bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histone‐deacetylase 8 drives the immune response and the growth of glioma
Authors: Mormino Alessandro , Cocozza Germana , Fontemaggi Giulia , Valente Sergio , Esposito Vincenzo , Santoro Antonio , Bernardini Giovanni , Santoni Angela , Fazi Francesco , Mai Antonello , Limatola Cristina , Garofalo Stefano
Published: July 2021

Many epigenetic modifications occur in glioma, in particular the histone‐deacetylase class proteins play a pivotal role in glioma development, driving the proliferation rate and the invasiveness of tumor cells, and modulating the tumor microenvironment. In this study, we evaluated the role of the histone deacetylase HDAC8 in the regulation of the immune response in glioma and tumor growth. We found that inhibition of HDAC8 by the specific inhibitor PCI‐34051 reduces tumor volume in glioma mouse models. We reported that HDAC8 modulates the viability and the migration of human and murine glioma cells. Interestingly, HDAC8 inhibition increases the acetylation of alpha‐tubulin, suggesting this epigenetic modification controls glioma migration. Furthermore, we identify HDAC8 as a key molecule that supports a poorly immunogenic tumor microenvironment, modulating microglial phenotype and regulating the gene transcription of NKG2D ligands that trigger the Natural Killer cell‐mediated cytotoxicity of tumor cells. Altogether, these results identify HDAC8 as a key actor in glioma growth and tumor microenvironment, and pave the way to a better knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of immune escape in glioma.
ANFIS modeling of biodiesels' physical and engine characteristics: A review
Authors: Janardhana Kedri , Sridhar S. , Dixit Chandra K. , Deivakani M. , Tamilselvi S. , Kaladgi Abdul Razak , Afzal Asif , Baig Maughal Ahmed Ali
Published: July 2021

Population increase has resulted in an increase in the worldwide demand for alternative fuels due to depleting resources. There is a periodic increase in concern about the engine performance, pollutant emissions, and their predictions, from an engine using biodiesels. The use of intelligent algorithms in modeling and forecasting alternative fuels characteristics and their performance in engines are critically reviewed in this study. The paper aims at demonstrating with artificial intelligence methodologies the main conclusions of the recent research done for the above topic from 2012 to 2020. This article attempted to demonstrate an exploratory examination of the adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) soft computing technique used for the exact measurement and analysis of engine performance, emissions of exhaust engines when biodiesel is used as an alternative fuel. Additionally, the yield of biodiesel and their different characteristics predicted using ANFIS are also reviewed. Integration of particle swarm optimization (PSO), genetic algorithm (GA), and response surface methodology (RSM), either for comparison or optimization with ANFIS is presented. The summary of all studies is provided in tabular form. For the demonstration purpose, the ANFIS studies predicting different biodiesel and engine characters are provided with illustrative figures. The ANFIS prediction related to biodiesel used engine and biodiesel self‐characteristics is found to be excellent. The ANFIS accuracy reported is better than the artificial neural network (ANN) accuracy. A minimum of 0.9R2value is generally obtained which is around 5% greater than the ANN modeling results reported. However, the ANFIS predictions are much more fitter than the RSM predictions. The integration of ANFIS‐PSO and ANFIS‐GA provided much more optimized results.
Mutational profiles of metastatic colorectal cancer treated with FOLFIRI plus cetuximab or bevacizumab before and after secondary resection (AIO KRK 0306; FIRE‐3)
Authors: Stahler Arndt , Heinemann Volker , Holch Julian Walter , von Einem Jobst Christian , Westphalen Christoph Benedikt , Heinrich Kathrin , Schlieker Laura , Jelas Ivan , Alig Annabel Helga Sophie , Fischer Laura Elisabeth , Weiss Lena , Modest Dominik Paul , von Weikersthal Ludwig Fischer , Decker Thomas , Kiani Alexander , Moehler Markus , Kaiser Florian , Kirchner Thomas , Jung Andreas , Stintzing Sebastian
Published: July 2021

Secondary resection of metastases is recommended in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Data describing changes in mutational profiles of corresponding primary tumor and metastatic tissue after conversion treatment are limited. Next generation sequencing was performed in formalin‐fixed mCRC samples from patients of the FIRE‐3 trial (FOLFIRI plus cetuximab or bevacizumab) before treatment start (baseline) and after secondary resection of metastases (post baseline). Changes of mutational profiles and tumor mutational burden (TMB) were assessed within a post‐hoc analysis. Median overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS) and objective response rate (ORR) were compared between treatment arms. Paired tumor samples were obtained from 25 patients (19 RAS wild‐type, 6 RAS mutant by pyrosequencing). ORR (92.0% vs 58.0%) and OS (60.8 vs 35.4 months, hazard ratio = 0.39 [95% CI 0.14‐1.12], P = .08) were higher for patients receiving cetuximab. After conversion therapy, 56 alterations (42 in the cetuximab and 14 in the bevacizumab arm) were newly observed in 18 patients (9 each treated with cetuximab or bevacizumab). Gains (n = 21) and losses (n = 21) of alterations occurred during cetuximab‐based treatment, while mainly gains of alterations occurred during bevacizumab (n = 10). Three of nine patients treated with cetuximab that presented a change of mutational profiles, developed resistance to cetuximab. Mutational profiles were largely comparable before and after treatment with anti‐VEGF or anti‐EGFR directed monoclonal antibodies after secondary resection. Mutations associated with resistance to anti‐EGFR antibodies were observed in only one‐third of patients.
Cancer Predisposition Sequencing Reporter (CPSR): A flexible variant report engine for high‐throughput germline screening in cancer
Authors: Nakken Sigve , Saveliev Vladislav , Hofmann Oliver , Møller Pål , Myklebost Ola , Hovig Eivind
Published: July 2021

The value of high‐throughput germline genetic testing is increasingly recognized in clinical cancer care. Disease‐associated germline variants in cancer patients are important for risk management and surveillance, surgical decisions and can also have major implications for treatment strategies since many are in DNA repair genes. With the increasing availability of high‐throughput DNA sequencing in cancer clinics and research, there is thus a need to provide clinically oriented sequencing reports for germline variants and their potential therapeutic relevance on a per‐patient basis. To meet this need, we have developed the Cancer Predisposition Sequencing Reporter (CPSR), an open‐source computational workflow that generates a structured report of germline variants identified in known cancer predisposition genes, highlighting markers of therapeutic, prognostic and diagnostic relevance. A fully automated variant classification procedure based on more than 30 refined American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) criteria represents an integral part of the workflow. Importantly, the set of cancer predisposition genes profiled in the report can be flexibly chosen from more than 40 virtual gene panels established by scientific experts, enabling customization of the report for different screening purposes and clinical contexts. The report can be configured to also list actionable secondary variant findings, as recommended by ACMG. CPSR demonstrates comparable sensitivity and specificity for the detection of pathogenic variants when compared to other algorithms in the field. Technically, the tool is implemented in Python/R, and is freely available through Docker technology. Source code, documentation, example reports and installation instructions are accessible via the project GitHub page: https://github.com/sigven/cpsr.
Antimagic orientation of graphs with minimum degree at least 33
Authors: Shan Songling
Published: July 2021

An antimagic labeling of a directed graph with vertices and arcs is a bijection from the set of arcs of to the integers such that all oriented vertex sums are pairwise distinct, where an oriented vertex sum is the sum of labels of all arcs entering that vertex minus the sum of labels of all arcs leaving it. A graph has an antimagic orientation if it has an orientation that admits an antimagic labeling. Hefetz, Mütze, and Schwartz conjectured that every connected graph admits an antimagic orientation. In this paper, we show that every bipartite graph with no vertex of degree 0 or 2 admits an antimagic orientation and every graph with minimum degree at least 33 admits an antimagic orientation.
Sparse halves in K4‐free graphs
Authors: Liu Xizhi , Ma Jie
Published: July 2021

A conjecture of Chung and Graham states that every ‐free graph on vertices contains a vertex set of size that spans at most edges. We make the first step toward this conjecture by showing that it holds for all regular graphs.
Recent progress in the synthesis of azoles and related five‐membered ring heterocycles using silica‐supported heterogeneous catalysts
Authors: Chanu Leimajam Vartima , Singh Okram Mukherjee
Published: July 2021

In the last decade, silica‐supported heterogeneous catalysts have emerged as efficient green catalysts for the development of synthetic protocols of bioactive heterocycles. These catalysts possess better significant features when compared with the activities of homogeneous catalysts. Azoles are five‐membered nitrogen‐containing heterocyclic compounds that possess a wide range of medicinal properties. In this review, a summary of the recent progress on silica‐supported heterogeneous catalyzed synthetic methods of azoles and related five‐membered heterocycles is presented.
Function of the crocodilian anterior cruciate ligaments
Authors: Suzuki Daisuke , Yamakawa Satoshi , Iijima Masaya , Fujie Hiromichi
Published: July 2021

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is an important knee stabilizer that prevents the anterior subluxation of the tibia. Extant crocodiles have two ACLs, the ACL major and minor, yet their functional roles are unclear. We here examined in‐situ forces within the ACL major and minor in saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) with a 6‐degree‐of‐freedom robotic testing system under the following loading conditions: (a) 30 N anterior tibial load at 150°, 120°, and 90° knee extension; (b) 1 Nm internal/external torque at 150° and 120° knee extension; (c) 30 N anterior tibial load +1 Nm internal/external torque at 150° and 120° knee extension. The In‐situ force in the ACL minor was significantly higher than that of the ACL major in response to anterior tibial load at 90° knee extension, and anterior tibial load + external torque at both 150° and 120° knee extension. Meanwhile, the force in the ACL major was significantly higher than that of the ACL minor in response to internal torque at 120° knee extension, and anterior tibial load + internal torque at 150° knee extension. The present results showed that the ACL minor and major of saltwater crocodiles have different functions. In response to anterior tibial load + internal/external torques, either of two ACLs reacted to opposing directions of knee rotation. These suggest that two ACLs are essential for walking with long axis rotation of the knee in crocodiles.
The rhipidoglossan radula: Formation and morphology of the radula in Puncturella noachina (Linnaeus, 1771) (Fissurellidae, Vetigastropoda)
Authors: Vortsepneva Elena , Herbert David G. , Kantor Yuri
Published: July 2021

The rhipidoglossan radula, which is characterized by presence of a central tooth, several lateral teeth, and numerous (more than 10) long marginal teeth in each transverse row, is found in three different subclasses, that is, Vetigastropoda, Neritomorpha and “lower” Heterobranchia. Details of radula formation and its ultrastructure have not been studied in any species with a rhipidoglossan radula. For the first time, we present such data for one vetigastropod species, Puncturella noachina. The radula itself and the radula formation zone were studied using light and electron microscopy (scanning and transmission), as well as confocal laser scanning microscopy. We identify the major features of Vetigastropoda rhipidoglossan radula formation, that is: the posterior bifurcation of the radula formation zone, creating paired horns into which the zones of formation of the marginal teeth extend; the supporting structure in the radula formation zone extends ventrally to strengthen this division; the odontoblasts of the marginal teeth form a multi‐layered epithelium; membranoblasts do not differ from odontoblasts in ultrastructure; in some membranoblasts and cells of the sub‐ and supraradular epithelium basal bodies were found in the apical regions of the cells.
Cold‐active catalase from the psychrotolerant fungus Penicillium griseofulvum
Authors: Krumova Ekaterina , Abrashev Radoslav , Dishliyska Vladislava , Stoyancheva Galina , Kostadinova Nedelina , Miteva‐Staleva Jeny , Spasova Boryana , Angelova Maria
Published: July 2021

Cold‐active catalase (CAT) elicits great interest because of its vast prospective at the medical, commercial, and biotechnological levels. The study paper reports the production of cold‐active CAT by the strain Penicillium griseofulvum P29 isolated from Antarctic soil. Improved enzyme production was achieved by optimization of medium and culture conditions. Maximum CAT was demonstrated under low glucose content (2%), 10% inoculum size, temperature 20°C, and dissolved oxygen concentration (DO) 40%. An effective laboratory technology based on changing the oxidative stress level through an increase of DO in the bioreactor was developed. The used strategy resulted in a 1.7‐ and 1.4‐fold enhanced total enzyme activity and maximum enzyme productivity. The enzyme was purified and characterized. P. griseofulvum P29 CAT was most active at approximately 20°C and pH 6.0. Its thermostability was in the range between 5°C and 40°C.
Ginger and 6‐gingerol prevent lipopolysaccharide‐induced intestinal barrier damage and liver injury in mice
Authors: Guo Xiao‐Xuan , Zhang Yun‐Dan , Wang Tian‐Cai , Wang Xin‐Lu , Xu Yan‐Yang , Wang Yong , Qiu Jing
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Inflammation‐related diseases present a significant public health problem. Ginger is a flavoring spice and medicinal herb with anti‐inflammatory activity. This study investigated the preventive effects of ginger extract (GE) and its main bioactive component, 6‐gingerol (6G), on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced intestinal barrier dysfunction and liver injury in mice.

RESULTS

GE and 6G were orally administered to mice for seven consecutive days before LPS administration. After 24 h, the mice were sacrificed. GE and 6G were found to significantly reverse LPS‐induced inflammation in the mouse ileum by modifying the NF‐κB pathway. They also alleviated apoptosis in the ileum by downregulating Bax and cytochrome c gene expression and by inhibiting the caspase‐3 pathway. Through the aforementioned mechanisms, GE and 6G restored the intestinal barrier by increasing ZO‐1 and claudin‐1 protein expressions. Gut‐derived LPS induced inflammation and apoptosis in the liver; these effects were markedly reversed through GE and 6G treatment. 6G was the most abundant component in GE, as evidenced through liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, and accounted for >50% of total gingerols and shogaols in GE.

CONCLUSION

The current results support the use of GE and 6G as dietary supplements to protect against gut‐derived endotoxemia‐associated inflammatory response and disorders. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Identification of in vitro angiotensin‐converting enzyme and dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitory peptides from draft beer by virtual screening and molecular docking
Authors: Wenhui Tian , Shumin Hu , Yongliang Zhuang , Liping Sun , Hua Yin
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Hypertension and diabetes are two kinds of senile diseases which often occur simultaneously. The commonly used drugs in clinic may produce certain side effects. Food‐derived polypeptide is a kind of polypeptide with great development potential, which has many functions of regulating human physiological function. Beer is rich in nutrition but there are few researches on bioactive peptides in beer.

RESULTS

In this study, a rapid virtual screening method was established to obtain bioactive peptides from Tsingtao draft beer. The peptide sequence was analyzed by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole‐Orbitrap‐tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐Q‐Orbitrap‐MS2), and 50 peptides were identified. Eight peptides with potential biological activities were screened by using Peptide Ranker software and previous literature references. On the basis of absorption prediction, toxicity prediction, and molecular docking analysis, LNFDPNR and LPQQQAQFK were finally confirmed. The molecular docking results showed that two peptides could bind angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP‐IV) tightly by hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction. The in vitro activity evaluation results showed that two peptides had obvious ACE and DPP‐IV inhibitory activity.

CONCLUSION

This study established a method for rapidly screening bioactive peptides from Tsingtao draft beer, screened two ACE and DPP‐IV inhibitory peptides in beer and analyzed their active action mechanism. This article may have great theoretical significance and practical value to further explore the health function of beer. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Multifocality is not associated with worse survival in sporadic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Gudmundsdottir Hallbera , Graham Rondell P. , Sonbol Mohamad B. , Smoot Rory L. , Truty Mark J. , Kendrick Michael L. , Nagorney David M. , Habermann Elizabeth B. , Halfdanarson Thorvardur R. , Cleary Sean P.
Published: July 2021

Background and Objectives

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) in patients with hereditary cancer syndromes are typically multifocal. In contrast, sporadic pNETs are usually unifocal and the incidence of multifocal sporadic pNETs is unknown. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of multifocality in sporadic pNETs and any associated effect on recurrence risk and survival.

Methods

Patients who underwent resection of pNETs at Mayo Clinic from 2000 to 2019 were identified and clinical data were obtained from medical records. Syndromic disease was defined as pNETs arising in the setting of a hereditary cancer syndrome. Statistical comparisons were made using χ2, Fisher's exact, and Kruskal–Wallis tests and survival was assessed using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

Six hundred and sixty‐one patients with sporadic pNETs and fifty‐nine with syndromic pNETs were identified. Multifocal disease was present in 4.8% of sporadic patients and 84.7% of syndromic patients (p < .001). Within patients with sporadic pNETs, clinicopathologic features and recurrence‐free and overall survival were similar between patients with unifocal and multifocal disease.

Conclusions

Multifocal sporadic pNETs are rare and multifocality is not associated with worse survival or increased recurrence risk. Patients with multifocal sporadic pNETs can likely be safely managed with a combination of resection and observation as indicated for each tumor.
Exploring the cultural legitimacy of backpacker ideology and identity
Authors: Farrelly Francis
Published: July 2021

This research explores cultural legitimacy to establish the relevance of backpacker ideology to backpacker identity. Cultural legitimacy is important because backpacker identity is shaped by ideology and ideology forms the basis for determining what is legitimate. It is also important as questions have been asked in the literature whether backpacker ideology is something that is espoused rather than practiced, because there are differing views in this regard, and because there is very little research that considers ideology from the member perspective. The research contributes to the backpacker literature by identifying how backpacker ideology frames what is culturally legitimate.
Modeling Recurrence in Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis With Mobile Peak Expiratory Flow
Authors: Kimura Kyle , Du Liping , Berry Lynn D. , Huang Li‐Ching , Chen Sheau‐Chiann , Francis David O. , Gelbard Alexander ,   North American Airway Collaborative (NoAAC)
Published: July 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

We sought to establish normative peak expiratory flow (PEF) data for patients with idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS), evaluate whether immediate changes in PEF after a procedure predict long‐term treatment response, and test if a decline in longitudinal PEF is associated with disease recurrence.

Study Design

International, prospective, 3‐year multicenter cohort study of 810 patients with untreated, newly diagnosed, or previously treated iSGS.

Methods

iSGS patients consented and enrolled in the North American Airway Collaborative (NoAAC) iSGS1000 cohort recorded PEF data on a mobile smartphone app. Cox regression tested the associations between the magnitude of postoperative PEF improvement and longitudinal 90‐day PEF decline with the risk of disease recurrence.

Results

Within the NoAAC iSGS1000 cohort, 810 patients participated in a 3‐year prospective study comparing surgical treatment efficacy and 385 had appropriate PEF measurements and follow‐up data. Of those patients, 42% (161/385) required at least one operation during study follow‐up. The mean PEF preceding operative intervention was 241 L/min (95% confidence interval [CI]: 120–380) corresponding to a predicted PEF of 52%. The mean increase in PEF following a procedure was 111 L/min (95% CI: 96–125 L/min). Interestingly, the magnitude of immediate PEF improvement was not predictive of disease recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] for 100 L/min increase = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.60–1.00). However, recurrence was associated with the magnitude of PEF decline over 90 days (30% vs. 10% decline, HR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.5–3.0).

Conclusions

We provide normative PEF data on a large iSGS patient cohort. The degree of PEF improvement immediately after surgery was not associated with a longer procedure‐free interval. However, a 30% decline in PEF over 90 days was associated with elevated risk of disease recurrence.

Level of Evidence

2 Laryngoscope, 131:E2841–E2848, 2021
Objectivity of the peer‐review process: Enduring myth, reality, and possible remedies
Authors: Baveye Philippe C.
Published: July 2021

Key points

The ‘replication crisis’ in science raises serious questions about the objectivity and reliability of the peer‐review process.

Much of the literature, contributed on the topic in the past by former editors, has focused on the role of reviewers, and their possible biases.

However, experience in practice shows that editors also contribute significantly, at different levels, to the lack of objectivity of peer‐review.

Various techniques, including network analysis and machine learning, can be implemented to remedy the situation and restore the gatekeeping role of peer review.
A sea change in microbial enzymes: Heterogeneous latitudinal and depth‐related gradients in bulk water and particle‐associated enzymatic activities from 30°S to 59°N in the Pacific Ocean
Authors: Balmonte John Paul , Simon Meinhard , Giebel Helge‐Ansgar , Arnosti Carol
Published: July 2021

Heterotrophic microbes initiate the degradation of high molecular weight organic matter using extracellular enzymes. Our understanding of differences in microbial enzymatic capabilities, especially among particle‐associated taxa and in the deep ocean, is limited by a paucity of hydrolytic enzyme activity measurements. Here, we measured the activities of a broad range of hydrolytic enzymes (glucosidases, peptidases, polysaccharide hydrolases) in epipelagic to bathypelagic bulk water (nonsize‐fractionated), and on particles (≥ 3 μm) along a 9800 km latitudinal transect from 30°S in the South Pacific to 59°N in the Bering Sea. Individual enzyme activities showed heterogeneous latitudinal and depth‐related patterns, with varying biotic and abiotic correlates. With increasing latitude and decreasing temperature, lower laminarinase activities sharply contrasted with higher leucine aminopeptidase (leu‐AMP) and chondroitin sulfate hydrolase activities in bulk water. Endopeptidases (chymotrypsins, trypsins) exhibited patchy spatial patterns, and their activities can exceed rates of the widely measured exopeptidase, leu‐AMP. Compared to bulk water, particle‐associated enzymatic profiles featured a greater relative importance of endopeptidases, as well as a broader spectrum of polysaccharide hydrolases in some locations, and latitudinal and depth‐related trends that are likely consequences of varying particle fluxes. As water depth increased, enzymatic spectra on particles and in bulk water became narrower, and diverged more from one another. These distinct latitudinal and depth‐related gradients of enzymatic activities underscore the biogeochemical consequences of emerging global patterns of microbial community structure and function, from surface to deep waters, and among particle‐associated taxa.
PEGylation of Guanidinium and Indole Bearing Poly(methacrylamide)s – Biocompatible Terpolymers for pDNA Delivery
Authors: Cokca Ceren , Hack Franz J. , Costabel Daniel , Herwig Kira , Hülsmann Juliana , Then Patrick , Heintzmann Rainer , Fischer Dagmar , Peneva Kalina
Published: July 2021

This study describes the first example for shielding of a high performing terpolymer that consists of N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA), N‐(3‐guanidinopropyl)methacrylamide (GPMA), and N‐(2‐indolethyl)methacrylamide monomers (IEMA) by block copolymerization of a polyethylene glycol derivative – poly(nona(ethylene glycol)methyl ether methacrylate) (P(MEO9MA)) via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The molecular weight of P(MEO9MA) is varied from 3 to 40 kg mol–1 while the comonomer content of HPMA, GPMA, and IEMA is kept comparable. The influence of P(MEO9MA) block with various molecular weights is investigated over cytotoxicity, plasmid DNA (pDNA) binding, and transfection efficiency of the resulting polyplexes. Overall, the increase in molecular weight of P(MEO9MA) block demonstrates excellent biocompatibility with higher cell viability in L‐929 cells and an efficient binding to pDNA at N/P ratio of 2. The significant transfection efficiency in CHO‐K1 cells at N/P ratio 20 is obtained for block copolymers with molecular weight of P(MEO9MA) up to 10 kg mol–1. Moreover, a fluorescently labeled analogue of P(MEO9MA), bearing perylene monoimide methacrylamide (PMIM), is introduced as a comonomer in RAFT polymerization. Polyplexes consisting of labeled block copolymer with 20 kg mol–1 of P(MEO9MA) and pDNA are incubated in Hela cells and investigated through structured illumination microscopy (SIM).
The closer I am, the safer I feel: The “distance proximity effect” of COVID‐19 pandemic on individuals' risk assessment and irrational consumption
Authors: Li Shaobo (Kevin) , Zhang Zhe , Liu Yue , Ng Sharon
Published: July 2021

The unprecedented crisis of COVID‐19 posed severe negative consequences for consumers, marketers, and society at large. By investigating the effect of individuals' distance from the COVID‐19 epicenter (i.e., the geographical area in which COVID‐19 pandemic is currently most severe) on consumers' risk perception and subsequent behaviors, this research provides novel empirical findings that can offer practical insights for marketers. While intuitively, people expect individuals closer to the COVID‐19 epicenter to generate a greater risk perception of the pandemic, empirical evidence from four studies provides consistent results for the opposite effect. We find that a closer (vs. farther) distance to the epicenter associates with lower (vs. higher) perceived risk of the pandemic, leading to less (vs. more) irrational consumption behaviors. We refer to this phenomenon as the “distance proximity effect,” which holds for both physical and psychological distances. We further demonstrated that this effect is mediated by consumers' perception of uncertainty and moderated by individuals' risk aversion tendency. The current research contributes to the literature of consumers' risk perception and irrational consumption by highlighting a novel factor of distance proximity. It also offers some timely insights into managing and intervening COVID‐19 related issues inside and outside an epicenter.
Recent advance on Co‐based materials for polysulfide catalysis toward promoted lithium‐sulfur batteries
Authors: Qiu Saisai , Liang Xinqi , Li Yu , Xia Xinhui , Chen Minghua
Published: July 2021

Lithium‐sulfur batteries (Li‐S batteries) have been regarded as one of the most promising technologies to change the status quo of lithium‐ion battery and realize large‐scale energy storage applications. Nevertheless, the process of launching Li‐S batteries from lab to market is seriously hindered by their inherent shortages (for example, shuttled lithium polysulfides (LiPSs), and sluggish redox kinetics), which greatly restrict sulfur utilization and the battery cycle life. In this regard, Co‐based materials are effective to suppress the shuttle effect through anchoring soluble LiPSs and enhancing reaction kinetics. It is of great significance for the development of advanced catalytic materials to clarify the research progress of Co‐based materials in design strategy, modification mechanism and electrochemical properties. Considering this, we conduct a comprehensive review of recent progress with Co‐based materials utilized in Li‐S batteries. Specifically, the state‐of‐the‐art principles, challenges, and build strategies of Li‐S batteries are systematically summarized. Meanwhile, the chemical and catalytic interactions between the Co‐based materials and LiPSs, as well as energy storage performance of Co‐based materials are thoroughly discussed. Finally, we prospect the future opportunities and challenges for the practical application for advanced Li‐S batteries.
Linseed oil derived terpolymer/silica nanocomposite materials for anticorrosive coatings
Authors: Alam Manawwer , Alandis Naser M. , Zafar Fahmina , Ghosal Anujit , Ahmed Mukhtar
Published: July 2021

Formulation of sustainable resource‐based organic–inorganic hybrid protective coatings have been achieved using Linseed oil‐based silica hybrid with terpolymer (TP) as basic skeletal matrix. The fabrication of TP system was performed by using systematic one pot multi‐facile steps (diol fatty amide–linseed oil‐based polyester amide TP) synthesis route. The conversion of ester amide functional ends of TP to urethane was initiated to enhance adhesiveness, impermeability, and corrosion resistivity of the processed hybrid material. FT‐IR and NMR (1H, 13C, and 29Si) studies help in verifying the chemical structure and progress of the reaction. The formulation of smooth corrosion resistive coating was further analyzed by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscope, and electrochemical corrosion studies. The in‐situ tethering and homogeneous dispersion of inorganic moiety in nanoregime throughout the TP system further enhances the stability, wettability, and corrosion protection ability of the nanohybrid vegetable oil‐based coating under corrosive environment. High phase angle value at higher frequency end indicates the stability of the coating system. Such coating systems composed of sustainable resource with improved mechanical, thermal, and corrosion protective properties have great potential in future applications.
Direct‐MS analysis of antibody‐antigen complexes
Authors: Vimer Shay , Ben‐Nissan Gili , Marty Michael , Fleishman Sarel J. , Sharon Michal
Published: July 2021

In recent decades, antibodies (Abs) have attracted the attention of academia and the biopharmaceutical industry due to their therapeutic properties and versatility in binding a vast spectrum of antigens. Different engineering strategies have been developed for optimizing Ab specificity, efficacy, affinity, stability and production, enabling systematic screening and analysis procedures for selecting lead candidates. This quality assessment is critical but usually demands time‐consuming and labor‐intensive purification procedures. Here, we harnessed the direct‐mass spectrometry (direct‐MS) approach, in which the analysis is carried out directly from the crude growth media, for the rapid, structural characterization of designed Abs. We demonstrate that properties such as stability, specificity and interactions with antigens can be defined, without the need for prior purification.
Spark discharges in liquid heptane in contact with silver nitrate solution: Investigation of the synthesized particles
Authors: Mohammadi Kyana , Hamdan Ahmad
Published: July 2021

In this study, spark discharges are generated in liquid heptane that is in contact with an immiscible solution of silver nitrate. The results demonstrate that the discharges produced at 22 kV voltage amplitude and 500 ns pulse width change the color of both liquids and lead to the formation of nanoparticles. Most particles collected from heptane are nanocomposites of Ag nanoparticles (<10 nm) in the hydrocarbon network. Meanwhile, the material collected from the silver nitrate solution is Ag nanoparticles (10–150 nm of diameter). At shorter pulse width (100 ns), the discharges generate similar materials in both liquids; however, the size distribution of these materials is smaller. Finally, a scenario of particle synthesis is proposed and discussed.
Computer vision for detecting field‐evolved lepidopteran resistance to Bt maize
Authors: Dorman Seth J , Kudenov Michael W , Lytle Amanda J , Griffith Emily H , Huseth Anders S
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Resistance evolution of lepidopteran pests to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins produced in maize and cotton is a significant issue worldwide. Effective toxin stewardship requires reliable detection of field‐evolved resistance to enable the implementation of mitigation strategies. Currently, visual estimates of maize injury are used to document changing susceptibility. In this study, we evaluated an existing maize injury monitoring protocol used to estimate Bt resistance levels in Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

RESULTS

We detected high interobserver variability across multiple injury metrics, suggesting that the precision and accuracy of maize injury detection could be improved. To do this, we developed a computer vision‐based algorithm to measure H. zea injury. Algorithm estimates were more accurate and precise than a sample of human observers. Moreover, observer estimates tended to overpredict H. zea injury, which may increase the false‐positive rate, leading to prophylactic insecticide application and unnecessary regulatory action.

CONCLUSIONS

Automated detection and tracking of lepidopteran resistance evolution to Bt toxins are critical for genetically engineered crop stewardship to prevent the use of additional insecticides to combat resistant pests. Advantages of this computerized screening are: (i) standardized Bt injury metrics in space and time, (ii) preservation of digital data for cross‐referencing when thresholds are reached, and (iii) the ability to increase sample sizes significantly. This technological solution represents a significant step toward improving confidence in resistance monitoring efforts among researchers, regulators and the agricultural biotechnology industry.
Terpenes from herbivore‐induced tomato plant volatiles attract Nesidiocoris tenuis (Hemiptera: Miridae), a predator of major tomato pests
Authors: Ayelo Pascal M , Yusuf Abdullahi A , Pirk Christian WW , Chailleux Anaïs , Mohamed Samira A , Deletre Emilie
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Biological control plays a key role in reducing crop damage by Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) and Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood), which cause huge yield losses in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). The mirid predator Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter) preys heavily on these pests, with satisfying control levels in tomato greenhouses. Although N. tenuis is known to be attracted to volatiles of tomato plants infested by T. absoluta and whitefly, little is known about the specific attractive compounds and the effect of prey density on the predator response.

RESULTS

Y‐tube olfactometer bioassays revealed that the attraction of N. tenuis to tomato volatiles was positively correlated with the density of T. absoluta infestation, unlike T. vaporariorum infestation. The predator was also attracted to volatiles of T. absoluta larval frass, but not to T. vaporariorum honeydew or T. absoluta sex pheromone. Among the herbivore‐induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) that characterised the attractive plants infested with 20 T. absoluta larvae, olfactometer bioassays revealed that N. tenuis is attracted to the monoterpenes α‐pinene, α‐phellandrene, 3‐carene, β‐phellandrene and β‐ocimene, whereas (E)‐β‐caryophyllene was found to repel the predator. In dose–response bioassays, the five‐component blend of the attractants elicited a relatively low attraction in the predator, and removal of β‐phellandrene from the blend enhanced the attraction of the predator to the resulting four‐component blend, suggesting synergism among four monoterpenes.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that a four‐component blend of α‐pinene, α‐phellandrene, 3‐carene and β‐ocimene could be used as a kairomone‐based lure to recruit the predator for the biological control of T. absoluta and T. vaporariorum.
Suppression of Bta11975, an α‐glucosidase, by RNA interference reduces transmission of tomato chlorosis virus by Bemisia tabaci
Authors: Lu DingYiHui , Yue Hao , Huang LiPing , Zhang DeYong , Zhang ZhanHong , Zhang Zhuo , Zhang Youjun , Li Fan , Yan Fei , Zhou XuGuo , Shi XiaoBin , Liu Yong
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) is mainly vectored by Bemisia tabaci in China, which has a worldwide distribution, and greatly reduces the yields of tomato and other vegetables. At present, control of ToCV has been focused mainly by the use of insecticides to control whitefly populations. Transcriptome sequencing showed high expression of the B. tabaci Bta11975 gene, an α‐glucosidase (AGLU) during ToCV acquisition by whitefly Mediterranean (MED) species. To investigate the role of Bta11975 gene in ToCV acquisition and transmission by B. tabaci MED, we used RNA interference (RNAi) to reduce the expression of the Bta11975 gene.

RESULTS

The relative expression of the Bta11975 gene was correlated with the ToCV content in B. tabaci. The AGLU is highly expressed in primary salivary gland and gut. After the Bta11975 gene was silenced, the gene expression of B. tabaci was reduced and B. tabaci mortality was increased. Besides, ToCV acquisition by B. tabaci at 48 and 72 h AAP was reduced, and ToCV transmission was significantly reduced by 25 or 50 of B. tabaci.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that suppression of expression of the Bta11975 gene in B. tabaci MED by RNAi can reduce acquisition and transmission of ToCV by B. tabaci MED.
Comparison of kilometre and sub‐kilometre scale simulations of a foehn wind event over the Larsen C Ice Shelf, Antarctic Peninsula using the Met Office Unified Model (MetUM)
Authors: Orr Andrew , Kirchgaessner Amélie , King John , Phillips Tony , Gilbert Ella , Elvidge Andrew , Weeks Mark , Gadian Alan , Kuipers Munneke Peter , van den Broeke Michiel , Webster Stuart , McGrath Daniel
Published: July 2021

A foehn event on 27 January 2011 over the Larsen C Ice Shelf (LCIS), Antarctic Peninsula and its interaction with an exisiting ground‐based cold‐air pool is simulated using the MetUM atmospheric model at kilometre and sub‐kilometre scale grid spacing. Atmospheric model simulations at kilometre grid scales are an important tool for understanding the detailed circulation and temperature structure over the LCIS, especially the occurrence of foehn‐induced surface melting, erosion of cold‐air pools, and low‐level wind jets (so‐called foehn jets). But whether there is an improvement/convergence in the model representation of these features at sub‐kilometre grid scales has yet to be established. The foehn event was simulated at grid spacings of 4, 1.5 and 0.5 km, with the results compared to automatic weather station and radiosonde measurements. The features commonly associated with foehn, such as a leeside hydraulic jump and enhanced leeside warming, were comparatively insensitive to resolution in the 4 to 0.5 km range, although the 0.5 km simulation shows a slightly sharper and larger hydraulic jump. By contrast, during the event the simulation of fine‐scale foehn jets above the cold‐air pool showed considerable dependence on grid spacing, although no evidence of convergence at higher resolution. During the foehn event, the MetUM model is characterised by a nocturnal cold bias of around 8 °C and an underestimate of the near‐surface stability of the cold‐air pool, neither of which improved with increased resolution. This finding identifies a key model limitation, at both kilometre and sub‐kilometre scales, to realistically capture the vertical mixing in the boundary layer and its impact on thermodynamics, through either daytime heating from below or the downward penetration of foehn jet winds from above. Detailed model‐resolved foehn jet dynamics thus plays a crucial role in controlling the near‐surface temperature structure over the LCIS, as well as sub‐grid turbulent mixing.
Bayes estimate of primary threshold in clusterwise functional magnetic resonance imaging inferences
Authors: Ge Yunjiang , Hare Stephanie , Chen Gang , Waltz James A. , Kochunov Peter , Elliot Hong L. , Chen Shuo
Published: July 2021

Clusterwise statistical inference is the most widely used technique for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data analyses. Clusterwise statistical inference consists of two steps: (i) primary thresholding that excludes less significant voxels by a prespecified cut‐off (eg, ); and (ii) clusterwise thresholding that controls the familywise error rate caused by clusters consisting of false positive suprathreshold voxels. The selection of the primary threshold is critical because it determines both statistical power and false discovery rate (FDR). However, in most existing statistical packages, the primary threshold is selected based on prior knowledge (eg, ) without taking into account the information in the data. In this article, we propose a data‐driven approach to algorithmically select the optimal primary threshold based on an empirical Bayes framework. We evaluate the proposed model using extensive simulation studies and real fMRI data. In the simulation, we show that our method can effectively increase statistical power by 20% to over 100% while effectively controlling the FDR. We then investigate the brain response to the dose‐effect of chlorpromazine in patients with schizophrenia by analyzing fMRI scans and generate consistent results.
RETRACTED: Targeted Delivery of Doxorubicin in HeLa Cells Using Self‐Assembled Polymeric Nanocarriers Guided by Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Pradeepkumar Periyakaruppan , Rajan Mariappan , Almoallim Hesham S. , Alharbi Sulaiman Ali
Published: July 2021

Green material/solvents have been extensively investigated for biomedical applications, including drug delivery applications.In this work, the material design of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) grafted chitosan (CS) with biotin nanocarrier was synthesized from green solvents or deep eutectic solvents and evaluated for sustained anticancer drug release of doxorubicin (DOX) drug. The chemical structure and physical properties of the DESs, DES‐g‐CS‐Biotin, and DOX loaded polymeric nanocarrier were investigated via NMR, FT‐IR, and density analysis. The surface morphology and size of the polymeric nanocarrier were determinedby Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) techniques. Furthermore, the sustained release of DOX loaded polymeric nanocarrier was studied using

UV‐visible spectroscopy at the λmax value of 325 nm. The sustained release of drug discharge from the polymeric nanocarrier was evaluated under various physiological conditions.Moreover, the cell viability and cytotoxicity effects against polymeric nanocarrier and DOX loaded polymeric nanocarrier were evaluated using VERO and HeLa cell lines. In conclusion, the polymeric nanocarrier, with deep eutectic solvent enhances the bioavailability, and biocompatibility to biological system improves cancer chemotherapy treatment.
A Simple Method for Preparing Carbon‐doped CoP to Enhance Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Yuan Guojun , Bai Jianliang , Zhang Lu , Wang Xinyu , Zhu Yaqing , Wu Shuang , Ren Lili
Published: July 2021

Exploring low cost, highly active catalysts toward electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction has become a research hotspot for researchers. In this regard, the precursor of CoP was obtained by hydrothermal method, and CoP was obtained by phosphating after treatment in different atmospheres. Among them, the final sample obtained by nitrogen treatment is CoP/C. The carbon doping structure can promote electron transfer from CoP and improve the performance of the electrolytic water hydrogen evolution reaction. The results show that the HER properties of the samples with carbon‐doped structure prepared at 120 °C and 150 °C in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution are significantly better than those of the samples without such structure. Meanwhile, CoP/C‐120 has a relatively lower overpotential (286 mV at 10 mA cm−2) and good stability in 100000 s. And the reason of the high activity of this catalyst was also discussed through TEM and XPS characterization. The present study provides a promising avenue toward the design of carbon atom doped catalysts.
Current Progress in Quinazoline Derivatives as Acetylcholinesterase and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
Authors: Rehuman Nisha Abdul , Al‐Sehemi Abdullah G. , Parambi Della Grace Thomas , Rangarajan T. M. , Nicolotti Orazio , Kim Hoon , Mathew Bijo
Published: July 2021

Among the N‐containing heterocyclic compounds, quinazoline‐4‐(3H)‐one derivatives have been the center of attraction of medicinal and synthetic chemists due to their excellent versatility in biological activities that are witnessed by many approved drugs available in the market which contains quinazoline as main pharmacophore unit. This review mainly focuses the recent and current progresses in quinazoline derivatives as an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and monoamine oxidase (MAO)‐B inhibitors. The review has leanings towards the molecular determinants and structure‐activity relationships (SAR) of quinazoline derivatives on AChE and MAO inhibitory potencies.
Synthesis and Cytotoxicity of Novel Indoloquinolines and Benzonaphthyridines from 4‐Chloro‐2,8‐dimethylquinoline and Variety of Hetero Amines
Authors: Prabha Kolandaivel , Satheeshkumar Rajendran , Prasad K. J. Rajendra
Published: July 2021

The synthesis of hetero substituted indoloquinolines and thiophene substituted benzonaphthyridienes from two heterocycles tethered by nitrogen or sulfur intermediates. Further it was cyclized using Pd(OAc)2 catalyst to yield products, i. e., various heteroindolo quinolines and polyphosphoric acid (PPA) mediated thiophene substituted naphthyridines. All the potential intermediates and their respective final products were screened for anticancer activity against HeLa and K562 cancer cells, and it showed good cytotoxicity against HeLa and K562 cells compared standard Adriamycin (ADR) drugs. Among the newly synthesized compounds, compounds 3 a, 3 b, 4 b and 5 a displayed stronger cytotoxic activity against both HeLa and K562 cells compared standard Adriamycin (ADR) drug. This might be due to the presence of benzothiazole and isoquinoline moieties, which enhanced the cytotoxic activity. Subsequently, compounds 3 c, 3 d, 4 a, 5 b and 7 also showed better cytotoxic activity with IC50 values <19 μM against HeLa and K562 cells, which was due to the presence of quinoline and thiophene moieties, which enhanced the cytotoxic activity.