bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of five C4 forage grasses in the tall Fescue Belt
Authors: Keyser Pat , Zechiel Katelynn E. , Bates Gary , Ashworth Amanda J. , Nave Renata , Rhinehart Justin , McIntosh David Weston 
Published: August 2022

AbstractAcross much of the eastern United States, tall fescue [TF; Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort.], a cool‐season (i.e., C3) perennial grass, is the primary forage for pasture systems, thereby leaving producers vulnerable to reduced summer forage production and drought. Warm‐season (i.e., C4) forages can complement existing production systems by supplementing summer forage production and drought resiliency. Therefore, our objective was to compare five, C4 forage options in a grazing trial: switchgrass (SW; Panicum virgatum L.), eastern gamagrass (EG; Tripsacum dactyloides L.), a big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman) and indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans L. Nash) blend (BBI), bermudagrass (BG; Cynodon dactylon L. Pers), and crabgrass (CG; Digitaria sanguinalis L. Scop.). Research was conducted 2014–2016 at two locations in Tennessee. Weaned beef heifers (237–242 kg initial weight) grazed 1.2‐ha pastures with three replications per species and location. Average daily gains (kg d−1) (0.62 [BBI], 0.41 [BG], 0.44 [CG], 0.42 [EG], 0.51 [SW]), grazing days (d ha−1) (412 [BBI], 459 [BG], 455 [CG], 664 [EG], 617 [SW]), and total gain (kg ha−1) (259 [BBI], 186 [BG], 200 [CG], 276 [EG], 315 [SW]) all varied among forages (P < .001). Similarly, forage nutritive values differed (P < .001) among forages: season‐long crude protein ranged from 94 (BG) to 115 (CG and EG) g kg−1, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), 601 (CG)–680 (SW) g kg−1, and acid detergent fiber (ADF) 379 (BG)–417 (EG) g kg−1. These forage options should be evaluated in the context of TF pastures to establish a broader understanding of their contribution within an overall forage system.
Multistate Circularly Polarized Luminescence Switching through Stimuli‐Induced Co‐Conformation Regulations of Pyrene‐Functionalized Topologically Chiral [2]Catenane
Authors: Wang Yu , Gong Jiacheng , Wang Xianwei , Li Wei‐Jian , Wang Xu‐Qing , He Xiao , Wang Wei , Yang Hai‐Bo 
Published: August 2022

AbstractAiming at the construction of novel circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) switches with multiple switchable emission states and high dissymmetry factors (glum), topologically chiral [2]catenanes were employed as the key platform to construct a novel multistate CPL switching system. Taking advantage of the precise co‐conformation regulations of the resultant pyrene‐functionalized [2]catenanes under different external stimuli, reversible transformations between three emission states with different CPL performances, i.e. the initial “closed” form with a |glum| value of 0.012, the “open” form with an almost complete turn‐off of CPL emission, and the “protonated” form with a boosted |glum| value of 0.022, were successfully realized. This study demonstrates the successful construction of not only the first topological chirality‐based CPL switch, but also a novel bidirectional CPL switch, thus providing a promising platform for the construction of novel chiral materials.
Human Cyclophilin B Nuclease Activity Revealed via Nucleic Acid‐Based Electrochemical Sensors
Authors: Clark Vincent , Waters Kelly , Orsburn Ben , Bumpus Namandjé N. , Kundu Nandini , Sczepanski Jonathan T. , Ray Partha , Arroyo‐Currás Netzahualcóyotl 
Published: August 2022

AbstractHuman cyclophilin B (CypB) is oversecreted by pancreatic cancer cells, making it a potential biomarker for early‐stage disease diagnosis. Our group is motivated to develop aptamer‐based assays to measure CypB levels in biofluids. However, human cyclophilins have been postulated to have collateral nuclease activity, which could impede the use of aptamers for CypB detection. To establish if CypB can hydrolyze electrode‐bound nucleic acids, we used ultrasensitive electrochemical sensors to measure CypB's hydrolytic activity. Our sensors use ssDNA and dsDNA in the biologically predominant d‐DNA form, and in the nuclease resistant l‐DNA form. Challenging such sensors with CypB and control proteins, we unequivocally demonstrate that CypB can cleave nucleic acids. To our knowledge, this is the first study to use electrochemical biosensors to reveal the hydrolytic activity of a protein that is not known to be a nuclease. Future development of CypB bioassays will require the use of nuclease‐resistant aptamer sequences.
Advances in lubricated polydimethylsiloxane surfaces for polyurethane foam molding
Authors: Guerrero‐Vaca Guillermo , Rodríguez‐Alabanda Óscar , Ibáñez‐Ibáñez Pablo Francisco , Rodríguez‐Valverde Miguel Ángel 
Published: August 2022

AbstractAdhesion problems are currently a challenge in the manufacture of molded polyurethane (PUR) foam products. Here, a novel solution has been proposed by infusing a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix with a liquid lubricant to obtain slippery liquid‐infused porous surfaces (SLIPS). These surfaces have been evaluated when PUR foam is molded on them. The level of adhesion, determined by tensile peel tests, helped to understand the relationship between adhesion phenomena, coating deformability and hysteresis contact angle. A wide variability of hydrophobicity and hardness was obtained among the tested samples. The percentage of oil infused and the way it is integrated into the coating matrix determine the coating performance. The adhesion strength has been significantly reduced thanks, on the one hand, to the lubricating layer generated from the infiltrated oil and, on the other hand, to a porous system capable of self‐healing the altered SLIPS surface after demolding. An optimal balance between the elasticity and hydrophobicity of the surface has been obtained; the best surfaces with the least adherence and the greatest durability have been identified for obtaining the foam.
Characteristic comparison of lignocellulose nanofibrils from wheat straw having different mechanical pretreatments
Authors: Yan Ming , Wu Ting , Ma Jinxia , Lu Hailong , Zhou Xiaofan 
Published: August 2022

AbstractWheat straw (WS) was considered the most abundant agricultural residue in China. Therefore, it was meaningful to explore the effective utilization of WS. Thus far, WS has been considered a potential raw material to produce lignocellulose nanofibrils (LCNFs) with the rapid development of nanotechnology. Unfortunately, the existing methods of LCNFs preparation directly from WS still faced some hurdles. Herein, screw extrusion and ball milling considered the common mechanical pretreatments were employed to directly prepare LCNFs from WS. The different impacts of screw extrusion and ball milling pretreatments on the properties of LCNFs were revealed by systematically comparing physicochemical analyses. The results showed that the crystalline and chemical structure of samples was little affected by the mechanical pretreatment. However, the mechanical pretreatment caused a change in the morphology, yield, and chemical composition of LCNFs. LCNFs prepared by screw extrusion with a high yield of 73% had the narrowest diameter distribution (0 ~ 80 nm), the most cellulose content (51.1%), and the maximum crystallinity degree (44.7%). LCNF samples all exhibited good thermal stability. This work could not only offer theoretical guidance on the preparation of LCNFs by mechanical pretreatments but also expand the high‐value application of WS in polymer composites.
Effects of acrylate monomers with different alkyl chain structure on the electro‐optical properties and microstructure of polymer dispersed liquid crystals
Authors: Yu Meina , Xu Jianjun , Wang Tianyang , Zhang Luoning , Wei Huiyun , Zou Cheng , Gao Yanzi , Yang Huai 
Published: August 2022

AbstractPolymer dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) have shown great potential in applications, such as displays and smart windows. However, the driving voltage and contrast ratio are still far from requirement. In this work, acrylate monomers with different alkyl chains were applied to prepare PDLC films. Then the electro‐optical performance and microstructure were characterized and compared. Results show that the contrast ratio can be improved by nearly 50% through adjusting the alkyl chain length. Meanwhile, the slightly increased driving voltages can be compensated by introducing branched chains. Contrarily, isomeric structure with more branched chains but short chain length would not contribute much. The chain structure can affect the phase separation process and furtherly the interaction between polymer matrix and liquid crystal droplets. Finally, an optimized PDLC film with high contrast ratio over 100 was demonstrated, which showed two distinct states: highly transparent state with transmittance over 87% at a 0.52 V μm−1 electric field and strong scattering state with transmittance less than 1% in the absence of an electric field. It is anticipated that the research can provide more design choices from material perspective and pave the way for further industrial utilizations of PDLC films.
Influence of glycidyl methacrylate grafted poly (butylene succinate) (PBS‐g‐GMA) on flame retardancy and mechanical properties of water hyacinth fiber/ammonium polyphosphate/poly (butylene succinate) composites
Authors: Suwanniroj Anothai , Suppakarn Nitinat 
Published: August 2022

AbstractIn this study, water hyacinth fiber (WHF) was used as a carbon source in combination with ammonium polyphosphate (APP) to formulate an environmentally friendly intumescent flame retardant for poly (butylene succinate) (PBS) composites. Glycidyl methacrylate grafted poly (butylene succinate) (PBS‐g‐GMA) was prepared via a reactive melt grafting reaction to serve as a compatibilizer for WHF/APP/PBS composites. Effects of incorporating APP and WHF, and PBS‐g‐GMA on mechanical properties, thermal properties and flame retardancy of PBS composites were investigated. Results showed that the addition of PBS‐g‐GMA greatly improved tensile strength, flexural strength and crystallization rate of WHF/APP/PBS composites. According to UL‐94 and limiting oxygen index (LOI) tests, the presence of 15 wt% WHF, 30 wt% APP, and 15 wt% PBS‐g‐GMA enabled the WHF/APP/15PBS‐g‐GMA/PBS composite to achieve a V‐0 rating and the maximum LOI value of 29.2%. Char residue analysis revealed that the combination of APP and WHF promoted the formation of an expanded char layer, whereas the addition of PBS‐g‐GMA induced the formation of compact, highly graphitized residues. Findings will contribute to the development of biodegradable flame‐retardant polymer composites for engineering applications.
First reported observation of an apparent reproductive bottlenose × Risso’s dolphin hybrid
Authors: van Geel Nienke , Marr Tony , Hastie Gordon , Wilson Ben 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Bottlenose dolphin photo‐identification data were compiled from western Scotland to identify individuals and ultimately investigate population size, demographic parameters, spatio‐temporal distribution, and movement patterns.
Opportunistic citizen science photographs revealed what appeared to be an adult bottlenose × Risso’s dolphin hybrid along with an apparent second‐generation hybrid or back‐cross calf. Both had atypically short rostra and the dorsal fin of the adult was noticeably taller than is normal for bottlenose dolphins.
Based on these characteristics, this case may represent a congenital rostral abnormality or the first intergeneric calf reported for this species combination, either in captivity or in the wild.
The previously reported presence of several putative hybrids and mixed‐species sightings in the area, in combination with the tall dorsal fin, provide support for the second possibility, i.e. intergeneric hybrids.
Although rare, hybridization may have disproportionate conservation consequences, with population‐level impacts in very small coastal populations of long‐lived, slow‐breeding animals.
Postcranial description of Wendiceratops pinhornensis and a taphonomic analysis of the oldest monodominant ceratopsid bonebed
Authors: Scott Sebastian H. W. , Ryan Michael J. , Evans David C. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe early centrosaurine ceratopsid, Wendiceratops pinhornensis, was discovered in Alberta, Canada in a medium density monodominant bonebed from the Oldman Formation (mid‐Campanian, ~79 Ma). The bonebed contains abundant, well‐preserved, adult‐sized and some juvenile‐sized postcranial material, allowing for the first description of a number of elements of the postcrania of this basal centrosaurine ceratopsid. The postcranial elements described are generally consistent with postcrania described for more derived centrosaurine taxa. However the rectangular‐shaped distal terminus of the ischium previously considered to be an apomorphy of Wendiceratops. is shown to also be present in Medusaceratops, and thus may be a synapomorphy of basal centrsaurines. The bonebed represents a lag deposit within a mudstone‐bearing overbank facies and contains individuals from multiple age classes. It contains over 95% ceratopsid remains, with all identifiable elements referable to Wendiceratops. The elements are completely disarticulated, but have undergone little weathering or abrasion (both Stage 0), although the ends of long bones and processes capped by cartilage in life frequently exhibit evidence of wet rot and breakage by hydrological reworking after decomposition. The taphonomy of the bonebed is consist with other monodominant centrosaurine bonebeds that have been interpreted as mass death assemblages preserving evidence of gregarious (herding) behavior. At approximately 79 million years old, the Wendiceratops bonebed is approximately two million years older than other ceratopsid bonebeds indicating that this bonebed is the oldest documented evidence of herding behavior in a ceratopsid.
Changes in immune responses, gene expression, and life table parameters of Helicoverpa armigera Hübner fed on a diet containing the saponin of tea plant, Camellia sinensis
Authors: Mirhaghparast Seyyedeh Kimia , Zibaee Arash , Hajizadeh Jalil , Ramzi Samar 
Published: August 2022

AbstractSaponins cause mortality in insects by reducing food absorption and movement in the gut, which may be used to exploit the control of insect pests. In the current study, tea seed saponin (TSS) was extracted and then added to the artificial diets of Helicoverpa armigera. Pre‐ovipositional period of the TSS‐treated individuals increased while longevity and fecundity decreased compared to control. There was a significant reduction of the treated individuals in the life table parameters of TSS‐treated Individuals including net reproduction rate (R0), intrinsic rate of population increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), and gross reproduction rate (GRR). Also, we found that saponin suppressed the immune system by reducing the total hemocyte count, immune‐related gene expression, and phenoloxidase activity. Our results demonstrated a lower expression of cecropin gene in the treated larvae with TSS while no significant differences were observed in attacin gene. Our results clearly showed that feeding of H. armigera larvae in the diet containing TSS significantly reduced demographic parameters, forced insects to obtain more time to complete one generation, and caused vulnerabilities against pathogens. These discrepancies alleviated nutrient uptake of the larvae and disrupted their feeding and growth. Hence, a proper formulation with a desirable concentration would be prepared and applied in the fields suffering H. armigera damage to monitor insecticidal efficiency of TSS.
Biomass dry matter yield of willow and Miscanthus in low‐input cropping on heavy clay soils in Ukraine
Authors: Prysiazhniuk Oleh , Maliarenko Oksana , Roik Mykola , Fuchylo Yaroslav , Lewandowski Iris , Makovskis Kristaps , Lazdina Dagnija , von Cossel Moritz 
Published: August 2022

AbstractIn Ukraine, 6.5 million hectares of agricultural land characterized by heavy clay soil could be available for sustainable bioenergy crop cultivation because they are considered marginal for food crop cultivation. This study investigated the biomass dry matter yield (DMY) of willow (Salix triandra L. and Salix viminalis L.) and Miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus Greef et Deuter) at two experimental sites with heavy clay in Ukraine. To promote plant rooting and adaptation in the first year of cultivation under low‐input conditions, tillage, moisture‐retaining agents, foliar fertilization, planting density and row spacing were varied. Willow obtained notable DMY on hard clay soils (clay >50%). The variety ‘Tora’ revealed the best DMY performance, indicated by the highest increment (4.1–4.6 m) in the first year of the second cycle. The highest biomass DMY (28.8 Mg ha−1) was obtained at a planting density of 15 000 plants ha−1 and a row spacing of 0.75 × 1.50 m. However, neither willow nor Miscanthus allow for a feasible biomass production at clay contents above 64%, because the young roots are damaged and deprived of nutrients as the soil dries out. For Miscanthus, plowing provided better soil loosening and easier sprouting of rhizomes compared with mini‐till. The application of moisture‐retaining agent Aquasorb (200 kg ha−1) supported Miscanthus plants with moisture in the first year of vegetation, but it did not maintain soil moisture in the long term. Therefore, growing willow and Miscanthus on soils with clay contents above 64% is not feasible because the soil texture and tendency to crack significantly reduce the DMY. © 2022 The Authors. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining published by Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Functional impact of androgen‐targeted therapy on patients with castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Beer Tomasz M. , Shore Neal , Morgans Alicia , Winters‐Stone Kerri , Wefel Jeffrey S. , George Daniel J. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractContextSecond‐generation androgen receptor inhibitors (ARIs) extend metastasis‐free survival, prolong overall survival, and delay symptoms when added to androgen deprivation therapy for the treatment of castration‐sensitive or castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). However, ARIs may adversely impact physical and cognitive function, thereby decreasing quality of life and prognosis.ObjectiveTo evaluate the evidence regarding the potential effects of ARIs on physical and cognitive function and to contextualize how drug‐related adverse effects may influence treatment decisions in CRPC.Evidence acquisitionWe performed a literature search using MEDLINE from January 1998 to June 2020 using terms relating to prostate cancer, androgen deprivation, and physical and cognitive function. We selected 61 publications for analysis.Evidence synthesisTreatment‐induced deterioration in physical and cognitive function may impair the independence and well‐being of patients with CRPC. Patient‐reported outcomes from clinical trials of ARIs provide quantitative evidence of their impact on these domains, which appears to vary between ARIs, reflecting the different adverse event profiles of these agents. Thus, the risk of physical or cognitive dysfunction may be managed or mitigated by appropriate selection of treatment options. Studies in patients with CRPC have assessed the cognitive effects of ARIs with validated instruments, whereas quantitative analysis of the impact on physical function has been limited.ConclusionSeveral validated instruments utilized for the assessment of physical and cognitive function in clinical studies have been adapted for clinical practice; however, consensus on the standardization of these assessments is required. Future clinical studies employing validated tools may generate data on the impact of ARIs and guide treatment decisions for patients with CRPC.Patient summaryWe review the hormonal therapies used to treat men with prostate cancer and the effects they have on physical and cognitive function. We discuss how to measure these effects and how this may assist when choosing treatment.
Prolactin as an adrenocorticotropic hormone: Prolactin signalling is a conserved key regulator of sexually dimorphic adrenal gland function in health and disease
Authors: Lalli Enzo , Figueiredo Bonald C. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractA large number of previous reports described an effect of the pituitary hormone prolactin (PRL) on steroid hormone production by the adrenal cortex. However, those studies remained anecdotal and were never converted into a conceptual and mechanistic framework, let alone being translated into clinical care. In the light of our recently published landmark study where we described PRL signalling as a pivotal regulator of the sexually dimorphic adrenal phenotype in mouse and of adrenal androgen production in humans, we present here the overarching hypothesis that PRL signalling increases the activity of Steroidogenic Factor‐1 (SF‐1/NR5A1), a transcription factor that has an essential role in adrenal gland development and function, to regulate adrenal cortex growth and hormonal production in physiological and pathological conditions. PRL can then be considered as a bona fide adrenocorticotropic hormone synergizing with ACTH in the endocrine control of adrenal cortex function.
NMR as powerful technology for noninvasively monitoring cell health and expansion during bioprocessing
Authors: Benevelli Francesca , Vella Serena , Crosta Chiara , Demetrio Elena , Fischer Christian , Pupo Marco , Baila Stefano 
Published: August 2022

AbstractOver the last decades, the success of advanced cell therapies and the increasing production volumes of vaccines, proteins, or viral vectors have raised the need of robust cell‐based manufacturing processes for ensuring product quality and satisfying good manufacturing practice requirements. The cultivation process of cells needs to be highly controlled for improved productivity, reduced variability, and optimized bioprocesses. Cell cultures can be easily monitored using different technologies, which could deliver direct or indirect assessment of the cells’ viability. Among these techniques, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful technology that permits the evaluation and the identification of key endogenous metabolites. NMR can provide information on the cell metabolic pathways, on the bioprocesses, and is also capable to quickly test for impurities. In this study, NMR was successfully used as a technology for monitoring cell viability and expansion in different supports for cell growth (including bioreactors), to predict the bioprocess output and for the early identification of key metabolites linked to cell starvation. This investigation will allow the timely control of culture conditions and favor the optimization of the bioprocesses.