bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxidatively modified low‐density lipoproteins are potential mediators of proteasome inhibitor resistance in multiple myeloma
Authors: Polusani Srikanth R. , Cortez Valerie , Esparza Javier , Nguyen Huynh Nga , Fan Hongxin , Velagaleti Gopalrao V. N. , Butler Matthew J. , Kinney Marsha C. , Oyajobi Babatunde O. , Habib Samy L. , Asmis Reto , Medina Edward A.
Published: February 2021

Proteasome inhibitor (PI) therapy has improved the survival of multiple myeloma (MM) patients. However, inevitably, primary or acquired resistance to PIs leads to disease progression; resistance mechanisms are unclear. Obesity is a risk factor for MM mortality. Oxidized LDL (OxLDL), a central mediator of atherosclerosis that is elevated in metabolic syndrome (co‐occurrence of obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and hypertension), has been linked to an increased risk of solid cancers and shown to stimulate pro‐oncogenic/survival signaling. We hypothesized that OxLDL is a mediator of chemoresistance and evaluated its effects on MM cell killing by PIs. OxLDL potently suppressed the ability of the boronic acid‐based PIs bortezomib (BTZ) and ixazomib, but not the epoxyketone‐based PI carfilzomib, to kill human MM cell lines and primary cells. OxLDL suppressed BTZ‐induced inhibition of proteasome activity and induction of pro‐apoptotic signaling. These cytoprotective effects were abrogated when lipid hydroperoxides (LOOHs) associated with OxLDL were enzymatically reduced. We also demonstrated the presence of OxLDL in the MM bone marrow microenvironment as well as numerous granulocytes and monocytes capable of cell‐mediated LDL oxidation through myeloperoxidase. Our findings suggest that OxLDL may be a potent mediator of boronic acid‐based PI resistance, particularly for MM patients with metabolic syndrome, given their elevated systemic levels of OxLDL. LDL cholesterol‐lowering therapy to reduce circulating OxLDL, and pharmacologic targeting of LOOH levels or resistance pathways induced by the modified lipoprotein, could deepen the response to these important agents and offer clinical benefit to MM patients with metabolic syndrome.
Receptivity of capital structure with financial flexibility: A study on manufacturing firms
Authors: Panda Ajaya Kumar , Nanda Swagatika , Hegde Apoorva Arunachal , Yadav Akhilesh Kumar Kamalakant
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the static capital structure decisions' dynamic responses due to shocks and its relative sensitivity in the presence of financial flexibility. To capture this, we use Panel Corrected Standard Error (PCSE) models and Panel Vector Autoregression (Panel‐VAR) models on the sample of 2,094 listed Indian Manufacturing firms from 2009 to 2019. The empirical findings demonstrate substantial difference in the dynamic responses of capital structure under the conditions of shocks given to its key determinants, with and without financial flexibility. Debt ratio of financially flexible firms reacts positively to asset tangibility and size whereas it reacts negatively to growth opportunity, non‐debt tax shield and profitability. These findings may assist firm managers and policy makers in gauging the limitations associated with leveraging their debt structure on the virtue of being financially flexible.
Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer in a patient with a double inferior vena cava
Authors: Yamaguchi Akane , Negoro Hiromitsu , Kojo Kosuke , Ikeda Atsushi , Kimura Tomokazu , Kandori Shuya , Hoshi Akio , Kojima Takahiro , Kawai Koji , Nishiyama Hiroyuki
Published: February 2021

Introduction

A double inferior vena cava is a rare anomaly with an incidence ranging from 0.3% to 3.0%. In patients with a double inferior vena cava, it is important to understand the precise anatomy and possible irregular lymph node flow when performing surgery for malignancies.

Case presentation

A 60‐year‐old man with a non‐seminoma was referred to our hospital after left high orchiectomy. Computed tomography revealed a double inferior vena cava and swollen masses in the para‐aortic region. After four cycles of chemotherapy with etoposide and cisplatin, retroperitoneal lymph node dissection was safely performed with a modified template extended to the right side of the paracaval region by referring to three‐dimensional images created by SYNAPSE VINCENT® software.

Conclusion

Preoperative three‐dimensional images were useful to understand this patient’s unusual and complicated anatomical positions.
Irrigation management transfer: The experience of the Río Dulce Irrigation Scheme, Argentina*
Authors: Salgado Ramiro , Salvatierra José Ignacio , Mitre Carlos , Prieto Garra Daniel , Angella Gabriel Augusto , Arriaza Manuel , Mateos Luciano
Published: February 2021

Many governments and international agencies have promoted irrigation management transfer (IMT) in order to reduce operations and maintenance costs and satisfy farmers' willingness to improve their irrigation service by self‐management. However, IMT has produced both satisfactory and unsatisfactory results. This paper presents a participatory research‐based assessment of IMT in a case study in Northwest Argentina. The study combined conventional irrigation performance assessment and a survey of farmers' perception of the water delivery service and willingness to participate in water users associations. The assessment compared two subsystems in the Río Dulce Irrigation District with different levels of management transfer. Water service in the subsystem where management had been transferred allowed flexible delivery schedules that facilitated a diversified cropping pattern, greater irrigation intensity, and resulted in more water use. Farmers in the transferred subsystem were more aware of the problems of the irrigation service than farmers in the non‐transferred subsystem. The perception of problems in the non‐transferred subsystem increased with the level of the farmer's professionalism and technical knowledge. The transmission of requests and complaints from farmers to managers was more transparent in the transferred subsystem than in the non‐transferred one.
Lipid droplets and autophagy—links and regulations from yeast to humans
Authors: Schepers Jana , Behl Christian
Published: February 2021

Recent advances in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and higher eukaryotes have been increasingly connecting lipid droplet (LD) dynamics to the regulation of autophagy. In this review we will discuss implications that connect LD de novo synthesis and LD mobilization to autophagy and how autophagy is regulated by these mechanisms. Elucidating these connections might pose a chance to further understand autophagy induction and membrane biogenesis for the growing autophagosome under different conditions. Increasing our understanding of these mechanisms might provide a chance to understand several conditions that might be related to LD dysregulation and, possibly, as a consequence of this, dysregulation of autophagy.
The transcriptional regulator Zfat is essential for maintenance and differentiation of the adipocytes
Authors: Ishikura Shuhei , Nagai Masayoshi , Tsunoda Toshiyuki , Nishi Kensuke , Tanaka Yoko , Koyanagi Midori , Shirasawa Senji
Published: February 2021

Adipocytes play crucial roles in the control of whole‐body energy homeostasis. Differentiation and functions of the adipocytes are regulated by various transcription factors. Zfat (zinc‐finger protein with AT‐hook) is a transcriptional regulator that controls messenger RNA expression of specific genes through binding to their transcription start sites. Here we report important roles of Zfat in the adipocytes. We establish inducible Zfat‐knockout (Zfat iKO) mice where treatment with tamoxifen causes a marked reduction in Zfat expression in various tissues. Tamoxifen treatment of Zfat iKO mice reduces the white adipose tissues (WATs) mass, accompanied by the decreased triglyceride levels. Zfat is expressed in both the adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) and mature adipocytes in the WATs. In ex vivo assays of the mature adipocytes differentiated from the Zfat iKO ADSCs, loss of Zfat in the mature adipocytes reduces the triglyceride levels, suggesting cell autonomous roles of Zfat in the maintenance of the mature adipocytes. Furthermore, we identify the Atg13, Brf1, Psmc3, and Timm22 genes as Zfat‐target genes in the mature adipocytes. In contrast, loss of Zfat in the ADSCs impairs adipocyte differentiation with the decreased expression of C/EBPα and adiponectin. Thus, we propose that Zfat plays crucial roles in maintenance and differentiation of the adipocytes.
Silver catalyzed pyridine‐directed acceptorless dehydrogenation of secondary alcohols
Authors: Zhuang Xin , Tao Jing , Luo Zhen , Hong Chuan‐Ming , Liu Zheng‐Qiang , Li Qing‐Hua , Ren Li‐Qing , Luo Qun‐Li , Liu Tang‐Lin
Published: February 2021

A silver catalyzed pyridine‐directed acceptorless dehydrogenation of secondary benzyl alcohols was developed. This general procedure delivers ketones with high atom‐economy and hydrogen was the sole byproduct. This dehydrogenation reaction has a good functional group tolerance and high efficiency (up to 90% yield and 10,000/1 substrates‐to‐catalyst ratio).
Astrocytes contribute to the neuronal recovery promoted by high‐frequency repetitive magnetic stimulation in in vitro models of ischemia
Authors: Roque Cláudio , Pinto Nuno , Vaz Patto Maria , Baltazar Graça
Published: February 2021

After decades of effort, there are no effective clinical treatments to induce the recovery of ischemia‐injured tissues, and among the several strategies that have been explored, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation has proven to be one of the most promising, with beneficial effects in limb motor function, aphasia, hemispatial neglect, or dysphagia. Despite the clinical evidences, little is known about the mechanisms underlying those effects. The present study aimed to explore the cellular and molecular effects of high‐frequency repetitive magnetic stimulation (HF‐rMS) on an in vitro model of ischemia. Using primary cortical cultures exposed to oxygen and glucose deprivation followed by reperfusion, we observed that HF‐rMS treatment prevents the ischemia‐induced neuronal death by 21.2%, and the neurite degeneration triggered by ischemia. Our results also demonstrate that with this treatment there is an increase of 89.2% on the number cells expressing ERK1/2, of 20.1% on the number of cells expressing c‐Fos, and a synaptogenic effect, through an increase of 62.9% in the number of synaptic puncta as well as of 49.4% in their intensity. Interestingly, our results indicate that astrocytes are crucial to the beneficial effects triggered by HF‐rMS after ischemia, thus suggesting a direct effect of HF‐rMS on these cells. The modulation of astrocytes with this non‐invasive brain stimulation technique is a promising approach to promote the recovery of ischemia‐induced injured tissues; however, it is essential to understand how these effects can be modulated in order to optimize the protocols and enhance the beneficial outcomes.
Importance of regional indices of atmospheric circulation for periods of warming and cooling in Svalbard during 1920–2018
Authors: Łupikasza Ewa B. , Niedźwiedź Tadeusz , Przybylak Rajmund , Nordli Øyvind
Published: February 2021

The Arctic has experienced prominent climate warming, at the beginning of the 20th century and currently. Comparing the driving mechanism during these periods helps to explain the causes of contemporary climate change. Our study explores the impact of regional circulation on Svalbard's surface air temperature (SAT, 2 m above ground). We used air temperature data from Svalbard Airport, Bjørnøya stations, and three regional circulation indices that describe the frequency of cyclonic conditions, zonal circulation, and meridional circulation. The indices were calculated for four circulation areas with differing circulation conditions and, therefore, may have various impacts on long‐term changes in SAT. This was checked for the entire study period (1920–2018), and 30‐year sub‐periods representing the most prominent climatic events: the early 20th‐century Arctic warming (ETCAW), contemporary Arctic warming (CAW), and a cold period between them (CAP). In autumn and winter, the deviations in SAT from the long‐term average during warm and cold periods were almost twice as large at Svalbard Airport as at Bjørnøya. In these seasons, the ETCAW was significantly warmer than the subsequent cold period, which was not the case for summer and spring. However, long‐term trends in the regional circulation indices were more evident in summer and spring than in autumn and winter. Air temperature was the most strongly influenced by meridional circulation over the eastern circulation areas, with the exception of spring, when air temperature variability was more affected by zonal circulation. The recent warming weakened the relationship between SAT and the indices in summer. We attributed the ETCAW in autumn to a southerly advection of sensible heat. During the same historical period, the impact of the indices was much weaker in winter. In winter during the CAP, there was a higher frequency of northern air advection, particularly over the northern part of the Greenland Sea.
Dominant spatiotemporal variability of wintertime precipitation days in China and the linkage with large‐scale climate drivers
Authors: Geng Xin , Zhang Wenjun , Xiang Yuying , Jiang Feng
Published: February 2021

Variabilities in precipitation frequency carry profound implications for many aspects of socioeconomic activities. Based on the observations from 613 meteorological stations in China, the dominant mode of wintertime precipitation days and its possible causes are investigated in this article. It is revealed that the leading mode accounts for 35.0% of the total variance and mainly displays quasi‐uniform anomalies of precipitation days to the south of 40°N with the monopolar centre over southeastern China. The associated principal component exhibits remarkable interannual variability with a peak periodicity at 2–3 years. We suggest that this leading mode is largely contributed by the variabilities of El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in the tropical Pacific and Eurasian (EU) teleconnection over the mid‐high latitudes. While ENSO mostly affects the variability of precipitation frequency in South China, the EU teleconnection is largely responsible for the changes of precipitation days in North China. On one hand, when El Niño events occur, the anomalous anticyclone over the western North Pacific propagates abundant moisture towards South China, leading to more frequent precipitation occurrence there. On the other hand, during the winters with a negative EU pattern, North China tends to be rainy due to an evident moisture transport and a profound regional anomalous ascending flow which are embedded in the large‐scale eastward‐propagating wave‐train. The responses are roughly reversed in sign when these two factors are in their opposite phases. Based on the impacts from ENSO and the EU teleconnection, a binary statistical regression model is established and over 20% variance of the precipitation days can be realistically captured in eastern China. Our results could be beneficial for wintertime precipitation prediction and disaster mitigation in the country.
Regional land degradation assessment for dryland environments: The NamaqualandHardeveldbioregion of the SucculentKaroobiome as a case‐study
Authors: Bell Wesley D. , Hoffman Michael T. , Visser Vernon
Published: February 2021

There is growing consensus that land degradation assessments should occur at local to regional scales, as global assessments fail to capture the complexity of land degradation processes, and how they manifest in different social‐ecological contexts. We have tested a statistically rigorous method for regional land degradation assessment in drylands, using fuzzy classification theory and techniques, that results in the creation of a habitat condition archetype for the NamaqualandHardeveldbioregion of the SucculentKaroobiome in South Africa. The methodology initially groups field data into classes based on known indicators of land degradation, before predicting observed field cover with 16 remote sensing variables, derived from both LANDSAT 8 and SENTINEL‐2A satellite data. Using fuzzy classification techniques, projections of field cover from the resulting model are combined with variables representing a potential change in cover to produce a map of the habitat condition of the bioregion. Approximately 17% of the bioregion had habitat condition values less than one standard deviation smaller than the mean and could therefore be considered degraded. To provide context, this map is presented with potential drivers of change for the bioregion. The map, and accompanying drivers of change, is ultimately presented in a Google Earth Engine app for easy interpretation and use.
How Do the Purcell Factor, the Q‐Factor, and the Beta Factor Affect the Laser Threshold?
Authors: Khurgin Jacob B. , Noginov Mikhail A.
Published: February 2021

As lasers get more and more miniaturized and their dimensions become comparable to the wavelength, two interconnected phenomena take place: the fraction of spontaneous radiation going into a specific laser mode (β‐factor) increases and can ultimately reach unity, while the radiative lifetime gets shortened by the Purcell factor Fp. Often it is assumed that an increase of these two factors, along with the quality factor (Q‐factor), almost invariably causes reduction of the lasing threshold. This assumption is tested on various photonic and plasmonic lasers, demonstrating that, while there is obvious correlation between the aforementioned factors and the laser threshold, the dependence is far from being straightforward and omnipresent. Depending on specific laser material and geometry, the threshold can decrease, increase, or stay unchanged when β‐factor, Q‐factor, and Fp increase. For the most part, the reduction of threshold is achieved simply by reducing the laser volume and this volume reduction can concurrently cause the increase in β‐factor and/or Purcell factor, but it would be imprudent to say that the increase in either of these factors is the cause of the threshold reduction.
Nonlinear Mid‐Infrared Metasurface based on a Phase‐Change Material
Authors: Yue Fuyong , Piccoli Riccardo , Shalaginov Mikhail Y. , Gu Tian , Richardson Kathleen A. , Morandotti Roberto , Hu Juejun , Razzari Luca
Published: February 2021

The mid‐wave infrared (MWIR) spectral region (3–5 µm) is important to a vast variety of applications in imaging, sensing, spectroscopy, surgery, and optical communications. Efficient third‐harmonic generation (THG), converting light from the MWIR range into the near‐infrared, a region with mature optical detection and manipulation technologies, offers the opportunity to mitigate a commonly recognized limitation of current MWIR systems. In this work, the possibility of boosting THG in the MWIR through a metasurface design is presented. Specifically, a 30‐fold enhancement in a highly nonlinear phase‐change material Ge2Sb2Se4Te1 (GSST) is demonstrated by patterning arrays of subwavelength cylinders supporting a magnetic dipolar resonance. The unprecedented broadband transparency, large refractive index, and remarkably high nonlinear response, together with unique phase‐change properties, make GSST‐based metasurfaces an appealing solution for reconfigurable and ultra‐compact nonlinear devices operating in the MWIR.
Highly Responsive Photochromic Ceramics for High‐Contrast Rewritable Information Displays
Authors: Yang Zetian , Du Jiaren , Martin Lisa I. D. J. , Van der Heggen David , Poelman Dirk
Published: February 2021

Inspired by their excellent thermal stability and strong fatigue resistance, inorganic photochromic materials have been highlighted as promising candidates in various photonic applications ranging from photoswitches, anti‐counterfeiting, and encryption to information storage. However, the lack of suitable inorganic materials with both fast photoresponse and strong coloration contrast heavily restricts their applications. Herein, a new strategy is proposed to achieve high photochromic performance via constructing deep‐lying traps in ferroelectric ceramics. The obtained K0.5Na0.5NbO3‐Eu (KNN‐Eu) ceramic exhibits a reversible yellow–gray color change with high fatigue resistance upon alternating illumination (420 nm) and thermal stimulus (450 °C). A fast response time of around 1 s and a large reflectivity difference of 39.2% between the colored and bleached states are simultaneously achieved in KNN‐Eu ceramic, which is by far the best performance ever reported in inorganic photochromic materials. Benefiting from these excellent properties, KNN‐Eu is the first ferroelectric photochromic ceramic to support an instant and hand‐(re)writable information display. The enhanced photochromic performance is expected to facilitate the application of photochromic materials in numerous optical devices and provides a significant guidance to design other inorganic photochromic materials.
Horseradish Peroxidase‐Crosslinked Calcium‐Containing Silk Fibroin Hydrogels as Artificial Matrices for Bone Cancer Research
Authors: Pierantoni Lara , Ribeiro Viviana P. , Costa Lígia , Pina Sandra , da Silva Morais Alain , Silva‐Correia Joana , Kundu Subhas C. , Motta Antonella , Reis Rui L. , Oliveira Joaquim M.
Published: February 2021

Hydrogels, being capable of mimicking the extracellular matrix composition of tissues, are greatly used as artificial matrices in tissue engineering applications. In this study, the generation of horseradish peroxidase (HRP)‐crosslinked silk fibroin (SF) hydrogels, using calcium peroxide as oxidizer is reported. The proposed fast forming calcium‐containing SF hydrogels spontaneously undergo SF conformational changes from random coil to β‐sheet during time, exhibiting ionic, and pH stimuli responsiveness. In vitro response shows calcium‐containing SF hydrogels’ encapsulation properties and their ability to promote SaOs‐2 tumor cells death after 10 days of culturing, upon complete β‐sheet conformation transition. Calcium‐containing SF hydrogels’ angiogenic potential investigated in an in ovo chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay, show a high number of converging blood vessels as compared to the negative control, although no endothelial cells infiltration is observed. The in vivo response evaluated in subcutaneous implantation in CD1 and nude NCD1 mice shows that calcium‐containing SF hydrogels are stable up to 6 weeks after implantation. However, an increased number of dead cells are also present in the surrounding tissue. The results suggest the potential of calcium‐containing SF hydrogels to be used as novel in situ therapeutics for bone cancer treatment applications, particularly to osteosarcoma.
Tri‐Layer Laminated Fabric‐Induced Sweating Surfaces for Passive Cooling
Authors: Li Xiaoyan , Javed Muhammad , Luo Ming , Cai Zaisheng , Xu Bi
Published: February 2021

Fabrics which can keep people cool in a hot climate have attracted considerable attention in recent years. Among various cooling strategies, fabric cooling by water evaporation is proved to be very safe, simple and sustainable. Here, a tri‐layer laminated fabric (TLF) inspired by perspiration is designed to realize passive cooling of human body. An interlayer fabric which is coated with crosslinked sodium polyacrylate can absorb and store a large amount of water. A moisture‐absorbing and quick‐drying fabric is used as the outer layer while a waterproof breathable fabric is used on the inside of the laminate in contact with skin. The prepared TLF shows decent evaporative cooling performance under dry heat conditions. The water absorbency of TLF is about 400% higher than that of pristine cotton after 1 h soaking in water. Under a 1 sun irradiation (1000 W m−2), the indoor temperature of a simulated room can be reduced by ≈5–7 °C compared with the other without a cooling system. Meanwhile, the evaporative cooling effect can be maintained up to 5 h. This cooling fabric shows broad application prospects in the fields of thermal cooling to human and buildings.
FT‐ICR mass spectrometry: Superconducting magnet, external ion source, ion–molecule reactions, and ion–ion traps
Authors: Wanczek Karl Peter , Kanawati Basem
Published: February 2021

The world of Fourier‐transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT‐ICR) mass spectrometry has witnessed, especially in the last 30 years significant advances in many fields of science, such as electronics, magnets, new ICR cell designs, developed ICR event sequences, modern external ionization sources, and linear ion beam guides, as well as modern vacuum technology. In this review, a brief account is given focusing especially on the studies performed in Wanczek's group and ICR research laboratory at the University of Bremen. An FT‐ICR mass spectrometer has been developed with a high magnetic field superconducting magnet, operating at 4.7 T. At this magnetic field, a trapping time of 13.5 h was obtained with 30% efficiency. For the tetrachloromethane molecular ion, m/z 166, a mass‐resolving power m/Δm = 1.5 × 106 was measured at a pressure of 2 × 10−8 Torr. The transition from magnet sweep to frequency sweep and the application of Fourier‐transform has greatly enhanced the ICR technology. External ion sources were invented and differential pumping schemes were developed for enabling ultrahigh vacuum condition for ICR detection, while guiding ions at relatively higher pressures, during their flight to the ICR cell. With the external ion source, a time‐of‐flight ICR tandem instrument is built. A method to measure the ion flight time and to trap the ions in the ICR cell is described. Many ICR cell characteristics such as z‐axis ion ejection and coupling of radial and axial ion motions in a superposed homogeneous magnetic and inhomogeneous trapping electric field were extensively studied. Gas‐phase ion–molecule reactions of several reactive inorganic compounds with a focus on phosphorous and sulfur as well as silicon chemistry were also studied in great detail. The gas‐phase ion chemistry of several trifluoromethyl‐reagents such as trifluoromethyltrimethylsilane and tris(trifluoromethyl)phosphine were also investigated in ICR. Dual polarities multisegmented ICR cells were invented and deeply characterized. Sophisticated ICR pulse event programs were developed to enable long‐range ion–ion interactions between simultaneously trapped positive and negative ions.
Adipose‐derived stromal cells for nonhealing wounds: Emerging opportunities and challenges
Authors: Deptuła Milena , Brzezicka Agnieszka , Skoniecka Aneta , Zieliński Jacek , Pikuła Michał
Published: February 2021

Wound healing complications affect thousands of people each year, thus constituting a profound economic and medical burden. Chronic wounds are a highly complex problem that usually affects elderly patients as well as patients with comorbidities such as diabetes, cancer (surgery, radiotherapy/chemotherapy) or autoimmune diseases. Currently available methods of their treatment are not fully effective, so new solutions are constantly being sought. Cell‐based therapies seem to have great potential for use in stimulating wound healing. In recent years, much effort has been focused on characterizing of adipose‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells (AD‐MSCs) and evaluating their clinical use in regenerative medicine and other medical fields. These cells are easily obtained in large amounts from adipose tissue and show a high proregenerative potential, mainly through paracrine activities.

In this review, the process of healing acute and nonhealing (chronic) wounds is detailed, with a special attention paid to the wounds of patients with diabetes and cancer. In addition, the methods and technical aspects of AD‐MSCs isolation, culture and transplantation in chronic wounds are described, and the characteristics, genetic stability and role of AD‐MSCs in wound healing are also summarized. The biological properties of AD‐MSCs isolated from subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue are compared. Additionally, methods to increase their therapeutic potential as well as factors that may affect their biological functions are summarized. Finally, their therapeutic potential in the treatment of diabetic and oncological wounds is also discussed.
Observation and evaluation of dynamic population gratings formed by two‐wave mixing in an erbium‐doped fiber amplifier
Authors: Kuroda Keiji
Published: February 2021

Dynamic population gratings formed by two‐wave mixing in an erbium‐doped fiber amplifier are reported. One of the counter‐propagating fields is intensity‐modulated to distinguish reflection from the grating from amplified transmission fields. The modulation‐frequency dependence of the reflection is studied under single‐wavelength and two‐wavelength input conditions to separate reflection from transient gain. The results are analyzed by measuring the gain saturation and recovery times using self‐probe and pump–probe techniques.
In vitro ameliorative effects of ellagic acid on vitality, motility and DNA quality in human spermatozoa
Authors: Iovine Concetta , Mottola Filomena , Santonastaso Marianna , Finelli Renata , Agarwal Ashok , Rocco Lucia
Published: February 2021

Oxidative stress (OS) plays a significant role in the etiology of male infertility, resulting in the impairment of male reproduction. This condition, characterized by an imbalance in the levels of oxidizing and antioxidant species in the seminal fluid, has a harmful impact on sperm functions and DNA integrity. The present study aimed to evaluate the anti‐genotoxic action of ellagic acid, a polyphenolic molecule of natural origin having a powerful antigenotoxic, anti‐inflammatory and antiproliferative role. An OS condition was induced in vitro by incubating normozoospermic human semen samples in benzene for 45, 60 and 90 min. DNA integrity was evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay, RAPD‐PCR was performed to calculate the genome template stability, while the percentage of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was assessed by the 2ʹ, 7ʹ‐dichlorofluorescein assay. Our results showed that ellagic acid has a consistent protective effect on DNA integrity, as well as on sperm vitality and motility, by counteracting generation of intracellular ROS. The results of this study suggest ellagic acid as a suitable molecule to protect sperm DNA from oxidative stress, with a potentially significant translational impact on the management of the male infertility.
Biotech boomt
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: February 2021

Der Branchenverband Bio Deutschland zeigt in seinem Jahresrückblick den Kampf gegen Corona und eine Rekordfinanzierung der Unternehmen.
Exploring differential relationship of job resources with work and organizational engagement
Authors: Rai Alka , Chawla Ginni
Published: February 2021

Within the diverse studies on engagement, this research particularly aimed at understanding the diverse role of a specific set of job resources in engaging employees' at both work and organizational levels. All hypotheses were tested using hierarchical regression analysis on responses obtained from 522 Junior Management Grade–Scale I officers employed across a number of Indian public sector banks. All the job resource variables, namely, total rewards; support at the workplace including the organizational, supervisor, and co‐worker support; and physical work environment were significantly found to predict work engagement. These set of job resources except total rewards also significantly predicted organizational engagement. The findings of this research provide useful information on the prudent application of job resources to realize engagement among banking employees, especially in the Indian public sector banks settings, thus further enriching the literature.
Adaptive functioning and academic achievement in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Jacola Lisa M. , Baran Julie , Noll Robert B. , Willard Victoria W. , Hardy Kristina K. , Embry Leanne , Hullmann Stephanie E. , Larsen Eric C. , Winick Naomi , Kairalla John A.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To characterize academic and adaptive skill outcomes in survivors of high‐risk B‐lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (HR B‐ALL).

Methods

Participants were 178 patients enrolled on a nontherapeutic clinical trial that aimed to characterize neurocognitive and functional outcomes (ie, academic achievement and adaptive skills) following treatment for childhood HR B‐ALL. Eligible patients were treated on Children's Oncology Group AALL0232 clinical trial that included two treatment randomizations: methotrexate delivery (high or escalating dose) and corticosteroid (dexamethasone or prednisone). Academic achievement and adaptive skills were evaluated at one time point, 8‐24 months after completing treatment.

Results

Multivariable logistic regression showed no significant association between treatment variables and outcomes after accounting for age at diagnosis, sex, and insurance status. In multivariable analyses accounting for sex and insurance status, survivors <10 years old at diagnosis had significantly lower scores in Math (P = .02). In multivariable analyses accounting for sex and age at diagnosis, scores for children with US public health insurance were significantly lower than those with US private or military insurance across all academic and adaptive skills (all P‐values ≤.04). Results from univariate analyses showed that boys had significantly lower scores than girls across all adaptive skill domains (all P‐values ≤.04).

Conclusion

Regardless of treatment randomization, survivors of HR B‐ALL <10 years at diagnosis are at risk for deficits in Math and overall adaptive functioning; overall adaptive skills for boys were significantly poorer. Screening and early intervention for patients at highest risk, particularly young patients and lower resourced families, should be prioritized.
Compatibilized polypropylene nanocomposites containing expanded graphite and graphene nanoplatelets
Authors: Ho Quang Binh , Kontopoulou Marianna
Published: February 2021

We present a non‐covalent compatibilization approach to prepare polypropylene (PP) composites containing expanded graphite (EG) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) by melt compounding. This method involves PP matrix functionalization with pyridine (Py) moieties, which are capable of engaging in π‐π interactions with the surface of the EG and GNPs. The addition of 10 wt% of PP grafted with amino‐pyridine (PP‐g‐Py) to neat PP facilitated the break‐up of EG particles, by intercalating between their layers and facilitating their separation into smaller tactoids. GNPs were prepared starting from EG through a thermomechanical exfoliation method. Addition of GNPs to PP resulted in well‐dispersed platelets having aspect ratios as high as 40, whereas in the presence of the PP‐g‐Py compatibilizer the matrix contained sub‐micron scale platelets. The electrical percolation thresholds were in the vicinity of 6 and 10 vol% in the compatibilized PP‐EG and PP‐GNP composites, respectively, and the maximum value of the electrical conductivity achieved was 10−1 S/m for the compatibilized GNP composites. Addition of GNPs resulted in increases in the flexural moduli by as much as 95% compared to the unfilled PP, whereas the impact strength remained unaffected up to 10 wt% GNP content.
Standards development for modules in high temperature micro‐environments
Authors: Kempe Michael D. , Holsapple Derek , Whitfield Kent , Shiradkar Narendra
Published: February 2021

Photovoltaic (PV) module qualification standards, IEC 61215 and IEC 61730, were designed to apply to “general open‐air climates” and IEC 61730 specifically indicated applicability of ambient air temperature of 40°C. Additionally, these standards provided allowances for so‐called “open rack mounted PV modules” without a clear definition of “open‐rack.” These implied restrictions and allowances meant that hotter climates or thermally restrictive installation methods may not be covered by these often customer‐mandated certification standards. This is particularly salient for the significant growth regions of the Middle East and India that would be expected to operate at significantly higher temperatures. The applicability of these documents raised issues over the definition of “open rack” and the fact that the geographic location is just as important as the mounting configuration in assessing the impact of the micro‐environment of a PV module. This work summarizes the scientific background for IEC Technical Specification 63126:2020 ED1, titled “Guidelines for qualifying PV modules components and materials for operation at high temperatures.” This standard was recently published by the IEC and is the first step in a systematic effort to rework these standards to address the question of temperature more directly. Instead of specifying a mounting condition, we specify different suites of tests suitable for a system (PV module, mounting style, and location) defined by the 98th percentile cell temperature. With a defined temperature regime to work from, this allowed us to use existing literature research combined with additional modeling work to determine, which tests would need to be modified. This resulted in suggested changes to material thermal indices, thermal cycling temperatures, hot spot testing, ultraviolet testing, and bypass diode testing among other tests and characteristics described herein.
Social and emotional learning during early adolescence: Effectiveness of a classroom‐based SEL program for middle school students
Authors: Green Amy L. , Ferrante Stephen , Boaz Timothy L. , Kutash Krista , Wheeldon‐Reece Brooke
Published: February 2021

Early adolescence and the transition to middle school bring about many challenges for students and negative outcomes are not uncommon, including academic decline and social maladjustment. This developmental period is also marked by increased risk of mental health‐related difficulties. Strengthening students’ social and emotional competencies through the delivery of school‐based Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programs has been suggested as one strategy for promoting positive development and preventing negative outcomes. In particular, the delivery of developmentally appropriate and evidence‐based SEL programs at the universal level of tiered supports has the potential to benefit many students. The current study presents findings from a randomized controlled trial of the Speaking to the Potential, Ability, and Resilience Inside Every Kid (SPARK) Pre‐Teen Mentoring Curriculum for 357 students from two schools. Results revealed that students who received the curriculum showed significant improvements in knowledge of curriculum content and principles; communication, decision‐making, and problem‐solving skills; emotional regulation; and resilience compared to students in the comparison condition. Results provide initial evidence for the efficacy of the SPARK Pre‐Teen Mentoring Curriculum for middle school students. Study strengths and limitations as well as directions for future research and program development are discussed.
Vitamin‐D supplementation as an adjunct to standard treatment of asthma in children: A randomized controlled trial (ViDASTA Trial)
Authors: Thakur Chirag , Kumar Jogender , Kumar Prawin , Goyal Jagdish Prasad , Singh Kuldeep , Gupta Atul
Published: February 2021

Objective

To determine the role of vitamin D supplementation as an adjunct to standard treatment in childhood asthma.

Study Design

In this placebo‐controlled, blinded, randomized controlled trial, we enrolled 60 children aged 6 to 11 years with moderate persistent asthma and randomly assigned them into intervention (2000 IU per day of vitamin D) and placebo groups (n = 30 each). The primary outcome was asthma control as assessed by the childhood asthma control test (C‐ACT) scores at 12 weeks post‐randomization. The secondary outcomes were improvement in the forced expiration in 1 s (FEV1), fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), asthma exacerbations, use of systemic steroids, number of emergency visits, post‐intervention vitamin D levels, and adverse outcomes. We analyzed by intention to treat.

Results

There was no significant difference between the C‐ACT score in the two groups (median [first–third quartile] scores were 25 [24–26] in both groups, p = 0.7). Also, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the FEV1, FeNO, number of exacerbations, emergency visits, hospital admissions, and adverse outcomes. However, the post‐intervention vitamin D levels (ng/ml) were significantly higher in the intervention group (35.5 vs. 18.8; p < 0.001). As compared to the baseline, both the groups showed better asthma control at 12 weeks post‐intervention, irrespective of the type of intervention.

Conclusion

Vitamin‐D supplementation as an adjunct to standard treatment does not improve asthma control in children.
Sampling pollen beetle (Brassicogethes aeneus) pressure in oilseed rape: which method is best?
Authors: Seimandi‐Corda Gaëtan , Jenkins Todd , Cook Samantha M
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

The pollen beetle (Brassicogethes aeneus) is the most abundant pest of oilseed rape in spring and is potentially one of the most damaging. Adults feed on the pollen within closed flower buds and the damage leads to bud abscission, resulting in podless stalks and yield reduction. Several methods are currently used to monitor the pressure of this insect, such as counting the numbers of adults on the plants, quantifying the number of buds damaged by the insect before flowering or counting the number of podless stalks before harvest. We conducted experiments to evaluate the robustness of these sampling methods and compared their results. We also describe how pollen beetles damage the plants to understand the limitations of methods based on damage estimation.

RESULTS

Methods based on adult abundance lack robustness. We observed that most of the damage to buds is caused by pollen beetles feeding on small buds (< 3 mm), and that this damage can be quantified later in the season, indicating that methods based on the count of podless stalks are robust. Different methods gave consistent results and quantification of the pressure on the primary raceme can be a good proxy for pressure on the whole plant.

CONCLUSIONS

Standardised methods for assessment of pollen beetle pressure will enable comparison of pest management strategies between different studies and facilitate the development of alternative control strategies for this pest.

© 2021 Rothamsted Research.Pest Management Sciencepublished by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Laboratory and field studies supporting augmentation biological control of oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), using Trichogramma dendrolimi (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)
Authors: Zhang Jing , Tang Runxuan , Fang Haibo , Liu Xiaoxia , Michaud J P , Zhou Zuoyu , Zhang Qingwen , Li Zhen
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta (Busck) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is a cosmopolitan pests of fruit trees in temperate regions. Control of G. molesta is challenging because larvae feed in concealed locations and have evolved resistance to many pesticides. We compared three commercially available species of Trichogramma for efficacy against G. molesta in the laboratory assays and tested releases of the promising species in a pear orchard.

RESULTS

Laboratory assays indicated that Trichogramma dendrolimi parasitized G. molesta at the highest rate. Parasitoids took longer to oviposit in older host eggs, and fewer eggs were parasitized when they were more than 3 days old. Field tests produced ca 60% cumulative parasitism of sentinel G. molesta eggs with one release of Trichogramma dendrolimi, with most parasitism occurring within 24 h. Female wasps dispersed up to 12 m from release points with a bias toward upwind movement.

CONCLUSION

We calculated that, for each generation of G. molesta, 900 000 wasps per hectare, in three releases 3 days apart, each distributed among release points 10 m apart, would reduce fruit damage by half in an orchard where 50% of fruit would otherwise be damaged. Although augmentation of Trichogramma dendrolimi is a viable tactic for reducing G. molesta populations and fruit damage, it will require integration with other compatible control tactics in order to provide commercially acceptable levels of control in orchards experiencing significant pest pressure.

© 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Discovery, SAR, and putative mode of action of N‐benzyl‐2‐methoxybenzamides as potential bleaching herbicides
Authors: Zhang Huixia , Wang Jinbo , Ji Zhenmeng , Sun Xinlin , Tian Qizhen , Wei Shaopeng , Ji Zhiqin
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Herbicides acting on biosynthesis of plant pigments have contributed greatly to weed control in recent years. In our previous studies, 2‐methoxybenzamides were discovered as a novel type of lead compound for the development of bleaching herbicides.

RESULTS

A total of 67 benzamide analogues were synthesized and evaluated for herbicidal activity. The structure–activity relationship (SAR) revealed that a methoxyl substitution at the 2‐position of the benzoyl moiety is essential for the herbicidal activity of benzamide derivatives, and introduction of small substituents at the meta‐ or para‐position of the benzylamine moiety is also beneficial. Compounds 4, 43 and 44 showed 100% inhibition against Abutilon theophrasti and Amaranthus retroflexus at an application rate of 150 g a.i. ha−1.

CONCLUSION

The relationship between the structure and herbicidal activity of 2‐methoxybenzamides was discussed intensively. Compounds 4, 43 and 44 may serve as novel candidates with a bleaching effect.

© 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Solid‐State Synthesis and Characterization of the Stable Nanostructured Ni21Ti2B6 Phase
Authors: Simsek Tuncay , Avar Baris , Ozcan Sadan , Chattopadhyay Arun K. , Kalkan Bora
Published: February 2021

Herein, nanostructured ternary Ni–Ti–B alloy synthesized by mechanical alloying from the elemental Ni, Ti, and B powders by high energy ball milling is described. The synthesized alloy of nominal composition of Ni70Ti10B20 results in the formation of a unique stable phase of Ni21Ti2B6, which happens to be stoichiometrically very close to Ni70Ti10B20 in the cubic symmetry. The synthesized alloy samples also show amorphization together with the formation of nanocrystalline phases of Ni21Ti2B6 at both early and later stages of the alloying process. Thermal analysis carried out on Ni70Ti10B20 induces crystallinity and reveals the formation of crystalline Ni–Ti–B ternary alloy, Ni21Ti2B6, above 523 K, confirming the stability of the ternary crystalline phase of the alloy. The magnetic saturation of the alloy is measured as 0.95 emu g−1 for the starting amorphous phase that increases to 9.05 emu g−1 for the crystalline phase upon annealing. Correspondingly, the coercivity value for the annealed sample is reduced to 70 Oe from 194 Oe for the amorphous phase. This is the first time that an evidence of the stable crystalline Ni–Ti–B ternary alloy is reported.