bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interconnection and damping assignment passivity‐based control for dynamic steering position stabilization of an underactuated AUV
Authors: Desai Ravishankar P. , Manjarekar Narayan S.
Published: June 2024

Steering motion bestows autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) with the agility to navigate intricate paths and trajectories precisely. Ensuring effective steering position stabilization in underwater vehicles is paramount, as it enables precise navigation and enhances safety, efficiency, data accuracy, adaptability to changing conditions, and the overall success of diverse underwater missions. This article addresses the challenging task of steering position stabilization in underactuated AUVs. To achieve this, we employ an interconnection and damping assignment passivity‐based control method to design a control law tailored for steering position stabilization. Our approach considers the nonlinear dynamics of a six‐degrees‐of‐freedom steering motion in AUVs. The control objective involves assigning a suitable energy function and reshaping the interconnection and damping structure to render the closed‐loop system asymptotically stable at the desired equilibrium point. The robustness of our proposed control law is assessed rigorously, subjecting it to modeling uncertainties and underwater disturbances. Our findings are substantiated with simulation results that support the efficacy of the designed control law. Notably, we base our simulations on experimentally validated steering motion parameters obtained from the REMUS 100 AUV, enhancing the real‐world applicability of our research.
Physicochemical Cues Steering Spiky Mn/MoOx Nanocarriers to Mimic Oncolytic Virus for Potentiating Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Zhao Liying , Zhao Xiaomin , Zhang Wei , Miao Yuhang , Wang Xin , Deng Dawei
Published: June 2024

The approval of oncolytic viruses as antigen‐agnostic cancer vaccines provides a paradigm shift for immunotherapy. However, a delicate balance between safety and immunogenicity whether native or engineered oncolytic viruses remains elusive and further compounded by oncolysis‐induced immunosuppression. To address these dilemmas, the de novo design and synthesis of oncolytic viruses‐inspired nanoplatform are proposed by emulating desirable nanostructure and bioactivity for effective cancer immunotherapy. Initially, the influence of MoOx nanoparticles with varying physical morphologies on siRNA transfection are explored, wherein the virus‐inspired MoOx nanoparticles with spiky surfaces (Spi‐MoOx) are well positioned to serve as siRNA vectors to present the highest transfection efficacy. Given the preexisting immune suppression, defect engineering is incorporated into Spi‐MoOx through Mn dopants (Spi‐Mn/MoOx), in an effort to participate in tumor adaptation to hypoxia and maximize the oncolytic potency, while retaining favorable safety profiles. More importantly, the engineered oncolytic viruses hold considerable promise to function as a universal platform that enables any gene to be modulated precisely, allowing the selective activation of various pathways. Collectively, the study offers insights into the biomimetic synthesis and bioactivity of biological system through manipulating the physicochemical cues, while carrying significant implications to propel artificial oncolytic agents from the laboratory to clinical settings.
Post‐Assembled Alkylphosphonic Acids for Efficient and Stable Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhao Yan , Luan Xiangfeng , Han Liyuan , Wang Yanbo
Published: June 2024

The self‐assembled monolayer (SAM) is now widely applied at the hole‐selective interface of efficient inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, voids are unavoidable in SAMs due to the rough substrate and the deposition conditions, which lead to direct contact between the active layer and electrode, undermining the efficiency and stability of PSCs. Here, alkylphosphonic acids with different alkyl chain length are post‐assembled to fill the voids, thereby forming a compact po‐SAM layer. By further modifying the head group of alkylphosphonic acids, the efficiency and stability of PSCs are improved due to wetting and passivation. Finally, the po‐SAM layer formed by (2‐Bromoethyl) phosphonic acid and [4‐(3,6‐dimethyl‐9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)butyl] phosphonic acid contributes to a champion device with the power conversion efficiency of 25.16% (certified 24.67%) and improved stability under operation or storage. This work demonstrates the advantages of po‐SAM layer in improving the performance of PSCs, offering ideas for SAM modification.
Tableting Engineering in Halide Gradient Perovskite: Energy Band Regulation and Design of Carrier Dynamics for THz Sensing
Authors: Li Junyu , Han Zeyao , Lu Xingyu , Li Xiaopeng , Liu Jiaxin , Zou Yousheng , Xu Xiaobao
Published: June 2024

Component regulation in perovskite single crystals (SCs) sets the precondition for designing energy band and carrier dynamics, which is essential for exploring functional optoelectronic devices. However, entropy‐driven ion diffusion in SCs leads to component homogenization in a few hours, while the gradient films exhibit long‐term gradient stability. Therefore, tableting engineering is proposed to introduce appropriate boundaries, ensuring good short‐range alignment within the grains and suppressed ion diffusion in the long range. With 6–10 MPa pressure, transverse/longitudinal gradient MAPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, I) tablets are constructed. Due to the alignment of the valence band maximum from MAPbCl3 to MAPbBr3 to MAPbI3, the hole extraction is significantly promoted. As well, different metal electrodes are utilized to regulate the main carrier types. Hole‐type Au/gradient tablet/Au devices show an obvious rectification effect, while electron‐type Ag/gradient tablet/Ag devices have near‐Ohmic contact. Compared to the electron‐type devices, Au/gradient tablet/Au devices show a 3.9‐fold improvement in terahertz responsivity to 3.51 µA W−1, a 2.6‐fold reduction in noise‐equivalent power to 2.22 × 10−8 W Hz−1/ 2; and a 2.6‐fold increase in specific detectivity to 1.89 × 107 Jones. This work demonstrates the tableting engineering to realize stable compositional gradients for energy band regulation in weak‐signal THz detection.
SOSTDC1 Nuclear Translocation Facilitates BTIC Maintenance and CHD1‐Mediated HR Repair to Promote Tumor Progression and Olaparib Resistance in TNBC
Authors: Deng Qiaodan , Qiang Jiankun , Liu Cuicui , Ding Jiajun , Tu Juchuanli , He Xueyan , Xia Jie , Peng Xilei , Li Siqin , Chen Xian , Ma Wei , Zhang Lu , Jiang Yi‐Zhou , Shao Zhi‐Ming , Chen Ceshi , Liu Suling , Xu Jiahui , Zhang Lixing
Published: June 2024

Breast tumor‐initiating cells (BTICs) of triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) tissues actively repair DNA and are resistant to treatments including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy. Herein, it is found that a previously reported secreted protein, sclerostin domain containing 1 (SOSTDC1), is abundantly expressed in BTICs of TNBC cells and positively correlated with a poor patient prognosis. SOSTDC1 knockdown impairs homologous recombination (HR) repair, BTIC maintenance, and sensitized bulk cells and BTICs to Olaparib. Mechanistically, following Olaparib treatment, SOSTDC1 translocates to the nucleus in an importin‐α dependent manner. Nuclear SOSTDC1 interacts with the N‐terminus of the nucleoprotein, chromatin helicase DNA‐binding factor (CHD1), to promote HR repair and BTIC maintenance. Furthermore, nuclear SOSTDC1 bound to β‐transducin repeat‐containing protein (β‐TrCP) binding motifs of CHD1 is found, thereby blocking the β‐TrCP‐CHD1 interaction and inhibiting β‐TrCP‐mediated CHD1 ubiquitination and degradation. Collectively, these findings identify a novel nuclear SOSTDC1 pathway in regulating HR repair and BTIC maintenance, providing insight into the TNBC therapeutic strategies.
Burst firing in Output‐Defined Parallel Habenula Circuit Underlies the Antidepressant Effects of Bright Light Treatment
Authors: Liu Xianwei , Li Han , Ma Ruijia , Tong Xiaohan , Wu Jijin , Huang Xiaodan , So Kwok‐Fai , Tao Qian , Huang Lu , Lin Song , Ren Chaoran
Published: June 2024

Research highlights the significance of increased bursting in lateral habenula (LHb) neurons in depression and as a focal point for bright light treatment (BLT). However, the precise spike patterns of LHb neurons projecting to different brain regions during depression, their roles in depression development, and BLT's therapeutic action remain elusive. Here, LHb neurons are found projecting to the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), ventral tegmental area (VTA), and median raphe nucleus (MnR) exhibit increased bursting following aversive stimuli exposure, correlating with distinct depressive symptoms. Enhanced bursting in DRN‐projecting LHb neurons is pivotal for anhedonia and anxiety, while concurrent bursting in LHb neurons projecting to the DRN, VTA, and MnR is essential for despair. Remarkably, reducing bursting in distinct LHb neuron subpopulations underlies the therapeutic effects of BLT on specific depressive behaviors. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of depression and the antidepressant action of BLT.
Identification and Characterization of Metastasis‐Initiating Cells in ESCC in a Multi‐Timepoint Pulmonary Metastasis Mouse Model
Authors: Wong Ching Ngar , Zhang Yu , Ru Beibei , Wang Songna , Zhou Hongyu , Lin Jiarun , Lyu Yingchen , Qin Yanru , Jiang Peng , Lee Victor Ho‐Fun , Guan Xin‐Yuan
Published: June 2024

Metastasis is the biggest obstacle to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) treatment. Single‐cell RNA sequencing analyses are applied to investigate lung metastatic ESCC cells isolated from pulmonary metastasis mouse model at multiple timepoints to characterize early metastatic microenvironment. A small population of parental KYSE30 cell line (Cluster S) resembling metastasis‐initiating cells (MICs) is identified because they survive and colonize at lung metastatic sites. Differential expression profile comparisons between Cluster S and other subpopulations identified a panel of 7 metastasis‐initiating signature genes (MIS), including CD44 and TACSTD2, to represent MICs in ESCC. Functional studies demonstrated MICs (CD44high) exhibited significantly enhanced cell survival (resistances to oxidative stress and apoptosis), migration, invasion, stemness, and in vivo lung metastasis capabilities, while bioinformatics analyses revealed enhanced organ development, stress responses, and neuron development, potentially remodel early metastasis microenvironment. Meanwhile, early metastasizing cells demonstrate quasi‐epithelial‐mesenchymal phenotype to support both invasion and anchorage. Multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) staining of 4 MISs (CD44, S100A14, RHOD, and TACSTD2) in ESCC clinical samples demonstrated differential MIS expression scores (dMISs) predict lymph node metastasis, overall survival, and risk of carcinothrombosis.
Physiochemically and Genetically Engineered Bacteria: Instructive Design Principles and Diverse Applications
Authors: Lin Xia , Jiao Rong , Cui Haowen , Yan Xuebing , Zhang Kun
Published: June 2024

With the comprehensive understanding of microorganisms and the rapid advances of physiochemical engineering and bioengineering technologies, scientists are advancing rationally‐engineered bacteria as emerging drugs for treating various diseases in clinical disease management. Engineered bacteria specifically refer to advanced physiochemical or genetic technologies in combination with cutting edge nanotechnology or physical technologies, which have been validated to play significant roles in lysing tumors, regulating immunity, influencing the metabolic pathways, etc. However, there has no specific reviews that concurrently cover physiochemically‐ and genetically‐engineered bacteria and their derivatives yet, let alone their distinctive design principles and various functions and applications. Herein, the applications of physiochemically and genetically‐engineered bacteria, and classify and discuss significant breakthroughs with an emphasis on their specific design principles and engineering methods objective to different specific uses and diseases beyond cancer is described. The combined strategies for developing in vivo biotherapeutic agents based on these physiochemically‐ and genetically‐engineered bacteria or bacterial derivatives, and elucidated how they repress cancer and other diseases is also underlined. Additionally, the challenges faced by clinical translation and the future development directions are discussed. This review is expected to provide an overall impression on physiochemically‐ and genetically‐engineered bacteria and enlighten more researchers.
Searching for soil: Elucidating public interest in soil and soil conservation from 20 years of internet search trends
Authors: Booth Samuel W.
Published: June 2024

Over the last two decades, soil science research has undergone rapid expansion. Understanding public interest in soil science is vital for evaluating dissemination efforts and situating it in the broader environmental discourse. Analyzing Google Trends search data from 2004 to 2023, this study investigates spikes in search volume index (SVI) for soil‐related searches and potential influences. Significant spikes in SVI between 2019–2020 and 2021–2022 were observed for a number of soil characteristics and soil conservation searches. Similar spikes were observed for possible influences such as the documentary “Kiss the ground,” and SVI related to climate change and carbon sequestration. Notably, SVI for “sustainable development goals” aligned with similar patterns in SVI for “soil health,” indicating a possible link between soil interest and the United Nations’ sustainability goals. This study underscores the seemingly rising interest in soil science, possibly linked with dissemination events, and broader environmental concerns and policies.
Neurofilaments and progranulin are related to atrophy in frontotemporal lobar degeneration – A transdiagnostic study cross‐validating atrophy and fluid biomarkers
Authors: Hüper Lea , Steinacker Petra , Polyakova Maryna , Mueller Karsten , Godulla Jannis , Herzig Sabine , Danek Adrian , Engel Annerose , Diehl‐Schmid Janine , Classen Joseph , Fassbender Klaus , Fliessbach Klaus , Jahn Holger , Kassubek Jan , Kornhuber Johannes , Landwehrmeyer Bernhard , Lauer Martin , Obrig Hellmuth , Oeckl Patrick , Prudlo Johannes , Saur Dorothee , Anderl‐Straub Sarah , Synofzik Matthis , Wagner Matias , Wiltfang Jens , Winkelmann Juliane , Volk Alexander E. ,   FTLD Consortium Germany, Huppertz Hans‐Jürgen , Otto Markus , Schroeter Matthias L.
Published: June 2024

INTRODUCTION

Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) encompasses behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal syndrome/degeneration, and primary progressive aphasias (PPAs). We cross‐validated fluid biomarkers and neuroimaging.

METHODS

Seven fluid biomarkers from cerebrospinal fluid and serum were related to atrophy in 428 participants including these FTLD subtypes, logopenic variant PPA (lvPPA), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and healthy subjects. Atrophy was assessed by structural magnetic resonance imaging and atlas‐based volumetry.

RESULTS

FTLD subtypes, lvPPA, and AD showed specific profiles for neurofilament light chain, phosphorylated heavy chain, tau, phospho‐tau, amyloid beta1‐42 from serum/cerebrospinal fluid, and brain atrophy. Neurofilaments related to regional atrophy in bvFTD, whereas progranulin was associated with atrophy in semantic variant PPA. Ubiquitin showed no effects.

DISCUSSION

Results specify biomarker and atrophy patterns in FTLD and AD supporting differential diagnosis. They identify neurofilaments and progranulin in interaction with structural imaging as promising candidates for monitoring disease progression and therapy.

Highlights

Study cross‐validated neuroimaging and fluid biomarkers in dementia.

Five kinds of frontotemporal lobar degeneration and two variants of Alzheimer's disease.

Study identifies disease‐specific fluid biomarker and atrophy profiles.

Fluid biomarkers and atrophy interact in a disease‐specific way.

Neurofilaments and progranulin are proposed as biomarkers for diagnosis and therapy.
Development of poly(vinyl acetate) adhesive with hot water resistance via constructing semi‐IPN/IPN structures with hydroxymethylated lignin
Authors: Li Jianchun , Chen Guoliang , Han Yanming , Zhang Wei , Zhang Shifeng
Published: June 2024

Poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) adhesive is often used in the wood industry because it can be rapidly cured at room temperature to produce a high bonding strength. However, PVAc is a linear polymer susceptible to thermal creep, so it will fail to bond in high temperature and humidity environments. In this study, the hot water resistance of PVAc adhesive is improved by introducing lignin with a complex structure to construct multiple cross‐linked networks with a high cross‐link. However, due to the large steric hindrance, the reactivity of lignin hydroxyl groups is low. In the process of preparing adhesive, alkali lignin is hydroxymethylated to improve its reactivity, and then 4,4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate is used as a cross‐linker to construct interpenetrating and semi‐interpenetrating polymer networks. The hydroxymethylation occurs through the reaction of formaldehyde with lignin under alkaline conditions. Optimal reaction conditions include a reaction ratio of 0.20, a reaction temperature of 80°C, and a reaction time of 3.5 h. On those conditions, the bonding strength of the lignin‐based PVAc adhesive reaches 1.8 MPa after hot‐water treatment. Therefore, the lignin‐based hot water‐resistant PVAc adhesive has shown good application potential in high temperature and humidity environments.
Catalytically active inclusion bodies as a potential tool for biotechnology
Authors: Bello Muhammad Nura , Sabri Suriana , Mohd Yahaya Normi , Mohd Shariff Fairolniza , Mohamad Ali Mohd Shukuri
Published: June 2024

The initial assumption that viewed inclusion bodies as a hindrance to the efficient production of protein is no longer held due to the emergence of catalytically active inclusion bodies (CatIBs). Recent studies revealed their potential to be used in free form or immobilized as biocatalysts. The curiosity to acquire suitable catalysts has remained the measure of concern for researchers and industrialists. Numerous processes and production in various sectors of food industries, petroleum, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and many others are still searching for a robust catalyst with outstanding features such as recyclability, resistance to pH, as well as temperature. CatIBs are forms of inclusion bodies that possess catalytic activity, which can improve catalysis efficiency, stability, and recyclability. One of the advantages of CatIBs is their potential to be used as catalysts for numerous bioprocesses when generated by an enzyme. These aggregates can efficiently be used as a replacement for traditional enzyme immobilization. This review tends to focus on the possibility of its application in various processes. The novelty of this review is that it considered the production of CatIBs both from artificial and natural perspectives, as well as how to improve it. Inclusion bodies’ immobilization may provide an efficient alternative in the area of biocatalysis, and hence it will improve industrial sectors and substantially provide a means of achieving excellent performance in the near future.
Do global competitiveness factors impact the marine sustainability practices? An empirical evidence from fisheries sector
Authors: Alsaleh Mohd , Yuan Yuan , Longqi Sun
Published: June 2024

According to the research on fisheries, there are two main trade‐offs between these sustainability pillars. First, a fisheries industry's developing ecological health diminishes economic gains for fishermen. Second, individual fishermen's financial success undercuts fisheries communities' social goals. This paper aims to investigate the dynamic impact of global competitiveness on the sustainability of the fisheries industry in 27 European countries by considering the production of fisheries, enabling environments, ecosystems for innovation, market size, human capital, and economic growth between 1990 and 2022. At higher quantiles, the findings showed a strong positive association between enabling environment and fisheries sustainability by adopting MMQR with fixed effects, the new method of moments quantile regression. Additionally, in EU27 nations, the impact of human capital was positive and substantial from the first to ninth quantiles. Notably, the findings show that the EU14 developed nations have a greater level of development than the EU13 underdeveloped countries, which considerably benefits fisheries sustainability. Market size and economic growth were also found to condense fisheries sustainability in EU14 developed and EU13 developing countries, supporting the growth hypothesis for fisheries‐producing countries. Innovation ecosystem was found to increase fisheries sustainability across all quantiles. Notably, the findings show that the significant beneficial impact of the innovation ecosystem, market size, and economic development on the sustainability of fisheries is more significant in the emerging nations of the EU13 than in the developed countries of the EU14. With effective and environmentally friendly technology, policymakers may boost market competitiveness in the EU14 and EU13 countries and advance sustainable development objectives.
Long non‐coding RNA as potential diagnostic markers for acute myeloid leukemia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Solomon Yenealem , Berhan Ayenew , Almaw Andargachew , Ersino Tamirat , Damtie Shewaneh , Kiros Teklehaimanot , Fentie Alemie , Chanie Ermias Sisay , Dessie Anteneh Mengist , Alemayehu Ermiyas
Published: June 2024

Background

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is aggressive type of hematological malignancy. Its poses challenges in early diagnosis, necessitating the identification of an effective biomarker. This study aims to assess the diagnostic accuracy of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) in the diagnosis of AML through a meta‐analysis. The study is registered on the PROSPERO website with the number 493518.

Method

A literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Embase, Hinari, and the Scopus databases to identify relevant studies. We pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the summary receiver operating characteristics (ROC) using Stata 14.1 software. Heterogeneity between studies was determined through the I2 statistic and Cochran‐Q test. A random effect model was chosen due to significant heterogeneity among included studies. Meta‐regression and subgroup analysis were performed to assess the potential source of heterogeneity. Furthermore, potential publication bias was estimated using Deek's funnel plot asymmetry test.

Results

A total of 14 articles covering 19 studies were included in this meta‐analysis comprising 1588 AML patients and 529 healthy participants. The overall pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, DOR, and the area under the summary ROC curve were 0.85 (95% CI = 0.78–0.91), 0.82 (95% CI = 0.72–0.89), 4.7 (95% CI = 2.9–7.4), 0.18 (95% CI = 0.12–0.28), 26 (95% CI = 12–53), and 0.90 (95% CI = 0.87–0.93), respectively. Moreover, lncRNAs from non‐bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMC) had superior diagnostic value with pooled sensitivity, specificity, and AUC were 0.93, 0.82, and 0.95, respectively.

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis demonstrated that circulating lncRNAs can serve as potential diagnostic markers for AML. High accuracy of diagnosis was observed in non‐BMMC lncRNAs, given cutoff value, and the GADPH internal reference gene used. However, further studies with large sample size are required to confirm our results.
miR‐34a promotes the immunosuppressive function of multiple myeloma‐associated macrophages by dampening the TLR‐9 signaling
Authors: Zhang Rui , Zhang Disi , Luo Yilan , Sun Yunyan , Duan Ci , Yang Jiapeng , Wei Jia , Li Xianshi , Lu Yanqi , Lai Xun
Published: June 2024

Background

Promising outcomes have been observed in multiple myeloma (MM) with the use of immunotherapies, specifically chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR‐T) cell therapy. However, a portion of MM patients do not respond to CAR‐T therapy, and the reasons for this lack of response remain unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of miR‐34a on the immunosuppressive polarization of macrophages obtained from MM patients.

Methods

The levels of miR‐34a and TLR9 (Toll‐like receptor 9) were examined in macrophages obtained from both healthy individuals and patients with MM. ELISA was employed to investigate the cytokine profiles of the macrophage samples. Co‐culture experiments were conducted to evaluate the immunomodulatory impact of MM‐associated macrophages on CAR‐T cells.

Results

There was an observed suppressed activation of macrophages and CD4+ T lymphocytes in the blood samples of MM patients. Overexpression of miR‐34a in MM‐associated macrophages dampened the TLR9 expression and impaired the inflammatory polarization. In both the co‐culture system and an animal model, MM‐associated macrophages suppressed the activity and tumoricidal effect of CAR‐T cells in a miR‐34a‐dependent manner.

Conclusion

The findings imply that targeting the macrophage miR‐34a/TLR9 axis could potentially alleviate the immunosuppression associated with CAR‐T therapy in MM patients.
Cervical cancer‐specific long non‐coding RNA landscape reveals the favorable prognosis predictive performance of an ion‐channel‐related signature model
Authors: Wang Bochang , Wang Wei , Zhou Wenhao , Zhao Yujie , Liu Wenxin
Published: June 2024

Background

Ion channels play an important role in tumorigenesis and progression of cervical cancer. Multiple long non‐coding RNA genes are widely involved in ion channel‐related signaling regulation. However, the association and potential clinical application of lncRNAs in the prognosis of cervical cancer are still poorly explored.

Methods

Thirteen patients with cervical cancer were enrolled in current study. Whole transcriptome (involving both mRNAs and lncRNAs) sequencing was performed on fresh tumor and adjacent normal tissues that were surgically resected from patients. A comprehensive cervical cancer‐specific lncRNA landscape was obtained by our custom pipeline. Then, a prognostic scoring model of ion‐channel‐related lncRNAs was established by regression algorithms. The performance of the predictive model as well as its association with the clinical characteristics and tumor microenvironment (TME) status were further evaluated.

Results

To comprehensively identify cervical cancer‐specific lncRNAs, we sequenced 26 samples of cervical cancer patients and integrated the transcriptomic results. We built a custom analysis pipeline to improve the accuracy of lncRNA identification and functional annotation and obtained 18,482 novel lncRNAs in cervical cancer. Then, 159 ion channel‐ and tumorigenesis‐related (ICTR‐) lncRNAs were identified. Based on nine ICTR‐lncRNAs, we also established a prognostic scoring model and validated its accuracy and robustness in assessing the prognosis of patients with cervical cancer. Besides, the TME was characterized, and we found that B cells, activated CD8+ T, and tertiary lymphoid structures were significantly associated with ICTR‐lncRNAs signature scores.

Conclusion

We provided a thorough landscape of cervical cancer‐specific lncRNAs. Through integrative analyses, we identified ion‐channel‐related lncRNAs and established a predictive model for assessing the prognosis of patients with cervical cancer. Meanwhile, we characterized its association with TME status. This study improved our knowledge of the prominent roles of lncRNAs in regulating ion channel in cervical cancer.
Ru(II)‐Catalyzed C−H Alkylation of N‐Benzyltriflamide with Maleimides: Synthesis of o‐Succinimide Substituted Benzaldehydes
Authors: Dethe Dattatraya H. , Kumar Vimlesh , Datta Arnadeep
Published: June 2024

A ruthenium‐catalyzed N‐benzyltriflamide assisted C−H alkylation with maleimide followed by hydrolysis of in situ generated imine has been developed for the first time. This synthetic method results in the efficient synthesis of o‐succinimide derivatives of benzaldehydes. This reaction involves less expensive and mild reaction conditions and shows excellent site selectivity and good functional group compatibility.
Temporal trends of cancer incidence rates for the most frequent cancer sites in Cyprus (2004–2017)
Authors: Spartiati Anastasia , Demetriou Anna , Scoutellas V. , Christophi Costas A. , Makris Konstantinos C.
Published: June 2024

Background

Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, worldwide. Little information is available for the temporal trends of cancer in the Mediterranean region, including Cyprus.

Aims

We aimed to analyze cancer incidence trends overall and by sex for the period 2004–2017 regarding the five most common cancer sites for the population of Cyprus.

Methods and results

Data were obtained from the nationwide cancer registry dataset that included 27 017 total cancer cases in Cyprus (2004–2017). We estimated the crude, sex‐, and age‐specific, as well as age‐standardized (ASR) cancer incidence rates and we analyzed the time trends of ASR using the joinpoint regression program. For the general population (0–85+ years of age), the most common cancer sites in descending order, were breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, and thyroid cancer. During the study period, breast and thyroid cancer ASR presented a significant (p < .05) increasing temporal trend. Lung cancer ASRs seemed to stabilize (no increase or decrease) during the more recent years (2009 onwards) for both sexes; a similar pattern was observed for colorectal cancer in males. The ASRs of prostate cancer in men were in steady decline from 2012 onwards and the same was observed for the female ASRs of colorectal cancer from 2007 onwards. The colorectal cancer ASR temporal patterns overall, during the whole study period appeared unchanged.

Conclusion

This temporal analysis would feed into cancer surveillance and control programs that focus on prevention, early detection, and treatment, particularly for cancer sites of higher mortality rates or those with temporally increasing trends.
Tree‐based model for achieving environmental impact neutrality: A case study application in the agri‐food sector
Authors: Varavallo Giuseppe , Rugani Benedetto , Allocco Marco , Barbera Filippo , Calfapietra Carlo
Published: June 2024

Consensus does not currently exists on how to offset the residual environmental footprint generated by agricultural and forestry practices. This paper develops an environmental sustainability management framework to support the achievement of environmental impact neutrality in the primary sector of agriculture and forestry. The proposed framework, named TREEIN, “a TREe model for Environmental Impact Neutrality”, can guide companies toward effective use of existing environmental management and certification schemes that account for both the negative impact of the production system's life cycle and the positive impact offered by adequate ecosystem service supply. First, we did an overview of international standard certifications, protocols, and sustainability programs based on life cycle assessment (LCA) and ecosystem services assessment (ESA) methodologies. Subsequently, we analyzed the sustainability programs in the European‐specific economic sectors of wine and extra‐virgin olive oil, focusing on the combined approach of LCA and ESA methodologies. As a result, TREEIN, a tree model framework, was developed and applied to the case study of a typical farming system in Tuscany (Italy) in order to achievie impact neutrality. Quantitative outcomes, qualitative assertions, and the methodological challenges associated with such a pilot application are investigated and discussed. The TREEIN's benefits and drawbacks are explored in light of the findings of this case study, and a roadmap for its further advancement and adoption in the market is presented.
Icephobic materials and strategies: From bio‐inspirations to smart systems
Authors: Li Xinlin , Liu Yan , Zhang Zhichun , Liu Yanju , Leng Jinsong
Published: June 2024

Unwanted ice formations may cause severe functional degradations of facilities and also have a negative impact on their lifespans. Avoiding and removing ice accumulation is always a hot topic in the industrial and technological field. Bionic functional surfaces have been greatly studied for several decades and have proved to be excellent candidates for passive anti‐/deicing applications. However, the drawbacks limit their potential industrial uses under harsh conditions, like low temperatures and high humidity. Most researches on bionic surfaces are focused on a certain function of natural creatures and their underlined fundamental theories are revealed by taking the interface as the static. Actually, living organisms, either plants or animals, are often sensitive and responsive to their surroundings, avoiding risks and even self‐repairing upon damage. From this prospect, a novel view of the bionic icephobic materials has been proposed in the present review, which is expected to be studied and designed by taking the biological species as a system. As two representative icephobic materials, the anti‐/deicing theories of superhydrophobic and slippery surfaces are first discussed. Further, the recent progress of smart icephobic strategies is summarized from interfaces to substrates. We aim to provide new bionic insights on designing future icephobic strategies.
Geothermo‐mechanical alterations due to heat energy extraction in enhanced geothermal systems: Overview and prospective directions
Authors: Ngoma Mary C. , Kolawole Oladoyin , Olorode Olufemi
Published: June 2024

Geothermal energy from deep underground (or geological) formations, with or without its combination with carbon capture and storage (CCS), can be a key technology to mitigate anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and meet the 2050 net‐zero carbon emission target. Geothermal resources in low‐permeability and medium‐ and high‐temperature reservoirs in sedimentary sequence require hydraulic stimulation for enhanced geothermal systems (EGS). However, fluid migration for geothermal energy in EGS or with potential CO2 storage in a CO2‐EGS are both dependent on the in situ flow pathway network created by induced fluid injection. These thermo‐mechanical interactions can be complex and induce varying alterations in the mechanical response when the working fluid is water (in EGS) or supercritical CO2 (in CO2‐EGS), which could impact the geothermal energy recovery from geological formations. Therefore, there is a need for a deeper understanding of the heat extraction process in EGS and CO2‐EGS. This study presents a systematic review of the effects of changes in mechanical properties and behavior of deep underground rocks on the induced flow pathway and heat recovery in EGS reservoirs with or without CO2 storage in CO2‐EGS. Further, we proposed waterless‐stimulated EGS as an alternative approach to improve heat energy extraction in EGS. Lastly, based on the results of our literature review and proposed ideas, we recommend promising areas of investigation that may provide more insights into understanding geothermo‐mechanics to further stimulate new research studies and accelerate the development of geothermal energy as a viable clean energy technology.
Sex differences in clinical characteristics and long‐term clinical outcomes in Asian hospitalized heart failure patients
Authors: Chen Chun‐Chao , Chiu Chun‐Chih , Hao Wen‐Rui , Hsu Min‐Huei , Liu Ju‐Chi , Lin Jiunn‐Lee
Published: June 2024

Aims

Sex differences in long‐term post‐discharge clinical outcomes in Asian patients hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure (HF) persist despite the world‐wide implementation of guideline‐directed medical therapy for decades. The present study aims to elucidate the puzzling dilemma and to depict the directions of solution.

Methods and results

Between 2011 and 2020, a total of 12 428 patients (6518 men and 5910 women, mean age 73.50 ± 14.85) hospitalized for acute decompensated HF were retrospectively enrolled from a university HF cohort. Compared with men, women hospitalized for acute decompensated HF were older in age (76.40 ± 13.43 vs. 71.20 ± 15.67 years old, P < 0.0001) with more coexisting hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia and moderate to severe chronic kidney disease, but less with ischaemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P < 0.0001). In echocardiography measurement parameters, women had smaller left ventricular and left atrial dimensions, higher left ventricular mass index, higher left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and more in HF with preserved ejection fraction (EF) category (LVEF > 50%) than men (P < 0.0001). In HF therapy, women compared with men received more guideline‐directed medical HF therapies including angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, angiotensin receptor–neprilysin inhibitors and sodium–glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors, but similar beta‐blockers and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (P < 0.0001). Post‐discharge long‐term clinical outcomes after multivariate‐adjusted analysis revealed that women compared with men had lower all‐cause mortality [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 0.89, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.84–0.93], lower cardiovascular mortality (aHR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.80–0.99) and lower 1 year mortality (aHR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.84–0.99) but similar HF rehospitalization rate (aHR: 1.02, 95% CI: 0.95–1.09) over 8 years of follow‐up. The superiority of women over men in all‐cause mortality was shown in HF with preserved EF (>50%) and HF with mildly reduced EF (40%–50%), but not in HF with reduced EF (<40%) category. Subgroup forest plot analysis showed body mass index, coexisting hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as significant interacting factors.

Conclusions

With more coronary risk factors and medical comorbidities, less cardiac remodelling and better adherence to guideline‐directed HF therapy, women hospitalized for acute decompensated HF demonstrated superiority over men in long‐term post‐discharge clinical outcomes, including all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality and 1 year mortality, and mainly in HF with preserved and mid‐range EF categories, in the Asian HF cohort.
Optimal scheduling of regional integrated energy systems with hot dry rock enhanced geothermal system based on information gap decision theory
Authors: Liu Qingfeng , Mohamed Mohamed A. , Ilinca Adrian , Annuk Andres , Nasr Emad Abouel
Published: June 2024

Hot dry rock (HDR) is regarded as a promising resource of geothermal energy and becomes an important field for future geothermal development due to its advantages of high temperature, wide distribution and huge reserves. At present, HDR research is mainly focused on the modeling and efficiency evaluation of power generation cycle, but its relationship with the source side of the system has not been considered in the field of integrated energy systems. Therefore, this paper proposes a day‐ahead scheduling method for regional integrated energy systems (RIES) with HDR based on information gap decision theory (IGDT). First, the heat transfer system model of HDR is established according to the energy flow model and basic structure of the HDR enhanced geothermal system (EGS). Second, a comprehensive geothermal energy system scheduling model is established from HDR based on the energy hub modeling structure. Then, the IGDT is introduced to analyze the renewable energy output uncertainty in the model. Finally, through a real RIES analysis, the simulation results verified the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed model. The scheduling cost was ¥47,073 when EGS participated in the scheduling. Access to EGS reduced the system's total 24‐h energy purchase by 8305 kW, natural gas consumption by 3051.9 m3, and total carbon emissions by 742.28 kg. The latter emphasized that the proposed model achieves the purpose of reducing the system cost, saving energy and reducing emissions.
Electroosmotic strengthening of soft clay under different electrification modes
Authors: Sun Zhaohua , Xu Shuwen , Zhang Cheng , Geng Jingxian , Gu Yefeng
Published: June 2024

Electrification mode is one of the important factors affecting the energy consumption and drainage effect of the electroosmosis method. In this work, a series of laboratory tests were performed to explore the impact of continuous changes in the electric field on the migration of ions and electrons, as well as the migration of electroosmotic flow. The results show that different electrification modes had a significant impact on the current and water discharge. An electrode reversed from anode to cathode, from one circuit to another, is beneficial to drainage, while an electrode reversed from cathode to anode, from one circuit to another, is unfavorable to drainage. The drainage effect of the specific cyclic and progressive electroosmosis (CPE) is not as good as the conventional electroosmosis method. However, combining the two electrification modes can further enhance the shear strength of the soil near a designated electrode. The generation of transverse cracks in soil is mainly due to the drainage difference caused by the electroosmotic flow, which is caused by the adjacent electric field at that location. When the electroosmotic flow is strong, longitudinal cracks will occur in the soil along the strongest electroosmotic flow path. In practical in situ engineering applications, the electrification mode of CPE will be more energy‐efficient than conventional electrification modes with the same processing time.
Identification and variation of specific volatile compounds during fruit development and postharvest stage in Japanese apricot (Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc.) fruit
Authors: Li Aoting , Liu Kang , Segbo Silas , Gao Zhihong
Published: June 2024

Fruit aroma of Japanese apricot is distinct, and the specific volatile compounds are not clearly known during fruit development and during post‐harvest stage. This study therefore aimed to explore the volatile compounds present during these stages. The volatile compounds were analysed by headspace solid‐phase microextraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. OAV, PCA and electronic nose techniques were used to determine the characteristic aroma components. Enzyme‐linked immunoassay (ELISA) was also applied to determine the activity of enzymes. The results showed that in the cultivars ‘Xiyeqing’ a total of 52 components that included 20 terpenes, 15 aldehydes, 9 esters, 3 ketones and 5 other substances were detected during fruit development and post‐harvest stage. While in the cultivar ‘Xiaoyezhugan’ a total of 49 components that included 25 terpenes, 7 aldehydes, 11 esters, 1 alcohol, 3 ketones and 2 other substances were also detected during fruit development and post‐harvest stage. We concluded that the characteristic volatile compounds of mature Japanese apricot fruit were (+)‐limonene, linalool, damascenone, β‐damascenone and nonanal, finding the basis for the fruity, floral and sweet aroma of the Japanese apricot fruit. Further analysis indicated that low temperature inhibited the synthesis of esters and terpenes, and dark conditions were more favourable to the synthesis of volatile compounds than light conditions. Short‐term storage of Japanese apricot fruit at room temperature and dark conditions was conducive for the maintenance of volatile compounds, and low‐temperature storage was the most destructive to the fruit volatile compounds. These findings form a theoretical foundation for exploring the specific volatile compound of Japanese apricot and helped to determine the optimal storage condition of post‐harvest stage for Japanese apricot fruit.
Structural changes in eloquent cortex secondary to glioma in sensorimotor area
Authors: Guo Yuhao , Bao Hongbo , Wei Zhishuo , Fang Shengyu , Jiang Tao , Wang Yinyan
Published: June 2024

This study aims to investigate the structural reorganization in the sensorimotor area of the brain in patients with gliomas, distinguishing between those with impaired and unimpaired strength. Using voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) and region of interest (ROI) analysis, gray matter volumes (GMV) were compared in the contralesional primary motor gyrus, primary sensory gyrus, premotor area, bilateral supplementary motor area, and medial Brodmann area 8 (BA8). The results revealed that in patients with right hemisphere gliomas, the right medial BA8 volume was significantly larger in the impaired group than in the unimpaired group, with both groups exceeding the volume in 16 healthy controls (HCs). In patients with left hemisphere gliomas, the right supplementary motor area (SMA) was more pronounced in the impaired group compared to the unimpaired group, and both groups were greater than HCs. Additionally, the volumes of the right medial BA8 in both the impaired group were greater than HCs. Contralateral expansions in the gray matter of hand‐ and trunk‐related cortices of the premotor area, precentral gyrus, and postcentral gyrus were observed compared to HCs. Furthermore, a negative correlation was found between hand Medical Research Council (MRC) score and volumes of the contralateral SMA and bilateral medial BA8. Notably, our findings reveal consistent results across both analytical approaches in identifying significant structural reorganizations within the sensorimotor cortex. These consistent findings underscore the adaptive neuroplastic responses to glioma presence, highlighting potential areas of interest for further neurosurgical planning and rehabilitation strategies.
Network and state specificity in connectivity‐based predictions of individual behavior
Authors: Kraljević Nevena , Langner Robert , Küppers Vincent , Raimondo Federico , Patil Kaustubh R. , Eickhoff Simon B. , Müller Veronika I.
Published: June 2024

Predicting individual behavior from brain functional connectivity (FC) patterns can contribute to our understanding of human brain functioning. This may apply in particular if predictions are based on features derived from circumscribed, a priori defined functional networks, which improves interpretability. Furthermore, some evidence suggests that task‐based FC data may yield more successful predictions of behavior than resting‐state FC data. Here, we comprehensively examined to what extent the correspondence of functional network priors and task states with behavioral target domains influences the predictability of individual performance in cognitive, social, and affective tasks. To this end, we used data from the Human Connectome Project for large‐scale out‐of‐sample predictions of individual abilities in working memory (WM), theory‐of‐mind cognition (SOCIAL), and emotion processing (EMO) from FC of corresponding and non‐corresponding states (WM/SOCIAL/EMO/resting‐state) and networks (WM/SOCIAL/EMO/whole‐brain connectome). Using root mean squared error and coefficient of determination to evaluate model fit revealed that predictive performance was rather poor overall. Predictions from whole‐brain FC were slightly better than those from FC in task‐specific networks, and a slight benefit of predictions based on FC from task versus resting state was observed for performance in the WM domain. Beyond that, we did not find any significant effects of a correspondence of network, task state, and performance domains. Together, these results suggest that multivariate FC patterns during both task and resting states contain rather little information on individual performance levels, calling for a reconsideration of how the brain mediates individual differences in mental abilities.