bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IFIT2‐depleted metastatic oral squamous cell carcinoma cells induce muscle atrophy and cancer cachexia in mice
Authors: Lai Kuo‐Chu , Hong Zi‐Xuan , Hsieh Jyh‐Gang , Lee Hui‐Ju , Yang Muh‐Hwa , Hsieh Chia‐Husu , Yang Cheng‐Han , Chen Yan‐Ru
Published: February 2022

Background

Interferon‐induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeat 2 (IFIT2) is a reported metastasis suppressor in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Metastases and cachexia may coexist. The effect of cancer metastasis on cancer cachexia is largely unknown. We aimed to address this gap in knowledge by characterizing the cachectic phenotype of an IFIT2‐depleted metastatic OSCC mouse model.

Methods

Genetically engineered and xenograft tumour models were used to explore the effect of IFIT2‐depleted metastatic OSCC on cancer cachexia. Muscle and organ weight changes, tumour burden, inflammatory cytokine profiles, body composition, food intake, serum albumin and C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels, and survival were assessed. The activation of the IL6/p38 pathway in atrophied muscle was measured.

Results

IFIT2‐depleted metastatic tumours caused marked body weight loss (−18.2% vs. initial body weight, P < 0.001) and a poor survival rate (P < 0.01). Skeletal muscles were markedly smaller in IFIT2‐depleted metastatic tumour‐bearing mice (quadriceps: −28.7%, gastrocnemius: −29.4%, and tibialis: −24.3%, all P < 0.001). Tumour‐derived circulating granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (+772.2‐fold, P < 0.05), GROα (+1283.7‐fold, P < 0.05), IL6 (+245.8‐fold, P < 0.001), IL8 (+616.9‐fold, P < 0.001), IL18 (+24‐fold, P < 0.05), IP10 (+18.8‐fold, P < 0.001), CCL2 (+439.2‐fold, P < 0.001), CCL22 (+9.1‐fold, P < 0.01) and tumour necrosis factor α (+196.8‐fold, P < 0.05) were elevated in IFIT2‐depleted metastatic tumour‐bearing mice. Murine granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (+61.4‐fold, P < 0.001) and IL6 (+110.9‐fold, P < 0.01) levels were significantly increased in IFIT2‐depleted metastatic tumour‐bearing mice. Serum CRP level (+82.1%, P < 0.05) was significantly increased in cachectic shIFIT2 mice. Serum albumin level (−26.7%, P < 0.01) was significantly decreased in cachectic shIFIT2 mice. An assessment of body composition revealed decreased fat (−81%, P < 0.001) and lean tissue (−21.7%, P < 0.01), which was consistent with the reduced food intake (−19.3%, P < 0.05). Muscle loss was accompanied by a smaller muscle cross‐sectional area (−23.3%, P < 0.05). Muscle atrophy of cachectic IFIT2‐depleted metastatic tumour‐bearing mice (i.v.‐shIFIT2 group) was associated with elevated IL6 (+2.7‐fold, P < 0.05), phospho‐p38 (+2.8‐fold, P < 0.05), and atrogin‐1 levels (+2.3‐fold, P < 0.05) in the skeletal muscle. Neutralization of IL6 rescued shIFIT2 conditioned medium‐induced myotube atrophy (+24.6%, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the development of shIFIT2 metastatic OSCC lesions promotes IL6 production and is accompanied by the loss of fat and lean tissue, anorexia, and muscle atrophy. This model is appropriate for the study of OSCC cachexia, especially in linking metastasis with cachexia.
Construction of WSe2/In2S3 heterojunction for boosted photocatalytic performance for the degradation of methylene blue under visible light
Authors: Wang Xingang , Liu Kai , Jing Zhengtong , Li Xiaorui , Sun Yang , Guo Feng , Dai Hongliang
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

The construction of a heterojunction is an effective strategy to enhance the activity of a photocatalyst.

RESULTS

WSe2/In2S3 photocatalysts with favorable photostability and reusability were prepared via a hydrothermal method. The structural and morphological features of WSe2/In2S3 were investigated using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Photocatalytic performance of WSe2/In2S3 was tested by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light. The optimal degradation rate of MB by WSe2/In2S3 reached 92% within 120 min. After eight regeneration cycles, the degradation of WSe2/In2S3 still reached 70% and exhibited good photocatalytic stability.

CONCLUSION

The enhanced photocatalytic activity is attributed to the formation of heterostructure of WSe2/In2S3, which could effectively separate the photogenerated e−–h+ pairs. Meanwhile, the photocatalytic degradation intermediates of MB by WSe2/In2S3 heterostructure was investigated by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The results show that the obtained WSe2/In2S3 photocatalyst has a promising practical application. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Neutrophil-derived extracellular vesicles promote feed-forward inflammasome signaling in cystic fibrosis airways
Authors: Forrest Osric A , Dobosh Brian , Ingersoll Sarah A , Rao Sanjana , Rojas Alexander , Laval Julie , Alvarez Jessica A , Brown Milton R , Tangpricha Vin , Tirouvanziam Rabindra
Published: February 2022

Cystic fibrosis (CF) airways feature high extracellular levels of the IL-1 family of proinflammatory mediators. These mediators are cleavage products of caspase-1, the final protease in the inflammasome cascade. Due to the proven chronic presence of reprogrammed neutrophils in the CF airway lumen, understanding inflammasome signaling in these cells is of great importance to understand how disease is perpetuated in this milieu. Here, we hypothesized that CF airway neutrophils contribute to chronic inflammation, in part, via the packaging of inflammasome-inducing signals in extracellular vesicles (EVs). We confirmed that CF airway fluid is enriched in IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-18, and that CF airway neutrophils up-regulate the activating receptor IL-1R1. Meanwhile, down-modulatory signals such as IL-1R2 and IL-1RA are unchanged. Active caspase-1 itself is present in CF airway fluid EVs, with neutrophil-derived EVs being most enriched. Using a transmigration model of CF airway inflammation, we show that CF airway fluid EVs are necessary and sufficient to induce primary granule exocytosis by naïve neutrophils (hallmark of reprogramming) and concomitantly activate caspase-1 and IL-1β production by these cells and that the addition of triple-combination highly effective CFTR modulator therapy does not abrogate these effects. Finally, EVs from activated neutrophils can deliver active caspase-1 to primary tracheal epithelial cells and induce their release of IL-1α. These findings support the existence of a feed-forward inflammatory process by which reprogrammed CF airway neutrophils bypass 2-step control of inflammasome activation in neighboring cells (naïve neutrophils and epithelial cells) via the transfer of bioactive EVs.
Food for thought: Eating before saliva collection and interference with SARS‐CoV‐2 detection
Authors: Hernandez Matthew M. , Riollano‐Cruz Mariawy , Boyle Mary C. , Banu Radhika , Shrestha Paras , Gray Brandon , Cao Liyong , Chen Feng , Shi Huanzhi , Paniz‐Perez Daniel E. , Paniz‐Perez Paul A. , Rishi Aryan L. , Dubinsky Jacob , Dubinsky Dylan , Dubinsky Owen , Baine Sophie , Baine Lily , Arinsburg Suzanne , Baine Ian , Ramirez Juan David , Cordon‐Cardo Carlos , Sordillo Emilia Mia , Paniz‐Mondolfi Alberto E.
Published: February 2022

Saliva is a promising specimen for the detection of viruses that cause upper respiratory infections including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) due to its cost‐effectiveness and noninvasive collection. However, together with intrinsic enzymes and oral microbiota, children's unique dietary habits may introduce substances that interfere with diagnostic testing. To determine whether children's dietary choices impact SARS‐CoV‐2 molecular detection in saliva, we performed a diagnostic study that simulates testing of real‐life specimens provided from healthy children (n = 5) who self‐collected saliva at home before and at 0, 20, and 60 min after eating 20 foods they selected. Each of 72 specimens was split into two volumes and spiked with SARS‐CoV‐2‐negative or SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive clinical standards before side‐by‐side testing by reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight (RT‐PCR/MALDI‐TOF) assay. Detection of internal extraction control and SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleic acids was reduced in replicates of saliva collected at 0 min after eating 11 of 20 foods. Interference resolved at 20 and 60 min after eating all foods except hot dogs in one participant. This represented a significant improvement in the detection of nucleic acids compared to saliva collected at 0 min after eating (p = 0.0005). We demonstrate successful detection of viral nucleic acids in saliva self‐collected by children before and after eating a variety of foods. Fasting is not required before saliva collection for SARS‐CoV‐2 testing by RT‐PCR/MALDI‐TOF, but waiting for 20 min after eating is sufficient for accurate testing. These findings should be considered for SARS‐CoV‐2 testing and broader viral diagnostics in saliva specimens.
Tau nuclear translocation is a leading step in tau pathology process through P53 stabilization and nucleolar dispersion
Authors: Roqanian Shaqayeq , Ahmadian Shahin , Nabavi Seyed Masood , Pakdaman Hossein , Shafiezadeh Mahshid , Goudarzi Ghazaleh , Shahpasand Koorosh
Published: February 2022

Tau protein abnormalities are associated with various neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). In tau‐overexpressing SHSY5Y cells and iPSC‐derived neuron models of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), axonal tau translocates into the nuclear compartment, resulting in neuronal dysfunction. Despite extensive research, the mechanisms by which tau translocation results in neurodegeneration remain elusive thus far. We studied the nuclear displacement of different P‐tau species [Cis phosphorylated Thr231‐tau (cis P‐tau), phosphorylated Ser202/Thr205‐tau (AT8 P‐tau), and phosphorylated Thr212/Ser214‐tau (AT100 P‐tau)] at various time points using starvation in primary cortical neurons and single severe TBI (ssTBI) in male mouse cerebral cortices as tauopathy models. While all P‐tau species translocated into the somatodendritic compartment in response to stress, cis P‐tau did so more rapidly than the other species. Notably, nuclear localization of P‐tau was associated with p53 apoptotic stabilization and nucleolar stress, both of which resulted in neurodegeneration. In summary, our findings indicate that P‐tau nuclear translocation results in p53‐dependent apoptosis and nucleolar dispersion, which is consistent with neurodegeneration.
Selective access to novel aryl alkyl disulfonates via photosulfochlorination process: An eco‐benign approach to a highly active class of surfactants
Authors: Daoudi Hadda , Sehailia Moussa , Tazerouti Amel
Published: February 2022

In this work we report the synthesis of a new family of surfactants based on aryl alkyl disulfonates; the latter compounds were derived from a mixture of linear alkylbenzene with the resulting disulfonate groups residing on the linear alkyl side‐chain rather than the usual aromatic ring structure. The Reed sulfochlorination reaction was successfully utilized to selectively promote the formation of disulfonates on the alkyl group. A number of analytical methods in the form of liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) were used to characterize the resulting compounds and intermediates. The critical micelle concentration, the surface tension at the critical micelle concentration, the surface excess concentration at surface tension, and the area per molecule were measured at different concentrations and temperatures. Thermodynamic parameters and Krafft temperature were also determined. The obtained results were compared to those of commercial n‐dodecylbenzene sulfonates and linear alkylbenzene sulfonates surfactants, showing that these new synthesized surfactants present good surface properties.
A study on corrosion mechanism of 15CrMo in saline (Na2SO4) steam at high temperature
Authors: Bai Bing , Deng Lei , Che Defu
Published: February 2022

To clarify the corrosion mechanism of 15CrMo in saline (Na2SO4) steam, the experiments were conducted on a novel setup. The samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscope and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results indicate that insoluble sulfide, FexSy, would form on the gas‐phase corroded surface while it would not occur on the liquid‐phase corroded surface. The salinity of water/steam has a destructive effect on hydrogen bonds. Compared with deionized steam/water, salinity accelerates the corrosion of steel in two ways  electric current intensification in primary cell and energy promotion of the solution system. FeOOH does not change obviously with the increase of salt concentration. The relative variation values of FeOOH content with salt concentration are only 2.43% (gas) and 3.40% (liquid), respectively. Besides, the FeOOH content on the liquid‐phase corroded surface is much greater than that on the gas‐phase corroded surface regardless of the salt concentration. The content of Fe3O4in the gas/liquid phase decreases from 17.01%/24.58% to 6.02%/18.30%. The Fe2O3content in the gas/liquid phase increases from 40.12%/9.85% to 73.62%/17.05%.
Effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate and zinc chloride mouthwashes in the treatment of oral mucositis and quality of life in patients with cancer under chemotherapy
Authors: Mohammadi Fateme , Oshvandi Khodayar , Kamallan Seyed Ramesh , Khazaei Salman , Ranjbar Hossein , Ahmadi‐Motamayel Fatemeh , Gillespie Mark , Jenabi Ensiyeh , Vafaei Seyed Yaser
Published: February 2022

Aim

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate and zinc chloride mouthwashes on oral mucositis and quality of life in patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Design

The present study was a randomized controlled trial study.

Methods

One hundred forty‐four patients with a cancer diagnosis were randomly assigned into three groups: sodium bicarbonate mouthwash (n = 48), zinc chloride mouthwash (n = 48) and placebo group (n = 48). The severity of mucositis and quality of life were examined blindly at the baseline and 3‐week follow‐up.

Results

The grade of oral mucositis decreased at the end of the third weeks in the sodium bicarbonate and zinc chloride groups rather than the placebo group (p < .001). The severity of oral mucositis in the sodium bicarbonate and zinc chloride groups decreased from end of the first week until third week (p < .001). In addition, there was significant difference in the severity of oral mucositis among the groups at the end of the second (p = .014) and the third weeks (p < .001). Also, there was a statistically significant difference in quality of life scores between the sodium bicarbonate and zinc chloride mouthwash with the placebo group (p < .001).

Conclusion

Zinc chloride and sodium bicarbonate mouthwashes were effective in treating and reducing the severity of oral mucositis, and subsequently improving quality of life in patients with cancer under chemotherapy. Therefore, we can recommend zinc chloride and sodium bicarbonate at the beginning of chemotherapy to improve oral health and promoting quality of life in these patients.
Back and forth: Conversation marketing in higher education
Authors: Talarico Donna
Published: February 2022

Last month's marketing column highlighted some top trends predicted for 2022. Among them was the wider adoption of conversation marketing or, in the case of those already dabbling in it, increasing the depth and breadth of this medium's usage.
Sustained release of Lactobacillus casei cell wall extract can induce a continuous and stable IgA deposition model
Authors: Wan Feng , Wang Hui , Wang Manliu , Lv Jicheng , Zhao Minghui , Zhang Hong
Published: February 2022

Mucosal immune regulation is considered a key aspect of immunopathogenesis of IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Direct experimental evidence clarifying the role of intestinal mucosa attributes in IgAN is lacking. In this study, a mouse model was established via multiple low‐dose intraperitoneal injections of Lactobacillus casei cell wall extract (LCWE) emulsified with Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA). We found continuous and stable deposition of IgA in glomerular mesangial areas, accompanying high circulating levels of IgA and IgA–IgG complexes. Expression of the key extracellular matrix components collagen IV and fibronectin also increased in the mesangial areas of LCWE‐induced mice. IgA+B220+ B‐cell proportion increased in the small intestine (SI), Peyer's patches, inguinal lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow. The intestinal barrier was dysfunctional in the LCWE‐induced mice, and consistent with this, higher levels of serum zonulin (namely prehaptoglobin‐2), a regulator of epithelial and endothelial barrier function, were observed in patients with IgAN. Hematoxylin and eosin staining results indicated that immune tissues such as liver, spleen, and lymph nodes showed an inflammatory response and focal lesions. Glucocorticoid methylprednisolone treatment could alleviate serum IgA and IgA–IgG complex levels and mesangial IgA deposition. Taken together, our results indicate that we have successfully constructed a mouse model with IgA deposition in the mesangial areas of the glomeruli and provide evidence for the connection between the intestinal barrier and elevated circulating IgA and IgA–IgG in IgAN. © 2022 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Clinically relevant DNA viruses in pregnancy
Authors: Linthorst Jasper , Welkers Matthijs R. A. , Sistermans Erik A.
Published: February 2022

Infections by DNA viruses during pregnancy are associated with increased health risks to both mother and fetus. Although not all DNA viruses are related to an increased risk of complications during pregnancy, several can directly infect the fetus and/or cause placental dysfunction. During Non‐Invasive Prenatal Testing analysis, the presence of viral DNA can be detected, theoretically allowing screening early in pregnancy. Although treatment options are currently limited, this might rapidly change in the near future. It is therefore important to be aware of the potential impact of these viruses on feto‐maternal health. In this manuscript we provide a brief introduction into the most commonly detected DNA viruses in human cell‐free DNA sequencing experiments and their pathogenic potential during pregnancy.
Registration of two oilseed sunflower germplasms HA‐DM7 and HA‐DM8 resistant to sunflower downy mildew
Authors: Ma Guojia , Seiler Gerald , Qi Lili
Published: February 2022

Downy mildew (DM) is one of the most destructive diseases in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) production worldwide that limits yield and reduces seed quality. The oilseed sunflower germplasms HA‐DM7 (Reg. no. GP‐375, PI 691508) and HA‐DM8 (Reg. no. GP‐376, PI 698192) were developed using backcrossing, pedigree breeding, and DNA marker‐assisted selection for DM resistance. They were released by the USDA‐ARS, Sunflower and Plant Biology Research Unit in collaboration with the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station in July 2019 and March 2020, respectively. HA‐DM7 is a BC2F3‐derived BC2F4 oilseed maintainer selection from the cross of HA 89*2//NMS HA 89/PI 494578, and HA‐DM8 is a BC2F5‐derived BC2F6 oilseed maintainer selection from the cross of HA 89*2//NMS HA 89/PI 494576. HA‐DM7 harbors the DM R gene Pl20 mapped to sunflower chromosome 8, while HA‐DM8 harbors the DM R gene Pl35 on sunflower chromosome 1. Both genes were derived from wild sunflower species Helianthus argophyllus accessions, PI 494578 and PI 494576, respectively, both having broad‐spectrum resistance to the most predominant and virulent Plasmopara halstedii races identified in North America and Europe. Phenotypic and molecular testing confirmed that HA‐DM7 and HA‐DM8 germplasms are homozygous for the DM gene. These DM‐resistant oilseed sunflower germplasms will expand the genetic pool for sunflower breeding projects globally, protecting sunflower production from yield losses.
Trace Compound Analysis in TATB by Liquid Chromatography coupled with Spectroscopic and Spectrometric Detection
Authors: Coffee Keith R. , Panasci‐Nott Adele F. , Stewart Benjamin J. , Olivas Jason A. , Williams Audrey M. , Reynolds John G.
Published: February 2022

Accurate quantitation of 1,3,5‐triamino‐2,4,6‐trinitrobenzene (TATB) is important because of its strategic use as an energetic material. A purity determination is also needed for the proper assessment of performance. A fast and sensitive method has been developed to measure the purity of TATB in polymer‐bonded materials. The target material is extracted with DMSO, and the extract is separated on a reversed‐phase chromatography column. The column effluent is monitored by diode array detection (DAD) at 354 nm. The characteristic UV‐Vis response and retention time identify the individual components when compared to pure compound standards. The chemical structures of compounds with no pure standards available have been determined by high‐resolution mass spectrometry (MS) and MS/MS. The major component, TATB, along with 1‐chloro‐3,5‐dinitro‐2,4,6‐triaminobenzene (T4A) and mono‐benzofuroxan (FX1) were quantitated directly from pure compound standards. Several trace concentration components, mono‐benzofurazan (F1), 1‐bromo‐3,5‐dinitro‐2,4,6‐triaminobenzene (Br‐T4A), 2,4,6‐triamino‐1‐nitroso‐3,5‐dinitrobenzene (MN‐TATB), 2,4,6‐triamino‐1‐hydroxyl‐3,5‐dinitrobenzene (HO‐TATB), and 2,4,6‐triamino‐1‐nitrile‐3,5‐dinitrobenzene (Nitrile‐TATB) were also detected and structures verified via MS/MS. Approximate concentrations were determined using calibrations from standards of similar structures. Additional trace components were also detected by MS. Contained herein are the results of analyses of TATB‐based materials characterized for polymer‐bonded formulations compared to different preparations of TATB. The accuracy, details, and process of developing this method are reported here.
Photoluminescence Study of Carrier Localization and Recombination in Nearly Strain‐Balanced Nonpolar InGaN/AlGaN Quantum Wells
Authors: Cao Yang , Dzuba Brandon , Magill Brenden A. , Senichev Alexander , Nguyen Trang , Diaz Rosa E. , Manfra Michael J. , McGill Stephen , Garcia Carlos , Khodaparast Giti A. , Malis Oana
Published: February 2022

Temperature‐dependent continuous‐excitation and time‐resolved photoluminescence are studied to probe carrier localization and recombination in nearly strain‐balanced m‐plane In0.09Ga0.91N/Al0.19Ga0.81N multi‐quantum wells grown by plasma‐assisted molecular‐beam epitaxy. An average localization depth of 21 meV is estimated for the undoped sample. This depth is much smaller than the reported values in polar structures and m‐plane InGaN quantum wells. As part of this study, temperature and magnetic field dependence of time‐resolved photoluminescence is performed. At 2 K, an initial fast decay time of ≈0.3 ns is measured for both undoped and doped structures. The undoped sample also exhibits a slow decay component with a time scale of 2.2 ns. The existence of two relaxation paths in the undoped structure can be attributed to different localization centers. The fast relaxation decays are relatively insensitive to external magnetic fields, while the slower relaxation time constant decreases significantly with increasing magnetic fields. The fast decay time scale in the undoped sample is likely due to indium fluctuations in the quantum well. The slow decay time may be related to carrier localization in the barriers. The addition of doping leads to a single fast decay time likely due to stronger exciton localization in the InGaN quantum wells.
First‐Principles Calculation of Transport and Thermoelectric Coefficients in Liquid Ge2Sb2Te5
Authors: Baratella Dario , Dragoni Daniele , Bernasconi Marco
Published: February 2022

Thermoelectric effects play an important role in the programming operations of phase‐change memories. The electrothermal modeling of the device thus requires the knowledge of transport coefficients such as the electrical and thermal conductivities and the Seebeck coefficient at different temperatures. Herein, these transport coefficients of liquid Ge2Sb2Te5 at a few temperatures above melting are calculated by means of density functional molecular dynamics simulations.
Electronic Properties of the Weyl Semimetals Co2MnX (X=Si, Ge, Sn)
Authors: Sharan Abhishek , Crasto de Lima Felipe , Khalid Shoaib , Miwa Roberto H. , Janotti Anderson
Published: February 2022

Using first‐principles electronic structure calculations, it is shown that ferromagnetic Heusler compounds Co2MnX (X = Si, Ge, Sn) present nontrivial topological characteristics and belong to the category of Weyl semimetals. These materials exhibit two topologically interesting band crossings near the Fermi level. These band crossings have complex 3D geometries in the Brillouin zone and are characterized by nontrivial topology as Hopf links and chain‐like nodal lines that are protected by the perpendicular mirror planes. The spin–orbit interaction split these nodal lines into several 0D Weyl band crossings. Unlike previously known topologically nontrivial Heusler materials, these majority spin band crossings lie in or very near to the bandgap of minority spin bands, potentially facilitating experimental observation.
A reliability modeling method for the system subject to common cause failures and competing failures
Authors: Zeng Yining , Sun Youchao
Published: February 2022

Competing failures are time domain contention situations between the propagated failures (PFs) that originate from dependent components and the failure isolation caused by the trigger component. The methods based on combinatorial analysis commonly used in the analysis of competing failures require a complicated formula derivation and model reduction process. This paper proposes an integrated model based on generalized stochastic Petri nets (GSPNs) for analyzing the competing failures in the system, and further considers the effect of common cause failures (CCFs). The proposed modeling method inherits the advantages of GSPNs and provides a simplified method to compute the reliability of systems, which affect by competing failures and CCFs. Finally, the proposed method is applied in the flight control system (FCS) and demonstrated by the efficient decomposition and aggregation (EDA) method and combinatorial analysis method.
Atmospheric pressure matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry of engine oil additive components
Authors: Ramopoulou Lamprini , Widder Lukas , Brenner Josef , Ristic Andjelka , Allmaier Günter
Published: February 2022

Rationale

The efficiency of lubricants strongly depends on the content of functional additives. In order to assess the chemical and structural changes taking place in the lubricating oil and its additives during operation, it is essential to develop a method for simple and prompt analysis.

Methods

Two single additives as well as a fully formulated engine oil were analysed using an atmospheric pressure matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (AP‐MALDI) source coupled to a linear trap quadrupole Orbitrap XL hybrid tandem mass spectrometer and compared with results obtained by means of electrospray ionization (ESI) including additional low‐energy collision‐induced dissociation (LE‐CID). The identification of additives directly from technical surfaces was simulated by using steel substrates as AP‐MALDI targets with varying roughness.

Results

After assessment and selection of the most suited AP‐MALDI matrix it was found that pure additives such as calcium sulfonate and zinc dialkyldithiophosphates (ZDDPs) could well be identified with abundant signal intensity based on their elemental composition. Molecular identification was corroborated by LE‐CID in ESI mode. Additionally, additives present in the fully formulated commercial oil such as ZDDPs and salicylates could be reliably identified based on the elemental composition of the deprotonated molecules by means of the Orbitrap unit on different substrates including steel surfaces with high roughness.

Conclusions

AP‐MALDI is an efficient technique for determination of lubricant additives directly from commercial oil blends. Identification of additive components was also achieved on steel surfaces with high roughness as applied in tribological systems and thus it is expected that it will be possible to assess additive degradation in real applications, enabling more effective and timely maintenance measures.
Defect Engineering Strategies Toward Controlled Functionalization of Solution‐Processed Transition Metal Dichalcogenides
Authors: Ippolito Stefano , Samorì Paolo
Published: February 2022

Solution‐processed transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are attracting unceasing attention owing to their wide‐ranging portfolio of physicochemical properties, making them prime candidates for low‐cost and real‐life applications in (opto)electronics, (bio)sensing, and energy‐related technologies. The performance of TMD‐based devices is strictly interconnected with the inherent features and quality of the materials, which should be tuned in view of their ultimate application. In this regard, the device performance is hitherto undermined by the presence of structural defects inherited from both the bulk systems and the exfoliation procedures. To overcome this limitation, a notable research effort has been devoted to the development of molecular strategies taking advantage of the defective nature of solution‐processed TMDs, in order to meticulously tailor their physicochemical properties and expand the range of applicability. In this perspective, some of the most enlightening advances regarding the functionalization approaches exploiting TMD structural defects are presented, introducing the typical “imperfections” encountered in 2D crystal lattices (with different dimensionality, ranging from 0D to 2D) as well as discussing their in situ/ex situ generation methods. Finally, we highlight the future directions, challenges, and opportunities of defect engineering in TMDs by offering guidelines to boost the progress of 2D materials science and related technology.
Particle swarm optimization for searching efficient experimental designs: A review
Authors: Chen Ping‐Yang , Chen Ray‐Bing , Wong Weng Kee
Published: February 2022

The class of nature‐inspired metaheuristic algorithms is increasingly used to tackle all kinds of optimization problems across disciplines. It also plays an important component in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Members in this class are general purpose optimization tools that virtually require no assumptions for them to be applicable. There are many such algorithms, and to fix ideas, we review one of its exemplary members called particle swarm optimization (PSO). We discuss the algorithm, its recent applications to find different types of efficient experimental designs, and provide resources, where codes for PSO and other metaheuristic algorithms and tutorials with examples are available.

This article is categorized under:

Algorithms and Computational Methods > Genetic Algorithms and Evolutionary Computing
On the use of pride, hope and fear in China’s international artificial intelligence narratives on CGTN
Authors: van Noort Carolijn
Published: February 2022

China communicates strategic narratives about artificial intelligence (AI) in digital media productions to create a shared meaning about its actions and its image in the global race to develop AI. Building upon the literature in emotions and strategic narratives, this study seeks to clarify which emotions are discursively used in China’s international AI narratives, and their function and significance. Specifically, the study investigates emotion discourses in AI-focused videos disseminated on China’s international broadcasting (CGTN YouTube channel). The analysis reveals that pride, hope and fear discourses have multiple functions in China’s international AI narratives on CGTN. Hope is used to represent China as a key competitor in the global AI race, who is catching up to the US. China uses pride to showcase its advances in AI applications, to highlight its transformation of traditional industries, and to identity itself as equal to the US. Fear is used to frame US’s perception of China’s AI developments, to suggest their crisis of confidence, but also to refute the “China threat”. Additionally, the fear discourse is used to deliberate anticipated risks, particularly on job loss and data privacy. These emotion discourses forge China’s identity as a future global AI power. The paper then discusses how these findings contribute to key debates about Chinese discourse and media strategy.
Micropipette-based biomechanical nanotools on living cells
Authors: Wang Haoqing , Zhou Fang , Guo Yuze , Ju Lining Arnold
Published: February 2022

Mechanobiology is an emerging field at the interface of biology and mechanics, investigating the roles of mechanical forces within biomolecules, organelles, cells, and tissues. As a highlight, the recent advances of micropipette-based aspiration assays and dynamic force spectroscopies such as biomembrane force probe (BFP) provide unprecedented mechanobiological insights with excellent live-cell compatibility. In their classic applications, these assays measure force-dependent ligand–receptor-binding kinetics, protein conformational changes, and cellular mechanical properties such as cortical tension and stiffness. In recent years, when combined with advanced microscopies in high spatial and temporal resolutions, these biomechanical nanotools enable characterization of receptor-mediated cell mechanosensing and subsequent organelle behaviors at single-cellular and molecular level. In this review, we summarize the latest developments of these assays for live-cell mechanobiology studies. We also provide perspectives on their future upgrades with multimodal integration and high-throughput capability.
A Bayesian Modelling Framework for Integration of Ecosystem Services into Freshwater Resources Management
Authors: Bruen Michael , Hallouin Thibault , Christie Michael , Matson Ronan , Siwicka Ewa , Kelly Fiona , Bullock Craig , Feeley Hugh B. , Hannigan Edel , Kelly-Quinn Mary
Published: February 2022

Models of ecological response to multiple stressors and of the consequences for ecosystem services (ES) delivery are scarce. This paper describes a methodology for constructing a BBN combining catchment and water quality model output, data, and expert knowledge that can support the integration of ES into water resources management. It proposes “small group” workshop methods for elucidating expert knowledge and analyses the areas of agreement and disagreement between experts. The model was developed for four selected ES and for assessing the consequences of management options relating to no-change, riparian management, and decreasing or increasing livestock numbers. Compared with no-change, riparian management and a decrease in livestock numbers improved the ES investigated to varying degrees. Sensitivity analysis of the expert information in the BBN showed the greatest disagreements between experts were mainly for low probability situations and thus had little impact on the results. Conversely, in our applications, the best agreement between experts tended to occur for the higher probability, more likely, situations. This has implications for the practical use of this type of model to support catchment management decisions. The complexity of the relationship between management measures, the water quality and ecological responses and resulting changes in ES must not be a barrier to making decisions in the present time. The interactions of multiple stressors further complicate the situation. However, management decisions typically relate to the overall character of solutions and not their detailed design, which can follow once the nature of the solution has been chosen, for example livestock management or riparian measures or both.
A comparison of FDG PET/MR and PET/CT for staging, response assessment, and prognostic imaging biomarkers in lymphoma
Authors: Husby Trine , Johansen Håkon , Bogsrud Trond , Hustad Kari Vekseth , Evensen Birte Veslemøy , Boellard Ronald , Giskeødegård Guro F. , Fagerli Unn-Merete , Eikenes Live
Published: February 2022

The aim of the current study was to investigate the diagnostic performance of FDG PET/MR compared to PET/CT in a patient cohort including Hodgkins lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and high-grade B-cell lymphoma at baseline and response assessment. Sixty-one patients were examined with FDG PET/CT directly followed by PET/MR. Images were read by two pairs of nuclear medicine physicians and radiologists. Concordance for lymphoma involvement between PET/MR and the reference standard PET/CT was assessed at baseline and response assessment. Correlation of prognostic biomarkers Deauville score, criteria of response, SUVmax, SUVpeak, and MTV was performed between PET/MR and PET/CT. Baseline FDG PET/MR showed a sensitivity of 92.5% and a specificity 97.9% compared to the reference standard PET/CT (κ 0.91) for nodal sites. For extranodal sites, a sensitivity of 80.4% and a specificity of 99.5% were found (κ 0.84). Concordance in Ann Arbor was found in 57 of 61 patients (κ 0.92). Discrepancies were due to misclassification of region and not lesion detection. In response assessment, a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity 99.9% for all sites combined were found (κ 0.92). There was a perfect agreement on Deauville scores 4 and 5 and criteria of response between the two modalities. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for SUVmax, SUVpeak, and MTV values showed excellent reliability (ICC > 0.9). FDG PET/MR is a reliable alternative to PET/CT in this patient population, both in terms of lesion detection at baseline staging and response assessment, and for quantitative prognostic imaging biomarkers.
Influence of substrate temperature parameter on electrospinning process: example of application to the formation of gelatin fibers
Authors: Morsy Reda
Published: February 2022

The substrate temperature was investigated to broaden the applicability of controlling the morphology of polymeric fibers produced during the electrospinning process. A laboratory electrospinning setup was designed using a substrate heated in a temperature range of 25 °C to 100 °C. A gelatin polymer was used as an example to obtain beads-free gelatin fibers by fixing the main electrospinning parameters. Based on XRD, FTIR, and DSC techniques, the electrospun gelatin fibers did not show any change in their chemical composition up to 100 °C. Heating the substrate at 50 °C may be the best selection factor to obtain gelatin fibers; the fiber diameters experienced a significant decrease from 680 ± 140 nm to 420 ± 120 nm with increasing substrate temperature from 25 to 50 °C, respectively. They showed stability of the diameter at 380 ± 130 nm and 390 ± 130 nm when increasing substrate temperatures from 75 to 100 °C, respectively, with a significant variation in their diameter distribution. Therefore, this ability to control the electrospinning process using a heated substrate makes it promising for fabricating electrospun beads-free fibers of biopolymers such as gelatin for tissue engineering and drug delivery carriers.
Expiratory Muscle Strength Training for Drooling in Adults with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Cocks Naomi , Rafols Jonathan , Embley Elizabeth , Hill Kylie
Published: February 2022

One of the most debilitating symptoms of advanced Parkinson’s disease is drooling. Currently, the main treatment that is offered for drooling is botulinum toxin injections to the saliva glands which have a number of side effects and do not treat the causes of drooling, such as impaired swallowing and lip closure. This study explored the effect of an alternative therapy approach for drooling that aimed at improving the swallow, expiratory muscle strength training (EMST). Sixteen participants received EMST over a 6- to 8-week period. Measurements were taken pre- and post-training for drooling (Sialorrhea Clinical Scale for Parkinson’s Disease; SCS-PD), swallowing, lip strength and peak cough flow. Measures of drooling, swallowing and peak cough flow were stable over pre-training assessments and improved following training (p < 0.01). The most conservative estimate of the within-group change for SCS-PD was − 2.50 (95% confidence interval −  3.22 to −  1.22). No adverse effects were reported and participants gave high satisfaction ratings for the training. A programme of EMST offers promise as a therapy to reduce drooling for people with Parkinson’s disease. Adequately powered randomised controlled trials of EMST are now needed.
Online dissolved gas analysis used for transformers – possibilities, experiences, and limitations
Authors: Riedmann Christof , Schichler Uwe , Häusler Wolfgang , Neuhold Wolfgang
Published: February 2022

At a time when the optimal utilization of resources is becoming ever more important, the condition monitoring of electrical equipment is also becoming increasingly essential. The dissolved gas analysis (DGA), an internationally accepted method for the condition assessment of transformers, plays a key role in this respect. By continuously monitoring the key gases in a transformer, incipient faults can be detected at an early stage and suitable maintenance measures can be initiated. This ability to plan maintenance measures may provide the key to cutting costs and increasing the overall system reliability. In free-breathing transformers, degassing or gas dissolving can occur over time, which may influence the interpretation basis of the DGA. The reason for this is that molecules always strive for equal distribution in a chemical-physical system. Various theories, which are based on the determination of physical and chemical material properties, can be used to describe these processes. Here, the Henry constants describe the concentration equilibrium at the phase interfaces and the diffusion coefficients describe the movement of the gas molecules dissolved in mineral oil. This paper presents mathematically or experimentally determined values and compares them with the literature. Furthermore, it describes the influence of the key gases investigated and the temperature dependence.
PRETTY – passive GNSS-Reflectometry for CubeSats
Authors: Dielacher Andreas , Fragner Heinrich , Koudelka Otto
Published: February 2022

The Passive Reflectometry and Dosimetry (PRETTY) is a small satellite mission developed by a consortium consisting of RUAG Space GmbH (RSA), Graz University of Technology (TUG), and Seibersdorf Laboratories (SL). The primary objective of the passive altimetry within the PRETTY mission is to measure the ice and sea ice surface elevation and roughness in the polar regions.
Erdschlüsse bei Mittelspannungskabeln und die elektrische Beeinflussung im Bereich von Swimmingpools
Authors: Friedl Katrin , Hirtler Reinhard , Fickert Lothar , Braunstein René , Schürhuber Robert
Published: February 2022

Bei Erdschlüssen an Mittelspannungskabeln können in unmittelbarer Umgebung der Fehlerstelle durch den Eintritt von Strömen in das Erdreich Potentialanhebungen und somit Schritt- und Berührungsspannungen auftreten. Diese müssen hinsichtlich des Risikos einer Personengefährdung betrachtet werden. Eine besondere Situation entsteht dabei, wenn der Fehler im Nahbereich eines Swimmingpools auftritt, da sich hier Personen barfuß aufhalten können. Die dabei kleineren Übergangswiderstände zum Erdreich als bei Personen mit Schuhwerk führen zu größeren Körperströmen. Diese Situation wird unter Berücksichtigung der einschlägigen Normen auf ihr Gefährdungspotential beurteilt.

Im Zentrum dieses Fachbeitrages steht die Frage, unter welchen Bedingungen es bei der Annäherung von Swimmingpool und erdverlegtem Kabel bei einem Erdschluss in kompensierten Mittelspannungsnetzen (20 kV und 30 kV) zu einer Personengefährdung kommen kann und welche Maßnahmen von den Betreibern dieser Kabel erforderlichenfalls zu treffen sind.

Zwei unterschiedliche Fehlerszenarien werden im Detail analysiert: ein Kabelfehler in der Nähe eines Swimmingpools sowie ein Fehler im Bereich eines Kabelaufführungsmastes oder in einer Ortsnetzstation mit Potentialverschleppung über den Kabelbegleiterder.

Die wesentlichen Einflussparameter werden hinsichtlich der Auswirkungen auf den Fehlerstrom sowie auf Schritt- und Berührungsspannungen untersucht.

Aus den Untersuchungen geht hervor, dass bei den meisten betrachteten Fehlerszenarien keine Gefährdung für Personen hinsichtlich Schritt- und Berührungsspannungen zu erwarten ist. Einzig der Fehlerfall mit Potentialverschleppung über den Kabelbegleiterder in Gebieten mit spezifischen Bodenwiderständen von größer als 1000 Ωm muss im Anlassfall geprüft werden.
Does Anxiety Symptomatology Affect Bullying Behavior in Children and Adolescents with ADHD?
Authors: Pityaratstian Nuttorn , Prasartpornsirichoke Jirada
Published: February 2022

Background

Anxiety disorders are common comorbidities in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who are also at a high risk of bullying behavior. However, little is known about the roles of anxiety symptomatology in the relationship between ADHD and bullying behavior.

Objective

This cross-sectional, clinic-based study aims to investigate the associations between anxiety symptomatology and bullying involvement in youth with ADHD.

Method

One hundred and eighty children and adolescents with ADHD aged 10–18 years participated in the study. The Screen for Child Anxiety-Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED) was self-rated, and the participants were interviewed with the Revised Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire to categorize bullying involvement. Data were analyzed through percentage, nonparametric statistics, chi-squared statistics, and logistic regression analysis.

Results

Sixty-nine percent of youth with ADHD reported involvement in bullying, of which 33.3%, 8.9%, and 27.2% were classified as victims, bullies, and bully-victims, respectively. The means and 95% confidence intervals of the total SCARED scores showed a significant difference among bullying behavior groups. The highest SCARED scores could be noticed in the victim and bully-victim groups, with the lowest scores observed in the bully group. Youth with ADHD who had comorbid anxiety were 3.51 times more likely to be bullied than those who did not have anxiety.

Conclusions

A differential effect of anxiety symptomatology on bullying behavior in youth with ADHD was evident. These results highlight the utility of including anxiety in the conceptualization of bullying problems in youth with ADHD to plan successful anti-bullying interventions.
Robust optimality analysis of non-degenerate basic feasible solutions in linear programming problems with fuzzy objective coefficients
Authors: Inuiguchi Masahiro , Gao Zhenzhong , Henriques Carla Oliveira
Published: February 2022

The necessarily optimal solution is known as the most reasonable solution to linear programming problems with interval/fuzzy objective function coefficients. As it remains optimal against the certain fluctuations of objective function coefficients, the necessarily optimal solution can be seen as a robust optimal solution. In this paper, we demonstrate that the necessary optimality degree of a non-degenerate basic feasible solution can be obtained easily by utilizing the tolerance approach. The necessary optimality degree evaluates to what extent the solution remains optimal against the fluctuations of objective function coefficients. Several types of fuzzy subsets showing the possible range of the objective function coefficient vector are considered. For each type of fuzzy subset, an efficient calculation method of necessary optimality degree is proposed. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the proposed methods.