bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Harnessing the Potential of Syrphids: their Role as Bio-agents and Pollinators
Authors: Rashid Mir Samar , Yaqoob Munazah , Panda Aradhana , Fatimah Nusrat , Ayoub Liyaqat 
Published: November 2024

The agriculture sector has a major contribution to India’s overall economy. However, crop production accounts with numerous constraints because of biotic and abiotic factors. Pest damage and pollination services are two crucial factors among several others. Integrated Pest Management techniques involving the use of natural enemies are now used to combat pests which are safer to pollinators too. Pollination is important in agriculture and is a fundamental pillar of crop production. Effective pollination leads to an increase in crop and seed production along with improvement in its quality. Insect pollinators maintain a diverse range of orchard, agricultural, horticultural and forage crop production. Bees are well-known pollinators among insects but there has been concern about their decline due to the rise of globalization, changes in the geography, and application of new agriculture practices. As a result, diversiﬁcation systems for pollinators and pest control are becoming increasingly crucial. After bees, syrphids are a noteworthy category of pollinators. Adult syrphids are significant pollinators with high ﬂoral visiting rates and pollen carrying capability, while young larvae serve as natural biological control agent (predator) to lower aphid numbers in the ﬁeld. The vast majority of species are terrestrial, with only a few being aquatic or inhabiting exceptionally damp habitats. However, the larvae of various species inhabit diverse habitats where they act as predators of sucking pests (feeding upto 1200 aphids during this stage), as scavengers, as mycophagous insects and also survivors under heavily polluted water. Because of their diverse habitat, hover flies are less affected by urbanisation and modern agriculture. They are vital to humans because they have multiple beneficial roles as pollinators, biological control agents, decomposers and bioindicators. The inclusion of extra floral assets to the crop is another conservation biological control approach for encouraging an array of natural enemies encompassing predatory pollinators like hoverflies. Even so, picking of flower species is mostly dependant on visiting interests with inadequate consideration paid to the relationship among these helpful insects liking and performance as well.
Executive summary of AAPM Report Task Group 113: Guidance for the physics aspects of clinical trials
Authors: Moran Jean M. , Molineu Andrea , Kruse Jon J. , Oldham Mark , Jeraj Robert , Galvin James M. , Palta Jatinder R. , Olch Arthur J. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe charge of AAPM Task Group 113 is to provide guidance for the physics aspects of clinical trials to minimize variability in planning and dose delivery for external beam trials involving photons and electrons. Several studies have demonstrated the importance of protocol compliance on patient outcome. Minimizing variability for treatments at different centers improves the quality and efficiency of clinical trials. Attention is focused on areas where variability can be minimized through standardization of protocols and processes through all aspects of clinical trials. Recommendations are presented for clinical trial designers, physicists supporting clinical trials at their individual clinics, quality assurance centers, and manufacturers.
Safety and benefit of using a virtual bolus during treatment planning for breast cancer treated with arc therapy
Authors: Tyran Marguerite , Tallet Agnes , Resbeut Michel , Ferre Marjorie , Favrel Veronique , Fau Pierre , Moureau‐Zabotto Laurence , Darreon Julien , Gonzague Laurence , Benkemouche Ahcene , Varela‐Cagetti Leonel , Salem Naji , Farnault Bertrand , Acquaviva Marie‐Aimee , Mailleux Hugues 
Published: June 2018

AbstractPurposeThis study evaluates the benefit of a virtual bolus method for volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plan optimization to compensate breast modifications that may occur during breast treatment.MethodsTen files were replanned with VMAT giving 50 Gy to the breast and 47 Gy to the nodes within 25 fractions. The planning process used a virtual bolus for the first optimization, then the monitors units were reoptimized without bolus, after fixing the segments shapes. Structures and treatment planning were exported on a second scanner (CT) performed during treatment as a consequence to modifications in patient's anatomy. The comparative end‐point was clinical target volume's coverage. The first analysis compared the VMAT plans made using the virtual bolus method (VB‐VMAT) to the plans without using it (NoVB‐VMAT) on the first simulation CT. Then, the same analysis was performed on the second CT. Finally, the level of degradation of target volume coverage between the two CT using VB‐VMAT was compared to results using a standard technique of forward‐planned multisegment technique (Tan‐IMRT).ResultsUsing a virtual bolus for VMAT does not degrade dosimetric results on the first CT. No significant result in favor of the NoVB‐VMAT plans was noted. The VB‐VMAT method led to significant better dose distribution on a second CT with modified anatomies compared to NoVB‐VMAT. The clinical target volume's coverage by 95% (V95%) of the prescribed dose was 98.9% [96.1–99.6] on the second CT for VB‐VMAT compared to 92.6% [85.2–97.7] for NoVB‐VMAT (P = 0.0002). The degradation of the target volume coverage for VB‐VMAT is not worse than for Tan‐IMRT: the median differential of V95% between the two CT was 0.9% for VMAT and 0.7% for Tan‐IMRT (P = 1).ConclusionThis study confirms the safety and benefit of using a virtual bolus during the VMAT planning process to compensate potential breast shape modifications.
High‐dose rate intracavitary brachytherapy pretreatment dwell position verification using a transparent applicator
Authors: Otani Yuki , Sumida Iori , Nose Takayuki , Shimamoto Shigetoshi , Okubo Hirofumi , Ogawa Kazuhiko 
Published: June 2018

AbstractPurposeThe major errors in HDR brachytherapy are related to treatment distance, almost all of which are caused by incorrect applicator information. The aim of this study is to propose a quick pretreatment verification method to evaluate channel length and dwell position with a transparent applicator, which, in addition, is suitable as an education tool to assist in the understanding of the applicator structure.MethodsA transparent applicator model was fabricated using a three‐dimensional printer and transparent resin. Its aim is to be a replica of a real gynecological applicator. The pretreatment verification is performed by observing the planned dwell positions of a check cable inside a transparent applicator. A digital camera acquired images and the dwell positions of the radioactive source and check cable were evaluated by comparing them with respect to the theoretical dwell positions marked by the proper x‐ray marker. The potential effectiveness of verification using a transparent applicator was also evaluated using brachytherapy events reported in the literature.ResultsThe transparent applicator closely resembles the real applicator in shape and had an error of less than 0.2 mm. The average dwell position displacement between the radioactive source and check cable was 0.4 mm. The analysis of brachytherapy events showed that channel‐length, dwell‐position, and step‐size errors made up 50% of all events, but affected 64% of all patients.ConclusionsThe transparent applicator model enables a noninvasive, repeatable verification of the channel length and dwell positions to be performed before treatment. This verification has the potential to help prevent common errors in treatment delivery. In addition, the transparent applicator model can be used as a teaching tool to help clinicians understand the operation of the applicator, lowering the risk of events.
7 Tesla MRI of Balo's concentric sclerosis versus multiple sclerosis lesions
Authors: Behrens Janina R. , Wanner Julia , Kuchling Joseph , Ostendorf Lennard , Harms Lutz , Ruprecht Klemens , Niendorf Thoralf , Jarius Sven , Wildemann Brigitte , Gieß René M. , Scheel Michael , Bellmann‐Strobl Judith , Wuerfel Jens , Paul Friedemann , Sinnecker Tim 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundBaló's concentric sclerosis (BCS) is a rare condition characterized by concentrically layered white matter lesions. While its pathogenesis is unknown, hypoxia‐induced tissue injury and chemotactic stimuli have been proposed as potential causes of BCS lesion formation. BCS has been suggested to be a variant of multiple sclerosis (MS). Here, we aimed to elucidate similarities and differences between BCS and MS by describing lesion morphology and localization in high‐resolution 7 Tesla (7 T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.MethodsTen patients with Baló‐type lesions underwent 7 T MRI, and 10 relapsing remitting MS patients served as controls. The 7 T MR imaging protocol included 3D T1‐weighted (T1w) magnetization‐prepared rapid gradient echo, 2D high spatial resolution T2*‐weighted (T2*w) fast low‐angle shot and susceptibility‐weighted imaging.ResultsIntralesional veins were visible in the center of all but one Baló‐type lesion. Four Baló‐type lesions displayed inhomogeneous intralesional T2*w signal intensities, which are suggestive of microhemorrhages or small ectatic venules. Eight of 10 BCS patients presented with 97 additional lesions, 36 of which (37%) had a central vein. Lesions involving the cortical gray matter and the U‐fibers were not detected in BCS patients.ConclusionOur findings support the hypothesis that BCS and MS share common pathogenetic mechanisms but patients present with different lesion phenotypes.
Three‐Component Synthesis of Quinolines Based on Radical Cascade Visible‐Light Photoredox Catalysis
Authors: Choi Jun‐Ho , Park Cheol‐Min 
Published: June 2018

AbstractSynthesis of highly substituted quinolines has been developed based on three‐component radical cascade based on visible‐light photoredox catalysis. This tandem coupling reaction has been coordinated to proceed with high chemoselectivity based on the differential electronic properties of coupling partners. Subjection of electron‐rich β‐aminoacrylates with electron‐deficient halides and alkenes to the optimized conditions leads to the formation of quinolines in good yields after in situ oxidation of tetrahydroquinolines. Detailed mechanistic studies which reveal an unexpected reaction pathway is described.magnified image
Stable Zero‐Valent Nickel Nanoparticles in Glycerol: Synthesis and Applications in Selective Hydrogenations
Authors: Reina Antonio , Favier Isabelle , Pradel Christian , Gómez Montserrat 
Published: June 2018

AbstractSmall (mean diameter, ca. 1.2 nm) and well‐dispersed zero‐valent nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs) stabilized by cinchona‐based alkaloids and TPPTS (tris(3‐sulfophenyl)phosphine trisodium salt), were synthesized from the organometallic precursor [Ni(cod)2] in neat glycerol under hydrogen pressure. NiNPs were fully characterized ((HR)‐TEM, EDX, XPS, XRD, IR, magnetization), both at solid state and directly from the corresponding colloidal solutions in glycerol due to its negligible vapour pressure. NiNPs dispersed in glycerol were applied in hydrogenation reactions, in particular in semihydrogenation of alkynes to give (Z)‐alkenes under satisfactory conditions (3 bar H2, 1 mol% Ni, 100 °C), showing remarkable activity and selectivity. The catalytic phase was recycled at least ten times without loss of activity, affording in each case metal‐free organic products. Other functional groups such as nitro, nitrile and formyl groups were efficiently hydrogenated to the corresponding anilines, benzylamines and benzylalcohols respectively (77–95% yields).magnified image
Construction of Quaternary Stereocenters by Palladium‐Catalyzed Carbopalladation‐Initiated Cascade Reactions
Authors: Ping Yuanyuan , Li Yuxiu , Zhu Jieping , Kong Wangqing 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe enantioselective synthesis of molecules containing quaternary stereocenters is a field of intense research interest and development. Among the known organic transformations, carbopalladation‐initiated domino transformations constitutes a general method for the construction of compounds containing cyclic or spiro quaternary stereocenters. In this Minireview, recent achievements in palladium‐catalyzed domino Heck/C−H functionalizations and developments in enantioselective carbopalladation‐initiated domino processes are summarized.
Materials Nanoarchitectonics for Mechanical Tools in Chemical and Biological Sensing
Authors: Jackman Joshua A. , Cho Nam‐Joon , Nishikawa Michihiro , Yoshikawa Genki , Mori Taizo , Shrestha Lok Kumar , Ariga Katsuhiko 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIn this Focus Review, nanoarchitectonic approaches for mechanical‐action‐based chemical and biological sensors are briefly discussed. In particular, recent examples of piezoelectric devices, such as quartz crystal microbalances (QCM and QCM‐D) and a membrane‐type surface stress sensor (MSS), are introduced. Sensors need well‐designed nanostructured sensing materials for the sensitive and selective detection of specific targets. Nanoarchitectonic approaches for sensing materials, such as mesoporous materials, 2D materials, fullerene assemblies, supported lipid bilayers, and layer‐by‐layer assemblies, are highlighted. Based on these sensing approaches, examples of bioanalytical applications are presented for toxic gas detection, cell membrane interactions, label‐free biomolecular assays, anticancer drug evaluation, complement activation‐related multiprotein membrane attack complexes, and daily biodiagnosis, which are partially supported by data analysis, such as machine learning and principal component analysis.
Profiling of hepatic metabolizing enzymes and nuclear receptors in rats with adjuvant arthritis by targeted proteomics
Authors: Kawase Atsushi , Tateishi Shunsuke , Kazaoka Akira 
Published: June 2018

AbstractInflammatory conditions alter the expression and activity of factors influencing pharmacokinetics, such as metabolizing enzymes. The study examined alterations of hepatic protein levels of cytochrome P450 (CYP), UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) and nuclear receptors in rats with adjuvant‐induced arthritis (AA rats), an inflammatory animal model, by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry‐based targeted proteomics. The protein levels of CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP2A1, CYP2A3, CYP2C6, CYP2C12, CYP2D3, CYP2E1, CYP3A9, UGT1A1 and UGT1A2/3 in liver microsomes of AA rats were significantly lower than those in control rats. The protein levels of constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) and retinoid X receptor α (RXRα) in the cytoplasm and nucleus were also significantly decreased, to approximately 60% of the control levels. The decreased protein levels of CYP1A2, CYP2C6, CYP2D3, CYP2E1 and UGT1A1 were potentially associated with downregulation of CAR or RXRα expression in the nucleus.
Hepatocyte‐like cells generated by direct reprogramming from murine somatic cells can repopulate decellularized livers
Authors: Chen Chen , Pla‐Palacín Iris , Baptista Pedro M. , Shang Peng , Oosterhoff Loes A. , van Wolferen Monique E. , Penning Louis C. , Geijsen Niels , Spee Bart 
Published: June 2018

AbstractDirect reprogramming represents an easy technique to generate induced hepatocytes (iHeps) from somatic cells. However, current protocols are accompanied by several drawbacks as iHeps are heterogenous and lack fully mature phenotypes of primary hepatocytes. Here, we established a polycistronic expression system to induce the direct reprogramming of mouse embryonic fibroblasts towards hepatocytes. The resulting iHeps are homogenous and display key properties of primary hepatocytes, such as expression of hepatocyte markers, albumin secretion, and presence of liver transaminases. iHeps also possess the capacity to repopulate decellularized liver tissue and exhibit enhanced hepatic maturation. As such, we present a novel strategy to generate homogenous and functional iHeps for applications in tissue engineering and cell therapy.
How to engineer glucose oxidase for mediated electron transfer
Authors: Arango Gutierrez Erik , Wallraf Anne‐Maria , Balaceanu Alexandra , Bocola Marco , Davari Mehdi D. , Meier Thomas , Duefel Hartmut , Schwaneberg Ulrich 
Published: June 2018

AbstractGlucose oxidase (GOx) is of high industrial interest for glucose sensing because of its high β‐d‐glucose specificity. The efficient and specific electrochemical communication between the redox center and electrodes is crucial to ensure accurate glucose determination. The efficiency of the electron transfer rates (ETR) with GOx, together with quinone diamine based mediators, is low and differs even among mediator derivatives. To design optimized enzyme–mediator couples and to describe a mediator binding model, a joint experimental and computational study was performed based on an oxygen‐independent GOx variant V7 and two quinone diimine based electron mediators (QDM‐1 and QDM‐2), which differ in polarity and size, and ferrocenemethanol (FM). A site saturation library at position 414 was screened with all three mediators and yielded four beneficial substitutions Tyr, Met, Leu, and Val. The variants showed increased mediator activity for the more polar QDM‐2 with a simultaneously decreased activity for the less polar and smaller QDM‐1 and for FM. The variant GOx V7‐I414Y exhibited the biggest change for the quinone diimine derivatives compared with V7 (QDM‐1: 55.9 U/mg V7, 33.2 U/mg V7‐I414Y; QDM‐2: 2.7 U/mg V7, 12.9 U/mg V7‐I414Y). Theoretical ETR calculated based on the Marcus theory were in good agreement with the experimental results. Molecular docking studies revealed a preferable binding of the two QD mediators directly in the active site, 3.5 Å away from the N5 atom of the flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and in direct vicinity to position 414. In summary, position 414 in the active site was identified to modulate the electron shuttling from the FAD of the GOx to small water‐soluble mediators dependent on the polarity and size of residue 414 and on the polarity and size of the mediator. The presented mediator binding model offers a promising possibility for the design of optimized enzyme–mediator couples.
Scale‐up of the ex vivo expansion of encapsulated primary human T lymphocytes
Authors: Kaiser Patrick , Werner Melanie , Jérôme Valérie , Freitag Ruth 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA number of evolving medical therapies call for the controlled expansion of primary human T lymphocytes. After encapsulation in sodium cellulose sulfate–poly(diallyldimethyl) ammonium chloride polyelectrolyte capsules, T lymphocytes can be expanded without persisting activation. Here, the challenge of scaling up this process is addressed. Encapsulated T lymphocytes were cultured in spinner flasks as well as in several types of the bioreactor, including fixed and fluidized beds, a waved cell bag, and a standard stirred tank reactor (STR; 1‐L scale). Two proprietary T lymphocyte culture media as well as a standard RPMI‐based medium were used. As before, encapsulation coincided with the presence of only a low fraction of activated T lymphocytes (peripheral blood T cells) in the total population. Unexpectedly, growth rates were lower in well‐mixed reactors than those in cultivations under static conditions, that is, in T‐flasks. Switching the STR to low oxygen conditions (40% air saturation) improved the growth rates to the level of the static cultures and thus forms the potential basis for efficient scale‐up of T lymphocyte expansion.
Lignocellulosic biomass to biofuels and biochemicals: A comprehensive review with a focus on ethanol organosolv pretreatment technology
Authors: Zhou Ziyuan , Lei Fuhou , Li Pengfei , Jiang Jianxin 
Published: June 2018

AbstractLignocellulosic biomass is one of the potential feedstocks to produce second‐generation cellulosic ethanol and biochemicals. To enhance the enzymatic digestibility of lignocellulosic biomass for efficient enzymatic saccharification, a variety of pretreatment methods have been studied. Among these, organosolv pretreatment using ethanol is a promising pretreatment method owing to its inherent advantages, such as low solvent cost, lack of toxicity, the ability to retain most cellulose fraction in substrates for enzymatic hydrolysis, coproduction of high‐purity lignin and hemicellulosic sugars, easy solvent recovery, and reuse. In this review, the research progress regarding different types of ethanol organosolv pretreatment processes has been summarized in terms of methods, substrate properties, reaction mechanisms, delignification kinetic as well as the impact of pretreatment methods on the enzymatic digestibility. Attempts are also made to provide insights into the complete utilization of lignocellulosic biomass to achieve high potential revenues. Though some ethanol organosolv processes have been studied or are being developed towards commercialization, ethanol organosolv pretreatment is still facing some challenges. Finally, the direction for future work is given to develop a proper ethanol organosolv pretreatment for commercialization.
A novel technique for lead sparing tricuspid valve replacement in the case of a transvenous ICD lead
Authors: Paech Christian , Wagner Franziska , Karthe Bianca , Bakthiary Farhad , Gebauer Roman Antonin 
Published: June 2018

Key Clinical MessageTricuspid valve (TV) surgery represents a complex consideration regarding lead management in patients with a transvenous ICD. The presented case shows favorable short‐term results after lead sparing TV replacement, leaving an ICD lead in a paravalvular position. The described technique can be used in challenging cases of TV replacement.
Transition Metal Carbide Complex Architectures for Energy‐Related Applications
Authors: Meng Tao , Cao Minhua 
Published: June 2018

AbstractTransition metal carbides (TMCs), as a family of special interstitial alloys, exhibit novel intrinsic characteristics such as high melting point, high electronic conductivity, excellent mechanical and chemical stability, and good corrosion resistance, and hence have attracted ever‐growing attention as promising electrode materials for energy‐related applications. In this regard, we give a comprehensive overview of the structural design of transition metal carbide complex architectures and their structure advantages for energy‐related applications. After a brief classification, we summarize in detail recent progress in controllable design and synthesis of TMCs with complex nanostructures (e.g., zero‐, one‐, two‐, and three‐dimensional, and self‐supported electrodes) for electrochemical energy storage and conversion applications including metal‐ion batteries, supercapacitors, rechargeable metal‐air batteries, fuel cells, and water splitting. Finally, we end this review with some potential challenges and research prospects of TMCs as electrode materials for energy‐related applications.