bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First sampling of microplastics in streams and rivers of peninsular Spain
Authors: León Muez David , Peñalver-Duque Patricio , Ciudad Carlos , Muñóz Miguel , Infante Octavio , Güemes Santos Sara , Parrilla Giráldez Rubén , Serrano Laura
Published: December 2020

Durante 2019 y 2020 se llevó a cabo una campaña de muestreo para la identificación de microplásticos en 157 arroyos y ríos de la España peninsular. El muestreo se realizó aplicando una metodología desarrollada por HyT (Asociación Hombre y Territorio) en el marco del Proyecto LIBERA y, en concurrencia con una campaña de análisis de contaminantes en IBA (Áreas Importantes para la Conservación de las Aves y la Biodiversidad) llevada a cabo por SEO/BirdLife. Las muestras fueron procesadas inicialmente para la detección de microplásticos bajo lupa y posteriormente fueron sometidas a análisis de espectroscopía infrarroja FTIR (Espectrofotómetro de transformada de Fourier) por el Servicio de Microanálisis de la Universidad de Sevilla. Los resultados de este muestreo, el primero de estas características que se realiza en España para la detección de estos contaminantes, reflejan que más de un 70% de las muestras tienen presencia de microplásticos, con una mayor presencia de fibras, fragmentos y films. Entre las muestras analizadas con FTIR se han identificado un total de 33 polímeros diferentes. El trabajo ofrece, por tanto, datos relevantes acerca de este problema en ríos y arroyos de España.
Карликовые свиньи—компаньоны человека, "Природа"
Authors: Быстрова Н.А.
Published: December 2020

Выведение карликовых пород свиней в качестве домашних питомцев основано на новом направлении отбора, в котором меняются не только требования к весу и росту животного, но и к его поведению. В статье проанализированы видовые особенности поведения свиней и те, что были развиты в течение 10 тыс. лет их доместикации, в контексте новой системы их межвидовых взаимоотношений с человеком. На основе обзора это логических исследований типичных животных-компаньонов (собак, кошек, лошадей) сформулированы требования к поведению питомца, которое позволяет человеку воспринимать животное в качестве члена семьи. Эксперименты, хотя и не дают пока полной картины, позволяют выявить предрасположенность свиней к успешному освоению таких новых навыков, как распознавание людей и их изображений. Сложности в понимании жестовых сигналов хозяина связаны с анатомическими особенностями строения морды свиньи, но компенсируются вниманием к местоположению человека в пространстве и предпочтением знакомых людей, которое, правда, создает дополнительную трудность в виде охраны помещения от незнакомцев. Неизбежное усиливающееся давление отбора на поведение рассматривается с точки зрения теории дестабилизирующего отбора. Приводятся предположения о том, какие изменения во внешности, физиологии и поведении карликовых свиней можно ожидать в будущем.
АСТРОНОМ-НАБЛЮДАТЕЛЬ Михаил Васильевич ЛЯПУНОВ, "Земля и Вселенная"
Authors: ПАКШИН Павел Владимирович , ПАКШИНА Наталья Алексеевна
Published: December 2020

В 2020 году исполняется 200 лет со дня рождения Михаила Васильевича Ляпунова (30.09.1820–20.11.1868), русского астронома, преподавателя астрономии Казанского университета, директора Демидовского лицея в Ярославле.
ВСЛЕД ЗА МАРГАРЕТ ФУЛЛЕР: ИЗ АМЕРИКИ В РИМ И ОБРАТНО, "Энергия: экономика, техника, экология"
Authors: Кац Е.А.
Published: December 2020

В 2002–2008 гг. наш журнал опубликовал серию статей израильского профессора Евгения Каца, посвящённых фуллеренам – истории их открытия, свойствам и практическим применениям. Эти материалы послужили основой его научно-популярной книги “Фуллерены, углеродные нанотрубки и нанокластеры: родословная форм и идей”, вышедшей в 2008 г. (3-е изд. в 2019 г.). Профессор Кац продолжает успешно совмещать свою исследовательскую и преподавательскую деятельность с научно-просветительской. В настоящее время он работает над новой научно-популярной книгой. В этом номере журнала мы продолжаем знакомить наших читателей с некоторыми материалами будущей книги, любезно предоставленными нам автором.
THz Time‐Domain Spectroscopy Techniques for Cultural Heritage
Authors: Falconieri Mauro , Gagliardi Serena
Published: December 2020

In the last few tens of years, practical exploitation of the electromagnetic spectrum window corresponding to terahertz frequencies has become possible thanks to the development of novel radiation sources and detection systems, thus overcoming the technological difficulties inherent to this spectral region.

Such systems use femtosecond laser pulses to produce and coherently detect ultrashort electromagnetic pulses whose frequency spectrum covers the range from tens of GHz to few THz and have found their practical application in the THz time‐domain spectroscopy (THz‐TDS) technique.

THz‐TDS systems have permitted the exploitation of the properties of THz waves as a diagnostic tool for a number of applications, and notably in the cultural heritage field, where the value and often the uniqueness of the samples require strictly nondestructive and preferably noncontact techniques.

In this article, we briefly describe the operation of THz‐TDS systems, and then we account for the principles of the basic measurement techniques feasible through the use of such setups, divided into time‐domain (stratigraphy), frequency‐domain (spectroscopy), and reflectography. For each of these techniques, we give an updated review of the published works showing the applications in the field of cultural heritage, finally evidencing their potentialities and limits.
2D‐GaN/AlNMonolayer‐Thick Quantum Wells
Authors: Jmerik Valentin
Published: December 2020

The unique structural and optical properties of two‐dimensional (2D)‐GaN multiple quantum wells (MQWs) with a nominal thickness of 1.5–2 monolayers (MLs) in AlN barriers allow one to consider them as highly efficient electron‐beam pumped ultraviolet‐C (UVC) emitters. These structures grown by both plasma‐assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PA MBE) and metalorganic vapor‐phase epitaxy on standardc‐sapphire substrates demonstrate an output optical pulse power of 1 and 2.2 W at a wavelength of 240 and 260 nm, respectively. This article focuses on the PA MBE of 2D‐GaN/AlN MQW structures using metal‐rich conditions and relatively low substrate temperatures (∼700 °C), which ensure the step‐flow growth of all layers with precise control of their thickness and abrupt interfaces. The revealed high internal quantum efficiency up to 75% in the (1–2)ML‐thick GaN/AlN QWs formed under these conditions is explained not only by the suppression of quantum‐confined Stark effect and the absence of TE/TM polarization switching in binary few‐ML‐thick QWs, but also by an enhanced rate of the excitonic transitions that mainly determine radiative recombination in such ultra‐thin QWs. In addition, the unusual quasi‐stress‐free growth of 2D‐GaN/AlN MQW structures allowed to increase the number of QWs up to 360 with an active region thickness of ∼2 μm.
Desulfuribacillaceae fam. nov
.
Authors: Sorokin Dimitry Y. , Merkel Alexander Y. , Abin Christopher A. , Hollibaugh James T.
Published: December 2020

N.L. masc. n.
Desulfuribacillaceae
, the family of the genus
Desulfuribacillus
.

Firmicutes / Desulfuribacillia / Desulfuribacillales / Desulfuribacillaceae fam. nov.

The family
Desulfuribacillaceae
incorporates obligately anaerobic, low‐to moderately salt‐tolerant, and alkaliphilic bacteria with respiratory metabolism inhabiting soda lakes. They utilize a limited number of electron donors, including H
2
, formate, pyruvate, and lactate and a variety of electron acceptors, including sulfur compounds (sulfur, thiosulfate, DMSO) and several oxyanions, including arsenate, selenite, selenite, antimonate, nitrate, and nitrite. Pyruvate can also be fermented. The family consists of a single genus
Desulfuribacillus
, which includes the type species
Desulfuribacillus alkaliarsenatis
and
Desulfuribacillus stibiiarsenatis
.

DNA G
 + 
C content (mol%)
: 37.5–38.2 (genome).

Type genus
:
Desulfuribacillus
Sorokin et al. 2014, VL159.
Desulfolunaceae
Authors: Galushko Alexander , Kuever Jan
Published: December 2020

De.sul.fo.lu.na.ce'ae. N.L. fem. n.
Desulfoluna
, type genus of the family; suff. ‐
aceae
, ending to denote a family; N.L. fem. pl. n.
Desulfolunaceae
, the family of
Desulfoluna
.

Desulfobacterota / Desulfobacteria / Desulfobacterales / Desulfolunaceae

Cells are straight or slightly curved rods which occur singly or in pairs. Gram‐stain‐negative. Endospores are not observed. Motility varies depending on the species. Anaerobic, having a respiratory and sometimes fermentative type of metabolism. Chemoorganoheterotrophs. Lactate, pyruvate, malate, and short‐chain fatty acids can serve as sole electron donors and carbon sources and are oxidized incompletely to acetate by most members of the family. One species performs complete oxidation of organic multicarbon substrates to CO
2
. Formate is used as an electron donor for growth in the presence of acetate. Sulfate is used as electron acceptor by all species and is reduced to sulfide; in addition, a few species can use FeIII‐citrate and halogenated phenols as electron acceptors. Neutrophilic; the optimal pH for growth is around 7. Mesophilic or psychrophilic; the optimal temperature range for growth is between 10 and 30°C. The major menaquinone is MK‐9 or MK‐8(H
2
). Optimal growth occurs at marine salt concentrations. Media containing reductants are optimal for growth by sulfate reduction. Organohalide reduction may occur in medium with low oxygen content (2 vol %). The family currently accommodates two genera. The type strain of the type genus was isolated from permanently cold marine sediment. Present in anoxic marine sediments and sponges.

DNA G + C content (mol%):
52.1–62.0 (LC, genome).

Type genus
:
Desulfoluna
Suzuki et al. 2008
VP
.
Thermoguttaceae
Authors: Slobodkina Galina
Published: December 2020

Ther.mo.gut.ta.ce'ae. N.L. fem. n.
Thermogutta
type genus of the family; suff. ‐
aceae
ending to denote a family; N.L. fem. pl. n
. Thermoguttaceae
the
Thermogutta
family.

The family
Thermoguttaceae
accommodates Gram‐stain‐negative bacteria with ovoid‐ or drop‐shaped cells occurring singly or in aggregates. Cells reproduce by budding. Daughter cells are motile; mature cells lose motility. Members of the family are thermophilic and neutrophilic chemoorganotrophs utilizing mono‐, di‐, and polysaccharides. Representatives of the family grow by oxidation of substrate with external electron acceptor or by fermentation. The cellular fatty acid profiles consist mainly of straight‐chain saturated compounds. The family
Thermoguttaceae
belongs to the order
Pirellulales
of the class
Planctomycetia
and currently includes two genera,
Thermogutta
and
Thermostilla
. Members of the family inhabit various types of natural and anthropogenic ecosystems with elevated temperatures.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 57–67 (
T
m
and genome sequence).

Type genus
:
Thermogutta
Slobodkina et al. 2015
VP

Planctomycetes/Planctomycetia/Pirellulales/
‘CandidatusPhytoplasma’
Authors: Gasparich Gail E. , Bertaccini Assunta , Zhao Yan
Published: December 2020

Phy.to.plas‐ma. Gr. masc. n.phytosa plant; N.L. neut. n.Phytoplasmaa form from a plant.

Tenericutes / Mollicutes / Acholeplasmatales / Incertae sedis – Family II / Candidatus Phytoplasma

Phytoplasmas are wall‐less, nutritionally fastidious, and phytopathogenic prokaryotes 0.2–0.8 μm in diameter that morphologically resemble nonhelical members of the classMollicutes. Sequencing of nearly full‐length PCR‐amplified 16S rRNA genes, combined with earlier studies, provided the first comprehensive phylogeny of the organisms and showed that they constitute a unique, monophyletic clade within theMollicutes. These organisms are most closely related to members of the genusAcholeplasmawithin theAnaeroplasmaclade as defined by Weisburg et al. Despite decades of efforts and recent progress, sustained pure culture in cell‐free media has not yet been demonstrated for any phytoplasma. Their genome sizes have been estimated to range from 530 to 1,350 kb, and the DNA G + C content is about 23–30 mol%. The presence of a characteristic oligonucleotide sequence in the 16S rRNA gene, CAA GAY BAT KAT GTK TAG CYG GDC T, and standard codon usage indicate that phytoplasmas represent a distinct genus‐level taxon for which the name ‘CandidatusPhytoplasma’ has been adopted. At present, for any subtaxa within the provisional genus, the designation ‘Candidatus’ must still be used.

DNA G + C content (mol%): 23–29.
“
Alteridesulfovibrio
”
Authors: Galushko Alexander , Kuever Jan
Published: December 2020

Al.te.ri.de.sul.fo.vi'bri.o. L. adj.
alter –tera –terum
, another, the other; N.L. masc. n.
Desulfovibrio
, a bacterial genus name; N.L. masc. n.
Alteridesulfovibrio
, another
Desulfovibrio
.

Desulfobacterota / Desulfovibrionia / Desulfovibrionales / Desulfovibrionaceae / Alteridesulfovibrio

Cells are vibrio shaped, 1.0–1.5 × 4.0–12.0 μm. Occur singly or in pairs. Spore formation is not observed. Stain Gram‐negative. Cells are motile by a single polar flagellum. Strictly anaerobic, having a respiratory type of metabolism. Chemoorganoheterotrophs using lactate, pyruvate, ethanol, fumarate, malate, ribose, fructose, and hydroxyhydroquinones as electron donors and carbon sources; organic compounds are incompletely oxidized to acetate. H
2
can be used as electron donor in the presence of acetate as organic carbon source (chemolithoheterotrophic growth). Formate is also used as the electron donor for growth in the presence of acetate. Sulfate, sulfite, and thiosulfate serve as terminal electron acceptors and are reduced to sulfide. Desulfoviridin is present. Fermentative growth is not observed. Mesophilic; the optimum temperature for growth is 30°C. Neutrophilic, with the optimum pH range of 6.9–7.2. At least 10 g/l NaCl and 1.5 g/l MgCl
2
and media containing a reductant are required for growth. Occur in anoxic brackish and marine sediments.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 49.1 (genome), 49.7 (LC).

Type species
:
“
Alteridesulfovibrio inopinatus
”
Waite et al. 2020.
Heliimonas
Authors: Albuquerque Luciana , Egas Conceição
Published: December 2020

Hel.i.i.mo'nas. N.L. fem n.
Helia
Hel (the goddess of Hell in Nordic mythology); L. fem. n.
monas
a unit, monad; N.L. fem. n.
Heliimonas
a unit (bacterium) isolated near Hell (i.e., isolated from a 150‐m borehole).

Bacteroidetes / Chitinophagia / Chitinophagales / Chitinophagaceae / Heliimonas

The genus
Heliimonas
comprises one species named
Heliimonas saccharivorans
. The organism forms pleomorphic cells. The species is nonmotile and has no gliding motility. The organism stain Gram‐negative, and the colonies are cream colored. The species
H. saccharivorans
is mesophilic and strictly aerobic. Possess cytochrome
c
oxidase and is catalase‐positive. Chemoorganotrophic. Growth factors are necessary for growth in minimal medium. Carbohydrates are used as carbon and energy sources, but amino acids, organic acids, and polyols are not assimilated. Amino acids are used as nitrogen source. Menaquinone 7 (MK‐7) is the only respiratory quinone. The major polar lipids are phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), one unidentified phospholipid (PL), and one unidentified lipid (UL). Acyl chains are predominantly iso‐branched and 3‐OH fatty acids, namely iso‐C
17:0
3‐OH, iso‐C
15:0
, and iso‐C
15:1
G. The type strain was isolated from a deep aquifer.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 41.4–42.0 (HPLC).

Type species
:
Heliimonas saccharivorans
Leandro et al. 2013
VP
.
Tautonia
Authors: Elcheninov Alexander G. , Kublanov Ilya V.
Published: December 2020

Tau.to'ni.a. N.L. fem. n.Tautoniareferring to TauTona, the name of the isolation place.

Planctomycetes / Planctomycetia / Planctomycetales / Isosphaeraceae / Tautonia

The genusTautoniaincludes thermotolerant bacteria belonging to the familyIsosphaeraceaeof the phylumPlanctomycetes. The members of the genus are represented by obligately aerobic, nonmotile, Gram‐negative cocci, occur singly, in pairs, or assembled in large aggregates. Flagella or stalk‐like structures are absent. Reproduce by budding. Neutrophilic. Grow chemoorganotrophically on mono‐, di‐, or polysaccharides. Major fatty acids are C16:0, C18:0, C18:1ω9c. A type species of the genus,Tautonia sociabilisstrain GM2012T, was isolated from the microbial mat, growing under the flow of thermal fluid, emanating from the wall of a ∼4,000 m deep tunnel of a TauTona mine, South Africa.

DNA G + C content (mol%): 70.1 (genome sequence).

Type species:Tautonia sociabilisKovaleva et al. 2019VP.
Isosphaerales
Authors: Dedysh Svetlana N.
Published: December 2020

I.so.sphae.ra'les. N.L. fem. n.
Isosphaera
type genus of the order; ‐
ales
ending to denote an order; N.L. fem. pl. n.
Isosphaerales
the
Isosphaera
order.

Planctomycetes / Planctomycetia / Isosphaerales

The order
Isosphaerales
accommodates Gram‐stain‐negative, budding, stalk‐free planctomycetes with spherical cells, which occur singly, in pairs, or are assembled in short chains, long filaments, or shapeless aggregates. With the only exception of
Isosphaera pallida
, which is capable of gliding motility, most described representatives are nonmotile. Members of this order are chemoheterotrophic, neutrophilic, or mildly acidophilic aerobes or microaerobes, which grow on various sugars and polysaccharides. Described phenotypes include moderate thermophiles, mesophiles, and psychrotolerant mesophiles. These planctomycetes colonize a wide range of habitats, from terrestrial hot springs to soils and wetlands of tundra. The type genus is
Isosphaera
. The order contains the single family
Isosphaeraceae
and belongs to the class
Planctomycetia
.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 61–70 (
T
m
and genome sequence).

Type genus
:
Isosphaera
Giovannoni et al. 1987, VL54.
Gemmatales
Authors: Dedysh Svetlana N.
Published: December 2020

Gem.ma.ta'les. N.L. fem. n.
Gemmata
type genus of the order; ‐
ales
ending to denote an order; N.L. fem. pl. n.
Gemmatales
the
Gemmata
order.

Planctomycetes / Planctomycetia / Gemmatales

The order
Gemmatales
accommodates Gram‐stain‐negative, budding, chemoheterotrophic planctomycetes with spherical or ellipsoidal cells, which occur singly, in pairs, or are assembled in large rosette‐like clusters and dendriform‐like structures. Members of this order are strictly aerobic, neutrophilic, or mildly acidophilic bacteria, which grow on various sugars and polysaccharides. Some representatives are capable of degrading chitin or cellulose. These planctomycetes colonize various freshwater habitats, soils, and wetlands. The type genus is
Gemmata
. The order contains the single family
Gemmataceae
and belongs to the class
Planctomycetia
.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 58–67 (genome sequence).

Type genus
:
Gemmata
Franzmann and Skerman 1984, VL18.
Accuracy and efficiency of respiratory gating comparable to deep inspiration breath hold for pancreatic cancer treatment
Authors: Zeng Chuan , Li Xiang , Lu Wei , Reyngold Marsha , Gewanter Richard M. , Cuaron John J. , Yorke Ellen , Li Tianfang
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) and respiratory gating (RG) are widely used to reduce movement of target and healthy organs caused by breathing during irradiation. We hypothesized that accuracy and efficiency comparable to DIBH can be achieved with RG for pancreas treatment.

Methods and Materials

Twenty consecutive patients with pancreatic cancer treated with DIBH (eight) or RG (twelve) volumetric modulated arc therapy during 2017–2019 were included in this study, with radiopaque markers implanted near or in the targets. Seventeen patients received 25 fractions, while the other three received 15 fractions. Only patients who could not tolerate DIBH received RG treatment. While both techniques relied on respiratory signals from external markers, internal target motions were monitored with kV X‐ray imaging during treatment. A 3‐mm external gating window was used for DIBH treatment; RG treatment was centered on end‐expiration with a duty cycle of 40%, corresponding to an external gating window of 2–3 mm. During dose delivery, kV images were automatically taken every 20◦ or 40◦ gantry rotation, from which internal markers were identified. The marker displacement from their initial positions and the residual motion amplitudes were calculated. For the analysis of treatment efficiency, the treatment time of every session was calculated from the motion management waveform files recorded at the treatment console.

Results

Within one fraction, the displacement was 0–5 mm for DIBH and 0–6 mm for RG. The average magnitude of displacement for each patient during the entire course of treatment ranged 0–3 mm for both techniques. No statistically significant difference in displacement or residual motion was observed between the two techniques. The average treatment time was 15 min for DIBH and 17 min for RG, with no statistical significance.

Conclusions

The accuracy and efficiency were comparable between RG and DIBH treatment for pancreas irradiation. RG is a feasible alternative strategy to DIBH.
Ruddlesden–Popper‐Phase Hybrid Halide Perovskite/Small‐Molecule Organic Blend Memory Transistors
Authors: Gedda Murali , Yengel Emre , Faber Hendrik , Paulus Fabian , Kreß Joshua A. , Tang Ming‐Chun , Zhang Siyuan , Hacker Christina A. , Kumar Prashant , Naphade Dipti R. , Vaynzof Yana , Volonakis George , Giustino Feliciano , Anthopoulos Thomas D.
Published: December 2020

Controlling the morphology of metal halide perovskite layers during processing is critical for the manufacturing of optoelectronics. Here, a strategy to control the microstructure of solution‐processed layered Ruddlesden–Popper‐phase perovskite films based on phenethylammonium lead bromide ((PEA)2PbBr4) is reported. The method relies on the addition of the organic semiconductor 2,7‐dioctyl[1]benzothieno[3,2‐b]benzothiophene (C8‐BTBT) into the perovskite formulation, where it facilitates the formation of large, near‐single‐crystalline‐quality platelet‐like (PEA)2PbBr4 domains overlaid by a ≈5‐nm‐thin C8‐BTBT layer. Transistors with (PEA)2PbBr4/C8‐BTBT channels exhibit an unexpectedly large hysteresis window between forward and return bias sweeps. Material and device analysis combined with theoretical calculations suggest that the C8‐BTBT‐rich phase acts as the hole‐transporting channel, while the quantum wells in (PEA)2PbBr4 act as the charge storage element where carriers from the channel are injected, stored, or extracted via tunneling. When tested as a non‐volatile memory, the devices exhibit a record memory window (>180 V), a high erase/write channel current ratio (104), good data retention, and high endurance (>104 cycles). The results here highlight a new memory device concept for application in large‐area electronics, while the growth technique can potentially be exploited for the development of other optoelectronic devices including solar cells, photodetectors, and light‐emitting diodes.
MnO2 Nanoflowers Induce Immunogenic Cell Death under Nutrient Deprivation: Enabling an Orchestrated Cancer Starvation‐Immunotherapy
Authors: Yang Yannan , Gu Zhengying , Tang Jie , Zhang Min , Yang Yang , Song Hao , Yu Chengzhong
Published: December 2020

MnO2 nanoparticles have been widely employed in cancer immunotherapy, playing a subsidiary role in assisting immunostimulatory drugs by improving their pharmacokinetics and/or creating a favorable microenvironment. Here, the stereotype of the subsidiary role of MnO2 nanoparticles in cancer immunotherapy is challenged. This study unravels an intrinsic immunomodulatory property of MnO2 nanoparticles as a unique nutrient‐responsive immunogenic cell death (ICD) inducer, capable of directly modulating immunosurveillance toward tumor cells. MnO2 nanoflowers (MNFs) constructed via a one pot self‐assembly approach selectively induce ICD to nutrient‐deprived but not nutrient‐replete cancer cells, which is confirmed by the upregulated damage associated molecular patterns in vitro and a prophylactic vaccination in vivo. The underlying mechanism of the MNFs‐mediated selective ICD induction is likely associated with the concurrently upregulated oxidative stress and autophagy. Built on their unique immunomodulatory properties, an innovative nanomaterials orchestrated cancer starvation‐immunotherapy is successfully developed, which is realized by the in situ vaccination with MNFs and vascular disrupting agents that cut off intratumoral nutrient supply, eliciting potent efficacy for suppressing local and distant tumors. These findings open up a new avenue toward biomedical applications of MnO2 materials, enabling an innovative therapeutics paradigm with great clinical significance.
Oxygen‐Enriched Metal‐Phenolic X‐Ray Nanoprocessor for Cancer Radio‐Radiodynamic Therapy in Combination with Checkpoint Blockade Immunotherapy
Authors: Sang Wei , Xie Lisi , Wang Guohao , Li Jie , Zhang Zhan , Li Bei , Guo Sen , Deng Chu‐Xia , Dai Yunlu
Published: December 2020

Radiotherapy (RT) based on DNA damage and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation has been clinically validated in various types of cancer. However, high dose‐dependent induced toxicity to tissues, non‐selectivity, and radioresistance greatly limit the application of RT. Herein, an oxygen‐enriched X‐ray nanoprocessor Hb@Hf‐Ce6 nanoparticle is developed for improving the therapeutic effect of RT‐radiodynamic therapy (RDT), enhancing modulation of hypoxia tumor microenvironment (TME) and promoting antitumor immune response in combination with programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) immune checkpoint blockade. All functional molecules are integrated into the nanoparticle based on metal‐phenolic coordination, wherein one high‐Z radiosensitizer (hafnium, Hf) coordinated with chlorin e6 (Ce6) modified polyphenols and a promising oxygen carrier (hemoglobin, Hb) is encapsulated for modulation of oxygen balance in the hypoxia TME. Specifically, under single X‐ray irradiation, radioluminescence excited by Hf can activate photosensitizer Ce6 for ROS generation by RDT. Therefore, this combinatory strategy induces comprehensive antitumor immune response for cancer eradication and metastasis inhibition. This work presents a multifunctional metal‐phenolic nanoplatform for efficient X‐ray mediated RT‐RDT in combination with immunotherapy and may provide a new therapeutic option for cancer treatment.
Phonon–Ion Interactions: Designing Ion Mobility Based on Lattice Dynamics
Authors: Muy Sokseiha , Schlem Roman , Shao‐Horn Yang , Zeier Wolfgang G.
Published: December 2020

This review is focused on the influence of lattice dynamics on the ionic mobility in superionic conductors in particular solid‐state Li‐ion conductors. After a succinct review of the static view of ionic conduction, the role of polarizability as the underlying cause of lattice softness is discussed in connection with the anharmonicity and the roles of lattice dynamics on ionic conductivity as proposed in early theories in the 70's and 80's by Mahan, Zeller, Rice and Roth are reviewed with the emphasis on various proposed correlations between Debye and Einstein frequency as well as other specific vibrational modes with the activation energy. The role of lattice dynamics on the correlation between the pre‐exponential factor and activation energy, i.e. the Meyer‐Neldel rule is also presented with emphasis on the entropy of migration and its dependence on the vibrational spectrum of the lattice. Moreover, a recent computational high‐throughput screening based on the average vibrational frequency is also discussed to illustrate the application of lattice dynamics descriptors to design new lithium conductors. Finally, several open questions regarding the fundamental understanding of the role of lattice dynamics and new strategies to tune ionic conductivity based on these concepts are presented.
Co2+/3+/4+‐Regulated Electron State of Mn‐O for Superb Aqueous Zinc‐Manganese Oxide Batteries
Authors: Ji Jie , Wan Houzhao , Zhang Bao , Wang Cong , Gan Yi , Tan Qiuyang , Wang Nengze , Yao Jia , Zheng Zhaohan , Liang Pei , Zhang Jun , Wang Hanbin , Tao Li , Wang Yi , Chao Dongliang , Wang Hao
Published: December 2020

Aqueous rechargeable Zn–MnOx batteries are very attractive due to their low‐cost and high energy density. However, Mn(III) disproportionation and Jahn–Teller distortion can induce Mn(II) dissolution and irreversible phase changes, greatly deteriorating the cycling life. Herein, a multi‐valence cobalt‐doped Mn3O4 (Co‐Mn3O4) with high capacity and reversibility, which lies in the multiple roles of the various states of doped cobalt, is reported. The Co2+ doping between the phase change product δ‐MnO2 layer acts as a “structural pillar,” and the Co4+ in the layer can increase the conductivity of Mn4+ and hold the high specific capacity. More importantly, Co ion (Co2+, Co3+) doping can effectively inhibit the Jahn–Teller effect in discharge products and promote ion diffusion. Using X‐ray absorption spectra results and density functional theory modelling, the multiple roles of doped cobalt are verified. Specifically, the Co‐Mn3O4 cathode shows high specific capacity of 362 mAh g–1 and energy density of 463.1 Wh kg–1 at 100 mA g–1. After 1100 cycles at 2.0 A g–1, the capacity retention rate reaches 80%. This work brings a new idea and approach to the design of highly reversible Mn‐based oxides cathode materials for Zn‐ion batteries.
Progress and Challenges for All‐Solid‐State Sodium Batteries
Authors: Yang Hui-Ling , Zhang Bin-Wei , Konstantinov Konstantin , Wang Yun-Xiao , Liu Hua-Kun , Dou Shi-Xue
Published: December 2020

All‐solid‐state sodium batteries (ASSBs) are regarded as the next generation of sustainable energy storage systems due to the advantages of abundant sodium resources, and their exceptional and high energy density. Nevertheless, there are still grand challenges to realize their practical applications, such as the limited types of solid‐state electrolytes (SEs), low ionic conductivity of SEs, high charge‐transfer impedance, interfacial issues, and Na dendrite growth. Herein, the recent progress and challenges of various SEs for ASSBs are summarized, including solid polymer electrolytes, inorganic solid electrolytes (including oxides, sulfides, and boron hydrides), and their combinations. Furthermore, recent reports on various cathodes materials and corresponding cathode/SE interfacial issues are comprehensively reviewed. Current trends and future perspectives on sodium metal anodes are discussed in detail with an emphasis on the anode interface protection and innovative SEs with good Na compatibility. Finally, future opportunities for the development of ASSBs are outlined.
Molecular dynamics simulations of enantiomeric separations as an interfacial process in HPLC
Authors: Jameson Cynthia J. , Wang Xiaoyu , Murad Sohail
Published: December 2020

Since chromatographic separation is a dynamic process, with the interactions between the drug and the chiral stationary phase mediated by the solvent, no single interacting structure, such as could be found by minimizing the energy, could possibly describe and account for the ratio of residence times in the chromatographic column for the enantiomeric pair. We describe the use of explicit‐solvent fully atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, permitting all the interactions between the atoms constituting the chiral stationary phase, solvent molecules and the drug molecule. This allows us to better understand the molecular dynamic chiral recognition that provides the discrimination, which results in the separation of enantiomers by high performance liquid chromatography. It also provides a means of predicting, for a given set of conditions, which enantiomer elutes first and an estimate of the expected separation factor. In this review, we consider the use of molecular dynamics toward this understanding and prediction.
Estimating age‐at‐death in burnt adult human remains using the Falys–Prangle method
Authors: Veselka Barbara , Hlad Marta , Wolfe Steadman Dawnie , Annaert Henrica , Boudin Mathieu , Capuzzo Giacomo , Dalle Sarah , Kontopoulos Ioannis , De Mulder Guy , Sabaux Charlotte , Salesse Kevin , Sengeløv Amanda , Stamataki Elisavet , Vercauteren Martine , Tys Dries , Snoeck Christophe
Published: December 2020

Objectives

The Falys–Prangle‐method assesses age‐related morphological changes to the sternal clavicle end (SCE), enabling the observation of mature adults from the 5th decade onwards in unburnt human skeletal remains. The aim of this study is to investigate the applicability of the Falys–Prangle‐method on burnt human remains.

Materials and methods

Fifty‐two SCE of 40 cremated individuals (out of 86) from the William M. Bass collection of the Forensic Anthropology Center (Knoxville, Tennessee) of known age‐at‐death and sex are available for assessment. Surface topography, porosity, and osteophyte formation are evaluated, after which the calculated composite score is associated with the corresponding age range as described by Falys and Prangle. The method is also applied on an archaeological case study from Oudenburg, Belgium, dating to the Roman period.

Results

The assessed age ranges strongly agree with the true age ranges (α = 0.828), suggesting the Falys–Prangle‐method to be applicable on burnt human remains. The case study from Oudenburg yields markedly improved age‐at‐death estimates, significantly enhancing our understanding of the age distribution within this community.

Discussion

Information on age‐at‐death is key in the construction of biological profiles of past individuals. The mature adult is often invisible in the archaeological record since most macroscopic age estimation methods do not distinguish beyond 46+ years old. Our study stresses the usefulness of a large‐scale application of the Falys–Prangle‐method, which will increase the visibility of mature adults, especially in archaeological burnt human skeletal collections, where such information is, at present, extremely difficult to obtain.
Paleodemographic analysis of age at death for a population of Black Sea Scythians: An exploration by using Bayesian methods
Authors: Łukasik Sylwia , Bijak Jakub , Krenz‐Niedbała Marta , Sinika Vitaly
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Studies of the demography of past populations involving deterministic life tables can be criticized for ignoring the errors of estimation. Bayesian methods offer an alternative, by focusing on the uncertainty of the estimates, although their results are often sensitive to the choice of prior distributions. The aim of this study is to explore a range of Bayesian methods for estimating age at death for a population of nomadic warriors—Scythians from the Black Sea region.

Materials and methods

In total, skeletons of 312 individuals (93 children and 219 adults) from Glinoe (Moldova), dated to the 5th–2nd century BCE, were examined. We unified the age categories corresponding to different aging methods, allowing an application of a probabilistic assessment of the age categorization. A hierarchical Bayesian multinomial‐Dirichlet‐Dirichlet model was applied, with a hypothetical, subjective reference population, a real reference population, and no reference.

Results

Stationary‐population life expectancy was estimated as 27.7 years (95% CI: 25.1–30.3) for a newborn (e0), and 16.4 years (14.0–19.0) for 20‐year‐olds (e20), although with high uncertainty, and sensitive to the model specification. Slight differences in longevity between different social strata and between the Classical and Late chronological periods were found, although with high estimation errors. A more robust finding, confirming earlier studies, was a high probability of death in young adulthood, which could depend on Scythian lifestyle (conflicts, wars).

Discussion

Our study shows a way to overcome some limitations of broad age categorization by using the Bayesian approach with alternative model specifications, allowing to assess the impact of reference populations.
Integrated Green and Enzymatic Process to Produce Omega‐3 Acylglycerols from Echium plantagineum Using Immobilized Lipases
Authors: Castejón Natalia , Señoráns Francisco Javier
Published: December 2020

This work presents an original approach to develop an integrated process to improve the nutritional characteristics of natural oils, starting with the extraction from raw material by ecofriendly methods, followed by the production of novel acylglycerols using immobilized lipases. Specifically, 2‐monoacylglycerols (2‐MAG) enriched in omega‐3 stearidonic acid (SDA) were synthesized by selective ethanolysis of extracted Echium plantagineum oil using the lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus (TLL). Different reaction conditions were investigated to minimize acyl migration and to ensure the purity of final products. The biocatalyst produced in our laboratory by the immobilization of TLL on Sepabeads C‐18 reached the maximum theoretical amount of 2‐MAG (33%) in only 2 hour at mild reaction conditions (25 °C), achieving a product enriched in omega‐3 SDA (up to 25%). Moreover, the produced biocatalyst exhibited higher stability than commercial lipases. The average activity after five cycles was 71%, allowing several reutilization cycles and developing a feasible enzymatic process. Finally, 2‐MAG were used as starting material to synthesize structured triacyclglycerols (STAG) through transesterification with caprylic acid ethyl esters using the lipase from Rhizomucor miehei (RML) in solvent‐free systems. The use of molecular sieves in combination with RML immobilized on Sepabeads C‐18 was demonstrated to be an extraordinarily fast strategy to produce pure STAG (100% in 1 hour), four times higher than the activity showed by commercial biocatalyst. Thus, the enzymatic processes developed in this study open a range of possibilities to synthesize omega‐3 acylglycerols with improved characteristics, proving the usefulness of immobilized lipases to produce novel lipids.
HLA–B*08 Identified as the Most Prominently Associated Major Histocompatibility Complex Locus for Anti–Carbamylated Protein Antibody–Positive/Anti–Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide–Negative Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Regueiro Cristina , Casares‐Marfil Desire , Lundberg Karin , Knevel Rachel , Acosta‐Herrera Marialbert , Rodriguez‐Rodriguez Luis , Lopez‐Mejias Raquel , Perez‐Pampin Eva , Triguero‐Martinez Ana , Nuño Laura , Ferraz‐Amaro Ivan , Rodriguez‐Carrio Javier , Lopez‐Pedrera Rosario , Robustillo‐Villarino Montse , Castañeda Santos , Remuzgo‐Martinez Sara , Alperi Mercedes , Alegre‐Sancho Juan J. , Balsa Alejandro , Gonzalez‐Alvaro Isidoro , Mera Antonio , Fernandez‐Gutierrez Benjamin , Gonzalez‐Gay Miguel A. , Trouw Leendert A. , Grönwall Caroline , Padyukov Leonid , Martin Javier , Gonzalez Antonio
Published: December 2020

Objective

Previously, only the HLA–DRB1 alleles have been assessed in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of the present study was to identify the key major histocompatibility complex (MHC) susceptibility factors showing a significant association with anti–carbamylated protein antibody–positive (anti‐CarP+) RA.

Methods

Analyses were restricted to RA patients who were anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody negative (anti‐CCP−), because the anti‐CCP status dominated the results otherwise. Therefore, we studied samples from 1,821 anti‐CCP− RA patients and 6,821 population controls from Spain, Sweden, and the Netherlands. The genotypes for ~8,000 MHC biallelic variants were assessed by dense genotyping and imputation. Their association with the anti‐CarP status in RA patients was tested with logistic regression and combined with inverse‐variance meta‐analysis. Significance of the associations was assessed according to a study‐specific threshold of P < 2.0 × 10−5.

Results

The HLA–B*08 allele and its correlated amino acid variant Asp‐9 showed a significant association with anti‐CarP+/anti‐CCP− RA (P < 3.78 × 10−7; I2 = 0). This association was specific when assessed relative to 3 comparator groups: population controls, anti‐CarP−/anti‐CCP− RA patients, and anti‐CCP− RA patients who were positive for other anti–citrullinated protein antibodies. Based on these findings, anti‐CarP+/anti‐CCP− RA patients could be separated from other antibody‐defined subsets of RA patients in whom an association with the HLA–B*08 allele has been previously demonstrated. No other MHC variant remained associated with anti‐CarP+/anti‐CCP− RA after accounting for the presence of the HLA–B*08 allele. Specifically, the reported association of HLA–DRB1*03 was observed at a level comparable to that reported previously, but it was attributable to linkage disequilibrium.

Conclusion

These results identify HLA–B*08 carrying Asp‐9 as the MHC locus showing the strongest association with anti‐CarP+/anti‐CCP− RA. This knowledge may help clarify the role of the HLA in susceptibility to specific subsets of RA, by shaping the spectrum of RA autoantibodies.
Relmacabtagene autoleucel (relma‐cel) CD19 CAR‐T therapy for adults with heavily pretreated relapsed/refractory large B‐cell lymphoma in China
Authors: Ying Zhitao , Yang Haiyan , Guo Ye , Li Wenyu , Zou Dehui , Zhou Daobin , Wang Zhao , Zhang Mingzhi , Wu Jianqiu , Liu Hui , Zhang Pian , Yang Su , Zhou Zisong , Zheng Hongxia , Song Yuqin , Zhu Jun
Published: December 2020

Background

Despite numerous chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell (CAR‐T) trials conducted in China, no CAR‐T has been registered in the country. Furthermore, China law and regulations restrict the export of patient material for CAR‐T manufacture abroad. Relma‐cel (JWCAR029), an anti‐CD19 product produced with a commercial‐ready process in China, was evaluated in the first prospective, single‐arm, multicenter, pivotal study of CAR‐T therapy conducted under Chinese IND to support an NMPA‐accepted BLA submission in relapsed/refractory (r/r) LBCL (NCT04089215).

Methods

Patients were randomized to receive either 100 × 106 (low dose, n = 27) or 150 × 106 (high dose, n = 32) CAR+ T‐cells as a single infusion following lymphodepleting chemotherapy (fludarabine 25 mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide 250 mg/m2 daily × 3), and then, monitored for efficacy and safety outcomes and pharmacokinetics. The primary endpoint was ORR at 3 months, as assessed by the investigators. Secondary endpoints included DOR, PFS, OS, and adverse event frequency/severity and cell expansion kinetics.

Results

As of the data cutoff on 17 June 2020, 68 patients were enrolled, and 59 were treated. Among the 58 efficacy‐evaluable patients, the primary endpoint of 3 month ORR was 60.3% (95% CI, 46.6–73.0), excluding the null hypothesis rate of 20%. Any grade and severe grade CRS occurred in 47.5% and 5.1%, respectively, and any grade and severe grade neurotoxicity events occurred in 20.3% and 5.1%.

Conclusions

Relma‐cel met the primary endpoint analysis and demonstrated a high rate of durable responses and low rate of CAR‐T‐associated toxicities in patients with r/r LBCL in a multicenter trial supporting regulatory submission in China.
A phase II trial of durvalumab and tremelimumab in metastatic, non‐urothelial carcinoma of the urinary tract
Authors: Sarfaty Michal , Whiting Karissa , Teo Min Yuen , Lee Chung‐Han , Peters Vanessa , Durocher Jennifer , Regazzi Ashley M. , McCoy Asia S. , Hettich Grace , Jungbluth Achim A. , Al‐Ahmadie Hikmat , Ostrovnaya Irina , Chaim Joshua , Bajorin Dean F. , Rosenberg Jonathan E. , Iyer Gopa , Funt Samuel A.
Published: December 2020

Background

Immune checkpoint blockade has made a significant impact on the clinical outcomes of patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC). However, evidence for this approach in patients with non‐UC of the urinary tract is limited.

Methods

This was a phase II open‐label study of durvalumab 1500 mg and tremelimumab 75 mg every 4 weeks for four cycles followed by durvalumab 1500 mg every 4 weeks. Eligible patients had metastatic non‐UC with ECOG PS 0–1 regardless of prior therapy (except small cell carcinoma who were pretreated). The primary endpoint was overall response rate per RECIST v1.1. A Simon's minimax two‐stage design was employed, with 13 patients planned for stage one. Pre‐treatment tumors underwent PD‐L1 staining and next‐generation sequencing.

Results

Thirteen patients were treated, including seven small cell carcinoma, three squamous cell carcinoma, and three adenocarcinoma. Eleven patients had visceral metastases. No responses were observed; 11 patients had PD and 2 patients had SD. Median PFS was 1.8 months (95% CI, 1.25‐not reached [NR]) with a median follow‐up of 7.38 months (range, 5.23–21.99 months). Median OS was 6.97 months (95% CI, 4.34‐NR). One patient's tumor was PD‐L1 positive and all sequenced tumors (n = 8) were microsatellite stable. Grades 3–4 treatment‐related adverse events occurred in 38.4% of patients.

Conclusions

In a poor prognosis cohort of patients with non‐UC, durvalumab and tremelimumab lacked clinical activity while demonstrating a manageable safety profile.
Role of CD19 and specific KIT‐D816 on risk stratification refinement in t(8;21) acute myeloid leukemia induced with different cytarabine intensities
Authors: Wang Biao , Yang Bin , Ling Yun , Zhang Jihong , Hua Xiaoying , Gu Weiying , Yan Feng
Published: December 2020

High‐dose cytarabine (Ara‐C) has been reported with increased treatment‐related mortality, whereas few data are available concerning intermediate‐dose Ara‐C for induction of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with t(8;21) translocation. We retrospectively analyzed factors impacting complete remission (CR), event‐free survival (EFS), cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR), and overall survival (OS) in 197 adults with t(8;21) AML, of whom 107 cases were induced with intermediate‐dose and 90 with standard‐dose Ara‐C (as part of 3 + 7 protocol). After a single induction course, the overall CR rate was 87.6% (170/194), with a significant difference between the standard‐dose (83/105, 79.0%) and intermediate‐dose (87/89, 97.8%) groups (p < 0.001). Rather than general KITmut, the specific KIT‐D816 independently led to a lower probability of achieving CR (HR = 3.29 [1.18–9.24], p = 0.023), worse EFS (HR = 3.53 [1.82–6.84], p < 0.001), and OS (HR = 5.45 [1.77–16.84], p = 0.003) in the standard‐dose group, but not in the intermediate‐dose group. CD19(+) represented the only independent factor predicting lower CIR both in the standard‐dose group (HR = 0.32 [0.10–1.00], p = 0.050) and in the intermediate‐dose group (HR = 0.11 [0.03–0.40], p = 0.001). When combined, KIT(+) plus CD19(−) conferred the most increased relapse risk (3‐year CIR 60%; SE 0.12). Specific KIT‐D816, instead of general KITmut, may be incorporated in prognostication model for t(8;21) AML. Combination of CD19 with KIT provides a more definite risk stratification profile for t(8;21) AML.
Mechanistic Insights for Acid‐catalyzed Rearrangement of Quinoxalin‐2‐one with Diamine and Enamine
Authors: Qu Zheng‐Wang , Zhu Hui , Zhukova Nataliya A. , Katsyuba Sergey A. , Mamedov Vakhid A. , Grimme Stefan
Published: December 2020

Benzimidazoles and benzimidazolones can be efficiently synthesized via acid‐catalyzed rearrangements of 3‐aroylquinoxalin‐2‐ones with various nucleophiles. The detailed mechanisms of typical rearrangements of 3‐benzoylquinoxalin‐2‐one (1 Q) with 1,2‐benzendiamine (1 a, Type I) and with methyl 3‐aminocrotonate (1 b, Type II) in acetic acid solution are explored by extensive DFT calculations. Acetic acid acts as proton source and efficient proton shuttle during the catalysis. The former rearrangement is initiated by site‐selective N⋅⋅⋅C condensation at protonated benzoyl site of 1 Q, while the latter is initiated by two competing C⋅⋅⋅C nucleophilic additions at protonated imine and benzoyl sites of 1 Q that eventually leads to two isomeric products. Both rearrangements proceed via intramolecular SN(ANRORC) mechanism (sequential Addition of Nucleophile, Ring‐Opening and Ring‐Closing) involving spiro‐quinoxalinone intermediates, but with fundamentally different RORC steps via ring‐opening anilide cation and isocyanate cation species, respectively. A simple energetic rule is suggested to determine the type of rearrangement by counting the conjugated π‐electrons within the spiro‐forming ring that may stabilize the ring‐opening anilide cation species, which may enable further rational design of novel spiro‐quinoxalinone based rearrangements.