bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coating of polylactide films by chitosan: Comparison of methods
Authors: Demina Tatiana S. , Frolova Anastasia А. , Istomin Alexander V. , Kotova Svetlana L. , Piskarev Mikhail S. , Bardakova Ksenia N. , Yablokov Mikhail Y. , Altynov Vladimir A. , Kravets Liubov I. , Gilman Alla B. , Akopova Tatiana A. , Timashev Peter S.
Published: July 2019

Control over biomaterials surface characteristics through surface modification or deposition of coatings is one of the key aspects of tissue engineering. This work was aimed to evaluate an effectiveness of various methods of chitosan‐coating formations onto polylactide films using a number of techniques, such as vacuum deposition by electron‐beam sputtering, chemical entrapment method, and electrospray procedure. Differently coated films were studied in terms of surface morphology (scanning electron and atomic‐force microscopy), chemical structure (FTIR and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy), and hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance (goniometry). The effect of coating technique on homogeneity of chitosan distribution over the substrate surface was evaluated using genipin and fluorescein isothiocyanate labeling as well as FTIR‐microscopy. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48287.
Zinc‐Catalysed Hydroboration of Terminal and Internal Alkynes
Authors: Mandal Souvik , Mandal Sayantan , Geetharani K.
Published: July 2019

A regioselective hydroboration of alkynes has been developed by using commercially available zinc triflate as a catalyst, in the presence of catalytic amount of NaBHEt3. The reaction tolerates a wide range of terminal alkynes having several synthetically useful functional groups and proceeds regioselectively to furnish hydroborated products in moderate to excellent yields. This system shows moderate chemoselectivity towards terminal C≡C bond over terminal and internal C=C bond and internal C≡C bond.
Colloidal Template Synthesis of Nanomaterials by Using Microporous Organic Nanoparticles: The Case of C@MoS2 Nanoadsorbents
Authors: Kang Shin Young , Kang Chang Wan , Kim Dong Wook , Myung Yoon , Choi Jaewon , Lee Sang Moon , Kim Hae Jin , Ko Yoon‐Joo , Son Seung Uk
Published: July 2019

The so‐called colloidal template synthesis has been applied to the preparation of surface‐engineered nanoadsorbents. Colloidal microporous organic network nanotemplates (C‐MONs), which showed a high surface area (611 m2 g−1) and enhanced microporosity, were prepared through the networking of organic building blocks in the presence of poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP). Owing to entrapment of the PVP in networks, the C‐MONs showed good colloidal dispersion in EtOH. MoS2 precursors were incorporated into the C‐MONs and heat treatment afforded core–shell‐type C@MoS2 nanoparticles with a diameter of 80 nm, a negative zeta potential (−39.5 mV), a high surface area (508 m2 g−1), and excellent adsorption performance towards cationic dyes (qmax=343.6 and 421.9 mg g−1 for methylene blue and rhodamine B, respectively).
Sustainability reporting, materiality, and accountability assessment in the airport industry
Authors: Karagiannis Ioannis , Vouros Panagiotis , Skouloudis Antonis , Evangelinos Konstantinos
Published: July 2019

Air travel is, nowadays, recognized as being one of the most popular modes of transport. Air transport is among the most significant contributors to the world gross domestic product and is accountable for a great environmental and social impact. Driven by the well‐established sustainability discourse and the vital role businesses can play in disseminating the sustainable development concept, this paper attempted to map airport industry's most material operational aspects and assess airport operators' accountability level on disclosing corporate information regarding airports' economic, environmental, and social performance. In this context, 33 reports and 903 material issues representing 193 international airports were reviewed and assessed, and a methodology for benchmarking the accountability level of best reporting airport operators was developed, showcasing materiality assessment as a useful management tool for strengthening airport operators' business strategy and enhancing their corporate performance. The paper indicated that (a) customer focus (i.e., health, safety and satisfaction), economic viability, and business continuity and preparedness are operational aspects of high materiality and (b) the disclosure level, especially concerning specific performance indicators, is still moderate. In conclusion, this study has shown that materiality assessment gains ground as a management tool among airports' management teams and the completeness of Sustainability reports is positively correlated with the “level” of adherence as described by the Global Reporting Initiative.
Significantly Enhanced Charge Separation in Rippled Monolayer Graphitic C3N4
Authors: Sun Jiuyu , Li Xingxing , Yang Jinlong
Published: July 2019

Graphitic C3N4 (g−C3N4) is one of the most popular two‐dimensional (2D) materials as a milestone of metal‐free photocatalysis for solar water splitting. However, pure g−C3N4 presents a poor efficiency of electron‐hole separation. Here by first‐principles calculations, we propose that without any chemical modification, the electron‐hole separation can be significantly promoted by just rippling g−C3N4. Interestingly, the rippled structures are found more stable than complanate structure in thermodynamics. Furthermore, a lateral Type‐II heterojunction is formed in rippled g−C3N4 between the strongly and hardly rippled areas, with the valence band maximum (VBM) and conduction band minimum (CBM) of the whole structure spatially separated. Thus the photo‐generated electrons and holes are driven to different regions in rippled monolayer g−C3N4. Our work reveals the rippled g−C3N4, with potential advantage of high efficiency of electron‐hole separation, is a flexible and promising platform for metal‐free photocatalytic water splitting.
Copper‐Catalysed Suzuki‐Miyaura Cross‐Coupling of Highly Fluorinated Aryl Boronate Esters with Aryl Iodides and Bromides and Fluoroarene−Arene π‐Stacking Interactions in the Products
Authors: Budiman Yudha P. , Friedrich Alexandra , Radius Udo , Marder Todd B.
Published: July 2019

A combination of copper iodide and phenanthroline as the ligand is an efficient catalyst for Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling of highly fluorinated boronate esters (aryl−Bpin) with aryl iodides and bromides to generate fluorinated biaryls in good to excellent yields. This method represents a nice alternative to traditional cross‐coupling methods which require palladium catalysts and stoichiometric amounts of silver oxide. We note that π⋅⋅⋅π stacking interactions dominate the molecular packing in the partly fluorinated biaryl crystals investigated herein. They are present either between the arene and perfluoroarene, or solely between arenes or perfluoroarenes, respectively.
Metal‐Organic Frameworks‐Derived NiS2/CoS2/N‐Doped Carbon Composites as Electrode Materials for Asymmetric Supercapacitor
Authors: Liu Hui , Guo Hao , Yue Liguo , Wu Ning , Li Qi , Yao Wenqin , Xue Rui , Wang Mingyue , Yang Wu
Published: July 2019

Transition metal sulfides derived from metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have received increasing attention as a potential energy storage electrode material. Here, a series of NiS2/CoS2/NC‐T (T=temperature) have been successfully constructed by carbonizing and sulfuring the precursor of Ni/Co‐MOF. It is worth emphasizing that N‐doped carbon materials improve the conductivity of the electrode material. Moreover, NiS2/CoS2/NC‐500 maintains the rod‐like structure of the precursor and exhibits a high specific capacitance of 1325 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1. Apart from high capacitance, the NiS2/CoS2/NC‐500 also demonstrated excellent cycling stability with retention rate of 75 % after 5000 cycles at a current density of 5 A g−1. The good performance could be attributed to the unique rod‐like structure and pore‐size distribution of NiS2/CoS2/NC‐500. Moreover, an assembled asymmetric supercapacitor NiS2/CoS2/NC‐500//AC displays a high energy density of 53.93 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 800 W kg−1 and good cycle stability with capacitance retention of 85.71 % after 20,000 cycles at 5 A g−1. In particular, a red LED can be illuminated by the assembled ASC, indicating that as‐synthesized NiS2/CoS2/NC‐500 hold great potential for practical applications.
Molecular Vibrations of an Oxygen‐Evolving Complex and Its Synthetic Mimic
Authors: Tychengulova Aliya , Capone Mateo , Pitari Fabio , Guidoni Leonardo
Published: July 2019

Bio‐inspired catalysis for artificial photosynthesis has been widely studied for decades, in particular, with the purpose of using bio‐disposable and non‐toxic metals as building blocks. The characterisation of such catalysts has been achieved by using different kinds of spectroscopic methods, from X‐ray crystallography to NMR spectroscopy. An artificial Mn4CaO4 cubane cluster with dangling Mn4 was synthesised in 2015 [Zhang et al. Science 2015, 348, 690–693]; this cluster showed many structural similarities to that of the natural oxygen‐evolving complex. An accurate structural and spectroscopic comparison between the natural and artificial systems is highly relevant to understand the catalytic mechanism. Among data from different techniques, the differential FTIR spectra (Sn+1−Sn) of photosystem II are still lacking a complete interpretation. The availability of IR data of the artificial cluster offers a unique opportunity to assign absolute absorption spectra on a well‐defined and easier to interpret analogous moiety. The present work aims to investigate the novel inorganic compound as a model system for an oxygen‐evolving complex through measurement of its spectroscopic properties. The experimental results are compared with calculations by using a variety of theoretical methods (normal mode analysis, effective normal mode analysis) in the S1 state. We underline the similarities and the differences in the computational spectra based on atomistic models of Mn4CaO5 and Mn4CaO4 complexes.
Thermische Energiespeicher – Trends, Entwicklungen und Herausforderungen
Authors: Scheffler Franziska
Published: July 2019

Die Verfügbarkeit leistungsfähiger thermischer Energiespeicher ist essentielle Voraussetzung für das Gelingen der Energiewende. Basierend auf dem Anteil am Gesamtenergieverbrauch stehen (1) kostengünstige, sichere und niederschwellig nutzbare Speicher für die Bereitstellung von Raumheizung und Brauchwasser im Fokus. Darüber hinaus wird (2) Hochtemperaturspeichern zur Nutzung in solarthermischen Kraftwerken und Reaktoren ein großes Potenzial zugesprochen. Aussichtsreich ist das innovative Zusammenspiel von Materialien, intelligenter Steuerung, Vernetzung über Systemgrenzen hinaus und die Kombination verschiedener Technologien.
A meta‐analysis of the relationship between VEGFR2 polymorphisms and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Wang Li , Ge Hui , Peng Longyun , Wang Bing
Published: July 2019

Background

Some previous studies explored associations between vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) polymorphisms and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD), with conflicting findings.

Hypothesis

We thought that VEGFR2 polymorphisms may influence susceptibility to ASCVD. Here, we aimed to better analyze the relationship between VEGFR2 polymorphisms and ASCVD in a larger combined population by performing a meta‐analysis.

Methods

We searched Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science for related articles. We calculated odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) to estimate whether there are genetic associations between VEGFR2 polymorphisms and ASCVD.

Results

Ten studies were included for this meta‐analysis (5474 cases and 8584 controls). VEGFR2 rs1870377 (dominant comparison: 0.81 (0.73‐0.89), I2 = 56%; recessive comparison: 1.40 (1.25‐1.57), I2 = 34%; allele comparison: 0.81 (0.76‐0.87), I2 = 0%), rs2071559 (dominant comparison: 0.83 (0.76‐0.91), I2 = 0%; recessive comparison: 1.22 (1.07‐1.38), I2 = 0%; allele comparison: 0.86 (0.81‐0.92), I2 = 0%) and rs2305948 (dominant comparison: 0.79 (0.72‐0.87), I2 = 25%; recessive comparison: 1.44 (1.08‐1.92), I2 = 60%; allele comparison: 0.79 (0.68‐0.92), I2 = 73%) polymorphisms were all found to be significantly associated with susceptibility to ASCVD in general population. Subgroup analyses by type of disease revealed similar significant findings for rs1870377, rs2071559, and rs2305948 polymorphisms in coronary artery disease (CAD) subgroup. Besides, positive results were also found for rs1870377 polymorphism in ischemic stroke (IS) subgroup.

Conclusions

In summary, this meta‐analysis proved that these VEGFR2 polymorphisms could be used to identify individual with elevated susceptibility to ASCVD.
Garden balsam optimization algorithm
Authors: Li Shengpu , Sun Yize
Published: July 2019

This paper introduces a method called garden balsam optimization algorithm (GBO) for optimization problems. Garden balsam randomly ejects the seeds within a certain range by virtue of mechanical force originating from cracking of mature seed pods. The seeds scattered to suitable growth area will have greater reproductive capacity in the next generation, followed by iteration until the most suitable point for growth in a particular space is eventually found. Mimicking the transmission of garden balsam seeds, GBO generates the seeds by the mechanical transmission and second transmission operator to search the global optimum in the problem space. The convergence of GBO is tested in details through a set of benchmark multi‐dimensional functions. Secondly, the effect of tuning parameters on algorithm performance is studied. Finally, several typical problems were selected in the standard test set to test the performance of GBO. The experimental results show that the algorithm has advantages in optimization problems. In conclusion, the performance of GBO has a reasonable performance for all the test functions.
Origin and development of true karst valleys in response to late Holocene sea‐level change, the Transverse Glades of southeast Florida, USA
Authors: Meeder John F. , Harlem Peter W.
Published: July 2019

The Miami Limestone is an oolite depositional body that is used as an analog model for geological interpretation of the rock record. Barrier‐bar complex, oolite banks, extensive bryozoan flats and tidal creeks, referred to as transverse glades, have been described. High‐resolution LiDAR data are used to produce unprecedented, detailed topographic maps of the transverse glades in the southern Atlantic Coastal Ridge. These maps were originally used to calculate historic discharge from the Everglades but revealed features inconsistent with the prevailing theory that the topography is of a depositional origin. Field observations verified an epikarst terrain truncated by collapsed subsurface conduits creating valleys, previously described as palaeotidal creeks. Observations of the 12 southern tidal creeks or transverse glades provided a sequence of six stages in the development of these karst valleys. After Late Pleistocene deposition of the Miami Limestone, sea‐level dropped producing conditions of: (a) epikarst which reduced the surface elevation preferentially, forming the southern Everglades Basin and modifying Biscayne Bay and Florida Bay precursor basins and (b) downward water movement producing vertical solution features. As Holocene sea‐level approached the South Florida carbonate platform margin a freshwater lens formed and groundwater movement became horizontal. Two sets of cavernous zones developed during the Middle and Late Holocene. Solution pipes and dolines provide a connection between the surface and groundwater along alignments which delineate subsurface conduits. Stages of valley formation are associated with the collapse of these conduits first forming a series of pocket valleys followed by narrow blind valleys and half blind or through valleys linking the Everglades to the coastal plain. Valleys then expanded in width until: (a) completion of cavernous zone collapse, (b) most boulder fields and valley margins reduced by weathering and (c) the valleys filled with wetland soils.
Disentangling herbivore impacts in primary succession by refocusing the plant stress and vigor hypotheses on phenology
Authors: Che‐Castaldo Christian , Crisafulli Charlie M. , Bishop John G. , Zipkin Elise F. , Fagan William F.
Published: July 2019

The plant stress and plant vigor hypotheses are widely used to explain the distribution and abundance of insect herbivores across their host plants. These hypotheses are the subject of contentious debate within the plant herbivore research community, with several studies finding simultaneous support for both hypotheses for the same plant–herbivore interaction. We address the question of how such support is possible using dynamic site‐occupancy models to quantify the attack dynamics of Cryptorhynchus lapathi (poplar‐willow weevil) on Salix sitchensis (Sitka willow), a dioecious shrub colonizing Mount St. Helens, Washington, USA after the 1980 eruption, in relation to host plant stress, vigor, and sex. We also introduce several scaling criteria as a rigorous test of the plant vigor hypothesis and demonstrate why modeling insect detection is important in plant–insect studies. Weevils responded positively to water stress associated with seasonal dry‐downs, and this response was phenologically compartmentalized by larval feeding mode. Weevils preferentially attacked large and/or flowering stems, imposing an ecological cost on willow reproduction via increased stem mortality and susceptibility to future attack. We propose that the dual response to host plant stress and vigor is due to the synchronization between young weevil larval feeding and willow nutrient pulses that are mediated by environmental stress. In turn, this process drives successional dynamics, causing the juvenilization of upland willow plants and possibly delaying establishment of a willow‐dominated upland sere. These results highlight the common, but often overlooked, phenological basis of the plant stress and plant vigor hypotheses, which both focus on how stress changes the quality of plant resources available to immature insects.
Reaping the benefits of cultural diversity: Classroom cultural diversity climate and students’ intercultural competence
Authors: Schwarzenthal Miriam , Schachner Maja K. , Juang Linda P. , van de Vijver Fons J. R.
Published: July 2019

Culturally diverse schools may constitute natural arenas for training crucial intercultural skills. We hypothesized that a classroom cultural diversity climate fostering contact and cooperation and multiculturalism, but not a climate fostering color‐evasion, would be positively related to adolescents’ intercultural competence. Adolescents in North Rhine‐Westphalia (N = 631, Mage = 13.69 years, 49% of immigrant background) and Berlin (N = 1,335, Mage = 14.69 years, 52% of immigrant background) in Germany reported their perceptions of the classroom cultural diversity climate and completed quantitative and qualitative measures assessing their intercultural competence. Multilevel structural equation models indicate that contact and cooperation, multiculturalism, and, surprisingly, also color‐evasion (as in emphasizing a common humanity), were positively related to the intercultural competence of immigrant and non‐immigrant background students. We conclude that all three aspects of the classroom climate are uniquely related to aspects of adolescents’ intercultural competence and that none of them may be sufficient on their own.
Development of ulvan‐based emulsions containing flavour and fragrances for food and cosmetic applications
Authors: Morelli Andrea , Massironi Alessio , Puppi Dario , Creti Donato , Domingo Martinez Elia , Bonistalli Camilla , Fabroni Cosimo , Morgenni Fabrizio , Chiellini Federica
Published: July 2019

In the present work, ulvan, a sulphated polysaccharide of algal origin, was innovatively investigated as stabilizing and emulsifying agent in colloidal formulations containing functional agents for food and cosmetic applications in virtue of its edibility and amphiphilic character. Ulvan was successfully submitted to chemical modification with biocompatible fatty acid moieties to increase the amphiphilic properties of the polysaccharide without compromising its safety profile. Oil in water (O/W) emulsions were developed using the ultrasonication method as an easy and rapid homogenization process. The stability of the obtained formulations was assessed by visual inspection, size distribution and zeta potential analysis. Stable emulsions were obtained by using either native or chemically modified polysaccharide. The most promising formulations based on the use of native ulvan were successfully implemented as clouding and flavouring agents in soft drink beverages and as stabilizing and perfuming agents in body cream milk products. The obtained results may open new perspectives on the exploitation of abundant waste biomasses as sources of biocompatible high value added materials suitable for being applied in critical applications as a safe alternative to synthetic chemicals. In particular ulvan could represent a valuable platform of functional and bioactive compounds with promising properties as stabilizing and emulsifying agents for food and cosmetic applications.
Molecular profiling refines minimal residual disease‐based prognostic assessment in adults with Philadelphia chromosome‐negative B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Ribera Jordi , Zamora Lurdes , Morgades Mireia , Vives Susana , Granada Isabel , Montesinos Pau , Gómez‐Seguí Inés , Mercadal Santiago , Guàrdia Ramon , Nomdedeu Josep , Pratcorona Marta , Tormo Mar , Martínez‐Lopez Joaquín , Hernández‐Rivas Jesús‐María , Ciudad Juana , Orfao Alberto , González‐Campos José , Barba Pere , Escoda Lourdes , Esteve Jordi , Genescà Eulàlia , Solé Francesc , Feliu Evarist , Ribera Josep‐Maria ,   on behalf of the Spanish PETHEMA Group,   Spanish Society of Hematology
Published: July 2019

Minimal residual disease (MRD) assessment is an essential tool in contemporary acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) protocols, being used for therapeutic decisions such as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in high‐risk patients. However, a significant proportion of adult ALL patients with negative MRD still relapse suggesting that other factors (ie, molecular alterations) must be considered in order to identify those patients with high risk of disease progression. We have identified partial IKZF1 gene deletions and CDKN2A/B deletions as markers of disease recurrence and poor survival in a series of uniformly treated adolescent and adult Philadelphia chromosome‐negative B‐cell progenitor ALL patients treated according to the Programa Español de Tratamientos en Hematología protocols. Importantly, CDKN2A/B deletions showed independent significance of MRD at the end of induction, which points out the need for treatment intensification in these patients despite being MRD‐negative after induction therapy.
Was Permian magmatism in the eastern Songnen and western Jiamusi massifs, NE China, related to the subduction of the Mudanjiang oceanic plate?
Authors: Long Xin‐Yu , Xu Wen‐Liang , Guo Peng , Sun Chen‐Yang , Luan Jin‐Peng
Published: July 2019

This paper presents new zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotope data, and whole‐rock major and trace element geochemical data of Permian igneous rocks from the eastern Songnen Massif (SM) and the western Jiamusi Massif (JM), NE China, to constrain their tectonic evolution. Zircon U–Pb dating indicates that Permian magmatism within the eastern SM can be subdivided into two stages: early Permian (ca. 293 Ma) and middle to late Permian (272–257 Ma). The early Permian igneous rocks comprise a bimodal association of rhyolites, basaltic andesites, and gabbros. The middle to late Permian igneous rocks are dominated by gabbro–diorites, monzodiorites, quartz diorites, monzonites, quartz monzonites, granodiorites, monzogranites, syenogranites, and alkali feldspar granites, along with minor bodies of A‐type quartz trachytes. The Permian felsic magmas originated mainly from partial melting of a relatively juvenile lower crust, whereas the coeval mafic rocks were probably derived from partial melting of a relatively depleted lithospheric mantle that was modified by fossil subduction‐related fluids. The igneous rock associations and their geochemical features, together with data from coeval sedimentary and volcanosedimentary successions, indicate that Permian magmatism within the eastern Songnen and western Jiamusi massifs formed in an extensional environment, similar to a back‐arc setting, related to westward subduction of a Palaeo‐oceanic plate beneath the eastern margin of the Jiamusi Massif. We find no evidence for double‐sided subduction of the Mudanjiang oceanic plate during the Permian.
Open chromatin landscape of rat microglia upon proinvasive or inflammatory polarization
Authors: Przanowski Piotr , Mondal Shamba S. , Cabaj Aleksandra , Dębski Konrad J. , Wojtas Bartosz , Gielniewski Bartłomiej , Kaza Beata , Kaminska Bozena , Dabrowski Michal
Published: July 2019

Microglia are brain‐resident, myeloid cells that play important roles in health and brain pathologies. Herein, we report a comprehensive, replicated, false discovery rate‐controlled dataset of DNase‐hypersensitive (DHS) open chromatin regions for rat microglia. We compared the open chromatin landscapes in untreated primary microglial cultures and cultures stimulated for 6 hr with either glioma‐conditioned medium (GCM) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Glioma‐secreted factors induce proinvasive and immunosuppressive activation of microglia, and these cells then promote tumor growth. The open chromatin landscape of the rat microglia consisted of 126,640 reproducible DHS regions, among which 2,303 and 12,357 showed a significant change in openness following stimulation with GCM or LPS, respectively. Active genes exhibited constitutively open promoters, but there was no direct dependence between the aggregated openness of DHS regions near a gene and its expression. Individual regions mapped to the same gene often presented different patterns of openness changes. GCM‐regulated DHS regions were more frequent in areas away from gene bodies, while LPS‐regulated regions were more frequent in introns. GCM and LPS differentially affected the openness of regions mapped to immune checkpoint genes. The two treatments differentially affected the aggregated openness of regions mapped to genes in the Toll‐like receptor signaling and axon guidance pathways, suggesting that the molecular machinery used by migrating microglia is similar to that of growing axons and that modulation of these pathways is instrumental in the induction of proinvasive polarization of microglia by glioma. Our dataset of open chromatin regions paves the way for studies of gene regulation in rat microglia.
Early oral cavity cancer: The prognostic factors and impact of adjuvant radiation on survival
Authors: Rajappa Suhas K. , Maheshwari Udip , Ram Dharma , Koyyala Venkata P. B. , Mandal Ghanashyam , Goyal Sumit , Kumar Rajeev , Dewan Ajay K.
Published: July 2019

Background

Early oral cavity cancer has good prognosis but recurrence in them is still not uncommon. There is no general consensus on the prognostic factors and adjuvant therapy that would have a significant impact on survival.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of early oral cavity cancer patients during the time period 2009‐2017. The data regarding demographics, histopathological features, and recurrence patterns were collected and analyzed.

Results

Depth of invasion (DOI) was the most important prognostic factor among all the factors analyzed. Further analysis showed that addition of adjuvant radiotherapy for patients with DOI >5 mm did not show survival benefits (P = .73). Another subset analysis of patients with DOI >10 mm also did not show any survival advantage with adjuvant therapy P = .24.

Conclusion

There is no benefit of adding adjuvant RT in patients with DOI > 5 mm or in patients who were upstaged to T3 based only on DOI.
Robot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for horseshoe kidney: A case report
Authors: Fujihara Atsuko , Hongo Fumiya , Narukawa Tsukasa , Nomura Takeshi , Yamada Yasuhiro , Ukimura Osamu
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Horseshoe kidney has unique anatomical features, such as a complex blood supply. We report a patient with renal cell carcinoma in a horseshoe kidney, who underwent tumor resection by robot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy based on preoperative three‐dimensional computed tomography.

Case presentation

A 66‐year‐old man was referred to our hospital with a 2‐cm enhancing mid‐pole mass in the left moiety of a horseshoe kidney. The clinical diagnosis was renal cell carcinoma cT1aN0M0 (R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score: 1 + 2 + 3 + 3 = 9p). Robot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy was performed with selective clamping based on reconstructed three‐dimensional images. The warm ischemia time was 13 min. Pathologic examination confirmed a diagnosis of pT1a clear cell renal cell carcinoma with negative surgical margins. At 6 months postoperatively, computed tomography showed no local recurrence or metastasis and renal function was intact.

Conclusion

Robot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with preoperative three‐dimensional computed tomography may have advantages for resection of tumors in patients with horseshoe kidney.
A multipixel diffuse correlation spectroscopy system based on a single photon avalanche diode array
Authors: Johansson Johannes D. , Portaluppi Davide , Buttafava Mauro , Villa Federica
Published: July 2019

The autocorrelation of laser speckles from coherent near infrared light is used for noninvasive estimates of relative changes in blood perfusion in techniques such as laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) and diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS). In this study, a 2D array of single photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) was used to combine the strengths of multiple detectors in LDF with high light sensitivity in DCS. The system was tested on milk phantoms with varying detector fiber diameter (200 and 600 μm), source‐detector fiber separation (4.6‐10.2 mm), fiber‐SPAD distance (2.5‐36.5 mm), contiguous measurement time per repetition for the autocorrelation (1‐33 ms) and temperature (15.6‐46.7°C). An in vivo blood occlusion test was also performed. The multipixel approach improved signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and, in our setup, the use of a multimode detector fiber was beneficial for SNR. In conclusion, the multipixel system works, but improvements and further studies regarding, for example, the data acquisition and optimal settings are still needed.
Artificial intelligence in accounting: GAAP's “FAS133”
Authors: Le Guyader Louis P.
Published: July 2019

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the necessary element to ensure that the most complex modern accounting rules are implemented correctly. This is particularly true when accounting interacts with increasingly sophisticated capital markets activities. The last 20 years' of accounting rulemaking and the dictates of regulators have ensured a need for AI. With user‐friendly AI solutions, reporting entities will not shy away from business practices because they fear they cannot account for them correctly. AI will remain an opportunity and challenge to the accounting profession.
Abnormally expressed long noncoding RNA B3GALT5‐AS1 may serve as a biomarker for the diagnostic and prognostic of gastric cancer
Authors: Feng Wei , Zong Wei , Li Yi , Shen Xianjuan , Cui Xiaopeng , Ju Shaoqing
Published: July 2019

Early diagnosis of gastric cancer (GC) is an effective method to improve prognosis. Increasing number of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported as biomarkers for several cancers. We aim to detect the level of lncRNA B3GALT5‐AS1 and its association with clinical parameters and to further explore its application value in GC. We measured serum B3GALT5‐AS1 expression in 107 patients with GC, 40 polyp patients, and 87 normal controls to explore the significance of serum B3GALT5‐AS1 in GC using the quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction method. The result demonstrated that B3GALT5‐AS1 level was markedly richer in GC patients than that in normal people (P < .001). B3GALT5‐AS1 may be served as a diagnostic marker for distinguishing GC patients from healthy people, and the proportion under the receiver operating characteristics curve is 0.816 (95% confidence interval, 0.758‐0.874; P = .03). Further exploration validated that high serum B3GALT5‐AS1 level was related to TNM stage (P = .024), and lymph node metastasis (P = .023). Our study suggested that serum B3GALT5‐AS1 may be employed as an ideal biomarker for early screening of GC.
Cloning and functional characterization of a novel metallothionein gene in Antarctic sea‐ice yeast (Rhodotorula mucilaginosa)
Authors: Kan Guangfeng , Ju Yun , Zhou Ying , Shi Cuijuan , Qiao Yongping , Yang Yu , Wang Ruiqi , Wang Xiaofei
Published: July 2019

Metallothionein (MT) is a low‐molecular‐weight protein with a high metal binding capacity and plays a key role in organism adaptation to heavy metals. In this study, a metallothionein gene was successfully cloned and sequenced from Antarctic sea‐ice yeast Rhodotorula mucilaginosa AN5. Nucleotide sequencing and analysis revealed that the gene had four exons interrupted by three introns. MTs complementary DNA (named as RmMT) had an open reading frame of 321 bp encoding a 106 amino acid protein with a predicted molecular weight of 10.3 kDa and pI of 8.49. The number of amino acids and distribution of cysteine residues indicated that RmMT was a novel family of fungal MTs. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that RmMT expression was elevated under copper‐induced stress. The RmMT gene was transferred into E. coli and the RmMT expressing bacteria showed improved tolerance to copper ion and increased accumulation of heavy metals, such as Cu2+, Pb2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, and Ag+. Moreover, in vitro studies, purified recombinant RmMT demonstrated that it could be used as a good scavenger of superoxide anion, hydroxyl, and 1,1‐Diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. In summary, these results demonstrate that RmMT plays a key role in the tolerance and bioaccumulation of heavy metals.
Profiling Gene Programs in the Blood During Liver Regeneration in Living Liver Donors
Authors: Lawrence Michael C. , Darden Carly M. , Vasu Srividya , Kumano Kenjiro , Gu Jinghua , Wang Xuan , Chan Jinyan , Xu Zhaohui , Lemoine Benjamin F. , Nguyen Phuong , Smitherman Cynthia , Naziruddin Bashoo , Testa Giuliano
Published: July 2019

The human liver’s capacity to rapidly regenerate to a full‐sized functional organ after resection has allowed successful outcomes for living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) procedures. However, the ability to detect and track physiological changes occurring during liver regeneration after resection and throughout the restoration process is still lacking. We performed a comprehensive whole‐transcriptome RNA sequencing analysis of liver and circulating blood tissue from 12 healthy LDLT donors to define biomarker signatures for monitoring physiological activities during liver regeneration at 14 time points for up to a 1‐year procedural follow‐up. LDLT donor liver tissue differentially expressed 1238 coding and noncoding genes after resection, and an additional 1260 genes were selectively regulated after LDLT. A total of 15,011 RNA transcript species were identified in the blood in response to liver resection. The transcripts most highly regulated were sequentially expressed within 3 distinct peaks that correlated with sets of functional genes involved in the induction of liver resection–specific innate immune response (peak 1), activation of the complement system (peak 2), and platelet activation and erythropoiesis (peak 3). Each peak corresponded with progressive phases of extracellular matrix degradation, remodeling, and organization during liver restoration. These processes could be tracked by distinct molecular signatures of up‐regulated and down‐regulated gene profiles in the blood during phases of liver repair and regeneration. In conclusion, the results establish temporal and dynamic transcriptional patterns of gene expression following surgical liver resection that can be detected in the blood and potentially used as biomarker signatures for monitoring phases of liver regeneration.
Low and high body mass index values are associated with female nocturia
Authors: Ito Hideaki , Aoki Yoshitaka , Oe Hideki , Taga Minekatsu , Tsuchiyama Katsuki , Yokoyama Osamu
Published: July 2019

Aims

We evaluated the relationship between body mass index (BMI), including low BMI, and nocturia in Japanese women.

Methods

We collected data on 18 952 women who participated in a multiphasic health screening in Fukui, Japan, in 2006. The participants were asked to report any current or previous disease. Self‐reported current body weight and height were used to calculate the BMI. We analyzed the relationship between nocturia, as assessed by a questionnaire, and other variables including age, BMI, and comorbidities.

Results

The participants’ mean age was 60.6 years. Overall, the prevalence of nocturia (two or more voids/night) was 4.3% and increased in an age‐dependent manner. BMI did not affect nocturia in the young participants. The prevalence of nocturia was higher in the high‐BMI women (>25.0 kg/m
2) in their fifth and sixth decades, but the prevalence was higher in the low‐BMI (<18.5 kg/m
2) in the women more than 80‐years old. A multivariate analysis revealed a significant association between nocturia and the following: age, BMI, sleep disturbance, arteriosclerosis, cerebrovascular disease, chronic pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. Not only high BMI (which is already reported as a risk of nocturia) but also low BMI was a factor related to nocturia.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that in addition to obesity, low BMI is a factor of nocturia in women.
Optimal reduced‐order LQG synthesis: Nonseparable control and estimation design
Authors: Leiter Noam , Geller David K.
Published: July 2019

The optimal linear‐quadratic‐Gaussian synthesis design approach and the associated separation principle are investigated for the case where the observer design model is a reduced model of the underlying system model. Performance of the resulting reduced‐order controller in the full‐state system environment is formulated in terms of an augmented state vector consisting of the system state vector and the reduced model state vector. Considering explicitly separated linear control and estimation laws, a calculus of variations/Hamiltonian approach is used to determine the necessary conditions for the optimal controller and observer gains for the simplified algorithms. Results show that the optimal gains are not separable, ie, the optimal controller and observer gains are coupled and cannot be computed independently. Numerical examples of an infinite‐horizon and finite‐horizon control and estimation large‐scale multiagent system problem clearly show the advantages of using the nonseparable coupled solutions.
One‐Step Synthesis of NiFe Layered Double Hydroxide Nanosheet Array/N‐Doped Graphite Foam Electrodes for Oxygen Evolution Reactions
Authors: Li Rui , Xu Jingsong , Pan Qifa , Ba Jingwen , Tang Tao , Luo Wenhua
Published: July 2019

Developing cost‐effective and highly efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts is vital for the production of clean hydrogen by electrocatalytic water splitting. Here, three dimensional nickel‐iron layered double hydroxide (NiFe LDH) nanosheet arrays are in‐situ fabricated on self‐supporting nitrogen doped graphited foam (NGF) via a one‐step hydrothermal process under an optimized amount of urea. The as prepared NiFe LDH/NGF electrode exhibits a remarkable activity toward OER with a low onset overpotential of 233 mV and a Tafel slope of 59.4 mV dec−1 as well as a long‐term durability. Such good performance is attributed to the synergy among the doping effect, the binder‐free characteristic, and the architecture of the nanosheet array.
Structural basis of generic versus specific E2–RING E3 interactions in protein ubiquitination
Authors: Gundogdu Mehmet , Walden Helen
Published: July 2019

Protein ubiquitination is a fundamental regulatory component in eukaryotic cell biology, where a cascade of ubiquitin activating (E1), conjugating (E2), and ligating (E3) enzymes assemble distinct ubiquitin signals on target proteins. E2s specify the type of ubiquitin signal generated, while E3s associate with the E2~Ub conjugate and select the substrate for ubiquitination. Thus, producing the right ubiquitin signal on the right target requires the right E2–E3 pair. The question of how over 600 E3s evolved to discriminate between 38 structurally related E2s has therefore been an area of intensive research, and with over 50 E2–E3 complex structures generated to date, the answer is beginning to emerge. The following review discusses the structural basis of generic E2–RING E3 interactions, contrasted with emerging themes that reveal how specificity can be achieved.
Gentamicin Loaded PLGA based Biodegradable Material for Controlled Drug Delivery
Authors: Vijayakrishna Kari , Patil Shrikant , Shaji Leyana K , Panicker Rakesh R
Published: July 2019

In wound care there is room for delivering antibiotic drug at wound site to avoid or control the infections. This current work is about preparation and evaluation of poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly(caprolactone) (PCL) based, gentamicin (GE) loaded biodegradable material to get optimum drug at site for antibacterial action. Drug release, degradation behaviour and tensile properties of prepared bio‐material are studied up to 42 days. Drug release in in‐vitro release testing (IVRT) was studied by UV absorbance of receptor solution. Physical characteristics such as molecular weight, tensile strength and morphology of bio‐material are carried out as a function of time during IVRT studies. The employed bio‐material releases 3.4 μg/g/h drug with a steady decrease in tensile strength and PLGA molecular weight. In this manuscript it is demonstrate that PLGA and PCL based bio‐material will release the loaded drug in controlled manner with simultaneous degradation.
Acid‐treated Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanosheets as Fluorescence Probe for Detection of Hemin
Authors: Guo Zhaoliang , Li Bingdong , Zhang Yuqian , Zhao Qiannan , Zhao Jian , Li Lijuan , Feng Liwei , Wang Manman , Meng Xianguang , Zuo Guifu
Published: July 2019

An acid‐treated, oxidized graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (g‐C3N4 NSs) was successfully synthesized and applied as a fluorescence probe for the detection of hemin based on the inner filter effect (IFE). The results indicated that the fluorescence quenching of g‐C3N4 NSs caused by hemin was attributed to the overlap between absorption spectrum of hemin and emission spectrum of g‐C3N4 NSs. It is confirmed that the g‐C3N4 NSs exhibited a highly sensitive and selective for detection of hemin. Under the optical condition, the fluorescence changing of g‐C3N4 NSs is related to the concentration of hemin ranging from 0.5 – 25 μM with a detection limit of 0.15 μM. Moreover, the fluorescence probe has been successfully applied to detect hemin in human blood. Overall, a novel and efficient fluorescence‐based method was developed supported by g‐C3N4 NSs, which is a promising material for application in sensing and cell imaging.
Reversible Single‐Crystal to Single‐Crystal Transformation Between Two Copper(II)‐Based Two‐Dimensional Coordination Polymers for Detection of Fe3+ and 3‐Iodobromobenzene
Authors: Zhu Yu , Durini Sara , Lönnecke Peter , Cong Minghui , Hey‐Hawkins Evamarie
Published: July 2019

A new two‐dimensional copper(II)‐based coordination polymer {[Cu(IBA)2]⋅2DMF}n (Cu–IBA‐1⋅2DMF) was successfully obtained through solvothermal reaction with 4‐(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)benzoic acid (HIBA) as linker. On exposure to air, Cu–IBA‐1⋅2DMF is slowly converted to a new two‐dimensional coordination polymer, namely {[Cu(IBA)2⋅H2O]⋅2H2O}n (Cu–IBA‐2⋅2H2O), through a single‐crystal to single‐crystal (SC‐SC) transformation. When suspended in DMF, Cu–IBA‐2⋅2H2O regains the initial structure Cu–IBA‐1⋅2DMF, indicating the reversibility of this transformation. Fluorescence spectra measurements show that Cu–IBA‐1⋅2DMF can selectively and sensitively detect Fe3+ and 3‐iodobromobenzene.
Optically Governed Dynamic Surface Charge Redistribution of Hybrid Plasmo‐Pyroelectric Nanosystems
Authors: Liow Chi Hao , Lu Xin , Zeng Kaiyang , Li Shuzhou , Ho Ghim Wei
Published: July 2019

Though plasmonic effect is making some headway in the energy harvesting realm, its fundamental charge transfer mechanism to a large extent is attributed to the hot‐carrier generation at the contact interface. Herein this work attempts to elucidate the physical origin of light induced plasmo‐pyroelectric enhancement based on charge density manipulation on surface state in the vicinity of the metal–ferroelectric contact interface. More importantly, by tuning the band bending, it is shown that the charge density on the surface state of a hybrid plasmo‐pyroelectric (BaTiO3‐Ag) nanosystem can be manipulated and largely increased under the resonant blue light illumination (363 nm). It is also demonstrated that owing to this effect, the spatial pyroelectric activity of a hybrid plasmo‐pyroelectric nanosystem governs 46% enhancement in pyroelectric coefficient. This research highlights the optically regulated charge density in plasmo‐pyroelectric nanosystems, which could pave a new avenue for energy harvesting/conversion devices with distinguished advantages in wireless, photonic‐controlled, localized, and dynamic stimulation.
Epigenetic Regulation of Transition Among Different Pluripotent States: Concise Review
Authors: Geng Ting , Zhang Donghui , Jiang Wei
Published: July 2019

The extraordinary progress of pluripotent stem cell research provides a revolutionary avenue to understand mammalian early embryonic development. Besides well-established conventional mouse and human embryonic stem cells, the discoveries of naive state human stem cell, two-cell-like cell, and the newly defined “extended pluripotent” stem cell and “expanded potential” stem cell with bidirectional chimeric ability have greatly broadened the horizons of more pluripotent states recaptured and maintained in dish, infinitely approaching the totipotent blastomere state. Although all these pluripotent cell types can self-renew and have the ability to differentiate into all the three germ layers, accumulating evidence suggests that these pluripotent states display distinct epigenetic characters. More strikingly, epigenetic reprogramming, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and chromatin remodeling, is required to reset the cell fate commitment, suggesting that epigenetic mechanisms may play an active and important role in the maintenance and transition among these pluripotent states. Here, we have reviewed studies on various pluripotent states, with a highlight on the epigenetic regulation during the interconversion. Stem Cells  2019;37:1372–1380