bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi‐scale mosaics in top‐down pest control by ants from natural coffee forests to plantations
Authors: Stüber Moritz , Tack Ayco J. M. , Zewdie Beyene , Mendesil Esayas , Shimales Tamiru , Ayalew Biruk , Nemomissa Sileshi , Sjögren Jörgen , Vesterinen Eero , Wezel Alexander , Hylander Kristoffer
Published: May 2021

While top‐down control plays an important role in shaping both natural and agricultural food webs, we lack insights into how top‐down control effects vary across spatial scales. We used a multi‐scale survey of top‐down control of coffee pests and diseases by arboreal ants to examine if colony location creates a small‐scale mosaic in top‐down control around trees and if the strength of that control varies between sites at the landscape scale. We investigated pest and disease levels on coffee shrubs at different distances from shade trees with and without a Crematogaster spp. ant colony in 59 sites along a coffee management intensity gradient in southwestern Ethiopia. Within sites, ants significantly suppressed herbivory and coffee leaf rust at distances less than 10 m from nesting trees. Top‐down control varied between sites, with stronger top‐down control of free‐feeding herbivory near ant colonies at sites with lower management intensity and stronger top‐down control of a skeletonizer at sites with higher canopy cover. We conclude that the strength of top‐down control by ants is highly heterogeneous across spatial scales, as a consequence of the biology of the predator at the small scale and herbivore density or changes in herbivore–ant interactions at the landscape scale.
Sulfolane‐Graphite Incompatibility and Its Mitigation in Li‐ion Batteries
Authors: Zheng Qinfeng , Li Guanjie , Zheng Xiongwen , Xing Lidan , Xu Kang , Li Weishan
Published: May 2021

The non‐flammability and high oxidation stability of sulfolane (SL) make it an excellent electrolyte candidate for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, its incompatibility with graphitic anode prevents the realization of these advantages. To understand how this incompatibility arises on molecular level so that it can be suppressed, we combined theoretical calculation and experimental characterization and reveal that the primary Li+ solvation sheath in SL is depleted of fluorine source. Upon reduction, SL in such fluorine‐poor solvation sheath generates insoluble dimer with poor electronic insulation, hence leading to slow but sustained parasitic reactions. When fluorine content in Li+‐SL solvation sheath is increased via salt concentration, a high stability LiF‐rich interphase on graphite can be formed. This new understanding of the failure mechanism of graphite in SL‐based electrolyte is of great significance in unlocking many possible electrolyte solvent candidates for the high‐voltage cathode materials for next‐generation LIBs.
Controllable Construction of Bifunctional CoxP@N,P‐Doped Carbon Electrocatalysts for Rechargeable Zinc–Air Batteries
Authors: Shi Qing , Liu Qiao , Zheng Yapeng , Dong Yaqian , Wang Lin , Liu Hantao , Yang Weiyou
Published: May 2021

The exploration of cheap, efficient, and durable bifunctional electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is highly desired to push forward the commercialization of rechargeable metal–air batteries. Here, bifunctional ORR/OER electrocatalysts based on CoxP (0 < x < 2, i.e., Co2P, Co2P/CoP mixture, and CoP) nanoparticles (NPs) anchored on N,P‐doped carbon framework (CoxP@NPC) are developed via one‐step carbonization of the mixture of as‐synthesized ZIF‐67 and melamine–phytic acid supermolecular aggregate (MPSA). The stoichiometric ratio of resultant CoxP NPs can be rationally designed by adjusting the introduced ratio of ZIF‐67 to MPSA, enabling their fabrication in a controlled manner. It is found that the as‐synthesized Co2P@NPC exhibits the best bifunctional ORR/OER activity among the CoxP@NPC analogues, with a reversible oxygen electrode index (ΔE = Ej10 − E1/2) down to ~0.75 V. The constructed Zn–air battery based on Co2P@NPC delivers a peak power density of 157 mW cm−2 and an excellent charge‐discharge stability with negligible voltage decay for 140 h at 10 mA cm−2, superior to those based on Pt/C+RuO2 and most CoxP‐based electrodes ever reported.
Nature‐Inspired Functional Chromophores from Biomimetic o‐Quinone Chemistry
Authors: Alfieri Maria Laura , Panzella Lucia , Crescenzi Orlando , Napolitano Alessandra , d'Ischia Marco
Published: May 2021

A concise highlight of the main types of chromophoric systems obtained in the authors’ and other laboratories through biomimetic chemistry or synthetic manipulation of nature‐inspired o‐quinones is the primary focus of this Minireview. Following oxidative conversion of a variety of natural catechol substrates like DOPA, dopamine, 5‐S‐cysteinyldopa and caffeic acid, in the presence of suitable additives, a remarkable variety of chromophoric systems can be produced, which display specific optical and electronic properties, e. g. acidichromism, solvatochromism or strong emission upon excitation. Such properties can be tailored for specific applications through rational synthetic manipulations and/or fine‐tuning through non‐covalent and supramolecular interactions. Practical access routes to the reported o‐quinone‐derived chromophoric systems are illustrated along with the main prospective applications.
Electrochemical Behavior of Ce(IV)/Ce(III) Couple in N,N‐Di(2‐ethylhexyl)‐n‐butanamide (DEHBA), N,N‐Di(2‐ethylhexyl)‐iso‐butanamide (DEHiBA), and N,N‐Di(2‐ethylhexyl)‐3,3‐dimethyl Butanamide (DEHDMBA)
Authors: Amoudji Amivi Felicite , Arpigny Sylvie , Moisy Philippe , Bedioui Fethi
Published: May 2021

In this work we report on the electrochemical behavior of Ce(IV)/Ce(III) redox couple in pure N,N‐dialkyl amides (N,N‐DA), namely N,N‐di(2‐ethylhexyl)‐n‐butanamide (DEHBA), N,N‐di(2‐ethylhexyl)‐iso‐butanamide (DEHiBA), and N,N‐di(2‐ethylhexyl)‐3,3‐dimethyl butanamide (DEHDMBA) equilibrated with nitric aqueous solutions as an entry to the direct electrochemical characterization of plutonium in these extractants. Ce(IV)/Ce(III) redox process was used as a model. Its potential (E1/2≅1.02 V/SCE) is not affected by the temperature and the nature of the N,N‐DA and this clearly indicates that the functionalities of these extractants produce the same relative effect on both +IV and +III oxidation states of the cerium cation. Linear variations of the current intensity of the reduction peak of Ce(IV) with the concentration of Ce(IV)/N,N‐DAs/HNO3(5 M) solutions were obtained from cyclic voltammograms recorded at 25 °C and 40 °C. Due to the poor definition of the voltammograms in DEHiBA and DEHDMBA, such characterization allows only the evaluation of the performances of the chemical extraction of Ce(IV) from aqueous nitric acid solution by the undiluted DEHBA. To our knowledge, the electrochemical behavior of Ce(IV)/Ce(III) in N,N‐DAs was not previously studied and our findings will for sure open the door for further investigations in this field.
Microalgae separation by inertia‐enhanced pinched flow fractionation
Authors: Wang Saijie , Liu Zhijian , Wu Sen , Sun Hongyan , Zeng Wu , Wei Jintao , Fan Zixiao , Sui Zhuohang , Liu Liankun , Pan Xinxiang
Published: May 2021

To improve the accuracy and efficiency of ships’ ballast water detection, the separation of microalgae according to size is significant. In this article, a method to separate microalgae based on inertia‐enhanced pinched flow fractionation (iPFF) was reported. The method utilized the inertial lift force induced by flow to separate microalgae according to size continuously. The experimental results show that, as the Reynolds number increases, the separation effect becomes better at first, but then stays unchanged. The best separation effect can be obtained when the Reynolds number is 12.3. In addition, with the increase of the flow rate ratio between sheath fluid and microalgae mixture, the separation effect becomes better and the best separation effect can be obtained when the flow rate ratio reaches 10. In this case, the recovery rate of Tetraselmis sp. is about 90%, and the purity is about 86%; the recovery rate of Chlorella sp. is as high as 99%, and the purity is about 99%. After that, the separation effect keeps getting better but very slowly. In general, this study provides a simple method for the separation of microalgae with different sizes, and lays a foundation for the accurate detection of microalgae in the ballast water.
Facile preparation of tetra‐polyethylene glycol hydrogel microspheres for drug delivery by cross‐flow membrane emulsification
Authors: Henise Jeff , Yao Brian , Ashley Gary W. , Santi Daniel V.
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this work was to develop technology for facile, large‐scale production of tetra‐polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel amino‐microspheres to serve as intermediates for injectable microsphere‐drug conjugates produced under cGMP guidelines. Here we developed equipment and procedures utilizing tubular cross‐flow membrane emulsification to produce the amino‐microspheres. The equipment comprised a polyether ether ketone tube containing 1000 evenly spaced pores encased in a cylindrical stainless steel jacket. The dispersed phase – an aqueous solution of two polymerizable tetra‐PEG prepolymers – is delivered into the outer jacket of the assembly by a pulse dampened pump, and the continuous phase – decane and surfactant – is delivered into the bore of the microporous tube from a pressurized tank. As the dispersed phase is pressed through the pores, the continuous phase induces the detachment of small, uniform droplets of ˜60 μm diameter at the mouths of the pores. After collection of the emulsified droplets, they are allowed to self‐polymerize and are then sieved to remove aberrantly small and large particles. The polymerized amino‐microspheres – obtained in ˜70% yield – are well within acceptance specifications, and show excellent injectability. Using this approach, we could prepare about 30 L of swollen amino‐microspheres per day which could be forwarded to production of microsphere‐drug substance under cGMP guidelines.
Control of dissolved oxygen significantly increases the yield of skin‐derived Schwann cells during expansion in stirred suspension bioreactors
Authors: Walsh Tylor , Biernaskie Jeff , Midha Rajiv , Kallos Michael S.
Published: May 2021

Peripheral nerve and spinal cord injuries affect millions of people worldwide often leading to lifelong disability and pain. Cell therapy using autologous Schwann cells are currently being investigated for the treatment of these injuries and are showing great potential. In particular, skin‐derived Schwann cells offer a non‐invasive option for highly therapeutic cells that have been shown to regenerate tissue and restore function. However, it is estimated that for an effective therapy, hundreds of millions of Schwann cells are needed, and current static and spinner flask methods cannot generate these clinical numbers. Therefore, this study utilizes control systems facilitated by stirred suspension bioreactors to monitor and maintain the pH and dissolved oxygen at levels that promote cell proliferation and survival. By adapting the current culture practices to scalable bioreactor platforms, we were able to control the dissolved oxygen creating new expansion protocols that enabled the bioreactor process to grow to clinical scale, producing 667 × 106 cells in a single 500 mL bioreactor in 7 days. Since individual injury is different in terms of complexity and severity, and therefore cell needs, by changing the available surface area in the bioreactor, this developed process is highly adjustable to meet the cell quantity needs for each individual treatment. Following the bioprocess, cells that were harvested from the microcarriers continue to express typical Schwann cell markers suggesting that they retain phenotypic stability. By increasing the production potential of skin‐derived Schwann cells, this therapy is one step closer to the clinic with the hope for ultimately restoring function and improving quality of life to patients with neural injuries.
Designing flow regimes to support entire river ecosystems
Authors: Tonkin Jonathan D , Olden Julian D , Merritt David M , Reynolds Lindsay V , Rogosch Jane S , Lytle David A
Published: May 2021

Overcoming challenges of water scarcity necessitates creative flow management approaches that account for multiple, potentially competing water needs of plants and animals in river ecosystems. Mechanistic multispecies models can guide decision making by evaluating trade‐offs associated with flow regimes designed for specific ecosystem outcomes before implementation. We investigated the cross‐ecosystem effects of environmental flow regimes designed to benefit focal groups of riparian vegetation, fishes, and invertebrates. The models revealed trade‐offs among different designer flow regimes with narrow taxonomic targets, which in some cases caused non‐target taxa to become locally extirpated within short (decadal) timespans. By incorporating multiple flow frequencies – from intra‐annual‐scale pulses to large decadal‐scale floods – the simulated natural flow regime enabled balanced, albeit smaller, population sizes across the three ecosystem components: 72% of that achieved by designer flow regimes, on average. Although returning to a natural flow regime may not be possible in highly flow‐modified rivers, novel flow regimes must incorporate diverse flood and drought frequencies to accommodate the occasionally conflicting requirements of different taxa at different times.
Investigation on the characteristics and mechanisms of ACE inhibitory peptides by a thorough analysis of all 8000 tripeptides via binding free energy calculation
Authors: Chen Ruiyao , Miao Yulu , Hao Xuan , Gao Bei , Ma Mingzhe , Zhang John Z.H. , Wang Rui , Li Sha , He Xiao , Zhang Lujia
Published: May 2021

Food‐derived angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides represent a potential source of new antihypertensive. However, their characteristics and binding mechanisms were not well understood. In this study, novel energy calculation and experimentation were combined to elucidate the characteristics and mechanisms of ACE inhibitory tripeptides. ACE inhibitory activity of all 8,000 tripeptides was investigated by in silico experiments. IC50 values of the five top‐rated tripeptides ranged from 5.86 to 21.84 μM. Five hundred top‐ranked tripeptides were chosen for detailed structure–activity analysis, and a significant preference for aromatic amino acids at both C‐ and N‐terminus was found. By binding free energy analysis of nine representative tripeptides via MM/GBSA, electrostatic energy was found to be the leading energy that contributed to the binding of ACE with its high affinity tripeptides. Besides, S355, V380, and V518, three residues positioned around the classical binding pockets of ACE, also played a key role in ACE's binding. Therefore, for tripeptides, their binding pockets in ACE were redefined. In conclusion, the characteristics of ACE inhibitory peptides were more deeply illustrated by the thorough analysis of all tripeptides. The energy analysis allows a better understanding of the binding mechanisms of ACE inhibitory peptides, which could be used to redesign the ACE inhibitors for stronger inhibitory activity.
Toward the identification of molecular markers associated with phytochemical traits in the Iranian sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) population
Authors: Mohammadi Alaghuz Rasoul , Darvishzadeh Reza , Alijanpour Ahmad , Razi Mitra
Published: May 2021

Sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) is one of the important forest species dispersed in the northwest of Iran. It is one of the important spice in Iran and the Middle East because of active components containing organic acids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, tannins and terpenoids. This study aimed to investigate population structure and linkage disequilibrium (LD) extent within Rhus coriaria L. genotypes using ISSR markers and identify molecular markers associated with phytochemical traits using association analysis. In the molecular part of the experiment, the genetic diversity of 75 sumac genotypes from five different areas of northwest Iran was assessed by 18 ISSR primers. In the phenotypic assessment, the fruits of the sumac genotypes were analyzed using HPLC‐LC/MSMS for determining phytochemical components including maleic acid, ellagic acid, maleic acid hexoside, gallic acid, coumaric acid, quercetin, caftaric acid, and linoleic acid. The phenotypic data analysis revealed the great phenotypic diversity among and within Iranian sumac populations for the studied phytochemical traits. The studied sumac genotypes were divided into two subpopulations based on molecular marker‐based structure analysis. A significant level of LD was observed in 11.64% of the ISSR marker pairs (p < .05). The mixed linear model procedure showed that 12 loci had a significant association with investigated traits. The ISSR loci identified in this study can be potentially used in marker‐assisted selection in sumac breeding programs.
Single nucleotide polymorphism array‐based signature of low hypodiploidy in acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Creasey Thomas , Enshaei Amir , Nebral Karin , Schwab Claire , Watts Kathryn , Cuthbert Gavin , Vora Ajay , Moppett John , Harrison Christine J. , Fielding Adele K. , Haas Oskar A. , Moorman Anthony V.
Published: May 2021

Low hypodiploidy (30–39 chromosomes) is one of the most prevalent genetic subtypes among adults with ALL and is associated with a very poor outcome. Low hypodiploid clones can often undergo a chromosomal doubling generating a near‐triploid clone (60–78 chromosomes). When cytogenetic techniques detect a near triploid clone, a diagnostic challenge may ensue in differentiating presumed duplicated low hypodiploidy from good risk high hyperdiploid ALL (51–67 chromosomes). We used single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays to analyze low hypodiploid/near triploid (HoTr) (n = 48) and high hyperdiploid (HeH) (n = 40) cases. In addition to standard analysis, we derived log2 ratios for entire chromosomes enabling us to analyze the cohort using machine‐learning techniques. Low hypodiploid and near triploid cases clustered together and separately from high hyperdiploid samples. Using these approaches, we also identified three cases with 50–60 chromosomes, originally called as HeH, which were, in fact, HoTr and two cases incorrectly called as HoTr. TP53 mutation analysis supported the new classification of all cases tested. Next, we constructed a classification and regression tree model for predicting ploidy status with chromosomes 1, 7, and 14 being the key discriminators. The classifier correctly identified 47/50 (94%) HoTr cases. We validated the classifier using an independent cohort of 44 cases where it correctly called 7/7 (100%) low hypodiploid cases. The results of this study suggest that HoTr is more frequent among older adults with ALL than previously estimated and that SNP array analysis should accompany cytogenetics where possible. The classifier can assist where SNP array patterns are challenging to interpret.
Dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for differentiating head and neck paraganglioma and schwannoma
Authors: Malla Soumya Ranjan , Bhalla Ashu Seith , Manchanda Smita , Kandasamy Devasenathipathy , Kumar Rakesh , Agarwal Shipra , Shamim Shamim Ahmed , Kakkar Aanchal
Published: May 2021

Background and Purpose

Morphological assessment with conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences has limited specificity to distinguish between paragangliomas and schwannomas. Assessing the differences in microvascular properties through pharmacokinetic parameters of dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE)‐MRI can provide additional information to aid in this differentiation.

Materials and Methods

A prospective study on MR characterization of neck masses was performed between January 2017 and March 2019 in our department, out of which 40 patients with head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGLs) (33 lesions) and schwannomas (15 lesions) were included in this analysis. MR perfusion using dynamic axial T1WI fat suppressed fast spoiled gradient recalled sequence with parallel imaging was performed in all the patients, in addition to single‐shot turbo spin‐echo axial diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and routine MRI. ROI‐based method was used to obtain signal‐time curves, permeability measurements, and mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) to differentiate paragangliomas from schwannomas. Statistical analysis was done to assess the significance and establish a cutoff to distinguish between the two entities. The available images of DOTANOC PET/CT (34 lesions) were analyzed retrospectively. Correlations between the perfusion, diffusion, and molecular PET/CT parameters were done.

Results

Paragangliomas had a higher wash‐in rate, wash‐out rate, Ktrans, Kep, and Vp (p < 0.001); while schwannomas had a higher relative enhancement (p < 0.012), time to peak, time of onset, brevity of enhancement, and Ve (p < 0.001). Among the perfusion parameters, Kep (area under curve (AUC) 0.994) and Vp (AUC 0.992) were found to have the highest diagnostic value. In diffusion‐weighted imaging, paragangliomas had a lower mean ADC compared to schwannomas (p < 0.001). The SUVmax and SUVmean were significantly associated with Ktrans, Kep, and Vp in paragangliomas.

Conclusion

DCE‐MRI in addition to DWI‐MRI can accurately distinguish HNPGL from schwannoma and may replace the need for any additional imaging and preoperative biopsy in most cases.
Deep learningsuper‐resolutionelectron microscopy based on deep residual attention network
Authors: Wang Jia , Lan Chuwen , Wang Caiyong , Gao Zehua
Published: May 2021

Field‐emission scanning electron microscopy has become a fundamental research tool in the fields of medicine and materials science owing to its effectiveness. However, an inherent contradiction exists between the resolution of field‐emission scanning electron microscopy and its field‐of‐view. To solve this problem, we propose a deep learning‐based method for electron microscopy that can simultaneously obtain a large field‐of‐view and ultrahigh resolution. To solve the super‐resolution problem, a deep residual attention network is designed based on residual learning and the attention mechanism, wherein the backbone network employs several residual groups to effectively extract the features; moreover, attention groups append the backbone part to refine and fuse the features. Besides, a high‐frequency information retention module is added to acquire high‐frequency signals, acting as an effective complement to the deep residual attention network. Owing to the lack of super‐resolution datasets for electron microscopy, we created a microscopic butterfly wing dataset. In the experiments, MixUp was also applied to super‐resolution problem as a simple and effective data augmentation method, to provide more data to train the model. To evaluate the proposed method, we used standard and self‐made datasets with peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR) and structural similarity (SSIM) as criteria. The results show that the proposed model exhibits a state‐of‐the‐art performance with a PSNR of 25.12 dB and an SSIM of 0.64, and makes field‐emission scanning electron microscopy more practical and promising in the field of optical device optimization.
GPR30 knockdown weakens the capacity of CAF in promoting prostate cancer cell invasion via reducing macrophage infiltration and M2 polarization
Authors: Zhang Ran , Zong Jiaojiao , Peng Yanfei , Shi Jiandang , Du Xiaoling , Liu Haitao , Shen Yongmei , Cao Jiasong , Jia Bona , Liu Feng , Zhang Ju
Published: May 2021

Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) can promote the development and metastasis of prostate cancer partly by mediating tumor‐associated inflammation. An increasing amount of studies have focused on the functional interactions between CAFs and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). We previously reported that G protein‐coupled receptor 30 (GPR30) was highly expressed in prostate CAFs and plays a crucial role in prostate stromal cell activation. However, the effect and underlying mechanism of GPR30 expression in prostate CAFs affecting the interaction between CAFs and tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) need further elucidation. Here, we found that, compared with CAF‐shControl, CAF‐shGPR30 inhibited macrophage migration through transwell migration assays, which should be attributed to the decreased expression of C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12). In addition, macrophages treated with a culture medium of CAF‐shGPR30 exhibited attenuated M2 polarization with downregulated M2‐like markers expression. Moreover, macrophages stimulated with a culture medium of CAF‐shGPR30 were less efficient in promoting activation of fibroblast cells and invasion of PCa cells. Finally, cocultured CAF‐shGPR30 and macrophages suppressed PCa cell invasion compared to cocultured CAF‐shControl and macrophages by decreasing interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) secretion, and this effect could be abrogated with rescue expression of IL‐6. Our results pinpoint the function of GPR30 in prostate CAFs on regulating the CAF‐TAM interaction in the TME and provide new insights into PCa therapies via regulating TME.
Combined scaffold hopping, molecular screening with dynamic simulation to screen potent CRBN ligands
Authors: Yan Jian , Sun Shiyang , Zhang Wenjuan , Li Pengyun , Zheng Zhibing
Published: May 2021

Thalidomide and its derivatives lenalidomide and pomalidomide, known as immunomodulatory drugs, (IMiDs) bind directly to cereblon (CRBN), a substrate receptor of an E3 ubiquitin ligase, resulting in the rapid ubiquitination and degradation of the substrate protein. With the discovery of the protein degradation mechanism of IMiDs, targeted protein degradation mediated by IMiDs via CRBN emerged and developed rapidly for the advantages of overcoming drug resistance and targeting undruggable. To date, almost all CRBN ligands are derived from thalidomide and there are few structural differences between them. Hence, we employed an accurate, effective, and rational approach to screen novel and potential CRBN ligands. In this study, we have built a molecular library by scaffold hopping with thalidomide. ADMET screening, virtual screening, and visual inspection screening were performed step‐by‐step to screen the molecular library and five molecules were hit. Furthermore, docking analysis and a period of 150 ns molecular dynamic (MD) simulation were performed to validate the accuracy of our screen. The docking results showed that molecular A (−10.42 kcal/mol), molecular B (−9.73 kcal/mol), molecular C (−9.25 kcal/mol), molecular D (−9.09 kcal/mol), and molecular E (−10.16 kcal/mol) have lower binding energy than thalidomide (−5.42 kcal/mol), lenalidomide (−5.74 kcal/mol), and pomalidomide (−5.51 kcal/mol). In the MD simulation, all the five screened molecules form key interactions with the active site amino acid residues (Trp380, Trp386, and Trp400) as well as the three marketed IMiDs. Besides, we found and explained that Pro352 was positive for ligand binding to CRBN and Glu377 in reverse, which has not been reported before. We believe that our findings and those five molecules can serve as further optimization of CRBN ligands and development of proteolysis targeting chimeras.
A note on magic rectangle set MRSΓ(2k+1,4;4l+2)
Authors: Cichacz Sylwia , Hinc Tomasz
Published: May 2021

A ‐magic rectangle set of order is a set of arrays of size whose entries are elements of a finite Abelian group of order , each appearing once, with all row sums in each rectangle equal to a constant and all column sums in each rectangle equal to a constant . There is known a complete characteristic of a for for positive integers . The case is unsolved for . In this paper we show that a exists if and only if the group has more than one involution.
Association of alpha‐thalassemia and Glucose‐6‐Phosphate Dehydrogenase deficiency with transcranial Doppler ultrasonography in Nigerian children with sickle cell anemia
Authors: Ojewunmi Oyesola Oyewole , Adeyemo Titilope Adenike , Oyetunji Ajoke Idayat , Benn Yewande , Ekpo Mfoniso Godwin , Iwalokun Bamidele Abiodun
Published: May 2021

Background

Stroke is a devastating complication of sickle cell anemia (SCA) and can be predicted through abnormally high cerebral blood flow velocity using transcranial Doppler Ultrasonography (TCD). The evidence on the role of alpha‐thalassemia and glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency in the development of stroke in children with SCA is conflicting. Thus, this study investigated the association of alpha‐thalassemia and G6PD(A−) variant with abnormal TCD velocities among Nigerian children with SCA.

Methods

One hundred and forty‐one children with SCA were recruited: 72 children presented with normal TCD (defined as the time‐averaged mean of the maximum velocity: < 170 cm/s) and 69 children with abnormal TCD (TAMMV ≥ 200 cm/s). Alpha‐thalassemia (the α‐3.7 globin gene deletion) was determined by multiplex gap‐PCR, while G6PD polymorphisms (202G > A and 376A > G) were genotyped using restriction fragment length polymorphism—polymerase chain reaction.

Results

The frequency of α‐thalassemia trait in the children with normal TCD was higher than those with abnormal TCD: 38/72 (52.8%) [α‐/ α α: 41.7%, α ‐/ α ‐: 11.1%] versus 21/69 (30.4%) [α‐/ α α: 27.5%, α ‐/ α ‐: 2.9%], and the odds of abnormal TCD were reduced in the presence of the α‐thalassemia trait [Odds Ratio: 0.39, 95% confidence interval: 0.20–0.78, p = 0.007]. However, the frequencies of G6PDA− variant in children with abnormal and normal TCD were similar (11.6% vs. 15.3%, p = 0.522).

Conclusion

Our study reveals the protective role of α‐thalassemia against the risk of abnormal TCD in Nigerian children with SCA.
Microalgae for nutrient recycling from food waste to aquaculture as feed substitute: a promising pathway to eco‐friendly development
Authors: Deng Yi , Chen Fufeng , Liao Kang , Xiao Yu , Chen Sihua , Lu Qian , Li Jun , Zhou Wenguang
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND: The discharge of food waste and eutrophication in aquaculture could cause environmental pollution and ecological disasters in the hydrosphere. Herein, a novel model of growing microalgae to recover nutrients from food waste and produce feed substitute for aquaculture is proposed.

RESULTS: This study developed different methods to pretreat soybean fermentation effluent (SFE) and assessed the contribution of algal growth to nutrient recovery from SFE. Particularly, change of bacterial community was analyzed to explore the interaction between microalgae and bacteria in SFE remediation. In addition, the inclusion level of microalgae in fish diet was optimized and the effect of fresh microalgae on the aquaculture environment was studied. The results showed that unsterilized SFE with appropriate dilution is favorable for microalgal growth and biomass accumulation. Interaction between microalgae and acidogenic bacteria, including Prevotella sp., Acidaminococcus sp. and Lactobacillus sp., favored nutrient recovery from SFE. Removal efficiency of chemical oxygen demand, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and total ammonia‐nitrogen in SFE reached 95.66%, 35.35%, 57.70% and 42.21%, respectively. As the optimal inclusion level of microalgae in fish diet was set as 25%, body length and weight of Micropterus salmoides increased by 13.85 mm and 1.73 g in 44‐day culture. It was also found that fresh microalgae added in fish diet could effectively keep the ammonia concentration in aquaculture system at a lower level.

CONCLUSION: The implementation of this model will be of importance to circular economies integrating food waste remediation and eco‐friendly aquaculture. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
First‐year students’ preparedness for an online dental curriculum
Authors: Patterson Ellen , Barizan Bordin Thaisa , Stephens Mackenzie
Published: May 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has forced dental schools to rapidly adapt complex curricula for distance learning. In order to design high‐quality and effective online educational interventions and adapt dental curricula to the postpandemic “new normal,” it is crucial to understand students’ preparedness for and attitudes toward this rapid and unanticipated pedagogical shift. This survey study (58% response rate) explored entering first‐year dental students’ attitudes and beliefs regarding online learning and their prior experiences with various online activities. Students’ experiences varied widely, but concern about the impact of personal or life stressors on their academic performance and fear of cheating on online exams were common. Students in academic programs immediately preceding dental school were significantly more confident in their computer‐based learning skills. Additional interventions may be needed that prepare students for success in future online courses and to lessen potential disparities among students from diverse social and educational backgrounds.
Discovery of 4H‐thieno[3,2‐b]pyrrole derivatives as potential anticancer agents
Authors: Fang Bo , Hu Chunsheng , Ding Yong , Qin Hongxia , Luo Yafei , Xu Zhigang , Meng Jiangping , Chen Zhongzhu
Published: May 2021

In this study, we describe the discovery of the 4H‐thieno[3,2‐b]pyrrole derivatives as an useful scaffold to obtain potent lead compounds for the treatment of colon cancer. We first started with the 4H‐thieno[3,2‐b]pyrrole derivatives which come from compound libraries screening, and then optimized their structures based on the cellular activities and pharmacophore models. The inhibition rate of cell growth assay demonstrated that this series compounds showed better inhibitory activities against colon cancer cells than other tested tumor cells. Moreover, the target of the most active compound 8i was explored by target fishing strategy and validated by molecular docking and biological activity analysis. The results of apoptosis and flow cytometry demonstrated that compound 8i induces cell apoptosis probably by inhibiting activity of methionine aminopeptidase 2, therefore compound 8i may be a potent inhibitor to methionine aminopeptidase 2.
Prevalence of fungi in fresh tomatoes and their control by chitosan and sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) peel essential oil coating
Authors: Sheikh Mehrunisa , Mehnaz Samina , Sadiq Muhammad Bilal
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Fungal contamination is a major cause of food spoilage. There is an urgent need to find and characterize natural preservatives. This study evaluates the prevalence of fungi in tomatoes and their control by using essential oil (EO) from sweet orange peel. Essential oils were extracted from dried and fresh sweet orange peels by using n‐hexane and ethanol as extraction solvents. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analyses were performed to identify the chemical composition of the EO. A combination of chitosan (CS) and EO was used to control the fungal decay of tomatoes inoculated with Aspergillus niger and Penicillium citrinum.

RESULTS

Tomatoes obtained from local markets and supermarkets showed a high prevalence of Aspergillus and Penicillium spp. Essential oils extracted by ethanol from dried peels showed complete inhibition of A. niger and P. citrinum and hyphal degradation at a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 100 μL mL−1. The combination of EO with chitosan (2%) as a coating, effectively controlled the fungal decay of tomatoes until the eighth day of storage at 25 °C.

CONCLUSION

Due to their edible nature, and their antifungal and preservative potential, EO‐ and CS‐based coatings can be used to extend the shelf life of tomatoes and other agriculture commodities. Essential oil‐ and CS‐based coating can be used as alternative to synthetic preservatives, which are associated with various health hazards. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Medicaid expansion and the management of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Hoehn Richard S. , Rieser Caroline J. , Phelos Heather , Sabik Lindsay M. , Nassour Ibrahim , Khan Sidrah , Kaltenmeier Christof , Paniccia Alessandro , Zureikat Amer H. , Tohme Samer T.
Published: May 2021

Background

Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act has improved access to screening and treatment for certain cancers. It is unclear how this policy has affected the diagnosis and management of pancreatic cancer.

Methods

Using a quasi‐experimental difference‐in‐differences (DID) approach, we analyzed Medicaid and uninsured patients in the National Cancer Data Base during two time periods: pre‐expansion (2011–2012) and postexpansion (2015–2016). We investigated changes in cancer staging, treatment decisions, and surgical outcomes.

Results

In this national cohort, pancreatic cancer patients in expansion states had increased Medicaid coverage relative to those in nonexpansion states (DID = 17.49, p < 0.01). Medicaid expansion also led to an increase in early‐stage diagnoses (Stage I/II, DID = 4.71, p = 0.03), higher comorbidity scores among surgical patients (Charlson/Deyo score 0: DID = −13.69, p = 0.02), a trend toward more neoadjuvant radiation (DID = 6.15, p = 0.06), and more positive margins (DID = 11.69, p = 0.02). There were no differences in rates of surgery, postoperative outcomes, or overall survival.

Conclusion

Medicaid expansion was associated with improved insurance coverage and earlier stage diagnoses for Medicaid and uninsured pancreatic cancer patients, but similar surgical outcomes and overall survival. These findings highlight both the benefits of Medicaid expansion and the potential limitations of policy change to improve outcomes for such an aggressive malignancy.
A sensitive LC‐MS/MS method for the study of exogenously administered 13C‐oleoylethanolamide in rat plasma and brain tissue
Authors: Prentice Richard N. , Younus Mohammad , Krittaphol‐Bailey Woravimol , Rizwan Shakila B.
Published: May 2021

Oleoylethanolamide is an endogenous molecule with neuroprotective effects. It has been reported that exogenous oleoylethanolamide can be administered therapeutically, but the confounding presence of the endogenous molecule has led to conflicting reports regarding the mechanisms of the effects and highlights a need for an adequate methodology to differentiate them. We have developed a liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method to study oleoylethanolamide in rat plasma and brain using a 13C‐labeled isotope, 13C‐oleoylethanolamide. 13C‐oleoylethanolamide was extracted using a liquid–liquid extraction employing acetonitrile and tert‐butyl methyl ether (1:4). Analysis was performed using a gradient with a total run time of 12 min. 13C‐oleoylethanolamide, d4‐oleoylethanolamide (internal standard), and 12C‐oleoylethanolamide (endogenous background) eluted simultaneously at 1.64 min. The method was validated for specificity, sensitivity, accuracy, and precision and found to be capable of quantification within acceptable limits of ±15% over the calibration range of 0.39–25 ng/mL for the plasma and 1.17–75 ng/g for the brain. It was then applied to quantify 13C‐oleoylethanolamide over 90 min after intravenous administration of a solution (1 mg/kg) in rats. Results suggest that 13C‐oleoylethanolamide does not reach therapeutic concentrations in the brain, despite a relatively prolonged plasma circulation, suggesting that rapid degradation in the brain remains an obstacle to its clinical application to neurological disease.
Bricked Subwavelength Gratings: A Tailorable On‐Chip Metamaterial Topology
Authors: Luque‐González José Manuel , Ortega‐Moñux Alejandro , Halir Robert , Schmid Jens H. , Cheben Pavel , Molina‐Fernández Íñigo , Wangüemert‐Pérez J. Gonzalo
Published: May 2021

Integrated metamaterials are redefining the capabilities of silicon photonic chips. In providing lithographic control over dielectric permittivity, dispersion and anisotropy, they are enabling photonic devices with unprecedented performance. However, the implementation of these materials at telecom wavelengths often requires a fabrication resolution of the order of 100 nm and below, pushing current wafer‐scale fabrication technology to its limits and hindering the widespread exploitation of on‐chip metamaterials. Herein, a subwavelength grating metamaterial with bricked topology is proposed, that provides lithographic control over the metamaterial dispersion and anisotropy using a single etch Manhattan‐like geometry with pixel dimensions up to 150 × 150 nm2, thereby easing the path toward fabrication at wafer‐scale. The behavior of these structures as biaxial crystals is analytically shown, validating their use in high performance on‐chip beam‐splitters. Through engineering of the metamaterial anisotropy tensor, the splitters are shown to exhibit sub‐decibel insertion losses and imbalance over a 400 nm design bandwidth, via 3D FDTD simulations. The excellent device performance is demonstrated over a 140 nm bandwidth, limited by the measurement setup.
3D Printing for Biological Scaffolds using Poly(Ionic Liquid)/Gelatin/Sodium Alginate Ink
Authors: Zhang Manman , Li Liying , Wang Meiju , Li Tao , Song Kedong , Nie Yi , Ren Baozeng
Published: May 2021

The poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) have attracted a wide range of applications in thermo‐responsive materials, carbon materials, catalysis, porous polymers, separation and absorption materials, and biological field due to their favorable tunability and biological functions. However, the applications of PILs in bio‐scaffold are rarely studied. In the present work, the ionic liquid (IL) monomer (1‐vinyl‐3‐butylimidazolium chloride, [VBIM]Cl) is cross‐linked with other three compounds, respectively, to synthesize three kinds of PILs (PIL1, PIL2, and PIL3). Furthermore, individually cross‐linked PILs are added into gelatin (Gel)/sodium alginate (SA) solution aiming to prepare biological inks (bio‐inks) for 3D printing. The water absorption, degradation rate, and porosity of the bio‐scaffolds are measured to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics, while the PC12 cell line is used to evaluate the biocompatibility of the bio‐scaffolds through cell proliferation. These results demonstrate that the biological activity of the bio‐scaffold can be varied at the tendency of PIL1 < PIL3 < PIL2, providing a potential prospect for the application of PILs in tissue‐engineered bio‐scaffolds.
Dysfunction of RAB39B‐Mediated Vesicular Trafficking in Lewy Body Diseases
Authors: Koss David J. , Campesan Susanna , Giorgini Flaviano , Outeiro Tiago F.
Published: May 2021

Intracellular vesicular trafficking is essential for neuronal development, function, and homeostasis and serves to process, direct, and sort proteins, lipids, and other cargo throughout the cell. This intricate system of membrane trafficking between different compartments is tightly orchestrated by Ras analog in brain (RAB) GTPases and their effectors. Of the 66 members of the RAB family in humans, many have been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases and impairment of their functions contributes to cellular stress, protein aggregation, and death. Critically, RAB39B loss‐of‐function mutations are known to be associated with X‐linked intellectual disability and with rare early‐onset Parkinson's disease. Moreover, recent studies have highlighted altered RAB39B expression in idiopathic cases of several Lewy body diseases (LBDs). This review contextualizes the role of RAB proteins in LBDs and highlights the consequences of RAB39B impairment in terms of endosomal trafficking, neurite outgrowth, synaptic maturation, autophagy, as well as alpha‐synuclein homeostasis. Additionally, the potential for therapeutic intervention is examined via a discussion of the recent progress towards the development of specific RAB modulators. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Recent progress and new perspectives for diterpenoid biosynthesis in medicinal plants
Authors: Hu Zhimin , Liu Xiuyu , Tian Mei , Ma Ying , Jin Baolong , Gao Wei , Cui Guanghong , Guo Juan , Huang Luqi
Published: May 2021

Diterpenoids, including more than 18,000 compounds, represent an important class of metabolites that encompass both phytohormones and some industrially relevant compounds. These molecules with complex, diverse structures and physiological activities, have high value in the pharmaceutical industry. Most medicinal diterpenoids are extracted from plants. Major advances in understanding the biosynthetic pathways of these active compounds are providing unprecedented opportunities for the industrial production of diterpenoids by metabolic engineering and synthetic biology. Here, we summarize recent developments in the field of diterpenoid biosynthesis from medicinal herbs. An overview of the pathways and known biosynthetic enzymes is presented. In particular, we look at the main findings from the past decade and review recent progress in the biosynthesis of different groups of ringed compounds. We also discuss diterpenoid production using synthetic biology and metabolic engineering strategies, and draw on new technologies and discoveries to bring together many components into a useful framework for diterpenoid production.
Genetic analysis in Japanese patients with osteogenesis imperfecta: Genotype and phenotype spectra in 96 probands
Authors: Higuchi Yousuke , Hasegawa Kosei , Futagawa Natsuko , Yamashita Miho , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Tsukahara Hirokazu
Published: May 2021

Background

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare connective‐tissue disorder characterized by bone fragility. Approximately 90% of all OI cases are caused by variants in COL1A1 or COL1A2. Additionally, IFITM5 variants are responsible for the unique OI type 5. We previously analyzed COL1A1/2 variants in 22 Japanese families with OI through denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography screening, but our detection rate was low (41%).

Methods

To expand the genotype‐phenotype correlations, we performed a genetic analysis of COL1A1/2 and IFITM5 in 96 non‐consanguineous Japanese OI probands by Sanger sequencing.

Results

Of these individuals, 54, 41, and 1 had type 1 (mild), type 2–4 (moderate‐to‐severe), and type 5 phenotypes, respectively. In the mild group, COL1A1 nonsense and splice‐site variants were prevalent (n = 30 and 20, respectively), but there were also COL1A1 and COL1A2 triple‐helical glycine substitutions (n = 2 and 1, respectively). In the moderate‐to‐severe group, although COL1A1 and COL1A2 glycine substitutions were common (n = 14 and 18, respectively), other variants were also detected. The single case of type 5 had the characteristic c.‐14C>T variant in IFITM5.

Conclusion

These results increase our previous detection rate for COL1A1/2 variants to 99% and provide insight into the genotype‐phenotype correlations in OI.
Asynchronous event‐triggered finite‐time control for networked switched T‐S fuzzy systems
Authors: Gao Hui , Shi Kaibo , Zhang Hongbin , Xing Mali
Published: May 2021

This paper considers the finite‐time guaranteed cost control problem for networked switched T‐S fuzzy systems. The event‐triggered scheme (ETS) and the quantization technique is employed to reduce the data transmission. T‐S fuzzy model is adopted to describe the nonlinear switched systems. Through calculation, sufficient criteria are established to verify the finite‐time boundedness of the closed‐loop system and estimate the performance index of the given cost function. In the end, a numerical example showed the efficiency of the technique.
Perception in HDR and Displays
Authors: Fairchild Mark D. , Jiang Fu , Xie Hao
Published: May 2021

Although the world has been high dynamic range (HDR) all along, commercial HDR displays’ burgeoning availability provides new and interesting challenges for colorimetry and perceptual modeling. The biggest challenge stems from the way that large luminance changes spatial and temporal scales often compressed relative to the natural world. This results in veridical luminance/chromaticity reproduction not representing appearance reproduction. Here, the authors review some of the perceptual and colorimetric issues that create challenges in HDR image reproduction.