bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral supplementation of sea cucumber and its hydrolysate mitigates ultraviolet A‐induced photoaging in hairless mice
Authors: Liu Shuyu , Lu Yi , Kurono Masahiro , Matahira Yoshiharu , Manabe Yuki , Sugawara Tatsuya
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

Chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation promotes skin photoaging, which is clinically characterized by dryness, laxity, and wrinkling. Sea cucumber (Stichopus japonicus) (SC) is a marine organism with culinary and medicinal applications, especially in Asian countries. It is also a potential nutraceutical as it exhibits bioactive effects, such as antioxidant, antitumor, and anticancer activity. This study examined the effects of SC and its hydrolysate (SCH) on ultraviolet A (UVA) induced skin barrier function and wrinkle formation using hairless mice.

RESULTS

Ultraviolet A significantly induced transepidermal water loss and wrinkle formation, which were significantly mitigated upon oral administration of SC and SCH. Sea cucumber also mitigated the UVA‐induced downregulation of epidermal natural moisturizing factors and the upregulation of Aqp3, Mmp13, Tnfa, and Il6 mRNA levels in the mouse skin.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these results suggest that dietary SC and SCH exert anti‐photoaging effects by modulating filaggrin synthesis and desquamation in the epidermis and regulating the NF‐κB pathway in the skin. Our research indicates that SC and SCH have potential applications in nutricosmetics for photoaging. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
THE ART OF CARING LEADERSHIP: HOW LEADING WITH HEART UPLIFTS TEAMS AND ORGANIZATIONS
Authors: Younger Heather R.
Published: September 2021

The author contends that “every leader thinks they are a caring leader, but most fall short of demonstrating care consistently to their teams.” She reports about her research on caring, listening, feedback, leadership, and related topics, using such corporate examples as the WD‐40 Company, and its Chief Executive Officer Garry Ridge, and Howard Behar, former president of Starbucks. Of WD‐40, she writes, “the story of WD‐40 is an excellent example of how embedding caring leadership into the organization can transform every aspect of a company.” She describes four lessons, which in her words are (1) Lead the Whole Person, (2) Be Congruent, (3) Create a Listening Culture, (4) Make it a Team Effort. In point one, she writes “As a leader, you can be the greatest source of positive emotions in those you lead by recognizing their efforts in specific ways.” In point two, “Being congruent requires a greater self‐awareness and a deep desire to show up true to yourself.” Point three: “Employees feel empowered when they know that their feedback might be acted upon, even just sometimes.” Point four: “It’s time to retire blame culture and help people understand that we all make mistakes, and that's OK.”
Effect of Bio‐Based Cobalt Alginate on the Fire Safety and Mechanical Properties for Epoxy Resin
Authors: Liu Chang , Tao Ye , Xu Ying‐Jun , Liu Yun , Zhu Ping , Wang Yu‐Zhong
Published: September 2021

There is a growing demand to develop epoxy resins (EP) with smoke suppression as well as satisfactory flame retardancy. Herein, bio‐based cobalt alginate is successfully fabricated and incorporated into EP to prepare EP/Cobalt Alginate composites with better fire safety performance. The addition of cobalt alginate reduces the thermal‐decomposition rate, temperature at maximum weight‐loss rate of EP, whereas obviously improves the thermal stabilities at a higher temperature range. Furthermore, the addition of cobalt alginate substantially reduces the fire hazard of EP, resulting in 56.2% reduction in peak heat release rate, as well as 17.8% and 56.3% reduction in total smoke production and peak smoke production rate, respectively, compared with EP matrix. Moreover, the presence of cobalt alginate increases smoke‐suppressant properties, according to the smoke density test. Additionally, the incorporation of cobalt alginate has no obviously destructive effect on the mechanical properties of EP, while EP/Cobalt Alginate‐3 exhibits a 27.0% improvement in impact strength. In prospective, this study may provide a significant method for producing eco‐friendly flame retardant EP.
The Construction and Application of Dual‐Modified Carbon Nanotubes in Proton Exchange Membranes with Enhanced Performances
Authors: Wu Silong , Feng Xiaohong , Zhong Fei , Zhang Bingqing , Wang Jie , Qu Ting , Ni Jing , Liu Hai , Gong Chunli , Hu Fuqiang
Published: September 2021

In this study, the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are successively coated via sol‐gel method with SiO2(SiO2@CNTs), followed by grafting with 3‐merraptnpropyltrimethnxysilane and oxidation with hydrogen peroxide to yield dual‐modified CNTs (SSiO2@CNTs). The SSiO2@CNTs material is applied to prepared chitosan (CS) based composite proton exchange membranes by the incorporation of various content of SSiO2@CNTs, the structure and properties of as‐prepared composite membranes are fully investigated. Compared to pristine CS membrane, the SSiO2@CNTs‐filled composite membranes show improved thermal stability, mechanical stability, and methanol resistance, owing to the effective interface interaction and good compatibility between SSiO2@CNTs and CS matrix. Additionally, the doping of SSiO2@CNTs also generates a positive effect on the electrochemistry performance, due to the construction of abundant transport channel and providing more proton sources or proton sites. Particularly, the CS/SSiO2@CNTs‐7 membrane exhibits tensile strength of about 40.1 MPa and proton conductivity of 35.8 mS cm−1at 80 °C, which is almost 1.6 and 2.0 times higher than pure CS membrane, and lower methanol permeability of 0.9 × 10−6 cm2 s−1. The direct methanol fuel cell performance (DMFC) of CS/SSiO2@CNTs‐7 membrane is also improved with open circuit voltage of 0.67 V and maximum power density of 60.7 mW cm−2at 70 °C.
On p‐power freeness in positive characteristic
Authors: Tanaka Hiromu
Published: September 2021

In this note, we study base point freeness up to taking p‐power, which we will call p‐power freeness. We first establish some criteria for p‐power freeness as analogues of criteria for semi‐ampleness. We then apply these results to three‐dimensional birational geometry.
Crucial role of glucosylceramide synthase in the regulation of stem cell‐like cancer cells in B16F10 murine melanoma
Authors: Ghosh Sweta , Juin Subir Kumar , Bhattacharyya Majumdar Suchandra , Majumdar Subrata
Published: September 2021

Cancer stem cells render a complex cascade of events that facilitates highly invasive melanoma malignancy. Interplay between immunocytes and cancer stem cells within tumor microenvironment with the participation of sphingolipid signaling mediators skews the immune evasion strategies toward metastatic neoplasm. In this context, we aimed to explore the functional aspect of glucosylceramide synthase (GCS), a key enzyme of sphingolipid biosynthesis in the maintenance of melanoma stem cell‐like cancer cells (CSCs). Our findings demonstrated that tumor hypoxia was responsible for elevated GCS expression in melanoma, which was correlated with substantially increased melanoma CSCs. Moreover, hypoxia‐induced TGF‐β from TAMs and Tregs promoted GCS induction in B16F10 murine melanoma CSCs via PKCα signaling and facilitated the expansion of melanoma CSCs. Interestingly, GCS ablation hindered the immunosuppressiveness of TAMs and Tregs. Therefore, our study for the first time demonstrated a novel paracrine pathway of melanoma CSC maintenance and tumorigenicity, exploiting the bidirectional signaling with immunocytes. Furthermore, our study showed that the combinatorial immunotherapy involving immunomodulators like Mw and DTA‐1 repressed CSC pool affecting GCS functions in advanced‐stage B16F10 murine melanoma tumor. Moreover, GCS inhibition sensitized conventional chemotherapeutic drug‐resistant melanoma CSCs to the genotoxic drugs paving the way toward selective melanoma treatment. Better therapeutic efficacy with inhibition of GCS and CSC depletion suggests a crucial role of GCS in melanoma treatment, therefore, implying its application concerning clinical challenges of chemotherapy resistance leading to prolonged survival.
Nicotinamide Riboside Improves Ataxia Scores and Immunoglobulin Levels in Ataxia Telangiectasia
Authors: Veenhuis Stefanie J.G. , van Os Nienke J.H. , Janssen Anjo J.W.M. , van Gerven Marjo H.J.C. , Coene Karlien L.M. , Engelke Udo. F.H. , Wevers Ron A. , Tinnevelt Gerjen H. , ter Heine Rob , van de Warrenburg Bart P.C. , Weemaes Corry M.R. , Roeleveld Nel , Willemsen Michèl A.A.P.
Published: September 2021

Background

Treatment of animal models with ataxia telangiectasia (A‐T) with nicotinamide riboside (NR) improved their neurological outcome and survival.

Objective

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of NR in patients with A‐T.

Methods

In this open‐label, proof‐of‐concept study, 24 patients with A‐T were treated with NR during four consecutive months. The effects of NR on ataxia, dysarthria, quality of life, and laboratory parameters were analyzed.

Results

During treatment, ataxia scores improved; mean total Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia and International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale scores decreased to 2.4 and 10.1 points, respectively. After NR withdrawal, ataxia scores worsened. In immunodeficient patients, the mean serum IgG concentration increased substantially until the end of the study period with 0.52 g/L. Untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed increased plasma levels of NR metabolites and purine nucleosides during treatment. Adverse effects did not occur.

Conclusions

Treatment with NR is tolerated well and associated with improvement in ataxia and serum immunoglobulin concentrations in patients with A‐T. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
A 50 W dual‐band high‐efficiency gallium nitride high electron mobility transistor power amplifier with three‐stage L‐type DC bias circuit at 1.8 and 2.6 GHz
Authors: Kim Jong‐Heon , Jeong Dong‐Ki , Kim Ji‐Yeon , Choi Young‐Rak
Published: September 2021

A 50 W dual‐band high‐efficiency gallium nitride (GaN) high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) power amplifier with a three‐stage L‐type DC bias circuit capable of individually adjusting second‐harmonic impedances is proposed for 1.8 and 2.6 GHz frequencies. The output network of this power amplifier is composed of an output matching network comprising five‐stage transmission lines and a three‐stage L‐type DC bias circuit with three L‐type circuits and one transmission line. The one‐stage L‐type circuit comprises a series transmission line and a quarter‐wavelength open‐ended shunt stub. For the high‐efficiency performance of the power amplifier, the output matching network is matched to the optimum impedances of the fundamental frequencies, and the DC bias circuit optimizes the impedances individually at the second‐harmonic frequencies without affecting the matched fundamental frequency impedances in the output matching network. Measured results show that the proposed dual‐band GaN HEMT power amplifier achieved gains of 15.6 and 13.8 dB as well as maximum power‐added efficiencies of 70.5% and 66.3% with 47 dBm output power at 1.8 and 2.6 GHz, respectively.
Market equilibrium in multi‐tier supply chain networks
Authors: Jiang Tao , Lin Young‐San , Nguyen Thành
Published: September 2021

We model multistage competition in supply chains by a sequential game theoretical model in a network. We show the uniqueness of equilibrium for series parallel networks and provide a linear time algorithm to compute the equilibrium. We study the impact of the network structure on the firms' payoffs, the total trade flow, and the overall social welfare.
A critical review of connectome validation studies
Authors: Sarwar Tabinda , Ramamohanarao Kotagiri , Zalesky Andrew
Published: September 2021

Diffusion MRI tractography is the most widely used macroscale method for mapping connectomesin vivo. However, tractography is prone to various errors and biases, and thus tractography‐derived connectomes require careful validation. Here, we critically review studies that have developed or utilized phantoms and tracer maps to validate tractography‐derived connectomes, either quantitatively or qualitatively. We identify key factors impacting connectome reconstruction accuracy, including streamline seeding, propagation and filtering methods, and consider the strengths and limitations of state‐of‐the‐art connectome phantoms and associated validation studies. These studies demonstrate the inherent limitations of current fiber orientation models and tractography algorithms and their impact on connectome reconstruction accuracy. Reconstructing connectomes with both high sensitivity and high specificity is challenging, given that some tractography methods can generate an abundance of spurious connections, while others can overlook genuine fiber bundles. We argue that streamline filtering can minimize spurious connections and potentially improve the biological plausibility of connectomes derived from tractography. We find that algorithmic choices such as the tractography seeding methodology, angular threshold, and streamline propagation method can substantially impact connectome reconstruction accuracy. Hence, careful application of tractography is necessary to reconstruct accurate connectomes. Improvements in diffusion MRI acquisition techniques will not necessarily overcome current tractography limitations without accompanying modeling and algorithmic advances.
Characterization of Joule heating and deconsolidation behavior of continuous carbon fiber reinforced polyamide 6 composites under self‐resistance electric heating
Authors: Liu Yunhuan , Tang Huaping , Wang Xiaoyu , Zhai Zhanyu
Published: September 2021

As an effective heating method, self‐resistance electric (SRE) heating was applied for welding, hot stamping and curing process of composites. In this study, the characterization of Joule heating and deconsolidation behavior of continuous carbon fiber reinforced polyamide 6 (CFR‐PA6) laminate under SRE heating were investigated. A series of experiments were performed to build the relationship among geometry sizes, current density and temperature response. Then the relationship between the temperature rising rate and current density of CFR‐PA6 laminate with twill weave fabric was determined. The temperature evolution of specimen with a hole under SRE heating was also discussed. Furthermore, the deconsolidation behavior of CFR‐PA6 specimens under SRE heating as well as oven heating was characterized through macroscopic and mesoscopic properties. The interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) tests of specimens were also conducted. The results indicate that the temperature response of CFR‐PA6 laminate is mainly determined by the current density and their relationship can be described by a quadratic function. It is found that voids appear both inside the fiber bundles and resin‐rich areas owing to the thermal mismatch between the resin and carbon fibers after SRE heating, while no voids inside the fiber bundles were observed after oven heating. The deconsolidation behavior of laminate after SRE heating reduces the ILSS.
24.58% efficient commercial n‐type silicon solar cells with hydrogenation
Authors: Chen Ran , Wright Matthew , Chen Daniel , Yang Jie , Zheng Peiting , Zhang Xinyu , Wenham Stuart , Ciesla Alison
Published: September 2021

Tunnelling oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar cells are gaining significant commercial interest, due to the potential for high efficiency. Industrially, this passivated contact scheme is typically coupled with an n‐type Czochralski (Cz) wafer. JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. is one of the leading manufacturers that are producing n‐type TOPCon solar cells (referred to as ‘HOT’ cells) on a commercial scale. In this work, the influence of a post‐cell hydrogenation step, using illumination from an LED light source, on the performance and stability of n‐type TOPCon solar cells is investigated. The incorporation of this additional hydrogenation treatment led to an average efficiency enhancement of 0.64%abs on a batch of 50 cells made in an industrial environment. This significant improvement was caused by a 6.9 mV and 1.04%abs increase in open‐circuit voltage (VOC) and fill factor (FF), respectively. We also assessed the stability and found almost no light‐ and elevated temperature‐induced degradation (LeTID) in hydrogenated n‐type TOPCon cells. Testing at 70 ± 5°C under 1‐sun illumination revealed that the maximum degradation is limited to 0.06%rel. Following further stability testing, the efficiency increased beyond the initial value, up to 0.4%rel increase after 120 h. By incorporating this hydrogenation process into the production, an average line efficiency of 24.08% and VOC of 707.5 mV was achieved. The champion cell from the batch displayed an efficiency of 24.58%, as certified by measurement at the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Benzothiazole‐based chemosensor: a quick dip into its anion sensing mechanism
Authors: Kediya Siddhi , Manhas Anu , Jha Prakash C.
Published: September 2021

Density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) methods have been applied to decipher the F− anion sensing mechanism of a fluorescent probe N‐(2‐(benzothiazole‐2‐yl)phenyl)‐4‐methoxybenzamide (4). The amidic proton (N–H) of the selected probe may exhibit an intramolecular hydrogen bond (IMHB) with the nitrogen atom of benzothiazole moiety. The weak IMHB of N24–H26‐‐‐N12 in the excited state favors reverse proton transfer process in 4. In the ground state of 4, the F− anion interacts via F−‐‐‐H–N bond, which immediately deprotonates the amidic proton, leading to the distortion of the geometry. Subsequent to deprotonation, the significant intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) character was observed in 4. On account of the significant ICT process, the redshift in absorption and emission spectra was observed. These outcomes were employed to delineate the sensing mechanism of molecule 4.
Physical activity and childhood asthma control: Mediation and moderation role of body mass index
Authors: Zhang Zeyi , Wang Liwen , Wang Jingjing , Jia Yuanmin , Yi Mo , Chen Ou
Published: September 2021

Background

Physical activity (PA) may be associated with asthma management. Whether PA is associated with childhood asthma control is not well studied, and the role of body mass index (BMI) in this association remains unclarified. This study aimed to evaluate the association between PA and childhood asthma control and investigate the potential mediating and modifying role of BMI in the association.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study involved 303 asthmatic children aged 5–14 years. Information on PA was collected from children. Asthma control was assessed using a valid questionnaire by children and their parents. Height and weight were objectively measured and BMI was calculated and classified. Multiple linear regression, mediation, and moderation analyses were performed.

Results

There was a positive association between PA and childhood asthma control with adjustment for variates (B = 0.144, p = .012). Mediation analysis indicated that BMI status negatively mediated the association (estimate = −0.656, 95% credit interval: −1.645, −0.006), and such indirect effect is lower than the direct effect (indirect effect/direct effect = 58.3%). No evidence of effect modification by BMI was observed (Pinteraction = 0.516). Stratified analyses showed that the significant association was only observed in children with overweight/obesity (normal weight: B = 0.863, p = .189; overweight/obese: B = 1.494, p = .044).

Conclusions

Increased PA is associated with improved childhood asthma control, especially for children with higher BMI. BMI exhibited a negative effect but not effect modification in this association. PA should be encouraged to improve asthma control for asthmatic children. Besides, mechanisms other than weight loss may explain the association.
Topology of phosphatidylserine synthase 1 in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane
Authors: Miyata Non , Kuge Osamu
Published: September 2021

Phosphatidylserine (PS) synthase 1 (PSS1) of mammalian cells is a multiple membrane‐spanning protein of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and regulated by inhibition with the product PS. Alanine‐scanning mutagenesis of PSS1 has revealed eight amino acid residues as those crucial for its activity and six as those important for its regulation. Furthermore, three missense mutations in the human PSS1 gene, which lead to regulatory dysfunctions of PSS1 and are causative of Lenz–Majewski syndrome, have been identified. In this study, we investigated the membrane topology of PSS1 by means of epitope insertion and immunofluorescence. According to a 10‐transmembrane segment model supported by topology analysis of PSS1, all the 8 amino acid residues crucial for the enzyme activity were localized to the luminal side of the lipid bilayer or the lumen of the ER, whereas all the 9 amino acid residues involved in the enzyme regulation were localized to the cytosol or the cytoplasmic side of the lipid bilayer of the ER. This localization of the functional amino acid residues suggests that PSS1 is regulated by inhibition with PS in the cytoplasmic leaflet of the ER membrane and synthesizes PS at the luminal leaflet.
Compendium of causative genes and their encoded proteins for common monogenic disorders
Authors: Apgar Tucker L. , Sanders Charles R.
Published: September 2021

A compendium is presented of inherited monogenic disorders that have a prevalence of >1:20,000 in the human population, along with their causative genes and encoded proteins. “Simple” monogenic diseases are those for which the clinical features are caused by mutations impacting a single gene, usually in a manner that alters the sequence of the encoded protein. Of course, for a given “monogenic disorder”, there is sometimes more than one potential disease gene, mutations in any one of which is sufficient to cause phenotypes of that disorder. Disease‐causing mutations for monogenic disorders are usually passed on from generation to generation in a Mendelian fashion, and originate from spontaneous (de novo) germline founder mutations. In the past monogenic disorders have often been written off as targets for drug discovery because they sometimes are assumed to be rare disorders, for which the meager projected financial payoff of drug discovery and development has discouraged investment. However, not all monogenic diseases are rare. Here, we report that that currently available data identifies 72 disorders with a prevalence of at least 1 in 20,000 humans. For each, we tabulate the gene(s) for which mutations cause the spectrum of phenotypes associated with that disorder. We also identify the gene and protein that most commonly causes each disease. 34 of these disorders are caused exclusively by mutations in only a single gene and encoded protein.
Lymphocyte‐to‐monocyte ratio is a predictor of clinically significant prostate cancer at prostate biopsy
Authors: Cho Min Chul , Yoo Sangjun , Choo Min Soo , Son Hwancheol , Jeong Hyeon
Published: September 2021

Background

Inflammation plays critical roles at different stages of carcinogenesis and cancer progression. Several previous studies showed conflicting results for the predictive role of systemic inflammation markers in the detection of clinically significant prostate cancers (CSPCs). We aimed to determine the predictive roles of lymphocyte‐to‐monocyte (LMR) and eosinophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratios (ELR) in the detection of CSPC at standard 12‐core transrectal ultrasound‐guided prostate biopsy (12‐core‐TRUS‐Bx) using our large‐cohort database.

Methods

Clinical and pathological data of a total of 1740 men, who underwent initial standard 12‐core TRUS‐Bx, were analyzed. LMR and ELR were calculated from the prebiopsy complete blood count. Definitions of CSPC, LMR, and ELR were “Gleason grade group ≥2,” “the lymphocyte counts/the monocyte counts,” and “the eosinophil counts/the lymphocyte counts,” respectively.

Results

Median (interquartile range) of serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level and prostatic volume before TRUS‐Bx were 7.59 (5.02–13.12) ng/ml and 38.2 (29.0–52.9) ml, respectively. Benign prostatic lesions, clinically insignificant prostate cancers (CIPCs), and CSPCs were detected in 1179 (67.8%), 180 (10.3%), and 381 (21.9%) patients, respectively. The patients with CSPCs had older age, a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus or hypertension, a higher rate of digital rectal examination abnormality, higher serum PSA level, lower serum testosterone level, and lower LMR than those with benign lesions or CIPCs. However, there was no difference in ELR among the three (benign lesions, CIPCs and CSPCs). In all the patients, multivariate regression analysis showed that lower LMR was an independent predictor of CSPCs compared with ELR. In the subset of men with prostate volume ≥39.3 ml, lower LMR was an independent predictor of CSPCs compared with ELR. In the subset of men with prostate volume <39.3 ml, men with lower LMR showed the tendency of having a higher probability of CSPCs without any statistical significance on the contrary to ELR.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that LMR can play an independent predictive role in the detection of CSPCs at initial 12‐core‐TRUS‐Bx compared with ELR. The predictive role of the LMR appears to be significant for men with larger prostate volume rather than those with smaller prostate volume.
Continuity of care in acute survivorship phase, and short and long‐term outcomes in prostate cancer patients
Authors: Chhatre Sumedha , Malkowicz S. Bruce , Jayadevappa Ravishankar
Published: September 2021

Continuity of care is important for prostate cancer care due to multiple treatment options, and prolonged disease history. We examined the association between continuity of care and outcomes in Medicare beneficiaries with localized prostate cancer, and the moderating effect of race using Surveillance, Epidemiological, and End Results (SEER) – Medicare data between 2000 and 2016. Continuity of care was measured as visits dispersion (continuity of care index or COCI), and density (usual provider care index or UPCI) in acute survivorship phase. Outcomes were emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and cost during acute survivorship phase and mortality (all‐cause and prostate cancer‐specific) over follow‐up phase. Higher continuity of care was associated with improved outcomes, and interaction between race and continuity of care was significant. Continuity of care during acute survivorship phase may lower the racial disparity in prostate cancer care. Future research can analyze the mechanism of the process.
Robust finite‐iteration tracking of discrete‐time systems in repetitive process setting via ILC scheme
Authors: Yang Rongni , Gong Yingjie , Liu Guo‐Ping
Published: September 2021

In this work, based on the robust iterative learning control (ILC) scheme, the finite‐iteration tracking control is investigated for discrete‐time linear systems in repetitive process setting with external disturbances. First, the concept of finite‐iteration tracking is defined. Then by utilizing the lifted‐vector‐matrix technique, the discrete‐time linear system can be reformulated as an input–output transmission equation. Moreover, a P‐type ILC scheme is employed, and then the finite‐iteration tracking of the resultant system is guaranteed with the designed iterative learning controller. Meanwhile, the settling iteration can be explicitly obtained. Particularly, the case of data loss occurred during information transmission is also studied, and sufficient conditions are presented such that the finite‐iteration tracking can be achieved in a finite interval. Lastly, the effectiveness and applicability of the presented method are validated via a numerical simulation.
Catalytic Function of Cu (I) and Cu (II) in Total Synthesis of Alkaloids
Authors: Heravi Majid M. , Abedian‐Dehaghani Neda , Zadsirjan Vahideh , Rangraz Yalda
Published: September 2021

Recently, Cu‐catalyzed carbon‐carbon and carbon (sp2)‐nitrogen bond formation have attracted much attention. Nowadays, they are widely being applied to the total synthesis of an extensive assortment of natural products with complex structures. Natural products chemistry is a discrete part of chemical research, which has been significant in the history of chemistry, the sourcing of substances in early preclinical drug discovery research, pharmacology and discovery of folk medicine. Alkaloids are a class of natural product that contains at least one nitrogen atom. They have diverse and important physiological effects on humans and other animals. In fact, as many as one‐quarter of higher plants are estimated to contain alkaloids, of which several thousand (approximately 12000) different types have so far been identified. In this review, we try underscore the total synthesis of naturally occurring alkaloids in which Cu‐promoted reaction is at least one of the vital step. Indeed, in this comprehensive review, the impact of Cu‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions in the total synthesis of natural products with a prominence on the evolution of strategies due to copper catalysis will be generally surveyed.
Achieving Complete Hydrogen Evolution from N2H4BH3 over Mesoporous TiO2 Immobilized NiPt Alloy Nanoparticles
Authors: Liu Mengmeng , Zhou Liu , Wan Chao , Ye Mingfu , Xu Lixin
Published: September 2021

Mesoporous materials, as the supports in the fabrication of catalyst, are beneficial for the dispersion of the metal active sites in the pores. Herein, highly dispersed Ni−Pt alloy nanoparticles deposited on mesoporous TiO2 was facilely and successfully fabricated via a one‐step reduction method towards hydrogen generation from N2H4BH3. Unexpectedly, the optimized Ni0.5Pt0.5/meso‐TiO2 exhibits superior catalytic property and 100 % selectivity with a turnover frequency (TOF) value of 77.06 min−1 in the existence of sodium hydroxide at 323 K. Meanwhile, the catalyst achieves high stability and reusability even after five recycles. This study provides one new way for preparation of mesoporous TiO2 supported metal NPs for hydrogen generation reaction
Interphase Building of Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Polymer Solid Electrolyte with Uniform Intermolecular Li+ Path for Stable Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Liu Peng , Zhang Jianwei , Zhong Lei , Huang Sheng , Gong Li , Han Dongmei , Wang Shuanjin , Xiao Min , Meng Yuezhong
Published: September 2021

Lithium (Li) metal has been generally noticed as the most prospective anode for next‐generation batteries attributed to its outstanding theoretical capacity and low electrochemical potential. Nevertheless, the unstable solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) and uncontrollable dendrite growth cause poor reversibility and fetter the practical application of Li metal anodes. Herein, a new organic–inorganic hybrid polymer artificial SEI (POSS‐LiBMAB) layer with uniform lithium‐ion paths at a molecular level is designed to stabilize Li metal anodes. The SEI layer is constructed by the thiol–ene “click chemistry” reaction between inorganic polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane containing eight‐mercaptopropyl (POSS‐SH) with lithium bis (allylmalonato) borate (LiBMAB) on Li foil. What is more, the POSS‐LiBMAB film can be cross‐linked and self‐reinforced via intermolecular SC bonds. Benefiting from its flexible polymeric covalent structure and noble inorganic Si8O16‐type cubes, the organic–inorganic hybrid polymer layer is flexible and effectively tolerates the volume change of Li metal anodes during plating/stripping cycles. In addition, this layer shows loose and uniformly distributed electrostatic interaction between Li+ and charge delocalized sp3 boron–oxygen anions, which aids to form a uniform intermolecular Li+ path regulating the homogeneous distribution of Li+ flux on Li anodes. Finally, the designed POSS–LiBMAB layer has high ionic conductivity and lithium‐ion transference number, which can effectively promote Li+ diffusion and guide Li deposition beneath the SEI layer. Therefore, with the protection of the POSS‐LiBMAB layer, the Li metal anode exhibits stable cycling at 5 mA cm−2 for more than 1000 h, and the LFP//Li full cells also present outstanding cycling stability.
Magnetic Control and Real‐Time Monitoring of Stem Cell Differentiation by the Ligand Nanoassembly
Authors: Lee Sungkyu , Kim Myeong Soo , Patel Kapil D. , Choi Hyojun , Thangam Ramar , Yoon Jinho , Koo Thomas Myeongseok , Jung Hee Joon , Min Sunhong , Bae Gunhyu , Kim Yuri , Han Seong‐Beom , Kang Nayeon , Kim Minjin , Li Na , Fu Hong En , Jeon Yoo Sang , Song Jae‐Jun , Kim Dong‐Hwee , Park Steve , Choi Jeong‐Woo , Paulmurugan Ramasamy , Kang Yun Chan , Lee Heon , Wei Qiang , Dravid Vinayak P. , Lee Ki‐Bum , Kim Young Keun , Kang Heemin
Published: September 2021

Native extracellular matrix (ECM) exhibits dynamic change in the ligand position. Herein, the ECM‐emulating control and real‐time monitoring of stem cell differentiation are demonstrated by ligand nanoassembly. The density of gold nanoassembly presenting cell‐adhesive Arg‐Gly‐Asp (RGD) ligand on Fe3O4 (magnetite) nanoparticle in nanostructures flexibly grafted to material is changed while keeping macroscale ligand density invariant. The ligand nanoassembly on the Fe3O4 can be magnetically attracted to mediate rising and falling ligand movements via linker stretching and compression, respectively. High ligand nanoassembly density stimulates integrin ligation to activate the mechanosensing‐assisted stem cell differentiation, which is monitored via in situ real‐time electrochemical sensing. Magnetic control of rising and falling ligand movements hinders and promotes the adhesion‐mediated mechanotransduction and differentiation of stem cells, respectively. These rising and falling ligand states yield the difference in the farthest distance (≈34.6 nm) of the RGD from material surface, thereby dynamically mimicking static long and short flexible linkers, which hinder and promote cell adhesion, respectively. Design of cytocompatible ligand nanoassemblies can be made with combinations of dimensions, shapes, and biomimetic ligands for remotely regulating stem cells for offering novel methodologies to advance regenerative therapies.
In Situ Optical Studies on Morphology Formation in Organic Photovoltaic Blends
Authors: Liu Yanfeng , Yangui Aymen , Zhang Rui , Kiligaridis Alexander , Moons Ellen , Gao Feng , Inganäs Olle , Scheblykin Ivan G. , Zhang Fengling
Published: September 2021

The efficiency of bulk heterojunction (BHJ) based organic solar cells is highly dependent on the morphology of the blend film, which is a result of a fine interplay between donor, acceptor, and solvent during the film drying. In this work, a versatile set‐up of in situ spectroscopies is used to follow the morphology evolution during blade coating of three iconic BHJ systems, including polymer:fullerene, polymer:nonfullerene small molecule, and polymer:polymer. the drying and photoluminescence quenching dynamics are systematically study during the film formation of both pristine and BHJ films, which indicate that the component with higher molecular weight dominates the blend film formation and the final morphology. Furthermore, Time‐resolved photoluminescence, which is employed for the first time as an in situ method for such drying studies, allows to quantitatively determine the extent of dynamic and static quenching, as well as the relative change of quantum yield during film formation. This work contributes to a fundamental understanding of microstructure formation during the processing of different blend films. The presented setup is considered to be an important tool for the future development of blend inks for solution‐cast organic or hybrid electronics.
PolyRec Gesture Design Tool: A tool for fast prototyping of gesture‐based mobile applications
Authors: Bufano Roberto , Costagliola Gennaro , De Rosa Mattia , Fuccella Vittorio
Published: September 2021

In this article, we present PolyRec Gesture Design Tool (PolyRec GDT), a tool that allows the definition of gesture sets for mobile applications. It supports the entire process of designing gesture sets, from collecting gestures to analyzing and exporting the set created for use in a mobile application. It is equipped with the PolyRec gesture recognizer, a unistroke recognizer based on template matching with good accuracy and performances while still allowing support for other recognizers. The main features of PolyRec GDT include the ability to collect gestures directly on mobile devices, to detect similarities between gestures to help the designer to detect ambiguities in the design phase, and the ability to automatically select the most representative gestures for each gesture class by using a clustering technique to increase recognition speed without affecting accuracy. Experimental results show that this latter feature allows an increase in accuracy compared with when the same operation is performed manually by developers or randomly by software. Finally, a user study was carried out to evaluate PolyRec GDT, in which participants were asked to use it to add gesture functionality to a mobile application. The results showed that with the support of PolyRec GDT this operation took only a few minutes for participants with mobile development experience, whereas it would have taken much longer without the support of PolyRec GDT.
PESTLE+ risk analysis model to assess pandemic preparedness of digital ecosystems
Authors: Anwar Memoona J. , Gill Asif Q. , Fitzgibbon Anthony D. , Gull Inam
Published: September 2021

COVID‐19 pandemic has affected every country in many ways. Its substantial economic impacts are causing businesses to fade, pushing many nations into an economic downturn. This exposes organizations worldwide to unique risks which cannot be foreseen with conventional methods of risk analysis. This research is part of a broader action design research project conducted in collaboration with industry partner to answer an important research question: How to extend PESTLE risk analysis model to assess pandemic preparedness? In this context, the health factor is added to extend the traditional PESTLE risk analysis model. Furthermore, the interdependence between PESTLE factors has also been investigated, which has not been discussed before. The contribution of this research is the novel PESTLE+ risk analysis model that will help individuals and businesses to improve their understanding of the health crisis, such as the COVID‐19, adjust accordingly and eventually endure the ongoing crisis, which is driving most businesses into liquidation.
Analysis of actual confinement provided by high‐strength steel spirals in reactive powder concrete of anchorage zones
Authors: Li Sheng , Zheng Wenzhong , Zhou Wei , Fan Mengmei , Gai Liqi
Published: September 2021

The local bearing strength and deformation capacity of the reactive powder concrete (RPC) specimens can be dramatically improved by arranging steel spirals. In effect, the actual stress level of spirals is closely correlated with the compression behavior of concrete loaded over limited area. However, limited work has been focused on the actual stress of steel spirals in RPC. To obtain the actual confinement provided by the high‐strength spirals in anchorage zones, 10 RPC specimens loaded over limited area were conducted. The load–spiral strain relationships and the deformation–spiral strain responses were discussed to investigate the lateral response of RPC. The high‐strength spirals failed to reach the yield strength at the peak load, and the actual strain of the spirals ranged from 1800 to 2500 με, while the residual strength of the high‐strength spirals could be fully utilized after the peak load. The actual stress of the spirals at the peak load decreased with the concrete compression strength, which increased the volumetric ratio of spirals. Furthermore, the actual stress predicting equation of spirals in RPC at the peak load was developed based on the results. Meanwhile the formula for calculating the bound value of the volumetric ratio of spirals was derived to determine whether the spirals yielded at the peak load. In view of the above analyses, a method for calculating the local bearing capacity considering the actual stress of the spirals was further developed.
Simplified group activity selection with group size constraints
Authors: Darmann Andreas , Döcker Janosch , Dorn Britta , Schneckenburger Sebastian
Published: September 2021

Several real-world situations can be represented in terms of agents that have preferences over activities in which they may participate. Often, the agents can take part in at most one activity (for instance, since these take place simultaneously), and there are additional constraints on the number of agents that can participate in an activity. In such a setting, we consider the task of assigning agents to activities in a reasonable way. We introduce the simplified group activity selection problem providing a general yet simple model for a broad variety of settings, and start investigating its special case where upper and lower bounds of the groups have to be taken into account. We apply different solution concepts such as envy-freeness and core stability to our setting and provide a computational complexity study for the problem of finding such solutions.
Insight into dual fluorescence effects induced by molecular aggregation occurring in membrane model systems containing 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives
Authors: David Melinda , Budziak-Wieczorek Iwona , Karcz Dariusz , Florescu Monica , Matwijczuk Arkadiusz
Published: September 2021

This work reports on biophysical insights into the excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) processes taking place in three 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives that served as model compounds, on which electronic absorption, fluorescence, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) studies were performed. The fluorescence spectra recorded in various solvents revealed an interesting dual fluorescence effect. In molecules in their monomeric form, the effect is associated with the ESIPT phenomenon, and may be further enhanced by aggregation-related effects, such as aggregation-induced emissions. Other spectroscopic studies on the selected molecules in a liposomal medium as a model revealed that, in a biomimetic environment, they can exist in both monomeric and aggregated forms. In both cases, however, the effects observed are closely related to the lipid’s main phase transition temperature and the structure of the molecule. Introduction of specific substituents to the phenyl moiety either allows or prevents proton transfer from occurring in the excited state. The hydrophobicity changes in a lipid environment may result in an emergence of specific molecular forms and therefore either facilitate or hinder ESIPT processes. SPR and EIS confirmed the significant hydrophobicity changes in the model lipid systems, while FTIR measurements revealed a notable influence of 1,3,4-thiadiazoles on the fluidity of liposomal membranes. The results obtained clearly show that the thiadiazole derivatives are very good model molecules for studying hydrophobic-hydrophilic environments, and particularly with polymers or liposomes used as drug delivery systems.
Factors influencing patient satisfaction after treatments for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Pompili Cecilia , Dalmia Sanjush , McLennan Battleday Finn , Rogers Zoe , Absolom Kate , Bekker Hilary , Franks Kevin , Brunelli Alex , Velikova Galina
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Patient-reported outcome measures, including satisfaction with treatment decisions, provide important information in addition to clinical outcomes, survival and decision-making in lung cancer surgery. We investigated associations between preoperative clinical and socio-demographic factors and patient-reported satisfaction 6 weeks after radical treatment for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

We conducted a sub-group analysis of the prospective observational longitudinal study of 225 participants in two treatment groups—surgical (VATS) and radiotherapy (SABR). The Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire-18 (PSQ-18) was used to measure patient satisfaction 6 weeks after treatment. Clinical variables, Index of Multiple Deprivation decile and Decision self-efficacy scores were used in regression analysis. Variables with a p level < 0.1 were used as independent predictors in generalised linear logistic regression analyses.

Results

As expected, the two groups differed in pre-treatment clinical features. The SABR group experienced more grade 1–2 complications than the VATS group. No differences were found between the groups in any subscale of the PSQ-18 questionnaire. Patients experiencing complications or living in more deprived areas were more satisfied with care. Properative factors independently associated with patient satisfaction were the efficacy in decision-making and age.

Conclusion

We showed that efficacy in treatment decision-making and age was the sole predictor of patient satisfaction with their care after radical treatment for early-stage NSCLC. Patients from more deprived areas and patients who suffered complications reported greater subsequent satisfaction. Involving patients in their care may improve satisfaction after treatment for early-stage NSCLC.
Operating behavior and performance of oil-lubricated plastic gears
Authors: Illenberger C. M. , Tobie T. , Stahl K.
Published: September 2021

Plastic gears and their numerous applications have become an integral part of industrial practice. In particular, the ability to produce large numbers of gears cost-effectively using injection molding techniques is making a significant contribution to growing market shares. Compared to conventional steel materials, however, the material properties of thermoplastics differ fundamentally. In particular, the high temperature dependence of the material properties and the lower strength pose challenges for designers. Against this background, theoretical and experimental studies on the operating and service life behavior of different thermoplastic materials have been conducted and evaluated. In addition to theoretical investigations on the tooth flank load carrying capacity, comprehensive measurements on temperature behavior were carried out and compared to common methods of temperature calculation for plastic gears. Experimental investigations on the tooth flank load capacity by means of back-to-back tests of different materials and their evaluation show the potential of thermoplastic materials for the application in power transmitting drivetrains. This contribution will give an overview of the performed research work and summarizes main results of these studies.