bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microarray Patches: Poking a Hole in the Challenges Faced When Delivering Poorly Soluble Drugs
Authors: Paredes Alejandro J. , McKenna Peter E. , Ramöller Inken K. , Naser Yara A. , Volpe‐Zanutto Fabiana , Li Mingshan , Abbate M. T. A. , Zhao Li , Zhang Chunyang , Abu‐Ershaid Juhaina M. , Dai Xianbing , Donnelly Ryan F.
Published: September 2020

Poorly soluble drugs constitute more than 60% of currently marketed pharmaceuticals with over two‐thirds of promising new chemical entities failing to enter a clinical setting due to solubility issues. Although oral formulations have made some impact, alternative enhancement strategies for administration of such molecules are actively sought. Over the last decade, innovation on a global scale has enabled the expansion of the frontiers of microarray patches (MAPs) further than ever before. Initially designed to load low doses of hydrophilic and potent therapeutic agents, MAPs are now becoming a viable strategy for the immediate and long‐acting delivery of poorly soluble drugs through the skin. This together with the advantages of transdermal administration over the oral and parenteral routes, make of MAPs an appealing platform for the development of products with increased patient compliance. Undoubtedly, MAPs will soon become a readily available therapeutic alternative, and experts from academia, industry and regulatory bodies are working together aiming to facilitate the progression of MAPs toward safe and effective clinical use. This review aims to highlight the ability of MAPs to deliver poorly soluble actives, discuss the mechanisms behind in‐skin drug absorption, and evaluate the future direction of the field.
Pushing the Energy Output and Cycling Lifespan of Potassium‐Ion Capacitor to High Level through Metal–Organic Framework Derived Porous Carbon Microsheets Anode
Authors: Shao Mingjie , Li Chongxing , Li Tong , Zhao Han , Yu Weiqing , Wang Rutao , Zhang Jing , Yin Longwei
Published: September 2020

Potassium ion capacitors (PIC) have been extensively explored as an economically favorable substitute for their well‐developed lithium ion counterparts. However, their commercialization suffers from their low energy density and relatively short cycling life. Here, a porous carbon microsheets anode is produced by morphology‐preserved thermal transformation of sheet‐like manganese‐based metal–organic frameworks. The as‐produced porous carbon microsheets anode has a disordered, interlayer‐expanded, oxygen‐doped structure, which is demonstrated to have excellent K+ storage properties in terms of specific capacity, rate capability, and cycling stability. A PIC fabricated by employing Mn‐MOF derived porous carbon (MDPC) as the anode and activated carbon as the cathode, yields an energy density of up to 120 Wh kg−1 and a maximum power density of 26 kW kg−1 as well as a long‐term cycling life over 120 000 cycles, which is close to those of most Li‐ion counterparts. These promising results demonstrate that exploring novel carbon anodes can promote the rapid development of PICs toward practical applications.
An Adhesive Hydrogel with “Load‐Sharing” Effect as Tissue Bandages for Drug and Cell Delivery
Authors: Chen Jing , Wang Dong , Wang Long‐Hai , Liu Wanjun , Chiu Alan , Shariati Kaavian , Liu Qingsheng , Wang Xi , Zhong Zhe , Webb James , Schwartz Robert E. , Bouklas Nikolaos , Ma Minglin
Published: September 2020

Hydrogels with adhesive properties have potential for numerous biomedical applications. Here, the design of a novel, intrinsically adhesive hydrogel and its use in developing internal therapeutic bandages is reported. The design involves incorporation of “triple hydrogen bonding clusters” (THBCs) as side groups into the hydrogel matrix. The THBC through a unique “load sharing” effect and an increase in bond density results in strong adhesions of the hydrogel to a range of surfaces, including glass, plastic, wood, poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE), stainless steel, and biological tissues, even without any chemical reaction. Using the adhesive hydrogel, tissue‐adhesive bandages are developed for either targeted and sustained release of chemotherapeutic nanodrug for liver cancer treatment, or anchored delivery of pancreatic islets for a potential type 1 diabetes (T1D) cell replacement therapy. Stable adhesion of the bandage inside the body enables almost complete tumor suppression in an orthotopic liver cancer mouse model and ≈1 month diabetes correction in chemically induced diabetic mice.
Graphene Nanoribbons: On‐Surface Synthesis and Integration into Electronic Devices
Authors: Chen Zongping , Narita Akimitsu , Müllen Klaus
Published: September 2020

Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) are quasi‐1D graphene strips, which have attracted attention as a novel class of semiconducting materials for various applications in electronics and optoelectronics. GNRs exhibit unique electronic and optical properties, which sensitively depend on their chemical structures, especially the width and edge configuration. Therefore, precision synthesis of GNRs with chemically defined structures is crucial for their fundamental studies as well as device applications. In contrast to top‐down methods, bottom‐up chemical synthesis using tailor‐made molecular precursors can achieve atomically precise GNRs. Here, the synthesis of GNRs on metal surfaces under ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) conditions is the main focus, and the recent progress in the field is summarized. The UHV method leads to successful unambiguous visualization of atomically precise structures of various GNRs with different edge configurations. The CVD protocol, in contrast, achieves simpler and industry‐viable fabrication of GNRs, allowing for the scale up and efficient integration of the as‐grown GNRs into devices. The recent updates in device studies are also addressed using GNRs synthesized by both the UHV method and CVD, mainly for transistor applications. Furthermore, views on the next steps and challenges in the field of on‐surface synthesized GNRs are provided.
Converting 2D Nanofiber Membranes to 3D Hierarchical Assemblies with Structural and Compositional Gradients Regulates Cell Behavior
Authors: Chen Shixuan , McCarthy Alec , John Johnson V. , Su Yajuan , Xie Jingwei
Published: September 2020

New methods are described for converting 2D electrospun nanofiber membranes to 3D hierarchical assemblies with structural and compositional gradients. Pore‐size gradients are generated by tuning the expansion of 2D membranes in different layers with incorporation of various amounts of a surfactant during the gas‐foaming process. The gradient in fiber organizations is formed by expanding 2D nanofiber membranes composed of multiple regions collected by varying rotating speeds of mandrel. A compositional gradient on 3D assemblies consisting of radially aligned nanofibers is prepared by dripping, diffusion, and crosslinking. Bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on the 3D nanofiber assemblies with smaller pore size show significantly higher expression of hypoxia‐related markers and enhanced chondrogenic differentiation compared to BMSCs cultured on the assemblies with larger pore size. The basic fibroblast growth factor gradient can accelerate fibroblast migration from the surrounding area to the center in an in vitro wound healing model. Taken together, 3D nanofiber assemblies with gradients in pore sizes, fiber organizations, and contents of signaling molecules can be used to engineer tissue constructs for tissue repair and build biomimetic disease models for studying disease biology and screening drugs, in particular, for interface tissue engineering and modeling.
On the Role of Enthalpic and Entropic Contributions to the Conformational Free Energy Landscape of MIL‐101(Cr) Secondary Building Units
Authors: Kollias Loukas , Cantu David C. , Glezakou Vassiliki‐Alexandra , Rousseau Roger , Salvalaglio Matteo
Published: September 2020

The thermo‐structural behavior of metal‐organic framework (MOF) precursors is responsible for regulating the introduction of defects in MOF structures during synthesis. In this paper, factors affecting the flexibility of MIL‐101(Cr) half‐secondary building units (half‐SBUs) are evaluated in solution using enhanced sampling methods. In particular, entropic and enthalpic contributions to the conformational free energy landscape of isolated MIL‐101(Cr) half‐SBUs are calculated in water, in the presence and absence of ionic species (Na+ and F−), and in N, N‐dimethylformamide (DMF). This analysis leads to the observation that the interplay between enthalpy and entropy determines the most probable conformational state for half‐SBUs. This observation extends to the most relevant SBU intermediate, in which conformational entropy plays a key role in stabilizing configurations that differ from those found in the MIL‐101(Cr) crystal structure. The findings highlight the importance of explicitly considering entropic effects, associated with finite‐temperature sampling when estimating the relative stability of different conformers of SBUs.
Cooperate or Not Cooperate in Predictable but Periodically Varying Situations? Cooperation in Fast Oscillating Environment
Authors: Babajanyan S. G. , Lin Wayne , Cheong Kang Hao
Published: September 2020

In this work, the cooperation problem between two populations in a periodically varying environment is discussed. In particular, the two‐population prisoner's dilemma game with periodically oscillating payoffs is discussed, such that the time‐average of these oscillations over the period of environmental variations vanishes. The possible overlaps of these oscillations generate completely new dynamical effects that drastically change the phase space structure of the two‐population evolutionary dynamics. Due to these effects, the emergence of some level of cooperators in both populations is possible under certain conditions on the environmental variations. In the domain of stable coexistence the dynamics of cooperators in each population form stable cycles. Thus, the cooperators in each population promote the existence of cooperators in the other population. However, the survival of cooperators in both populations is not guaranteed by a large initial fraction of them.
COVID‐19 and Food Supply Chains
Authors: Chenarides Lauren , Manfredo Mark , Richards Timothy J.
Published: September 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic exposed critical weaknesses in the US food supply chain. Faced with the near‐complete loss of the food service distribution channel, stories of wasted food, failing suppliers, and food shortages were common. We argue that the pandemic revealed a fundamental lack of resilience in the food supply chain that, while causing short‐term welfare losses, need not have happened, and resulted from a failure of vision rather than a market failure in the traditional sense. We present a model of supply chain flexibility, grounded in real options theory, that demonstrates how firms can increase shareholder value by maintaining flexibility across supply chains. We present an example from the US fresh produce industry (onions) to demonstrate our hypothesis.
Winter wheat residue impact on soil water storage and subsequent corn yield
Authors: Simão Luana M. , Easterly Amanda C. , Kruger Greg R. , Creech Cody F.
Published: September 2020

Standing winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) residue can capture snow, reduce soil erosion and water evaporation, and increase crop yields in semi‐arid environments. Solid‐stemmed winter wheat (SSWW) varieties may remain standing longer in the field; however, SSWW consistently yields less than conventional hollow‐stemmed winter wheat (HSWW). This research investigates if the negative economic impact of yield loss of SSWW may be overcome by increasing the subsequent corn (Zea mays L.) yield due to increased snow capture and soil moisture. The experiment covered two cycles of a wheat–corn–fallow rotation in two separate fields between 2016 and 2019 near Sidney, NE. Five wheat varieties were tested (four varieties HSWW and one SSWW). Treatments (variety) were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. ‘Warhorse’ (SSWW) and ‘Settler CL’ (HSWW) had the lowest grain yield (2,119 and 2,153 kg ha−1, respectively) in a drier year. Warhorse (SSWW) residue did not persist standing longer in the field compared with other HSWW varieties. No advantage of SSWW over HSWW was observed in enhancing soil moisture for years with average precipitation during the corn growing season, and consequently, corn yield did not increase. These results suggest that SSWW should be considered only if the risk of crop failure from wheat stem sawfly (Cephus cinctus) would reduce HSWW grain yields below those achieved when using SSWW.
Respiratory outcomes among refinery workers exposed to inspirable alumina dust: A longitudinal study in Western Australia
Authors: Del Monaco Anthony , Gwini Stella M. , Kelly Sarah , de Klerk Nicholas , Benke Geza , Dennekamp Martine , Fritschi Lin , Dimitriadis Christina , William (Bill) Musk Arthur , Abramson Michael J. , Sim Malcolm R.
Published: September 2020

Background

Information is scarce about the occupational health effects of exposure to alumina dust. This study examines the respiratory effects of inspirable alumina dust exposure in alumina refineries.

Methods

An inception cohort study at three alumina refineries in Western Australia recruited 416 participants (351 males, 65 females) between 1995 and 2000 who were followed up annually until 2008 or until exit from study. At each health interview a respiratory questionnaire and lung function test was undertaken, measuring forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). Participants provided job histories which were combined with air monitoring data to calculate cumulative exposure to inspirable alumina dust (mg/m3‐years). Generalized estimating equations with Poisson distribution and mixed effects models were used to examine the effects of alumina exposure.

Results

The number of exposed participants was relatively small (n = 82, 19.7%). There was no association between alumina dust exposure and prevalence of cough, wheeze or rhinitis. No associations were found between measures of lung function and tertiles of alumina exposure in the first two follow‐ups, or the whole follow‐up period, though there was a suggestive dose‐response trend across exposed groups for decline in absolute FEV1 (p for trend = .06). For mean annual change in FEV1 and FVC based on the first three follow‐ups it was not possible to rule out an effect above a threshold level of exposure.

Conclusion

There is no evidence of an association between exposure to alumina and the reporting of respiratory symptoms but some evidence for an effect on lung function.
Integrating freshwater wetland science into planning for Great Barrier Reef sustainability
Authors: Arthington Angela H. , Pearson Richard G. , Godfrey Paul C. , Karim Fazlul , Wallace Jim
Published: September 2020

The paper ‘Biodiversity values of remnant freshwater floodplain lagoons in agricultural catchments: evidence for fish of the Wet Tropics bioregion, northern Australia’, published in Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems in 2015, has contributed in several ways to the integration of freshwater wetland science within new catchment management policies and practices for Great Barrier Reef (GBR) sustainability.

The Tully–Murray biodiversity study developed novel protocols to sample larval, juvenile, and adult fish life‐history stages in floodplain lagoons using a combination of boat‐based backpack electrofishing and fyke netting. In addition, hydrological and hydrodynamic models were applied in a completely new way to quantify the timing, extent, and duration of water connectivity across floodplain streams, cane drains, and wetlands. Combining the two novel approaches enabled an analysis of lagoon fish assemblage patterns in relation to environmental gradients, especially floodplain hydrology, connectivity patterns, and measures related to agricultural land use.

In demonstrating the importance of different levels of connectivity for different biodiversity outcomes in freshwater floodplain lagoons of the Tully–Murray catchment, the subject paper established that floodplain connectivity needs to be taken into consideration in wetland management practices.

The timing of the subject publication was fortuitous. It coincided with the preparation of the evidence‐based 2017 Scientific Consensus Statement on land‐based water quality impacts on the GBR. As one of the few freshwater wetland ecology publications for the catchments of the GBR at that time, this paper played an important role in demonstrating freshwater wetland values, fish conservation options, and management imperatives to sustain wetland ecological health and services in GBR catchments.

By advancing the understanding of factors driving biodiversity patterns, and the importance of connectivity and ecohydrological processes in freshwater floodplain wetlands of the GBR catchment, the Tully–Murray study helped to drive new policy directives for the protection and restoration of catchment, floodplain, and estuary functions, and connectivity, now embedded in the Reef 2050 Long‐Term Sustainability Plan 2018, an overarching strategy for managing the GBR over the next 35 years, and complementary Queensland environmental legislation.
Making an impact on UK farmland pond conservation
Authors: Sayer Carl D. , Greaves Helen M.
Published: September 2020

It is of vital importance that aquatic conservation is evidence based, and in the field of farmland pond management and restoration evidence was largely lacking until an article published in Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems (AQC) in 2012.

To examine the influence of farmland pond management on aquatic biodiversity conservation, macrophyte and invertebrate diversity in ponds subject to traditional management involving scrub and occasional sediment removal at different time intervals in the past (0–2, 3–5, 6–10 years since management), were compared with a set of neighbouring, highly terrestrialized ponds that had not been managed for many decades.

With the exception of Mollusca, significantly higher species diversity was found for managed ponds compared with the late‐succession unmanaged ponds, with invertebrate gamma diversity significantly lower for the late‐succession ponds, compared with all the managed pond categories.

The AQC article was a key component of the Natural England (UK Government's adviser on the natural environment in England) ‘Freshwater and Wetland Conservation Narrative’ and has helped with integrating pond management into recent great crested newt Triturus cristatus mitigation policy as well as bringing it to the fore in past and evolving agri‐environment policy.

The AQC article provided the evidence and in turn the confidence for the authors and a number of conservation partners to form a Norfolk Ponds Project. Since 2014, the Project has delivered or facilitated more than 100 pond restorations in Norfolk, eastern England, as well as educating conservation practitioners and farmers on the importance of farmland ponds via various events.

With good underpinning science it has been possible to achieve considerable impact in the field of farmland pond conservation. This study shows the importance of setting aside time and support for academic staff to translate applied research outputs into practical impact.
From a research study to a conservation partnership: Developing approaches to restoring common scoter populations
Authors: Hancock Mark H. , Robson Hannah J. , Smith Trevor D. , Stephen Alastair , Byrne Paul , MacLennan Alison , Klein Daniela , Mitchell Carl , Griffin Larry R. , Hilton Geoff , Dobson Henry , Douse Andy
Published: September 2020

Like many sea‐duck populations, the British breeding population of common scotersMelanitta nigrahas declined markedly. In 2009, a study was established to measure factors affecting lake use by breeding scoters, to inform conservation measures. That study, published inAquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems(AQC) in 2016, showed that lakes used by scoters had relatively more shallow water and large invertebrates. Furthermore, lakes with abundant large invertebrates had relatively few brown troutSalmo trutta. These results probably reflect the importance of foraging habitat (shallow water), prey abundance (large invertebrates), and competition for prey (trout abundance) in influencing scoter lake use.

To develop this study, additional research, and scoter conservation measures, we formed a long‐term partnership, comprising nature conservation non‐governmental organizations, statutory agencies, fisheries managers and the regional hydropower company. The partnership meets regularly to coordinate and review research and develop conservation measures, building on the earlier lake‐use study.

At key scoter lakes managed for hydropower, the partnership negotiated a revised water level management regime, favouring shallow water availability in the breeding season. This regime was informed by additional research, showing the value of certain islands for nesting scoters, and water level requirements to maintain these as islands.

In a different key scoter area — an extensive near‐natural peatland where recreational angling takes place — the partnership established a trial of increased brown trout angling, with increased fish removal, to determine whether this would increase invertebrate prey abundance and benefit breeding scoters. Both conservation interventions are currently being evaluated by detailed monitoring.

Overall, the earlier study published in AQC, was important in strengthening and informing our researcher–practitioner partnership, as we collaborated within an adaptive management framework to reverse scoter declines. Long‐term interdisciplinary partnerships are likely to have an important role to play in general, for the successful conservation of aquatic biodiversity.
How users' knowledge of advertisements influences their viewing and selection behavior in search engines
Authors: Schultheiß Sebastian , Lewandowski Dirk
Published: September 2020

According to recent studies, search engine users have little knowledge of Google's business model. In addition, users cannot sufficiently distinguish organic results from advertisements, resulting in result selections under false assumptions. Following on from that, this study examines how users' understanding of search‐based advertising influences their viewing and selection behavior on desktop computer and smartphone. To investigate this, we used a mixed methods approach (n = 100) consisting of a pre‐study interview, an eye‐tracking experiment, and a post‐study questionnaire. We show that participants with a low level of knowledge on search advertising are more likely to click on ads than subjects with a high level of knowledge. Moreover, subjects with little knowledge show less willingness to scroll down to organic results. Regarding the device, there are significant differences in viewing behavior. These can be attributed to the influence of the direct visibility of search results on both devices tested: Ads that were ranked on top received significantly more visual attention on the small screen than the top ranked ads on the large screen. The results call for a clearer labeling of advertisements and for the promotion of users' information literacy. Future studies should investigate the motivations of searchers when clicking on ads.
A novel fluorescent molecularly imprinted polymer SiO2@CdTe QDs@MIP for paraquat detection and adsorption
Authors: Sun Jiadi , Chen Chen , Zhang Yinzhi , Sun Xiulan
Published: September 2020

Paraquat (PQ) residue is harmful for human health, agriculture, and the aquatic environment. This paper proposes a novel fluorescent molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP), SiO2@CdTe QDs@MIP, for PQ detection and adsorption. The MIP was synthesized using 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane as the functional monomer, 4,4′‐bipyridyl as the template molecule, and tetraethoxysilane as the cross‐linker. In addition, CdTe quantum dots featuring unique optical characteristics and excellent photochemical stability were combined as signal reporter. The synthesized MIP had a Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area of 68.2 m2/g, pore volume of 0.42 cm3/g and pore size of 6.9 nm, demonstrating the potential for both PQ detection and adsorption. For PQ detection, the MIP could achieve three orders of magnitude better than the limit of detection, and one order of magnitude wider detection range than existing methods. The PQ recovery values for real samples of water and corn were 96.4–102.1% and 93.9–97.3%, respectively. The amount of PQ detected by the MIP was within 98.05% on average of that using high‐performance liquid chromatography. For PQ adsorption, the MIP had an adsorption capacity of 3.36 mg/g, and followed a pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model with excellent toxicological characteristics. Overall, the novel SiO2@CdTe QDs@MIP proposed in this paper could facilitate an efficient and convenient method for PQ detection and adsorption.
A model‐driven approach towards rational microbial bioprocess optimization
Authors: Yeoh Jing Wui , Jayaraman Sudhaghar S/O , Tan Sean Guo‐Dong , Jayaraman Premkumar , Holowko Maciej B. , Zhang Jingyun , Kang Chang‐Wei , Leo Hwa Liang , Poh Chueh Loo
Published: September 2020

Due to sustainability concerns, bio‐based production capitalizing on microbes as cell factories is in demand to synthesize valuable products. Nevertheless, the nonhomogenous variations of the extracellular environment in bioprocesses often challenge the biomass growth and the bioproduction yield. To enable a more rational bioprocess optimization, we have established a model‐driven approach that systematically integrates experiments with modeling, executed from flask to bioreactor scale, and using ferulic acid to vanillin bioconversion as a case study. The impacts of mass transfer and aeration on the biomass growth and bioproduction performances were examined using minimal small‐scale experiments. An integrated model coupling the cell factory kinetics with the three‐dimensional computational hydrodynamics of bioreactor was developed to better capture the spatiotemporal distributions of bioproduction. Full‐factorial predictions were then performed to identify the desired operating conditions. A bioconversion yield of 94% was achieved, which is one of the highest for recombinant Escherichia coli using ferulic acid as the precursor.
Neonatal brain connectivity outliers identify over forty percent of IQ outliers at 4 years of age
Authors: Gao Wei , Chen Yuanyuan , Cornea Emil , Goldman Barbara D. , Gilmore John H.
Published: September 2020

Background

Defining reliable brain markers for the prediction of abnormal behavioral outcomes remains an urgent but extremely challenging task in neuroscience research. This is particularly important for infant studies given the most dramatic brain and behavioral growth during infancy.

Methods

In this study, we proposed a novel prediction scheme through abstracting individual newborn's whole‐brain functional connectivity pattern to three outlier measures (Triple O) and tested the hypothesis that neonates identified as “brain outliers” based on Triple O were more likely to develop as IQ outliers at 4 years of age. Without need for training with behavioral data, Triple O represents a novel proof‐of‐concept approach to predict later IQ outcomes based on neonatal brain data.

Results

Triple O correctly identified 42.1% true IQ outliers among a mixed cohort of 175 newborns with different term, twin, and maternal disorder statuses. Triple O also reached a high level of specificity (96.2%) and overall accuracy (90.3%). Further incorporating a demographic information indicator, the enhanced Triple O+ could further differentiate between high and low 4YR IQ outliers. Validation tests against seven independent reference samples revealed highly consistent results and a minimum sample size of ~50 for robust performance.

Conclusions

Considering that postnatal brain growth and various environmental factors likely also contribute to 4YR IQ, the fact that Triple O, based purely on neonatal functional connectivity data, could identify >40% of 4YR IQ outliers is striking. Together with the very high level of specificity, each outlier predicted by Triple O represents a meaningful risk but future efforts are needed to explore ways to identify the rest of outliers. Overall, with no need for training, a high level of robustness, and a minimal requirement on sample size, the proposed Triple O approach demonstrates great potential to predict later outlying IQ performances using neonatal functional connectivity data.
Sustainable ecotourism development strategies through strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis: The case of Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Authors: Ching Suet‐Ling , Choong Yuen‐Onn , Lau Lin‐Sea , Seow Ai‐Na , Choong Chee‐Keong
Published: September 2020

This paper aims to find out the sustainability of ecotourism in Cameron Highlands by analyzing thoroughly the current conditions of ecotourism in Cameron Highlands using strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis, a strategic planning technique. Based on the analysis, strategies for achieving sustainable tourism development are then developed. Data of the study are collected via questionnaire distribution that involves local experts from the Highlands. Our results indicate that opportunities and strengths outweigh threats and weaknesses, respectively. It is undeniable from the results that the Highlands have great potentials to be an attractive ecotourism spot in the region. However, the Highlands are yet able to meet the sustainability requirements due to inadequate conservation efforts for the environment. The findings of our study are of great importance to the policy makers in developing sustainable strategies to enhance ecotourism activities and to reduce environmental damages in the Highlands.
A risk stratification model for predicting brain metastasis and brain screening benefit in patients with metastatic triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Lin Mingxi , Jin Yizi , Jin Jia , Wang Biyun , Hu Xichun , Zhang Jian
Published: September 2020

Background

Patients with metastatic triple‐negative breast cancer (mTNBC) frequently experience brain metastasis. This study aimed to identify prognostic factors and construct a nomogram for predicting brain metastasis possibility and brain screening benefit in mTNBC patients.

Methods

Patients with mTNBC treated at our institution between January 2011 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Fine and Gray's competing risks model was used to identify independent prognostic factors. By integrating these prognostic factors, a competing risk nomogram and risk stratification model were developed and evaluated with concordance index (C‐index) and calibration curves.

Results

A total of 472 patients were retrospectively analyzed, including 305 patients in the training set, 78 patients in the validation set I and 89 patients in the validation set II. Four clinicopathological factors were identified as independent prognostic factors in the nomogram: lung metastasis, number of metastatic organ sites, hilar/mediastinal lymph node metastasis and KI‐67 index. The C‐indexes and calibration plots showed that the nomogram exhibited a sufficient level of discrimination. A risk stratification was further generated to divide all the patients into three prognostic groups. The cumulative incidence of brain metastasis at 18 months was 5.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.5%‐9.7%) for patients in the low‐risk group, while 14.3% (95% CI, 9.3%‐20.4%) for patients with intermediate risk and 34.3% (95% CI, 26.8%‐41.9%) for patients with high risk. Routine brain MRI screening improved overall survival in high‐risk group (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.46‐0.98, P = .039), but not in low‐risk group (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.57‐1.49, P = .751) and intermediate‐risk group (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.55‐1.27, P = .386).

Conclusions

We have developed a robust tool that is able to predict subsequent brain metastasis in mTNBC patients. Our model will allow selection of patients at high risk for brain metastasis who might benefit from routine bran MRI screening.
Cobalt and Molybdenum Carbide Nanoparticles Grafted on Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanotubes as Efficient Chemical Anchors and Polysulfide Conversion Catalysts for Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Zhou Xiangyang , Li Liang , Yang Juan , Xu Lei , Tang Jingjing
Published: September 2020

The practical applications of lithium‐sulfur (Li−S) batteries are mainly hindered by the shuttle effect of soluble polysulfides and the slow kinetics of polysulfide conversion. Herein, a multi‐component material with cobalt and molybdenum carbide nanoparticles grafted on bamboo‐like N‐doped carbon nanotubes (Co−Mo2C@NCNTs) is fabricated and applied to modify the separator to suppress polysulfide migration and to promote polysulfide conversion. The uniformly distributed Co and Mo2C nanoparticles act as both the adsorbent to capture the polysulfides with Co−S and Mo−S bonds by Lewis acid‐base interactions and the catalyst to further accelerate the reaction kinetics of polysulfide transformation. Consequently, the Li−S batteries with the Co−Mo2C@NCNTs‐coated separator deliver a high specific capacity of 1324 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C and a capacity decay rate of 0.068 % per cycle at 1 C for 500 cycles. The results suggest the efficient chemical anchoring and catalysis of the multifunctional Co−Mo2C@NCNTs composite as a feasible method for future large‐scale applications of high‐performance Li−S batteries.
Oxidation kinetics of 2‐methyl‐1,3‐propanediol to methacrylic acid in a fluidized bed reactor
Authors: Darabi Mahboub Mohammad Jaber , Jazayeri Seyed Mahdi , Chub Olga , Dubois Jean–Luc , Patience Gregory S.
Published: September 2020

Methacrylic acid (MAA) is a specialty monomer for poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA). Partial oxidation of 2‐methyl‐1,3‐propanediol (2MDPO) to MAA is an alternative to commercial technology with fewer process steps, less cost and toxic feedstocks, and longer catalyst lifetime. Here, we evaluated the effect of 2MPDO and oxygen concentrations, reaction temperature, and contact time on product selectivity and 2MPDO conversion over VOCu0.5/Cs(NH4)2PMo12O40. Higher temperature increases selectivity and conversion; MAA selectivity reached 46% at 69% 2MPDO conversion. Higher 2MPDO to O2 ratio favours higher MAA selectivity due to methacrolein (intermediate) oxidation to MAA (a higher ratio favours consecutive oxidation) or lower combustion of MAA to COx. Shorter contact times decrease MAA selectivity. The Mars van Krevelen model characterizes the experimental data better than both the Langmuir‐Hinshelwood or Eley‐Rideal models; The reaction sequence involves both direct and indirect reactions in which 2MPDO reacts to methacrolein (MAC) as an intermediate and then it oxidizes to MAA (indirect) and/or 2MPDO directly oxidizes to MAA but the indirect reaction rate to MAA is 50 times faster than the direct reaction rate. The reaction is first order with respect 2MPDO and oxygen, and the rate‐limiting step is 2MPDO activation on oxidized sites.
Metal‐Organic Frameworks‐Based Fluorescent Nanocomposites for Bioimaging in Living Cells and in vivo†
Authors: Liu Meijia , Ren Xiangling , Meng Xianwei , Li Hongbo
Published: September 2020

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) as a class of porous functional materials have attracted more and more attention for biomedical applications. To date, MOFs have been developed for bioimaging based on a series of advantages such as the large surface areas, high porosity, fluorescence functionalities and good biocompatibility. It is worth noting that organic or inorganic fluorescent materials such as fluorescent dyes, quantum dots, metal nanoclusters and nanosheets can combine MOFs or be encapsulated in MOFs to form fluorescent nanocomposites for excellent imaging function. Importantly, excellent imaging capabilities are of great significance in living cells and in vivo for detection, diagnosis and cancer therapy. In this review, we focus on the recent research of the bioimaging in living cells and in vivo based on various MOF‐based nanocomposites and their potential biological clinical applications.
Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in interval debulking surgery for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer: A single‐center, real‐life experience
Authors: Ghirardi Valentina , Ronsini Carlo , Trozzi Rita , Di Ilio Chiara , Di Giorgio Andrea , Cianci Stefano , Draisci Gaetano , Scambia Giovanni , Fagotti Anna
Published: September 2020

Background

An improvement in survival without increasing perioperative morbidity in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer treated with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) after interval debulking surgery (IDS) has been recently demonstrated in a randomized controlled trial. This study was aimed at assessing the feasibility and perioperative outcomes of the use of HIPEC after IDS at a referral cancer center.

Methods

Over the study period, 149 IDSs were performed. Patients who had at least International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage III disease, with <2.5 mm of residual disease (RD) at the end of surgery and were not participating in clinical trials received HIPEC. Moreover, specific exclusion criteria were considered. These patients were compared with 51 patients with similar clinical characteristics at the same institution and within the same timeframe who did not receive HIPEC.

Results

No differences in patient or disease characteristics with the exception of the type of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (P = .002) were found between the 2 groups. As for surgical characteristics, significant differences were found in RD after IDS (P = .007) and in the duration of surgery (P < .001), whereas the bowel resection and diversion rates (P = .583 and P = .213, respectively) and the postoperative intensive care unit and hospital stays (P = .567 and P = .727, respectively) were comparable. The times to start adjuvant chemotherapy were also similar (P = .998). Equally, the rates of any grade of both intraoperative complications (P = .189) and early postoperative complications (P = .238) were superimposable.

Conclusions

In the authors' experience, the addition of HIPEC to IDS is feasible in 35% for the population. This value might increase with changes in the inclusion/exclusion criteria. HIPEC does not increase perioperative complications and does not affect a patient's recovery or time to start adjuvant chemotherapy. HIPEC should be offered to select patients listed for IDS.
Preference for luminance uniformity of refrigerator lighting
Authors: Jeong Kyeong Ah , You Chanyang , Suk Hyeon‐Jeong
Published: September 2020

We investigated minimally required uniformity of refrigerator lighting for comfortable use while maintaining the perceived lighting quality. Two experimental conditions were set depending on having or not having the storage items. In both conditions, 12 luminance uniformity levels were provided in a refrigerator. A total of 33 women participated and assessed the lighting stimuli to judge the perceptibility and acceptability of the presented uniformity levels. As a result, the stored items influenced both the perceptibility and acceptability of the luminance uniformity. To be specific, at least 71% luminance uniformity is recommended to be acceptable, and 80% luminance uniformity is recommended to be perceived as homogeneous for refrigerator lighting. The empirical result conforms to the uniformity guideline of 70% as the minimum, implying it as a minimally requested uniformity of spatial lighting to be considered in lighting design.
Social sustainability in the food value chain: An integrative approach beyond corporate social responsibility
Authors: Toussaint Mariana , Cabanelas Pablo , Blanco‐González Alicia
Published: September 2020

Nowadays, social sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) are becoming more relevant, however, a series of inconsistencies emerge from existent literature. Due to its complexity and sensitiveness, social sustainability is difficult to implement and measure, while social issues receive less attention in CSR operational plans in comparison to environmental factors. This study contributes to an under‐researched topic in the literature by providing a framework for developing CSR practices in the food value chains from a social perspective. Findings recommend different ways to measure social issues and identify communication and transparency as central elements to demonstrate a company's effort. This process requires the commitment of all actors, not only companies, but also stakeholders and governmental bodies involved in FVCs to ensure social sustainability. The academia has also a major role on standardizing how to measure it. Finally, this paper offers a series of practical recommendations to ensure good social practices along the FVC.
Physiological responses of rosewoods Dalbergia cochinchinensis and D. oliveri under drought and heat stresses
Authors: Hung Tin Hang , Gooda Rosemary , Rizzuto Gabriele , So Thea , Thammavong Bansa , Tran Hoa Thi , Jalonen Riina , Boshier David H. , MacKay John J.
Published: September 2020

Dalbergia cochinchinensis and D. oliveri are classified as vulnerable and endangered, respectively, in the IUCN Red List and under continued threat from deforestation and illegal harvesting for rosewood. Despite emerging efforts to conserve and restore these species, little is known of their responses to drought and heat stress, which are expected to increase in the Greater Mekong Subregion where the species co‐occur and are endemic. In this study of isolated and combined drought and heat effects, we found that D. oliveri had an earlier stomatal closure and more constant midday water potential in response to increasing drought level, suggesting that D. oliveri is relatively isohydric while D. cochinchinensis is relatively anisohydric. Heat shock and drought had synergistic effects on stomatal closure. Our results indicate contrasting relationships in water relations, photosynthetic pigment levels, and total soluble sugars. An increase in chlorophyll a was observed in D. cochinchinensis during drought, and a concomitant increase in carotenoid content likely afforded protection against photo‐oxidation. These physiological changes correlated with higher total soluble sugars in D. cochinchinensis. By contrast, D. oliveri avoided drought by reducing chlorophyll content and compromising productivity. Anisohydry and drought tolerance in D. cochinchinensis are adaptations which fit well with its ecological niche as a pioneering species with faster growth in young trees. We believe this understanding of the stress responses of both species will be crucial to their effective regeneration and conservation in degraded habitats and in the face of climate change.
Resource competition shapes biological rhythms and promotes temporal niche differentiation in a community simulation
Authors: Gao Vance Difan , Morley‐Fletcher Sara , Maccari Stefania , Vitaterna Martha Hotz , Turek Fred W.
Published: September 2020

Competition for resources often contributes strongly to defining an organism's ecological niche. Endogenous biological rhythms are important adaptations to the temporal dimension of niches, but how other organisms influence such temporal niches has not been much studied, and the role of competition in particular has been even less examined. We investigated how interspecific competition and intraspecific competition for resources shape an organism's activity rhythms.

To do this, we simulated communities of one or two species in an agent‐based model. Individuals in the simulation move according to a circadian activity rhythm and compete for limited resources. Probability of reproduction is proportional to an individual's success in obtaining resources. Offspring may have variance in rhythm parameters, which allow for the population to evolve over time.

We demonstrate that when organisms are arrhythmic, one species will always be competitively excluded from the environment, but the existence of activity rhythms allows niche differentiation and indefinite coexistence of the two species. Two species which are initially active at the same phase will differentiate their phase angle of entrainment over time to avoid each other. When only one species is present in an environment, competition within the species strongly selects for niche expansion through arrhythmicity, but the addition of an interspecific competitor facilitates evolution of increased rhythmic amplitude when combined with additional adaptations for temporal specialization. Finally, if individuals preferentially mate with others who are active at similar times of day, then disruptive selection by intraspecific competition can split one population into two reproductively isolated groups separated in activity time.

These simulations suggest that biological rhythms are an effective method to temporally differentiate ecological niches and that competition is an important ecological pressure promoting the evolution of rhythms and sleep. This is the first study to use ecological modeling to examine biological rhythms.
Evidence for Elton's diversity–invasibility hypothesis from belowground
Authors: Zhang Zhijie , Liu Yanjie , Brunel Caroline , van Kleunen Mark
Published: September 2020

Sixty year ago, Charles Elton posed that species‐rich communities should be more resistant to biological invasion. Still, little is known about which processes could drive the diversity–invasibility relationship. Here we examined whether soil‐microbe‐mediated apparent competition on alien invaders is more negative when the soil originates from multiple native species. We trained soils with five individually grown native species and used amplicon sequencing to analyze the resulting bacterial and fungal soil communities. We mixed the soils to create trained soils from one, two or four native species. We then grew four alien species separately on these differently trained soils. In the soil‐conditioning phase, the five native species built species‐specific bacterial and fungal communities in their rhizospheres. In the test phase, it did not matter for biomass of alien plants whether the soil had been trained by one or two native species. However, the alien species achieved 11.7% (95% CI: 3.7–20.1%) less aboveground biomass when grown on soils trained by four native species than on soils trained by two native species. Our results revealed soil‐microbes‐mediated apparent competition as a mechanism underlying the negative relationship between diversity and invasibility.
Unveiling the Reactivity of Cyclic Azomethine Ylides in [3+2] Cycloaddition Reactions within the Molecular Electron Density Theory
Authors: Domingo Luis R. , Kula Karolina , Ríos‐Gutiérrez Mar
Published: September 2020

The [3+2] cycloaddition (32CA) reactions of cyclic azomethine ylides with a series of acetylene derivatives have been studied within the Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT). Analysis of the Conceptual DFT indices allows the characterisation of the ambiphilic character of these cyclic AYs, thus participating as strong electrophiles and strong nucleophiles in polar 32CA reactions. The activation enthalpies associated with the 32CA reactions of these cyclic AYs are found in reasonable agreement with the experimental outcomes. These reactions proceed through a one‐step mechanism. The 32CA reactions with 1‐dimethylamino‐1‐propyne and dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate take place through highly asynchronous polar transition states (TSs). On the other hand, the strain present in cyclooctyne allows explaining its participation in a non‐polar 32CA reaction via a synchronous TS. The present MEDT study allows establishing that the substitution in these cyclic AYs changes their parent pseudodiradical‐type reactivity to the zwitterionic‐type one.