bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel prognostic model predicts overall survival in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma based on clinical features and blood biomarkers
Authors: Lai Changchun , Zhang Chunning , Lv Hualiang , Huang Hanqing , Ke Xia , Zhou Chuchan , Chen Hao , Chen Shulin , Zhou Lei
Published: May 2021

This study aims to develop and validate a novel prognostic model to estimate overall survival (OS) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients based on clinical features and blood biomarkers. We assessed the model's incremental value to the TNM staging system, clinical treatment, and Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) DNA copy number for individual OS estimation. We retrospectively analyzed 519 consecutive patients with NPC. A prognostic model was generated using the Lasso regression model in the training cohort. Then we compared the predictive accuracy of the novel prognostic model with TNM staging, clinical treatment, and EBV DNA copy number using concordance index (C‐index), time‐dependent ROC (tdROC), and decision curve analysis (DCA). Subsequently, we built a nomogram for OS incorporating the prognostic model, TNM staging, and clinical treatment. Finally, we stratified patients into high‐risk and low‐risk groups according to the model risk score, and we analyzed the survival time of these two groups using Kaplan–Meier survival plots. All results were validated in the independent validation cohort. Using the Lasso regression, we established a prognostic model consisting of 13 variables with respect to patient prognosis. The C‐index, tdROC, and DCA showed that the prognostic model had good predictive accuracy and discriminatory power in the training cohort than did TNM staging, clinical treatment, and EBV DNA copy number. Nomogram consisting of the prognostic model, TNM staging, clinical treatment, and EBV DNA copy number showed some superior net benefit. Based on the model risk score, we split the patients into two subgroups: low‐risk (risk score ≤ −1.423) and high‐risk (risk score > −1.423). There were significant differences in OS between the two subgroups of patients. Similar results were observed in the validation cohort. The proposed novel prognostic model based on clinical features and serological markers may represent a promising tool for estimating OS in NPC patients.
The cancer patient’s perspective of COVID‐19‐induced distress—A cross‐sectional study and a longitudinal comparison of HRQOL assessed before and during the pandemic
Authors: Koinig Karin A. , Arnold Christoph , Lehmann Jens , Giesinger Johannes , Köck Stefan , Willenbacher Wolfgang , Weger Roman , Holzner Bernhard , Ganswindt Ute , Wolf Dominik , Stauder Reinhard
Published: May 2021

Background

To permit timely mitigation of adverse effects on overall clinical outcome, it is essential to understand how the pandemic influences distress and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in cancer patients during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, adult cancer patients, without COVID‐19 symptoms, completed a 13‐item questionnaire about the pandemic's impacts on distress and everyday‐life; associations with age, sex, or impaired HRQOL were then assessed by binary logistic regressions. In a subsample of patients with HRQOL assessment available from both before and during the pandemic, we evaluated the pandemic's impact on longitudinal changes in HRQOL reported within 6 months before versus during the COVID‐19 lockdown using McNemar's test, and thresholds for clinical importance.

Results

We consecutively enrolled 240 patients with solid (50%) or hematological (50%) cancers. Median age was 67 years, 46% were females. The majority ranked heeding their health (80%) and keeping their appointment schedule in hospital (78%) as important. Being younger than 60, or aged 60–70 was independently associated with limitations in everyday life (OR = 3.57,p < 0.001; and 2.05,p = 0.038); female individuals and those with restricted emotional functioning were more distressed by the COVID‐19 situation (OR = 2.47,p = 0.040; and 3.17,p = 0.019); the latter group was also significantly more concerned about being a patient at risk (OR = 2.21,p = 0.029). Interestingly, in a subsample of patients (n = 47), longitudinal comparisons pre‐ versus during the pandemic revealed that HRQOL was not substantially affected by the pandemic.

Conclusion

Particularly younger and female cancer patients, and those with impaired emotional functioning are distressed by COVID‐19. During the first COVID‐19 lockdown, cancer patients remained predominantly resilient. This analysis highlights the need to mitigate distress situations in vulnerable patients and thereby enhance resilience during pandemics.
The enigma continues: Obesity in chronic total occlusion patients does not affect success or complications…but Americans are still too fat!
Authors: Patel Nachiket J. , Heuser Richard R.
Published: May 2021

Key Points

Eighty‐five percent of patients undergoing chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the OPEN‐CTO registry were either overweight or obese.

There is no difference in procedure success and outcomes between overweight and obese patients undergoing CTO PCI compared to normal weight.

Overweight and obese patients derive similar health status benefits after CTO PCI.
Chronic coronary total occlusions: Let's make the long story short
Authors: Khera Sahil , Dangas George D.
Published: May 2021

Key Points

Noninfarct‐related chronic total occlusions are encountered approximately in 15% of patients presenting with acute ST‐elevation myocardial infarction.

The presence of noninfarct‐related chronic total occlusion portends worse mid‐ and long‐term clinical outcomes in accordance with the “spare tire” hypothesis.

Numerous risk scores have been developed for ascertaining procedural success for chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary interventions.

Complete occlusion length over 20 mm is a readily available, important factor for unsuccessful chronic total occlusion recanalization, both in stable coronary artery disease and in patients with noninfarct‐related chronic total occlusion.
With great power comes great responsibility: When and how to use the retrograde approach to chronic total occlusion interventions
Authors: Guddeti Raviteja R. , Brilakis Emmanouil S.
Published: May 2021

Key Points

The retrograde approach to chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a powerful tool for successful CTO crossing, especially in complex occlusions.

Compared with antegrade‐only CTO PCI, the retrograde approach is associated with increased risk of periprocedural complications.

The retrograde approach should be used when the anticipated benefits outweigh the potential risks and should be performed in a meticulous, systematic, and stepwise fashion to maximize the likelihood of success and minimize the risk of complications.
Should the mean left atrial pressure be the ultimate goal after TMVR?
Authors: Cilingiroglu Mehmet , Marmagkiolis Konstantinos
Published: May 2021

Key Points

Transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) using Mitraclip is now the standard of care for treatment of severe symptomatic mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients who are at high‐surgical risk.

Although acute reduction in regurgitant MR volume has been the main goal of successful treatment, many other hemodynamic parameters also important for accurate assessment and confirmation of the acute procedural outcome.

Acute reduction of the mean left atrial pressure (MLAP) following TMVR seems to be well correlated with successful clinical outcomes at 30 days.
The inconsistency of manual thrombectomy and the role of contemporary thrombus grading in PCI for STEMI
Authors: Topaz On
Published: May 2021

Key Points

Manual thrombectomy (MT) is a negative determinant for MVO occurrence and extent in STEMI patients with a high thrombus grade.

Integration of contemporary thrombus grading classification is essential to ensure efficacious and safe PCI.

Aiming to reduce MVO occurrence and extent in STEMI patients indicates a role for power sourced, real mechanical thrombectomy devices as the preferred revascularization tools in heavy thrombus burden.
Understanding the Origin of Structure Sensitivity in Nano Crystalline Mixed Cu/Mg−Al Oxides Catalyst for Low‐Pressure Methanol Synthesis
Authors: Sharma Sachin Kumar , Paul Bappi , Bhanja Piyali , Poddar Mukesh Kumar , Samanta Chanchal , Khan Tuhin Suvra , Haider M. Ali , Bal Rajaram
Published: May 2021

Cu nanoparticles of size 5–10 nm supported on Mg−Al mixed oxide were prepared by the sol‐gel method. Cu loading was varied from 2.5 to 10 wt % on the support to investigate the effect on particle size and activity/selectivity of the catalyst. The Cu/Mg−Al catalysts containing small copper nanoparticles favor high selectivity of methanol, while the rate of CO formation was higher for larger copper particles. The high methanol selectivity (∼99 %) and methanol formation rate (0.016 mol gCu−1 h−1) over the 4.8Cu/Mg−Al catalyst was due to the combined effect of the presence of high Cu dispersion, Cu surface area, and strong interaction between small Cu particles with Mg−Al support. The high stability of the catalyst was attributed to the strong binding of the Cu cluster (−179.7 kJ/mol) to the MgO/γ‐Al2O3 support, as shown by the DFT study. Additionally, the adsorption energy calculated using DFT showed preferential adsorption of CO2 and H2 at the Cu/MgO(100) active site (−120.9 kJ/mol, −130.4 kJ/mol) compared to the Cu/γ‐Al2O3(100) (−64.2 kJ/mol, −85.7 kJ/mol)active site. The high selectivity of the catalyst towards methanol can be attributed to the higher stability of the formate (HCOO) intermediate (−257.2 kJ/mol) compared to the carboxylate (COOH) intermediate (−131.0 kJ/mol).
Self‐Supported CoP‐Decorated Hierarchical CuO Nanowire Flowers Toward Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Wang Ying , Du Ran , Qian Jinjie , Hu Yue
Published: May 2021

The facile fabrication of high‐performance and low‐cost photo‐/electro‐catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) still presents a tough challenge. Herein, a type of hierarchically ultra‐fine CoP attached to CuO nanowire flowers (CuO NWF‐CoP/CF) has been obtained by a simple electrodeposition method. Due to the merits of the 3D hierarchical structure with large surface areas, rich active sites, and open‐channels for effective gas diffusion, as‐achieved CuO NWF‐CoP/CF catalysts exhibit outstanding OER activity with an overpotential of 230 mV for OER to achieve a current density of 50 mA cm−2 in alkaline media. This work provides a novel method to prepare hierarchical self‐supported electrocatalyst towards efficient water splitting.
A detailed reaction mechanism for elemental sulphur combustion in the furnace of sulphuric acid plants
Authors: Abumounshar Najah Mahmoud , Ibrahim Salisu , Raj Abhijeet
Published: May 2021

Elemental sulphur combustion is traditionally used to generate SO2 to produce sulphuric acid that is consumed in chemical industries, but is now also being considered as an energy vector for power generation. Despite the fact that sulphur combustion has been practiced for decades, there are limited reaction mechanisms for its combustion chemistry, which is critical for the optimization of the sulphuric acid production process to maximize efficiency and reduce cost. In this paper, a detailed reaction mechanism is developed and validated with different sets of experimental data from lab‐scale and industrial plant studies. The reaction mechanism is used to conduct sulphur furnace simulations, where the effects of feed air/sulphur ratio and oxygen enrichment of air stream on furnace temperature and the concentrations of SO2, SO3, and O2 are investigated. The dominant reaction pathways in sulphur combustion, particularly for the production of SO2 and SO3, are identified. It was found that the feed air/sulphur ratio monitors the furnace temperature and can be used to obtain the desired O2/SO2 ratio at the furnace exit for the optimal operation of catalytic converter (for SO2 oxidation to SO3) that follows the furnace in the sulphuric acid plant. Moreover, high oxygen enrichment above 35% (while maintaining the desired O2/SO2 ratio at the furnace exit) significantly increased the furnace capacity through reduced total gas flow (thus decreasing blower energy requirement and equipment size). The developed reaction mechanism provides a method to obtain optimized furnace parameters to achieve high efficiency and reduced costs in sulphuric acid plants.
Racemic Bisindole Alkaloids: Structure, Bioactivity, and Computational Study
Authors: Jin Tian‐Yun , Li Ping‐Lin , Wang Ci‐Li , Tang Xu‐Li , Cheng Mei‐Mei , Zong Yuan , Luo Lian‐Zhong , Ou Hui‐Long , Liu Ke‐Chun , Li Guo‐Qiang
Published: May 2021

Main observation and conclusion

The new racemic and dimeric indole alkaloids with the characteristic cyclopenta[b]indole backbone, (+)‐ and (–)‐spondomine (1a/1b), were isolated from a cultured sponge Tedania anhelans. A semi‐synthesis was employed to obtain 1a/1b and the other four stereoisomers 1c—1f. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis, single‐crystal X‐ray, and quantum chemical calculations. Six stereoisomers differ in bioactivity according to their absolute configurations. Especially, (+)‐spondomine (1a) displayed cytotoxicity against the K562 cell line and exhibited stronger Wnt and HIF1 dual signaling inhibitory activity at 5 μmol/L than the positive control, which offers an exciting starting point for further investigations. All stereoisomers significantly promoted angiogenesis and showed moderate anti‐inflammation in zebrafish. A quantum chemical calculation and deuteration experiment were applied to unveil the reaction mechanism which guides the synthesis of the target compounds.
The Synergistic Effect of Heteroatom Doping and Vacancy on The Reduction of CO2 by Photocatalysts
Authors: Cui Dandan , Hao Weichang , Chen Jun
Published: May 2021

Against the backdrop of rapid world economic growth and energy shortages, we are facing a big challenge about carbon‐containing resources converting. To solve the problems of energy and environmental, developing the catalysts to converse the carbon‐containing resources with high‐efficiency is very important. It has been proved that the vacancy and heteroatom doping can promote the activity of photocatalyst to reduce CO2. Herein, we provide a concise overview on the synergistic effects of defect and heteroatom doping about how to improve the activity of photocatalysts to reduce CO2, and to make a future perspective in the synergistic effects of vacancy and heteroatom doping for photocatalytic CO2 reduction.
Indocyanine green versus technetium‐99m with blue dye for sentinel lymph node detection in early‐stage cervical cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Baeten Ilse G. T. , Hoogendam Jacob P. , Jeremiasse Bernadette , Braat Arthur J. A. T. , Veldhuis Wouter B. , Jonges Geertruida N. , Jürgenliemk‐Schulz Ina M. , van Gils Carla H. , Zweemer Ronald P. , Gerestein Cornelis G.
Published: May 2021

Background

The fluorescent dye indocyanine green (ICG) has emerged as a promising tracer for intraoperative detection of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) in early‐stage cervical cancer. Although researchers suggest the SLN detection of ICG is equal to the more conventional combined approach of a radiotracer and blue dye, no consensus has been reached.

Aims

We aimed to assess the differences in overall and bilateral SLN detection rates with ICG versus the combined approach, the radiotracer technetium‐99m (99mTc) with blue dye.

Methods and Results

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from inception to January 1, 2020 and included studies reporting on a comparison of SLN detection with ICG versus 99mTc with blue dye in early‐stage cervical cancer. The overall and bilateral detection rates were pooled with random‐effects meta‐analyses.

From 118 studies retrieved seven studies (one cross‐sectional; six retrospective cohorts) were included, encompassing 589 patients. No significant differences were found in the pooled overall SLN detection rate of ICG versus 99mTc with blue dye. Meta‐analyses of all studies showed ICG to result in a higher bilateral SLN detection rate than 99mTc with blue dye; 90.3% (95%CI, 79.8‐100.0%) with ICG versus 73.5% (95%CI, 66.4‐80.6%) with 99mTc with blue dye. This resulted in a significant and clinically relevant risk difference of 16.6% (95%CI, 5.3‐28.0%). With sensitivity analysis, the risk difference of the bilateral detection rate maintained in favor of ICG but was no longer significant (13.2%, 95%CI −0.8‐27.3%).

Conclusion

ICG appears to provide higher bilateral SLN detection rates compared to 99mTc with blue dye in patients with early‐stage cervical cancer. However, in adherence with the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) guidelines, the quality of evidence is too low to provide strong recommendations and directly omit the combined approach of 99mTc with blue dye.
5G network slicing: Fundamental concepts, architectures, algorithmics, projects practices, and open issues
Authors: Debbabi Fadoua , Jmal Rihab , Chaari Fourati Lamia
Published: May 2021

Network slicing (NS) presents the key enabler of cellular network improvements. It allows enhancing the performance of diverse requirements supported for verticals industries. The concept of NS was carefully studied over the previous few years, and the primary operational principles were developed. However, there is an important need for more investigations on studying NS to enable further development. This article offers a deep study related to the NS principle, the recent standardization process for Third Generation Partnership Project and Fifth Generation Public Private Partnership, the diverse broad use cases, NS key concepts, NS architectures, and NS management and orchestration. Besides, it discusses radio access network slicing and sharing, the algorithms, the projects, and the NS practical experience and practices. Finally, this article proposes and highlights a possible solution to several open research issues.
The Sulfolene Protecting Group: Observation of a Direct Photoinitiated Cheletropic Ring Opening
Authors: Skov Anders B. , Folkmann Linnea M. , Boguslavskiy Andrey E. , Röder Anja , Lausten Rune , Stolow Albert , Johnson Matthew S. , Pittelkow Michael , Nielsen Ole John , Sølling Theis I. , Hansen Thorsten
Published: May 2021

Photolabile protecting groups offer synthetic routes with facile deprotection by photolysis, providing higher yields with less workup. Protecting groups producing only gaseous byproducts upon removal are particularly desirable as sustainable reagents. Cheletropic reactions provide just this combination of photocleavable groups with gaseous byproducts. However, only few protecting groups for cheletropic reactions have been described and little is known about their photochemistry and associated stereochemistry. Here we show that the sulfolene protecting group, used for diene protection and functionalization, can be photochemically removed. First, using TD‐DFT, we conclude that the photochemical ring‐opening occurs conrotatorily in a concerted process, consistent with the Woodward‐Hoffmann rules. Experimentally, we demonstrate that this process can be photoinitiated by radiation between 180 and 300 nm and confirm the proposed stereochemistry in solution. Using time‐resolved photoelectron spectroscopy, we determine that the first steps in the photochemical ring‐opening of sulfolene occur on ultrafast timescales (≤84 fs), consistent with a fully concerted process. Our findings expand applications of the sulfolene protecting group and promise an easy strategy for control of cis‐trans isomerization.
Measurement of the Effects of Metals on Taxis‐to‐Food Behavior in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Queirós Libânia , Monteiro Luana , Marques Carlos , Pereira Joana L. , Gonçalves Fernando J. M. , Aschner Michael , Pereira Patrícia
Published: May 2021

Chemosensation in nematodes is linked to processes that affect their ability to survive, such as the search for food and the avoidance of toxic substances. Since the 1970s, numerous studies have assessed chemotaxis in the nematode species Caenorhabditis elegans, focusing on a multitude of agents, including bacteria (food), ions, salts, hormones, volatile organic compounds, and, to a lesser extent, metal‐contaminated medium/food. The few studies evaluating metal exposure have reported a variety of responses (neutral, attraction, avoidance), which generally appear to be contaminant and/or concentration specific. Differences in experimental designs, however, hinder appropriate comparison of the findings and attainment of firm conclusions. Therefore, we herein propose and describe a detailed protocol for the assessment of the effects of metals on taxis‐to‐food behavior in C. elegans. Distinct approaches are proposed in two innovative stages of testing to (1) screen metals’ effects on taxis‐to‐food behavior and (2) classify the behavioral response as attraction/avoidance/indifference or preference. Use of such a standard protocol will allow for easy comparison across studies and direct interpretation of results. Findings using this model system can contribute to a deeper understanding of the real risks of metal contamination to nematodes and how such contaminants could impact ecosystems in general, given the key environmental roles that these organisms play. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol: Assessing the effects of metal contamination on taxis‐to‐food behavior in Caenorhabditis elegans

Support Protocol 1: Synchronization of C. elegans by hand‐picking gravid worms

Support Protocol 2: Synchronization of C. elegans by using a bleaching solution
Physicochemical and Electrochemical Properties of Water‐in‐Salt Electrolytes
Authors: Amiri Mona , Bélanger Daniel
Published: May 2021

Aqueous electrolytes are attractive for applications in electrochemical technologies due to features like being eco‐friendly, cost effective, and non‐flammable. Very recently, superconcentrated aqueous electrolytes, such as so‐called water‐in‐salt, water‐in‐bisalt, and hydrate melt, have received a significant attention for electrochemical energy storage due to enhanced stability and much wider electrochemical stability window. This Review focuses on the physicochemical properties of the highly concentrated electrolytes that are derived from several analysis techniques and simulation. A summary of most common features such as ions‐water interactions, structure of species present in the electrolyte, conductivity, and viscosity of the electrolytes found in the literature are presented as well. In addition, this Review explains how these characteristics affect the electrochemical behavior of the electrolyte such as double layer structure and electrode/electrolyte interface leading to enhanced electrochemical stability of aqueous electrolytes.
Spatiotemporal seed transfer zones as an efficient restoration strategy in response to climate change
Authors: Marinoni L. , Parra Quijano M. , Zabala J. M. , Pensiero J. F. , Iriondo J. M.
Published: May 2021

Restoration of wild plant populations in a changing environment is not a simple task, and it becomes increasingly complex and challenging in the context of climate change. In the present study, a spatiotemporal approach was used to delimit provisional seed transfer zones (STZs), for restoration activities involving two wild perennial grasses in Argentina. Ecogeographical land characterization maps were built specifically for the two species of Trichloris genus for the present bioclimatic conditions to define the different STZs; then, they were projected for two future climate scenarios (2050 and 2070). This allowed us to identify populations occurring in cells that underwent changes in ecogeographical categories, potential future beneficiaries of germplasm, and populations that could be used as corresponding source populations under the present conditions. Finally, the conservation status of populations was surveyed and a germplasm collection for future restoration activities was proposed. For the 2050 scenario, for Trichloris crinita, 32 potential beneficiary populations belonging to nine changing categories were identified, whereas for Trichloris pluriflora, four changing categories determined seven beneficiary populations. The number of changing categories and, consequently, the beneficiary populations increased in the 2070 scenario in both species. Several potential seed source populations are already stored in Argentine germplasm banks, but there is little representation of potential beneficiary populations. Spatial locations of still non‐conserved populations, both seed sources and beneficiaries, were prioritized for future germplasm collecting missions. This novel approach used for Trichloris spp. can also be adopted for other species for collection and/or restoration purposes in the light of climate change.
Between a rock and a hard place: Ovipositing treefrogs navigate complex trade‐offs in the landscape of patch quality
Authors: Resetarits William J.
Published: May 2021

Colonizing organisms actively choosing habitats face a bewildering array of choices regarding patch quality, whether choosing for themselves, offspring, or both. Decisions are especially critical when selecting patches for long‐term use (demographic habitat selection). Thus, identifying higher quality patches based on available cues, and integrating information across multiple axes of patch quality, is critical to survival, performance, and fitness. Two critical axes of patch quality for ovipositing gray treefrogs, revealed by prior experiments, are predation risk and patch size. We utilized a unique design presenting two, suboptimal patch choices: small fishless pools and large pools with fish. Our goal was to gain an understanding of the relative priority of these two important patch characteristics for treefrogs by presenting only compromise choices and comparing these results to expectations generated by a previous experiment. In the absence of optimal patches, treefrogs increased their use of both large pools with fish and especially small fishless patches, both of which are unused when larger fishless patches are available. These results reaffirm the primacy of predation, especially the presence of fish, vividly illustrating the spatial context dependence of habitat selection behavior, as well as the complexity of the decisions faced by colonizing and ovipositing organisms in complex landscapes.
Cycling performance for storage and purification of lanthanum‐rich mischmetal alloy in the presence of hydrogen sulfide
Authors: Miao Shan , Eguchi Akashi , Katayama Noboru , Dowaki Kiyoshi
Published: May 2021

With the continuous expansion of the high‐purity hydrogen application range, the performance degradation of hydrogen storage alloy (HSA) caused by impurities has attracted widespread attention in producing pure hydrogen from biomass. In this study, the lanthanum‐rich mischmetal alloy's purification ability on hydrogen sulfide impurities and cycling performance were studied. The hydrogen with different concentrations of hydrogen sulfide was used to investigate the purification performance, which assumes the gas derived from biomass. Besides, a cycling experiment was designed to analyze cycling performance. The results show that the HSA could remove high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide entirely. It was also found that impurities of 1 ppm hydrogen sulfide had little effect on the HSA. With hydrogen sulfide concentrations of 100 ppm, the hydrogen storage capacity, absorption rate, and release rate were reduced, but they became a stable state from the second cycle. The performance degradation mechanism was analyzed by Energy Dispersive X‐Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) and X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS​).
Participation of electric vehicles in auxiliary service market to promote renewable energy power consumption: Case study on deep peak load regulation of auxiliary thermal power by electric vehicles
Authors: Yang Xiaolong , Niu Dongxiao , Sun Lijie , Wang Keke , De Gejirifu
Published: May 2021

With the rapid development of new energy sources and the increasing proportion of electric vehicles (EVs) connected to the power grid in China, peak load regulation of power systems will face severe challenges. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed the relationship between the electricity consumption characteristics of EVs and the peak load regulation (PLR) mechanism of power systems, and we proposed an operation mode for virtual power plants with EVs to participate in the auxiliary service market and facilitate deep peak load regulation in the thermal power units. Based on the electricity demand‐side management theory and cost‐benefit analysis method, we constructed a decision model for economic deep peak load regulated operation (DPLR) of the auxiliary thermal power units in a virtual power plant with EVs, aiming to optimize the operation efficiency. The case study showed that a virtual power plant that included EVs can effectively reduce the total PLR cost of the system and the peak valley difference of the net load as well as improve the economic benefits of the thermal power units. The results indicated that the virtual power plant had improved economic efficiency. Therefore, the results of this research can help improve the PLR capacity of the grid and significantly promote the consumption of intermittent renewable energy.
Spectrally efficient M‐ary QAM based multi‐antenna cooperative system over TWDP fading channel
Authors: Makkar Rahul , Gupta Akshita , Rawal Divyang , Sharma Nikhil
Published: May 2021

To cater the ever‐increasing demand of wireless high‐speed data access and mobile users, one of the potential enablers toward the sustainable improved network capacity is the network densification at different layers of the radio access system. In this article, a possible solution to achieve a spectrally efficient, ultradense network (UDN) for cellular communication is analyzed. In particular, the performance of the generalized M‐ary quadrature amplitude modulation (M‐QAM) scheme for multiantenna cooperative decode‐and‐forward (DF) system over two‐wave with diffuse power (TWDP) fading is presented. The TWDP fading is evaluated using the moment generating function (MGF) based approach on spectral efficient QAM transmission. In this article, novel closed‐form expressions for the exact average symbol error rate (ASER) for the generalized rectangular‐QAM (R‐QAM) and square‐QAM (S‐QAM) schemes are presented. The obtained expressions are in the form of Appell's and Laureicella's confluent hypergeometric function which can be evaluated mathematically either in the series or the integral‐form. Further, the asymptotic analysis is also presented for the considered system to get better insights into the system. The analytical results derived are corroborated by simulations to validate the accuracy of the analysis.
Erucic acid concentration of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) oils on the German food retail market
Authors: Russo Marco , Yan Feng , Stier Annegret , Klasen Linda , Honermeier Bernd
Published: May 2021

Rapeseed oil is one of the most important vegetable oils in Germany. It has a favorable fatty acid composition but also contains a certain amount of erucic acid (EA). As the result of toxicological considerations regarding this fatty acid, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) established a tolerable daily intake (TDI) for EA of 7 mg/kg body weight in 2016. On this basis, the maximum EA levels for vegetable oils allowed in the European Union have been reduced shortly from 50 to 20 g/kg, and for infant formula and follow‐on formula from 10 to 4 g/kg. However, rapeseed oil is also recommended for the preparation of homemade food for infants and children. Little is known about the actual EA concentrations of rapeseed oils on the German retail market. Current data are especially important for the necessary reassessment of its recommendation in infant and child nutrition based on the established TDI. Three hundred representative rapeseed oil samples were purchased in retail stores across Germany. EA concentrations, determined by GC‐FID, were in a range of 0.17–9.68 g/kg, with 241 samples being even below 4 g/kg. All oils were below the maximum level valid at the time of this investigation, and even below the newly established lower maximum level of 20 g/kg. The major part also met the requirements for infant and follow‐on formula. The representative results provide valuable current data for the necessary reassessment of the dietary recommendations for infant and child nutrition based on the established TDI.
Astroglial Cx30 differentially impacts synaptic activity from hippocampal principal cells and interneurons
Authors: Hardy Eléonore , Cohen‐Salmon Martine , Rouach Nathalie , Rancillac Armelle
Published: May 2021

Astrocytes play important roles in brain function via dynamic structural and functional interactions with neurons. Yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly defined. A typical feature of astrocytes is the high expression of connexins, which mediate their extensive intercellular communication and regulate their structural properties. In particular, connexin 30 (Cx30), one of the two connexins abundantly expressed by astrocytes, was recently shown to be a critical regulator of excitatory synaptic transmission by controlling the astroglial coverage of synapses. However, the role of Cx30 in the regulation of inhibitory synaptic transmission and excitatory/inhibitory balance remains elusive. Here, we investigated the role of astroglial Cx30 on the electrophysiological and morphological properties of five classes of hippocampal CA1 stratum oriens and pyramidale neurons, defined by the unsupervised Ward's clustering. Using Cx30 knockout mice, we found that Cx30 alters specific properties of some subsets of CA1 interneurons, such as resting membrane potential and sag ratio, while other parameters, such as action potential threshold and saturation frequency, were more frequently altered among the different classes of neurons. The excitation‐inhibition balance was also differentially and selectively modulated among the different neuron subtypes. Only slight morphological differences were observed on reconstructed neurons. Altogether, these data indicate that Cx30 differentially alters the electrophysiological and morphological properties of hippocampal cell populations, and modulates both their excitatory and inhibitory inputs. Astrocytes, via Cx30, are thus active modulators of both excitatory and inhibitory synapses in the hippocampus.
De‐identification procedures for magnetic resonance images and the impact on structural brain measures at different ages
Authors: Buimer Elizabeth E. L. , Schnack Hugo G. , Caspi Yaron , van Haren Neeltje E. M. , Milchenko Mikhail , Pas Pascal ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, Hulshoff Pol Hilleke E. , Brouwer Rachel M.
Published: May 2021

Surface rendering of MRI brain scans may lead to identification of the participant through facial characteristics. In this study, we evaluate three methods that overwrite voxels containing privacy‐sensitive information: Face Masking, FreeSurfer defacing, and FSL defacing. We included structural T1‐weighted MRI scans of children, young adults and older adults. For the young adults, test–retest data were included with a 1‐week interval. The effects of the de‐identification methods were quantified using different statistics to capture random variation and systematic noise in measures obtained through the FreeSurfer processing pipeline. Face Masking and FSL defacing impacted brain voxels in some scans especially in younger participants. FreeSurfer defacing left brain tissue intact in all cases. FSL defacing and FreeSurfer defacing preserved identifiable characteristics around the eyes or mouth in some scans. For all de‐identification methods regional brain measures of subcortical volume, cortical volume, cortical surface area, and cortical thickness were on average highly replicable when derived from original versus de‐identified scans with average regional correlations >.90 for children, young adults, and older adults. Small systematic biases were found that incidentally resulted in significantly different brain measures after de‐identification, depending on the studied subsample, de‐identification method, and brain metric. In young adults, test–retest intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were comparable for original scans and de‐identified scans with average regional ICCs >.90 for (sub)cortical volume and cortical surface area and ICCs >.80 for cortical thickness. We conclude that apparent visual differences between de‐identification methods minimally impact reliability of brain measures, although small systematic biases can occur.
Evidence of support used for drug treatments in pediatric cardiology
Authors: Back Julia , Wåhlander Håkan , Hanseus Katarina , Bergman Gunnar , Naumburg Estelle
Published: May 2021

Background and aims

Clinical support systems are widely used in pediatric care. The aim of this study was to assess the support for drug treatments used at pediatric cardiac wards and intensive care units in Sweden.

Methods

Drug information, such as type of drug, indication, dose, and route of administration, for all in‐hospital pediatric cardiac patients, was included in the study. Treatments were classified as either on‐label (based on product information) or off‐label. Support for off‐label treatment was stratified by the use of clinical support systems (the national database on drugs, local, or other clinical experience guidelines).

Results

In all, 28 patients were included in the study. The total number of drug treatments was 233, encompassing 65 different drugs. Overall, 175 (75%) treatments were off‐label. A majority of off‐label drug treatments were supported by other sources of information shared by experts. A total of 7% of the drug treatments were used without support.

Conclusion

Off‐label drug treatment is still common in Swedish pediatric cardiac care. However, the majority of treatments were supported by the experience shared in clinical support systems.

Key Points

Seventy‐five percent of all prescriptions in pediatric cardiology care were off‐label.

A majority of patients received three or more drug treatments off‐label.

Use of clinical support systems and guidelines was common, but in 7% of all drug treatments, no support was found for the chosen treatment.
Epidemiology and genetic characterization of respiratory syncytial virus in children with acute respiratory infections: Findings from the influenza sentinel surveillance network in Central African Republic, 2015 to 2018
Authors: Komoyo Giscard F. , Yambiyo Brice M. , Manirakiza Alexandre , Gody Jean C. , Muller Claude P. , Hübschen Judith M. , Nakoune Emmanuel , Snoeck Chantal J.
Published: May 2021

Background and aims

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the main viral pathogens causing acute respiratory infections in children under 5 years of age but has seldom been studied in Central African Republic (CAF). Taking advantage of the national influenza surveillance network in CAF, this study aimed at providing the first insights into RSV prevalence and seasonality over 4 years of surveillance and the clinical manifestations of RSV in this population in CAF.

Methods

A total of 3903 children under 5 years matching the influenza‐like illness (ILI, 68.5%) or severe acute respiratory infection (SARI, 31.5%) case definitions were recruited from January 2015 to December 2018. The presence of RSV viral RNA in nasopharyngeal samples was assessed by RT‐PCR, followed by RSV‐A and RSV‐B typing and Sanger sequencing on a subset of samples. Phylogenetic analyses were carried on partial G protein sequences. Associations between RSV and demographic or clinical manifestations were investigated by statistical analyses.

Results

RSV prevalence was significantly higher in infants <6 months (13.4%), in hospitalized children (13.3% vs 5.5%) and in male patients (9.5% vs 6.4%). An overall prevalence of RSV of 8.0% in the period of 2015 to 2018 was shown, with significant annual (6.4%‐10.6%) and seasonal (12.7% in rainy season vs 3.0% in dry season) fluctuations. While RSV seasons in 2015, 2016, and 2018 were relatively similar, 2017 showed deviations from the overall patterns with significantly higher RSV circulation and an outbreak peak 3 to 5 months earlier. Concomitant circulation of RSV‐A and RSV‐B with an alternating predominance of RSV‐A and RSV‐B strains and temporal RSV‐A genotype replacement from NA1 to ON1 was observed.

Conclusion

This study represents the first in‐depth epidemiological analysis of RSV in CAF and provides first insights into RSV genetic diversity and seasonality in the country.
Experimental and numerical validation of hygrothermal transfer in brick wall
Authors: Chbani Idrissi Yassine , Belarbi Rafik , Allam Reda , Feddaoui M'Barek , Bennai Fares , Agliz Driss
Published: May 2021

In this paper, a mathematical model dealing with a coupled heat, air, and moisture transfer in a building envelope was developed. Based on the three‐following driving potential: vapor pressure, dry air pressure, and temperature, an application on a hygrothermal behavior of a real wall was carried out for different climatic conditions. For this purpose, a characterization of the heat and moisture properties of the materials constituting the wall made with red brick and cement mortar was carried out in the laboratory. This was used to evaluate experimentally the input parameters of the model as a function of relative humidity. To validate the numerical model, an experimental platform was improved. The wall was set up in a double‐climatic chamber with different boundary conditions, and then the temperature and humidity evolutions were recorded using several sensors within the wall thickness. The results have highlighted a good agreement between numerical simulation results and experimental ones.
A critical evaluation of the new cram‐down tool in Singapore's restructuring regime
Authors: Teo Chuanzhong Ken
Published: May 2021

Singapore has recently reformed its insolvency regime in its efforts to be an international restructuring hub. To that end, Singapore has attempted to take an autochthonous approach in adapting several of the legal tools from the US Chapter 11 for reforming its own restructuring regime. This article seeks to critically evaluate the cross‐class cram‐down mechanism in Singapore, which has been implemented with caution and novelty. While such an approach seeks to protect both the interest of its shareholders and creditors, it might lead to a regime that is undesirable for Singapore, considering its pursuit to be an international restructuring hub. In particular, it will be argued that Singapore's cram‐down mechanism is susceptible to risks of hold‐ups by both shareholders and creditors. Additionally, from the ex ante perspective, the cram‐down mechanism does not promote expediency in parties' negotiation. The implementation of a novel cram‐down arrangement would also inextricably bring about uncertainty to its application. A lacklustre engagement of the cram‐down tool in practice might ensue, which could hamper Singapore's plan to organically develop and fine‐tune the cram‐down regime down the road.
When loneliness dimensions drift apart: Emotional, social and physical loneliness during the COVID‐19 lockdown and its associations with age, personality, stress and well‐being
Authors: Landmann Helen , Rohmann Anette
Published: May 2021

Previous research differentiated between emotional loneliness (perceived lack of emotional connection with others) and social loneliness (perceived lack of a broader social network). We argue that physical loneliness (perceived lack of physical contact) constitutes a third dimension of loneliness that is particularly relevant in times of physical distancing. We conducted a longitudinal experience sampling study (N = 578) during the first 8 weeks of the COVID‐19 lockdown in Germany to test this claim. The results indicate that loneliness has a three‐dimensional structure encompassing emotional, social and physical loneliness. Each loneliness dimension explained a unique variance in perceived stress and psychological well‐being. However, the three loneliness dimensions differed in their prevalence during the contact restrictions and their associations with age and personality. Physical loneliness was higher during the contact restrictions whereas emotional and social loneliness remained on a normal level. Age was positively associated with social loneliness but negatively associated with physical loneliness. Extraversion was negatively associated with emotional and social loneliness but positively associated with physical loneliness. These findings expand loneliness models, enhance loneliness assessment and improve the prediction of vulnerability to loneliness.
Self‐dehumanisation in severe alcohol use disorder: Links with self‐stigma and environmental satisfaction
Authors: Fontesse Sullivan , Stinglhamber Florence , Demoulin Stéphanie , de Timary Philippe , Maurage Pierre
Published: May 2021

Metadehumanisation (i.e., the perception of being considered as less than human by others) is proposed to be widespread in stigmatised populations, such as people with severe alcohol use disorder (SAUD). However, the relations between metadehumanisation, self‐dehumanisation (i.e., the self‐perception of being less than human), and stigmatisation (i.e., the negative taint applied to some groups) remain unexplored. The aim of this research is thus to investigate the relations between these processes. Metadehumanisation, self‐dehumanisation, self‐stigma (and its subdimensions) and environmental satisfaction were assessed in 120 inpatients with SAUD and analysed in a mediational model. Stigma awareness was positively associated with metadehumanisation, whereas environmental satisfaction was negatively associated with metadehumanisation. Stigma's application to the self was associated with increased self‐dehumanisation. Self‐stigma and self‐dehumanisation are closely intertwined phenomena. Self‐dehumanisation seems to follow a multi‐step process suggesting that some steps, such as dehumanisation awareness, are missing from current models of dehumanisation.
A comparative study of toxicity of graphdiyne and graphene oxide to human umbilical vein endothelial cells
Authors: Cao Yi , Xiao Weijie , Li Shuang , Qiu Dexin
Published: May 2021

The success of graphene oxide (GO) has attracted extensive research interests in developing novel 2D nanomaterials (NMs). Graphdiyne (GDY) is a new member of carbon‐based 2D NMs possessing sp‐ and sp2‐hybridized carbon atoms. However, the toxicity of GDY is less investigated as GO. In this study, we compared the toxicity of GDY and GO with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Exposure to up to 100‐μg/ml GDY and GO induced cytotoxicity, but there was no statistically significant difference between GDY and GO. At noncytotoxic concentration, 25‐μg/ml GDY or GO led to the internalization of NMs, typically in cytoplasm but not in nuclei. Only GO but not GDY significantly increased THP‐1 adhesion onto NM‐exposed HUVECs. Meanwhile, compared with GDY, GO more effectively promoted the release of soluble intracellular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (sICAM‐1), indicating the differential effects of GDY and GO on endothelial activation. Neither GDY nor GO induced intracellular superoxide. However, GO significantly promoted the expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress genes activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) and X‐box binding protein 1 spliced (XBP‐1s), as well pyroptosis genes NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) and gasdermin D (GSDMD), whereas GDY did not show this effect. The results suggested that GDY and GO could be internalized into HUVECs leading to cytotoxic effects. However, GO was more potent to activate endothelial activation probably due to the activation of ER stress and pyroptosis genes.