bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Customized Photothermal Therapy of Subcutaneous Orthotopic Cancer by Multichannel Luminescent Nanocomposites
Authors: Liu Yuxin , Zhu Xingjun , Wei Zheng , Feng Wei , Li Luoyuan , Ma Liyi , Li Fuyou , Zhou Jing
Published: June 2021

Photothermal therapy (PTT) is a potentially advanced strategy for highly precise cancer treatment. Tumor‐microenvironment‐activatable agents provide useful tools for PTT, but their photothermal conversion capacities vary and cannot be evaluated in vivo; thus, a general PTT prescription does not work with individual activatable agents. Here, glutathione (GSH)‐activatable nanocomposites, silicomolybdate‐functionalized NaLuF4:Yb,Er@NaLuF4@NaLuF4:Nd are prepared, for customized PTT of subcutaneous orthotopic cancer. By simultaneously determining intratumoral GSH concentration and the amount of accumulated agent using multiple orthogonal luminescent emissions of nanocomposites, near‐infrared absorbance of photothermal conversion agents is evaluated in vivo, based on the optimized irradiating prescriptions (irradiating power density and time) established. This allows customized PTT of each individual case with high efficacy and viability. This work also includes a method for investigating individual intratumoral variation, and the development of the next generation of customized nanomedicine for efficacious PTT of subcutaneous orthotopic cancer.
Cell/Bacteria‐Based Bioactive Materials for Cancer Immune Modulation and Precision Therapy
Authors: Pan Hong , Zheng Mingbin , Ma Aiqing , Liu Lanlan , Cai Lintao
Published: June 2021

Numerous clinical trials for cancer precision medicine research are limited due to the drug resistance, side effects, and low efficacy. Unsatisfactory outcomes are often caused by complex physiologic barriers and abnormal immune events in tumors, such as tumor target alterations and immunosuppression. Cell/bacteria‐derived materials with unique bioactive properties have emerged as attractive tools for personalized therapy in cancer. Naturally derived bioactive materials, such as cell and bacterial therapeutic agents with native tropism or good biocompatibility, can precisely target tumors and effectively modulate immune microenvironments to inhibit tumors. Here, the recent advances in the development of cell/bacteria‐based bioactive materials for immune modulation and precision therapy in cancer are summarized. Cell/bacterial constituents, including cell membranes, bacterial vesicles, and other active substances have inherited their unique targeting properties and antitumor capabilities. Strategies for engineering living cell/bacteria to overcome complex biological barriers and immunosuppression to promote antitumor efficacy are also summarized. Moreover, past and ongoing trials involving personalized bioactive materials and promising agents such as cell/bacteria‐based micro/nano‐biorobotics are further discussed, which may become another powerful tool for treatment in the near future.
Strong Coupling of Colloidal Quantum Dots via Self‐Assemble Passivation for Efficient Infrared Solar Cells
Authors: Zheng Siyu , Wang Yunfei , Jia Donglin , Tian Lei , Chen Jingxuan , Shan Lianwei , Dong Limin , Zhang Xiaoliang
Published: June 2021

The surface passivation of colloidal quantum dots (CQD) is critical for the electronic coupling of CQDs, which significantly affects the photovoltaic performance of CQD solar cells (CQDSCs). Herein, a self‐assemble passivation (SAP) strategy of CQDs is introduced to improve CQD coupling. The PbI2 passivation layer prepared using the SAP method can largely improve surface defect passivation of CQDs, diminishing charge recombination induced by the sub‐bandgap traps. Meanwhile, extensive theoretical simulations reveal that the self‐assembled PbI2 passivation layer works as a “charger bridge” for charge transport between the adjacent CQDs, avoiding CQD fusion. The infrared CQDSCs are fabricated and the SAP‐based CQDSC yields an efficiency of up to 12.3%, which is significantly improved compared with that of the conventional CQDSCs with iodide passivating CQD surface. The improved photovoltaic performance in the SAP‐based CQDSCs is attributed to increased charge extraction, resulting from strong CQD coupling within the CQD solid films. This work provides a simple and facile way to improve the electronic coupling of CQDs for high‐performance infrared CQDSCs.
Biomimetic Design and Mass Production of Sustainable Multiscale Cellulose Fibers‐Based Hierarchical Filter Materials for Protective Clothing
Authors: Guan Qing‐Fang , Han Zi‐Meng , Yang Huai‐Bin , Yang Kun‐Peng , Ling Zhang‐Chi , Yin Chong‐Han , Zhao Yu‐Xiang , Wang Jin‐Long , Yan Bei‐Bei , Ma Tao , Hu Bi‐Cheng , Li Chao , Pan Xiao‐Feng , Chen Si‐Ming , Ma Si‐Yue , Yu Shu‐Hong
Published: June 2021

As a core part of personal protective equipment (PPE), filter materials play a key role in individual protection, especially in the fight against the COVID‐19. Here, a high‐performance multiscale cellulose fibers‐based filter material is introduced for protective clothing, which overcomes the limitation of mutual exclusion of filtration and permeability in cellulose‐based filter materials. With the hierarchical biomimetic structure design and the active surface of multiscale cellulose fibers, high PM2.5 removal efficiency of ≈92% is achieved with the high moisture transmission rate of 8 kg m−2 d−1. Through a simple and effective dip‐coating and roll‐to‐roll process, the hierarchical filter materials can be made on a large scale and further fabricated into high‐quality protective clothing by industrial production equipment.
Optical Plasmon Excitation in Transparent Conducting SrNbO3 and SrVO3 Thin Films
Authors: Mirjolet Mathieu , Kataja Mikko , Hakala Tommi K. , Komissinskiy Philipp , Alff Lambert , Herranz Gervasi , Fontcuberta Josep
Published: June 2021

Transparent and metallic oxides based on 3d and 4d metals are promising materials for plasmonics. Here, the growth window to obtain epitaxial SrNbO3 (4d1) thin films is determined and the role of substrates to achieve optimal electrical conductivity and the largest residual resistivity ratio is disclosed. Optical measurements on optimized films indicate a large transparency at the visible with a sharp edge at about 1.9 eV, which coincides with the zero‐crossing of the permittivity, allowing to identify the plasma frequency ωp. Similar features are observed in SrVO3 (3d1) films. Optical losses display well pronounced maxima at the corresponding ωp. Polarization‐dependent optical transmittance measurements and ellipsometric data show a dip at ωp, occurring for p‐ but not s‐polarized light, which is a fingerprint of optical bulk plasmon excitation. Remarkably, plasmon resonance is achieved here by using oblique incidence of light rather than phase‐matching arrangements, and by exploiting charge density gradients at the film surface. This observation points to new opportunities for engineering plasmons in heterostructures.
Vibrant Color Palettes of Electrochromic Manganese Oxide Electrodes for Colorful Zn‐Ion Battery
Authors: Tang Xueqing , Chen Jian , Wang Zhen , Hu Zishou , Song Ge , Zhang Shu , Chen Zhigang , Wu Qi , Liu Meinan , Cong Shan , Zhao Zhigang
Published: June 2021

Colorful electrochromic batteries operating in the visible region, which display their residual capacity through real‐time color variation, have recently attracted tremendous attention due to the ever‐rising demands of smart electronics. However, the currently available electrochromic batteries incur certain serious limitations, such as, low capacity utilization, non‐aesthetic versatility, and unsatisfactory performance in practical applications. Manganese oxide, as an extensively used cathode material in zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs), can yield a prominently high energy density, but with a poor electrochromic performance. By designing a metamaterial with a photonic metastructure, manganese oxide can be remolded into an attractive electrochromic electrode, which shows vibrant color palettes capable of accurately displaying the stored energy level. Based on the combined oxidic and reductive coloration in the as‐prepared manganese oxide electrodes, the developed electrochromic ZIB exhibits a high capacity of 283 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1, with an energy retrieval rate up to 72% during the round‐trip solar charging and galvanostatic discharging processes. This electrochromic ZIB with vibrant color palettes exhibits promising application in next‐generation electrochromic devices with multiple functionalities.
The Combination of Morphology and Surface Chemistry Defines the Immunological Identity of Nanocarriers in Human Blood
Authors: Vincent Michael P. , Karabin Nicholas B. , Allen Sean D. , Bobbala Sharan , Frey Molly A. , Yi Sijia , Yang Yufan , Scott Evan A.
Published: June 2021

Upon exposure to blood, a corona of proteins adsorbs to nanocarrier surfaces to confer a biological identity that interfaces with the immune system. While the nanocarrier surface chemistry has long been the focus of protein corona formation, the influence of nanostructure has remained unclear despite established influences on biodistribution, clearance, and inflammation. Here, combinations of nanocarrier morphology and surface chemistry are engineered to i) achieve compositionally distinct protein coatings in human blood and ii) control protein‐mediated interactions with the immune system. A library of nine PEGylated nanocarriers differing in their combination of morphology (spheres, vesicles, and cylinders) and surface chemistry (methoxy, hydroxyl, and phosphate) are synthesized to represent properties of therapeutic and biomimetic delivery vehicles. Analysis by quantitative label‐free proteomic techniques reveal that specific surface chemistry and morphology combinations adsorb unique protein signatures from human blood, resulting in differential complement activation and elicitation of distinct proinflammatory cytokine responses. Furthermore, nanocarrier morphology is shown to primarily influence uptake and clearance by human monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. This comprehensive analysis provides mechanistic insights into rational design choices that impact the immunological identity of nanocarriers in human blood, which can be leveraged to engineer drug delivery vehicles for precision medicine and immunotherapy.
Assemblies and composites of gold nanostructures for functional devices
Authors: He Ke , Jiang Ying , Wang Ting , Liu Zhihua , Wang Ming , Pan Liang , Chen Xiaodong
Published: June 2021

Gold has been one of the most vastly used noble metals due to its unique properties. In modern manufacturing, gold is extensively used in electronics industry as electrical connectors due to the high conductivity and corrosion resistance. With advancements in gold chemistry and nanofabrication technologies, gold materials can be tailored down to the dimension of nanoscale, which enables various novel properties. However, it is still a huge challenge to realize practical functional devices by rational utilizing these gold nanostructures‐based materials. Herein, the recent developments in the design and fabrication of various functional devices based on assemblies and composites of gold nanostructures are summarized. Starting from the plasmonic effect, optical colorimetric sensors, optoelectronics and surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy sensors are introduced. Followed by conductive devices with novel properties, flexible transparent conductors, stretchable electronics, wearable and implantable devices are discussed. Both bottom‐up and top‐down approaches to prepare assemblies and composites are covered. In addition, the challenges and future developments in the field are also addressed. It is believed that further developments in gold nanostructures‐based materials will greatly contribute to the next‐generation biosensors, optoelectronics, wearable and implantable electronics.
Deeper insights into the thermal properties of epoxy thermoset resins using torsion measurements
Authors: Smith Kiersten M. , Lazzara Thomas D. , Fernando Raymond H.
Published: June 2021

The glass transition temperature (Tg) of epoxy thermosets is a critical material property that depends on the component chemistry, the final cross‐link density, and processing conditions. This study incorporates dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) testing with a torsion clamp geometry on a TA Instruments DHR‐2 and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to characterize five different two‐component epoxy‐amine systems. Investigation of the Tg dependence on DMA frequency and heating shows that lowering the frequency from 1 to 0.01 Hz results in a Tg very similar to that measured using DSC, while a heating rate of 0.3°C/min using DMA gives a Tg comparable to the DSC measured value at 30°C/min. The DMA technique reveals secondary relaxation transitions and peak broadening in the tan(δ) plots of poorly mixed epoxy blends, quantified using full width at half maximum (FWHM) of tan(δ) peaks, and are indicative of a non‐homogeneous cross‐linked network and off‐ratio blending, respectively. The increase in the FWHM due to poor mixing ranges from 8% to 96%. These parameters are easily measurable and quantifiable in DMA, but are not observed in DSC. The additional DMA insights are valuable for process development and failure analysis, and can improve the understanding of epoxies.
Impact of additives on the rheological properties of associating water‐soluble multiblock polyelectrolytes
Authors: Muñoz‐López César , St Thomas Claude , García‐Cerda Luis Alfonso , Rivera‐Vallejo Claudia , Jiménez‐Regalado Enrique
Published: June 2021

The impact of additives on the rheological behavior of four associating water‐soluble multiblock polyelectrolytes previously synthesized via reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization was described. These polyelectrolytes contained different number of blocks ranged from 1 to 7 divided into hydrophilic and hydrophobic. The rheological analyses of polymers were performed at 25°C at a given concentration (0.1–15 wt%) in the presence of sodium chloride (NaCl) 0.1–0.5 M, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) 2–10 mM or a mixture of both. Data demonstrated an increase in the viscosity of macroRAFT (ɳ = 0.002–9 Pa·s) and triblock copolymer‐TBC (ɳ = 0.003–0.04 Pa·s) versus the concentration of NaCl. Meanwhile, the viscosity of penta and heptablock copolymer exhibited a diminution whatever the (NaCl) used. Results from the rheological analyses of the associative polyelectrolytes at different (SDS) revealed that the viscosity of macroRAFT and triblock copolymer was kept constant in spite of the increment of the (SDS) while the viscosity of PBC and HBC displayed a pronounced diminution at the lower (SDS). Finally, the results from the rheological analyses of these polyelectrolytes versus a mixture of NaCl‐SDS showed a diminution in the viscosity of these solutions at any concentration of additives.
New targets acquired: Improving locus recovery from the Angiosperms353 probe set
Authors: McLay Todd G. B. , Birch Joanne L. , Gunn Bee F. , Ning Weixuan , Tate Jennifer A. , Nauheimer Lars , Joyce Elizabeth M. , Simpson Lalita , Schmidt‐Lebuhn Alexander N. , Baker William J. , Forest Félix , Jackson Chris J.
Published: June 2021

PREMISE

Universal target enrichment kits maximize utility across wide evolutionary breadth while minimizing the number of baits required to create a cost‐efficient kit. The Angiosperms353 kit has been successfully used to capture loci throughout the angiosperms, but the default target reference file includes sequence information from only 6–18 taxa per locus. Consequently, reads sequenced from on‐target DNA molecules may fail to map to references, resulting in fewer on‐target reads for assembly, and reducing locus recovery.

METHODS

We expanded the Angiosperms353 target file, incorporating sequences from 566 transcriptomes to produce a ‘mega353’ target file, with each locus represented by 17–373 taxa. This mega353 file is a drop‐in replacement for the original Angiosperms353 file in HybPiper analyses. We provide tools to subsample the file based on user‐selected taxon groups, and to incorporate other transcriptome or protein‐coding gene data sets.

RESULTS

Compared to the default Angiosperms353 file, the mega353 file increased the percentage of on‐target reads by an average of 32%, increased locus recovery at 75% length by 49%, and increased the total length of the concatenated loci by 29%.

DISCUSSION

Increasing the phylogenetic density of the target reference file results in improved recovery of target capture loci. The mega353 file and associated scripts are available at: https://github.com/chrisjackson‐pellicle/NewTargets.
Virus‐induced gene silencing as a tool for functional studies in Cleome violacea
Authors: Carey Shane , Higuera‐Díaz Mónica , Mankowski Peter , Rocca Alexandra , Hall Jocelyn C.
Published: June 2021

Premise

Cleomaceae is emerging as a promising family to investigate a wide range of phenomena, such as C4 photosynthesis and floral diversity. However, functional techniques are lacking for elucidating this diversity. Herein, we establish virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) as a method of generating functional data for Cleome violacea, bolstering Cleomaceae as a model system.

Methods

We leveraged the sister relationship of Cleomaceae and Brassicaceae by using constructs readily available for Arabidopsis thaliana to provide initial information about the feasibility of VIGS in C. violacea. We then developed endogenous constructs to optimize VIGS efficiency and viability for fruit development.

Results

PHYTOENE DESATURASE was successfully downregulated in C. violacea using both heterologous and endogenous constructs. The endogenous construct had the highest degree of downregulation, with many plants displaying strong photobleaching. FRUITFULL‐treated plants were also successfully downregulated, with a high rate of survival but less effective silencing; only a small percentage of survivors showed a strong phenotype.

Discussion

Our optimized VIGS protocol in C. violacea enables functional gene analyses at different developmental stages. Additionally, C. violacea is amenable to heterologous knockdown, which suggests that a first pass using non‐endogenous constructs is a possible route to test additional species of Cleomaceae.
Saraswati River in northern India (Haryana) and its role in populating the Harappan civilization sites—A study based on remote sensing, sedimentology, and strata chronology
Authors: Chaudhri Akshey Rajan , Chopra Sundeep , Kumar Pankaj , Ranga Rajesh , Singh Yoginder , Rajput Subhash , Sharma Vikram , Verma Veerendra Kumar , Sharma Rajveer
Published: June 2021

The Saraswati River used to flow from the glaciated peaks of the Himalaya to the Arabian sea, covering a distance of about 1800 km. It possibly sustained the Harappan civilization in the Indian subcontinent. This river has been studied as a part of the Ghaggar–Satluj–Hakra–Nara channel system in India and Pakistan. This study investigated its independent existence and evolution in the Himalayan foothill terrain and the proximal alluvial plains. Use of satellite imagery, shuttle radar topography mission data, accelerator mass spectrometry14C dating and optically stimulated luminescence chronology is being made to identify the possible palaeo‐path of this ancient river and to characterize the trench sediment log architecture of the Saraswati River palaeochannels in northern India (Haryana). Our investigations reveal that this river formed a dense web of interconnecting channels which are continuously networked for more than 2,984 km in Haryana and their individual floodplain width varies from 1.5 to 13 km. The Harappan settlements in Haryana and Rajasthan nucleated and prospered in the fertile channel bars and interfluves of this river system. Majority of these habitation sites were located within a radius of less than 500 m from these palaeo‐water channel networks. Enormous amount of water was flowing through this channel network until BC 11,147. Sediment characteristics and their chronology reveal that flow of water in the river channel decreased with time as the glacial cover diminished. The varying thickness of clay beds in sediment logs is indicative of the fluctuations in water flow possibly as a consequence of terrain slope modifications and consequent gradual channel avulsion, climate change, and global drought events. The flow of water continued through the Himalayan foothill input channels of the palaeo‐Saraswati River in Haryana until AD 1402.
State estimation and frequency stabilization of multi‐area power systems via fault‐alarm approach
Authors: Harshavarthini Shanmugam , Sakthivel Rathinasamy , Poornesh Kumar Kasipalayam Shanmugam , Kong Fanchao
Published: June 2021

This work is mainly focused on designing hybrid memory state feedback load frequency control law for a class of multi‐area power systems against transmission delays, parameter uncertainties, actuator faults, and load disturbances via fault‐alarm approach. More specifically, the load disturbances are prompted by the incorporation of abundance amount of renewable energy resources, namely, photo voltaic and wind power. Additionally, the power system takes the effect of actuator faults into account, which is unavoidable and exists at any instant of time. Thus, to stabilize the addressed system, the fault‐alarm approach is exploited to develop the hybrid control law. Particularly, the state dynamics are well estimated by the aid of residual observer to detect the faulty condition of actuators. Also, by following the algorithm of fault detection, the spontaneous alert from the alarm is accomplished. Further, in consideration of appropriate Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional, the stability conditions having linear matrix inequality form are derived and which affirms the asymptotic stability of the power systems. Precisely, the controller gain matrices are obtained by solving the developed sufficient conditions. Eventually, the simulation results of two‐area interconnected power systems are presented to examine the applicability and advantage of the proposed theoretical result.
Vorticity and moisture budget analyses on a plateau vortex that cause an intense rainfall event within the Qaidam Basin
Authors: Li Wan‐Li , Xia Ru‐Di , Zhong Qi , Wang Ya‐Qiang
Published: June 2021

As one of the most seriously arid areas in China, the Qaidam Basin (QB) features a notable growing probability of intense rainfall under global warming. Compared to a normal/humid region, intense rainfall usually results in more severe disasters in an arid area. Considering that few studies focused on intense rainfall within the QB, there is an urgent need to understand the mechanisms governing intense rainfall in this region. A type of Tibetan Plateau vortex (TPV) associated intense rainfall within the QB was investigated in this study, which partly fills the existing research gaps in the field. The main findings are as follows: (a) the intense‐rainfall‐producing TPV formed and maintained in a favorable background environment which was characterized by a notable upper‐level divergence north of a strong upper‐level jet and a strong middle‐level warm advection ahead of a shortwave trough over the Tibetan Plateau. (b) Vorticity budget indicates that two factors affected the vortex's formation notably, one was the convergence‐related vertical stretching, which dominated the vortex's formation and the other was the import of the horizontal transport of anticyclonic vorticity which was the most detrimental factor for the formation of the TPV. Tilting and vertical transport only exerted weak effects on the TPV's formation, since convective activities were relatively weak in this event. (c) Moisture budget shows that the southwestern and southern moisture transport channels, which were mainly driven by the wind field associated with the shortwave trough over the Tibetan Plateau, contributed ~70% to the total moisture income of the intense rainfall within the QB. The transport was accomplished primarily through the southern boundary of the QB, with the moisture mainly coming from the Indian Peninsula and Indochina Peninsula.
The Complex Role of Aluminium Contamination in Nickel‐Rich Layered Oxide Cathodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lee Juhan , Amari Houari , Bahri Mounib , Shen Zonghao , Xu Chao , Ruff Zachary , Grey Clare P. , Ersen Ovidiu , Aguadero Ainara , Browning Nigel D. , Mehdi B. Layla
Published: June 2021

A major challenge for lithium‐ion batteries based on nickel‐rich layered oxide cathodes is capacity fading. While chemo‐mechanical degradation and/or structural transformation are widely considered responsible for degradation, a comprehensive understanding of this process is still not complete. For the stable performance of these cathode materials, aluminium (Al) plays a crucial role, not only as a current collector but also as substitutional element for the transition metals in the cathodes and a protective oxide coating (as Al2O3). However, excess Al can be detrimental due to both its redox inactive nature in the cathode and the insulating nature of Al2O3. In this work, we report an analysis of the Al content in two different types of nickel‐rich manganese cobalt oxide cathode materials after battery cycling. Our results indicate a significant thickening of Al‐containing phases on the surface of the NMC811 electrode. Similar results are observed from commercial batteries (a mixture of NMC532 and LiMn2O4) that were analysed before use and at the end of life, where Al‐containing phases were found to increase significantly at surfaces and grain boundaries. Considering the detrimental effects of the excess Al in the nickel‐rich cathodes, our observation of increased Al content via battery cycling is believed to bring a new perspective to the ongoing discussions regarding the capacity fading phenomenon of nickel‐rich layered oxide materials as part of their complex degradation mechanisms.
Current advances in microbial production of 1,3‐propanediol
Authors: Zhu Yueting , Wang Yanxia , Gao Hao , Wang Hanxiao , Wan Zijian , Jiang Yujia , Xin Fengxue , Zhang Wenming , Jiang Min
Published: June 2021

1,3‐Propanediol (1,3‐PDO), an important chemical raw material, has attracted much attention due to its wide use as a monomer of biodegradable polyester materials. Production of 1,3‐PDO from renewable resources, through microbial fermentation, has the advantage of requiring only mild conditions. The process also demonstrates industrial safety and is environmentally friendly. In this review, we have summarized and commented on current progress in screening and breeding strains for 1,3‐PDO production, especially from glycerol or glucose. Advanced strategies, including metabolic engineering, fermentation process optimization, and construction of a microbial consortium system, are introduced and discussed. Current challenges and prospects for more efficient and economical bio‐based 1,3‐PDO production are examined in the context of its industrial application. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Sex differences in independence in activities of daily living early in stroke rehabilitation
Authors: Liljehult Monique Mesot , von Euler‐Chelpin My Catarina , Christensen Thomas , Buus Lise , Stokholm Jannik , Rosthøj Susanne
Published: June 2021

Background

Current stroke research suggests that there are differences between females and males regarding incidence, stroke risk factors, stroke severity, outcome, and mortality. The few studies that have investigated sex differences in rehabilitation 8–12 months poststroke found that males are more independent, compared to females.

Objectives

To investigate if there is a difference in the improvement of independence in activities of daily living (ADL) between females and males in the acute phase (first 2 weeks) of stroke rehabilitation in a Danish population.

Methods

A prospective cohort study enrolling patients admitted to the hospital's rehabilitation ward with a stroke diagnosis from January 1, 2016, to March 17, 2017. Baseline and follow‐up data regarding the primary outcome, Barthel‐100 index, were analyzed using an adjusted linear mixed model.

Results

The study included 206 patients (83 females). Females were older at admission and more males lived with a partner. No differences in stroke severity or any of the risk factors were found. There were no differences between female and male scores at baseline. In the adjusted linear mixed model, quantifying the difference between follow‐up and baseline Barthel‐100 score, females increased their Barthel‐100 score by 20.8 points (95% confidence interval (CI) 15.4–26.3) and males with 29.0 points (95% CI 24.6–33.4).

Conclusion

In a homogeneous sample of stroke survivors undergoing specialized 24‐h stroke rehabilitation for 11–14 days, females were more dependent in ADL than males.
The degeneration changes of basal forebrain are associated with prospective memory impairment in patients with Wilson's disease
Authors: Wu Yutong , Hu Sheng , Wang Yi , Dong Ting , Wu Hongli , Zhang Yumei , Qu Qianqian , Wang Anqin , Yang Yinfeng , Li Chuanfu , Kan Hongxing
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Degeneration changes of the basal forebrain (BF) are suggested to play an important role in cognitive impairment and memory loss in patients with Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. However, little is known about if and how the structure and function of BF are abnormal in Wilson's disease (WD).

Methods

Here, we employed the structural and resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from 19 WD individuals and 24 healthy controls (HC). Voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) and functional connectivity analysis were applied to investigate the structural and functional degeneration changes of BF in WD. Moreover, the linear regression analyses were performed in the patient group to depict the correlations between the aberrant gray volume and functional connectivity of the BF and clinical performances, such as the prospective memory (PM) and mini‐mental state examination (MMSE).

Results

VBM analysis showed that compared with HC, the volume of overlapping cell groups of BF termed CH1–3 and CH4 was significantly reduced in WD. Additionally, the decreased functional connectivity of the CH4 was distributed in the bilateral temporal‐parietal junction (TPJ), right thalamus, orbitofrontal gyrus (ORB), and left middle cingulate cortex (MCC). The performances of the time‐based prospective memory (TBPM) and event‐based prospective memory (EBPM) were related to reduced functional connectivity between CH4 and right ORB. Besides, the functional connectivity of left TPJ was also significantly correlated with EBPM in WD.

Conclusion

These findings indicated that the degenerative changes of BF may affect PM through the innervation brain function and may help to understand the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment in WD.
Cortical connectivity in the face of congenital structural changes—A case of homozygous LAMC3 mutation
Authors: Demirayak Pinar , Karli Oguz Kader , Ustun Fatma Seyhun , Urgen Buse Merve , Topac Yasemin , Gilani Irtiza , Kansu Tulay , Saygi Serap , Ozcelik Tayfun , Boyaci Huseyin , Doerschner Katja
Published: June 2021

The homozygous LAMC3 gene mutation is associated with severe bilateral smoothening and thickening of the lateral occipital cortex . Despite this and further significant changes in gray matter structure, a patient harboring this mutation exhibited a range of remarkably intact perceptual abilities . One possible explanation of this perceptual sparing could be that the white matter structural integrity and functional connectivity in relevant pathways remained intact. To test this idea, we used diffusion tensor and functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate functional connectivity in resting‐state networks in major structural pathways involved in object perception and visual attention and corresponding microstructural integrity in a patient with homozygous LAMC3 mutation and sex, age, education, and socioeconomically matched healthy control group. White matter microstructural integrity results indicated widespread disruptions in both intra‐ and interhemispheric structural connections except inferior longitudinal fasciculus. With a few exceptions, the functional connectivity between the patient's adjacent gray matter regions of major white matter tracts of interest was conserved. In addition, functional localizers for face, object, and place areas showed similar results with a representative control, providing an explanation for the patient's intact face, place, and object recognition abilities. To generalize this finding, we also compared functional connectivity between early visual areas and face, place, and object category‐selective areas, and we found that the functional connectivity of the patient was not different from the control group. Overall, our results provided complementary information about the effects of LAMC3 gene mutation on the human brain including intact temporo‐occipital structural and functional connectivity that are compatible with preserved perceptual abilities.
Differential effects of gender on mismatch negativity to violations of simple and pattern acoustic regularities
Authors: Toufan Reyhane , Aghamolaei Maryam , Ashayeri Hasan
Published: June 2021

Introduction

The effects of gender on the mismatch negativity (MMN) potential have been studied using simple frequency deviants. However, the effects of gender on MMN to violations of abstract regularities have not yet been studied. Here, we addressed this issue and compared the effects of gender on simple and pattern frequency MMNs.

Methods

MMN response was recorded from 29 healthy young adults, 14 females (mean age = 26.20 ± 2.17) and 15 males (mean age = 27.57 ± 2.24), using 32 scalp electrodes during simple and pattern frequency oddball paradigms and the mean amplitude, peak latency, and scalp topography of MMN evoked by each paradigm were compared between the two genders.

Results

The peak latency of simple MMN was significantly longer in females (p < .05); however, its mean amplitude and topography were similar between the two genders (p > .05). There were no significant differences in peak latency, mean amplitude, and scalp topography of pattern MMN between the two genders (p > .05).

Conclusions

Based on the obtained results, gender differently affects simple and pattern MMN. These findings may provide preliminary evidence for distinct effects of gender on various types of MMN.
A novel business strategies framework of do‐it‐yourself practices in logistics to minimise environmental waste and improve performance
Authors: Upadhyay Arvind , Kumar Anil , Kumar Vikas , Alzaben Ahmed
Published: June 2021

The transportation sector is consuming a high quantity of oil and producing air pollution, CO2 and allergies, as well as promoting the storage of goods in traditional warehouses. It is not only creating waste and environmental pollution but also increasing temperature, air pollution and low rainfall. The present study intends to uncover and understand the challenges of logistic infrastructure as well as how the adoption of do‐it‐yourself (DIY) business strategies is useful to encourage those practices and technology which are useful in transforming the logistic infrastructure into an eco‐friendly environment. The DIY focuses on purposely utilising digital technologies to increase the engagement and involvement of customers in businesses. Moreover, DIY enables organisations to produce products and services that are highly demanded and have high acceptability. After doing an extensive literature review, the enablers of DIY are identified, and empirical investigation has been conducted. The analysis of the study provides a business strategies framework of DIY which would help the logistics managers in the proper implementation of the DIY practices to minimise negative environmental impact and improve business performance.
Preinfection laboratory parameters may predict COVID‐19 severity in tumor patients
Authors: Kiani Alexander , Roesch Romina , Wendtner Clemens M. , Kullmann Frank , Kubin Thomas , Südhoff Thomas , Augustin Marinela , Schaich Markus , Müller‐Naendrup Clemens , Illerhaus Gerald , Hartmann Frank , Hebart Holger , Seggewiss‐Bernhardt Ruth , Bentz Martin , Späth‐Schwalbe Ernst , Reimer Peter , Kaiser Ulrich , Kapp Markus , Graeven Ullrich , Chemnitz Jens‐Marcus , Baesecke Jörg , Lambertz Helmut , Naumann Ralph
Published: June 2021

Background

Infection with SARS‐CoV‐2 leads to COVID‐19, the course of which is highly variable and depends on numerous patient‐specific risk factors. Patients with tumor diseases are considered to be more susceptible to severe COVID‐19; however, they also represent a heterogeneous group of individuals with variable risk. Identifying specific risk factors for a severe course of COVID‐19 in patients with cancer is of great importance.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with solid tumors or hematological malignancies and PCR‐confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection were included into the multicentric ADHOK (Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Hämatologen und Onkologen im Krankenhaus e.V.) coronavirus tumor registry. Detailed information about the patients’ cancer disease, treatment, and laboratory parameters prior to infection, was collected retrospectively. The outcome of the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection was graded according to the WHO.

Results

A total of 195 patients (68% with solid neoplasms and 32% with hematological malignancies) were included in the registry. Overall, the course of the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection varied greatly, as 69% of all patients were either asymptomatic or encountered a mild to moderate course, while 23% of the cohort died from COVID‐19. In multivariable analysis, preinfection laboratory parameters (determined at least 10 days and a median of 21 days before the first documentation of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection) significantly correlated with severe course of the disease. Out of these, the absolute neutrophil count prior to infection showed the strongest association with COVID‐19‐related death.

Conclusion

The course of COVID‐19 in patients with tumor diseases is highly variable. Preinfection laboratory parameters may aid to identify patients at risk for severe COVID‐19 at an early stage prior to infection with the virus.

German Clinical Trials Register identification: DRKS00023012.
Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant Assay and Cytotoxic Profile for Different Extracts of Chrysopogon zizanioides Roots
Authors: Grover Madhuri , Behl Tapan , Virmani Tarun
Published: June 2021

The Chrysopogon zizanioides plant possesses multiple traditional uses, especially in therapeutics, but only a few articles have reported its biological activity. Hence, the present study was planned to explore the phytochemical constituents, cytotoxic potential, radical scavenging activity, and GC/MS (Gas chromatography & Mass spectrometry) analysis of the vetiver root extracts. The roots extracted with different solvents exhibited more significant phytochemical constituents in polar solvents in comparison to non‐polar ones, favoring the extraction of a greater number of components in highly polar solvents. All the extracts were tested for their cytotoxicity using SRB (Sulforhodamine B) assay. They confirmed ethanolic extract as a potent extract with GI50 56±0.5 μg/ml in oral cancer (SCC‐29B) along with no cytotoxicity in healthy cells (Vero cells), making it a safer therapeutic option in comparison to standard Adriamycin. This extract was also analyzed for its antioxidant potential by DPPH (1,1‐Diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl) assay with IC50 value 10.73 μg/ml, which was quite comparable to Ascorbic acid having IC50 value 4.61 μg/ml. The quantitative analysis of ethanolic extract exhibited 107 compounds amongst which Khusenic acid, Ascorbic acid, Junipen, gamma‐Himachalene, alpha‐Guaiene were the majorly occurring compounds that can be explored further for their cytotoxic activity.
Enhancement of the Rate of Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization in Organic Solvents by Addition of Water: An Electrochemical Study.
Authors: Pavan Paola , Lorandi Francesca , De Bon Francesco , Gennaro Armando , Isse Abdirisak A.
Published: June 2021

Addition of water to organic solvents enhances the rate of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). To understand the origin of this rate enhancement, the effects of H2O on the redox properties of [CuIITPMA]2+ and [BrCuIITPMA]+ (TPMA=tris(2‐pyridylmethyl)amine), and on the ATRP equilibrium (KATRP) and activation rate (kact) constants of methyl 2‐bromopropionate by [CuITPMA]+ were investigated in CH3CN, DMF and DMSO and their mixtures with methyl acrylate (MA). E°s of the complexes allowed evaluation of the relative halidophilicities of [CuIITPMA]2+ and [CuITPMA]+, KIIBr and KIBr, respectively. KIIBr/KIBr dropped in pure solvents and solvent/MA mixtures when 11 % (v/v) H2O was added, suggesting that H2O hampers the stability of the deactivator [BrCuIITPMA]+. Conversely, both kact and KATRP were enhanced by the presence of water. In solvent/MA mixtures (50/50, v/v), addition of 11 % (v/v) H2O increased KATRP by a factor of 2–3, which could explain the accelerating effect of H2O on ATRP in organic solvents.
Interplay between Conductivity, Matrix Relaxations and Composition of Ca‐Polyoxyethylene Polymer Electrolytes
Authors: Pagot Gioele , Vezzù Keti , Martinez‐Cisneros Cynthia Susana , Antonelli Claire , Levenfeld Belen , Varez Alejandro , Sanchez Jean‐Yves , Di Noto Vito
Published: June 2021

In this report, the conductivity mechanism of Ca2+‐ion in polyoxyethylene (POE) solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) for calcium secondary batteries is investigated by broadband electrical spectroscopy studies. SPEs are obtained by dissolving into the POE hosting matrix three different calcium salts: CaTf2, Ca(TFSI)2 and CaI2. The investigation of the electric response of the synthetized SPEs reveals the presence in materials of two polarization phenomena and two dielectric relaxation events. It is demonstrated that the nature of the anion (i. e., steric hindrance, charge density and ability to act as coordination ligand) and the density of “dynamic crosslinks” of SPEs is fundamental in the establishment of ion‐ion/ion‐polymer interactions. The long‐range charge migration processes occurring along the two revealed percolation pathways of the electrolytes are generally coupled with the polymer host dynamics and depend on the temperature and the anion nature. This study offers the needed tools for understanding Ca2+ conduction in POE‐based electrolytes.
Size‐Selective Photoelectrochemical Reactions in Microporous Environments: Clark Probe Investigation of Pt@g‐C3N4 Embedded into Intrinsically Microporous Polymer (PIM‐1)
Authors: Zhao Yuanzhu , Malpass‐Evans Richard , Carta Mariolino , McKeown Neil B. , Fletcher Philip J. , Kociok‐Köhn Gabriele , Lednitzky Diana , Marken Frank
Published: June 2021

Graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) with photo‐attached platinum (Pt@g‐C3N4) is known to generate hydrogen under illumination in aqueous environments in the presence of carbohydrate hole quenchers. Here, Pt@g‐C3N4 is embedded into a polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM‐1) host material with a molecularly rigid structure to maintain active unblocked catalyst surfaces and to control transport to/from the photocatalyst. A Clark‐type oxygen/hydrogen sensor is employed with Pt@g‐C3N4 embedded into PIM‐1 applied as a film to be the gas‐permeable sensor membrane. Oxygen reduction and hydrogen production are observed in situ as a function of light exposure and quencher concentration. Significant size‐selectivity favouring smaller more flexible saccharides or carbohydrate/ hydrocarbon quenchers is observed and attributed to rate limiting PIM‐1 micropore transport. Effective hydrogen production through a Teflon membrane is demonstrated. The underlying hydrogen production/ photocurrent enhancing effects of the microporous PIM‐1 film on the photochemical process are revealed.
Hazard regression with noncompactly supported bases
Authors: Brunel Elodie , Comte Fabienne
Published: June 2021

In this article, we consider the problem of nonparametric hazard rate estimation in the presence of right‐censored observations. We provide a generalized risk bound for a regression‐type nonparametric estimator of the hazard function of interest. Under adequate integrability conditions, our bound is a generalization of estimation strategies specific to compactly supported bases to bases that are not necessarily compactly supported. We show that it encompasses previous compact‐support results and interestingly represents hazard rates as combinations of gamma functions. We discuss the model selection method, which comes out from the new terms of the risk bounds, and compare the performance of the new estimator to that of previous ones, when using a noncompact Laguerre basis. A real data example is also presented.
Probability distribution based resource management for multitenant cloud clusters
Authors: Zhou Jun , Feng Dan , Wang Fang
Published: June 2021

Accurate resource allocation and colocating jobs are effective ways to increase resource utilization and reduce costs in modern datacenters. The main challenges are fluctuations in resource consumption and interference among colocated jobs. Therefore, we propose a resource management schema based on the probability distributions of resource consumption and completion time for multitenant cloud clusters. First, we found that the characteristics of the task can be well described by the probability distribution of resource consumption and completion time, and the probability distribution function can be obtained by Gaussian fitting. Second, we propose a probability distribution based resource allocation (PDRA) strategy for batch jobs. Third, we design a tail latency aware allocation (TLAA) strategy to use transient resources efficiently while ensuring tail latency requirements. Finally, we design a cost‐effective resource revocation (CERR) strategy to revoke transient resources with minimal eviction costs. Experimental results demonstrate the efficiency of our resource management. Our resource allocation strategies (PDRA and TLAA) can effectively improve resource utilization and reduce job completion time. CERR can reduce the impact of resource revocation on batch jobs and perform better than existing resource revocation strategies.
Olefin Metathesis by First‐Row Transition Metals
Authors: Belov Dmitry S. , Tejeda Gabriela , Bukhryakov Konstantin V.
Published: June 2021

Catalytic olefin metathesis based on the second‐ and third‐row transition metals has become one of the most powerful transformations in modern organic chemistry. The shift to first‐row metals to produce fine and commodity chemicals would be an important achievement to complement existing methods with inexpensive and greener alternatives. In addition, those systems can offer unusual reactivity based on the unique electronic structure of the base metals. In this Minireview, we summarize the progress of the development of alkylidenes and metallacycles of first‐row transition metals from scandium to nickel capable of performing cycloaddition and cycloreversion steps, crucial reactions in olefin metathesis. In addition, we will discuss systems capable of performing olefin metathesis; however, the nature of active species is not yet known.