bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural controllability of networked systems with general heterogeneous subsystems
Authors: Mu Jianbin , Wu Jing , Li Ning , Zhang Xiaohu , Li Shaoyuan
Published: April 2021

In this note, we investigate structural controllability of networked systems in which subsystems have high‐order and heterogeneous dynamics and are coupled through relative state variables. It is aimed to search conditions for subsystem dynamics, under which structural controllability of the whole network essentially depends only on network topology as well as subsystem interconnection links. Necessary and/or sufficient conditions for structural controllability are given by simplifying subsystem dynamics. As an application, these criteria are utilized to design network topology that minimizes the number of subsystem interconnection links under the requirement of structural controllability without concerning subsystem dynamics, which is also much more efficient computationally than a direct design for the global system. The effectiveness of the criteria is demonstrated through several examples.
Brettschichtholz aus Buche
Authors: Ehrhart Thomas , Steiger René , Frangi Andrea
Published: April 2021

Das Holz der Rotbuche (Fagus sylvatica L.) wird gegenwärtig nur in sehr geringem Maße für die Produktion von Brettschichtholz (BSH) verwendet. Obwohl diese in Mitteleuropa am weitesten verbreitete Laubholzart ein sehr hohes Potenzial hinsichtlich Festigkeit und Steifigkeit besitzt, wurde sie, neben dem Einsatz im Bahnbau (Schwellen), bisher überwiegend in der Möbelindustrie eingesetzt oder wird – mit geringer Wertschöpfung verbunden – häufig thermisch verwertet. Ein Hauptgrund dafür sind fehlende Normen und Richtlinien, welche die Herstellung und die mechanischen Eigenschaften von BSH aus Buche regulieren würden. In diesem Beitrag wird eine umfangreiche Forschungsarbeit zur Bestimmung der mechanischen Eigenschaften von BSH aus Buche vorgestellt. Es wurden Biege‐, Zug‐, Druck‐, Knick‐ und Schubversuche an Buchen‐BSH‐Bauteilen unterschiedlicher Querschnitte und Festigkeitsklassen durchgeführt, welche durch numerische Modellierungen ergänzt wurden. Die daraus abgeleiteten mechanischen Eigenschaften von Buchen‐BSH, Formeln zur Berücksichtigung von Größeneffekten bei Biege‐ und Schubbeanspruchung sowie Knickkurven für die Berechnung stabilitätsgefährdeter Stützen aus Buchen‐BSH werden in diesem Bericht präsentiert.
Benzimidazole‐based turn‐on fluorescence probe developed for highly specific and ultrasensitive detection of hypochlorite ions in living cells
Authors: Yang Yi , Cheng Siyao , Dong Wei
Published: April 2021

Hypochlorite (ClO−), as one of the active oxygen species (ROS), plays an essential role in the cellular defence system and organism immunity. In this paper, we successfully synthesized a new ‘turn‐on’ fluorescent probe BMF based on benzimidazole and characterized it by spectroscopic methods. The designed probe can quickly respond to ClO− with the obvious colour change from pink to colourless. Notably, the probe BMF exhibited almost no fluorescence, but showed strong fluorescence after adding ClO−, including an excellent fluorescence turn‐on effect. The fluorescence turn‐on phenomenon of BMF was attributed to the strong oxidation of ClO−, which severed the connecting double bond and disrupted the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) system, plus light‐induced electron transfer effect between the fluorophore and the recognition group was discontinued. In addition, the cytotoxicity assay showed that the probe had lower cytotoxicity. Based on these advantages, we demonstrated that probe BMF might be a good candidate for detecting ClO− in biological systems.
Dianthracenylazatrioxa[8]circulene: Synthesis, Characterization and Application in OLEDs
Authors: Pedersen Stephan K. , Pedersen Viktor B. R. , Kamounah Fadhil S. , Broløs Line M. , Baryshnikov Glib V. , Valiev Rashid R. , Ivaniuk Khrystyna , Stakhira Pavlo , Minaev Boris , Karaush‐Karmazin Nataliya , Ågren Hans , Pittelkow Michael
Published: April 2021

A soluble, green‐blue fluorescent, π‐extended azatrioxa[8]circulene was synthesized by oxidative condensation of a 3,6‐dihydroxycarbazole and 1,4‐anthraquinone by using benzofuran scaffolding. This is the first circulene to incorporate anthracene within its carbon framework. Solvent‐dependent fluorescence and bright green electroluminescence accompanied by excimer emission are the key optical properties of this material. The presence of sliding π‐stacked columns in the single crystal of dianthracenylazatrioxa[8]circulene is found to cause a very high electron‐hopping rate, thus making this material a promising n‐type organic semiconductor with an electron mobility predicted to be around 2.26 cm2 V−1 s−1. The best organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) device based on the dianthracenylazatrioxa[8]circulene fluorescent emitter has a brightness of around 16 000 Cd m−2 and an external quantum efficiency of 3.3 %. Quantum dot‐based OLEDs were fabricated by using dianthracenylazatrioxa[8]circulene as a host matrix material.
STED Imaging the Dynamics of Lysosomes by Dually Fluorogenic Si‐Rhodamine
Authors: Fan Mengting , An Haiyan , Wang Chuanfeng , Huo Shuhui , Wang Ting , Cui Xiaoyan , Zhang Dazhi
Published: April 2021

Super‐resolution microscopy (SRM) imaging of the finite subcellular structures and subtle bioactivities inside organelles delivers abundant cellular information with high fidelity to unravel the intricate biological processes. An ideal fluorescent probe with precise control of fluorescence is critical in SRM technique like stimulated emission depletion (STED). Si‐rhodamine was decorated with both targeting group and H+‐receptor, affording the dually fluorogenic Si‐rhodamine in which the NIR fluorescence was efficiently controlled by the coalescent of spirolactone‐zwitterion equilibrium and PeT mechanism. The dually fluorogenic characters of the probe offer a perfect mutual enhancement in sensitivity, specificity and spatial resolution. Strong fluorescence only released in the existence of targeting protein at acidic lysosomal pH, ensured precisely tracking the dynamic of lysosomal structure and pH in living cells by STED.
N‐Enriched Porous Carbon/SiO2 Composites Derived from Biomass Rice Husks for Boosting Li‐Ion Storage: Insight into the Effect of N‐Doping
Authors: Feng Yi , Liu Li , Liu Xiaoyang , Li Yixin , Wu Yunpeng , Zhu Yanchao , Wang Xiaofeng
Published: April 2021

A N‐enriched porous carbon/SiO2 (SiO2/NC) composite from rice husks was prepared by ball milling and tested as a stable anode for lithium ion batteries (LIBs), in which the homogeneous dispersion of SiO2 nanoparticles and carbon matrix, and high level of N‐doping can be realized simultaneously. The influence of N‐doping on a series of SiO2/NCs was systematically studied; this proved that the porosity, N‐doping content, and electronic conductivity of SiO2/NC can be controlled by adjusting common nitrogen sources (urea and melamine) and doping routes, including dry and wet milling, to reach a desirable balance of high capacity, long‐term cyclability, and rate property. The optimized SiO2/NC composite delivers a stably reversible capacity of 581 mA h g−1 at the high current load of 1.0 A g−1 at the 1000th cycle. The novel Li‐storage mechanism of active silica in a composite was first proposed after observation of the N‐doping effect that the redox reaction between SiO2 and Li+ is accelerated to transform into an alloying reaction of generated Si and Li+, thus enhancing the reversible capacity. Moreover, kinetics analysis confirms that there is a combined Li‐storage mechanism of battery‐capacitive pattern in composite that contributes to fast charge transfer and ion diffusion during cycle.
Mixed Cu2Se Hexagonal Nanosheets@Co3Se4 Nanospheres for High‐Performance Asymmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: Li Ang , Zhai Miaomiao , Luan Mingxing , Hu Jingbo
Published: April 2021

Rational designing and constructing multiphase hybrid electrode materials is an effective method to compensate for the performance defects of the single component. Based on this strategy, Cu2Se hexagonal nanosheets@Co3Se4 nanospheres mixed structures have been fabricated by a facile two‐step hydrothermal method. Under the synergistic effect of the high ionic conductivity of Cu2Se and the remarkable cycling stability of Co3Se4, Cu2Se@Co3Se4 can exhibit outstanding electrochemical performance as a novel electrode material. The as‐prepared Cu2Se@Co3Se4 electrode displays high specific capacitance of 1005 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 with enhanced rate capability (56 % capacitance retention at 10 A g−1), and ultralong lifespan (94.2 % after 10 000 cycles at 20 A g−1). An asymmetric supercapacitor is assembled applying the Cu2Se@Co3Se4 as anode and graphene as cathode, which delivers a wide work potential window of 1.6 V, high energy density (30.9 Wh kg−1 at 0.74 kW kg−1), high power density (21.0 Wh kg−1 at 7.50 kW kg−1), and excellent cycling stability (85.8 % after 10 000 cycles at 10 A g−1).
Self‐Assembly and Aggregation‐Induced Emission in Aqueous Media of Responsive Luminescent Copper(I) Coordination Polymer Nanoparticles
Authors: Hernández‐Toledo Hugo , Torrens Hugo , Flores‐Álamo Marcos , De Cola Luisa , Moreno‐Alcántar Guillermo
Published: April 2021

Luminescent copper(I)‐based compounds have recently attracted much attention since they can reach very high emission quantum yields. Interestingly, Cu(I) clusters can also be emissive, and the extension from small molecules to larger architecture could represent the first step towards novel materials that could be obtained by programming the units to undergo self‐assembly. However, for Cu(I) compounds the formation of supramolecular systems is challenging due to the coordinative diversity of copper centers. This works shows that this diversity can be exploited in the construction of responsive systems. In detail, the changes in the emissive profile of different aggregates formed in water by phosphine‐thioether copper(I) derivatives were followed. Our results demonstrate that the self‐assembly and disassembly of Cu(I)‐based coordination polymeric nanoparticles (CPNs) is sensitive to solvent composition. The solvent‐induced changes are related to modifications in the coordination sphere of copper at the molecular level, which alters not only the emission profile but also the morphology of the aggregates. Our findings are expected to inspire the construction of smart supramolecular systems based on dynamic coordinative metal centers.
Quantification and Prediction of Imine Formation Kinetics in Aqueous Solution by Microfluidic NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Zhuo Youzhen , Wang Xiuxiu , Chen Si , Chen Hang , Ouyang Jie , Yang Liulin , Wang Xinchang , You Lei , Utz Marcel , Tian Zhongqun , Cao Xiaoyu
Published: April 2021

Quantitatively predicting the reactivity of dynamic covalent reaction is essential to understand and rationally design complex structures and reaction networks. Herein, the reactivity of aldehydes and amines in various rapid imine formation in aqueous solution by microfluidic NMR spectroscopy was quantified. Investigation of reaction kinetics allowed to quantify the forward rate constantsk+by an empirical equation, of which three independent parameters were introduced as reactivity parameters of aldehydes (SE,E) and amines (N). Furthermore, these reactivity parameters were successfully used to predict the unknown forward rate constants of imine formation. Finally, two competitive reaction networks were rationally designed based on the proposed reactivity parameters. Our work has demonstrated the capability of microfluidic NMR spectroscopy in quantifying the kinetics of label‐free chemical reactions, especially rapid reactions that are complete in minutes.
Bloß kein zweites Asbest
Authors: Packroff Rolf , Broßell Dirk , Meyer‐Plath Asmus , Marx Romy
Published: April 2021

Die Verwendung von Asbest wurde, obwohl die gefährlichen Eigenschaften bereits vor mehr als 120 Jahren erkannt wurden, viel zu spät durch gesetzliche Regelungen eingeschränkt. Mit dem Toxikologischen Faserprinzip wurden die gesundheitlichen Auswirkungen auch wissenschaftlich plausibel und konnten auf Morphologie und Biobeständigkeit eingeatmeter Faserstäube zurückgeführt werden. Damit wurden nicht nur andere Fasermaterialien als potenzielle Kanzerogene identifiziert, sondern auch Ansatzpunkte für ein sicheres Design neuer Fasermaterialien abgeleitet. Die Risikoforschung zu Nanomaterialien hat diese Kenntnisse weiter vertieft und differenziert. Sie müssen nun Grundlage für eine Weiterentwicklung des europäischen Chemikalienrechts werden, um kein zweites Asbest auf dem Binnenmarkt zuzulassen.
Sequence‐Selective Covalent CaaX‐Box Receptors Prevent Farnesylation of Oncogenic Ras Proteins and Impact MAPK/PI3 K Signaling
Authors: Franz Matthias , Mörchen Britta , Degenhart Carsten , Gülden Daniel , Shkura Oleksandr , Wolters Dirk , Koch Uwe , Klebl Bert , Stoll Raphael , Helfrich Iris , Scherkenbeck Jürgen
Published: April 2021

Oncogenic Ras proteins are implicated in the most common life‐threatening cancers. Despite intense research over the past two decades, the progress towards small‐molecule inhibitors has been limited. One reason for this failure is that Ras proteins interact with their effectors only via protein‐protein interactions, which are notoriously difficult to address with small organic molecules. Herein we describe an alternative strategy, which prevents farnesylation and subsequent membrane insertion, a prerequisite for the activation of Ras proteins. Our approach is based on sequence‐selective supramolecular receptors which bind to the C‐terminal farnesyl transferase recognition unit of Ras and Rheb proteins and covalently modify the essential cysteine in the so‐called CaaX‐box.
Generation of Stable Isopentenyl Monophosphate Aryloxy Triester Phosphoramidates as Activators of Vγ9Vδ2 T Cells
Authors: Xu Qin , Taher Taher E. , Ashby Elizabeth , Sharif Maria , Willcox Benjamin E. , Mehellou Youcef
Published: April 2021

Aryloxy triester phosphoramidate prodrugs of the monophosphate derivatives of isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl pyrophosphate (DMAPP) were synthesized as lipophilic derivatives that can improve cell uptake. Despite the structural similarity of IPP and DMAPP, it was noted that their phosphoramidate prodrugs exhibited distinct stability profiles in aqueous environments, which we show is due to the position of the allyl bond in the backbones of the IPP and DMAPP monophosphates. As the IPP monophosphate aryloxy triester phosphoramidates showed favorable stability, they were subsequently investigated for their ability to activate Vγ9/Vδ2 T cells and they showed promising activation of this subset of T cells. Together, these findings represent the first report of IPP and DMAPP monophosphate prodrugs and the ability of IPP aryloxy triester phosphoramidate prodrugs to activate Vγ9/Vδ2 T cells highlighting their potential as possible immunotherapeutics.
Model‐Informed Therapeutic Dose Optimization Strategies for Antibody–Drug Conjugates in Oncology: What Can We Learn From US Food and Drug Administration–Approved Antibody–Drug Conjugates?
Authors: Liao Michael Z. , Lu Dan , Kågedal Matts , Miles Dale , Samineni Divya , Liu Stephanie N. , Li Chunze
Published: April 2021

Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) combine the specificity of an antibody with the cytotoxicity of a chemical agent. They represent a rapidly evolving area of oncology drug development and hold significant promise. There are currently nine ADCs on the market, more than half of which gained US Food and Drug Administration approval more recently, since 2019. Despite their enormous promise, the therapeutic window for these ADCs remains relatively narrow, especially when compared with other oncology drugs, such as targeted therapies or checkpoint inhibitors. In this review, we provide a detailed overview of the five dosing regimen optimization strategies that have been leveraged to broaden the therapeutic window by mitigating the safety risks while maintaining efficacy. These include body weight cap dosing; treatment duration capping; dose schedule (e.g., dosing frequency and dose fractionation); response‐guided dosing recommendations; and randomized dose‐finding. We then discuss how the lessons learned from these studies can inform ADC development going forward. Informed application of these dosing strategies should allow researchers to maximize the safety and efficacy for next‐generation ADCs.
Economic optimum plant density of sweet corn does not increase root lodging incidence
Authors: Williams Martin , Hausman Nicholas , Dhaliwal Daljeet , Grift Tony , Bohn Martin
Published: April 2021

Exploitation of plant density tolerance in sweet corn (Zea mays L.), including the use of density‐tolerant hybrids at plant densities that optimize economic returns (hereafter called economic optimum plant density), has the potential to improve profitability. Multiple experimental approaches, including artificially created root lodging events in field trials and natural root lodging events in growers’ fields, were used to determine if economic optimum plant densities, compared with current plant densities, increase incidence of root lodging in sweet corn. An artificially created root lodging experiment over multiple years showed the environment in which sweet corn is grown is far more important to the effects of root lodging than plant density. In trials with natural root lodging events, results showed commercial sweet corn hybrids differed greatly in their susceptibility to root lodging, with some cultivars tolerant across all plant densities. Across 16 experimental comparisons of sweet corn response to plant density where natural root lodging was observed, including seven environments and 11 commercial hybrids, there was no difference in root lodging between current and economic optimum plant densities. Factors other than plant density dominate the crop's potential for, and recovery from, root lodging in growers’ fields, namely, the hybrid and the environment in which the crop is grown.
2D Metal‐Organic Framework‐Based Thin‐Film Nanocomposite Membranes for Reverse Osmosis and Organic Solvent Nanofiltration
Authors: Li Feng , Liu Theo Dongyu , Xie Silijia , Guan Jian , Zhang Sui
Published: April 2021

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising candidates for membrane‐based liquid separations due to their intrinsic microporosity, but many are limited by their insufficient stability. In this work, a copper‐benzoquinoid (Cu‐THQ) MOF was synthesized and demonstrated structural stability in water and organic solvents. After incorporation into the polyamide layer, the hydrophilicity of the membranes was enhanced. The resultant thin‐film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes broke the permeability‐selectivity tradeoff by showing 242 % increase in water permeance and slightly enhanced salt rejection at MOF loading of 0.0192 mg cm−2. The underlying mechanism was probed by different chemical and morphological characterizations. The membranes also showed improved tolerance to chlorine oxidation. With their excellent stability, the Cu‐THQ MOF‐based membranes further demonstrated impressive performance in organic solvent nanofiltration involving dimethylformamide.
Water availability modifies productivity response to biodiversity and nitrogen in long‐term grassland experiments
Authors: Kazanski Clare E. , Cowles Jane , Dymond Salli , Clark Adam T. , David Aaron S. , Jungers Jacob M. , Kendig Amy E. , Riggs Charlotte E. , Trost Jared , Wei Xiaojing
Published: April 2021

Diversity and nitrogen addition have positive relationships with plant productivity, yet climate‐induced changes in water availability threaten to upend these established relationships. Using long‐term data from three experiments in a mesic grassland (ranging from 17 to 34 yr of data), we tested how the effects of species richness and nitrogen addition on community‐level plant productivity changed as a function of annual fluctuations in water availability using growing season precipitation and the Standardized Precipitation‐Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI). While results varied across experiments, our findings demonstrate that water availability can magnify the positive effects of both biodiversity and nitrogen addition on productivity. These results suggest that productivity responses to anthropogenic species diversity loss and increasing nitrogen deposition could depend on precipitation regimes, highlighting the importance of testing interactions between multiple global change drivers.
Trophic cascade in a marine protected area with artificial reefs: spiny lobster predation mitigates urchin barrens
Authors: Kawamata Shigeru , Taino Seiya
Published: April 2021

An ultimate benefit of marine protected areas (MPAs) is to reverse trophic cascades caused by human‐driven collapse of critical ecological interactions. Here we demonstrate that, despite a small scale (0.28 km2) and not being fully protected, an MPA with strict fishing management and habitat enhancement by artificial reefs (ARs) in southwest Japan can lead to well‐established macroalgal communities on widespread sea urchin barrens through cascading effects of predator recovery. Areas with low urchin densities occurred in and around daytime lobster (Panulirus japonicus) shelters primarily formed by quarry‐rock ARs inside the MPA. We confirmed in the laboratory that lobsters preyed on two dominant sea urchins (Echinometra sp. A and Heliocidaris crassispina), with size‐ and species‐dependent predation. The area with few urchins extended farther (˜65 m) from an AR with numerous lobsters than from a natural shelter (patch reef) with far fewer lobsters. Causation of this pattern was confirmed by a tethering experiment showing that predation on urchins was similarly high at and near lobster shelters but decreased at ˜100 m from the AR to a similar level as at an unprotected site. Time‐lapse photography revealed that predation on tethered urchins was due mostly to the largest size class of lobsters (>100 mm carapace length), which comprised only 7% of the population, highlighting the importance of large‐sized lobsters in controlling urchin abundance in localized areas adjacent to urchin‐dominated barrens. Despite an ongoing once‐a‐year fishing event permitted within the MPA, lobster populations were persistent, demonstrating that the cascading effect of the lobsters on urchins and ultimately macroalgae was robust to temporary reductions in predator population size. Erect macroalgal cover was not simply accounted for by snapshot urchin density or biomass, suggesting a hysteresis effect of the phase shifts between macroalgal dominance and urchin barren states.
How do Various Reaction Parameters Influence Anomeric Selectivity in Chemical Glycosylation with Thioglycosides and NIS/TfOH Activation?
Authors: Trinderup Helle H. , Andersen Sofie M. , Heuckendorff Mads , Jensen Henrik H.
Published: April 2021

The reaction of glycosyl donor phenyl 2,3,4,6‐tetra‐O‐benzyl‐1‐thio‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside with NIS/TfOH(cat.) was systematically studied under various reaction conditions. Neither the molecular sieve pore size nor amount of NIS activator was found to have an effect on the α/β‐ratio in the reaction with L‐menthol as glycosyl acceptor. Increasing concentration and the amount of triflic acid catalyst, however was found to increase the β‐selectivity in certain cases. Moreover, lowering temperature was found to have a strong effect on the glycosylation outcome.
Resonance, stickiness, and the value propositions of Evaluation Capacity Building: Key takeaways and future directions
Authors: Hargraves Monica , Buckley Jane , Urban Jennifer Brown , Linver Miriam R. , Chauveron Lisa M. , Samtani Satabdi , Archibald Thomas , Moorman Leslie
Published: April 2021

This paper presents the results of a study of program participants’ responses to an innovative project called the Partnerships for Advancing Character program Evaluation (PACE), which operationalized a Relational Systems Evaluation (RSE) approach to Evaluation Capacity Building (ECB). We examine which tools and concepts from PACE resonated with participants and were sustained, and why. Analysis of participant interviews yielded sixteen distinct value propositions that they associated with the PACE training. Importantly, a number of them extend beyond evaluation to include contributions to other aspects of program professionals’ work responsibilities and work life. We explore the relationships between the most widely valued PACE tools and concepts and the value propositions they were associated with. These discoveries about the potential value propositions for the RSE approach to ECB hold promise for efforts to increase investment in evaluation capacity, and to strengthen the transfer of learning that is needed for evaluation to be embedded and sustained in organizations.
Quantifying snow water equivalent using terrestrial ground penetrating radar and unmanned aerial vehicle photogrammetry
Authors: Yildiz Semih , Akyurek Zuhal , Binley Andrew
Published: April 2021

This study demonstrates the potential value of a combined unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) Photogrammetry and ground penetrating radar (GPR) approach to map snow water equivalent (SWE) over large scales. SWE estimation requires two different physical parameters (snow depth and density), which are currently difficult to measure with the spatial and temporal resolution desired for basin‐wide studies. UAV photogrammetry can provide very high‐resolution spatially continuous snow depths (SD) at the basin scale, but does not measure snow densities. GPR allows nondestructive quantitative snow investigation if the radar velocity is known. Using photogrammetric snow depths and GPR two‐way travel times (TWT) of reflections at the snow‐ground interface, radar velocities in snowpack can be determined. Snow density (RSN) is then estimated from the radar propagation velocity (which is related to electrical permittivity of snow) via empirical formulas. A Phantom‐4 Pro UAV and a MALA GX450 HDR model GPR mounted on a ski mobile were used to determine snow parameters. A snow‐free digital surface model (DSM) was obtained from the photogrammetric survey conducted in September 2017. Then, another survey in synchronization with a GPR survey was conducted in February 2019 whilst the snowpack was approximately at its maximum thickness. Spatially continuous snow depths were calculated by subtracting the snow‐free DSM from the snow‐covered DSM. Radar velocities in the snowpack along GPR survey lines were computed by using UAV‐based snow depths and GPR reflections to obtain snow densities and SWEs. The root mean square error of the obtained SWEs (384 mm average) is 63 mm, indicating good agreement with independent SWE observations and the error lies within acceptable uncertainty limits.
Development and validation of nomograms predicting cancer‐specific survival of vulvar cancer patients: based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program
Authors: Liu Jin , Wang Mengqiao
Published: April 2021

Objective

To explore potential prognostic factors and develop nomograms to predict the cancer‐specific survival of patients with vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and patients with vulvar melanoma.

Methods

Cases of vulvar SCC and melanoma were retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program, and randomly segregated into training and test sets. Based on the training set, univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regressions evaluate the association between key demographic/clinical characteristics and vulvar cancer survival. Potential prognostic factors were included to construct nomograms for the prediction of 3‐year and 5‐year survival probabilities.

Results

Age, tumor size, stage, surgery, and chemotherapy were potential factors associated with vulvar cancer survival. The C‐indices for the training and test sets were 0.82 and 0.81 for SCC, and 0.73 and 0.70 for melanoma. Calibration curves revealed correlated agreements between nomogram‐based probability and actual survival status.

Conclusion

Nomograms were developed to predict cancer‐specific survival of patients with vulvar cancer, accordingly identifying the subgroup at high risk of cancer‐specific mortality.
0‐1 Knapsack problem driven resource scheduling in caching‐enabled network: A case study on sports video
Authors: Xu Qiang
Published: April 2021

In caching‐enabled network (CEN), the cache resources are very limited and expensive, thus it needs to make the exact scheduling for these cache resources. The cache resources in CEN are usually stored in the buffer/segment form, that is, with integer feature. Therefore, this paper plans to convert the cache resource scheduling into a 0‐1 knapsack problem (KP01) with a given total cache budget. For the solution procedure of KP01, it includes two stages. At first, some cache segments are locked in advance, where ant colony optimization is adopted for this. Then, the rest cache segments are evaluated in turn based on expectation efficiency, and some cache segments with high expectation efficiency value are locked. For the proposed resource scheduling strategy in CEN, this paper makes a detailed case study by considering a hot application, that is, sports video transmission, including two parts. On one hand, a concrete example is established to illustrate the correctness of cache resource scheduling. On the other hand, two baselines are added to prove the efficiency of cache resource scheduling by introducing lots of sports videos. All experiments are driven over NS3, and the results are considerably satisfactory.
Golf course condition and playability beyond the greens
Authors: Brown Stewart , Fry John
Published: April 2021

Golf course standards are an important element to enable effective performance‐based management, which can optimise resource efficiency, and attain player satisfaction. It is important, therefore, to establish the current knowledge and awareness of what criteria exist for optimum golf course management. This paper draws together the relevant academic and industry research undertaken in the area to establish the current level of understanding. This review is corroborated with surveys conducted with a range of key industry stakeholders. Results indicate that resources are, and will continue, to be limiting factor in golf course performance, however, player expectation for “quality” remains high. Development of industry standards, that allow a level of flexibility, means course managers and club officials have an increased chance of determining how well they can balance the complex dynamic of balancing available resources with meeting player expectations.
Popular Culture Remixes as an Opening for Critical Dialogue with ELA Teacher Candidates
Authors: Wright William Terrell
Published: April 2021

In this case study, ELA teacher candidates used video editing software to create mash‐ups of popular YouTube videos in order to express critical commentaries about a range of educational issues and perspectives. Operating from a critical media literacies framework, candidates researched dissenting ways teaching and school(ing) were represented on the site. After collecting and downloading videos across a range of sentiments, candidates engaged in the cultural practice of digital remix to provoke encounters between perspectives and upend rhetoric or representations they hoped to challenge in their future teaching. Final mash‐ups included commentaries ranging from the authenticity of teacher–student relationships, the desire to be creative in standardized schooling environments, and the importance of engaging students in ongoing social conversations. Instructor reflections are shared as well as implications regarding the power of remix to foster candidates’ sense of agency over the many fraught depictions of the profession they are entering into.
Controversies, Rivalries, and Representation: Sports Culture as a Site for Research and Inquiry
Authors: Rodesiler Luke
Published: April 2021

Framing sports culture as a viable site for research and inquiry in the English language arts classroom, this article documents an investigation into the opportunities for research and inquiry teachers provided for students in selected secondary sports literature classes. Data collection involved gathering teacher‐ and student‐generated artifacts, observing classroom instruction, and conducting interviews with teachers and students. Data analysis produced findings that account for three distinct research opportunities: (1) contemporary issues research calling for students to explore “controversial topics" in sports culture; (2) a historical synthesis positioning students to investigate historic sports rivalries; and (3) a media analysis requiring students to replicate published research into the representation of female athletes in media. The study contributes to recent efforts scholars have made to advance the study of sports culture and related texts as a viable approach to teaching English language arts in ways that honor students’ interests and experiences.
Osteoblasts Generate Testosterone From DHEA and Activate Androgen Signaling in Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Moon Henry H , Clines Katrina L , O'Day Patrick J , Al-Barghouthi Basel M , Farber Emily A , Farber Charles R , Auchus Richard J , Clines Gregory A
Published: April 2021

Bone metastasis is a complication of prostate cancer in up to 90% of men afflicted with advanced disease. Therapies that reduce androgen exposure remain at the forefront of treatment. However, most prostate cancers transition to a state whereby reducing testicular androgen action becomes ineffective. A common mechanism of this transition is intratumoral production of testosterone (T) using the adrenal androgen precursor dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) through enzymatic conversion by 3β- and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (3βHSD and 17βHSD). Given the ability of prostate cancer to form blastic metastases in bone, we hypothesized that osteoblasts might be a source of androgen synthesis. RNA expression analyses of murine osteoblasts and human bone confirmed that at least one 3βHSD and 17βHSD enzyme isoform was expressed, suggesting that osteoblasts are capable of generating androgens from adrenal DHEA. Murine osteoblasts were treated with 100 nM and 1 μM DHEA or vehicle control. Conditioned media from these osteoblasts were assayed for intermediate and active androgens by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. As DHEA was consumed, the androgen intermediates androstenediol and androstenedione were generated and subsequently converted to T. Conditioned media of DHEA-treated osteoblasts increased androgen receptor (AR) signaling, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) production, and cell numbers of the androgen-sensitive prostate cancer cell lines C4-2B and LNCaP. DHEA did not induce AR signaling in osteoblasts despite AR expression in this cell type. We describe an unreported function of osteoblasts as a source of T that is especially relevant during androgen-responsive metastatic prostate cancer invasion into bone. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR). This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Neonatal Osteomacs and Bone Marrow Macrophages Differ in Phenotypic Marker Expression and Function
Authors: Mohamad Safa F , Gunawan Andrea , Blosser Rachel , Childress Paul , Aguilar-Perez Alexandra , Ghosh Joydeep , Hong Jung Min , Liu Jianyun , Kanagasabapathy Deepa , Kacena Melissa A , Srour Edward F , Bruzzaniti Angela
Published: April 2021

Osteomacs (OM) are specialized bone-resident macrophages that are a component of the hematopoietic niche and support bone formation. Also located in the niche are a second subset of macrophages, namely bone marrow–derived macrophages (BM Mφ). We previously reported that a subpopulation of OM co-express both CD166 and CSF1R, the receptor for macrophage colony-stimulating factor (MCSF), and that OM form more bone-resorbing osteoclasts than BM Mφ. Reported here are single-cell quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), mass cytometry (CyTOF), and marker-specific functional studies that further identify differences between OM and BM Mφ from neonatal C57Bl/6 mice. Although OM express higher levels of CSF1R and MCSF, they do not respond to MCSF-induced proliferation, in contrast to BM Mφ. Moreover, receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), without the addition of MCSF, was sufficient to induce osteoclast formation in OM but not BM Mφ cultures. OM express higher levels of CD166 than BM Mφ, and we found that osteoclast formation by CD166−/− OM was reduced compared with wild-type (WT) OM, whereas CD166−/− BM Mφ showed enhanced osteoclast formation. CD110/c-Mpl, the receptor for thrombopoietin (TPO), was also higher in OM, but TPO did not alter OM-derived osteoclast formation, whereas TPO stimulated BM Mφ osteoclast formation. CyTOF analyses demonstrated OM uniquely co-express CD86 and CD206, markers of M1 and M2 polarized macrophages, respectively. OM performed equivalent phagocytosis in response to LPS or IL-4/IL-10, which induce polarization to M1 and M2 subtypes, respectively, whereas BM Mφ were less competent at phagocytosis when polarized to the M2 subtype. Moreover, in contrast to BM Mφ, LPS treatment of OM led to the upregulation of CD80, an M1 marker, as well as IL-10 and IL-6, known anti-inflammatory cytokines. Overall, these data reveal that OM and BM Mφ are distinct subgroups of macrophages, whose phenotypic and functional differences in proliferation, phagocytosis, and osteoclast formation may contribute physiological specificity during health and disease. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Comprehensive bioinformatics analysis reveals kinase activity profiling associated with heart failure
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Tian Saisai , Wu Chennan , Yan Li , Wan Jingjing , Zhang Jinbo , Liu Xia , Zhang Weidong
Published: April 2021

Heart failure is a complex clinical syndrome originating from cardiac injury, which leads to considerable morbidity and mortality. Among the dynamic molecular adaptations occurring in heart failure development, aggravation of the disease is often attributed to global or local abnormality of the kinase. Therefore, the overall monitoring of kinase activity is indispensable. In this study, a bioinformatics analysis method was developed to conduct deep mining of transcriptome and phosphoproteome in failing heart tissue. A total of 982 differentially expressed genes and 9781 phosphorylation sites on 3252 proteins were identified. Via upstream regulator relations and kinase‐substrate relations, a dendrogram of kinases can be constructed to monitor its abnormality. The results show that, on the dendrogram, the distribution of kinases demonstrated complex kinase activity changes and certain rules that occur during heart failure. Finally, we also identified the hub kinases in heart failure and verified the expression of these kinases by reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. In conclusion, for the first time, we have systematically analyzed the differences in kinases during heart failure and provided an unprecedented breadth of multi‐omics data. These results can bring about a sufficient data foundation and novel research perspectives.
The Holocene record of Alberca de Tacámbaro, a tropical lake in western Mexico: evidence of orbital and millennial‐scale climatic variability
Authors: Ortega‐Guerrero Beatriz , Caballero Margarita , Israde‐AlcáNtara Isabel
Published: April 2021

Laminated sediments in a core from Alberca de Tacámbaro, western central Mexico, provide a high‐resolution record of palaeoclimatic variability for most of the Holocene. Using compositional and textural characteristics we identified 14 facies classified in biogenic, clastic and volcaniclastic groups, in which diatoms and other algal remains are the most common components. In addition to facies analysis, high‐resolution geochemical data from continuous core scanning XRF and the analysis of discrete samples for organic and inorganic carbon content, provide the basis for palaeoclimatic reconstruction. The age model indicates that the record spans from 9.4 cal ka bp toad 1760. Three main phases in the sequence are identified, controlled by millennial‐scale variability. During the period between 9.4 and 5.7 cal kabp, the lake is dominated by siliceous organisms. Drier conditions between 8.2 and 6.3 cal kabp are linked to decreases in summer insolation and solar irradiance. By 5.7 cal kabp, the change in sedimentation is related to the increase in El Niño Southern Oscillation frequency. Evidence of the occurrence of dry conditions during the archaeological Late Classic period (ad 600–900) and historical droughts are also documented in the Alberca de Tacámbaro record. Unprecedented changes in the landscape are recorded afterad 1520.
Effects of sesame, canola and sesame‐canola oils on body weight and composition in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, triple‐blind, cross‐over clinical trial
Authors: Raeisi‐Dehkordi Hamidreza , Amiri Mojgan , Moghtaderi Fatemeh , Zimorovat Alireza , Rahmanian Masoud , Mozaffari‐Khosravi Hassan , Salehi‐Abargouei Amin
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

Recent investigations have proposed that sesame and canola oils might affect body fat distribution. The present study aimed to examine the effects of sesame, canola and sesame‐canola (a blend of sesame and canola oils) oils on body weight and composition in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the context of a randomized, triple‐blind, three‐way, cross‐over clinical trial.

RESULTS

Eligible participants were randomized to replace their regular dietary oil with sesame oil (SO), canola oil (CO) and sesame‐canola oil (SCO) (with 40% SO and 60% CO). Treatment periods lasted 9 weeks and were separated by 4‐week wash‐out periods. Body weight and composition were measured at the beginning, in the middle and at the end of each intervention phase. In total, 93 participants completed the study. After adjustment for confounders, within‐period changes were observed following SO and CO intake for body weight (0.34 ± 0.16 kg and 0.33 ± 0.17 kg) and visceral fat (0.13 ± 0.06% and 0.13 ± 0.05%, P < 0.05), respectively. Body mass index was increased within SO intake (0.13 ± 0.05 kg m−2, P = 0.031). All of the treatment oils resulted in reduced waist circumference and index of central obesity (P < 0.05). A significant difference in change values was observed for visceral fat between SCO (−0.14 ± 0.07%) and SO (0.12 ± 0.08%) treatment periods in females (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Sesame and canola oils might lead to a modest favorable body fat redistribution by reducing central adiposity, particularly in females; however, the changes were of little clinical importance. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Reconstructing primary production in a changing estuary: A mass balance modeling approach
Authors: Kim Jongsun , Brush Mark J. , Song Bongkeun , Anderson Iris C.
Published: April 2021

Estuarine primary production (PP) is a critical rate process for understanding ecosystem function and response to environmental change. PP is fundamentally linked to estuarine eutrophication, and as such should respond to ongoing efforts to reduce nutrient inputs to estuaries globally. However, concurrent changes including warming, altered hydrology, reduced input of sediments, and emergence of harmful algal blooms (HABs) could interact with nutrient management to produce unexpected changes in PP. Despite its fundamental importance, estuarine PP is rarely measured. We reconstructed PP in the York River Estuary with a novel mass balance model based on dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) for the period 1994–2018. Modeled PP compared well to previous estimates and demonstrated a long‐term increase and down‐estuary shift over the study period. This increase occurred despite reductions in discharge, flushing time, DIN loading, and DIN standing stock over the same period. Increased PP corresponded to increased water temperature, decreased turbidity and light attenuation, and increased photic depth and assimilation ratio, suggesting that phytoplankton in the York River Estuary have become more efficient at converting nutrients into biomass primarily due to a release from light limitation. The increase in PP also coincided with the increasing occurrence of late summer HABs in the lower York River Estuary, including the emergence of a second bloom‐forming dinoflagellate in 2007. Results demonstrate how changes concurrent with nutrient management could alter expected system responses and illustrate the utility of the mass balance approach for estimating critical rate processes like PP in the absence of observations.
Intrajejunal Infusion of Levodopa/Carbidopa for Advanced Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tsunemi Taiji , Oyama Genko , Saiki Shinji , Hatano Taku , Fukae Jiro , Shimo Yasushi , Hattori Nobutaka
Published: April 2021

Advanced Parkinson's disease is inconsistently defined, and evidence is lacking in relation to device‐aided therapies. To update existing reviews of intrajejunal infusion of levodopa/carbidopa (LCIG), we performed a literature search for relevant articles (to November 3, 2020) using PubMed supplemented by hand searching. Retrieved articles were categorized by relevance to identified research questions, including motor complications and symptoms; nonmotor symptoms; functioning, quality of life, and caregiver burden; optimal timing of treatment initiation and administration duration; discontinuation; and complications. Most eligible studies (n = 56) were open‐label, observational studies including relatively small patient numbers. LCIG consistently reduces OFF time and increased ON time without troublesome dyskinesia with varying effects regarding ON time with troublesome dyskinesia and the possibility of diphasic dyskinesia. More recent evidence provides some increased support for the benefits of LCIG in relation to nonmotor symptoms, quality of life, activities of daily living, and reduced caregiver burden. Patient age does not appear to significantly impact the effectiveness of LCIG. Discontinuation rates with LCIG (~17%–26%) commonly relate to device‐related issues, although the ability to easily discontinue LCIG may represent a potential benefit. LCIG may be a favorable option for patients with advanced Parkinson's disease who show predominant nonmotor symptoms and vulnerability to complications of other advanced therapy modalities. Larger, well‐controlled studies, including precise investigation of cost effectiveness, would further assist treatment selection. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
An improved small signal model of InP HBT for millimeter‐wave applications
Authors: Zhang Ao , Gao Jianjun
Published: April 2021

In this letter, an improved small‐signal equivalent circuit model of InP heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) for millimeter‐wave applications is presented. The proposed small‐signal model takes into account the parasitic effect in the collector part which can effectively improve the accuracy of S parameter. In the frequency range of 2–110 GHz, good agreements between the measured and model‐calculated data can be achieved to demonstrate good modeling accuracy.