bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate Change and Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices: Opportunities and Challenges in the Semi-deciduous region of Ghana
Authors: Oppong E. , Opoku A. , Tuffour H. O. , Snr. Atta Poku P. , Kyere C. G.
Published: August 2021

Aim: This study was conducted to investigate small holder farmers’ awareness of climate-smart agricultural practices and challenges to climate change adoption in the semi-deciduous zone of Ghana.

Study Design: A descriptive research design was used for the study.

Place of study: The study was conducted within the Sekyere South district in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.

Methodology: Questionnaire was the main tool for data collection. Statistical Package for Social Science [SPSS], version 20 was used for data analysis. Pearson Product Correlation was used to determine the correlation between variables and CSA at 0.05 significant level.

Results: Results from the study revealed that agroforestry (52.0%) and rainwater harvesting techniques (80.0%) were never known among majority of the respondents’ as CSA strategy. Besides, farmers were moderately aware of fire and pest management (48.0%) and crop rotation (36.0%) strategies as CSA approach (48%), as well as, minimum tillage which farmers testify of having a considerable idea on it (52%). Nonetheless, respondents often used improved seed variety (64%) and also resorted to residue management and usage (52%) as CSA options in crop productivity. The study further revealed that a higher segment of the farmers attested that no proper training/education, no governmental support, lack of finance, lack of climate information and non-availability of extension field officers, representing 64%, 76%, 84%, and 76% respectively were the major challenges faced by farmers in adopting and practicing climate-smart agriculture.

Conclusion: Farmers little knowledge on climate change impeded the successful adoption of CSA practices.
Efficacy of Leaf Extract of Piliostigma Thonningii for Control of Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne javanica) on Eggplant
Authors: Mamman A. , Umar I. , Malgwi A. M. , Ojo G. T.
Published: August 2021

Extracts of Piliostigma thonningii were tested for their effectiveness in controlling Meloidogyne javanica eggs and juveniles in the laboratory and on eggplant cv ‘Yalon Data’. A thousand juveniles were placed in 12 petridishes and extracts of P.  thonningii (Crude extracts, 5 ml dilution and 10 ml dilution of the crude extracts) were dispensed into the petridishes. One thousand eggs of the M. javanica were placed in 12 petridishes and treated with the same extracts used on the juveniles. For the field experiment, 12 plots of size 2m x2m were prepared and planted with nine plants of eggplant cv ‘Yalon Data’. Seedlings of eggplants were transplanted after three weeks in the nursery to the field into holes drenched with 10 ml of the extracts used in the laboratory tests. Subsequent applications of extracts were done weekly for eight weeks. The results showed that the crude extract was the most effective against both the eggs (87.43 % hatch inhibition) and juveniles (90.23 % mortality). In the field, eggplants treated with the crude extract recorded the tallest plants ((124.78 cm -2017 and 125.00 cm-2018), highest number of fruits/plant (18.51-2017 and 19.55-2018), highest yield (50.45t/ha-2017 and 53.78t/ha-2018) and the lowest galling indices and final nematode population. It is therefore concluded that the crude extract of P.  thonningii can be employed for the control of M. javanica in the field.
An adaptive stepsize plus integral controller for improvement to the steepest descent algorithm
Authors: Moir Tom James
Published: August 2021

The classical approach to steepest‐descent optimization is viewed from a different perspective, namely, control‐systems in the frequency‐domain. Using classical control methods, it becomes possible to view the optimization problem as a control‐system and then to implement a controller to improve the algorithm so as to achieve a lower error. An adaptive stepsize proportional plus integral algorithm is derived to cope with time‐varying problems. For such problems the gain is time varying and the closed‐loop system must be adaptive by varying the loop gain to maintain stability.
Ultrasensitive Strain Sensors Based on Cu‐Al Alloy Films with Voided Cluster Boundaries
Authors: Wu Xuping , Chen Honglei , Luo Xuemei , Wang Dong , Schaaf Peter , Zhang Guangping
Published: August 2021

Stimulated by the requirement for wearable electronics, crack‐based strain sensors made from polymer‐supported metal films have been reported as a prospective structure for detecting subtle deformation with ultrahigh sensitivity and excellent flexibility. However, the regulation of crack preparation remains a challenge and the use of noble metals retards the large‐scale promotion toward practical application. Here, a cost‐effective strain sensor with ultrahigh strain sensitivity under small strains (ε) is designed based on the submicron to nanoscale voided clusters in Cu‐Al alloy films. The formation of channel cracks in the film is manipulated by regulating the intrinsic microstructure of the film, and the corresponding mechanism is discussed in detail. The strain sensor developed from the cracked Cu‐Al film exhibits ultrahigh gauge factors as high as 584 (0% < ε < 0.5%), 10219 (0.5% < ε < 0.9%), 43152 (0.9% < ε < 1.75%) which is among the highest in reported values. Furthermore, the practical application of the developed sensor in wearable electronics and detection of small deformation is demonstrated. This work provides a novel approach to optimize the sensing performance of flexible strain sensors.
An Optimal Control of Integrated Hybrid Power System with FACTS Devices Using Student Psychology‐Based Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Mudi Joyti , Shiva Chandan Kumar , Mukherjee Vivekananda
Published: August 2021

In this paper, a student psychology‐based optimization algorithm (SPBOA)‐based proportional‐integral‐derivative (PID) controller is implemented for load frequency control (LFC) of an isolated hybrid power system (IHPS) and a grid‐connected HPS (GHPS) models. In the designed models, a combined‐cycle gas turbine, a diesel engine generator, a wind turbine generator and a solar photovoltaic generating unit are used as the main power generating units. A superconducting magnetic energy storage is used with IHPS model to improve the dynamic stability of the studied system. A single area power system is connected with IHPS model through a tie‐line to form a GHPS. In the GHPS, a thyristor‐controlled series controller and a unified power flow controller are associated with the tie‐line power flow control. In this work, electric vehicle is also connected as a load to both the IHPS and GHPS models. The output profile of the proposed SPBOA‐based PID controller of both models is compared with whale optimization algorithm (WOA) and quasi‐oppositional‐based WOA (QOWOA). The performance of IHPS and GHPS models are studied under the different load perturbations. The robustness analysis and frequency domain analysis in terms of Bode plot are also shown in favor of the SPBOA method.
A quantitative staging system for describing rice panicle development and its application for a crop phenological model
Authors: Fushimi Erina , Yoshida Hiroe , Yabe Shiori , Ikawa Hiroki , Nakagawa Hiroshi
Published: August 2021

Understanding panicle development in rice (Oryza sativa L.) is vital for agricultural management, but accurate identification of this phenomenon is difficult as the panicle forms within the pseudostem. Here, we aimed to (a) develop a new quantitative developmental scale, floral stage (FS), describing the reproductive stages of the panicle from panicle initiation to heading, and (b) develop a crop phenological model to predict the FS using meteorological information. Using eight different cultivars, we investigated the internal and external characteristics of the panicle, such as morphological changes in the shoot apex, panicle length, plant age in leaf number, and distance between the auricles of the last two leaves. The stages were scaled linearly over time by assigning scores from 0 to 10. Thus, we developed an FS scale describing the morphological characteristics of the shoot apex in the early stages, and panicle length as well as external characteristics in the later stages. The FS scale is linearly related to the values of the developmental stage model parameterized by air temperature and day length. Utilizing this relationship, we developed a model for predicting the FS scale based on meteorological information. The proposed FS scale and its prediction model will enhance the understanding of rice panicle developmental processes non‐destructively and act as a stepping stone towards the quantitative evaluation of reproductive development in various crops.
Causes of death in former asbestos‐cement workers in the state of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Fernandes Gisele A. , Algranti Eduardo , Wunsch‐Filho Victor , Silva Luiz F. , Toporcov Tatiana N.
Published: August 2021

Background

In low‐ and middle‐income countries, such as Brazil, studies on the causes of death in asbestos‐exposed workers are scarce.

Methods

A cohort study was performed involving 988 males who had worked in the asbestos‐cement industry in the state of São Paulo, with a total of 12,217 person‐years of observation between 1995 and 2016. The standardized mortality ratio (SMR) stratified by age was calculated as the ratio between the observed rate and the expected rate in the state of São Paulo.

Results

Increased SMRs were observed for overall mortality (SMR 1.1, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.98–1.23) and mortality due to pleural malignant neoplasms (MN) (SMR, 69.4; 95% CI, 22.55–162.1), asbestosis (SMR, 975.7; 95% CI, 396.4–2031), peritoneal MN (SMR, 5.0; 95% CI, 0.13–27.78), laryngeal MN (SMR, 1.4; 95% CI, 0.30–4.20), and pulmonary MN (SMR, 1.5; 95% CI, 0.82–2.64).

Conclusion

The present study highlights the damage caused by asbestos exposure and reinforces the existing evidence of a causal association between exposure and increased mortality due to pleural MN, pulmonary MN, and asbestosis.
Das Dimethylbismut‐Kation: Zugang zu dativen Bi‐Bi‐Bindungen und unkonventionellem Methylaustausch
Authors: Ramler Jacqueline , Fantuzzi Felipe , Geist Felix , Hanft Anna , Braunschweig Holger , Engels Bernd , Lichtenberg Crispin
Published: August 2021

Die Isolierung einfacher, hochreaktiver metallorganischer Verbindungen von grundlegendem Interesse gehört nach wie vor zu den schwierigsten Aufgaben in der Synthesechemie. Die detaillierte Charakterisierung solcher Verbindungen ist der Schlüssel zum Verständnis neuer Bindungsszenarien und Reaktivitäten. Das Dimethylbismut‐Kation, [BiMe2(SbF6)] (1), wurde isoliert und charakterisiert. Seine Reaktion mit BiMe3 ermöglicht den Zugang zu einer bislang unbekannten dativen Bindung, der Bi→Bi‐Donor/Akzeptor‐Wechselwirkung. Der Austausch von Methylgruppen (der wohl einfachsten Kohlenwasserstoffeinheit) zwischen verschiedenen Metallatomen gehört zu den wichtigsten Reaktionstypen in der metallorganischen Chemie. Die Reaktion von 1 mit BiMe3 ermöglicht einen Methylaustausch über eine Rückseiten‐SE2‐Reaktion, welche zum ersten Mal im Detail für isolierbare, (pseudo‐)homoleptische Hauptgruppenverbindungen untersucht wird.
Selective Detection of Cu+ Ions in Live Cells via Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy
Authors: Priessner Martin , Summers Peter A. , Lewis Benjamin W. , Sastre Magdalena , Ying Liming , Kuimova Marina K. , Vilar Ramon
Published: August 2021

Copper is an essential trace element in living organisms with its levels and localisation being carefully managed by the cellular machinery. However, if misregulated, deficiency or excess of copper ions can lead to several diseases. Therefore, it is important to have reliable methods to detect, monitor and visualise this metal in cells. Herein we report a new optical probe based on BODIPY, which shows a switch‐on in its fluorescence intensity upon binding to copper(I), but not in the presence of high concentration of other physiologically relevant metal ions. More interestingly, binding to copper(I) leads to significant changes in the fluorescence lifetime of the new probe, which can be used to visualize copper(I) pools in lysosomes of live cells via fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM).
Improving the cold flow properties of biodiesel from waste cooking oil by ternary blending with bio‐based alcohols and diesel from direct coal liquefaction
Authors: Xue Yuan , Wang Lihong , Lin Hualin , Han Sheng , Zheng Shiyou
Published: August 2021

The utilization and popularization of biodiesel are always limited by its poor cold flow properties. Both bio‐based alcohol and diesel from direct coal liquefaction (DDCL) has potential to enhance the cold flow properties of biodiesel. In this study, ternary blends of waste cooking oil biodiesel (BWCO) with DDCL and bio‐based ethanol (ET) or 1‐butanol (BT) were conducted to improve the cold flow properties of biodiesel. The pour point (PP), cold filter plugging point (CFPP), and cloud point (CP) of BWCO‐ET, BWCO‐BT, and BWCO‐DDCL binary blends, and BWCO‐ET‐DDCL and BWCO‐BT‐DDCL ternary blends were comparatively assessed. Ternary phase diagrams were also applied to analyze the blending effect of the three components on the cold flow properties of biodiesel. Results showed that both DDCL, ET, and BT can remarkably enhance the cold flow properties of BWCO. When the ternary blends contain 20 vol.% BWCO and less than 40 vol.% ET or BT, DDCL together with ET or BT exerted positive effects on enhancing the low‐temperature flow properties of BWCO, especially on the CP and CFPP. For ternary blends in 20:10:70 blending ratio, BWCO‐BT‐DDCL exhibited the lowest PP, CFPP, and CP of −23, −19, and −17°C, respectively. The crystallization behavior and crystal morphology of blended fuels are also observed via a polarizing optical microscope, and find that DDCL together with BT in biodiesel can effectively retard the aggregation of large crystals and inhibit crystals growth.
A 40‐year chronology of the vulnerability of spinetail devil ray (Mobula mobular) to eastern Pacific tuna fisheries and options for future conservation and management
Authors: Griffiths Shane P. , Lezama‐Ochoa Nerea
Published: August 2021

Tuna fisheries are among the largest and most valuable fisheries in the world, but most interact with many non‐target species, including several of high conservation importance. The spinetail devil ray (Mobula mobular) – listed as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species – is a commonly discarded bycatch species, particularly in the eastern Pacific Ocean, yet insufficient data exist to undertake a traditional population assessment.

A new ecological risk assessment approach designed for data‐limited settings – Ecological Assessment of the Sustainable Impacts of Fisheries (EASI‐Fish) – was used to reconstruct the historical vulnerability status ofM. mobularand to simulate potential changes in its status under 45 hypothetical conservation and management measures. These involved various temporal closures of the eastern Pacific Ocean tuna fishery, decreasing post‐capture mortality by improved handling and release practices, and combinations of the two.

The species was classified as ‘Least Vulnerable’ between 1979 and 1993, but became ‘Most Vulnerable’ from 1994, which coincided with a rapid spatial expansion of the industrial purse‐seine fishery, and especially from 2011 following the rapid increase in the number of sets made on floating objects. Simulating the conservation and management measures in place in 2018 revealed that 31 of the 45 scenarios resulted in a change in classification of the species to ‘Least Vulnerable’, which primarily involved a reduction of post‐capture mortality by as little as 20%.

It is fortuitous in that education of fishers to implement appropriate best handling and release practices is simpler, more rapid and more cost‐effective than the implementation of fishery closures or gear modifications, which can be expensive and complex to implement and monitor and will probably result in substantial reduction in the catches of target species.
Subtle Modification of Imine‐linked Helical Receptors to Significantly Alter their Binding Affinities and Selectivities for Chiral Guests
Authors: Song Geunmoo , Kim Kyung Mog , Lee Seungwon , Jeong Kyu‐Sung
Published: August 2021

Aromatic helical receptors P‐1 and P‐2 were slightly modified by aerobic oxidation to afford new receptors P‐7 and P‐8 with right‐handed helical cavities. This subtle modification induced significant changes in the binding properties for chiral guests. Specifically, P‐1 was reported to bind d‐tartaric acid (Ka=35500 M−1), used as a template, much strongly than l‐tartaric acid (326 M−1). In contrast, its modified receptor P‐7 exhibited significantly reduced affinities for d‐tartaric acid (3600 M−1) and l‐tartaric acid (125 M−1). More dramatic changes in the affinities and selectivities were observed for P‐2 and P‐8 upon binding of polyol guests. P‐2 was determined to selectively bind d‐sorbitol (52000 M−1) over analogous guests, but P‐8 showed no binding selectivity: d‐sorbitol (1890 M−1), l‐sorbitol (3330 M−1), d‐arabitol (959 M−1), l‐arabitol (4970 M−1) and xylitol (4960 M−1) in 5% (v/v) DMSO/CH2Cl2 at 25±1 °C. These results clearly demonstrate that even subtle post‐modifications of synthetic receptors may significantly alter their binding affinities and selectivities, in particular for guests of long and flexible chains.
MicroRNA of N‐region from SARS‐CoV‐2: Potential sensing components for biosensor development
Authors: Halim Fatin Syakirah , Parmin N. A. , Hashim Uda , Gopinath Subash C.B. , Dahalan Farrah Aini , Zakaria Iffah Izzati , Ang Wei Chern , Jaapar Nurfareezah Fareezah
Published: August 2021

An oligonucleotide DNA probe has been developed for the application in the DNA electrochemical biosensor for the early diagnosis of coronavirus disease (COVID‐19). Here, the virus microRNA from the N‐gene of severe acute respiratory syndrome‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) was used for the first time as a specific target for detecting the virus and became a framework for developing the complementary DNA probe. The sequence analysis of the virus microRNA was carried out using bioinformatics tools including basic local alignment search tools, multiple sequence alignment from CLUSTLW, microRNA database (miRbase), microRNA target database, and gene analysis. Cross‐validation of distinct strains of coronavirus and human microRNA sequences was completed to validate the percentage of identical and consent regions. The percent identity parameter from the bioinformatics tools revealed the virus microRNAs’ sequence has a 100% match with the genome of SARS‐CoV‐2 compared with other coronavirus strains, hence improving the selectivity of the complementary DNA probe. The 30 mer with 53.0% GC content of complementary DNA probe 5′ GCC TGA GTT GAG TCA GCA CTG CTC ATG GAT 3′ was designed and could be used as a bioreceptor for the biosensor development in the clinical and environmental diagnosis of COVID‐19.
Molecular Layer Deposition of Alucone Thin Film on LiCoO2 to Enable High Voltage Operation
Authors: Lidor‐Shalev Ortal , Leifer Nicole , Ejgenberg Michal , Aviv Hagit , Perelshtein Ilana , Goobes Gil , Noked Malachi , Rosy
Published: August 2021

Extracting the theoretically high capacity of LiCoO2 (LCO) is desirable for enhancing the energy density of currently used lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) for portable devices. The bottleneck for exhibiting the high capacity is associated with the limited cut‐off positive voltages beyond which degradation of electrode/electrolyte takes place. In this work, we apply hybrid organic‐inorganic alucone thin film grown directly on LCO by a molecular layer deposition (MLD) method, using sequential exposure to Al‐based and organic‐based precursors. The alucone thin films enabled the high voltage operation of the LCO cathode (>4.5 V), acting as a protection layer. Electrochemical studies proved that alucone coated LCO show enhanced electrochemical performances with improved cycling stability and enhanced specific capacity, relative to uncoated LCO. Amongst the studied films, 10 nm ethylene glycol/Al coated LCO have shown the best results.
Investigation of the association complex formed between dapoxetine and erythrosine‐B for facile dapoxetine assay in pharmaceutical formulation using resonance Rayleigh scattering and spectrofluorimetric techniques
Authors: Derayea Sayed M. , Ali Ramadan , Abu‐hassan Ahmed A.
Published: August 2021

Premature ejaculation is a male sexual problem that is marked by rapid ejaculation and quick attainment of orgasm. Dapoxetine belongs to the antidepressant category and modulates its action by preventing the reuptake of serotonin by neurons. Dapoxetine is marketed as an off‐label therapy for premature ejaculation. Here, two facile, sensitive, and green compatible approaches were established for dapoxetine assay. The approaches chemically rely on association complex formed between erythrosine‐B and dapoxetine in an acidic buffered medium. The quenching effect of the formed complex on the native erythrosine fluorescence at emission 553.5 nm is simply the main idea of spectrofluorimetric assay, while resonance Rayleigh scattering methodology uses augmentation of resonance Rayleigh scattering spectrum at 345 nm by the added dapoxetine. The current approaches exhibit linearity between response and dapoxetine concentration over 0.2–2.5 μg/ml and 0.3–3.0 μg/ml for spectrofluorimetric and resonance Rayleigh scattering (RRS) methods, respectively. All variables affecting methods and complex formation were studied and precisely optimized. The criteria of validation were performed by the directives provided by International Conference on Harmonization's (ICH) Guidelines and limits of detection were 0.06 and 0.05 μg/ml for spectrofluorimetric and RRS techniques, respectively. Finally, the approaches were applied with acceptable results for pharmaceutical formulation analysis.
New biomarkers and therapeutic targets of human liver cancer: Transcriptomic findings
Authors: Qin Li , Huang Dongning , Huang Jian , Huang Haixin
Published: August 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common causes of cancer‐related deaths worldwide, causing 782,000 deaths in 2018. Poor prognosis and lack of treatment are the reasons for the high mortality rate of HCC. In the current study, we conducted a comparative transcriptomic analysis, followed by a series of bioinformatics analyses, including Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), aiming to unfold the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying the development of HCC. In the comparative transcriptomic analysis of 10 pairs of HCC tumoral tissues and adjunct nontumoral tissues, we identified 115 common differentially expressed genes in HCC. The GO enrichment analysis of these genes highlighted alterations in the immune response, cell proliferation and DNA damage, energetic metabolism, cell–matrix adhesion, and filament assembly in HCC. In addition, the canonical pathway analysis of IPA further showed the importance of many cell‐signaling pathways involved in the carcinogenesis of HCC. The findings of this study provide a cluster of novel biomarkers and molecular therapeutic targets for HCC diagnosis and treatment.
Recurrent urinary tract infection with antibiotic‐resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in a patient with Crohn's disease: A case report
Authors: Azimirad Masoumeh , Tajbakhsh Mercedeh , Yadegar Abbas , Zali Mohammad Reza
Published: August 2021

Recurrent urinary tract infections with resistant strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae are a potential complication of the long‐term use of immunosuppressive therapy in patients with Crohn's disease.
The erroneous perception of a clinical sign: Cholestasis preceding sepsis mimicking hepatitis in an adolescent patient
Authors: Romano Fabrizio , Molinaro Marisa , Schibli Susanne , Agyeman Philipp KA , Löllgen Ruth Mari
Published: August 2021

Jaundice should be considered as a first clinical sign preceding severe invasive bacterial infection or sepsis in patients of all ages including childhood and adolescence. Early laboratory investigations and MR imaging studies for osteomyelitis or myositis are paramount to avoid progression to life‐threatening sepsis and significant morbidity and mortality.
Carbene B−H Insertion Reactions for C−B Bond Formation
Authors: Zhao Ximei , Wang Guanghui , Hashmi A. Stephen K.
Published: August 2021

Carbene B−H insertion reactions represent an efficient method for C−B bond formation, which have experienced great advances in recent years. Free and metal carbene insertion into B−H bonds based on diazo and nondiazo carbene precursors, including α‐diazoesters, α‐diazoketones, hydrazones, chloroforms, acylsilanes, alkenyl triflates, alkynes and sulfoxonium ylides have been well studied. The development of this chemistry complements existing C−B bond formation strategies in terms of substrate scope, selectivity and product diversity. Notably, the catalytic enantioselective carbene B−H insertion reactions enable easy access to the challenging but important chiral organoboron compounds. This review provides a timely overview on this research topic. Typical achievements in reaction methodologies, plausible reaction mechanisms, as well as applications in the synthesis of bioactive molecules are summarized.
SrxTi1–xCoO3±δ Perovskite‐like Catalysts with Enhanced Activity for Hydrogen Production
Authors: Liu Yan , Li Huigu , Huang Jia , Hu Xiaomin , Zhang Yu , Huang Lihong
Published: August 2021

Autothermal reforming (ATR) of acetic acid (HOAc) is a promising and alternative route for hydrogen production from renewable resources, but catalyst deactivation caused by cobalt metal sintering and coking is a major concern in ATR. In this work, perovskite‐like catalysts of the formula SrxTi1–xCoO3±δ (x = 0, 0.2, 0.5, and 0.8) were prepared by evaporation‐induced self‐assembly and then evaluated in ATR for hydrogen production. The SrxTi1–xCoO3±δ catalysts exhibited high activity and stability as well as 100 % conversion of HOAc. Additionally, the Co particles with strong metal‐support interaction of SrTi(Co)O3 inhibited coking and agglomeration, and showed potential for hydrogen production by the ATR process.
PRR11 unveiled as a top candidate biomarker within the RBM3‐regulated transcriptome in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Olsson Hau Sofie , Wahlin Sara , Cervin Sophie , Falk Vilgot , Nodin Björn , Elebro Jacob , Eberhard Jakob , Moran Bruce , Gallagher William M , Karnevi Emelie , Jirström Karin
Published: August 2021

The outlook for patients with pancreatic cancer remains dismal. Treatment options are limited and chemotherapy remains standard of care, leading to only modest survival benefits. Hence, there is a great need to further explore the mechanistic basis for the intrinsic therapeutic resistance of this disease, and to identify novel predictive biomarkers. RNA‐binding motif protein 3 (RBM3) has emerged as a promising biomarker of disease severity and chemotherapy response in several types of cancer, including pancreatic cancer. The aim of this study was to unearth RBM3‐regulated genes and proteins in pancreatic cancer cells in vitro, and to examine their expression and prognostic significance in human tumours. Next‐generation RNA sequencing was applied to compare transcriptomes of MIAPaCa‐2 cells with and without RBM3 knockdown. The prognostic value of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was examined in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Top deregulated genes were selected for further studies in vitro and for immunohistochemical analysis of corresponding protein expression in tumours from a clinically well‐annotated consecutive cohort of 46 patients with resected pancreatic cancer. In total, 19 DEGs (p < 0.01) were revealed, among which some with functions in cell cycle and cell division stood out; PDS5A (PDS cohesin associated factor A) as the top downregulated gene, CCND3 (cyclin D3) as the top upregulated gene, and PRR11 (proline rich 11) as being highly prognostic in TCGA. Silencing of RBM3 in MiaPaCa‐2 cells led to congruent alterations of PDS5A, cyclin D3, and PRR11 levels. High protein expression of PRR11 was associated with adverse clinicopathological features and shorter overall survival. Neither PDS5A nor cyclin D3 protein expression was prognostic. This study unveils several RBM3‐regulated genes with potential clinical relevance in pancreatic cancer, among which PRR11 shows the most consistent association with disease severity, at both transcriptome and protein levels.
Phase 1 trial of adavosertib (AZD1775) in combination with concurrent radiation and cisplatin for intermediate‐risk and high‐risk head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chera Bhishamjit S. , Sheth Siddharth H. , Patel Shetal A. , Goldin Dan , Douglas Kathe E. , Green Rebecca L. , Shen Colette J. , Gupta Gaorav P. , Moore Dominic T. , Grilley Olson Juneko E. , Weiss Jared M.
Published: August 2021

Background

Adavosertib (AZD1775) is an inhibitor of the Wee1 kinase. The authors conducted a phase 1b trial to evaluate the safety of adavosertib in combination with definitive chemoradiotherapy for patients with newly diagnosed, intermediate‐risk/high‐risk, locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods

Twelve patients with intermediate‐risk/high‐risk HNSCC were enrolled, including those with p16‐negative tumors of the oropharynx, p16‐positive tumors of the oropharynx with ≥10 tobacco pack‐years, and tumors of the larynx/hypopharynx regardless of p16 status. All patients were treated with an 8‐week course of concurrent intensity‐modulated radiotherapy at 70 grays (Gy) (2 Gy daily in weeks 1‐7), cisplatin 30 mg/m2 weekly (in weeks 1‐7), and adavosertib (twice daily on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of weeks 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8). The primary objective was to determine the maximum tolerated dose and the recommended phase 2 dose of adavosertib given concurrently with radiation and cisplatin. Secondary objectives were to determine the 12‐week objective response rate and progression‐free and overall survival.

Results

Three patients (25%) experienced a dose‐limiting toxicity, including febrile neutropenia (n = 2) and grade 4 thromboembolism (n = 1). Two dose‐limiting toxicities occurred with adavosertib at 150 mg. The median follow‐up was 14.7 months. The 12‐week posttreatment objective response rate determined by positron emission tomography/computed tomography was 100%. The 1‐year progression‐free and overall survival rates were both 90%. The maximum tolerated dose of adavosertib was 100 mg.

Conclusions

Adavosertib 100 mg (twice daily on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of weeks 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8), in combination with 70 Gy of intensity‐modulated radiotherapy and cisplatin 30 mg/m2, is the recommended phase 2 dose for patients with HNSCC.
Contrasting genomic profiles from metastatic sites, primary tumors, and liquid biopsies of advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Necchi Andrea , Cucchiara Vito , Grivas Petros , Bratslavsky Gennady , Jacob Joseph , Spiess Philippe E. , Sokol Ethan S. , Killian Jonathan Keith , Lin Douglas , Ramkissoon Shakti , Huang Richard S. P. , Madison Russell W. , Venstrom Jeffrey M. , Schrock Alexa B. , Danziger Natalie , Decker Brennan , Gjoerup Ole , Graf Ryon P. , Oxnard Geoffrey R. , Tukachinsky Hanna , Ross Jeffrey S.
Published: August 2021

Background

This study assessed the contrasting genomic profiles from the primary tumors (PTs), metastatic (MET) sites, and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) of patients with prostate cancer (PC).

Methods

A total of 1294 PC tissue specimens and 2462 ctDNA specimens underwent hybrid capture–based comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP). Specimens included tissue from PTs; MET biopsies from bone, liver (LIV), lung (LU), brain (BN), lymph node, and soft tissue sites; and ctDNA.

Results

Differences in alteration frequencies between PT, MET, and ctDNA specimens for selected genes were observed. TMPRSS2:ERG fusion frequencies were similar between PTs and MET sites (35% vs 33%) but varied among MET sites. Genomic alterations (GAs) in AR were lowest in PTs (2%) and highest in MET sites (from 24% in LU to 50% in LIV). BN had the highest genomic alterations/tumor (8) and enrichment for PTEN GAs. The BRCA2 GA frequency varied from 0% in BN to 15% in LIV. ERBB2 amplification was increased in MET sites in comparison with PTs. RB1 GAs were increased in LIV. Biomarkers potentially associated with an anti‐PD(L)1 response included CDK12 GAs (16% in LU) and a microsatellite instability–high status (29% in BN). Analyses of ctDNA featured a broad spectrum of GAs similar to those detected across MET sites.

Conclusions

CGP of PTs, MET sites, and ctDNA in PC exhibited differences most likely associated with tumor progression, clonal evolution, and exposure to systemic therapies; ctDNA can also capture a broad range of potential therapeutic opportunities for patients with PC.
A framework for investigating search engines' stemming mechanisms: A case study on Bing
Authors: Şentürk Fatmana , Gunduz Gurhan
Published: August 2021

Big data attracts the attention of governments and a lot of companies today. The developments in technology and the Internet make it one of the important sources of big data. It is easy to get lost in the enormous amount of information contained on the Internet if there were no search engines. Knowing how the search engines work will be helpful to access the desired information. This work aims to be a guide for accessing the right information and also to help to understand search engine stemming and indexing algorithm for interested parties. In this article, we have developed a framework that could be used to investigate the stemming mechanisms of search engines. Our framework also uses Word2vec to analyze semantic relations. We have used our framework to investigate the stemming algorithm of the search engine Bing for English language. In order to achieve that we have used this framework to select words, create queries, send them to Bing, and finally analyze the millions of returned results. We have discussed the results in the context of our article. The results indicate that our framework is useful for analyzing the stemming mechanisms of search engines.
Shade and nitrogen fertilization affect forage accumulation and nutritive value of C4 grasses differing in growth habit
Authors: Moreno Leonardo S. B. , Boote Kenneth J. , Sollenberger Lynn E. , Dubeux José C. B. , Kohmann Marta M. , Pequeno Diego Noleto Luz
Published: August 2021

Light reduction in silvopastoral systems and self‐shading in treeless grasslands can lead to shade‐avoidance responses by tropical grasses. Light environment in association with nitrogen (N) supply influence the growth and nutritive value of forage grasses. This study aimed to quantify forage accumulation (FA) and forage nutritive value of tropical grasses differing in growth habit in environments with contrasting light and N resources. A field study was conducted using ‘Jiggs’ bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] and ‘Mulato II’ hybrid brachiariagrass (Urochloa spp). Full‐sun environments were compared with shaded environments where shade cloth limited incident radiation to 45% of ambient. Low and high N treatments were imposed (30 and 120 kg N ha−1 after each harvest), resulting in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments in four replicates of a randomized complete block design. Forage was harvested every 28 d from May to September in 2014 and 2015 to determine FA. Herbage crude protein (CP) concentration and in vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM) were assessed. Annual FA was greater for Mulato II than Jiggs and for high‐N and full‐sun treatments. Species showed similar CP concentrations, but Mulato II had greater IVDOM than Jiggs, likely due to a greater leaf percentage. Shade increased CP concentration of the forages whereas effects on IVDOM were not consistent. Although more productive with greater leaf percentage and nutritive value than decumbent, stoloniferous Jiggs, upright‐growing, bunchgrass Mulato II was not persistent when multiple freeze events occurred during winter, limiting its adoption in cooler subtropical environments.
Heterosis for biomass yield and other traits in ‘Alamo’ × ‘Kanlow’ switchgrass populations
Authors: Shrestha Surya L. , Bhandari Hem S. , Allen Fred L. , Tobias Christian M. , Nayak Santosh , Goddard Ken , Senseman Scott A.
Published: August 2021

Heterosis plays an important role in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) breeding. To identify superior clones for hybrid development through seasonal single cut, 10 crosses derived from ‘Alamo’ × ‘Kanlow’ and parents were evaluated. The experiment was planted in 2018 using a randomized complete block design with two replications at two locations in Tennessee: the East Tennessee Research and Education Center (ETREC), Knoxville, and the Plateau Research and Education Center (PREC), Crossville. The crosses and their parents were evaluated for biomass yield, plant height, and clonal mass in the fall of 2019 and 2020. The crosses were significantly different in biomass yield within and across locations (P ≤ .05). Average biomass yield of the crosses ranged from 7.1 to 8.7 Mg ha−1 at ETREC and from 10.0 to 11.8 Mg ha−1 at PREC. The crosses demonstrated an average of 46% mid‐parent heterosis (MPH) and 24% high‐parent heterosis (HPH) for biomass yield across the two locations. The MPH and HPH were 3 and −1.3% for plant height and 12 and 1% for clonal mass, respectively. Moderate to strong positive association was found between clonal mass scores and biomass yield at individual locations across years and across locations and years (r = 0.37–0.79, P ≤ .05). The association between biomass yield and plant height was inconsistent (r = −0.24 to 0.67, P ≤ .05). The findings of biomass yield heterosis in these crosses suggested the potential of hybrid cultivars for biomass yield improvement in lowland switchgrass.
A fast screening method for the detection of CERA in dried blood spots
Authors: Rocca Angela , Martin Laurent , Kuuranne Tiia , Ericsson Magnus , Marchand Alexandre , Leuenberger Nicolas
Published: August 2021

Continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA) is a third‐generation erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent that was developed for the treatment of anemia. However, misuse of CERA for doping in endurance sports has been reported. Previous studies have shown blood as the matrix of choice for the detection of CERA, due to its high molecular weight. The use of dried blood spots (DBSs) for anti‐doping purposes constitutes a complementary approach to the standard urine and venous blood matrices and could facilitate sample collection and increase the number of blood samples available for analysis due to reduced costs of sample collection and transport. Here, we investigated whether CERA could be indirectly detected in extracts of single DBSs using an erythropoietin‐specific immunoassay that is capable of providing results within approximately 2 h. Reconstituted DBS samples were prepared from mixtures of red blood cell pellets and serum samples. The samples were collected in a previous clinical study in which six healthy volunteers were injected with a single, 200 μg dose of CERA. Using a commercially available ELISA kit, CERA was detected in the DBSs with a detection window of up to 20 days post‐injection. Furthermore, in order to demonstrate the fitness‐for‐purpose, three authentic doping control serum samples, which were identified as containing CERA, were analyzed by the presented methodological approach on DBS. The testing procedure described here could be used as a fast and cost‐effective method for the detection of CERA abuse in sport.
Drivers of Solidago species invasion in Central Europe—Case study in the landscape of the Carpathian Mountains and their foreground
Authors: Perera Peliyagodage Chathura Dineth , Szymura Tomasz H. , Zając Adam , Chmolowska Dominika , Szymura Magdalena
Published: August 2021

Aim

The invasion process is a complex, context‐dependent phenomenon; nevertheless, it can be described using the PAB framework. This framework encompasses the joint effect of propagule pressure (P), abiotic characteristics of the environment (A), and biotic characteristics of both the invader and recipient vegetation (B). We analyzed the effectiveness of proxies of PAB factors to explain the spatial pattern of Solidago canadensis and S. gigantea invasion using invasive species distribution models.

Location

Carpathian Mountains and their foreground, Central Europe.

Methods

The data on species presence or absence were from an atlas of neophyte distribution based on a 2 × 2 km grid, covering approximately 31,200 km2 (7,752 grid cells). Proxies of PAB factors, along with data on historical distribution of invaders, were used as explanatory variables in Boosted Regression Trees models to explain the distribution of invasive Solidago. The areas with potentially lower sampling effort were excluded from analysis based on a target species approach.

Results

Proxies of the PAB factors helped to explain the distribution of both S. canadensis and S. gigantea. Distributions of both species were limited climatically because a mountain climate is not conducive to their growth; however, the S. canadensis distribution pattern was correlated with proxies of human pressure, whereas S. gigantea distribution was connected with environmental characteristics. The varied responses of species with regard to distance from their historical distribution sites indicated differences in their invasion drivers.

Main conclusions

Proxies of PAB are helpful in the choice of explanatory variables as well as the ecological interpretation of species distribution models. The results underline that human activity can cause variation in the invasion of ecologically similar species.
Natal dispersal of Whooping Cranes in the reintroduced Eastern Migratory Population
Authors: Thompson Hillary L. , Caven Andrew J. , Hayes Matthew A. , Lacy Anne E.
Published: August 2021

Natal dispersal is a key demographic process for evaluating the population rate of change, especially for long‐lived, highly mobile species. This process is largely unknown for reintroduced populations of endangered avian species. We evaluated natal dispersal distances (NDD) for male and female Whooping Cranes (Grus americana) introduced into two locations in central Wisconsin (Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, or NNWR, and the Eastern Rectangle, or ER) using a series of demographic, spatial, and life history‐related covariates. Data were analyzed using gamma regression models with a log‐link function and compared using Akaike information criterion corrected for small sample sizes (AICc). Whooping Cranes released in the ER dispersed 261% further than those released into NNWR, dispersal distance increased 4% for each additional nesting pair, decreased about 24% for males as compared to females, increased by 21% for inexperienced pairs, and decreased by 3% for each additional year of age. Natal philopatry, habitat availability or suitability, and competition for breeding territories may be influencing observed patterns of NDD. Whooping Cranes released in the ER may exhibit longer NDD due to fragmented habitat or conspecific attraction to established breeding pairs at NNWR. Additionally, sex‐biased dispersal may be increasing in this population as there are more individuals from different natal sites forming breeding pairs. As the population grows and continues to disperse, the drivers of NDD patterns may change based on individual or population behavior.
Delimitation despite discordance: Evaluating the species limits of a confounding species complex in the face of mitonuclear discordance
Authors: Firneno Thomas J. , O’Neill Justin R. , Itgen Michael W. , Kihneman Timothy A. , Townsend Josiah H. , Fujita Matthew K.
Published: August 2021

The delimitation of species is an essential pursuit of biology, and proper taxonomies are crucial for the assessment and conservation management of organismal diversity. However, delimiting species can be hindered by a number of factors including highly conserved morphologies (e.g., cryptic species), differences in criteria of species concepts, lineages being in the early stages of the speciation or divergence process, and discordance between gene topologies (e.g., mitonuclear discordance). Here we use a taxonomically confounded species complex of toads in Central America that exhibits extensive mitonuclear discordance to test delimitation hypotheses. Our investigation integrates mitochondrial sequences, nuclear SNPs, morphology, and macroecological data to determine which taxonomy best explains the divergence and evolutionary relationships among these toads. We found that a three species taxonomy following the distributions of the nuclear SNP haplotypes offers the best explanation of the species in this complex based off of the integrated data types. Due to the taxonomic instability of this group, we also discuss conservation concerns in the face of improper taxonomic delimitation. Our study provides an empirical and integrative hypothesis testing framework to assess species delimitation hypotheses in the face of cryptic morphology and mitonuclear discordance and highlights the importance that a stable taxonomy has over conservation‐related actions.
A model for the relationship between plant biomass and photosynthetic rate based on nutrient effects
Authors: Hu Han‐Jian , Xu Kang , He Ling‐Chao , Wang Gen‐Xuan
Published: August 2021

The photosynthetic rate is considered to be affected by individual biomass and limited by nutrients. Metabolic scaling models are often utilized to predict photosynthetic rates based on plant size and other factors, such as temperature and plant nutrient composition. However, the intrinsic regulatory mechanisms of the combined factors that affect the photosynthetic rates of living organisms are subject to debate. Here, we present a model developed from the metabolic scaling model, the Michaelis‐Menten equation and elemental stoichiometric models to precisely predict the relationship between plant photosynthetic rate and biomass. The developed model was verified against data for small woody and nonwoody plants, and in comparison with the typical metabolic scaling model, this model was shown to be more capable of explaining the photosynthesis‐biomass relationship. Moreover, the results showed that the combined factors affected photosynthesis via the regulatory effect of nutrients on photosynthesis‐biomass allometry. We highlight that nutrients have direct effects on the allocation of plant biomass and photosynthetic investment under stable and balanced growth states.
Carboxylic Acid Promoted, Redox‐Neutral Ru‐Catalyzed C−H Allylation of Aromatic Ketones
Authors: Dethe Dattatraya H. , Beeralingappa Nagabhushana C. , Dherange Balu D.
Published: August 2021

A redox‐neutral, carboxylic acid promoted, [RuCl2(p‐cymene)]2 catalyzed, weakly coordinating, carbonyl assisted C−H allylation of aromatic ketones has been developed. The beneficial effect of carboxylic acid on the ruthenium catalyst towards C−H allylation of aromatic ketones has been further explored, using commercially available allyl acetate under mild reaction conditions. In addition, this method requires redox‐neutral reaction conditions, easily accessible starting materials, and shows excellent functional group compatibility.