bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Matricaria chamomilla L. (German chamomile) flower yield and essential oil affected by irrigation and nitrogen fertilization
Authors: Giannoulis Kyriakos D. , Kamvoukou Christina-Anna , Eleni Wogiatzi Nikolaos Gougoulias,
Published: March 2021

Matricaria chamomilla is one of the most important medicinal herbs. The aim of this study was to investigate irrigation and N-fertilization effect on German chamomile yield and essential oil production. For the purposes of this study, field experiments were established at the Experimental Farm of the University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece, in 2016 and 2017. The experimental design was a factorial split-plot design with main factor irrigation (I1: rainfed, I2: 100% ETo) and sub factor N-fertilization (F1: 0, F2: 80, and F3: 160 kg ha-1) with four replications. Flower yield measured by samplings at the ideal collection stage (2/3 of the rounds of tubes have been opened on the elevated flowering plant). Essential oil content was determined, using a Clevenger-type distillation apparatus and essential oil analysis by a GC-MS on a fused silica DB-5 column. Irrigation had a significant effect on yield, with irrigated treatments producing higher yield in comparison with rainfed treatments (5,250 and 2,200 kg ha-1, fresh and dry flowers, respectively). Furthermore, N-application had also a significant effect on yield, with the higher N-supply producing higher yield. The highest yield and essential oil production were found for the irrigated and fertilized treatment with the higher N-dressing (I2F3, 3,800 and 25 kg ha-1 dry flowers and essential oil yield, respectively). Moreover, it was found that the irrigated treatments produced lower amount of essential oil, while N-fertilization had a positive effect on α-bisabolol and chamazulene and a negative effect on bisabolol oxide A. Although irrigation had a negative impact on the content of essential oils, the high increase in yield led to a maximization of the essential oil production for the irrigated cultivation with maximum nitrogen fertilization. Therefore, chamomile seems to be a promising annual cultivation in Greece which can be established in areas of similar environmental conditions producing satisfactory yields.
Characterization of compounds in Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) and its effect on interior milieu in ZDF
Authors: Dupak Rudolf , Jaszcza Klaudia , Kalafova Anna , Schneidgenova Monika , Ivanisova Eva , Tokarova Katarina , Brindza Jan , Capcarova Marcela
Published: March 2021

The risk of type 2 Diabetes mellitus is constantly increasing and therefore it is necessary to seek effective and new therapies. Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) presents an opportunity in an alternative for treatment of type 2 Diabetes mellitus due its high antioxidant effects. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of Cornelian cherry pulp and stone on ZDF rats, which are suitable biological model for type 2 diabetes. ZDF rats received Cornelian cherry in three doses (1500, 2000 mg kg-1 body weight of the pulp and 250 mg kg-1 body weight of the stone) using the sterile oral rodent gavage for 4 months. Blood glucose, insulin, antioxidant activity and compounds in Cornelian cherry were determined to investigate the effects. Cornelian cherry stone significantly decreased affected blood glucose levels in ZDF rats when compared to the untreated control group. Total polyphenols and phenolic acids had significantly higher values in Cornelian cherry stone against pulp. Also, high concentrations of the anthocyanins were determined in the pulp. The results suggest that Cornelian cherry stone would potentially provide promising source of natural antioxidants and use in the management of Diabetes mellitus.
Pro-/antioxidant and antibacterial activity of olive leaf extracts according to bioavailability of phenolic compounds
Authors: D. Martín-Vertedor J. Rocha-Pimienta, , Delgado-Adámez R. Ramírez, J.
Published: March 2021

The olive leaf extract (OLE) is an aqueous extract from dried olive leaves which contains high amount of phytochemicals with biological activities.  The aim of this work was to study the changes in phenolic compounds content, antibacterial and antioxidant activity of the OLE after an in vitro gastrointestinal process in presence of intestinal microorganisms. In addition, the matrix effect of major individual phenolic compounds was evaluated. The OLE individual phenolic compounds quantification was determined by HPLC. The OLE contained different phenolic compounds, such as hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein and tyrosol and after digestion, these amount bioavailable detected decreased. Additionally, the antibacterial and antioxidant activity of the extract was also significantly reduced after gastrointestinal digestion. Individual phenolic compounds of OLE showed a high antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria and these showed a synergic and matrix effect in extract. Besides, these compounds showed a concentration-depend pro-/anti-oxidant activity. Therefore, although the extract is rich in phenolic compounds, the levels of these were reduced along digestion process advances, and also their antioxidant and antibacterial activity. In addition, the pro-/anti-oxidant activity shown by the extract and its major phenolic compounds must be delved into, as this may or may not be convenient depending on the future application of the extract.
Pea protein isolate nanocomposite films for packaging applications: effect of starch nanocrystals on the structural, morphological, thermal, mechanical and barrier properties
Authors: Azevedo Viviane Machado , De Oliveira Ana Carolina Salgado , Borges Soraia Vilela , Raguzzoni Josiane Callegaro , Dias Marali Vilela , Costa Ana Letícia Rodrigues
Published: March 2021

Abstract: Studies have been made to explore the utilization of pea proteins in terms of edible film and coating materials. The reinforcement of biopolymer films with plant-based nanocrystals has been applied in order to improve their performance properties. The objective was to evaluate the effect of the incorporation of corn starch nanocrystals (SN) (0-15%) in pea protein isolate films. Thermal analysis showed that the addition of up to 5% starch nanocrystals increased thermal stability. A 22.3% decrease was observed in water vapor permeability with the addition of SN. Increasing the SN concentration altered the arrangement of the structure to interleaved, in the matrix, as seen in transmission micrographs. This study showed that the use of corn starch nanocrystals as reinforcement in pea protein films had an effect on the films. The incorporation of up to 10% SN is suggested in order to increase the performance properties of pea protein isolate films.
Genetic parameters, selection gains and genotypic correlations in kale half-siblings progenies
Authors: Brito Orlando Gonçalves , Júnior Valter Carvalho de Andrade , Azevedo Alcinei Mistico , Silva Natália Oliveira , Fernandes José Sebastião Cunha , Alves Kamila Antunes
Published: March 2021

The objective of this work is to estimate genetic parameters, direct and indirect selection gains and to study the genotypic correlations in kale half-siblings. A number of 33 half-siblings progenies of kale were evaluated in the years 2015/2016 in Diamantina, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The characteristics evaluated were number of shoots, number of leaves, fresh mass per leaf, leaf yield, plant height, stem diameter, leaf length, limb length, petiole length, diameter of petiole base, diameter of petiole medium and leaf width. The analyzes were performed using mixed models (REML / BLUP) estimating the genetic parameters and the direct and indirect predicted genetic selection gains. A genetic correlation matrix was obtained from the additive genetic values. Genetic variability was observed in the population. The highest predicted gains are obtained by direct selection in the number of leaves. The best indirect selection strategy was based on leaf productivity, as it avoided unfavorable indirect selection gains for the other characteristics, except for plant height. It was also found that the simultaneous selection, based on ranks average, can be efficient, with favorable gain estimates for all characteristics. The correlation study indicated that the associations of higher intensity were established between the number of leaves with the leaf yield and the diameter of the stem.
Analysis of quality and prediction of external and internal egg traits in Mexican native turkey hens
Authors: Salgado Rodrigo Portillo- , Sesma Benigno Ruiz- , Nazar Paula Mendoza- , Haro José Guadalupe Herrera- , Ortega Jaime Bautista- , Vázquez Francisco Antonio Cigarroa-
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to evaluate external and internal quality traits and determine prediction equations for some of these traits in eggs of Mexican native turkey hens. A total of 72 eggs from native turkey hens in the laying stage raised in rural municipality of Villaflores, Chiapas were measured. The external traits evaluated were: egg weight (EW), polar diameter (PD), equatorial diameter (ED), egg shape index (SI), shell weight (SW), shell percentage (SP), egg surface area (ESA) and shell weight per unit surface area (SSA). The internal traits were: albumen height (AH), yolk height (YH), albumen weight (AW), yolk weight (YW), Haugh units (HU), albumen percentage (AP), yolk percentage (YP) and yolk color (YC). The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficients (r) and linear regression using the SAS program, ver. 9.4. The values obtained for the external egg quality traits showed greater variability. Pearson's correlation coefficients between external and internal traits were positive and moderately significant (P <0.05), as well as highly significant (P <0.0001), and ranged from r = 0.31 (EW vs PD) to r = 0.99 (ED vs ESA). All linear regression equations to predict EW, SW, AW and YW were found to be significant (<.0001). The best predictors of EW were PD, SI, SW and ESA (R2 = 76%). SW and YW traits can be adequately predicted using the EW and SI values together (R2 = 59% and R2 = 74%, respectively), while the AW can be predicted from the EW (R2 = 33%). Based on the results obtained, it is suggested to implement selection programs to improve the quality parameters of the native turkey hen egg in Mexico.
Gluten-Free Bread from ingredients and nutrition point of view: A Mini-Review
Authors: Toth Marcell , Vatai Gyula , Koris Andras
Published: March 2021

Consistent gluten consumption leads to one of the most prevalent immune-mediated disorders i.e. celiac disease (CD). Gluten derived from wheat, rye and barley exhibit antigenic properties that may promote immune reactions in some receptive individuals. Hence, a life-long gluten-free diet (GFD) is being recommended as the best therapeutic treatment. Nevertheless, several research fonts have revealed that gluten-free (GF) products play a vital role in the diet, but bakery goods, especially gluten-free bread (GFB) indicate technological challenges and demonstrate sensory, nutritional and quality imbalances. To overcome these issues, numerous investigations such as raw materials or processing technologies are being carried out. To the best of our knowledge, to date no permanent solution has been evolved for replacing the gluten completely, though the combination of certain ingredients, additives and technologies are providing promising results, keeping the door open for further improvements. This review aims to collect recent information on approaches, improvements and still existing gaps in GF bread making.
Devices for dosimetric measurements and quality assurance of the Xstrahl 300 orthovoltage unit
Authors: Lim Tze Yee , Mirkovic Dragan , Wang Xin , Tailor Ramesh
Published: March 2021

The Xstrahl 300 orthovoltage unit is designed to deliver kilovoltage radiation therapy using the appositional technique. However, it is not equipped with some typical linear accelerator features, such as mechanical distance indicator and crosshair projection, which are useful for facilitating equipment setup during various quality assurance (QA) and research activities. Therefore, we designed and constructed slip‐in devices to facilitate QA for dosimetric measurements of our Xstrahl 300 unit. These include: (a) an ion chamber positioning system for dosimetric measurements, (b) a mechanical pointer for setting dosimeter distance to a nominal 50 cm, and (c) a crosshair projector with built‐in light to facilitate alignment of dosimeter to the center of the radiation field. These devices provide a high degree of setup reproducibility thereby minimizing setup errors. We used these devices to perform QA of the Xstrahl 300 orthovoltage unit. One of the QA tests we perform is a constancy check of beam output and energy. Our data since start of clinical use of this unit (approximately 2.5 yr) show dose outputs to be remarkably reproducible (2σ = ±0.4%) for all three clinical beams (75, 125, and 250 kVp). These devices have provided both convenience and high‐precision during the unit’s commissioning, and continue to provide the same for various QA activities on the Xstrahl 300 orthovoltage unit.
Flash‐Sintering Mechanism Studied Through Interrupted Experiments
Authors: Becker Mattan Ze'ev , Baltianski Sioma , Popilevsky Larisa , Attias Rinat , Paul Tanmoy , Tsur Yoed
Published: March 2021

Herein, the mass‐transfer mechanism of flash sintering during the transient stage is examined using an in‐house‐made flash and quench (FQ) system. Visual findings of samples during and after FQ experiments and high‐resolution electron microscopy are given. Many new observations regarding the flash‐sintering nature are presented and discussed. Samples that underwent FQ experiments either show no sign of sintering or local sintering and grain growth due to a hotspot. These findings aid in untying of the two phenomena. Electron microscopy imaging of flash and quenched samples shows atypical microstructures. Such microstructural anomalies include sintering, massive grain growth, and visual findings on the surface. These findings establish flash sintering as a set of phenomena, caused by an abrupt and local increase in temperature (a “flash event”), where only one of which is sintering.
Interfacially Super‐Assembled Asymmetric and H2O2 Sensitive Multilayer‐Sandwich Magnetic Mesoporous Silica Nanomotors for Detecting and Removing Heavy Metal Ions
Authors: Qiu Beilei , Xie Lei , Zeng Jie , Liu Tianyi , Yan Miao , Zhou Shan , Liang Qirui , Tang Jinyao , Liang Kang , Kong Biao
Published: March 2021

Asymmetric hollow and magnetic mesoporous silica nanocomposites have great potential applications due to their unique structural–functional properties. Here, asymmetric multilayer‐sandwich magnetic mesoporous silica nanobottles (MMSNBs) are presented through an interfacial super‐assembly strategy. Asymmetric hollow silica nanobottles (SNBs) are first prepared, and Fe3O4 nanoparticles monolayers and mesoporous silica layers are uniformly super‐assembled on the surfaces of SNBs, respectively. The high Fe3O4 nanoparticles loading endows MMSNBs with a high magnetization (8.5 emu g−1), while the mesoporous silica layers exhibit high surface area (613.4 m2 g−1) and large pore size (3.6 nm). MMSNBs can be employed as a novel type of enzyme‐powered nanomotors by integrating catalase (Cat‐MMSNBs), which show an average speed of 7.59 µm s−1 (≈25 body lengths s−1) at 1.5 wt% H2O2. Accordingly, the water quality can be monitored by evaluating the movement speed of Cat‐MMSNBs. Moreover, MMSNBs act as a good adsorbent for removing more than 90% of the heavy metal ions with the advantage of the mesoporous structure. In addition, the good magnetic response enables the MMSNBs with precise directional control and is conducive to recycling for repeated operation. This bottom‐up interfacial super‐assembly construction strategy allows for a new understanding of the rational design and synthesis of multi‐functional nanomotors.
Poly(Glycerol Sebacate) in Biomedical Applications—A Review of the Recent Literature
Authors: Vogt Lena , Ruther Florian , Salehi Sahar , Boccaccini Aldo R.
Published: March 2021

Poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) continues to attract attention for biomedical applications owing to its favorable combination of properties. Conventionally polymerized by a two‐step polycondensation of glycerol and sebacic acid, variations of synthesis parameters, reactant concentrations or by specific chemical modifications, PGS materials can be obtained exhibiting a wide range of physicochemical, mechanical, and morphological properties for a variety of applications. PGS has been extensively used in tissue engineering (TE) of cardiovascular, nerve, cartilage, bone and corneal tissues. Applications of PGS based materials in drug delivery systems and wound healing are also well documented. Research and development in the field of PGS continue to progress, involving mainly the synthesis of modified structures using copolymers, hybrid, and composite materials. Moreover, the production of self‐healing and electroactive materials has been introduced recently. After almost 20 years of research on PGS, previous publications have outlined its synthesis, modification, properties, and biomedical applications, however, a review paper covering the most recent developments in the field is lacking. The present review thus covers comprehensively literature of the last five years on PGS‐based biomaterials and devices focusing on advanced modifications of PGS for applications in medicine and highlighting notable advances of PGS based systems in TE and drug delivery.
Near‐Field Characterization of Higher‐Order Topological Photonic States at Optical Frequencies
Authors: Vakulenko Anton , Kiriushechkina Svetlana , Wang Mingsong , Li Mengyao , Zhirihin Dmitry , Ni Xiang , Guddala Sriram , Korobkin Dmitry , Alù Andrea , Khanikaev Alexander B.
Published: March 2021

Higher‐order topological insulators (HOTIs) represent a new type of topological system, supporting boundary states localized over boundaries, two or more dimensions lower than the dimensionality of the system itself. Interestingly, photonic HOTIs can possess a richer physics than their original condensed matter counterpart, supporting conventional HOTI states based on tight‐binding coupling, and a new type of topological HOTI states enabled by long‐range interactions. Here, a new mechanism to establish all‐dielectric infrared HOTI metasurfaces exhibiting both types of HOTI states is proposed, supported by a topological transition accompanied by the emergence of topological Wannier‐type polarization. Two kinds of near‐field experimental studies are performed: i) the solid immersion spectroscopy and ii) near‐field imaging using scattering scanning near‐field optical microscopy to directly observe the topological transition and the emergence of HOTI states of two types. It is shown that the near‐field profiles indicate the displacement of the Wannier center across the topological transition leading to the topological dipole polarization and emergence of the topological boundary states. The proposed all‐dielectric HOTI metasurface offers a new approach to confine the optical field in micro‐ and nano‐scale topological cavities and thus paves the way to achieve a novel nanophotonic technology.
Porosimetry for Thin Films of Metal–Organic Frameworks: A Comparison of Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy and Adsorption‐Based Methods
Authors: Stassin Timothée , Verbeke Rhea , Cruz Alexander John , Rodríguez‐Hermida Sabina , Stassen Ivo , Marreiros João , Krishtab Mikhail , Dickmann Marcel , Egger Werner , Vankelecom Ivo F. J. , Furukawa Shuhei , De Vos Dirk , Grosso David , Thommes Matthias , Ameloot Rob
Published: March 2021

Thin films of crystalline and porous metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have great potential in membranes, sensors, and microelectronic chips. While the morphology and crystallinity of MOF films can be evaluated using widely available techniques, characterizing their pore size, pore volume, and specific surface area is challenging due to the low amount of material and substrate effects. Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) is introduced as a powerful method to obtain pore size information and depth profiling in MOF films. The complementarity of this approach to established physisorption‐based methods such as quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) gravimetry, ellipsometric porosimetry (EP), and Kr physisorption (KrP) is illustrated. This comprehensive discussion on MOF thin film porosimetry is supported by experimental data for thin films of ZIF‐8.
Supramolecular Self‐Assembly‐Facilitated Aggregation of Tumor‐Specific Transmembrane Receptors for Signaling Activation and Converting Immunologically Cold to Hot Tumors
Authors: Li Jun , Fang Yuan , Zhang Yufan , Wang Huaimin , Yang Zhimou , Ding Dan
Published: March 2021

Supramolecular self‐assembling peptide systems are attracting increasing interest in the field of cancer theranostics. Additionally, transformation of the immunologically cold tumor microenvironment into hot is of great importance for obtaining high antitumor responses for most immunotherapies. However, as far as it is known, there are nearly no studies on self‐assembling peptides reported to be able to convert cold to hot tumors. Herein, a self‐assembling peptide‐based cancer theranostic agent (named DBT‐2FFGYSA) is designed and synthesized, which can target tumor‐specific transmembrane Eph receptor A2 (EphA2) receptors selectively and make the receptors form large aggregates. Such aggregate formation promotes the cross‐phosphorylations among EphA2 receptors, leading to signal transduction of antitumor pathway. As a consequence, DBT‐2FFGYSA can not only visualize EphA2 receptors in a fluorescence turn‐on manner, but also specifically suppress the EphA2 receptor‐overexpressed cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth. What is more, DBT‐2FFGYSA also serves as an effective agent to convert immunologically cold tumors to hot by inducing the immunogenic cell death of EphA2 receptor‐overexpressed cancer cells and recruiting massive tumor‐infiltrating T cells. This study, thus, introduces a new category of agents capable of converting cold to hot tumors by pure supramolecular self‐assembly without any aid of known anticancer drugs.
Significantly Improving the Bioefficacy for Rheumatoid Arthritis with Supramolecular Nanoformulations
Authors: Ma Chao , Li Bo , Zhang Jinrui , Sun Yao , Li Jingjing , Zhou Hangcheng , Shen Jianlei , Gu Rui , Qian Jiangchao , Fan Chunhai , Zhang Hongjie , Liu Kai
Published: March 2021

As a typical inflammatory disease with chronic pain syndromes, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) generally requires long‐term treatment with frequent injection administration at 1–2 times per day, because common medications such as interleukin1 receptor antagonist (IL1ra) have poor bioavailability and very limited half‐life residence. Here a novel strategy to fabricate nanotherapeutic formulations employing genetically engineered IL1ra protein complexes, yielding ultralong‐lasting bioefficacy is developed rationally. Using rat models, it is shown that these nanotherapeutics significantly improved drug regimen to a single subcutaneous administration in a 14‐day therapy, suggesting their extraordinary bioavailability and ultralong‐acting pharmacokinetics. Specifically, the half‐life and bioavailability of the nanoformulations are boosted to the level of 30 h and by 7 times, respectively, significantly greater than other systems. This new strategy thus holds great promise to potently improve patient compliance in RA therapy, and it can be adapted for other therapies that suffer similar drawbacks.
Polyelectrolyte Substrate Coating for Controlling Biofilm Growth at Solid–Air Interface
Authors: Ryzhkov Nikolay V. , Nikitina Anna A. , Fratzl Peter , Bidan Cécile M. , Skorb Ekaterina V.
Published: March 2021

Because bacteria–surface interactions play a decisive role in bacteria adhesion and biofilm spreading, it is essential to understand how biofilms respond to surface properties to develop effective strategies to combat them. Polyelectrolyte coating is a simple and efficient way of controlling surface charge and energy. Using polyelectrolytes of various types, with different molecular weights and polyelectrolyte solutions of various pH provides a unique approach to investigate the interactions between biofilms and their substrate. Here, the formation of Escherichia coli biofilms at a solid–air interface is explored, whereby charge and interfacial energy are tuned using polyelectrolyte coatings on the surface. Cationic coatings are observed to limit biofilm spreading, which remain more confined when using high molecular weight polycations. Interestingly, biofilm surface densities are higher on polycationic surfaces despite their well‐studied bactericidal properties. Furthermore, the degree of polyelectrolyte protonation also appears to have an influence on biofilm spreading on polycation‐coated substrates. Finally, altering the interplay between biomass production and surface forces with polyelectrolyte coatings is shown to affect biofilm 3D architecture. Thereby, it is demonstrated that biofilm growth and spreading on a hydrogel substrate can be tuned from confined to expanded, simply by coating the surface using available polyelectrolytes.
Antenna Doping: The Key for Achieving Efficient Optical Wavelength Conversion in Crystalline Chromophoric Heterolayers
Authors: Haldar Ritesh , Chen Hongye , Mazel Antoine , Chen Dong‐Hui , Gupta Gaurav , Dua Navneet , Diring Stéphane , Odobel Fabrice , Wöll Christof
Published: March 2021

High‐yield wavelength conversion is one of the key requirements for efficient photon energy harvesting. Attempts to realize efficient conversion by simply stacking layers of chromophores have failed so far, even when using highly crystalline assemblies and employing the recently discovered long‐range (>100 nm) Förster resonance energy transfer (LR‐FRET). Optical conversion efficiency is drastically improved using chromophoric metal–organic framework heterolayers fabricated layer‐by‐layer in connection with an “antenna doping” strategy. Systematic investigations reveal that the LR‐FRET mechanism, reported previously in chromophoric aggregates, is highly anisotropic for neat materials but can be made more isotropic by employing doping strategies. Using optimized fabrication parameters and dopant concentrations, a three‐layer, two‐step cascade with an overall optical conversion efficiency of ≈75% is realized.
Improved Long‐Term Stability and Reduced Humidity Effect in Gas Sensing: SiO2 Ultra‐Thin Layered ZnO Columnar Films
Authors: Postica Vasile , Lupan Oleg , Gapeeva Anna , Hansen Luka , Khaledialidusti Rasoul , Mishra Abhishek Kumar , Drewes Jonas , Kersten Holger , Faupel Franz , Adelung Rainer , Hansen Sandra
Published: March 2021

The undoped and metal‐doped zinc oxide columnar films (ZnO:Sn, ZnO:Fe, ZnO:Ag, and ZnO:Cu) are covered with an ultra‐thin layer of SiO2 (10–20 nm). The electrical, UV, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) sensing properties are evaluated under different ambient conditions for ≈7 months to investigate the impact of the top SiO2‐layer on the long‐term stability of samples. The obtained results show a high immunity of sensing properties of SiO2‐coated samples to humidity. Furthermore, gas sensing measurements show that the loss in response after 203 days is significantly lower for coated samples indicating higher stability of sensing performance. For ZnO:Fe the gas response is reduced by about 90% after 203 days, but for SiO2‐coated ZnO:Fe columnar films the gas response is slightly reduced by only 38%. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that water species bind strongly with the surface SiO2 layer atoms with a −0.129 e− charge transfer, which is, much higher compared to the interaction with ethanol and acetone. Calculations show strong binding of water species on the SiO2 layer indicating preferential absorption of water molecules on SiO2. The obtained results demonstrate an important role of the top SiO2 ultra‐thin layer in order to produce humidity‐tolerant sensitive devices.
Multi‐Arm PEG/Peptidomimetic Conjugate Inhibitors of DR6/APP Interaction Block Hematogenous Tumor Cell Extravasation
Authors: Wang Liting , Shen Qing , Liao Hongze , Fu Hao , Wang Qi , Yu Jian , Zhang Wei , Chen Chuanrong , Dong Yang , Yang Xupeng , Guo Qianqian , Zhang Jiali , Zhang Jian , Zhang Wei , Lin Houwen , Duan Yourong
Published: March 2021

The binding of amyloid precursor protein (APP) expressed on tumor cells to death receptor 6 (DR6) could initiate the necroptosis pathway, which leads to necroptotic cell death of vascular endothelial cells (ECs) and results in tumor cells (TCs) extravasation and metastasis. This study reports the first inhibitor of DR6/APP interaction as a novel class of anti‐hematogenous metastatic agent. By rationally utilizing three combined strategies including selection based on phage display library, d‐retro‐inverso modification, and multiple conjugation of screened peptidomimetic with 4‐arm PEG, the polymer–peptidomimetic conjugate PEG‐tAHP‐DRI (tetra‐(D‐retro‐inverso isomer of AHP‐12) substitued 4‐arm PEG5k) is obtained as the most promising agent with the strongest binding potency (KD = 51.12 × 10−9 m) and excellent pharmacokinetic properties. Importantly, PEG‐tAHP‐DRI provides efficient protection against TC‐induced ECs necroptosis both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, this ligand exhibits prominent anti‐hematogenous metastatic activity in serval different metastatic mouse models (B16F10, 4T1, CT26, and spontaneous lung metastasis of 4T1 orthotopic tumor model) and displays no apparent detrimental effects in preliminary safety evaluation. Collectively, this study demonstrates the feasibility of exploiting DR6/APP interaction to regulate hematogenous tumor cells transendothelial migration and provides PEG‐tAHP‐DRI as a novel and promising inhibitor of DR6/APP interaction for developments of anti‐hematogenous metastatic therapies.
Total Synthesis of Phenanthroviridin Aglycon and Its Analog
Authors: Akagi Yusuke , Harasawa Kohei , Komatsu Toshiya
Published: March 2021

We report the total synthesis of phenanthroviridin aglycon with interesting antibacterial and anticancer activities. A Pd‐catalyzed direct arylation of 5‐hydroxy‐1,4‐naphthoquinone with aryl iodides, which were prepared from 3,5‐dimethylphenol, gave aryl‐1,4‐naphthoquinones. Treatment of the resulting aryl‐1,4‐naphthoquinones with aqueous ammonia, followed by oxidative cyclization and deprotection, successfully yielded phenanthroviridin aglycon (1,8‐dihydroxy‐3‐methylbenzo[b]phenanthridine‐7,12‐dione) and its analog (1,11‐dihydroxy‐3‐methylbenzo[b]phenanthridine‐7,12‐dione).
Migration and maize in the Virú Valley: Understanding life histories through multi‐tissue carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and strontium isotope analyses
Authors: Hyland Corrie , Millaire Jean‐François , Szpak Paul
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Stable isotope analysis can provide crucial insight into the function and development of early state‐level societies on the north coast of Peru.

Materials and Methods

Multi‐tissue (bone collagen, tooth enamel, hair, nail, skin, and tendon) stable isotope analyses (carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and strontium) were conducted for 13 individuals from the lower Virú Valley.

Results

Non‐seasonal changes in a predominantly C4‐based terrestrial diet, with minimal inputs of marine foods were identified. One individual (Burial 5), however, had a stable isotope signature unlike any previously found on the north coast of Peru, indicating both a large contribution of C3‐terrestrial resources to their diet and an 87Sr/86Sr value suggestive of highland residence during childhood.

Discussion

This research provides the first strong stable isotope evidence of a highland individual within a coastal burial in northern Peru, new insight into the ritual killing event at Huaca Santa Clara during the late middle horizon and supporting evidence of the importance of C4 terrestrial resources to the developing Virú polity during the early intermediate period.
Novel metal complexes for D‐(A‐π‐A)2motif dye sensitizer: Synthesis and photovoltaic application
Authors: Zhang Houpeng , Wu Xianming , Tang Shiyu , Wang Kaixuan , Tian Yong , Zhong Chaofan
Published: March 2021

Four metal complexes BDTT‐PCd, BDTT‐PZn, BDTT‐PCu, and BDTT‐PCo with the symmetrical structure were designed, synthesized, and characterized, which would be used as D‐(A‐π‐A)2motif dye sensitizers. These complexes adopt Cd(II), Zn(II), Cu(II), and Co(II) complexes as auxiliary electron acceptors (A), thienylbenzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene (BDTT) as electron donor (D), and the 8‐quinolinol derivative as the π bridge and the acceptor (A) of D‐(A‐π‐A)2motif dye sensitizers. The photophysical, electrochemical, and photovoltaic properties of these complexes have been investigated. The four complexes‐based dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) device exhibited a short‐circuit photocurrent density (Jsc) of 17.51, 17.02, 15.07, and 14.38 mA cm−2and an attractive power conversion efficiency (η) of 8.82%, 8.32%, 8.03%, and 7.55%, respectively, under the AM 1.5 irradiation (100 mW cm−2). The photovoltaic conversion efficiency (PCE) and the short‐circuit photocurrent density (Jsc) of BDTT‐PCd, BDTT‐PZn, BDTT‐PCu, and BDTT‐PCo are sequentially reduced; it attributed to the difference of the electron‐withdrawing ability of the auxiliary acceptor resulted by the difference of coordination abilities of metal ions Cd(II), Zn(II), Cu(II), and Co(II) with ligand. These results provide strong evidence that D‐(A‐π‐A)2motif complexes has great potential as promising photosensitizers in the applications of DSSCs.
Synthesis of walnut‐like polyaniline by using polyvinyl alcohol micellar template with excellent film transmission
Authors: Wang Wenjiao , Ma Yong , Zhuang Zhao , Zhou Shujie , Ma Mingliang , Wu Qi , Bai Ruiqin , Li Tingxi
Published: March 2021

Though there have been many reports on various morphologies of polyaniline (PANI), the research on fabricating new morphologies remains to be explored. In this work, with the help of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) micelles as templates, walnut‐like PANI having a rough periphery is successfully synthesized at room temperature by a static reaction. In addition, the effects of the amount of PVA, the concentration of HCl solution and the type of surfactant on the morphologies of PANI are studied in detail. Outcomes demonstrate that the fabrication of PANI walnuts is a result of the cooperation effect of the amount of PVA and the concentration of HCl solution. Moreover, PANI walnuts exhibit good thermal stability, which begins to degrade at up to about 300°C. Thin film coated by PANI walnuts possesses excellent transmittance. When PANI sample is prepared in the presence of 0.50 g PVA and 0.010 M HCl solution, the film transmittance can reach a maximum of 74% at 1200 nm. The sample presented herein have potential to be used in optical devices.
Hydrophilicity of electrospun microfibers of polyethylene oxide with semisoluble polyaniline for biological applications
Authors: Ramírez Rosario , Olayo Ma. Guadalupe , Palacios J. Cuauhtemoc , Flores Fernando G. , González Torres Maribel , Colín Orozco Elena , Valdivia Ricardo , Cruz Guillermo J.
Published: March 2021

This work studies the hydrophilicity of electrospun microfibers of polyaniline (PANI) synthesized by plasma combined with polyethylene oxide (PEO). The hydrophilicity was evaluated measuring the contact angles of water, phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) and Krebs‐Ringer (KR) biological solutions formed on the polymers. Plasma PANI is usually insoluble due to the crosslinking associated with the electrical discharges of the synthesis conditions; however, PANI was synthesized as semi‐soluble films, which were dissolved and mixed with soluble PEO to obtain PANI/PEO electrospun microfibers. Super‐hydrophilic (<30°) angles were obtained with water on PEO fibers and hydrophobic (>90°) angles were obtained with the PBS solution on PANI/PEO fibers. PANI films had contact angles, which increased with the salts of KR and PBS solutions, PEO films had sudden increments and reductions with the saline solutions. PANI showed the typical chemical groups of polyanilines and others as CN and CC associated with a high dehydrogenation, which disappeared in PANI fibers. Electromagnetic absorption peaks in the 270–320 nm wavelength range were detected in the fibers and not in the films, which can be associated with transitions between benzoid and quinoid PANI structures. These results indicated that PANI/PEO fibers would not dissolve as rapidly as PEO fibers in biological solutions.
Conservation genetic assessment of the paleback darter, Etheostoma pallididorsum, a narrowly distributed endemic in the Ouachita Highlands, Arkansas, USA
Authors: McCall Brittany L. , Fluker Brook L.
Published: March 2021

The paleback darter, Etheostoma pallididorsum, is considered imperilled and has recently been petitioned for listing under the Endangered Species Act. Previous allozyme‐based studies found evidence of a small effective population size, warranting conservation concern. The objective of this study was to assess the population dynamics and the phylogeographical history of the paleback darter, using a multilocus microsatellite approach and mitochondrial DNA.

The predictions of this study were that: paleback darter populations will exhibit low genetic diversity and minimal gene flow; population structure will correspond to the river systems from which the samples are derived; reservoir dams impounding the reaches between the Caddo and Ouachita rivers would serve as effective barriers to gene flow; and the Caddo and Ouachita rivers are reciprocally monophyletic.

Microsatellite DNA loci revealed significant structure among sampled localities (global Fst = 0.17, P < 0.001), with evidence of two distinct populations representing the Caddo and Ouachita rivers. However, Bayesian phylogeographical analyses resulted in three distinct clades: Caddo River, Ouachita River, and Mazarn Creek. Divergence from the most recent ancestor shared among the river drainages was estimated at 60 Kya. Population genetic diversity was relatively low (He = 0.65; mean alleles per locus, A = 6.26), but was comparable with the population genetic diversity found in the close relatives slackwater darter, Etheostoma boschungi (He = 0.65; A = 6.74), and Tuscumbia darter, Etheostoma tuscumbia (He = 0.57; A = 5.53).

These results have conservation implications for paleback darter populations and can be informative for other headwater specialist species. Like other headwater species with population structuring and relatively low genetic diversity, the persistence of paleback darter populations is likely to be tied to the persistence and connectivity of local breeding and non‐breeding habitat. These results do not raise conservation concern for a population decline; however, the restricted distribution and endemic status of the species still renders paleback darter populations vulnerable to extirpation or extinction.
Insight into the Multistate Emissive N, P‐doped Carbon Nano‐Onions: Emerging Visible‐Light Absorption for Photocatalysis
Authors: Kar Subhajit , Bramhaiah Kommula , John Neena S. , Bhattacharyya Santanu
Published: March 2021

Carbon dots (CDs) have become one of the most emerging materials as an alternative solar light‐induced photocatalyst in contrast to traditional metal‐based systems. However, one of the major challenges is the lack of visible light absorption. Herein, we have fabricated unique N, P‐co‐doped CDs with a self‐assembled onion‐like layered structure by using a bottom‐up facile synthesis technique from chitosan gel and phosphoric acid as molecular precursors. This typical layered structure of N, P‐co‐doped carbon nano onions (N, P‐CNOs), with an average size of 25–50 nm, displays an enhanced visible light absorption. Detailed structural and elemental characterizations confirm the extensive aromatic domain with P‐containing surface functionalities, while electrochemical study clarifies the lowering of band gaps as well as the creation of new electronic states in comparison to the pristine N‐CDs. Furthermore, the intrinsic structural features are correlated with the underpinning photophysical processes by steady‐state and time‐resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. In addition, steady‐state polarized emission and thermo‐responsive PL properties have been carried out to unveil further the structure‐property correlation of N, P‐CNOs, and their comparative study with pristine N‐CDs at the different excitation wavelengths. Finally, N, P‐CNOs exhibit efficient visible‐light‐induced photocatalysis, and the detailed mechanistic study is carried out by trapping the photogenerated species in an aqueous medium. The prepared N, P‐CNOs displayed an excellent visible‐light photocatalytic performance over MB dye with a degradation efficiency of 75.8% within 120 min along with a degradation rate constant of ∼0.0109 min−1. It is concluded that the easy to synthesize and low‐cost N, P‐CNOs with a unique morphology hold great potential for application in visible‐light photocatalysis.
Effects Induced by a Weak Static Magnetic Field of Different Intensities on HT‐1080 Fibrosarcoma Cells
Authors: Gurhan Hakki , Bruzon Rodolfo , Kandala Sahithi , Greenebaum Ben , Barnes Frank
Published: March 2021

In this study, we investigated the effects of weak static magnetic fields (SMFs) on HT‐1080 human fibrosarcoma cells. Exposures to SMFs for four consecutive days were varied from 0.5 to 600 µT for treated units, while exposures to control units were held at 45 µT. Growth rates were measured by comparing cell counts, whereas membrane potentials, mitochondrial calcium, mitochondrial superoxide (O2−), nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), intercellular pH, and oxidative stress were measured by using fluorescent dyes. The relative cell growth rates vary with the angle of the SMFs. Increases in the magnitude of the SMFs increased concentrations of mitochondrial calcium and membrane potential and decreased intracellular pH. H2O2, an important reactive oxygen species (ROS), increases at 100 and 200 µT, decreases at 300 and 400 µT and increases again at 500 and 600 µT. Overall, oxidative stress increases slightly with increasing SMFs, while superoxide and NO concentrations decrease. These results indicate that weak SMFs can accelerate and inhibit cell growth rates and induce alterations in ROS. Changes in ROS and oxidative stress are important for various cell functions. Calcium influx into mitochondria was one of the initial steps into the corresponding changes. Bioelectromagnetics. 2021. © 2021 Bioelectromagnetics Society
Blinatumomab as first salvage versus second or later salvage in adults with relapsed/refractory B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Results of a pooled analysis
Authors: Topp Max S. , Stein Anthony S. , Gökbuget Nicola , Horst Heinz‐August , Boissel Nicolas , Martinelli Giovanni , Kantarjian Hagop , Brüggemann Monika , Chen Yuqi , Zugmaier Gerhard
Published: March 2021

Background

Blinatumomab is a BiTE® immuno‐oncology therapy indicated for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory (r/r) B‐cell precursor (BCP) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Aims

To assess the efficacy and safety of blinatumomab as first salvage versus second or later salvage in patients with r/r BCP ALL.

Materials & Methods

Patient‐level pooled data were used for this analysis. In total, 532 adults with r/r BCP ALL treated with blinatumomab were included (first salvage, n = 165; second or later salvage, n = 367).

Results

Compared with patients who received blinatumomab as second or later salvage, those who received blinatumomab as first salvage had a longer median overall survival (OS; 10.4 vs. 5.7 months; HR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.26–1.97; P < .001) and relapse‐free survival (10.1 vs. 7.3 months; HR, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.98–1.93; P = .061), and higher rates of remission (n = 89 [54%] vs. n = 150 [41%]; odds ratio, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.41–0.85; P = .005), minimal residual disease response (n = 68 [41%] vs. n = 118 [32%]), and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (alloHSCT) realization (n = 60 [36%] vs. n = 88 [24%]), and alloHSCT in continuous remission (n = 33 [20%] vs. n = 52 (14%]). In a subgroup analysis, there was no apparent effect of prior alloHSCT on median OS in either salvage group. The safety profile of blinatumomab was generally similar between the groups; however, cytokine release syndrome, febrile neutropenia, and infection were more frequent with second or later salvage than with first salvage.

Discussion

In this pooled analysis, the logistic regression analyses indicated greater benefit with blinatumomab as first salvage than as second or later salvage, as evident by the longer median OS, longer median RFS, and higher rates of remission.

Conclusion

Overall, blinatumomab was beneficial as first salvage and as second or later salvage, but the effects were favorable as first salvage.
MX2 mediates establishment of interferon response profile, regulates XAF1, and can sensitize melanoma cells to targeted therapy
Authors: Juraleviciute Marina , Nsengimana Jérémie , Newton‐Bishop Julia , Hendriks Gert J. , Slipicevic Ana
Published: March 2021

MX2 is an interferon inducible gene that is mostly known for its antiviral activity. We have previously demonstrated that MX2 is also associated with the tumorigenesis process in melanoma. However, it remains unknown which molecular mechanisms are regulated by MX2 in response to interferon signaling in this disease. Here, we report that MX2 is necessary for the establishment of an interferon‐induced transcriptional profile partially through regulation of STAT1 phosphorylation and other interferon‐related downstream factors, including proapoptotic tumor suppressor XAF1. MX2 and XAF1 expression tightly correlate in both cultured melanoma cell lines and in patient‐derived primary and metastatic tumors, where they also are significantly related with survival. MX2 mediates IFN growth‐inhibitory signals in both XAF1 dependent and independent ways and in a cell type and context‐dependent manner. Higher MX2 expression renders melanoma cells more sensitive to targeted therapy drugs such as vemurafenib and trametinib; however, this effect is XAF1 independent. In summary, we uncovered a new mechanism in the complex regulation of interferon signaling in melanoma that can influence both survival and response to therapy.
Disparate outcomes in nonsmall cell lung cancer by immigration status
Authors: Chau Brittney , Ituarte Philip HG , Shinde Ashwin , Li Richard , Vazquez Jessica , Glaser Scott , Massarelli Erminia , Salgia Ravi , Erhunmwunsee Loretta , Ashing Kimlin , Amini Arya
Published: March 2021

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate overall survival (OS) outcomes by race, stratified by country of origin in patients diagnosed with NSCLC in California.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2012. Race/ethnicity was defined as White (W), Black (B), Hispanic (H), and Asian (A) and stratified by country of origin (US vs. non‐US [NUS]) creating the following patient cohorts: W‐US, W‐NUS, B‐US, B‐NUS, H‐US, H‐NUS, A‐US, and A‐NUS. Three multivariate models were created: model 1 adjusted for age, gender, stage, year of diagnosis and histology; model 2 included model 1 plus treatment modalities; and model 3 included model 2 with the addition of socioeconomic status, marital status, and insurance.

Results

A total of 68,232 patients were included. Median OS from highest to lowest were: A‐NUS (15 months), W‐NUS (14 months), A‐US (13 months), B‐NUS (13 months), H‐US (11 months), W‐US (11 months), H‐NUS (10 months), and B‐US (10 months) (p < 0.001). In model 1, B‐US had worse OS, whereas A‐US, W‐NUS, B‐NUS, H‐NUS, and A‐NUS had better OS when compared to W‐US. In model 2 after adjusting for receipt of treatment, there was no difference in OS for B‐US when compared to W‐US. After adjusting for all variables (model 3), all race/ethnicity profiles had better OS when compared to W‐US; B‐NUS patients had similar OS to W‐US.

Conclusion

Foreign‐born patients with NSCLC have decreased risk of mortality when compared to native‐born patients in California after accounting for treatments received and socioeconomic differences.