bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biaxially Morphing Droplet Shape by an Active Surface
Authors: Wang Ding , Liu Yingzhi , Sridhar Sreepathy , Li Yifan , McHale Glen , Lu Haibao , Yu Ziyi , Wang Steven , Xu Ben Bin
Published: August 2020

Drop morphology can be manipulated by designing localized solid/liquid interactions to create a favorable interfacial energy equilibrium. A topographical surface with hierarchical roughness can be harnessed to generate complex drop morphologies, enhance uniaxial and anisotropic spreading, in a designable fashion. Here, using an active surface is proposed with a responsive roughness (wrinkle patterns) under uniaxial compression/stretching, to morph droplet shape biaxially in a continuous and reversible manner. The keys to achieve biaxial drop shaping are the in‐plane confinement from lattice hole patterns and the programmable formation of roughness, to pin and guide contact line movement in both in plane directions. The complex interplay between wetting and the patterns is elucidated by both experiments and numerical analysis. The results enrich the current understanding of shaping droplets by managing the contact line pinning/movement on an engineered elastic substrate, and providing insights for emerging applications in the areas such as droplet emicrofluidics, liquid robotics, ink‐jet printing, 3D printing and healthcare.
Sensitive Photoresists for Rapid Multiphoton 3D Laser Micro‐ and Nanoprinting
Authors: Kiefer Pascal , Hahn Vincent , Nardi Martina , Yang Liang , Blasco Eva , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher , Wegener Martin
Published: August 2020

Driven by recent advances in rapid multiphoton single‐focus 3D laser nanoprinting, multifocus variants thereof, and projection‐based multiphoton 3D laser nanoprinting, the necessary average total laser powers from femtosecond laser oscillators or even from amplified femtosecond laser systems have exceeded the Watt level. Aiming at ever faster 3D printing, there exist two options: Using yet more powerful lasers or searching for more sensitive photoresists allowing for higher speeds at comparable or lower power levels. Here, altogether more than 70 different photoresists from the literature and a few new candidates are reviewed with regard to effective multiphoton sensitivity. A dimensionless sensitivity figure‐of‐merit allows to directly compare data taken under sometimes vastly different conditions.
Gap‐Plasmon Induced One‐Order Enhancement of Optical Anisotropy of 2D Black Phosphorus
Authors: Jia Jingyuan , Chen Xiaoming , Ban Yu , Zhang Xinyue , Liu Kuan , Guo Yaoming , Chui Hsiang-Chen , Long Yi , Cao Tun
Published: August 2020

Anisotropic 2D materials with unique thermoelectric, electrical, and optical characteristics offer prospects for various angle‐dependent devices. Yet, few anisotropic 2D materials are exploited. Black phosphorus (BP) is a newly rediscovered 2D material with striking in‐plane anisotropy. However, experimental illustrations of the optical anisotropy of 2D BP are very limited presumably due to the ultrathin thickness of the few‐layered BP which weakens the light–matter interaction. To solve this problem, herein a hybrid nanostructure is fabricated using a one‐step self‐assembly deposition of gold (Au) nanoparticle (NP) clusters onto the few‐layered BP residing on a silica (SiO2) substrate. Such a hybrid nanostructure can squeeze the light into AuNPs–SiO2 gap through the gap plasmon resonance, enabling the confined light to interact efficiently with the ultrathin BP film. Angle‐resolved polarized Raman spectra measurement is carried out to study the influence of the AuNPs on the in‐plane optical anisotropy of the BP. About 20 times enhancement of Raman intensity anisotropy is experimentally achieved using AuNPs. The AuNPs‐BP system is not only useful for high‐performance polarization‐dependent photonic devices but also a universal methodology for exploring the in‐plane anisotropy of low‐symmetry 2D materials. Furthermore, the high‐throughput self‐assembly fabrication shows its potential for industrial‐scale manufacturability.
Recent Trends in the Iron‐Catalyzed Cyanation Reactions
Authors: Saranya Salim , Neetha Mohan , Aneeja Thaipparambil , Anilkumar Gopinathan
Published: August 2020

The review focuses on the iron‐catalyzed cyanation reaction. This is the first review on this topic and covers literature till 2020 and comprehends all the works published in this field detailing the scope and limitations. The cyano compounds are important organic moiety and are widely used in synthetic organic chemistry; this review aims to help understand the various aspects of Fe‐catalyzed cyanation reactions and its scope.

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Enantioselective Formal Arylation of (7‐Aza)isatylidene Malononitriles with α′‐Alkylidene‐2‐cyclohexenones
Authors: He Qing , Yang Zhen‐Hong , Yang Jing , Du Wei , Chen Ying‐Chun
Published: August 2020

An asymmetric intermolecular Rauhut‐Currier reaction of α′‐alkylidene 2‐cyclohexenones and (7‐aza)isatinylidene malononitriles is realized under the double activation catalysis of natural quinine and 2‐mercaptobenzoic acid, finally affording formal 3‐arylated spiro (7‐aza)oxindole derivatives in fair to excellent enantioselectivity after a tandem cyclization/aromatization process (up to 96% ee).

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Clinical and genetic characteristics of Stargardt disease in a large Western China cohort: Report 1
Authors: Liu Xiao , Meng Xiaohong , Yang Lizhu , Long Yanling , Fujinami‐Yokokawa Yu , Ren Jiayun , Kurihara Toshihide , Tsubota Kazuo , Tsunoda Kazushige , Fujinami Kaoru , Li Shiying ,   East Asia Inherited Retinal Disease Society Study Group
Published: August 2020

Stargardt disease 1 (STGD1) is the most prevalent retinal dystrophy caused by pathogenic biallelic ABCA4 variants. Forty‐two unrelated patients mostly originating from Western China were recruited. Comprehensive ophthalmological examinations, including visual acuity measurements (subjective function), fundus autofluorescence (retinal imaging), and full‐field electroretinography (objective function), were performed. Next‐generation sequencing (target/whole exome) and direct sequencing were conducted. Genotype grouping was performed based on the presence of deleterious variants. The median age of onset/age was 10.0 (5–52)/29.5 (12–72) years, and the median visual acuity in the right/left eye was 1.30 (0.15–2.28)/1.30 (0.15–2.28) in the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution unit. Ten patients (10/38, 27.0%) showed confined macular dysfunction, and 27 (27/37, 73.7%) had generalized retinal dysfunction. Fifty‐eight pathogenic/likely pathogenic ABCA4 variants, including 14 novel variants, were identified. Eight patients (8/35, 22.8%) harbored multiple deleterious variants, and 17 (17/35, 48.6%) had a single deleterious variant. Significant associations were revealed between subjective functional, retinal imaging, and objective functional groups, identifying a significant genotype–phenotype association. This study illustrates a large phenotypic/genotypic spectrum in a large well‐characterized STGD1 cohort. A distinct genetic background of the Chinese population from the Caucasian population was identified; meanwhile, a genotype–phenotype association was similarly represented.
Radical‐Based Synthesis and Modification of Amino Acids
Authors: Aguilar Troyano Francisco José , Merkens Kay , Anwar Khadijah , Gómez‐Suárez Adrián
Published: August 2020

Amino acids (AAs) are key structural motifs with widespread applications in organic synthesis, biochemistry, and material sciences. Recently, with the development of milder and more versatile radical‐based procedures, the use of strategies relying on radical chemistry for the synthesis and modification of AAs has gained increased attention, as they allow rapid access to libraries of novel unnatural AAs containing a wide range of structural motifs. In this Minireview, we provide a broad overview of the advancements made in this field during the last decade, focusing on methods for the de novo synthesis of α‐, β‐, and γ‐AAs, as well as for the selective derivatisation of canonical and non‐canonical α‐AAs.
BCN ceramics with excellent electromagnetic wave–absorbing property derived from high‐yield and soluble precursor polymers
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Long Xin , Ji Xiaoyu , Shao Changwei
Published: August 2020

Polymer‐derived ceramics have been used as functional nanocomposites with designable structures and tunable properties. In this report, three types of BCN ceramics were fabricated from boron‐modified precursors, which were in turn synthesized by the polymerization of decaborane as boron‐rich monomer with diamines as linkages. All of these precursors present high ceramic yield and good solubility in N,N‐dimethylformamide and dimethyl sulfoxide. The composition and structure of precursors were characterized using elemental analysis, Fourier‐transform infrared, gel permeation chromatography, and nuclear magnetic resonance. The structural evolution during the polymer‐to‐ceramic process and the microstructure of pyrolyzed BCN ceramics were analyzed in detail. The BCN ceramic with 16 wt. % carbon content derived from alkyldiamines exhibited promising X‐band absorption properties. When the sample thickness is only 1.8 mm, the minimum reflection loss reaches −40.9 dB at 15.8 GHz with an effective absorption bandwidth of 5.3 GHz. The simple and processable method for BCN ceramics was developed to satisfy the demand of materials with adjustable electromagnetic wave absorption properties.
Designing environmental DNA surveys in complex aquatic systems: Backpack sampling for rare amphibians in Sierra Nevada meadows
Authors: Pope Karen L. , Goldberg Caren S. , Nelson Nicolette L. , Cummings Adam K. , Seaborn Travis , Piovia‐Scott Jonah
Published: August 2020

Surveys for environmental DNA (eDNA) can provide an efficient and effective means of detecting aquatic organisms in various types of aquatic systems.

In the summer of 2017, the efficacy of a new, integrated eDNA backpack sampler to detect two native amphibians (Rana sierrae and R. cascadae) at risk was tested in complex mountain meadows in California. Samples were collected at 65 locations in 15 meadows where the target species were known to be present or were historically present.

Collection and preservation of individual samples took less than 10 min on average. Environmental DNA analysis methods detected each species at all meadows with visual detections (N = 11) except one with one frog seen away from sampling sites. Bayesian multi‐scale occupancy modelling indicated that conditional detection probabilities at the sample level ranged from 0.30 (CL 0.07–0.65) at meadow heads where no frogs were observed during visual surveys to 0.93 (CL 0.77–1.00) at the meadow foot with at least one frog observed in the vicinity.

Compared with visual surveys, eDNA methods more frequently detected amphibians at the sampling‐location scale. The improvement in detection using eDNA methods was most pronounced for samples collected at the downstream ends of meadows where water converges, where eDNA methods detected target species at 10 of 11 occupied meadows.

These results suggest that the addition of eDNA sampling to visual surveys in mountain meadows will improve survey accuracy and increase the probability of detecting rare frogs.
Fetal exposure to dichloroacetic acid and impaired cognitive function in the adulthood
Authors: Wang Yue , Jiang Wenbo , Dong Qiuying , Zhao Yue , Chen Yingying , Sun Changhao , Sun Guoli
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Dichloroacetic acid (DCA), a by‐product of disinfection in drinking water, is a multiple organ carcinogen in humans and animals. Still, little research on its neurotoxicity and its underlying mechanism has not been elucidated.

Methods

Sprague Dawley rats were intragastrically treated with DCA at 10, 30, 90 mg/kg body weight from pregnancy till delivery. At eight weeks of age of pups, we assessed cognitive performance using the standard behavioral tests. And the hippocampus structure and ultrastructure were evaluated using light and electron microscope. The oxidative stress indicators and neuroinflammation factors were measured with the corresponding kits. The mRNA and protein of synaptic factors were detected using RT‐PCR and Western blot.

Results

The results indicated that maternal weight gain and offspring birthweight were not significantly affected by DCA. However, behavioral tests, including morris water maze and step down, showed varying degrees of changes in DCA‐treated pups. Additionally, we found significant differences in hippocampal neurons by histomorphological observation. Biochemical analysis results indicated superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, were affected by DCA accompanying with DNA damage. Moreover, the results showed that the neuroinflammation factors (TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐1β) in DCA treatment groups increased significantly compared with the control pups. And we also found that DCA treatment caused a differential modulation of proteins (BDNF, cAMP‐response element‐binding protein1 (CREB1), p‐CREB1, postsynaptic density‐95 (PSD‐95), synapsin I, p‐synapsin I), and mRNA (BDNF, PSD‐95).

Conclusions

Taken together, these results above showed that oxidative stress, neuroinflammation response, and weakened synaptic plasticity in pups hippocampus induced by fetal exposure to DCA could damage the function of memory and cognition in the adulthood.
Do online environments promote sufficiency or overconsumption? Online advertisement and social media effects on clothing, digital devices, and air travel consumption
Authors: Frick Vivian , Matthies Ellen , Thøgersen John , Santarius Tilman
Published: August 2020

Sustainable consumption is increasingly shaped by online environments. Everyday exposure to online advertisement and social media content by peers may influence individual consumption decisions. By representative online surveys (N = 2,694), we examined how perception of online environments influences individual consumption levels of clothing, digital devices and leisure air travel, mediated by individual aspiration levels, personal and social norms. Structural equation modeling confirms relationships between perceived consumption‐promoting online content and consumption levels, fully mediated through aspiration levels. Sufficiency‐promoting online content is associated with higher social and personal norms for sufficiency, but neither of the latter are linked to aspiration or consumption levels. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that aspiration levels and consumption decisions are influenced by consumption‐promoting online content. Due to the use of cross‐sectional data, it cannot be ruled out that these results reflect that more consumption‐oriented individuals pay more attention to consumption‐promoting online content. Hence, the dominant causal direction needs to be determined by experimental or longitudinal methods.
ERO1L promotes NSCLC development by modulating cell cycle‐related molecules
Authors: Shi Xiujuan , Wu Jiawen , Liu Yi , Jiang Yuxiong , Zhi Changjiang , Li Jue
Published: August 2020

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. Previous studies revealed that endoplasmic reticulum oxidoreductase 1 alpha (ERO1L) played critical roles in the malignant behaviors of several cancer types, but its role in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remained unclear. In this study, we identified 26 upregulated and 102 downregulated genes in NSCLC using bioinformatics analyses, and these genes were enriched in the biological processes of the cell cycle. ERO1L was remarkably upregulated in NSCLC and overexpression of ERO1L was associated with poor prognosis of NSCLC. ERO1L deficiency markedly suppressed NSCLC cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion. ERO1L depletion caused a dramatically decreased expression of cell cycle‐related factors in NSCLC cells. Collectively, our data validated that ERO1L could function as a tumor promoter in NSCLC, indicating the potential of targeting ERO1L for the treatment of NSCLC.
Inguinal hernia in a patient with prostate cancer to be treated with photon radiotherapy
Authors: Oike Takahiro , Shirai Katsuyuki , Ohno Tatsuya
Published: August 2020

Inguinal hernia should be repaired prior to photon radiotherapy for prostate cancer to avoid exposing the radiosensitive intestinal tract potentially included in hernia sac.
Leukoreduction and hydroxyurea in malignant pertussis: A case series
Authors: Aldairi Nedaa , Alali Hamza , Kazzaz Yasser
Published: August 2020

We report five cases of malignant pertussis, a rare but life‐threatening illness. Current therapies include supportive care and leukoreduction. Notably, leukoreduction might be more effective when initiated prior to the development of organ failure and pulmonary hypertension.
Methane Pyrolysis for CO2‐Free H2 Production: A Green Process to Overcome Renewable Energies Unsteadiness
Authors: Sánchez‐Bastardo Nuria , Schlögl Robert , Ruland Holger
Published: August 2020

The Carbon2Chem® project aims to convert exhaust gases from the steel industry into chemicals such as methanol to reduce CO2 emissions. Here, H2 is required for the conversion of CO2 into methanol. Although much effort is put to produce H2 from renewables, the use of fossil fuels, especially natural gas, seems to be fundamental in the short term. For this reason, the development of clean technologies for the processing of natural gas with a low environmental impact has become a topic of utmost importance. In this context, methane pyrolysis has received special attention to produce CO2‐free H2.
Separating the Driving Force on Estuary Nutrient Evolution
Authors: Wang Hua , Yuan Weihao , Yan Huaiyu , Zhou Fengnian , Li Bao , Zhuang Wei , Zeng Yichuan , Kaisam John Paul
Published: August 2020

The Yangtze river estuary (YRE) of China is selected as the research area. The evolution of nutrient load in YRE from 2004 to 2016 is examined against field investigated data. The entropy value‐based method is proposed to decouple the forces driving the dynamics of the nutrients. The results indicated that: 1) The nutrient driving force sequence in YRE is mainstream boundary (MB, 34.57%) > regional pollutant boundary (PB, 34.48%) > self‐purification (SP, 20.26%) > sediment release (SR, 7.00%) > atmospheric deposition (AD, 3.68%). 2) The strength of the MB is weakened by the decreasing distance to the entrance of the river and the geographical position is significantly correlated with the force of the PB. 3) The weight of SP range from 13.8% to 28.3% and the seasons have important influence for SP force. In flood seasons SP is strengthened by 12.3% on average. 4) SR and AD do not play a significant role in the nutrient evolution, but forces fluctuated with space‐time conditions. 5) As different forms of nutrients undergo different physical, chemical, and biological processes in water, the forces varied with nutrient factors.
Associations between supernormality (‘faking good’), narcissism and depression: An exploratory study in a clinical sample
Authors: De Page Louis , Merckelbach Harald
Published: August 2020

We explored underreporting of mental health symptoms and its correlates in adults receiving psychological treatment. We administered the Supernormality Scale (SS), the Minnesota Multiple Personality Inventory‐2 (Restructured Form, MMPI‐2‐RF), the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI) and the Beck Depression Inventory‐II (BDI‐2) to 147 patients at the start of their treatment. Supernormality (i.e., denial of common symptoms) was positively associated with MMPI‐2(‐RF) faking good parameters supporting the construct validity of the SS. Narcissism was negatively related to self‐reported depression symptoms, but this association failed to reach significance (r = −.15, p = .07). This suggests that patients high on grandiose/overt narcissism might tend to deny common symptoms. The link between supernormality and depression symptoms as measured by the BDI‐2 was substantial and negative (r = −.72). Our data suggest that supernormality is associated with constricted self‐reports of depression. Given the clinical relevance of symptom underreporting, our preliminary findings require a large‐scale replication.
Adenine Nucleotide and Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Measurements in Plants
Authors: Zhang Youjun , Krahnert Ina , Bolze Antje , Gibon Yves , Fernie Alisdair R.
Published: August 2020

As the principal co‐factors of many metabolic pathways, the measurement of both adenine nucleotides and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide provides important information about cellular energy metabolism. However, given their rapid and reversible conversion as well as their relatively low concentration ranges, it is difficult to measure these compounds. Here, we describe a highly sensitive and selective ion‐pairing HPLC method with fluorescence detection to quantify adenine nucleotides in plants. In addition, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide is a crucially important redox‐active substrate for multiple catabolic and anabolic reactions with the ratios of NAD+/NADH and NADP+/NADPH being suggested as indicators of the general intracellular redox potential and hence metabolic state. Here, we describe highly sensitive enzyme cycling−based colorimetric assays (with a detection limit in the pmol range) performed subsequent to a simple extraction procedure involving acid or base extraction to allow the measurement of the cellular levels of these metabolites. © 2020 The Authors.

Basic Protocol 1: Preparation of plant material for the measurement

Basic Protocol 2: Measurement of ATP, ADP, and AMP via HPLC

Basic Protocol 3: NAD+/NADP+ measurements

Basic Protocol 4: NADH/NADPH measurements

Basic Protocol 5: Data analysis and quality control approaches
Effects of elevated CO2 and warmer temperature on early season field‐grown cotton in high‐input systems
Authors: Broughton Katrina J. , Bange Michael P. , Baker Jeffrey T. , Yates Charles , Tan Daniel K.Y. , Tissue David T. , Payton Paxton
Published: August 2020

Changes in temperature and CO2 under the scenarios of climate change present a challenge to crop production and may have significant impacts on the yield of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) crops. The aims of this study were to (a) investigate the use of novel chambers to evaluate the impacts of climate change, specifically warmer temperatures combined with elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2]), on field‐grown plants; (b) compare the combined effects of elevated [CO2] and temperature on leaf‐level photosynthetic rate and plant biomass; and (c) assess the effects of elevated [CO2] and warmer temperature on soil water content and leaf‐level water‐use efficiency (Asat/E). Canopy evapotranspiration and assimilation (CETA) chambers were used to elevate [CO2] in the field over two consecutive seasons, but also generated higher air temperatures (on average 2–4 °C warmer) at ambient (CA: 400 μl L−1) and elevated [CO2] (CE: 650 μl L−1) from ∼44 days after planting (DAP) until 72 DAP. Elevated [CO2] increased early stage vegetative biomass by 34–68% in well‐watered, field‐grown cotton growing at warmer temperatures. Despite increased Asat/E with CE, there were minimal changes in leaf‐level biochemistry (estimated from gas exchange) and volumetric soil water content (VSWC) over the 28 d period, potentially the result of the combination of greater biomass and improved Asat/E. We observed increased early season crop growth of cotton grown in a changing climate; however, studies are needed to assess the effects of elevated CO2 and temperature on cotton production over a full growing season in the field.
Doing well by doing good: How corporate environmental responsibility influences corporate financial performance
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Ouyang Zhe
Published: August 2020

The natural resource‐based view suggests a relationship between corporate environmental responsibility (CER) and corporate financial performance (CFP), because intangible assets accrued by a firm constitute competitive advantages. However, the role of corporate reputation as a valuable intangible asset in the CER–CFP link has yet to be examined. We fill this gap by examining the effect of a firm's reputation in terms of prominence and favorability in interactively mediating the CER–CFP link. Using a sample of 10,995 firm‐year observations in China, we find that CER enhances a firm's prominence and favorability, through which CER indirectly improves CFP. Additionally, the results of moderated mediation analysis indicate that the indirect effect of CER on CFP via improving prominence (favorability) is more positive and significant in high levels of favorability (prominence) than in low levels.
Molecular sex identification of Malaysian White‐Nest Swiftlet (Aerodramus fuciphagus Thunberg, 1812)
Authors: Osman Muhammad Amin , Sugnaseelan Sumita , Panandam Jothi Malar , Ab Ghani Nurul Izza
Published: August 2020

The difficulty in differentiating the sex of monomorphic bird species has made molecular sexing an important tool in addressing this problem. This method uses noninvasively collected materials such as feathers and may be advantageous for sexing endangered as well as commercialized bird species. In this study, seven primer sets for sexing birds were screened in Aerodramus fuciphagus using a total of 13 feather samples that were randomly selected from the state of Perak, Malaysia. From the screening analysis, only one primer set (P8/WZ/W) successfully differentiated the sex of A. fuciphagus. PCR amplification produced a single 255‐bp DNA fragment for males which was derived from CHD‐Z (CHD gene region in the sex chromosome Z), while for the females it produced two fragments (144 and 255 bp). The 144‐bp fragment was from CHD‐W (CHD gene region in the sex chromosome W). Results from sequencing showed no variations in the base sequences of the CHD‐W and CHD‐Z amplified fragments within the same sexes, except for one male sample (A23) where at position 166, a base substitution occurred (G → A). Phylogenetic analysis of CHD‐W showed that four (Apodiformes; Gruiformes; Passeriformes; and Pelecaniformes) out of the five orders investigated had formed four clear clusters within their orders, including the studied order: Apodiformes. Whereas in CHD‐Z, four (Accipitriformes; Columbiformes; Galliformes; and Passeriformes) out of five orders investigated formed four clear clusters within their orders, excluding the studied order. In addition, A. fuciphagus and Apus apus (both Apodiformes) showed less divergence in CHD‐W than CHD‐Z (0% c.f. 9%). The result suggests that in A. fuciphagus, CHD gene evolution occurred at a higher rate in males (CHD‐Z) compared to females (CHD‐W). This finding may be useful for further studies on sex ratio and breeding management of A. fuciphagus.
Trade‐offs affect the adaptive value of plasticity: stronger cannibal‐induced defenses incur greater costs in toad larvae
Authors: DeVore Jayna L. , Crossland Michael R. , Shine Richard
Published: August 2020

Adaptive developmental plasticity allows individuals to match their phenotype with their environment, increasing fitness where threats are inconsistently present. However, despite clear advantages of plasticity, adaptive traits are not ubiquitously nor infinitely plastic. Trade‐offs between benefits and costs or limits are therefore theoretically necessary to constrain the evolution of plastic responses. Systems in which extreme risk can be reliably detected are ideal for investigating trade‐offs, as even costly responses may be adaptive where risk is severe. Cane toads (Rhinella marina) are abundant in Australia and produce large clutches (frequently >10,000 eggs), but asynchronous breeding and rapid development result in variable larval densities within breeding pools. In the field, we found that cannibalism by older cohorts often reduces the survival of conspecific eggs and newly hatched pre‐feeding larvae (“hatchlings”) by >99%, as feeding larvae (“tadpoles”) use chemical cues from the relatively immobile hatchlings to locate and consume them. After hatchlings become free‐swimming, however, they cannot be cannibalized. Hatchlings can reduce this period of vulnerability by accelerating development when they detect cannibal cues. However, this developmental acceleration decreases initial tadpole mass, reduces subsequent survival, growth, and development, affects behavior, and compromises feeding structures. Reaction norms differ among clutches, and greater developmental acceleration is followed by greater impairment of larval function in plastic clutches, whereas nonresponsive clutches are unaffected by cue exposure. More plastic clutches ultimately exhibit both poorer performance and greater variation among siblings in exposed and (to a lesser degree) control treatments. Variation among clutches in tadpole viability is driven by differences in plasticity rather than phenotype; fitness reductions are linked to developmental acceleration, not rapid development per se. Clutches with intrinsically slow pre‐feeding developmental rates exhibit stronger acceleration (i.e., steeper reaction norms), but clutches with intrinsically rapid development reach invulnerable stages more quickly than those that accelerate development. As a result, high cannibalism risk may favor canalized rapid development rather than facultative developmental acceleration. Cannibalism plays an important role in the recruitment of this invasive species, and hatchling defenses against this threat demonstrate how the limits and costs associated with an inducible defense can favor canalized defenses over phenotypic plasticity.
Decellularized gastric matrix as a mesh for gastric perforation repair
Authors: Feng Liang , Hu Yi‐Lin , Ma Peng , Feng Ying , Guo Yi‐Bing , Huang Hua , Li Peng , Mao Qin‐Sheng , Xue Wan‐Jiang
Published: August 2020

The development of novel materials with effective defect‐repairing properties will help avoid subtotal gastrectomy in patients with large gastric perforations. We prepared perfused decellularized gastric matrix (PDGM) and analyzed its components, spatial structure, biomechanics, cytotoxicity, and histocompatibility to validate its efficacy in the repair of gastric perforation. PDGM retained large amounts of gastric extracellular matrix, while residual glandular cells and muscle fibers were not found. The spatial structure of the tissue was well preserved, while the DNA and glycosaminoglycan contents were significantly decreased compared with normal gastric tissue (p < .01). There was no obvious deformation of the spatial structure and tissue elasticity of PDGM after sterilization by Cobalt‐60 irradiation. The PDGM had good histocompatibility. PDGM was then used to repair a rat gastric perforation model. Radiography of the upper gastrointestinal tract at 24 hr postoperatively revealed no contrast agent leakage. There was evidence of early fibroblast proliferation, which was complicated by capillary regeneration. The hyperplastic gastric gland was slightly disarranged after repair. Defects of the muscular layer also healed a little with the regeneration process. PDGM is a nontoxic biocompatible biological mesh that may be useful for repairing relatively large gastric defects.
The protective effect of vitamin U on valproic acid‐induced lung toxicity in rats via amelioration of oxidative stress
Authors: Oztay Fusun , Tunali Sevim , Kayalar Ozgecan , Yanardag Refiye
Published: August 2020

Vitamin U (Vit U) is a novel free‐radical scavenger. The protective effect of Vit U on valproic acid (VPA)‐induced lung damage was examined. Rats were divided into four groups: control rats; rats given Vit U (50 mg/kg/d, by gavage) for 15 days; rats treated with VPA (500 mg/kg/d, intraperitoneally) for 15 days; and rats were given VPA + Vit U (in same dose and time). On the 16th day of the experiment, the lungs were collected from rats. Lung structure, pulmonary oxidant/antioxidant parameters and Nrf2, α‐SMA, and collagen‐1 were evaluated by microscopic and biochemical analysis. Additionally, it was determined the interactions of Vit U with Nrf2 and Keap1 by in silico analysis. VPA administration increased lipid peroxidation and the activity of lactate dehydrogenase and myeloperoxidase. However, it decreased the glutathione level, and the activities of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione‐S‐transferase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase. VPA‐mediated oxidative stress prompted structural distortion and fibrotic alterations in the lung. Vit U supplementation reversed structural and biochemical alterations, induced antioxidant system through Nrf2 activation, and attenuated fibrosis by reducing collagen expression in VPA‐administered rats. However, Vit U pretreatment was unable to reduce α‐SMA levels in the lung of VPA‐treated rats. Molecular docking analysis showed the binding of Vit U to ETGE motif leads to dissociation of Nrf2 from the Nrf2/Keap1 complex and its transfer to nuclei. In conclusion, Vit U attenuated VPA‐induced tissue damage by restoring antioxidative systems through amelioration of Nrf2 activity in the lung under oxidative stress.
Temperature‐dependent kinetics of the simplest Criegee intermediate reaction with dimethyl sulfoxide
Authors: Li Yu‐Lin , Lin Chun‐Yu , Lin Yen‐Hsiu , Lin Jim Jr‐Min
Published: August 2020

Criegee intermediates are thought to play roles in atmospheric chemistry, including OH radical formation, oxidation of SO2, NO2, etc. CH2OO is the simplest Criegee intermediate, of which the reactivity has been a hot topic. Here we investigated the kinetics of CH2OO reaction with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) under 278–349 K and 10–150 Torr. DMSO is an important species formed in the oxidation of dimethyl sulfide in the biogenic sulfur cycle. The concentration of CH2OO was monitored in real‐time via its mid‐infrared absorption band at about 1,286 cm−1 (Q branch of the ν4 band) with a high‐resolution quantum cascade laser spectrometer. The 298 K bimolecular rate coefficient was determined to be k298 = (2.3 ± 0.3) × 10−12 cm3/s at 30 Torr with an Arrhenius activation energy of −3.9 ± 0.2 kcal/mol and a weak pressure dependence for pressures higher than 30 Torr (k298 = (2.8 ± 0.3) × 10−12 cm3/s at 100 Torr). The reaction is speculated to undergo a five‐membered ring intermediate, analogous to that of CH2OO with SO2. The negative activation energy indicates that the rate‐determining transition state is submerged. The magnitude of the reaction rate coefficient lies in between those of CH2OO reactions with (CH3)2CO and with SO2.
Rigidity and a common framework for mutually unbiased bases and k‐nets
Authors: Nietert Sloan , Szilágyi Zsombor , Weiner Mihály
Published: August 2020

Many deep connections have been observed between collections of mutually unbiased bases (MUBs) and combinatorial designs called ‐nets (and in particular, between collections of MUBs and finite affine planes). Here we introduce the notion of a ‐net over a ‐algebra, providing a common framework for both objects. In the commutative case, we recover (classical) ‐nets, while the choice of leads to collections of MUBs. In this framework, we derive a rigidity property which hence automatically applies to both objects. For ‐nets that can be completed to affine planes, this was already known by a completely different, combinatorial argument. For ‐nets that cannot be completed and for MUBs, this result is new, and it implies that the only vectors unbiased to all but bases of a complete collection of MUBs in are the elements of the remaining bases (up to phase factors). Further, we show that this bound is tight with counterexamples for in every prime‐square dimension. Applying our rigidity result, we prove that if a large enough collection of MUBs constructed from a certain unitary error basis (like, the generalized Pauli operators) can be extended to a complete system, then every basis of the completion must come from the same error basis. In turn, we use this to show that certain large systems of MUBs cannot be completed.
Characterization of intracellular buffering power in human induced pluripotent stem cells and the loss of pluripotency is delayed by acidic stimulation and increase of NHE1 activity
Authors: Lee Shiao‐Pieng , Chao Shih‐Chi , Chou Mei‐Fang , Huang Shu‐Fu , Dai Niann‐Tzyy , Wu Gwo‐Jang , Tsai Chien‐Sung , Loh Shih‐Hurng , Tsai Yi‐Ting
Published: August 2020

The homeostasis of intracellular pH (pHi) affects many cellular functions. Our previous study has established a functional and molecular model of the active pHi regulators in human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). The aims of the present study were to further quantify passive pHi buffering power (β) and to investigate the effects of extracellular pH and Na+–H+ exchanger 1 (NHE1) activity on pluripotency in hiPSCs. pHi was detected by microspectrofluorimetry with pH‐sensitive dye‐BCECF. Western blot, immunofluorescence staining, and flow cytometry were used to detect protein expression and pluripotency. Our study in hiPSCs showed that (a) the value of total (βtot), intrinsic (βi), and CO2‐dependent () buffering power all increased while pHi increased; (b) during the spontaneous differentiation for 4 days, the β values of βtot and changed in a tendency of decrease, despite the absence of statistical significance; (c) an acidic cultured environment retained pluripotency and further upregulated expression and activity of NHE1 during spontaneous differentiation; (d) inhibition on NHE1 activity promoted the loss of pluripotency. In conclusion, we, for the first time, established a quantitative model of passive β during differentiation and demonstrated that maintenance of NHE1 at a higher level was of critical importance for pluripotency retention in hiPSCs.
Evaluation of Vascular Reactivity of Maternal Vascular Adaptations of Pregnancy With Quantitative MRI: Pilot Study
Authors: Langham Michael C. , Caporale Alessandra S. , Wehrli Felix W. , Parry Samuel , Schwartz Nadav
Published: August 2020

Background

Abnormal maternal vascular function during pregnancy stemming from systemic endothelial dysfunction (EDF) has a central role in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia (PE).

Purpose

To utilize quantitative MRI to investigate changes in physiological measures of vascular reactivity during normal pregnancy, and to explore EDF associated with preeclampsia.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Healthy pregnant (HP) (n = 14, mean GA = 26 ± 7 weeks) and nonpregnant women (NP; n = 14); newly postpartum (PP <48 hours) women with severe PE (PP‐PE; n = 4) and normotensive pregnancy (PP‐HP; n = 5).

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5T/3T. RF spoiled multiecho gradient‐recalled echo, 1D phase‐contrast MRI, time‐of‐flight.

Assessment

The micro‐ and macrovascular function (vasodilatory capacity of arterioles and conduit arteries, respectively) of the femoral vascular bed was evaluated with MRI‐based venous oximetry, arterial velocimetry, and luminal flow‐mediated dilation quantification, during cuff‐induced reactive hyperemia. Aortic arch pulse‐wave velocity (aPWV) was quantified to assess arterial stiffness using an ungated 1D technique.

Statistical Tests

Two‐tailed unpaired t‐tests were performed to address our two, primary a priori comparisons, HP vs. NP, and PP‐PE vs. PP‐HP. Given the pilot nature of this study, adjustments for multiple comparisons were not performed.

Results

In HP, microvascular function was attenuated compared to NP by a significant increase in the washout time (10 ± 2 vs. 8 ± 2 sec; P < 0.05) and reduced upslope (2.1 ± 0.5 vs. 3.2 ± 0.8%HbO2/s; P < 0.05), time of forward flow (28 ± 5 vs. 33 ± 6 sec, P < 0.05), and hyperemic index (11 ± 3 vs. 16 ± 4 cm/s2; P < 0.05), but luminal flow‐mediated dilatation (FMDL)was comparable between HP and NP. PP‐PE exhibited significant vascular dysfunction compared to PP‐HP, as evidenced by differences in upslope (2.2 ± 0.6 vs. 1.3 ± 0.2%HbO2/s, P < 0.05), overshoot (16 ± 5 vs. 7 ± 3%HbO2, P < 0.05), time of forward flow (28 ± 6 vs. 15 ± 7 s, P < 0.05), and aPWV (7 ± 1 vs. 8 ± 1 m/s, P < 0.05).

Data Conclusion

Attenuated vascular reactivity during pregnancy suggests that the systemic vasodilatory state partially depletes nitric oxide bioavailability. Preliminary data support the potential for MRI to identify vascular dysfunction in vivo that underlies PE.

Level of Evidence 2

Technical Efficacy Stage 1

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2021;53:447–455.
Hypophosphatemia in a Specialized Intestinal Failure Unit: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Eriksen Marcel Kjærsgaard , Baunwall Simon Mark Dahl , Lal Simon , Dahlerup Jens Frederik , Hvas Christian Lodberg
Published: August 2020

Background

Patients with intestinal failure (IF) are prone to hypophosphatemia and shifts in magnesium and potassium levels. Although these shifts are often attributed to refeeding syndrome (RFS), the incidence of electrolyte shifts among patients with IF is unknown. We evaluated the occurrence of hypophosphatemia and other electrolyte shifts according to the functional and pathophysiological IF classifications.

Methods

We consecutively included all patients’ first admission to an IF unit from 2013 to 2017. Electrolyte shifts were defined as severe hypophosphatemia <0.6 mmol/L (mM) or any 2 other shifts below reference range, comprising hypomagnesemia <0.75 mM, hypophosphatemia <0.8 mM, or hypokalemia <3.5 mM. Outcomes included length of stay, central line–associated bloodstream infection, and other infections. Mortality was evaluated 6 months after discharge.

Results

Of 236 patients with IF, electrolyte shifts occurred in 99 (42%), and 127 (54%) of these patients received intravenous supplementation with either phosphate, magnesium, or potassium. In patients who started parenteral nutrition, up to 62% of early‐onset shifts (<5 days) related to refeeding, and up to 63% of late‐onset shifts (≥5 days) could be ascribed to infections. Derangements occurred in 7 (18%) with type 1 IF, 53 (43%) with type 2 IF, and 39 (53%) readmitted patients with type 3 IF. Of 133 patients with IF secondary to short‐bowel syndrome, 65 (49%) developed shifts.

Conclusion

In patients with IF, electrolyte shifts are frequent but not always due to RFS. Electrolyte shifts are common in patients with type 2 and those readmitted with type 3 IF.
Learning algorithm with noisy labels for video frame classification
Authors: Lee Junggi , Kong Kyeongbo , Song Woo‐Jin
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we propose Recycling+, an algorithm that uses temporal information for video frame classification with noisy label. With the proposed algorithm, the network can be trained robustly through not only clean samples with original labels but also noisy samples with corrected labels obtained by temporal average predictions.
Mandatory preoperative COVID‐19 testing for cancer patients—Is it justified?
Authors: Nekkanti Sri Siddhartha , Vasudevan Nair Sudhir , Parmar Vani , Saklani Avanish , Shrikhande Shailesh , Sudhakar Shetty Nitin , Joshi Amit , Murthy Vedang , Patkar Nikhil , Khattry Navin , Gupta Sudeep
Published: August 2020

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has caused substantial disruptions in routine clinical care. Emerging data show that surgery in coronavirus disease (COVID)‐positive cases can be associated with worsening of clinical outcomes and increased postoperative mortality. Hence, preoperative COVID‐19 testing for all patients before elective surgery was implemented in our institution.

Materials and Methods

Two hundred and sixty‐two asymptomatic cancer patients were preoperatively tested for COVID‐19 using reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction technique with nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabbing. All negative patients were operated within 72 hours, and positive patients were quarantined for a minimum 14 days before re‐swabbing.

Results

In our cohort, 21 of 262 (8.0%) asymptomatic preoperative patients, who were otherwise fit for surgery, tested positive. After adequate quarantine and a negative follow‐up test report, 12 of 21 (57%) had an operation. No major postoperative morbidity due to COVID‐19 was noted during the immediate postoperative period before discharge from the hospital.

Conclusion

Routine preoperative COVID‐19 testing was successful in identifying asymptomatic viral carriers. There was no incidence of symptomatic COVID‐19 disease in the postoperative period, and there was no incidence of morbidity attributable to COVID‐19. These data suggested a beneficial role for mandatory preoperative COVID‐19 testing.
The impact of executive diversity on corporate innovation: Evidence from the natural experiment of high‐speed rail in China
Authors: Guo Zhaorui , Chan Kam C. , Huang Jun
Published: August 2020

We examine the impact of executive diversity on corporate innovation using an exogenous natural experiment: the implementation of high‐speed rail (HSR) in China. The findings suggest that after a city implements HSR, firms increase their executive diversity, resulting in better corporate innovation than firms in non‐HSR cities. Additional analysis suggests that when a firm belongs to a competitive industry, is located in a low marketization region, or operates in a poor transportation region, the impact of HSR on executive diversity and corporate innovation is magnified. Our findings carry implications for other emerging markets.
Reinvigorating exhausted CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes in the tumor microenvironment and current strategies in cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Hossain Md Amir , Liu Guilai , Dai Beiying , Si Yaxuan , Yang Qitao , Wazir Junaid , Birnbaumer Lutz , Yang Yong
Published: August 2020

Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of cancer in recent years and achieved overall success and long‐term clinical benefit in patients with a wide variety of cancer types. However, there is still a large proportion of patients exhibiting limited or no responses to immunotherapeutic strategy, some of which were even observed with hyperprogressive disease. One major obstacle restricting the efficacy is that tumor‐reactive CD8+ T cells, which are central for tumor control, undergo exhaustion, and lose their ability to eliminate cancer cells after infiltrating into the strongly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Thus, as a potential therapeutic rationale in the development of cancer immunotherapy, targeting or reinvigorating exhausted CD8+ T cells has been attracting much interest. Hitherto, both intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms that govern CD8+ T‐cell exhaustion have been explored. Specifically, the transcriptional and epigenetic landscapes have been depicted utilizing single‐cell RNA sequencing or mass cytometry (CyTOF). In addition, cellular metabolism dictating the tumor‐infiltrating CD8+ T‐cell fate is currently under investigation. A series of clinical trials are being carried out to further establish the current strategies targeting CD8+ T‐cell exhaustion. Taken together, despite the proven benefit of immunotherapy in cancer patients, additional efforts are still needed to fully circumvent limitations of exhausted T cells in the treatment. In this review, we will focus on the current cellular and molecular understanding of metabolic changes, epigenetic remodeling, and transcriptional regulation in CD8+ T‐cell exhaustion and describe hypothetical treatment approaches based on immunotherapy aiming at reinvigorating exhausted CD8+ T cells.