bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self‐Enhancing Gel Polymer Electrolyte by In Situ Construction for Enabling Safe Lithium Metal Battery
Authors: Chen Dongli , Zhu Ming , Kang Peibin , Zhu Tao , Yuan Haocheng , Lan Jinle , Yang Xiaoping , Sui Gang
Published: December 2021

Lithium metal battery (LMB) possessing a high theoretical capacity is a promising candidate of advanced energy storage devices. However, its safety and stability are challenged by lithium dendrites and the leakage of liquid electrolyte. Here, a self‐enhancing gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) is created by in situ polymerizing 1,3‐dioxolane (DOL) in the nanofibrous skeleton for enabling safe LMB. The nanofiber membrane possesses a better affinity with poly‐DOL (PDOL) than commercial separator for constructing homogeneous GPE with enhanced ion conductivity. Furthermore, polydopamine is introduced on nanofiber membrane to form hydrogen bonding with PDOL and bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imide anion, dramatically improving the mechanical strength, ionic conductivity, and transference number of GPE. Besides, molecular dynamic simulation is used to reveal the intrinsic factors of high ionic conductivity and reinforcing effect in the meantime. Consequently, the LiFePO4//Li batteries using self‐enhancing GPE show extraordinary cyclic stability over 800 cycles under high current density of 2 C, with a capacity decay of 0.021% per cycle, effectively suppressing the growth of lithium dendrites. This ingenious strategy is expected to manufacture advanced performance and high safety LMBs and compatible with the current battery production.
CoNiO2/Co4N Heterostructure Nanowires Assisted Polysulfide Reaction Kinetics for Improved Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Pu Jun , Gong Wenbin , Shen Zhaoxi , Wang Litong , Yao Yagang , Hong Guo
Published: December 2021

The “shuttle effect” of soluble polysulfides and slow reaction kinetics hinder the practical application of Li–S batteries. Transition metal oxides are promising mediators to alleviate these problems, but the poor electrical conductivity limits their further development. Herein, the homogeneous CoNiO2/Co4N nanowires have been fabricated and employed as additive of graphene based sulfur cathode. Through optimizing the nitriding degree, the continuous heterostructure interface can be obtained, accompanied by effective adjustment of energy band structure. By combining the strong adsorptive and catalytic properties of CoNiO2 and electrical conductivity of Co4N, the in situ formed CoNiO2/Co4N heterostructure reveals a synergistic enhancement effect. Theoretical calculation and experimental design show that it can not only significantly inhibit “shuttle effect” through chemisorption and catalytic conversion of polysulfides, but also improve the transport rate of ions and electrons. Thus, the graphene composite sulfur cathode supported by these CoNiO2/Co4N nanowires exhibits improved sulfur species reaction kinetics. The corresponding cell provides a high rate capacity of 688 mAh g−1 at 4 C with an ultralow decaying rate of ≈0.07% per cycle over 600 cycles. The design of heterostructure nanowires and graphene composite structure provides an advanced strategy for the rapid capture–diffusion–conversion process of polysulfides.
Complex Oxides under Simulated Electric Field: Determinants of Defect Polarization in ABO3 Perovskites
Authors: Chi Yen‐Ting , Van Vliet Krystyn J. , Youssef Mostafa , Yildiz Bilge
Published: December 2021

Polarization of ionic and electronic defects in response to high electric fields plays an essential role in determining properties of materials in applications such as memristive devices. However, isolating the polarization response of individual defects has been challenging for both models and measurements. Here the authors quantify the nonlinear dielectric response of neutral oxygen vacancies, comprised of strongly localized electrons at an oxygen vacancy site, in perovskite oxides of the form ABO3. Their approach implements a computationally efficient local Hubbard U correction in density functional theory simulations. These calculations indicate that the electric dipole moment of this defect is correlated positively with the lattice volume, which they varied by elastic strain and by A‐site cation species. In addition, the dipole of the neutral oxygen vacancy under electric field increases with increasing reducibility of the B‐site cation. The predicted relationship among point defect polarization, mechanical strain, and transition metal chemistry provides insights for the properties of memristive materials and devices under high electric fields.
Exploring Charge Transport in High‐Temperature Polymorphism of ITIC Derivatives in Simple Processed Unipolar Bottom Contact Organic Field‐Effect Transistor
Authors: Avalos Quiroz Yatzil Alejandra , Koganezawa Tomoyuki , Perkhun Pavlo , Barulina Elena , Ruiz Carmen M. , Ackermann Jörg , Yoshimoto Noriyuki , Videlot‐Ackermann Christine
Published: December 2021

Power conversion efficiency of organic solar cells increases continuously due the emergence of novel nonfullerene acceptors (NFAs). As solar cell efficiency is governed by photogeneration followed by charge carrier transport toward the electrode, understanding of univocal electron transport properties of NFAs is of great importance. Acceptors from the indacenodithienothiophene‐based family such as ITIC, ITIC‐Th, and ITIC‐4F have been intensively studied in solar cells. Importantly, ITIC‐ and ITIC‐4F‐based films evolve with increasing annealing temperature from 100 °C up to 250 °C into several polymorphs that may impact the electronic transport strongly. Here, for the first time, the effects of temperature‐dependent polymorphism on the charge transport properties of ITIC, ITIC‐Th, and ITIC‐4F are studied. A unipolar, high performance, and high‐temperature stable thin‐film transistor structure is developed first using divinyltetramethyldisiloxane‐bis(benzocyclobutene) as dielectric passivation material to explore the intrinsic charge transport up to 240 °C. It is shown that electron mobility in the three ITIC‐based films is strongly influenced by the molecule specific polymorphism at optimal temperatures. This leads to a strong increase in electron mobility compared to the as‐cast films, which is correlated to changes in molecule aggregation, domain crystallinity, and orientation as well as intermolecular electronic coupling.
Self‐Healable, Recyclable Anisotropic Conductive Films of Liquid Metal‐Gelatin Hybrids for Soft Electronics
Authors: Park Young‐Geun , Jang Jiuk , Kim Hyobeom , Hwang Jae Chul , Kwon Yong Won , Park Jang‐Ung
Published: December 2021

This paper reports an unconventional approach for the formation of self‐healable and recyclable anisotropic conductive films (ACFs) using soft composites of gelatin hydrogels and liquid metals (LMs). The capsules of LMs dispersed inside the gelatin matrix can present satisfactory anisotropic conductance for electrical connections of vertically aligned, fine electrodes at room temperature by applying compressive pressures. The minimization of the capsule size as well as the softness of these LM‐gelatin hybrid ACFs enables high‐resolution integrations of deformable electronic systems, which can increase the integrity of freeform devices. In addition, the good fluidity of LMs and strong hydrogen bonding in gelatin enable these ACFs to be self‐healable at ambient conditions and even recyclable with no significant degradations in either their original electrical or mechanical properties. The utilization of these ACFs to integrate multiple interconnections of micro‐light‐emitting diode arrays on a soft elastomeric substrate demonstrates a stretchable display with its reliable operations during mechanical deformations, suggesting a promising strategy for next‐generation freeform and eco‐friendly green electronics.
Importance of Superstructure in Stabilizing Oxygen Redox in P3‐Na0.67Li0.2Mn0.8O2
Authors: Kim Eun Jeong , Maughan Philip A. , Bassey Euan N. , Clément Raphaële J. , Ma Le Anh , Duda Laurent C. , Sehrawat Divya , Younesi Reza , Sharma Neeraj , Grey Clare P. , Armstrong A. Robert
Published: December 2021

Activation of oxygen redox represents a promising strategy to enhance the energy density of positive electrode materials in both lithium and sodium‐ion batteries. However, the large voltage hysteresis associated with oxidation of oxygen anions during the first charge represents a significant challenge. Here, P3‐type Na0.67Li0.2Mn0.8O2 is reinvestigated and a ribbon superlattice is identified for the first time in P3‐type materials. The ribbon superstructure is maintained over cycling with very minor unit cell volume changes in the bulk while Li ions migrate reversibly between the transition metal and Na layers at the atomic scale. In addition, a range of spectroscopic techniques reveal that a strongly hybridized Mn 3d–O 2p favors ligand‐to‐metal charge transfer, also described as a reductive coupling mechanism, to stabilize reversible oxygen redox. By preparing materials under three different synthetic conditions, the degree of ordering between Li and Mn is varied. The sample with the maximum cation ordering delivers the largest capacity regardless of the voltage windows applied. These findings highlight the importance of cationic ordering in the transition metal layers, which can be tuned by synthetic control to enhance anionic redox and hence energy density in rechargeable batteries.
High‐Precision Direction‐of‐Arrival Estimations Using Digital Programmable Metasurface
Authors: Wei Wang Jia , Ai Huang Zi , Xiao Qiang , Han Li Wei , Yang Li Bai , Wan Xiang , Jun Cui Tie
Published: December 2021

Commonly, phased array antennas are used to provide spatial resolution for direction of arrival (DOA) estimations. However, the phase‐array‐based DOA estimations usually require complicated system architecture and signal processing. Digital programmable metasurfaces (DPMs) can realize flexible spatial modulations of electromagnetic (EM) waves without using massive transceivers, and hence can be used for DOA estimations with much simplified architectures. Here, a mechanism of DPM‐based DOA estimations at Ka band is proposed. A reflective DPM is designed to produce a series of dual beams in random, so as to establish a sensing matrix and sample the incident wave. Orthogonal matched pursuit algorithm is used to estimate DOA from the sparsely sampled datasets. The performances of the DPM‐based DOA estimations are demonstrated by simulations and experiments for the cases of single source and double sources. This work promotes the development of DPMs and is expected to find important applications in radar and wireless communication systems, as well as the joint radar and communication systems.
Biodiesel purification by novel green solvent based on choline chloride: Deep eutectic solvent
Authors: dos Santos Matheus Romeiro Manoel , Teleken Joel Gustavo , Tavares Fernanda , da Silva Edson Antonio
Published: December 2021

In the typical biodiesel production process carried out by the wet method, large volumes of effluents are generated. The objective of this work was to evaluate and compare the use of a novel high efficiency deep eutectic solvent (DES), with the conventional solvent (hot water). The intense ionic interactions established with the formation of hydrogen bonds between DES and impurities, especially with OH groups, potentiated the use of DES, reducing the levels of moisture, free and total glycerol, and mono, di‐ and triglycerides, in accordance with the standards EN 14214 and ASTM D6751, and being more efficient than conventional purification in some cases. The use of triethylene glycol in the DES composition reduced the content of triglyceride, a poorly soluble molecule. Therefore, with a simple and efficient technique, this work presents the potential use of a new alternative green solvent, which can help reduce costs for biodiesel purification.
Synthesis, characterization, and some metal complexes of bis(isocyanide)disiloxane, showing catalytic activity
Authors: Racles Carmen , Zaltariov Mirela‐Fernanda , Silion Mihaela , Avadanei Mihaela , Macsim Ana‐Maria , Nicolescu Alina
Published: December 2021

Isocyanides (isonitriles) are unique organic compounds that contain a formally divalent carbon. Herein, the synthesis of 1,3‐bis(isocyanopropyl)tetramethyldisiloxane was performed by a modified carbylamine method, using a phase transfer agent. Spectral methods (nuclear magnetic resonance [NMR], Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy [FT‐IR], and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry [ESI‐MS]) were used to confirm the structure. Energy gap of 1.86 eV (measured by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy [DRS]), high dielectric permittivity (15 at 10 kHz), and conductivity value in the order of 10−7 S·cm−1 place this compound in the range of wide‐bandgap semiconductors. The synthesis of Pt, Ag, and Fe metal complexes without organic co‐ligands and their catalytic activity were also investigated. The Pt complex was active in hydrosilylation reaction and in reduction of p‐nitrophenol, whereas the Ag complex was found effective in alkaline decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. The Fe complex is a new and cheap heterogeneous hydrosilylation catalyst and also showed very good catalytic behavior in heterogeneous Fenton‐like photodecomposition of Congo Red in various photo‐irradiation conditions, with 100% color removal efficiency after 60 min under sunlight. Thus, a simple path for siloxane‐containing materials with promising applications is open.
Development of methylated cobalt–alkyne complexes with selective cytotoxicity against COX‐positive cancer cell lines
Authors: Baecker Daniel , Sagasser Jessica , Karaman Serhat , Hörmann Anton Amadeus , Gust Ronald
Published: December 2021

Derivatives of the cytotoxic cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor [(prop‐2‐ynyl)−2‐acetoxybenzoate]dicobalthexacarbonyl (Co‐ASS) with a methyl group in the 3, 4, 5, or 6 position of the acetylsalicylic acid (ASS) scaffold were synthesized with the aim to achieve enhanced selectivity for COX‐2. From this modification, a higher specificity for COX‐2‐expressing tumors is expected, preventing COX‐1‐mediated side effects. The cobalt–alkyne complexes were tested for their COX‐inhibitory and antiproliferative properties as well as their cellular uptake. Methylation reduced the effects at the isolated COX‐1, whereas those at the isolated COX‐2 remained nearly constant compared to Co‐ASS. In cellular systems, the new compounds showed superior cytotoxicity toward the COX‐positive HT‐29 colon carcinoma cells than cisplatin. The reduced growth‐inhibitory potency in T‐24 cells, which express distinctly fewer COX enzymes (COX‐1/COX‐2 = 50/1) than HT‐29 cells (COX‐1/COX‐2 = 50/50), and the only marginal activity in COX‐negative MCF‐7 breast cancer cells point to an interference in the arachidonic acid cascade through COX‐2 inhibition as part of the mode of action, especially as the cellular uptake was even higher in MCF‐7 cells than in T‐24 cells. These findings clearly demonstrate that the methylated cobalt–alkyne complexes possess promising potential for further development as reasonable alternatives to the limited platinum‐based antitumor agents.
Synthesis and n‐Type Semiconducting Properties of Bis(dioxaborin) Compounds Containing a π‐Extended 2,2′‐Bithiophene Structure
Authors: Kojima Yohei , Sugiura So , Suzuki Keiji , Yisilamu Yilihamu , Ono Katsuhiko
Published: December 2021

Bis(dioxaborin) compounds containing π‐conjugated systems have been studied as n‐type semiconductors for organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs). In this study, with the aim of investigating the effect of the extension of the π‐conjugation on the n‐type semiconducting properties and stability of bis(dioxaborin) compounds, we synthesized new compounds containing 2,2′‐bithiophene derivatives extended with an olefin or an acetylene spacer. The absorption maxima of the compounds containing olefin spacers were greatly red‐shifted compared with those of the original compound without a π‐spacer. The newly synthesized compounds exhibited high electron affinity, and the olefin spacers effectively reduced the on‐site Coulomb repulsion in the two‐electron reduction of the compounds. An OFET fabricated using one of these compounds having a layer‐by‐layer crystal structure exhibited n‐type semiconductor behavior with a low threshold voltage, most likely due to the small on‐site Coulomb repulsion. The electron‐transporting properties were investigated by theoretical calculations based on the Marcus theory.
A dual responsive robust human serum albumin‐based nanocarrier for doxorubicin
Authors: Toosi Moghadam Fatemeh , Mamashli Fatemeh , Khoobi Mehdi , Ghasemi Atiyeh , Pirhaghi Mitra , Delavari Behdad , Mahmoudi Aznaveh Hooman , Nikkhah Maryam , Saboury Ali Akbar
Published: December 2021

Targeted drug therapy against cancer has been introduced as a smart strategy to combat the unwanted side effects due to systemic administration of chemotherapeutics. A human serum albumin (HSA)‐based nanocarrier was fabricated with the aim to target reductive media and acidic pH of the tumor tissues. α‐Lipoic acid (LA) was applied to increase the number of disulfide bonds in the nanocarrier to target higher glutathione concentrations present in tumor tissues and polyethylene glycol was used to target the acidic pH of tumors. UV illumination, ethanol desolvation, oxygen bubbling, and a mixture of redox buffers were employed to prepare doxorubicin‐loaded HSA–LA nanoparticles. The nanocarrier was supposed to release the loaded doxorubicin in reductive and acidic pH media. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis indicated successful attachment of LA to HSA. The prepared nanoplatform presented improved doxorubicin loading efficiency and content and successfully released the loaded doxorubicin in the expected conditions. Protein corona study indicated that positively charged plasma proteins with molecular weights of nearly 80 kDa are absorbed to the surface of the nanoparticles. Furthermore, it showed desirable UV and storage stability, which implied its robustness and improved shelf life if applied in nanomedicine.
Biosensing epidemic and pandemic respiratory viruses: Internet of Things with Gaussian noise channel algorithmic model
Authors: Gopinath Subash C.B. , Ismail Zool H. , Sekiguchi Kazuma
Published: December 2021

The current world condition is dire due to epidemics and pandemics as a result of novel viruses, such as influenza and the coronavirus, causing acute respiratory syndrome. To overcome these critical situations, the current research seeks to generate a common surveillance system with the assistance of a controlled Internet of Things operated under a Gaussian noise channel. To create the model system, a study with an analysis of H1N1 influenza virus determination on an interdigitated electrode (IDE) sensor was validated by current–volt measurements. The preliminary data were generated using hemagglutinin as the target against gold‐conjugated aptamer/antibody as the probe, with the transmission pattern showing consistency with the Gaussian noise channel algorithm. A good fit with the algorithmic values was found, displaying a similar pattern to that output from the IDE, indicating reliability. This study can be a model for the surveillance of varied pathogens, including the emergence and reemergence of novel strains.
Improving genomically recoded Escherichia coli to produce proteins containing non‐canonical amino acids
Authors: Perez Jessica G. , Carlson Erik D. , Weisser Oliver , Kofman Camila , Seki Kosuke , Des Soye Benjamin J. , Karim Ashty S. , Jewett Michael C.
Published: December 2021

A genomically recoded Escherichia coli strain that lacks all amber codons and release factor 1 (C321.∆A) enables efficient genetic encoding of chemically diverse non‐canonical amino acids (ncAAs) into proteins. While C321.∆A has opened new opportunities in chemical and synthetic biology, this strain has not been optimized for protein production, limiting its utility in widespread industrial and academic applications. To address this limitation, the construction of a series of genomically recoded organisms that are optimized for cellular protein production is described. It is demonstrated that the functional deactivation of nucleases (e.g., rne, endA) and proteases (e.g., lon) increases production of wild‐type superfolder green fluorescent protein (sfGFP) and sfGFP containing two ncAAs up to ≈5‐fold. Additionally, a genomic IPTG‐inducible T7 RNA polymerase (T7RNAP) cassette into these strains is introduced. Using an optimized platform, the ability to introduce two identical N6‐(propargyloxycarbonyl)‐L‐Lysine residues site specifically into sfGFP with a 17‐fold improvement in production relative to the parent strain is demonstrated. The authors envision that their library of organisms will provide the community with multiple options for increased expression of proteins with new and diverse chemistries.
An integrative multiomics approach to characterize anti‐adipogenic and anti‐lipogenic effects of Akkermansia muciniphila in adipocytes
Authors: Lee Jae‐Seung , Song Won‐Suk , Lim Jun Woo , Choi Tae‐Rim , Jo Sung‐Hyun , Jeon Hyo‐Jin , Kwon Ji‐Eun , Park Ji‐Hyeon , Kim Ye‐Rim , Yang Yung‐Hun , Jeong Jae Hyun , Kim Yun‐Gon
Published: December 2021

The cellular components of Akkermansia muciniphila are considered potential biotherapeutics for the improvement of obesity, diabetes, and metabolic diseases. However, the molecular‐based mechanism of A. muciniphila for treatment of obesity, which can provide important evidence for human research, has rarely been explored. Here, we applied integrative multiomics approaches to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism involved in obesity treatment by A. muciniphila. First, the treatment with a cell lysate of A. muciniphila reduced lipid accumulation in 3T3‐L1 cells and downregulated the mRNA expression of proteins involved in adipogenesis and lipogenesis. Our proteomic results revealed that A. muciniphila decreased the expression of proteins involved in fat cell differentiation, fatty acid metabolism, and energy metabolism in adipocytes. Moreover, A. muciniphila significantly reduced the level of metabolites related to glycolysis, the TCA cycle, and ATP in adipocytes. Interestingly, serine protease inhibitor A3 (SERPINA3) homologs were overexpressed in the 3T3‐L1 cells treated with A. muciniphila. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection demonstrated that A. muciniphila upregulates SERPINA3G expression and inhibits lipogenesis in adipocytes. Taken together, our multiomics‐based approaches enabled to uncover the molecular mechanism of A. muciniphila for treatment of obesity and provide potent anti‐lipogenic agents.
Association of serum cholesterol with Parkinson's disease in a cohort of statin‐free individuals
Authors: Lv Yukai , Xu Bo , Zhang Xuejuan , Chen Chunhuan , Gao Yan , Li Ning
Published: December 2021

Introduction

The role of serum cholesterol in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) remains unclear. The objective of this study was to assess the association between serum cholesterol and PD in a cohort of statin‐free newly diagnosed PD patients.

Methods

This retrospective study used fasting lipid profiles obtained from 672 consecutive statin‐free newly diagnosed PD individuals and 540 controls. These PD individuals were identified from three medical institutions during 2017–2021, and the controls were identified from three physical examination centers during the same time period. Logistic regressions were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), with adjustment of age, sex, and tobacco use history.

Results

Among 672 PD individuals, 112 were excluded in accordance with the current criteria, leaving 560 PD patients. The multivariate binary logistic regression analysis showed that LDL‐C was the only variable contributing to the occurrence of PD (OR 1.39, 95% CI: 1.07‐2.31, p < .001) after adjusting for age, sex, and tobacco use history; this association persisted following further adjustment for TC and HDL‐C. In the subgroup analysis of the adjusted results of LDL‐C after correcting for TC and HDL‐C, lower LDL‐C was associated with a higher risk of PD.

Conclusion

Among selected populations of statin‐free newly diagnosed PD individuals, low LDL‐C might be associated with the occurrence of PD.
Association between serum low‐density neutrophils and acute‐onset and recurrent Guillain–Barré syndrome
Authors: Ren Kaixi , Yang Aili , Lu Jiarui , Zhao Daidi , Bai Miao , Ding Jiaqi , Wei Tiaoxia , Li Hongzeng , Guo Jun
Published: December 2021

Background and Aim

Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is one of the most common causes of acute flaccid paralysis. A timely assessment of this disease condition and its treatments are of vital importance to patients diagnosed with GBS. The purpose of this study is to investigate the variation trend of neutrophils along with disease courses and assess the prognostic value of serum low‐density neutrophils (LDNs) in the acute‐onset and recurrence of GBS.

Methods

A total of 176 GBS patients were recruited. Patients were evaluated with Medical Research Council (MRC) sum score and the Hughes Functional Grading Scale score upon admission. Peripheral blood samples were collected for routine testing. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to identify LDNs. All patients were followed up to collect disease condition data.

Results

The total neutrophil ratios and counts were significantly higher in patients with acute‐onset GBS compared to healthy controls (HCs). These counts/ratios decreased during remission and re‐elevated in recurrent GBS patients. However, no correlation was observed between the total neutrophil counts/ratios and the MRC sum score. The LDNs collected from different GBS courses were identified using flow cytometry. The counts and ratios were significantly higher in acute‐onset GBS and recurrent GBS compared to HCs and patients in remission. The LDN counts/ratios displayed a negative correlation with the MRC sum scores in acute‐onset GBS and recurrent GBS.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that LDN counts/ratios are positively correlated with the acute‐onset and recurrence of GBS and its severity. Therefore, LDNs might serve as an accessible prognostic indicator for disease progression monitoring.
Muscle weakness as an additional criterion for grading sarcopenia‐related prognosis in patients with cancer
Authors: Cereda Emanuele , Tancredi Richard , Klersy Catherine , Lobascio Federica , Crotti Silvia , Masi Sara , Cappello Silvia , Stobäus Nicole , Tank Maja , Cutti Sara , Arcaini Luca , Bonzano Elisabetta , Colombo Sara , Pedrazzoli Paolo , Norman Kristina , Caccialanza Riccardo
Published: December 2021

Background

Low muscle strength has been pointed out as a key characteristic of sarcopenia, but the prognostic significance of muscle function next to reduced skeletal muscle mass (SMM) in patients with cancer has been scantily investigated.

Methods

Data on muscle strength by handgrip (HG) dynamometry and total‐body SMM estimated by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) of Italian and German patients with cancer observed prospectively until death or censoring were analysed (N = 1076). Patients were stratified in four risk categories based on low HG (<10th percentiles of age and gender‐specific normative values) and low total‐body SMM according to SMM index cutoffs (<10.75 and <6.75 kg/m2 in men and women, respectively).

Results

During a median follow‐up of 58 months [25th–75th percentile, 37–60], 566 patients had died. Patients presenting low HG in combination or not with low SMM were characterised by shorter median survival (12.7 vs. 27.2 months, respectively; p < 0.001) compared to those with low SMM/normal HG and normal SMM/normal HG (>60 months for both). After adjusting for sex, age, body mass index and percentage of weight loss, disease's stage, performance status and type of cancer, compared to reference category (normal HG and SMM; N = 210) the hazard ratios were: low SMM/normal HG (N = 342), 0.83 [95% confidence interval, CI, 0.67–1.02] (p = 0.073); normal SMM/low HG (N = 158), 1.19 [95% CI, 1.07–1.32] (p = 0.002); low SMM/low HG (N = 366), 1.39 [95% CI, 1.27–1.53] (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Muscle weakness was found to be a more powerful predictor of survival than BIA‐estimated SMM and should be considered as an additional key feature of sarcopenia in patients with cancer.
Combating the fear of COVID‐19 through shared accommodations: Does perceived human presence create a sense of social connectedness?
Authors: Dogerlioglu‐Demir Kivilcim , Akpinar Ezgi , Ceylan Melis
Published: December 2021

Among other shared systems, sharing accommodations offer several social benefits. Although previous work has mainly focused on social means to fulfill connectedness needs, in this research, we demonstrate that such needs can be satisfied through symbolic means. As such, we explore how human presence (a sense of personalness and warmth of a human being) can be conveyed in shared accommodations through personalized decorative elements, without any actual human presence. Across four studies (two surveys and two experiments), this research reveals that imbuing shared accommodations with human presence dissipates the negative effect of the fear of contracting COVID‐19 on staying likelihood. The findings offer important theoretical contributions to both sharing economy and social connectedness literature.
Primitive pelvic bone hydatidosis: What an amazing extension
Authors: Boussaid Soumaya , Daldoul Cyrine , Hassayoun Maroua , Rekik Sonia , Jammali Samia , Sahli Hela , Elleuch Mohamed
Published: December 2021

Hydatidosis is an anthropozoonosis mainly encountered in pastoral areas. It mostly affects the liver, lung, and rarely the bone and the soft tissues. Skeletal involvement is usually secondary to visceral hydatidosis. We report a case of a 49‐year‐old man presenting with one‐year history of a progressive left hip pain. On local examination, there was tenderness in the left gluteal region with reduction in the hip range of motion. Pelvic X‐ray revealed an expansive bone destruction involving the left hemi pelvis without periosteal reaction. A magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple cystic lesions extending from pelvic bones to the gluteal region. The possibility of hydatid disease was raised, and hydatid serology test was positive. No visceral involvement was found by additional examinations investigations revealed visceral hydatidosis. Thus, the diagnosis of a primary bone hydatid disease was established. No surgical excision was possible, and the patient was put on Albendazole. Echinococcosis should be ruled out while dealing with progressive expansive bony lesions. Surgical management remains a challenge especially if the involvement is very extensive.
Traumatic epidural hematoma in a patient with severe schizencephaly
Authors: Hoang Van Trung , Hoang The Huan , Chansomphou Vichit , Doan Dung Tien
Published: December 2021

Schizencephaly is a rare congenital brain structural abnormality that is not clearly understood and has no specific treatment yet. Therefore, cases related to it should be added to the literature. This report aims to introduce a rare case of severe schizencephaly co‐occurring with post‐traumatic intracranial epidural hematoma.
Case of delayed diagnosis of necrolytic migratory erythema
Authors: Abdelli Wissal , Alaoui Fatima , Souissi Asmahen , Sassi Wiem , Chelly Ines , Haouet Slim , Mokni Mourad
Published: December 2021

Necrolytic migratory erythema (NME) is a rare cutaneous paraneoplastic manifestation of glucagonoma. We report a case of a woman with a 6‐year history of delayed diagnosis of glucagonoma. This case highlights the atypical clinical features of NME which makes the diagnosis difficult.
Deconvoluting the Directed Evolution Pathway of Engineered Acyltransferase LovD
Authors: García‐Marquina Guillermo , Núñez‐Franco Reyes , Peccati Francesca , Tang Yi , Jiménez‐Osés Gonzalo , López‐Gallego Fernando
Published: December 2021

Pharmaceutical industry is progressively replacing the chemical synthesis of cholesterol‐lowering agents by enzymatic processes. The directed evolution of acyltransferase LovD was a breakthrough in the synthesis of simvastatin, although little is known about how the in vitro evolution path raised up an engineered variant (LovD9) with excellent biocatalytic properties (high catalytic efficiency and stability under reaction conditions). In this study, we unveil how different mutation clusters scattered across LovD9 primary sequence specifically contribute to enhance both enzyme kinetics and stability. To this aim, simvastatin synthetic and hydrolytic activities, kinetic parameters and thermostability of several engineered variants were assessed. Through a rational combination of those clusters of mutations, we generated the variant LovD−BuCh2 whose catalytic efficiency is around 90 % of that obtained with LovD9 but with 15 less mutations. Supported by molecular dynamics simulations, this work demonstrates the cumulative effect of mutations at both the active site and the substrate entrance channel to enhance binding of the acyl donor and speed up the acyl transfer step from the acyl‐enzyme complex to monacolin J acid, while simultaneously minimizing detrimental side‐reaction pathways, substrate inhibition and increasing thermostability.
Reproductive effort and terminal investment in a multispecies assemblage of Amazon electric fish
Authors: Waddell Joseph C. , Crampton William G. R.
Published: December 2021

The terminal investment hypothesis (TIH) predicts that individuals with favorable prospects for future reproduction (i.e., high residual reproductive value, RRV) should moderate current reproductive investment in favor of growth, survival, and future reproduction, whereas those with low RRV should “terminally invest” by diverting somatic resources towards current reproduction at the expense of future reproduction. However, support for the TIH in wild animal populations is fragmentary, and the ecological contexts of terminal investment remain poorly known. We report a remarkable case of simultaneous terminal investment involving five sympatric species of the electric knifefish genus Brachyhypopomus, from Amazonian floodplain and terra firme stream habitats. We found that terminal investment is synchronized by seasonal breeding, in response to circannual environmental variation in mortality risk. Four species exhibit a uniseasonal iteroparous (annual) life history with complete post‐reproductive mortality after a single breeding season. One species (Brachyhypopomus beebei) exhibits a 2‐year multiseasonal iteroparous life history with breeding in two seasons and post‐reproductive mortality after the second. In mature females and (most) males of the annual species, as well as in both mature female and male second‐year (but not first‐year) B. beebei, we documented an increase in two metrics of reproductive effort (size‐adjusted gonad mass and electric signal amplitude) and a concomitant reduction in somatic condition (size‐adjusted somatic mass), all in response to proximity to the end of the common breeding season, when RRV approximates zero. In mature first‐year B. beebei, we documented neither an increase in reproductive effort nor a decline in somatic condition, implying an alternative strategy of reproductive restraint. Our findings support Kirkwood's disposable soma theory, which posits that death by reproductive exhaustion can be delayed if terminal investment is replaced by reproductive restraint, allowing individuals to survive and breed in a subsequent season. Deferral of the terminal investment response in annual species, and the origin of a gonadal regression‐regeneration sequence, may open pathways for rapid evolutionary transitions to multiseasonal iteroparity. Excepting the age (year‐group) dependency of terminal investment in B. beebei, we were unable to identify intrinsic cues or extrinsic environmental cues for the terminal investment response in Brachyhypopomus.
Resource allocation for a multi‐device URLLC network
Authors: Qureshi Abdul Rehman , Nasir Ali A. , Masood Mudassir , Abdallah Saeed
Published: December 2021

The fifth generation of wireless cellular networks, the 5G New Radio (5G NR), is expected to support ultra‐reliable low latency communications (URLLC) as one of its primary communication services. The URLLC service of the network targets very high levels of reliability, which according to the 3GPP standards, corresponds to a block error rate ofto. Simultaneously, the networks need to guarantee very low latency, less than 1 millisecond according to the 3GPP standards. In this article, we propose an algorithm to solve the resource allocation problem, in terms of power and blocklength optimization, for a general multi‐device downlink URLLC in a factory automation scenario. Our objective is to minimize the decoding‐error probability at a target device, while ensuring that the rest of the devices perform under a threshold error probability. To achieve this, we propose a multi‐layered encapsulation method which simplifies the resource allocation problem of multi‐device networks. We also propose a general relay‐assisted strategy in the last step of the multi‐layered encapsulation model, which results in a remarkable improvement in the decoding‐error probability of the target device. Moreover, we also propose a multiple‐antenna beamforming design based resource allocation, which further improves the decoding‐error‐probability at the expense of higher computational complexity.
Deformation of the Shillong Group rocks, Shillong Basin, Meghalaya, north‐east India: Implication on the Proterozoic supercontinent build‐up
Authors: Deb Gautam Kumar , Ray Arijit
Published: December 2021

The effects of deformation and concomitant high‐grade metamorphism during the Cenozoic period in the active Himalayan orogen hinder the reconstruction of the original geological framework and thus the evolution history. The Shillong Group in the Shillong Plateau, northeastern India, rests unconformably above the Himalayan crystalline basement gneiss, and is divided in two formations, the Lower Metapelite Formation (LMF) and the Upper Quartzite Formation (UQF). There are three horizons of conglomerate: (a) Basal, between the basement and the Shillong Group, (b) an inter‐formational conglomerate, between the LMF and UQF, and (c) an intra‐formational conglomerate (within the UQF). The clasts of the latter two conglomerates are suitable strain markers. Principal compressional structures in the Shillong Group were developed in two successive deformation episodes during the Meso‐ to Neo‐Proterozoic period. The earlier episode was of progressive general shear deformation, while the later one possibly occurred in a transpressive mode similar to that of a fold‐thrust belt. Remarkably, both episodes underwent NW–SE regional compression. The inter‐formational conglomerate represents a flattening type strain of relatively lesser magnitude (Rf–ϕ X:Y:Z = 1.35:1:0.76), in contrast to the constriction type strain of relatively higher magnitude (Rf–ϕ X:Y:Z = 2.42:1:0.44) of the intra‐formational conglomerate. Field relations of the Shillong Group with the deformed and undeformed granite plutons suggest that the earlier deformation episode possibly took place during Rodinia assembly, due to India–Antarctica collision at 1,100 Ma, while the later one happened in a time frame close to 500 Ma, during the amalgamation of Eastern Gondwana.
Late Mesozoic magmatism and tectonic significance of the Kelihe Area in the northern Great Xing'an Range
Authors: Zhang Nuo , Li Gang , Liu Zheng‐Hong , Chen Yu‐Song , Wang Shi‐Jie , Li Chang‐Hai
Published: December 2021

The Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) is the largest accretionary orogenic belt in the world and its formation involved a complicated process of arc–continent collision. Large‐scale Mesozoic volcanic activity in the Great Xing'an Range (GXAR) in northeastern China, which constitutes part of the eastern CAOB, has received much recent research attention. However, the petrogenesis and formation mechanism of the late Mesozoic igneous rocks remain enigmatic. This paper investigates the geochronology, petrogenesis, and formation mechanism of late Mesozoic magmatic rocks in the Kelihe area of the GXAR based on zircon U–Pb dating, petrology, and geochemistry. Late Mesozoic magmatism in the Kelihe area occurred during the Late Jurassic (165–155 Ma) and Early Cretaceous (130–120 Ma). These igneous rocks generated by this magmatism are characterized by high SiO2 (69.97–75.49 wt%) and low MgO (0.11–0.68 wt%), Cr (10–30 ppm), Co (0.2–2.6 ppm), and Ni (0.5–1.6 ppm) contents. Trace elements show enrichment in Rb, Th, U, Zr, and K, and depletion in Ba, P, Nb, and Ti. These features indicate that the rocks were derived from partial melting of the crust. Furthermore, the rhyolites have high Na2O (5.02–5.44 wt%) and K2O (3.94–4.88 wt%) contents, similar to those of melts formed by the partial melting of basaltic crust. Combining the present results with the findings of previous studies, it is inferred that the Mesozoic igneous rocks formed in a post‐collisional extensional setting related to lithospheric thinning and asthenospheric upwelling after the closure of the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean.
Hydrological responses to rainfall events including the extratropical cyclone Gloria in two contrasting Mediterranean headwaters in Spain; the perennial font del Regàs and the intermittent Fuirosos
Authors: Ledesma José L. J. , Lupon Anna , Bernal Susana
Published: December 2021

Catchment hydrological responses to precipitation inputs, particularly during exceptionally large storms, are complex and variable, and our understanding of the associated runoff generation processes during those events is limited. Hydrological monitoring of climatically and hydrologically distinct catchments can help to improve this understanding by shedding light on the interplay between antecedent soil moisture conditions, hydrological connectivity, and rainfall event characteristics. This knowledge is urgently needed considering that both the frequency and magnitude of extreme precipitation events are increasing worldwide as a consequence of climate change. In autumn 2018, we installed water level sensors to monitor stream water and near‐stream groundwater levels at two Mediterranean forest headwater catchments with contrasting hydrological regimes: Font del Regàs (sub‐humid climate, perennial flow regime) and Fuirosos (semi‐arid climate, intermittent flow regime). Both catchments are located in northeastern Spain, where the extratropical cyclone Gloria hit in January 2020 and left in ca. 65 h outstanding accumulated rainfalls of 424 mm in Font del Regàs and 230 mm in Fuirosos. During rainfall events of low mean intensity, hydrological responses to precipitation inputs at the semi‐arid Fuirosos were more delayed and more variable than at the sub‐humid Font del Regàs. We explain these divergences by differences in antecedent soil moisture conditions and associated differences in catchment hydrological connectivity between the two catchments, which in this case are likely driven by differences in local climate rather than by differences in local topography. In contrast, during events of moderate and high mean rainfall intensities, including the storm Gloria, precipitation inputs and hydrological responses correlated similarly in the two catchments. We explain this convergence by rapid development of hydrological connectivity independently of antecedent soil moisture conditions. The data set presented here is unique and contributes to our mechanistic understanding on how streams respond to rainfall events and exceptionally large storms in catchments with contrasting flow regimes.
The impact of semi‐natural broadleaf woodland and pasture on soil properties and flood discharge
Authors: Monger Felicity , V Spracklen Dominick , J Kirkby Mike , Schofield Lee
Published: December 2021

Woodlands can reduce the risk of rainfall‐generated flooding through increased interception, soil infiltration and available storage. Despite growing evidence, there is still low confidence in using woodlands as a flood mitigation method due to limited empirical data, particularly for broadleaf woodlands. We measured soil properties and streamflow for nine small (<0.2 km2) upland catchments and compared mature semi‐natural broadleaf woodland where no stock grazing occurs to pasture with varied grazing intensity. We compared streamflow across 28 storm events including a 1 in 10‐year event, two 1 in 4‐year events and five 1 in 1.5‐year events, identified over a 13‐month period. We found that semi‐natural broadleaf woodlands reduce specific peak discharge by 23%–60% and peak runoff coefficients by 30%–60% compared with pasture. Response to storm events took 14–50% longer in woodland compared to pasture. These differences in flood response are partly explained by more permeable woodland soils, 11–20 times greater than pasture soil. The more muted response of wooded catchments to storm events is consistent across the storms investigated, including Storm Ciara, a 1 in 10‐year event. Our analysis strengthens the argument that semi‐natural woodlands can reduce rainfall‐generated flooding contributing to the evidence base for natural flood management.
Comprehensive clinicopathologic study of alpha fetoprotein‐expression in a large cohort of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ridder Dirk Andreas , Weinmann Arndt , Schindeldecker Mario , Urbansky Lana Louisa , Berndt Kristina , Gerber Tiemo Sven , Lang Hauke , Lotz Johannes , Lackner Karl J. , Roth Wilfried , Straub Beate Katharina
Published: December 2021

Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) is the most widely used diagnostic and prognostic serum biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite its wide clinical use, a systematic clinicopathologic study comparing AFP expression in HCC in situ with serum AFP concentrations has not yet been conducted. To analyze AFP expression in a large cohort of patients by immunohistochemistry, we employed a comprehensive tissue microarray with 871 different HCCs of overall 561 patients. AFP immunoreactivity was detected in only about 20% of HCC core biopsies, whereas 48.9% of the patients displayed increased serum values (>12 ng/mL). Immunostaining of whole tumor slides revealed that lack of detectable immunoreactivity in core biopsies in a subgroup of patients with elevated AFP serum concentrations is due to heterogeneous intratumoral AFP expression. Serum AFP concentrations and AFP expression in situ were moderately correlated (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient .53, P = 1.2e − 13). High AFP expression detected in serum (>227.3 ng/mL) or in situ predicted unfavorable prognosis and was associated with vascular invasion, higher tumor grade and macrotrabecular‐massive tumor subtype. Multivariate and ROC curve analysis demonstrated that high AFP concentrations in serum is an independent prognostic parameter and represents the more robust prognostic predictor in comparison to AFP immunostaining of core biopsies. The previously published vessels encapsulating tumor clusters (VETC) pattern turned out as an additional, statistically independent prognostic parameter. AFP‐positivity was associated with increased tumor cell apoptosis, but not with increased vascular densities. Additionally, AFP‐positive tumors displayed increased proliferation rates, urea cycle dysregulation and signs of genomic instability, which may constitute the basis for their increased aggressiveness.