bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MXene‐ZnO Memristor for Multimodal In‐Sensor Computing
Authors: Wang Yan , Gong Yue , Yang Lin , Xiong Ziyu , Lv Ziyu , Xing Xuechao , Zhou Ye , Zhang Bing , Su Chenliang , Liao Qiufan , Han Su‐Ting
Published: February 2021

Recently, in‐sensor computing with individual sensors or multiple connected sensors directly processing information has been proposed to improve energy, area, and time efficiency of artificial intelligence systems. Current investigations mainly focus on a single sensory processing such as auditory, visual, tactile, olfactory, and so on. However, a human perception system can sense and process different types of information with a complex environment and small perceptive field simultaneously. For example, the recognition accuracy of human eyes is highly affected by the environment such as extremely low or high relative humidity (RH). Here, a multi‐modal MXene‐ZnO memristor that combines visual data sensing, RH sensing, and pre‐processing functions to emulate the unique environmental adaptive behavior of the human eye is designed and constructed. The multi‐field controlled resistive switching of the MXene‐ZnO memristor is originated from the photon‐/protons‐regulated formation of oxygen vacancies filaments. Finally, in‐sensor computing with a MXene‐ZnO memristor functioning as both filter to preprocess the information and synapse to implement a weight updating process with different humidity adaptability has been demonstrated. Multimodal in‐sensor computing provides the potential to reduce the underlying circuitry complexity of the traditional neuromorphic visual system and contributes to the development of intelligence in device‐level implementations.
Multiscale Structural Modulation of Anisotropic Graphene Framework for Polymer Composites Achieving Highly Efficient Thermal Energy Management
Authors: Dai Wen , Lv Le , Ma Tengfei , Wang Xiangze , Ying Junfeng , Yan Qingwei , Tan Xue , Gao Jingyao , Xue Chen , Yu Jinhong , Yao Yagang , Wei Qiuping , Sun Rong , Wang Yan , Liu Te‐Huan , Chen Tao , Xiang Rong , Jiang Nan , Xue Qunji , Wong Ching‐Ping , Maruyama Shigeo , Lin Cheng‐Te
Published: February 2021

Graphene is usually embedded into polymer matrices for the development of thermally conductive composites, preferably forming an interconnected and anisotropic framework. Currently, the directional self‐assembly of exfoliated graphene sheets is demonstrated to be the most effective way to synthesize anisotropic graphene frameworks. However, achieving a thermal conductivity enhancement (TCE) over 1500% with per 1 vol% graphene content in polymer matrices remains challenging, due to the high junction thermal resistance between the adjacent graphene sheets within the self‐assembled graphene framework. Here, a multiscale structural modulation strategy for obtaining highly ordered structure of graphene framework and simultaneously reducing the junction thermal resistance is demonstrated. The resultant anisotropic framework contributes to the polymer composites with a record‐high thermal conductivity of 56.8–62.4 W m−1 K−1 at the graphene loading of ≈13.3 vol%, giving an ultrahigh TCE per 1 vol% graphene over 2400%. Furthermore, thermal energy management applications of the composites as phase change materials for solar‐thermal energy conversion and as thermal interface materials for electronic device cooling are demonstrated. The finding provides valuable guidance for designing high‐performance thermally conductive composites and raises their possibility for practical use in thermal energy storage and thermal management of electronics.
Paired soil and rice arsenic and cadmium from northeastern U.S. rice farms
Authors: Hu Ruifang , Teasley William A. , Seyfferth Angelia L.
Published: February 2021

Arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) are two toxic elements found in rice (Oryza sativa L.) grain that pose threats to human health. While attention has focused on major rice‐growing regions, rice has been grown on small‐scale farms in the northeastern United States since approximately 2005, but the grain As and Cd levels were not previously reported. Unpolished grain from these farms have mean As of 0.12 mg kg−1 and mean Cd of 0.007 mg kg−1, more than 40% lower than previously reported in U.S. rice. Therefore, rice from these farms poses low risk for consumers.
Calendar Life of Zn Batteries Based on Zn Anode with Zn Powder/Current Collector Structure
Authors: Li Qing , Wang Yanbo , Mo Funian , Wang Donghong , Liang Guojin , Zhao Yuwei , Yang Qi , Huang Zhaodong , Zhi Chunyi
Published: February 2021

Zn foil is widely used for studying the stability and dendrite formation behavior of Zn anodes. The reported long cycling life of rechargeable Zn batteries (RZBs) is obtained by testing a battery immediately after its fabrication neglecting the aging effects. The cycling performance demonstrated cannot, however, have practical applications. Using Zn foil as both the working electrode and current collector will cause many problems when the battery is scaled up. A Zn powder (Zn‐P)/current collector configuration is more practical. In this work, the corrosion of the Zn‐P@Cu anode‐induced cell swelling is first quantitatively studied. During the aging process of the Zn‐P@Cu electrode, hydrogen forms on the surface of Cu and the Zn‐P dissolves resulting in morphological changes. These phenomena can be attributed to galvanic corrosion between Cu and Zn. To address this issue, tin with a higher overpotential for hydrogen generation is plated on Cu surface. The results indicate that hydrogen evolution is ameliorated. With a low NP ratio (mass) of 10:7, considerably better storage and cycling performance are achieved for Zn‐P@Cu//MnO2. These results highlight the need to focus on the calendar life of RZBs and corrosion of the Zn anode.
Upgrading the evidence for the use of ambroxol in Gaucher disease and GBA related Parkinson: Investigator initiated registry based on real life data
Authors: Istaiti Majdolen , Revel‐Vilk Shoshana , Becker‐Cohen Michal , Dinur Tama , Ramaswami Uma , Castillo‐Garcia Daniela , Ceron‐Rodriguez Magdalena , Chan Alicia , Rodic Predrag , Tincheva Radka Stefanova , Al‐Hertani Walla , Lee Beom Hee , Yang Chia‐Feng , Kiec‐Wilk Beata , Fiumara Agata , Rubio Barbara , Zimran Ari
Published: February 2021

Ambroxol hydrochloride is an oral mucolytic drug available over‐the‐counter for many years as cough medicine. In 2009 it was identified as a pharmacological chaperone for mutant glucocerebrosidase, albeit in a several‐fold higher dose. Unfortunately, there have been no pharma‐driven clinical trials to establish its use. Thus, real‐world observational data are needed on the safety and efficacy of ambroxol for patients with Gaucher disease (GD) and GBA‐Parkinson disease (GBA‐PD). Clinicians treating patients with ambroxol for GD and GBA‐PD were approached to collaborate in an investigator‐initiated registry. Anonymized data were collected, including demographics, GD type, GD‐specific therapy (when applicable), adverse events (AEs), and, when available, efficacy data. We report the data of the first 41 patients (25 females) at a median (range) age 17 (1.5–74) from 13 centers; 11 with GD type 1(four diagnosed with PD), 27 with neuronopathic GD (nGD), and three GBA mutation carriers with PD. The median (range) treatment period and maximum dose of ambroxol were 19 (1–76) months and 435 (75‐1485) mg/day, respectively. One patient with type 2 GD died of her disease. No other severe AEs were reported. Twelve patients experienced AE, including minor bowel discomfort, cough, allergic reaction, mild proteinuria, dizziness and disease progression. Clinical benefits were reported in 25 patients, including stable or improved neurological status, increased physical activity, and reduced fatigue. Until the approval of specific therapies for nGD and disease‐modification for GBA‐PD, these preliminary data may be encouraging to physicians and patients who consider an off‐label use of ambroxol.
Prediction of postpartum hemorrhage in pregnant women with immune thrombocytopenia: Development and validation of the MONITOR model in a nationwide multicenter study
Authors: Huang Qiu‐Sha , Zhu Xiao‐Lu , Qu Qing‐Yuan , Liu Xiao , Zhang Gao‐Chao , Su Yan , Chen Qi , Liu Feng‐Qi , Sun Xue‐Yan , Liang Mei‐Ying , Liu Yi , Jiang Ming , Liu Hui , Feng Ru , Yao Hong‐Xia , Zhang Lei , Qian Shen‐Xian , Yang Tong‐Hua , Zhang Jing‐Yu , Shen Xu‐Liang , Yang Lin‐Hua , Hu Jian‐Da , Huang Ren‐Wei , Jiang Zhong‐Xing , Wang Jing‐Wen , Zhang Hong‐Yu , Xiao Zhen , Zhan Si‐Yan , Liu Hui‐Xin , Chang Ying‐Jun , Jiang Qian , Jiang Hao , Lu Jin , Xu Lan‐Ping , Zhang Xiao‐Hong , Yin Cheng‐Hong , Wang Jian‐Liu , Huang Xiao‐Jun , Zhang Xiao‐Hui
Published: February 2021

Globally, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal death. Women with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) are at increased risk of developing PPH. Early identification of PPH helps to prevent adverse outcomes, but is underused because clinicians do not have a tool to predict PPH for women with ITP. We therefore conducted a nationwide multicenter retrospective study to develop and validate a prediction model of PPH in patients with ITP. We included 432 pregnant women (677 pregnancies) with primary ITP from 18 academic tertiary centers in China from January 2008 to August 2018. A total of 157 (23.2%) pregnancies experienced PPH. The derivation cohort included 450 pregnancies. For the validation cohort, we included 117 pregnancies in the temporal validation cohort and 110 pregnancies in the geographical validation cohort. We assessed 25 clinical parameters as candidate predictors and used multivariable logistic regression to develop our prediction model. The final model included seven variables and was named MONITOR (maternal complication, WHO bleeding score, antepartum platelet transfusion, placental abnormalities, platelet count, previous uterine surgery, and primiparity). We established an easy‐to‐use risk heatmap and risk score of PPH based on the seven risk factors. We externally validated this model using both a temporal validation cohort and a geographical validation cohort. The MONITOR model had an AUC of 0.868 (95% CI 0.828–0.909) in internal validation, 0.869 (95% CI 0.802–0.937) in the temporal validation, and 0.811 (95% CI 0.713–0.908) in the geographical validation. Calibration plots demonstrated good agreement between MONITOR‐predicted probability and actual observation in both internal validation and external validation. Therefore, we developed and validated a very accurate prediction model for PPH. We hope that the model will contribute to more precise clinical care, decreased adverse outcomes, and better health care resource allocation.
Centring migrant community voices in forced marriage prevention social policy: A proposed reframing
Authors: Zeweri Helena , Shinkfield Sara
Published: February 2021

In this article, we examine how young adult Muslim Australian women from immigrant families are navigating familial pressures around marriage, and what this can teach the forced marriage prevention sector about the importance of privileging community voices in its educational approach. Through an ethnographic approach that focuses on two women's recent experiences with social and cultural expectations around marriage, we argue that their strategies serve the prevention sector in the following ways: (1) they put into question the perpetrator–victim binary and official government warning signs, which suggest that coercive practices around marriage inherently render the family as a site of violence, and young adults as lacking the power to navigate these familial relationships; and (2) they reveal that young adult immigrant women see pressures around marriage through the prisms of collective care, sociality and the potential transformation and strengthening of familial bonds despite past experiences of social pressure.
Integrated miRNA and mRNA expression profiling reveals dysregulated miRNA‐mRNA regulatory networks in eosinophilic and non‐eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Authors: Bu Xiangting , Wang Ming , Luan Ge , Wang Yang , Wang Chengshuo , Zhang Luo
Published: February 2021

Background

The precise mechanisms underlying pathogenesis of different subtypes of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) are still unclear. Emerging evidence indicates that microRNAs may play a role in the pathogenesis of CRSwNP. This study aimed to identify the dysregulated microRNA‒messenger RNA (miRNA‐mRNA) regulatory networks in eosinophilic (E) and non‐eosinophilic (non‐E) CRSwNP.

Methods

Whole‐transcriptome sequencing was performed on nasal tissues of patients with ECRSwNP and non‐ECRSwNP, and control subjects. An integrated analysis of miRNA and mRNA expression was conducted to identify key mRNAs and miRNAs involved in the pathogenesis of ECRSwNP and non‐ECRSwNP. The miRNAs of interest and their target genes were validated using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

A group of differentially expressed mRNAs (DE‐mRNAs) and miRNAs (DE‐miRs) were identified in ECRSwNP patients vs control subjects, non‐ECRSwNP patients vs control subjects, and non‐ECRSwNP vs ECRSwNP patients, respectively. Pathway enrichment analysis showed distinct immune and inflammatory functions associated with DE‐mRNAs and target genes of DE‐miRs in ECRSwNP vs control and non‐ECRSwNP vs control groups. The miRNA‐mRNA regulatory networks constructed with Cytoscape highlighted the roles of miR‐154, miR‐221, and miR‐223 family miRNAs relating to both ECRSwNP and non‐ECRSwNP, and the roles of the let‐7 and miR‐34/449 families in the development of non‐ECRSwNP. Assessment using real‐time PCR for the expression of miRNAs and target genes demonstrated highly consistent data with the RNA sequencing data.

Conclusion

ECRSwNP and non‐ECRSwNP patients express distinct miRNA‐mRNA regulatory networks compared with control subjects, thus providing potential targets for future development of novel therapeutic approaches for the management of CRSwNP.
Green synthesis of MgO nanocatalyst by using Ziziphus mauritiana leaves and seeds for biodiesel production
Authors: Saman Syed , Balouch Aamna , Talpur Farah Naz , Memon Ayaz Ali , Mousavi Bibi Maryam , Verpoort Francis
Published: February 2021

Biodiesel has become an attractive substitute for fossil fuels due to its advantages such as lower bulk, higher energy density, non‐toxicity, and biocompatibility. Herein, a green and facile route is performed to synthesize magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) using Ziziphus mauritiana leaves extract. After that, the resulting MgO NPs are applied as an active catalyst to produce biodiesel from the same plant's seed oil. The MgO NPs were characterized by various techniques including X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), UV–Vis spectroscopy (UV–Vis), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX). Besides, the activity of the “green catalyst” was tested for the transesterification reaction for triglyceride conversion into biodiesel. The catalyst loading was optimized, and stability analysis was performed. Furthermore, the catalyst was recycled for six times for the transesterification of Ziziphus seed oil. The fuel properties of produced biodiesel were studied, and all are within the ASTM and the EN biodiesel standard specifications.
Preparation of polyvinylpyrrolidone/graphene oxide/epoxy resin composite coatings and the study on their anticorrosion performance
Authors: Zhang Jian , Liu Zhongyuan , Zhang Lanhe , Ma Jun , Sun Dong , Zhang Di , Liu Jingrong , Bai Haina , Wang Bing
Published: February 2021

Waterborne epoxy resin (EP) is often used as anticorrosive coating in the industrial field. However, small holes and gaps can be formed during the curing process. The corrosive medium easily penetrates the anticorrosive coating and corrodes the metal matrix. Herein, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and graphene oxide (GO) were doped into EP to improve the shielding and resistance to corrosive media. The composite coatings were prepared successfully by solution blending method. In the PVP/GO composite materials, original spatial structure of GO was changed and the composite was mainly combined by covalent bonding. The surface morphology of hybrid filler was flat and uniform, and the structural defects of GO was reduced. Compared with single‐layer anticorrosive coating, the corrosion potential of PVP/GO/EP coating moved forward and the corrosion current density decreased. The ideal corrosion resistance of PVP/GO/EP composite coatings was mainly because agglomeration of GO sheet was obviously avoided after it was modified by PVP. Furthermore, the hybrid filler can be uniformly dispersed in the aqueous EP. It blocked the gaps and holes inside the coatings, which could contribute to form anticorrosive coatings.
Fabrication of basalt embedded composite fiber membrane using electrospinning method and response surface methodology
Authors: Saleh Mohammed , Demir Didem , Ozay Yasin , Yalvac Mutlu , Bolgen Nimet , Dizge Nadir
Published: February 2021

In this study, a novel basalt embedded fiber membranes was prepared by the electrospinning method. The effects of the feed rate, voltage, tip to collector distance, and the basalt content on the prepared composite fiber membranes were investigated and optimized using the response surface method. Four models were built to compare the fibers in terms of deionized water flux (DWF), activated sludge flux, chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal, and porosity of fiber membranes. All the developed models were significant and adequately precise. The maximum flux of DWF was obtained when the voltage was 17.25 kV, the tip to collector distance of 19 cm, and a basalt content in polymer of 1.25%. COD removal decreased at higher voltage values as the feed rate increased. The porosity, pore size, and the contact angle values decreased for basalt embedded fiber membrane. The increases in the basalt percentage in polymer increased the hydrophilicity of the fiber. The flux decline for the basalt embedded fiber membrane was compared with the pristine fiber membrane. The permeate fluxes of pristine and basalt embedded fiber membranes were 42.3 and 59.6 L/m2/h, respectively. The biofouling performances of pristine and basalt embedded fiber membranes were also examined. Irreversible fouling decreased from 42.9% to 8.0%, and reversible fouling increased from 56.5% to 91.1% after modification of the membrane with basalt powder. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (SEM–EDX) analysis showed that basalt powder was successfully embedded into polyether sulfone polymer.
Structural and free volume characterization of sol–gel organic–inorganic hybrids, obtained by co‐condensation of two ureasilicate stoichiometric precursors
Authors: Kavetskyy Taras , Boev Victor , Ilcheva Vania , Kukhazh Yuliia , Smutok Oleh , Pan'kiv Lyudmyla , Šauša Ondrej , Švajdlenková Helena , Tatchev Dragomir , Avdeev Georgi , Gericke Eike , Hoell Armin , Rostamnia Sadegh , Petkova Tamara
Published: February 2021

In this study two hybrid organic–inorganic ureasilicate monomers with different length of polymer segments were chosen for preparation of sol–gel material that includes two moieties blended on the molecular scale. The first monomer was obtained by crosslinking a double terminated polyoxyalkyleneamine with an isocyanate modified silicone ethoxide and the second one – by crosslinking between the isocyanate modified silicone ethoxide with an amino modified silicone ethoxide. Sol–gel route was applied for transformation of the liquid monomer blends in transparent materials with varying degree of rigidity. The prepared samples were characterized by small‐angle X‐ray scattering, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy, and swelling experiments. The results demonstrate that the structure of the obtained materials could be tuned by a simple variation of molar fraction ratio between these two monomers. This makes it possible to obtain nanostructured materials with predictable properties.
Oilseeds to biodiesel and renewable jet fuel: an overview of feedstock production, logistics, and conversion
Authors: Khanal Asmita , Shah Ajay
Published: February 2021

Diesel and jet fuel contribute to ~22–27% and ~ 8–13% of the total energy used in the US transportation sector, producing ~25% and ~ 9% of the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from this sector, respectively. Biobased alternatives, such as biodiesel and renewable jet fuel (RJF) produced from oilseeds, have lower GHG emissions than their petroleum counterparts, are renewable in nature, and support energy security. Thus, the objective of this review was to analyze the information on different oilseed types and characteristics along with their production, harvest and post‐harvest operations; oilseeds conversion to biodiesel and RJF along with their properties and uses; and their cost and environmental status in the USA. More than 80% of the feedstock currently used for biodiesel production in the USA consists of edible oilseeds, including soybean, corn, and canola. Carinata and pennycress are inedible oilseeds that are promising feedstock for biodiesel and RJF production. The biodiesel and RJF produced from oilseeds have similar density, calorific value and cetane number while having lower acid value and sulfur content compared to their petroleum counterparts. At the current state of technology, the retail prices for biodiesel (B20) are 1.0–1.4 times, and RJF are 3–4 times higher than their petroleum counterparts. However, GHG emissions of oilseed‐based biodiesel and RJF are 37–92% and 32–121% lower than their petroleum counterparts, respectively. The economic competitiveness of oilseed‐based biofuels production and use could be improved by enhancing oilseed traits and optimizing field operations, which would further reduce the emissions from the transportation sector. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Experimental and clinical reports on anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects ofCurcuma longaand curcumin, an updated and comprehensive review
Authors: Memarzia Arghavan , Khazdair Mohammad R. , Behrouz Sepideh , Gholamnezhad Zahra , Jafarnezhad Maryam , Saadat Saeideh , Boskabady Mohammad H.
Published: February 2021

Curcuma longa(C. longa) or turmeric is a plant with a long history of use in traditional medicine, especially for treating inflammatory conditionsC. longaand its main constituent, curcumin (CUR), showed various pharmacological effects such as antioxidant and anti‐microbial properties. The updated knowledge of anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects ofC. longaand CUR is provided in this review article. Pharmacological effects ofC. longa, and CUR, including anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties, were searched using various databases and appropriate keywords until September 2020. Various studies showed anti‐inflammatory effects ofC. longaand CUR, including decreased white blood cell, neutrophil, and eosinophil numbers, and its protective effects on serum levels of inflammatory mediators such as phospholipase A2 and total protein in different inflammatory disorders. The antioxidant effects ofC. longaand CUR were also reported in several studies. The plant extracts and CUR decreased malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels but increased thiol, superoxide dismutase, and catalase levels in oxidative stress conditions. Treatment withC. longaand CUR also improved immunoglobulin E (Ig)E, pro‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin 4 (IL)‐4, transforming growth factor‐beta, IL‐17, interferon‐gamma levels, and type 1/type 2 helper cells (Th1)/(Th2) ratio in conditions with disturbance in the immune system. ThereforeC. longaand CUR showed anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects, indicating a potential therapeutic effect of the plant and its constituent, CUR, for treating of inflammatory, oxidative, and immune dysregulation disorders.
The stimulus control of local enclosures and barriers over head direction and place cell spatial firing
Authors: Smith Anna E. , Wood Emma R. , Dudchenko Paul A.
Published: February 2021

Objective

Head direction cell and place cell spatially tuned firing is often anchored to salient visual landmarks on the periphery of a recording environment. What is less well understood is whether structural features of an environment, such as orientation of a maze sub‐compartment or a polarizing barrier, can likewise control spatial firing.

Method

We recorded from 54 head direction cells in the medial entorhinal cortex and subicular region of male Lister Hooded rats while they explored an apparatus with four parallel or four radially arranged compartments (Experiment 1). In Experiment 2, we recorded from 130 place cells (in Lister‐ and Long‐Evans Hooded rats) and 30 head direction cells with 90° rotations of a cue card and a barrier in a single environment (Experiment 2).

Results

We found that head direction cells maintained a similar preferred firing direction across four separate maze compartments even when these faced different directions (Experiment 1). However, in an environment with a single compartment, we observed that both a barrier and a cue card exerted comparable amounts of stimulus control over head direction cells and place cells (Experiment 2).

Conclusion

The maintenance of a stable directional orientation across maze compartments suggests that the head direction cell system has the capacity to provide a global directional reference that allows the animal to distinguish otherwise similar maze compartments based on the compartment's orientation. A barrier is, however, capable of controlling spatially tuned firing in an environment in which it is the sole polarizing feature.
Impact of diabetes on promoting the growth of breast cancer
Authors: Chou Ping‐Chieh , Choi Hyun Ho , Huang Yizhi , Fuentes‐Mattei Enrique , Velazquez‐Torres Guermarie , Zhang Fanmao , Phan Liem , Lee Jaehyuk , Shi Yanxia , Bankson James A. , Wu Yun , Wang Huamin , Zhao Ruiying , Yeung Sai‐Ching Jim , Lee Mong‐Hong
Published: February 2021

Background

Type II diabetes mellitus (DM2) is a significant risk factor for cancers, including breast cancer. However, a proper diabetic breast cancer mouse model is not well‐established for treatment strategy design. Additionally, the precise diabetic signaling pathways that regulate cancer growth remain unresolved. In the present study, we established a suitable mouse model and demonstrated the pathogenic role of diabetes on breast cancer progression.

Methods

We successfully generated a transgenic mouse model of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive (Her2+ or ERBB2) breast cancer with DM2 by crossing leptin receptor mutant (Leprdb/+) mice with MMTV‐ErbB2/neu) mice. The mouse models were administrated with antidiabetic drugs to assess the impacts of controlling DM2 in affecting tumor growth. Magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging was employed to analyze the tumor metabolism.

Results

Treatment with metformin/rosiglitazone in MMTV‐ErbB2/Leprdb/db mouse model reduced serum insulin levels, prolonged overall survival, decreased cumulative tumor incidence, and inhibited tumor progression. Anti‐insulin resistance medications also inhibited glycolytic metabolism in tumors in vivo as indicated by the reduced metabolic flux of hyperpolarized 13C pyruvate‐to‐lactate reaction. The tumor cells from MMTV‐ErbB2/Leprdb/db transgenic mice treated with metformin had reprogrammed metabolism by reducing levels of both oxygen consumption and lactate production. Metformin decreased the expression of Myc and pyruvate kinase isozyme 2 (PKM2), leading to metabolism reprogramming. Moreover, metformin attenuated the mTOR/AKT signaling pathway and altered adipokine profiles.

Conclusions

MMTV‐ErbB2/Leprdb/db mouse model was able to recapitulate diabetic HER2+ human breast cancer. Additionally, our results defined the signaling pathways deregulated in HER2+ breast cancer under diabetic condition, which can be intervened by anti‐insulin resistance therapy.
Clinical significance of cytogenetic and molecular genetic abnormalities in 634 Chinese patients with myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Yan Xuefen , Wang Lu , Jiang Lingxu , Luo Yingwan , Lin Peipei , Yang Wenli , Ren Yanling , Ma Liya , Zhou Xinping , Mei Chen , Ye Li , Xu Gaixiang , Xu Weilai , Yang Haiyang , Lu Chenxi , Jin Jie , Tong Hongyan
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To explore the relevance of cytogenetic or molecular genetic abnormalities to clinical variables, including clinical and laboratory characteristics and prognosis in Chinese patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).

Methods

A total of 634 consecutive patients diagnosed with MDS at The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from June 2008 to May 2018 were retrospectively included in this study. All patients had evaluable cytogenetic analysis, and 425 patients had MDS‐related mutations sequencing.

Results

38.6% of patients displayed abnormal karyotypes. The most common cytogenetic abnormality was +8 (31%). Sole +8 was related to female (p = 0.002), hemoglobin >10 g/dL (p = 0.03), and <60 years old (p = 0.046). TP53 mutations were associated with complex karyotype (CK) (p < 0.001). DNMT3A mutations correlated with ‐Y (p = 0.01) whereas NRAS mutations correlated with 20q‐ (p = 0.04). The overall survival (OS) was significantly inferior in patients with +8 compared with those with normal karyotype (NK) (p = 0.003). However, the OS of sole +8 and +8 with one additional karyotypic abnormality was not different from NK (p = 0.16), but +8 with two or more abnormalities had a significantly shorter OS than +8 and +8 with one additional karyotypic abnormality (p = 0.02). In multivariable analysis, ≥60 years old, marrow blasts ≥5% and TP53 mutations were independent predictors for poor OS (p < 0.05), whereas SF3B1 mutations indicated better prognosis. Male IDH1 and IDH2 mutations and marrow blasts ≥5% were independent risk factors for worse leukemia free survival (LFS) (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

In this population of Chinese patients, trisomy 8 is the most common karyotypic abnormality. Patients with +8 showed a poorer OS compared with patients with NK. Sole +8 and +8 with one additional karyotypic abnormality had similar OS with NK, whereas +8 with two or more abnormalities had a significantly shorter OS. DNMT3A mutations correlated with ‐Y and NRAS mutations correlated with 20q‐. TP53 mutations were associated with CK and had a poor OS. SF3B1 mutations indicated a favorable OS. IDH1 and IDH2 mutations independently indicated inferior LFS.
An immature inhibin‐α‐expressing subpopulation of ovarian clear cell carcinoma cells is related to an unfavorable prognosis
Authors: Kusumoto Shinya , Kurashige Masako , Ohshima Kenji , Tahara Shinichiro , Matsui Takahiro , Nojima Satoshi , Hattori Satoshi , Morii Eiichi
Published: February 2021

Inhibin‐α, a member of transforming growth factor‐β, is elevated in multiple tumors, but its specific roles are poorly understood. Here, we examined the feature of inhibin‐α‐expressing cells in ovarian tumors. Immunohistochemically, inhibin‐α‐expressing tumor cells were detected only in ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) among various types of ovarian tumors. By comparing the expression of inhibin‐α and Ki‐67, inhibin‐α‐expressing tumor cells were revealed to be less proliferative. When spheroids and chemoresistant cells were derived from OCCC cell lines, the expression level of inhibin‐α was elevated, and that of an immature marker, aldehyde dehydrogenase, was also elevated. In consistent with this, inhibin‐α expression was correlated with other immature markers, such as OCT3/4 and SOX2, and inversely correlated with proliferative marker MKI67 in public database on OCCC. Knockdown of inhibin‐α in OCCC cell decreased chemoresistance. Moreover, prognostic analysis with 69 surgically resected OCCC cases revealed that the increased inhibin‐α expression was an independent unfavorable prognostic factor. These findings suggested that inhibin‐α‐expressing subpopulation of OCCC tumor cells appeared to be less proliferative, immature, and angiogenic and to be related to acceleration of malignant progression.
3,3‐Diethylene Di‐Sulfite (DES) as a High‐Voltage Electrolyte Additive for 4.5 V LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2/Graphite Batteries with Enhanced Performances
Authors: Li Shuai , Li Canhuang , Yang Tianxiang , Wang Wenlian , Lu Jing , Fan Weizhen , Zhao Xiaoyang , Zuo Xiaoxi , Tie Shaolong , Nan Junmin
Published: February 2021

A functional electrolyte containing 3,3‐diethylene di‐sulfite (DES) additive is developed to improve the performances of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811)/graphite batteries, especially at high charging cut‐off voltage of 4.50 V. It is indicated that under the conventional conditions of 25 °C and 1 C after 300 cycles in the voltage range of 2.75–4.30 V, the batteries with 0.25 % DES can increase the maximum capacity retention from 66.61 % to 77.25 % initial discharge capacity compared with the batteries without DES. Especially, when the charge cut‐off voltage is increased to 4.50 V, the batteries with 1 % DES exhibit higher capacity retention (82.53 %) after 150 cycles than the batteries without DES (51.19 %). The electrochemical tests and spectroscopic characterization show that this functional DES electrolyte additive well regulates the anode and cathode interfaces with more stabilized films and smaller impedance, which promotes the interfacial extraction and insertion of Li+. In addition, the interfacial film can inhibit the dissolution of the transition metal element Ni from the cathode and protect the structure stability of NCM811 material. The electrolyte containing DES additive reveals promising prospects in the application of NCM811/graphite batteries.
Gendern
Authors: Böck Barbara
Published: February 2021

No abstract.
Cellulosic wood fibre‐dual functional (Janus) mineral filler networks
Authors: Mirvakili Mehr Negar , Hatzikiriakos Savvas G. , Englezos Peter
Published: February 2021

The incorporation of Janus silica and titanium dioxide fillers in wood fibre networks (handsheets) with 10, 20, and 40 wt% loading by filtration and layer‐by‐layer (LBL) deposition was demonstrated. The effect of filler's dual functionality on the wettability and water vapour transmission rate of handsheets loaded with the Janus fillers was investigated. Without silanization, the handsheets with silica filler are hydrophilic except when prepared by LBL and 40 wt% Janus silica filler. It was also found that silanization of the handsheets in conjunction with Janus fillers results in the formation of superhydrophobic handsheets with minimal liquid water absorption. Only the silanized handsheets prepared at 40 wt% Janus TiO2 filler loading were found to be hydrophobic. The lowest values of 231 and 237 g · m−2 · day−1 for the water vapour transmission rate was obtained for silanized handsheets with a Janus silica and titanium dioxide filler at 10 wt% loading, respectively.
Water Reducer: A Highly Dispersing Binder for High‐Performance Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries†
Authors: Geng Xin , Lin Ruihao , Gu Xingxing , Su Zhi , Lai Chao
Published: February 2021

Main observation and conclusion

Sulfur has been paid close attention by the research and manufacturing as a cathode material for lithium‐sulfur batteries (LSB) in recent decade because it has high specific capacity and low cost. But the low utilization of active materials and serious shuttle phenomenon inhibit its commercialization process. In this work, for the first time, water reducers are reported as multifunctional binders to address the above problems to enhance the performance of LSB. Due to the synthetic actions of the water reducer binder, such as highly dispersing effect and good chemical trapping function, commercial sulfur powders are directly used as cathodes, and much better electrochemical performance compared to using the conventional binder polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) was obtained, among which the sulfur cathode with sulfonated melamine formaldehyde (SMF) water reducer binder exhibits a high reversible capacity of 625.5 mA·h·g–1 after 200 cycles at 1 C and the cathode with polycarboxylic acid (PC) water reducer binder even demonstrates a high area specific capacity of 5 mA·h·cm–2 at high sulfur loading of 5 mg·cm–2. These low‐cost water reducers are a promising binder for LSB in the future.
A Cost‐Effective D‐A‐D Type Hole‐Transport Material Enabling 20% Efficiency Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells†
Authors: Huang Jiachen , Yang Jie , Sun Huiliang , Feng Kui , Liao Qiaogan , Li Bolin , Yan He , Guo Xugang
Published: February 2021

Main observation and conclusion

High‐performance, cost‐effective hole‐transport materials (HTMs) are greatly desired for the commercialization of perovskite solar cells (PVSCs). Herein, two new HTMs, TPA‐FO and TPA‐PDO, are devised and synthesized, which have a donor‐acceptor‐donor (D‐A‐D) type molecule design featuring carbonyl group‐functionalized arenes as the acceptor (A) units. The carbonyl group at the central core of HTMs can not only tune frontier molecular orbital (FMO) energy levels and surface wettability, but also can enable efficient surface passivation effects, resulting in reduced recombination loss. When employed as HTMs in inverted PVSCs without using dopant, TPA‐FO with one carbonyl group yields a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.24%, which is among the highest values reported in the inverted PVSCs with dopant‐free HTMs. More importantly, the facile one‐step synthetic process enables a low cost of 30 USD g–1 for TPA‐FO, much cheaper than the most studied HTMs used for high‐efficiency dopant‐free PVSCs. These results demonstrate the potential of D‐A‐D type molecules with carbonyl group‐functionalized arene core in developing the low‐cost dopant‐free HTMs toward highly efficient PVSCs.
Reductive Coupling of Aryl Halides via C—H Activation of Indene
Authors: Zhang Bo‐Sheng , Yang Ying‐Hui , Wang Fan , Gou Xue‐Ya , Wang Xi‐Cun , Liang Yong‐Min , Li Yuke , Quan Zheng‐Jun
Published: February 2021

Main observation and conclusion

This paper describes the first case of a reductive coupling reaction with indene, a non‐heteroatom olefin used as a reducing agent. The scope of the substrate is wide. The homo‐coupling, cross‐coupling, and synthesis of 12 and 14‐membered rings were realized. The control experiment, indene‐product curve and density functional theory calculations showed that the η3‐palladium indene intermediate was formed by C—H activation in the presence of cesium carbonate. We speculate that the final product was obtained through a Pd (IV) intermediate or aryl ligand exchange. In addition, we excluded the formation of palladium anion (Pd(0)−) intermediates.
Earliest activation time is a good predictor of successful ablation of idiopathic outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias
Authors: Choi Ji‐Hoon , Kwon Hee‐Jin , Kim Hye Ree , Park Seung‐Jung , Kim June Soo , On Young Keun , Park Kyoung‐Min
Published: February 2021

Background

In idiopathic outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias (OT‐VAs), identifying the site with the earliest activation time (EAT) using activation mapping is critical to eliminating the arrhythmogenic focus. However, the optimal EAT for predicting successful radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) has not been established.

Hypothesis

To evaluate the association between EAT and successful RFCA in idiopathic OT‐VAs and to determine the optimal cut‐off value of EAT for successful ablation.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients undergoing RFCA for idiopathic OT‐VAs at a single center from January 2015 to December 2019.

Results

Acute procedural success was achieved in 168 patients (87.0%). Among these patients, 158 patients (81.9%) were classified in the clinical success group according to the recurrence of clinical VAs during median (Q1, Q3) follow‐up (330 days [182, 808]). EAT was significantly earlier in the clinical success group compared with the recurrence (p = .006) and initial failure (p < .0001) groups. The optimal EAT cut‐off value predicting clinical success was −30 ms in the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) with 77.4% sensitivity and 96.4% specificity. In all cases of successful ablation in the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT), EAT in the RVOT was not earlier than −29 ms.

Conclusions

EAT in patients with successful catheter ablation was significantly earlier than that in patients with recurrence and initial failure. EAT earlier than −30 ms could be used as a key predictor of successful catheter ablation as well as an indicator of the need to shift focus from the RVOT to the LVOT.
Local Flexibility for Open Partial Differential Relations
Authors: Bär Christian , Hanke Bernhard
Published: February 2021

We show that local deformations, near closed subsets, of solutions to open partial differential relations can be extended to global deformations, provided all but the highest derivatives stay constant along the subset. The applicability of this general result is illustrated by a number of examples, dealing with convex embeddings of hypersurfaces, differential forms, and lapse functions in Lorentzian geometry.

The main application is a general approximation result by sections that have very restrictive local properties on open dense subsets. This shows, for instance, that given any K ∈ ℝ every manifold of dimension at least 2 carries a complete C1, 1‐metric which, on a dense open subset, is smooth with constant sectional curvature K. Of course, this is impossible for C2‐metrics in general. © 2021 The Authors. Communications on Pure and Applied Mathematics published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Current trends in flow cytometry automated data analysis software
Authors: Cheung Melissa , Campbell Jonathan J. , Whitby Liam , Thomas Robert J. , Braybrook Julian , Petzing Jon
Published: February 2021

Automated flow cytometry (FC) data analysis tools for cell population identification and characterization are increasingly being used in academic, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and clinical laboratories. The development of these computational methods is designed to overcome reproducibility and process bottleneck issues in manual gating, however, the take‐up of these tools remains (anecdotally) low. Here, we performed a comprehensive literature survey of state‐of‐the‐art computational tools typically published by research, clinical, and biomanufacturing laboratories for automated FC data analysis and identified popular tools based on literature citation counts. Dimensionality reduction methods ranked highly, such as generic t‐distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t‐SNE) and its initial Matlab‐based implementation for cytometry data viSNE. Software with graphical user interfaces also ranked highly, including PhenoGraph, SPADE1, FlowSOM, and Citrus, with unsupervised learning methods outnumbering supervised learning methods, and algorithm type popularity spread across K‐Means, hierarchical, density‐based, model‐based, and other classes of clustering algorithms. Additionally, to illustrate the actual use typically within clinical spaces alongside frequent citations, a survey issued by UK NEQAS Leucocyte Immunophenotyping to identify software usage trends among clinical laboratories was completed. The survey revealed 53% of laboratories have not yet taken up automated cell population identification methods, though among those that have, Infinicyt software is the most frequently identified. Survey respondents considered data output quality to be the most important factor when using automated FC data analysis software, followed by software speed and level of technical support. This review found differences in software usage between biomedical institutions, with tools for discovery, data exploration, and visualization more popular in academia, whereas automated tools for specialized targeted analysis that apply supervised learning methods were more used in clinical settings.
Best practices in the flow cytometry of microalgae
Authors: Čertnerová Dora , Galbraith David W.
Published: February 2021

Microalgae are photosynthetic microorganisms with a major influence on global ecosystems. Further, owing to the production of various secondary metabolites, microalgae are also intensively studied for their enormous potential in biotechnology and its applications. While flow cytometry (FCM) is a fast and reliable method particularly suitable for genome size estimation in plant and animal studies, its application to microalgae often comes with many methodological challenges due to specific issues (e.g., cell wall composition, and presence of various secondary metabolites). Sample preparation requires considerable amounts of biomass, chemical fixation, and/or extraction of cellular components. In genome size estimation, appropriate methods for isolation of intact nuclei (using lysis buffers, razor‐blade chopping, various enzymes, or bead‐beating of cells) are essential for successful and high‐quality analyses. Nuclear DNA amounts of microalgae diverge greatly, varying by almost 30,000‐fold (0.01 to 286 pg). Even though new algal reference standards for genome size are now being introduced, animal red blood cells and nuclei from plant tissues are still predominantly used. Due to our limited knowledge of microalgal life cycles, particular caution should be taken during 1C/2C‐value (or ploidy level) assignments.
On using reinforcement learning for network slice admission control in 5G: Offline vs. online
Authors: Bakri Sihem , Brik Bouziane , Ksentini Adlen
Published: February 2021

Achieving a fair usage of network resources is of vital importance in Slice‐ready 5G network. The dilemma of which network slice to accept or to reject is very challenging for the Infrastructure Provider (InfProv). On one hand, InfProv aims to maximize the network resources usage by accepting as many network slices as possible; on the other hand, the network resources are limited, and the network slice requirements regarding Quality of Service (QoS) need to be fulfilled. In this paper, we devise three admission control mechanisms based on Reinforcement Learning, namely, Q‐Learning, Deep Q‐Learning, and Regret Matching, which allow deriving admission control decisions (policy) to be applied by InfProv to admit or reject network slice requests. We evaluated the three algorithms using computer simulation, showing results on each mechanism's performance in terms of maximizing the InfProv revenue and their ability to learn offline or online.
Uniform data set language measures for bvFTD and PPA diagnosis and monitoring
Authors: Staffaroni Adam M. , Weintraub Sandra , Rascovsky Katya , Rankin Katherine P. , Taylor Jack , Fields Julie A. , Casaletto Kaitlin B. , Hillis Argye E. , Lukic Sladjana , Gorno‐Tempini Maria Luisa , Heuer Hilary , Teylan Merilee A. , Kukull Walter A. , Miller Bruce L. , Boeve Bradley F. , Rosen Howard J. , Boxer Adam L. , Kramer Joel H.
Published: February 2021

Introduction

The Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration Module (FTLD‐MOD) includes a neuropsychological battery designed to assess the clinical features of FTLD, although much is unknown about its utility. We investigated FTLD‐MOD and Uniform Data Set 3.0 (UDS) language tests for differential diagnosis and disease monitoring.

Methods

Linear regressions compared baseline performances in 1655 National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center participants (behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD, n = 612), semantic variant primary progressive aphasia (svPPA, n = 185), non‐fluent/agrammatic variant PPA (nfvPPA, n = 168), logopenic variant PPA (lvPPA, n = 109), and controls (n = 581)). Sample sizes to detect treatment effects were estimated using longitudinal data.

Results

Among PPAs, the FTLD‐MOD language tasks and UDS Multilingual Naming Test accurately discriminated svPPA. Number Span Forward best discriminated lvPPA; Phonemic:Semantic Fluency ratio was excellent for nfvPPA classification. UDS fluency and naming measures required the smallest sample size to detect meaningful change.

Discussion

The FTLD‐MOD and UDS differentiated among PPA subtypes. UDS 3.0 measures performed best for longitudinal monitoring.