bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Critical Study of Quantum Chromodynamics and the Regular Charge-Monopole Theory
Authors: Comay E.
Published: November 2020

The compatibility of the strong interaction theory called Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) with relevant experimental data is critically examined. The clear advantage of the Regular ChargeMonopole Theory over QCD is explained. An analysis of new data provides further support for this claim. The paper points out several specific effects that illustrate this conclusion: the hard photon-nucleon interaction, the striking difference between the high energy electron-proton and proton-proton cross section, the peripheral location of the proton’s antiquark, the strong CP problem, the quite large amount of the ss ¯ pair in the proton, the excess of the proton’s d¯antiquarks over its u¯ antiquarks, and the spin-dependence of high energy polarized proton-proton scattering. These problematic issues are in accordance with M. Gell-Mann’s recently published qualms about the QCD merits.
Tolerance of Some Soil Fungi to the Content of Deep Cycle Battery and Their Bioremediation Potential
Authors: Douglas S. I. , Wellington C. U. , Sokari T. G.
Published: November 2020

Aims: The purpose of this study was to isolate and screen soil fungi that are able to tolerate the contents of spent deep cycle battery (inverter), and to test for their bioremediation potential.

Place and Duration of Study: Sample: Department of Microbiology, Rivers State University, between June 2019 and February 2020.

Methodology: Soil samples were collected from a mechanic village while spent inverter batteries were obtained from a waste vendor. The battery was forced open to extract its contents of the battery. Using standard microbiological techniques, fungi were enumerated and characterized. Stock solution of the battery content was prepared by dissolving the inverter battery content in sterile deionized water. This stock solution was used to carry out the screening test on the fungal isolates to ascertain the fungi that can tolerate the contents of the spent battery.

Results: Total heterotrophic fungal counts for the polluted and unpolluted soil were 6.0 x 103 cfu/g and 7.5 x 104cfu/g respectively. The fungal isolates identified from the polluted soil samples were members of the genera Rhizopus, Mucor, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Candida, while, the isolates identified from the unpolluted soil sample includes: Candida sp, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium sp, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Mucor sp, Yeast, Fusarium sp and Aspergillus sp. After the screening, total heterotrophic fungal counts for the soil ranged from 1.0 x 102cfu/g to 9.5 x 102cfu/g. Two fungi of the genera: Rhizopus and Mucor had the highest counts during 72 hours of incubation for the screening test. The results obtained from this study indicated that species of Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Candida were the most inhibited by the contents of the spent battery while Rhizopus and Mucor spp were more tolerant to the contents of the inverter. Rhizopus and Mucor spp were therefore, adopted in the bioremediation of soil contaminated with contents from the battery. It was observed that Rhizopus and Mucor spp in a consortium had the highest percentage of heavy metal removal (or uptake) in the following order: Cadmium (66.66%) > Lead (38.15%) > Zinc (26.83%) > Nickel (20.83).

Conclusion: These organisms can be used in the bioremediation of soil polluted with metals from spent deep cycle batteries.
Significance of Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) as a Prognostic Factor in Stage II Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Sagawa Masano , Yokomizo Hajime , Yoshimatsu Kazuhiko , Okayama Sachiyo , Yamada Yasufumi , Ida Arika , Maeda Hiroyuki , Satake Masaya , Usui Takebumi , Shimakawa Takeshi , Katsube Takao , Ohigashi Seiji , Kato Hiroyuki , Shiozawa Shunichi
Published: November 2020

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the prognostic significance of preoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio for disease-free survival and overall survival in patients with stage II colorectal cancer.

Summary of Background Data

Previous reports have indicated an association between neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and poor prognosis and tumor progression in patients with colorectal cancer. However, the role of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio as a prognostic marker specifically in patients with stage II colorectal cancer has not been well studied.

Methods

A total of 124 patients with colorectal cancer were included in this study. The disease-free survival and overall survival of patients were compared using preoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio. Univariate and multivariate analyses using the Cox proportional-hazards model were performed to determine the prognostic significance of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio.

Results

The overall survival and disease-free survival rates of patients with a neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio ≥ 4.0 were significantly lower than those of patients with a neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio < 4.0. Multivariate analysis showed that a neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio ≥ 4.0, performance status ≥ 1, and depth of tumor invasion (T4) were independent prognostic factors for disease-free survival, whereas age > 80 years, a neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio ≥ 4.0, and performance status ≥ 1 were independent prognostic factors for overall survival.

Conclusion

Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio is an independent poor prognostic factor in patients with stage II colorectal cancer undergoing curative resection.
Sono/Photodynamic Nanomedicine‐Elicited Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Li Yuce , Xie Jun , Um Wooram , You Dong Gil , Kwon Seunglee , Zhang Lianbin , Zhu Jintao , Park Jae Hyung
Published: November 2020

Immunotherapy (e.g., cancer vaccines and checkpoint blockades), harnessing the host immune system to recognize and eradicate tumors, has emerged as one of the most potent cancer therapies. The clinical applications of cancer immunotherapies, however, have been limited by their low response rates and immune‐related adverse effects. In recent years, sono/photodynamic nanomedicines (SPNs) have received increasing attention for cancer therapy since they have been reported to mediate enhanced immunotherapy by generating reactive oxygen species under site‐specific exposure to exogenous energy sources. In particular, SPNs are capable of eliciting immunogenic cancer cell death, leading to the release of tumor‐associated antigens and damage‐associated molecular patterns. This allows for the maturation of antigen‐presenting cells, thus eliminating disseminated or metastatic tumor cells by cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. Such immunostimulatory features of SPNs provide opportunities to enhance therapeutic potential by amplifying anticancer immunity when combined with conventional immunotherapeutics, including immune checkpoint inhibitors. This review elaborates on the recent strategies and efforts undertaken by researchers to enhance SPN‐elicited cancer immunotherapy. The challenging issues and opportunities for SPNs in the activation of innate or adaptive immune responses and regulation of the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment are also described.
Cell‐Free Bilayered Porous Scaffolds for Osteochondral Regeneration Fabricated by Continuous 3D‐Printing Using Nascent Physical Hydrogel as Ink
Authors: Gao Jingming , Ding Xiaoquan , Yu Xiaoye , Chen Xiaobin , Zhang Xingyu , Cui Shuquan , Shi Jiayue , Chen Jun , Yu Lin , Chen Shiyi , Ding Jiandong
Published: November 2020

Cartilage is difficult to self‐repair and it is more challenging to repair an osteochondral defects concerning both cartilage and subchondral bone. Herein, it is hypothesized that a bilayered porous scaffold composed of a biomimetic gelatin hydrogel may, despite no external seeding cells, induce osteochondral regeneration in vivo after being implanted into mammal joints. This idea is confirmed based on the successful continuous 3D‐printing of the bilayered scaffolds combined with the sol‐gel transition of the aqueous solution of a gelatin derivative (physical gelation) and photocrosslinking of the gelatin methacryloyl (gelMA) macromonomers (chemical gelation). At the direct printing step, a nascent physical hydrogel is extruded, taking advantage of non‐Newtonian and thermoresponsive rheological properties of this 3D‐printing ink. In particular, a series of crosslinked gelMA (GelMA) and GelMA‐hydroxyapatite bilayered hydrogel scaffolds are fabricated to evaluate the influence of the spacing of 3D‐printed filaments on osteochondral regeneration in a rabbit model. The moderately spaced scaffolds output excellent regeneration of cartilage with cartilaginous lacunae and formation of subchondral bone. Thus, tricky rheological behaviors of soft matter can be employed to improve 3D‐printing, and the bilayered hybrid scaffold resulting from the continuous 3D‐printing is promising as a biomaterial to regenerate articular cartilage.
Fullerene Desymmetrization as a Means to Achieve Single‐Enantiomer Electron Acceptors with Maximized Chiroptical Responsiveness
Authors: Shi Wenda , Salerno Francesco , Ward Matthew D. , Santana‐Bonilla Alejandro , Wade Jessica , Hou Xueyan , Liu Tong , Dennis T. John S. , Campbell Alasdair J. , Jelfs Kim E. , Fuchter Matthew J.
Published: November 2020

Solubilized fullerene derivatives have revolutionized the development of organic photovoltaic devices, acting as excellent electron acceptors. The addition of solubilizing addends to the fullerene cage results in a large number of isomers, which are generally employed as isomeric mixtures. Moreover, a significant number of these isomers are chiral, which further adds to the isomeric complexity. The opportunities presented by single‐isomer, and particularly single‐enantiomer, fullerenes in organic electronic materials and devices are poorly understood however. Here, ten pairs of enantiomers are separated from the 19 structural isomers of bis[60]phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester, using them to elucidate important chiroptical relationships and demonstrating their application to a circularly polarized light (CPL)‐detecting device. Larger chiroptical responses are found, occurring through the inherent chirality of the fullerene. When used in a single‐enantiomer organic field‐effect transistor, the potential to discriminate CPL with a fast light response time and with a very high photocurrent dissymmetry factor (gph = 1.27 ± 0.06) is demonstrated. This study thus provides key strategies to design fullerenes with large chiroptical responses for use as chiral components of organic electronic devices. It is anticipated that this data will position chiral fullerenes as an exciting material class for the growing field of chiral electronic technologies.
Rational Design of Multi‐Color‐Emissive Carbon Dots in a Single Reaction System by Hydrothermal
Authors: Wang Boyang , Yu Jingkun , Sui Laizhi , Zhu Shoujun , Tang Zhiyong , Yang Bai , Lu Siyu
Published: November 2020

As an emerging building unit, carbon dots (CDs) have been igniting the revolutionaries in the fields of optoelectronics, biomedicine, and bioimaging. However, the difficulty of synthesizing CDs in aqueous solution with full‐spectrum emission severely hinders further investigation of their emission mechanism and their extensive applications in white light emitting diodes (LEDs). Here, the full‐color‐emission CDs with a unique structure consisting of sp3‐hybridized carbon cores with small domains of partially sp2‐hybridized carbon atoms are reported. First‐principle calculations are initially used to predict that the transformation from sp3 to sp2 hybridization redshifts the emission of CDs. Guided by the theoretical predictions, a simple, convenient, and controllable route to hydrothermally prepare CDs in a single reaction system is developed. The prepared CDs have full‐spectrum emission with an unprecedented two‐photon emission across the whole visible color range. These full‐color‐emission CDs can be further nurtured by slight modifications of the reaction conditions (e.g., temperature, pH) to generate the emission color from blue to red. Finally a flexible LEDs with full‐color emission by using epoxy CDs films is developed, indicating that the strategy affords an industry translational potential over traditional fluorophores.
Aqueous Rechargeable Metal‐Ion Batteries Working at Subzero Temperatures
Authors: Zhao Yuwei , Chen Ze , Mo Funian , Wang Donghong , Guo Ying , Liu Zhuoxin , Li Xinliang , Li Qing , Liang Guojin , Zhi Chunyi
Published: November 2020

Aqueous rechargeable metal‐ion batteries (ARMBs) represent one of the current research frontiers due to their low cost, high safety, and other unique features. Evolving to a practically useful device, the ARMBs must be adaptable to various ambient, especially the cold weather. While much effort has been made on organic electrolyte batteries operating at low temperatures, the study on low‐temperature ARMBs is still in its infancy. The challenge mainly comes from water freezing at subzero temperatures, resulting in dramatically retarded kinetics. Here, the freezing behavior of water and its effects on subzero performances of ARMBs are first discussed. Then all strategies used to enhance subzero temperature performances of ARMBs by associating them with battery kinetics are summarized. The subzero temperature performances of ARMBs and organic electrolyte batteries are compared. The final section presents potential directions for further improvements and future perspectives of this thriving field.
Association of Fluorescent Protein Pairs and Its Significant Impact on Fluorescence and Energy Transfer
Authors: Pope Jacob R. , Johnson Rachel L. , Jamieson W. David , Worthy Harley L. , Kailasam Senthilkumar , Ahmed Rochelle D. , Taban Ismail , Auhim Husam Sabah , Watkins Daniel W. , Rizkallah Pierre J. , Castell Oliver K. , Jones D. Dafydd
Published: November 2020

Fluorescent proteins (FPs) are commonly used in pairs to monitor dynamic biomolecular events through changes in proximity via distance dependent processes such as Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). The impact of FP association is assessed by predicting dimerization sites in silico and stabilizing the dimers by bio‐orthogonal covalent linkages. In each tested case dimerization changes inherent fluorescence, including FRET. GFP homodimers demonstrate synergistic behavior with the dimer being brighter than the sum of the monomers. The homodimer structure reveals the chromophores are close with favorable transition dipole alignments and a highly solvated interface. Heterodimerization (GFP with Venus) results in a complex with ≈87% FRET efficiency, significantly below the 99.7% efficiency predicted. A similar efficiency is observed when the wild‐type FPs are fused to a naturally occurring protein–protein interface system. GFP complexation with mCherry results in loss of mCherry fluorescence. Thus, simple assumptions used when monitoring interactions between proteins via FP FRET may not always hold true, especially under conditions whereby the protein–protein interactions promote FP interaction.
Coal char affects soil pH to reduce ammonia volatilization from sandy loam soil
Authors: Panday Dinesh , Mikha Maysoon M. , Maharjan Bijesh
Published: November 2020

Ammonia (NH3) volatilization loss adversely affects N availability in soil‐plant systems, reduces crop yield, and negatively impacts environment. Char (coal combustion residue), which contains up to 293 g kg−1 total C by weight, has been shown to reduce NH3 volatilization due to its considerably high surface area and cation exchange capacity. The NH3 loss can be greatly affected by a shift in soil pH or urea hydrolysis. A 21‐d laboratory study was conducted to evaluate the effects of char on soil pH, N transformations, and subsequent NH3 volatilization in sandy loam soil. Two char rates (0 and 13.4 Mg C ha−1) and two urea rates (0 and 200 kg N ha−1) were mixed in soil in four 2‐way combinations with four replications of each. There were 11 sets of all treatment combinations and each set was analyzed for soil moisture, pH, NH3 volatilization, and residual N (urea, NH4, and NO3) every other day for 3 wk. Char application reduced cumulative NH3 loss in the fertilized treatment. Reduction in NH3 loss due to char addition was evidenced by greater residual NH4–N on certain days in treatments with char compared to treatments without char. Char did not affect urea hydrolysis process but it lowered soil pH in the fertilized treatments in the first week. This study supported our hypothesis that char altered soil pH and thereby reduced NH3 volatilization loss from the fertilized soil.
Electrical conductivity of interphase zone in polymer nanocomposites by carbon nanotubes properties and interphase depth
Authors: Zare Yasser , Rhee Kyong Yop
Published: November 2020

In this work, carbon nanotubes (CNT) properties and interphase depth define the interphase conductivity in polymer CNT nanocomposites (PCNT). In addition, the operative CNT length and volume portion are linked to the conductivity transportation between CNT and insulated polymer medium to propose a simple model for conductivity. The significances of various terms on the interphase conductivity and conductivity of PCNT are justified and the model's predictions are examined using the experimental outputs of certain examples. Thin CNT and dense interphase obtain the extraordinary conductivity transportation, while CNT length and conductivity are ineffective. Moreover, thin, small, and high‐conductive CNT as well as dense interphase introduce the high interphase conductivity. The estimations of conductivity appropriately follow the experimental data authorizing the established model. This model is capable to substitute the conventional models owing to the assumption of innovative nanocomposite's terms.
Furfural hydrogenation to 2‐methylfuran over efficient sol‐gel copper‐cobalt/zirconia catalyst
Authors: Akmaz Solmaz , Algorabi Serap , Koc Serkan N.
Published: November 2020

2‐Methylfuran (MF) is a candidate to be a high‐quality fuel additive. For the first time, efficient Co‐Cu/ZrO2 catalysts were prepared by the sol‐gel method and herein used for MF synthesis from furfural. Although a 9.2% MF yield and no MF was obtained using Cu/ZrO2 and Co/ZrO2, respectively, a 77.5% MF yield was observed at 200°C, under 1.5 MPa initial H2 pressure for 4 hours using a Co‐Cu/ZrO2 catalyst. The Co amount was changed in the catalyst structure and the effect of the Co amount on furfural hydrogenation was investigated. The most effective catalyst was the Co‐Cu/ZrO2 catalyst, with 0.08 g/g (8 mass%) Cu and 0.118 g/g (11.8 mass%) Co. The activity tests of the catalysts were carried out for hydrogenation of furfural to MF by changing reaction parameters such as pressure, loading of catalyst, temperature, and time. A 94.1% MF yield was achieved in the presence of the Co‐Cu/ZrO2 catalyst with 0.08 g/g (8 mass%) Cu and 0.118 g/g (11.8 mass%) Co at 200°C for 6 hours under 1.5 MPa H2 pressure. The catalyst also showed good reusability properties after the fifth use. The catalysts were characterized by Brunauer‐Emmet‐Teller method, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and temperature programmed reduction techniques.
An isomorphic three‐dimensional cortical model of the pig rostrum
Authors: Ritter Cindy , Maier Eduard , Schneeweiß Undine , Wölk Tanja , Simonnet Jean , Malkawi Safaa , Eigen Lennart , Tunckol Elcin , Purkart Leopold , Brecht Michael
Published: November 2020

Physiological studies of the last century mapped a somatosensory cortical gyrus representing the pig's rostrum. Here, we describe the extraordinary correspondence of this gyrus to the rostrum. The pig rostrum is packed with microvibrissae (~470 per hemi‐rostrum) and innervated by a prominent infraorbital nerve, containing about 80,000 axons. The pig's rostrum has three major skin‐folds. The nostrils have a rectangular medial wall and a funnel‐like lateral opening, nasal channels run obliquely from lateral (surface) to medial (inside). The rostrum gyrus mimics rostrum geometry in great detail. The putative representation of skin folds coincides with blood sinus and folds of the rostrum gyrus. The putative nostril representation is an oblique sulcus running from lateral (surface) to medial (inside). As observed in rodents, Layer 4 is thin in the nostril sulcus. The side of the nostril sulcus representing the medial wall of the nostril is rectangular, whereas the side of the nostril sulcus representing the lateral wall is funnel‐like. Proportions and geometry of the rostrum and the rostrum gyrus are similar, albeit with a collapsed nostril and a larger interindividual variability in the gyrus. The pig's cortical rostrum gyrus receives dense thalamic innervation, has a thin Layer 1 and contains roughly 8 million neurons. With all that, the rostrum gyrus looks like a model of the pig rostrum at a scale of ~1:2. Our findings are reminiscent of the raccoon cortex with its forepaw‐like somatosensory forepaw‐representation. Representing highly relevant afferents in three‐dimensional body‐part‐models might facilitate isomorphic cortical computations in large‐brained tactile specialists.
Optimal Symplectic Connections on Holomorphic Submersions
Authors: Dervan Ruadhaí , Sektnan Lars Martin
Published: November 2020

The main result of this paper gives a new construction of extremal Kähler metrics on the total space of certain holomorphic submersions, giving a vast generalisation and unification of results of Hong, Fine and others. The principal new ingredient is a novel geometric partial differential equation on such fibrations, which we call the optimal symplectic connection equation.

We begin with a smooth fibration for which all fibres admit a constant scalar curvature Kähler metric. When the fibres admit automorphisms, such metrics are not unique in general, but rather are unique up to the action of the automorphism group of each fibre. We define an equation which, at least conjecturally, determines a canonical choice of constant scalar curvature Kähler metric on each fibre. When the fibration is a projective bundle, this equation specialises to asking that the hermitian metric determining the fibrewise Fubini‐Study metric is Hermite‐Einstein.

Assuming the existence of an optimal symplectic connection and the existence of an appropriate twisted extremal metric on the base of the fibration, we show that the total space of the fibration itself admits an extremal metric for certain polarisations making the fibres small. © 2021 The Authors. Communications on Pure and Applied Mathematics published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Influence of synthetic phthalocyanine pigments on light reflectance of creeping bentgrass
Authors: McCall David S. , Sullivan Dana G. , Zhang Xunzhong , Martin S. Bruce , Wong Alexander , Ervin Erik H.
Published: November 2020

The use of synthetic pigment‐containing products on golf playing surfaces by golf course superintendents has increased dramatically to provide green color and improve stress tolerance. Most turf colorants are synthesized from various phthalocyanine pigments, which share visible spectral properties with green plant tissue. Vegetation indices, such as normalized difference (NDVI), are commonly used by researchers to quantify plant health or turf quality. Research reports indicate that turf canopy reflectance is sometimes positively and sometimes negatively affected by synthetic pigments. The specific spectral wavelength used for vegetation indices varies by sensor type, which may explain these inconsistencies. A greater understanding of light absorption characteristics of synthetic pigments is needed. Therefore, the research objectives were to determine the spectral properties of synthetic phthalocyanine pigment‐containing products alone and to quantify their influence on light reflected from treated creeping bentgrass canopies. Narrow bandwidth (1.5 nm) reflectance was collected from across visible and near‐infrared spectra using a handheld field spectroradiometer (PSR‐1100F, Spectral Evolution) to develop spectral signatures of pigmented products alone, healthy turf, and healthy turf treated with pigmented products. Synthetic pigment‐containing products strongly absorbed near‐infrared light but did not affect photosynthetically active spectra. Some products tested influenced reflectance of ultraviolet A radiation. Endogenous chlorophyll concentrations 7 d after treatment were not altered by products tested. Spectral characteristics of NDVI and similar reflectance measurements of creeping bentgrass quality using near‐infrared light may be negatively affected when the turf is treated with phthalocyanine pigment‐containing products.
Intensifying a semiarid wheat monocropping with forage rape as a replacement to fallow period in China
Authors: Deng Jianqiang , Zhang Zhixin , Ni Hong , Lai Xingfa , Usman Samaila , Yang Qian , Yang Xianlong , Coulter Jeffrey A. , Shen Yuying
Published: November 2020

The traditional cropping system on the Loess Plateau of China is winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L., W) monocropping. However, this cropping system, with a 3‐mo summer fallow (F) period, has exhibited low radiation and precipitation use efficiency. The objectives of this study conducted in 2016–2018 was to investigate system productivity and resource (i.e., water and radiation) use efficiency when winter wheat monocropping was intensified by planting forage rape (Brassica napus L., R) during the summer fallow period. Dry matter yield (DM), water use efficiency (WUE), and radiation use efficiency (RUE) of forage rape and winter wheat in F‐W and R‐W crop rotations were determined. The results show that forage rape did not change system DM in all years, and winter wheat grain yield as well as DM in 2018, but decreased winter wheat grain yield and DM by 17 and 16% in 2017, respectively. Forage rape increased the system average water use (WU) by 20%, whereas system WUE of DM (WUEDM) was unaffected in both years. Forage rape also improved system intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (IPAR) by 39% but did not alter winter wheat IPAR in both years. In 2017, intensification with forage rape decreased winter wheat RUEDM and RUE of grain (RUEGrain). In conclusion, crop productivity was mainly related to water availability during sowing and the growing season, whereas RUE was related to crop productivity. Therefore, soil water supply needs to be considered before sowing forage rape during the summer fallow in the semiarid region of China as examined in this study.
A Single‐Flow Battery with Multiphase Flow
Authors: Amit Lihi , Naar Danny , Gloukhovski Robert , la O' Gerardo Jose , Suss Matthew E.
Published: November 2020

Widespread adoption of redox flow batteries (RFBs) for renewable energy storage is inhibited by a relatively high cost of storage. This is due largely to typical RFBs requiring two flows, two external tanks, and expensive ion‐exchange membranes. Here, we propose a potentially inexpensive Zn‐Br2 RFB which is membraneless and requires only a single flow. The flow is an emulsion consisting of a continuous, Br2‐poor aqueous phase and a dispersed, Br2‐rich polybromide phase, pumped through the channel separating anode and cathode. With our prototype cell, we explore the effect of polybromide‐phase volume fraction and Br2 concentration on cell performance and plating efficiencies. We demonstrate high discharge currents of up to 270 mA/cm2, plating efficiencies up to 88 %, and dendriteless plating up to the highest Zn loading investigated of 250 mAh/cm2. We provide mechanistic insights into cell behavior and elucidate paths towards unlocking ultra‐low‐cost single‐flow RFBs with multiphase flow.
Highly Efficient Alkaline Water Splitting with Ru‐Doped Co−V Layered Double Hydroxide Nanosheets as a Bifunctional Electrocatalyst
Authors: Li Wei , Feng Bomin , Yi Lingya , Li Junying , Hu Weihua
Published: November 2020

Active electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are decisive for achieving efficient energy conversion from electricity to hydrogen fuel through water electrolysis. In this study, tremella‐like Ru‐doped Co‐V layered double hydroxide nanosheets on Ni Foam (Ru‐CoV‐LDH@NF) was fabricated by a one‐pot solvothermal reaction. As‐prepared Ru‐CoV‐LDH@NF, with a nominal Ru loading of around 51.6 μg cm−2 exhibits excellent bifunctional catalytic activity towards HER and OER in alkaline media. To accomplish a current density of 10 mA cm−2, it demands 32 mV and 230 mV overpotentials for HER and OER, respectively. The alkali electrolyzer utilizing Ru‐CoV‐LDH/NF as bifunctional electrocatalyst affords 10 mA cm−2 electrolytic current density at an extremely low cell voltage of 1.50 V, showing excellent performance compared to a Pt/C−RuO2‐based electrolyzer and many other bifunctional electrocatalyst‐based ones. The incorporation of Ru changes the morphology of the resultant nanosheets to offer high electrochemical surface areas for electrocatalysis; at the same time, it significantly boosts the intrinsic HER/OER electrocatalytic activity. For HER, the energy barrier of the Volmer step is efficiently reduced upon Ru doping, whereas the Ru dopants optimize the absorption strength of *O intermediates to facilitate the OER process. This work offers a feasible means to optimize the Co‐based hydroxide materials for improved electrocatalysis in overall water splitting.
Autologous non‐human primate model for safety assessment of piggyBac transposon‐mediated chimeric antigen receptor T cells on granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor receptor
Authors: Morokawa Hirokazu , Yagyu Shigeki , Hasegawa Aiko , Tanaka Miyuki , Saito Shoji , Mochizuki Hidemi , Sakamoto Kengo , Shimoi Akihito , Nakazawa Yozo
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)‐T cell therapy redirected to specific antigens on tumor cells is a promising immunotherapy strategy for various cancers. Most target antigens are also expressed on normal tissues at varying levels, and therefore, a considerable challenge in the field is determining safety profiles, including life‐threatening off‐tumor and off‐target toxicities. The granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor receptor (hGMR) is a promising target for CAR T‐cell therapy for a subset of acute myelocytic leukaemia, although it is also expressed on normal cells including monocytes, macrophages, CD34‐positive haematopoietic cells and vascular endothelial cells. hGMR and other immune‐related proteins are highly conserved between humans and cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis). Therefore, in this study, we engineered cynomolgus T cells to express CAR molecules redirected to hGMR by piggyBac (PB) transposon‐based gene transfer and adoptively transferred autologous hGMR‐CAR T cells into cynomolgus macaques.

Methods

We established PB‐mediated human GMR (hGMR)‐specific CAR T cells using cynomolgus peripheral blood mononuclear cells and transferred them into autologous individuals, and evaluated the potential toxicity related to hGMR‐CAR T cells.

Results

hGMR‐CAR T cells did not exert overt organ toxicities such as bone marrow suppression, monocytopenia and vasculitis, although they recognised and killed cynomolgus monocytes and macrophages in vitro.

Conclusion

Although our model did not simulate a tumor‐bearing model, it supports the safety of hGMR‐CAR T cells and demonstrates the usefulness of a non‐human primate model to evaluate the safety of T‐cell products by assessing off‐tumor/off‐target toxicity before clinical trials.
The evolving landscape of predictive biomarkers in immuno‐oncology with a focus on spatial technologies
Authors: Sadeghi Rad Habib , Bazaz Sajad Razavi , Monkman James , Ebrahimi Warkiani Majid , Rezaei Nima , O'Byrne Ken , Kulasinghe Arutha
Published: November 2020

Immunotherapies have shown long‐lasting and unparalleled responses for cancer patients compared to conventional therapy. However, they seem to only be effective in a subset of patients. Therefore, it has become evident that a greater understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) is required to understand the nuances which may be at play for a favorable outcome to therapy. The immune contexture of the TME is an important factor in dictating how well a tumor may respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors. While traditional immunohistochemistry techniques allow for the profiling of cells in the tumor, this is often lost when tumors are analysed using bulk tissue genomic approaches. Moreover, the actual cellular proportions, cellular heterogeneity and deeper spatial distribution are lacking in characterisation. Advances in tissue interrogation technologies have given rise to spatially resolved characterisation of the TME. This review aims to provide an overview of the current methodologies that are used to profile the TME, which may provide insights into the immunopathology associated with a favorable outcome to immunotherapy.
Quantifying energetic and fitness consequences of seasonal heterothermy in an Arctic ungulate
Authors: Desforges Jean‐Pierre , van Beest Floris M. , Marques Gonçalo M. , Pedersen Stine H. , Beumer Larissa T. , Chimienti Marianna , Schmidt Niels Martin
Published: November 2020

Animals have adapted behavioral and physiological strategies to conserve energy during periods of adverse conditions. Heterothermy is one such adaptation used by endotherms. While heterothermy—fluctuations in body temperature and metabolic rate—has been shown in large vertebrates, little is known of the costs and benefits of this strategy, both in terms of energy and in terms of fitness. Hence, our objective was to model the energetics of seasonal heterothermy in the largest Arctic ungulate, the muskox (Ovibos moschatus), using an individual‐based energy budget model of metabolic physiology. We found that the empirically based drop in body temperature (winter max ~−0.8°C) overwinter in adult females resulted in substantial fitness benefits in terms of reduced daily energy expenditure and body mass loss. Body mass and energy reserves were 8.98% and 14.46% greater in modeled heterotherms compared to normotherms by end of winter. Based on environmental simulations, we show that seasonal heterothermy can, to some extent, buffer the negative consequences of poor prewinter body condition or reduced winter food accessibility, leading to greater winter survival (+20%–30%) and spring energy reserves (+10%–30%), and thus increased probability of future reproductive success. These results indicate substantial adaptive short‐term benefits of seasonal heterothermy at the individual level, with potential implications for long‐term population dynamics in highly seasonal environments.
Myocardial remodelling after withdrawing therapy for heart failure in patients with recovered dilated cardiomyopathy: insights from TRED‐HF
Authors: Halliday Brian P. , Owen Ruth , Gregson John , S. Vassiliou Vassilios , Chen Xiuyu , Wage Ricardo , Lota Amrit S. , Khalique Zohya , Tayal Upasana , Hammersley Daniel J. , Jones Richard E. , Baksi A. John , Cowie Martin R. , Cleland John G.F. , Pennell Dudley J. , Prasad Sanjay K.
Published: November 2020

Aims

To characterize adverse ventricular remodelling after withdrawing therapy in recovered dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

Methods and results

TRED‐HF was a randomized controlled trial with a follow‐on single‐arm cross‐over phase that examined the safety and feasibility of therapy withdrawal in patients with recovered DCM over 6 months. The primary endpoint was relapse of heart failure defined by (i) a reduction in left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction >10% and to <50%, (ii) >10% increase in LV end‐diastolic volume and to above the normal range, (iii) a twofold rise in N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide and to >400 ng/L, or (iv) evidence of heart failure. LV mass, LV and right ventricular (RV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) and extracellular volume were measured using cardiovascular magnetic resonance at baseline and follow‐up (6 months or relapse) for 48 patients. LV cell and extracellular matrix masses were derived. The effect of withdrawing therapy, stratified by relapse and genotype, was investigated in the randomized and follow‐on phases. In the randomized comparison, withdrawing therapy led to an increase in mean LV mass [5.4 g/m2; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3–9.5] and cell mass (4.2 g/m2; 95% CI 0.5–8.0) and a reduction in LV (3.5; 95% CI 1.6–5.5) and RV (2.4; 95% CI 0.1–4.7) GLS. In a non‐randomized comparison of all patients (n = 47) who had therapy withdrawn in either phase, there was an increase in LV mass (6.2 g/m2; 95% CI 3.6–8.9; P = 0.0001), cell mass (4.0 g/m2; 95% CI 1.8–6.2; P = 0.0007) and matrix mass (1.7 g/m2; 95% CI 0.7–2.6; P = 0.001) and a reduction in LV GLS (2.7; 95% CI 1.5–4.0; P = 0.0001). Amongst those who had therapy withdrawn and did not relapse, similar changes were observed (n = 28; LV mass: 5.1 g/m2, 95% CI 1.5–8.8, P = 0.007; cell mass: 3.7 g/m2, 95% CI 0.3–7.0, P = 0.03; matrix mass: 1.7 g/m2, 95% CI 0.4–3.0, P = 0.02; LV GLS: 1.7, 95% CI 0.1–3.2, P = 0.04). Patients with TTN variants (n = 10) who had therapy withdrawn had a greater increase in LV matrix mass (mean effect of TTN: 2.6 g/m2; 95% CI 0.4–4.8; P = 0.02).

Conclusion

In TRED‐HF, withdrawing therapy caused rapid remodelling, with early tissue and functional changes, even amongst patients who did not relapse.
Granulation Tissue Enhanced with Aspirin and Omega‐3 PUFAs as a Local Adjunct to the Surgical Treatment of Periodontitis
Authors: Hromcik Filip , Vokurka Jan , Kyr Michal , Izakovicova Holla Lydie
Published: November 2020

The topical application of aspirin and omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may trigger the resolution of inflammation by inducing the biosynthesis of pro‐resolvers such as lipoxins and resolvins while also avoiding the side effects of systemic aspirin intake. This study assessed the effect of enhanced granulation tissue (EGT) on periodontal tissue regeneration through the local application of aspirin and omega‐3 PUFAs directly to granulation tissue (GT) during periodontal surgery. This randomized controlled experiment assesses 38 pockets in 19 patients. In every patient, two similar intrabony periodontal defects are treated with an open flap debridement, one with EGT (GT extracted, enhanced with aspirin and omega‐3 PUFAs, and replaced) and the other with standard GT removal. Clinical attachment level (CAL) and probing pocket depth (PPD) are assessed at baseline and 2 and 6 months after surgery. The experimental protocol (EGT) results in a greater CAL gain as compared to that in the controls at 6 months (p < 0.05), while PPD reduction is not affected. The retained GT does not compromise healing. EGT is proposed as a promising, inexpensive, and simple method that may improve the outcome of periodontal regenerative treatment. However, the described protocol requires optimization and further assessment.

Practical Applications: The biosynthesis of mediators including resolvins and lipoxins triggered by aspirin and omega‐3 PUFAs promote the resolution of inflammation, eventually leading to faster regeneration of inflamed tissues. While granulation tissue is a necessary component in wound healing, enhancing granulation tissue with aspirin and omega‐3 PUFAs results in CAL gain in the surgical treatment of periodontal defects. Retained granulation tissue does not compromise periodontal healing. The EGT strategy is an inexpensive and simple method that may improve the clinical outcomes of regenerative periodontal procedures.
Fatigue and its associated risk factors among shift workers: A systematic review
Authors: Abu Hanifah M. S. , Ismail Norazura
Published: November 2020

Shift workers in various occupations are at risk of getting fatigued due to the nature of their work. This study provides a systematic outline of the occurrence of fatigue and its risk factors for shift workers in various industries worldwide within the decade. A systematic review from five literature databases was searched using three keywords, namely fatigue, shift work, and shift workers. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines were used, and two reviewers reviewed the titles separately, picked abstracts, full texts, and checked their quality based on the predefined criteria. The search strategy for initial literature resulted in 3829 potential articles, but only 29 articles were included in this review. Differences in the definition of fatigue and the assessment method used were found to have resulted in the different prevalence of fatigue from various studied occupations. Eighteen risk factors divided into sociodemographic, work‐related, and outside of work factors were found. This review demonstrates that fatigue is a significant issue for shift workers with various risk factors involved. Future research in regard to the epidemiology of fatigue should focus on related risk factors. Thus, an appropriate intervention program to reduce fatigue could be developed and executed effectively towards lowering fatigue cases among shift workers.
Mortality in patients with hepatic gas on point‐of‐care ultrasound in cardiac arrest: Does location matter?
Authors: Ramamurti Pradip , Yamane David , Desai Sajani , Boniface Keith , Drake Aaran
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Prior research has suggested an association of hepatic venous gas with mortality in cardiac arrest. As point of care ultrasound (POCUS) is frequently used in the context of resuscitation, we sought to evaluate if the presence of hepatic gas on POCUS had a similar mortality association.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted of patients who experienced nontraumatic cardiac arrest. Archived ultrasound images were independently reviewed to determine the presence of gas in the hepatic parenchyma and vasculature. Electronic medical records were then reviewed to collect remaining clinical data.

Results

From 1 January 2017 through 16 June 2019, 87 patients met inclusion criteria. Among them, 68 (78.2%) patients died. Among those who died, 40 (58.8%) had hepatic gas, while 28 (41.2%) had none. Only a single survivor demonstrated hepatic venous gas (11%). While the difference in mortality with respect to presence of undifferentiated hepatic gas was not significant (P = .37), there was a significant difference with respect to the presence of venous gas (P = .004).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that the incidence of postarrest hepatic gas on POCUS was common, and that the presence of hepatic venous gas during cardiac resuscitation was associated with increased mortality, while hepatic parenchymal gas alone was not.
Prevalence of nonsuppressed viral load and associated factors among HIV‐positive adults receiving antiretroviral therapy in Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe (2015 to 2017): results from population‐based nationally representative surveys
Authors: Haas Andreas D , Radin Elizabeth , Hakim Avi J , Jahn Andreas , Philip Neena M , Jonnalagadda Sasi , Saito Suzue , Low Andrea , Patel Hetal , Schwitters Amee M , Rogers John H , Frederix Koen , Kim Evelyn , Bello George , Williams Daniel B , Parekh Bharat , Sachathep Karampreet , Barradas Danielle T , Kalua Thokozani , Birhanu Sehin , Musuka Godfrey , Mugurungi Owen , Tippett Barr Beth A , Sleeman Katrina , Mulenga Lloyd B , Thin Kyaw , Ao Trong T , Brown Kristin , Voetsch Andrew C , Justman Jessica E
Published: November 2020

Introduction

The global target for 2020 is that ≥90% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) will achieve viral load suppression (VLS). We examined VLS and its determinants among adults receiving ART for at least four months.

Methods

We analysed data from the population‐based HIV impact assessment (PHIA) surveys in Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe (2015 to 2017). PHIA surveys are nationally representative, cross‐sectional household surveys. Data collection included structured interviews, home‐based HIV testing and laboratory testing. Blood samples from PLHIV were analysed for HIV RNA, CD4 counts and recent exposure to antiretroviral drugs (ARVs). We calculated representative estimates for the prevalence of VLS (viral load <1000 copies/mL), nonsuppressed viral load (NVL; viral load ≥1000 copies/mL), virologic failure (VF; ARVs present and viral load ≥1000 copies/mL), interrupted ART (ARVs absent and viral load ≥1000 copies/mL) and rates of switching to second‐line ART (protease inhibitors present) among PLHIV aged 15 to 59 years who participated in the PHIA surveys in Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe, initiated ART at least four months before the survey and were receiving ART at the time of the survey (according to self‐report or ARV testing). We calculated odds ratios and incidence rate ratios for factors associated with NVL, VF, interrupted ART, and switching to second‐line ART.

Results

We included 9200 adults receiving ART of whom 88.8% had VLS and 11.2% had NVL including 8.2% who experienced VF and 3.0% who interrupted ART. Younger age, male sex, less education, suboptimal adherence, receiving nevirapine, HIV non‐disclosure, never having married and residing in Zimbabwe, Lesotho or Zambia were associated with higher odds of NVL. Among people with NVL, marriage, female sex, shorter ART duration, higher CD4 count and alcohol use were associated with lower odds for VF and higher odds for interrupted ART. Many people with VF (44.8%) had CD4 counts <200 cells/µL, but few (0.31% per year) switched to second‐line ART.

Conclusions

Countries are approaching global VLS targets for adults. Treatment support, in particular for younger adults, and people with higher CD4 counts, and switching of people to protease inhibitor‐ or integrase inhibitor‐based regimens may further reduce NVL prevalence.
Combination of Surfactant Action with Peroxide Activation for Room‐Temperature Cleaning of Textiles
Authors: Shao Dongyan , Liu Gansheng , Chen Hao , Xu Changhai , Du Jinmei
Published: November 2020

Room‐temperature cleaning of textiles is commonly practiced in many countries for energy saving as well as custom in daily life, but not very effective for removing colored contaminants. In this work, it was proposed to combine surfactant action (SA) with peroxide activation (PA) in a peroxide activator to enable cleaning of textiles at room temperature. N‐[4‐(alkyldimethylammoniomethyl)benzoyl]lactam chloride was designed and synthesized as a prototype of the proposed peroxide activator, in which the alkyl chain with a carbon atom number of n was responsible for surfactant action and the N‐benzoyllactam with a carbon atom number of m in the lactam ring was responsible for peroxide activation. Such a peroxide activator was hereby referred to as SAPAm‐n. The room‐temperature cleaning performance of SAPAm‐n was examined by cotton fabrics contaminated with morin and waste engine oil, respectively. It was found that SAPAm‐n was able to activate hydrogen peroxide released from sodium perborate so as to effectively bleach the morin‐contaminated cotton fabric at room temperature. Though extending the alkyl chain length of SAPAm‐n resulted in no apparent effect on the room‐temperature bleaching performance, it enhanced the surfactant action which contributed to removing oily contaminants from textiles. Color‐safe performance of SAPAm‐n was evaluated by cleaning a dyed cotton fabric at room temperature. It was found that the peroxide bleach activated by SAPAm‐n resulted in no apparent color change of the dyed cotton fabric. The results of this study provide new insights on textile cleaning at room temperature for the purpose of energy saving.