bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sharp Spectral Variations of the Ultrafast Transient Light Extinction by Bimetallic Nanoparticles in the Near‐UV
Authors: Otomalo Tadele Orbula , Di Mario Lorenzo , Hamon Cyrille , Constantin Doru , Do Khanh‐Van , O'Keeffe Patrick , Catone Daniele , Paladini Alessandra , Palpant Bruno
Published: February 2021

Noble metal nanoparticles exhibit localized plasmon resonance modes that span the visible and near‐infrared spectral ranges and have many applications. Modifying the size, shape, and composition of the nanoparticles changes the number of modes and their properties. The characteristics of these modes are transiently affected when illuminating the nano‐objects with ultrashort laser pulses. Here, core–shell gold–silver nanocuboids are synthesized and their spectral signature in the stationary and ultrafast transient regimes are measured. Their dipolar transverse mode vanishes with increasing Ag‐shell thickness, while higher‐order modes grow in the near‐ultraviolet range where no plasmon resonance can be generated with single noble metal nanoparticles. These higher‐energy modes are associated with sharp spectral variations of the ultrafast transient light extinction by the bimetallic nanocuboids. By carrying out a theoretical investigation, the different contributions to this response are broken down and a physical interpretation of its spectral profile is provided. The transient optical signal is then shown to reveal resonance modes hidden in the stationary regime spectra.
Composition Optimization of Multifunctional CsPb(Br/I)3 Perovskite Nanocrystals Glasses with High Photoluminescence Quantum Yield
Authors: Wang Qin , Jin Mengfeifei , Chen Ya , Zhao Yi , Tong Yao , He Ziyao , Liang Xiaojuan , Xiang Weidong
Published: February 2021

Currently, high optical purity, perfect stability, and high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) are very important, being the key to obtain high‐quality luminescent materials. The research of perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) as optical materials is in full swing. Nevertheless, the low PLQY value, especially for the red‐emitting perovskite NCs, is a main obstacle to applications in display. This work reports the optimized components to synthesize CsPb(Br/I)3 NCs glasses whose PLQY achieves a big boost from 15.4% to ≈60% for the first time. Furthermore, the specimens exhibit exceptional tolerance to water and thermal and hence contribute to applicability in high‐performance light‐emitting diode (LED) and 3D printing. By combining CsPb(Br/I)3 NCs glass powder and yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG):Ce phosphor with blue chips, the assembled white LEDs reach a high luminous efficiency at 113.0 lm W−1. The resulting high PLQY is to the benefit of a substantial step toward the practical application of inorganic perovskite materials in the fields of optoelectronic devices and additive manufacturing.
A Robust Oxygen Microbubble Radiosensitizer for Iodine‐125 Brachytherapy
Authors: Peng Sheng , Song Ruyuan , Lin Qingguang , Zhang Yanling , Yang Yuanzhong , Luo Ma , Zhong Zhihui , Xu Xiaonan , Lu Ligong , Yao Shuhuai , Zhang Fujun
Published: February 2021

Iodine‐125 (125I) brachytherapy, a promising form of radiotherapy, is increasingly applied in the clinical treatment of a wide range of solid tumors. However, the extremely hypoxic microenvironment in solid tumors can cause hypoxia‐induced radioresistance to 125I brachytherapy, resulting in therapeutic inefficacy. In this study, the aim is to sensitize hypoxic areas in solid tumors using ultrasound‐activated oxygen microbubbles for 125I brachytherapy. A modified emulsion freeze‐drying method is developed to prepare microbubbles that can be lyophilized for storage and easily reconstituted in situ before administration. The filling gas of the microbubbles is modified by the addition of sulfur hexafluoride to oxygen such that the obtained O2/SF6 microbubbles (OS MBs) achieve a much longer half‐life (>3×) than that of oxygen microbubbles. The OS MBs are tested in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (CNE2) tumor‐bearing mice and oxygen delivery by the OS MBs induced by ultrasound irradiation relieve hypoxia instantly. The post‐treatment results of brachytherapy combined with the ultrasound‐triggered OS MBs show a greatly improved therapeutic efficacy compared with brachytherapy alone, illustrating ultrasound‐mediated oxygen delivery with the developed OS MBs as a promising strategy to improve the therapeutic outcome of 125I brachytherapy in hypoxic tumors.
Bacteria‐Based Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Huang Xuehui , Pan Jingmei , Xu Funeng , Shao Binfen , Wang Yi , Guo Xing , Zhou Shaobing
Published: February 2021

In the past decade, bacteria‐based cancer immunotherapy has attracted much attention in the academic circle due to its unique mechanism and abundant applications in triggering the host anti‐tumor immunity. One advantage of bacteria lies in their capability in targeting tumors and preferentially colonizing the core area of the tumor. Because bacteria are abundant in pathogen‐associated molecular patterns that can effectively activate the immune cells even in the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment, they are capable of enhancing the specific immune recognition and elimination of tumor cells. More attractively, during the rapid development of synthetic biology, using gene technology to enable bacteria to be an efficient producer of immunotherapeutic agents has led to many creative immunotherapy paradigms. The combination of bacteria and nanomaterials also displays infinite imagination in the multifunctional endowment for cancer immunotherapy. The current progress report summarizes the recent advances in bacteria‐based cancer immunotherapy with specific foci on the applications of naive bacteria‐, engineered bacteria‐, and bacterial components‐based cancer immunotherapy, and at the same time discusses future directions in this field of research based on the present developments.
Large‐Peptide Permeation Through a Membrane Channel: Understanding Protamine Translocation Through CymA from Klebsiella Oxytoca**
Authors: Pangeni Sushil , Prajapati Jigneshkumar Dahyabhai , Bafna Jayesh , Nilam Mohamed , Nau Werner M. , Kleinekathöfer Ulrich , Winterhalter Mathias
Published: February 2021

Quantifying the passage of the large peptide protamine (Ptm) across CymA, a passive channel for cyclodextrin uptake, is in the focus of this study. Using a reporter‐pair‐based fluorescence membrane assay we detected the entry of Ptm into liposomes containing CymA. The kinetics of the Ptm entry was independent of its concentration suggesting that the permeation through CymA is the rate‐limiting factor. Furthermore, we reconstituted single CymA channels into planar lipid bilayers and recorded the ion current fluctuations in the presence of Ptm. To this end, we were able to resolve the voltage‐dependent entry of single Ptm peptide molecules into the channel. Extrapolation to zero voltage revealed about 1–2 events per second and long dwell times, in agreement with the liposome study. Applied‐field and steered molecular dynamics simulations added an atomistic view of the permeation events. It can be concluded that a concentration gradient of 1 μm Ptm leads to a translocation rate of about one molecule per second and per channel.
Growth and sexual dimorphism of the hyoid bone and its relationship to the mandible from birth to 19 years: A three‐dimensional computed tomography study
Authors: Werner Helen M. , Miller Courtney A. , Tillman Katelyn K. , Wang Yuan , Vorperian Houri K.
Published: February 2021

The hyoid bone and the hyomandibular complex subserve the functions of respiration, deglutition, and speech. This study quantified the growth of the hyoid bone and the hyomandibular relationships in males and females from birth to 19 years. Using 97 computed tomography (CT) scans, from a previous study (Kelly et al., 2017) on mandibular growth from 49 individuals (16 with longitudinal scans), landmarks were placed on 3D CT models and used to calculate four distance, and three angular measurements. A general increase in growth trend was observed in hyoid bone linear measurements—length, width, and depth—as well as relational mandible‐to‐hyoid distance, throughout the developmental ages examined in both males and females, with most variables having larger measurements for females up to age 10 years. A general decrease in all three angular measurements was observed in both males and females up to approximately age 12 years, at which time male angular measurements gradually increased with significant sexual dimorphism emerging after age 15 years. As expected, postpubertal males had greater hyoid angle than females; they also had greater hyoid angle of inclination than mandible body inclination (with inclination relative to the anterior–posterior nasal plane), likely related to hyo‐laryngeal descent. This study contributes to normative data on hyoid bone and hyomandibular relational growth in typically developing individuals and provides a baseline against which structural and functional influences on anatomic growth may be examined by clinical disciplines that address the aerodigestive and speech functions, as well as the fields of anatomy, forensics, and anthropology.
Post‐translational Wnt receptor regulation: Is the fog slowly clearing?
Authors: Tsukiyama Tadasuke , Koo Bon‐Kyoung , Hatakeyama Shigetsugu
Published: February 2021

Wnt signaling plays pivotal roles during our entire lives, from conception to death, through the regulation of morphogenesis in developing embryos and the maintenance of tissue homeostasis in adults. The regulation of Wnt signaling occurs on several levels: at the receptor level on the plasma membrane, at the β‐catenin protein level in the cytoplasm, and through transcriptional regulation in the nucleus. Several recent studies have focused on the mechanisms of Wnt receptor regulation, following the discovery that the Wnt receptor frizzled (Fzd) is a target of the ubiquitin ligases, RNF43 and ZNRF3. RNF43 and ZNRF3 are homologous genes that are mutated in several cancers. The details underlying their mechanism of action continue to unfold, while at the same time raising many new questions. In this review, we discuss advances and controversies in our understanding of Wnt receptor regulation.
A staged representation electrochemical stimulated strategy to regulate intracellular reducing power for improving succinate production by Escherichia coli AFP111
Authors: Zheng Tianwen , Xu Bin , Ji Yaliang , Zhang Wenming , Xin Fengxue , Dong Weiliang , Wei Ping , Ma Jiangfeng , Jiang Min
Published: February 2021

Background

Escherichia coli AFP111 was previously engineered for succinate production by eliminating byproducts of synthesis pathways. Still, the succinate yield is limited due to the insufficient NADH supplement, when fed with glucose. Microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) allows microorganisms to perform unbalanced fermentation by establishing polarized cathode interaction.

Methods and Results

In this study, a cathode electrode was used as an additional electron donor to improve succinate synthesis by E. coli AFP111. In MEC with ‐0.65 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) poised on cathode electrode, 95.72% electrons were transferred into cells via neutral red (NR), and the ratio of NADH/NAD+ increased by 2.5‐fold. Meanwhile, compared with the control experiment, the value of oxidation‐reduction potential (ORP) changed from −240 to −265 mV in MEC, which was beneficial for NADH generation. During two‐stage fermentation (no potential growth stage followed by electric stimulation) in MEC, succinate yield was increased by 29.09% (the final yield was 0.71 g g−1), and glucose consumption rate was enhanced by 36.22%. In addition, the carbon flux was pumped to succinate and pyruvate metabolism was enhanced.

Conclusion and implications

Staged representation of electrochemical stimulated strategy is effective for succinate producing in engineered E. coli by regulating intracellular reducing power, which provides a new concept for producing reduced metabolite in unbalanced fermentation.
A genome‐scale metabolic network model and machine learning predict amino acid concentrations in Chinese Hamster Ovary cell cultures
Authors: Schinn Song‐Min , Morrison Carly , Wei Wei , Zhang Lin , Lewis Nathan E.
Published: February 2021

The control of nutrient availability is critical to large‐scale manufacturing of biotherapeutics. However, the quantification of proteinogenic amino acids is time‐consuming and thus is difficult to implement for real‐time in situ bioprocess control. Genome‐scale metabolic models describe the metabolic conversion from media nutrients to proliferation and recombinant protein production, and therefore are a promising platform for in silico monitoring and prediction of amino acid concentrations. This potential has not been realized due to unresolved challenges: (1) the models assume an optimal and highly efficient metabolism, and therefore tend to underestimate amino acid consumption, and (2) the models assume a steady state, and therefore have a short forecast range. We address these challenges by integrating machine learning with the metabolic models. Through this we demonstrate accurate and time‐course dependent prediction of individual amino acid concentration in culture medium throughout the production process. Thus, these models can be deployed to control nutrient feeding to avoid premature nutrient depletion or provide early predictions of failed bioreactor runs.
Chemical Properties Determine Solubility and Stability in βγ‐Crystallins of the Eye Lens
Authors: Rocha Megan A. , Sprague‐Piercy Marc A. , Kwok Ashley O. , Roskamp Kyle W. , Martin Rachel W.
Published: February 2021

βγ‐Crystallins are the primary structural and refractive proteins found in the vertebrate eye lens. Because crystallins are not replaced after early eye development, their solubility and stability must be maintained for a lifetime, which is even more remarkable given the high protein concentration in the lens. Aggregation of crystallins caused by mutations or post‐translational modifications can reduce crystallin protein stability and alter intermolecular interactions. Common post‐translational modifications that can cause age‐related cataracts include deamidation, oxidation, and tryptophan derivatization. Metal ion binding can also trigger reduced crystallin solubility through a variety of mechanisms. Interprotein interactions are critical to maintaining lens transparency: crystallins can undergo domain swapping, disulfide bonding, and liquid‐liquid phase separation, all of which can cause opacity depending on the context. Important experimental techniques for assessing crystallin conformation in the absence of a high‐resolution structure include dye‐binding assays, circular dichroism, fluorescence, light scattering, and transition metal FRET.
Resource‐saving in buildings through material substitution: A preliminary study of structural dependencies
Authors: Ortlepp Regine
Published: February 2021

Around the world, building stocks are the dominant consumers of mineral resources. Mining activities for the supply of construction materials can lead to conflicts in land use. In order to minimize such sources of conflict, we need improved knowledge of material consumption in the built environment. For this, we can make use of material flow analysis (MFA), which in turn requires the determination of material composition indicators (MCIs). Usually, such indicators are defined for a building type. Currently, there is a lack of research on the impact of material substitution on these MCIs as well as studies on the potential for resource‐saving that take technical issues into account. This contribution describes a preliminary study on material substitution in six different reference buildings which compare the bill of materials for structures constructed using standard clay bricks vs potential material substitutes such as hollow, lightweight, or autoclaved aerated concrete blocks. The results show that considerable reductions in material consumption can thereby be achieved for certain parts of the considered buildings. In the future, these effects should be incorporated in the MCIs as key variables for an MFA.
What is failing us? An examination of diversity initiatives in financial planning
Authors: Sunder Aman , Pasztor James , Henderson Rebecca
Published: February 2021

This paper examines the lack of diversity in the financial planning profession by expanding the variable focus to include both the household side (i.e., consumer demand for financial advice) and the aspiring and existing financial planner professional side (i.e., the supply of financial advice). This study uses data from 13,507 households from the 2004 to 2016 waves of Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF) and data from 37,665 students enrolled at the College for Financial Planning for 2005 to 2018. We found that any amount of racial bias against non‐White financial planners could substantially reduce their market. Previous studies have focused almost exclusively on macro‐demographic comparisons. Therefore, reliable information on the extent of racial bias and satisfaction among racially discordant financial planner‐client relationships is not available. Black and Latinx households lag White and other households to attain high school diplomas and undergraduate degrees, partially explaining the lack of a diverse pipeline into the profession. We argue that there continues to be a need to eliminate survivorship bias when attempting to understand the realities faced by non‐White financial planning professionals by surveying those who were not successful in becoming financial planners.
Mitochondrial Targeting Strategy for Enhanced Photothermal Cancer Therapy
Authors: Yang Shouning , Xue Yuyan , Zhang Yanmin , Lu Sijia , Wu Junli , Yang Lin , Yang Huayan , Yu Shaoning
Published: February 2021

Photothermal therapy (PTT) is a light‐triggered therapeutic method showing great promise in cancer treatment. For safe and effective PTT, minimal invasion and high specificity are needed. Mitochondria have been recognized as an attractive target to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of cancer treatment. Here, we present a unique type of CaCO3‐encapsulated Bi2S3 nanorods (Bi2S3@CaCO3 NRs) for improving PTT therapeutic efficacy based on a novel mitochondria‐targeted strategy. Such NRs with Bi2S3 NRs as the photothermal agent, carboxylated short‐chain PEG as bridging group and CaCO3 as pH responsive surface coating showed not only remarkable promotion of cancer uptake efficiency, but also enhanced mitochondria targeting ability. The significant improvement of phototherapeutic efficacy of Bi2S3@CaCO3 suggests that our mitochondria‐targeting strategy is a reliable and useful method for efficient cancer therapy.
Photochemical CO2 Reduction Using Rhenium(I) Tricarbonyl Complexes with Bipyridyl‐Type Ligands with and without Second Coordination Sphere Effects
Authors: Rotundo Laura , Grills David C. , Gobetto Roberto , Priola Emanuele , Nervi Carlo , Polyansky Dmitry E. , Fujita Etsuko
Published: February 2021

The effect of phenyl, phenol, aniline, amino, and CF3 substituents of the 2,2′‐bipyridine ligand in fac‐ReCl(L)(CO)3 (L=2,2′‐bipyridine derivative) catalysts on photochemical CO2 reduction in dimethylacetamide is examined, in order to understand the structure‐function relationships and to compare the catalytic activities with the previously published electrochemical results. All complexes including ReCl(bpy)(CO)3 have similar excited‐state lifetimes and emission spectra, but complex 1 with the Ph‐NH2 moiety exhibits a significantly larger molar absorption coefficient for its metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (MLCT) band. All complexes we tested produce CO with only a negligible amount of H2 and formate in self‐sensitized systems in the presence of triethanolamine (TEOA) and in some cases, BIH (1,3‐dimethyl‐2‐phenyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐benzo[d]‐imidazole). The presence of the Ph‐NH2 moiety (complex 1) has a beneficial effect on both electrochemical and photochemical activity, allowing a turnover number (TON) of 32 and 120 for photochemical CO production (without and with BIH, respectively). In the case of the Ph‐OH group in the second coordination sphere (complexes 4 and 6), these complexes are active for photochemical CO2 reduction, despite the formation of a stable 6‐coordinate Re‐OPh intermediate via reductive deprotonation as previously observed under electrochemical conditions. Overall, BIH accelerates the rate of formation of the one‐electron reduced species (OERS) of the Re catalysts and allows higher turnover frequency (TOF) and TON for CO formation. The X‐ray structures of complexes 1 and 4 were determined to have distorted octahedral Re centres, and show π‐π stacking interactions with neighboring molecules as well as intramolecular hydrogen bonds to the internal chloride ligands. The unusually high absorptivity of the MLCT absorption of complex 1 has been explained by TD‐DFT calculations.
Growth Kinetics Analysis and Morphological Characterization by Electron Microscopy of Anhydrous Uric Acid Crystals
Authors: Chávez‐Reyes Jesús , Hernández‐Cuellar Eduardo , González‐Ponce Herson A. , Rodríguez Martín Gerardo
Published: February 2021

In vitro synthesis of uric acid crystals provides an important source to study the process of crystal formation and to understand how the deposition of these crystals induces disease; nevertheless, the described methodologies for the synthesis of uric acid crystals are time‐consuming, depend on the use of high volumes, and the time scale precludes the kinetics study of the crystal growth. In the present work, it is described a fast method for the synthesis of anhydrous uric acid (AUA) crystals using microvolumes, and the crystal growth kinetics is characterized by light field microscopy using nonlinear adjustment. In addition, a crystal morphological characterization by scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction is made, disclosing that the AUA crystals are arranged in stacked layer sheets with an orthorhombic‐like shape. These results help to understand the phenomenon of crystallization of uric acid, which is a trigger event on the development of uric acid nephrolithiasis.
Changes in dive patterns of leatherback turtles with sea surface temperature and potential foraging habitats
Authors: Okuyama Junichi , Benson Scott R. , Dutton Peter H. , Seminoff Jeffrey A.
Published: February 2021

Marine mesotherms are able to occupy broader thermal niches than ectotherms; however, this means they must thermoregulate according to diverse thermal conditions across the ocean. Knowledge remains limited about how differences in thermal conditions within the selected habitats affect the behavior and associated ecological traits in mesotherms. Here, we tested if a marine mesotherm, leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) generally maintain their body temperature by diving to greater depths to expose themselves to cold waters as sea surface temperature becomes warmer. Moreover, we investigate how such behavioral thermoregulation may influence their ecological traits (e.g., foraging and migration). We analyzed 49,461 dive profiles and 16,255 temperature‐depth profiles from 17 leatherback turtles migrating across the North Pacific using satellite‐linked data loggers. Our results showed that leatherbacks changed their dive behavior regionally, in response to sea surface temperature and potential foraging habitats. Dive type classification revealed that V‐shaped, presumably gliding dives, became deeper when the surface water was warmer, likely because leatherbacks dive to deep cold waters to avoid overheating. We found five hotspots of wiggle (up‐and‐down undulations in the depth profile) dives that are indicative of foraging behavior, ranging from tropical to cool‐temperate regions in the North Pacific. The dive patterns in potential foraging hotspots indicate that leatherbacks engage in behavioral thermoregulation in warmer regions. Such bioenergetics may affect the time available for foraging activity during migration phases. In cool‐temperate foraging areas, leatherbacks are indeed able to spend more time foraging due to mesothermy. However, the trade‐off between energy gain by foraging activity and additional migration cost of moving to higher latitude areas might not result in greater reproductive output for leatherbacks foraging in distant cool‐temperate regions. These patterns highlight that mesothermy represents a trade‐off: Leatherbacks can utilize cooler waters but must engage in additional behavioral thermoregulation (i.e., extremely deep dives) in warmer waters. Thus, mesothermy might not provide a direct fitness advantage to all individual leatherback turtles; rather, it affords a species‐level fitness advantage by allowing a greater diversity of habitats to be utilized.
Evolution of realized Eltonian niches acrossRajidaespecies
Authors: Shipley Oliver N. , Kelly Joseph B. , Bizzarro Joseph J. , Olin Jill A. , Cerrato Robert M. , Power Michael , Frisk Michael G.
Published: February 2021

The notion that closely related species resemble each other in ecological niche space (i.e., phylogenetic dependence) has been a long‐standing, contentious paradigm in evolutionary biology, the incidence of which is important for predicting the ecosystem‐level effects of species loss. Despite being examined across a multitude of terrestrial taxa, many aspects of niche conservatism have yet to be explored in marine species, especially for characteristics related to resource use and trophic behavior (Eltonian niche characteristics, ENCs). We combined ENCs derived from stable isotope ratios at assemblage‐ and species‐levels with phylogenetic comparative methods, to test the hypotheses that benthic marine fishes (1) exhibit similar assemblage‐wide ENCs regardless of geographic location and (2) display phylogenetically dependent ENCs at the species level. We used a 12‐species sub‐set of the monophyletic groupRajidaesampled from three independent assemblages (Central California, Gulf of Alaska, and Northwest Atlantic), which span two ocean basins. Assemblage‐level ENCs implied low trophic diversity and high evenness, suggesting thatRajidaeassemblages may exhibit a well‐defined trophic role, a trend consistent regardless of geographic location. At the species level, we found evidence for phylogenetic dependence of ENCs relating to trophic diversity (i.e., isotopic niche width; SEAc). Whether individuals can be considered functional equivalents across assemblages is hard to ascertain because we did not detect a significant phylogenetic signal for ENCs relating to trophic function (e.g., trophic position). Thus, additional, complimentary approaches are required to further examine the phylogenetic dependence of species functionality. Our approach illustrates the potential of stable isotope‐derived niche characteristics to provide insight on macroecological processes occurring across evolutionary time, which could help predict how assemblages may respond to the effects of species loss.
Hybrid infrastructures: The role of strategy and compromise in grassroot governance
Authors: Schmid Benedikt
Published: February 2021

Contemporary trajectories of unsustainability and injustice require a profound restructuring of political, economic, and cultural institutions not sufficiently reflected in top‐down governance. Diverse bottom‐up actors and organizations that attempt to practice and institute more sustainable and just relations, in turn, have to tackle unfavorable conditions and generally lack the resources to take full effect. This paper critically discusses the role of strategy and compromise in facing this cycle of institutional inertia and lack of bottom‐up agency. To illustrate its argument, the paper draws on an ethnographic case study on community‐led initiatives in Stuttgart (Germany). It traces the ways in which a particular arrangement—an “open workshop”—supports individuals and organizations in their engagement in sustainability‐oriented activities while substantiating ethically and socially ambiguous practices. Building on these empirical insights, the paper develops a notion of strategy that revolves around the reflective construction of hybrid but transformative infrastructures to strike a balance between ethical congruency and transformative pragmatism.
M3B6O10NO3 (M = K, Rb): Two New Alkali Metal Borate‐Nitrates with Noncentrosymmetric Structures
Authors: Zhang Qiqi , Zhang Fangfang , Li Fuming , Han Shujuan , Yang Zhihua , Pan Shilie
Published: February 2021

Two new alkali metal borate‐nitrates, M3B6O10NO3 (M = K, Rb), with noncentrosymmetric space groups P3121 and P3221, respectively, have been synthesized successfully through the high‐temperature solution method in sealed quartz tubes. Both crystals feature the
frameworks with large channels along the c‐axis, in which the
chains locate. K3B6O10NO3 presents a moderate phase‐matching powder second harmonic generation (SHG) response with a UV cut off edge of about 216 nm. The first principles calculations for both compounds have been executed to estimate the optical properties and deeply analyze the relationship between their structures and properties.
Application of Caseinate Modified with Maillard Reaction for Improving Physicochemical Properties of High Load Flaxseed Oil Microcapsules
Authors: Zhang Wenbin , Chen Zhengjun , Yang Ruijin , Hua Xiao , Zhao Wei , Guan Shuyi
Published: February 2021

High‐load flaxseed oil microcapsule is prepared with the Maillard reaction products (MRPs) of sodium caseinate and isomaltooligosaccharide as wall material. It is found that the emulsifying activity index and emulsion stability index of MRPs are increased by 31.32% and 34.11% respectively at the appropriate degree of graft (26.30%) compared with the mixture of sodium caseinate and isomaltooligosaccharide. Smaller droplet size and lower polydispersity index can be achieved in the flaxseed oil emulsions coated by MRPs, due to the change of sodium caseinate molecular weight and spatial structure. The microencapsulation efficiency of the microcapsules coated by MRPs is highly improved up to 98.22% at oil load of 58.43%, compared with the control group. Furthermore, MRPs as coating material can protect flaxseed oil against lipid oxidation at 50 °C for 4 weeks. More importantly, the smooth, round, and compact external surface structures of microcapsule powder support its physical necessity for industrial usage. Due to its high microencapsulation efficiency and good oxidation stability, MRPs formed with sodium caseinate and isomaltooligosaccharide show great application potential in preparing high load oil microcapsule.

Practical Applications: Findings in this research could be utilized for developing microencapsulation loaded with higher concentration of flaxseed oil, a rich source of α‐linoleic acid and lignans. Application of MRPs (Maillard reaction products) formed through interaction between sodium caseinate and isomaltooligosaccharide by heating improved both its physicochemical properties and oxidative stability. It is a novel approach for developing microcapsule with higher percentages of oils with better oxidative stability.
Preparation, In Vivo and In Vitro Evaluation, and Pharmacodynamic Study of DMY‐Loaded Self‐Microemulsifying Drug Delivery System
Authors: Wang Yaping , Chen Lin , Adu‐Frimpong Michael , Wei Chunmei , Weng Wen , Wang Qilong , Xu Xi‐Ming , Yu JiangNan
Published: February 2021

Hyperlipidemia has become a common disease in modern society with its prevalence becoming relatively high in the world. A series of complications that accompany hyperlipidemia are seriously threatening individuals’ health. Dihydromyricetin (DMY) is a kind of polyphenol hydroxy (OH) dihydroflavonol extracted from the stems and leaves of Ampelopsis grossedentata. It has a variety of pharmacological activities. This study aims to develop a self‐microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) to improve the oral bioavailability of DMY, and to evaluate its hypolipidemic activity. The self‐microemulsion drug delivery system is composed of medium chain triglyceride (MCT, oil phase), Tween 80 (emulsifier), and PEG 200 (coemulsifier). The prepared DMY‐SMEDDS has stable physical and chemical properties, small droplet size (15.49 ±0.15 nm), good polydispersity index (PDI = 0.160 ± 0.010), negative zeta potential (−17.37 ± 0.09 mV), and high encapsulation efficiency (98.04 ± 0.25%). The results of in vitro dissolution and in vivo pharmacokinetics show that the prepared DMY‐SMEDDS significantly improve the solubility of DMY in aqueous medium, while its oral bioavailability is 2.34 times higher than that of free drug. In conclusion, the DMY‐SMEDDS prepared in this study prospectively improves the solubility and oral bioavailability of DMY also enhance the therapeutic effect.

Practical Applications: This study is relevant in the sense that SMEDDS may be used as a new strategy to improve the oral bioavailability of hydrophobic drugs. This novel nanocarrier could increase (by 2.34 times) the relative bioavailability of oral DMY‐SMEDDS in rats comparative to dihydromyricetin (DMY) suspension. Thus, DMY‐SMEDDS may prospectively be applied in food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries in view of its biocompatible excipients and good stability.
Study of antagonism between some intestinal bacteria with high‐speed micellar electrokinetic chromatography
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhang Huimin , Yu Xiufeng , Zhang Shaoyan
Published: February 2021

In this work, high‐speed micellar electrokinetic chromatography with LIF detection was applied to study the antagonism between three intestinal bacteria, Escherichia coli (E. coli), Bacillus licheniformis (B. licheniformis) and Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis). The fluorescent derivatization for the bacteria was performed by labeling the bacteria with FITC. In a high‐speed capillary electrophoresis (HSCE) device, the three bacteria could be completely separated within 4 min under the separation mode MEKC. The BGE was 1 × TBE containing 30 mM SDS and 1.5 × 10–5 g/mL polyethylene oxide. The limits of detection for E. coli, B. licheniformis and B. subtilis were 2.80 × 106 CFU/mL, 1.60 × 106 CFU/mL and 1.90 × 106 CFU/mL respectively. Lastly, the method was applied to investigate the antagonism between the three bacteria. The bacteria were mixed and cultured for 7 days. The samples were separated and determined every day to study the interaction between bacteria. The results showed that B. licheniformis and B. subtilis could not inhibit each other, but they could effectively inhibit the reproduction of E. coli. The method developed in this work was quick, sensitive and convenient, and it had great potential in the application of antagonism study for bacteria.
Trunk kinematic variability as a function of time during the early phase of a repetitive lifting task
Authors: Tetteh Emmanuel , Mirka Gary A.
Published: February 2021

Lift‐to‐lift variability occurs in repetitive lifting tasks due to alterations in the lifting techniques used by the lifter, resulting in variability in lower back tissue loading. Understanding how trunk variability changes with time in the initial phases of a lifting bout may provide insights into the risk of injury during work startup. The purpose of this study was to quantify the variation of lifting kinematics and kinetics during the initial phase of a lifting bout. Twenty participants performed a repetitive lifting task continuously for 30 min. The load was equivalent to 10% of each participant's body weight and lifting was done at a rate of six lifts/min. Kinematic variables (three‐dimensional range of motion, angular velocity, and angular acceleration) of the trunk were measured using the Lumbar Motion Monitor and a dynamic biomechanical model estimated peak L5/S1 moment and spine compression. The variances of these variables were compared across 10‐min intervals: 0–10 min, 10–20 min, and 20–30 min. Results indicate a significant reduction in the variance of the peak sagittal acceleration, the sagittal range of motion, the transverse range of motion, peak sagittal moment, and peak spine compression between the first and second time intervals, followed by no significant change in variance between the second and third intervals. The downward trend in variation of these kinematic and kinetic variables suggests an initial adjustment period as the lifters reach a steady state of their lifting technique. The reduced variance of spinal loading may reduce the probability that a tissue tolerance is exceeded.
Evaporation in Mediterranean conditions: Estimations based on isotopic approaches at the watershed scale
Authors: Mattei Alexandra , Huneau Frédéric , Garel Emilie , Santoni Sébastien , Vystavna Yuliya
Published: February 2021

In Mediterranean regions, the marked climatic seasonality and uneven precipitation distribution complicate the application of isotope mass balances to obtain meaningful basin‐wide annual average evaporation rates. In the present study, a mass balance approach carried out on the Tavignanu River watershed in Corsica (France), showed unrealistic evaporation rate estimates: 10% for 2017–2018 and 1% for 2018–2019. This suggests that not only does evaporation alter the seasonal isotopic composition in the river, but that there is complex variability of the dominant water reservoirs contributing to the streamflow. Therefore, we propose a modified mass balance approach, including monthly quantifications of different water sources contributing to the river discharge. This allows the discrimination of isotopic variation occurring by evaporation from that originating by mixing processes. By applying this modified approach, we estimated evaporation rates on the Tavignanu River watershed that were in good agreement with results obtained by hydrological modelling: 40% for 2017–2018 and 46% for 2018–2019, respectively. An uncertainty analysis showed that evaporation rates obtained with the modified isotopic approach are close to those obtained with the non‐modified approach. Therefore, we recommend using this modified isotope mass balance approach to estimate evaporation rates in such regions as the Mediterranean with high seasonality in hydrological processes.
Age diversity of audit committee financial experts, ownership structure and earnings management: Evidence from China
Authors: Komal Bushra , Bilal  , Ezeani Ernest , Shahzad Asim , Usman Muhammad , Sun Juncheng
Published: February 2021

The extant literature has shown the impact of demographic characteristics such as gender of audit committee members on earnings management but ignored the importance of the board room's age diversity. Going beyond the prior literature, our study aims to examine how the age diversity of audit committee financial experts (ACFEs) influences the financial reporting quality of Chinese non‐financial firms. We found a negative relationship between ACFEs' age diversity and earning management. Our findings also show that younger ACFEs mitigate earnings management as compared to older ACFEs. We further examined this relationship among state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) and privately owned enterprises in China and confirmed that the age diversity of ACFEs influences earnings management differently. However, younger ACFEs working in SOEs mitigates earnings management than their counterpart in privately owned companies. Our result maintains its robustness after controlling for endogeneity and employing a different measure of earnings management. Our result has relevance for selecting financial experts and the audit committee's overall composition, showing that including younger ACFEs will ensure more efficient control of firms' management. This finding is also relevant for policymakers, especially Chinese regulators, offering them insight into promoting audit committee effectiveness.
Transcranial low‐level laser therapy in an in vivo model of stroke: Relevance to the brain infarct, microglia activation and neuroinflammation
Authors: Vogel Débora D. S. , Ortiz‐Villatoro Nancy N. , Araújo Noemi S. , Marques Márcia Jonathas Guimarães , Aimbire Flavio , Scorza Fúlvio A. , Scorza Carla A. , Albertini Regiane
Published: February 2021

Stroke is the main cause of death and functional disability. The available therapy affects only 5% of patients, and new therapeutic approaches have been constantly tested. Transcranial photobiomodulation (PBM) is promising for its neuroprotective effect on brain injuries. Thus, the present study investigated the PBM effects in an in vivo model of ischemic stroke induced by photothrombosis (PT). Five different groups of Wistar rats were submitted or not to a daily dose of fish oil or/and laser sessions for 2 months. The ischemia volume was evaluated by stereology; GFAP, Iba and NeuN by immunohistochemistry; TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10 and TGF‐β by ELISA assay. PBM influenced both the lesion volume and the GFAP. Furthermore, PBM and Ω‐3 or both reduced Iba RNAm. PBM reduced TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, brain damage, neuroinflammation and microglial activation, and it increased astroglial activity in peri‐lesioned region after stroke.
Synthesis and molecular docking of some new 3,5‐bis‐(diazipine, pyrazolopyrimidine, pyrimidine, and pyrazole) pyridine derivatives and their in vitro and in vivo biological evaluation as potential antitumor agents
Authors: Soliman Nanees N. , Tag Yasmin M. , Bayoumy Nesma M.
Published: February 2021

Bis enaminone derivative 6 was reactive enaminone to synthesize new heterocyclic compounds containing diazipine, pyrazolopyrimidine, triazolopyrimidine, and pyrazole moieties by reaction with different bifunctional reagents. Structures of new compounds were confirmed by analytical and spectral data. Moreover, the new compounds were screened in‐vitro as antitumor agents for Ehrlich ascites at different concentration. The results showed the compounds 18, 19, and 20a have a good activity. In addition to, the molecular docking of these mentioned compounds was studied using vascular endothelial growth factor receptor.
One‐pot two‐step synthesis of fused thiazinofuranone linked geminal bis 1,2,3‐triazole hybrids and their in vitro cytotoxic screening
Authors: Mupparapu Praveen Kumar , Thirukovela Narasimha Swamy , Gullapelli Sadanandam , Kurra Mohan , Gali Srinivas , Vaddiraju Namratha
Published: February 2021

In this study, a series of novel geminal bis 1,2,3‐triazoles linked to 2H‐furo[2,3‐d][1,3]thiazine‐2,4,5(1H,6H)‐trione (3a‐3m) were prepared in one pot starting from 5‐Acetyl‐4‐Hydroxy‐1,3‐thiazine‐2,6‐dione (1) to 6,6‐diazido‐2H‐furo[2,3‐d][1,3]thiazine‐2,4,5(1H,6H)‐trione (2) followed by Cu(I)‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition. The synthesized compounds were further explored for in vitro cytotoxic activity against PC3, A549, MCF‐7, and HeLa cell lines and results revealed that the five compounds 3c, 3d, 3g, 3l, and 3m have displayed comparable in vitro cytotoxic activity with the standard drug Etoposide.
Three salvianolic acids inhibit 2019‐nCoV spike pseudovirus viropexis by binding to both its RBD and receptor ACE2
Authors: Hu Shiling , Wang Jue , Zhang Yongjing , Bai Haoyun , Wang Cheng , Wang Nan , He Langchong
Published: February 2021

Since December 2019, the new coronavirus (also known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS‐CoV‐2, 2019‐nCoV])—induced disease, COVID‐19, has spread rapidly worldwide. Studies have reported that the traditional Chinese medicine Salvia miltiorrhiza possesses remarkable antiviral properties; however, the anti‐coronaviral activity of its main components, salvianolic acid A (SAA), salvianolic acid B (SAB), and salvianolic acid C (SAC) is still debated. In this study, we used Cell Counting Kit‐8 staining and flow cytometry to evaluate the toxicity of SAA, SAB, and SAC on ACE2 (angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2) high‐expressing HEK293T cells (ACE2h cells). We found that SAA, SAB, and SAC had a minor effect on the viability of ACE2h cells at concentrations below 100 μM. We further evaluated the binding capacity of SAA, SAB, and SAC to ACE2 and the spike protein of 2019‐nCoV using molecular docking and surface plasmon resonance. They could bind to the receptor‐binding domain (RBD) of the 2019‐nCoV with a binding constant (KD) of (3.82 ± 0.43) e−6 M, (5.15 ± 0.64)e−7 M, and (2.19 ± 0.14)e‐6 M; and bind to ACE2 with KD (4.08 ± 0.61)e−7 M, (2.95 ± 0.78)e−7 M, and (7.32 ± 0.42)e−7 M, respectively. As a result, SAA, SAB, and SAC were determined to inhibit the entry of 2019‐nCoV Spike pseudovirus with an EC50 of 11.31, 6.22, and 10.14 μM on ACE2h cells, respectively. In conclusion, our study revealed that three Salvianolic acids can inhibit the entry of 2019‐nCoV spike pseudovirus into ACE2h cells by binding to the RBD of the 2019‐nCoV spike protein and ACE2 protein.
Intrafascicular chondroid‐like bodies in the ageing equine superficial digital flexor tendon comprise glycosaminoglycans and type II collagen
Authors: Ali Othman J. , Ehrle Anna , Comerford Eithne J. , Canty‐Laird Elizabeth G. , Mead Ashleigh , Clegg Peter D. , Maddox Thomas W.
Published: February 2021

The superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) is considered functionally equivalent to the human Achilles tendon. Circular chondroid depositions scattered amongst the fascicles of the equine SDFT are rarely reported. The purpose of this study was the detailed characterization of intrafascicular chondroid‐like bodies (ICBs) in the equine SDFT, and the assessment of the effect of ageing on the presence and distribution of these structures. Ultrahigh field magnetic resonance imaging (9.4T) series of SDFT samples of young (1–9 years) and aged (17–25 years) horses were obtained, and three‐dimensional reconstruction of ICBs was performed. Morphological evaluation of the ICBs included histology, immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. The number, size, and position of ICBs was determined and compared between age groups. There was a significant difference (p = .008) in the ICB count between young and old horses with ICBs present in varying number (13–467; median = 47, mean = 132.6), size and distribution in the SDFT of aged horses only. There were significantly more ICBs in the tendon periphery when compared with the tendon core region (p = .010). Histological characterization identified distinctive cells associated with increased glycosaminoglycan and type II collagen extracellular matrix content. Ageing and repetitive strain frequently cause tendon micro‐damage before the development of clinical tendinopathy. Documentation of the presence and distribution of ICBs is a first step towards improving our understanding of the impact of these structures on the viscoelastic properties, and ultimately their effect on the risk of age‐related tendinopathy in energy‐storing tendons.
Systemically impaired fracture healing in small animal research: A review of fracture repair models
Authors: Ryan Gareth , Magony Richard , Gortler Hilary , Godbout Charles , Schemitsch Emil H. , Nauth Aaron
Published: February 2021

Fracture healing is a complex process requiring mechanical stability, an osteoconductive matrix, and osteoinductive and osteogenic biology. This intricate process is easily disrupted by various patient factors such as chronic disease and lifestyle. As the medical complexity and age of patients with fractures continue to increase, the importance of developing relevant experimental models is becoming paramount in preclinical research. The objective of this review is to describe the most common small animal models of systemically impaired fracture healing used in the orthopedic literature including osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus, smoking, alcohol use, obesity, and ageing. This review will provide orthopedic researchers with a summary of current models of systemically impaired fracture healing used in small animals and present an overview of the methods of induction for each condition.