bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
η6‐Arene CH−O Interaction Directed Dynamic Kinetic Resolution – Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation (DKR‐ATH) of α‐Keto/enol‐Lactams
Authors: Luo Zhonghua , Sun Guodong , Wu Shuming , Chen Yong , Lin Yicao , Zhang Lei , Wang Zhongqing
Published: April 2021

A dynamic kinetic resolution – asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (DKR‐ATH) methodology of α‐keto/enol‐lactams was developed. We also propose a possible catalytic mechanism evolving a transition state stabilized by η6‐arene CH−O interaction. The efficient approach can be applied to a wide range of substrates including non‐aryl ones which would be difficult to prepare by other asymmetric reduction methods.

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Secondary osteon variants and remodeling in human bone
Authors: Cooke Karen M. , Mahoney Patrick , Miszkiewicz Justyna J.
Published: April 2021

Histomorphometric analysis of human cortical bone has documented the occurrence of secondary osteon variants. These include drifting osteons which form tails as they move erratically through the cortex and Type II osteons which show partial resorption and redeposition within the cement line of the osteon. Little is known about the biological significance of these variants. Prior studies suggested correlations with age, biomechanics, diet, and mineral homeostasis. No study has yet tested for osteon variant associations with static measures of bone remodeling. In this study, thin sections (n = 112) of the posterior femur representing a late English Medieval adult human osteological collection, subdivided by age, sex, and socio‐economic status, were examined to determine whether remodeling indicators reconstructed from osteon parameters (area, diameter, area ratios) and densities differed between categories of presence or absence of Type II and drifting osteon variants. Of the 112 sections, 33 presented with Type II osteons, and 38 had drifting osteons. Sporadic statistically significant results were identified. Haversian canal:osteon area ratio differed (p =  0.017) with Type II osteon presence, Type II osteons were more prevalent in males than females (p =  0.048), and drifting osteons were associated with smaller osteon (p =  0.049) and Haversian canal area (p =  0.05). These results may be explained through some biological (sex) and social (status) processes such as a period of physiological recovery (e.g., following lactation, malnutrition). However, the general lack of consistent relationships between osteon variants and remodeling indicators suggests they occur as a result of natural variation.
Toad venom: A comprehensive review of chemical constituents, anticancer activities, and mechanisms
Authors: Li Fang‐Jie , Hu Jing‐Hong , Ren Xin , Zhou Cheng‐Mei , Liu Qian , Zhang Yong‐Qing
Published: April 2021

Toad venom, a traditional natural medicine, has been used for hundreds of years in China for treating different diseases. Many studies have been performed to elucidate the cardiotonic and analgesic activities of toad venom. Until the last decade, an increasing number of studies have documented that toad venom is a source of lead compound(s) for the development of potential cancer treatment drugs. Research has shown that toad venom contains 96 types of bufadienolide monomers and 23 types of indole alkaloids, such as bufalin, cinobufagin, arenobufagin, and resibufogenin, which exhibit a wide range of anticancer activities in vitro and, in particular, in vivo for a range of cancers. The main antitumor mechanisms are likely to be apoptosis or/and autophagy induction, cell cycle arrest, cell metastasis suppression, reversal of drug resistance, or growth inhibition of cancer cells. This review summarizes the chemical constituents of toad venom, analyzing their anticancer activities and molecular mechanisms for cancer treatments. We also outline the importance of further studies regarding the material basis and anticancer mechanisms of toad venom.
Identification of Crocin as a New hIAPP Amyloid Inhibitor via a Simple Yet Highly Biospecific Screening System
Authors: Lu Jingxuan , Lu Zhongxia , Liu Luxin , Li Xinyu , Yu Wengong , Lu Xinzhi
Published: April 2021

Amylin (hIAPP) amyloid formation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2D), which makes it a promising therapeutic target for T2D. In this study, we established a screening tool for identifying chemicals affecting hIAPP amyloid formation based on a reported genetic tool, which constantly tracks protein aggregates in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In order to obtain the hIAPP with better aggregation ability, the gene of hIAPP was tandemly ligated to create 1×, 2×, 4× or 6×‐hIAPP expressing strains. By measuring the cell density and fluorescence intensity of green fluorescent protein (GFP) regulated by the aggregation status of hIAPP, it was found that four intramolecular ligated hIAPP (4×hIAPP) could form obvious amyloids with mild toxicity. The validity and reliability of the screening tool were verified by testing six reported hIAPP inhibitors, including curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate and so on. Combined with surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and the screening tool, which could be a screening system for hIAPP inhibitors, we found that crocin specifically binds to hIAPP and acts inhibit amyloid formation of hIAPP. The effect of crocin was further confirmed by Thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. Thus, a screening system for hIAPP amyloid inhibitors and a new mechanism of crocin on anti‐T2D were obtained as a result of this study.
Synthetic Phosphoethanolamine Cellobiose Promotes Escherichia coli Biofilm Formation and Congo Red Binding
Authors: Nguyen Johny M. , Moore Rebecca E. , Spicer Sabrina K. , Gaddy Jennifer A. , Townsend Steven D.
Published: April 2021

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by bacteria growing in complex, multicellular enclosed aggregates known as biofilms. Recently, a zwitterionic cellulose derivative produced in Escherichia coli (E. coli) was determined to play an important role in the formation and assembly of biofilms. In order to produce a minimal, yet structurally defined tool compound to probe the biology of the naturally occurring polymer, we have synthesized a zwitterionic phosphoethanolamine cellobiose (pEtN cellobiose) and evaluated its biofilm activity in the Gram‐negative bacterium E. coli, a pathogen implicated in the pathogenesis of UTIs. The impact of synthetic pEtN cellobiose on biofilm formation was examined via colorimetric assays which revealed an increase in cellular adhesion to an abiotic substrate compared to untreated samples. Additionally, Congo red binding assays indicate that culturing E. coli in the presence of pEtN cellobiose enhances Congo Red binding to bacterial cells. These results reveal new opportunities to study the impact glycopolymers have on cellular adhesion in Gram‐negative pathogens.
Synthesis of Spirocycles via Ni‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Coupling of Thioesters and Olefins
Authors: Liu Wenfei , Xu Wenhua , Wang Juanjuan , Lu Hong , Xu Peng‐Fei , Wei Hao
Published: April 2021

A nickel‐catalyzed intramolecular coupling of thioesters and olefins has been developed for the efficient synthesis of spirocycles, a privileged scaffold commonly found in natural products. This transformation is characterized by the simultaneous transfer of both acyl and thiol moieties to the alkene, with the suppression of decarbonylation and β‐hydrogen elimination. Initial mechanistic investigations are consistent with an oxidative addition/olefin insertion/reductive elimination mechanism. The incorporated methylene sulfide substituent can undergo a variety of further reactions to increase molecular diversity and complexity. These results demonstrate that thioester derivatives can be used as powerful building blocks for the assembly of complex scaffolds.
Broad Scope and High‐Yield Access to Unsymmetrical Acyclic [11C]Ureas for Biomedical Imaging from [11C]Carbonyl Difluoride
Authors: Jakobsson Jimmy E. , Telu Sanjay , Lu Shuiyu , Jana Susovan , Pike Victor W.
Published: April 2021

Effective methods are needed for labelling acyclic ureas with carbon‐11 (t1/2=20.4 min) as potential radiotracers for biomedical imaging with positron emission tomography (PET). Herein, we describe the rapid and high‐yield syntheses of unsymmetrical acyclic [11C]ureas under mild conditions (room temperature and within 7 min) using no‐carrier‐added [11C]carbonyl difluoride with aliphatic and aryl amines. This methodology is compatible with diverse functionality (e. g., hydroxy, carboxyl, amino, amido, or pyridyl) in the substrate amines. The labelling process proceeds through putative [11C]carbamoyl fluorides and for primary amines through isolable [11C]isocyanate intermediates. Unsymmetrical [11C]ureas are produced with negligible amounts of unwanted symmetrical [11C]urea byproducts. Moreover, the overall labelling method tolerates trace water and the generally moderate to excellent yields show good reproducibility. [11C]Carbonyl difluoride shows exceptional promise for application to the synthesis of acyclic [11C]ureas as new radiotracers for biomedical imaging with PET.
Impact of insurance status on the survival of younger patients diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia in the United States
Authors: Jamy Omer H. , Godby Richard , Dhir Aditi , Costa Luciano J. , Xavier Ana C.
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

Survival among patients diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) has significantly improved with the use of all‐trans retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide. However, the need for immediate diagnosis and access to specialized care and the cost associated with APL management can potentially act as barriers for disadvantaged patients. The influence of sociodemographic factors on the outcomes of patients with APL remains unclear.

METHODS

The authors used the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program to characterize the impact of sociodemographic factors on survival in patients younger than 65 years with APL.

RESULTS

The authors identified 1787 cases: 816 who were younger than 40 years and 971 who were 40 years old or older. Insured patients who were younger than 40 years had an improved 5‐year overall survival (OS) rate in comparison with patients without insurance. Among patients who were 40 years or older, having insurance (other than Medicaid) was associated with better survival than being a Medicaid beneficiary or being uninsured, whereas patients with Medicaid had improved 5‐year OS in comparison with uninsured patients. In a multivariate analysis of patients younger than 40 years, a higher risk of death was associated with being male, being diagnosed in earlier years, and being uninsured. For patients who were 40 years old or older, mortality increased with increasing age and for both Medicaid and uninsured patients in comparison with insured patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the high cure rate experienced by patients with APL, patients younger than 65 years without insurance and those 40 years old or older with Medicaid are at a significant disadvantage in comparison with patients with insurance. These findings point to an opportunity to improve survival in APL by addressing access to care.
Insights in The Chemical Composition of Graphene Oxide via A Simple and Versatile Fluorescent Labelling Method
Authors: Piñeiro‐García Alexis , Vega‐Díaz Sofia M. , Mutton Giuvanni , Tristán Ferdinando , Meneses‐Rodríguez David , Semetey Vincent
Published: April 2021

Graphene oxide (GO) is a promising 2D material with a complex chemical structure which characterization remains as a challenge. The widely‐accepted chemical structure of GO includes epoxides, hydroxyls and carboxylic acids. Recently, alkene groups of GO have been used for selective GO functionalization. Despite the different efforts that exist to elucidate the exact GO chemical structure, the chemical composition of the main GO functionalities is fairly limited. By knowing the GO chemical composition, chemical strategies can be developed to create improved GO‐based materials. Herein, we reported a simple and versatile fluorescent approach based on fluorescamine for the quantification of GO functionalities. This method offers important advantages such as highly selectivity, reliability, rapid quantification in bulk and can be extended to follow any primary amine containing molecule grafted onto GO.
Engaging complex diversity in academic institution: The case of “triple periphery” in a context of a divided society
Authors: Raz Rotem Michal , Arieli Daniella , Desivilya Syna Helena
Published: April 2021

This research examines how faculty members working in complex sociopolitical context cope with campus diversity. Through 20 focus groups comprised of faculty members representing all of the departments at one academic institution, we investigated the participants' experiences with student diversity. The findings show that the protracted Israeli–Palestinian conflict seeps into classroom interactions. This infiltration of the protracted conflict is particularly salient during escalations of the conflict. The participants feel they are unable to address these difficulties, experience isolation, fear, and a lack of support. The study expands understanding of how employees cope with political tensions in a real‐life setting.
From competition to facilitation and mutualism: a general theory of the niche
Authors: Koffel Thomas , Daufresne Tanguy , Klausmeier Christopher A.
Published: April 2021

Niche Theory is a central framework in ecology based on the recognition that most interactions between organisms are indirect, mediated by the biotic and abiotic dynamical environment these organisms live in. Despite its potential generality, the theory still mostly focuses on how resource–consumer dynamics mediate competition in ecological communities. However, it is being increasingly recognized that positive interactions between organisms also play an important role in driving the structure and functioning of ecological communities, from plants to microbes. In this paper, we present a unified theory of the niche that applies to both positive and negative interactions between organisms, mediated by one or two environmental factors. We show that classical concepts such as niche differences and fundamental and realized niches can naturally be expanded to facilitative and mutualistic interactions. In addition, we introduce and formalize new general niche concepts that appear exclusively in the presence of positive interactions: (1) the Allee niche, a region of environmental conditions for which a species can persist but not invade from low densities and (2) niche facilitation, when the presence of a species expands the set of environmental conditions under which a second species can invade and/or persist. To show the broad applicability of this theory, we illustrate these concepts using a diverse set of theoretical examples, from bacteria feeding on an inhibiting substrate, to nitrogen‐fixing plants and the indirect mutualism between a plant and a carnivore species. In sum, our work shows how Niche Theory provides a natural framework for positive interactions in ecology, bringing a unified perspective and new conceptual tools to study ecological systems where these positive interactions occur.
Mapping spatially explicit vegetation gaps in Florida rosemary scrub using unmanned aerial vehicles
Authors: Charton Katherine T. , Sclater Vivienne L. , Menges Eric S.
Published: April 2021

Advances in remote sensing technologies offer new means to monitor habitats of importance on large scales. Florida rosemary scrub is one such threatened habitat, found in patches across the landscape in relatively elevated areas, and is often characterized by shrub‐less areas (gaps) among the dominant shrubs, which provide favorable microhabitats for many endemic and endangered plants and animals. However, gaps are difficult and time‐consuming to characterize, especially across large areas, using traditional ground‐based field methods. We developed and tested a method for rapidly classifying gaps using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV or drone). Aerial data were collected by a UAV‐mounted camera in April 2018, and stratified, random ground surveys to verify UAV data were conducted March through April 2018 at Archbold Biological Station in south‐central Florida, USA. We used mosaicked and georeferenced digital surface and terrain models to calculate vegetation height across 33 rosemary scrub sites (~230,000 m2 at 0.064 m2 pixel resolution). Gaps were defined as >1 m2 areas where vegetation height was <10 cm. We found that gap areas from UAV models and field surveys were significantly correlated across varying gap sizes, times‐since‐fire, and relative elevations. We also observed a significant decrease in mean gap area and percent gap space with increasing time‐since‐fire, a pattern consistent with smaller‐scale, ground‐based sampling, and a marginally significant increase in gap area with relative elevation. This remote sensing method lends itself to better exploration of how gap areas, their spatiotemporal patterns, and associated fire history, elevation, soil, and other geographic data affect structural vegetation dynamics across the landscape. This study illustrates the success of UAV modeling of gap space in Florida rosemary scrub, a result of regional consequence for the southeastern United States, but more broadly, it encourages the use of UAV technology as a tool to enhance traditional field‐based methods in systems globally. As habitat fragmentation and loss become increasingly problematic for the conservation of threatened habitats, understanding these complex spatial dynamics is crucial to the conservation and management of vegetation communities and their biodiversity.
A Structure‐Activity Investigation on Modified Analogues of an Argininocalixarene Based Non‐viral Gene Vector
Authors: Lomazzi Michela , Franceschi Valentina , Bagnacani Valentina , Vezzoni Carlo Alberto , Donofrio Gaetano , Casnati Alessandro , Sansone Francesco
Published: April 2021

The tetra‐L‐arginino‐tetrahexyloxycalix[4]arene 1 has shown extraordinary abilities to compact and internalize different types of Nucleid Acid cargos (DNA, microRNA, PNA) into cells even known to be transfected with great difficulties by commercial non‐viral gene delivery systems. This activity, accompanied by negligible toxicity, makes this calixarene a rather promising prototype of vector for Gene Therapy. In this study we report how small structural changes like i) the lower rim alkyl substituents, ii) the type of the terminal cationic headgroups (guanidinium or primary ammonium), iii) the length of the linker between the macrocycle and the terminal cationic headgroup, iv) the presence/absence of the basic α‐amino group of Arg, and v) the stereochemistry (L or D) of Arg, might affect the ability of the novel calixarene vectors to compact DNA and to deliver its cargo into the cells.
Modeling the thermal decomposition and residual mass of a carbon fiber epoxy matrix composite with a phenomenological approach: Effect of the reaction scheme
Authors: Langot Jean , Chávez‐Gómez Pablo , Lévesque Martin , Robert Etienne
Published: April 2021

The thermal decomposition of polymer matrix composites is a complex process involving hundreds of reactions and species, which are often modeled with simplified one‐step schemes. These schemes can be improved by adding intermediate reactions of different nature (competitive, parallel, and consecutive). However, the optimal number and nature of intermediate reactions are rarely discussed. In this paper, several reaction schemes of increasing complexity have been developed to model the decomposition of a carbon/epoxy composite. The kinetic parameters describing each reaction have been extracted from thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) by means of isoconversional methods. The composite mass loss rate and residual mass have been modeled and compared to TGA and tube furnace data. This research shows that adding parallel or consecutive intermediate reactions improves the agreement against TGA data compared to a single‐step model, but only competitive reactions can account for the variation of the residual mass observed in the tube furnace when the heating rate is varied.
Efficiency and productivity of county‐level traditional Chinese medicine hospitals in Hubei Province, China: A retrospective study based on 17 years of panel data
Authors: Yue Jingkai , Zhou Ying , Ning Jie , Yin Gang , Wu Yaping , Li Junyi , Tao Hongbing
Published: April 2021

Background

The county‐level traditional Chinese medicine hospitals have significantly expanded in recent decades. This study aims to assess the changes in the efficiency and productivity of the county‐level traditional Chinese medicine hospitals and explore the possible causes of such changes.

Methods

Sixty one hospitals spanning from 2001 to 2017 were selected as samples in this study. And a slacks‐based measure of super‐efficiency in Data Envelopment Analysis and Malmquist index were used to respectively measure the changes in the efficiency and productivity.

Results

The scale of sample hospitals in Hubei continuously expanded from 2001 to 2017. The mean values of technical efficiency, pure technical efficiency and scale efficiency in 2017 were 0.686, 0.74 and 0.933, respectively. The technical efficiency changes in 2017 was 1.97 times that of 2001, and the technological changes in 2017 was 1.45 times that of 2001.

Conclusions

The medical environment and resources have been greatly improved due to the expansion of the sample hospitals, but the technical efficiency value indicates that the operation efficiency of sample hospitals still needs to be significantly improved. Decision‐makers are advised to attach importance to the efficiency of operation management and consider the impact of multiple factors on the change in productivity.
Analyzing tyrosine kinase activity in head and neck cancer by functional kinomics: Identification of hyperactivated Src family kinases as prognostic markers and potential targets
Authors: Bußmann Lara , Hoffer Konstantin , von Bargen Clara Marie , Droste Conrad , Lange Tobias , Kemmling Julia , Schröder‐Schwarz Jennifer , Vu Anh Thu , Akingunsade Lara , Nollau Peter , Rangarajan Savithri , de Wijn Rik , Oetting Agnes , Müller Christian , Böckelmann Lukas Clemens , Zech Henrike Barbara , Berger Joanna Caroline , Möckelmann Nikolaus , Busch Chia‐Jung , Böttcher Arne , Gatzemeier Fruzsina , Klinghammer Konrad , Simnica Donjete , Binder Mascha , Struve Nina , Rieckmann Thorsten , Schumacher Udo , Clauditz Till Sebastian , Betz Christian Stephan , Petersen Cordula , Rothkamm Kai , Münscher Adrian , Kriegs Malte
Published: April 2021

Signal transduction via protein kinases is of central importance in cancer biology and treatment. However, the clinical success of kinase inhibitors is often hampered by a lack of robust predictive biomarkers, which is also caused by the discrepancy between kinase expression and activity. Therefore, there is a need for functional tests to identify aberrantly activated kinases in individual patients. Here we present a systematic analysis of the tyrosine kinases in head and neck cancer using such a test—functional kinome profiling. We detected increased tyrosine kinase activity in tumors compared with their corresponding normal tissue. Moreover, we identified members of the family of Src kinases (Src family kinases [SFK]) to be aberrantly activated in the majority of the tumors, which was confirmed by additional methods. We could also show that SFK hyperphosphorylation is associated with poor prognosis, while inhibition of SFK impaired cell proliferation, especially in cells with hyperactive SFK. In summary, functional kinome profiling identified SFK to be frequently hyperactivated in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. SFK may therefore be potential therapeutic targets. These results furthermore demonstrate how functional tests help to increase our understanding of cancer biology and support the expansion of precision oncology.
The effect of an acidified‐gypsum mixture on broiler litter urease‐producing bacteria and nitrogen mineralization
Authors: Burt Christopher Daniel , Chapman Taylor , Bachoon Dave , Cabrera Miguel L. , Horacek Christopher
Published: April 2021

Ammonia (NH3) volatilization from broiler (Gallus gallus domesticus) litter is a microbially mediated process that can decrease bird productivity and serves as an environmental pollutant. The release of NH3 is strongly influenced by the pH of litter. Flue‐gas desulfurization gypsum (FGDG) has been suggested as a potential amendment to reduce NH3 volatilization due to the pH buffering capacity of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) precipitation. However, its effect on litter pH is not as pronounced as acidifying agents, such as aluminum sulfate (alum). The main objective of our study was to develop an acidified‐FGDG amendment that has a more pronounced effect on litter pH and NH3 volatilization than FGDG alone. We conducted a 33‐d incubation in which litter pH, NH3 volatilization, nitrogen mineralization, PLUP‐ureC gene abundance, and CaCO3 precipitation were measured. Treatments in the study included: broiler litter (BL), broiler litter + 20% FGDG (BL+FGDG), broiler litter + FGDG‐alum mixture (BL+FGDG+A6), broiler litter + 6% alum (BL+A6), and broiler litter + 10% alum (BL+A10). Our FGDG+alum amendment decreased litter pH (0.68 pH units) and PLUP‐ureC gene abundance (>1 log) compared with FGDG alone and the control (p < .05). This led to a 25% decrease in cumulative NH3 loss after 33 d. The addition of FGDG alone did not have an effect on litter pH (p = .36) or cumulative NH3 loss (p = .29) due to a lack of significant CaCO3 precipitation. Treating litter with 6 and 10% alum was the most effective amendment for reducing pH and cumulative NH3 loss.
Population exposure to compound dry and hot events in China under 1.5 and 2°C global warming
Authors: Wu Xinying , Hao Zengchao , Tang Qiuhong , Zhang Xuan , Feng Sifang , Hao Fanghua
Published: April 2021

Both droughts and hot extremes may exert critical impacts on human society, and their concurrence is no exception. Global warming is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of compound dry and hot events widely, the impacts of which will be particularly severe for sensitive and vulnerable sectors. However, projected risk and impact of compound dry and hot events in China are less assessed, especially in the context of the goals specified by the Paris Agreement in 2015. Here, we show an overall increased risk of compound dry and hot events on human health in China, particularly in eastern regions, for the two warming levels (1.5 and 2°C) based on Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 climate models. The population exposure to extreme compound dry and hot events is projected to increase by about 165.46% for the 1.5°C warming and about 200.49% for the 2°C warming compared with the exposure in the present period 1986–2005. These potential variations are driven by climate change and population change with climate effect being the dominantly positive contributor. These findings highlight the urgent need for more efforts to limit warming within 1.5°C to reduce the risk of compound dry and hot events and associated impacts on human society.
Effects of luminance contrast and font size on dual‐plane head‐up display legibility (“The Double 007 Rule for HUDs”)
Authors: Wan Jingyan , Tsimhoni Omer
Published: April 2021

Head‐up displays (HUDs) can provide important driving information such as speed and navigation directly to a driver within their immediate field of view. Specifically, a dual‐plane AR‐HUD can provide drivers with larger images with richer information, more intuitive information presentation, and enhanced navigation features. To ensure driver comfort, proper presentation format of the text on the dual‐plane HUD needs to be investigated. A human factors experiment was conducted to explore proper luminance contrast and font size of the text on a HUD. Twenty older and nine mid‐age drivers were instructed to recognize letters in 14 levels of font size under each of eight levels of luminance contrast (ranging from 1.2:1, to 8:1) on each plane. The best test performance was observed at a luminance contrast of 7:1. We report the minimum and upper bound of 95% confidence interval of legible vertical visual angle for 99.5% of older drivers at each luminance contrast level. Although the typical legibility rule of thumb for font height versus distance on standard displays is 0.007 (known as the Bond rule), our experiment suggests that double that size (0.014) was needed to cover 99.5% of older drivers at a contrast ratio of 1.2:1 on a HUD.
Neoantigen‐reactive T cell: An emerging role in adoptive cellular immunotherapy
Authors: Zhu Yicheng , Qian Youkun , Li Zhile , Li Yangyang , Li Bin
Published: April 2021

Adoptive cellular immunotherapy harnessing the intrinsic immune system for precise treatment has exhibited preliminary success against malignant tumors. As one of the emerging roles in adoptive cellular immunotherapy, neoantigen‐reactive T cell (NRT) focuses on the antigens expressed only by tumor cells. It exclusively obliterates tumor and spares normal tissues, achieving more satisfying effects. However, the development of NRT immunotherapy remains in a relatively primitive stage. Current challenges include identification of NRTs and maintenance of adoptive cell efficacy in vivo. The possible side effects and other limitations of this treatment also hinder its application. Here, we present an overview of NRT immunotherapy and discuss the progress and challenges as well as the prospects in this promising field.
Lunasin Peptide is a Modulator of the Immune Response in the Human Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Fernández‐Tomé Samuel , Indiano‐Romacho Pedro , Mora‐Gutiérrez Irene , Pérez‐Rodríguez Leticia , Ortega Moreno Lorena , Marin Alicia C. , Baldán‐Martín Montserrat , Moreno‐Monteagudo José Andrés , Santander Cecilio , Chaparro María , Hernández‐Ledesma Blanca , Gisbert Javier P. , Bernardo David
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Lunasin is a soybean bioactive peptide with a variety of beneficial properties against chronic disorders. However, its effect in human primary intestinal cells remains unknown. Hence, this study aims to characterize its ex vivo biological activity in the human intestinal mucosa.

Methods and Results

Human intestinal biopsies, obtained from healthy controls, are ex vivo conditioned with lunasin both in the presence/absence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Peptide maintains its stability during biopsy culture by HPLC‐MS/MS analysis. Lunasin is bioactive in the human mucosa, as it induces IL‐1β, TNF‐α, IL‐17A, CCL2, and PGE2/COX‐2 gene expression together with an increased expression of tolerogenic IL‐10 and TGFβ, while it also downregulates the expression of iNOS and subunit p65 from NF‐κB. Indeed, lunasin also abrogates the LPS‐induced pro‐inflammatory response, downregulating IL‐17A, IFNγ, and IL‐8 expression, and inducing IL‐10 and TGFβ expression. These results are also mirrored in the cell‐free culture supernatants at the protein level by Multiplex. Moreover, lunasin further induces a regulatory phenotype and function on human intestinal conventional dendritic cell and macrophage subsets as assessed by flow cytometry.

Conclusions

We hereby have characterized lunasin as an immunomodulatory peptide with potential capacity to prevent immune and inflammatory‐mediated disorders in the human gastrointestinal tract.
Variance reduced value iteration and faster algorithms for solving Markov decision processes
Authors: Sidford Aaron , Wang Mengdi , Wu Xian , Ye Yinyu
Published: April 2021

In this paper we provide faster algorithms for approximately solving discounted Markov decision processes in multiple parameter regimes. Given a discounted Markov decision process (DMDP) with |S| states, |A| actions, discount factor γ ∈ (0, 1), and rewards in the range [−M, M], we show how to compute an ϵ‐optimal policy, with probability 1 − δ in time (Note: We use to hide polylogarithmic factors in the input parameters, that is, .) This contribution reflects the first nearly linear time, nearly linearly convergent algorithm for solving DMDPs for intermediate values of γ. We also show how to obtain improved sublinear time algorithms provided we can sample from the transition function in O(1) time. Under this assumption we provide an algorithm which computes an ϵ‐optimal policy for with probability 1 − δ in time Furthermore, we extend both these algorithms to solve finite horizon MDPs. Our algorithms improve upon the previous best for approximately computing optimal policies for fixed‐horizon MDPs in multiple parameter regimes. Interestingly, we obtain our results by a careful modification of approximate value iteration. We show how to combine classic approximate value iteration analysis with new techniques in variance reduction. Our fastest algorithms leverage further insights to ensure that our algorithms make monotonic progress towards the optimal value. This paper is one of few instances in using sampling to obtain a linearly convergent linear programming algorithm and we hope that the analysis may be useful more broadly.
A Mo‐based metal‐organic framework toward improving flame retardancy and smoke suppression of epoxy resin
Authors: Zhang Feng , Li Xiutao , Yang Liqiang , Zhang Yanan , Zhang Mengjie
Published: April 2021

In this work, a Mo‐based metal‐organic framework (Mo‐MOF) was first used as flame retardant for epoxy resin (EP). It was found that Mo‐MOF particles showed an excellent dispersion state and good compatibility in the EP matrix. Burning test results showed that the flame retardancy and smoke suppression of EP were obviously improved due to the introduction of Mo‐MOF. Compared with pure EP, 6 wt% Mo‐MOF reduced the values of peak heat release rate (pHRR), peak smoke production rate (pSPR), total smoking production (TSP) and peak CO production rate (pCOP) by 44.7%, 21.8%, 25.1%, and 42.9%, respectively. Moreover, the limited oxygen index (LOI) value of the composites increased from 24.8% to 32.8% compared with the pure EP, and UL‐94 reached V2 rating with no dripping in the vertical burning test. The combustion products of EP composites were also detected and analyzed to obtain the possible flame retardant and smoke suppression mechanisms of Mo‐MOF.
Poly(lactic acid)/vermiculite‐g‐polyisoprene nanocomposites based on thiol‐ene click chemistry: performance, shear crystallization and Rheonaut technology analysis
Authors: Li Hao , Jilili Yikelamu , Zhen Weijun
Published: April 2021

Vermiculite (VMT) grafted polyisoprene (PIP) (VMT‐g‐PIP) was synthesized by thiol‐ene click chemistry. An orthogonal experiment and range analysis showed that the optimum reaction parameters of VMT‐g‐PIP were as follows: reaction time 9 h, reaction temperature 60 °C, initiator azodiisobutyronitrile dosage 0.025 g and mass ratio of isoprene to VMT‐SH 3:1. Due to the strong interfacial compatibility between poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and VMT‐g‐PIP, the impact strength and elongation at break of PLA/VMT‐g‐PIP (0.7 wt%) nanocomposites were increased by 1.33 and 5.20 times, respectively, compared with pure PLA. Thermogravimetric analysis and cone calorimeter analysis demonstrated that the thermal stability and fire resistance effect of PLA/VMT‐g‐PIP nanocomposites had been improved to a certain extent. Differential scanning calorimetry and Rheonaut technology for simultaneous rheometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy demonstrated that the synergistic effect of shear field and heterogeneous nucleation of VMT‐g‐PIP induced faster crystallization of PLA. Accordingly, the crystallization properties of PLA were clearly improved, which enhanced its toughness. Enzymatic degradation behavior showed that VMT‐g‐PIP inhibited the biodegradation of PLA to a certain extent. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Tough and fluorescent hydrogels composed of poly(hydroxyurethane) and poly(stearyl acrylate‐co‐acrylic acid) with hydrophobic associations and hydrogen bonds as the physical crosslinks
Authors: Tian Ye , Du Cong , Liu Bin , Qiu Hao Nan , Zhang Xing‐Hong , Wu Zi Liang , Zheng Qiang
Published: April 2021

Fluorescent hydrogels have promising applications in biomedical and engineering fields. However, they are usually mechanically weak. Here, we report a fluorescent composite hydrogel with high toughness, which is facilely prepared by solution casting ethanol solution of poly(hydroxyurethane) (PHU) and poly(stearyl acrylate‐co‐acrylic acid) (P[SA‐co‐AAc]) followed by swelling the casted film in water. The composite hydrogels with water content of 62–78 wt% possess remarkable mechanical performances, with tensile breaking stress of 0.3–1.1 MPa, breaking strain of 280%–400%, Young's modulus of 0.2–0.7 MPa, and tearing fracture energy of 1250–2630 J/m2. The high toughness is attributed to the effective energy dissipation of the network with hydrophobic association of SA units and hydrogen bonds between PHU and P(SA‐co‐AAc) as the physical crosslinks. The intense aggregation of carbamates and the formation of carbamate clusters through intra‐ and intermolecular hydrogen bonds endow the composite hydrogel with strong fluorescence. These hydrogels with high toughness and strong fluorescence should find applications in flexible electronics, information display, and biomedical devices.
Are there young carers in oncology? A systematic review
Authors: Justin Pauline , Lamore Kristopher , Dorard Géraldine , Untas Aurélie
Published: April 2021

Objective

This systematic review aims to investigate the support children provide in the case of a relative's cancer.

Methods

Searches were performed on four electronic databases (Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed and ScienceDirect) to identify studies that report on the support provided by children to a relative diagnosed with cancer. Two researchers independently evaluated the eligibility of the studies and cross‐checked them for accuracy. The Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool (CCAT) was used to assess the quality of the studies included.

Results

Out of the 10948 articles screened, 30 were included in this review. Results highlighted that cancer provokes changes in families, such as shifts in roles and increased responsibilities for the youth. Children often provided significant support to their sick relative and family members, including practical, emotional, and medical support such as household duties, medical assistance, companionship, and distraction. However, they were designated as young carers in only one study. The support provided was associated with negative effects such as stress and fatigue, and with positive effects such as increased empathy and independence. Children wished to support their family but also named several needs, such as time for themselves and the opportunity to enjoy their childhood.

Conclusion

The results of this systematic review highlight the importance of taking into account the support provided by young people facing the cancer of a relative and designating them as young carers. Much remains to be accomplished to officially recognize their role and to support them properly.
Statistical and text analysis of major accidents to the environment in European Union
Authors: Trávníček Petr , Tichá Zuzana , Kotek Luboš
Published: April 2021

The aim of the paper is to provide operators and authors of safety documents, or responsible authorities, the foundation for decision‐making processes connected with accident risk assessment of major accident to the environment (also on human health or property). Authors worked with hypothesis that there could be some differences between major accidents to the environment and sample of all major accidents. There was performed basic statistical accident data analysis based on public database eMARS. Data was divided into two samples, the first sample included all accidents with environmental impact, the second sample included all accidents mentioned in database. The outputs were compared. The hypothesis was partly confirmed. For example, the pesticides/fertilizer industry category and storage installation type are represented more frequently in major accidents causing immediate damage to the environment (according to Annex VI of European Union‘s Directive Seveso III). During the database work there were some improvement proposals of the eMARS database in order to improve data processing with efficiency and to provide better access to the information according to the Seveso III directive requirement. These proposals are described in conclusions.
Improved Bifacial Properties of P‐Type Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell Solar Cells toward High Mass Production Efficiency
Authors: Yu Jian , Wang Pu , Chen Kun , Chen Tao , Su Rong , Wang Lan , Liu Caiyi , Yu Junshen , Huang Yuelong
Published: April 2021

The p‐type passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) has achieved great success, and the bifacial PERC product is predicted as the mainstream of photovoltaic market. Herein, the higher diffusion sheet resistance on laser‐doped selective emitter combined with different rear‐side laser ablation designs and their impact on passivation and electrical performance are investigated. A high diffusion sheet resistance can restrain front surface recombination and improve short‐wavelength spectral response. The minority carrier lifetime evolution is evaluated on a semi‐PERC structure, which is significantly affected by the laser ablation design on the rear surface. The measured efficiency analysis reveals that there is a negative relation between enlarged laser ablation area and open‐circuit voltage. The conversion efficiency of bifacial PERC cells with dash ablation design increases by 0.29% (absolute efficiency gain) comparing with base line samples with straight‐line ablation. A high front‐side average efficiency of 22.34% and a high bifaciality of 76.87% are achieved and further optimized to 22.52% and 78%, respectively, for a p‐type PERC cell in a mass production line. After applying a multipassivation structure and careful optimization, an impressive mass production efficiency of 23.24% is achieved recently, showing great potential for low‐cost photovoltaic power generation.
Unraveling Trapping Defects Distribution using Thermoluminescence in Gamma‐Irradiated SrZnO2:Dy Nanophosphors
Authors: Manju  , Jain Megha , Savita  , Kumar Akshay , Vij Ankush , Thakur Anup
Published: April 2021

Thermoluminescence (TL) analysis of gamma‐irradiated SrZnO2:Dy nanophosphors elucidates the presence of various trapping centers in forbidden band. Raman and Fourier‐transformed infrared spectra indicate effect on vibrational structure upon doping. Complex glow curves are obtained at varying gamma radiation doses, exhibiting glow features in low (50–180 °C) and high (220–400 °C) temperature regions. The deconvolution of glow curves indicates the presence of TL peaks at ≈100, 143, 202, 269, and 337 °C. The effect of Dy doping is observed as emergence of new glow feature at ≈143 °C. The substitution of trivalent Dy into SrZnO2 host having divalent cations is proposed to be creating (X = Sr, Zn) electron traps and hole traps, along with hitherto existing intrinsic defects. The concentration quenching of TL signal is perceived at 3 mol% Dy doping, whereas comparing glow curves for all samples at saturation dose indicate quenching of low‐ and high‐temperature glow features at different doping concentrations. The theoretical track interaction model and empirical three trap one recombination center (3T1R) model is used to explain former and latter effects, respectively. A schematic band model is proposed to predict the trap distribution upon Dy inclusion, responsible for observed TL in SrZnO2:Dy nanophosphors.
Synthesis of Al(III), Bi(III), Sb(III), Sn(II) and Pb(II) Complexes Based on a Plant Auxin Hormone: Characterization; DFT, Pharmacokinetics and MOE‐Docking with Plant‐Cell Proteins
Authors: Refat Moamen S. , Sayqal Ali , Aljohani Meshari M. , Saad Fawaz , Al‐Solimy Amerah M. , Bayazeed Abrar A. , Abumelha Hana M. , Shah Reem , El‐Metwaly Nashwa
Published: April 2021

Series of complexes was prepared from some p‐block elements and indole‐3‐acetic acid (HIAA) as a plant hormone categorized from auxin class. Trivalent [Al(III), Bi(III)& Sb(III)] and divalent [Sn(II) & Pb(II)] ions, were used for complexation with indole‐3‐acetic acid. These complexes were analytically (elemental & EDX), spectrally (IR, Raman, UV‐Vis, SEM & XRD) and theoretically characterized. All complexes proposed having 1 : 2 molar ratio (M : L) through mono‐negative bi‐dentate binding mode. A tetrahedral geometry was proposed for Al(III) complex. While, the other complexes were suggested to be in distorted octahedral geometry due to presence of five bonds only and the sixth site inhabits by lone pair of electrons. Hirshfeld surface properties were obtained through Crystal explorer 3.1 software over structures oriented by VESTA package. The 3D‐crystals of Bi(III) and Sb(III) complexes displayed a noticeable red spots which point to the best contact site on their surfaces. Also, the conformational study reveals many physical characteristics that suggest the superiority of some complexes than the original ligand. Also, drug‐likeness outcomes clarify the lipophilic feature of Sn(II) and Pb(II) complexes. This feature may play a well bioactive behavior within living cells. Furthermore, pharmacokinetics as well as MOE‐docking simulation, were carried out versus 1lr5 & 3c6p proteins. Such proteins, were the co‐crystal forms of auxin‐class that act as hormone receiver inside plant cells. This study proposed the priority of Al(III), Sn(II) and Pb(II) complexes than the free hormone itself in the interaction with selected auxin proteins. We recommend these complexes for practical application in the field from specialist, they will improve the vital process within plant cells based on in‐silico results in this research.
Interface Engineering Ti3C2 MXene/Silicon Self‐Powered Photodetectors with High Responsivity and Detectivity for Weak Light Applications
Authors: Song Weidong , Liu Qing , Chen Jiaxin , Chen Zhao , He Xin , Zeng Qingguang , Li Shuti , He Longfei , Chen Zhitao , Fang Xiaosheng
Published: April 2021

Interfacial engineering and heterostructures designing are two efficient routes to improve photoelectric characteristics of a photodetector. Herein, a Ti3C2 MXene/Si heterojunction photodetector with ultrahigh specific detectivity (2.03 × 1013 Jones) and remarkable responsivity (402 mA W−1) at zero external bias without decline as with increasing the light power is reported. This is achieved by chemically regrown interfacial SiOx layer and the control of Ti3C2 MXene thickness to suppress the dark noise current and improve the photoresponse. The photodetector demonstrates a high light on/off ratio of over 106, an outstanding peak external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 60.3%, while it maintains an ultralow dark current at 0 V bias. Moreover, the device holds high performance with EQE of over 55% even after encapsulated with silicone, trying to resolve the air stability issue of Ti3C2 MXene. Such a photodetector with high detectivity, high responsivity, and self‐powered capability is particularly applicable to detect weak light signal, which presents high potential for imaging, communication and sensing applications.