bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Photo‐rechargeable batteries and supercapacitors: Critical roles of carbon‐based functional materials
Authors: Wang Liqun , Wen Lei , Tong Yueyu , Wang Sihui , Hou Xinggang , An Xiaodong , Dou Shi Xue , Liang Ji 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAs a clean and renewable energy source, solar energy is a competitive alternative to replace conventional fossil fuels. Nevertheless, its serious fluctuating nature usually leads to a poor alignment with the actual energy demand. To solve this problem, the direct solar‐to‐electrochemical energy conversion and storage have been regarded as a feasible strategy. In this context, the development of high‐performance integrated devices based on solar energy conversion parts (i.e., solar cells or photoelectrodes) and electrochemical energy storage units (i.e., rechargeable batteries or supercapacitors [SCs]) has become increasingly necessary and urgent, in which carbon and carbon‐based functional materials play a fundamental role in determining their energy conversion/storage performances. Herein, we summarize the latest progress on these integrated devices for solar electricity energy conversion and storage, with special emphasis on the critical role of carbon‐based functional materials. First, principles of integrated devices are introduced, especially roles of carbon‐based materials in these hybrid energy devices. Then, two major types of important integrated devices, including photovoltaic and photoelectrochemical‐rechargeable batteries or SCs, are discussed in detail. Finally, key challenges and opportunities in the future development are also discussed. By this review, we hope to pave an avenue toward the development of stable and efficient devices for solar energy conversion and storage.
Functionalization of poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) nanofibrous membranes with antibiofilm compounds
Authors: Geremias Thaise C. , Batistella Marcos A. , Magini Ricardo R. S. , Guelli U. de Souza Selene M. A. , Franco Cesar V. , Barbosa Luiz C. A. , Pereira Ulisses A. , Hinestroza Juan P. , Pimenta Andréa L. , Ulson de Souza Antônio A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe aim of this research was to investigate the activity of functionalized PLGA electrospun membranes in preventing Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation. PLGA nanofibres were functionalized with the additives Melaleuca alternifolia and Coffea canephora essential oils, furan‐2(5H)‐one, and a novel synthetic butyrolactam, in three concentrations (0.002%, 0.004%, and 0.008% w/v). Samples were characterized by SEM, FTIR‐ATR, and GC–MS and exposed to S. mutans cultures. Planktonic growth was determined following a 24‐ and 48‐h incubation period by spectrophotometry and the biofilm formation was evaluated by counting colony forming units. Cytotoxicity of the new biomaterials was assessed by MTS assay, through the quantification of viable placenta‐derived stem cells grown over the functionalized nanofibrous membranes. Observation of the electrospun membranes on SEM images revealed the smooth and bead‐free morphology of the nanofibres. No solvent residues were observed by FTIR‐ATR, but the GC–MS results showed that N,N‐dimethylformamide and dimethylsulfoxide were present as residues in the membranes after functionalization. Functionalization reduced bacterial attachment to membrane surfaces, with best results being obtained for M. alternifolia essential oil, furanone, and butyrolactam. Cytotoxicity results showed that furan‐2(5H)‐one‐functionalized membranes demonstrated no statistically significant difference in the cell viability compared to the control membranes.
Adherence to and determinants of guideline‐recommended biomarker testing and targeted therapy in patients with gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma: Insights from routine practice
Authors: Lau‐Min Kelsey S. , Li Yimei , Eads Jennifer R. , Wang Xiaoliang , Meropol Neal J. , Mamtani Ronac , Getz Kelly D. 
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUNDAnti human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (anti‐HER2) therapy with trastuzumab improves overall survival in patients with advanced, HER2‐positive gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA) and is now incorporated into national guidelines. However, little is known about adherence to and determinants of timely HER2 testing and trastuzumab initiation in routine practice.METHODSThe authors performed a cross‐sectional study of patients who had advanced GEA diagnosed between January 2011 and June 2019 in a nationwide electronic health record‐derived database. The annual prevalences of both timely HER2 testing (defined within 21 days after advanced diagnosis) and timely trastuzumab initiation (defined within 14 days after a positive HER2 result) were calculated. Log‐binomial regressions estimated adjusted prevalence ratios comparing timely HER2 testing and trastuzumab initiation by patient and tumor characteristics.RESULTSIn total, the cohort included 6032 patients with advanced GEA of whom 1007 were HER2‐positive. Between 2011 and 2019, timely HER2 testing increased from 22.4% to 44.5%, whereas timely trastuzumab initiation remained stable at 16.3%. No appreciable differences in timely testing or trastuzumab initiation were noted by age, sex, race, or insurance status. Compared with patients who had metastatic disease at diagnosis, patients who had early stage GEA who did not undergo surgery were less likely to receive timely HER2 testing and trastuzumab initiation (testing prevalence ratio, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.64‐0.75; treatment prevalence ratio, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.18‐0.56), as were patients with early stage disease who subsequently developed a distant recurrence (testing prevalence ratio, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.47‐0.65; treatment prevalence ratio, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.24‐1.55).CONCLUSIONSIn patients with advanced GEA, guideline‐recommended HER2 testing and anti‐HER2 therapy remain underused. Uptake may improve with universal HER2 testing regardless of stage.
Workflow scheduling using particle swarm optimization and gray wolf optimization algorithm in cloud computing
Authors: Arora Neeraj , Banyal Rohitash K. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCloud computing is one of the emerging technologies in computer science in which services are provided through the internet on‐demand. Workflow scheduling is considered to be an NP‐hard problem and has a significant issue in the cloud environment. Finding the polynomial‐time solutions for workflow scheduling problem is difficult with most of the existing algorithms designed for traditional computing platforms. Some existing meta‐heuristics algorithms proposed for workflow scheduling problem are stuck in the local optimal solution and fails to give the global optimal solution. In this article, a hybrid of particle swarm optimization and gray wolf optimization, named the PSO‐GWO algorithm, is proposed for workflow scheduling. The proposed algorithm was tested to reduce the total executing cost (TEC) and total execution time (TET) of the dependent tasks in the cloud computing environment. The proposed algorithm takes advantage of both the standard PSO and GWO algorithms and does not stick in the local optimal solution. The experiment results show that the PSO‐GWO outperformed compared with the standard PSO and GWO algorithm in TEC and TET.
Hypoxic colorectal cancer‐derived extracellular vesicles deliver microRNA‐361‐3p to facilitate cell proliferation by targeting TRAF3 via the noncanonical NF‐κB pathways
Authors: Li Jie , Yang Peng , Chen Fangyu , Tan Yuqian , Huang Changzhi , Shen Hengyang , Peng Chaofan , Feng Yifei , Sun Yueming 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundHypoxic tumour microenvironment (TME) is a key regulator in cancer progression. However, the communications between hypoxic cells and other components in TME during colorectal cancer (CRC) progression via extracellular vesicles (EVs) remain unclear.MethodsHigh‐throughput sequencing was employed to detect aberrantly expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) in hypoxic EVs. Quantitative real‐time PCR was used to confirm and screen preliminarily candidate miRNAs. The effects of EVs derived from hypoxia (<1% O2) and miR‐361‐3p on CRC growth were assessed using CCK‐8 assays, colony formation assays, EdU assays, flow cytometric assays and mouse xenograft. Then, the specific mechanisms of miR‐361‐3p were investigated by RNA immunoprecipitation, luciferase reporter assay, Western blot, chromatin immunoprecipitation, immunohistochemistry and rescue experiments.ResultsThe level of miR‐361‐3p expression was remarkably elevated in hypoxic EVs and can be transferred to CRC cells. Functional experiments exhibited that hypoxic EVs facilitated cell growth and suppressed cell apoptosis by transferring miR‐361‐3p of CRC. Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α induced the elevation of miR‐361‐3p levels in hypoxic EVs. Upregulated miR‐361‐3p in CRC inhibited cell apoptosis and facilitated cell growth by directly targeting TNF receptor‐associated factor 3, which consequently activated the noncanonical NF‐κB pathway. Moreover, the high expression of circulating exosomal miR‐361‐3p was correlated to worse prognosis of CRC patients.ConclusionsAltogether, the abnormality of exosomal miR‐361‐3p derived from hypoxia acts vital roles in the regulation of CRC growth and apoptosis and can be an emerging prognostic biomarker and a therapeutic target for CRC patients.
Projection of budgetary savings to US state Medicaid programs from reduced nursing home use due to an Alzheimer's disease treatment
Authors: Lam Jenny , Jun Hankyung , Cho Sang Kyu , Hanson Mark , Mattke Soeren 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe approval of a disease‐modifying Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatment could provide relief to US state budgets that were hit hard by the COVID‐19 pandemic, as mostly Medicare would cover treatment cost, whereas Medicaid would see savings from reduced nursing home use.MethodsWe project savings from 2021 to 2040 with a simulation model from the perspective of state Medicaid programs.ResultsAssuming a 40% and 22% relative reduction of disease progression rates with treatment, Medicaid would avoid payments of $186.2 and $93.5 billion for around 1.11 and 0.57 million nursing home patient‐years, respectively. The savings correspond to a 5.06% and 2.49%, respectively, relative reduction of Medicaid spending on nursing home care. Higher per capita savings were projected for older states, those with higher Medicaid payment rates, those with more nursing home residents covered by Medicaid, and those with a lower federal contribution.DiscussionStates stand to realize substantial savings from a potential AD treatment. A state's health system preparedness to handle the large number of patients will influence the actual magnitude of the savings and how fast they will accrue.
Phylogenetic and developmental analyses indicate complex functions of calcium‐activated potassium channels in zebrafish embryonic development
Authors: Silic Martin R. , Black Maya M , Zhang GuangJun 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundCalcium‐activated potassium channels (KCa) are a specific type of potassium channel activated by intracellular calcium concentration changes. This group of potassium channels plays fundamental roles ranging from regulating neuronal excitability to immune cell activation. Many human diseases such as schizophrenia, hypertension, epilepsy, and cancers have been linked to mutations in this group of potassium channels. Although the KCa channels have been extensively studied electrophysiologically and pharmacologically, their spatiotemporal gene expression during embryogenesis remains mostly unknown.ResultsUsing zebrafish as a model, we identified and renamed 14 KCa genes. We further performed phylogenetic and syntenic analyses on vertebrate KCa genes. Our data revealed that the number of KCa genes in zebrafish was increased, most likely due to teleost‐specific whole‐genome duplication. Moreover, we examined zebrafish KCa gene expression during early embryogenesis. The duplicated ohnologous genes show distinct and overlapped gene expression. Furthermore, we found that zebrafish KCa genes are expressed in various tissues and organs (somites, fins, olfactory regions, eye, kidney, and so on) and neuronal tissues, suggesting that they may play important roles during zebrafish embryogenesis.ConclusionsOur phylogenetic and developmental analyses shed light on the potential functions of the KCa genes during embryogenesis related to congenital diseases and human channelopathies.
Spatial familial networks to infer demographic structure of wild populations
Authors: McFarlane Samantha , Manseau Micheline , Wilson Paul J. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

In social species, reproductive success and rates of dispersal vary among individuals resulting in spatially structured populations. Network analyses of familial relationships may provide insights on how these parameters influence population‐level demographic patterns. These methods, however, have rarely been applied to genetically derived pedigree data from wild populations.

Here, we use parent–offspring relationships to construct familial networks from polygamous boreal woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in Saskatchewan, Canada, to inform recovery efforts. We collected samples from 933 individuals at 15 variable microsatellite loci along with caribou‐specific primers for sex identification. Using network measures, we assess the contribution of individual caribou to the population with several centrality measures and then determine which measures are best suited to inform on the population demographic structure. We investigate the centrality of individuals from eighteen different local areas, along with the entire population.

We found substantial differences in centrality of individuals in different local areas, that in turn contributed differently to the full network, highlighting the importance of analyzing networks at different scales. The full network revealed that boreal caribou in Saskatchewan form a complex, interconnected familial network, as the removal of edges with high betweenness did not result in distinct subgroups. Alpha, betweenness, and eccentricity centrality were the most informative measures to characterize the population demographic structure and for spatially identifying areas of highest fitness levels and family cohesion across the range. We found varied levels of dispersal, fitness, and cohesion in family groups.

Synthesis and applications: Our results demonstrate the value of different network measures in assessing genetically derived familial networks. The spatial application of the familial networks identified individuals presenting different fitness levels, short‐ and long‐distance dispersing ability across the range in support of population monitoring and recovery efforts.
A Kinetic Photometric Assay for the Quantification of the Open‐Chain Content of Aldoses
Authors: Kalaus Hubert , Reichetseder Alexander , Scheibelreiter Verena , Rudroff Florian , Stanetty Christian , Mihovilovic Marko D. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAldoses exist predominantly in the cyclic hemiacetal form, which is in equilibrium with the open‐chain aldehyde form. The small aldehyde content hampers reactivity when chemistry addresses the carbonyl moiety. This low concentration of the available aldehyde is generally difficult to ascertain. Herein, we demonstrate a new kinetic determination of the (minute) open‐chain content (OCC) of aldoses. This kinetic approach exploits the aldehyde‐selectivity of 2‐aminobenzamidoxime (ABAO), which furnishes a strongly UV‐active adduct. Simple formation curves can be measured in a photometer or plate reader for high‐throughput screening. Under pseudo‐first order kinetics, these curves correlate with a prediction model yielding the relative OCC. The OCCs of all parent aldoses (pentoses and hexoses) were determined referencing against the two tetroses with exceptionally high OCCs and were in very good agreement with literature data. Additionally, the assay was extended towards higher‐carbon sugars with unknown OCC and also applied to rationalise a lack of reactivity observed in a recent synthetic investigation.
Design and tailoring of advanced catalytic process for light alkanes upgrading
Authors: Chen Wenyao , Duan Xuezhi , Zhou Xinggui , Chen De 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe wide and huge reservation of shale gas around the world has drastically altered the global energy and chemicals market, boosting the productions of hydrocarbons and their derivatives by providing massive light alkanes at low cost. Direct conversion of alkanes into the value‐added chemicals remains energy‐intensive and requires harsh reaction conditions due to its ultrahigh CH bond strength. Hence, the quest of alternative reaction pathway for alkane conversion into target product with high yield under mild conditions for a long‐term operation emerges as the key technique of shale gas utilization. In this review, we summarize important progresses in the catalytic conversions of light alkanes with emphases on the design and preparation of novel heterogeneous catalysts, as well as the development of advanced processes in the recent 10 years. The perspectives of potential areas for future study are also provided.image
Rational design on photo(electro)catalysts for artificial nitrogen looping
Authors: Li Mengying , Liu Xiaoqing , Wang Liqun , Hou Feng , Dou Shi Xue , Liang Ji 
Published: March 2021

AbstractNitrogen, one of most important elements on the Earth, plays an essential role in shaping the modern society. The natural nitrogen looping, however, is insufficient to satisfy the high demand of the large‐scale human activities. To achieve a more sustainable and efficient utilization of nitrogen, artificial nitrogen looping by photo(electro)catalytic processes has been considered as a feasible strategy. In this context, the rational design on the high‐performance catalysts for nitrogen looping becomes increasingly important and urgent. On this basis, herein, we provide a timely review on the recent progress, achievements, and essential challenges for the artificial nitrogen looping process, mainly including photo(electro)catalytic transformations among dinitrogen, ammonia, gaseous nitrogen oxides, nitrate, and so on. Especially, the photo(electro)catalysts used in various reactions involved in nitrogen looping, including nitrogen reduction reaction, nitrogen oxidation reaction, ammonia oxidation reaction, ammonia decomposition reaction, etc., are systematically introduced. Finally, we hope that this review will help us deepen the understanding of nitrogen looping‐related photo(electro)catalysts, and further pave a way toward the sustainable development on energy and environment.image
Ethylene treatment of “Maekawa‐Jiro” persimmon affects peel characteristics and consequently, enables boil‐peeling
Authors: Murakami Satoru , Yamaguchi Kazuki , Hashimoto Nozomi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn a previous study, we reported that ethylene treatment facilitated boil‐peeling in persimmons and in several other fruits; however, the mechanism underlying the facilitating effect of ethylene was not examined in detail. Thus, in this study, we investigated the effect of ethylene treatment on the peel characteristics of persimmons, that facilitated boil‐peeling, using chemical, genomic, and histochemistry analyses. The results of the study showed that the ethylene‐related genes, DK‐ACS1 and DK‐ACO2, and the pectinase‐active gene DKPG were not expressed, even though a minor increase in ethylene generation was observed after ethylene treatment. Conversely, significant accumulation of toluidine blue O and ruthenium red dyes were observed in the sarcocarp and exocarp of the fruits, indicating an increase in the quantity of polysaccharides, including pectic substances, at the site. The results also indicate that the increased cellulase activity observed in the pericarp of the fruits may be due to the aging of the fruits, and not necessarily as a result of ethylene treatment. Furthermore, ethylene treatment increased the quantity of polysaccharides, including pectic substances, directly below the pericarp, which caused the dissolution of the site, resulting in peeling. This study provides new insights on the effect of ethylene on boil‐peeling in persimmons and provides a foundation for future research studying the effect of heat treatment in the peeling of fruits or tomato.
The chemical composition and heavy metal content of sesame oil produced by different methods: A risk assessment study
Authors: Kheirati Rounizi Somayeh , Akrami Mohajeri Fateme , Moshtaghi Broujeni Hamdollah , Pourramezani Fatemeh , Jambarsang Sara , Kiani Hossein , Khalili Sadrabad Elham 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe oil was extracted from sesame seed with two extraction methods. Traditional (Ardeh oil) and industrial method (cold pressing method: virgin and refined sesame oil) oil extraction was studied to compare the quality and heavy metal content of extracted oils. The chemical properties (fatty acid composition, peroxide, anisidine, acid values, and TOTOX) and heavy metal contents were investigated. The Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Hazard Index (HI) of heavy metal intakes were calculated. The results demonstrated that the predominant fatty acid in oil samples was oleic, linoleic, palmitic, and stearic acids. It was indicated the peroxide, anisidine, acid values, and TOTOX of oil samples were as the order of Ardeh oil > virgin sesame oil > refined sesame oil. The reduction pattern of Pb > Zn >Cu > Cd >As was reported in sesame seed. Although the oil refining had been greatly reduced the Pb of oil sample, but it had yet been much higher than the permissible levels set by Codex Alimentarius. The HQ and HI of all heavy metals were less than one, but they were higher in Ardeh oil compared to others. It is necessary to monitor the presence of heavy metal contaminants and the quality of imported sesame seeds prior to oil preparation.
Breast cancer rate after oophorectomy: A Prospective Danish Cohort Study
Authors: Koch Trine , Jørgensen Jeanette Therming , Christensen Jane , Dehlendorff Christian , Priskorn Lærke , Simonsen Mette K. , Duun‐Henriksen Anne Katrine , Andersen Zorana J. , Juul Anders , Bräuner Elvira V. , Hickey Martha 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe association between oophorectomy and risk of breast cancer in the general population is uncertain. The aim of our study was to determine the breast cancer rate in women from the general population after oophorectomy (performed before/after menopause), and whether this varies by use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), hysterectomy, body mass index (BMI) and shift work. The study included 24 409 female nurses (aged ≥45 years) participating in the Danish Nurse Cohort. Nurses were followed from cohort entry until date of breast cancer, death, emigration or end of follow‐up at 31 December 2018, whichever came first. Poisson regression with log‐transformed person‐years as the offset examined the association between oophorectomy and breast cancer (all ages and stratified by menopausal status at time of oophorectomy). The potential modifying effect of HRT use, hysterectomy, BMI and shift work on the associations was estimated. During 502 463 person‐years of follow‐up, 1975 (8.1%) nurses were diagnosed with breast cancer. Bilateral oophorectomy was associated with a reduced breast cancer rate compared to nurses with preserved ovaries, adjusted rate ratio (95% confidence interval): 0.79 (0.64; 0.99). Similar associations (magnitude and direction) were detected for unilateral oophorectomy and when stratifying according to menopausal status at time of oophorectomy, but without statistical significance. Unilateral and bilateral oophorectomy is associated with a reduced breast cancer rate in women from the general population. This association is not modified by use of HRT, hysterectomy, BMI or shift work.