bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Osteoclasts directly influence castration-resistant prostate cancer cells
Authors: Huang Junchi , Freyhult Eva , Buckland Robert , Josefsson Andreas , Damber Jan-Erik , Welén Karin
Published: August 2022

Metastasis to bone is the leading cause of death from prostate cancer. Interaction between tumor cells and bone cells can promote progression and influence tumor phenotype. It is known that prostate cancer cells support osteoclast differentiation, and degradation of bone matrix by osteoclasts releases growth factors stimulating tumor cell proliferation and invasion. In the present study osteolytic (PC-3) and osteoblastic (LNCaP-19) castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) cells were co-cultured with mature osteoclasts or their precursor cells (RAW 264.7) to characterize direct effects of mature osteoclasts on CRPC cells. Osteoclasts increased proliferation and decrease apoptosis of CRPC cells as assessed with flow cytometry. RNA sequencing revealed that osteolytic CRPC cells were more responsive to osteoclast stimulation regarding gene expression, but the overall induced expression patterns were similar between the prostate cancer cell lines. Genes related to DNA repair were upregulated by osteoclasts, while genes related to endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis and cholesterol synthesis were downregulated. The results of this study shows that osteoclasts directly influence CRPC cells, increasing proliferation, decreasing apoptosis, and affecting gene expression pathways that can affect sensitivity to DNA damage and endoplasmic reticulum function. This suggests targeting of osteoclasts to be a possible way to affect efficacy of other drugs by combination regimens in treating prostate cancer metastases.
Dynamic connectedness of green bond with financial markets of European countries under OECD economies
Authors: Yadav Miklesh , Mishra Nandita , Ashok Shruti
Published: August 2022

This paper examines the dynamic connectedness between green bonds and OECD financial markets of European countries. The study is conducted on daily price of green bonds and selected European stock markets from January 27, 2015, to August 4, 2021. Top ten European countries namely Luxembourg, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Iceland, Austria, Sweden, and Belgium are included within the OECD economies. The study uses Diebold and Yilmaz and Barunik & Krehlic tests to examine the connectedness between the economies and green bonds in short, medium, and long term. Result exhibits volatility across all frequency cycles. Brussel Stock Exchange and Euronext Amsterdam are identified as high-risk markets in the OECD European market. Evidence emerging from this study advocate the inclusion of green bonds in these financial markets for shorter time periods only. Results from this study are expected to have practical implications for portfolio managers, investors, and market regulators, suggesting incorporation of green bonds in investor portfolio for efficient diversification of risk.
Pure and mixed lexicographic-paretian many-objective optimization: state of the art
Authors: Lai Leonardo , Fiaschi Lorenzo , Cococcioni Marco , Deb Kalyanmoy
Published: August 2022

This work aims at reviewing the state of the art of the field of lexicographic multi/many-objective optimization. The discussion starts with a review of the literature, emphasizing the numerous application in the real life and the recent burst received by the advent of new computational frameworks which work well in such contexts, e.g., Grossone Methodology. Then the focus shifts on a new class of problems proposed and studied for the first time only recently: the priority-levels mixed-pareto-lexicographic multi-objective-problems (PL-MPL-MOPs). This class of programs preserves the original preference ordering of pure many-objective lexicographic optimization, but instantiates it over multi-objective problems rather than scalar ones. Interestingly, PL-MPL-MOPs seem to be very well qualified for modeling real world tasks, such as the design of either secure or fast vehicles. The work also describes the implementation of an evolutionary algorithm able to solve PL-MPL-MOPs, and reports its performance when compared against other popular optimizers.
Feature selection algorithm based on P systems
Authors: Song Hongping , Huang Yourui , Song Qi , Han Tao , Xu Shanyong
Published: August 2022

Since the number of features of the dataset is much higher than the number of patterns, the higher the dimension of the data, the greater the impact on the learning algorithm. Dimension disaster has become an important problem. Feature selection can effectively reduce the dimension of the dataset and improve the performance of the algorithm. Thus, in this paper, A feature selection algorithm based on P systems (P-FS) is proposed to exploit the parallel ability of cell-like P systems and the advantage of evolutionary algorithms in search space to select features and remove redundant information in the data. The proposed P-FS algorithm is tested on five UCI datasets and an edible oil dataset from practical applications. At the same time, the P-FS algorithm and genetic algorithm feature selection (GAFS) are compared and tested on six datasets. The experimental results show that the P-FS algorithm has good performance in classification accuracy, stability, and convergence. Thus, the P-FS algorithm is feasible in feature selection.
Conscientiousness as a Predictor of the Gender Gap in Academic Achievement
Authors: Verbree Anne-Roos , Hornstra Lisette , Maas Lientje , Wijngaards-de Meij Leoniek
Published: August 2022

In recent decades, female students have been more successful in higher education than their male counterparts in the United States and other industrialized countries. A promising explanation for this gender gap are differences in personality, particularly higher levels of conscientiousness among women. Using Structural Equation Modeling on data from 4719 Dutch university students, this study examined to what extent conscientiousness can account for the gender gap in achievement. We also examined whether the role of conscientiousness in accounting for the gender gap differed for students with a non-dominant ethnic background compared to students with a dominant ethnic background. In line with our expectations, we found that conscientiousness fully mediated the gender gap in achievement, even when controlling for prior achievement in high school. This was the case among both groups of students. These findings provide insight into the mechanisms underlying the gender gap in achievement in postsecondary education settings. The current study suggests that the use of conscientiousness measures in university admission procedures may disadvantage male students. Instead, the use of such measures may be a fruitful way to identify those students who may benefit from interventions to improve their conscientiousness. Future research could examine how conscientiousness can be fostered among students who are low in conscientiousness.
Ischemic Cardiomyopathy and Heart Failure After Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Del Buono Marco Giuseppe , Moroni Francesco , Montone Rocco Antonio , Azzalini Lorenzo , Sanna Tommaso , Abbate Antonio
Published: August 2022

Purpose of Review

Ischemic cardiomyopathy refers to systolic left ventricular dysfunction in the setting of obstructive coronary artery disease and represents the most common cause of heart failure worldwide. It is often the combination of an irreversible loss of viable mass following an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with a dysfunctional, but still viable, myocardium in the context of a chronically reduced myocardial blood flow and reduced coronary reserve. Medical treatments aiming at modulating neurohumoral response and restoring blood flow to the ischemic cardiomyocytes were shown to dramatically abate the occurrence of ventricular dysfunction and adverse remodeling in ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Recent Findings

Novel therapeutic approaches, such as mechanical unloading and modulation of the inflammatory response, appear to be promising. Furthermore, the understanding of the mechanisms by which, despite optimal treatment, heart failure ensues after AMI, with or without adverse remodeling and systolic dysfunction, is a critical step in the search for novel ways to tackle heart failure risk beyond preservation of left ventricular volumes and systolic function.

In this review article, we explore the principal pathophysiological mechanisms and pathways of heart failure in ischemic cardiomyopathy, therapeutic opportunities, and knowledge gaps in this area.
Clinical value and molecular mechanism of AQGPs in different tumors
Authors: Wang Rui , Wang Xuejian , Zhao Jun , Jin Jiacheng , Fan Weiwei , Zhu Xinqing , Chen Qiwei , Zhang Baochang , Lan Lan , Qu Kexin , Zhu Liang , Wang Jianbo
Published: August 2022

Aquaglyceroporins (AQGPs), including AQP3, AQP7, AQP9, and AQP10, are transmembrane channels that allow small solutes across biological membranes, such as water, glycerol, H2O2, and so on. Increasing evidence suggests that they play critical roles in cancer. Overexpression or knockdown of AQGPs can promote or inhibit cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, epithelial–mesenchymal transition and metastasis, and the expression levels of AQGPs are closely linked to the prognosis of cancer patients. Here, we provide a comprehensive and detailed review to discuss the expression patterns of AQGPs in different cancers as well as the relationship between the expression patterns and prognosis. Then, we elaborate the relevance between AQGPs and malignant behaviors in cancer as well as the latent upstream regulators and downstream targets or signaling pathways of AQGPs. Finally, we summarize the potential clinical value in cancer treatment. This review will provide us with new ideas and thoughts for subsequent cancer therapy specifically targeting AQGPs.
Regulation of the sensitivity of hepatocarcinoma cells by ORMDL3, to sorafenib by autophagy
Authors: Sun Yixiao , Guan Xueran , Zhang Ting , Li Yue , Shi Huiling , Chitakunye Ashleigh Tinotenda , Hong Hanyu , Zhang Shihui , Zhu Qin , Cai Lin
Published: August 2022

Serum orosomucoid1-like protein 3 (ORMDL3) is a membrane protein in the endoplasmic reticulum, known to regulate many important signal transduction processes and autophagy regulation, but it is unclear whether it is involved in the intratumoral microenvironment and cancer drug resistance. Our present study found that silencing ORMDL3 increases the inhibitory effect of sorafenib on the viability and proliferation in HCC cells, and increases the sensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib. In addition, silencing ORMDL3 can increase ROS levels by inhibiting autophagy, thereby increasing sorafenib-induced apoptosis of HCC cells. Further, our study also found that ORMDL3 silencing inhibits autophagy through the PERK-ATF4-Beclin1 pathway, thus affecting sorafenib sensitivity. The in vivo effects of sorafenib were tested by xenografting using nude mice. It showed that silencing ORMDL3 in HCC cells could increase the inhibitory effect of sorafenib on the growth of tumors. This is the first report to describe the relationships among ORMDL3, autophagy, and sorafenib resistance. This study provides available targets that might have a synergetic effect with sorafenib.
Health-Related Quality of Life, Fatigue, Level of Physical Activity, and Physical Capacity Before and After an Outpatient Rehabilitation Program for Women Within Working Age Treated for Breast Cancer
Authors: Gjerset Gunhild M. , Skaali Tone , Seland Mette , Thorsen Lene
Published: August 2022

The aims were to examine changes in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), level of physical activity (LPA), and physical capacity from before to after an outpatient rehabilitation program (ORP) for women with breast cancer (BC). Further aims were to explore the proportions of patients with clinically relevant improvements defined as ≥ 10% beneficial change in the scores of PROMs and variables associated with such improvements.

A total of 270 women within working age (< 67 years) who recently (< 1.5 years) had completed primary therapy for BC with curative intent were included. The ORP consisted of seven weekly group sessions with patient education, group conversations, and PA. The patients completed questionnaires measuring health-related quality of life (HRQoL), fatigue and LPA before (T0), immediately after (T1), and 6 months after (T2) the program, and were physically tested at T0 and T1. The mean age of the patients was 50.4 years (SD 7.3) and the mean time since diagnosis was 10.6 months (SD 2.6). All patients had undergone surgery and 94% radiotherapy, and 96% had received chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy.

Physical-, role-, emotional-, cognitive-, and social function, global health, and fatigue significantly improved from T0 to T1. Physical-, role-, and cognitive function, and fatigue significantly improved from T1 to T2. LPA and physical capacity significantly improved from T0 to T1. More than 40% of the patients had a clinically relevant improvement in role-, social function, and fatigue symptoms, from T0 to T1. Low level of education was associated with an improvement in emotional function, and living alone was associated with an improvement in mental fatigue.

HRQoL, fatigue, LPA, and physical capacity improved in women within working age recently treated for BC who participated in an ORP.
CIE-LSCP: color image encryption scheme based on the lifting scheme and cross-component permutation
Authors: Chen Xiuhui , Gong Mengxin , Gan Zhihua , Lu Yang , Chai Xiuli , He Xin
Published: August 2022

Encryption of meaningful images into unidentifiable noise-like images can improve the security of images during storage and transmission. In this paper, a novel color image encryption method based on the lifting scheme and cross-component permutation (CIE-LSCP) is introduced. First, original image is divided into red, green and blue components, and then the three components are processed by a preprocessing strategy based on the lifting scheme (PSLS) to change the statistical distribution of the pixels. Second, a block-based cross-component permutation based on index vectors (BCPIV) is presented to divide three preprocessed components into blocks and perform the cross-component permutation operation on them, and three random matrices are utilized to determine the target component, target block and target pixel position of the current pixel to be moved, respectively. Subsequently, a multi stochastic diffusion based on random sequences (MSDRS) is developed to alter the pixel values of the permutated components, and finally a ciphertext image is gotten by merging the three components. Moreover, the SHA256 hash values of the plaintext image are used to obtain the initial parameters of the chaotic system, and the obtained chaotic sequences are applied in the image encryption process. Wherein the generated random sequences are highly reliant on the plaintext image, making the encryption scheme resistant to both known-plaintext attacks and chosen-plaintext attacks. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed scheme has good security and effectiveness and can be applied for secure transmission of digital images over the Internet.
Structural scoliosis secondary to thoracic osteoid osteoma: a case report of delayed diagnosis
Authors: Zairi Mohamed , Nessib Mohamed Nabil
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The aim of this case report is to show that late diagnosis of vertebral osteoid osteoma gives rise to structural scoliosis which sometimes requires long-term management.

Methods

We report a case of an osteoid osteoma in the thoracic spine associated with structural scoliosis. We describe a 14-year-old boy who complained chronic nightly left back pain and scoliosis. Spine’s X-ray was reported thoraco-lumber scoliosis without bone lesion.

Results

MRI as well as technetium-99 m total body bone scan and a computed tomography scan revealed a bony lesion in the upper left joint of T11 vertebra consistent with the diagnosis of OO. Anatomopathological study of the resection piece confirmed the diagnosis of OO. Surgical excision of the tumor resolved pains, but scoliosis needed an orthopedic treatment for 1 year.

Conclusion

Through this case, it has been demonstrated that late diagnosed vertebral OO can be the cause of structural scoliosis. Clinical and radiological results indicate that OO resection is an effective and safe method of treatment.

Levels of evidence

IV.
Trouble neurocognitif majeur et méthodes optimisant l’apprentissage
Authors: Viscogliosi Chantal , Dame Nathalie , Mino-Roy Jordan , Rahimaly Sarah , Breton Viviane , Déry Jessica , Chassé Bernard , Couturier Yves , Giroux Dominique , Renaud Clémence , Provencher Véronique
Published: August 2022

Les difficultés cognitives consécutives aux troubles neurocognitifs majeurs (TNCM) engendrent des enjeux dans la réalisation d’activités de la vie quotidienne. Ce projet visait à identifier auprès des proches aidants et des intervenants des situations nécessitant des méthodes optimisant l’apprentissage pour faciliter l’engagement de personnes vivant avec un TNCM dans leurs activités de la vie quotidienne. Des entrevues individuelles semi-dirigées, d’une durée de 60 à 90 minutes, ont été menées auprès de proches aidants et d’intervenants. Les résultats montrent que les activités quotidiennes et domestiques sont notamment affectées par les difficultés à repérer ou à utiliser les objets, à garder en tête la tâche en cours, à mettre en séquences des étapes, à ne pas se laisser distraire par autre chose et à constater ses difficultés pour s’y adapter. Les proches aidants souhaitent du soutien dans l’application des méthodes optimisant l’apprentissage pour contribuer au maintien de l’autonomie des personnes vivant avec un TNCM.
Improvisation in the Music of Korean Shamans: A Case of Degeneration Based on Examples from Chindo Island1
Authors: Park Mikyung
Published: August 2022

This paper is one of the results of my ongoing diachronic investigations concerning the music of hereditary shamans on Chindo, an island in south-west Korea. My first field research on the music there was carried out in the early 1980s for a year; this work resulted in my dissertation (Park 1985). About twenty years after my first fieldwork, during the summers of 2000-2001, I made a number of trips back to Chindo, focussing on more specific issues, such as change, improvisation, and comparative analysis. A recent publication of mine (Park 2003) deals with the general nature of the changes the tradition has undergone. The present paper deals specifically with changes in improvisational practice.
Factors in the Severity of Heat Stroke in China
Authors: Derouin Sarah
Published: August 2022

When temperatures exceed 36�C and relative humidity passes 58%, citizens in China may experience heat stroke.
Chromothripsis is a frequent event and underlies typical genetic changes in early T-cell precursor lymphoblastic leukemia in adults
Authors: Arniani Silvia , Pierini Valentina , Pellanera Fabrizia , Matteucci Caterina , Di Giacomo Danika , Bardelli Valentina , Quintini Martina , Mavridou Elena , Lema Fernandez Anair Graciela , Nardelli Carlotta , Moretti Martina , Gorello Paolo , Crescenzi Barbara , Romoli Silvia , Beacci Donatella , Cerrano Marco , Fracchiolla Nicola , Sica Simona , Forghieri Fabio , Giglio Fabio , Dargenio Michela , Elia Loredana , La Starza Roberta , Mecucci Cristina
Published: August 2022

Chromothripsis is a mitotic catastrophe that arises from multiple double strand breaks and incorrect re-joining of one or a few chromosomes. We report on incidence, distribution, and features of chromothriptic events in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemias (T-ALL). SNP array was performed in 103 T-ALL (39 ETP/near ETP, 59 non-ETP, and 5 with unknown stage of differentiation), including 38 children and 65 adults. Chromothripsis was detected in 11.6% of all T-ALL and occurred only in adult cases with an immature phenotype (12/39 cases; 30%). It affected 1 to 4 chromosomes, and recurrently involved chromosomes 1, 6, 7, and 17. Abnormalities of genes typically associated with T-ALL were found at breakpoints of chromothripsis. In addition, it gave rise to new/rare alterations, such as, the SFPQ::ZFP36L2 fusion, reported in pediatric T-ALL, deletions of putative suppressors, such as IKZF2 and CSMD1, and amplification of the BCL2 gene. Compared to negative cases, chromothripsis positive T-ALL had a significantly higher level of MYCN expression, and a significant downregulation of RGCC, which is typically induced by TP53 in response to DNA damage. Furthermore we identified mutations and/or deletions of DNA repair/genome stability genes in all cases, and an association with NUP214 rearrangements in 33% of cases.
Expression profiles of respiratory V-ATPase and calprotectin in SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Hou Yapeng , Wang Tingyu , Ding Yan , Yu Tong , Cui Yong , Nie Hongguang
Published: August 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) represents a pandemic threat that has been declared a public health emergency of international concern, whereas the effects of cellular microenvironment in the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 are poorly understood. The detailed message of intracellular/lysosome pH was rarely concerned in SARS-CoV-2 infection, which was crucial for the cleavage of SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein. Calprotectin, an endogenous danger signal to activate inflammatory response, was vital for the proceeding of COVID-19. We found that the expressions of both vacuolar-ATPase (V-ATPase) and calprotectin (S100A8/S100A9) increased in SARS-CoV-2 infection, by analyzing single-cell RNA sequencing (bronchoalveolar lavage fluid), bulk-RNA sequencing (A549, lung tissue, NHBE), and proteomics (lung tissue), respectively. Furtherly, our wet experiments of flow cytometry and fluorescent assay identified that the intracellular and lysosome pH value was decreased after SARS-CoV-2 S plasmid transfection in A549 cells. Meanwhile, the enhancement of V-ATPase and calprotectin was verified by our real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot experiment. Collectively, these data suggested that S protein increased V-ATPase in SARS-CoV-2 infection, which provided a microenvironment easier for the cleavage of S protein, and inflammatory cells were apt to be activated by the enhancement of calprotectin in respiratory epithelium. The comprehensive information on profiles of V-ATPase and calprotectin will make clearer about the involvement of cellular microenvironment in the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2, and provide a promising approach to combat COVID-19.
The addition of FAIMS increases targeted proteomics sensitivity from FFPE tumor biopsies
Authors: Sweet Steve , Chain David , Yu Wen , Martin Philip , Rebelatto Marlon , Chambers Andrew , Cecchi Fabiola , Kim Yeoun Jin
Published: August 2022

Mass spectrometry-based targeted proteomics allows objective protein quantitation of clinical biomarkers from a single section of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissue biopsies. We combined high-field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) and parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) to increase assay sensitivity. The modular nature of the FAIMS source allowed direct comparison of the performance of FAIMS-PRM to PRM. Limits of quantitation were determined by spiking synthetic peptides into a human spleen matrix. In addition, 20 clinical samples were analyzed using FAIMS-PRM and the quantitation of HER2 was compared with that obtained with the Ventana immunohistochemistry assay. FAIMS-PRM improved the overall signal-to-noise ratio over that from PRM and increased assay sensitivity in FFPE tissue analysis for four (HER2, EGFR, cMET, and KRAS) of five proteins of clinical interest. FAIMS-PRM enabled sensitive quantitation of basal HER2 expression in breast cancer samples classified as HER2 negative by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, we determined the degree of FAIMS-dependent background reduction and showed that this correlated with an improved lower limit of quantitation with FAIMS. FAIMS-PRM is anticipated to benefit clinical trials in which multiple biomarker questions must be addressed and the availability of tumor biopsy samples is limited.
Monitoring the post-match neuromuscular fatigue of young Turkish football players
Authors: Akyildiz Zeki , Ocak Yücel , Clemente Filipe Manuel , Birgonul Yasar , Günay Mehmet , Nobari Hadi
Published: August 2022

Neuromuscular fatigue tests have been used in previous studies to organize post-match training programs and to minimize injuries. The aim of this study is to describe the neuromuscular fatigue that occurs after a football match and to examine the relationship between internal and external load values in the match and fatigue parameters obtained at different time intervals. Twenty male U19 academy league soccer players (age: 19; height: 181.3 ± 4.3; weight: 73.4 ± 6.7) participated in the study. The countermovement jump (CMJ) test was applied to the players 24 h before, as well as 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h after a football match. During the CMJ tests, the maximum velocity of each player during the jump was recorded by using the GymAware linear position transducer. The CMJ maximum velocity values 24 h before and 24 h after the match, as well as the CMJ height values (Cohen’s d: 1.210; p < 0.001), were statistically different from the values recorded 24 h before and 24 and 48 h after the match (Cohen’s d: 1.578; p < 0.001; Cohen’s d: 0,922; p < 0.009). The correlation values were not statistically significant. The results suggest, CMJ height and CMJ maximum velocity values, which determine neuromuscular fatigue after a football match, can be used by practitioners to display post-match neuromuscular fatigue measurements.
The cross-scale correlations between individuals and nations in COVID-19 mortality
Authors: Zhang Lei , She Yu-Rong , She Guang-Hui , Li Rong , She Zhen-Su
Published: August 2022

It is challenging to quantitatively clarify the determining medical and social factors of COVID-19 mortality, which varied by 2 to 3 orders of magnitude across countries. Here, we present evidence that the temporal evolution of mortality follows a logistic law for 54 countries in four waves. A universal linear law is found between the early mortality growth time and the epidemic duration, one of the most important quantities, with a factor of 7.3 confirmed by data. Saturation mortality is found to have a power law relationship with median age and bed occupancy, which quantitatively explains the great variation in mortality based on the two key thresholds of median age (= 38) and bed occupancy (= 22%). We predict that deaths will be reduced by 38.5% when the number of beds is doubled for countries with older populations. Facing the next wave of the epidemic, this model can make early predictions on the epidemic duration and hospital bed demand.
Salvianolic acid B inhibits RAW264.7 cell polarization towards the M1 phenotype by inhibiting NF-κB and Akt/mTOR pathway activation
Authors: Zou Tao , Gao Shan , Yu Zhaolan , Zhang Fuyong , Yao Lan , Xu Mengyao , Li Junxin , Wu Zhigui , Huang Yilan , Wang Shurong
Published: August 2022

M1 macrophages secrete a large number of proinflammatory factors and promote the expansion of atherosclerotic plaques and processes. Salvianolic acid B (Sal B) exerts anti-inflammatory, antitumor and other effects, but no study has addressed whether Sal B can regulate the polarization of macrophages to exert these anti-atherosclerotic effects. Therefore, we investigated the inhibition of Sal B in M1 macrophage polarization and the underlying mechanism. The effects of different treatments on cell viability, gene expression and secretion of related proteins, phenotypic markers and cytokines were detected by MTT and western blot assays, RT‒qPCR and ELISAs. Cell viability was not significantly changed when the concentration of Sal B was less than 200 μM, and Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (100 ng/mL) + interferon-γ (IFN-γ) (2.5 ng/mL) successfully induced M1 polarization. RT‒qPCR and ELISAs indicated that Sal B can downregulate M1 marker (Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS), Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), and Interleukin-6 (IL-6)) and upregulate M2 marker (Arginase-1 (Arg-1) and Interleukin-10 (IL-10)) expression. Western blotting was performed to measure the expression of Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB), p-Akt, p-mTOR, LC3-II, Beclin-1, and p62, and the results suggested that Sal B inhibits the M1 polarization of RAW264.7 macrophages by promoting autophagy via the NF-κB signalling pathway. The study indicated that Sal B inhibits M1 macrophage polarization by inhibiting NF-κB signalling pathway activation and downregulating Akt/mTOR activation to promote autophagy.
Rapid and sensitive detection of Hg2+ with a SERS-enhanced lateral flow strip
Authors: Yao Li , Chen Yunlin , Wang Ranran , Yan Chao , Xu Jianguo , Yao Bangben , Cheng Jigui , Chen Wei
Published: August 2022

A SERS-LFS strategy was designed and applied for the direct detection of target Hg2+ with greatly improved sensing performance by SERS measurements on the T line of the LFS, which did not change the intrinsic simplicity of the LFS.
Water-activated formation of porous graphitic carbon nitride with carbon vacancies to boost photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide production
Authors: Zhu Yanlin , Zhang Handong , Liu Heng , He Guangling , Liu Xuetao , Xiao Jiamin , Sun Yanyan , Han Lei
Published: August 2022

Porous graphitic carbon nitride with carbon vacancies has been synthesized for photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide production, and exhibits excellent catalytic activity and stability.
Luminescent MOFs (LMOFs): recent advancement towards a greener WLED technology
Authors: Karmakar Avishek , Li Jing
Published: August 2022

Luminescent MOFs (LMOFs) have demonstrated promise as alternative phosphors for energy efficient and environment friendly WLED technology. In this feature article, we outline the recent advancement toward greener WLED technology using REE-free LMOFs.
Reactions of thioalkynes with diarylketenes via [3+2]-annulation versus benzannulation using Au and P(C6F5)3 catalysts
Authors: More Sayaji Arjun , Sadaphal Vikas Ashokrao , Kuo Tung-Chun , Cheng Mu-Jeng , Liu Rai-Shung
Published: August 2022

Two catalytic annulations of non-symmetric diarylketenes with thioalkynes are described using gold and phosphine catalysts respectively.
Visible-light photocatalytic radical addition–translocation–cyclization to construct sulfonyl-containing azacycles
Authors: Liang Yu-Qing , Xu Yi-Xin , Cai Zhong-Jian , Ji Shun-Jun
Published: August 2022

A novel visible-light photocatalytic radical addition–translocation–cyclization (RATC) approach for the efficient synthesis of sulfonyl-containing azacycles is described.
Concentration dependent interfacial chemistry of the NaOH(aq): gibbsite interface
Authors: Liu Wei , Pouvreau Maxime , Stack Andrew G. , Yang Xiaoning , Clark Aurora E.
Published: August 2022

Caustic conditions are often employed for dissolution of a wide variety of minerals, where ion sorption, surface diffusion, and interfacial organization impact surface reactivity.
Renaissance of dinitroazetidine: novel hybrid energetic boosters and oxidizers
Authors: Zhilin Egor S. , Ananyev Ivan V. , Pivkina Alla N. , Fershtat Leonid L.
Published: August 2022

Novel hybrid furoxan-dinitroazetidine energetic boosters and oxidizers with positive oxygen balance and excellent detonation performance were synthesized.
Simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal from domestic wastewater in an aerobic granulation system operated at different anaerobic–aerobic durations
Authors: We A. C. E. , Aris A. , Zain N. A. M. , Muda K. , Chen C. X. , Sulaiman S.
Published: August 2022

The present work investigated the effects of anaerobic–aerobic durations on the simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal for the treatment of domestic wastewater in a sequential batch reactor (SBR).
A critical review on advanced anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBRs) for wastewater treatment: advanced membrane materials and energy demand
Authors: Mahmood Zarak , Cheng Hui , Tian Miao
Published: August 2022

Insights into membrane design, reactor configurations, energy balance analysis and concerning challenges in AnMBR application for wastewater treatment.
Eco-friendly and low-cost removal of bromine from waste printed circuit board smelting ash by mechano-chemical leaching
Authors: Zhao Lijuan , Deng Qiang , Zhang Qijun , Tan Zhe , Zhang Xiaoguang , Song Minwei , Wang Wei , Tao Ran , Zhao Zhenhuan , Pan De'an
Published: August 2022

This work introduces an eco-friendly, efficient, and low-cost approach for the removal of hazardous inorganic bromides and the recovery of a high-purity NaBr product from waste printed circuit board smelting ash via a mechano-chemical technology.
In situ measurements using hand-held XRF spectrometers: a tutorial review
Authors: Potts Philip J. , Sargent Mike
Published: August 2022

Hand-held XRF is described from a tutorial viewpoint suitable for users without extensive training in XRF methodology in order to raise awareness of issues in using the technique and improve the interpretation of hand-held XRF measurement results.
A revised synthesis of 6-alkoxy-2-aminopurines with late-stage convergence allowing for increased molecular complexity
Authors: Mader Lavleen , Hayward John J. , Porter Lisa A. , Trant John F.
Published: August 2022

This streamlined synthesis allows the alcohol at the 6-position of 6-alkoxy-2-arylaminopurines to be used only in moderate excess, rather than as solvent, opening up the possibility of accessing more complicated molecules.
A machine learning approach for predicting the empirical polarity of organic solvents
Authors: Saini Vaneet , Kumar Ranjeet
Published: August 2022

A neural network architecture was found to efficiently predict the empirical polarity parameter ET(30) using simple to compute and interpretable six quantum mechanical, topological and categorical descriptors.
Iridium complex immobilized on a high-nitrogen containing covalent triazine framework derived from 2,5-pyrazinedicarbonitrile as a recyclable catalyst for the selective N-alkylation of aminobenzenesulfonamides with alcohols
Authors: Yang Chenchen , Hao Shushu , Shen Lu , Liu Peng , Yang Jiazhi , Li Feng
Published: August 2022

A new-type of covalent triazine framework derived from 2,5-pyrazinedicarbonitrile as a monomer with a high N/C ratio was designed and synthesized by trimerization at 400 °C with ZnCl2 as a catalyst and salt melt via the ionothermal technique.
High-entropy-alloy nanoparticles synthesized by laser metallurgy using a multivariate MOF
Authors: Yan Wei , Jiang Haoqing , Yi Wendi , Zhao Chengbin , Xia Yucong , Cong Hengjiang , Tang Lin , Cheng Gary J. , He Jianhua , Deng Hexiang
Published: August 2022

The illustration of the fabrication of nanoalloys by laser nanometallurgy using multivariate MOF as precursor.
Controllable construction of pharmaceutically significant scaffolds of 2,3-dihydroquinolin-4-one and benzoazepine-5-oneviaredox-neutral cascade hydride transfer/cyclization
Authors: Xie Ronghao , Chen Shixiao , Wang Yufeng , Yin Xiangcong , Li Shuai-Shuai , Xu Lubin , Wang Liang
Published: August 2022

The scaffolds of 2,3-dihydroquinolin-4-one and benzoazepine-5-one were controllably constructed relying on cascade condensation/redox-neutral [1,6]/[1,7]-hydride transfer/cyclization from 2-aminoacetophenone and various aldehydes as well as isatins.
Catalyst choice impacts aromatic monomer yields and selectivity in hydrogen-free reductive catalytic fractionation
Authors: Kenny Jacob K. , Brandner David G. , Neefe Sasha R. , Michener William E. , Román-Leshkov Yuriy , Beckham Gregg T. , Medlin J. Will
Published: August 2022

Pd/C and Pt/C show high activity for hydrogen-free reductive catalytic fractionation compared to Ru/C and Ni/C.
Temperature- and strain-dependent transient microstructure and rheological responses of endblock-associated triblock gels of different block lengths in a midblock selective solvent
Authors: Badani Prado Rosa Maria , Mishra Satish , Ahmed Humayun , Burghardt Wesley R. , Kundu Santanu
Published: August 2022

Using RheoSAXS, the change in microstructure of PMMA-PnBA-PMMA triblock gels in 2-ethyl-1-hexanol subjected to oscillatory shear and temperature has been characterized.
Turning things around: from cationic/anionic complexation-induced nanoemulsion instability to toughened water-resistant waterborne polyurethanes
Authors: Yao Yuan , Xiao Meng , Liu Wenguang
Published: August 2022

Electrostatic interaction typically causing emulsion demulsification is exploited to enhance the mechanical strengths and water resistance of various waterborne polyurethanes, expanding the application scope of eco-benign polyurethanes in water.
Diameter-optimized PVA@PPy nanofibers: MXene interlayer space expansion without sacrificing electron transport
Authors: Li Jinli , Cao Zhiqian , Hu Haibo , Ho Derek
Published: August 2022

PVA@PPy nanofibers are proposed as a novel spacer for MXene electrode interlayer space expansion in Zn-ion micro-supercapacitors. The PPy shell mitigates the well-known challenge of electron transport degradation due to the expansion.
The ecotoxicological consequences of microplastics and co-contaminants in aquatic organisms: a mini-review
Authors: Khan Farhan R. , Catarino Ana I. , Clark Nathaniel J.
Published: August 2022

Microplastics (MPs, <5 mm in size) are a grave environmental concern. They are a ubiquitous persistent pollutant group that has reached into all parts of the environment — from the highest mountain tops to the depths of the ocean. During their production, plastics have added to them numerous chemicals in the form of plasticizers, colorants, fillers and stabilizers, some of which have known toxicity to biota. When released into the environments, MPs are also likely to encounter chemical contaminants, including hydrophobic organic contaminants, trace metals and pharmaceuticals, which can sorb to plastic surfaces. Additionally, MPs have been shown to be ingested by a wide range of organisms and it is this combination of ingestion and chemical association that gives weight to the notion that MPs may impact the bioavailability and toxicity of both endogenous and exogenous co-contaminants. In this mini-review, we set the recent literature within what has been previously published about MPs as chemical carriers to biota, with particular focus on aquatic invertebrates and fish. We then present a critical viewpoint on the validity of laboratory-to-field extrapolations in this area. Lastly, we highlight the expanding ‘microplastic universe’ with the addition of anthropogenic particles that have gained recent attention, namely, tire wear particles, nanoplastics and, bio-based or biodegradable MPs, and highlight the need for future research in their potential roles as vehicles of co-contaminant transfer.
Progressive Tinnitus Management Level 3 Skills Education: A 10-Year Clinical Retrospective
Authors: Edmonds Catherine M. , Clark Khaya D. , Thielman Emily J. , Henry James A.
Published: August 2022

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to examine progressive tinnitus management (PTM) Level 3 skill utilization among Veterans in the Bay Pines Veterans Affairs Healthcare System 6–10 years after completing the PTM workshops.

Method:

In fiscal year 2020, the Tinnitus Workshop Follow-Up form was mailed to Veterans who completed the workshops during fiscal years 2010–2014. Veterans were identified as receiving care via the traditional face-to-face method or clinical video telehealth (CVT). Data were compiled to determine which, if any, PTM skills were being used 6–10 years later and the impact on self-reported ratings of well-being.

Results:

More than half of the respondents reported using all four self-management skills up to 10 years postcompletion; relaxation was utilized by more Veterans than the other three skills. Approximately 69% reported improved ability to control reactions to tinnitus. At least half reported ratings of improved well-being. Eighty-eight percent of the respondents said they would recommend the workshops to someone with bothersome tinnitus. Veterans who received care via CVT reported using fewer skills than those who received care face-to-face; however, the CVT respondents reported the same or slightly better ability to cope with tinnitus, less bothersome tinnitus, and improved ratings of well-being. Finally, most participants who responded to an open-ended question about their workshop experience reported it as positive.

Conclusions:

This clinical focus project suggests that PTM Level 3 skills continue to be utilized up to 10 years after participation in the workshops. Although there were reductions in the number of skills used, Veterans' ability to manage reactions to tinnitus and improvement in self-reported ratings of well-being indicate successful ongoing tinnitus management efforts. Respondents who received care via CVT did not report lower self-reported ratings of well-being or appear less likely to recommend Level 3 group PTM to other Veterans with bothersome tinnitus.
Preparation of metal‐organic frameworks and their derivatives for supercapacitors
Authors: Li Youjian , Gan Donglin , Deng Xu , Jiang Lili , Xie Chaoming , Lu Xiong
Published: August 2022

To satisfy the requirements of social power development, it is urgently necessary to develop innovative and sustainable new energy storage devices. Supercapacitors have attracted considerable attention as a new type of energy storage device, owing to their high energy density, high power density, fast charging and discharging speeds, and long cycle life. The electrode material is an important factor in determining the electrochemical performance of supercapacitors. In recent years, researchers explored the application of metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) and their derivatives as electrode materials for supercapacitors. In this paper, the preparation of monometallic, bimetallic, and conductive MOFs, and their derivatives for application in supercapacitors are reviewed. In addition, challenges facing MOFs in the field of supercapacitors and their future development prospects are discussed.
Multi‐objective optimisation design of a suspension‐guided permanent magnet synchronous linear motor for ropeless elevator
Authors: Xu Xiaozhuo , Zhang Yangyang , Feng Haichao , Zhao Yunji , Zhou Menglin
Published: August 2022

In this article, a suspension‐guided permanent magnet synchronous linear motor (SG‐PMSLM) for ropeless elevator is proposed, which can meet the requirements of high thrust and high thrust density for ropeless elevator, and reduce vibration noise and wheel‐rail wear during motor operation. The structure, working principle and electromagnetic characteristics of SG‐PMSLM are analysed. In order to improve the overall performance of SG‐PMSLM, this article aims at improving the average thrust and thrust density, reducing the thrust fluctuation of SG‐PMSLM. Firstly, the sensitivity analysis of the key structural parameters of SG‐PMSLM is conducted, and the parameters that have significant influence on the three optimisation objectives are selected as the optimisation variables. Secondly, the response surface model of three optimisation objectives is built, and the Particle Swarm Optimisation algorithm is combined to conduct the multi‐objective optimisation design for SG‐PMSLM. Thirdly, the optimised solution set is obtained for three objectives. Finite Element Analysis is used to verify that the optimised solution set has better diversity and can effectively improve SG‐PMSLM overall performance compared with the initial design. Finally, the electromagnetic performance of SG‐PMSLM is verified by experiments.
Coordinated decentralized and centralized microgrid control for distributed renewable energy sources with integrated batteries
Authors: Ngamroo Issarachai , Surinkaew Tossaporn
Published: August 2022

Renewable energy sources (RESs) with integrated batteries (IBESSs) in microgrid (MGs) have well been developed by aggregate models in previous research works. Either decentralized or centralized control is applied as a standard platform to manage the aggregate models. However, these may not be valid assumptions in practical MGs, which consist of various distributed RESs with IBESSs and control platforms. As a result, controllers designed for the aggregate models may be ineffective, when they are applied for distributed models in actual MGs. To deal with these problems, this paper proposes a coordinated decentralized and centralized MG control strategy of distributed RESs and IBESSs (DIBESSs). New modellings of the distributed RESs with DIBESSs are developed here so that appropriate controllers can be designed to manage voltage and frequency of a MG. An adaptive‐robust approach is applied to achieve flexible control performance of the RESs with DIBESSs against MG uncertainties, operating points, and conditions. Comparative analyses of the conventional, aggregate, and distributed models are made. Simulation results in an inertia‐less microgrid with 100% RESs verify the capability of the proposed control strategy for the distributed models.
Statistical analysis of in‐flight drone signatures
Authors: Markow John , Balleri Alessio , Catherall Aled
Published: August 2022

Drone‐monitoring radars typically integrate many pulses in order to improve signal to noise ratio and enable high detection performance. Over the course of this coherent processing interval (CPI), many components of the drone signature change and the signature's amplitude and Doppler modulations may hinder coherent integration performance, even in the absence of range‐Doppler cell migrations. A statistical characterisation of these fluctuations aides radar designers in selecting optimal CPI lengths. This paper presents a statistical analysis of experimental data of nine flying drones, collected with a frequency modulated continuous wave Ku‐band radar, and examines the statistical features of the amplitude fluctuations of the drone body and blades as well as the signature decorrelation time. The method of moments is used to estimate the probability density function parameters of different drone spectral components with the aim of informing the development of improved theory for predicting drone signatures and ultimately increasing detection performance. Results show that, on average, the Weibull distribution provided the best mean square error fit to the data for most drone spectral components and drone types, with the Rayleigh distribution being the next best match. These results were further corroborated by a study of detection performance for a fluctuating target. Whilst decorrelation times of the various signatures varied significantly, even for the same drone, results show that an approximate inverse relationship between drone spectral component bandwidth and decorrelation time held, with individual spectral lines decorrelating after tens to hundreds of msec.