bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization and characterization of rice–pigeon pea flour blend using extrusion cooking process
Authors: Banki Ndaliman Mohammed , Salihu Aliyu , Muhammad Aliyu , Bala Shuaibu Mallam
Published: January 2021

This study was carried out to formulate rice and pigeon pea flour blend with the aim of providing nutrient‐enriched and inexpensive food for developing countries where the raw materials are found in abundance. Three factors (screw speed, feed moisture content and feed blend composition) affecting the extrusion cooking process were subjected to face‐centred central composite design (FCCCD), and physical properties were used as the response. Analysis of variance showed that the developed quadratic model was significant with coefficient of determinations (R2) of 0.96 for expansion index, 0.93 for bulk density and 0.88 for water absorption index. Validation experiments were carried out where four rice–pigeon pea flour blends were subjected to physical, mineral and amino acid analyses. Formulation 3 set at screw speed, feed moisture content and feed blend composition of 220 rpm, 30% and 25%, respectively, led to maximum expansion index of 9.98 ± 0.15, bulk density of 0.12 ± 0.01 g/mL and water absorption index of 6.41 ± 0.07. There was significant (p < 0.05) increase in essential amino acids in all the developed rice–pigeon pea flour blends, and Formulation 3 was found to be two‐ and fivefold higher in terms of methionine and lysine contents, respectively, than the control (extruded rice). Similarly, calcium (3.41 ± 0.07 mg/100 g), iron (12.64 ± 0.03 mg/100 g) and zinc (9.33 ± 0.02 g/100 g) contents in Formulation 3 were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the values of 1.19 ± 0.13, 5.89 ± 0.10 and 2.67 ± 0.05 mg/100 g recorded, respectively, for the extruded rice (control). In conclusion, the extruded rice–pigeon pea flour blend showed better physical properties and nutritional quality than the extruded rice.
The effectiveness of role autonomy in influencing job pursuit intentions of customer‐oriented frontline job seekers
Authors: O'Brien Sharon , O'Toole Thomas
Published: January 2021

Attracting customer‐oriented frontline employee (FLE) job seekers is important for many service organisations, particularly in competitive environments. It is widely accepted that FLEs' customer‐focused behaviours are instrumental in organisational success. Numerous studies demonstrate that autonomy plays an important role in supporting FLEs' self‐efficacy and in helping to reduce stress attributed to job demands. While autonomy is recognised as a key resource for FLEs, its influence over job pursuit intentions of tertiary‐educated FLE job seekers has received little empirical attention. Based on a sample of 120 undergraduates in their final year and postgraduate students in an Irish university we address this question and the possible impact of perceived job complexity on job pursuit intentions of this particular cohort. In addition, we investigate whether the individual difference characteristic of customer orientation (CO) affects the extent to which autonomy influences job pursuit intentions. Results support the importance of autonomy however, the findings suggest that autonomy's effect on job pursuit intentions is influenced by job seekers' individual CO. The results indicate that autonomy has a stronger effect on job pursuit intentions of FLE job seekers (educated to undergraduate level and beyond) with high versus low CO.
Stochastic Modeling of Poly(acrylate) Distributions Obtained by Radical Polymerization under High‐Temperature Semi‐Batch Starved‐Feed Conditions: Investigation of Model Predictions versus Experimental Data
Authors: Nasresfahani Amin , Heidarzadeh Nina , Bygott Elizabeth G. , Hutchinson Robin A.
Published: January 2021

Secondary reactions significantly affect acrylate polymerization rates as well as the architecture of polymer produced by high‐temperature solution radical polymerization. This impact is amplified under the semi‐batch starved‐feed policy used to keep monomer concentration low. Thus, the importance of intramolecular chain transfer (backbiting) is significantly increased, generating a tertiary radical center capable of termination, propagation, and scission. In this investigation, a comprehensive stochastic model is formulated to represent results from an experimental study designed to increase the fraction of reactive terminal double bonds (TDB) in the poly(butyl acrylate) product. Model predictions generated using three sets of literature kinetic parameters for backbiting and scission are compared. While each provides reasonable predictions of some reaction characteristics (e.g., free monomer levels, polymer molecular weights, polymer TDB content), none provide an adequate representation of all aspects of the polymerization. It is concluded that other reaction pathways might be needed to represent the system under semi‐batch conditions, thus explaining the discrepancies seen among the current parameter estimates.
Genotype–Phenotype Relations for Isolated Dystonia Genes: MDSGene Systematic Review
Authors: Lange Lara M. , Junker Johanna , Loens Sebastian , Baumann Hauke , Olschewski Luisa , Schaake Susen , Madoev Harutyun , Petkovic Sonja , Kuhnke Neele , Kasten Meike , Westenberger Ana , Domingo Aloysius , Marras Connie , König Inke R. , Camargos Sarah , Ozelius Laurie J. , Klein Christine , Lohmann Katja
Published: January 2021

This comprehensive MDSGene review is devoted to 7 genes — TOR1A, THAP1, GNAL, ANO3, PRKRA, KMT2B, and HPCA — mutations in which may cause isolated dystonia. It followed MDSGene's standardized data extraction protocol and screened a total of ~1200 citations. Phenotypic and genotypic data on ~1200 patients with 254 different mutations were curated and analyzed. There were differences regarding age at onset, site of onset, and distribution of symptoms across mutation carriers in all 7 genes. Although carriers of TOR1A, THAP1, PRKRA, KMT2B, or HPCA mutations mostly showed childhood and adolescent onset, patients with GNAL and ANO3 mutations often developed first symptoms in adulthood. GNAL and KMT2B mutation carriers frequently have 1 predominant site of onset, that is, the neck (GNAL) or the lower limbs (KMT2B), whereas site of onset in DYT‐TOR1A, DYT‐THAP1, DYT‐ANO3, DYT‐PRKRA, and DYT‐HPCA was broader. However, in most DYT‐THAP1 and DYT‐ANO3 patients, dystonia first manifested in the upper half of the body (upper limb, neck, and craniofacial/laryngeal), whereas onset in DYT‐TOR1A, DYT‐PRKRA and DYT‐HPCA was frequently observed in an extremity, including both upper and lower ones. For ANO3, a segmental/multifocal distribution was typical, whereas TOR1A, PRKRA, KMT2B, and HPCA mutation carriers commonly developed generalized dystonia. THAP1 mutation carriers presented with focal, segmental/multifocal, or generalized dystonia in almost equal proportions. GNAL mutation carriers rarely showed generalization. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge of hereditary isolated dystonia. The data are also available in an online database (http://www.mdsgene.org), which additionally offers descriptive summary statistics. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Oxidized Pork Induces Disorders of Glucose Metabolism in Mice
Authors: Ge Yueting , Li Bowen , Yang Yuhui , Feng Chuanxing , Tang Xue , Shi Yonghui , Le Guowei , Sun Jin
Published: January 2021

Scope

Consumption of red meat, particularly processed red meat, has been reported to be associated with type 2 diabetes risk, and oxidized proteins and amino acids may be involved in this process. This study explores the effects of pork with varying degrees of oxidative injury caused by cooking on glucose metabolism in mice.

Methods and results

Cooked pork is freeze‐dried to prepare animal feed. Mice are fed either a control diet (CON), a low‐ (LOP), or a high‐oxidative injury pork diet (HOP) for 12 weeks. Intake of HOP causes hyperglycemia, hypoinsulinemia, and impaired glucose tolerance, indicating a glucose metabolism disorder. Accumulation of oxidation products increases oxidative stress and inflammatory response, which impairs pancreatic islet β cells function and reduces insulin secretion. Moreover, HOP‐mediated hyperglycemia can be partly attributed to elevated hepatic glucose output, as indicated by increased gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis, and decreased glycolysis and glycogen content. Changes in these processes may be regulated by reduced insulin levels and suppression of the insulin receptor substrate‐1 (IRS‐1)/phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway and its downstream signaling molecules.

Conclusion

HOP intake induces disorders of glucose metabolism by impairing pancreatic insulin secretion and increasing hepatic glucose output. Protein oxidation plays a key role in abnormal glucose metabolism induced by HOP.
Clinical target volume segmentation for stomach cancer by stochastic width deep neural network
Authors: Xu Lei , Hu Junjie , Song Ying , Bai Sen , Yi Zhang
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Precise segmentation of clinical target volume (CTV) is the key to stomach cancer radiotherapy. We proposed a novel stochastic width‐deep neural network (SW‐DNN) for better automatically contouring stomach CTV.

Methods

Stochastic width‐deep neural network was an end‐to‐end approach, of which the core component was a novel SW mechanism that employed shortcut connections between the encoder and decoder in a random manner, and thus the width of the SW‐DNN was stochastically adjustable to obtain improved segmentation results. In total, 150 stomach cancer patient computed tomography (CT) cases with the corresponding CTV labels were collected and used to train and evaluate the SW‐DNN. Three common quantitative measures: true positive volume fraction (TPVF), positive predictive value (PPV), and Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) were used to evaluate the segmentation accuracy.

Results

Clinical target volumes calculated by SW‐DNN had significant quantitative advantages over three state‐of‐the‐art methods. The average DSC value of SW‐DNN was 2.1%, 2.8%, and 3.6% higher than that of three state‐of‐the‐art methods. The average DSC, TPVF, and PPV values of SW‐DNN were 2.1%, 4.0%, and 0.3% higher than that of the corresponding constant width DNN.

Conclusions

Stochastic width‐deep neural network provided better performance for contouring stomach cancer CTV accurately and efficiently. It is a promising solution in clinical radiotherapy planning for stomach cancer.
The outcomes and experience of pregnancy in limb girdle muscular dystrophy type R9
Authors: Libell Eric M. , Bowdler Noelle C. , Stephan Carrie M. , Zimmerman Miriam Bridget , Gedlinske Amber M. , Mathews Katherine D.
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Published information about the experiences of pregnancy in limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) is limited and does not specify LGMD type, limiting utility. We describe the experience and outcomes of pregnancy in a cohort of women with LGMD type R9 (LGMDR.

Methods

All women 18 y of age or older with a genetic and clinical diagnosis of LGMDR9 who are enrolled in the University of Iowa Wellstone dystroglycanopathy natural history study (clinicaltrials.gov NCT00313677) were invited to complete a questionnaire about their pregnancy experiences, including questions about pregnancy complications, muscle symptoms experienced during pregnancy, and post‐partum course.

Results

A total of 22 women responded to the survey. Thirteen women reported 26 live births. The majority of pregnancies that resulted in a live birth were uncomplicated (n = 19, 73%), and most infants had no complications (n = 25, 96%). The rates of assisted vaginal delivery (n = 9, 35%) and induction of labor (n = 18, 70%) were both significantly higher than the national average. Almost half of pregnancies (n = 11, 42%) resulted in increased weakness during pregnancy; only one returned to pre‐pregnancy baseline.

Discussion

The data presented here suggest that women with LGMDR9 who are considering a pregnancy should be counseled that they might have a higher likelihood of assisted vaginal delivery and could experience progression of weakness. These results are generally consistent with previous reports, but future studies of pregnancy in defined subtypes of LGMD will be required to confirm these findings and determine if risks vary by genotype.
Support pronoun disclosure when students are ready
Authors: Poore‐Pariseau Cindy
Published: January 2021

As a community of professionals, we increasingly recognize the importance of using the pronoun that correctly identifies a person's gender. But how does one know the gender of another person? We could ask. But how do we ask? And when? And where? And what if students we serve are unable or not ready to disclose their pronouns?
2020 takeaways: A conversation with enrollment marketers
Authors: Talarico Donna
Published: January 2021

The start of a new year is a good time for reflection. While the past 12 months brought stress and change our way — personally and professionally — powering through the marketing challenges of 2020 has also presented lessons.
Campus concierge: COVID‐19 trend or wave of the future?
Authors: Boice‐Pardee Heath
Published: January 2021

For years, a debate has raged over whether service excellence belongs on campus. Since the pandemic, however, colleges and universities have diligently crafted new ways to deliver campus programs and services. On many campuses, students may order meals online, reserve workout times in personal fitness pods, schedule telemedicine appointments, and attend asynchronous online courses at their leisure.
Mixed optimal control of forward‐backward stochastic system
Authors: Zhang Huanjun
Published: January 2021

This paper is concerned with a mixed optimal control problem driven by forward‐backward stochastic differential equation, where the term “mixed” means that there are two controllers, one is a deterministic controller and the other is a random controller. We derive a necessary condition and a sufficient condition for the mixed optimal control problem. A linear‐quadratic mixed optimal control problem is discussed, and the corresponding optimal control is expressed by the solution of mean‐field forward‐backward stochastic differential equation. A feature here is that we obtain a mean‐field forward‐backward stochastic differential equation, which naturally arises from the study of mixed optimal control problem driven by forward‐backward stochastic differential equation without mean‐field term. As an application of theoretical results obtained here, we solve a problem of information security investment and cyber insurance.
Media representation and its impact on female candidates' electability in parliamentary elections: A content analysis of three Ugandan newspapers
Authors: Kasadha Juma , Kantono Rehema
Published: January 2021

This article examines media representation of female candidates and its impact on their electability in Ugandan parliamentary 2016 elections. A total of N = 1,704 newspaper articles were extracted fromNew Vision,Daily Monitor, andRed peppernewspapers. A content analysis method was used to code 17 topical issues. Findings on average show female candidates were represented in less than three dominant topical issues (2.70 ± 3.74). Results also show that news article placement and page number were statistically significant in increasing male candidate's electability compared to the female candidates. Findings also show that all newspapers represented female candidates prominently in agricultural roles (M=3.00) compared to politics in which female candidates averaged (2.80 ± 0.60) inDaily Monitor, (2.94 ± 0.31) inNew Vision, and (2.90 ± 0.32) inRed Pepper. We deduce that in order to increase female candidates' electability media should cover both male and female candidates in all topical issues equally.
ONCOPEDS: A mobile application to improve early diagnosis and timely referral in childhood cancer in a low‐ and middle‐income country—A pilot study
Authors: Vásquez Liliana , Montoya Jacqueline , Ugaz Cecilia , Ríos Ligia , León Esmeralda , Maza Iván , Maradiegue Essy , Chávez Sharon , Tarrillo Fanny , Diaz Rosdali , Pascual Claudia , Rojas Ninoska , Tello Mariela , Moore Carla , Shah Darshi , Cotrina Bernardette , Bartolo Juan , Perez Jorge , Palacios Víctor
Published: January 2021

Background

Diagnosis delay in children and adolescents with cancer is a public health problem in Peru that leads to high rates of advanced disease and mortality. We aimed to assess the implementation feasibility and potential utility of ONCOpeds®, a mobile application that provides consultations with pediatric oncologists, in reducing the latency to diagnosis (LD) and referral time (RT) among children and adolescents in Peru diagnosed with cancer.

Material and Methods

A prospective pilot study was conducted in the region of Callao between November 2017 and April 2018. Primary and secondary care providers were trained on the use of ONCOpeds in five educational sessions. Patients younger than 18 years who resided in Callao and were diagnosed with cancer at four pediatric cancer units in Lima were analyzed by referral type: ONCOpeds facilitated or conventional.

Results

ONCOpeds was successfully installed in the smartphones of 78 primary and secondary care providers of Callao. During the study period, 23 new cases of cancer in children and adolescents from the region were diagnosed. Ten patients received ONCOpeds‐facilitated referrals and 13 received conventional referrals. The RT decreased among those who received ONCOpeds‐facilitated referrals by 66% (P = 0.02); however, the LD did not significantly decrease with the use of ONCOpeds.

Conclusions

The implementation of ONCOpeds was found to be feasible in this pilot study, having a potential utility in improving early diagnosis and referral in children and adolescents newly diagnosed with cancer. Directions for future research include multicenter studies with a larger population to further test the application's effectiveness.
Multivariate statistical and comparison analysis of chemical constituents in Arenaria kansuensis Maxim. from different regions in Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau
Authors: Liu Zenggen , Li Mingzhu , Tao Yanduo , Olsen Richard
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Arenaria kansuensis Maxim. (AKM) is one of the most valued medicinal and edible herbs widely used in Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau and there is also a large number of AKM bioactive constituents for health benefits of human beings. However, few works have referred to phytochemical content, fingerprint analysis and quality control of AKM. Therefore, the establishment of validated analytical methods is urgently needed for fingerprint comparison and quantitative analysis of AKM multicomponent.

Objectives

To determine quantitatively and compare the phytochemical constituents of AKM located at different areas.

Methodology

The chemical constituents in AKM samples were separated, identified, and quantified by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a diode array detector. The discrimination and separation models for the chemical constituents were developed by chemometric analysis.

Results

The flavones and β‐carboline alkaloids were rich in AKM herbs, and the overall pattern of phytochemical profiles was the same, while the significant differences were detected in the total flavonoids, total β‐carboline alkaloids and individual contents, especially the predominant compounds such as tricin and arenarine B. This demonstrated that ecogeographical origin gave an important impact on phytochemical compositions which could be considered as reliable parameters for classifying the AKM resources. Moreover, the contents of AKM constituents were higher in July and/or August than other months of the year, and there were no significant differences in the main phytochemical contents between cultivated and wild AKM herbs.

Conclusion

This study could provide credible data and method for geographical origin trace, comprehensive evaluation and further utilization of AKM resources.
A fatal case of liver abscess caused by hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae in a diabetic adolescent: A clinical and laboratory study
Authors: Li Yue , Li Zheng , Qian Suyun , Dong Fang , Wang Qing , Zhang Pengfei , Yao Kaihu
Published: January 2021

Importance

Hypervirulent variants of Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp) are capable of causing life‐threatening pyogenic liver abscesses (PLAs), but hvKp caused PLAs was seldom reported in pediatric populations. Hence, there is an urgent need to raise our awareness of this phenomenon in pediatric populations.

Objective

This study aimed to report the clinical characteristics of hvKp that caused fatal PLA complicated by bacteremia in an adolescent and further identify the microbiological and genomic features of the causative strain.

Methods

A 14‐year‐old boy with diabetes mellitus was admitted to our hospital with a diagnosis of PLA complicated by bacteremia. A hypermucoviscous hvKp strain, KPN_19‐106, was isolated from the drainage fluid present within the liver abscess cavity and blood. The hypermucoviscosity phenotype of the causative strain was determined by string test. Its virulence was measured using serum resistance assay and Galleria mellonella larvae‐killing assay. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by broth microdilution method. Genetic information was obtained by whole‐genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis.

Results

KPN_19‐106 belonged to sequence type 380 and serotype K2 and exhibited stronger serum resistance and higher in vivo lethality than the well‐characterized hvKp NTUH‐K2044 strain. Although KPN_19‐106 is susceptible to most antibiotics, no sign of improvement was observed during treatment with such drugs. Whole‐genome sequencing revealed that the isolate had integrated multiple mobile genetic elements related to virulence.

Interpretation

Antibiotic‐susceptible hvKp can cause fatal PLA complicated by bacteremia in adolescents, with no improvement during antimicrobial therapy. The causative strain in this case had integrated multiple virulence genes and thus exhibited higher virulence both in vitro and in vivo when compared with NTUH‐K2044.
Nonenzymatic dopamine biosensor based on tannin nanocomposite
Authors: Abdi Mahnaz M. , Azli Nur Farhana Waheeda Mohd , Chaibakhsh Naz , Lim Hong Ngee , Tahir Paridah Md , Karimi Gholamreza , Khorram Mohammad
Published: January 2021

A dopamine (DA) biosensor was developed based on polypyrrole/tannin/cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (PPy/TA/CTAB) nanocomposite and central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was employed for the optimization of conditions. Chemical polymerization of the PPy/TA in the presence of a cationic surfactant, CTAB, reduced the particle size of composite and a rod‐like structure with a lumpy surface and high porosity was observed for nanocomposite justifying the highest current response for the modified electrode. Amperometry and differential pulse voltammetry analyses were applied for all electrochemical measurements and DA detection in the range of 0.5–100 μM. The good adhesion of nanocomposite on the electrode surface, as well as porosity and high surface area of the modified electrode, enhanced the diffusion of DA molecules inside the matrix. Amperometry analysis of the Screen printed carbon electrode/PPy/TA/CTAB modified electrode displayed a good sensitivity of 0.039 μA (μM)−1 toward DA with the limit of detection of 2.9 × 10–7 M. The modified biosensor also excludes the interfering species of ascorbic acid and uric acid which makes this sensor appropriate for DA determination. The proposed biosensor showed an acceptable reproducibility and repeatability with low relative standard deviations of 4.8% and 4.4%, respectively.
Characterization of ionized lignin model compounds with α‐O‐4 linkages by positive‐ and negative‐ion mode electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry based on collision‐activated dissociation
Authors: Sheng Huaming , Tang Weijuan , Gao Jinshan , Riedeman James , Hurt Matthew , Yang Linan , Kenttämaa Hilkka I.
Published: January 2021

Rationale

The biggest obstacle in the rational conversion of biomass into aromatic chemicals is the identification of unknown compounds in lignin degradation mixtures that are highly complex. As opposed to lignin degradation products with β‐O‐4 linkages, very little is known about the mass spectrometric analysis of lignin degradation products with α‐O‐4 linkages.

Methods

Lignin model compounds with an α‐O‐4 and another linkage, as well as lignin model compounds with only β‐O‐4 linkages, were ionized by attachment of lithium or sodium cations under positive‐ion mode electrospray ionization (ESI) or by deprotonation in negative‐ion mode ESI in a linear quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer. The ions were subjected to collision‐activated dissociation in multiple‐stage tandem mass spectrometry experiments to characterize their fragmentation patterns.

Results

All studied compounds formed abundant sodium and lithium cation adducts in positive‐ion mode ESI with no fragmentation. Model compounds with β‐O‐4 linkages displayed stable [M − H]− ions in negative‐ion mode ESI whereas compounds with α‐O‐4 linkages only showed fragment ions. CAD of the lithiated α‐O‐4 compounds provided more structural information than CAD of sodiated compounds. However, both sodiated and lithiated compounds with α‐O‐4 linkages showed losses of monomer units at the MS2 stage, which is useful for sequencing of lignins with this type of linkage.

Conclusions

An ionization and sequencing method has been developed for lignin model compounds with α‐O‐4 linkages that spontaneously fragment upon ionization via (−)ESI.
Hydro Explorer: An interactive web app to investigate changes in runoff timing and runoff seasonality all over the world
Authors: Rottler Erwin , Vormoor Klaus , Francke Till , Bronstert Axel
Published: January 2021

Climatic changes and anthropogenic modifications of the river basin or river network have the potential to fundamentally alter river runoff. In the framework of this study, we aim to analyze and present historic changes in runoff timing and runoff seasonality observed at river gauges all over the world. In this regard, we develop the Hydro Explorer, an interactive web app, which enables the investigation of >7,000 daily resolution discharge time series from the Global Runoff Data Centre (GRDC). The interactive nature of the developed web app allows for a quick comparison of gauges, regions, methods, and time frames. We illustrate the available analytical tools by investigating changes in runoff timing and runoff seasonality in the Rhine River Basin. Since we provide the source code of the application, existing analytical approaches can be modified, new methods added, and the tool framework can be re‐used to visualize other data sets.
Nanostraw‐Assisted Cellular Injection of Fluorescent Nanodiamonds via Direct Membrane Opening
Authors: Hebisch Elke , Hjort Martin , Volpati Diogo , Prinz Christelle N.
Published: January 2021

Due to their stable fluorescence, biocompatibility, and amenability to functionalization, fluorescent nanodiamonds (FND) are promising materials for long term cell labeling and tracking. However, transporting them to the cytosol remains a major challenge, due to low internalization efficiencies and endosomal entrapment. Here, nanostraws in combination with low voltage electroporation pulses are used to achieve direct delivery of FND to the cytosol. The nanostraw delivery leads to efficient and rapid FND transport into cells compared to when incubating cells in a FND‐containing medium. Moreover, whereas all internalized FND delivered by incubation end up in lysosomes, a significantly larger proportion of nanostraw‐injected FND are in the cytosol, which opens up for using FND as cellular probes. Furthermore, in order to answer the long‐standing question in the field of nano‐biology regarding the state of the cell membrane on hollow nanostructures, live cell stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy is performed to image directly the state of the membrane on nanostraws. The time‐lapse STED images reveal that the cell membrane opens entirely on top of nanostraws upon application of gentle electrical pulses, which supports the hypothesis that many FND are delivered directly to the cytosol, avoiding endocytosis and lysosomal entrapment.
Single‐Atom Quantum‐Point Contact Switch Using Atomically Thin Hexagonal Boron Nitride
Authors: Nikam Revannath Dnyandeo , Rajput Krishn Gopal , Hwang Hyunsang
Published: January 2021

The first report of a quantized conductance atomic threshold switch (QCATS) using an atomically‐thin hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) layer is provided. This QCATS has applications in memory and logic devices. The QCATS device shows a stable and reproducible conductance quantization state at 1·G0 by forming single‐atom point contact through a monoatomic boron defect in an hBN layer. An atomistic switching mechanism in hBN‐QCATS is confirmed by in situ visualization of mono‐atomic conductive filaments. Atomic defects in hBN are the key factor that affects the switching characteristic. The hBN‐QCATS has excellent switching characteristics such as low operation voltage of 0.3 V, low “off” current of 1 pA, fast switching of 50 ns, and high endurance > 107 cycles. The variability of switching characteristics, which are the major problems of switching device, can be solved by reducing the area and thickness of the switching region to form single‐atom point contact. The switching layer thickness is scaled down to the single‐atom (≈0.33 nm) h‐BN layer, and the switching area is limited to single‐atom defects. By implementing excellent switching characteristics using single‐layer hBN, the possibility of implementing stable and uniform atomic‐switching devices for future memory and logic applications is confirmed.
Broadband Nonlinear Photonics in Few‐Layer Borophene
Authors: Ma Chunyang , Yin Peng , Khan Karim , Tareen Ayesha Khan , Huang Rui , Du Juan , Zhang Ye , Shi Zhe , Cao Rui , Wei Songrui , Wang Xin , Ge Yanqi , Song Yufeng , Gao Lingfeng
Published: January 2021

In this paper, 2D borophene is synthesized through a liquid‐phase exfoliation. The morphology and structure of as‐prepared borophene are systemically analyzed, and the Z‐scan is used to measure the nonlinear optical properties. It is found that the saturable absorber (SA) properties of borophene make it serve as an excellent broadband optical switch, which is strongly used for mode‐locking in near‐ and mid‐infrared laser systems. Ultrastable pulses with durations as short as 792 and 693 fs are successfully delivered at the central wavelengths of 1063 and 1560 nm, respectively. Furthermore, stable pulses at a wavelength of 1878 nm are demonstrated from a thulium mode‐locked fiber laser based on the same borophene SA. This research reveals a significant potential for borophene used in lasers helping extending the frontiers of photonic technologies.
Tailoring P2/P3 Biphases of Layered NaxMnO2 by Co Substitution for High‐Performance Sodium‐Ion Battery
Authors: Jiang Na , Liu Qiunan , Wang Jiawei , Yang Wanfeng , Ma Wensheng , Zhang Liqiang , Peng Zhangquan , Zhang Zhonghua
Published: January 2021

P‐type layered oxide is a promising cathode candidate for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), but faces the challenge of simultaneously realizing high rate capability and long cycle life. Herein, Co‐substituted NaxMnO2 nanosheets with tunable P2/P3 biphase structures are synthesized by a novel dealloying–annealing strategy. The optimized P2/P3–Na0.67Mn0.64Co0.30Al0.06O2 cathode delivers an excellent rate capability of 83 mA h g−1 at a high current density of 1700 mA g−1 (10 C), and an outstanding cycling stability over 500 cycles at 1000 mA g−1. This excellent performance is attributed to the unique P2/P3 biphases with stable crystal structures and fast Na+ diffusion between open prismatic Na sites. Moreover, operando X‐ray diffraction is applied to explore the structural evolution of Na0.67Mn0.64Co0.30Al0.06O2 during the Na+ extraction/insertion processes, and the P2–P2′ phase transition is effectively suppressed. Operando Raman technique is utilized to explore the structural superiority of P2/P3 biphase cathode compared with pure P2 or P3 phase. This work highlights precisely tailoring the phase composition as an effective strategy to design advanced cathode materials for SIBs.
Nanoelectrochemical Study of Molecular Transport through the Nuclear Pore Complex
Authors: Amemiya Shigeru
Published: January 2021

The nuclear pore complex (NPC) is the proteinaceous nanopore that solely mediates the transport of both small molecules and macromolecules between the nucleus and cytoplasm of a eukaryotic cell to regulate gene expression. In this personal account, we introduce recent progress in our nanoelectrochemical study of molecular transport through the NPC. Our work represents the importance of chemistry in understanding and controlling of NPC‐mediated molecular transport to enable the efficient and safe delivery of genetic therapeutics into the nucleus, thereby fundamentally contributing to human health. Specifically, we employ nanoscale scanning electrochemical microscopy to test our hypothesis that the nanopore of the NPC is divided by transport barriers concentrically into peripheral and central routes to efficiently mediate the bimodal traffic of protein transport and RNA export, respectively, through cooperative hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions.
“I want to keep my North Korean accent”: Agency and identity in a North Korean defector’s transnational experience of learning English
Authors: Park Eun Sung , Lee Heekyeong
Published: January 2021

Over the past two decades, a growing number of school‐aged North Koreans have migrated to South Korea. Studies examining their adjustment to South Korean schools have shown that these students face numerous challenges, particularly due to their struggles with English. Such studies have mostly regarded North Korean students as an underprivileged group, often comparing their achievements to those of their South Korean peers. Only a few studies have documented individual learners’ narratives on their L2‐learning trajectory, which can offer valuable insights into the transnational experiences that may have shaped their agency and identities across time and space. This paper presents one North Korean defector’s personal narratives about his English‐learning experiences in three sociopolitical settings of North Korea, South Korea, and the United States, to examine the role that learner agency plays in shaping and reshaping identities, investments, and aspirations in L2‐learning. Data were collected via three separate interviews over a period of three years. The findings illustrate how the participant was able to utilize his North Korean identity as cultural capital and highlight the importance of learner agency and imagined future self as significant tools for understanding the complexity, multiplicity, and fluidity in L2 learning.
Structural control and biomedical applications of plasmonic hollow gold nanospheres: A mini review
Authors: Guarino‐Hotz Melissa , Zhang Jin Z.
Published: January 2021

Hollow gold nanospheres (HGNs) are core/shell structures with a dielectric material core, usually composed of solvent, and a gold metal shell. Such structures have two metal/dielectric interfaces to allow interaction between the gold metal with the interior and external dielectric environment. Upon illumination by light, HGNs exhibit unique surface plasmon resonance (SPR) properties compared to solid gold nanoparticles. Their SPR absorption/scattering can be tuned by changing their diameter, shell thicknesses, and surface morphologies. In addition to the low toxicity, easy functionalization, resistance to photobleaching, and sensitivity to changes in surrounding medium of gold, the enhanced surface‐to‐volume ratio and tunable SPR of HGNs make them highly attractive for different applications in the fields of sensing, therapy, and theranostics. In this article, we review recent progress on the synthesis and structural control of HGNs and applications of their SPR properties in biomedical sensing and theranostics.

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing

Diagnostic Tools > in vitro Nanoparticle‐Based Sensing

Diagnostic Tools > in vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging
N,N‐heterocyclic Ancillary Ligands for Enhanced Photoluminescence Quantum Yields of Orange/Red‐Emitting 1‐(4‐(Trifluoromethyl)phenyl)isoquinoline‐Based Iridium (III) Complexes
Authors: Yang Xiao‐Han , Dou Shao‐Bin , Zhang Qian , Yang Rui‐Lian , Liu Zhuo , Li Gao‐Nan , Niu Zhi‐Gang
Published: January 2021

Four new cationic iridium (III) complexes: [(cf3piq)2Ir(pzpy)]+PF6− (Ir1), [(cf3piq)2Ir(pzpyz)]+PF6− (Ir2), [(cf3piq)2Ir(impy)]+PF6− (Ir3), and [(cf3piq)2Ir(impyz)]+PF6− (Ir4) (where cf3piq=1‐(4‐(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)isoquinoline, pzpy=2‐(1H‐pyrazol‐3‐yl)pyridine, pzpyz=2‐(1H‐pyrazol‐3‐yl)pyrazine, impy=2‐(1H‐imidazol‐2‐yl)pyridine, and impyz=2‐(1H‐imidazol‐2‐yl)pyrazine) have been synthesized and fully characterized. The single crystal structure of Ir3 has been determined by X‐ray diffraction, and confirmed to have two hydrogen bonds (C14−H14⋅⋅⋅N2 and C57−H57⋅⋅⋅N9) and one intermolecular π‐π stacking interaction. The UV‐vis absorption, photoluminescence, and electrochemistry properties of all complexes have been studied. These complexes emit orange‐red photoluminescence with quantum yields of 28–46 % and excited state lifetimes of 0.48‐0.65 μs in CH2Cl2 solution at room temperature. Based on the DFT calculations, we concluded that their emission originated predominantly from a hybrid 3MLCT/3ILCT excited state.
Mimetic inflation
Authors: Mansoori Seyed Ali Hosseini , Talebian Alireza , Firouzjahi Hassan
Published: January 2021

Abstract

We study inflationary solution in an extension of mimetic gravity with the higher derivative interactions coupled to gravity. Because of the higher derivative interactions the setup is free from the ghost and gradient instabilities while it hosts a number of novel properties. The dispersion relation of scalar perturbations develop quartic momentum correction similar to the setup of ghost inflation. Furthermore, the tilt of tensor perturbations can take either signs with a modified consistency relation between the tilt and the amplitude of tensor perturbations. Despite the presence of higher derivative interactions coupled to gravity the tensor perturbations propagate with the speed equal to the speed of light as required by the LIGO observations. Furthermore, the higher derivative interactions induce non-trivial interactions in cubic Hamiltonian, generating non-Gaussianities in various shapes such as the equilateral, orthogonal and squeezed configurations with observable amplitudes.
Maternal obesity during pregnancy leads to adipose tissue ER stress in mice via miR-126-mediated reduction in Lunapark
Authors: de Almeida-Faria Juliana , Duque-Guimarães Daniella E. , Ong Thomas P. , Pantaleão Lucas C. , Carpenter Asha A. , Loche Elena , Kusinski Laura C. , Ashmore Thomas J. , Antrobus Robin , Bushell Martin , Fernandez-Twinn Denise S. , Ozanne Susan E.
Published: January 2021

Aims/hypothesis

Levels of the microRNA (miRNA) miR-126-3p are programmed cell-autonomously in visceral adipose tissue of adult offspring born to obese female C57BL/6J mice. The spectrum of miR-126-3p targets and thus the consequences of its dysregulation for adipocyte metabolism are unknown. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to identify novel targets of miR-126-3p in vitro and then establish the outcomes of their dysregulation on adipocyte metabolism in vivo using a well-established maternal obesity mouse model.

Methods

miR-126-3p overexpression in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes followed by pulsed stable isotope labelling by amino acids in culture (pSILAC) was performed to identify novel targets of the miRNA. Well-established bioinformatics algorithms and luciferase assays were then employed to confirm those that were direct targets of miR-126-3p. Selected knockdown experiments were performed in vitro to define the consequences of target dysregulation. Quantitative real-time PCR, immunoblotting, histology, euglycaemic–hyperinsulinaemic clamps and glucose tolerance tests were performed to determine the phenotypic and functional outcomes of maternal programmed miR-126-3p levels in offspring adipose tissue.

Results

The proteomic approach confirmed the identity of known targets of miR-126-3p (including IRS-1) and identified Lunapark, an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein, as a novel one. We confirmed by luciferase assay that Lunapark was a direct target of miR-126-3p. Overexpression of miR-126-3p in vitro led to a reduction in Lunapark protein levels and increased Perk (also known as Eif2ak3) mRNA levels and small interference-RNA mediated knockdown of Lunapark led to increased Xbp1, spliced Xbp1, Chop (also known as Ddit3) and Perk mRNA levels and an ER stress transcriptional response in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes. Consistent with the results found in vitro, increased miR-126-3p expression in adipose tissue from adult mouse offspring born to obese dams was accompanied by decreased Lunapark and IRS-1 protein levels and increased markers of ER stress. At the whole-body level the animals displayed glucose intolerance.

Conclusions/interpretation

Concurrently targeting IRS-1 and Lunapark, a nutritionally programmed increase in miR-126-3p causes adipose tissue insulin resistance and an ER stress response, both of which may contribute to impaired glucose tolerance. These findings provide a novel mechanism by which obesity during pregnancy leads to increased risk of type 2 diabetes in the offspring and therefore identify miR-126-3p as a potential therapeutic target.

Graphical abstract
Comparison of Chief Surgeons’ and Assistants’ Feelings of Fatigue Between Laparoendoscopic Single‐site and Conventional Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy
Authors: Inoue Shogo , Ikeda Kenichiro , Goto Keisuke , Hieda Keisuke , Hayashi Tetsutaro , Teishima Jun
Published: January 2021

Background

Our objective was to compare the surgical staff's feelings of fatigue between laparoendoscopic single‐site adrenalectomy (LESS‐A) and conventional laparoscopic adrenalectomy (CLA) before and after surgery.

Method

Data were collected for surgical procedures performed between June 2011 and September 2017 (57 LESS‐A and 37 CLA). Each procedure in both groups was performed by the same chief surgeon. The subjective fatigue feelings of the key members of the surgical team (chief surgeon, scopist, assistant surgeon) were assessed using the “Jikaku‐sho shirabe” questionnaire, which contained questions about work‐related feelings of fatigue. It consisted of 25 subjective items for 5 factors drawn from factor analysis (drowsiness, instability, uneasiness, local pain or dullness, and eyestrain). For each item, the participants were requested to estimate the intensity of their feelings using a five‐point rating scale before and after surgery.

Results

There was no significant difference in operative time (p = 0.231) between the LESS‐A and CLA procedure groups. For the chief surgeon, local pain or dullness (p = 0.603) and eyestrain (p = 0.086) were similar between the LESS‐A and CLA procedures. The scopists and assistant surgeons in the LESS‐A group did not suffer local pain or dullness (p = 0.793 and p = 0.240, respectively). They did, however, suffer more eyestrain than those in the CLA group (p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Although LESS‐A is generally considered to be a technically difficult procedure, the results of this study demonstrate that the feelings of physical fatigue are roughly equivalent between LESS‐A and CLA procedures.
Viral co-infections among SARS-CoV-2-infected children and infected adult household contacts
Authors:   for the Geneva Pediatric COVID Group, Pigny Fiona , Wagner Noémie , Rohr Marie , Mamin Aline , Cherpillod Pascal , Posfay-Barbe Klara M. , Kaiser Laurent , Eckerle Isabella , L’Huillier Arnaud G.
Published: January 2021

We evaluated the rates of viral respiratory co-infections among SARS-CoV-2-infected children. Twelve percent of SARS-CoV-2-infected children had viral co-infection with one or more common respiratory viruses. This was significantly more frequent than among their SARS-CoV-2-infected adult household contacts (0%; p=0.028). Compared to the same period the previous year, common respiratory viruses were less frequently detected (12% vs 73%, p<0.001).

Conclusion: Despite partial lockdown with school and daycare closure, and consequently similar exposure to common viruses between children and adults, SARS-CoV-2-infected children had more frequent viral respiratory co-infections than their SARS-CoV-2-infected adult household contacts. Circulation of common respiratory viruses was less frequent during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak when compared to the same period last year, showing the impact of partial lockdown on the circulation of common viruses.

What is Known:• Viral respiratory co-infections are frequent in children.• SARS-CoV-2 can be identified alongside other respiratory viruses, but data comparing children and adults are lacking.

What is New:• Children infected with SARS-CoV-2 are more likely to have viral respiratory co-infections than their SARS-CoV-2-infected adult household contacts, which is surprising in the context of partial lockdown with schools and daycare closed.• When compared to data collected during the same period last year, our study also showed that partial lockdown reduced circulation of common respiratory viruses.
Missense3D-DB web catalogue: an atom-based analysis and repository of 4M human protein-coding genetic variants
Authors: Khanna Tarun , Hanna Gordon , Sternberg Michael J. E. , David Alessia
Published: January 2021

The interpretation of human genetic variation is one of the greatest challenges of modern genetics. New approaches are urgently needed to prioritize variants, especially those that are rare or lack a definitive clinical interpretation. We examined 10,136,597 human missense genetic variants from GnomAD, ClinVar and UniProt. We were able to perform large-scale atom-based mapping and phenotype interpretation of 3,960,015 of these variants onto 18,874 experimental and 84,818 in house predicted three-dimensional coordinates of the human proteome. We demonstrate that 14% of amino acid substitutions from the GnomAD database that could be structurally analysed are predicted to affect protein structure (n = 568,548, of which 566,439 rare or extremely rare) and may, therefore, have a yet unknown disease-causing effect. The same is true for 19.0% (n = 6266) of variants of unknown clinical significance or conflicting interpretation reported in the ClinVar database. The results of the structural analysis are available in the dedicated web catalogue Missense3D-DB (http://missense3d.bc.ic.ac.uk/). For each of the 4 M variants, the results of the structural analysis are presented in a friendly concise format that can be included in clinical genetic reports. A detailed report of the structural analysis is also available for the non-experts in structural biology. Population frequency and predictions from SIFT and PolyPhen are included for a more comprehensive variant interpretation. This is the first large-scale atom-based structural interpretation of human genetic variation and offers geneticists and the biomedical community a new approach to genetic variant interpretation.