bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Defects on the Particle Size–Capacitance Relationship of Zn–Co Mixed Metal Oxide Supported on Heteroatom‐Doped Graphenes as Supercapacitors
Authors: Hu Jiajun , Peng Yong , Albero Josep , García Hermenegildo
Published: October 2022

Supercapacitors are considered among the most promising electrical energy storage devices, there being a need to achieve the highest possible energy storage density. Herein small mixed Zn–Co metal oxide nanoparticles are grown on doped graphene (O‐, N‐ and, B‐doped graphenes). The electrochemical properties of the resulting mixed Zn–Co metal oxide nanoparticles (4 nm) grown on B‐doped graphene exhibit an outstanding specific capacitance of 2568 F g−1 at 2 A g−1, ranking this B‐doped graphene composite among the best performing electrodes. The energy storage capacity is also remarkable even at large current densities (i.e., 640 F g−1 at 40 A g−1). In contrast, larger nanoparticles are obtained using N‐ and O‐doped graphenes as support, the resulting materials exhibiting lower performance. Besides energy storage, the Zn–Co oxide on B‐doped graphene shows notable electrochemical performance and stability obtaining a maximum energy density of 77.6 W h Kg−1 at 850 W Kg−1, a power density of 8500 W Kg−1 at 28.3 W h Kg−1, and a capacitance retention higher than 85% after 5000 cycles. The smaller nanoparticle size and improved electrochemical performance on B‐doped graphene‐based devices are attributed to the higher defect density and nature of the dopant element on graphene.
Sodium‐Containing Surface Film Formation on Planar Metal–Oxide Electrodes with Potential Application for Sodium‐Ion and Sodium–Oxygen Batteries
Authors: Szabados Lukas , Winkler Daniel , Stock David , Alexander Thöny , Lörting Thomas , Kunze-Liebhäuser Julia , Portenkirchner Engelbert
Published: October 2022

Excellent, self‐improving sodiation rate capabilities in combination with high capacity retention upon galvanostatic charge/discharge cycling are found for oxygen‐deficient, carburized, and self‐organized titanium dioxide (TiO2−x) nanotubes (NTs). The sodiation mechanism is attributed to the formation of an acicular surface film as the active storage material with sodium (Na) peroxide (Na2O2) being the main component. Whether the proposed surface chemistry is unique for TiO2 NTs or serves as a common scheme for Na‐ion storage at metal oxide surfaces, in general, is not clear by now. Herein, three different materials, titanium(IV) oxide in the anatase and rutile phase and molybdenum(IV) oxide, are investigated in a planar electrode geometry toward their capability for Na‐ion storage. It is shown that all three materials under investigation demonstrate a significant progression of capacity increase upon cycling in combination with the formation of a Na‐oxide containing surface film. These “self‐improving” characteristics are found to significantly enhance the Na‐ion storage performance of the electrodes during long‐term galvanostatic cycling in a Na‐containing electrolyte.
Changes in operative trends and short‐term outcomes of surgery for congenital biliary dilatation in adults using real‐world data: A multilevel analysis based on a nationwide administrative database in Japan
Authors: Mori Yasuhisa , Okawara Makoto , Shibao Kazunori , Kohi Shiro , Tamura Toshihisa , Sato Norihiro , Fujino Yoshihisa , Fushimi Kiyohide , Matsuda Shinya , Hirata Keiji
Published: October 2022

Aim

We aimed to evaluate the operative trends and compare the short‐term outcomes between open and laparoscopic surgery for congenital biliary dilatation (CBD) in adults using real‐world data from Japan.

Methods

Data from the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database on 941 patients undergoing surgery for CBD at 357 hospitals from April 1, 2016, to March 31, 2021, were analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups: open surgery (n = 764) and laparoscopic surgery (n = 177). We performed a retrospective analysis via a multilevel analysis of the short‐term surgical outcomes and costs between open and laparoscopic surgery.

Results

The rate of laparoscopic surgery has been increasing annually and had almost doubled to 25% by 2021. There were no significant differences in the in‐hospital mortality rate or postoperative morbidity between the two groups. The length of anesthesia was significantly longer in the laparoscopic than open surgery group (8.80 vs 6.16 hours, p < .001). The time to removal of the abdominal drain and length of hospital stay were significantly shorter in the laparoscopic than open surgery group (6.12 vs 8.35 days, p = .001 and 13.57 vs 15.79 days, p < .001, respectively). The coefficient for cost was 463 235 yen (95% confidence interval, 289 679‐636 792) higher in laparoscopic than open surgery (p < .001).

Conclusion

The short‐term results were comparable between laparoscopic and open surgery for CBD. Further investigation is needed to validate our findings and long‐term outcomes.
Hydrophobic‐Substrate‐Selective Dehydrative Condensations at the Emulsion Interface under Conditions where Competitive Reactions Proceed in the Bulk Aqueous Phase
Authors: Matsumoto Takuya , Hirata Eri , Zhang Hanlin , Hioki Kazuhito , Kunishima Munetaka
Published: October 2022

The synthetic utility is demonstrated of substrate‐selective dehydrative condensations at emulsion interfaces using amphiphilic 1,3,5‐triazine‐based dehydrative condensing reagents. To this end, it was investigated whether reaction selectivity between carboxylic acids is pronounced even at relatively high concentrations of reactants and reagents where a background reaction occurs in the bulk aqueous phase. Amide formation was selective for longer‐chain carboxylic acids when the difference in alkyl chain length was 4–5 carbons. The ratio of product amides could be predicted using the log P value of the carboxylic acids. These results were applied to a one‐pot parallel dehydrative condensation where two different reaction fields, inside and outside of the aggregates, were used in the presence of two carboxylic acids and two amines to selectively give two out of four possible amides.
The World Health Organization's impacts on age‐friendly policymaking: A case study on Australia
Authors: Liu Edgar , Atkins Mariana T. , Chomik Rafal , Judd Bruce
Published: October 2022

This paper reflects on whether and how the World Health Organization (WHO) inspires age‐friendly policymaking across different levels of government. This is done via a case study in which we analyse the policies of Australia's three‐tiered federated government system against the WHO's eight core age‐friendly cities domains. Findings suggest that membership of the Global Network of Age‐Friendly Cities and Communities did not appear to overtly inspire the development of age‐friendly policies across Australian governments. Content analysis shows there is an overwhelming policy focus on care and support services, with little attention to cultural diversity. This reflects an outdated portrayal of debilitation in later life and a lack of recognition of how diverse circumstances impact the ageing process and corresponding support needs. Our findings also reveal the challenges of a three‐tiered federated system, where varying financial and authoritative capacities have influenced how different governments acknowledge and respond to population ageing. Notably, local governments—the main level of implementation targeted by the WHO—are invariably constrained in developing their own age‐friendly policies and may opt to adopt those of higher levels of government instead. These challenges will likely impact other resource‐limited governments in responding to the needs of their emerging ageing populations.
Ultrafast Dynamics and Catalytic Mechanism of Fatty Acid Photodecarboxylase
Authors: Wu Ruiqi , Li Xiankun , Wang Lijuan , Zhong Dongping
Published: October 2022

Fatty acid photodecarboxylase is a newly discovered flavin photoenzyme that converts a carboxylic acid into a hydrocarbon and a carbon dioxide molecule through decarboxylation. The enzymatic reactions are poorly understood. In this study, we carefully characterized its dynamic evolution with femtosecond spectroscopy. We observed initial electron transfer from the substrate to the flavin cofactor in 347 ps with a stretched dynamic behavior and subsequently captured the critical carbonyloxy radical. The dominant process following this step was decarboxylation in 5.8 ns to form an alkyl radical and a carbon dioxide molecule. We further identified the absorption bands of two carbonyloxy and alkyl radical intermediates. The overall enzymatic quantum efficiency determined by our obtained timescales is 0.81, consistent with the steady‐state value. The results are essential to the elucidation of the enzyme mechanism and catalytic photocycle, providing a molecular basis for potential design of flavin‐based artificial photoenzymes.
Novel multifunctional microcapsule and its cyanate ester resin composites with self‐healing ability and gamma radiation shielding ability
Authors: Rui Yuehao , Chen Feida , Zhao Minghao , Zhong Jing , Li Yong , Tang Xiaobin
Published: October 2022

Resin‐based composites used in spacecraft face risks from space debris and high‐energy charged particles during their long‐term service in the space environment. This work proposes a novel microcapsule (MC) and its cyanate ester (CE) resin‐based composites (CE/MCs) with self‐healing ability and gamma radiation shielding ability. The multifunctional epoxy/lead tungstate (EP@PWO) microcapsules are developed through self‐assembly method and in‐situ precipitation method. These microcapsules and curing agent 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylsulfone (DDS) are incorporated into the CE resin to form resin‐based composites with low curing temperature, self‐healing ability, and gamma radiation shielding ability. Various approaches including chemical characterizations (X‐ray diffractometer, fourier‐transform infrared, energy dispersive spectrometer), microscopy (optical microscope, scanning electronic microscope), and thermal analysis (differential scanning calorimeter, thermogravimetric analysis) are utilized to demonstrate the successful encapsulation of the EP resin by PWO shell and good thermal stability of this material. The mechanical property, self‐healing ability, and gamma radiation shielding property are investigated via fracture toughness test and using a NaI (Tl) spectrometer. In comparison with pure CE resin, the fracture toughness of the CE/MCs composites can increase by 66.5%, and the self‐healing efficiency can reach up to 56%, indicating that the microcapsules have good toughening and self‐healing abilities. The microcapsules and their composites also exhibit good gamma radiation shielding properties.
Identification of miR‐30c‐5p as a tumor suppressor by targeting the m6A reader HNRNPA2B1 in ovarian cancer
Authors: Wu Qiulei , Li Guoqing , Gong Lanqing , Cai Jing , Chen Le , Xu Xiaohan , Liu Xiaoli , Zhao Jing , Zeng Ya , Gao Rui , Yu Lili , Wang Zehua
Published: October 2022

Background

microRNAs (miRNAs) and N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) play important roles in ovarian cancer (OvCa). However, the mechanisms by which miRNAs regulate m6A in OvCa have not been elucidated so far.

Methods

To screen m6A‐related miRNAs, Pearson's correlation analysis of miRNAs and m6A regulators was implemented using The Cancer Genome Atlas database (TCGA). To determine the level of m6A, RNA m6A quantitative assays were used. Then, colony formation assays, EdU assays, wound healing assays, and Transwell assays were performed. The dual‐luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the miRNA target genes. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis of the target genes was performed, and hub genes were discovered using the cytoHubba/Cytoscape software. The underlying molecular mechanisms were explored by bioinformatics and RNA stability assays.

Results

A total of 126 miRNAs were identified as m6A‐related miRNAs by Pearson's correlation analysis. Among them, the high level of miR‐30c‐5p was associated with good prognosis in OvCa patients. In vitro, the miR‐30c‐5p agomir lowered the m6A level and inhibited OvCa cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. The hub target genes of miR‐30c‐5p were identified as (i) XPO1, (ii) AGO1, (iii) HNRNPA2B1, of which m6A reader HNRNPA2B1 was highly expressed in OvCa tissues and related with poor prognosis. In vitro, knockdown of HNRNPA2B1 significantly reduced m6A level and hampered the proliferation and migration of OvCa cells. The inhibition of m6A reader HNRNPA2B1 attenuated the suppression of proliferation and migration and the low m6A level induced by the miR‐30c‐5p downregulation. Mechanistically, m6A reader HNRNPA2B1 might regulate CDK19 mRNA stability to alter m6A level.

Conclusions

miR‐30c‐5p inhibits OvCa progression and reduces the m6A level by inhibiting m6A reader HNRNPA2B1, thus providing new insights into the m6A regulatory mechanism in OvCa.
Trastuzumab‐based near‐infrared photoimmunotherapy in xenograft mouse of breast cancer
Authors: Yamashita Susumu , Kojima Miho , Onda Nobuhiko , Yoshida Toshinori , Shibutani Makoto
Published: October 2022

Near‐infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR‐PIT) is a novel form of cancer treatment using conjugates of antibody against overexpressed antigens in cancers and photoabsorber IRDye700DX. HER2 is overexpressed in various cancers, for which molecular targeted therapy such as trastuzumab has been developed. The present study investigated the efficacy potential of HER2‐targeted NIR‐PIT using trastuzumab‐IRDye700DX conjugate (Tra‐IR700) in HER2‐positive breast cancer. We first examined the reactivity of Tra‐IR700 and the cytotoxicity of NIR‐PIT in vitro. HER2‐positive BT‐474 and SK‐BR‐3 cells and HER2‐negative BT‐20 cells were used. Tra‐IR700 fluorescence was only observed in HER2‐positive breast cancer cell lines, and the fluorescence was localized to the cell surface. Furthermore, HER2‐positive breast cancer cell lines treated with NIR‐PIT showed swelling and blebbing shortly after irradiation, and eventually increased PI‐positive dead cells. Next, tumor accumulation of Tra‐IR700 and tumor damage by NIR‐PIT were examined in vivo. Tra‐IR700 was administered intravenously to a xenograft model in which BT‐474 cells were implanted subcutaneously in BALB/c nude mice. Tra‐IR700 fluorescence was the highest in tumor tissue 1 day after administration, and the fluorescence was localized to the cell membrane of tumor cells. At this time point, NIR‐PIT resulted in diffuse necrosis of tumor tissues 1 day after irradiation. These results suggest that NIR‐PIT with Tra‐IR700 induces a highly selective therapeutic effect in a HER2‐positive breast cancer model. NIR‐PIT using Tra‐IR700 is expected to be a novel treatment for HER2‐positive cancers, including breast cancer.
Mobile application to support oncology patients during treatment on patient outcomes: Evidence from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Graetz Ilana , Hu Xin , Curry Andrea N. , Robles Andrew , Vidal Gregory A. , Schwartzberg Lee S.
Published: October 2022

Background

Cancer treatment requires substantial demands on patients and their caregivers. Mobile apps can provide support for self‐management during oncology treatment, but few have been rigorously evaluated.

Methods

A 3‐month randomized controlled trial was conducted at a large cancer center to evaluate the efficacy of an app (LivingWith®) that provides self‐management support during cancer treatment on quality of life and health care utilization. Patients in chemotherapy treatment were randomized into the intervention (n = 113) and control group (n = 111). Intervention group participants agreed to use the app weekly for 3 months, and all participants completed a survey at enrollment and after 3 months to evaluate changes in quality of life and health care utilization.

Results

Retention rate was 75.4% with 169 participants completing the follow‐up survey. The intervention group reported 0.74 fewer medical office visits (p = 0.043) and 0.24 fewer visits with a mental health professional (p = 0.061) during the 3 and month intervention compared with controls. There were no significant changes by study group in quality of life, or emergency room and urgent care visits. Among intervention participants, 75.3% reported using the app and on average, used it 11.7 times during the 3‐month intervention. Reasons for not using the app among intervention participants included lack of time, lack of interest in apps, and usability challenges.

Conclusions and Relevance

Apps are inexpensive and scalable tools that can provide additional support for individuals coping with complex cancer treatments. This trial provides evidence that a well‐designed oncology support app used during chemotherapy resulted in fewer clinic visits. Still, nearly a quarter of participants randomized to the intervention arm reported never using the app due to personal preference and usability challenges, which points to future opportunities for calibrating target user population and improving user‐centered design.

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT04331678.
High endothelial venules in intracranial germinomas: Implications for lymphocytes infiltration
Authors: Chen Huiyuan , Li Guilin , Cui Yun , Zhang Qi , Li Bo , Liu Xing
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Reactive lymphocytes are substantial components of germinoma, which are believed to be related to the favorable prognosis of this intracranial tumor and better response to immunotherapy. However, the mechanisms managing the recruitment of lymphocytes are poorly understood. High endothelial venules (HEVs) are specialized blood vessels that play key roles in lymphocyte trafficking in Lymph nodes. These vessels are associated with lymphocyte infiltration in chronic inflammatory diseases and various malignant tumors, but their distribution and implications in germinoma are unknown. This study aimed to investigate the distribution and implications of HEVs in intracranial germinomas.

Methods

We investigated the presence and distribution of HEVs in 42 germinomas by immunohistochemical staining of peripheral node addressin (PNAd) and transmission electron microscopic examination. The correlation of the densities of HEVs with the extent of T and B lymphocyte infiltration and several clinicopathological characteristics were also analyzed to determine whether HEVs are responsible for lymphocyte recruitment and their roles in anti‐tumor immunity in germinoma.

Results

PNAd‐positive HEVs were detected in 31% (13/42) of germinomas, and their presence correlated with abundant infiltrating CD3+ T cells, CD20 + B cells and CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (p = 0.0410, 0.0023, and 0.0061, respectively). Higher HEVs density was also correlated with several clinicopathological parameters, which are recognized indicators for favorable prognosis in germinomas, including typical tumor location (p = 0.0093), lower tumor cell content (p = 0.0428), and younger age at diagnosis (p = 0.0121). Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis showed HEVs‐associated genes mainly enriched in immune‐related Gene Ontology terms, including innate immune response, inflammatory response, and B cell receptor signaling pathway. The xCell analysis revealed that germinomas with higher HEVs enrichment scores had increased levels of the immune score, microenvironment score, dendritic cells, CD8+ central memory T‐cells, CD4+ memory T‐cells, and B‐cells.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that HEVs could contribute to lymphocyte recruitment in germinomas, thus may serve as a predictor of favorable prognosis and better response to immunotherapy in this intracranial tumor.
Did court dismiss student's retaliation lawsuit?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: October 2022

A female Augustana College student was at an off‐campus bar when she was allegedly sexually assaulted by a prospective student who wasn't enrolled at the institution. The female student was intoxicated at the time of the alleged assault.
Optimal protamine‐to‐heparin dosing ratio for the prevention of bleeding complications in patients undergoing TAVR—A multicenter experience
Authors: Al‐Kassou Baravan , Veulemans Verena , Shamekhi Jasmin , Maier Oliver , Piayda Kerstin , Zeus Tobias , Aksoy Adem , Zietzer Andreas , Meertens Max , Mauri Victor , Weber Marcel , Sinning Jan‐Malte , Grube Eberhard , Adam Matti , Bakhtiary Farhad , Zimmer Sebastian , Baldus Stephan , Kelm Malte , Nickenig Georg , Sedaghat Alexander
Published: October 2022

Background

Despite major advances, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is still associated with procedure‐specific complications. Although previous studies reported lower bleeding rates in patients receiving protamine for heparin reversal, the optimal protamine‐to‐heparin dosing ratio is unknown.

Hypothesis

The aim of this study was a comparison of two different heparin antagonization regimens for the prevention of bleeding complications after TAVR.

Methods

The study included 1446 patients undergoing TAVR, of whom 623 received partial and 823 full heparin antagonization. The primary endpoint was a composite of 30‐day mortality, life‐threatening, and major bleeding. Safety endpoints included stroke and myocardial infarction at 30 days.

Results

Full antagonization of heparin resulted in lower rates of the primary endpoint as compared to partial heparin reversal (5.6% vs. 10.4%, p < .01), which was mainly driven by lower rates of life‐threatening (0.5% vs. 1.6%, p = .05) and major bleeding (3.2% vs. 7.5%, p < .01). Moreover, the incidence of major vascular complications was significantly lower in patients with full heparin reversal (3.5% vs. 7.5%, p < .01). The need for red‐blood‐cell transfusion was lower in patients receiving full as compared to partial heparin antagonization (10.4% vs. 15.9%, p < .01). No differences were observed in the incidence of stroke and myocardial infarction between patients with full and partial heparin reversal (2.2% vs. 2.6%, p = .73 and 0.2% vs. 0.4%, p = .64, respectively).

Conclusions

Full heparin antagonization resulted in significantly lower rates of life‐threatening and major bleeding after TAVR as compared to partial heparin reversal. The occurrence of stroke and myocardial infarction was low and comparable between both groups.
Cabozantinib for previously treated radioiodine‐refractory differentiated thyroid cancer: Updated results from the phase 3 COSMIC‐311 trial
Authors: Brose Marcia S. , Robinson Bruce G. , Sherman Steven I. , Jarzab Barbara , Lin Chia‐Chi , Vaisman Fernanda , Hoff Ana O. , Hitre Erika , Bowles Daniel W. , Sen Suvajit , Oliver Jennifer W. , Banerjee Kamalika , Keam Bhumsuk , Capdevila Jaume
Published: October 2022

Background

At an interim analysis (median follow‐up, 6.2 months; n = 187), the phase 3 COSMIC‐311 trial met the primary end point of progression‐free survival (PFS): cabozantinib improved PFS versus a placebo (median, not reached vs. 1.9 months; p < .0001) in patients with previously treated radioiodine‐refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RAIR‐DTC). The results from an exploratory analysis using an extended datacut are presented.

Methods

Patients 16 years old or older with RAIR‐DTC who progressed on prior lenvatinib and/or sorafenib were randomized 2:1 to oral cabozantinib tablets (60 mg/day) or a placebo. Placebo patients could cross over to open‐label cabozantinib upon radiographic disease progression. The objective response rate (ORR) in the first 100 randomized patients and the PFS in the intent‐to‐treat population, both according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 by blinded, independent review, were the primary end points.

Results

At the data cutoff (February 8, 2021), 258 patients had been randomized (cabozantinib, n = 170; placebo, n = 88); the median follow‐up was 10.1 months. The median PFS was 11.0 months (96% confidence interval [CI], 7.4–13.8 months) for cabozantinib and 1.9 months (96% CI, 1.9–3.7 months) for the placebo (hazard ratio, 0.22; 96% CI, 0.15–0.32; p < .0001). The ORR was 11.0% (95% CI, 6.9%–16.9%) versus 0% (95% CI, 0.0%–4.1%) (p = .0003) with one complete response with cabozantinib. Forty placebo patients crossed over to open‐label cabozantinib. Grade 3/4 treatment‐emergent adverse events occurred in 62% and 28% of the cabozantinib‐ and placebo‐treated patients, respectively; the most common were hypertension (12% vs. 2%), palmar–plantar erythrodysesthesia (10% vs. 0%), and fatigue (9% vs. 0%). There were no grade 5 treatment‐related events.

Conclusions

At extended follow‐up, cabozantinib maintained superior efficacy over a placebo in patients with previously treated RAIR‐DTC with no new safety signals.
Occurrence of breast‐cancer–related lymphedema after reverse lymphatic mapping and selective axillary dissection versus standard surgical treatment of axilla: A two‐arm randomized clinical trial
Authors: Gennaro Massimiliano , Maccauro Marco , Mariani Luigi , Listorti Chiara , Sigari Carmela , De Vivo Annarita , Chisari Marco , Maugeri Ilaria , Lorenzoni Alice , Aliberti Gianluca , Scaperrotta Gianfranco P. , Caraceni Augusto , Pruneri Giancarlo , Folli Secondo
Published: October 2022

Background

The need for axillary dissection (AD) is declining, but it is still essential for many patients with nodal involvement who risk developing breast‐cancer–related lymphedema (BCRL) with lifelong consequences. Previous nonrandomized studies found axillary reverse mapping and selective axillary dissection (ARM‐SAD) a safe and feasible way to preserve the arm's lymphatic drainage.

Methods

The present two‐arm prospective randomized clinical trial was held at a single comprehensive cancer center to ascertain whether ARM‐SAD can reduce the risk of BCRL, compared with standard AD, in patients with node‐positive breast cancer. Whatever the type of breast surgery or adjuvant treatments planned, 130 patients with nodal involvement met our inclusion criteria: 65 were randomized for AD and 65 for ARM‐SAD. Twelve months after surgery, a physiatrist assessed patients for BCRL and calculated the excess volume of the operated arm. Lymphoscintigraphy was used to assess drainage impairment. Self‐reports of any impairment were also recorded.

Results

The difference in the incidence of BCRL between the two groups was 21% (95% CI, 3‐37; p = .03). A significantly lower rate of BCRL after ARM‐SAD was confirmed by a multimodal analysis that included the physiatrist's findings, excess arm volume, and lymphoscintigraphic findings, but this was not matched by a significant difference in patients' self‐reports.

Conclusions

Our findings encourage a change of surgical approach when AD is still warranted. ARM‐SAD may be an alternative to standard AD to reduce the treatment‐related morbidity.
Optimized scheduling of multi‐user Map‐Reduce jobs in heterogeneous environment
Authors: Varalakshmi Perumal , Subbiah Sankari
Published: October 2022

Map‐Reduce is a programming paradigm widely used for data intensive applications in distributed computing. Divisible load theory (DLT) is another model to partition divisible load for parallel processing. In this work, a new job scheduler named virtual job scheduler (VJS) is developed to schedule the MapReduce jobs based on DLT. VJS constructs a virtual job set from the queue of jobs awaiting execution by considering the CPU and IO resource utilization levels of each job. The core of VJS is in its partitioning algorithm. Two novel partitioning algorithms, namely, two level successive partitioning (TLSP) and predictive partitioning (PRED) have been proposed. TLSP applies DLT to both map and reduce phase in succession. This second load partitioning performed during the comparatively longer reduce phase, exploits the advantage of DLT better. PRED is a modification of TLSP aimed at optimizing the overall schedule length, by taking the idle time of the reducers into consideration. Evaluation of these two models across various execution environments has indicated a profound decrease in the wait time of reducers and as a result has shown a significant reduction in the makespan of the whole job as such. VJS altered to incorporate PRED partitioning algorithm has proved to be suitable for heterogeneous environment, with high resource utilization compared with the default Hadoop MapReduce scheduler.
Identification of factors associated with Fasciola hepatica infection risk areas on pastures via an environmental DNA survey of Galba truncatula distribution using droplet digital and quantitative real‐time PCR assays
Authors: Jones Rhys Aled , Davis Chelsea N. , Nalepa‐Grajcar Justyna , Woodruff Hayley , Williams Hefin Wyn , Brophy Peter M. , Jones Emma
Published: October 2022

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is a powerful tool for identifying the spatial and temporal presence and density of species in a range of aquatic habitats. The analysis of eDNA has a wide range of application, one of which may be to inform of Fasciola hepatica infection risk on pastures based on the detection of its eDNA as well as that of its intermediate snail host, Galba truncatula eDNA. Here, droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) assays were developed to detect the eDNA of F. hepatica, and its intermediate snail host, G. truncatula in water samples collected from pastures grazed by cattle and/or sheep. Environmental factors associated with species presence, as detected via an eDNA survey, were identified using zero‐inflated linear mixed models. Sixty‐four habitats were sampled across six farms in Ceredigion, Wales, UK, with ddPCR and qPCR identifying 42 and 33 habitats to be positive for G. truncatula eDNA, respectively. G. truncatula eDNA was significantly less likely to be detected in habitats fully shaded by trees, those that contained black or dark brown soils and habitats that contained deep water pools (p < 0.05). Significantly higher G. truncatula eDNA concentrations were observed in habitats that tend to dry up during Summer (i.e., temporary habitats) (p < 0.05). ddPCR also identified five habitats to be positive for F. hepatica eDNA; however, questions remain regarding the utility of F. hepatica eDNA detection due to a lack of specificity toward infective F. hepatica larval stages. The results of this study inform of factors which influences G. truncatula distribution and ecology on pastures and also provided practical information for farmers to aid F. hepatica control in their flocks and herds.
Correlation between Absorption and Substitution of Photochromic 1,2‐Bis(thienyl)ethenes (BTEs) Using Modified Spectroscopic Hammett Equations
Authors: Nagorny Sven , Weingartz Thea , Namyslo Jan C. , Adams Jörg , Schmidt Andreas
Published: October 2022

Series of photochromic 1,2‐bis(thienyl)ethenes possessing perfluorocyclopentene backbones, either hydrogen or methyl groups at the β‐positions of the thiophenes, and a variety of substituents in their α'‐positions were prepared, which cover the range from electron‐donating to electron‐withdrawing (Me, −CH2OH, −OTBS, −TMS, −Br, 1,3‐dioxan‐2‐yl, pyridin‐4‐yl, −CH2OH, −COOH). As a linear free energy relationship the spectroscopic Hammett equation gives fair to excellent fits to the excitation energy of the absorption maxima of the ring‐opened as well as the ring‐closed forms of the BTEs, when Hammett substituent constants σp were replaced by Brown's modified substituent constants σp+ and σp−. Vice versa, hitherto unknown Hammett‐Brown substituent constants can be estimated from the UV spectra. Furthermore, we compared the experimentally measured absorption maxima with values which we calculated by three different methods (DFT STEOM‐DLPNO‐CCSD/def2‐TZVPP, TD‐DFT ωB97X‐D3/6‐31G*, TD‐DFT ωB97X‐D3/6‐311++G**).
Graphite‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Sulfones in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Galdino Danilo , Lima Jadielson C. , Vicente Dmistocles A. , Menezes Paulo H. , Navarro Marcelo
Published: October 2022

Developing mild sustainable protocols for the synthesis of sulfones remains a challenge in organic synthesis. Herein, we report an efficient strategy for the synthesis of sulfones from organic halides and sodium salts of sulfinic acids using graphite powder as reusable catalyst and water as solvent at room temperature. The reaction showed a broad substrate scope, functional group tolerance, easy extraction conditions, and the products were isolated without the need of further purification. When α‐halo‐ketones were used as substrates, the corresponding β‐ketosulfones were also obtained in good yields. The method is general and can also be used on larger scale.
The in vitro genotoxicity potency of mixtures of pyrrolizidine alkaloids can be explained by dose addition of the individual mixture components
Authors: Allemang Ashley , Mahony Catherine , Pfuhler Stefan
Published: October 2022

Plant‐based 1,2‐unsaturated Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids (PAs) are responsible for liver genotoxicity/carcinogenicity following metabolic activation, making them a relevant concern for safety assessment. Due to 21st century toxicology approaches, risk of PAs can be better discerned though an understanding of differing toxic potencies, but it is often mixtures of PAs that are found as contaminants in foods, for example, herbal teas and honey, food supplements and herbal medicines. Our study investigated whether genotoxicity potency of PAs dosed individually or in mixtures differed when measured using micronuclei formation in vitro in HepaRG human liver cells, which we and others have shown to be suitable for observing genotoxic potency differences across different PA structural classes. When equipotent concentrations of up to six different PAs representing a wide range of potencies in vitro were tested as mixtures, the observed genotoxic potency aligned favorably with results for single PAs. Similarly, when the BMD confidence intervals of these equipotent mixtures were compared with the confidence intervals of the individual PAs, only minimal variation was observed. These data support a conclusion that for this class of plant impurities, all acting via the same DNA‐reactive mode of action, genotoxic potency can be regarded as additive when assessing the risk of mixtures of PAs.
Improved Proton Adsorption and Charge Separation on Cadmium Sulfides for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
Authors: Zhao Yi , Fang Xiao , Chen Lu , Zhu Jiefang , Zheng Yuanhui
Published: October 2022

Cadmium sulfide has attracted wide attention in photocatalytic hydrogen production, due to its appropriate bandgap and band positions. However, high‐rate photogenerated electron–hole recombination and few active sites on CdS lead to its low photocatalytic activity. Herein, a PANI/NCPP/CdS (PANI/NiCoP/NiCoPi/CdS) hybrid as a noble metal‐free visible light‐driven photocatalyst is reported, with metal phosphides, metal phosphates, and polyaniline (PANI) as reduction and oxidation cocatalysts, respectively. This hybrid not only facilitates the charge separation and transfer owing to the formation of heterojunction, but also improves the local concentration of H+ on the surface of catalysts due to the formation of the protonated amine groups on PANI, beneﬁcial to hydrogen evolution reaction. As a result, the as‐prepared photocatalyst could show a high hydrogen evolution rate of 170.3 mmol g−1 h−1 and an apparent quantum efficiency of 41.37% at 420 nm, representing one of the best performances of all‐CdS‐based photocatalysts.
A companion to the preclinical common data elements for proteomics, lipidomics, and metabolomics data in rodent epilepsy models. A report of the TASK3‐WG4 omics working group of the ILAE/AES joint translational TASK force
Authors: Bindila Laura , Eid Tore , Mills James D. , Hildebrand Michael S. , Brennan Gary P. , Masino Susan A. , Whittemore Vicky , Perucca Piero , Reid Christopher A. , Patel Manisha , Wang Kevin K. , van Vliet Erwin A.
Published: October 2022

The International League Against Epilepsy/American Epilepsy Society (ILAE/AES) Joint Translational Task Force established the TASK3 working groups to create common data elements (CDEs) for various preclinical epilepsy research disciplines. This is the second in a two‐part series of omics papers, with the other including genomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics. The aim of the CDEs was to improve the standardization of experimental designs across a range of epilepsy research‐related methods. We have generated CDE tables with key parameters and case report forms (CRFs) containing the essential contents of the study protocols for proteomics, lipidomics, and metabolomics of samples from rodent models and people with epilepsy. We discuss the important elements that need to be considered for the proteomics, lipidomics, and metabolomics methodologies, providing a rationale for the parameters that should be documented.
Mapping Interictal activity in epilepsy using a hidden Markov model: A magnetoencephalography study
Authors: Seedat Zelekha A. , Rier Lukas , Gascoyne Lauren E. , Cook Harry , Woolrich Mark W. , Quinn Andrew J. , Roberts Timothy P. L. , Furlong Paul L. , Armstrong Caren , St. Pier Kelly , Mullinger Karen J. , Marsh Eric D. , Brookes Matthew J. , Gaetz William
Published: October 2022

Epilepsy is a highly heterogeneous neurological disorder with variable etiology, manifestation, and response to treatment. It is imperative that new models of epileptiform brain activity account for this variability, to identify individual needs and allow clinicians to curate personalized care. Here, we use a hidden Markov model (HMM) to create a unique statistical model of interictal brain activity for 10 pediatric patients. We use magnetoencephalography (MEG) data acquired as part of standard clinical care for patients at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. These data are routinely analyzed using excess kurtosis mapping (EKM); however, as cases become more complex (extreme multifocal and/or polymorphic activity), they become harder to interpret with EKM. We assessed the performance of the HMM against EKM for three patient groups, with increasingly complicated presentation. The difference in localization of epileptogenic foci for the two methods was 7 ± 2 mm (mean ± SD over all 10 patients); and 94% ± 13% of EKM temporal markers were matched by an HMM state visit. The HMM localizes epileptogenic areas (in agreement with EKM) and provides additional information about the relationship between those areas. A key advantage over current methods is that the HMM is a data‐driven model, so the output is tuned to each individual. Finally, the model output is intuitive, allowing a user (clinician) to review the result and manually select the HMM epileptiform state, offering multiple advantages over previous methods and allowing for broader implementation of MEG epileptiform analysis in surgical decision‐making for patients with intractable epilepsy.
Willingness to pay for policies to reduce health risks from COVID‐19: Evidence from U.S. professional sports
Authors: Humphreys Brad R. , Wagner Gary A. , Whitehead John C. , Wicker Pamela
Published: October 2022

Airborne transmission of the COVID‐19 virus increased the need for health policies to reduce transmission in congregate settings associated with minimal risk before the pandemic. While a large literature estimates tradeoffs between policies designed to reduce negative health outcomes, no empirical research addresses consumer willingness to pay (WTP) for health policies designed to reduce airborne virus transmission. Using survey data from 1381 fans of professional sports, we estimate consumers' WTP for reduced likelihood of coronavirus transmission through mask and social distancing policies using a stated preference approach. The results indicate increased attendance likelihood if the venue requires masks and limits attendance, with significant heterogeneity in WTP across risk scenarios and sports. We characterize consumers as casual fans who prefer a mask requirement but are indifferent to capacity constraints, strong fans who are anti‐maskers and prefer capacity constraints, and a second group of casual fans with positive WTP under both mask and limited capacity requirements. For example, casual fans' WTP for masking, $38 per National Basketball Association (NBA) game attended, is more than double their WTP for capacity constraints only. Strong fans' WTP for attending capacity constrained NBA games was $490, more than 400% higher than the pre‐pandemic average WTP of $105.
Investigating whether connecting people can promote subnational economic development: Evidence from China–ASEAN friendship cities
Authors: Pang Fangying , Tang Jingjing , Xie Hanwen
Published: October 2022

Whether maintaining a close relationship with China can benefit economic performance in the postpandemic era is a crucial concern for countries around the world. This study employs the difference‐in‐difference (DID) model and propensity score matching to estimate the impact of connecting people proposed by the Belt and Road Initiate (BRI) on the subnational economic development of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) cities. The quasi‐natural experiment of DID is based on the establishment of China–ASEAN friendship cities. We capture the ASEAN subnational economic development by calibrated satellite nighttime light data. Our findings show that the establishment of a friendship‐city relationship has a positive impact on the subnational economic development of China–ASEAN cities. Further analysis indicates that bilateral trade, China's direct investment in contracted projects, and mutual visits by national leaders may be the underlying channels for boosting the economic development of China–ASEAN friendship cities. This study contributes to the literature on friendship city and provides ex‐ante implications on the BRI from the perspective of connecting people with first‐hand empirical evidence.
Diagnostic value of total testosterone and free androgen index measured by LC–MS/MS for PCOS and insulin resistance
Authors: Xu Sujuan , Liu Yun , Xue Kai , Liu Xiaoguang , Jia Genmei , Zeng Yu , Chen Yajun
Published: October 2022

Background

The objective of the study was to explore the clinical significance of steroid hormones in the diagnosis of PCOS and PCOS‐related insulin resistance through liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) and chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA).

Methods

The study included 114 patients with PCOS and 100 controls. Steroid hormone levels in serum were measured using LC–MS/MS and CLIA. The Bland–Altman method was used to check the consistency between the two methods. The diagnostic value of the LC–MS/MS method for female hyperandrogenemia and PCOS was evaluated.

Results

Women with PCOS were younger than controls on average (p < 0.001). PCOS patients had higher luteal hormone (LH, p < 0.001), insulin (p = 0.002), estradiol (E2, p < 0.001), total testosterone (TT, p < 0.001), free androgen index (FAI, p = 0.021), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA, p = 0.021), insulin resistance index (HOMA‐IR) (p = 0.034), and fasting glucose (p = 0.017) levels than controls as measured by CLIA. The diagnostic value of TT was the best, and the area under the AUC curve was 0.766. Women with PCOS had higher androstenedione (A2, p < 0.001), FAI (p < 0.001), TT (p < 0.001), and 17‐hydroxyprogesterone (17‐OHP, p < 0.001) levels than controls as measured by LC–MS/MS. The ROC curve showed that the diagnostic efficacy of A2, TT, and 17‐OHP was 0.830, 0.851, and 0.714, respectively. The consistency of TT detected by LC–MS/MS and CLIA was poor according to the Bland–Altman method. Detected TT by LC–MS/MS had the highest diagnostic efficiency for PCOS. The diagnostic power of the LC–MS/MS results for PCOS‐related insulin resistance was analyzed. The results showed that the FAI had the highest diagnostic power, with an ROC curve of 0.798.

Conclusion

LC–MS/MS is more sensitive and accurate than CLIA in the determination of serum TT and FAI. TT is more effective for the diagnosis of PCOS, whereas FAI is more valuable in the diagnosis of insulin resistance.
Investigation of deposition temperature effect on spatial patterns of MgF2 thin films
Authors: Shakoury Reza , Matos Robert Saraiva , da Fonseca Filho Henrique Duarte , Rezaee Sahar , Arman Ali , Boochani Arash , Jurečka Stanislav , Zelati Amir , Mardani Mohsen , Ţălu Ştefan
Published: October 2022

In this work, the atomic force microscopy (AFM) technique was used to characterize 3D MgF2 thin film surfaces through advanced analysis involving morphological, fractal, multifractal, succolarity, lacunarity and surface entropy (SE) parameters, consistent with ISO 25178‐2: 2012. Samples were synthesized by electron beam deposition, grown in three different temperatures. Three different temperatures of 25°C (laboratory temperature), 150 and 300°C were chosen. The temperature of 300°C is usually the highest temperature that can be deposited with the electron beam evaporation coating system. The substrates were made of glass (diameter 16 mm, thickness 3 mm), and the samples were prepared at a pressure of 5 × 10−5 Torr. The statistical results from the AFM images indicate that topographic asperities decrease with increasing deposition temperature, showing a decrease in roughness values. Regardless of the deposition temperature, all surfaces have a self‐similar behavior, presenting a very linear PSD distribution, and, according to our results, the sample deposited at 300° had the highest spatial complexity. On the other hand, surface percolation is increasing when temperature increases, indicating that its low roughness and high spatial complexity play an important role on the formation of their most percolating surface microtexture. Our results demonstrate that the lower deposition temperature promoted the formation of less discontinuous height distributions in the MgF2 films.
A quick pipeline for the isolation of 3D cell culture‐derived extracellular vesicles
Authors: Kyykallio Heikki , Faria Alessandra V. S. , Hartman Rosabella , Capra Janne , Rilla Kirsi , Siljander Pia R‐M
Published: October 2022

Recent advances in cell biology research regarding extracellular vesicles have highlighted an increasing demand to obtain 3D cell culture‐derived EVs, because they are considered to more accurately represent EVs obtained in vivo. However, there is still a grave need for efficient and tunable methodologies to isolate EVs from 3D cell cultures. Using nanofibrillar cellulose (NFC) scaffold as a 3D cell culture matrix, we developed a pipeline of two different approaches for EV isolation from cancer spheroids. A batch method was created for delivering high EV yield at the end of the culture period, and a harvesting method was created to enable time‐dependent collection of EVs to combine EV profiling with spheroid development. Both these methods were easy to set up, quick to perform, and they provided a high EV yield. When compared to scaffold‐free 3D spheroid cultures on ultra‐low affinity plates, the NFC method resulted in similar EV production/cell, but the NFC method was scalable and easier to perform resulting in high EV yields. In summary, we introduce here an NFC‐based, innovative pipeline for acquiring EVs from 3D cancer spheroids, which can be tailored to support the needs of variable EV research objectives.
Assessing the impacts of climate change on women's poverty: A Bolivian case study
Authors: Escalante Luis Enrique , Maisonnave Helene
Published: October 2022

Climate change affects men and women differently, and pre‐existing gender disparities may worsen. We use a gendered computable general equilibrium model linked with microsimulations to assess the distributive effects of climate change in Bolivia. Two scenarios are evaluated. The first scenario addresses capital and land damages, while the second analyses the decrease in agricultural production yields. We find that both scenarios have negative impacts on the Bolivian economy. The scenarios drive down employment and increase the burden of domestic work, especially for women. Furthermore, both simulations reveal negative impacts on poverty, with women in rural areas being the most affected.