Abstract: Background This study explores the repurposing of Auranofin (AF), an anti-rheumatic drug, for treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) adenocarcinoma and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Drug repurposing in oncology offers a cost-effective and time-efficient approach to developing new cancer therapies. Our research focuses on evaluating AF's selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells, identifying RNAseq-based biomarkers to predict AF response, and finding the most effective co-therapeutic agents for combination with AF. Methods Our investigation employed a comprehensive drug screening of AF in combination with eleven anticancer agents in cancerous PDAC and NSCLC patient-derived organoids (n = 7), and non-cancerous pulmonary organoids (n = 2). Additionally, we conducted RNA sequencing to identify potential biomarkers for AF sensitivity and experimented with various drug combinations to optimize AF's therapeutic efficacy. Results The results revealed that AF demonstrates a preferential cytotoxic effect on NSCLC and PDAC cancer cells at clinically relevant concentrations below 1 µM, sparing normal epithelial cells. We identified Carbonic Anhydrase 12 (CA12) as a significant RNAseq-based biomarker, closely associated with the NF-κB survival signaling pathway, which is crucial in cancer cell response to oxidative stress. Our findings suggest that cancer cells with low CA12 expression are more susceptible to AF treatment. Furthermore, the combination of AF with the AKT inhibitor MK2206 was found to be particularly effective, exhibiting potent and selective cytotoxic synergy, especially in tumor organoid models classified as intermediate responders to AF, without adverse effects on healthy organoids. Conclusion Our research offers valuable insights into the use of AF for treating NSCLC and PDAC. It highlights AF's cancer cell selectivity, establishes CA12 as a predictive biomarker for AF sensitivity, and underscores the enhanced efficacy of AF when combined with MK2206 and other therapeutics. These findings pave the way for further exploration of AF in cancer treatment, particularly in identifying patient populations most likely to benefit from its use and in optimizing combination therapies for improved patient outcomes.

Abstract: Background Excessive maternal pre-pregnancy and gestational weight gain are related to pregnancy- and birth outcomes. The interpregnancy time window offers a unique opportunity to intervene in order to acquire a healthy lifestyle before the start of a new pregnancy. Methods INTER-ACT is an e-health driven multicentre randomised controlled intervention trial targeting women at high risk of pregnancy- and birth related complications. Eligible women are recruited for the study at day 2 or 3 postpartum. At week 6 postpartum, participants are randomised into the intervention or control arm of the study. The intervention focuses on weight, diet, physical activity and mental well-being, and comprises face-to-face coaching, in which behavioural change techniques are central, and use of a mobile application, which is Bluetooth-connected to a weighing scale and activity tracker. The intervention is rolled out postpartum (4 coaching sessions between week 6 and month 6) and in a new pregnancy (3 coaching sessions, one in each trimester of pregnancy); the mobile app is used throughout the two intervention phases. Data collection includes data from the medical record of the participants (pregnancy outcomes and medical history), anthropometric data (height, weight, waist- and hip circumferences, skinfold thickness and body composition by bio-electrical impedance analysis), data from the mobile app (physical activity and weight; intervention group only) and questionnaires (socio-demographics, breastfeeding, food intake, physical activity, lifestyle, psychosocial factors and process evaluation). Medical record data are collected at inclusion and at delivery of the subsequent pregnancy. All other data are collected at week 6 and month 6 postpartum and every subsequent 6 months until a new pregnancy, and in every trimester in the new pregnancy. Primary outcome is the composite endpoint score of pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus, caesarean section, and large-for-gestational-age infant in the subsequent pregnancy.

Abstract: The development of advanced methods for non-destructive selective imaging of painted works of art at the macroscopic level based on radiation in the X-ray and infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum are concisely reviewed. Such methods allow to either record depth-selective, element-selective or species-selective images of entire paintings. Camera-based full field methods (that record the image data in parallel) can be discerned next to scanning methods (that build up distributions in a sequential manner by scanning a beam of radiation over the surface of an artefact). Six methods are discussed: on the one hand, macroscopic X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction imaging and X-ray laminography and on the other hand macroscopic Mid and Near Infrared hyper- and full spectral imaging and Optical Coherence Tomography. These methods can be considered to be improved versions of the well-established imaging methods employed worldwide for examination of paintings, i.e., X-ray radiography and Infrared reflectography. Possibilities and limitations of these new imaging techniques are outlined.

Abstract: The Dirichlet problem for the Laplace equation in normal-polar annuli is addressed by using a suitable Fourier-like technique. Attention is in particular focused on the wide class of domains whose boundaries are defined by the so-called superformula introduced by Gielis. A dedicated numerical procedure based on the computer algebra system Mathematica© is developed in order to validate the proposed methodology. In this way, highly accurate approximations of the solution, featuring properties similar to the classical ones, are obtained.

Abstract: Background Cell transplantation is likely to become an important therapeutic tool for the treatment of various traumatic and ischemic injuries to the central nervous system (CNS). However, in many pre-clinical cell therapy studies, reporter gene-assisted imaging of cellular implants in the CNS and potential reporter gene and/or cell-based immunogenicity, still remain challenging research topics. Results In this study, we performed cell implantation experiments in the CNS of immunocompetent mice using autologous (syngeneic) luciferase-expressing bone marrow-derived stromal cells (BMSC-Luc) cultured from ROSA26-L-S-L-Luciferase transgenic mice, and BMSC-Luc genetically modified using a lentivirus encoding the enhanced green fluorescence protein (eGFP) and the puromycin resistance gene (Pac) (BMSC-Luc/eGFP/Pac). Both reporter gene-modified BMSC populations displayed high engraftment capacity in the CNS of immunocompetent mice, despite potential immunogenicity of introduced reporter proteins, as demonstrated by real-time bioluminescence imaging (BLI) and histological analysis at different time-points post-implantation. In contrast, both BMSC-Luc and BMSC-Luc/eGFP/Pac did not survive upon intramuscular cell implantation, as demonstrated by real-time BLI at different time-points post-implantation. In addition, ELISPOT analysis demonstrated the induction of IFN-ã-producing CD8+ T-cells upon intramuscular cell implantation, but not upon intracerebral cell implantation, indicating that BMSC-Luc and BMSC-Luc/eGFP/Pac are immune-tolerated in the CNS. However, in our experimental transplantation model, results also indicated that reporter gene-specific immune-reactive T-cell responses were not the main contributors to the immunological rejection of BMSC-Luc or BMSC-Luc/eGFP/Pac upon intramuscular cell implantation. Conclusion We here demonstrate that reporter gene-modified BMSC derived from ROSA26-L-S-L-Luciferase transgenic mice are immune-tolerated upon implantation in the CNS of syngeneic immunocompetent mice, providing a research model for studying survival and localisation of autologous BMSC implants in the CNS by real-time BLI and/or histological analysis in the absence of immunosuppressive therapy.

Abstract: The presence of secondary phases is one of the main issues that hinder the growth of pure kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) based thin films with suitable electronic and junction properties for efficient solar cell devices. In this work, CZTS thin films with varied Zn and Sn content have been prepared by RF-power controlled co-sputtering deposition using Cu, ZnS and SnS targets and a subsequent sulphurization step. Detailed TEM investigations show that the film shows a layered structure with the majority of the top layer being the kesterite phase. Depending on the initial thin film composition, either about ~1 μm Cu-rich and Zn-poor kesterite or stoichiometric CZTS is formed as top layer. X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy reveal the presence of Cu2−x S, ZnS and SnO2 minor secondary phases in the form of nanoinclusions or nanoparticles or intermediate layers.

Abstract: Purpose: Patients with cancer display reduced humoral responses after double-dose COVID-19 vaccination, whereas their cellular response is more comparable with that in healthy individuals. Recent studies demonstrated that a third vaccination dose boosts these immune responses, both in healthy people and patients with cancer. Because of the availability of many different COVID-19 vaccines, many people have been boosted with a different vaccine fromthe one used for double-dose vaccination. Data on such alternative vaccination schedules are scarce. This prospective study compares a third dose of BNT162b2 after double-dose BNT162b2 (homologous) versus ChAdOx1 (heterologous) vaccination in patients with cancer. Experimental Design: A total of 442 subjects (315 patients and 127 healthy) received a third dose of BNT162b2 (230 homologous vs. 212 heterologous). Vaccine-induced adverse events (AE) were captured up to 7 days after vaccination. Humoral immunity was assessed by SARS-CoV-2 anti-S1 IgG antibody levels and SARSCoV- 2 50% neutralization titers (NT50) against Wuhan and BA.1 Omicron strains. Cellular immunity was examined by analyzing CD4þ and CD8þ T-cell responses against SARS-CoV-2–specific S1 and S2 peptides. Results: Local AEs were more common after heterologous boosting. SARS-CoV-2 anti-S1 IgG antibody levels did not differ significantly between homologous and heterologous boosted subjects [GMT 1,755.90 BAU/mL (95% CI, 1,276.95–2,414.48) vs. 1,495.82 BAU/mL (95% CI, 1,131.48–1,977.46)]. However, homologous- boosted subjects show significantly higher NT50 values against BA.1 Omicron. Subjects receiving heterologous boosting demonstrated increased spike-specific CD8þ T cells, including higher IFNg and TNFa levels. Conclusions: In patients with cancer who received double-dose ChAdOx1, a third heterologous dose of BNT162b2 was able to close the gap in antibody response.

Abstract: Physical plasmas generate unique mixes of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS or ROS). Only a bit more than a decade ago, these plasmas, operating at body temperature, started to be considered for medical therapy with considerably little mechanistic redox chemistry or biomedical research existing on that topic at that time. Today, a vast body of evidence is available on physical plasma-derived ROS, from their spatiotemporal resolution in the plasma gas phase to sophisticated chemical and biochemical analysis of these species once dissolved in liquids. Data from<italic>in silico</italic>analysis dissected potential reaction pathways of plasma-derived reactive species with biological membranes, and<italic>in vitro</italic>and<italic>in vivo</italic>experiments in cell and animal disease models identified molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic benefits of physical plasmas. In 2013, the first medical plasma systems entered the European market as class IIa devices and have proven to be a valuable resource in dermatology, especially for supporting the healing of chronic wounds. The first results in cancer patients treated with plasma are promising, too. Due to the many potentials of this blooming new field ahead, there is a need to highlight the main concepts distilled from plasma research in chemistry and biology that serve as a mechanistic link between plasma physics (how and which plasma-derived ROS are produced) and therapy (what is the medical benefit). This inevitably puts cellular membranes in focus, as these are the natural interphase between ROS produced by plasmas and translation of their chemical reactivity into distinct biological responses.

Abstract: The electromagnetic analysis of a special class of 3D dielectric lens antennas is described in detail. This new class of lens antennas has a geometrical shape defined by the three-dimensional extension of Gielis formula. The analytical description of the lens shape allows the development of a dedicated semianalytical hybrid modeling approach based on geometrical tube tracing and physical optic. In order to increase the accuracy of the model, the multiple reflections occurring within the lens are also taken into account.

Abstract: This paper benchmarks various epitaxial growth schemes based on n-type group-IV materials as viable source/drain candidates for Ge nMOS devices. Si:P grown at low temperature on Ge, gives an active carrier concentration as high as 3.5 x 10(20) cm(-3) and a contact resistivity down to 7.5 x 10(-9) Omega.cm(2). However, Si:P growth is highly defective due to large lattice mismatch between Si and Ge. Within the material stacks assessed, one option for Ge nMOS source/drain stressors would be to stack Si:P, deposited at contact level, on top of a selectively grown n-SiyGe1-x-ySnx at source/drain level, in line with the concept of Si passivation of n-Ge surfaces to achieve low contact resistivities as reported in literature (Martens et al. 2011 Appl. Phys. Lett., 98, 013 504). The saturation in active carrier concentration with increasing P (or As)-doping is the major bottleneck in achieving low contact resistivities for as-grown Ge or SiyGe1-x-ySnx. We focus on understanding various dopant deactivation mechanisms in P-doped Ge and Ge1-xSnx alloys. First principles simulation results suggest that P deactivation in Ge and Ge1-xSnx can be explained both by P-clustering and donor-vacancy complexes. Positron annihilation spectroscopy analysis, suggests that dopant deactivation in P-doped Ge and Ge1-xSnx is primarily due to the formation of P-n-V and SnmPn-V clusters. (C) 2020 The Author(s). Published on behalf of The Electrochemical Society by IOP Publishing Limited.

Abstract: Epitaxially grown ultra-thin Si layers are often used to passivate Ge surfaces in the high-k gate module of (strained) Ge FinFET and Gate All Around devices. We use Si4H10 as Si precursor as it enables epitaxial Si growth at temperatures down to 330 degrees. C-V characteristics of blanket capacitors made on Ge virtual substrates point to the presence of an optimal Si thickness. In case of compressively strained Ge fin structures, the Si growth results in non-uniform and high strain levels in the strained Ge fin. These strain levels have been calculated for different shapes of the Ge fin and in function of the grown Si thickness. The high strain is the driving force for potential (unwanted) Ge surface reflow during Si deposition. The Ge surface reflow is strongly affected by the strength of the H-passivation during Si-capping and can be avoided by carefully selected process conditions. (C) The Author(s) 2018. Published by ECS.

Abstract: Crystalline superlattices consisting of alternating periods of Si layers and O-atomic layers are potential new channel materials for scaled CMOS devices. In this letter, we investigate Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) for the controlled deposition of O-atoms with O-3 as precursor on Si(100) substrates and Si epitaxy on the O-layer. The O-3 reaction at 50 degrees C on the H-terminated Si results in the formation of Si-OH and/or Si-O-Si-H surface species with monolayer O-content. Defect-free epitaxial growth of Si on an O-layer containing 6.4E+14 O-atoms/cm(2) is achieved from SiH4 at 500 degrees C. (C) 2013 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.

Abstract: This study evaluates the effects of climate change on the net revenue of farmers in Japan. We adopted the Ricardian model, which implicitly accounts for farmers’ full adaptation. The main findings of this study are as follows. First, the Ricardian regression shows that changes in temperature significantly impact farmers’ net revenue. In contrast, changes in precipitation have limited effects on farmers’ net revenue. The results of future predictions showed that the effects of climate change are positive across the country, with varying degrees between north and south. These results are more optimistic than those in the existing literature, which frequently reveal negative climate change impacts in southern Japan. However, it should be noted that this model assumes full adaptation and does not consider the transition costs of farmers, and understanding the actual adaptive measures is an important remaining issue.

Abstract: When monolayer (ML) MoS2 is placed on a substrate, the proximity-induced interactions such as the Rashba spin-orbit coupling (RSOC) and exchange interaction (EI) can be introduced. Thus, the electronic system can behave like a spintronic device. In this study, we present a theoretical study on how the presence of the RSCO and EI can lead to the band splitting, the lifting of the valley degeneracy and to the spin polarization in n- and p-type ML MoS2. We find that the maxima of the in-plane spin orientation in the conduction and valence bands in ML MoS2 depend on the Rashba parameter and the effective Zeeman field factor. At a fixed Rashba parameter, the minima of the split conduction band and the maxima of the split valence band along with the spin polarization in ML MoS2 can be tuned effectively by varying the effective Zeeman field factor. On the basis that the EI can be induced by placing the ML MoS2 on a ferromagnetic substrate or by magnetic doping in ML MoS2, we predict that the interesting spintronic effects can be observed in n- and p-type ML MoS2. This work can be helpful to gain an in-depth understanding of the basic physical properties of ML MoS2 for application in advanced electronic and optoelectronic devices.

Abstract: Cadmium red is the name used for denoting a class of twentieth century artists' pigments described by the general formula CdS1-xSex. For their vibrant hues and excellent covering power, a number of renowned modern and contemporary painters, including Jackson Pollock, often used cadmium reds. As direct band gap semiconductors, CdS1-xSex compounds undergo direct radiative recombination (with emissions from the green to orange region) and radiative deactivation from intragap trapping states due to crystal defects, which give rise to two peculiar red-NIR emissions, known as deep level emissions (DLEs). The positions of the DLEs mainly depend on the Se content of CdS1-xSex; thus, photoluminescence and diffuse reflectance vis-NIR spectroscopy have been profitably used for the non-invasive identification of different cadmium red varieties in artworks over the last decade. Systematic knowledge is however currently lacking on what are the parameters related to intrinsic crystal defects of CdS1-xSex and environmental factors influencing the spectral properties of DLEs as well as on the overall (photo)chemical reactivity of cadmium reds in paint matrixes. Here, we present the application of a novel multi-length scale and multi-method approach to deepen insights into the photoluminescence properties and (photo)chemical reactivity of cadmium reds in oil paintings by combining both well established and new non-invasive/non-destructive analytical techniques, including macro-scale vis-NIR and vibrational spectroscopies and micro-/nano-scale advanced electron microscopy mapping and X-ray methods employing synchrotron radiation and conventional sources. Macro-scale vis-NIR spectroscopy data obtained from the in situ non-invasive analysis of nine masterpieces by Gerardo Dottori, Jackson Pollock and Nicolas de Stael allowed classifying the CdS1-xSex-paints in three groups, according to the relative intensity of the two DLE bands. These outcomes, combined with results from micro-/nano-scale electron microscopy mapping and X-ray analysis of a set of CdS1-xSex powders and artificially aged paint mock-ups, indicated that the relative intensity of DLEs is not affected by the morphology, microstructure and local atomic environment of the pigment particles but it is influenced by the presence of moisture. Furthermore, the extensive study of artificially aged oil paint mock-ups permitted us to provide first evidence of the tendency of cadmium reds toward photo-degradation and to establish that the conversion of CdS1-xSex to CdSO4 and/or oxalates is triggered by the oil binding medium and moisture level and depends on the Se content. Based on these findings, we could interpret the localized presence of CdSO4 and cadmium oxalate as alteration products of the original cadmium red paints in two paintings by Pollock.