bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of super‐enhancer‐associated functional lncRNAs acting as ceRNAs in ESCC
Authors: Wang Qiu‐Yu , Peng Liu , Chen Yang , Liao Lian‐Di , Chen Jia‐Xin , Li Meng , Li Yan‐Yu , Qian Feng‐Cui , Zhang Yue‐Xin , Wang Fan , Li Chun‐Quan , Lin De‐Chen , Xu Li‐Yan , Li En‐Min
Published: May 2020

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have important regulatory roles in cancer biology. Although some lncRNAs have well‐characterized functions, the vast majority of this class of molecules remains functionally uncharacterized. To systematically pinpoint functional lncRNAs, a computational approach was proposed for identification of lncRNA‐mediated competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) through combining global and local regulatory direction consistency of expression. Using esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) as model, we further identified many known and novel functional lncRNAs acting as ceRNAs (ce‐lncRNAs). We found that most of them significantly regulated the expression of cancer‐related hallmark genes. These ce‐lncRNAs were significantly regulated by enhancers, especially super‐enhancers (SEs). Landscape analyses for lncRNAs further identified SE‐associated functional ce‐lncRNAs in ESCC, such as HOTAIR, XIST, SNHG5, and LINC00094. THZ1, a specific CDK7 inhibitor, can result in global transcriptional downregulation of SE‐associated ce‐lncRNAs. We further demonstrate that a SE‐associated ce‐lncRNA, LINC00094 can be activated by transcription factors TCF3 and KLF5 through binding to SE regions and promoted ESCC cancer cell growth. THZ1 downregulated expression of LINC00094 through inhibiting TCF3 and KLF5. Our data demonstrated the important roles of SE‐associated ce‐lncRNAs in ESCC oncogenesis and might serve as targets for ESCC diagnosis and therapy.
Three‐dimensional printing in radiation oncology: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Rooney Michael K. , Rosenberg David M. , Braunstein Steve , Cunha Adam , Damato Antonio L. , Ehler Eric , Pawlicki Todd , Robar James , Tatebe Ken , Golden Daniel W.
Published: May 2020

Purpose/objectives

Three‐dimensional (3D) printing is recognized as an effective clinical and educational tool in procedurally intensive specialties. However, it has a nascent role in radiation oncology. The goal of this investigation is to clarify the extent to which 3D printing applications are currently being used in radiation oncology through a systematic review of the literature.

Materials/methods

A search protocol was defined according to preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Included articles were evaluated using parameters of interest including: year and country of publication, experimental design, sample size for clinical studies, radiation oncology topic, reported outcomes, and implementation barriers or safety concerns.

Results

One hundred and three publications from 2012 to 2019 met inclusion criteria. The most commonly described 3D printing applications included quality assurance phantoms (26%), brachytherapy applicators (20%), bolus (17%), preclinical animal irradiation (10%), compensators (7%), and immobilization devices (5%). Most studies were preclinical feasibility studies (63%), with few clinical investigations such as case reports or series (13%) or cohort studies (11%). The most common applications evaluated within clinical settings included brachytherapy applicators (44%) and bolus (28%). Sample sizes for clinical investigations were small (median 10, range 1–42). A minority of articles described basic or translational research (11%) and workflow or cost evaluation studies (3%). The number of articles increased over time (P < 0.0001). While outcomes were heterogeneous, most studies reported successful implementation of accurate and cost‐effective 3D printing methods.

Conclusions

Three‐dimensional printing is rapidly growing in radiation oncology and has been implemented effectively in a diverse array of applications. Although the number of 3D printing publications has steadily risen, the majority of current reports are preclinical in nature and the few clinical studies that do exist report on small sample sizes. Further dissemination of ongoing investigations describing the clinical application of developed 3D printing technologies in larger cohorts is warranted.
Multiresonant Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitters Based on Heteroatom‐Doped Nanographenes: Recent Advances and Prospects for Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Madayanad Suresh Subeesh , Hall David , Beljonne David , Olivier Yoann , Zysman‐Colman Eli
Published: May 2020

Since the first report in 2015, multiresonant thermally activated delayed fluorescent (MR‐TADF) compounds, a subclass of TADF emitters based on a heteroatom‐doped nanographene material, have come to the fore as attractive hosts as well as emitters for organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). MR‐TADF compounds typically show very narrow‐band emission, high photoluminescence quantum yields, and small ΔEST values, typically around 200 meV, coupled with high chemical and thermal stabilities. These materials properties have translated into some of the best reported deep‐blue TADF OLEDs. Here, a detailed review of MR‐TADF compounds and their derivatives reported so far is presented. This review comprehensively documents all MR‐TADF compounds, with a focus on the synthesis, optoelectronic behavior, and OLED performance. In addition, computational approaches are surveyed to accurately model the excited state properties of these compounds.
Designing Outside the Box: Unlocking the Geometric Freedom of Melt Electrowriting using Microscale Layer Shifting
Authors: Liashenko Ievgenii , Hrynevich Andrei , Dalton Paul D.
Published: May 2020

Melt electrowriting, a high‐resolution additive manufacturing technology, has so far been developed with vertical stacking of fiber layers, with a printing trajectory that is constant for each layer. In this work, microscale layer shifting is introduced through deliberately offsetting the printing trajectory for each printed layer. Inaccuracies during the printing of sinusoidal walls are corrected via layer shifting, resulting in accurate control of their geometry and mechanical properties. Furthermore, more substantial layer shifting allows stacking of fiber layers in a horizontal manner, overcoming the electrostatic autofocusing effect that favors vertical layer stacking. Novel nonlinear geometries, such as overhangs, wall texturing and branching, and smooth and abrupt changes in printing trajectory are presented, demonstrating the flexibility of the layer shifting approach beyond the state‐of‐the‐art. The practice of microscale layer shifting for melt electrowriting enables more complex geometries that promise to have a profound impact on the development of products in a broad range of applications.
Enhanced Brightness and Device Lifetime of Quantum Dot Light‐Emitting Diodes by Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Kim Gi‐Hwan , Noh Kyeongchan , Han Jisu , Kim Minsu , Oh Nuri , Lee Woongkyu , Na Hyon Bin , Shin Chansun , Yoon Tae‐Sik , Lim Jaehoon , Cho Seong‐Yong
Published: May 2020

Colloidal quantum dot light‐emitting diodes (QD‐LEDs) are one of the future emissive displays, but understanding charge transport mechanism at the interface and improving charge balances in the device are key challenges to the commercialization of QD‐LED. In this study, the ZnO interlayer is introduced by atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique to enhance the performance and lifetime of green‐emitting CdZnSeS/ZnS core/shell QD‐LEDs. Atomic force microscopy images of QD layer reveal that the thin film of ZnO deposited by ALD reduces the root‐mean‐square (RMS) roughness of the QD film to less than 2 nm, even though the average diameter of the individual QDs is about 10.9 nm, which results in the suppression of excess electron transport in QD‐LED devices. The enhanced performance (an improvement of maximum luminescence from 70 000 to 160 000 cd m−2) and operational stability (an improvement of operation lifetime from 20 to 61.5 h at 5000 cd m−2) of the QD‐LEDs result from the formation of the smoother interface between the QD and electron transport layers, which is indicated by deposition of thicker ALD ZnO or deposition of ALD ZnO after coating the ZnO nanoparticles as an electron transport layer.
A Potential Checkmate to Lead: Bismuth in Organometal Halide Perovskites, Structure, Properties, and Applications
Authors: Attique Sanam , Ali Nasir , Ali Shahid , Khatoon Rabia , Li Na , Khesro Amir , Rauf Sajid , Yang Shikuan , Wu Huizhen
Published: May 2020

The remarkable optoelectronic properties and considerable performance of the organo lead‐halide perovskites (PVKs) in various optoelectronic applications grasp tremendous scientific attention. However, the existence of the toxic lead in these compounds is threatening human health and remains a major concern in the way of their commercialization. To address this issue, numerous nontoxic alternatives have been reported. Among these alternatives, bismuth‐based PVKs have emerged as a promising substitute because of similar optoelectronic properties and extended environmental stability. This work communicates briefly about the possible lead‐alternatives and explores bismuth‐based perovskites comprehensively, in terms of their structures, optoelectronic properties, and applications. A brief description of lead‐toxification is provided and the possible Pb‐alternatives from the periodic table are scrutinized. Then, the classification and crystal structures of various Bi‐based perovskites are elaborated on. Detailed optoelectronic properties of Bi‐based perovskites are also described and their optoelectronic applications are abridged. The overall photovoltaic applications along with device characteristics (i.e., VOC, JSC, fill factor, FF, and power conversion efficiency, PCE), fabrication method, device architecture, and operational stability are also summarized. Finally, a conclusion is drawn where a brief outlook highlights the challenges that hamper the future progress of Bi‐based optoelectronic devices and suggestions for future directions are provided.
Hyperspectral monitor on chlorophyll density in winter wheat under water stress
Authors: Xie Yongkai , Feng Meichen , Wang Chao , Yang Wude , Sun Hui , Yang Chenbo , Jing Binghan , Qiao Xingxing , Saleem Kubar Muhammad , Song Jinyao
Published: May 2020

Lack of water can lead lower chlorophyll concentrations and yields. Based on the hyperspectral reflectance of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), we analyzed the relationship between the canopy hyperspectral reflectance and the water‐stressed winter wheat. The correlation analysis (CA), partial least squares regression (PLSR), and successive progressions algorithm (SPA) were used to extract the important bands. Then the hyperspectral estimation models for chlorophyll density (ChD) by characteristic variables were established. The results showed that the reflectance in the visible regions increased gradually with an increasing water stress. In the near‐infrared (NIR) region, reflectance decreased with stress intensity. We extracted five and seven important waveband regions by CA and PLSR. Then we extracted right and nine important bands through SMLR, and 11 important bands were extracted by the method of SPA. We found that 427, 434, 749, and 814 nm contained important information about ChD of winter wheat after water stress. The model established by CA+SMLR was generally realized, whereas the ChD estimation models established by PLSR+SMLR and SPA with multiple linear regression had better performance, and the performance of the validation model was accurate and robust. The results of this study could provide theoretical basis and practical reference for accurate estimation of ChD in winter wheat after water stress.
Experimental study and modeling of organic solvent reverse osmosis separations through organosilica membranes
Authors: Dong Guanying , Nagasawa Hiroki , Kanezashi Masakoto , Tsuru Toshinori
Published: May 2020

Exceptionally stable, mechanically robust, and highly methanol‐selective organosilica membranes, including Bis(triethoxysiyl)acetylene (BTESA), fluorine‐doped bis(triethoxysiyl) methane (F‐BTESM), and Cetyltrimethylammonium chloride‐etched bis(trimethoxysiyl)hexane (CTAC‐BTMSH), were prepared and utilized for organic solvent reverse osmosis (OSRO) separations. The BTESA membrane showed optimal separation performance regarding methanol/toluene and possessed the highest levels of both permeation flux and rejection. Continuous measurements were performed to highlight the molecule size/shape discrimination of BTESA membranes using compounds such as methanol/methyl acetate, methanol/dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and methanol/methyl tert‐butyl ether (MTBE). Also, a generalized solution‐diffusion model was successful in predicting the permeation behaviors through organosilica membranes when used in an OSRO modality, and proved to be capable of accurate predictions on pressure‐dependent permeation flux and rejection for a wide range of feed concentrations (0–55 wt%) and pressures (2–14 MPa). This study lends important insight for the development of organosilica membranes and process design for the energy‐efficient OSRO separation of organic liquids.
Bidirectional Propulsion of Arc‐Shaped Microswimmers Driven by Precessing Magnetic Fields
Authors: Mohanty Sumit , Jin Qianru , Furtado Guilherme Phillips , Ghosh Arijit , Pahapale Gayatri , Khalil Islam S. M. , Gracias David H. , Misra Sarthak
Published: May 2020

The development of magnetically powered microswimmers that mimic the swimming mechanisms of microorganisms is important for lab‐on‐a‐chip devices, robotics, and next‐generation minimally invasive surgical interventions. Governed by their design, most previously described untethered swimmers can be maneuvered only by varying the direction of applied rotational magnetic fields. This constraint makes even state‐of‐the‐art swimmers incapable of reversing their direction of motion without a prior change in the direction of field rotation, which limits their autonomy and ability to adapt to their environments. Also, due to constant magnetization profiles, swarms of magnetic swimmers respond in the same manner, which limits multiagent control only to parallel formations. Herein, a new class of microswimmers are presented which are capable of reversing their direction of swimming without requiring a reversal in direction of field rotation. These swimmers exploit heterogeneity in their design and composition to exhibit reversible bidirectional motion determined by the field precession angle. Thus, the precession angle is used as an independent control input for bidirectional swimming. Design variability is explored in the systematic study of two swimmer designs with different constructions. Two different precession angles are observed for motion reversal, which is exploited to demonstrate independent control of the two swimmer designs.
Factors affecting attitudes toward migrants—An evolutionary approach
Authors: Schahbasi Alexander , Huber Susanne , Fieder Martin
Published: May 2020

Objective

To understand migration from an evolutionary perspective, this phenomenon has so far been mainly investigated in animal species. We therefore aim to investigate the potential evolutionary roots of attitudes toward migrants in humans.

Methods

We used data from the European Social Survey (n = 83 734), analyzing attitudes toward migrants by performing ordinal mixed models.

Results

We found that men have a more restrictive attitude toward migration than women, which increases with age and is stronger with a child in the household. Attitude toward migrants is also more skeptical if migrants have a different ethnicity and are from poorer countries. Increasing education and religiousness are associated with a more positive attitude toward migrants, particularly toward migrants of different ethnicity and from poorer countries.

Discussion

Although migration flows are a hallmark of the human species, previous findings suggest that (pre‐)historic migration flows were at times accompanied by conflict and violence, while at the same time, they insured survival by allowing cultural exchange and the avoidance of inbreeding. Accordingly, we assume that contemporary attitudes toward migration are rooted in our evolutionary past. We discuss the respective behavioral patterns from an evolutionary perspective, arguing that both—a negative attitude as well as openness—make sense.
Fortification of Skim Milk with Nanoliposomes Loaded with Shrimp Oil: Properties and Storage Stability
Authors: Gulzar Saqib , Benjakul Soottawat
Published: May 2020

Shrimp oil nanoliposomes (SONL) were fortified into skim milk at various levels (2–10%, v/v), followed by pasteurization at 63 °C for 30 min. Skim milk showed lowered whiteness but increased redness and yellowness as SONL levels added increased (P < 0.05). Viscosity of fortified samples was also augmented with increasing levels of SONL (P < 0.05). Sensory analysis indicated that fortified milk skim samples had no perceivable fishy odor and were organoleptically acceptable. When skim milk fortified with 10% SONL was stored up to 15 days at 4 °C, the microbial load was less than 2.54 log CFU mL−1. The pH and acidity values were also within the acceptable limits. As measured by peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), shrimp oil in SONL did not undergo oxidation during the extended storage. The fatty acid profile of shrimp oil revealed no loss of polyunsaturated fatty acids taken place during the storage of fortified milk. Therefore, nanoliposomes could be an effective carrier for shrimp oil to be fortified in skim milk.
Improving the toughness of polycyanate ester by adding epoxy pre‐polymer with different molecular weights
Authors: Huang Jianguang , Li Peng , Hu Weihong , Du Ruikui , Zhao Guizhe , Wang Zhi
Published: May 2020

The toughness of polycyanate ester is improved by adding epoxy pre‐polymer with varying molecular weights. The curing mechanism of epoxy prepolymer (PreEP) and cyanate ester (CE) is discussed based on differential scanning calorimeters and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. The mechanical, phase separated structures and thermal properties of PreEP/CE are also evaluated. It is found that the molecular weight of PreEP can reach 1,800 when it is cured at 90°C for 45 min by using a set amount of polyetheramine. Meanwhile, by increasing the molecular weight of the prepolymer, the mechanical properties of PreEP/CE show increased first, and then decreased. 0.2 PreEP/CE has the highest bending strength and impact strength (105.8 MPa and 18.3 kJ·m−2). There are 26.7 and 114.5% higher than those of polycyanate ester, respectively. The tougher PreEP/CE is attributable to the phase‐separated structures and the decrease in the cross‐linked product (Oxazolidinone) in PreEP and CE. The method showed in this article provides a new way to improve the toughness properties of thermoset resin.
Construction of an in situ interfacial layer for aramid fiber reinforced styrene butadiene rubber composites
Authors: Zhong Jincheng , Luo Zhu , Yang Le , Sheng Xiang , Li Xiaolong , Yin Lianpeng , Yang Bo
Published: May 2020

In this work, the in situ interface layer composite was prepared by using the coating agent dispersion. Aramid fiber (AF) was modified with lithium chloride aqueous solution, and then coated with the blends of a low‐molecular weight maleated polybutadiene liquid rubber (MLPB), the epoxy resin (E51), and 2‐ethyl‐4‐methylimidazole (2E4MZ). The in situ interface layer was formed via the reaction of epoxy group with anhydride group in the presence of the accelerator 2E4MZ and covulcanization of MLPB with styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) in the process of preparing vulcanized AF reinforced SBR. It can be seen from analysis of scanning electronic microscopy, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared, and thermogravimetric analysis that the in situ interfacial layer was a uniform and dense interfacial layer on the fiber surface and was not be destroyed during processing. The results of the dynamic mechanical analysis and mechanical properties showed that the in situ interface layer formed in processing had higher flexibility and better integrity than the interface layer prepared before processing, which is favorable for stress relaxation, and the in situ interface layer imparts better tensile strength and tear strength to the composite. The 100% modulus of composites with in situ interface layers was 14.6% higher than that of composites prepared without uncoated AF.
DNA–RNA complementation on silicon wafer for thyroid cancer determination
Authors: Gopinath Subash C.B. , Xuan Shijin
Published: May 2020

One of the current issues with thyroid tumor is early diagnosis as it makes the higher possibility of curing. This research was focused to detect and quantify the level of specific target sequence complementation of miR‐222 with capture DNA sequence on interdigitated electrode (IDE) sensor. The aluminum electrode with the gap and finger sizes of 10 µm was fabricated on silicon wafer, further the surface was amine‐functionalized for accommodating carboxylated‐DNA probe. With DNA‐target RNA complementation, the detection limit was attained to be 1 fM as estimated by a linear regression analysis [y = 1.5325x ‐ 2.1171 R² = 0.9065] and the sensitivity was at the similar level. Current responses were higher by increasing the target RNA sequence concentrations. Control experiments with mismatched/noncomplementary sequences were failed to complement the capture DNA sequence immobilized on IDE, indicating the specific target validation. This research helps diagnosing and identifying the progression with thyroid tumor and miRNA being a potential “marker” in atypia diagnosis.
A blueprint for general‐case procedures illustrated by teaching adolescents with autism spectrum disorder to use a chip‐debit card
Authors: Milata Eileen M. , Reeve Sharon A. , Reeve Kenneth F. , Dickson Chata A.
Published: May 2020

Individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often respond poorly to novel stimulus combinations and may have difficulty discriminating across critical and noncritical stimulus dimensions without direct teaching. General‐case procedures and multiple‐exemplar training have been effectively used to address this deficit. In the current study, the experimenters outlined general‐case procedures with video modeling, prompting and reinforcement to teach three adolescents with ASD a generalized repertoire of using a chip‐debit card. A multiple‐probe across participants design demonstrated the effectiveness of these procedures. All participants acquired the skill, responding generalized from simulated teaching materials to four novel automatic payment machines, and maintained 4 weeks following teaching. Implications of using these general‐case procedures as a blueprint for future researchers to reference when teaching individuals with ASD a generalized repertoire of any skill are discussed.
Investigation of Plasma cell‐free cancer genome chromosomal instability as a tool for targeted minimally invasive biomarkers for primary liver cancer diagnoses
Authors: Feng Shuang , Ding Zhiwen , Wang Jin , Qian Ziliang , Li Shanshan , Zhang Cunzhen , Xin Haibei , Liu Shupeng , Ding Guanghui , Hu Minggen , Meng Yan , Li Nan
Published: May 2020

Purpose

To characterize plasma cell‐free cancer genome chromosomal instabilities (CIN) in patients with liver cancer and to evaluate the potential of CIN as minimally invasive biomarkers for primary liver cancer (PLC) diagnoses.

Experimental Design

We collected 196 plasma samples from 172 individuals in two cohorts, a discovery cohort of surgery ineligible PLC patients and a validation cohort of hepatectomy patients with pathological disease confirmations. All samples were subjected to HiSeq X10 sequencing followed by a customized bioinformatics workflow Ultrasensitive Chromosome Aneuploidy Detection (UCAD).

Results

In the discovery cohort, 29 significant copy number changes were identified in plasma from surgery‐ineligible PLC. Twenty‐two (95.7%) surgery‐ineligible liver cancers were identified as harboring copy number changes in at least 1 of 29 segments. Meanwhile 40/41 (97.6%) noncancers harbored no changes. In the validation cohort, 54 (69.4%) surgery‐eligible liver cancers were identified with positive screening, all of which were subsequently confirmed as cancer by pathological examination. Moreover, 26/27 = 96.3% noncancers were identified with negative screening. UCAD‐positive screening was significantly associated with microvascular invasion (OR > 10, 95% CI:[2.53,]), tumor stages B and C (OR = 8.59, 95% CI [1.07, 400]), and tumor size ≥ 3 cm (OR = 5.68, 95% CI [1.43, 28.1]). Furthermore, we collected 29 followed‐up plasma samples from 19 postsurgery patients. Nine (31.0%) postsurgery samples from 6 (31.5%) patients were identified with positive screening. Among them, 3 patients (50.0%) with positive screening were then confirmed as having disease recurrences.

Conclusions

In addition to AFP, plasma cell‐free DNA sequencing is a useful tool for primary liver cancer diagnoses.
Novel recombinant coxsackievirus B3 with genetically inserted basic peptide elicits robust antitumor activity against lung cancer
Authors: Cai Ligang , Liu Zhiyi
Published: May 2020

Cancer therapy that utilizes oncolytic virus may offer an exciting alternative, and coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) is a potent oncolytic virus. This study was to assess the oncolytic activities of novel recombinant CVB3 with genetically inserted basic peptides in lung cancer. Recombinant CVB3 was produced in Vero cells, with or without genetically inserted basic peptides. In vitro and in vivo experiments with nude mouse models bearing human lung carcinoma xenografts were performed to examine the antitumor activities. Cytokines and immune responses to the recombinant CVB3 were determined in cynomolgus monkeys. Recombinant CVB3 with genetically inserted basic peptides was associated with significantly higher pH values within tumors. Mice treated with recombinant CVB3 showed significantly less tumor progression, and recombinant CVB3 with genetically inserted basic peptides appeared to enhance tumor suppression. Recombinant CVB3 was associated with significantly less proliferation of various lung cancer cells without affecting proliferation of normal lung fibroblasts. The cytokine profiles of the cynomolgus monkeys were comparable among control group (normal saline solution) and those given recombinant CVB3 with or without fused basic peptides, with no induction of excessive cytokine or immune responses. In conclusions, recombinant CVB3, especially those with fused basic peptides, possess strong antitumor activities without eliciting excessive immune responses.
Circulating activated lymphocyte subsets as potential blood biomarkers of cancer progression
Authors: Wang Ying‐Yi , Zhou Na , Liu Hong‐sheng , Gong Xiao‐Lei , Zhu Rui , Li Xiao‐Yuan , Sun Zhao , Zong Xu‐Hong , Li Ning‐Ning , Meng Chang‐Ting , Bai Chun‐Mei , Li Tai‐Sheng
Published: May 2020

The objective of this study was to predict the value of lymphocyte subsets in cancer progression. Peripheral blood was obtained from 327 untreated patients with cancer and 158 healthy volunteers. Levels of lymphocyte subsets were determined by flow cytometry. There were decreased levels of natural killer (NK) cells, CD8+ T cells, and naïve CD4+/CD4+ T cells in untreated patients with cancer compared to those in healthy controls. Inversely, there were elevated levels of the following T‐cell percentages in cancer patients compared to those in healthy controls: memory CD4+/CD4+, CD8+ T cells, HLA‐DR/CD8+, CD8+ CD38+/CD8+, and CD4+/CD8+. In addition, there are a decreasing trend in terms of CD4+ T‐cell counts and an increase CD8+ HLA‐DR/CD8+ T‐cell and CD8+ CD38+/CD8+ T‐cell percentages in the advanced stage. An increasing trend with advanced tumor stage and the percentages of CD8+ HLA‐DR/CD8+ T cells and CD8+ CD38+/CD8+ T cells was shown in this study. There are a negative correlation for CD4+ T‐cell counts and positive correlation for percentages of CD8+ HLA‐DR/CD8+ T cell and CD8+ CD38+/CD8+ T cells with the lymph node metastasis. In the presence of distant metastatic spread, we observed higher NK‐cell counts, CD8+ HLA‐DR/CD8+ T‐cell percentages, CD8+ CD38+/CD8+ T‐cell percentages, as well as lower CD4+ T‐cell counts than those in the absence of distant metastases spread. Abnormal levels of NK cell, CD8+ T cells, memory CD4+/CD4+, naïve CD4+/ CD4+, CD8+ HLA‐DR/CD8+, CD8+ CD38+/CD8+, and CD4+/CD8+ can be a potential blood biomarkers of cancer development. CD4+ T‐cell counts and percentages of CD8+ HLA‐DR/ CD8+ and CD8+ CD38+/ CD8+ can predict the cancer progression.
Phytochemical Profiles and Antioxidant Activity of Rehmannia glutinosa from Different Production Locations
Authors: Liu Wei , Yin Dong‐Xue , Zhang Tong , Qiao Qi , Yang Yue‐Qin , Wang Wen‐Lu
Published: May 2020

The chemical components and antioxidant activity of 16 Rehmannia glutinosa samples were investigated to reveal the high‐quality raw resource for pharmaceutical products. 22 main chemical components were detected with significant content differences (P<0.05). The contents of 14 substances reached the maximum in S1 sample such as catalpol (6.74 mg g−1), rehmaionoside A (1.93 mg g−1) and rehmannioside D (5.13 mg g−1). However, the content distribution of the other eight substances had no obvious change regulation. Three antioxidant evaluation methods commonly showed that S1 sample had strong antioxidant activity with a low IC50 value of 0.022 mg mL−1, a high ABTS value of 524.196 μmol equiv. Trolox g−1, and a high FRAP value of 200.517 μmol equiv. Trolox g−1. Considered the medicinal value, S1 had high quality based on the present phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activity. These results also indicated that the root extracts of R. glutinosa could become useful supplement for pharmaceutical products as new antioxidant agents.
Catalytically Active Co−Nx Species Stabilized on Nitrogen‐doped Porous Carbon for Efficient Hydrogenation and Dehydrogenation of N‐heteroarenes
Authors: Xu Dan , Zhao Hong , Dong Zhengping , Ma Jiantai
Published: May 2020

The development of bifunctional, highly active and stable non‐noble‐metal catalysts is important for synthetic chemistry. In this study, a highly dispersed Co catalyst stabilized on the mesoporous N‐doped carbon layers was prepared by adsorption and pyrolysis of cobalt complex on dendritic fibrous silica nanospheres (KCC‐1@Co−N−C−T). The characterizations of HAADF‐STEM, XRD and XPS together with the KSCN poisoning tests determine the absence of Co0 or CoOx nanoparticles and suggest that the Co−Nx species are the active sites. The formation of Co−Nx species results from the properties of N‐rich cobalt‐phenanthroline complex and dendritic fibrous silica supports, increasing the original spatial distance between Co atoms and thus preventing them from aggregation. The KCC‐1@Co−N−C‐800 catalyst showed excellent activity and selectivity for the oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of saturated N‐heterocycles and base‐free catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) of unsaturated N‐heterocycles.
Microwave‐Assisted Esterification of Oleic Acid Using an Ionic Liquid Catalyst
Authors: Bölük Servet , Sönmez Özgür
Published: May 2020

The combination of 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate ([Bmim]HSO4) ionic liquid (IL) and microwave heating was used to esterify oleic acid as a green approach in biodiesel synthesis. To compare the heating systems, conventional heating and the ultrasonic method were employed but the microwave method was found to be more effective. H2SO4 and 1‐methyl imidazole hydrogen sulfate ([Hmim]HSO4) were also used in the esterification of oleic acid and their catalytic activities were compared to that of [Bmim]HSO4. ILs provided some advantages such as reusability, easy recyclability, and very stable activity. There was only a small decrease in the catalytic activity of [Bmim]HSO4 after four successive applications, which means that ILs can be reused, contrary to homogeneous catalysts. The combination of IL catalysts and microwave irradiation proved to be a potential alternative method for biodiesel production.
Effective Removal and Mineralization of 8‐Hydroxyquinoline‐5‐sulfonic Acid through a Pressurized Electro‐Fenton‐like Process with Ni−Cu−Al Layered Double Hydroxide
Authors: Hamdi Najwa , Proietto Federica , Ben Amor Hédi , Galia Alessandro , Inguanta Rosalinda , Ammar Salah , Gadri Abdellatif , Scialdone Onofrio
Published: May 2020

Ni−Cu−Al layered double hydroxide (Ni−Cu−Al LDH) was proposed as an electro‐Fenton‐like catalyst for 8‐hydroxyquinoline‐5‐sulfonic acid (8‐HQS) removal in water. The properties of the prepared catalysts were characterized by using X‐ray, SEM and EDAX analyses. The effect of numerous operative parameters on the removal of 8‐HQS and total organic carbon (TOC) was studied. Very high level removal of both 8‐HQS and TOC (87 and 79 %, respectively) were obtained by using a pressurized electro‐Fenton‐like process (PrEFL‐LDH) at P=10 bars, using a Ti/IrO2‐Ta2O5 anode for 6 h. The process presented good performances in a large range of pH (3–10) and gave better removals of 8‐HQS and TOC with respect to that achieved by both i) EF catalyzed by homogeneous (FeSO4) or natural heterogeneous catalysts (pyrite and chalcopyrite) and ii) anodic oxidation at a boron doped diamond anode. Ni−Cu−Al LDH retained its catalytic activity after four cycles. Moreover, the carboxylic acid intermediates were identified and analyzed by HPLC.
Bent Benzocoumarin Dyes that Fluoresce in Solution and in Solid State and Their Application to Bioimaging
Authors: Dai Mingchong , Sarkar Sourav , Song Chang Wook , Reo Ye Jin , Yang Yun Jae , Ahn Kyo Han
Published: May 2020

Organic fluorophores are essential in microscopic imaging of biological systems. New fluorophores with distinct features are in demand for bioimaging. Herein we report new bent benzocoumarin dyes that are fluorescent both in solution and in the solid state. The latter property enables us to form fluorescent nanoparticles with a mean size of 120–157 nm or larger depending on conditions. Some of the new dyes provide bright fluorescent images in cell, with formation of particulate spots that persist even after several washout procedures, and, furthermore, in tissue under two‐photon excitation at 900 nm. Such dyes have potential for the development of fluorescent probes for enhanced cellular fluorescence.
What impact do countries have on levels of sustainability assurance? A complementary‐substitutive perspective
Authors: Ruiz‐Barbadillo Emiliano , Martínez‐Ferrero Jennifer
Published: May 2020

This paper focuses on levels of sustainability assurance and the impact countries have on them. The level, the “how” aspect, indicates the nature and extent of the work performed by practitioners and, therefore, the degree of confidence that stakeholders should have in the assured sustainability report. This paper examines how country factors influence the level of assurance of sustainability reports—limited/moderate vs. reasonable/high assurance—from a complementary and substitutive perspective. The paper proposes a regression model in which countries differ not only in how they protect stakeholders but also in their legal public enforcement. For a sample of international firms for the period 2007–2016, the paper's evidence supports the idea that a reasonable/high level of assurance is provided in the assurance statements of firms that operate in countries with systems orientated towards improving sustainability transparency—complementary mechanism—and lower levels of public enforcement—substitute mechanism.
Anther‐smut fungi from more contaminated sites in Chernobyl show lower infection ability and lower viability following experimental irradiation
Authors: Arnaise Sylvie , Shykoff Jacqui A. , Møller Anders P. , Mousseau Timothy A. , Giraud Tatiana
Published: May 2020

The long‐term contamination that followed the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl provides a case study for the effects of chronic ionizing radiation on living organisms and on their ability to tolerate or evolve resistance to such radiation. Previously, we studied the fertility and viability of early developmental stages of a castrating plant pathogen, the anther‐smut fungus Microbotryum lychnidis‐dioicae, isolated from field sites varying over 700‐fold in degree of radioactive contamination. Neither the budding rate of haploid spores following meiosis nor the karyotype structure varied with increasing radiation levels at sampling sites. Here, we assessed the ability of the same M. lychnidis‐dioicae strains to perform their whole life cycle, up to the production of symptoms in the plants, that is, the development of anthers full of fungal spores; we also assessed their viability under experimental radiation. Fungal strains from more contaminated sites had no lower spore numbers in anthers or viability, but infected host plants less well, indicating lower overall fitness due to radioactivity exposure. These findings improve our understanding of the previous field data, in which the anther‐smut disease prevalence on Silene latifolia plants caused by M. lychnidis‐dioicae was lower at more contaminated sites. Although the fungus showed relatively high resistance to experimental radiation, we found no evidence that increased resistance to radiation has evolved in populations from contaminated sites. Fungal strains from more contaminated sites even tolerated or repaired damage from a brief acute exposure to γ radiation less well than those from non‐ or less contaminated sites. Our results more generally concur with previous studies in showing that the fitness of living organisms is affected by radiation after nuclear disasters, but that they do not rapidly evolve higher tolerance.
Climate change and dam development: Effects on wetland connectivity and ecological habitat in tropical wetlands
Authors: Nielsen Daryl L. , Merrin Linda E. , Pollino Carmel A. , Karim Fazlul , Stratford Danial , O'Sullivan Jackie
Published: May 2020

Wetlands are one of the most threatened ecosystems on earth. Globally, there is growing demand to develop infrastructure to harvest water resources to support agriculture, threatening the ecological integrity of associated wetland ecosystems. We investigated the potential ecological impacts on floodplain wetland connectivity in northern Australia in response to changes in flow regime due to dam construction and climate change. Results for this study indicate that a drier climate and/or dam construction in catchments have the potential to reduce the effective size of the floodplain and reduce wetland connectivity. A drier climate will reduce rainfall and subsequent catchment run‐off, resulting in a decrease in the magnitude of riverine flows. In contrast, dams in the upper catchment will reduce the magnitude of flows downstream. The reduction in flows under both dam development and a drier climate will result in reduced extent and duration of floodplain inundation and decreased wetland connectivity. As a result, we anticipate that this loss of connectivity will reduce the capacity for nutrients, carbon and primary production to be flushed into the river channel, as well as reduce the ability for biota such as fish and turtles to move between in‐channel and off‐channel habitats.
Intercalation in Two‐Dimensional Transition Metal Carbides and Nitrides (MXenes) toward Electrochemical Capacitor and Beyond
Authors: Li Jianmin , Wang Hao , Xiao Xu
Published: May 2020

Since its discovery in 2011, the emerging family of two‐dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides (denoted as MXenes) has shown tremendous promise in the field of energy storages, especially electrochemical capacitors (ECs). The intercalation of foreign species, including but not limited to proton, cations, organic ions, and solvents, is demonstrated as one of the dominant facts during the energy storage process of MXenes, through which interlayer spacing of MXenes can be reversibly tuned, followed with reversible redox reactions on the surface of MXenes. Such a mechanism provides MXenes extremely high capacitance up to 1500 F cm−3, in aqueous acidic electrolyte. In addition, because of the versatile terminations on their surface, the intercalation of ions into MXenes can simultaneously induce the reversible transformation of their electronic structure to trigger some other phenomenon, for example, electrochromic effect, which has great potential on electrochromic smart window—an extended application of ECs. Accordingly, regulating and facilitating the intercalation in MXenes is of great significance for MXene‐based ECs. In this review, we summarize the recent progress on the intercalation in MXenes towards ECs, discussing on the intercalated species, working mechanisms, and methods to promote the intercalation. Furthermore, we prospect the future research directions of intercalation of MXenes in ECs, such as the combination of simulation and experiment on finding the best intercalation species, precisely controlling the interlayer spacing and beyond, to boost the electrochemical performance of MXene toward practical applications and multi‐functional devices.
Contribution of the SYK Tyrosine kinase expression to human iNKT self‐reactivity
Authors: Perroteau Jeanne , Navet Benjamin , Devilder Marie‐Claire , Hesnard Leslie , Scotet Emmanuel , Gapin Laurent , Saulquin Xavier , Gautreau‐Rolland Laetitia
Published: May 2020

Invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells are particular T lymphocytes at the frontier between innate and adaptative immunities. They participate in the elimination of pathogens or tumor cells, but also in the development of allergic reactions and autoimmune diseases. From their first descriptions, the phenomenon of self‐reactivity has been described. Indeed, they are able to recognize exogenous and endogenous lipids. However, the mechanisms underlying the self‐reactivity are still largely unknown, particularly in humans. Using a CD1d tetramer‐based sensitive immunomagnetic approach, we generated self‐reactive iNKT cell lines from blood circulating iNKT cells of healthy donors. Analysis of their functional characteristics in vitro showed that these cells recognized endogenous lipids presented by CD1d molecules through their TCR that do not correspond to α‐glycosylceramides. TCR sequencing and transcriptomic analysis of T cell clones revealed that a particular TCR signature and an expression of the SYK protein kinase were two mechanisms supporting human iNKT self‐reactivity. The SYK expression, strong in the most self‐reactive iNKT clones and variable in ex vivo isolated iNKT cells, seems to decrease the activation threshold of iNKT cells and increase their overall antigenic sensitivity. This study indicates that a modulation of the TCR intracellular signal contributes to iNKT self‐reactivity.
RETRACTED: Sanal Flow Choking: A Paradigm Shift in Computational Fluid Dynamics Code Verification and Diagnosing Detonation and Hemorrhage in Real‐World Fluid‐Flow Systems
Authors: Kumar Valsalayam Raghavapanicker Sanal , Sankar Vigneshwaran , Chandrasekaran Nichith , Sukumaran Ajith , Rafic Sulthan Ariff Rahman Mohamed , Bharath Rajaghatta Sundararam , Baskaran Roshan Vignesh , Oommen Charlie , Radhakrishnan Pradeep Kumar , Choudhary Shiv Kumar
Published: May 2020

The discovery of Sanal flow choking is a scientific breakthrough and a paradigm shift in the diagnostics of the detonation/hemorrhage in real‐world fluid flow systems. The closed‐form analytical models capable of predicting the boundary‐layer blockage factor for both 2D and 3D cases at the Sanal flow choking for adiabatic and diabatic fluid flow conditions are critically reviewed here. The beauty and novelty of these models stem from the veracity that at the Sanal flow choking condition for diabatic flows all the conservation laws of nature are satisfied at a unique location, which allows for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code verification. At the Sanal flow choking condition both the thermal choking and the wall‐friction‐induced flow choking occur at a single sonic fluid throat location. The blockage factor predicted at the Sanal flow choking condition can be taken as an infallible data for various in silico model verification, validation, and calibration. The 3D blockage factor at the Sanal flow choking is found to be 45.12% lower than the 2D case of a wall‐bounded diabatic fluid flow system with air as the working fluid. The physical insight of Sanal flow choking presented in this review article sheds light on finding solutions, through in silico experiments in base flow and nanoflows, for numerous unresolved problems carried forward over the centuries in physical, chemical, and biological sciences for humankind.
U–Pb age and Hf isotopic composition of detrital zircons from the modern river of the South Tianshan orogenic belt and their implications for Palaeozoic tectonic and crustal evolution
Authors: Liu Guiping , Jiang Bo , Guo Ruiqing , Gong Xiangkuan , Guo Man , Cui Tao
Published: May 2020

The U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopic research of detrital zircons was carried out in southern modern rivers of the South Tianshan (STS) orogenic belt to understand the accretionary processes and crustal evolution in this region. Detrital zircons from river sands yield two dominant age populations at 460–390 Ma and 310–260 Ma with several Precambrian age groups. Such age patterns imply that the significant magmatic events occurred during the Palaeozoic in the STS. Comparative studies on U–Pb age of the detrital zircons from northern and southern river sands in the STS belt provide constraints on the tectonic evolution of the STS belt and its surrounding blocks. Abundant 500–460 Ma detrital zircons in northern river sands probably reflect a bidirectional subduction of the Palaeozoic Central Tianshan Ocean under the Yili Block and the Central Tianshan Block. The 460–390 Ma zircon population in both northern and southern river sands likely implies a bidirectional subduction of the South Tianshan Ocean. A lack of the 380–320 Ma zircon grains in the southern river sands may indicates the northward subduction of the South Tianshan Ocean. A final collision between the Tarim Craton and the south‐western Central Asian Orogenic Belt possibly took place in the Late Carboniferous; the 310–260 Ma zircon population in both northern and southern river sands suggests syn‐ and post‐collisional magmatism. Based on the Hf isotopic signatures in the detrital zircon and magmatic zircons, we propose new constraints on the Palaeozoic crustal evolution of the STS. The continent formation in the STS belt was characterised by reworking of the ancient crust in a compressional environment during the Ordovician (ca. 460–440 Ma). Abundant significant juvenile materials progressively added to the crust through time in an extensional tectonic regime since Late Ordovician to Devonian (ca. 440–390 Ma). The crustal formation is mainly dominated by reworking of the Precambrian basement rocks with limited contribution of juvenile components input into magma formation during Late Carboniferous to Early Permian (ca. 310–260 Ma).