bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal investigation of prognostic communication: Feasibility and acceptability of studying serial disease reevaluation conversations in children with high‐risk cancer
Authors: Kaye Erica C. , Gattas Melanie , Bluebond‐Langner Myra , Baker Justin N.
Published: September 2019

Background

Prospective investigation of medical dialogue is considered the gold standard in prognostic communication research. To the authors' knowledge, the achievability of collecting mixed methods data across an evolving illness trajectory for children with cancer is unknown.

Methods

The objective of the current study was to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of recording sequential medical discussions at disease reevaluation time points for children with high‐risk cancer. Mixed methods data (ie, surveys, interviews, checklists, and chart reviews) corresponding to each disease reevaluation conversation also were captured in real‐time for 34 patients across 24 months at an academic pediatric cancer center.

Results

All eligible oncology clinicians (65 of 65 clinicians; 100%) and the majority of eligible patient/parent dyads (34 of 41 dyads; 82.9%) enrolled on the study; of 200 disease reevaluation discussions, 185 discussions (92.5%) were recorded, totaling >3300 minutes of recorded medical dialogue. Longitudinal data were captured for 31 of 34 patient/parent dyads (91.2%). The vast majority of study materials were completed, including 138 of 139 nonverbal communication checklists (99.3%), all 49 oncologist surveys (100%), 40 of 49 parent surveys (81.6%), all 34 oncologist interviews (100%), and 24 of 34 parent interviews (70.6%). Only 1 parent reported participation to be a “very” distressing experience, no parents believed that their level of distress warranted speaking with a psychosocial provider, and the majority of parents (18 of 29 parents; 62.1%) described study participation as “somewhat” or “very” useful to them.

Conclusions

The prospective, longitudinal investigation of prognostic communication using a mixed methods approach appears to be feasible and acceptable to clinicians, patients, and families. The study of sensitive content can be accomplished without causing undue participant burden or harm, thereby enabling further advancement of communication research.
Designing flows to enhance ecosystem functioning in heavily altered rivers
Authors: Bestgen Kevin R. , Poff N. LeRoy , Baker Daniel W. , Bledsoe Brian P. , Merritt David M. , Lorie Mark , Auble Gregor T. , Sanderson John S. , Kondratieff Boris C.
Published: September 2019

More than a century of dam construction and water development in the western United States has led to extensive ecological alteration of rivers. Growing interest in improving river function is compelling practitioners to consider ecological restoration when managing dams and water extraction. We developed an Ecological Response Model (ERM) for the Cache la Poudre River, northern Colorado, USA, to illuminate effects of current and possible future water management and climate change. We used empirical data and modeled interactions among multiple ecosystem components to capture system‐wide insights not possible with the unintegrated models commonly used in environmental assessments. The ERM results showed additional flow regime modification would further alter the structure and function of Poudre River aquatic and riparian ecosystems due to multiple and interacting stressors. Model predictions illustrated that specific peak flow magnitudes in spring and early summer are critical for substrate mobilization, dynamic channel morphology, and overbank flows, with strong subsequent effects on instream and riparian biota that varied seasonally and spatially, allowing exploration of nuanced management scenarios. Instream biological indicators benefitted from higher and more stable base flows and high peak flows, but stable base flows with low peak flows were only half as effective to increase indicators. Improving base flows while reducing peak flows, as currently proposed for the Cache la Poudre River, would further reduce ecosystem function. Modeling showed that even presently depleted annual flow volumes can achieve substantially different ecological outcomes in designed flow scenarios, while still supporting social demands. Model predictions demonstrated that implementing designed flows in a natural pattern, with attention to base and peak flows, may be needed to preserve or improve ecosystem function of the Poudre River. Improved regulatory policies would include preservation of ecosystem‐level, flow‐related processes and adaptive management when water development projects are considered.
Indicators of wood frog (Lithobates sylvaticus) condition in a suburbanizing landscape
Authors: Eakin Carly , Calhoun Aram J. K. , Hunter Malcolm L.
Published: September 2019

Wood frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus) are threatened by habitat degradation associated with suburbanization. Suburban development near pools may affect larvae with ramifications for population persistence and vitality. We studied larval development and documented key vernal pool and terrestrial characteristics within 1000 m of 43 pools across the suburban development gradient near Bangor, Maine,USA. Specifically, we examined how survival and morphological characteristics (e.g., developmental phenology, condition, body length, and tail length and shape) varied with characteristics at pool and landscape scales. Secondarily, we explored associations between morphology and survival. Differences in tadpole morphology were associated with suburban land development, hydrology, within‐pool vegetation indicative of light availability at the water's surface, and density of pool‐breeding amphibian egg masses. Across all pools, tadpoles had delayed development and were larger in pools with longer hydroperiods, while tadpoles in suburban pools developed earlier and were larger than those in rural pools with comparable hydroperiods. Tadpoles developed later and had longer tails in pools with greater canopy cover. Morphology profiles also differed between rural and suburban sites and among years. Survival in suburban pools was predicted to be 15 times greater than in rural pools, but across all pools (including those at intermediate intensities of suburbanization), survival was not predicted to vary with either morphology or site characteristics. No strong relationship existed between developmental phenology and any condition or size metric. Because rural and suburban tadpoles responded similarly to within‐pool conditions, our results support the need to maintain natural hydrology and vegetation conditions in pools even in developing areas. Although we detected benefits to tadpoles with increasing suburbanization, suburbanization is well known to extirpate breeding populations; thus, it is likely that wood frog population declines associated with suburbanization are responding to stressors beyond the pool at terrestrial life stages.
Climatic seasonality is linked to the occurrence of the mixed evergreen and deciduous broad‐leaved forests in China
Authors: Ge Jielin , Berg Björn , Xie Zongqiang
Published: September 2019

Evergreen and deciduous broad‐leaved tree species can coexist across the globe and constitute different broad‐leaved forests along large‐scale geographical and climatic gradients. A better understanding of climatic influence on the distribution of mixed evergreen and deciduous broad‐leaved forest is of fundamental importance when assessing this mixed forest's resilience and predicting potential dynamics of broad‐leaved forests under future climate change. Here, we quantified the horizontal distribution of this mixed forest in mountains in relation to climate seasonality by compiling vegetation information from the earlier records and our own field sampling on major subtropical mountains of China. We found that the probability of occurrence of this forest in subtropical mountains was positively associated with the latitude but not the longitude. The occurrence probability of this forest was observed at high‐temperature but not precipitation seasonality mountains. Temperature seasonality was five times more important than precipitation seasonality in explaining the total variation of occurrence of this mixed forest. For its distribution, our results shed light on that temperature seasonality was generally a more powerful predictor than precipitation seasonality for montane mixed forest distribution. Collectively, this study clearly underscores the important role of temperature seasonality, a previously not quantified climatic variable, in the occurrence of this mixed forest along geographical gradients and hence yields useful insight into our understanding of climate–vegetation relationships and climate change vulnerability assessment in a changing climate.
TAM receptors attenuate murine NK‐cell responses via E3 ubiquitin ligase Cbl‐b
Authors: Chirino Leilani M. , Kumar Suresh , Okumura Mariko , Sterner David E. , Mattern Michael , Butt Tauseef R. , Kambayashi Taku
Published: September 2019

TAM receptors (Tyro3, Axl, and Mer) are receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) that are expressed by multiple immune cells including NK cells. Although RTKs typically enhance cellular functions, TAM receptor ligation blocks NK‐cell activation. The mechanisms by which RTKs block NK‐cell signaling downstream of activating receptors are unknown. In this report, we demonstrate that TAM receptors attenuate NK cell responses via the activity of E3 ubiquitin ligase Casitas B lineage lymphoma b (Cbl‐b). Specifically, we show that Tyro3, Axl, and Mer phosphorylate Cbl‐b, and Tyro3 ligation activates Cbl‐b by phosphorylating tyrosine residues 133 and 363. Ligation of TAM receptors by their ligand Gas6 suppresses activating receptor‐stimulated NK‐cell functions such as IFN‐γ production and degranulation, in a TAM receptor kinase‐ and Cbl‐b‐dependent manner. Moreover, Gas6 ligation induces the degradation of LAT1, a transmembrane adaptor protein required for NK cell activating receptor signaling, in WT but not in Cbl‐b knock‐out NK cells. Together, these results suggest that TAM receptors may attenuate NK‐cell function by phosphorylating Cbl‐b, which in turn dampens NK‐cell activation signaling by promoting the degradation of LAT1. Our data therefore support a mechanism by which RTKs attenuate, rather than stimulate, signaling pathways via the activation of ubiquitin ligases.
A Complex Containing Four Magnesium Atoms and Two Mg–Mg Bonds Behaving as an Electride
Authors: Saha Ranajit , Das Prasenjit , Chattaraj Pratim Kumar
Published: September 2019

Herein, we report for the first time the stabilization of two Mg(I)–Mg(I) bonds simultaneously in the same complex. The β‐diketeminate based ligand is modified computationally and a new class of ligand, DippHL (Dipp = 2,6‐diisopropylphenyl) is designed that can hold two Mg atoms. Two such ligands stabilize two Mg22+ ions in a planar configuration and [Mg4(DippHL)2]2– complex is formed. Formation of a synthetically viable neutral [Mg4(DippHL)2]2–·2[K@CE]+ (CE = 18‐crown‐6 ether) complex is possible with the reduction of a proper precursor‐like [Mg2(DippHL)I2]– with potassium metals in toluene solvent and the reaction is exothermic in nature. The computed Mg–Mg bond lengths are in close agreement with that of the Mg–Mg single bond. The results obtained from natural bond orbital (NBO) and atoms in molecule (AIM) analyses confirm the presence of two Mg–Mg bonds in the complex. The complex under study has fulfilled all of the desired criteria and proved itself to be termed as an electride.
High Nuclearity Uranyl Cages Using Rigid Aryl Phosphonate Ligands
Authors: Adelani Pius O. , Sigmon Ginger E. , Szymanowski Jennifer E. S. , Burns Peter C.
Published: September 2019

Two high nuclearity uranyl cages were crystallized in high yield under mild solvothermal conditions using rigid aryl phosphonate ligands. These compounds are prepared either through an in situ phosphonate ligand condensation reaction or via serendipitous assembly with a bulky phosphonate ligand. Firstly, the flexibility of the phosphonate ligands enhances the curvature of the uranyl polyhedra in the assembly of both compounds. Secondly, the formation of bent pyrophosphonate ligands through temperature and solvent‐driven in situ ligand synthesis is crucial for the assembly of UPhPO3. Thirdly, the serendipitous assembly of UPh2CPO3 is favored by the use of sterically hindered bulky phosphonate ligands. The overall structure of UPhPO3 consists of 16 uranyl cations that are coordinated by phenyl phosphonate and pyrophosphonate ligands while UPh2CPO3 structure is built from uranyl dimers and bulky fluorenyl phosphonate ligand to yield a 12 membered cage.
Wearable Multiparameter Platform Based on AlGaN/GaN High‐electron‐mobility Transistors for Real‐time Monitoring of pH and Potassium Ions in Sweat
Authors: Liu Xinsheng , Zhao Lei , Miao Bin , Gu Zhiqi , Wang Jin , Peng Huoxiang , Li Jiande , Sun Wei , Li Jiadong
Published: September 2019

Biosensors based on field‐effect transistor (FET) structures have attracted considerable attention because they offer rapid, inexpensive parallel sensing and ultrasensitive label‐free detection. However, long‐term repeatable detection cannot be performed, and Ag/AgCl reference electrode design is complicated, which has hindered FET biosensors from becoming truly wearable health‐monitoring platforms. In this paper, we propose a novel wearable detection platform based on AlGaN/GaN high‐electron‐mobility transistors (HEMTs). In this platform, a sweatband was used to continuously collect sweat, and a pH detecting unit and a potassium ion detecting unit were formed by modifying different sensitive films to realize the long‐term stable and repeatable detection of pH and potassium ions. Experimental data show that the wearable detection platform based on AlGaN/GaN HEMTs has good sensitivity (pH 3–7 sensitivity is 45.72 μA/pH; pH 7.4–9 sensitivity is 51.073 μA/pH; and K+ sensitivity is 4.94 μA/lgαK+), stability (28 days) and repeatability (the relative standard deviation (RSD) of pH 3–7 sensitivity is 2.6 %, the RSD of pH 7.4–9 sensitivity is 2.1 %, and the RSD of K+ sensitivity is 7.3 %). Our newly proposed wearable platform has excellent potential for predictive analytics and personalized medical treatment.
Beautiful Monstrosities
Authors: Kaufmann Kerstin
Published: September 2019

Double flowers are the result of a battle between genes that activate or inhibit the development of different kinds of structures and organs. Molecular biologists are particularly interested in mutants because they provide clues about the mechanisms of flower development and their evolutionary origin. This area of research reveals more about the highly complex “regulatory code” of flowers.
Pattern of uncontrolled allergic rhinitis in a hospital setting of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Kakobo Patricia K. , Kalala Hilaire K. , Tshibola Maguy M. , Kelekele Joseph K. , Nyembue Dieudonné T. , Hellings Peter W.
Published: September 2019

Aim

To determine the clinical and allergic features of uncontrolled allergic rhinitis (UCAR) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Methods

Observational cross‐sectional study of 311 patients with UCAR. Allergic rhinitis was diagnosed clinically with sensitization to inhalant allergens and then confirmed by skin prick test. Severity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), with VAS scores greater than or equal to 5 used as cut off to determine uncontrolled status.

Results

The mean age of UCAR patients was 30.7 ± 15.1 years and 66.9% of the patients were females. Three out of four patients had persistent UCAR while the remainder had intermittent symptoms. UCAR was associated with rhinosinusitis and asthma in 18.6% and 18% of the patients, respectively. Among UCAR patients, 95.2% were polysensitized. The allergens most frequently involved were mites (82%), cat (27.3%), and dog (26.7%). The most frequent symptoms were nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose. There were 44.4% of the patients treated with nasal corticosteroids and 33.1% with oral antihistamine (anti‐H1).

Conclusions

This study reports on the clinical phenotype of UCAR in the DRC. The findings contribute to our understanding of UCAR in this population and may be used to implement strategies to reduce the prevalence and burden of UCAR in this setting.
Intercalation of a flavonoid, silibinin into DNA base pairs: Experimental and theoretical approach
Authors: Pawar Suma K. , Jaldappagari Seetharamappa
Published: September 2019

Polyphenols are secondary plant metabolites, which have received much attention because of their potential health benefits. Silibinin (SIL) is a well‐known naturally occurring flavonolignan, which is extensively used in treating a wide variety of diseases as a dietary supplement as well as a prescribed drug. The mechanism of binding of SIL to calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) was investigated by employing multispectroscopic techniques, viz., absorption, fluorescence, and circular dichroism besides viscosity measurements and docking studies. Analysis of fluorescence results indicated that SIL has interacted with ctDNA and quenched its intensity through static quenching mechanism. The binding constant at room temperature was found to be 2.48×104 mol−1, suggesting moderate binding affinity between SIL and ctDNA. The hypochromicity observed in the absorption spectra of ctDNA in the presence of SIL revealed the intercalation of SIL into ctDNA base pairs. Further, the intercalative mode of binding between SIL and ctDNA was confirmed by viscosity measurements and molecular docking studies. The outcome of present study helps to decipher the interaction mechanism between SIL and DNA at physiological pH, which further assists in the design of a new analogue for better therapeutic effects.
The Impact of Preoperative Immunonutrition and Standard Polymeric Supplements on Patient Outcomes After Pelvic Exenteration Surgery, Taking Compliance Into Consideration: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hogan Sophie , Solomon Michael , Rangan Anna , Ferrie Suzie , Carey Sharon
Published: September 2019

Background

The effect of immunonutrition vs standard polymeric nutrition in the preoperative phase on patient outcomes is still unclear, which could be due to contributing factors such as poorly reported compliance and unequal provision of protein, energy, and volume. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of preoperative immunonutrition compared with standard polymeric supplements matched for energy, protein, volume, length of stay, and postoperative complications in pelvic exenteration surgery, taking into consideration compliance.

Methods

This was a single‐blinded, randomized, controlled trial in patients undergoing pelvic exenteration surgery. Fifty‐two participants were randomly assigned to consume 3 immunonutrition supplements/d for 5 days preoperatively, and 56 participants were randomly assigned to consume 3 standard polymeric supplements/d for 5 days preoperatively. Primary and secondary outcome measures were assessed. Compliance with each nutrition regime was recorded during the intervention, and subanalysis was conducted.

Results

There was no significant difference between immunonutrition and standard polymeric supplements on length of stay (P = 0.988) or postoperative complications (P = 0.179) after pelvic exenteration surgery. Compliance with nutrition supplements was significantly less in malnourished (n = 33) compared with well‐nourished participants (n = 74) (P = 0.016). Compliance varied between study groups, although not significant.

Conclusion

Preoperative immunonutrition did not significantly impact length of stay or postoperative complications compared with standard polymeric supplements after pelvic exenteration surgery, despite controlling for protein, energy, and volume. Compliance, protein, and energy may considerably impact the effect of immunonutrition, particularly in malnourished patients.
Rapid determination of lime requirement by mid‐infrared spectroscopy: A promising approach for precision agriculture
Authors: Leenen Matthias , Welp Gerhard , Gebbers Robin , Pätzold Stefan
Published: September 2019

Mid‐infrared spectroscopy (MIRS) has proven to be a cost‐effective, high throughput measurement technique for soil analysis. After multivariate calibration mid‐infrared spectra can be used to predict various soil properties, some of which are related to lime requirement (LR). The objective of this study was to test the performance of MIRS for recommending variable rate liming on typical Central European soils in view of precision agriculture applications. In Germany, LR of arable topsoils is commonly derived from the parameters organic matter content (SOM), clay content, and soil pH (CaCl2) as recommended by the Association of German Agricultural Analytical and Research Institutes (VDLUFA). We analysed a total of 458 samples from six locations across Germany, which all revealed large within‐field soil heterogeneity. Calcareous topsoils were observed at some positions of three locations (79 samples). To exclude such samples from LR determination, peak height at 2513 cm−1 of the MIR spectrum was used for identification. Spectra‐based identification was accurate for carbonate contents > 0.5%. Subsequent LR derivation (LRSPP) from MIRS‐PLSR predictions of SOM, clay, and pH (CaCl2) for non‐calcareous soil samples using the VDLUFA look‐up tables was successful for all locations (R2 = 0.54–0.82; RMSE = 857–1414 kg CaO ha−1). Alternatively, we tested direct LR prediction (LRDP) by MIRS‐PLSR and also achieved satisfactory performance (R2 = 0.52–0.77; RMSE = 811–1420 kg CaO ha−1; RPD = 1.44–2.08). Further improvement was achieved by refining the VDLUFA tables towards a stepless algorithm. It can be concluded that MIRS provides a promising approach for precise LR estimation on heterogeneous arable fields. Large sample numbers can be processed with low effort which is an essential prerequisite for variable rate liming in precision agriculture.
Root trait plasticity and plant nutrient acquisition in phosphorus limited soil
Authors: Kumar Amit , Shahbaz Muhammad , Koirala Manisha , Blagodatskaya Evgenia , Seidel Sabine Julia , Kuzyakov Yakov , Pausch Johanna
Published: September 2019

To overcome soil nutrient limitation, many plants have developed complex nutrient acquisition strategies including altering root morphology, root hair formation or colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The interactions of these strategies and their plasticity are, however, affected by soil nutrient status throughout plant growth. Such plasticity is decisive for plant phosphorus (P) acquisition in P‐limited soils. We investigated the P acquisition strategies and their plasticity of two maize genotypes characterized by the presence or absence of root hairs. We hypothesized that in the absence of root hairs plant growth is facilitated by traits with complementary functions, e.g., by higher root mycorrhizal colonization. This dependence on complementary traits will decrease in P fertilized soils. At early growth stages, root hairs are of little benefit for nutrient uptake. Regardless of the presence or absence of root hairs, plants produced average root biomass of 0.14 g per plant and exhibited 23% root mycorrhizal colonization. At later growth stages of maize, contrasting mechanisms with functional complementarity explained similar plant biomass production under P limitation: the presence of root hairs versus higher root mycorrhizal colonization (67%) favored by increased fine root diameter in absence of root hairs. P fertilization decreased the dependence of plant on specific root traits for nutrient acquisition. Through root trait plasticity, plants can minimize trade‐offs for developing and maintaining functional traits, while increasing the benefit in terms of nutrient acquisition and plant growth. The present study highlights the plasticity of functional root traits for efficient nutrient acquisition strategies in agricultural systems with low nutrient availability.
Upfront debulking surgery versus interval debulking surgery for advanced tubo‐ovarian high‐grade serous carcinoma and diffuse peritoneal metastases treated with peritonectomy procedures plus HIPEC
Authors: Biacchi Daniele , Accarpio Fabio , Ansaloni Luca , Macrì Antonio , Ciardi Antonio , Federici Orietta , Spagnoli Alessandra , Cavaliere Davide , Vaira Marco , Sapienza Paolo , Sammartino Paolo
Published: September 2019

Background

Whether patients with advanced tubo‐ovarian high‐grade serous cancer (HGSC) fare better after upfront debulking surgery (UDS) or neoadjuvant chemotherapy with interval debulking surgery (NACT‐IDS) remains controversial.

Methods

We studied patients with HGSC who underwent UDS or NACT‐IDS between July 2000 and December 2015, with peritonectomy procedures combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Clinical reports were included peritoneal cancer index (PCI), NACT responses, surgical complexity score (SCS), completeness of cytoreduction (CC), complete follow‐up with timing, site, and treatment of recurrence. Outcome measures were morbidity, progression‐free survival (PFS), PFS2, and overall survival during a mean 5‐year follow‐up.

Results

A total of 34 patients (23.6%) underwent UDS and 110 (76.4%) NACT‐IDS both combined with HIPEC. At a median 66.3‐month follow‐up, patients who underwent UDS or NACT‐IDS had similar outcomes. NACT subgroup responses correlated with PCI, SCS, morbidity, and CC. Patients who underwent UDS had lower recurrence rates than those who responded partly or poorly to NACT (PFS, P < .04; PFS2, P < .01). Despite HIPEC, the peritoneal disease recurred in 42.5% of the overall patients.

Conclusion

In patients with primary HGSC who undergo UDS or NACT‐IDS, despite similar outcomes, peritonectomy procedures combined with HIPEC seem unable to prevent peritoneal recurrence.
Female Representation in Otolaryngology Leadership Roles
Authors: Epperson Madison , Gouveia Christopher J. , Tabangin Meredith E. , Takiar Vinita , Howell Rebecca , Altaye Mekibib , Ishman Stacey L. , Tang Alice L.
Published: September 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

Characterization of leadership within otolaryngology is key to evaluating trends and promoting program advancement. This study evaluates representation of women in otolaryngology holding residency and fellowship directorships, or chair positions, comparing sex differences in academic rank, years in practice, and scholarly activity.

Study Design

Cross sectional analysis.

Methods

A comprehensive list of otolaryngology residency and fellowship directors from Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education–accredited programs in 2017 to 2018 was compiled. Academic rank and years in practice were determined from departmental websites, with online search tools used as secondary resources. The h‐index was utilized as a measure of research productivity. Regression analysis was performed to analyze these variables.

Results

Among the 306 directorships, women held 57 (18.6%) of these positions, 27 (26.5%) residency and 30 (14.7%) fellowship directorships. Of the 99 chair positions, five (5.1%) were held by women. The majority (53.6%) of male directors were full professors, whereas only 26.3% of females were full professors (P = .04). Mean years in practice for female directors (13.9 ± 6.8) was less than that of male directors (20.3 ± 9.4, P < .0001). Similarly, mean h‐index for female directors (11 ± 7.2) was lower than for males (17.5 ± 12.5, P = .0001). After controlling for academic rank and years of practice in a multivariable regression, the h‐index remained lower for women than for men (P = .03).

Conclusions

Women are disproportionately underrepresented in positions of residency and fellowship directorships, and chair positions, consistent with other specialties. Women in leadership had lower academic ranks, fewer years of practice, and lower h‐indices than their male counterparts. This may represent a shift in academic otolaryngology as female otolaryngologists seek early involvement in leadership.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:1664–1669, 2020
Development of a ZHER3‐Affibody‐Targeted Nano‐Vector for Gene Delivery to HER3‐Overexpressed Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Nazari Mahboobeh , Zamani Koukhaloo Saeideh , Mousavi Samira , Minai‐Tehrani Arash , Emamzadeh Rahman , Cheraghi Roya
Published: September 2019

Despite the initial successes of gene delivery applications, they faced on several intrinsic drawbacks including toxicity and immunogenicity. Therefore, alternative gene‐delivery systems derived from recombinant peptides have emerged and is rapidly developing. Human epidermal growth factor receptor‐3 (HER3) shows high activity in tumor resistance to anti‐human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) therapies. In this study, an affibody molecule against HER3 is conjugated to a biomimetic peptide RALA (an amphipathic and cationic peptide enriched with arginine) and the ability of the fusion vector for targeting HER3 and afterward delivering specific genes in breast cancer cells is evaluated. The results demonstrate that the biopolymeric platform, which contains an affibody‐conjugated RALA peptide, can effectively condense DNA into nanoparticles and target the overexpressed HER3 receptors in breast cancer cells and transfer specific genes. The use of such a recombinant biopolymer may pave the way for the development of sensitive and effective diagnostic and treatment tool for breast cancer.
Influence of Steric Hindrance on Ferro‐ and Piezoelectric Performance of Poly(vinylidene fluoride)‐Based Ferroelectric Polymers
Authors: Li Zhong , Liao Jiani , Xi Ziting , Zhu Weiwei , Zhang Zhicheng
Published: September 2019

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and copolymers possess excellent ferro‐ and piezoelectric properties, and highly expected to be utilized as sensors in the areas covering the smart wearer, hydrophone, speaker, and medical ultrasonic devices. Besides PVDF in β crystalline phase, the copolymers with trifluoroethylene (TrFE) and tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) are widely investigated both in academia and industry. To illustrate how the steric hindrance between VDF and TrFE/TFE affects the condensed‐state structure and electric properties of the polymers, the electric properties and their dependences on molecular configuration and crystal structures of PVDF, P(VDF‐TrFE), and P(VDF‐TFE) are comparatively investigated. The introduction of same molar contents (20 mol%) of TrFE and TFE monomers into PVDF chain leads to the similar conformation transformation from α (γ ) phase to β phase and similar crystallinity in resultant P(VDF‐TFE) and P(VDF‐TrFE) thanks to the depressed energy of trans conformation and the increased energy barrier between anti‐gauche and trans conformation. That leads to the more preferred β‐phase and ferroelectric domains generated in P(VDF‐TrFE) and P(VDF‐TFE). Both the size of ferroelectric phase, the polarity of the polymer chain, the organization and orientation of the grains along the field are responsible for the excellent piezoelectric field resulted by the varied composition as well.
Combinatorial modulation of initial codons for improved zeaxanthin synthetic pathway efficiency in Escherichia coli
Authors: Wu Zaiqiang , Zhao Dongdong , Li Siwei , Wang Junsong , Bi Changhao , Zhang Xueli
Published: September 2019

A balanced and optimized metabolic pathway is the basis for efficient production of a target metabolite. Traditional strategies mostly involve the manipulation of promoters or ribosome‐binding sites, which can encompass long sequences and can be complex to operate. In this work, we found that by changing only the three nucleotides of the initiation codons, expression libraries of reporter proteins RFP, GFP, and lacZ with a large dynamic range and evenly distributed expression levels could be established in Escherichia coli (E. coli). Thus, a novel strategy that uses combinatorial modulation of initial codons (CMIC) was developed for metabolic pathway optimization and applied to the three genes crtZ, crtY, and crtI of the zeaxanthin synthesis pathway in E. coli. The initial codons of these genes were changed to random nucleotides NNN, and the gene cassettes were assembled into vectors via an optimized strategy based on type II restriction enzymes. With minimal labor time, a combinatorial library was obtained containing strains with various zeaxanthin production levels, including a strain with a titer of 6.33 mg/L and specific production value of 1.24 mg/g DCW—a striking 10‐fold improvement over the starting strain. The results demonstrated that CMIC was a feasible technique for conveniently optimizing metabolic pathways. To our best knowledge, this is the first metabolic engineering strategy that relies on manipulating the initiation codons for pathway optimization in E. coli.
ω‐3 PUFAs Alleviate High‐Fat Diet–Induced Circadian Intestinal Microbes Dysbiosis
Authors: Gui Lifeng , Chen Si , Wang Hualin , Ruan Mengcheng , Liu Yang , Li Na , Zhang Hongyu , Liu Zhiguo
Published: September 2019

Scope

Published data support that fish oil and algae oil rich in ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) protect against hyperlipidemia in mice. This study is aimed to explore the effects of fish oil and algae oil on high‐fat diet (HFD) induced circadian intestinal microbes dysregulation.

Methods and Results

Male C57BL/6 mice are randomly divided into four groups, which are fed a normal chow diet (CON), a HFD, a HFD supplemented with fish oil (FO), and a HFD supplemented with algae oil (AO), respectively, for 12 weeks. At the end of the experiment, mice are sacrificed at 12 h intervals with the first one at zeitgeber time 0 (ZT0) and the second at zeitgeber time 12 (ZT12). FO and AO groups ameliorate diet‐induced hyperlipidemia. The relative abundance of certain genera is improved in FO and AO groups according to 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) producing bacteria Butyricimonas and some of the genera in the Lachnospiraceae recover to the normal circadian rhythm in both FO and AO groups.

Conclusion

The data show that FO and AO alleviate circadian gut microbiota dysregulation in mice caused by HFD, and support the further investigation of ω‐3 PUFAs as a dietary intervention strategy for the prevention of hyperlipidemia.
Simultaneous enhancements of mechanical and thermal properties of monomer cast nylon via polydimethylsiloxane‐modified kaolin
Authors: Ding Weijie , Wang Yuming , Ying Jie , Li Yue , Liu Honglin , Yuan Xiang , Yu Hang , Wang Jikui
Published: September 2019

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)‐modified Kaolin was prepared by the reaction between kaolin and PDMS. MC nylon 6/kaolin and MC nylon 6/kaolin‐PDMS composites with different filler contents were prepared through in situ polymerization. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry analysis show that the feeding of kaolin improved thermal stability and crystallinity of nylon. When 1 wt% addition of kaolin‐PDMS, the tensile strength and impact strength of the as‐prepared composites reached a maximum value of 77.7 MPa and 4.5 kJ/m2, respectively, exhibiting remarkable mechanical properties. Meanwhile, the water absorption capacity of the as‐prepared composites was greatly reduced by 60% with the addition of kaolin, and the modified kaolin possesses even better performances. The results show that the treated kaolin can greatly enhance the properties of cast nylon and has an outstanding application prospect.
Paucity of Paucimannosylation Revoked
Authors: Wuhrer Manfred
Published: September 2019

Paucimannosidic N‐glycans (PMGs) are special in that they only have the chitobiose core of two β‐linked N‐acetylglucosamines extended with up to three mannose residues and a core fucose. While such short‐chain glycans are well described in plants, reports on their expression in humans have been rather scarce. Also, these glycans are often seen as a potential analytical artifact. Recently, it became clear that PMGs are abundantly expressed on various proteins from human neutrophils, opening up a new field of research into the potential biological roles of these modifications. Another niche where PMGs have repeatedly been described are human cancer tissues and cell lines. Chatterjee et al. build on these scattered reports by performing a large‐scale pan‐cancer investigation showing that PMGs are broadly expressed in different types of tumor tissues as well as related cell lines. Also, the related noncancerous control tissues likewise exhibit PMGs, albeit at lower levels than the corresponding tumors. In conclusion, this study establishes PMGs as a widely occurring modification of human proteins, and further studies are needed to elucidate the biosynthesis, function and tissue‐ as well as protein‐associated expression of PMGs.
Social complexity negatively influences lung function in cystic fibrosis after transfer to adult care
Authors: Crowley Erin M. , Bosslet Gabriel T. , Khan Babar , Ciccarelli Mary , Brown Cynthia D.
Published: September 2019

Background

Several nongenetic factors, such as socioeconomic status, environmental exposures, and adherence have been described to have an impact on outcomes in cystic fibrosis (CF).

Objective

To determine the effect of social complexity on the % predicted forced expiratory volume (ppFEV1) before and after transfer to adult care among adolescents with CF.

Methods

Retrospective, single center, cohort study included all patients with CF who were transitioned into adult care between 2005 and 2015 at Indiana University. Social complexity (Bob's level of social support, [BLSS]) was collected at transfer. Linear mixed regression models assessed the relationship between ppFEV1 decline over time and BLSS with other covariates.

Results

The median age of the patients (N = 133) at the time of transfer was 20 years (interquartile range: 19‐23). Overall, there was a decline in lung function over time in our population (ppFEV1 at 24 months pretransfer 77 ± 20%, ppFEV1 at 24 months, posttransfer 66 ± 24%; P < .001). The relationship between BLSS and ppFEV1 became more negative over time, even after adjusting for other covariates.

Conclusion

Social complexity is strongly associated with lung function decline after transfer to adult care.
Shewhart‐type Phase II control charts for monitoring times to an event with a guaranteed in‐control and good out‐of‐control performance
Authors: Kumar Nirpeksh , Baranwal Amita , Chakraborti Subha
Published: September 2019

Monitoring time to event (failure) data is important in many applications. Proper monitoring and control can make the production process more efficient and provide economic advantages. In this paper, we consider the efficacy of a class of Shewhart‐type control charts for monitoring time to event data following an exponential distribution with an unknown mean, which is estimated from a class of estimators. An estimator is chosen within this class, so that the in‐control performance is maximized with respect to a number of popular criteria in the recent literature, and the proposed optimal charts are compared on the basis of their in‐control and out‐of‐control performance. The comparisons include the traditional Phase II exponential Shewhart chart using the maximum likelihood estimator. Improved in‐control and out‐of‐control performances of these charts can enhance the quality and productivity of manufacturing processes. Since no chart is best under all the criteria, a ranking system is used to choose a chart to use in practice with a good overall performance. Two illustrative examples using real data are given; summary and conclusions are offered.
A Thallium Ion Sensor Development Based on the Synthesized (E)‐N′‐(Methoxybenzylidene)‐4‐ Methylbenzenesulfonohydrazide Derivatives: Environmental Sample Analysis
Authors: Hussain Mohammad Musarraf , Asiri Abdullah M. , Arshad Muhammad Nadeem , Rahman Mohammed M.
Published: September 2019

In this research work, three new derivatives of (E)‐Nʹ‐(methoxybenzylidene)‐4‐methylbenzenesulfonohydrazide (MBMBSH) were prepared by means of a condensation technique from the methoxybenzaldehyde and 4‐methyl‐benzenesulphonylhydrazine in good yields, which were crystallized in EtOH and MeOH. MBMBSH ligands were examined through spectroscopic progression (1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, FTIR, and UV‐Visible). Structures of the MBMBSH lignads confirmed with a single crystal X‐ray diffraction scheme (SCXRDS). MBMBSH derivatives used for the imminent recognition of heavy metal ion (thallium) based on a reliable current‐voltage (I−V) procedure. Smooth GCE was covered with a light layer of MBMBSH molecules and consequently modified toward a sensitive and selective thallium ion sensor using conducting polymer matrix, Nafion (NF). Analytical parameters such as sensitivity, LOQ, and LOD of GCE/4‐MBMBSH/NF as a sensor were calculated from the calibration plot and found as 622.9 pAμM−1cm−2, 250.0 mM, and 75.0 pM respectively. This prospective sensor (GCE/4‐MBMBSH/NF) applied to the careful determination of thallium ion in spiked environmental samples and found satisfactory result.
One‐Pot Catalytic Synthesis of Aniline‐Copolymer‐Containing Reactive Aldehyde Groups Using a Laccase‐Mediator System
Authors: Khlupova Maria , Morozova Olga , Shumakovich Galina , Vasil'eva Irina , Zaitseva Elena , Yaropolov Alexander
Published: September 2019

Laccase‐mediator systems (LMS) are extensively used both for degradation of various xenobiotics and synthesis of new compounds. In this work a laccase‐mediator system was applied to copolymerization of aniline and 2‐aminophenythyl alcohol on a ‘soft’ poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propansulfonic acid) (PAMPS) template. The one‐pot biocatalytic reaction resulted in obtaining a conducting copolymer/PAMPS complex with reactive aldehyde groups which enabled grafting the physiologically active compound 3,4‐dihydroxy‐L‐phenylalanine (DOPA) to it.
Carbazole Dendrimers with Acridone at the Core and Periphery: Synthesis and Properties
Authors: Liu Renfei , Ding Weiwei , Zhang Qianyu , Song Yujun , Zhang Gang
Published: September 2019

Acridone‐functionalized carbazole dendrimers were synthesized via copper‐catalyzed Ullmann amination and their properties were investigated by spectroscopic and electrochemical measurements, as well as theoretical calculations. The results reveal that the properties of the carbazole dendrimers vary according to the position of acridone. Intramolecular charge transfer between the acridone core and the outer carbazole dendron is observed, accompanying a red shift of the emission maximum and a decline of quantum yields with the rise of the dendrimer generation. Whereas the internal carbazole unit has little influences on the photoluminescence of dendrimers with acridone at the periphery in solution. The electrochemical analysis and theoretical calculations demonstrate a convergence in HOMO and LUMO energy levels in dendrimers bearing the acridone core and a decrease in both of these energy levels in dendrimers with the acridone at the periphery when the dendrimer generation increases.
Microfluidics‐Implemented Biochemical Assays: From the Perspective of Readout
Authors: Chen Wenwen , Shao Fangchi , Xianyu Yunlei
Published: September 2019

Over the past decades, microfluidics has emerged as an increasingly important tool to perform biochemical assays for diagnosis and healthcare. The precise fluid control and molecule manipulation within microfluidics greatly contribute to developing assays with simplicity and convenience. The advantages of microfluidics, including decreased consumption of reagents and samples, lower operating and analysis time, much lower cost, and higher integration and automation over traditional systems, offer a great platform to meet the needs of point‐of‐care applications. In this Review, versatile strategies are outlined and recent advances in microfluidics‐implemented assays are discussed from the perspective of readout, because a convenient and straightforward readout is what a biochemical assay requires and the end user desires. Functions and properties arising from each readout are reviewed and the advantages and limitations of each readout are discussed together with current challenges and future perspectives.
Ultrahigh Rate Performance of Hollow Antimony Nanoparticles Impregnated in Open Carbon Boxes for Sodium‐Ion Battery under Elevated Temperature
Authors: Xu Anding , Xia Qi , Zhang Shenkui , Duan Huanhuan , Yan Yurong , Wu Songping
Published: September 2019

Antimony is a competitive and promising anode material for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) due to its high theoretical capacity. However, the poor rate capability and fast capacity fading greatly restrict its practical application. To address the above issues, a facile and eco‐friendly sacrificial template method is developed to synthesize hollow Sb nanoparticles impregnated in open carbon boxes (Sb HPs@OCB). The as‐obtained Sb HPs@OCB composite exhibits excellent sodium storage properties even when operated at an elevated temperature of 50 °C, delivering a robust rate capability of 345 mAh g−1 at 16 A g−1 and rendering an outstanding reversible capacity of 187 mAh g−1 at a high rate of 10 A g−1 after 300 cycles. Such superior electrochemical performance of the Sb HPs@OCB can be attributed to the comprehensive characteristics of improved kinetics derived from hollow Sb nanoparticles impregnated into 2D carbon nanowalls, the existence of robust SbOC bond, and enhanced pseudocapacitive behavior. All those factors enable Sb HPs@OCB great potential and distinct merit for large‐scale energy storage of SIBs.
Numerical Simulation on Multiple Physical Fields Behaviors in Billet Continuous Casting with Different Stirrer Positions
Authors: Wang Xin , Zheng Shu-guo , Liu Zong-hui , Zhu Miao-yong
Published: September 2019

A 3D coupled model considering electromagnetic field, flow field, heat transfer, and particle transport is developed to predict the effect of stirrer position on the magnetic field distribution, fluid flow streamlines, temperature distribution, and inclusion removal in 180 mm × 220 mm billet continuous casting process, and the effect of stirrer position on the mold‐level fluctuation and slag entrapment behavior is also studied based on the homogeneous model. The casting temperature of molten steel is 1750 K, and the casting speed of billet is 0.9 m min−1. The results indicate that as the stirrer center position is lowered, the maximum value of the magnetic induction intensity has almost no change, whereas the maximum value of the tangential electromagnetic force initially decreases followed by an increase. With the downward movement of stirrer center position, the decrease rate of central molten steel velocity slows down, and the range of the upper circulation flow zone increases. A lower stirrer center position increases the cooling of the billet and inclusion removal. When the stirrer center position is moved from 515 to 815 mm, the wave height of steel/slag interface decreases from 11.6 to 3.4 mm, and slag entrapment behavior gradually weakens.