bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Review of pH‐Responsive Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Nanoparticles for RNAi‐Based Therapeutics
Authors: Wang Lu , Yan Yunfeng 
Published: June 2021

AbstractRNA interference (RNAi) shows great potential in the treatment of varying cancer and genetic disorders. The lack of safe and effective delivery methods is an ongoing challenge to realize the full potential of RNAi‐based therapeutics. pH‐responsive hybrid nanoparticle is a promising non‐virus platform for small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery with unique properties including the robust response to the acidic microenvironment and the capability of theranostic and combined therapeutics. The mechanism of RNAi and the delivery barriers for RNAi‐based therapeutics are first discussed. Then, the general patterns of pH‐response and the typical construction of hybrid nanoparticles are demonstrated. The recent advances in pH‐responsive organic–inorganic hybrid nanoparticles for siRNA delivery are highlighted, in particular, how pH‐response of ionizable groups, acid‐labile bonds, and decomposition of inorganic components affect the physicochemical properties of hybrid nanoparticles and benefit the cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking of siRNA payloads are discussed. At last, the remaining problems and the prospects for pH‐responsive hybrid nanoparticles for siRNA delivery are analyzed.
Variation of Photoperiod Regime during the American Bullfrog Tadpole Stage: Influence on Growth and Metamorphosis
Authors: De León-Ramírez Jesús Josafat , García-Trejo Juan Fernando , Gutiérrez-Antonio Claudia , Feregrino-Pérez Ana Angélica , Martínez-Ramos Sergio Alonso , Chávez-Jaime Ruth 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
In culture of the American bullfrog Lithobates catesbeiana, photoperiod is a crucial factor affecting productivity success. Here, the objective was to determine the effect of three photoperiods (high light [HL] = 12 h light [L] : 12 h dark [D]; medium light [ML] = 10 h L : 14 h D; low light [LL] = 8 h L : 16 h D) with different application times on the performance of bullfrog tadpoles. Tadpoles at Gosner stage 25 were subjected to seven different treatments: the HL photoperiod for 90 d (HL90; control); ML for 45 d followed by HL for 45 d (ML45–HL45); LL for 45 d followed by HL for 45 d (LL45–HL45); ML for 60 d followed by HL for 30 d (ML60–HL30); LL for 60 d followed by HL for 30 d (LL60–HL30); LL for 30 d followed by ML and HL, each for 30 d (LL30–ML30–HL30); and ML for 30 d followed by LL and HL, each for 30 d (ML30–LL30–HL30). Response variables included growth, survival rate, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, and metamorphosis rate. Likewise, the concentrations of thyroid hormones were established as explanatory variables. The results suggested that by implementing the ML60–HL30 treatment, a higher productive performance was obtained (growth [mean ± SD] = 7,318 ± 0.01 g; survival = 89.33 ± 1.7%; metamorphosis rate = 92.7 ± 1.1%) in relation to HL90 (growth = 7,027 ± 0.02 g; survival = 81.67 ± 2.05%; metamorphosis rate = 90.4 ± 1.7%). The information allows consideration of changes in bullfrog culture, establishing management plans inherent to the exposure times of the different photoperiods in order to obtain the highest performance.
Anthelmintic-like Activity of Leucaena leucocephala Aqueous Extract Against Gyrodactylus spp. in Naturally Infected Tilapia Fingerlings
Authors: Compean-Martínez Juan , Salazar-Ulloa Martha , Chávez-Soriano Larisa , Muñoz-Córdoba German , Son-de Fernex Elke 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Aquaculture represents the fastest growing food-producing sector worldwide. However, the intensification of fish farms has led to environmental, health, and welfare challenges. The monogenean ectoparasite Gyrodactylus spp. has been considered one of the most pathogenic ectoparasites affecting fish, and no specific control strategies besides formalin baths have been established. The use of bioactive plants has been recently proposed as an alternative method to control gyrodactylid infections. Leucaena leucocephala is a tropical legume that has been found with anthelmintic activity against both internal and external parasites of cattle. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the anthelmintic-like activity of L. leucocephala aqueous extract against Gyrodactylus spp. in hybrid tilapia Oreochromis spp. fingerlings and its effect on host health through histopathological analysis. Five concentrations of L. leucocephala aqueous extract were employed (2.00, 1.00, 0.50, 0.25, and 0.125 mg/mL) to estimate the mean effective concentration (EC50). Distilled water and formalin (1:4,000) were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. The aqueous extract of L. leucocephala showed a dose-dependent behavior, with an EC50 of 0.228 mg/mL. Quercetin was identified as the main phytochemical present in the extract. Postmortem analysis of fingerlings exposed to the plant extract had no treatment-associated pathological findings, thus indicating that the use of L. leucocephala baths had no negative impact that could jeopardize the lives of treated animals. After the in vivo assessment, the aqueous extract of L. leucocephala appears to be a promising alternative to control gyrodactylid infection in tilapia.
Effects of Multiple, Low-Dose Copper Sulfate Treatments on the Marsh Rams-Horn Snail
Authors: Mischke Charles C. , Wise David J. , Griffin Matt J. , Graham Rosser T. , Tiwari Ambika , Rehman Junaid U. , Ashfaq Mohammad K. , Khan Ikhlas A. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Bolbophorus damnificus has caused epizootics in catfish aquaculture since the mid-1990s. To mitigate the losses that are associated with trematode infestations, research has focused on eradicating snails from ponds. Whole-pond treatments with 0.64–1.27 mg/L Cu have been effective in killing snails; however, Cu can be toxic to fish and may result in oxygen depletions due to its algacidal properties. Given these constraints, the potential for repeated low doses of Cu as a safe, yet effective snail treatment was investigated. Adult marsh rams-horn snails Planorbella trivolvis received four weekly doses of 0, 0.10, 0.19, 0.38, and 0.76 mg/L Cu. All of the snails died after the first treatment of 0.76 mg/L Cu. The lowest doses of 0.10 and 0.19 mg/L Cu resulted in 68% and 88% cumulative mortality, respectively. This experiment was repeated with laboratory-reared adult marsh rams-horn snails in two different laboratories, resulting in 100% mortality in the 0.38 mg/L Cu treatment. A second study evaluated the effects of repeated Cu doses on egg and juvenile snail survival. Two weekly doses of 0.19 mg/L Cu were enough to kill embryos, and all of the doses ≥0.05 mg/L Cu prevented the snails from hatching. In a pond trial, 0.51 mg/L Cu killed 100% of the adult snails after two doses. The lowest dose of 0.13 mg/L Cu killed 60% of the snails after three doses. Repeated weekly doses &lt;0.38 mg/L Cu may reduce adult snail populations, prevent eggs from hatching, and be safer for fish than a single dose of 0.64–1.27 mg/L Cu. These data also suggest that weekly doses &lt;0.05 mg/L Cu may suppress marsh rams-horn snail populations by limiting hatching and impeding juvenile survival.
Leg Fidgeting During Prolonged Sitting Improves Postprandial Glycemic Control in People with Obesity
Authors: Pettit‐Mee Ryan J. , Ready Sean T. , Padilla Jaume , Kanaley Jill A. 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveStudies have shown that fidgeting augments metabolic demand and increases blood flow to the moving limbs, whereas prolonged sitting suppresses these factors and exacerbates postprandial glucose excursions. Therefore, the hypothesis of this study was that leg fidgeting during prolonged sitting would improve postprandial glycemic control.MethodsAdults with obesity (n = 20) participated in a randomized crossover trial in which blood glucose and insulin concentrations were measured during a 3‐hour sitting period following the ingestion of a glucose load (75 g). During sitting, participants either remained stationary or intermittently fidgeted both legs (2.5 minutes off and 2.5 minutes on). Accelerometer counts, oxygen consumption, and popliteal‐artery blood flow were also measured during the sitting period.ResultsAs expected, fidgeting increased accelerometer counts (P < 0.01), oxygen consumption (P < 0.01), and blood flow through the popliteal artery (P < 0.05). Notably, fidgeting lowered both glucose (P < 0.01) and insulin (P < 0.05) total area under the curve (AUC) and glucose incremental AUC (P < 0.05). Additionally, there was a strong negative correlation between fidgeting‐induced increases in blood flow and reduced postprandial glucose AUC within the first hour (r = −0.569, P < 0.01).ConclusionsLeg fidgeting is a simple, light‐intensity physical activity that enhances limb blood flow and can be incorporated during prolonged sitting to improve postprandial glycemic control in people with obesity.
Biomarkers for the central nervous system complications of sickle cell disease: are we there yet?
Authors: Renella Raffaele 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSickle cell disease (SCD, OMIM #603903), an autosomal recessively inherited β‐hemoglobinopathy, was the first human disorder delineated at a molecular level. The putative single nucleotide mutation in the HBB gene generates an abnormal hemoglobin species, which polymerizes in deoxygenated conditions causing irreversible changes in erythrocyte shape and function. Sickling erythrocytes are in turn responsible for microvascular vaso‐occlusion, hemolysis and a systemic vasculopathy in patients. SCD has represented an attractive field for proteomic investigation since its methodological infancy. Clinically actionable biomarkers, especially for the prevention of cerebrovascular complications in children with the condition, are urgently needed and their discovery remains a major challenge. In this issue, Lance and colleagues report of their unbiased proteomic studies on samples from the participants of the landmark prospective, randomized, single‐blind SIT trial (NEJM 2014). Their results reveal numerous brain‐enriched plasma proteins specific for SCD, and for silent cerebral infarcts in this disorder, and further analyses highlight novel cellular mechanisms behind the brain damage in SCD. Although the goal of identifying reliable biomarker candidates for cerebrovascular complications could not be met, the dataset produced by the authors constitutes a significant contribution to the field and opens new horizons for further clinical and laboratory investigation.
Unveiling sugarcane defense response to Mythimna separata herbivory by a combination of transcriptome and metabolic analyses
Authors: Wang Ya‐ru , Zhang Jia‐song , Wang Ran , Hou You‐ming , Fu Hu‐aying , Xie Yuan , Gao San‐ji , Wang Jin‐da 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDSugarcane is the most important sugar crop in the world. Like other crops, sugarcane suffers from herbivorous insect attack. The oriental armyworm Mythimna separata is a devastating pest of various crops in northeast Asia and an outbreak of this pest can result in substantial yield loss for sugarcane. However, the plant defense response situation is widely acquisition in model crops, but there is little information about how sugarcane plants defend themselves against this herbivore at the molecular and biochemical levels.RESULTSWe combined transcriptome and metabolomic analysis to investigate the changes in gene expression and metabolic processes that occurred in sugarcane plants after continuous feeding by M. separata larvae for 12 and 24 h. We identified 13 662 genes and 55 metabolites that were differentially regulated in sugarcane plants fed on by M. separata. The genes involved in phytohormones, transcription factors, and kinase‐related were activated and metabolism compounds such as carbohydrate, amino acid, ferulic substances and glutathione were detected regulated in sugarcane defense response. Comparable analyses showed a close correspondence relationship among pathways of phenylalanine metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and flavonoid biosynthesis in transcript and metabolite profiles. Furthermore, a bioassay experiment was conducted to test the influence of up‐regulated metabolites on M. separata growth and found chlorogenic acid had a lethal effect.CONCLUSIONThe results of our study greatly enhanced the understanding of the sugarcane‐induced defense response mechanism against herbivore infestation at the transcriptional and metabolic levels. Also make contributions to provide clues for development of green pest control method. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Evolution of multiple target‐site resistance mechanisms in individual plants of glyphosate‐resistant Eleusine indica from China
Authors: Zhang Chun , Yu Chao‐Jie , Yu Qin , Guo Wen‐Lei , Zhang Tai‐Jie , Tian Xing‐Shan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDGlyphosate has been used for weed control in South China in various situations for four decades, and most Eleusine indica populations are suspected to have evolved resistance to glyphosate. This research investigated underling target‐site glyphosate resistance mechanisms in six field‐collected, putative glyphosate‐resistant (R) E. indica populations.RESULTSThe six R E. indica populations were confirmed to be low (1.8 to 2.6‐fold) to moderately (5.6‐ to 8.4‐fold) resistant to glyphosate relative to the susceptible (S) population. Sixty‐seven glyphosate‐surviving plants from the six R populations were used to examine target‐site resistance mechanisms. Target‐site 5‐enolpyruvylshikimate3‐phosphate synthase (EPSPS) overexpression (OE) (plus further induction by glyphosate treatment) and gene copy number variation (CNV) occurred in 94% R plants, and among them, 16% had the P106A mutation and 49% had the heterozygous double TIPS (T102I + P106S) mutation (plus P381L). In addition, a low number of R plants (6%) only had the homologous TIPS (plus P381L) mutation. The (CT)6 insertion mutation in the EPSPS 5†‐UTR always associates with EPSPS OE and CNV. Progeny plants possessing EPSPS OE/CNV (and P106A) displayed low level (up to 4.5‐fold) glyphosate resistance. In contrast, plants homozygous for the TIPS mutation displayed higher (25‐fold) resistance to glyphosate and followed by plants heterozygous for this mutation plus EPSPS OE/CNV (12‐fold).CONCLUSIONSTarget‐site glyphosate resistance in E. indica populations from South China is common with prevalence of EPSPS OE/induction/CNV conferring low level resistance. Individual plants acquiring both the TIPS mutation and EPSPS OE/CNV are favored due to evolutionary advantages. The role of (CT)6 insertion mutation in EPSPS CNV is worth further investigation. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Digital soil science and beyond
Authors: Wadoux Alexandre M. J.‐C. , McBratney Alex B. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractDigital convergence is helping us to better understand and study the soil. Fixed and mobile sensors, and wireless communication systems aided by the internet produce cheap and abundant streams of digital soil data that can readily be used for modeling and information generation. Here, we explore the ways in which digital science and technology have affected soil science. We can call this digital soil science and define it as the study of the soil aided by the tools of the digital convergence. To some degree, all of our research and teaching had been enabled, enhanced, and expanded by the digital convergence. We outline how soil science has changed using illustrations of intellectual and technical developments enabled digitally. Digital soil sensors have been widely implemented, and new tools such as cell phones and applications, or metagenomics techniques are becoming available. There are also areas in soil science for which no major obstacles in the digital technologies exist, but which have not been thoroughly investigated—for example, to devise a truly digital soil field description or for building a formal digital quantitative system of soil classification. The soil science community will need to be alert to some of the dangers brought by digital convergence such as the lack of new theory and proprietary (black‐box) soil prediction. Finally, we discuss a whole set of digital tools that will, or might, gain the stage in the immediate future and take a stab in the dark on what may lie over the horizon of digital soil science.
Web‐above‐a‐Ring (WAR) and Web‐above‐a‐Lens (WAL): Nanostructures for Highly Engineered Plasmonic‐Field Tuning and SERS Enhancement
Authors: Lee Soohyun , Lee Sungwoo , Son Jiwoong , Kim Jae‐Myoung , Lee Junghwa , Yoo Sungjae , Haddadnezhad MohammadNavid , Shin Jieun , Kim Jeongwon , Nam Jwa‐Min , Park Sungho 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSynthetic strategies of web‐above‐a‐ring (WAR) and web‐above‐a‐lens (WAL) nanostructures are reported. The WAR has a controllable gap between the nanoring core and a nanoweb with nanopores for the effective confinement of electromagnetic field in the nanogap and subsequent surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of Raman dyes inside the gap with high signal reproducibility, which are attributed to the generation of circular 3D hot zones along the rim of Pt@Au nanorings with wrapping nanoweb architecture. More specifically, Pt@Au nanorings are adopted as a plasmonic core for structural rigidity and built porous nanowebs above them through a controlled combination of galvanic exchange and the Kirkendall effect. Both nanoweb and nanolens structures are also formed on Pt@Au nanoring, which is WAL. structure. Remarkably, plasmonic hot zone, nanopores, and hot lens are formed inside a single WAL nanostructure, and these structural components are orchestrated to generate stronger SERS signals.
Design of Low Bandgap CsPb1−xSnxI2Br Perovskite Solar Cells with Excellent Phase Stability
Authors: Chen Gangshu , Li Pengwei , Xue Tangyue , Su Meng , Ma Junjie , Zhang Yiqiang , Wu Tianhao , Han Liyuan , Aldamasy Mahmoud , Li Meng , Li Zehua , Ma Jiale , Chen Shuyao , Zhao Yao , Wang Fuyi , Song Yanlin 
Published: June 2021

AbstractNovel all‐inorganic Sn‐Pb alloyed perovskites are developed aiming for low toxicity, low bandgap, and long‐term stability. Among them, CsPb1−xSnxI2Br is predicted as an ideal perovskite with favorable band gap, but previously is demonstrated unable to convert to perovskite phase by thermal annealing. In this report, a series of CsPb1−xSnxI2Br perovskites with tunable bandgaps from 1.92 to 1.38 eV are successfully prepared for the first time via low annealing temperature (60 °C). Compared to the pure CsPbI2Br, these Sn‐Pb alloyed perovskites show superior stability. Furthermore, a novel α‐phase‐stabilization mechanism of the inorganic Sn‐Pb alloyed perovskite by reconfiguring the perovskite crystallization process with chloride doping is provided. Simultaneously, a dense protection layer is formed by the coordination reaction between the surface lead dangling bonds and sulfate ion to retard the permeation of external oxygen and moisture, leading to less oxidation of Sn2+ in perovskite film. As a result, the fabricated all‐inorganic Sn‐Pb perovskite solar cells (PSCs) show a champion power conversion efficiency of 10.39% with improved phase stability and long‐term ambient stability against light, heat, and humidity. This work provides a viable strategy in fabricating high‐performance narrow‐bandgap all‐inorganic PSCs.
Grain boundaries contribute to highly efficient lithium‐ion transport in advanced LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 secondary sphere with compact structure
Authors: Liu Cheng , Xia Heyi , Wei Yinping , Ma Jiabin , Gan Lin , Kang Feiyu , He Yan‐Bing 
Published: June 2021

AbstractLiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 (NCA) secondary particles with high tap density have a great potential for high volumetric energy density lithium (Li)‐ion power battery. However, the ionic conductivity mechanism of NCA with compact structure is still a suspense, especially the function of grain boundaries. Herein, we systematically investigate the Li‐ion transport behavior in both the primitive NCA (PNCA) secondary sphere densely grown by single‐crystal primary grains and ball‐milled NCA (MNCA) nanosized particle to reveal the role of grain boundaries for Li‐ion transport. The PNCA and MNCA have comparable Li‐ion diffusion coefficients and rate performance. Moreover, the graphene nanosheet conductive additive only mildly affects the Li‐ion diffusion in PNCA cathode, while which severely blocks the Li‐ion transport in MNCA cathode. Through high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy, we clearly observe Li‐ion depletion at lower state of charge (SOC) and Li‐ion aggregation at high SOC along the grain boundaries of PNCA secondary particles during high‐rate lithiation process. The grain boundaries can construct an interconnected Li‐ion transport network for highly efficient Li‐ion transport, which contributes to excellent high‐rate performance of compact PNCA secondary particles. These findings present new strategy and deep insight in designing compact materials with excellent high‐rate performance.
Unpacking the connections between 8th graders' climate literacy and epistemic cognition
Authors: Quarderer Nathan Anderson , Fulmer Gavin W. , Hand Brian , Neal Ted A. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractOur epistemic cognition informs what scientific claims we choose to endorse over others, how we come to know in science, and our assumptions about the construction of scientific knowledge. The topic of climate change provides context for how we come to know about our surrounding environment. The development of climate literacy in young learners has received heightened attention over the last decade. What learners choose to believe about the topic of climate change presents an epistemic challenge for science educators as they help students navigate through a sea of information that often contains competing claims. The study described here examines how climate literacy and epistemic cognition interact in a group of 8th grade students in the Midwestern United States. Findings from Rasch analysis of survey responses and coding of student interviews suggests a positive relationship between learners' climate literacy and epistemic cognition, with participants tending to exhibit quasi‐reflective judgment when justifying their beliefs about the causes and effects of climate change, how scientists come to know about Earth's climate, and the level of certainty that researchers have about changes to our climate system. Implications for the development of learning environments that help shape adolescents' epistemic cognition and engage with the topic of climate change using place‐based learning and teaching materials will be discussed.