bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
White clover living mulch enhances soil health vs. annual cover crops
Authors: Hill Nicholas S. , Levi Matthew , Basinger Nicholas , Thompson Aaron , Cabrera Miguel , Wallace Jason , Saikawa Eri , Avramov Alexander , Mullican Jill 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCover crops can improve soil health by increasing soil organic matter, soil porosity, permeability, and crop yield. Yet, land planted to cover crops are often limited by economic constraints. Perennial living mulch (LM) cover crops may provide better benefits to soil health because they are actively growing throughout the year and self‐regenerate without reseeding. The objective of this study was to compare the impact of a white clover (Trifolium repens L.) LM vs. annual cover crops on soil health traits. Treatments were established on a Cecil sandy loam soil in the fall of 2014 and annual cover crop treatments re‐established each fall of the following 3 yr. White clover re‐established in the LM without reseeding. Corn (Zea mays L.) was planted into the treatments in the spring of each year. Soils were sampled at the V4/V5, V12, and R5 stages of corn development and analyzed for chemical traits. Surface soil characteristics were measured after corn harvest in 2018. Soils in the LM system had lower lime buffering capacity and greater pH, base saturation, cation exchange capacity (CEC), Ca, K2O, Mg, P2O5, and total organic C concentrations than other treatments. Soil NH3 and NO3 had seasonal fluctuations associated with mineral N fertilizer and were lower in the LM treatment. After 3 yr, the soil bulk density was lower and porosity, water infiltration, and labile C were greater in surface soils from the LM treatment than in the surface soils of the other treatments. Use of a perennial LM cover crops expedited soil health regeneration compared to other treatments.
Real‐time quantitative PCR: A tool for absolute and relative quantification
Authors: Harshitha Ravikumar , Arunraj Duraipandian Rex 
Published: June 2021

AbstractReal‐time quantitative PCR is a technique used to monitor the PCR reaction in real time. RT‐qPCR is broadly classified into two types based on its purpose: absolute and relative quantification. Absolute quantification is used in a wide array of fields such as microbiology, food technology, and biotechnology to quantify the microbiological load/adulterants in a commodity/copy numbers respectively, whereas Relative quantification is used in the field of genomics and functional transcriptomics to perform gene expression analysis in biological experiments. A laboratory work that covers the basic principles involved in RT‐qPCR and data analysis using the manual as well as the software methods are incorporated. The laboratory experiment was designed to provide insights on certain important principles such as primer characteristics, PCR efficiency, and melt curve analysis. This laboratory exercise provides all the significant components of RT‐qPCR, which can be useful while performing an experiment in an undergraduate and graduate laboratory.
Evaluating the effect of secretome of human amniotic mesenchymal stromal cells on apoptosis induction and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition inhibition in LNCaP prostate cancer cells based on 2D and 3D cell culture models
Authors: Safari Fatemeh , Shakery Termeh , Sayadamin Nadiya 
Published: June 2021

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most prevalent cancer in men worldwide. Most cases of death from PCa are due to metastasis. Early stages of metastasis are mediated by epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) process through which cancer cells acquire motility and invasive characteristics. Thus, more potent and novel therapeutic strategies must be designed based on the inhibition of EMT or metastasis. Herein, we employ a co‐culture system to evaluate the anti‐EMT effects of human amniotic mesenchymal stromal cells (hAMSCs) on LNCaP PCa cells. The RNA of treated (sample) and untreated cancer cells (control) and whole‐cell lysates of related cells were prepared and analysed through quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and western blot, respectively. Based on the results, the expression of vimentin, Snail and Zeb1 in LNCaP cells decreased and the expression of E‐cadherin increased after treatment with hAMSCs. Furthermore, induction of the cellular apoptosis in LNCaP cells was detected. The anti‐cancer activity of conditioned medium from hAMSCs was shown using hanging drop technique (a 3D cell culture model). Our findings support the idea that stem cells can be considered as a novel therapeutic approach to inhibit prostate cancer cells.Significance of the studyThe anti‐tumour activity of hAMSCs on LNCaP prostate cancer cells using 2D and 3D cell culture models via induction of apoptosis, suppression of EMT process and down‐regulation of EGFR was shown. The results of the present study support this idea that hAMSCs may be a potent therapeutic tool to suppress tumour growth in LNCaP prostate cancer cells.
Design Strategies of Si/C Composite Anode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: You Shunzhang , Tan HuiTeng , Wei Licheng , Tan Wei , Chao Li Cheng 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSilicon‐based materials that have higher theoretical specific capacity than other conventional anodes, such as carbon materials, Li2TiO3 materials and Sn‐based materials, become a hot topic in research of lithium‐ion battery (LIB). However, the low conductivity and large volume expansion of silicon‐based materials hinders the commercialization of silicon‐based materials. Until recent years, these issues are alleviated by the combination of carbon‐based materials. In this review, the preparation of Si/C materials by different synthetic methods in the past decade is reviewed along with their respective advantages and disadvantages. In addition, Si/C materials formed by silicon and different carbon‐based materials is summarized, where the influences of carbons on the electrochemical performance of silicon are emphasized. Lastly, future research direction in the material design and optimization of Si/C materials is proposed to fill the current gap in the development of efficient Si/C anode for LIBs.
Development of bioreactor protocols for stem cell‐based therapies
Authors: Panchalingam Krishna , Wang Tony , Jung Sunghoon , Ahmadian Baghbaderani Behnam 
Published: June 2021

AbstractStem cell‐based therapies offer a new treatment alternative for individuals suffering from devastating disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and Huntington's disease (HD). Derivation and transplantation of stem cells or their derivatives have shown significant therapeutic outcomes in animal model studies and clinical trials. However, commercialization of stem cell‐based therapies and widespread access to these treatments are largely hampered by access to large quantities of high‐quality products generated under standardized, robust, and controlled conditions. Over the last three decades, the Pharmaceutical Production Research Facility (PPRF) of the University of Calgary, founded by the late Professor Leo A. Behie, has carried out groundbreaking research focusing on the fundamentals of bioprocessing for various stem cells including human neural precursor cells (NPCs) and mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs). These efforts led to the development of serum‐free growth media and expansion protocols for large‐scale production of therapeutically‐relevant NPCs for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Similarly, high‐performance, defined growth media and reliable, large‐scale computer‐controlled bioreactor protocols were developed for the expansion of MSCs derived from human bone marrow and other sources and the generation of a therapeutically‐relevant secretome. Important bioprocessing considerations such as the hydrodynamics of the bioreactor, mass transfer, cellular microenvironment and synergistic impact of media components were evaluated in these studies. Undoubtedly, the diverse topics of research carried out at PPRF significantly contributed to the translation of the laboratory‐based stem cell culture studies into production of clinical‐grade materials and eventually commercialization of stem cell‐based therapies through applying principles of bioengineering and bioprocessing.
Cancer incidence in the middle region of Libya: Data from the cancer epidemiology study in Misurata
Authors: Zarmouh Anas , Almalti Abdulrahman , Alzedam Ahmad , Hamad Marwa , Elmughrabi Hamad , Alnajjar Laila , Elmugassabi Mohammed , Kashbour Muataz , Elsaghayer Wesam 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundCancer incidence and cancer registries are essential for local epidemiological information. In Libya, scarce evidence exists with regard to incidence rates and distribution.AimTo estimate cancer incidence in Libya and draw trends of cancer type distribution compared to regional and worldwide data. Such incidence data are needed to inform strategic decisions on cancer facilities, training, and research in the given geographical area of Misurata, the major city in the middle region and third largest in Libya.MethodsThis is an observational, multi‐centre, city‐wide study to account for all cancer cases. All radiology (computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) and pathology reports were examined across all public and private hospitals in and around Misurata.ResultsFour hundred and thirty cancer cases were identified to have been diagnosed during 12 months (July 2019–June 2020), yielding a cancer incidence of 71.7 per 100 000 population. Breast cancer (84, 19.5%), colorectal cancer (83, 19.3%), lung cancer (33, 7.7%), and prostate cancer (21, 4.9%) had the highest prevalence.ConclusionCancer incidence established in this study stands at 71.1, much lower than the worldwide reported incidence of 201.0. Several limitations lead to missing cancer cases from the survey period, mostly related to poor documentation, non‐research friendly environment, and disorganised healthcare structure. Nevertheless, distribution by type represents a true contrast to the world cancer report. Finally, a national or regional inclusive cancer registry is essential to the flow of information that supports strategic planning and decision‐making in developing cancer care in the country.
Chemical Upcycling of Waste Poly(bisphenol A carbonate) to 1,4,2‐Dioxazol‐5‐ones and One‐Pot C−H Amidation
Authors: Jung Hyun Jin , Park Sora , Lee Hyun Sub , Shin Hyun Gyu , Yoo Yeji , Baral Ek Raj , Lee Jun Hee , Kwak Jaesung , Kim Jeung Gon 
Published: June 2021

AbstractChemical upcycling of poly(bisphenol A carbonate) (PC) was achieved in this study with hydroxamic acid nucleophiles, giving rise to synthetically valuable 1,4,2‐dioxazol‐5‐ones and bisphenol A. Using 1,5,7‐triazabicyclo[4.4.0]‐dec‐5‐ene (TBD), non‐green carbodiimidazole or phosgene carbonylation agents used in conventional dioxazolone synthesis were successfully replaced with PC, and environmentally harmful bisphenol A was simultaneously recovered. Assorted hydroxamic acids exhibited good‐to‐excellent efficiencies and green chemical features, promising broad synthetic application scope. In addition, a green aryl amide synthesis process was developed, involving one‐pot depolymerization from polycarbonate to dioxazolone followed by rhodium‐catalyzed C−H amidation, including gram‐scale examples with used compact discs.
Hypothesis: Febrile infection‐related epilepsy syndrome is a microglial NLRP3 inflammasome/IL‐1 axis‐driven autoinflammatory syndrome
Authors: Lin Wei‐Sheng , Hsu Ting‐Rong 
Published: June 2021

AbstractFIRES (febrile infection‐related epilepsy syndrome) is a protracted neuroinflammatory condition of obscure cause. It mainly afflicts school‐age children and often leads to permanent neurological sequelae. Most treatments to date have been of limited efficacy, while ketogenic diet and anti‐interleukin‐1 therapy appear beneficial for some patients. Research into this clinical entity is hampered by its rarity and complexity. Nonetheless, accumulating evidence derived from basic investigations and clinical observations converges to implicate the autoinflammatory nature of this syndrome. A closer analysis of current literature suggests that microglia and the NLRP3 inflammasome might be the pivotal cellular and molecular players in FIRES pathogenesis, respectively. Through evidence synthesis, herein we formulate the working hypothesis of overactivation of microglial NLRP3 inflammasome/interleukin‐1 axis as the driving event in FIRES by creating a proinflammatory and proconvulsive milieu. The reverberation between neuroinflammation and seizure forms a vicious cycle. The unique properties of microglia might also contribute to unopposed IL‐1 signalling and incessant sterile neuroinflammation in this context. The potential therapeutic relevance of the proposed conceptual framework is discussed.
Advancing estuarine ecological forecasts: seasonal hypoxia in Chesapeake Bay
Authors: Scavia Donald , Bertani Isabella , Testa Jeremy M. , Bever Aaron J. , Blomquist Joel D. , Friedrichs Marjorie A. M. , Linker Lewis C. , Michael Bruce D. , Murphy Rebecca R. , Shenk Gary W. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractEcological forecasts are quantitative tools that can guide ecosystem management. The coemergence of extensive environmental monitoring and quantitative frameworks allows for widespread development and continued improvement of ecological forecasting systems. We use a relatively simple estuarine hypoxia model to demonstrate advances in addressing some of the most critical challenges and opportunities of contemporary ecological forecasting, including predictive accuracy, uncertainty characterization, and management relevance. We explore the impacts of different combinations of forecast metrics, drivers, and driver time windows on predictive performance. We also incorporate multiple sets of state‐variable observations from different sources and separately quantify model prediction error and measurement uncertainty through a flexible Bayesian hierarchical framework. Results illustrate the benefits of (1) adopting forecast metrics and drivers that strike an optimal balance between predictability and relevance to management, (2) incorporating multiple data sources in the calibration data set to separate and propagate different sources of uncertainty, and (3) using the model in scenario mode to probabilistically evaluate the effects of alternative management decisions on future ecosystem state. In the Chesapeake Bay, the subject of this case study, we find that average summer or total annual hypoxia metrics are more predictable than monthly metrics and that measurement error represents an important source of uncertainty. Application of the model in scenario mode suggests that absent watershed management actions over the past decades, long‐term average hypoxia would have increased by 7% compared to 1985. Conversely, the model projects that if management goals currently in place to restore the Bay are met, long‐term average hypoxia would eventually decrease by 32% with respect to the mid‐1980s.
EST‐SSR‐based landscape genetics ofPseudotaxus chienii, a tertiary relict conifer endemic to China
Authors: Li Shufeng , Wang Zhen , Su Yingjuan , Wang Ting 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPseudotaxus chienii, belonging to the monotypic genusPseudotaxus(Taxaceae), is a relict conifer endemic to China. Its populations are usually small and patchily distributed, having a low capacity of natural regeneration. To gain a clearer understanding of how landscape variables affect the local adaptation ofP.chienii, we applied EST‐SSR markers in conjunction with landscape genetics methods: (a) to examine the population genetic pattern and spatial genetic structure; (b) to perform genome scan and selection scan to identify outlier loci and the associated landscape variables; and (c) to model the ecological niche under climate change. As a result,P.chieniiwas found to have a moderate level of genetic variation and a high level of genetic differentiation. Its populations displayed a significant positive relationship between the genetic and geographical distance (i.e., “isolation by distance” pattern) and a strong fine‐scale spatial genetic structure within 2 km. A putatively adaptive locus EMS6 (functionally annotated to cellulose synthase A catalytic subunit 7) was identified, which was found significantly associated with soil Cu, K, and Pb content and the combined effects of temperature and precipitation. Moreover,P.chieniiwas predicted to experience significant range contractions in future climate change scenarios. Our results highlight the potential of specific soil metal content and climate variables as the driving force of adaptive genetic differentiation inP.chienii. The data would also be useful to develop a conservation action plan forP.chienii.
Recent advances in hierarchical anode designs of TiO2‐B nanostructures for lithium‐ion batteries
Authors: Pham Tuyet Nhung , Bui Vu Khac Hoang , Lee Young‐Chul 
Published: June 2021

SummaryThe state‐of‐the‐art development progress of the fabrication, design, modification, and applications of TiO2‐B‐based hierarchical nanostructures with a well‐controlled size and morphology in lithium‐ion battery (LIB) applications has been summarized and discussed. Based on studying on lithiation/delithiation on mechanisms of a typical metal oxide nanomaterials, along with doping with foreign atoms (metal or non‐metal), using electronically conductive additives (graphene/graphene derivatives), as well as designing and using hierarchical anode‐material nanostructures (hybrids/composites) containing two or more constituents in LIB applications, these strategies have provided many great opportunities to take maximum advantage of both the high capacity and rate capacity while avoiding significant capacity loss after charge/discharge cycling. In this review, the advances in TiO2‐B‐based anode structures at the nanoscale for LIBs have been discussed in two major sections, including (a) hierarchical heterostructures based on TiO2‐B and metal, non‐metal, transition metal oxides (TMOs), and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs); and (b) hybrid designs/nanocomposites between TiO2‐B and graphene/graphene derivatives. The in‐depth understanding of structure‐property relationships as well as detailed suggestions on the mechanism, reason, and origin of the excellent enhancement in electrochemical performance in the above strategies, has been presented and highlighted.
Serial step sections at narrow intervals with immunohistochemistry are required for accurate histological assessment of sentinel lymph node biopsy in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: King Claire , Elsherif Nusaybah , Kirwan Ruaidhrí , Schilling Clare , Hall Gillian , Morgan Peter , Collins Lisette , Sandison Ann , Odell Edward , Thavaraj Selvam 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundSentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is an accurate staging modality in early oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), but its accuracy relies on labor‐intensive histopathology protocols. We sought to determine whether serial step sections with immunohistochemistry (SSSIHC) at narrow intervals of the entire SLN are required to accurately exclude metastasis.MethodsConsecutive SLN biopsies over a 13‐year period were retrospectively evaluated. If the index section was negative for carcinoma, the entire SLN was subjected to SSSIHC at 150 μm intervals. The first section level and total number of section levels to contain carcinoma were recorded.ResultsOne hundred and eighteen SLN+ from 90 patients were included. SSSIHC upstaged the nodal status in 19.5% of patients. Metastasis was identified in 16.7% and 10.2% beyond section levels 4 and 6, respectively. Among SLNs requiring SSSIHC, 47.5% contained carcinoma in a single section level.ConclusionSSSIHC of the entire SLN at 150 μm intervals are required to identify occult metastasis in OSCC.
Computational Chemistry: The Exciting Opportunities and the Boring Details
Authors: Jensen Frank 
Published: June 2021

AbstractComputational chemistry has emerged as a sub‐field in science over the last five decades, not at least due to the amazing increase in computational resources. Equally important, however, is the continuing developments of theoretical methods and in software technology. The refinement of theoretical models moves forward at a steady pace, but at times takes a radical turn in new directions. Computational chemistry methods are now integrated elements in many research fields and are routine tools for non‐experts. The plethora of different models, however, forms a bewildering jungle of choices, often resulting in practitioners defaulting to the tried and true. The present contribution contains some personal reflections on the development of computational chemistry methods over the last four decades, with special focus on the development of basis sets and density functional methods.
A molecular dynamics study of a fully zwitterionic copolymer/ionic liquid‐based electrolyte: Li+ transport mechanisms and ionic interactions
Authors: C. Lourenço Tuanan , Ebadi Mahsa , J. Panzer Matthew , Brandell Daniel , T. Costa Luciano 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe development of polymer electrolytes (PEs) is crucial for advancing safe, high‐energy density batteries, such as lithium‐metal and other beyond lithium‐ion chemistries. However, reaching the optimum balance between mechanical stiffness and ionic conductivity is not a straightforward task. Zwitterionic (ZI) gel electrolytes comprising lithium salt and ionic liquid (IL) solutions within a fully ZI polymer network can, in this context, provide useful properties. Although such materials have shown compatibility with lithium metal in batteries, several fundamental structure‐dynamic relationships regarding ionic transport and the Li+ coordination environment remain unclear. To better resolve such issues, molecular dynamics simulations were carried out for two IL‐based electrolyte systems, N‐butyl‐N‐methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([BMP][TFSI]) with 1 M LiTFSI salt and a ZI gel electrolyte containing the IL and a ZI copolymer: poly(2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine‐co‐sulfobetaine vinylimidazole), poly(MPC‐co‐SBVI). The addition of ZI polymer decreases the [TFSI]−–[Li]+ interactions and increases the IL ion diffusivities, and consequently, the overall ZI gel ionic conductivity. The structural analyses showed a large preference for lithium‐ion interactions with the polymer phosphonate groups, while the [TFSI]− anions interact directly with the sulfonate group and the [BMP]+ cations only display secondary interactions with the polymer. In contrast to previous experimental data on the same system, the simulated transference numbers showed smaller [Li]+ contributions to the overall ionic conductivities, mainly due to negatively charged lithium aggregates and the strong lithium‐ion interactions in the systems.
An improved biogeography‐based optimization approach for beam pattern optimizations of linear and circular antenna arrays
Authors: Liu Lingling , Wang Aimin , Sun Geng , Zheng Tingting , Yu Chaoyu 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAntenna array makes an increasingly valuable contribution to various fields of communications. The beam pattern synthesis is one of the significant properties of antenna array. In this article, suppressing the maximum sidelobe levels (SLLs) of different antenna arrays is our main objective. Specifically, we first formulate the beam pattern optimization problems of the linear antenna array (LAA) and circular antenna array (CAA), respectively, and propose an improved biogeography‐based optimization (IBBO) approach to tackle the issue. IBBO introduces the hybrid migration and hybrid mutation operators by adopting several improved factors to strengthen the effect of conventional biogeography‐based optimization (BBO) algorithm. Emulate experiments are built to evaluate the performance of the IBBO for dealing with the formulated antenna array beam pattern optimization problems comprehensively.