bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LncRNA LIFR‐AS1 overexpression suppressed the progression of serous ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Liu Fang , Cao Linyan , Zhang Yufang , Xia Xinyi , Ji Yanhua
Published: July 2022

Background

Serous ovarian carcinoma (SOC) is a common malignant tumor in female reproductive system. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) LIFR‐AS1 is a tumor suppressor gene in colorectal cancer, but its effect and underlying mechanism in SOC are still unclear. Therefore, this study focuses on unveiling the regulatory mechanism of LIFR‐AS1 in SOC.

Methods

The relationship between LIFR‐AS1 expression and prognosis of SOC patients was analyzed by TCGA database and Starbase, and then, the LIFR‐AS1 expression in SOC tissues and cells was detected by quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) and in situ hybridization (ISH). Besides, the relationship between LIFR‐AS1 and clinical characteristics was analyzed. Also, the effects of LIFR‐AS1 on the biological behaviors of SOC cells were measured by Cell Counting Kit‐8, colony formation, and wound‐healing and Transwell assays, respectively. Western blot and qRT‐PCR were employed to determine the protein expressions of genes related to proliferation (PCNA), apoptosis (cleaved caspase‐3), epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (E‐cadherin, N‐cadherin, and Snail).

Results

LIFR‐AS1 was lowly expressed in SOC, which was correlated with the poor prognosis of SOC patients. Low expression of LIFR‐AS1 in SOC was associated with the tumor size, clinical stage, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis. LIFR‐AS1 overexpression promoted the expressions of cleaved caspase‐3 and E‐cadherin while suppressing the malignant behaviors (proliferation, migration, and invasion) of SOC cells, the expressions of PCNA, N‐cadherin, and Snail. Besides, silencing LIFR‐AS1 exerted the effects opposite to overexpressed LIFR‐AS1.

Conclusion

LIFR‐AS1 overexpression inhibits biological behaviors of SOC cells, which may be a new therapeutic method.
Removal of organic pollutants (pharmaceuticals and pesticides) from sewage sludge by hydrothermal carbonization using response surface methodology (RSM)
Authors: Miserli Kleopatra , Nastopoulou Amalia , Konstantinou Ioannis
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

Conventional wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) cannot degrade completely emerging pollutants such as pharmaceuticals and pesticides. The release of such contaminants through WWTP effluents or sludge disposal is of high environmental concern. Hydrothermal treatment has been adopted as alternative treatment technology for sludge to recover energy and valuable products. This study demonstrates the removal of inherent concentration levels of organic pollutants from the previous classes under variable reaction conditions, i.e. temperature, reaction time and sludge‐to‐water (%wt) ratio.

RESULTS

Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to model removal efficiency for the sum of detected pharmaceutical compounds and to evaluate the significant operational parameters. The results showed that higher values of temperature and time enhanced the percent degradation efficiency while sludge‐to‐water (%wt) ratio was not a significant factor affecting the removal process. The maximum removal efficiency of pharmaceutical residues reached 89.8% under the following conditions: 220 °C, 360 min reaction time, 7.50%wt sludge‐to‐water ratio. Additionally, hydrothermal treatment removed completely trace levels of detected pesticides, regardless of the applied conditions. RSM was also applied separately to those pharmaceuticals (i.e., amisulpride and amitriptyline) detected most frequently and at higher concentrations in sludge samples. Both compounds have been degraded at >90% using reaction temperatures from 205 to 220 °C and reaction time between 297 and 360 min with 7.5% sludge/H2O ratio.

CONCLUSION

Hydrothermal treatment is a suitable and promising technology for sewage sludge treatment for the efficient destruction of organic pollutants and the production of renewable hydrochars. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Differential diagnosis of diffuse sclerotic thyroid papillary carcinoma and Hashimoto's thyroiditis using fine‐needle aspiration cytology, BRAFV600E, and ultrasound elastography
Authors: Wang Xian , Xu Feiju , Gao Juan , Agyekum Enock Adjei , Sun Hui , Zhang Guoliang , Li Xinxin , Xiang Hong , Hu Shudong , Qian Xiaoqin
Published: July 2022

Background

The diffuse sclerosing variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (DSV‐PTC) has ultrasound findings that are similar to Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), resulting in under‐diagnosis. DSV‐PTC combined with HT is also common, so early and accurate diagnosis of DSV‐PTC using a variety of diagnostic techniques, including FNAC, BRAFV600E mutation detection, and ultrasound elastography, is critical.

Objective

To assess the diagnostic value of fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and BRAFV600E detection in combination with ultrasound elastography in the diagnosis of DSV‐PTC.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of 40 patients with pathologically confirmed DSV‐PTC and 43 patients with HT admitted to our hospital's ultrasound department between January 2015 and December 2020. Preoperative FNAC, BRAFV600E mutation detection, and ultrasound elastography imaging were all performed on all patients. For a definitive diagnosis, the results of these tests were compared to postoperative pathological findings. The diagnostic value of FNAC, BRAFV600E mutation detection, ultrasound elasticity imaging, and their combination for DSV‐PTC diagnosis was assessed.

Results

The mean elastic strain rate ratio (E1/E2) of the 40 DSV‐PTC cases was 5.75 ± 2.14, while that of the 43 HT cases was 2.81 ± 1.20. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated using the average value of E2/E1. The area under the ROC curve was 0.910, and the optimal E2/E1 cut‐off value was 4.500. When FNAC, BRAFV600E mutation detection, and ultrasound elasticity imaging detection were combined, the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, positive predictive value, and accuracy of DSV‐PTC diagnosis were 92.5%, 95.3%, 93.2%, 94.9%, and 94.0%, respectively, which were significantly higher than the single technique (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The use of FNAC, BRAFV600E mutation detection, and ultrasound elastography in combination is more helpful in establishing an accurate diagnosis of DSV‐PTC than using a single diagnostic technique alone.
Parameters Affecting Worst‐Case Gradient‐Field Heating of Passive Conductive Implants
Authors: Bassen Howard , Zaidi Tayeb
Published: July 2022

Background

Testing MRI gradient‐induced heating of implanted medical devices is required by regulatory organizations and others. A gradient heating test of the ISO 10974 Technical Specification (TS) for active implants was adopted for this study of passive hip implants. All but one previous study of hip implants used nonuniform gradient exposure fields in clinical scanners and reported heating of less than 5 °C. This present study adapted methods of the TS, addressing the unmet need for identifying worst‐case heating via exposures to uniform gradient fields.

Purpose

To identify gradient‐field parameters affecting maximum heating in vitro for a hip implant and a cylindrical titanium disk.

Study Type

Computational simulations and experimental validation of induced heating.

Phantom

Tissue‐simulating gel.

Field Strength

42 T/s RMS, sinusoidal, continuous B fields with high spatial uniformity

Assessment

Hip implant heating at 1–10 kHz, via computational modeling, validated by limited point measurements. Experimental measurements of exposures of an implant at 42 T/s for 4, 6, and 9 kHz, analyzed at 50, 100, and 150 seconds.

Statistical Tests

One sample student's t‐test to assess difference between computational and experimental results. Experimental vs. computational results were not significantly different (p < 0.05).

Results

Maximum simulated temperature rise (10‐minute exposure) was 10 °C at 1 kHz and 0.66 °C at 10 kHz. The ratio of the rise for 21 T/s vs. 42 T/s RMS was 4, after stabilizing at 50 seconds (dB/dt ratio squared).

Data Conclusions

Heating of an implant is proportional to the frequency of the B field and the implant's cross‐sectional area and is greater for a thickness on the order of its skin depth. Testing with lower values of dB/dt RMS with lower cost amplifiers enables prediction of heating at higher values for dB/dt squared (per ISO TS) with identical frequency components and waveforms, once thermal equilibrium occurs.

Evidence Level

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Investigation of the effect of COVID‐19 on sperm count, motility, and morphology
Authors: Aksak Tiinçe , Satar Deniz A. , Bağci Rıdvan , Gülteki̇n Efdal O. , Coşkun Arzu , Demi̇rdelen Umut
Published: July 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is a single‐stranded RNA virus that causes many diseases such as respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and gastrointestinal diseases. Although it has been shown that the angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 receptor, which has a high affinity for the SARS‐CoV‐2 is mostly expressed in the lungs, it is also expressed especially in the cells of the testicular tissue. Although there are studies showing the effect of SARS‐CoV‐2 on spermatogenesis, the effects of COVID‐19 on sperm count, motility, and morphology are still unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate changes in sperm quality in men who had recovered and never had COVID‐19, therefore semen samples were analyzed from all individuals in the patient and control groups aged 20–50 years who agreed to participate in the study and voluntary in SBU Ministry of Health Adana City Training and Research Hospital. (Toros University Ethics Committee Decision Number: 1433, Date: April 15, 2021) (Adana Provincial Health Directorate Ethics Commission Decision dated May 27, 2021/5). Two groups were selected (100 men had and recovered from COVID‐19, and 100 men never had COVID‐19) spermiograms from both groups were analyzed in accordance with the World Health Organization standards. The sperm concentration of the COVID‐19 negative group was significantly higher than those in the COVID‐19 positive group. No statistically significant difference was detected between the groups for sperm motility and morphology. It was observed that men with COVID‐19 had decreased sperm concentrations suggesting that COVID‐19 may have a negative effect on male fertility. However, in the long term, more comprehensive studies with a large sample size are needed to understand better the changes in sperm concentration.
Integration of charging station to the smart grid power network by using robust immune feedback adaptive and Rao optimization approaches
Authors: Jaraniya Dulichand , Kumar Shailendra
Published: July 2022

The adoption of electrical vehicles (EVs) is nowadays a center of attraction, which reduces the carbon footprint and adds to the economic growth of a country. However, providing a proper charging facility to the customers is still a challenging task. This paper presents the mix (AC‐DC) charging station (CS) integrated with the PV array and the smart distribution grid. The acceleration of the EV causes the power quality burden on the grid and this can be taken care of by using advanced adaptive controls. In this paper, the control strategy used for the CS is the immune feedback‐based adaptive (IFA) control technique. It reduces the ripples in the fundamental load current extraction under steady‐state and produces fast response under dynamic conditions and helps to synchronize CS with the grid. The multi‐functional capabilities of the CS are presented with different voltage levels DC fast off‐board chargers and AC onboard slow chargers. Moreover, the Rao optimization technique is utilized to select the gains for the cascaded proportional‐integral (PI) controllers which are used to regulate the DC bus voltage and battery charging/discharging currents. The optimized fitness values of integral time square error (ITSE) by using Rao1, Rao2, and Rao3 techniques are 297.341, 285.023, and 282.924 respectively. The simulated and test results depict the efficacy of the CS. Moreover, the mixed charging facilities with multi DC fast chargers avoid the rush and burden on the grid, which reduces the power outage across the load and rapidly rising energy cost.
[18F]FDG brain uptake of C57Bl/6 male mice is affected by locomotor activity after cocaine use: A small animal positron emission tomography study
Authors: Spelta Lidia Emmanuela Wiazowski , Real Caroline Cristiano , Buchpiguel Carlos Alberto , de Paula Faria Daniele , Marcourakis Tania
Published: July 2022

We verified if cocaine‐induced peripheral activation might disrupt [18F]FDG brain uptake after a cocaine challenge and suggested an optimal protocol to measure cocaine‐induced brain metabolic alterations in mice. C57Bl/6 male mice were injected with [18F]FDG and randomly separated into three groups. Groups 1 and 2 were kept conscious after [18F]FDG administration and after 5 min received saline or cocaine (20 mg/kg). The animals in group 1 (n = 5) were then evaluated in the open field for 30 min and those from group 2 (n = 6) were kept alone in a home cage for the same period. Forty‐five minutes after [18F]FDG administration, images were acquired for 30 min. Group 3 (n = 6) was kept anesthetized and image acquisition started immediately after tracer injection, for 75 min. Saline (Day 1) or cocaine (Day 2) was injected 5 min after starting acquisition. Another set of animals (n = 5) were treated with cocaine every other day for 10 days or saline (n = 6) and were scanned with the dynamic protocol to verify its efficacy. [18F]FDG uptake increased after cocaine administration when compared to baseline only in animals kept under anesthesia. No brain effect of cocaine was observed in animals submitted to the open field or kept in the home cage. The use of anesthesia is essential to visualize cocaine‐induced changes in brain metabolism by [18F]FDG PET, providing an interesting preclinical approach to investigate naïve subjects and enabling a bidirectional translational science approach for better understanding of cocaine use disorder.
Histopathological characteristics of larynx in hypothyroidism in an experimental rabbit model
Authors: Iravani Kamyar , Golkhar Behnaz , Azarpira Negar , Kohandel‐Shirazi Mahsa , Vahedi Mahjoob
Published: July 2022

Objective

Hypothyroidism has a significant effect on the patients' voices. This study evaluated the histopathological characteristics of larynx following hypothyroidism in an experimental rabbit model.

Methods

Eleven male Dutch rabbits were included. Methimazole‐induced hypothyroidism was done for nine rabbits. The remaining two rabbits were assigned as controls. Six weeks after starting methimazole, a histological examination was performed with parameters of inflammation, ulceration, hemorrhage, and thickness of epithelium, Reinke's space, vocal ligament, thyroarytenoid muscle, collagen deposition, and periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS)‐positive materials, as well as confirmation of hypothyroidism by T4 measurement.

Results

Histologic examination showed a significant thickening of epithelium, Reinke's space, vocal ligament, and collagen PAS‐positive materials deposition in hypothyroid rabbits (p < .05). There was significant reduction in thyroarytenid muscle thickness (p < .05). Inflammation, ulceration, and bleeding were not significantly different between hypothyroid and control rabbits' laryngeal specimens.

Conclusion

Hypothyroidism causes significant changes in the laryngeal tissues. Thickening of epithelium, Reinke's space, vocal ligament, collagen, PAS‐positive materials, and reduced thickness of thyroarytenoid muscle are the major findings of this study.
Quantum Fluctuations and Lineshape Anomaly in a High‐β Silver‐Coated InP‐Based Metallic Nanolaser
Authors: Koulas‐Simos Aris , Buchgeister Joel , Drechsler Monty L. , Zhang Taiping , Laiho Kaisa , Sinatkas Georgios , Xu Jialu , Lohof Frederik , Kan Qiang , Zhang Ruikang K. , Jahnke Frank , Gies Christopher , Chow Weng W. , Ning Cun‐Zheng , Reitzenstein Stephan
Published: July 2022

Metallic nanocavity lasers provide important technological advancement toward even smaller integrable light sources. They give access to widely unexplored lasing physics in which the distinction between different operational regimes, like those of thermal or coherent light emission, becomes increasingly challenging upon approaching a device with a near‐perfect spontaneous‐emission coupling factor . In fact, quantum‐optical studies have to be employed to reveal a transition to coherent emission in the intensity fluctuation behavior of nanolasers when the input–output characteristic appears thresholdless for nanolasers. Here, a new indicator for lasing operation in high‐ lasers is identified by showing that stimulated emission can give rise to a lineshape anomaly manifested as a transition from a Lorentzian to a Gaussian component in the emission linewidth that dominates the spectrum above the lasing threshold.
Development and Characterization of Complementary Polymer Network Bioinks for 3D Bioprinting of Soft Tissue Constructs
Authors: Song Shaoshuai , Li Yuxuan , Huang Jie , Zhang Zhijun
Published: July 2022

The development of 3D bioprinting has been hindered by a narrow “biofabrication window” with a limited variety of feasible bioinks which are compatible with both high printability and well cytocompatibility. Herein, a generalizable strategy using complementary polymer network (CPN) bioinks is developed in the current study, to address the conflict between the printability and cytocompatibility of bioinks in extrusion 3D bioprinting, especially for the manufacture of soft tissue constructs. In this strategy, CPN bioinks are formed though mixing two interpenetrated polymer networks, one of which is a photocrosslinkable polymer network, and the other is a dynamic polymer network crosslinked by reversible covalent linkage, thereby endowed with well reversible thixotropy. Compatible with well printability, shape fidelity, and cytocompatibility, the utilization of CPN bioinks provides a viable solution for extrusion 3D bioprinting of photocrosslinkable biomaterials at a low concentration, thus suitable for soft tissue construct fabrication. Briefly, this study is testified to be a successful attempt to extend the bioink diversity within the “biofabrication window,” and offers a novel insight into designing more feasible bioinks based on their special rheological properties, for further tissue engineering and biomedicine application.
Joint coordination contract for capital‐constrained supply chains under asymmetric information
Authors: Yan Bo , Liu Yanping , Jin Zijie
Published: July 2022

A two‐echelon supply chain considering capital constraints and asymmetric information is established. The supplier provides credit guarantees for the capital‐constrained retailer to loan from the bank, and its information about the retailer's capital type is asymmetric. The equilibrium decisions of supply chain participants are analyzed by using the Stackelberg game theory and principal–agent theory. Then, a joint contract is designed to eliminate the double marginalization effect. The results show that the supplier and the bank make different decisions for different types of retailers to avoid adverse selection. The joint contract of revenue‐sharing and transfer payment can coordinate the supply chain.
Broadband miniaturized 180° phase shifter based on symmetric coupling structure
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Guan Meng , An Kang , Chen Aixin
Published: July 2022

An electronically reconfigurable wideband 180° phase switch using microstrip–slotline transitions is proposed. Multilayer structure with microstrips on the bottom and top layers, slotline on the middle layer confirm the broadband transmission. Taking advantage of the symmetry of the transition, only two p–i–n diodes are integrated on the top microstrip layer to achieve a 0°/180° phase reconfiguration. Miniaturized design is achieved with a size of 0.26λg × 0.16λg. The measured results are in good agreement with the simulated results, which show less than 5° phase deviation and less than 1.5 dB insertion loss across the band 0.68–2.5 GHz.
Dual rhombic loop‐based frequency selective surfaces for X‐band applications
Authors: Verma Ashish Kumar , Singhal Rahul
Published: July 2022

Dual rhombic loop (DRL) based low‐cost X‐band frequency selective surfaces (FSSs) with stopband characteristics are presented in this study. Orthogonally oriented arrays of rhombic loop pairs are printed back‐to‐back (BTB) on both sides of dielectric substrate to achieve wide stopband characteristics with stable response under oblique incidences. The nonlinearities in the reflection phase of BTB DRL printed FSSs are compensated by printing orthogonally oriented rhombic loop pairs on the same side of the substrate. Merging orthogonally oriented rhombic loop pairs results in a single‐layer wide stopband FSS with linear reflection phase under normal incidence. Both polarization dependent merged DRL (MDRL) and independent BTB DRL FSSs are developed and experimentally validated. As per measurements, the BTB printed FSS array exhibits 4.3 GHz wide stopband with transmission nulls at 7.9 and 10 GHz while the single side printed FSS exhibits 3.7 GHz wide stopband with transmission null at 8.3 GHz.
Local convergence of alternating low‐rank optimization methods with overrelaxation
Authors: Oseledets Ivan V. , Rakhuba Maxim V. , Uschmajew André
Published: July 2022

The local convergence of alternating optimization methods with overrelaxation for low‐rank matrix and tensor problems is established. The analysis is based on the linearization of the method which takes the form of an SOR iteration for a positive semidefinite Hessian and can be studied in the corresponding quotient geometry of equivalent low‐rank representations. In the matrix case, the optimal relaxation parameter for accelerating the local convergence can be determined from the convergence rate of the standard method. This result relies on a version of Young's SOR theorem for positive semidefinite block systems.
Adaptive project management model for the international development and aid projects
Authors: Mahmoud Saleh Firas Izzat , Karia Noorliza
Published: July 2022

This paper develops an adaptive Project Management Model (PM‐Model) for the International Development and Aid Projects (IDAPs) that International Non‐Governmental Organizations (INGOs) implement by integrating IDAPs' requirements grounded in Total Quality Management (TQM) and Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS). The three‐round Delphi process allows experts' opinions to identify the deficiencies of the PMBOK® Guide to propose an adaptive PM‐Model for the management of IDAPs. Seven experts suggest the required adaptations in Round‐1 and narrow down the transformations in Round‐2. Then, in Round‐3, nine practitioners validate the proposed new model of the final adaptive PM‐Model that entails eight adaptions to the PMBOK® Guide for the interest of IDAPs and vulnerable people reached by these projects. The result contributes to the PM theory by providing an adaptive PM‐Model for the international development industry. This study addresses the practical problems faced by the practitioners. Thus, it promotes people's inclusion and decision‐making, relevancy of provided assistance by IDAPs, accountability, coordination, local capacities and community leadership, monitoring and evaluation, and satisfying donors of IDAPs.
Simple synthesis of cellulose hydrogels based on the direct dissolution of cellulose in tetrabutylphosphonium hydroxide followed by crosslinking
Authors: Nguyen Mai Ngoc , Tran Tuyet Thi , Nguyen Quynh Thi , Tran Thi Thuy , Nguyen Bang Cong , Hollmann Dirk
Published: July 2022

Cellulose‐based hydrogels are valuable sustainable materials with significant potential applications in biomedical fields such as cell therapy, hemostasis, wound healing, tissue transplantation, regeneration technology, and drug delivery carrier to cells. In contrast to previous studies, the standard synthesis procedure needs high temperature, low cellulose concentration, and many additives. Here cellulose‐based hydrogels with a high cellulose concentration are produced at room temperature. The one‐pot preparation of chemical hydrogels involves the dissolution of cellulose in tetrabutylphosphonium hydroxide followed by epichlorohydrin crosslinking. The effects of the wide range of microcrystalline cellulose concentrations and the crosslinker ratio on swelling properties and crosslink density under different conditions are investigated. The hydrogels are characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction. The morphology of hydrogels is examined through scanning electron microscope. The transparency of hydrogel is determined by ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectrophotometer.
Enhancing the properties of graphene oxide/natural rubber nanocomposite‐based strain sensor modified by amino‐functionalized silanes
Authors: Woraphutthaporn Sarinya , Pattananuwat Prasit , Hayichelaeh Chesidi , Kobayashi Takaomi , Boonkerd Kanoktip
Published: July 2022

This work investigates the influence of modified graphene oxide (mGO) on the properties of natural rubber (NR) nanocomposites. GO was modified by amino‐functionalized silane coupling agents, that is, (3‐aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) and [3‐(2‐aminoethyl amino)propyl]trimethoxysilane (TMPES), hereafter referred to as AGO and TGO, respectively. The use of silane‐mGOs had a positive effect on the properties of the NR nanocomposites compared with unmodified GO, that is, a faster cure time, increased crosslink density, strengthened filler–rubber interaction, improved filler dispersion, and enhanced mechanical and electrical properties. Among the different types of silanes, the TGO/NR nanocomposite showed better mechanical and electrical properties than the AGO/NR nanocomposite because of its high crosslink density and strong filler–rubber interaction. To ascertain the potential for application as a strain sensor, the electrical resistance of nanocomposites during finger motion was determined. An increase in electrical resistance of the nanocomposites containing mGOs during finger motion was observed, which strongly supports the finding that NR nanocomposites containing silane‐mGOs are a potentially suitable material to produce a strain sensor.
Spent coffee grounds: An intriguing biowaste reinforcement of thermoplastic starch with potential application in green packaging
Authors: H. T. Nguyen Vy , M. N. Prabhakar , Lee Dong‐Woo , Song Jung‐il
Published: July 2022

With respect to the explosion of single‐use plastic packaging consumption during the COVID‐19 pandemic, environmentally friendly substitutes are critically needful for sustainable development. Therefore, the present work focuses on the functional properties of bioplastic blends prepared through hot compressing molding of thermoplastic starch (TPS) and spent coffee grounds (SCG) in different ratios (0%–20% SCG) as the potential features of SCG were extensively employed in biocomposites for the first time. The insertion of dark brown SCG into TPS hindered UV transmission by 100% at 320 nm and 99.2% at 400 nm. Moreover, the samples with 15% and 20% SCG induced a surge in radical scavenging activity from 7.95% to over 92% at a concentration of 0.1 g/ml owing to the rich source of antioxidants in SCG. The lignin component and high carbon content also improved the thermal performance of TPS/SCG blends, enhancing thermal stability, delaying onset and maximum degradation temperatures, and achieving the HB rating in the UL‐94 test. Compared to a pure TPS matrix, TPS blends incorporating up to 10% SCG exhibited improvement in elastic modulus without deterioration of tensile strength.
Transcriptome–proteome compendium of the Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba): Metabolic potential and repertoire of hydrolytic enzymes
Authors: Möller Lars , Vainshtein Yevhen , Wöhlbrand Lars , Dörries Marvin , Meyer Bettina , Sohn Kai , Rabus Ralf
Published: July 2022

The Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba Dana) is a keystone species in the Southern Ocean that uses an arsenal of hydrolases for biomacromolecule decomposition to effectively digest its omnivorous diet. The present study builds on a hybrid‐assembled transcriptome (13,671 ORFs) combined with comprehensive proteome profiling. The analysis of individual krill compartments allowed detection of significantly more different proteins compared to that of the entire animal (1464 vs. 294 proteins). The nearby krill sampling stations in the Bransfield Strait (Antarctic Peninsula) yielded rather uniform proteome datasets. Proteins related to energy production and lipid degradation were particularly abundant in the abdomen, agreeing with the high energy demand of muscle tissue. A total of 378 different biomacromolecule hydrolysing enzymes were detected, including 250 proteases, 99 CAZymes, 14 nucleases and 15 lipases. The large repertoire in proteases is in accord with the protein‐rich diet affiliated with E. superba’s omnivorous lifestyle and complex biology. The richness in chitin‐degrading enzymes allows not only digestion of zooplankton diet, but also the utilisation of the discharged exoskeleton after moulting.
The therapeutic effects of berberine against different diseases: A review on the involvement of the endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Yarmohammadi Fatemeh , Hayes A. Wallace , Karimi Gholamreza
Published: July 2022

Various factors interfere with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) function, which is involved in protein folding and calcium homeostasis. ER dysfunction referred to as ER stress triggers cell death by apoptosis and inflammation. Berberine (BBR) is an alkaloid extracted from the family Berberidacea. It has shown multiple pharmacological activities, including anti‐inflammatory, antioxidative, anti‐apoptotic, antiproliferative, and antihypertensive. It has been reported that BBR can decrease apoptosis and inflammation following different pathological conditions, which might be mediated by targeting ER stress pathways. In this manuscript, we reviewed the protective potential of BBR against several diseases, such as metabolic disorders, cancer, intestinal diseases, cardiovascular, liver, kidney, and central nervous system diseases, in both in vivo and in vitro studies.
Potential mechanism of oral baicalin treating psoriasis via suppressing Wnt signaling pathway and inhibiting Th17/IL‐17 axis by activating PPARγ
Authors: Chen Yi , Song Shasha , Wang Yongfang , Zhu Jia , Li Xinyu
Published: July 2022

Psoriasis (PSO), an immune‐mediated chronic inflammatory skin disease, has seriously affected the quality of patients' life. It is urgent to find effective medicines with lower costs and less side effects. Baicalin (HQG) is the main bioactive substance from Scutellaria baicalensis with effects of anti‐inflammation and immunoregulation. Herein, we explored the effect of oral HQG treating PSO and its potential mechanism. Firstly, network pharmacology was used to predict that HQG may act on Estrogen, TNF‐alpha (tumor necrosis factor, TNF), interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) signaling pathways and Th17 cell differentiation, especially the key targets including TNF, Proto‐oncogene tyrosine‐protein kinase Src, Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma and Matrix metalloproteinase‐9. Imiquimod (IMQ)‐induced mice were then used to study the effects of HQG treating PSO. HQG could significantly ameliorate the skin lesions, decrease the level of inflammatory factors and inhibit Th1/Th17 cell differentiation in IMQ‐induced mice. Finally, transcriptome analysis of skin lesions integrated with the prediction of network pharmacology further demonstrated that the potential mechanism may be associated with suppressing Wnt signaling pathway and inhibiting Th17/IL‐17 axis by activating PPARγ. In conclusion, this study suggested that HQG may be a promising agent for further studies in the search for therapeutic strategies to treat PSO in the future.
Persistence of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn: A case of de novo TBX4 variant
Authors: Tsoi Stephanie M. , Jones Kirk , Colglazier Elizabeth , Parker Claire , Nawaytou Hythem , Teitel David , Fineman Jeffrey R. , Keller Roberta L.
Published: July 2022

We present a case of a late preterm infant placed on extracorporeal life support in the first day of life for persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. Developmental arrest, pulmonary vascular hypertensive changes, and pulmonary interstitial glycogenosis were present on lung biopsy at 7 weeks of age. Pulmonary hypertension has persisted through childhood. Genetic testing at 8 years identified a novel mutation in TBX4.
Ultra‐fast spectroscopy for high‐throughput and interactive quantum chemistry
Authors: Bosia Francesco , Weymuth Thomas , Reiher Markus
Published: July 2022

We present ultra‐fast quantum chemical methods for the calculation of infrared and ultraviolet–visible spectra designed to provide fingerprint information during autonomous and interactive explorations of molecular structures. Characteristic spectral signals can serve as diagnostic probes for the identification and characterization of molecular structures. These features often do not require ultimate accuracy with respect to peak position and intensity, which alleviates the accuracy–time dilemma in ultra‐fast electronic structure methods. If approximate ultra‐fast algorithms are supplemented with an uncertainty quantification scheme for the detection of potentially large prediction errors in signal position and intensity, an offline refinement will always be possible to confirm or discard the predictions of the ultra‐fast approach. Here, we present ultra‐fast electronic structure methods for such a protocol in order to obtain ground‐ and excited‐state electronic energies, dipole moments, and their derivatives for real‐time applications in vibrational spectroscopy and photophysics. As part of this endeavor, we devise an information‐inheritance partial Hessian approach for vibrational spectroscopy, a tailored subspace diagonalization approach and a determinant‐selection scheme for excited‐state calculations.
Neural‐network‐based constrained optimal coordination for heterogeneous uncertain nonlinear multi‐agent systems
Authors: Tang Yutao , Wang Ding
Published: July 2022

In this article, we investigate a constrained optimal coordination problem for a class of heterogeneous nonlinear multi‐agent systems described by high‐order dynamics subject to both unknown nonlinearities and external disturbances. Each agent has a private objective function and a steady‐state constraint about its output. We develop a composite distributed controller for each agent by a combination of internal model and neural network techniques. All agent outputs are proven to reach the constrained minimal point of the aggregate objective function with bounded residual errors irrespective of the unknown nonlinearities and external disturbances. Two examples are finally given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the algorithm.
Characteristic variation of pulsed‐anodized NiTi surface by the adjustment of voltage‐unapplied state
Authors: Taniho Hiroki , Tate Kasumi , Kawakami Ryota , Ohtsu Naofumi
Published: July 2022

Pulsed anodization of superelastic NiTi alloy in nitric acid electrolyte is a novel surface modification process that enables the formation of an almost Ni‐free TiO2 layer on their surface. The core technology is the modulation of voltage‐unapplied state that is necessary for the chemical reaction with an electrolyte. Here, the effect of the adjustment of the voltage‐unapplied state on the layer characteristics was investigated. Prolongation of the voltage‐unapplied state led to the formation of a thicker TiO2 layer. This result was attributed to the elimination of Ni by nitric acid. As a result, nanometer‐sized pores appearing as vestiges of Ni elimination increased and enlarged concomitantly. Furthermore, by prolonging the voltage‐unapplied state, the amount of Ni ions released into a phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) solution diminished significantly. Such prolongation enabled significant suppression of the dissolution of the layer itself; thus, Ni ion release from the surface region was considered to be reduced.
Dopant concentration influence on the optical properties of NiO thin films doped by Al and Nb deposited by DC and RF magnetron sputtering
Authors: Bayahia Dalal , Shirbeeny Waleed
Published: July 2022

Optical characteristics of nickel oxide (NiO) can be fine‐tuned to match specific application prerequisites. Doping NiO with Al or Nb influences the structure of its thin films, as they have d‐orbital ionic radii of 142.2 and 181.9 pm, far from the ionic radius of Ni2+ of 33.8 pm. Al‐ and Nb‐doped NiO thin films were deposited on silicon and quartz substrates using RF (Radio Frequency) and DC (Direct Current) reactive magnetron sputtering. The deposition powers on the dopant targets varied between 30 and 60 W in steps of 10 W. The XRD (X‐Ray Diffraction) analysis revealed no phase changes in the NiO structure. However, a shift toward a smaller angle was observed. The bandgap decreased to 3.30 eV. The metal‐doped NiO grains retained an average size of a few nanometers. The minimum resistivity of the Al‐doped NiO reached 0.0130 Ω.m, while it decreased to 0.0058 Ω.m for the Nb‐doped NiO. Using ellipsometry and effective medium approximation (EMA), it was possible to determine the refractive indices of the composites and dopants. The amount of dopants determined using this method was consistent with the deposition power. The influence of the dopant percentage on the optical properties of the doped NiO met the expectations. The optical and electrical properties of Al‐ and Nb‐doped NiO make them to be good candidates for electrochromic and optical sensor applications.
“Eucalyptol: An Alternative Green Solvent for the Michael Addition of Indoles to α, β‐Unsaturated Ketones and Nitrostyrenes”
Authors: Dave Alpa Y. , Mishra Akanksha , Talukdar Mrinal , Begari Eeshwaraiah
Published: July 2022

Reduction of carbon footprint generated by organic solvents via replacing them with greener solvents is of great interest in recent times. Herein, we report a Michael addition reaction of indoles to α, β‐unsaturated ketones, and nitrostyrene using reusable and low toxic eucalyptol as a green solvent, and Fe(OTs)3 ⋅ 6H2O as green catalyst. This methodology offers broad substrate scope and excellent yields (up to 90 %) in short reaction times.
A DFT Study towards the Amide cis‐trans Isomerization Process of the Myc‐Max Inhibitor Mycro 3 and Its Photophysical Properties; Synthesis and NMR Studies of the trans‐Conformation
Authors: Mamalis Dimitrios , Panagiotopoulou Angeliki , Couladouros Elias A. , Tzeli Demeter , Vidali Veroniki P.
Published: July 2022

Mycro 3 is a synthetic pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine amide with interesting bioactivity having exhibited promising results in in vivo studies against pancreatic cancer. Even though it is a known compound, no data concerning its conformations have been reported before. The aim of this work is to investigate the formation of its trans‐ and cis‐ isomers, the photophysical processes of the isomerization, and the solvent effect via a DFT study. We found that this isomerization is a thermodynamically favourable reaction, having a small barrier of 10.3 kcal/mol in DMSO. Additionally, the calculated 1H and 13C NMR spectra of the two isomers revealed measurable differences. Furthermore, the S0→S1 excitation was found in vis area at 413 nm (trans‐isomer), while the S2→S0 and S1→S0 excitations are charge transfer (CT) and partially CT state in near‐infrared and vis spectra, showing that mycro 3 also has the potential to be used as a photosensitizer. Finally, its synthesis and its NMR analysis revealed a good agreement with the proposed trans conformation.
Heterogeneity in mental health change during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Germany: The role of social factors
Authors: Reis Dorota , Krautter Kai , Hart Alexander , Friese Malte
Published: July 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic constitutes a prolonged global crisis, but its effects on mental health seem inconsistent. This inconsistency highlights the importance of considering the differential impact of the pandemic on individuals. There is some evidence that mental health trajectories are heterogeneous and that both sociodemographic and personal characteristics are associated with higher risk for mental health issues. By contrast, information on the role of social factors as potential determinants of initial reactions to the pandemic and on heterogeneous trajectories over time is lacking. We analysed seven assessments of a large‐scale (N = 2203) longitudinal study across 1.5 years, beginning in March 2020. Using self‐report data on mental health and life satisfaction, we applied latent change models to examine initial reactions and mean changes across the pandemic. In addition, we applied latent class growth analyses to investigate whether there were distinct groups with different patterns of change. Results showed that on average, levels of life satisfaction and anxiety decreased (d = −0.31 and d = −0.11, respectively), levels of depressive symptoms increased (d = 0.13), and stress levels remained unchanged (d = −0.01) during the first year of the pandemic. For each outcome, we identified four distinct mental health trajectories. Between 5% (for anxiety) and 11% (for life satisfaction) of the sample reported consistently high—and even increasing—impairments in mental health and well‐being. The trajectories of a sizeable number of people covaried with the course of the pandemic, such that people experienced better mental health when the number of COVID cases was low and when fewer restrictions were placed on public life. Low emotional support, high instrumental support, and the tendency to compare oneself with others were associated with more mental health issues. Findings show that whereas a substantial portion of people were largely unaffected by the pandemic, some individuals experienced consistently high levels of psychological distress. Social factors appear to play a crucial role in the maintenance of well‐being.
Build a resilient team to help your office thrive
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: July 2022

Working together for about 10 years, Kris Anderson, Heather Pearson, and Heather Kretz experienced professional triumphs and failures. Within their team, there were marriages, deaths, and many other events that impacted team members in positive and negative ways.
Get students off to a good start with concierge services
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: July 2022

When prospective students consider going to college, they are excited about their futures. But what if they get confused or discouraged by the enrollment process and never even make it to a class?
New research reports reveal enrollment trends
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: July 2022

With the COVID‐19 pandemic and changing demographics, enrollment at colleges and universities has experienced significant impacts over the past few years. Two recent reports from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center track student numbers and behavior.
The great conundrum: Competency vs. passion in higher education as a profession
Authors: Freeman Sydney , Bruun Wendy
Published: July 2022

Higher education has a human resources problem. The root of that problem can be traced to the two types of employees commonly found in higher education departments.
Lack of efficacy of topical administration of eprinomectin against gastrointestinal nematode in a French dairy sheep farm: A case of underexposure of worms
Authors: Bordes Léa , Ticoulet Denis , Sutra Jean François , Lespine Anne , Jacquiet Philippe
Published: July 2022

Resistance to eprinomectin was suspected in a dairy sheep farm in southwestern France. The efficacy of topical and injection formulations of eprinomectin against gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) was compared using a faecal egg count reduction test. GIN species were identified by real‐time PCR, and eprinomectin concentrations were measured in serum by High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography 2 and 5 days after treatment. Efficacies were 99.6% and 86.1% for injection and topical formulations, respectively. Before treatment, the three species Haemonchus contortus, Teladorsagia circumcincta and Trichostrongylus colubriformis were identified in both groups. After treatment, H. contortus and T. colubriformis were identified in the topical group only. Two days after treatment, eprinomectin concentrations were above 2 ng/ml in the injection group and under this value in the topical group, suggesting underexposure of GIN to eprinomectin in this latter group. High levels of exposure to eprinomectin are important to avoid loss of efficacy in the field.
Delocalization error: The greatest outstanding challenge in density‐functional theory
Authors: Bryenton Kyle R. , Adeleke Adebayo A. , Dale Stephen G. , Johnson Erin R.
Published: July 2022

Every day, density‐functional theory (DFT) is routinely applied to computational modeling of molecules and materials with the expectation of high accuracy. However, in certain situations, popular density‐functional approximations (DFAs) have the potential to give substantial quantitative, and even qualitative, errors. The most common class of error is delocalization error, which is an overarching term that also encompasses the one‐electron self‐interaction error. In our opinion, its resolution remains the greatest outstanding challenge in DFT development. In this paper, we review the history of delocalization error and provide several complimentary conceptual pictures for its interpretation, along with illustrative examples of its various manifestations. Approaches to reduce delocalization error are discussed, as is its interplay with other shortcomings of popular DFAs, including treatment of non‐bonded repulsion and neglect of London dispersion.

This article is categorized under:

Electronic Structure Theory > Density Functional Theory
Who is vulnerable to energy poverty in the Global North, and what is their experience?
Authors: Middlemiss Lucie
Published: July 2022

Energy poverty is a fast rising government agenda in the Global North, and is subject to a substantial academic literature. Energy poverty is experienced when people do not have adequate access to energy services (light, heat, warmth, and cooling) to live a decent life. Plans to transition to a low‐carbon economy in the Global North have raised concerns about the impacts of environmental policy on more vulnerable citizens. A just transition is highly risky for energy poor households, who enter into the transition at a disadvantage. Understanding this starting point is critical in ensuring the energy poor are able to participate in a just transition, and are not subject to further disadvantage. Here, using a realist evaluation approach, I summarize the empirical literature on the experience of energy poverty in the Global North, in doing so characterizing who tends to be vulnerable to this problem, and painting a picture of their life experience. I show how energy poverty links to poverty, and how people from commonly disadvantaged social categories (disabled people, single parents, and people from ethnic minorities) are more likely to experience energy poverty. I describe the homes of people experiencing energy poverty, and their coping practices, as well as outlining the effects of energy poverty on health, social life, and home finances. In conclusion, I point to the weaknesses and gaps in the current literature, and suggest some important avenues of research for the future. This includes bringing energy poverty evidence into more extensive conversation with a just transitions agenda.

This article is categorized under:

Human and Social Dimensions > Energy and Climate Justice

Human and Social Dimensions > Energy Poverty

Human and Social Dimensions > Gender Equity