bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organ‐Level Functional 3D Tissue Constructs with Complex Compartments and their Preclinical Applications
Authors: Lee Jaeseo , Park DoYeun , Seo Yoojin , Chung Justin J. , Jung Youngmee , Kim Soo Hyun
Published: October 2020

There is an increasing interest in organ‐level 3D tissue constructs, owing to their mirroring of in vivo‐like features. This has resulted in a wide range of preclinical applications to obtain cell‐ or tissue‐specific responses. Additionally, the development and improvement of sophisticated technologies, such as organoid generation, microfluidics, hydrogel engineering, and 3D printing, have enhanced 3D tissue constructs to become more elaborate. In particular, recent studies have focused on including complex compartments, i.e., vascular and innervation structured 3D tissue constructs, which mimic the nature of the human body in that all tissues/organs are interconnected and physiological phenomena are mediated through vascular and neural systems. Here, the strategies are categorized according to the number of dimensions (0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D) of the starting materials for scaling up, and novel approaches to introduce increased complexity in 3D tissue constructs are highlighted. Recent advances in preclinical applications are also investigated to gain insight into the future direction of 3D tissue construct research. Overcoming the challenges in improving organ‐level functional 3D tissue constructs both in vitro and in vivo will ultimately become a life‐saving tool in the biomedical field.
Neutrophils Enable Local and Non‐Invasive Liposome Delivery to Inflamed Skeletal Muscle and Ischemic Heart
Authors: Che Junyi , Najer Adrian , Blakney Anna K. , McKay Paul F. , Bellahcene Mohamed , Winter Charles W. , Sintou Amalia , Tang Jiaqing , Keane Timothy J. , Schneider Michael D. , Shattock Robin J. , Sattler Susanne , Stevens Molly M.
Published: October 2020

Uncontrolled inflammation is a major pathological factor underlying a range of diseases including autoimmune conditions, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Improving localized delivery of immunosuppressive drugs to inflamed tissue in a non‐invasive manner offers significant promise to reduce severe side effects caused by systemic administration. Here, a neutrophil‐mediated delivery system able to transport drug‐loaded nanocarriers to inflamed tissue by exploiting the inherent ability of neutrophils to migrate to inflammatory tissue is reported. This hybrid system (neutrophils loaded with liposomes ex vivo) efficiently migrates in vitro following an inflammatory chemokine gradient. Furthermore, the triggered release of loaded liposomes and reuptake by target macrophages is studied. The migratory behavior of liposome‐loaded neutrophils is confirmed in vivo by demonstrating the delivery of drug‐loaded liposomes to an inflamed skeletal muscle in mice. A single low‐dose injection of the hybrid system locally reduces inflammatory cytokine levels. Biodistribution of liposome‐loaded neutrophils in a human‐disease‐relevant myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury mouse model after i.v. injection confirms the ability of injected neutrophils to carry loaded liposomes to inflammation sites. This strategy shows the potential of nanocarrier‐loaded neutrophils as a universal platform to deliver anti‐inflammatory drugs to promote tissue regeneration in inflammatory diseases.
2D Re‐Based Transition Metal Chalcogenides: Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities
Authors: Li Xiaobo , Chen Chao , Yang Yang , Lei Zhibin , Xu Hua
Published: October 2020

The rise of 2D transition‐metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) materials has enormous implications for the scientific community and beyond. Among TMDs, ReX2 (X = S, Se) has attracted significant interest regarding its unusual 1T′ structure and extraordinary properties in various fields during the past 7 years. For instance, ReX2 possesses large bandgaps (ReSe2: 1.3 eV, ReS2: 1.6 eV), distinctive interlayer decoupling, and strong anisotropic properties, which endow more degree of freedom for constructing novel optoelectronic, logic circuit, and sensor devices. Moreover, facile ion intercalation, abundant active sites, together with stable 1T′ structure enable them great perspective to fabricate high‐performance catalysts and advanced energy storage devices. In this review, the structural features, fundamental physicochemical properties, as well as all existing applications of Re‐based TMDs materials are comprehensively introduced. Especially, the emerging synthesis strategies are critically analyzed and pay particular attention is paid to its growth mechanism with probing the assembly process of domain architectures. Finally, current challenges and future opportunities regarding the controlled preparation methods, property, and application exploration of Re‐based TMDs are discussed.
Engineering Prodrug Nanomedicine for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Yang Bin , Gao Jing , Pei Qing , Xu Huixiong , Yu Haijun
Published: October 2020

Immunotherapy has shifted the clinical paradigm of cancer management. However, despite promising initial progress, immunotherapeutic approaches to cancer still suffer from relatively low response rates and the possibility of severe side effects, likely due to the low inherent immunogenicity of tumor cells, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and significant inter‐ and intratumoral heterogeneity. Recently, nanoformulations of prodrugs have been explored as a means to enhance cancer immunotherapy by simultaneously eliciting antitumor immune responses and reversing local immunosuppression. Prodrug nanomedicines, which integrate engineering advances in chemistry, oncoimmunology, and material science, are rationally designed through chemically modifying small molecule drugs, peptides, or antibodies to yield increased bioavailability and spatiotemporal control of drug release and activation at the target sites. Such strategies can help reduce adverse effects and enable codelivery of multiple immune modulators to yield synergistic cancer immunotherapy. In this review article, recent advances and translational challenges facing prodrug nanomedicines for cancer immunotherapy are overviewed. Last, key considerations are outlined for future efforts to advance prodrug nanomedicines aimed to improve antitumor immune responses and combat immune tolerogenic microenvironments.
Controlling Photocatalytic Activity by Self‐Assembly – Tuning Perylene Bisimide Photocatalysts for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: McDowall Daniel , Greeves Benjamin J. , Clowes Rob , McAulay Kate , Fuentes‐Caparrós Ana M. , Thomson Lisa , Khunti Nikul , Cowieson Nathan , Nolan Michael C. , Wallace Matthew , Cooper Andrew I. , Draper Emily R. , Cowan Alexander J. , Adams Dave J.
Published: October 2020

Amino acid functionalized perylene bisimides (PBIs) form self‐assembled structures in solution, the nature of which depends on the local environment. Using a high‐throughput photocatalysis setup, five PBIs are studied for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) under a range of conditions (pH and hole scavenger concentration) across 350 experiments to explore the relationship between supramolecular structure and photocatalytic activity. Using small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS), NMR spectroscopy and ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐vis) absorption spectroscopy, it is shown that photocatalytic activity is determined by the nature of the self‐assembled aggregate that is formed, demonstrating the potential of self‐assembly to tune activity. There is a clear correlation between the presence of charged flexible cylindrical aggregates and the occurrence of photocatalytic H2 production, with UV–vis spectroscopy indicating that the most active structure type has a distinctive form of π‐aggregation which is proposed to enable efficient charge separation across multiple PBI units.
Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction to CO over Ni Single Atoms Supported on Defect‐Rich Zirconia
Authors: Xiong Xuyang , Mao Chengliang , Yang Zhaojun , Zhang Qinghua , Waterhouse Geoffrey I. N. , Gu Lin , Zhang Tierui
Published: October 2020

The photocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CRR) holds great promise for curbing anthropogenic CO2 emissions, though boosting photocatalyst activity and tuning product selectivity remain key priorities. Herein, isolated Ni single atoms dispersed on defect rich zirconia (Ni‐SA‐x/ZrO2) are identified as a very promising photocatalyst for CRR under Xe lamp irradiation, showing good activity and CO selectivity in the absence of added sacrificial agents or sensitizers. Due to an abundance of accessible nickel single atomic sites, the optimized photocatalyst affords CO at a rate of 11.8 µmol g−1 h−1 (92.5% selectivity). Experimental and theoretical investigations determine that the atomically dispersed Ni sites lower the energy barrier for CO2 to CO conversion via an adsorbed COOH intermediate, while also suppressing H2 desorption in the competing water splitting reaction. The Ni single atom sites thus simultaneously promote CO2 conversion and CO selectivity, thus offering valuable new insights for the future design of improved metal single‐atom catalysts for CRR.
Transanal minimally invasive surgery for rectal cancer
Authors: Devane Liam A. , Burke John P. , Kelly Justin J. , Albert Matthew R.
Published: October 2020

Due to the increased uptake of rectal cancer screening and the increasing rates of complete clinical response to chemoradiotherapy, more early‐stage and down‐staged rectal cancers are being treated. This has triggered surgeons to question the necessity for proctectomy and its associated morbidity and consider local excision and organ preservation in selected cases. Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) has evolved as an oncologically safe yet cost‐effective platform for local excision of rectal tumors using traditional laparoscopic instruments. This review highlights the recent advances and current role of TAMIS in the treatment of rectal cancer.
Scaling climate change to human behavior predicting good and bad years for Maya farmers
Authors: Kramer Karen L. , Hackman Joseph
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Human responses to climate variation have a rich anthropological history. However, much less is known about how people living in small‐scale societies perceive climate change, and what climate data are useful in predicting food production at a scale that affects daily lives.

Methods

We use longitudinal ethnographic interviews and economic data to first ask what aspects of climate variation affect the agricultural cycle and food production for Yucatec Maya farmers. Sixty years of high‐resolution meteorological data and harvest assessments are then used to detect the scale at which climate data predict good and bad crop yields, and to analyze long‐term changes in climate variables critical to food production.

Results

We find that (a) only local, daily precipitation closely fits the climate pattern described by farmers. Other temporal (annual and monthly) scales miss key information about what farmers find important to successful harvests; (b) at both community‐ and municipal‐levels, heavy late‐season rains associated with tropical storms have the greatest negative impact on crop yields; and (c) in contrast to long‐term patterns from regional and state data, local measures show an increase in rainfall during the late growing season, indicating that fine‐grained data are needed to make accurate inferences about climate trends.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the importance to define climate variables at scales appropriate to human behavior. Course‐grained annual, monthly, national, and state‐level data tell us little about climate attributes pertinent to farmers and food production. However, high‐resolution daily, local precipitation data do capture how climate variation shapes food production.
Coming of age in the Netherlands: An osteological assessment of puberty in a rural Dutchpost‐medievalcommunity
Authors: Blom Alette Anne , Schats Rachel , Hoogland Menno L.P. , Waters‐Rist Andrea
Published: October 2020

Objectives

The objective of this study is to apply pubertal stage estimation methods to a sample from a rural community: the post‐medieval Dutch skeletal collection from Middenbeemster. Puberty is a key developmental period involving transition to physical adulthood with broad societal relevance through its impact on fertility, morbidity, and mortality.

Materials and methods

Individuals (n= 55), including 27 of known sex and age‐at‐death, between the ages of 8 and 25 years were assessed for six skeletal markers indicative of pubertal growth spurt. Recent novel osteoarchaeological methods from Shapland and Lewis are used to reconstruct the timing and duration of pubertal stages.

Results

Pubertal acceleration occurred earlier in females (10.38 years,n= 8) than males (13.30 years,n= 6), whereas maturation occurred later in males (21.36 years,n= 11) than females (19.30 years,n= 5). Onset appears earlier and completion later compared to other archaeological skeletal samples with osteoarchaeological evidence of puberty. Age shortly after menarche was reconstructed at 20.45 years, substantially later than historic records and bioarchaeological research reports suggest.

Conclusion

This early onset and late completion caused a “stretch” of the overall duration of puberty compared to other collections, especially of the last three stages. This prolonged development is reflected in historically known social expectations for the Netherlands, for example, that marriage and children should not occur before about 22–23 years of age. Increasing the range of past peoples with puberty stage reconstruction will permit more insightful interpretations of the biological and cultural patterns of this important life stage.
Katalyse der Oxidation von CO an Pt/CeO2 bei Raumtemperatur: Synergie zwischen metallischen und oxidierten Pt‐Zentren
Authors: Meunier Frederic C. , Cardenas Luis , Kaper Helena , Šmíd Břetislav , Vorokhta Mykhailo , Grosjean Rémi , Aubert Daniel , Dembélé Kassiogé , Lunkenbein Thomas
Published: October 2020

Pt‐basierte Materialien sind weitverbreitet in der heterogenen Katalyse für die katalytische Entfernung von Schadstoffen. Oft wird der Zustand des aktiven Platins als abhängig von den experimentellen Bedingungen beschrieben: bei niedrigen Temperaturen unterhalb der Light‐off‐Temperatur liegt mit CO vergiftetes metallisches Pt vor, bei höheren Temperaturen oberhalb der Light‐off‐Temperatur oxidiertes Pt. Im Gegensatz zu vorherigen Studien zeigen wir hier, dass metallisches wie auch oxidiertes Pt in ähnlichen Proportionen an der Oberfläche von hoch aktiven, ca. 1 nm großen Nanopartikeln unter Reaktionsbedingungen bei 30 °C vorliegen. Die simultane Gegenwart von metallischem und oxidiertem Pt ermöglicht eine Synergie zwischen den beiden Phasen. Dabei bietet das metallische Pt Adsorptionsstellen für CO, während das oxidierte Pt vermutlich reaktiven Sauerstoff zuführt. Unsere Ergebnisse zeigen die Komplexität von dualen oxidischen‐metallischen Pt‐Katalysatoren und ihre leicht veränderliche Natur unter den jeweiligen Reaktionsbedingungen.
Kinetic Resolution of Aziridines Enabled by N‐Heterocyclic Carbene/Copper Cooperative Catalysis: Carbene Dose‐Controlled Chemo‐Switchability
Authors: Zhang Zi‐Jing , Wen Yu‐Hua , Song Jin , Gong Liu‐Zhu
Published: October 2020

Catalytic kinetic resolution (KR) and dynamic kinetic asymmetric transformation (DyKAT) are alternative and complementary avenues to access chiral stereoisomers of both starting materials and reaction products. The development of highly efficient chiral catalytic systems for kinetically controlled processes has therefore been one of the linchpins in asymmetric synthesis. N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)/copper cooperative catalysis has enabled highly efficient KR and DyKAT of racemicN‐tosylaziridines by [3+3] annulation with isatin‐derived enals, leading to highly enantioenrichedN‐tosylaziridine derivatives (up to >99 %ee) and a large library of spirooxindole derivatives with high structural diversity and stereoselectivity (up to >95:5 d.r., >99 %ee). Mechanistic studies suggest that the NHC can bind reversibly to the copper catalyst without compromising its catalytic activity and regulate the catalytic activity of the copper complex to switch the chemoselection between KR and DyKAT.
Controlling Optical and Catalytic Activity of Genetically Engineered Proteins by Ultrasound
Authors: Zhou Yu , Huo Shuaidong , Loznik Mark , Göstl Robert , Boersma Arnold J. , Herrmann Andreas
Published: October 2020

Ultrasound (US) produces cavitation‐induced mechanical forces stretching and breaking polymer chains in solution. This type of polymer mechanochemistry is widely used for synthetic polymers, but not biomacromolecules, even though US is biocompatible and commonly used for medical therapy as well as in vivo imaging. The ability to control protein activity by US would thus be a major stepping‐stone for these disciplines. Here, we provide the first examples of selective protein activation and deactivation by means of US. Using GFP as a model system, we engineer US sensitivity into proteins by design. The incorporation of long and highly charged domains enables the efficient transfer of force to the protein structure. We then use this principle to activate the catalytic activity of trypsin by inducing the release of its inhibitor. We expect that this concept to switch “on” and “off” protein activity by US will serve as a blueprint to remotely control other bioactive molecules.
Evaluation of an onset of electrospun beadless poly(ethylene oxide) nanofibres
Authors: Filip Petr , Zelenkova Jana , Peer Petra
Published: October 2020

To evaluate the lowest polymer concentration within a solvent from which there appears beadless nanofibres during the process of electrospinning, is rather complicated. A widely used method is based on a determination of so called entanglement concentrationceand the onsets of beadless nanofibres are characterized by multipliers ofcesubjected to used materials. However, a determination ofceas an intersection point of two linear segments (in log–log coordinates specific viscosity vs. concentration) in a semi‐dilute region is not applicable for all materials as for instance a solution of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) in water does not exhibit 'classical' three linear segments within the dilute and semi‐dilute regions determining overlap and entanglement concentrations. For such cases a new approach for the evaluation of an initial concentration from which beadless nanofibres are produced is proposed. This method does not use the terms overlap and entanglement concentrations. The procedure is demonstrated using four PEO solutions differing in molecular weight. The relationship expressing initial concentration in dependence on PEO molecular weight containing no adjustable parameters is proposed.
What the dingo says about dog domestication
Authors: Shipman Pat
Published: October 2020

Worldwide, dogs (Canis familiaris) are certainly the most common domesticate (900 million according to the World Atlas) and are sometimes used as a proxy for human presence. Dogs were the first and therefore arguably most important species ever to be domesticated. It is widely accepted that the domestic dog is a descendent of Pleistocene gray wolves (Canis lupus), possibly of a population now extinct. How can an extant canid, the dingo (Canis dingo or Canis familiaris), whose status as a species and as a domesticate is controversial, improve our understanding of the ancient process of domesticating the dog? Here I review anatomical, behavioral, biogeographic, and molecular evidence on the appropriate status of dingoes in a historical context. Dingoes are now the major apex predator in Australia aside from humans. Different sources of evidence have suggested different times of arrival in Greater Australia for humans and canids and different degrees of intimacy or domestication between humans and canids. Just as domestic dogs are often accorded near‐human status, dingoes have special relationships with human families, but reproductively and behaviorally they remain independent. In sum, traits of the dingo reflect its lupine ancestry, a certain degree of accommodation to human company, and unique adaptations to the demands of its habitat. Emphasizing that domestication is a long‐term process, not an event, helps clarify the ambiguous status of dingoes.
Allometric growth in mass by the brain of mammals
Authors: Packard Gary C.
Published: October 2020

I re‐examined published data for ontogenetic change in relative mass of the brain in six species of mammal (i.e., sheep, pig, cow, horse, rat, cat) to illustrate an insidious problem with conventional analyses of brain–body allometry. Graphical displays of logarithmic transformations of the original data for each species give the appearance of two discrete mathematical distributions, but untransformed observations nonetheless conform to a single distribution that is well described by a single, nonlinear equation. The concept of biphasic, allometric growth by the brain consequently is an artifact of transformation. The notion of Rapid and Slow phases in relative growth by the brain also is an artifact, because the notion is based explicitly on the concept of biphasic growth allometry. Relative growth by the brain in sheep, pigs, cows, and horses follows the path of a power curve with an exponent less than 1, so relative growth declines progressively as animals grow to their maximum size, at which point growth effectively ends for both brain and body. Relative growth by the brain in rats and cats follows the path of an exponential curve and consequently is more like relative growth by the brain of odontocoete cetaceans and primates, with the brain growing rapidly relative to the body early in ontogeny and attaining maximum (cats) or near‐maximum (rats) mass well before the body reaches its maximum. An exponential pattern of relative growth by the brain appears to have evolved independently in rodents, carnivores, odontocoetes, and primates.
NLTE C and O abundances in RR lyrae stars
Authors: Andrievsky Sergei M. , Wallerstein George , Korotin Sergey A. , Kovtyukh Valery V. , Khrapaty Sergii V. , Rydyak Yuri , Mishenina Tamara V. , Huang Wenjin
Published: October 2020

The high excitation levels that form the O i and C i lines seen in RR Lyrae stars have long been known not to obey local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) statistics. We have observed 21 RR Lyrae and related stars with the Apache Point Observatory echelle spectrograph on the 3.5‐m telescope and, for the first time, have derived abundances using non‐local thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) analyses in conjunction with spectral synthesis. In our previous investigation, we determined carbon to be overabundant using an LTE analysis. We now find the carbon abundance to be underabundant relative to solar abundance for stars with [Fe/H] < 0.0 ([C/Fe] < 0 and by implication [C/H] < 0). Abundances derived for C using an NLTE analysis are consistent with both main‐sequence stars and red giants. This supports the predictions by He flash hydrodynamic simulations, which predict no convective mixing that might bring carbon produced in the He flash to the atmosphere. For oxygen, we find the dependence of [O/Fe] on [Fe/H] to be similar to other stars with [Fe/H] from 0.0 to −2.8.
Factors affecting corporate environmental disclosure in emerging markets: The role of corporate governance structures
Authors: Gerged Ali Meftah
Published: October 2020

This study seeks to examine whether internal corporate governance (CG) mechanisms affect corporate environmental disclosure (CED) in emerging economies. Using a sample of 500 firm‐year observations, this study distinctively applies a linear panel quantile regression (PQR) model to examine the CG–CED nexus in Jordan. This technique is supplemented with conducting a two‐step dynamic generalised method of moment (GMM) model to overcome any potential occurrence of endogeneity problems. This study reports an increasing trend in CED practice among the sampled companies over the period of analysis, yet it is still at an early stage as compared with their developed counterparts. Furthermore, this study suggests that board size, board independence, CEO duality and foreign ownership have positive associations with CED. In contrast, managerial ownership, institutional ownership and ownership concentration are negatively associated with the disclosed amount of environmental information in the Jordanian context. Theoretically, board structures appeared to be more efficient than ownership structures in reducing agency conflicts by addressing the asymmetric gap of information and promoting the disclosure of environmental information. These findings add to the debate about whether ownership structures detrimental to CED in developing economies. Specifically, when it comes to spending money on CED, owners seemed to be more concerned about any reductions in their share of the pie and may, therefore, be less motivated to disclose their companies' environmental information. This paper provides managers, owners and policymakers with a set of context‐specific recommendations related to the crucial need for a more concerted effort to integrate governance and environmental regulations in order to ensure sustainability in emerging markets.
Hybridization Networks of mRNA and Branched RNA Hybrids
Authors: Damakoudi Vassiliki , Feldner Tobias , Dilji Edina , Belkin Andrey , Richert Clemens
Published: October 2020

Messenger RNA (mRNA) is emerging as an attractive biopolymer for therapy and vaccination. To become suitable for vaccination, mRNA is usually converted to a biomaterial, using cationic peptides, polymers or lipids. An alternative form of converting mRNA into a material is demonstrated that uses branched oligoribonucleotide hybrids with the ability to hybridize with one or more regions of the mRNA sequence. Two such hybrids with hexamer arms and adamantane tetraol as branching element were prepared by solution‐phase synthesis. When a rabies mRNA was treated with the branched hybrids at 1 M NaCl concentration, biomaterials formed that contained both of the nucleic acids. These results show that branched oligoribonucleotides are an alternative to the often toxic reagents commonly used to formulate mRNA for medical applications.
Late‐stage Pd‐catalyzed Cyanations of Aryl/Heteroaryl Halides in Aqueous Micellar Media
Authors: Thakore Ruchita R. , Takale Balaram S. , Singhania Vani , Gallou Fabrice , Lipshutz Bruce H.
Published: October 2020

New technology is described that enables late stage ppm Pd‐catalyzed cyanations of highly complex molecules, as well as a wide variety of aryl and heteroaryl halides possessing sensitive functional groups. These reactions are efficient in water containing nanomicelles, formed from a commercially available and inexpensive surfactant. The implications for advancing drug synthesis and discovery are apparent.
Dirhodium Complexes as Panchromatic Sensitizers, Electrocatalysts, and Photocatalysts
Authors: Lin Shaoyang , Turro Claudia
Published: October 2020

Dinuclear rhodium complexes are attractive candidates as homogeneous panchromatic photosensitizers and photocatalysts. Modification of the coordination sphere of the Rh2(II,II) compounds results in photophysical and redox properties that are highly desirable for electro‐ and photocatalysis. Specifically, Rh2(II,II) complexes have shown promising catalytic activity towards proton reduction to generate H2, a clean fuel, and for the selective reduction of CO2 to HCOOH. In addition, paddlewheel Rh2(II,II) complexes provide robust platforms for the design of efficient and stable single‐component photocatalysts. Optimization of the Rh2(II,II) catalysts is crucial to realize their future application in devices or systems designed for the production of fuels from sunlight.
Combined treatment with valsartan and fluvastatin to delay disease progression in nonpermanent atrial fibrillation with hypertension: A clinical trial
Authors: Zhao Zhiqiang , Yang Yu , Wang Jianwei , Dong Zhaojie , Niu Xiaowei , Liu Enzhao , Liu Tong , Li Lifeng , Liang Yingzi , Li Guangping
Published: October 2020

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a complex cardiac arrhythmia in clinical practice with increasing incidence. However, the effects of statins on patients with AF are not quite clear.

Hypothesis

To investigate the protective effect of calcium channel blocker (CCB) and valsartan combined fluvastatin on hypertension (HTN) patients with nonpermanent AF.

Methods

In three and a half years, 189 cases of patients diagnosed as HTN combining nonpermanent AF by eight medical centers, were recruited and randomly assigned to four groups with varied treatments: CCB group; CCB + statin group; valsartan group; and valsartan + statin group. The four groups were followed up for 24 months. The 7‐day Holter ultrasound echocardiography (UCG) and biochemical indexes were completed at preset time nodes respectively.

Results

After 24 months of follow‐up, 178 patients completed the study. Compared with CCB group, the blood lipid level, inflammatory index, ultrasonic index and electrocardiographic measurement results of CCB + statin group, valsartan group and valsartan + statin group were improved in different degrees and had statistical significance (P < .05 or P < .01). Furthermore, the improvement trend of CCB + statin group and valsartan + statin group was more obvious.

Conclusions

The results indicated that valsartan can reduce AF load and recurrence rate, and delay the progression of nonpermanent AF to permanent AF in multiple ways, and the effect of combination of valsartan and fluvastatin is more significant. These results provide a new direction for the integrated upstream control strategy of AF.
FHOD‐1 is the only formin in Caenorhabditis elegans that promotes striated muscle growth and Z‐line organization in a cell autonomous manner
Authors: Sundaramurthy Sumana , Votra SarahBeth , Laszlo Arianna , Davies Tim , Pruyne David
Published: October 2020

The striated body wall muscles of Caenorhabditis elegans are a simple model for sarcomere assembly. Previously, we observed deletion mutants for two formin genes, fhod‐1 and cyk‐1, develop thin muscles with abnormal dense bodies (the sarcomere Z‐line analogs). However, this work left in question whether these formins work in a muscle cell autonomous manner, particularly since cyk‐1(∆) deletion has pleiotropic effects on development. Using a fast acting temperature‐sensitive cyk‐1(ts) mutant, we show here that neither postembryonic loss nor acute loss of CYK‐1 during embryonic sarcomerogenesis cause lasting muscle defects. Furthermore, mosaic expression of CYK‐1 in cyk‐1(∆) mutants is unable to rescue muscle defects in a cell autonomous manner, suggesting muscle phenotypes caused by cyk‐1(∆) are likely indirect. Conversely, mosaic expression of FHOD‐1 in fhod‐1(Δ) mutants promotes muscle cell growth and proper dense body organization in a muscle cell autonomous manner. As we observe no effect of loss of any other formin on muscle development, we conclude FHOD‐1 is the only worm formin that directly promotes striated muscle development, and the effects on formin loss in C. elegans are surprisingly modest compared to other systems.
Structural diversity and distribution of cilia in the apical sense organ of the ctenophore Bolinopsis mikado
Authors: Jokura Kei , Inaba Kazuo
Published: October 2020

The apical organ of ctenophores is the center of sensory information that controls locomotion. Previous studies have described several types of cilia in this organ. However, detailed ciliary structures, particularly axonemal structures, have not been extensively investigated. Here, we reported that the apical organ of the ctenophore Bolinopsis mikado contains six types of cilia with different axonemal structures. These include the typical “9 + 2” motile axonemes, with both outer and inner dynein arms, only the inner dynein arm, or no dynein arm; axonemes with electron‐dense structures in the A‐tubules; “9 + 0” axonemes lacking the central pair of microtubules; and axonemes with compartmenting lamellae. Considering that “9 + 2” axonemal structures with both dynein arms are thought to be ancestral forms of cilia, the apical organ of ctenophores would comprise an elaborate assembly of modified ciliary forms that sense and transmit extracellular stimuli and generate various fluid flows.
Projections of ipRGCs and conventional RGCs to retinorecipient brain nuclei
Authors: Beier Corinne , Zhang Ze , Yurgel Maria , Hattar Samer
Published: October 2020

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), the output neurons of the retina, allow us to perceive our visual environment. RGCs respond to rod/cone input through the retinal circuitry, however, a small population of RGCs are in addition intrinsically photosensitive (ipRGCs) and project to unique targets in the brain to modulate a broad range of subconscious visual behaviors such as pupil constriction and circadian photoentrainment. Despite the discovery of ipRGCs nearly two decades ago, there is still little information about how or if conventional RGCs (non‐ipRGCs) target ipRGC‐recipient nuclei to influence subconscious visual behavior. Using a dual recombinase fluorescent reporter strategy, we showed that conventional RGCs innervate many subconscious ipRGC‐recipient nuclei, apart from the suprachiasmatic nucleus. We revealed previously unrecognized stratification patterns of retinal innervation from ipRGCs and conventional RGCs in the ventral portion of the lateral geniculate nucleus. Further, we found that the percent innervation of ipRGCs and conventional RGCs across ipsi‐ and contralateral nuclei differ. Our data provide a blueprint to understand how conventional RGCs and ipRGCs innervate different brain regions to influence subconscious visual behaviors.
Oxygen Vacancies Induced Plasmonic Effect for Realizing Broad‐Spectrum‐Driven Photocatalytic H2 Evolution over an S‐Scheme CdS/W18O49 Heterojunction
Authors: Liu Qinqin , He Xudong , Tao Junnan , Tang Hua , Liu Zhao‐Qing
Published: October 2020

Broad‐spectrum‐driven photocatalysis remains a challenging pursuit for light‐chemical energy conversion. Integrating plasmonic nanostructures with localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect as light absorber onto photocatalyst can realize broad spectral response as well as promote light to energy conversion. Herein, oxygen‐vacancy‐rich W18O49 as plasmon antenna was coupled with CdS to form an S‐scheme CdS/W18O49 heterojunction demonstrating photocatalytic H2 generation activity under a broad‐spectrum light irradiation. Upon exposure to visible light, the CdS/W18O49 heterojunction illustrates the best photocatalytic H2 generation rate of 5.9 mmol g−1 h−1, which is 2.6 times higher than CdS; and its external quantum efficiency achieves 0.17% and 0.05% at 550 and 650 nm, respectively. This activity enhancement is attributed to the enhanced light‐harvesting ability and faster charge separation induced by the LSPR effect of the W18O49 plasmon with rich oxygen vacancies and S‐scheme transfer mechanism. This work will be beneficial to develop non‐metal plasmons assisted broad‐spectrum‐response photocatalysts.
A modified firefly algorithm based on neighborhood search
Authors: Yu Gan
Published: October 2020

Firefly algorithm (FA) is a new member of intelligent optimization algorithms. Several studies demonstrated that FA could successfully deal with several engineering and theoretical optimization problems. Nevertheless, there are some weak points in FA, such as parameter dependence and high computational complexity. To overcome the above issues, this paper proposes a modified FA based on neighborhood search (MFANS). In MFANS, there are three modifications. First, a modified attraction strategy is employed to reduce the complexity. Then, a neighborhood search method is used to search around the best neighborhood solutions. Third, the step parameter is dynamically adjusted. Performance of MFANS is compared with two improved FAs. Results show the effectiveness of MFANS.
Transparency of materiality analysis in GRI‐based sustainability reports
Authors: Machado Bianca Alves Almeida , Dias Lívia Cristina Pinto , Fonseca Alberto
Published: October 2020

While materiality analysis is often regarded as essential to sustainability reporting, there is a shortage of empirical studies about its transparency in published reports. This study had a three‐fold objective: (a) identify stakeholders and respective techniques of engagement in the materiality analysis; (b) quantify disclosures of materiality‐related indicators; and (c) explore the influence of assurance, standard, and headquarters' location in the transparency of materiality analysis. Based on a quantitative content analysis of 140 GRI‐based sustainability reports, this study found that, overall, organizations did not disclose comprehensive and detailed information about their approaches to identifying material topics. About 22% of the evaluated indicators were not fully disclosed in the sample. Non‐parametric tests suggested that third‐party assurance, type of GRI standard, and location of headquarters are unlikely to affect the rates of transparency. The study calls for further standardization and methodological development of materiality analysis in sustainability reporting.
Track, trace, treat, and vaccinate to preserve confidence in your college
Authors: Raines Karla , Morris Renea
Published: October 2020

Frequent media reports show that new students are changing their views of your institution's academic plan on a daily basis. Confronted with uncertainty, many students and their parents are questioning your commitment to their best interests. One disgruntled parent's feelings about paying full tuition for an online‐only experience creates a flurry of shared sentiment in a matter of hours. Soon you discover a new Facebook group is gaining members, each with a complaint about your college. Even if your campus is off to a smooth start, your students and families are influenced by the opinions of others.
Interobserver agreement in programmed cell death‐ligand 1 immunohistochemistry scoring in nonsmall cell lung carcinoma cytologic specimens
Authors: Sinclair William , Kobalka Peter , Ren Rongqin , Beshai Boulos , Lott Limbach Abberly A. , Wei Lai , Mei Ping , Li Zaibo
Published: October 2020

Background

The evaluation of PD‐L1 expression in nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is becoming increasingly important given the effectiveness of PD‐L1 inhibitors. Although cytologic specimens have been shown to be compatible with surgical specimens to evaluate PD‐L1 immunohistochemistry (IHC), evidence of the reproducibility of PD‐L1 in cytologic specimens is lacking. The aim of this study is to evaluate interobserver agreement in PD‐L1 IHC in cytologic specimens.

Methods

PD‐L1 IHC was performed on 86 NSCLC cytology specimens using Dako PD‐L1 IHC 22C3 pharmDx. The digitally scanned whole slide images (WSI) were read by five pathologists. Each case was given a Tumor Proportion Score (TPS) and the results were compared between the observers. The interobserver concordance was assessed using 1% and 50% as cutoffs.

Results

TPSs were highly correlated among observers (Spearman correlation coefficient, 0.86‐0.94). Using greater than 1% as a cutoff, interobserver agreement measured by Fleiss Kappa was 0.74 for all pathologists and Cohen's Kappa coefficient ranged from 0.49 to 0.83, consistent with moderate to substantial agreement. With a cutoff of greater than 50%, Fleiss Kappa was 0.79 for all pathologists and the kappa values ranged from 0.63 to 0.90, consistent with substantial to almost perfect agreement. Several pitfalls were identified by reviewing discordant cases, including staining in macrophages, stromal cells, and intratumoral heterogeneity.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that TPS of PD‐L1 IHC on cytology specimens is reproducible, with a better agreement when using 50% as the cutoff value. However, special attention is required when the TPS is near the 1% cutoff.
Enhancing Integrative Cognitive‐Affective Therapy with ecological momentary interventions: A pilot trial
Authors: Juarascio Adrienne S. , Hunt Rowan A. , Lantz Lesser Elin , Engel Scott G. , Pisetsky Emily M. , Peterson Carol B. , Wonderlich Stephen A.
Published: October 2020

Objective

Although current treatments are effective for some patients with eating disorders, a large number of patients remain partially or fully symptomatic post‐treatment. This may be related to poor utilization of treatment skills outside of the therapy office. Smartphone applications that can detect and intervene during moments of need could facilitate such skill use between sessions.

Method

Individuals (N = 16) participated in a small pilot open trial where they received 21 sessions of in‐person Integrative Cognitive‐Affective Therapy (ICAT) therapy an app (iCAT+) that delivers ecological momentary interventions (EMI) in response to user‐entered data. Data were collected on the feasibility and acceptability of this treatment approach and on preliminary indicators of treatment outcomes.

Results

Participants found iCAT+ as a treatment augmentation acceptable and indicated it had clinical utility as an adjunct to in‐person therapy, although analyses indicated poor compliance with data entry needed to trigger EMI delivery. This suggests that long‐term use of EMI requiring ongoing data entry is infeasible.

Conclusions

We describe lessons learned from our initial pilot trial and future directions for the development of impactful EMI systems that can be used to augment in‐person therapies.
Microplastic Addition Alters the Microbial Community Structure and Stimulates Soil Carbon Dioxide Emissions in Vegetable-Growing Soil
Authors: Gao Bo , Yao Huaiying , Li Yaying , Zhu Yizu
Published: October 2020

Microplastic pollution has become an increasingly pervasive issue worldwide, but little is known about its effects on the soil environment. A soil microcosm experiment was conducted using low-density polyethylene microplastics to estimate the effect of microplastic pollution on soil nutrient cycling and the soil microbial community structure. The results showed that microplastic addition significantly promoted soil carbon dioxide emissions but not soil nitrous oxide emissions. Soil pH, dissolved organic carbon, ammonia nitrogen, the contents of total phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA), and the ratios of gram-positive bacteria to gram-negative bacteria and saturated to monounsaturated PLFAs significantly increased. In addition, nitrate nitrogen and the ratios of fungi to bacteria, total iso-branched fatty acids to total anteiso-branched fatty acids, and cyclopropyl to precursor significantly decreased with increasing microplastic addition. The addition of microplastics decreased the abundance of ammonia oxidizing bacteria and nitrite reductase (nirS) but had little effect on the functional genes of ammonia oxidizing archaea, nitrite reductase (nirK), and nitrous oxide reductase. A principal coordinate analysis of the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene and fungal internal transcribed spacer in the microplastic addition treatments revealed that the bacterial and fungal communities formed an obvious cluster. The average abundance of some microbial species with tolerance and degradability to microplastics, such as Nocardioidaceae, Amycolatopsis, Aeromicrobium, Cytophagaceae, Betaproteobacteria, Rhodoplanes, and Mortierella, in the microplastic addition treatments was significantly higher than that of the control treatment. The results suggested that microplastics have obvious influences on microbial communities and may affect global carbon and nitrogen cycles. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:352–365. © 2020 SETAC

Abstract

Plastic debris from degradation of plastic mulching have caused serious soil environmental problems. Microplastic pollution has obvious influences on soil microbial communities and may affect global carbon and nitrogen cycles.
Role of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in the risk of leukemia after childhood cancer: An international pooled analysis
Authors: Allodji Rodrigue S. , Tucker Margaret A. , Hawkins Michael M. , Le Deley Marie‐Cécile , Veres Cristina , Weathers Rita , Howell Rebecca , Winter Dave , Haddy Nadia , Rubino Carole , Diallo Ibrahima , Little Mark P. , Morton Lindsay M. , de Vathaire Florent
Published: October 2020

Childhood cancer survivors are at increased risk for second primary leukemia (SPL), but there is little consensus on the magnitude of some risk factors because of the small size of previous studies. We performed a pooled analysis of all published studies with detailed treatment data, including estimated active bone marrow (ABM) dose received during radiation therapy and doses of specific chemotherapeutic agents for childhood cancer diagnosed from 1930 through 2000, in order to more thoroughly investigate treatment‐related risks of SPL. A total of 147 SPL cases (of which 69% were acute myeloid leukemia [AML]) were individually matched to 522 controls, all from four case‐control studies including patients from six countries (France, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Italy and Netherlands). Odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using conditional logistic regression, and the excess OR per Gray (EOR/Gy) was also calculated. After accounting for the other therapies received, topoisomerase II inhibitor was associated with an increased SPL risk (highest tertile vs none: OR = 10.0, 95% CI: 3.7‐27.3). Radiation dose to the ABM was also associated with increased SPL risk among those not receiving chemotherapy (EOR/Gy = 1.6, 95% CI: 0.1‐14.3), but not among those who received chemotherapy (CT). SPL were most likely to occur in the first decade following cancer treatment. Results were similar when analyses were restricted to AML. The evidence of interaction between radiation and CT has implications for leukemogenic mechanism. The results for topoisomerase II inhibitors are particularly important given their increasing use to treat childhood cancer.
Groundwater contribution to transpiration of trees under wet and dry soil conditions*
Authors: Tfwala C.M. , van Rensburg L.D. , Bello Z.A.
Published: October 2020

The objective of this study was to partition tree T under shallow groundwater table conditions into groundwater (Tgw) and soil water (Tsw). Three indigenous trees growing in lysimeters were installed with the compensation heat pulse velocity method to measure stem sap flow half‐hourly. Soil water content was monitored using HydraSCOUT probes. A groundwater table of 20 cm depth was maintained, and daily water replenishment to maintain a constant groundwater table was monitored using a graduated automatic supply bucket system. The contribution of Tgw towards total T for the investigated trees ranged from 31% when the topsoil was wet to 97% when it was dry. The contribution of Tsw ranged from 3% when the topsoil was dry to 69% after an irrigation event. It was concluded that trees switch to source water from superficial soil layers when the topsoil is wet and from groundwater during dry conditions.