bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of East‐Asia and West‐Europe cohorts explains disparities in survival outcomes and highlights predictive biomarkers of early gastric cancer aggressiveness
Authors: Pereira Carla , Park Ji‐Hyeon , Campelos Sofia , Gullo Irene , Lemos Carolina , Solorzano Leslie , Martins Diana , Gonçalves Gilza , Leitão Dina , Lee Hyuk‐Joon , Kong Seong‐Ho , André Ana , Borges Clara , Almeida Daniela , Wälbhy Carolina , Almeida Raquel , Kim Woo Ho , Carneiro Fátima , Yang Han‐Kwang , Almeida Gabriela M. , Oliveira Carla
Published: November 2021

Surgical resection with lymphadenectomy and perioperative chemotherapy is the universal mainstay for curative treatment of gastric cancer (GC) patients with locoregional disease. However, GC survival remains asymmetric in West‐ and East‐world regions. We hypothesize that this asymmetry derives from differential clinical management. Therefore, we collected chemo‐naïve GC patients from Portugal and South Korea to explore specific immunophenotypic profiles related to disease aggressiveness and clinicopathological factors potentially explaining associated overall survival (OS) differences. Clinicopathological and survival data were collected from chemo‐naïve surgical cohorts from Portugal (West‐Europe cohort [WE‐C]; n = 170) and South Korea (East‐Asia cohort [EA‐C]; n = 367) and correlated with immunohistochemical expression profiles of E‐cadherin and CD44v6 obtained from consecutive tissue microarrays sections. Survival analysis revealed a subset of 12.4% of WE‐C patients, whose tumors concomitantly express E‐cadherin_abnormal and CD44v6_very high, displaying extremely poor OS, even at TNM stages I and II. These WE‐C stage‐I and ‐II patients tumors were particularly aggressive compared to all others, invading deeper into the gastric wall (P = .032) and more often permeating the vasculature (P = .018) and nerves (P = .009). A similar immunophenotypic profile was found in 11.9% of EA‐C patients, but unrelated to survival. Tumours, from stage‐I and ‐II EA‐C patients, that display both biomarkers, also permeated more lymphatic vessels (P = .003), promoting lymph node (LN) metastasis (P = .019), being diagnosed on average 8 years earlier and submitted to more extensive LN dissection than WE‐C. Concomitant E‐cadherin_abnormal/CD44v6_very‐high expression predicts aggressiveness and poor survival of stage‐I and ‐II GC submitted to conservative lymphadenectomy.
Why do we hunger for touch? The impact of daily gentle touch stimulation on maternal‐infant physiological and behavioral regulation and resilience
Authors: Van Puyvelde Martine , Staring Louise , Schaffers Jana , Rivas‐Smits Cristina , Groenendijk Leysa , Smeyers Laura , Collette Laetitia , Schoofs Anneke , Van den Bossche Nora , McGlone Francis
Published: November 2021

We report the impact of a Gentle Touch Stimulation (GTS) program. Forty‐three mothers provided daily 10‐min GTS with C‐tactile (CT) afferent optimal stroking touch, for 4 weeks to their 3–12 weeks old infants. CT‐afferents are cutaneous unmyelinated, low‐threshold mechanosensitive nerves hypothesized to underly the regulatory impact of affective touch. We compared physiological and behavioral responses during a no‐touch‐baseline (BL), static‐touch‐baseline (BL‐T), intervention/control (GTS/CTRL), Still Face (SF) and Reunion (RU) condition for GTS‐infants versus a control‐group (CTRL) at the start (T1) and end of (T2) of the program. We collected mother‐infant ECG, respiration, cortisol, video‐recordings, and diary‐reports. At T1, physiological arousal significantly increased during SF in both groups, that is, decreased respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and R‐R interval (RRI). At T2, GTS‐infants showed significantly increased RSA, RRI, decreased respiration during GTS, buffering SF‐arousal and allowing complete recovery during RU; CTRL‐infants showed higher SF‐arousal and small recovery, under initial BL‐levels. Maternal cardio‐respiratory showed a metabolic investment during RU. Cortisol and behavioral analyses showed higher arousal in CTRL‐infants than GTS‐infants at T2. We suggest that the combination of phasic short‐term and tonic long‐term responses to CT‐optimal stroking touch, delivered in a structured daily manner, contribute to the building of infant stress regulation and resilience.
Temporal and Quantitative Transcriptomic Differences Define Sexual Dimorphism in Murine Postnatal Bone Aging
Authors: Lu Darlene , Demissie Serkalem , Horowitz Nina B , Gower Adam C , Lenburg Marc E , Alekseyev Yuriy O , Hussein Amira I , Bragdon Beth , Liu Yu , Daukss Dana , Page Jack M , Webster Micheal Z , Schlezinger Jennifer J , Morgan Elise F , Gerstenfeld Louis C
Published: November 2021

Time is a central element of the sexual dimorphic patterns of development, pathology, and aging of the skeleton. Because the transcriptome is a representation of the phenome, we hypothesized that both sex and sex‐specific temporal, transcriptomic differences in bone tissues over an 18‐month period would be informative to the underlying molecular processes that lead to postnatal sexual dimorphism. Regardless of age, sex‐associated changes of the whole bone transcriptomes were primarily associated not only with bone but also vascular and connective tissue ontologies. A pattern‐based approach used to screen the entire Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database against those that were sex‐specific in bone identified two coordinately regulated gene sets: one related to high phosphate–induced aortic calcification and one induced by mechanical stimulation in bone. Temporal clustering of the transcriptome identified two skeletal tissue‐associated, sex‐specific patterns of gene expression. One set of genes, associated with skeletal patterning and morphology, showed peak expression earlier in females. The second set of genes, associated with coupled remodeling, had quantitatively higher expression in females and exhibited a broad peak between 3 to 12 months, concurrent with the animals' reproductive period. Results of phenome‐level structural assessments of the tibia and vertebrae, and in vivo and in vitro analysis of cells having osteogenic potential, were consistent with the existence of functionally unique, skeletogenic cell populations that are separately responsible for appositional growth and intramedullary functions. These data suggest that skeletal sexual dimorphism arises through sex‐specific, temporally different processes controlling morphometric growth and later coupled remodeling of the skeleton during the reproductive period of the animal. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Reduced graphene oxide/titanium carbide MXene nanocomposite‐modified electrode for electrochemical hemoglobin biosensor
Authors: Sun Yunxiu , Wang Baoli , Deng Ying , Cheng Hui , Li Xiaoqing , Yan Lijun , Li Guangjiu , Sun Wei
Published: November 2021

In this work, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx) nanocomposite was prepared by the self‐assembly method and used for electrode modification. The rGO‐Ti3C2Tx nanocomposite was examined by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Then, an electrochemical hemoglobin (Hb) biosensor was prepared on the nanocomposite‐modified electrode and used for the determination of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Direct electrochemistry of Hb on the modified electrode was examined with the calculations of the electron transfer number, electron transfer coefficient, and the reaction rate constant. The presence of the rGO‐Ti3C2Tx nanocomposite on the electrode can improve the effective surface area and biocompatibility of the electrode interface, obtaining a higher electron transfer rate. Furthermore, this electrochemical Hb biosensor exhibited excellent stability, reproducibility, and repeatability in TCA and H2O2 analyses.
Dysregulated ferroptosis‐related genes indicate potential clinical benefits for anti–PD‐1/PD‐L1 immunotherapy in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhou Min , Zhang Xiuxiu , Li Tianyang , Chen Yan
Published: November 2021

Background

Ferroptosis is an iron‐dependent programmed cell death mechanism that influences the development of malignancy. Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common type of lung cancer with no known cure. Anti–PD‐1/PD‐L immunotherapy is effective for patients with partial LUAD. Therefore, there is an immediate requirement of novel markers to predict the individualised benefits of immunotherapy.

Methods

We manually collected the ferroptosis‐related gene (FERG) set and employed the Wilcoxon rank‐sum test to identify the differentially expressed FERGs. Subsequently, we constructed a recursive partitioning and regression tree (RPART) model to predict the benefits of anti–PD‐1/PD‐L1 immunotherapy. Subsequently, the ROC curve and AUC were used to evaluate the model efficiency in an independent dataset.

Results

In this study, we found that the dysregulated FERGs were closely associated with multiple metabolic processes in LUAD. Furthermore, we identified three ferroptosis‐related tumour subtypes (F1, F3 and F3). The F3 subtype exhibited higher immunoactivity and lower tumour purity, mutation count and aneuploidy and had better survival outcomes compared with the other two subtypes, implying that FERGs played an important role in intertumoral immune heterogeneity. We further explored the role of FERGs in the anti–PD‐1/PD‐L1 immunotherapy. We identified a set of three‐FERGs signature (CD44, G6PD and ZEB1) that acted as a promising indicator (AUC = 0.697) for the prediction of the benefits of anti–PD‐1/PD‐L1 immunotherapy.

Conclusion

Ferroptosis, as emerging programmed cell death mechanism, was associated with cancer development. We used ferroptosis‐related genes to predict the immunotherapy benefits that may facilitate the development of individualised anti‐cancer treatment strategies.
Silencing of circARHGAP12 inhibits the progression of atherosclerosis via miR‐630/EZH2/TIMP2 signal axis
Authors: Miao Renying , Qi Chaoran , Fu Yiqun , Wang Yanjun , Lang Yuchang , Liu Wanli , Zhang Yifei , Zhang Zhimin , Liu Ankang , Chai Hao , Zhang Yonggan , Song Yan , Lu Xiubo
Published: November 2021

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a common disease that seriously threatens human health. So far, the pathogenesis of AS has not been fully understood. This project investigates the effects of circARHGAP12 on AS and its regulatory mechanism. ApoE−/− knockout mice (ApoE) were adopted and reared with a high‐fat diet to construct an AS model. Lentivirus was established to knock down the expression of circARHGAP12 in mice. After 12 weeks, the aorta was removed and the expression of circARHGAP12 was detected. Vascular oil red O staining was used to detect the degree of AS. The expression of inflammatory factors was detected by ELISA. Aortic smooth muscle cells (MASMCs) were cultured to evaluate the effects of circARHGAP12 on the phenotype of MASMCs. RNA pull‐down and luciferase assay were used to verify the downstream target genes of circARHGAP12. In addition, the effects of circARHGAP12 on MASMCs proliferation and migration were detected by MTT and transwell assay. Compared with the normal group, the expression of circARHGAP12 in the MASMCs under ox‐LDL treatment was elevated, and circARHGAP12 silencing could inhibit AS in vitro and in vivo. The results of the mechanism study showed that circARHGAP12 can directly bind with miR‐630. In addition, miR‐630 can also target EZH2 to modulate the transcription of TIMP2 and to influence the migration of MASMCs. circARHGAP12 is upregulated in AS. CircARHGAP12 knockdown can inhibit the progression of AS. This study expands on the role of circRNA in AS and provides potential targets for the treatment of AS.
Sex‐specific biomechanics and morphology of the anterior cruciate ligament during skeletal growth in a porcine model
Authors: Howe Danielle , Cone Stephanie G. , Piedrahita Jorge A. , Collins Bruce , Fordham Lynn A. , Griffith Emily H. , Spang Jeffrey T. , Fisher Matthew B.
Published: November 2021

Pediatric anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are on the rise, and females experience higher ACL injury risk than males during adolescence. Studies in skeletally immature patients indicate differences in ACL size and joint laxity between males and females after the onset of adolescence. However, functional data regarding the ACL and its anteromedial and posterolateral bundles in the pediatric population remain rare. Therefore, this study uses a porcine model to investigate the sex‐specific morphology and biomechanics of the ACL and its bundles throughout skeletal growth. Hind limbs from male and female Yorkshire pigs aged early youth to late adolescence were imaged using magnetic resonance imaging to measure the size and orientation of the ACL and its bundles, then biomechanically tested under anterior‐posterior drawer using a robotic testing system. Joint laxity decreased (p < 0.001) while joint stiffness increased (p < 0.001) throughout skeletal growth in both sexes. The ACL was the primary stabilizer against anterior tibial loading, while the functional role of the anteromedial bundle increased with age (p < 0.001), with an earlier increase in males. ACL and posterolateral bundle cross‐sectional area and ACL and anteromedial bundle length were larger in males than females during adolescence (p < 0.01 for all), while ACL and bundle sagittal angle remained similar between sexes. Additionally, in situ ACL stiffness versus cross‐sectional area regressions were significant across skeletal growth (r2 = 0.75, p < 0.001 in males and r2 = 0.64, p < 0.001 in females), but not within age groups. This study has implications for age and sex‐specific surgical intervention strategies and suggests the need for human studies.
Determination of multiple antibiotics in agricultural soil using a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method coupled with ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Yue , Li Yang , Liu Xiaoxia , Sun Ying
Published: November 2021

In this study, we combined ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry to establish a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method of detecting 21 target antibiotics in agricultural soil samples. Antibiotics were extracted with mixed solvents consisting of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt dihydrate and phosphoric acid citric acid buffer and acetonitrile which were purified with octadecylsilyl as an adsorbent and anhydrous sodium sulfate as a desiccant. This method was able to effectively extract all of the target antibiotics from agricultural soils, with recovery efficiencies ranging from 55 to 108% and limits of detection between 0.09–0.68 μg/kg. We also validated this new method for selectivity, sensitivity, and reliability of detecting multiple antibiotics in 12 samples. Considering the potential environmental and public health effects of antibiotics in agricultural soils, our new method can help analyze the degree of antibiotic contamination and provide valuable information for soil quality and risk assessment.
Resolving the paradox of posttraumatic growth and event centrality in trauma survivors
Authors: Steinberg Margot H. , Bellet Benjamin W. , McNally Richard J. , Boals Adriel
Published: November 2021

When a traumatic experience is central to an individual's identity and worldview, it can result in either severe posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, perceived posttraumatic growth (PTG), or, paradoxically, both. To resolve this apparent paradox, we used network analytic methods to estimate the relations among components of event centrality (EC), PTSD symptoms, and PTG in 1,136 undergraduates who had experienced trauma. Participants completed surveys on their experiences with traumatic events as well as the degree to which they experienced PTSD symptoms, components of EC, and components of PTG. We performed network analysis to examine EC, PTSD, and PTG and identify which components of EC were most conducive to its associations with PTSD versus those with PTG. We found that the components of EC most associated with PTSD, the extent to which trauma serves as a script for the future, were markedly distinct from the components associated with PTG, the extent to which trauma is seen as a turning point in one's life. The combined findings suggest that EC may be a catalyst for subsequent positive or negative effects contingent upon how an individual interprets the centrality of their traumatic experience.
Durable and Flexible PET‐Based Bending Sensor Obtained by Immobilizing Carbon Nanotubes via Surface Micro‐Dissolution for Body Motion Monitoring
Authors: Wu Ziqin , Yang Fa , Yang Jinlong , Yang Pu , Zhang Xiaolei , Zhang Tonghua , Lu Ming
Published: November 2021

Textile‐based conductive materials that can retain their electrical conductivity during bending have been extensively investigated and applied in flexible electronics and wearable sensors; however, the fastness of the conductive components in textiles requires improvements. Herein, a facile and effective surface micro‐dissolution method is developed to prepare carbon nanotubes (CNTs)‐coated PET fabric by embedding CNTs onto the surface of PET fabric. The micro‐dissolved layer of the macromolecule served as a physical adhesion agent to firmly immobilize the CNTs on the PET fabric. The CNTs‐coated PET fabric exhibited an electrical conductivity of 98.1 Ω □−1, durability during washing (over 30 cycles) and abrasion cycles (over 500 cycles), and remained conductive in harsh environments (high temperature, high humidity, water, corrosive liquids, organic solvents). The sensor (CCPFS) assembled by the CNTs‐coated PET fabric is flexible (over 500 bending cycles), highly sensitive (1.48 deg−1), responsive (100 ms), and showed a relaxation time of 200 ms. The CCPFS is used to monitor movements in human fingers, wrist, elbow, knee, expiration, breathing, and wrist pulses. This research provides a route to manufacture flexible sensors for next‐generation intelligent wearable devices.
Electrospinning Ethanol–Water Solutions of Poly(Acrylic Acid): Nonlinear Viscosity Variations and Dynamic Taylor Cone Behavior
Authors: Vats Shameek , Honaker Lawrence W. , Frey Margaret W. , Basoli Francesco , Lagerwall Jan P.F.
Published: November 2021

Electrospinning of polymer solutions is a multifaceted process that depends on the careful balancing of many parameters to achieve a desired outcome, in many cases including mixtures of multiple solvents. A systematic study of how the solution viscosity —a good probe of solvent–polymer interactions—and the electrospinnability change when poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) is dissolved in ethanol–water mixtures at varying mixing ratio is carried out. A pronounced maximum is found in at a water‐to‐ethanol molar ratio of about 2:1, where the solvent mixture deviates maximally from ideal mixing behavior and partial deprotonation of carboxyl groups by water coincides synergistically with dissolution of the uncharged protonated PAA fraction by ethanol. The PAA concentration is tuned as a function of water–ethanol ratio to obtain a common value of for all solvent mixtures that is suitable for electrospinning. For high PAA content, the Taylor cone grows in volume over time despite minimum solution flow rate, even experiencing surface gelation for ethanol‐rich solutions. This is attributed to the hygroscopic nature of PAA, drawing excess water into the Taylor cone from the air during spinning.
Structure and Dynamics of Large‐Scale Cognitive Networks in Huntington's Disease
Authors: Aracil‐Bolaños Ignacio , Martínez‐Horta Saül , González‐de‐Echávarri Jose M. , Sampedro Frederic , Pérez‐Pérez Jesús , Horta‐Barba Andrea , Campolongo Antonia , Izquierdo Cristina , Gómez‐Ansón Beatriz , Pagonabarraga Javier , Kulisevsky Jaime
Published: November 2021

Background

Huntington's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by clinical alterations in the motor, behavioral, and cognitive domains. However, the structure and disruptions to large‐scale brain cognitive networks have not yet been established.

Objective

We aimed to profile changes in large‐scale cognitive networks in premanifest and symptomatic patients with Huntington's disease.

Methods

We prospectively recruited premanifest and symptomatic Huntington's disease mutation carriers as well as healthy controls. Clinical and sociodemographic data were obtained from all participants, and resting‐state functional connectivity data, using both time‐averaged and dynamic functional connectivity, was acquired from whole‐brain and cognitively oriented brain parcellations.

Results

A total of 64 gene mutation carriers and 23 healthy controls were included; 21 patients with Huntington's disease were classified as premanifest and 43 as symptomatic Huntington's disease. Compared with healthy controls, patients with Huntington's disease showed decreased network connectivity within the posterior hubs of the default‐mode network and the medial prefrontal cortex, changes that correlated with cognitive (t = 2.25, P = 0.01) and disease burden scores (t = −2.42, P = 0.009). The salience network showed decreased functional connectivity between insular and supramarginal cortices and also correlated with cognitive (t = 2.11, P = 0.02) and disease burden scores (t = −2.35, P = 0.01). Dynamic analyses showed that network variability was decreased for default‐central executive networks, a feature already present in premanifest mutation carriers (dynamic factor 8, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Huntington's disease shows an early and widespread disruption of large‐scale cognitive networks. Importantly, these changes are related to cognitive and disease burden scores, and novel dynamic functional analyses uncovered subtler network changes even in the premanifest stages.
Sensate superior gluteal artery perforator flap for reconstruction of sacrococcygeal large wound dehiscence: A case report and literature review
Authors: Tsukuura Reiko , Yamamoto Takumi
Published: November 2021

The superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flap is an option for the reconstruction of deep sacral defects. Since a conventional SGAP flap is not neurotized, covered ulcers have a risk of recurrence, especially when patients cannot ambulate by themselves. In ambulatory patients, the sensory presentation of reconstructed tissue assures its protection. Purpose of this report is to present a case of the use of a sensate SGAP flap for reconstruction of a sacrococcygeal large wound dehiscence in a patient and review of literature for sensate reconstruction of sacral defects. A 72‐year old woman with a sacrococcygeal large wound dehiscence measuring 12 cm in length, 9.5 cm in width and 5 cm in depth was treated. The defect was caused by a wound dehiscence after abdomino‐perineal resection for rectal cancer. A unilateral SGAP flap measuring 16 × 7 cm length and 5 cm width was designed in the right buttock and the cranial border of the flap was lined near the iliac crest. An SGAP flap was elevated including the superior cluneal nerve (SCN), turned clockwise 70°, and inset to the defect. The defect remained in the deep caudal part a parasacral adiposal flap measuring 7 × 10 cm was harvested from the contralateral side and filled the defect. The postoperative course was uneventful without any complication. Sensation was observed immediately after surgery. Postoperative Semmes‐Weinstein monofilament test showed 3.22 at 9 months postoperatively. There was no recurrence during follow‐up of 20 months. The sensate SGAP flap may be elevated with SCN and be considered for reconstructions of deep sacral defect.
Role of the nutrition‐focused physical examination in identifying malnutrition and its effectiveness
Authors: Hummell A. Christine , Cummings Michael
Published: November 2021

It has long been recognized that malnutrition changes physical appearance, as evidenced by muscle wasting, losses of fat stores, signs of vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and reduced physical activity. Malnutrition is associated with poor clinical outcomes and quality of life. Various nutrition assessment parameters have been used to determine the presence and degree of malnutrition, including use of anthropometric measurements and laboratory values. In the mid‐1980s, the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) tool was developed in acknowledgement of the physical features of malnutrition; an evaluation of muscle mass, fat stores, edema, and functional capacity was a major component of the SGA. SGA became a gold standard for nutrition assessment. Since then, nutrition assessment evolved from anthropometric tools and laboratory values to one based on the nutrition‐focused physical examination (NFPE). NFPE uses a head‐to‐toe approach to evaluate muscle mass, fat stores, fluid retention, micronutrient deficiencies, and functional capacity. In 2012, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (AND/ASPEN) developed a standardized definition for malnutrition diagnoses for coding and reimbursement; the AND/ASPEN malnutrition diagnosis is derived from the SGA. A few studies demonstrated good agreement between SGA and AND/ASPEN malnutrition criteria in diagnosing malnutrition, and some studies have shown malnutrition, as diagnosed by AND/ASPEN criteria, is associated with poor clinical outcomes. More research is needed to validate the AND/ASPEN malnutrition diagnosis criteria.
Computationally efficient integrated design and predictive control of flexible energy systems using multi‐fidelity simulation‐based Bayesian optimization
Authors: Sorourifar Farshud , Choksi Naitik , Paulson Joel A.
Published: November 2021

We present a multi‐fidelity black‐box optimization approach for integrated design and control (IDC) of constrained nonlinear systems in the presence of uncertainty. The IDC framework is becoming increasingly important for the systematic design of next‐generation (flexible) manufacturing and energy systems. However, identifying optimal solutions to realistic IDC problems is intractable when (i) the dynamics occur on much shorter timescales than the system lifetime, (ii) the uncertainties are described by continuous random variables with high variance, and (iii) operational decisions involve a mixture of discrete and continuous variables. Instead of aggressively simplifying the problem to improve tractability, we develop a simulation‐based optimization procedure using high‐quality decision rules that map information that can be measured online to optimal control actions. In particular, we rely on the Bayesian optimization (BO) framework that has been shown to perform very well on noisy and expensive‐to‐evaluate objective functions. We also discuss how BO can be extended to take advantage of computationally cheaper low‐fidelity approximations to the high‐fidelity IDC cost function. Three major low‐fidelity approximation strategies are described in this work, which are related to the simplification of the system simulator, decision rule solution method, and time grid. Lastly, we demonstrate the advantages of multi‐fidelity BO on the design of a solar‐powered building heating/cooling system (with battery and grid support) under uncertain weather and demand conditions with hourly variation over a year‐long planning horizon.
A communication‐less distributed frequency restoration and economical active power control scheme for islanded AC microgrids
Authors: Li Zhiyong , Chen Gang
Published: November 2021

In this article, a novel distributed cooperative control scheme is presented to restore the microgrid frequency to the nominal value and achieve economical active power sharing. Based on hierarchical control structure, a distributed event‐triggered economic dispatch algorithm is designed to calculate optimal active power reference, and a decentralized frequency controller is developed to restore the microgrid frequency and track the optimal active power reference. The presented scheme is globally distributed for tertiary power optimization and locally decentralized for secondary frequency control. By employing event‐triggered communication mechanism and decentralized secondary frequency control, the communication burden can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, exponential convergence rate of the presented scheme is rigorously proved by Lyapunov approach. Finally, several simulation examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the presented scheme.
Mechanical, dielectric, and hydrophobicity behavior of coconut shell biochar toughened Caryota urens natural fiber reinforced epoxy composite
Authors: D. Jayabalakrishnan , P. Prabhu , S. Mohamed Iqbal , V. Mugendiran , S. Ravi , V. R. Arun Prakash
Published: November 2021

High toughness epoxy bio‐composites were prepared using Caryota urens fiber and biochar particle for light weight and low cost engineering applications. The main aim of this research was to study the effect of adding biochar along with C. urens fiber in epoxy resin composite and its properties. The biochar used in this present study was prepared from coconut shell using pyrolysis process. The composites prepared with 5 vol% of biochar gives highest tensile strength and modulus of 172 MPa and 6.7 GPa. Similarly, the biochar of 7 vol% in epoxy resin reduced the wear volume to the greater extend. Moreover, a highest dielectric constant and loss factor of 6.2, 1.6, and a thermal conductivity of 0.33 W/mK with high hydrophobic contact angle of 70° was observed for composite made using 7 vol% of biochar. These improved dielectric, mechanical, barrier and tribological properties composite could be used as microwave shielding material in electronic gadgets, signal processing units and other telecommunication devices as shielding material with good mechanical properties required.
Why do people self‐sacrifice for their country? The roles of identity fusion and empathic concern
Authors: Landabur Rodrigo , Miguez Gonzalo , Laborda Mario A. , Salinas María I.
Published: November 2021

Identity fusion with a group, a feeling of connection with it, is a good predictor of extreme pro‐group behavior, an action to favor or protect the group, including self‐sacrifice. Relational ties and personal distress (self‐oriented emotional reaction; e.g., anxiety, distress) toward ingroup members in need have been evaluated separately as mediators of the relationship between identity fusion and pro‐group self‐sacrifice. Another mediator could be empathic concern (other‐oriented emotional reaction; e.g., compassion, sympathy), but it has not been considered in the literature. We related those three mediators in a model. The objective was to analyze whether relational ties mediate the relationship between identity fusion and pro‐country self‐sacrifice whereas both empathic concern and personal distress mediate the association between relational ties and pro‐country self‐sacrifice. We expected that identity fusion with the country leads to more relational ties, which in turn evokes both empathic concern and personal distress, and those emotional reactions promote more and less pro‐country self‐sacrifice, respectively, with more effect of empathic concern than personal distress. We considered the country as the group reference because it is the most used in identity fusion research. In a sample of university students (N = 539), the results supported this model: Identity fusion promoted relational ties, which in turn evoked empathic concern and personal distress. Then, the last two variables predicted more and less self‐sacrifice, respectively, with more effect of empathic concern than personal distress. We discussed the theoretical implications of the model, especially the relationship of identity fusion with empathic concern and personal distress—traditional explanations for pro‐group behavior—considering the different motivations associated to both emotional reactions. Despite the limitations associated with the measurements, the data supported the model that relates variables not previously explored jointly.
Association of CYP2B6 genetic polymorphisms with bupropion and hydroxybupropion exposure: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Eum Seenae , Sayre Franklin , Lee Adam M. , Stingl Julia C. , Bishop Jeffrey R.
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Bupropion is metabolized to its active metabolite, hydroxybupropion (HB), by the genetically polymorphic cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) enzyme. Despite its significant role in bupropion metabolism, the magnitude of the impact of CYP2B6 genotype on the exposure of bupropion has not been quantified.

Objectives

A systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted to quantify the association of bupropion and HB exposure with CYP2B6 variant alleles and genotype‐defined metabolizer phenotypes.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scifinder, PsycINFO, and CENTRAL were screened to identify studies that met the following inclusion criteria (search updated on February 2021): (1) area under the plasma drug concentration‐time curve (AUC) of bupropion and/or HB in relation to CYP2B6 genotypes was studied, and (2) study participants were genotyped for common CYP2B6 variant alleles including at least CYP2B6*6. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale was used to assess risk of bias in each included study. The ratio of means (RoM) between CYP2B6 genotype or genotype‐defined phenotype groups for bupropion exposure was calculated for each study and combined in a meta‐analysis.

Results

Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review, and 10 (including N = 413 participants) were included in the meta‐analysis. All 10 studies involved healthy adult volunteers, where other medications were not allowed. The AUCs of HB and the active moiety (bupropion + HB) were significantly reduced in CYP2B6*6 carriers compared with the non‐carriers (HB: RoM 0.77, 95% CI 0.71–0.83; active moiety: RoM 0.81, 95% CI 0.75–0.88). Both CYP2B6 poor and intermediate metabolizers had significantly decreased exposures to HB and the active moiety than normal metabolizers.

Conclusion

The CYP2B6*6 allele and genotype‐determined CYP2B6 poor and intermediate metabolizer phenotypes are associated with significantly lower exposures to HB and the total active moiety. The findings of this study suggest opportunities to further study precision dosing strategies for bupropion therapy based on CYP2B6 genotype.
Performance of shingled solar modules under partial shading
Authors: Klasen Nils , Weisser Daniel , Rößler Torsten , Neuhaus Dirk Holger , Kraft Achim
Published: November 2021

Significant progress in the development and commercialization of electrically conductive adhesives has been made. This makes shingling a very attractive approach for solar cell interconnection. In this study, we investigate the shading tolerance of two types of solar modules based on shingle interconnection: first, the already commercialized string approach, and second, the matrix technology where solar cells are intrinsically interconnected in parallel and in series. An experimentally validated LTspice model predicts major advantages for the power output of the matrix layout under partial shading. Diagonal as well as random shading of a 1.6‐m2solar module is examined. Power gains of up to 73.8 % for diagonal shading and up to 96.5 % for random shading are found for the matrix technology compared to the standard string approach. The key factor is an increased current extraction due to lateral current flows. Especially under minor shading, the matrix technology benefits from an increased fill factor as well. Under diagonal shading, we find the probability of parts of the matrix module being bypassed to be reduced by 40 % in comparison to the string module. In consequence, the overall risk of hotspot occurrence in matrix modules is decreased significantly.
Formamide based monomer for highly functionalized polymers
Authors: Chen Ri , Ayyakkalai Balamurugan , Sun Jian , Lee Gene A. , Gopalan Padma
Published: November 2021

Multicomponent reactions (MCRs) are widely used in organic chemistry to simplify the synthesis of highly functionalized molecules in a single‐pot reaction. However, their utility for polymer post‐functionalization is severely limited due to the complexity of handling highly reactive and unpleasant isocyanide compounds. In this work, we present a stable methacrylate monomer 2‐formamido ethyl methacrylate (FEMA) containing a benign formamide group that can be converted to isocyanide in situ and that can undergo MCRs in a one‐pot protocol. Block and random copolymers of FEMA with methyl methacrylate were tested for efficiency in MCRs. As a function of composition and architecture, MCR conversions of >90% was achieved in the polymers. This benign bench stable monomer allows incorporation of complex functionality in a one‐pot synthesis to the polymer sidechain using MCRs without direct handling of the isocyanide monomers and polymers.
Exploring the Synergy of B, Ce Dopants in Codoped Titanium Dioxide Multifunctional Photocatalysts for Antibiotic Degradation and Microbial Disinfection Under Solar Light
Authors: Manjunatha Manasa , Chandewar Pranay R. , Mahalingam Hari
Published: November 2021

An eco‐friendly, controllable citrate‐EDTA complexing sol–gel method is employed to systematically synthesize a series of B
x
Ce1−x
TiO2 (x = 0.9, 0.8, 0.7 at%) codoped photocatalysts. The degradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP) and norfloxacin (NOR) antibiotics, as well as Escherichia coli disinfection under sunlight, is assessed using these synthesized codoped photocatalysts. After physicochemical characterization of the synthesized catalysts for particle size, surface area, morphology, crystal structure, surface chemistry, bandgap energy values, and recombination, it is evident that the codoping has improved the visible light absorption, reduced the recombination, and promoted higher crystallinity as well as anatase phase content. The codoped catalysts also demonstrate an enhanced photocatalytic activity under solar light with regard to the degradation of the chosen antibiotics when compared to the performance of the monodoped counterparts or the latest generation catalysts from the literature. The highest degradation performance (≈98%) is shown by B0.8Ce0.2TiO2 in the case of CIP and B0.9Ce0.1TiO2 in the case of NOR. Also, in the case of microbial disinfection, these codoped catalysts are much better (by a factor of ≈10) than that of the monodoped catalysts.
Critical Behavior of the (111)‐Oriented LaCoO3/SrTiO3 Thin Film
Authors: Liu Hao , Fan Jiyu , Zhao Jun , Qian Fengjiao , Zhu Yan , Ma Chunlan , Rahman Azizur , Zhang Lei , Yang Hao
Published: November 2021

Apart from the impact of different substrates on epitaxial thin films due to lattice constant mismatches, the properties of epitaxial thin films are also influenced by the same substrates with different crystal orientations. Herein, the (111)‐oriented SrTiO3 (STO) substrates are used to fabricate the LaCoO3 (LCO) epitaxial thin films rather than the more common (001)‐oriented STO substrates. It undergoes one paramagnetic–ferromagnetic phase transition around 50 K. This phase transition is similar to the previously observed for (001)‐LCO/STO, but the Curie temperature (T
c) is significantly lower than the previously reported 80 K. To investigate the decrease of T
c and gain further insight into the phase transition, the critical behavior analysis of thin film is performed. The critical exponents are determined to be β = 1.591(3) and γ = 0.937(1) by reconstructing a modified Arrott plot, and the reliability of these exponents is confirmed by the Widom scaling relation. Using the renormalization group theory approach, it is discovered that the film has a long‐range magnetic interaction with space dimensionality d = 2 and spin dimensionality n = 1, and the magnetic exchange interaction decays .
Curcumol simultaneously induces both apoptosis and autophagy in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells
Authors: Wang Juan , Liu Guoxiang , Li Xiaojuan , Huangfu Mengjie , Liu Yisa , Li Xumei , Yu Dan , Zhou Luwei , Chen Xu
Published: November 2021

Autophagy is usually considered as a protective mechanism against cell death, and in the meantime, leads to cell injury even apoptosis. Apoptosis and autophagy are very closely connected and may cooperate, coexist, or antagonize each other on progressive occurrence of cell death triggered by natural compounds. Therefore, the interplay between the two modes of death is essential for the overall fate of cancer cells. Our previous study revealed that curcumol induced apoptosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells. Recently, curcumol was found to induce autophagy in cancer cells. However, whether curcumol can induce NPC cells autophagy and the effects of autophagy on apoptosis remain elusive. In this study, we found that curcumol induced autophagy through AMPK/mTOR pathway in CNE‐2 cells. Moreover, inhibiting autophagy by autophagy inhibitor 3‐methyladenine (3‐MA) or apoptosis inhibitor z‐VAD‐fmk significantly increased proliferation while attenuated apoptosis and autophagy compared with the curcumol 212 μM group. In contrast, combining curcumol with autophagy agonist rapamycin and apoptosis inducer MG132 synergized the apoptotic and autophagic effect of curcumol. Taken together, our study demonstrates that curcumol promotes autophagy in NPC via AMPK/mTOR pathway, induces autophagy enhances the activity of curcumol in NPC cells; the combination of autophagy inducer and curcumol can be a new therapeutic strategy for NPC.
The Role of Free‐Radical Pathway in Catalytic Dye Degradation by Hydrogen Peroxide on the Zr‐Based UiO‐66‐NH2 MOF
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed H. , Haikal Rana R. , Eldin Reham Shams , El‐Mehalmey Worood A. , Alkordi Mohamed H.
Published: November 2021

The role of free‐radical species in catalytic oxidative decomposition of thioether utilizing UiO‐66‐NH2 Zr‐MOF/H2O2 system is highlighted. In contrast to other examples of Zr‐MOF‐mediated oxidation of organic sulfur by H2O2, the amino‐functionalized UiO‐66‐NH2 clearly demonstrates nearly quantitative decomposition and excellent recyclability for 10 consecutive cycles without any detectable loss of activity. Several characterization techniques revealed the maintained structural stability of the UiO‐66‐NH2 MOF even after prolonged utilization. The data presented here clearly demonstrates involvement of free‐radical species as inferred from EPR spectroscopy, which proposes a more comprehensive mechanism involving catalytic activation of H2O2 on Zr‐oxoclusters aided by the amine‐centered holes.
Silver‐Ion‐Selective Gelation of Simple Pyridine‐Naphthalimide Conjugates with Multiple Applications: Sensing, Drug Delivery, Dye Adsorption and Ion Conductivity
Authors: Ghosh Sumit , Bhattacharya Subhratanu , Baildya Nabajyoti , Nath Ghosh Narendra , Ghosh Kumaresh
Published: November 2021

Naphthalimide‐based compounds 1–4, which show excellent gelation from semi aqueous solvents in the presence of Ag+ ions over a series of other metal ions have been synthesized. While compounds 1–3 form gel in the presence of Ag+ ion in DMF‐H2O (1 : 1, v/v), compound 4, devoid of pyridine, acts as non gelator under identical conditions. The gels reveal rock and fibrous like morphologies and show good viscoelastic response as established from rheological study. Ag‐gels of 1–3 exhibit excellent ion conduction property along with other attributes in material chemistry. Ion transport properties within the gels are analyzed by evaluating the different electrical parameters viz. ion conductivity, ion diffusivity and concentration of mobile ions at different temperatures using impedance spectroscopy. Despite identical concentration of metal ion precursor within the gels, a strong gelator‐dependent conduction property is observed. Furthermore, the Ag‐gels as soft functional materials discriminate L‐ cysteine from other amino acids and show good response in drug delivery and dye adsorption from wastewater.
Excellent Catalytic Activity of Two Cd(II) Metal‐Organic Frameworks in The Synthesis of Benzothiazolo‐Pyrimidines
Authors: Gangu Kranthi Kumar , Tharividi Satya Guru , Kerru Nagaraju , Jonnalagadda Sreekantha B.
Published: November 2021

We report the noteworthy catalytic activity of two three‐dimensional, rigid and porous Metal‐Organic Frameworks (MOFs) constructed from Cd(II) and 2,6‐naphthalene dicarboxylic acid (2,6‐ndc) ligand with different structural arrangements, namely [Cd3(2,6‐ndc)3(DMF)4(NO3)]−(1) and [Cd2(2,6‐ndc)2(DMF)2] (2) in organic synthesis. Excellent porosity and Lewis acidic/basic centres accrued in the structural arrangement rendered both superb catalyst characteristics. Both MOFs exhibited perfect catalytic activity for the one‐pot fusion of chosen substituted benzaldehyde, malononitrile and 2‐amino benzothiazol to synthesise medicinally valuable benzothiazolo‐pyrimidine derivatives. Eight novel benzothiazolo‐pyrimidines were generated with 92–96 % yield in ethanol at room temperature with a short reaction time of 15–25 min. While both complexes showed excellent catalytic performance, MOF 1 exhibited superior activity due to more catalytic active sites. Overall, the protocol addressed the green approach to meet the conditions of green solvent, heterogeneity, catalyst repeatability up to six cycles, 98 % atom economy and 100 % carbon efficiency.
Amphiphilic Polypyridyl Ruthenium Catalyzed, Photoredox‐Mediated C−H Arylation of Heteroarenes with Aryl Diazonium Salts
Authors: Karakaya Idris
Published: November 2021

Visible light mediated direct C−H arylation of wide range of heteroarenes with aryl diazonium salts catalyzed by amphiphilic polypyridyl ruthenium complex is reported. Using a visible light activated catalyst, mild conditions for arylation of a variety of heteroarenes is achieved in good to excellent yields. A broad substrate scope was demonstrated compatible with various functional groups and exhibiting modest levels of regioselectivity.
Marginal Effect of Variation in Photovoltaic System Configuration's Generation Profiles on Price Stabilization in the Netherlands Compared with Deployment of Flexible Demand and Supply
Authors: Van Aken Bas B. , Verstraten Pieter , Kaas Bart M. , Cesar Ilkay
Published: November 2021

Solar electricity is gaining market share and becoming a significant player in the electricity market. The long‐term business case effects for various utility‐scale photovoltaic (PV) configurations in their interaction with other developments in the electricity market, including battery storage and flexible assets, like electrolyzers, are investigated. For both wind and solar energy, the cost to produce one more unit of energy is very low, near zero, and therefore these renewable power plants deliver electricity at any positive price in the market. These so‐called marginal costs are much higher for fuel‐based power plants. The amount of wind and solar energy, which is offered on the electricity market, is also rather variable, literally, by nature. The impact of increased PV capacity at near‐zero marginal cost in the context of the Dutch electricity market is looked at. It is shown that growth of utility‐scale PV parks to a total capacity of 40–100 GW results in 30%–80% lower electricity prices in the next 20 years. It is also shown that variation in PV system configurations only has marginal effect on the electricity price. In contrast, large deployment of hydrogen electrolyzers (flexible demand) or local battery storage (delayed supply) increases the electricity price.