameters of the CMUDPD module. The concept is explained in theory and validated by simulations and experiments using GaN PAs operating with three significantly different output power levels and two orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signal bandwidths.
Security, Privacy, and Reliability in Digital Healthcare Systems Using Blockchain
Authors: Ali Aitizaz , Rahim Hasliza A. , Pasha Muhammad Fermi , Dowsley Rafael , Masud Mehedi , Ali Jehad , Baz Mohammed
Published: August 2021

According to the security breach level index, millions of records are stolen worldwide on every single day. Personal health records are the most targeted records on the internet, and they are considered sensitive, and valuable. Security and privacy are the most important parameters of cryptography and encryption. They reduce the availability of data on patients and healthcare to the appropriate personnel and ultimately lead to a barrier in the transfer of healthcare into a digital health system. Using a permission blockchain to share healthcare data can reduce security and privacy issues. According to the literature, most healthcare systems rely on a centralized system, which is more prone to security vulnerabilities. The existing blockchain-based healthcare schemes provide only a data-sharing framework, but they lack security and privacy. To cope with these kinds of security issues, we have designed a novel security algorithm that provides security as well as privacy with much better efficiency and a lower cost. Hence, in this research, we have proposed a patient healthcare framework that provides greater security, reliability, and authentication compared to existing blockchain-based access control.