bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stress distribution and performance of threaded bolts in gasketed flange joints
Authors: Rino Nelson N. , Siva Prasad N. , Sekhar A.S.
Published: September 2021

The performance of the flange joint depends on the relaxation of load in bolts. This in turn affects the gasket stress and control of leakage. A finite element model of flange joint with threaded bolt‐nut fastener having zero helix angle is developed and analyzed for stress distribution in the threaded bolt. The stress concentration factor at the thread root region is observed to be non‐uniform along the circumference due to the bending behavior of the bolt in the flange joint. The maximum stress is observed in the first engaged thread. The variation in bolt load due to internal fluid, thermal and external loads are also investigated for both single and twin‐gaskets (two concentric half‐sized single gaskets). The gasket material and gasket configuration are observed to be potential factors causing variation in the distribution of load in the flange joint. In a flange joint subjected to external bending load, the maximum stress concentration in the bolt is observed to be in the first thread, instead of the first engaged thread. Under external bending load, the flange joint loses its structural integrity before the traces of leakage occur in the joint.
Thermally sprayed coatings for the valve industry
Authors: Bobzin K. , Wietheger W. , Heinemann H. , Schulz M. , Oechsner M. , Engler T. , Scheerer H. , Joung Y.
Published: September 2021

In dieser Studie wird die Entwicklung verschiedener thermisch gespritzter Beschichtungen für den Einsatz im Armaturenbau diskutiert. Basierend auf etablierten Verschleißschutzschichten der Armaturenindustrie wurden verschiedene Festschmierstoffe in diese Beschichtungen integriert, um das Verschleiß‐ und Reibungsverhalten bei anwendungsnahen Belastungen für Armaturen zu verbessern. Für die Anwendungen wurden Verschleißschutzschichten auf Basis von WC/CoCr und Cr3C2/NiCr entwickelt. Als Festschmierstoffe wurden nickelumhülltes Graphit und hexagonales Bornitrid untersucht. Die Verfahrensvarianten Hochgeschwindigkeitsflammspritzen mit Sauerstoff (HVOF) und das neuartige Ultrahochgeschwindigkeitsflammspritzen (UHVOF) wurden untersucht. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass durch eine passende Beschichtungszusammensetzung eine Reduktion des Verschleißes von 53 % und der Reibung von 31 % unter anwendungsnahen Belastungen möglich ist.
Ultrafine‐grained Zn‐0.45Li alloy with enhanced mechanical property, degradation behavior and cytocompatibility prepared by hot extrusion and multi‐pass drawing
Authors: Deng L. , Guo P. , Li F. , Yang L. , Zhu X. , Xu C. , Zhang Q. , Shi Y. , Song Z. , Sun W. , Liu H.
Published: September 2021

Biodegradable Zn‐0.45Li alloys with high strength and ductility were successfully fabricated by hot extrusion and multi‐pass drawing to obtain ultrafine‐grained microstructures with a secondary phase of fine LiZn4 participates. The mechanical properties, degradation behavior and cytocompatibility of the alloys were subsequently investigated. Results showed that grain refinement could be achieved in the alloys after hot extrusion and multi‐pass drawing. The yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and elongation to failure of the ultrafine‐grained Zn‐0.45Li alloys reached 416 MPa, 567 MPa and 55.4 %, respectively. Enhancements in both strength and elongation could be attributed to interactions between LiZn4 and matrix dislocations, the pinning effect of LiZn4 on grain boundaries, and grain refinement. Immersion tests and MTT cytotoxicity assay indicated that the Zn‐0.45Li alloys have a corrosion rate and cytocompatibility similar to the values reported for biomedical implants.
Attainment of high specific hardness and specific modulus in spark plasma sintered aluminium‐copper‐silicon carbide‐titanium carbide hybrid composite
Authors: Saha S. , Ghosh M. , Kumar Pramanick A. , Mondal C. , Maity J.
Published: September 2021

Aluminium matrix hybrid composites have been consolidated effectively by spark plasma sintering with new combinations of reinforcement and high volume percentage of ceramic particulates to maximize specific hardness and specific modulus through the powder metallurgy route. The aforementioned techno‐scientific accomplishment with regard to metal matrix composite aims to meet a continuous increase in the global demand for a material with minimum structural weight and high‐modulus for structural (automotive and aerospace) applications. The new aluminium based hybrid composite developed by incorporating ceramic particulate reinforcements (12.5 wt.% silicon carbide and 12.5 wt.% titanium carbide) along with 22.5 wt.% copper as the metallic reinforcement attains significantly high specific hardness (85 HV/gcm−3), specific Young's modulus (33.56 GPa/g cm−3), specific bulk modulus (27.97 GPa/g cm−3) when compared with the reported range of specific hardness (13 HV/g cm−3–89 HV/g cm−3), specific Young's modulus (24 GPa/g cm−3–27 GPa/g cm−3) and specific bulk modulus (20 GPa/g cm−3–22 GPa/g cm−3) possessed by structural steels. This is accredited to the genesis of a novel microstructure that consists of fine copper, silicon carbide and titanium carbide particulates together with a nominal in‐situ originated aluminium‐copper equilibrium phases distributed in a highly substructured aluminium based matrix with a significant dislocation density (7.56 ⋅ 1014 m‐2).
The interaction between PDCD4 and YB1 is critical for cervical cancer stemness and cisplatin resistance
Authors: Liu Dan , Ke Jing , Liu Yang , Rao Huiling , Tang Zhiming , Liu Ying , Zhang Zhaoyang , You Lei , Luo Xiangyin , Sun Zequn , He Zhijun , Li Fei , Qiu Zhengpeng , Hu Junjie , Mbadhi Magdaleena Naemi , Tang Junming , Wu Fuyun , Li Shan
Published: September 2021

Cancer multidrug resistance (MDR) is existence in stem cell‐like cancer cells characterized by stemness including high‐proliferation and self‐renewal. Programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4), as a proapoptotic gene, whether it engaged in cancer stemness and cisplatin resistance is still unknown. Here we showed that PDCD4 expressions in Hela/DDP (cisplatin resistance) cells were lower than in parental Hela cells. Moreover, the levels of drug resistance genes and typical stemness markers were markedly elevated in Hela/DDP cells. In vivo, xenograft tumor assay confirmed that knockdown of PDCD4 accelerated the grafted tumor growth. In vitro, colony formation and MTT assay demonstrated that PDCD4 overexpression inhibited cells proliferation in conditions with or without cisplatin. By contrast, PDCD4 deficiency provoked cell proliferation and cisplatin resistance. On mechanism, PDCD4 decreased the protein levels of pAKT and pYB1, accompanied by reduced MDR1 expression. Correspondingly, luciferase reporter assay showed PDCD4 regulated MDR1 promoter activity entirely relied on YB1. Furthermore, Ch‐IP, GST‐pulldown, and Co‐IP assays provided novel evidence that PDCD4 could directly bind with YB1 by the nucleolar localization signal (NOLS) segment, causing the reduced YB1 binding into the MDR1 promoter region through blocking YB1 nucleus translocation, triggering the decreased MDR1 transcription. Taken together, PDCD4‐pAKT‐pYB1 forms the integrated molecular network to regulate MDR1 transcription during the process of stemness‐associated cisplatin resistance.
HSP70 promotes tumor progression by stabilizing Skp2 expression in gastric cancer cells
Authors: Lei Ziying , Xia Xiaohong , He Qiaoling , Luo Jiali , Xiong Yan , Wang Jin , Tang Hongsheng , Guan Tianpei , Tian Yun , Xu Songhui , Cui Shuzhong
Published: September 2021

Gastric cancer (GC) has one of the highest tumor incidences worldwide. Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is highly expressed and plays a critical role in the occurrence, progression, metastasis, poor prognosis, and drug resistance of GC. However, the underlying mechanisms of HSP70 are not clear. To explore the regulatory role of HSP70 in GC, we performed cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8) and EdU staining assays to assess cell proliferation; immunohistochemistry and western blot analyses to assess protein expression; coimmunoprecipitation (Co‐IP) assays to assess interactions between two proteins; and immunofluorescence to assess protein expression and localization. HSP70 was highly expressed in clinical samples from patients with GC and indicated a poor prognosis. HSP70 inhibition enhanced the sensitivity of GC cells to thermochemotherapy. Furthermore, we found that S phase kinase‐associated protein 2 (Skp2) was highly expressed in GC and correlated with HSP70 in array data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Importantly, HSP70 inhibition promoted Skp2 degradation. Skp2 overexpression abrogated HSP70 inhibition‐induced cell cycle arrest, suggesting that the role of HSP70 in GC depends on Skp2 expression. Our results illustrate a possible regulatory mechanism of HSP70 and may provide a therapeutic strategy for overcoming resistance to thermochemotherapy.
Combining Automated Organoid Workflows with Artificial Intelligence‐Based Analyses: Opportunities to Build a New Generation of Interdisciplinary High‐Throughput Screens for Parkinson's Disease and Beyond
Authors: Renner Henrik , Schöler Hans R. , Bruder Jan M.
Published: September 2021

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease and primarily characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta of the midbrain. Despite decades of research and the development of various disease model systems, there is no curative treatment. This could be due to current model systems, including cell culture and animal models, not adequately recapitulating human PD etiology. More complex human disease models, including human midbrain organoids, are maturing technologies that increasingly enable the strategic incorporation of the missing components needed to model PD in vitro. The resulting organoid‐based biological complexity provides new opportunities and challenges in data analysis of rich multimodal data sets. Emerging artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities can take advantage of large, broad data sets and even correlate results across disciplines. Current organoid technologies no longer lack the prerequisites for large‐scale high‐throughput screening (HTS) and can generate complex yet reproducible data suitable for AI‐based data mining. We have recently developed a fully scalable and HTS‐compatible workflow for the generation, maintenance, and analysis of three‐dimensional (3D) microtissues mimicking key characteristics of the human midbrain (called “automated midbrain organoids,” AMOs). AMOs build a reproducible, scalable foundation for creating next‐generation 3D models of human neural disease that can fuel mechanism‐agnostic phenotypic drug discovery in human in vitro PD models and beyond. Here, we explore the opportunities and challenges resulting from the convergence of organoid HTS and AI‐driven data analytics and outline potential future avenues toward the discovery of novel mechanisms and drugs in PD research. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Pelvic ring reconstruction with double‐barreled fibular free flap: A systematic review
Authors: Bastoni Stefano , Lucattelli Elena , Cipriani Federico , Cannamela Giacomo , Innocenti Marco , Menichini Giulio
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Pelvic ring reconstruction after internal hemipelvectomy is an extremely challenging surgical procedure, and mandatory reconstruction is to provide a durable and pain‐free functional outcome, especially for young, active patients. One of the most widely employed techniques is reconstruction with a double‐barreled fibular free flap (DBF). The aim of our work was an in‐depth analysis of the outcome of pelvic ring reconstruction performed using the above‐mentioned method, in particular looking for a correlation between the fixation technique and either ambulation status or complications.

Materials and methods

A systematic review was performed in November 2020 using PubMed and MedLine Ovid databases according to the PRISMA guidelines and the results were statistically analyzed.

Results

Studies were published between 1994 and 2015. A DBF was used in each case, with a total of 30 patients. Reconstruction was performed with screws in 13 cases, Cotrel‐Dubousset rod fixation in 6, screws and plate in 5, screws with external fixation in 4, and ISOLA in 2. Follow‐up time ranged from 3 to 131 months. Functional outcome was excellent in 4 patients and good in 26 patients. Statistical analysis showed no statistical evidence of existing correlation between fixation technique and complications (p = .873), while statistical correlation between age and fixation technique was found (p < .001).

Conclusion

Reconstruction of pelvic ring with DBF provides an overall good functional outcome. Our data indicate that there is no statistical evidence of existing correlation between the fixation technique and either complications or ambulation status.
An extension of fast iterative shrinkage‐thresholding algorithm to Riemannian optimization for sparse principal component analysis
Authors: Huang Wen , Wei Ke
Published: September 2021

Sparse principal component analysis (PCA), an important variant of PCA, attempts to find sparse loading vectors when conducting dimension reduction. This paper considers the nonsmooth Riemannian optimization problem associated with the ScoTLASS model for sparse PCA which can impose orthogonality and sparsity simultaneously. A Riemannian proximal method is proposed in the work of Chen et al. for the efficient solution of this optimization problem. In this paper, two acceleration schemes are introduced. First and foremost, we extend the FISTA method from the Euclidean space to the Riemannian manifold to solve sparse PCA, leading to the accelerated Riemannian proximal gradient method. Since the Riemannian optimization problem for sparse PCA is essentially nonconvex, a restarting technique is adopted to stabilize the accelerated method without sacrificing the fast convergence. Second, a diagonal preconditioner is proposed for the Riemannian proximal subproblem which can further accelerate the convergence of the Riemannian proximal methods. Numerical evaluations establish the computational advantages of the proposed methods over the existing proximal gradient methods on a manifold. Additionally, a short result concerning the convergence of the Riemannian subgradients of a sequence is established, which, together with the result in the work of Chen et al., can show the stationary point convergence of the Riemannian proximal methods.
Influence of chronic illness resources on self‐management and the mediating effect of patient activation among patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: Zhang Xiaohong , Chen Hongbo , Liu Yanhui , Yang Bing
Published: September 2021

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between chronic illness resources, patient activation and self‐management behaviour among middle‐aged and older patients with CHD.

Design

A cross‐sectional, descriptive correlational study was performed.

Methods

A convenience sample of 296 participants were recruited in Tianjin, China. Data were collected by using the Chronic Illness Resource Survey (CIRS), Patient Activation Measure (PAM) and Coronary Artery Disease Self‐Management Scale (CSMS). Descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation analysis were used to data analysis. Linear regression analysis was performed to explore the mediating role of patient activation.

Results

The results showed that chronic illness resources and patient activation were significantly and positively correlated with self‐management behaviours (p < .01). Patient activation had a partial intermediary between chronic illness resources and self‐management behaviours, and the mediation effect was 0.230. Patient activation mediated the relationship between chronic illness resources and self‐management. In order to improving the self‐management behaviours, medical staff need to pay attention to the importance of chronic illness resources and patient activation.
Effects of a 12-Week Multimodal Exercise Intervention Among Older Patients with Advanced Cancer: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mikkelsen Marta K , Lund Cecilia M , Vinther Anders , Tolver Anders , Johansen Julia S , Chen Inna , Ragle Anne-Mette , Zerahn Bo , Engell-Noerregaard Lotte , Larsen Finn O , Theile Susann , Nielsen Dorte L , Jarden Mary
Published: September 2021

Background

Older patients with cancer are at risk of physical decline and impaired quality of life during oncological treatment. Exercise training has the potential to reduce these challenges. The study aim was to investigate the feasibility and effect of a multimodal exercise intervention in older patients with advanced cancer (stages III/IV).

Patients and Methods

Eighty-four older adults (≥65 years) with advanced pancreatic, biliary tract, or non-small cell lung cancer who received systemic oncological treatment were randomized 1:1 to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention was a 12-week multimodal exercise-based program including supervised exercise twice weekly followed by a protein supplement, a home-based walking program, and nurse-led support and counseling. The primary endpoint was change in physical function (30-second chair stand test) at 13 weeks.

Results

Median age of the participants was 72 years (interquartile range [IQR] 68-75). Median adherence to the exercise sessions was 69% (IQR 21-88) and 75% (IQR 33-100) for the walking program. At 13 weeks, there was a significant difference in change scores of 2.4 repetitions in the chair stand test, favoring the intervention group (p < .0001). Furthermore, significant beneficial effects were seen for physical endurance (6-minute walk test), hand grip strength, physical activity, symptom burden, symptoms of depression and anxiety, global health status (quality of life), and lean body mass. No effects were seen for dose intensity, hospitalizations, or survival.

Conclusion

A 12-week multimodal exercise intervention with targeted support proved effective in improving physical function in older patients with advanced cancer during oncological treatment.
Truncus arteriosus with absent semilunar valve: Prenatal diagnosis and morphology
Authors: Pu Lihong , Chen Jiao
Published: September 2021

Key points

What's already known about this topic?

Literature reported only one case of truncus arteriosus accompanied by absent semilunar valve

What does this study add?

This work presented a fetus with trisomy 13 diagnosed with truncus arteriosus accompanied by absent semilunar valve, and confirmed by anatomy

Identification of such significant heart malformation in first trimester allows timely access to specialist counselling and genetic diagnosis
Bronchodilator response to albuterol nebulized with hypertonic saline in asthmatic children
Authors: Teper Alejandro , Kofman Carlos , Alchundia Moreira Jessica , Köhler Teresa , García Bournissen Facundo
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Asthma is distinguished by bronchial obstruction reversible by bronchodilators. The first‐line treatment for asthmatic exacerbations is the use of inhaled beta‐agonists, by pressurized metered‐dose inhalers or nebulized with normal saline solution (NSS). There are no reports of nebulized beta agonists' efficacy in asthmatic children when administered with hypertonic saline solution (HSS).

Objective

To evaluate bronchodilator responses (BDR) to albuterol nebulized with 3%‐HSS in asthmatic children, compared to albuterol nebulized with NSS.

Population and Methods

In a prospective, experimental, double‐blind, randomized clinical study, children with a confirmed diagnosis of asthma with mild or moderate bronchial obstruction (FEV1 40%–79% of predicted) were randomized to receive a nebulization with 2.5 mg of albuterol diluted in 3 cc of 3%‐HSS or NSS (0.9%), by means of a jet nebulizer. After 30 min, the BDR was assessed.

Results

Fifty patients (mean age 12.0 ± 3 years, 29 males) were enrolled; 25 were randomized to the 3%‐HSS group (FEV1 65.2% ± 10) and 25 to the NSS group (FEV1 69.1% ± 7.1). The BDR of FEV1 was 41.2% (SD: ±20.1; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 35.1–50.4) and 17.3% (SD: ±19.4; 95% CI: 9.7–24.9) (p < .0001) and of maximum mid‐expiratory flow was 130% (SD: ±90.8; 95% CI: 94.6–166) and 69.8% (SD: ±72.5; 95% CI: 41.4–98.2) (p < .01), for the 3%‐HSS and NSS groups, respectively.

Conclusion

Albuterol produces a greater BDR when nebulized with 3%‐HSS compared to NSS in asthmatic children with mild or moderate bronchial obstruction.
Zinc status and growth in infants and young children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Bauer Sarah E. , Lai HuiChuan J. , McDonald Catherine M. , Asfour Fadi , Slaven James E. , Ren Clement L.
Published: September 2021

Background

Zinc deficiency is associated with poor growth in children without cystic fibrosis (CF), but its impact on growth in children with CF is unknown.

Objective

To determine the prevalence of low serum Zn (sZn) and its relationship with growth in the first 3 years of life in children with CF.

Methods

We utilized data from infants with CF who were enrolled in a longitudinal study of nutrition and lung health and had sZn measured as part of clinical care. Cross‐sectional correlations between sZn levels and growth z scores were assessed by Pearson's correlation coefficient. To identify factors associated with sZn status and its association to longitudinal growth patterns, multiple regression analysis with repeated measures were performed using generalized estimating equations.

Results

A total of 106 sZn measurements from 53 infants were identified. Seventeen infants (32%) had intermittent Zn insufficiency, defined as at least one sZn <70 mcg/dl in their first 3 years of life. There were no significant cross‐sectional associations between sZn and growth z scores. However, analysis of longitudinal growth patterns revealed that weight‐ and length‐for‐age z scores in children with intermittent Zn insufficiency were lower during early infancy and their weight‐for‐length z scores at age 3 years were also lower compared to those who were always Zn sufficient.

Conclusion

Low sZn occurs in one‐third of children with CF in the first 3 years of life. Cross‐sectional and longitudinal analyses revealed discrepant associations between sZn and growth. Therefore, prospective studies are needed to understand the role of Zn in growth in CF.
The Curing Reaction Rate of the Rocket Motor Liner Based on the Aging of a Curing System
Authors: Park Sungjun , Park Jungho
Published: September 2021

In this study, the hardening reaction speed of a rocket motor liner based on the Aging of a curing system comprised of a hardener and hardening catalyst was investigated. With the increasing Aging time of the curing system, the liner viscosity build‐up was accelerated. The raw material having the biggest impact on the hardening reaction of the curing system's liner was triphenylbismuth (TPB). Stirring isophorone diisocyanate and TPB form an activated complex, and the activated complex facilitates the urethane reaction. If TPB is ligand bound with isocyanate, it forms a TPB‐isocyanate complex. This is a type of TPB's oxide, and the formation of the activated complex is visible through changes in its color. In addition, lining hardening time can be adjusted by the Aging period of the curing system through used in this study, and the adhesive strength with the liner and propellant can be improved.
E‐Band InAs/GaAs Trilayer Quantum Dot Lasers
Authors: Zhan Wenbo , Kwoen Jinkwan , Imoto Takaya , Iwamoto Satoshi , Arakawa Yasuhiko
Published: September 2021

The introduction of a closely stacked quantum dot (QD) structure is considered as one of the most effective approaches to extend the emission wavelength of InAs/GaAs QDs beyond 1.3 μm (1300 nm). Herein, a trilayer QD structure (three closely stacked QD layers) is proposed to further extend the emission wavelength of QDs. Room‐temperature (RT) emission at 1418 nm from InAs/GaAs trilayer QDs is demonstrated. Moreover, based on these results, an E‐band InAs/GaAs trilayer QD laser is fabricated on a GaAs substrate, achieving RT oscillation at 1370 nm with a low threshold current density of 96 A cm−2 under continuous‐wave mode operation. The results indicate that the trilayer QD structure is promising for realizing high‐performance QD lasers on GaAs substrate over 1300 nm without incorporating metamorphic buffer layers.
The effect of pomegranate extract on anthropometric indices, serum lipids, glycemic indicators, and blood pressure in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized double‐blind clinical trial
Authors: Goodarzi Reza , Jafarirad Sima , Mohammadtaghvaei Narges , Dastoorpoor Maryam , Alavinejad Pejman
Published: September 2021

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease. The beneficial effects of pomegranate have been shown on insulin resistance and obesity, which are linked to NAFLD pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of pomegranate extract in patients with NAFLD. Forty‐four NAFLD patients were randomly assigned to receive two pomegranate extract tablets or placebo for 12 weeks. Anthropometric measurements, serum lipids, glycemic indicators, and blood pressure were assessed at baseline and the end of the study. Pomegranate was associated with a reduction in the total cholesterol (p ˂ .001), triglyceride (p ˂ .001), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C)‐to‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) ratio (p ˂ .003), fasting blood sugar (p ˂ .001), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (p = .02), diastolic blood pressure (p = .04), weight (p ˂ .001), body mass index (p ˂ .001), and waist circumference (p = .002), as compared to placebo. A significant increase was observed in serum HDL‐C (p ˂ .001) after intervention with the pomegranate extract. However, no significant difference was shown between the two groups in serum insulin and LDL‐C. The pomegranate extract supplement could be used as a complementary therapy along with existing therapies to improve glycemic indicators, serum lipids, anthropometric indices, and blood pressure in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver.
The anticarcinogenic and anticancer effects of the dietary flavonoid, morin: Current status, challenges, and future perspectives
Authors: Mottaghi Sayeh , Abbaszadeh Hassan
Published: September 2021

Flavonoids constitute one of the most important classes of polyphenols, which have been found to have a wide range of biological activities such as anticancer effects. A large body of evidence demonstrates that morin as a pleiotropic dietary flavonoid possesses potent anticarcinogenic and anticancer activities with minimal toxicity against normal cells. The present review comprehensively elaborates the molecular mechanisms underlying antitumorigenic and anticancer effects of morin. Morin exerts its anticarcinogenic effects through multiple cancer preventive mechanisms, including reduction of oxidative stress, activation of phase II enzymes, induction of apoptosis, attenuation of inflammatory mediators, and downregulation of p‐Akt and NF‐κB expression. A variety of molecular targets and signaling pathways such as apoptosis, cell cycle, reactive oxygen species (ROS), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), and microRNAs (miRNAs) as well as signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), NF‐κB, phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt, mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), and Hippo pathways have been found to be involved in the anticancer effects of morin. In the adjuvant therapy, morin has been shown to have synergistic anticancer effects with several chemotherapeutic drugs. The findings of this review indicate that morin can act as a promising chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent.
Efficient Synthesis of Chromeno[4,3,2‐de] [1,6]naphthyridine Derivatives via Pseudo Four‐Component Reaction
Authors: Gan Jianbo , Luo Naili , Wu Chengjun , Wan Xinyi , Wang Cunde
Published: September 2021

A novel approach to the synthesis of substituted 5‐amino‐4‐cyanochromeno[4,3,2‐de][1,6]naphthyridine‐1‐carboxylates from a wide range of substituted 2‐hydroxybenzaldehydes with alkyl 3‐oxo‐3‐substituted propanoates and malononitrile was investigated via propionic acid‐promoted cascade Knoevenagel condensation/Michael addition/intramolecularly nucleophilic addition accompanied by oxidative aromatization. This procedure provided a highly efficient and facile route to functionalized chromenonaphthyridines from readily available substrates under mild reaction conditions.
Copper Metallogel as Potential Drug Carrier for Anti‐Inflammatory Drugs
Authors: Choudhary Priyanka , Gaur Ruchi , Rambabu Darsi , Dhir Abhimanew , Gupta Ankush , Pooja
Published: September 2021

Copper based Metal‐Organic Gels (MOGs) were evaluated for their efficiency as drug carrier for four anti‐inflammatory drugs viz. 5‐Fluorouracil (5FU), Phenidone (PN), Ibuprofen (IBP) and Cisplatin (CP). Copper(II)‐benzene tricarboxylic acid (CuBTC) was used as a precursor for the loading and releasing of these drugs. The distinctive porous nature of the gel provided the high loading efficiency for these anti‐inflammatory drugs. Among all the drugs evaluated, CuBTC@5FU exhibited maximum drug loading (88.1 %) and releasing (95 %) efficiency at physiological pH 5.2, which was attributed to the strong hydrogen bonding interactions between CuBTC and fluoride of 5FU.
“Water‐in‐Sugar” Electrolytes Enable Ultrafast and Stable Electrochemical Naked Proton Storage
Authors: Su Zhen , Chen Junbo , Ren Wenhao , Guo Haocheng , Jia Chen , Yin Songyan , Ho Junming , Zhao Chuan
Published: September 2021

Proton is an ideal charge carrier for rechargeable batteries due to its small ionic radius, ultrafast diffusion kinetics and wide availability. However, in commonly used acid electrolytes, the co‐interaction of polarized water and proton (namely hydronium) with electrode materials often causes electrode structural distortions. The hydronium adsorption on electrode surfaces also facilitates hydrogen evolution as an unwanted side reaction. Here, a “water‐in‐sugar” electrolyte with high concentration of glucose dissolved in acid to enable the naked proton intercalation, as well as an extended 3.9 V working potential window, is shown. A glucose‐derived organic thin film is formed on electrode surface upon cycling. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal the significant decrease of free water in bulk electrolytes, while density functional theory calculations indicate that glucose preferentially binds to the electrode surface which can inhibit water adsorption. The scarcity of free water and the protective organic film work in synergy to suppress water interactions with the electrode surface, which enables the naked proton (de)intercalation. The “water‐in‐sugar” electrolyte significantly enhances a MoO3 electrode for stable cycling over 100 000 times. This facile electrolyte approach opens new avenues to aqueous electrochemistry and energy storage devices.
In Situ Characterization for Boosting Electrocatalytic Carbon Dioxide Reduction
Authors: Cao Xueying , Tan Dongxing , Wulan Bari , Hui K.S. , Hui K.N. , Zhang Jintao
Published: September 2021

The electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide into organic fuels and feedstocks is a fascinating method to implement the sustainable carbon cycle. Thus, a rational design of advanced electrocatalysts and a deep understanding of reaction mechanisms are crucial for the complex reactions of carbon dioxide reduction with multiple electron transfer. In situ and operando techniques with real‐time monitoring are important to obtain deep insight into the electrocatalytic reaction to reveal the dynamic evolution of electrocatalysts’ structure and composition under experimental conditions. In this paper, the reaction pathways for the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) in the generation of various products (e.g., C1 and C2) via the proposed mechanisms are introduced. Moreover, recent advances in the development and applications of in situ and operando characterization techniques, from the basic working principles and in situ cell structure to detailed applications are discussed. Suggestions and future directions of in situ/operando analysis are also addressed.
Two‐Dimensional Red Phosphorus Nanosheets: Morphology Tuning and Electrochemical Sensing of Aromatic Amines
Authors: Liu Lingbo , Shen Jian , Wu Kangbing , Yang Nianjun
Published: September 2021

Synthesis of 2D materials with different morphologies is of significance to reveal their morphology‐dependent properties and further explore their morphology‐dependent applications. This work reports the synthesis of 2D red phosphorus nanosheets (RPNSs) with different thicknesses by means of a phosphorus‐amine method together with regulated electrophilicity of the solution. With graphene as the support, the RPNSs produced in 0.01 m HCl feature a unique 2D nanostructure, uniform distribution, and excellent electrochemical performance. Originating from the reacted characteristics between phosphorus and amine, the interaction of aniline with the RPNSs is clarified theoretically and experimentally by means of density functional theory, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and voltammetry. A covalent bond is confirmed to be formed during the deprotonation of aniline and its binding energy reaches −2.31 eV. Stemming from such an adsorption process, different aromatic amines (e.g., p‐nitroaniline, p‐phenylenediamine) are sensitively and selectively monitored on the RPNSs. Consequently, this work provides a new way to clarify morphology‐dependent properties and applications of novel 2D materials.
Model checking C++ programs
Authors: Monteiro Felipe R. , Gadelha Mikhail R. , Cordeiro Lucas C.
Published: September 2021

In the last three decades, memory safety issues in system programming languages such as C or C++ have been one of the most significant sources of security vulnerabilities. However, there exist only a few attempts with limited success to cope with the complexity of C++ program verification. We describe and evaluate a novel verification approach based on bounded model checking (BMC) and satisfiability modulo theories (SMT) to verify C++ programs. Our verification approach analyses bounded C++ programs by encoding into SMT various sophisticated features that the C++ programming language offers, such as templates, inheritance, polymorphism, exception handling, and the Standard Template Libraries. We formalize these features within our formal verification framework using a decidable fragment of first‐order logic and then show how state‐of‐the‐art SMT solvers can efficiently handle that. We implemented our verification approach on top of ESBMC. We compare ESBMC to LLBMC and DIVINE, which are state‐of‐the‐art verifiers to check C++ programs directly from the LLVM bitcode. Experimental results show that ESBMC can handle a wide range of C++ programs, presenting a higher number of correct verification results. Additionally, ESBMC has been applied to a commercial C++ application in the telecommunication domain and successfully detected arithmetic‐overflow errors, which could potentially lead to security vulnerabilities.
Characterization of evolutionarily distinct rice BAHD‐Acyltransferases provides insight into their plausible role in rice susceptibility to Rhizoctonia solani
Authors: Kumar Gulshan , Kumar Pankaj , Kapoor Ritu , Lore Jagjeet Singh , Bhatia Dharminder , Kumar Arun
Published: September 2021

Plants produce diverse secondary metabolites in response to different environmental cues including pathogens. The modification of secondary metabolites, including acylation, modulates their biological activity, stability, transport, and localization. A plant‐specific BAHD‐acyltransferase (BAHD‐AT) gene family members catalyze the acylation of secondary metabolites. Here we characterized the rice (Oryza sativa L.) BAHD‐ATs at the genome‐wide level and endeavor to define their plausible role in the tolerance against Rhizoctonia solani AG1‐IA. We identified a total of 85 rice OsBAHD‐AT genes and classified them into five canonical clades based on their phylogenetic relationship with characterized BAHD‐ATs from other plant species. The time‐course RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) analysis of OsBAHD‐AT genes and qualitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) validation showed higher expression in sheath blight susceptible rice genotype. Furthermore, the DNA methylation analysis revealed higher hypomethylation of OsBAHD‐AT genes that corresponds to their higher expression in susceptible rice genotype, indicating epigenetic regulation of OsBAHD‐AT genes in response to R. solani AG1‐IA inoculation. The results shown here indicate that BAHD‐ATs may have a negative role in rice tolerance against R. solani AG1‐IA possibly mediated through the brassinosteroid (BR) signaling pathway. Altogether, the present analysis suggests the putative functions of several OsBAHD‐AT genes, which will provide a blueprint for their functional characterization and to understand the rice–R. solani AG1‐IA interaction.
Intra‐ and inter‐breed variation in immune response to acute and sub‐chronic Salmonella infection and commercial immune‐stimulant in two‐layer breeds
Authors: Khatab Shymaa A. , Hemeda Shabaan A. , El‐Nahas Abeer F. , Abd El Naby Walaa S.H. , Hassan Sabry , Alorabi Jamal A. , Dawood Mahmoud A.O.
Published: September 2021

Salmonella is one of the most hazardous diseases in poultry farms. Markedly, the application of active immunostimulants is illustrated as potential protective agents against infection in poultry farms. Thus, this work aimed to explore inter‐ and intra‐breed variation in response to acute and subchronic Salmonella enteritidis infection in two‐layer breeds (one commercial [Hy‐line strain] and another native [Fayoumi breed]). Besides exploring the possible protective effect of a commercial immune modulator (STIMULAN) on the two breeds during the acute infection. The ELISA antibody titer in sub‐chronic infections and the expression analysis of some selected genes (IL‐1β, LITAF, TGF‐β, HSP90 and HSP70) are used as the clinical signs for acute infections to assess the possible protective role of a commercial immunomodulator (STIMULAN). Five groups were used during the acute experiment: G1—control; G2a—susceptible; G2b—resistant birds, G3—which received STIMULAN and G4—which received the infection + STIMULAN. The groups with sub‐chronic infections include G1 (control), G2 (high antibody titer) and G3 (low antibody titer). The gene expressions among the susceptible birds during acute infection of both breeds are nearly similar. They only differ in the expression of HSP90 in the Fayoumi breed. However, the resistant birds vary in their gene expression profile. The effect of STIMULAN as a feed additive in non‐infected birds was an up‐regulation of LITAF, TGF‐β, HSP90 in Fayoumi. Moreover, a powerful stimulatory role was observed when both breeds were infected. Both breeds were asymptomatic during the sub‐chronic infection. Although, the increased expression of inflammatory‐related genes in the Hy‐line was considered as an indication of infection persistence. Fayoumi is capable of immune clearance for this infection. Thus, the Fayoumi breed is more resistant to acute Salmonella infection. HSP90 plays a vital role in its resistance. We recommend the use of STIMULAN as an immunomodulator during Salmonella infection.
Carbothermal synthesis of micron‐sized, uniform, spherical silicon carbide (SiC) particles
Authors: Feller Tanja , Rosenfeldt Sabine , Retsch Markus
Published: September 2021

Silicon carbide (SiC) particles are exciting structures because of their hardness, chemical inertness, and dielectric properties. In particular, their absorption/emission properties in the mid‐infrared range render them suitable structures for ambient temperature thermal emitters. However, the synthesis of uniform, spherical structures is still challenging. Here, we present a robust synthesis procedure based on carbothermal reduction of silica precursor particles. With an isotropic shrinkage of ∼30 %, the spherical particle shape and uniformity are retained. Furthermore, we outline the influence of the gas atmosphere during the carbothermal treatment and demonstrate the successful conversion to SiC by electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermal and optical analysis.
Evaluation of social compatibility in an all‐male group of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) by means of social network analysis
Authors: Orient Ester , Guillén‐Salazar Federico
Published: September 2021

The study here presented provides preliminary data regarding social compatibility of an all‐male group of five chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), assessed by means of a social network analysis (SNA). The study was conducted at the Fundació Mona (Girona, Spain), where data on social behavior were collected in two consecutive 2‐week periods using continuous focal animal sampling for a total of 72 h of observation. Our results show the study group is socially compatible: males showed high levels of affiliative behaviors (grooming) and low levels of aggressive behaviors (displacement, display, physical aggression, supplantation). In addition, these results remained stable during the two study periods. Likewise, the most central individuals in the affiliative and aggressive networks were identified, showing slight variations depending on the period of the study. Therefore, the information obtained suggests that placing male chimpanzees in all‐male groups could be a potential option for the management of surplus males. The results also provide support regarding the positive contribution of social assessment to the management of captive primate groups. In this regard, SNA seems to be a useful tool to evaluate the groups’ social behavior and to identify its key individuals. In addition, these results allow us to draw up a set of recommendations before the formation of an all‐male group, but also to assess their compatibility once groups have been formed. As a whole, the results of this study could improve the management of endangered species like chimpanzees.
Ergebnisse
Authors: Galle Marco
Published: September 2021

Schule und Unterricht erfahren seit einigen Jahren einen – teils radikalen – Gestaltwandel. Die in dieser Arbeit untersuchten Schulen des perLen-Forschungsprojekts zeichnen sich durch eine verstärkte, an den individuellen Bedürfnissen und Voraussetzungen der Schülerinnen und Schüler ausgerichtete Unterrichts- und Lernorganisation aus. Es lassen sich vermehrt Phasen des selbstständigen und eigenverantwortlichen Lernens beobachten, dies sowohl bezüglich des fachlichen als auch verstärkt hinsichtlich des überfachlichen (personalen, sozialen, methodischen) Kompetenzerwerbs (u. a. Stebler et al., 2018).
Ultra-light dark matter
Authors: Ferreira Elisa G. M.
Published: September 2021

Ultra-light dark matter is a class of dark matter models (DM), where DM is composed by bosons with masses ranging from $$10^{-24}\, \mathrm {eV}< m < \mathrm {eV}$$

10

-
24

eV
<
m
<
eV

. These models have been receiving a lot of attention in the past few years given their interesting property of forming a Bose–Einstein condensate (BEC) or a superfluid on galactic scales. BEC and superfluidity are some of the most striking quantum mechanical phenomena that manifest on macroscopic scales, and upon condensation, the particles behave as a single coherent state, described by the wavefunction of the condensate. The idea is that condensation takes place inside galaxies while outside, on large scales, it recovers the successes of $$\varLambda $$
Λ
CDM. This wave nature of DM on galactic scales that arise upon condensation can address some of the curiosities of the behaviour of DM on small-scales. There are many models in the literature that describe a DM component that condenses in galaxies. In this review, we are going to describe those models, and classify them into three classes, according to the different non-linear evolution and structures they form in galaxies: the fuzzy dark matter (FDM), the self-interacting fuzzy dark matter (SIFDM), and the DM superfluid. Each of these classes comprises many models, each presenting a similar phenomenology in galaxies. They also include some microscopic models like the axions and axion-like particles. To understand and describe this phenomenology in galaxies, we are going to review the phenomena of BEC and superfluidity that arise in condensed matter physics, and apply this knowledge to DM. We describe how ULDM can potentially reconcile the cold DM picture with the small-scale behaviour. These models present a rich phenomenology that is manifest in different astrophysical consequences. We review here the astrophysical and cosmological tests used to constrain those models, together with new and future observations that promise to test these models in different regimes. For the case of the FDM class, the mass where this model has an interesting phenomenology on small-scales $$ \sim 10^{-22}\, \mathrm {eV}$$

∼

10

-
22

eV

, is strongly challenged by current observations. The parameter space for the other two classes remains weakly constrained. We finalize by showing some predictions that are a consequence of the wave nature of this component, like the creation of vortices and interference patterns, that could represent a smoking gun in the search of these rich and interesting alternative class of DM models.
Age-Related Declines in Lower Limb Muscle Function are Similar in Power and Endurance Athletes of Both Sexes: A Longitudinal Study of Master Athletes
Authors: Ireland Alex , Mittag Uwe , Degens Hans , Felsenberg Dieter , Heinonen Ari , Koltai Erika , Korhonen Marko T. , McPhee Jamie S. , Mekjavic Igor , Pisot Rado , Rawer Rainer , Radak Zsolt , Simunic Bostjan , Suominen Harri , Rittweger Jörn
Published: September 2021

The age-related decline in muscle function, particularly muscle power, is associated with increased risk of important clinical outcomes. Physical activity is an important determinant of muscle function, and different types of physical activity e.g. power-based versus endurance-based exercise appear to have differential effects on muscle power. Cross-sectional studies suggest that participation in power-based exercise is associated with greater muscle power across adulthood but this has not been investigated longitudinally. We recruited eighty-nine male and female power and endurance master athletes (sprint and distance runners respectively, baseline age 35–90y). Using jumping mechanography, we measured lower limb muscle function during a vertical jump including at least two testing sessions longitudinally over 4.5 ± 2.4y. We examined effects of time, discipline (power/endurance) and sex in addition to two- and three-way interactions using linear mixed-effects models. Peak relative power, relative force and jump height, but not Esslingen Fitness Index (indicating peak power relative to sex and age-matched reference data) declined with time. Peak power, force, height and EFI were greater in power than endurance athletes. There were no sex, discipline or sex*discipline interactions with time for any variable, suggesting that changes were similar over time for athletes of both sexes and disciplines. Advantages in lower limb muscle function in power athletes were maintained with time, in line with previous cross-sectional studies. These results suggest that improvements in lower limb function in less active older individuals following power-based training persist with continued adherence, although this requires further investigation in interventional studies.