bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Super enhancer‐LncRNA SENCR promoted cisplatin resistance and growth of NSCLC through upregulating FLI1
Authors: Shen Qiang , Zhou Huixin , Zhang Meijuan , Wu Ruihao , Wang Liangxing , Wang Yumin , Chen Jie
Published: May 2022

Background

Super enhancer‐lncRNA smooth muscle and endothelial cell‐enriched migration/differentiation‐associated lncRNA (SENCR) were highly overexpressed in cisplatin‐resistant A549/DDP cells, while the mechanism was unclear.

Methods

SE‐lncRNA SENCR and FLI1 mRNA expression in A549/DDP cell, LAD tissues were detected. SENCR knockdown of A549/DDP cell and SENCR overexpression of cisplatin‐sensitive A549 cell were constructed. Experiments of cell‐confirmed function of SENCR and the correlation between SENCR and FLI1 were validated.

Results

The expression of SENCR and FLI1 mRNA in A549/DDP cell were both upregulated and mainly localized in the nucleus. Compared with DDP‐sensitive tissues with disease relief, SENCR expression was higher in DDP‐resistant tissues with disease progression from LAD. Knockdown of SENCR in A549/DDP reduced proliferation ability and cisplatin resistance, consistent with the decreased levels of proteins PCNA, MDMX, and P‐gp. Besides, whatever without cisplatin or with 2 μg/ml cisplatin, knockdown of SENCR reduced the migration, invasion, and colony formation abilities of A549/DDP cell and promoted apoptosis. However, when SENCR was overexpressed in A549 cell, all above results were reversed. Mechanistically, FLI1 expression was reduced after knocking down SENCR, while overexpressing SENCR increased FLI1 expression.

Conclusion

SE‐LncRNA SENCR was upregulated in A549/DDP, which could promote cisplatin resistance and growth of NSCLC cell through upregulating FLI1 expression.
Ferroptosis‐based molecular prognostic model for adrenocortical carcinoma based on least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression
Authors: Lin Chen , Hu Ruofei , Sun FangFang , Liang Weiwei
Published: May 2022

Background

This study aimed to find ferroptosis‐related genes linked to clinical outcomes of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) and assess the prognostic value of the model.

Methods

We downloaded the mRNA sequencing data and patient clinical data of 78 ACC patients from the TCGA data portal. Candidate ferroptosis‐related genes were screened by univariate regression analysis, machine‐learning least absolute shrinkage, and selection operator (LASSO). A ferroptosis‐related gene‐based prognostic model was constructed. The effectiveness of the prediction model was accessed by KM and ROC analysis. External validation was done using the GSE19750 cohort. A nomogram was generated. The prognostic accuracy was measured and compared with conventional staging systems (TNM stage). Functional analysis was conducted to identify biological characterization of survival‐associated ferroptosis‐related genes.

Results

Seventy genes were identified as survival‐associated ferroptosis‐related genes. The prognostic model was constructed with 17 ferroptosis‐related genes including STMN1, RRM2, HELLS, FANCD2, AURKA, GABARAPL2, SLC7A11, KRAS, ACSL4, MAPK3, HMGB1, CXCL2, ATG7, DDIT4, NOX1, PLIN4, and STEAP3. A RiskScore was calculated for each patient. KM curve indicated good prognostic performance. The AUC of the ROC curve for predicting 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐ year(s) survival time was 0.975, 0.913, and 0.915 respectively. The nomogram prognostic evaluation model showed better predictive ability than conventional staging systems.

Conclusion

We constructed a prognosis model of ACC based on ferroptosis‐related genes with better predictive value than the conventional staging system. These efforts provided candidate targets for revealing the molecular basis of ACC, as well as novel targets for drug development.
Longitudinal variation of circulating Inc‐ITSN1‐2: A novel biomarker reflecting disease severity, inflammation, recurrence, and death risk in acute ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Wang Gang , Zhou Ying , Zhong Tingting , Song Aixia , Xue Qian
Published: May 2022

Background

Long noncoding RNA intersectin 1–2 (lnc‐ITSN1‐2) regulates inflammation and neuronal apoptosis; meanwhile, the latter two factors participate in the pathogenesis of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Therefore, this study detected lnc‐ITSN1‐2 at multiple time points, aiming to explore its longitudinal variation and clinical value in the management of AIS patients.

Methods

The current study enrolled 102 AIS patients, then detected their lnc‐ITSN1‐2 in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) at baseline (D0), day (D)1, D3, D7, month (M)1, M3, M6, and year (Y)1 after admission using RT‐qPCR. Additionally, lnc‐ITSN1‐2 in PBMC of 50 controls was also detected.

Results

Lnc‐ITSN1‐2 was up‐regulated in AIS patients than that in controls (p < 0.001). Lnc‐ITSN1‐2 positively associated with NIHSS score, TNF‐α, and IL‐17A (all p < 0.050) but was not linked with IL‐6 (p = 0.093) in AIS patients. Notably, lnc‐ITSN1‐2 was gradually increased from D0 to D3; while it switched to decrease from D3 to Y1 in AIS patients. Lnc‐ITSN1‐2 disclosed similar longitudinal variation during 1 year in non‐recurrent (p < 0.001), recurrent (p = 0.001), and survived patients (p < 0.001), while the variation of lnc‐ITSN1‐2 in died patients was not obvious (p = 0.132). More importantly, lnc‐ITSN1‐2 at D0, D3, D7, M1, M3, M6, and Y1 was higher in recurrent AIS patients than that in non‐recurrent AIS patients (all p < 0.050); moreover, lnc‐ITSN1‐2 at D3, D7, M1, M3, and M6 was up‐regulated in died AIS patients than AIS survivors (all p < 0.050).

Conclusion

The dynamic variation of Inc‐ITSN1‐2 could serve as a biomarker reflecting disease severity, inflammatory cytokines, recurrence, and death risk in AIS patients.
Incorporation of second‐tier tests and secondary biomarkers to improve positive predictive value (PPV) rate in newborn metabolic screening program
Authors: Younesi Sarang , Yazdani Bahareh , Taheri Amin Mohammad Mahdi , Saadati Pourandokht , Jamali Soudabeh , Modarresi Mohammad‐Hossein , Savad Shahram , Amidi Saloomeh , Razavi Homayoun , Ghafouri‐Fard Soudeh
Published: May 2022

Background

Nowadays, neonatal screening has become an essential part of routine newborn care in the world. This is a non‐invasive evaluation that evaluated inborn errors of metabolisms (IEMs) using tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) for the evaluation of the baby's risk of certain metabolic disorders.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted on 39987 Iranian newborns who were referred to Nilou Medical Laboratory, Tehran, Iran, for newborn screening programs of IEMs. We incorporated second‐tier tests and secondary biomarkers to improve positive predictive value (PPV).

Results

Statistical data were recorded via call interviewing in 6–8 months after their screening tests. The overall prevalence of IEM was 1:975. The mean age of all participants was 3.9 ± 1.1 days; 5.1% of participants were over 13 days and 7.7% were preterm or underweight. A total of 11384 (29.4%) of the cases were born in a consanguineous family. The type of delivery was the cesarean section in 8332 (51.3%) valid cases. The neonatal screening results had an overall negative predictive value (NPV) of 100% and the overall PPV of 40.2%. The false‐positive rate was 0.15%.

Conclusion

This study showed a high incidence of metabolic disease due to a high rate of consanguineous marriages in Iran and indicated that incorporation of second‐tier tests and secondary biomarkers improves PPV of neonatal screening programs.
Gratitude, relatedness needs satisfaction, and negative psychological outcomes during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A short‐term longitudinal study
Authors: Datu Jesus Alfonso D. , Fincham Frank D.
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Although gratitude relates to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) well‐being outcomes in the United States, more evidence is needed to understand how this psychological strength reciprocally relates to mental health during this pandemic. This study examines the association of gratitude with stress, anxiety, and depression among undergraduate students in the United States via a longitudinal design.

Methods

An online survey was administered to 643 undergraduate students in a public university located in the southeastern region of the United States. There was a 1‐month interval between the first and second waves of data collection.

Results

Cross‐lagged panel structural equation modeling showed that whereas gratitude positively predicted subsequent relatedness needs satisfaction, it negatively predicted later stress, anxiety, and depression. Relatedness needs satisfaction was reciprocally linked to subsequent gratitude.

Conclusion

Results suggest that gratitude might serve as a protective psychological resource against the detrimental mental health impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Investigating the efficacy of attentional bias modification on individuals with spider phobia through the emotional attention network test
Authors: Teng Min‐Hung
Published: May 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the attention network function of spider phobics before and after attentional bias modification (ABM) through conduction of an emotional attention network test (eANT).

Methods

Scores from an eANT, an approach–avoidance task, and various scales were used to examine the training effect of a single ABM session among participants (30 individuals with spider phobia and 30 controls).

Results

At baseline, alertness scores in response to spider images were higher in the phobia group than in the control group (x̄ = 51.81 vs. 30.35 ms). After ABM, this score decreased in the phobia group, indicating their lower susceptibility to distraction by images of spiders. However, ABM training did not considerably alleviate their fear of and avoidance behavior toward spiders.

Conclusion

This study elucidates the (1) vigilance–avoidance pattern among individuals with spider phobia when encountering spider‐related stimuli and (2) change in underlying attentional mechanisms after ABM training.
LINC00162 regulates cell proliferation and apoptosis by sponging PAQR4‐targeting miR‐485‐5p
Authors: Lee Woo Joo , Ji Haein , Jeong Seong Dong , Pandey Poonam R. , Gorospe Myriam , Kim Hyeon Ho
Published: May 2022

Growing evidence indicates that long intergenic noncoding RNAs play an important role in cancer progression by affecting gene regulation at the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. Recent studies have shown that long intergenic noncoding RNA functions as a competitive endogenous RNA, which can interact with and mitigate the function of microRNA. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism by which LINC00162 regulates cell proliferation and apoptotic cell death. By analyzing RNA sequencing data, LINC00162 was identified to be a target of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNPK). HnRNPK positively regulated LINC00162 expression through p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase. Lowering the level of either hnRNPK or LINC00162 decreased proliferation and colony formation while it increased apoptotic cell death. Small RNA sequencing followed by the antisense oligonucleotide pulldown, revealed that LINC00162 interacts directly with miR‐485‐5p which exhibited tumor‐suppressing effects by suppressing cell proliferation and colony formation, and increasing apoptotic cell death. Through the bioinformatic approaches, progestin and adipoQ receptor 4 (PAQR4) was selected as a common target of LINC00162 and miR‐485‐5p. miR‐485‐5p decreased the expression of PAQR4 by directly binding to the 3′‐untranslated region of PAQR4 messenger RNA. Knockdown of hnRNPK and LINC00162 increased the level of functional miR‐485‐5p, indicating that LINC00162 may compete for miR‐485‐5p, thereby derepressing PAQR4 expression. Overexpression of either hnRNPK or LINC00162, or inhibition of miR‐485‐5p, protected cells against etoposide‐induced apoptotic death. Our findings demonstrate that a regulatory paradigm implicating hnRNPK, LINC00162, miR‐485‐5p, and PAQR4 plays an important role in cell proliferation and apoptosis, and is a promising target for cancer therapeutics.
Evaluation of the Effects of Anti‐PD‐1 Therapy on Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer in Mice by Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging and Dynamic Contrast‐Enhanced Imaging
Authors: Tang Wen‐jie , Yao Wang , Jin Zhe , Kong Qing‐cong , Hu Wen‐ke , Liang Yun‐shi , Chen Lei‐xin , Chen Si‐yi , Zhang Qiong‐qiong , Wei Xin‐hua , Xu Xiang‐dong , Guo Yuan , Jiang Xin‐qing
Published: May 2022

Background

The monitoring of immunotherapies is still based on changes in the tumor size in imaging, with a long evaluation period and low sensitivity.

Purpose

To investigate the effectiveness of diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) and dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) in assessing the therapeutic efficacy of anti‐programmed death‐1 (PD‐1) therapy in a mouse triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) model.

Study Type

Prospective.

Animal Model

A total of 54 BALB/c mouse subcutaneous 4 T1 transplantation models of TNBC.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3.0‐T; turbo spin echo (TSE) T2‐weighted imaging, DKI with seven b values (0, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, and 3000 sec/mm2) and T1‐twist DCE acquisition series.

Assessment

DKI and DCE‐MRI parameters were evaluated by two radiologists independently. Regions of interest (ROIs) were drawn manually on the maximum cross‐sectional area of the lesion; care was taken to avoid necrotic areas. The tumor cell density, the CD45 and CD31 levels were analyzed by two pathologists.

Statistical Tests

The two‐tailed unpaired t‐test, Mann–Whitney U test, Fisher's exact test and Pearson correlation coefficient were performed. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), mean diffusivity (MD), Ktrans and Kep values were significantly different between the two groups at each time point after treatment. There were significant differences in the mean kurtosis (MK) and Ve values between the two groups at 5 and 10 days after treatment but no significant differences at 15 days (P = 0.317 and 0.183, respectively). The ADC and MD values were significantly correlated with tumor cell density (ADC, r = −0.833; MD, r = 0.890) and the CD45 level (ADC, r = 0.720; MD, r = 0.718). The Ktrans and Kep values were significantly correlated with the CD31 level (Ktrans, r = 0.820; Kep, r = 0.683).

Data Conclusion

DKI and DCE‐MRI could reflect the changes in tumor microstructure and tumor tissue vasculature after anti‐PD‐1 therapy, respectively.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 4.
Quasilinear Choquard equations involving N‐Laplacian and critical exponential nonlinearity
Authors: Biswas Reshmi , Goyal Sarika , Sreenadh Konijeti
Published: May 2022

In the present paper, we study a class of quasilinear Choquard equations involving
‐Laplacian and the nonlinearity with the critical exponential growth. We discuss the existence of positive solutions of such equations.
A tale of two analyses: Administrative vs primary review of nutrition support team performance
Authors: Busch Rebecca A. , Stone Susan , Kudsk Kenneth A.
Published: May 2022

Background

Our pharmacy department performed a medication‐use evaluation using administrative data to assess prescription of parenteral nutrition (PN). They found that 31.6% (185 of 586) of nutrition support team (NST) patients received ≤5 days of PN, whereas 120 received ≤3 days. These results raised the question of NST prescribing practices given the incidence of short‐duration PN. Since our NST evaluates all PN requests, the study prompted further review to identify reasons for short duration PN.

Methods

Charts of patients receiving PN for ≤3 days in the initial study underwent an in‐depth review focusing on indications, reasons for discontinuation, and protein‐calorie malnutrition (PCM) at time of NST consultation.

Results

A total 120 of 586 patients had PN ≤3 days. PN was clearly indicated in 94 cases: 27 patients received home PN but resolved the need for admission, 11 were admitted to later discharge on PN, 18 chose alternative/palliative care soon after starting PN, and 38 were nil per os for ≥6 days because of ileus, bowel obstruction, or contraindication to enteral feeding. Of the remaining 26 patients, 15 had PCM with poor intake for ≥ 3 days, warranting PN; only nine cases had unclear indications for PN and 11 could have potentially been avoided.

Conclusion

Administrative data implied inappropriate PN use, whereas in‐depth review confirmed appropriate prescription in most patients. Reducing short‐duration PN in the management of ileus or obstruction remains difficult because of variable time to symptom resolution. In‐depth chart review remains the best method to assess appropriateness of PN use.
Dual conductive network of nickel‐coated carbon fiber woven fabric for indirect and direct lightning strike protection of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites
Authors: Zhu Huixin , Chang Li , Fu Kunkun , Li Yan
Published: May 2022

In this study, a dual conductive network of nickel‐coated carbon fiber woven fabrics (Ni‐CFWF) was presented for indirect and direct lightning strike protection (LSP) of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites. The Ni‐CFWF prepared by electroless plating was bonded to the top surface of a CFRP composite. Excellent electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness of Ni‐CFWF/CFRP composite was achieved with a value of 92.87 dB in the frequency range 8.2–12.4 GHz, 189.22% greater than that of the pristine CFRP composite. Moreover, the prepared Ni‐CFWF also exhibited a good direct lightning strike (LS) protection performance. The maximum LS damage depth and area of the Ni‐CFWF/CFRP composites were reduced by 21.59% and 6.11% under a simulated lightning current with the peak of 100 kA, respectively. Correspondingly, the residual strength of the Ni‐CFWF/CFRP composites was maintained at 92.65% after LS, demonstrated the LSP effectiveness. Our work provides an effective strategy for the design of a protective system that considers both indirect and direct LSP.
Identification of geographical origin and different parts of Wolfiporia cocos from Yunnan in China using PLS‐DA and ResNet based on FT‐NIR
Authors: Li Lian , Zuo Zhi‐Tian , Wang Yuan‐Zhong
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Wolfiporia cocos, as a kind of medicine food homologous fungus, is well‐known and widely used in the world. Therefore, quality and safety have received worldwide attention, and there is a trend to identify the geographic origin of herbs with artificial intelligence technology.

Objective

This research aimed to identify the geographical traceability for different parts of W. cocos.

Methods

The exploratory analysis is executed by two multivariate statistical analysis methods. The two‐dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2DCOS) images combined with residual convolutional neural network (ResNet) and partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) models were established to identify the different parts and regions of W. cocos. We compared and analysed 2DCOS images with different fingerprint bands including full band, 8900–6850 cm−1, 6300–5150 cm−1 and 4450–4050 cm−1 of original spectra and the second‐order derivative (SD) spectra preprocessed.

Results

From all results: the exploratory analysis results showed that t‐distributed stochastic neighbour embedding was better than principal component analysis. The synchronous SD 2DCOS is more suitable for the identification and analysis of complex mixed systems for the small‐band for Poria and Poriae cutis. Both models of PLS‐DA and ResNet could successfully identify the geographical traceability of different parts based on different bands. The 10% external verification set of the ResNet model based on synchronous 2DCOS can be accurately identified.

Conclusion

Therefore, the methods could be applied for the identification of geographical origins of this fungus, which may provide technical support for quality evaluation.
Flexible design of building integrated thin‐film photovoltaics
Authors: Neugebohrn Nils , Haas Stefan , Gerber Andreas , Grimm Michael , Nissel Jana , Liebers Rene , Turan Bugra , Gehrke Kai , Vehse Martin
Published: May 2022

The high cost of building integrated photovoltaics is one of the main reasons preventing a more widespread application. We propose a panel‐on‐demand concept for flexible design of building integrated thin‐film photovoltaics to address this issue. The concept is based on the use of semi‐finished PV modules (standard mass products) with subsequent refinement into BIPV PV modules. In this study, we demonstrate the three processes necessary to realize this concept. First, a prototype tool to cut thin film photovoltaic elements on glass substrates based on laser perforation was developed. Damage to the processed samples did not exceed a distance of 50 μm from laser cuts. Second, oxide/metal/oxide‐electrodes with integrated colour were applied on Cu (In, Ga)Se2 cells and standard monolithic interconnection structuring was used to produce modules sized 30 × 30 cm2 in red, green and blue with strong colours. Third, A back‐end interconnection process was developed for amorphous silicon thin film cells, which allows for the structuring of modules from elements of custom shape. The panel‐on‐demand strategy may allow for a streamlined production of customized modules and a lower cost for aesthetically pleasing, fully building integrated solar modules.
The feasibility and promise of Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Training with teachers and school personnel in high‐poverty schools
Authors: Shernoff Elisa S. , Ruork Allison K. , Nadeem Erum , Rizvi Shireen L.
Published: May 2022

This study examined the feasibility and promise of using virtual Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Training (DBT‐ST) with educators. DBT‐ST was offered to 39 educators (89% female, mean age 46.45) in one high‐poverty school district during the COVID‐19 pandemic using a pre–post design. Educators attended five of eight groups (Mode = 8) and there were statistically significant decreases in stress (p = .001, rrb = −.51) and dysfunctional coping (p = .000, rrb = −.57), and increases in DBT skill use (p = .016, rrb = .44). Ratings on anxiety and depression were unchanged. The χ2 analyses indicated a significant relationship between stress and attendance with the high stress group more likely to attend the groups than the low stress group, χ2(1) = 4.88, p = .027. DBT‐ST may be feasible for teachers but future considerations regarding the role of mental health personnel in delivering teacher health and wellness interventions is warranted.
Visualisierung von Messdaten eigener Sensormodule mit phyphox
Authors: Dorsel Dominik , Staacks Sebastian , Heinke Heidrun , Stampfer Christoph , Kuhn Jochen , Wilhelm Thomas
Published: May 2022

Die Arduino‐Bibliothek phyphoxBLE ermöglicht die einfache Übertragung und Darstellung der mit selbst erstellten Sensormodulen gewonnenen Messdaten auf ein Smartphone. Ein Beispiel sind die hier vorgestellten CO2‐Monitore. Sie können zur Raumluftüberwachung während einer Pandemie eingesetzt werden, aber auch für naturwissenschaftliche Experimente.
Quantitative comparison of the actual antioxidant activity of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and NADH
Authors: Fu Yan‐Hua , Wang Kai , Shen Guang‐Bin , Zhu Xiao‐Qing
Published: May 2022

The object of this fundamental research would reveal the actual antioxidant ability of the antioxidants using thermo‐kinetic parameter ΔG≠o which was proposed according to Zhu kinetic model. Kinetic experiments on the reactions between Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and NADH analog (BNAH) with DPPH• and tBu3PhO• radicals were made to measure the reaction rate constants in acetonitrile at 298 K. The ΔG≠o (XH) values of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and BNAH in acetonitrile at 298 K were estimated, and the bond dissociation free energies ΔGo (XH) and kinetic intrinsic barriers ΔG≠XH/X of these three antioxidants to release hydrogen atoms were also compared. Only the data of thermo‐kinetic parameters ΔG≠o (XH) are consistent with the true oxidation sequence. The order of the actual antioxidant activity of these three antioxidants is Vitamin C > Vitamin E > NADH. All our preliminary results throw light on the nature of actual antioxidant ability of antioxidants, which not only depend on thermodynamic driving force, but also depend on the dynamic resistance. Therefore, thermo‐kinetic parameter ΔG≠o is the perfect parameter which can be used as measurement criteria of the actual antioxidant ability of antioxidants.
Mining and characterization of oxidative stress‐related binding proteins of parthenolide in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae
Authors: Zhou Qian , Li Linwei , Liu Fei , Hu Jun , Cao Yan , Qiao Siwei , Zhou Yuxin , Wang Bi , Jia Yihe , Chen Yu , Xu Shu , Feng Xu
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

Lack of control agents and development of bacterial resistance are emergent problems in the chemical control of rice bacterial blight, therefore novel bactericides against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo, the causal agent of rice bacterial blight) are urgently needed. We previously found that parthenolide (PTL) is a potential lead against Xoo, and PTL inhibits Xoo growth via oxidative stress. However, the mechanism of action of PTL against Xoo needs further elucidation.

RESULTS

In this study, a biotinylated PTL probe was synthesized, and two important subunits in the respiratory chain (NuoF of complex I and SdhB of complex II) of Xoo were captured with the probe and identified with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The binding between them was verified with pull‐down and drug affinity responsive target stability technologies. In addition, purified proteins of NuoF and SdhB greatly lowered the antibacterial activity of PTL, and PTL evidently inhibited the enzyme activities of complexes I and II. Moreover, knockout of nuoF and sdhB in Xoo caused elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and increased sensitivity to PTL. Furthermore, molecular simulations indicated that PTL may form covalent bonds with Cys105 and Cys187 in NuoF and Cys106 in SdhB.

CONCLUSION

PTL can directly bind to NuoF and SdhB, which impairs the enzyme functions of complexes I and II in the respiratory chain, leading to ROS accumulation in Xoo. This study will provide deep insight into the mechanism of action of PTL against Xoo. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Response of a packaging system to a transient event: Real‐time replication versus shock response spectra simulation
Authors: Bonnin Anne‐Sophie , Nolot Jean‐Baptise , Huart Victor , Pellot Jérôme , Krajka Nicolas , Odof Serge , Erre Damien
Published: May 2022

Vibrations and shocks are found among mechanical phenomena undergone by packaging systems. In order to verify the behaviour of packaging systems under shocks, test protocols advocate the execution of drop tests, inclined plane tests, forklift handling courses and so on in laboratories. Nevertheless, even if these protocols are efficient, they do not replicate the wide variety of transient events occurring during transportation. That is why there is a need in developing a method capable of replicating actual transient events in a reproductive way in laboratories. This work concerns the comparison of the responses of a packaging system subjected to two different simulations of the same transient event with the aim to forward develop specifications. The definition and elaboration of shock response spectra (SRS) are reviewed in the first part of this work. Afterwards, a data acquisition enables the recording of classical transient events generated by a forklift. Then the calculation of the SRS of one of those transient events enables the generation of a time signal different from the transient event recorded. Finally, a comparison between the response of a packaging system subjected to the time transient event as it is recorded and the response to the time transient event calculated from the SRS is carried out. The first results based on the study of autocorrelation functions, intercorrelation functions, energy spectral densities (ESDs) and damage calculation conclude towards an equivalence between a real‐time replication and an SRS simulation in the case of one transient event and one packaging system.
Sample size methods for evaluation of predictive biomarkers
Authors: Dobbin Kevin K. , McShane Lisa M.
Published: May 2022

Treatment selection biomarkers are those that can be useful in guiding choice of therapy. Just as new therapies require evaluation in appropriately designed clinical trials to determine their benefit, therapy selection biomarkers require evaluation in appropriately designed studies. These studies may be prospective clinical trials or retrospective studies based on specimens stored from a completed clinical trial. Ideally, patient treatment assignments should be randomized, and consideration should be given to an appropriate sample size—either for prospective planning of a new study or access to a sufficient number of stored specimens. Here, we develop a novel sample size method for estimation of a confidence interval of specified average width, for an intuitively appealing previously proposed parameter that reflects the expected benefit of using biomarker‐guided therapy relative to a standard‐of‐care therapy. The estimation approach combines Monte Carlo and regression to result in a procedure that performs well over a range of scenarios. Although derived under a specific Cox proportional hazards regression model, robustness to model violations is demonstrated by evaluation under accelerated failure time and cure models. The sample size method produces adequate or conservative sample size estimates under a range of scenarios. Computer code in R and C++, and applications for Mac and Windows are made available for implementation of the sample size estimation procedure. The method is applied to a real data setting and results discussed.
Cobalt Single Atoms Enabling Efficient Methanol Oxidation Reaction on Platinum Anchored on Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon
Authors: Ruan Jiufeng , Chen Yaping , Zhao Guoqiang , Li Peng , Zhang Bingxing , Jiang Yinzhu , Ma Tianyi , Pan Hongge , Dou Shi Xue , Sun Wenping
Published: May 2022

Developing efficient platinum (Pt)‐based electrocatalysts with high tolerance to CO poisoning for the methanol oxidation reaction is critical for the development of direct methanol fuel cells. In this work, cobalt single atoms are introduced to enhance the electrocatalytic performance of N‐doped carbon supported Pt (N‐C/Pt) for the methanol oxidation reaction. The cobalt single atoms are believed to play a critical role in accelerating the prompt oxidation of CO to CO2 and minimizing the CO blocking of the adjacent Pt active sites. Benefitting from the synergistic effects among the Co single atoms, the Pt nanoparticles, and the N‐doped carbon support, the Co‐modified N‐C/Pt (Co‐N‐C/Pt) electrocatalyst simultaneously delivers impressive electrocatalytic activity and durability with lower onset potential and superb CO poisoning resistance as compared to the N‐C/Pt and the commercial Pt/C electrocatalysts.
Bean Pod‐Like SbSn/N‐Doped Carbon Fibers toward a Binder Free, Free‐Standing, and High‐Performance Anode for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Dang Jie , Zhu Ruiyu , Zhang Shengqiang , Yang Lijie , Chen Xin , Wang Hui , Liu Xiaojie
Published: May 2022

Bimetallic SbSn alloy stands out among the anode materials for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) because of its high theoretical specific capacity (752 mAh g−1) and good electrical conductivity. However, the major challenge is the large volume change during cycling processes, bringing about rapid capacity decay. Herein, to cope with this issue, through electrostatic spinning and high temperature calcination reduction, the unique bean pod‐like free‐standing membrane is designed initially, filling SbSn dots into integrated carbon matrix including hollow carbon spheres and nitrogen‐doped carbon fibers (B‐SbSn/NCFs). Significantly, the synergistic carbon matrix not only improves the conductivity and flexibility, but provides enough buffer space to alleviate the large volume change of metal particles. More importantly, the B‐SbSn/NCFs free‐standing membrane can be directly used as the anode without polymer binder and conductive agent, which improves the energy density and reaction kinetics. Satisfyingly, the free‐standing BSbSn/NCFs membrane anode shows excellent electrochemical performance in SIB. The specific capacity of the membrane electrode can maintain 486.9 mAh g−1 and the coulombic efficiency is close to 100% after 400 cycles at 100 mA g−1. Furthermore, the full cell based on B‐SbSn/NCFs anode also exhibits the good electrochemical performance.
Surfactant‐Modulated a Highly Sensitive Fluorescent Probe of Fully Conjugated Covalent Organic Nanosheets for Detecting Copper Ions in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Yan Zifeng , Fang Long , He Zhiguo , Xie Hui , Liu Binbin , Guo Bing , Yao Youwei
Published: May 2022

Efficient detection of aqueous copper ions is of high significance for environmental and human health, since copper is involved in potent redox activity in physiological and pathological processes. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have shown advantages in efficient capturing and detecting of copper ions due to their large surface area, robust chemical stability, and high sensitivity, but most of them are hydrophobic, leading to the limitation in sensing copper ions in aqueous media. Herein, the design and synthesis of an sp2‐carbon conjugated COF (sp2‐TPE‐COF) are reported with surfactant‐assisted water dispersion for detecting traces of copper ions based on the photo‐induced electron transfer (PET) mechanism. Importantly, the olefin‐linked conjugated backbone of sp2‐TPE‐COF works as a signal amplified transducer for metal ion sensing. Notably, it is found that a surfactant‐assisted strategy can greatly enhance COF's dispersion in aqueous solution and finely modulate their sensitivity with a significantly improved KSV to 15.15 × 104 m−1 in SDBS (sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate) solution, the value of which is larger than that of a majority of COF/MOF based sensors for copper ions. This research demonstrates the promise of surfactant modulated fully π‐conjugated COFs for sensing applications.
pH‐Triggered Size‐Tunable Silver Nanoparticles: Targeted Aggregation for Effective Bacterial Infection Therapy
Authors: Cheng Xinting , Pei Xibo , Xie Wenjia , Chen Junyu , Li Yuanyuan , Wang Jian , Gao Huile , Wan Qianbing
Published: May 2022

The rapid spread of drug‐resistant pathogens threatens human health. To address the current antibacterial dilemma, the development of antibiotic‐free strategies using nanotechnology is imperative. In this study, silver nanoparticles (Ag‐P&C NPs) with pH‐sensitive charge reversal and self‐aggregation capacities are successfully synthesized. In the acidic microenvironment of bacterial biofilms, protonation of the surface peptide enhances the affinity of Ag‐P&C NPs for bacteria, which can make Ag‐P&C NPs prone to target and penetrate into biofilms, and the self‐aggregated capacity helps Ag‐P&C NPs remain in biofilms for a long time to disrupt bacterial biofilm formation. In addition, biocompatible Ag‐P&C NPs are utilized in three types of bacteria‐infected animal models. They exhibit an excellent performance in killing bacteria, inhibiting plaque biofilms, and ameliorating inflammatory responses. In conclusion, this study offers new insights into antibiotic‐free antibacterial strategies, and exhibits promising application prospects.
Surface Potential Tuned Single Active Material Comprised Triboelectric Nanogenerator for a High Performance Voice Recognition Sensor
Authors: Babu Anand , Malik Pinki , Das Nityananda , Mandal Dipankar
Published: May 2022

To fabricate a high‐performance and ultrasensitive triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), choice of a combination of different materials of triboelectric series is one of the prime challenging tasks. An effective way to fabricate a TENG with a single material (abbreviated as S‐TENG) is proposed, comprising electrospun nylon nanofibers. The surface potential of the nanofibers are tuned by changing the voltage polarity in the electrospinning setup, employed between the needle and collector. The difference in surface potential leads to a different work function that is the key to design S‐TENG with a single material only. Further, S‐TENG is demonstrated as an ultrahigh sensitive acoustic sensor with mechanoacoustic sensitivity of ≈27 500 mV Pa–1. Due to high sensitivity in the low‐to‐middle decibel (60–70 dB) sounds, S‐TENG is highly capable in recognizing different voice signals depending on the condition of the vocal cord. This effective voice recognition ability indicates that it has high potential to open an alternative pathway for medical professionals to detect several diseases such as neurological voice disorder, muscle tension dysphonia, vocal cord paralysis, and speech delay/disorder related to laryngeal complications.
Optimizing Intermolecular Interactions and Energy Level Alignments of Red TADF Emitters for High‐Performance Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Chen Jia‐Xiong , Wang Hui , Xiao Ya‐Fang , Wang Kai , Zheng Ming‐Hui , Chen Wen‐Cheng , Zhou Lu , Hu Dehua , Huo Yanping , Lee Chun‐Sing , Zhang Xiao‐Hong
Published: May 2022

Adequately harvesting all excitons in a single molecule and inhibiting exciton losses caused by intermolecular interactions are two important factors for achieving high efficiencies thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF). One potential approach for optimizing these is to tune alignment of various excited state energy levels by using different doping concentrations. Unfortunately, emission efficiencies of most TADF emitters decrease rapidly with concentrations which limits the window for energy level tunning. In this work, by introducing a spiro group to increase steric hindrance of a TADF emitter (BPPXZ) with a phenoxazine and a dibenzo[a,c]phenazine, emission efficiency of the resulting molecule (BPSPXZ) is much less affected by concentration increase. This enables exploitation of the concentration effects to tune energy levels of its excited states for obtaining simultaneously small singlet–triplet energy offset and large spin–orbital coupling, leading to high‐efficiency reverse intersystem crossing. With these merits, organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) using the BPSPXZ emitter from 5 to 60 wt% doping can all deliver EQE of over 20%. More importantly, record‐high EQEs of 33.4% and 15.8% are respectively achieved in the optimized and nondoped conditions. This work proposes a strategy for developing red TADF emitters by optimizing the intermolecular interaction and energy level alignments to facilitate exciton utilization over wide doping concentrations.
Finite mixture model of hidden Markov regression with covariate dependence
Authors: Sarkar Shuchismita , Zhu Xuwen
Published: May 2022

In recent days, a combination of finite mixture model (FMM) and hidden Markov model (HMM) is becoming popular for partitioning heterogeneous temporal data into homogeneous groups (clusters) with homogeneous time points (regimes). The regression mixtures commonly considered in this approach can also accommodate for covariates present in data. The classical fixed covariate approach, however, may not always serve as a reasonable assumption as it is incapable of accounting for the contribution of covariates in cluster formation. This paper introduces a novel approach for detecting clusters and regimes in time series data in the presence of random covariates. The computational challenges related to the proposed model has been discussed, and several simulation studies are performed. An application to United States COVID‐19 data yields meaningful clusters and regimes.
Low‐damage steel structures for enhanced life‐cycle seismic performance
Authors: Lignos Dimitrios G. , Paronesso Martina
Published: May 2022

Schadensresiliente Stahlkonstruktionen für ein verbessertes seismisches Tragverhalten bei mehreren Erdbeben während der Lebensdauer

Während eines Erdbebens sind Stahlrahmen mit Verbänden anfällig für hohe absolute Gebäudebeschleunigung, wodurch beschleunigungsempfindliche nichttragende Bauteile und Komponenten beschädigt werden. Inelastische Verformungen in den Verbänden und/oder ihren Endverbindungen erfordern die Anwendung von Kapazitätsregeln, um die Anforderungen von Erdbebennormen im Grenzzustand der Tragfähigkeit zu erfüllen. Diese Arbeit stellt ein alternatives Stahltragwerk vor, bei dem die Energiedissipation hauptsächlich durch Reibungsdämpfer erreicht wird, die als dissipative Verbindungen zwischen den Decken und dem/den Stahlrahmen/n mit Verbänden wirken. Die Dämpfer bestehen aus Reibbelägen in Verbundwerkstoffen, die nicht anfällig für Bimetallkorrosion sind. Versuche deuten darauf hin, dass die Reibungsdämpfer die seismische Energie durch Reibung wirksam dissipieren. Nichtlineare Zeitverlaufsberechnungen eines sechsstöckigen repräsentativen Stahltragwerks mit Reibungsdämpfern als dissipative Deckenanschlüsse zeigen, dass a) Effekte höherer Moden gemildert werden, b) eine Kapazitätsauslegung der Stahlrahmen mit Verbänden nicht zwingend erforderlich ist, um eine über die Höhe gleichmäßig verteilte Stockwerksverschiebung zu gewährleisten, und c) die Streuung stockwerksbezogener, seismischer Bemessungsparameter im Vergleich zu konventionellen, starren Anschlüssen an die Decken erheblich reduziert ist. Im Großen und Ganzen hat der alternative Tragwerkstyp ein hohes Potenzial, erdbebenbedingte Reparaturen über die Lebensdauer eines Gebäudes zu minimieren.
miRNA‐34c‐5p targets Fra‐1 to inhibit pulmonary fibrosis induced by silica through p53 and PTEN/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway
Authors: Pang Xinru , Shi Haojun , Chen Xiaoshu , Li Chao , Shi Bin , Yeo Abrey J. , Lavin Martin F. , Jia Qiang , Shao Hua , Zhang Juan , Yu Gongchang
Published: May 2022

Silica dust particles are representative of air pollution and long‐term inhalation of silicon‐containing dust through the respiratory tract can cause pulmonary fibrosis. Epithelial‐mesenchymal transformation (EMT) plays an important role in the development of fibrosis. This process can relax cell–cell adhesion complexes and enhance cell migration and invasion properties of these cells. Dysregulation of microRNA‐34c (miR‐34c) is highly correlated with organ fibrosis including pulmonary fibrosis. In this study, we found that miR‐34c‐5p could alleviate the occurrence and development of silica‐mediated EMT. Fos‐related antigen 1 was identified as a functional target of miR‐34c‐5p by bioinformatics analysis and the dual luciferase gene reporting assay. Importantly, chemically induced up‐regulation of hsa‐miR‐34c‐5p correlated inversely with the expression of Fra‐1 and further exploration found that the miR‐34c‐5p/Fra‐1 axis inhibits the activation of the phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10/phosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐bisphosphate3‐kinase/protein kinase B (PTEN/PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway. In addition, through interaction with PTEN/p53 it inhibits the proliferation and migration of human bronchial epithelial cells stimulated by silica, and promotes cell apoptosis, thereby preventing EMT. This finding provides a promising biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of pulmonary fibrosis. Furthermore, overexpression of miR‐34c‐5p represents a potential therapeutic approach.
Co‐constructing Agency: Weaving Academic Discussion
Authors: Meston Heather M. , Phillips Galloway Emily , Barrack K. Addison
Published: May 2022

Academic discussion can create space for student voice and active negotiation of text meaning in the classroom. However, teachers hoping to use academic discussion may find it difficult to draw learners into these discussions if students do not feel a sense of agency—a particular concern for multilingual students or those designated as having limited or interrupted formal education, who may have shorter histories of participation in classroom discourse. In this article, we draw on observation, artifact, and interview data to explore an upper‐elementary classroom of newcomer multilingual learners, where reflexive academic discussion serves as a foundational element of exploring and developing students' agency. The authors present instructional approaches reading educators can use to weave together reflexive and text‐focused academic discussion in support of students' developing agency.
Towards age‐friendly municipalities: What are municipalities doing to support their ageing population with mental health problems?
Authors: Schichel Mignon C. P. , Veenstra Marja Y. , Kempen Gertrudis I. J. M. , de Vugt Marjolein E. , Verhey Frans R. J.
Published: May 2022

Municipalities in Western Europe have increasingly gained a responsibility to support their populations' healthy ageing, but are they ready to do so? In this case study, we are looking into the awareness, attitudes, capacities and mandates of 33 neighboring Belgian, Dutch, and German municipalities to support ageing people, and especially people with dementia, people with late‐life depression and informal caregivers. As part of the Senior Friendly Communities Interreg project, we conducted semi‐structured interviews with municipal policymakers and relevant stakeholders from May 2017 to January 2018. The results show that dementia was a more salient theme in municipality policies than depression; that informal caregivers were considered important but difficult for municipalities to identify; that there was a difference between how embedded these health themes were in policies versus in practice; and lastly, that conducting this assessment turned out to act as an intervention itself. We discuss the similarities and differences between the regions, and the context that needs to be taken into account for municipalities when becoming more age‐friendly. These results do not only provide an insight into the status quo of the participating municipalities with regard to becoming more age‐friendly but can provide a starting point for further development of policies in this area.
Protocol Buffers
Authors: Currier Chris
Published: May 2022

Protocol Buffers (Protobufs) are discussed in this chapter, from creating one to analyzing the data. This particular serialization format, originally developed by Google, is used in various apps.We discuss creating a protocol buffer and adding data through Python step by step. This provides a better understanding of how and why protocol buffers are formed and used. We also clarify how to recognize and decode them during a forensic examination.