bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrogen bonding induced enhancement for constructing anisotropic sugarcane composite hydrogels
Authors: Xu Rongnian , Zhao Xiaoduo , Ma Shuanhong , Ma Zhengfeng , Wang Rui , Cai Meirong , Zhou Feng
Published: July 2021

Anisotropic hydrogels are appealing with their merits of similar biochemical and structural properties to the biological tissues. However, the mechanical properties of current anisotropic hydrogels need to be further improved. Herein, three kinds of novel anisotropic poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA), poly(acrylamide) (pAM), and poly(acrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) (p[AM‐co‐AA]) sugarcane composite hydrogels were prepared successfully by filling the hydrogel monomer precursor into porous aligned sugarcane nanofibers network and then performing subsequent free radical polymerization. The hydrogel matrix and sugarcane nanofibers network were combined closely together through hydrogen bonding interaction. The anisotropic sugarcane composite hydrogels exhibit good flexibility and elastic recovery properties upon encountering mechanical crimping and twisting. In typical case, the as‐prepared pHEMA sugarcane composite hydrogel can exhibit high anisotropic tensile strength of 2.37 and 0.54 MPa, while differential tear strength of 0.36 and 0.78 N/mm, along the parallel and vertical nanofibers directions. Finally, anisotropic lubrication behaviors were found and investigated systematically for those three kinds of sugarcane composite hydrogels when water was used as lubricant. Our current work proposes a simple and universal strategy for developing bioinspired anisotropic functional composite matters such as artificial skin, flexible sensor, and cartilage lubrication materials.
The effect of loading rate on the interfacial behavior of overmolded hybrid fiber reinforced polypropylene composites
Authors: Fu Liang , Jiang Bingyan , Ding Yudong , Wang Kui , Zhai Zhanyu
Published: July 2021

In the present work, the interfacial behavior of overmolded hybrid fiber reinforced polypropylene composites (hybrid composites) under the loading rate of 1, 10, and 100 mm/min are studied by experimental methods. The interfacial mechanical properties of hybrid composites are determined by monotonic and cycle loading‐unloading single‐lap‐shear tests. The experimental results reveal that interfacial shear strength increases with loading rate, while the shear stiffness shows insensitive to loading rate. A regression function is built to describe the variation of interfacial shear strength with loading rate. The cyclic loading‐unloading curves of hybrid composites samples indicate that loading rate effects on the interfacial nonlinear behavior of hybrid composites are considered by affecting plastic deformation. In addition, scanning electron microscopy and digital image correlation observations reveal the failure mechanisms of overmolded hybrid composites. The failure behavior of overmolded hybrid composites is mainly CFRT laminate failure for all cases. The evolution of non‐uniform strain fields indicates that the fracture of overmolded thermoplastic composites may initiate at the edges and spread out to the far fields.
Constructing RuCoOx/NC Nanosheets with Low Crystallinity within ZIF‐9 as Bifunctional Catalysts for Highly Efficient Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Tuo Yongxiao , Liu Wanli , Chen Chen , Lu Qing , Zhou Yan , Zhang Jun
Published: July 2021

Electrocatalysts play a pivotal role in accelerating the sluggish electrochemical water splitting reaction. Herein, a Ru−Co oxides and carbon nitrides hybrid (RuCoOx/NC) electrocatalyst was constructed by employing ZIF‐9 to disperse Ru precursor and deliberately regulating the calcination temperature. The moderate calcination temperature results in the RuCoOxnanocomposites with small particle size and low crystallinity as well as the co‐existence of multi‐valence metal compounds, thus boosting the amount and species of active sites. Moreover, the strong interactions between Co and Ru species induce the electron transfer from Co to Ru, thus enhancing the adsorption of anion intermediates on the electron‐deficient Co species and the proton capturing capacity of electron‐sufficient Ru species. As a result, the optimized RuCoOx/NC‐350 catalyst behaved good electrocatalytic activities with 73 and 210 mV overpotential to achieve 10 mA cm−2for HER and OER, respectively. Remarkably, it showed good durability by holding at 100 mA cm−2for 100 h in HER and 50 mA cm−2for 24 h in OER with small activity decline. This study may shed new light on the rational construction of highly efficient Ru‐based catalysts for electrochemical water splitting.
Designing Nonfullerene Acceptors with Oligo(Ethylene Glycol) Side Chains: Unraveling the Origin of Increased Open‐Circuit Voltage and Balanced Charge Carrier Mobilities
Authors: Cui Junjie , Park Jung‐Hwa , Kim Dong Won , Choi Min‐Woo , Chung Hae Yeon , Kwon Oh Kyu , Kwon Ji Eon , Park Soo Young
Published: July 2021

Despite the recent rapid development of organic solar cells (OSCs), the low dielectric constant (ϵr=3–4) of organic semiconducting materials limits their performance lower than inorganic and perovskite solar cells. In this work, we introduce oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG) side chains into the dicyanodistyrylbenzene‐based non‐fullerene acceptors (NIDCS) to increase its ϵr up to 5.4. In particular, a NIDCS acceptor bearing two triethylene glycol chains (NIDCS‐EO3) shows VOC as high as 1.12 V in an OSC device with a polymer donor PTB7, which is attributed to reduced exciton binding energy of the blend film. Also, the larger size grain formation with well‐ordered stacking structure of the NIDCS‐EO3 blend film leads to the increased charge mobility and thus to the improved charge mobility balance, resulting in higher JSC, FF, and PCE in the OSC device compared to those of a device using the hexyl chain‐based NIDCS acceptor (NIDCS‐HO). Finally, we fabricate NIDCS‐EO3 devices with various commercial donors including P3HT, DTS‐F, and PCE11 to show higher photovoltaic performance than the NIDCS‐HO devices, suggesting versatility of NIDCS‐EO3.
The Stability of Diphosphino‐Boryl PBP Pincer Backbone: PBP to POP Ligand Hydrolysis
Authors: Fang Fei , Xue Man‐Man , Ding Man , Zhang Jie , Li Shujun , Chen Xuenian
Published: July 2021

Since moisture may frequently be present in many solvents, it is important to know the reactivity of a catalyst against water for catalytic reactions. In order to explore the stability and understand the transformation process of diphosphino‐boryl‐based PBP pincer platform, [PdCl{B(NCH2PtBu2)2−o‐C6H4}] (1) was treated with PdCl2, HB(NCH2PPh2)2−o‐C6H4 was reacted with [PdCl2(cod)] (cod=cyclo‐octa‐1,5‐diene) and [Pd2(dba)3] (dba=dibenzylideneacetone), respectively, in the presence of water. Some novel palladium POP complexes, [Pd2Cl2(μ‐Cl){μ‐κ3‐P,O,P−OB(NCH2PtBu2)2−o‐C6H4}] (2 a), [Pd4(μ‐Cl)2(μ‐O)2{μ‐κ3‐P,O,P−OB(NCH2PPh2)2−o‐C6H4}2] (2 b), [Pd2{μ‐κ4‐P,P,P,P−O(B(NCH2PPh2)2−o‐C6H4)2}{μ‐κ2‐P,P−(NHCH2PPh2)2−o‐C6H4}] (3), were obtained. It was found that the PBP pincer backbone can easily be converted into a POP backbone in the presence of water. From the crystal structures of the resultant palladium complexes, possible pincer backbone transformation pathways were discussed.
Heritability of quantitative autism spectrum traits in adults: A family‐based study
Authors: Taylor Sara C. , Steeman Samantha , Gehringer Brielle N. , Dow Holly C. , Langer Allison , Rawot Eric , Perez Leat , Goodman Matthew , Smernoff Zoe , Grewal Mahip , Eshraghi Oceania , Pallathra Ashley A. , Oksas Catherine , Mendez Melissa , Gur Ruben C. , Rader Daniel J. , Bucan Maja , Almasy Laura , Brodkin Edward S.
Published: July 2021

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a multi‐dimensional set of quantitative behavioral traits expressed along a continuum in autistic and neurotypical individuals. ASD diagnosis—a dichotomous trait—is known to be highly heritable and has been used as the phenotype for most ASD genetic studies. But less is known about the heritability of autism spectrum quantitative traits, especially in adults, an important prerequisite for gene discovery. We sought to measure the heritability of many autism‐relevant quantitative traits in adults high in autism spectrum traits and their extended family members. Among adults high in autism spectrum traits (n = 158) and their extended family members (n = 245), we calculated univariate and bivariate heritability estimates for 19 autism spectrum traits across several behavioral domains. We found nearly all tested autism spectrum quantitative traits to be significantly heritable (h2 = 0.24–0.79), including overall ASD traits, restricted repetitive behaviors, broader autism phenotype traits, social anxiety, and executive functioning. The degree of shared heritability varied based on method and specificity of the assessment measure. We found high shared heritability for the self‐report measures and for most of the informant‐report measures, with little shared heritability among performance‐based cognition tasks. These findings suggest that many autism spectrum quantitative traits would be good, feasible candidates for future genetics studies, allowing for an increase in the power of autism gene discovery. Our findings suggest that the degree of shared heritability between traits depends on the assessment method (self‐report vs. informant‐report vs. performance‐based tasks), as well as trait‐specificity.

Lay Summary

We found that the scores from questionnaires and tasks measuring different types of behaviors and abilities related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) were heritable (strongly influenced by gene variants passed down through a family) among autistic adults and their family members. These findings mean that these scores can be used in future studies interested in identifying specific genes and gene variants that are associated with different behaviors and abilities related with ASD.
Complete genome sequencing and comparative genome analysis of the extremely halophilic archaea, Haloterrigena daqingensis
Authors: Wang Shuang , Narsing Rao Manik Prabhu , Wei Dan , Sun Lei , Fang Bao‐Zhu , Li Wei‐Qun , Yu Li‐Hong , Li Wen‐Jun
Published: July 2021

In the present study, we report the complete genome sequencing of Haloterrigena daqingensis species. The genome of H. daqingensis JX313T consisted of a circular chromosome with three plasmids. The genome size and G+C content were estimated to be 3835796 bp and 61.7%, respectively. A total of 4158 genes were predicted with six rRNAs and 45 tRNAs. Metabolic pathway analysis suggests that H. daqingensis JX313T codes for all the necessary genes responsible to sustain its life at saline environment. The pan‐genome analysis suggests that the number of singleton‐gene between H. daqingensis and other Haloterrigena species varied. The study not only helps us understand H. daqingensis strategy for dealing with high stress, but it also provides an overview of its genomic makeup.
Development of a novel noninvasive quantitative method to monitor Siraitia grosvenorii cell growth and browning degree using an integrated computer‐aided vision technology and machine learning
Authors: Zhu Xiaofeng , Mohsin Ali , Zaman Waqas Qamar , Liu Zebo , Wang Zejian , Yu Zhihong , Tian Xiwei , Zhuang Yingping , Guo Meijin , Chu Ju
Published: July 2021

The rapid, accurate and noninvasive detection of biomass and plant cell browning can provide timely feedback on cell growth in plant cell culture. In this study, Siraitia grosvenorii suspension cells were taken as an example, a phenotype analysis platform was successfully developed to predict the biomass and the degree of cell browning based on the color changes of cells in computer‐aided vision technology. First, a self‐made laboratory system was established to obtain images. Then, matrices were prepared from digital images by a self‐developed high‐throughput image processing tool. Finally, classification models were used to judge different cell types, and then a semi‐supervised classification to predict different degrees of cell browning. Meanwhile, regression models were developed to predict the plant cell mass. All models were verified with a good agreement by biological experiments. Therefore, this method can be applied for low‐cost biomass estimation and browning degree quantification in plant cell culture.
Transformation of lignocellulose to starch‐like carbohydrates by organic acid‐catalyzed pretreatment and biological detoxification
Authors: Zhang Bin , Khushik Faryal A. , Zhan Baorui , Bao Jie
Published: July 2021

Corn dry milling provides a mature model for lignocellulose biorefinery process. To copy this technical success, a crucial step is to transform lignocellulose into starch‐like carbohydrates (SLC), similar to milled corn grain and in a similar fashion to corn dry milling. The transformation process should be zero wastewater generation and sufficient fermentable sugar conservation; the product should be in solid particle form, free of toxic residues, and high enzymatic hydrolysis yield and fermentability. Here we designed and verified a SLC transformation process by (i) biodegradable oxalic acid‐catalyzed pretreatment, and (ii) simultaneous biodegradation of inhibitors and oxalic acid catalyst. The oxalic acid catalyst was effective on disrupting the lignocellulose structure and also biodegradable at low pH value. The biodetoxification fungusPaecilomyces variotiiFN89 was capable of degrading the furan/phenolic aldehydes and oxalic acid simultaneously and ultimately, while the fermentable sugars were well preserved. The obtained SLC from wheat straw and corn stover were similar to dry milled corn meal in terms of morphological properties, fermentable sugar contents, enzymatic hydrolysis yield, elemental contents, and free of inhibitors and acid catalyst. The bioconversion of starch‐like wheat straw and corn stover produced 78.5 and 75.3 g/L of ethanol (9.9% and 9.5%, v/v) with the yield of 0.47 and 0.45 g ethanol/g cellulose/xylose, respectively, compared with 78.7 g/L (10.0%, v/v) from corn meal and the yield of 0.48 g ethanol/g starch. Mass balances suggest that the ethanol yield, wastewater generation, and elemental recycling of the SLC from lignocellulose were essentially the same as those of corn meal.
Cardiotoxicity screening of long‐term, breast cancer survivors—The CAROLE (Cardiac‐Related Oncologic Late Effects) Study
Authors: Puckett Lindsay L. , Saba Shahryar G. , Henry Sonia , Rosen Stacey , Rooney Elise , Filosa Samaria L. , Gilbo Philip , Pappas Karalyn , Laxer Alison , Eacobacci Katherine , Kapyur Amitha N. , Robeny Justin , Musial Samantha , Chaudhry Anisha , Chaudhry Rahul , Lesser Martin L. , Riegel Adam , Ramoutarpersaud Sariah , Rahmani Navid , Shah Amar , Papas Vivian , Dawodu Toluwani , Charlton Jessica , Knisely Jonathan P. S. , Lee Lucille
Published: July 2021

Background

Long‐term breast cancer survivors are at risk for cardiotoxicity after treatment, but there is insufficient evidence to provide long‐term (~10 years) cardiovascular disease (CVD) screening recommendations. We sought to evaluate a tri‐modality CVD screening approach.

Methods

This single‐arm, feasibility study enrolled 201 breast cancer patients treated ≥6 years prior without CVD at diagnosis. Patients were sub‐grouped: cardiotoxic (left‐sided) radiation (RT), cardiotoxic (anthracycline‐based) chemotherapy, both cardiotoxic chemotherapy and RT, and neither cardiotoxic treatment. Patients underwent electrocardiogram (EKG), transthoracic echocardiogram with strain (TTE with GLS), and coronary artery calcium computed tomography (CAC CT). The primary endpoint was preclinical or clinical CVD.

Results

Median age was 50 (29–65) at diagnosis and 63 (37–77) at imaging; median interval was 11.5 years (6.7–14.5). Among sub‐groups, 44% had no cardiotoxic treatment, 31.5% had cardiotoxic RT, 16% had cardiotoxic chemotherapy, and 8.5% had both. Overall, 77.6% showed preclinical and/or clinical CVD and 51.5% showed clinical CVD. Per modality, rates of any CVD and clinical CVD were, respectively: 27.1%/10.0% on EKG, 50.0%/25.3% on TTE with GLS, and 50.8%/45.8% on CAC CT. No statistical difference was seen among the treatment subgroups (NS, χ2 test, p = 0.58/p = 0.15).

Conclusion

This study identified a high incidence of CVD in heterogenous long‐term breast cancer survivors, most >10 years post‐treatment. Over half had clinical CVD findings warranting follow‐up and/or intervention. Each imaging test independently contributed to the detection rate. This provides early evidence that long‐term cardiac screening may be of value to a wider group of breast cancer survivors than previously recognized.
Nematicidal and Molecular Docking Investigation of Essential Oils from Pogostemon cablin Ecotypes against Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Keerthiraj M. , Mandal Abhishek , Dutta Tushar Kanti , Saha Supradip , Dutta Anirban , Singh Anupama , Kundu Aditi
Published: July 2021

Root‐knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita is one of the most destructive nematodes worldwide. Essential oils (EOs) are being extensively utilized as eco‐benign bionematicides, although the precise mechanism of action remains unclear. Pogostemon cablin Benth. is well‐known as “Patchouli”. It is native to South East Asia and known for ethno‐pharmacological properties. In this study, chemical composition and potential nematicidal effect of EOs hydrodistilled from the leaves of P. cablin grown at three different locations in India were comprehensively investigated to correlate their mechanism of action for target specific binding affinities toward nematode proteins. Aromatic volatile Pogostemon essential oils (PEO) from Northern India (PEO‐NI), Southern India (PEO‐SI) and North Eastern India (PEO‐NEI) were analyzed by Gas Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) to characterize forty volatile compounds. Maximum thirty‐three components were identified in PEO‐NEI. Sesquiterpenes were predominant with higher content of α‐guaiene (2.3–24.4 %), patchoulol (6.1–32.7 %) and α‐bulnesene (5.9–27.1 %). Patchoulol was the major component in PEO‐SI (32.7±1.2 %) and PEO‐NEI (29.2±1.1 %), while α‐guaiene in PEO‐NI (24.4±1.2 %). In vitro nematicidal assay revealed significant nematicidal action (LC50 44.6–87.0 μg mL−1) against juveniles of M. incognita within 24 h exposure. Mortality increases with increasing time to 48 h (LC50 33.6–71.6 μg mL−1) and 72 h (LC50 27.7–61.2 μg mL−1). Molecular modelling and in silico studies revealed multi‐modal inhibitive action of α‐bulnesene (−22 to −13 kJ mol−1) and α‐guaiene (−22 to −12 kJ mol−1) against three target proteins namely, acetyl cholinesterase (AChE), odorant response gene‐1 (ODR1), odorant response gene‐3 (ODR3). Most preferable binding mechanism was observed against AChE due to pi‐alkyl, pi‐sigma, and hydrophobic interactions. Structure nematicidal activity relationship suggested the presence of hydroxy group for nematicidal activity is nonessential, rather highly depends on synergistic composition of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons.
Recent Advance on Chemistry and Bioactivities of Secondary Metabolites from Viburnum Plants: An Update
Authors: Chen Jia , Zhao Zi‐Yang , Zhang Xiao‐Hui , Shao Jian‐Hua , Zhao Chun‐Chao
Published: July 2021

Viburnum species are a group of small trees or shrubs that are of great ornamental and medicinal values. Some of them have been used for a long time both as conventional and ethnic medicine. Viburnum fruits, eaten in fresh and processed forms, have been revealed to contain various health‐promoting nutrients. With the increasing research on Viburnum plants, they are considered to be an abundant resource of bioactive natural products possessing diverse pharmacological properties and unique chemical structures, that is powerfully proved by the existence of structurally novel vibsane‐type diterpenoids which only occur in Viburnum species, newly discovered lignan constituents with unusual side chains and other noteworthy natural components. This review describes 185 new and 228 known secondary metabolites from Viburnum genus between 2008 and 2020, including their chemical structures, sources and bioactivities, and highlights the corresponding structure‐activity relationships.
Recurrent ovarian steroid cell tumour not otherwise specified: A case report
Authors: Baharudin Azmaniza , Mohammad Mazniza'in , Abdullah Munirah , Aliyas Ismail , Mohd Noor Mohd Rushdan , Yazid Mohd Nazri , Chin Jian Yuan Victor , Jamil Amilia Afzan binti Mohd
Published: July 2021

Steroid cell tumors not otherwise specified are one of the rare virilizing ovarian tumors. Most of the tumors are benign. This case report illustrates the challenge in managing steroid cell tumor not otherwise specified, which starts from determining its malignant potential, surveillance, and adjuvant treatment option.
Schistosoma gallbladder polyp masquerading as a neoplasm: Rare case report and literature review
Authors: Ali Gawahir A. , Goravey Wael , Al‐Bozom Issam , Al Maslamani Muna A. , Abdel Hadi Hamad
Published: July 2021

Schistosomiasis affecting the gastrointestinal tract is common in tropical and subtropical areas but associated polyps presenting as gallbladder pathology are rare clinical entities necessitating high clinical suspicion.
Cyclic vomiting syndrome in a 27‐year‐old male: A case report
Authors: Arafat S.M. Yasir , Mondal Firoj , Ghimire Sabina , Perveen Irin
Published: July 2021

A 27‐year‐old man presented with post‐meal chest tightness followed by vomiting for 3 years. With a multidisciplinary approach, he was labeled as cyclical vomiting syndrome and treated with pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and lifestyle modifications.
Amino Acid and Peptide‐Based Antiviral Agents
Authors: Skwarecki Andrzej S. , Nowak Michał G. , Milewska Maria J.
Published: July 2021

A significant number of antiviral agents used in clinical practice are amino acids, short peptides, or peptidomimetics. Among them, several HIV protease inhibitors (e. g. lopinavir, atazanavir), HCV protease inhibitors (e. g. grazoprevir, glecaprevir), and HCV NS5A protein inhibitors have contributed to a significant decrease in mortality from AIDS and hepatitis. However, there is an ongoing need for the discovery of new antiviral agents and the development of existing drugs; amino acids, both proteinogenic and non‐proteinogenic in nature, serve as convenient building blocks for this purpose. The synthesis of non‐proteinogenic amino acid components of antiviral agents could be challenging due to the need for enantiomerically or diastereomerically pure products. Herein, we present a concise review of antiviral agents whose structures are based on amino acids of both natural and unnatural origin. Special attention is paid to the synthetic aspects of non‐proteinogenic amino acid components of those agents.
Intellectual functioning among case‐matched cohorts of children treated with proton or photon radiation for standard‐risk medulloblastoma
Authors: Eaton Bree R. , Fong Grace W. , Ingerski Lisa M. , Pulsifer Margaret B. , Goyal Subir , Zhang Chao , Weyman Elizabeth A. , Esiashvili Natia , Klosky James L. , MacDonald Tobey J. , Ebb David H. , MacDonald Shannon M. , Tarbell Nancy J. , Yock Torunn I.
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Proton therapy may reduce cognitive deficits after radiotherapy among brain tumor survivors, although current data are limited to retrospective comparisons between historical cohorts. The authors compared intelligence quotient scores within a case‐matched cohort of children with medulloblastoma treated with proton radiation (PRT) or photon radiation (XRT) over the same time period.

METHODS

Among 88 consecutive patients with standard‐risk medulloblastoma treated with PRT or XRT at 2 institutions from 2000 to 2009, 50 were matched 1:1 (25 with PRT and 25 with XRT) according to age, gender, date of diagnosis, histology, radiation boost, and craniospinal irradiation dose. One‐way analyses of variance were performed to compare the Full‐Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) and associated index scores between the 2 cohorts.

RESULTS

Neurocognitive data were available for 37 survivors (17 with PRT and 20 with XRT) from the matched cohort. The mean age was 8.5 years (SD, 4.14 years). The median follow‐up was 5.3 years (range, 1.0‐11.4 years) and 4.6 years (range, 1.1‐11.2 years) for the PRT and XRT cohorts, respectively (P = .193). Patients treated with PRT had significantly higher mean FSIQ (99.6 vs 86.2; P = .021), verbal (105.2 vs 88.6; P = .010), and nonverbal scores (103.1 vs 88.9; P = .011) than the XRT‐treated cohort. Differences in processing speed (82.9 vs 77.2; P = .331) and working memory (97.0 vs 92.7; P = .388) were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiotherapy‐associated cognitive effects appear to be more attenuated after proton therapy. Comprehensive prospective studies are needed to appropriately evaluate the neurocognitive advantages of proton therapy.
The importance of time‐to‐adjuvant treatment on survival with pancreatic cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sugumar Kavin , Hue Jonathan J. , De La Serna Solanus , Rothermel Luke D. , Ocuin Lee M. , Hardacre Jeffrey M. , Ammori John B. , Winter Jordan M.
Published: July 2021

Background

While adjuvant chemotherapy benefits patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the importance of the time to initiation of adjuvant therapy remains unclear.

Aim

This study seeks to better understand whether the timing of postoperative chemotherapy initiation affects long‐term outcomes in PDAC.

Methods and Results

A systematic literature search was performed in Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library in March 2020. Studies focused on the association between the timing of adjuvant therapy on long‐term outcomes in resected PDAC patients were included. The impact of early and delayed therapy as defined by the respective studies was evaluated using forest plot analysis. Overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) served as primary endpoints. Out of 3099 published articles, 10 retrospective studies met inclusion criteria. Combined, these studies included clinical data of 13 344 patients. The cut off used to define “early” and “delayed” treatment groups varied in the included studies ranging from 3 to 12 weeks. Due to this heterogeneity, a sub‐group analysis of three time cut offs was performed: 3 to 5 weeks, 6 to 8 weeks, and 9 to 12 weeks. There was a significant decrease in OS and DFS when adjuvant therapy was delayed by 3 to 5 weeks after surgery (OS, pooled hazard ratio [HR] = 1.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.25‐2.78; DFS, pooled HR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.12‐2.34). However, due to small sample size and limited studies in this subgroup analysis, the results may be indeterminate. There was no significant decrease in OS with delayed initiation of adjuvant therapy by 6 to 8 weeks and 9 to 12 weeks. Similarly, delay in adjuvant therapy beyond 3‐5 weeks.

Conclusions

There was no conclusive evidence suggesting improved survival in patients starting treatment at various time cut offs. Studies investigating the extreme ends of the time‐to‐treatment spectrum may prove more informative.
Multi‐ancestral origin of intestinal tumors: Impact on growth, progression, and drug efficacy
Authors: Leystra Alyssa A. , Gilsdorf Brock J. , Wisinger Amanda M. , Warda Elise R. , Wiegand Shanna , Zahm Christopher D. , Matkowskyj Kristina A. , Deming Dustin A. , Khan Naghma , Rosemarie Quincy , Sievers Chelsie K. , Schwartz Alexander R. , Albrecht Dawn M. , Clipson Linda , Mukhtar Hasan , Newton Michael A. , Halberg Richard B.
Published: July 2021

Background

Data are steadily accruing that demonstrate that intestinal tumors are frequently derived from multiple founding cells, resulting in tumors comprised of distinct ancestral clones that might cooperate or alternatively compete, thereby potentially impacting different phases of the disease process.

Aim

We sought to determine whether tumors with a multi‐ancestral architecture involving at least two distinct clones show increased tumor number, growth, progression, or resistance to drug intervention.

Methods

Mice carrying the Min allele of Apc were generated that were mosaic with only a subset of cells in the intestinal epithelium expressing an activated form of PI3K, a key regulatory kinase affecting several important cellular processes. These cells were identifiable as they fluoresced green, whereas all other cells fluoresced red.

Results

Cell lineage tracing revealed that many intestinal tumors from our mouse model were derived from at least two founding cells, those expressing the activated PI3K (green) and those which did not (red). Heterotypic tumors with a multi‐ancestral architecture as evidenced by a mixture of green and red cells exhibited increased tumor growth and invasiveness. Clonal architecture also had an impact on tumor response to low‐dose aspirin. Aspirin treatment resulted in a greater reduction of heterotypic tumors derived from multiple founding cells as compared to tumors derived from a single founding cell.

Conclusion

These data indicate that genetically distinct tumor‐founding cells can contribute to early intratumoral heterogeneity. The coevolution of the founding cells and their progeny enhances colon tumor progression and impacts the response to aspirin. These findings are important to a more complete understanding of tumorigenesis with consequences for several distinct models of tumor evolution. They also have practical implications to the clinic. Mouse models with heterogenous tumors are likely better for predicting drug efficacy as compared to models in which the tumors are highly homogeneous. Moreover, understanding how interactions among different populations in a single heterotypic tumor with a multi‐ancestral architecture impact response to a single agent and combination therapies are necessary to fully develop personalized medicine.
Boron Tunneling in the “Weak” Bond‐Stretch Isomerization of N−B Lewis Adducts
Authors: Nandi Ashim , Tarannam Naziha , Rodrigues Silva Daniela , Fonseca Guerra Célia , Hamlin Trevor A. , Kozuch Sebastian
Published: July 2021

Some nitrile‐boron halide adducts exhibit a double‐well potential energy surface with two distinct minima: a “long bond” geometry (LB, a van der Waals interaction mostly based on electrostatics, but including a residual charge transfer component) and a “short bond” structure (SB, a covalent dative bond). This behavior can be considered as a “weak” form of bond stretch isomerism. Our computations reveal that complexes RCN−BX3 (R=CH3, FCH2, BrCH2, and X=Cl, Br) exhibit a fast interconversion from LB to SB geometries even close to the absolute zero thanks to a boron atom tunneling mechanism. The computed half‐lives of the meta‐stable LB compounds vary between minutes to nanoseconds at cryogenic conditions. Accordingly, we predict that the long bond structures are practically impossible to isolate or characterize, which agrees with previous matrix‐isolation experiments.
Nitrogen source effects on canola (Brassica napus L.) grown under conservation agriculture in South Africa
Authors: Crous Izane R , Labuschagne Johan , Swanepoel Pieter A
Published: July 2021

Canola (Brassicanapus L.) growth and yield can be enhanced by, amongst others, choosing the correct rate, source, and timing of N fertilizer. Limited research exists on the effects of nitrogen (N) source on canola growth and yield properties when grown under conservation agriculture. This study compared the performance of different N fertilizer sources on canola biomass production, seed yield, and oil content. Field trials were conducted from 2016 to 2019 at five sites in the Western Cape Province of South Africa which is characterized by a Mediterranean climate. Nitrogen fertilizer source had no effect (p > .05) on biomass production or oil content at any site. Sufficient soil water levels and warm daily temperatures led to greater biomass production regardless of nitrogen source. Oil content was determined by the presence of rainfall during the flowering and seed filling stages. The effect of N source on yield varied among sites in accordance with timing of fertilizer application in relation to rainfall. The urea + urease inhibitor N source led to greater (p < .05) yields than the urea N source without the inhibitor at the Darling site, regardless of the soil water conditions. Mean yield values of all seasons and sites indicated that urea + urease inhibitor fertilizer to be the most reliable N source to ensure optimal yields over the long‐term.
Recent Progress on Intercalation‐Based Anode Materials for Low‐Cost Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Zheng‐Guang , Du Rui , He Xiang‐Xi , Wang Jia‐Cheng , Qiao Yun , Li Li , Chou Shu‐Lei
Published: July 2021

Intercalation‐based anode materials can be considered as the most promising anode candidates for large‐scale sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), owing to their long‐term cycling stability and environmental friendliness, as well as their natural abundance. Nevertheless, their low energy density, low initial coulombic efficiency, and poor cycling lifespan, as well as sluggish sodium diffusion dynamics are still the main issues for the application of intercalation‐based anode materials in SIBs in terms of meeting the benchmark requirements for commercialization. Over the past few years, tremendous efforts have been devoted to improving the performance of SIBs. In this Review, recent progress in the development of intercalation‐based anode materials, including TiO2, Li4Ti5O12, Na2Ti3O7, and NaTi2(PO4)3, is summarized in terms of their sodium storage performance, critical issues, sodiation/desodiation behavior, and effective strategies to enhance their electrochemical performance. Additionally, challenges and perspectives are provided to further understand these intercalation‐based anode materials.
Time‐sequenced transcriptomes of developing distal mouse limb buds: A comparative tissue layer analysis
Authors: Fernandez‐Guerrero Marc , Zdral Sofia , Castilla‐Ibeas Alejandro , Lopez‐Delisle Lucille , Duboule Denis , Ros Marian A.
Published: July 2021

Background

The development of the amniote limb has been an important model system to study patterning mechanisms and morphogenesis. For proper growth and patterning, it requires the interaction between the distal sub‐apical mesenchyme and the apical ectodermal ridge (AER) that involve the separate implementation of coordinated and tissue‐specific genetic programs.

Results

Here, we produce and analyze the transcriptomes of both distal limb mesenchymal progenitors and the overlying ectodermal cells, following time‐coursed dissections that cover from limb bud initiation to fully patterned limbs. The comparison of transcriptomes within each layer as well as between layers over time, allowed the identification of specific transcriptional signatures for each of the developmental stages. Special attention was given to the identification of genes whose transcription dynamics suggest a previously unnoticed role in the context of limb development and also to signaling pathways enriched between layers.

Conclusion

We interpret the transcriptomic data in light of the known development pattern and we conclude that a major transcriptional transition occurs in distal limb buds between E9.5 and E10.5, coincident with the switch from an early phase continuation of the signature of trunk progenitors, related to the initial proximo distal specification, to a late intrinsic phase of development.
Evidence of absence regression: a binomial N‐mixture model for estimating fatalities at wind energy facilities
Authors: McDonald Trent , Bay Kimberly , Studyvin Jared , Leckband Jesse , Schorg Amber , McIvor Jennifer
Published: July 2021

Estimating bird and bat fatalities caused by wind‐turbine facilities is challenging when carcasses are rare and produce counts that are either exactly or very near zero. The rarity of found carcasses is exacerbated when live members of a particular species are rare and when carcasses degrade quickly, are removed by scavengers, or are not detected by observers. With few observed carcass counts, common statistical methods like logistic, Poisson, or negative binomial regression are unreliable (statistically biased) and often fail to provide answers (i.e., fail to converge). Here, we propose a binomial N‐mixture model that estimates fatality rates as well as the total number of carcasses when rates are expanded. Our model extends the “evidence of absence” model by relating carcass deposition rates to study covariates and by incorporating terms that naturally scale counts from facilities of different sizes. Our model, which we call Evidence of Absence Regression (EoAR), can estimate the total number of birds or bats killed at a single wind energy facility or a fleet of wind energy facilities based on covariate values. Furthermore, with accurate prior distributions the model's results are extremely robust to sparse data and unobserved combinations of covariate values. In this paper, we describe the model, show its low bias and high precision via computer simulation, and apply it to bat carcass counts observed at 21 wind energy facilities in Iowa.
Processable Potassium Metal Anode for Stable Batteries
Authors: Wei Zhenghang , Wang Aoxuan , Guan Xuze , Li Guojie , Yang Zhiwei , Huang Chengde , Zhang Jing , Ren Libin , Luo Jiayan , Liu Xingjiang
Published: July 2021

The future of high‐energy density electrochemical energy storage systems relies on the advancement of rechargeable batteries that utilize reactive metals as anodes. In the alkaline metal, secondary battery systems because of abundant resource, high capacity and low redox potential, potassium (K) metal secondary battery (KMB) is expected to replace the existing lithium‐ion battery as a versatile platform for high‐energy density, cost‐effective energy storage devices. However, the difficulty in processing metal K results in nonstandard electrodes and hinders the development of KMBs. Furthermore, the mobility of the K metal anode due to its unique low‐melting point character at elevated temperatures in practical conditions leads to severe instability and risks in chemical/electrochemical processes. Herein, we fabricate a processable and moldable composite K metal anode by encapsulating K into reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The composite electrode can be engineered into various shapes discretionarily with precise sizes and stabilize the K metal anode at relatively high temperatures. Remarkably, the composite anode exhibits excellent cycling performance at high current density (8 mA cm−2) with dendrite‐free morphology. Paired with a Prussian blue cathode, the rGO–K composite anode shows much improved electrochemical performance and extended lifetime.
Low‐applied Potential Non‐enzymatic Glucose Sensor Based on Ultrathin 2‐D CuS Nanowall Arrays
Authors: Zhou Xun , Ling Shuqi , Lin Zihan , Wu Yongxiang , Bao Jie , Liu Xiao
Published: July 2021

The 2‐D nanostructure, due to unprecedented physical, electronic, and chemical properties, was widely dedicated to the zooms of electrocatalysis, batteries, supercapacitors, solar cells, photocatalysis and sensing platforms. Herein, we reported a sort of low‐applied potential non‐enzymatic glucose sensor, which used ultrathin 2‐D CuS nanowall arrays (CuS‐NWAs) fabricated directly onto fluorine‐doped tin oxide glass by potentiostatically deposition approach. Meaningfully, the potentiostatical‐deposition time can control precisely the frame of 2‐D CuS‐NWAs on size and thickness and assist to ferret out the growing mechanization by analyzing the copper valence. Then, CuS‐NWAs‐based non‐enzymatic glucose sensor presented the high sensitivity (2610 μA mM−1 cm−2), a low detection of 17 nM, fast respond time (1.5–6.2 s) and low detection limits (2.6–17.7 nM, S/N=3) regardless of an applied potential as low as 0.33 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), attributed to that the 2‐D CuS‐NWAs offer large active area with numerous exposed active points, a low‐resistance electron‐shuttling passage and door‐opened glucose‐diffusion channel. Additionally, it was found that the sensitivity of CuS‐NWAs‐based non‐enzymatic glucose sensors can be optimized by altering electrodeposition duration for CuS‐NWAs growth. Confirmedly, the 2‐D CuS‐NWAs can be promised as a new system for high‐performance electrochemical sensors with excellent properties of selectivity, stability and reproducibility.
Development of Enzyme Conductometric Biosensor for Dopamine Determination in Aqueous Samples
Authors: Soldatkin O. O. , Kucherenko I. S. , Siediuko D. V. , Kucherenko D. Yu. , Dzyadevych S. V. , Soldatkin A. P.
Published: July 2021

Dopamine is a biologically active chemical that performs a number of vital functions as a hormone and neurotransmitter. Therefore, the determination of dopamine concentration in the human body is important for biomedical research. The content of dopamine in the blood varies depending on the age of a healthy person and can serve as a prognostic marker of many diseases. The aim of this work was to develop a new enzyme conductometric biosensor for the determination of dopamine in aqueous samples and to study the biosensor's analytical characteristics. The conductometric method of analysis with differential measurement mode was used in the work. Two pairs of gold interdigitated electrodes deposited on a sitall substrate were used as a conductometric transducer. The biorecognition element of the biosensor was based on laccase immobilized by glutaraldehyde cross‐linking. The optimal conditions of laccase immobilization were selected. The influence of solution parameters (ionic strength, pH, buffer capacity) on the biosensor work was investigated. The biosensors demonstrated high sensitivity to dopamine (minimum limit of detection −7.8 μM) with the linear range up to 1 mM. The biosensor was highly selective and reusable. The proposed biosensor was tested regarding the possibility of its long‐term storage under different conditions. The developed conductometric biosensor was proven to be suitable for measuring dopamine concentration in biological and pharmaceutical samples.
A versatile ceramic capillary membrane reactor system for continuous enzyme‐catalyzed hydrolysis
Authors: Messner Lorn , Antink Marieke H. , Guo Tongwei , Maas Michael , Beutel Sascha
Published: July 2021

As an alternative to classical batch processes, enzyme‐catalyzed hydrolysis can also be carried out continuously. To facilitate this, a continuous ceramic capillary membrane reactor system (CCCMRS) was developed which can be operated with various proteolytic enzymes immobilized on the porous ceramic capillary membranes. This system has several advantages over common batch processes regarding stability, reproducibility and controllability and can easily be adapted to optimal reaction conditions and individual preferences. Two exemplary applications utilizing the CCCMRS were carried out and investigated in long‐term stability studies. In the first application the continuous enzymatic cleavage of human IgG into the antibody fragments Fab and Fc by immobilized papain was performed. A total volume of 22 mL of 1 mg mL‐1 IgG‐solution was enzymatically cleaved over a period of 33.3 h. The antibody cleavage products could be detected in an SEC‐HPLC over the whole process time thus indicating long‐term stability of the continuous hydrolysis process. The second application investigated the continuous digestion of pea and almond protein isolates by immobilized Alcalase resulting in the generation of a large variety of different peptides. This peptide fingerprint remains constant over a long period of time enabling fractionation and thus making the peptides accessible for further bioactivity studies in sufficient quantities. The constant peptide fingerprint could be shown in the RP‐HPLC analysis for all 30 samples with a total volume of 29.7 mL collected over a period of 45 h.
Integrating Bioavailability of Metals in Fish Population Models
Authors: Janssen Sharon D. , Viaene Karel P.J. , Van Sprang Patrick , De Schamphelaere Karel A.C.
Published: July 2021

Population models are increasingly being used to extrapolate individual-level effects of chemicals, including metals, to population-level effects. For metals, it is also important to take into account their bioavailability to correctly predict metal toxicity in natural waters. However, to our knowledge, no models exist that integrate metal bioavailability into population modeling. Therefore, our main aims were to 1) incorporate the bioavailability of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) into an individual-based model (IBM) of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), and 2) predict how survival-time concentration data translate to population-level effects. For each test water, reduced versions of the general unified threshold model of survival (GUTS-RED) were calibrated using the complete survival-time concentration data. The GUTS-RED individual tolerance (IT) showed the best fit in the different test waters. Little variation between the different test waters was found for 2 GUTS-RED-IT parameters. The GUTS-RED-IT parameter “median of distribution of thresholds” (mw) showed a strong positive relation with the Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, and H+ ion activities. Therefore, mw formed the base of the calibrated GUTS bioavailability model (GUTS-BLM), which predicted 30-d x% lethal concentration (LCx) values within a 2-fold error. The GUTS-BLM was combined with an IBM, inSTREAM-Gen, into a GUTS-BLM-IBM. Assuming that juvenile survival was the only effect of Cu and Zn exposure, population-level effect concentrations were predicted to be 1.3 to 6.2 times higher than 30-d laboratory LCx values, with the larger differences being associated with higher interindividual variation of metal sensitivity. The proposed GUTS-BLM-IBM model can provide insight into metal bioavailability and effects at the population level and could be further improved by incorporating sublethal effects of Cu and Zn. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2764–2780. © 2021 SETAC
Improving the yield potential in maize by constructing the ideal plant type and optimizing the maize canopy structure
Authors: Li Rongfa , Zhang Guoqiang , Liu Guangzhou , Wang Keru , Xie Ruizhi , Hou Peng , Ming Bo , Wang Zhigang , Li Shaokun
Published: July 2021

Understanding the impact of changes in the crop canopy on yield is important in order to meet future food demands. We designed a field experiment to investigate the relationships between crop‐related factors and yield gaps in maize to enhance crop yields from 2010 to 2018 in Qitai, China. Maize grain yields (n = 247) were divided into four yield ranges: <15 Mg ha−1 (n = 30), 15–18 Mg ha−1 (n = 79), 18–21 Mg ha−1 (n = 114), and >21 Mg ha−1 (n = 24). The characteristics of the maize canopy structure as well as the light interception, photosynthetic potential, and radiation utilization efficiency in these four yield ranges were analyzed. The canopy structure of treated fields with yields >21 Mg ha−1 had a higher leaf area index (7.2), lower ear ratio (0.39), longer internodes above the ear (20.1 cm), larger leaf orientation value (LOV) above the ear (48.6), smaller leaf angle above the ear (18°), and smaller LOV below the ear (36.0) when compared to the other treatments. These findings suggested that the yield gap is dependent on canopy structure, and the evolutionary trend also accounted for significant increases in post‐LAD (p < 0.01), changes in crop growth rate (CGR; p < 0.01), net assimilation rate (NAR; p < 0.05), and radiation utilization efficiency. The radiation utilization efficiencies in the 15–18, 18–21, and >21 Mg ha−1 treatments (1.23, 1.28, and 1.38 g MJ−1, respectively) were higher than for the <15 Mg ha−1 treatment (1.10 g MJ−1). Furthermore, there are opportunities to narrow the yield gaps by optimizing the canopy structure to make full use of the solar radiation resources. Our results will help breeders choose an ideal canopy structure to improve yield. In addition, our results may serve as a general guide for other maize growing regions.