bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The antifeedant, insecticidal and insect growth inhibitory activities of triterpenoid saponins fromClematis aethusifoliaTurcz againstPlutella xylostella(L.)
Authors: Tian Xiaolin , Li Yantao , Hao Nan , Su Xiaozhou , Du Juan , Hu Jiajun , Tian Xiangrong 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe diamondback moth,Plutella xylostella(L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), is a global insect pest of crops, leading to a reduction of agricultural products in productivity and quality. Plant saponins are rich sources for the discovery of candidates to control insect pests. This study focused on discovery of triterpenoid saponins fromClematis aethusifoliaTurcz and evaluation of their antifeedant, insecticidal and insect growth inhibitory activities against the 3rd instar larvae ofP. xylostella.RESULTSSeven triterpenoid saponins (1–7) were isolated for the first time from then‐BuOH extract ofC. aethusifolia. Monodesmosides1,2, and5with a free 28‐COOH group showed much higher antifeedant activity (DC50were 733.67–844.77 μg mL–1at 24 h, and 737.19–748.28 μg mL–1at 48 h) than bidesmosides3–4and6–7(DC50were 1284.35–2053.98 μg mL–1at 24 h, and 1183.72–1990.96 μg mL–1at 48 h). Similarly, monodesmosides1,2, and5(LC50were 1462.78–1785.96 μg mL–1) showed stronger insecticidal activity than bidesmosides3–4and6–7(LC50were 2219.22–3050.51 μg mL–1) againstP. xylostellaat 72 h. These results suggest the 28‐COOH group is an important functional group for their antifeedant and insecticidal activity. Besides, monodesmosides1,2, and5showed insect growth inhibitory activity againstP. xylostellathrough reduction of larval growth and percentage of pupation, associated with prolongation of larval and pupal stages.CONCLUSIONThe present results provide evidence that triterpenoid saponins fromC. aethusifolia, particularly those monodesmosidic saponins with a free 28‐COOH group, have the potential to be developed as pesticides to controlP. xylostella.
Cytochrome P450‐mediated herbicide metabolism in plants: current understanding and prospects
Authors: Dimaano Niña Gracel , Iwakami Satoshi 
Published: August 2020

AbstractCytochrome P450s (P450s) have been at the center of herbicide metabolism research as a result of their ability to endow selectivity in crops and resistance in weeds. In the last 20 years, ≈30 P450s from diverse plant species have been revealed to possess herbicide‐metabolizing function, some of which were demonstrated to play a key role in plant herbicide sensitivity. Recent research even demonstrated that some P450s from crops and weeds metabolize numerous herbicides from various chemical backbones, which highlights the importance of P450s in the current agricultural systems. However, due to the enormous number of plant P450s and the complexity of their function, expression and regulation, it remains a challenge to fully explore the potential of P450‐mediated herbicide metabolism in crop improvement and herbicide resistance mitigation. Differences in the substrate specificity of each herbicide‐metabolizing P450 are now evident. Comparisons of the substrate specificity and protein structures of P450s will be beneficial for the discovery of selective herbicides and may lead to the development of crops with higher herbicide tolerance by transgenics or genome‐editing technologies. Furthermore, the knowledge will help design sound management strategies for weed resistance including the prediction of cross‐resistance patterns. Overcoming the ambiguity of P450 function in plant xenobiotic pathways will unlock the full potential of this enzyme family in advancing global agriculture and food security. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Protective neighboring effect from ash trees treated with systemic insecticide against emerald ash borer
Authors: de Andrade Rafael B , Abell Kristopher , Duan Jian J , Shrewsbury Paula , Gruner Daniel S 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe emerald ash borer (EAB) (Agrilus planipennisFairmaire) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) is now the most destructive invasive species in North America. While biocontrol using parasitoids shows promising results in natural forests, strategies are needed to protect high‐value trees against invasive EAB populations. Emamectin benzoate is a commonly used systemic insecticide for the protection of valuable trees. Methods that optimize its use allow for reduced quantities of insecticide to be released in the environment and save time and money in efforts to protect ash trees from EAB. We hypothesize that a treated tree can also offer a protective neighboring effect to nearby untreated ash trees, allowing for an optimized spatial planning of insecticide applications.RESULTSWe sampled 896 untreated ash trees, in the vicinity of treated trees, in Maryland and Washington DC. We recorded signs of EAB infestation (canopy condition, exit holes, wood pecks, epicormic growth, and bark splits). Two subsequent yearly samplings were made of 198 and 216 trees, respectively. We also present a novel proximity index for this particular application. Results show consistent decrease in EAB infestation signs in untreated trees as proximity to treated trees increases.CONCLUSIONResults support that a neighboring effect occurs. However, proximity to treated trees must be high for a tree to be safely left untreated. This proximity seems rare in forests, but can happen in urban/planted landscapes. Future studies should test and validate these findings, and could lead to a more precise recommended safe index tailored across multiple ash species and geographic regions.
Use of zoophytophagous mirid bugs in horticultural crops: Current challenges and future perspectives
Authors: Pérez‐Hedo Meritxell , Riahi Chaymaa , Urbaneja Alberto 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn recent years, the use of predatory mirid bugs (Hemiptera: Miridae) in horticultural crops has increased considerably. Mirid bugs are zoophytophagous predators, that is, they display omnivorous behavior and feed on both plants and arthropods. Mirid bugs feed effectively on a wide range of prey, such as whiteflies, lepidopteran eggs and mites. In addition, the phytophagous behavior of mirid bugs can activate defenses in the plants on which they feed. Despite the positive biological attributes, their use still presents some constraints. Their establishment and retention on the crop is not always easy and economic plant damage can be caused by some mirid species. In this review, the current strategies for using zoophytophagous mirid bugs in horticultural crops, mainly Nesidiocoris tenuis, Macrolophus pygmaeus and Dicyphus hesperus, are reviewed. We discuss six different approaches which, in our opinion, can optimize the efficacy of mirids as biocontrol agents and help expand their use into more areas worldwide. In this review we (i) highlight the large number of species and biotypes which are yet to be described and explore their applicability, (ii) present how it is possible to take advantage of the mirid‐induced plant defenses to improve pest management, (iii) argue that genetic selection of improved mirid strains is feasible, (iv) explore the use of companion plants and the use of alternative foods to improve the mirid bug management, and finally (vi) discuss strategies for the expansion of mirid bugs as biological control agents to horticultural crops other than just tomatoes. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Score and deviance residuals based on the full likelihood approach in survival analysis
Authors: Halabi Susan , Dutta Sandipan , Wu Yuan , Liu Aiyi 
Published: August 2020

SummaryAssuming the proportional hazards model and non‐informative censoring, the full likelihood approach is used to obtain two new residuals. The first residual is based on the ideas used in obtaining score‐type residuals similar to the partial likelihood approach. The second type of residual is based on the concept of deviance residuals. Extensive simulations are conducted to compare the performance of the residuals from the full likelihood‐based approach with those of the partial likelihood method. We demonstrate through simulation studies that the full likelihood‐based residuals are more efficient than their partial likelihood counterpart in identifying potential outliers when the censoring proportion is high. The graphical techniques are used to illustrate the applications of these residuals using some examples.
Evaluating thetime‐dependentpredictive accuracy forevent‐to‐timeoutcome with a cure fraction
Authors: Wang Ziwen , Wang Xiaoguang 
Published: August 2020

SummaryIn medical studies, it is often observed that a portion of subjects will never experience the event of interest and thus can be treated as cured or long‐term survivors. Many populations of early‐stage cancer patients contain both uncured and cured individuals that should be modeled using cure models. In prognostic studies, the cure status (uncure or cure) is an issue of interest for medical practitioners, and the disease status (death or alive) of an individual is not a fixed characteristic and it varies along the time. These statuses are usually predicted by a prognostic risk score. The time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve is a powerful tool to evaluate these predicting performances dynamically. In the context with a cure fraction, quantifying and estimating the predictive performances of the risk score is a challenge since the disease status and cure status are both unknown among individuals who are censored. In this paper, to assess the predictive accuracy for the survival outcome with a cure fraction, we propose a time‐dependent ROC curve semi‐parametric estimator based on the sieve maximum likelihood (ML) estimation under the mixture cure model. We also apply a Bernstein‐based smoothing method in the estimation procedure, and this estimator can lead to substantial gain in efficiency. In addition, we derive the time‐dependent area under the ROC curve (AUC) to summarize the discriminatory capacity of the risk score globally. Finally, we evaluate the finite sample performance of the proposed methods by extensive simulations and illustrate the estimation using two real data sets, one from a melanoma study and the other from stomach cancer.
Three‐level designs: Evaluation and comparison for screening purposes
Authors: Alomair Mohammed , Georgiou Stelios , Stylianou Stella 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSince their introduction by Box and Hunter, resolution criteria have been widely used when comparing regular fractional factorials designs. In this article, we investigate how a generalized resolution criterion can be used to assess some recently developed three‐level screening designs, such as definitive screening designs (DSDs) and screening designs from weighing matrices. The aim of this paper is to capture the projection properties of those three‐level screening designs, complementing the work of Deng and Tang, who used generalized resolution and minimum aberration criteria for ranking different two‐level designs, particularly Plackett‐Burman and other nonregular factorial designs. An advantage of generalized resolution, extended here to work on three‐level designs, is that it offers a useful criterion for ranking three‐level screening designs, whereas the Deng and Tang resolution is used mainly for the assessment of two‐level designs. In addition, we applied a projection estimation capacity (PEC) criterion to select three‐level screening designs with desirable properties. Practical examples and the best projections of the designs are presented in tables.
Sensing mechanism elucidation of a chemosensor based on a metal‐organic framework selective to explosive aromatic compounds
Authors: Hidalgo‐Rosa Yoan , Treto‐Suárez Manuel A. , Schott Eduardo , Zarate Ximena , Páez‐Hernández Dayán 
Published: August 2020

AbstractTheoretical elucidation of the turn‐off mechanism of the luminescence of a chemosensor based on a metal‐organic framework (MOF) [Zn2(OBA)4(BYP)2] (BYP: 4,4′‐bipyridine; H2OBA: 4,4′‐oxybis[benzoic acid]), selective to nitrobenzene (NB) via quantum chemical computations, is presented. The electronic structure and optical properties of Zn‐MOF were investigated through the combination of density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT methods. Our results indicate that the fluorescence emission is governed by a linker (BPY)‐to‐linker (OBA) charge transfer (LLCT) involving orbitals π‐type. Next, the interaction with the analyte was analyzed, where very interesting results were obtained, that is, the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital is now composed of orbitals from NB, which changes the emissive state of the Zn‐MOF. This suggests that the LLCT process is blocked, inducing the fluorescence quenching. Otherwise, the Morokuma‐Ziegler energy decomposition and natural orbitals for chemical valence on the Zn‐MOF‐NB interactions were studied in detail, which illustrate the possible channels of charge transfer between Zn‐MOF and NB. Finally, we believe that this proposed methodology can be applied to different chemosensor‐analyte systems to evidence the molecular and electronic factors that govern the sensing mechanisms.
Association of dengue disease severity and blood group: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hashan Mohammad Rashidul , Ghozy Sherief , El‐Qushayri Amr Ehab , Pial Rejwana Haque , Hossain Md Anwar , Al Kibria Gulam Muhammed 
Published: August 2020

SummaryDengue disease encompasses various clinical manifestations including dengue fever (DF) and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). In this article, we aimed to systematically review and analyze the association between different blood groups and severity of dengue. We searched nine databases for eligible papers reporting prevalence, distribution, and frequency of blood group type among dengue patients. Network meta‐analysis using R software was used to analyze the data. Of a total of 63 reports screened, we included 10 studies with total sample size 1977 patients (1382 DF and 595 DHF). Blood group O was found to have the worst outcome with the highest risk of developing DF (P‐score = 0.01) followed by group B (P‐score = 0.34), group A (P‐score = 0.64), and group AB (P‐score = 1), respectively. Blood group O also had the worst outcome with highest risk of developing DHF (P‐score = 0.1) followed by group B (P‐score = 0.29), group A (P‐score = 0.61), and group AB (P‐score = 1), respectively. There was a significant increase (P‐value <.001) in the overall odds risk of dengue infection among patients with Rhesus‐positive blood groups [OR = 540.03; (95% CI = 151.48‐1925.18)]. However, there was no significant difference in the odds risk of DF when compared to DHF according to Rhesus status (P‐value = .954). This study identified the O blood group as a potential risk factor in predicting clinical severity in dengue patients which may be helpful in evaluating patients for their likely need for critical care.
A Combined Ordered Macro‐Mesoporous Architecture Design and Surface Engineering Strategy for High‐Performance Sulfur Immobilizer in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Liu Guihua , Luo Dan , Gao Rui , Hu Yongfeng , Yu Aiping , Chen Zhongwei 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe practical application of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries is hindered by the “shuttle” of lithium polysulfides (LiPS) and sluggish Li–S kinetics issues. Herein, a synergistic strategy combining mesoporous architecture design and defect engineering is proposed to synthesize multifunctional defective 3D ordered mesoporous cobalt sulfide (3DOM N‐Co9S8−x) to address the shuttling and sluggish reaction kinetics of polysulfide in Li–S batteries. The unique 3DOM design provides abundant voids for sulfur storage and enlarged active interfaces that reduce electron/ion diffusion pathways. Meanwhile, X‐ray absorption spectroscopy shows that the surface defect engineering tunes the CoS4 tetrahedra to CoS6 octahedra on Co9S8, endowing abundance of S vacancies on the Co9S8 octahedral sites. The ever‐increasing S vacancies over the course of electrochemical process further promotes the chemical trapping of LiPS and its conversion kinetics, rendering fast and durable Li–S chemistry. Benefiting from these features, the as‐developed 3DOM N‐Co9S8−x/S cathode delivers high areal capacity, superb rate capability, and excellent cyclic stability with ultralow capacity fading rate under raised sulfur loading and low electrolyte content. This design strategy promotes the development of practically viable Li–S batteries and sheds lights on the material engineering in related energy storage application.
Rapid Growth and Fusion of Protocells in Surface‐Adhered Membrane Networks
Authors: Köksal Elif S. , Liese Susanne , Xue Lin , Ryskulov Ruslan , Viitala Lauri , Carlson Andreas , Gözen Irep 
Published: August 2020

AbstractElevated temperatures might have promoted the nucleation, growth, and replication of protocells on the early Earth. Recent reports have shown evidence that moderately high temperatures not only permit protocell assembly at the origin of life, but can have actively supported it. Here, the fast nucleation and growth of vesicular compartments from autonomously formed lipid networks on solid surfaces, induced by a moderate increase in temperature, are shown. Branches of the networks, initially consisting of self‐assembled interconnected nanotubes, rapidly swell into microcompartments which can spontaneously encapsulate RNA fragments. The increase in temperature further causes fusion of adjacent network‐connected compartments, resulting in the redistribution of the RNA. The experimental observations and the mathematical model indicate that the presence of nanotubular interconnections between protocells facilitates the fusion process.
Unfolding the Influence of Metal Doping on Properties of CsPbI3 Perovskite
Authors: Kajal Sandeep , Kim Junu , Shin Yun Seop , Singh Aditya Narayan , Myung Chang Woo , Kim Jin Young , Kim Kwang S. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractLow‐temperature α‐phase stabilization using HI or zwitterions in cesium lead iodide (CsPbI3) endures the metastable phase properties but is thermally unstable. Doping with a small amount of heterovalent metals (i.e., Bi3+, Sb3+) in CsPbI3 has been assumed to stabilize the α‐phase, while here this assumption is challenged. It is demonstrated that heterovalent metal ion doping stabilizes β‐CsPbI3 at low temperatures without replacing the Pb2+ cations, while divalent cations (i.e., Ba2+, Sr2+, and Sn2+) doping stabilizes the α‐CsPbI3 by replacing the Pb2+ cations. This finding is demonstrated by both theoretical and experimental results. It is also found that the divalent cations stabilize α‐CsPbI3 films, making thermally stable at high temperatures, whereas heterovalent metal‐doping stabilizes β‐CsPbI3 films, making metastable. The doping influence on crystal grains and the chemical composition of thin films is discussed. In particular, the charge dissociation kinetics for the Sr doped thin film are much enhanced than α‐CsPbI3 and Ba doped thin films, also the initial results of the fabricated perovskite red‐light‐emmiting diode suggests that the Sr‐doped thin films would be more suitable for the device fabrication. These findings will guide a way for further development in thermally and air‐stable optoelectronic devices.
A Flexible Concentric Circle Structured Zinc‐Ion Micro‐Battery with Electrodeposited Electrodes
Authors: Li Rui , Li La , Jia Rui , Jiang Kai , Shen Guozhen , Chen Di 
Published: August 2020

AbstractHigh‐performance all‐solid‐state rechargeable batteries with highly wearable, deformable, and waterproof features have attracted considerable attention for their promising applications in next‐generation wearable electronics. Herein, a flexible all‐solid‐state in‐plane Zn‐polyaniline (PANI) micro‐battery with concentric circle structure is reported by directly electrodepositing both positive and negative electrode materials on tyrene‐isoprene styrene rubber (SIS) substrate. As‐fabricated battery delivers a high specific area capacity of 250 µAh cm−2, a high energy density (0.25 mW h cm−2) and a high power density (0.99 mW cm−2) as well as excellent cyclin stability (68% capacity retention after 1200 cycles). More importantly, the concentric circle structured micro‐battery exhibits superior mechanical flexibility, reasonable stretchability, outstanding waterproof ability, and temperature resistance up to 80 °C and excellent integratability with wireless charging coils.
Epigenetics in Esophageal Cancer: From Mechanisms to Therapeutics
Authors: Liao Long , Yao Zi‐Ting , Fang Wang‐Kai , He Qing‐Yu , Xu Wen Wen , Li Bin 
Published: August 2020

AbstractEsophageal cancer is a leading cause of cancer‐related deaths worldwide. In the past few years, the roles of epigenetics in cancer have been fully accepted. Recently, there has been an increased focus on epigenetic alterations underlying esophageal cancer carcinogenesis, with several epigenetic drug and RNA interference therapies being tested. However, the conclusion that epigenetic alterations are linked directly to an increased or decreased risk of esophageal cancer is less certain. Therefore, there is an urgent need to test novel epigenetic biomarkers for diagnostic and prognostic significance and to explore their potential as therapeutic targets. In this review, the discussion is concentrated on epigenetic alterations involving super‐enhancers, DNA methylation, histone modifications, and multiple noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), and their impact on tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Then specific instances of using epigenetic drugs, such as DNA methyltransferase and histone deacetylase inhibitors, to treat esophageal cancer are described. Recent developments in miRNA‐based therapeutic strategies, including antagomirs, lock nucleic acids, miRNA sponges, and microRNA replacement therapies, against esophageal cancer are also highlighted.
Cyclic behavior of concrete‐encased high‐strength concrete‐filled steel tube composite walls: An experiment
Authors: Zhou Jing , Fang Xiaodan , Jiang Yi 
Published: August 2020

AbstractConcrete‐encased high‐strength concrete‐filled steel tube (CFST) walls are a new type of composite shear wall embedded into high‐strength CFST columns as a boundary element and/or in the centre of a wall. To examine the cyclic behavior of the concrete‐encased CFST composite wall, ten wall specimens were designed, and tested under lateral cyclic loading. The performance parameters of each specimen, including the failure pattern, hysteresis characteristics, load‐bearing capacity, ductility, stiffness, and energy dissipation capacity were studied. The experimental results demonstrated that the concrete‐encased CFST walls have a high initial stiffness and load‐bearing capacity. The degradation of the load‐bearing capacity and stiffness is slow, the ductility of the composite wall is excellent, and the hysteresis curve of the wall is complete under cyclic loading, which indicates a good cyclic behavior. The specimens maintain a good ductility and energy dissipation capacity, even at a high axial compression ratio. The CFST columns embedded in the centre of a wall enhance the load‐bearing capacity and change the distribution and propagation direction of cracks.