bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Objectivity of the peer‐review process: Enduring myth, reality, and possible remedies
Authors: Baveye Philippe C. 
Published: July 2021

Key points
The ‘replication crisis’ in science raises serious questions about the objectivity and reliability of the peer‐review process.
Much of the literature, contributed on the topic in the past by former editors, has focused on the role of reviewers, and their possible biases.
However, experience in practice shows that editors also contribute significantly, at different levels, to the lack of objectivity of peer‐review.
Various techniques, including network analysis and machine learning, can be implemented to remedy the situation and restore the gatekeeping role of peer review.
A sea change in microbial enzymes: Heterogeneous latitudinal and depth‐related gradients in bulk water and particle‐associated enzymatic activities from 30°S to 59°N in the Pacific Ocean
Authors: Balmonte John Paul , Simon Meinhard , Giebel Helge‐Ansgar , Arnosti Carol 
Published: July 2021

AbstractHeterotrophic microbes initiate the degradation of high molecular weight organic matter using extracellular enzymes. Our understanding of differences in microbial enzymatic capabilities, especially among particle‐associated taxa and in the deep ocean, is limited by a paucity of hydrolytic enzyme activity measurements. Here, we measured the activities of a broad range of hydrolytic enzymes (glucosidases, peptidases, polysaccharide hydrolases) in epipelagic to bathypelagic bulk water (nonsize‐fractionated), and on particles (≥ 3 μm) along a 9800 km latitudinal transect from 30°S in the South Pacific to 59°N in the Bering Sea. Individual enzyme activities showed heterogeneous latitudinal and depth‐related patterns, with varying biotic and abiotic correlates. With increasing latitude and decreasing temperature, lower laminarinase activities sharply contrasted with higher leucine aminopeptidase (leu‐AMP) and chondroitin sulfate hydrolase activities in bulk water. Endopeptidases (chymotrypsins, trypsins) exhibited patchy spatial patterns, and their activities can exceed rates of the widely measured exopeptidase, leu‐AMP. Compared to bulk water, particle‐associated enzymatic profiles featured a greater relative importance of endopeptidases, as well as a broader spectrum of polysaccharide hydrolases in some locations, and latitudinal and depth‐related trends that are likely consequences of varying particle fluxes. As water depth increased, enzymatic spectra on particles and in bulk water became narrower, and diverged more from one another. These distinct latitudinal and depth‐related gradients of enzymatic activities underscore the biogeochemical consequences of emerging global patterns of microbial community structure and function, from surface to deep waters, and among particle‐associated taxa.
PEGylation of Guanidinium and Indole Bearing Poly(methacrylamide)s – Biocompatible Terpolymers for pDNA Delivery
Authors: Cokca Ceren , Hack Franz J. , Costabel Daniel , Herwig Kira , Hülsmann Juliana , Then Patrick , Heintzmann Rainer , Fischer Dagmar , Peneva Kalina 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis study describes the first example for shielding of a high performing terpolymer that consists of N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA), N‐(3‐guanidinopropyl)methacrylamide (GPMA), and N‐(2‐indolethyl)methacrylamide monomers (IEMA) by block copolymerization of a polyethylene glycol derivative – poly(nona(ethylene glycol)methyl ether methacrylate) (P(MEO9MA)) via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The molecular weight of P(MEO9MA) is varied from 3 to 40 kg mol–1 while the comonomer content of HPMA, GPMA, and IEMA is kept comparable. The influence of P(MEO9MA) block with various molecular weights is investigated over cytotoxicity, plasmid DNA (pDNA) binding, and transfection efficiency of the resulting polyplexes. Overall, the increase in molecular weight of P(MEO9MA) block demonstrates excellent biocompatibility with higher cell viability in L‐929 cells and an efficient binding to pDNA at N/P ratio of 2. The significant transfection efficiency in CHO‐K1 cells at N/P ratio 20 is obtained for block copolymers with molecular weight of P(MEO9MA) up to 10 kg mol–1. Moreover, a fluorescently labeled analogue of P(MEO9MA), bearing perylene monoimide methacrylamide (PMIM), is introduced as a comonomer in RAFT polymerization. Polyplexes consisting of labeled block copolymer with 20 kg mol–1 of P(MEO9MA) and pDNA are incubated in Hela cells and investigated through structured illumination microscopy (SIM).
The closer I am, the safer I feel: The “distance proximity effect” of COVID‐19 pandemic on individuals' risk assessment and irrational consumption
Authors: Li Shaobo (Kevin) , Zhang Zhe , Liu Yue , Ng Sharon 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe unprecedented crisis of COVID‐19 posed severe negative consequences for consumers, marketers, and society at large. By investigating the effect of individuals' distance from the COVID‐19 epicenter (i.e., the geographical area in which COVID‐19 pandemic is currently most severe) on consumers' risk perception and subsequent behaviors, this research provides novel empirical findings that can offer practical insights for marketers. While intuitively, people expect individuals closer to the COVID‐19 epicenter to generate a greater risk perception of the pandemic, empirical evidence from four studies provides consistent results for the opposite effect. We find that a closer (vs. farther) distance to the epicenter associates with lower (vs. higher) perceived risk of the pandemic, leading to less (vs. more) irrational consumption behaviors. We refer to this phenomenon as the “distance proximity effect,” which holds for both physical and psychological distances. We further demonstrated that this effect is mediated by consumers' perception of uncertainty and moderated by individuals' risk aversion tendency. The current research contributes to the literature of consumers' risk perception and irrational consumption by highlighting a novel factor of distance proximity. It also offers some timely insights into managing and intervening COVID‐19 related issues inside and outside an epicenter.
Recent advance on Co‐based materials for polysulfide catalysis toward promoted lithium‐sulfur batteries
Authors: Qiu Saisai , Liang Xinqi , Li Yu , Xia Xinhui , Chen Minghua 
Published: July 2021

AbstractLithium‐sulfur batteries (Li‐S batteries) have been regarded as one of the most promising technologies to change the status quo of lithium‐ion battery and realize large‐scale energy storage applications. Nevertheless, the process of launching Li‐S batteries from lab to market is seriously hindered by their inherent shortages (for example, shuttled lithium polysulfides (LiPSs), and sluggish redox kinetics), which greatly restrict sulfur utilization and the battery cycle life. In this regard, Co‐based materials are effective to suppress the shuttle effect through anchoring soluble LiPSs and enhancing reaction kinetics. It is of great significance for the development of advanced catalytic materials to clarify the research progress of Co‐based materials in design strategy, modification mechanism and electrochemical properties. Considering this, we conduct a comprehensive review of recent progress with Co‐based materials utilized in Li‐S batteries. Specifically, the state‐of‐the‐art principles, challenges, and build strategies of Li‐S batteries are systematically summarized. Meanwhile, the chemical and catalytic interactions between the Co‐based materials and LiPSs, as well as energy storage performance of Co‐based materials are thoroughly discussed. Finally, we prospect the future opportunities and challenges for the practical application for advanced Li‐S batteries.
Linseed oil derived terpolymer/silica nanocomposite materials for anticorrosive coatings
Authors: Alam Manawwer , Alandis Naser M. , Zafar Fahmina , Ghosal Anujit , Ahmed Mukhtar 
Published: July 2021

AbstractFormulation of sustainable resource‐based organic–inorganic hybrid protective coatings have been achieved using Linseed oil‐based silica hybrid with terpolymer (TP) as basic skeletal matrix. The fabrication of TP system was performed by using systematic one pot multi‐facile steps (diol fatty amide–linseed oil‐based polyester amide TP) synthesis route. The conversion of ester amide functional ends of TP to urethane was initiated to enhance adhesiveness, impermeability, and corrosion resistivity of the processed hybrid material. FT‐IR and NMR (1H, 13C, and 29Si) studies help in verifying the chemical structure and progress of the reaction. The formulation of smooth corrosion resistive coating was further analyzed by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscope, and electrochemical corrosion studies. The in‐situ tethering and homogeneous dispersion of inorganic moiety in nanoregime throughout the TP system further enhances the stability, wettability, and corrosion protection ability of the nanohybrid vegetable oil‐based coating under corrosive environment. High phase angle value at higher frequency end indicates the stability of the coating system. Such coating systems composed of sustainable resource with improved mechanical, thermal, and corrosion protective properties have great potential in future applications.
Direct‐MS analysis of antibody‐antigen complexes
Authors: Vimer Shay , Ben‐Nissan Gili , Marty Michael , Fleishman Sarel J. , Sharon Michal 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn recent decades, antibodies (Abs) have attracted the attention of academia and the biopharmaceutical industry due to their therapeutic properties and versatility in binding a vast spectrum of antigens. Different engineering strategies have been developed for optimizing Ab specificity, efficacy, affinity, stability and production, enabling systematic screening and analysis procedures for selecting lead candidates. This quality assessment is critical but usually demands time‐consuming and labor‐intensive purification procedures. Here, we harnessed the direct‐mass spectrometry (direct‐MS) approach, in which the analysis is carried out directly from the crude growth media, for the rapid, structural characterization of designed Abs. We demonstrate that properties such as stability, specificity and interactions with antigens can be defined, without the need for prior purification.
Spark discharges in liquid heptane in contact with silver nitrate solution: Investigation of the synthesized particles
Authors: Mohammadi Kyana , Hamdan Ahmad 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn this study, spark discharges are generated in liquid heptane that is in contact with an immiscible solution of silver nitrate. The results demonstrate that the discharges produced at 22 kV voltage amplitude and 500 ns pulse width change the color of both liquids and lead to the formation of nanoparticles. Most particles collected from heptane are nanocomposites of Ag nanoparticles (<10 nm) in the hydrocarbon network. Meanwhile, the material collected from the silver nitrate solution is Ag nanoparticles (10–150 nm of diameter). At shorter pulse width (100 ns), the discharges generate similar materials in both liquids; however, the size distribution of these materials is smaller. Finally, a scenario of particle synthesis is proposed and discussed.
Computer vision for detecting field‐evolved lepidopteran resistance to Bt maize
Authors: Dorman Seth J , Kudenov Michael W , Lytle Amanda J , Griffith Emily H , Huseth Anders S 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDResistance evolution of lepidopteran pests to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins produced in maize and cotton is a significant issue worldwide. Effective toxin stewardship requires reliable detection of field‐evolved resistance to enable the implementation of mitigation strategies. Currently, visual estimates of maize injury are used to document changing susceptibility. In this study, we evaluated an existing maize injury monitoring protocol used to estimate Bt resistance levels in Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).RESULTSWe detected high interobserver variability across multiple injury metrics, suggesting that the precision and accuracy of maize injury detection could be improved. To do this, we developed a computer vision‐based algorithm to measure H. zea injury. Algorithm estimates were more accurate and precise than a sample of human observers. Moreover, observer estimates tended to overpredict H. zea injury, which may increase the false‐positive rate, leading to prophylactic insecticide application and unnecessary regulatory action.CONCLUSIONSAutomated detection and tracking of lepidopteran resistance evolution to Bt toxins are critical for genetically engineered crop stewardship to prevent the use of additional insecticides to combat resistant pests. Advantages of this computerized screening are: (i) standardized Bt injury metrics in space and time, (ii) preservation of digital data for cross‐referencing when thresholds are reached, and (iii) the ability to increase sample sizes significantly. This technological solution represents a significant step toward improving confidence in resistance monitoring efforts among researchers, regulators and the agricultural biotechnology industry.
Terpenes from herbivore‐induced tomato plant volatiles attract Nesidiocoris tenuis (Hemiptera: Miridae), a predator of major tomato pests
Authors: Ayelo Pascal M , Yusuf Abdullahi A , Pirk Christian WW , Chailleux Anaïs , Mohamed Samira A , Deletre Emilie 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDBiological control plays a key role in reducing crop damage by Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) and Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood), which cause huge yield losses in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). The mirid predator Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter) preys heavily on these pests, with satisfying control levels in tomato greenhouses. Although N. tenuis is known to be attracted to volatiles of tomato plants infested by T. absoluta and whitefly, little is known about the specific attractive compounds and the effect of prey density on the predator response.RESULTSY‐tube olfactometer bioassays revealed that the attraction of N. tenuis to tomato volatiles was positively correlated with the density of T. absoluta infestation, unlike T. vaporariorum infestation. The predator was also attracted to volatiles of T. absoluta larval frass, but not to T. vaporariorum honeydew or T. absoluta sex pheromone. Among the herbivore‐induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) that characterised the attractive plants infested with 20 T. absoluta larvae, olfactometer bioassays revealed that N. tenuis is attracted to the monoterpenes α‐pinene, α‐phellandrene, 3‐carene, β‐phellandrene and β‐ocimene, whereas (E)‐β‐caryophyllene was found to repel the predator. In dose–response bioassays, the five‐component blend of the attractants elicited a relatively low attraction in the predator, and removal of β‐phellandrene from the blend enhanced the attraction of the predator to the resulting four‐component blend, suggesting synergism among four monoterpenes.CONCLUSIONThese findings suggest that a four‐component blend of α‐pinene, α‐phellandrene, 3‐carene and β‐ocimene could be used as a kairomone‐based lure to recruit the predator for the biological control of T. absoluta and T. vaporariorum.
Suppression of Bta11975, an α‐glucosidase, by RNA interference reduces transmission of tomato chlorosis virus by Bemisia tabaci
Authors: Lu DingYiHui , Yue Hao , Huang LiPing , Zhang DeYong , Zhang ZhanHong , Zhang Zhuo , Zhang Youjun , Li Fan , Yan Fei , Zhou XuGuo , Shi XiaoBin , Liu Yong 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDTomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) is mainly vectored by Bemisia tabaci in China, which has a worldwide distribution, and greatly reduces the yields of tomato and other vegetables. At present, control of ToCV has been focused mainly by the use of insecticides to control whitefly populations. Transcriptome sequencing showed high expression of the B. tabaci Bta11975 gene, an α‐glucosidase (AGLU) during ToCV acquisition by whitefly Mediterranean (MED) species. To investigate the role of Bta11975 gene in ToCV acquisition and transmission by B. tabaci MED, we used RNA interference (RNAi) to reduce the expression of the Bta11975 gene.RESULTSThe relative expression of the Bta11975 gene was correlated with the ToCV content in B. tabaci. The AGLU is highly expressed in primary salivary gland and gut. After the Bta11975 gene was silenced, the gene expression of B. tabaci was reduced and B. tabaci mortality was increased. Besides, ToCV acquisition by B. tabaci at 48 and 72 h AAP was reduced, and ToCV transmission was significantly reduced by 25 or 50 of B. tabaci.CONCLUSIONSThese results indicate that suppression of expression of the Bta11975 gene in B. tabaci MED by RNAi can reduce acquisition and transmission of ToCV by B. tabaci MED.
Comparison of kilometre and sub‐kilometre scale simulations of a foehn wind event over the Larsen C Ice Shelf, Antarctic Peninsula using the Met Office Unified Model (MetUM)
Authors: Orr Andrew , Kirchgaessner Amélie , King John , Phillips Tony , Gilbert Ella , Elvidge Andrew , Weeks Mark , Gadian Alan , Kuipers Munneke Peter , van den Broeke Michiel , Webster Stuart , McGrath Daniel 
Published: July 2021

AbstractA foehn event on 27 January 2011 over the Larsen C Ice Shelf (LCIS), Antarctic Peninsula and its interaction with an exisiting ground‐based cold‐air pool is simulated using the MetUM atmospheric model at kilometre and sub‐kilometre scale grid spacing. Atmospheric model simulations at kilometre grid scales are an important tool for understanding the detailed circulation and temperature structure over the LCIS, especially the occurrence of foehn‐induced surface melting, erosion of cold‐air pools, and low‐level wind jets (so‐called foehn jets). But whether there is an improvement/convergence in the model representation of these features at sub‐kilometre grid scales has yet to be established. The foehn event was simulated at grid spacings of 4, 1.5 and 0.5 km, with the results compared to automatic weather station and radiosonde measurements. The features commonly associated with foehn, such as a leeside hydraulic jump and enhanced leeside warming, were comparatively insensitive to resolution in the 4 to 0.5 km range, although the 0.5 km simulation shows a slightly sharper and larger hydraulic jump. By contrast, during the event the simulation of fine‐scale foehn jets above the cold‐air pool showed considerable dependence on grid spacing, although no evidence of convergence at higher resolution. During the foehn event, the MetUM model is characterised by a nocturnal cold bias of around 8 °C and an underestimate of the near‐surface stability of the cold‐air pool, neither of which improved with increased resolution. This finding identifies a key model limitation, at both kilometre and sub‐kilometre scales, to realistically capture the vertical mixing in the boundary layer and its impact on thermodynamics, through either daytime heating from below or the downward penetration of foehn jet winds from above. Detailed model‐resolved foehn jet dynamics thus plays a crucial role in controlling the near‐surface temperature structure over the LCIS, as well as sub‐grid turbulent mixing.
RETRACTED: Targeted Delivery of Doxorubicin in HeLa Cells Using Self‐Assembled Polymeric Nanocarriers Guided by Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Pradeepkumar Periyakaruppan , Rajan Mariappan , Almoallim Hesham S. , Alharbi Sulaiman Ali 
Published: July 2021

AbstractGreen material/solvents have been extensively investigated for biomedical applications, including drug delivery applications.In this work, the material design of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) grafted chitosan (CS) with biotin nanocarrier was synthesized from green solvents or deep eutectic solvents and evaluated for sustained anticancer drug release of doxorubicin (DOX) drug. The chemical structure and physical properties of the DESs, DES‐g‐CS‐Biotin, and DOX loaded polymeric nanocarrier were investigated via NMR, FT‐IR, and density analysis. The surface morphology and size of the polymeric nanocarrier were determinedby Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) techniques. Furthermore, the sustained release of DOX loaded polymeric nanocarrier was studied usingUV‐visible spectroscopy at the λmax value of 325 nm. The sustained release of drug discharge from the polymeric nanocarrier was evaluated under various physiological conditions.Moreover, the cell viability and cytotoxicity effects against polymeric nanocarrier and DOX loaded polymeric nanocarrier were evaluated using VERO and HeLa cell lines. In conclusion, the polymeric nanocarrier, with deep eutectic solvent enhances the bioavailability, and biocompatibility to biological system improves cancer chemotherapy treatment.
A Simple Method for Preparing Carbon‐doped CoP to Enhance Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Yuan Guojun , Bai Jianliang , Zhang Lu , Wang Xinyu , Zhu Yaqing , Wu Shuang , Ren Lili 
Published: July 2021

AbstractExploring low cost, highly active catalysts toward electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction has become a research hotspot for researchers. In this regard, the precursor of CoP was obtained by hydrothermal method, and CoP was obtained by phosphating after treatment in different atmospheres. Among them, the final sample obtained by nitrogen treatment is CoP/C. The carbon doping structure can promote electron transfer from CoP and improve the performance of the electrolytic water hydrogen evolution reaction. The results show that the HER properties of the samples with carbon‐doped structure prepared at 120 °C and 150 °C in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution are significantly better than those of the samples without such structure. Meanwhile, CoP/C‐120 has a relatively lower overpotential (286 mV at 10 mA cm−2) and good stability in 100000 s. And the reason of the high activity of this catalyst was also discussed through TEM and XPS characterization. The present study provides a promising avenue toward the design of carbon atom doped catalysts.
Current Progress in Quinazoline Derivatives as Acetylcholinesterase and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
Authors: Rehuman Nisha Abdul , Al‐Sehemi Abdullah G. , Parambi Della Grace Thomas , Rangarajan T. M. , Nicolotti Orazio , Kim Hoon , Mathew Bijo 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAmong the N‐containing heterocyclic compounds, quinazoline‐4‐(3H)‐one derivatives have been the center of attraction of medicinal and synthetic chemists due to their excellent versatility in biological activities that are witnessed by many approved drugs available in the market which contains quinazoline as main pharmacophore unit. This review mainly focuses the recent and current progresses in quinazoline derivatives as an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and monoamine oxidase (MAO)‐B inhibitors. The review has leanings towards the molecular determinants and structure‐activity relationships (SAR) of quinazoline derivatives on AChE and MAO inhibitory potencies.