bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Four newly documented species of earthworms in a coastal mangrove ecosystem of Guyana, S.A.
Authors: Persaud Reshma
Published: August 2019

Mangrove ecosystems are harsh environments due to their high levels of salinity and constant disturbance from the shifts in tides and actions of waves. An investigative study was conducted to establish the presence or absence of earthworms in this environment and if present, to determine the population dynamic exhibited. Sampling was done along a 120m horizontal transect which yielded 4 new species. Of the 4 species Pontodrilus litoralis showed a high affinity for this high salinity environment which allowed it to access resources unhindered, establishing dominance. Drawida barwelli’s population, however, was suppressed by the presence of Amynthas sp. and Eukerria saltensis, the latter of which has a higher sensitivity to high salinity.The presence of high levels of salinity and sulphur, along with the disturbance of waves, are responsible for the low ecological diversity in this ecosystem. However, the presence of these organisms is still astounding given the intensity of significant soil chemical parameters.
KymoButler, a deep learning software for automated kymograph analysis
Authors: Jakobs Maximilian AH , Dimitracopoulos Andrea , Franze Kristian
Published: August 2019

Kymographs are graphical representations of spatial position over time, which are often used in biology to visualise the motion of fluorescent particles, molecules, vesicles, or organelles moving along a predictable path. Although in kymographs tracks of individual particles are qualitatively easily distinguished, their automated quantitative analysis is much more challenging. Kymographs often exhibit low signal-to-noise-ratios (SNRs), and available tools that automate their analysis usually require manual supervision. Here we developed KymoButler, a Deep Learning-based software to automatically track dynamic processes in kymographs. We demonstrate that KymoButler performs as well as expert manual data analysis on kymographs with complex particle trajectories from a variety of different biological systems. The software was packaged in a web-based ‘one-click’ application for use by the wider scientific community (https://deepmirror.ai/kymobutler). Our approach significantly speeds up data analysis, avoids unconscious bias, and represents another step towards the widespread adaptation of Machine Learning techniques in biological data analysis.
Somatosensory neurons integrate the geometry of skin deformation and mechanotransduction channels to shape touch sensing
Authors: Sanzeni Alessandro , Katta Samata , Petzold Bryan , Pruitt Beth L , Goodman Miriam B , Vergassola Massimo
Published: August 2019

Touch sensation hinges on force transfer across the skin and activation of mechanosensitive ion channels along the somatosensory neurons that invade the skin. This skin-nerve sensory system demands a quantitative model that spans the application of mechanical loads to channel activation. Unlike prior models of the dynamic responses of touch receptor neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans (Eastwood et al., 2015), which substituted a single effective channel for the ensemble along the TRNs, this study integrates body mechanics and the spatial recruitment of the various channels. We demonstrate that this model captures mechanical properties of the worm’s body and accurately reproduces neural responses to simple stimuli. It also captures responses to complex stimuli featuring non-trivial spatial patterns, like extended or multiple contacts that could not be addressed otherwise. We illustrate the importance of these effects with new experiments revealing that skin-neuron composites respond to pre-indentation with increased currents rather than adapting to persistent stimulation.
B cells suppress medullary granulopoiesis by an extracellular glycosylation-dependent mechanism
Authors: Irons Eric E , Lee-Sundlov Melissa M , Zhu Yuqi , Neelamegham Sriram , Hoffmeister Karin M , Lau Joseph TY
Published: August 2019

The immune response relies on the integration of cell-intrinsic processes with cell-extrinsic cues. During infection, B cells vacate the marrow during emergency granulopoiesis but return upon restoration of homeostasis. Here we report a novel glycosylation-mediated crosstalk between marrow B cells and hematopoietic progenitors. Human B cells secrete active ST6GAL1 sialyltransferase that remodels progenitor cell surface glycans to suppress granulopoiesis. In mouse models, ST6GAL1 from B cells alters the sialylation profile of bone marrow populations, and mature IgD+ B cells were enriched in sialylated bone marrow niches. In clinical multiple myeloma, ST6GAL1 abundance in the multiple myeloma cells negatively correlated with neutrophil abundance. These observations highlight not only the ability of medullary B cells to influence blood cell production, but also the disruption to normal granulopoiesis by excessive ST6GAL1 in malignancy.
Evaluation of the socially evaluated cold-pressor group test (SECPT-G) in the general population
Authors: Becker Linda , Schade Ursula , Rohleder Nicolas
Published: August 2019

Background

In stress research, economic instruments for introducing acute stress responses are needed. In this study, we investigated whether the socially evaluated cold-pressor group test (SECPT-G) induces salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) and/or cortisol responses in the general population and whether this is associated with anthropometric, experimental, and lifestyle factors.

Methods

A sample of 91 participants from the general population was recruited. Salivary cortisol and sAA levels were assessed prior to (t0), immediately after (t1), and 10 min after the SECPT-G (t2).

Results

A robust cortisol increase was found immediately after the SECPT-G, which further increased between t1 and t2. This was independent of most of the control variables. However, men showed a trend toward higher cortisol increases than women (p = 0.005). No sAA responses were found at all. However, sAA levels were dependent on measurement time point with highest levels between 9 pm and 9:30 pm. Participants who immersed their hands into the ice water for the maximally allowed time of 3 min showed higher sAA levels at all time points than participants who removed their hands from the water earlier.

Conclusions

We conclude that the SECPT-G is a good means of an acute stress test when cortisol—but not necessarily sAA—responses are intended.
Breast Cancer Computer-aided Diagnosis System from Digital Mammograms
Authors: Alkhateeb Abdulhameed
Published: August 2019

Recently, breast cancer is one of the most popular cancers that women could suffer from. The gravity and seriousness of breast cancer can be evidenced by the fact that the mortality rates associated with it are the second highest after lung cancer. For the treatment of breast cancer, Mammography has emerged as the one whose modality when it comes to the defection of this cancer is most effective despite the challenges posed by dense breast parenchyma. In this regard, computer-aided diagnosis (CADe) leverages the mammography systems’ output to facilitate the radiologist’s decision. It can be defined as a system that makes a similar diagnosis to the one done by a radiologist who relies for his/her interpretation on the suggestions generated by a computer after it analyzed a set of patient radiological images when making. Against this backdrop, the current paper examines different ways of utilizing known image processing and techniques of machine learning detection of breast cancer using CAD – more specifically, using mammogram images. This, in turn, helps pathologist in their decision-making process. For effective implementation of this methodology, CADe system was developed and tested on the public and freely available mammographic databases named MIAS database. CADe system is developed to differentiate between normal and abnormal tissues, and it assists radiologists to avoid missing breast abnormalities. The performance of all classifiers is the best by using the sequential forward selection (SFS) method. Also, we can conclude that the quantization grey level of (gray-level co-occurrence matrices) GLCM is a very significant factor to get robust high order features where the results are better with L equal to the size of ROI. Using an enormous number of several features assist the CADe system to be strong enough to distinguish between the different tissues.
Bridged Azobenzenes and Their Biological Applications
Authors: Warner David J. , Keane Katie S. , Saint‐Louis Carl Jacky , Blackstock Silas C.
Published: August 2019

Capable of rapid and reversible conformational change in response to irradiation, azobenzene (AB) derivatives have been used in chemical systems to introduce on/off switchability and allow for photoregulation of the properties of such systems. Following a brief introduction of tuning AB absorption via substitution, this chapter summarizes the selected recent reports of applications of bridged ABs in biological systems or systems having potential biomedical utility. ABs have been used to achieve photocontrol of drug‐delivery systems, molecular actuators, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) nanomachines, enzyme activity, peptide structure and activity, and ion channels. This chapter describes how researchers have incorporated AB into biological systems as a photoresponsive switch to afford photocontrol of the chemical activity in such systems. The various works detailed in this chapter showcase the versatility of AB for use as a light‐responsive molecular switch in the photoregulation of biological processes. Additionally, light‐responsive AB‐derived macroscopic materials are also discussed, given their biomedical potential for use as artificial muscle.
Probing axons using multi‐compartmental diffusion in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bagnato Francesca , Franco Giulia , Li Hua , Kaden Enrico , Ye Fei , Fan Run , Chen Amalie , Alexander Daniel C. , Smith Seth A. , Dortch Richard , Xu Junzhong
Published: August 2019

Objects

The diffusion‐based spherical mean technique (SMT) provides a novel model to relate multi‐b‐value diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data to features of tissue microstructure. We propose the first clinical application of SMT to image the brain of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and investigate clinical feasibility and translation.

Methods

Eighteen MS patients and nine age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (HCs) underwent a 3.0 Tesla scan inclusive of clinical sequences and SMT images (isotropic resolution of 2 mm). Axial diffusivity (AD), apparent axonal volume fraction (Vax), and effective neural diffusivity (Dax) parametric maps were fitted. Differences in AD, Vax, and Dax between anatomically matched regions reflecting different tissues types were estimated using generalized linear mixed models for binary outcomes.

Results

Differences were seen in all SMT‐derived parameters between chronic black holes (cBHs) and T2‐lesions (P ≤ 0.0016), in Vax and AD between T2‐lesions and normal appearing white matter (NAWM) (P < 0.0001), but not between the NAWM and normal WM in HCs. Inverse correlations were seen between Vax and AD in cBHs (r = −0.750, P = 0.02); in T2‐lesions Dax values were associated with Vax (r = 0.824, P < 0.0001) and AD (r = 0.570, P = 0.014).

Interpretations

SMT‐derived metrics are sensitive to pathological changes and hold potential for clinical application in MS patients.
ROS‐Responsive Blended Nanoparticles: Cascade‐Amplifying Synergistic Effects of Sonochemotherapy with On‐demand Boosted Drug Release During SDT Process
Authors: Wu Pengying , Dong Wei , Guo Xuyan , Qiao Xiaoyang , Guo Shifang , Zhang Lei , Wan Mingxi , Zong Yujin
Published: August 2019

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) not only has greater tissue‐penetrating depth compared to photo‐stimulated therapies, but also can also trigger rapid drug release to achieve synergistic sonochemotherapy. Here, reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐responsive IR780/PTL‐ nanoparticles (NPs) are designed by self‐assembly, which contain ROS‐cleavable thioketal linkers (TL) to promote paclitaxel (PTX) release during SDT. Under ultrasound (US) stimulation, IR780/PTL‐NPs produce high amounts of ROS, which not only induces apoptosis in human glioma (U87) cells but also boosts PTX released by decomposing the ROS‐sensitive TL. In the U87 tumor‐bearing mouse model, the IR780/PTL‐NPs releases the drug at the target sites in a controlled manner upon US irradiation, which significantly inhibits tumor growth and induces apoptosis in the tumor tissues with no obvious toxicity. Taken together, the IR780/PTL‐NPs are a novel platform for sonochemotherapy, and can control the spatio‐temporal release of chemotherapeutic drugs during SDT.
Material‐Based Approaches for the Fabrication of Stretchable Electronics
Authors: Kim Dong Chan , Shim Hyung Joon , Lee Woongchan , Koo Ja Hoon , Kim Dae‐Hyeong
Published: August 2019

Stretchable electronics are mechanically compatible with a variety of objects, especially with the soft curvilinear contours of the human body, enabling human‐friendly electronics applications that could not be achieved with conventional rigid electronics. Therefore, extensive research effort has been devoted to the development of stretchable electronics, from research on materials and unit device, to fully integrated systems. In particular, material‐processing technologies that encompass the synthesis, assembly, and patterning of intrinsically stretchable electronic materials have been actively investigated and have provided many notable breakthroughs for the advancement of stretchable electronics. Here, the latest studies of such material‐based approaches are reviewed, mainly focusing on intrinsically stretchable electronic nanocomposites that generally consist of conducting/semiconducting filler materials inside or on elastomer backbone matrices. Various approaches for fabricating these intrinsically stretchable electronic materials are presented, including the blending of electronic fillers into elastomer matrices, the formation of bi‐layered heterogeneous electronic‐layer and elastomer support‐layer structures, and modifications to polymeric molecular structures in order to impart stretchability. Detailed descriptions of the various conducting/semiconducting composites prepared by each method are provided, along with their electrical/mechanical properties and examples of device applications. To conclude, a brief future outlook is presented.
Printed Highly Ordered Conductive Polymer Nanowires Doped with Biotinylated Polyelectrolytes for Biosensing Applications
Authors: Xue Qiannan , Wang Qikun , Han Ziyu , Tang Ning , Zhou Cheng , Pan Wenwei , Wang Yanyan , Duan Xuexin
Published: August 2019

The demand for fast and ultratrace biomarkers detection is increasing in bioanalytical chemistry. In this work, highly ordered nanowires array and sensor integration are achieved with nanoscale printing approach. Negatively charged poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)–poly(styrenesulfonate) doped with positively charged PEGylated biotin‐derivatized polyelectrolytes results a direct biofunctionalization on the nanowire surface without multiple postmodification steps. It provides homogeneous dispersed biofunctional sites and nonfouling surface on the nanowires. The ordered nanowires array enables the immunosensor to detect biotargets quickly and ultrasensitively. The nanowires impedimetric immunosensor is demonstrated for specific biomarkers detection and achieved a minimum responsive concentration as low as 10 pg mL−1 for protein biomarker and 10 CFU mL−1 for pathogen.
Vibration‐Energy‐Harvesting System: Transduction Mechanisms, Frequency Tuning Techniques, and Biomechanical Applications
Authors: Dong Lin , Closson Andrew B. , Jin Congran , Trase Ian , Chen Zi , Zhang John X. J.
Published: August 2019

Vibration‐based energy‐harvesting technology, as an alternative power source, represents one of the most promising solutions to the problem of battery capacity limitations in wearable and implantable electronics, in particular implantable biomedical devices. Four primary energy transduction mechanisms are reviewed, namely piezoelectric, electromagnetic, electrostatic, and triboelectric mechanisms for vibration‐based energy harvesters. Through generic modeling and analyses, it is shown that various approaches can be used to tune the operation bandwidth to collect appreciable power. Recent progress in biomechanical energy harvesters is also shown by utilizing various types of motion from bodies and organs of humans and animals. To conclude, perspectives on next‐generation energy‐harvesting systems are given, whereby the ultimate intelligent, autonomous, and tunable energy harvesters will provide a new energy platform for electronics and wearable and implantable medical devices.
Fabrication and Characterization of a Wireless Bioresorbable Pressure Sensor
Authors: Palmroth Aleksi , Salpavaara Timo , Lekkala Jukka , Kellomäki Minna
Published: August 2019

Embedding sensors into orthopedic devices can enable these implants to monitor the progress of the healing process or detect cues of complications. The simple structure of inductor–capacitor (LC) resonance sensors combined with their wireless readout offers a desirable basis for such sensors. A set of eight bioresorbable inductively coupled pressure sensors is fabricated. The conductors are formed by e‐beam evaporation of magnesium (7 µm) directly onto the substrates, after which two substrates are adhered to a holed spacer to form an LC sensor. All the sensors show a fairly linear pressure response in the physiological pressure range from 0 to 200 mm Hg with an average pressure sensitivity of −6.0 ± 0.5 kHz mm Hg−1. After the pressure response tests, the effects of known error sources are determined. Finally, the sensor performance in vitro in buffer solution at +37 °C is evaluated. The sensors function tolerably for the first 8 h in immersion, after which they are disabled by mechanical changes in the sensor structure. To conclude, a bioresorbable battery‐free wireless pressure sensor architecture with an adequate sensitivity for biomedical applications is described. However, further studies are required to improve the stability of the sensors under physiological conditions.
Full‐Color Chemically Modulated g‐C3N4 for White‐Light‐Emitting Device
Authors: Guo Qianyi , Wei Minchen , Zheng Zekun , Huang Xiongjian , Song Xiaoqian , Qiu Shao‐Bin , Yang Xiao‐bao , Liu Xiaofeng , Qiu Jianrong , Dong Guoping
Published: August 2019

Polymeric g‐C3N4 with controllable photoluminescence emission wavelength in the whole visible light range (450–650 nm) is synthesized through the one‐step molecular doping during the thermal condensation process of g‐C3N4 conjugated framework, which opens up its application beyond the conventional catalysis scopes. By adjusting the doped content of hetero‐molecules, the modified g‐C3N4 with the optical properties controlled according to the demand of practical applications can be facilely and largely obtained. It overcomes the limitation of the narrow adjusting range of conventional g‐C3N4 on optical properties and makes it become more promising for applications in solid‐state displays. The corresponding multiple‐color g‐C3N4‐based LED devices and the white‐light LEDs with high quality can be obtained as supported by experiments and theoretical calculations. Moreover, the effect of doped molecule on the π‐conjugated system of g‐C3N4 is systematically studied here, and the tunable luminescence mechanism is proposed.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Selective Synthesis of Dibenzo[c,e]azepin‐5‐ols and Benzo[c]pyrido[2,3‐e]azepin‐5‐ols
Authors: Yao Xinrong , Shao Yinlin , Hu Maolin , Zhang Maosheng , Li Shaotong , Xia Yuanzhi , Cheng Tianxing , Chen Jiuxi
Published: August 2019

An efficient palladium‐catalyzed tandem addition/cyclization of 2′‐formyl‐[1,1′‐biaryl]‐2‐carbonitriles with arylboronic acids is reported. This reaction affords dibenzo[c,e]azepin‐5‐ols and benzo[c]pyrido[2,3‐e]azepin‐5‐ols with excellent selectivity and wide functional group compatibility. The dibenzo[c,e]azepin‐5‐ols show good cell growth inhibitory activity against a triple‐negative breast cancer cell line. Moreover, the proposed mechanistic rationale for this tandem process is supported by theoretical calculations.

magnified image
The Psychological Cost of Racial Discrimination: What is the Role of Residential Segregation?
Authors: Woo Bongki , Fan Wen , Tran Thanh , Takeuchi David
Published: August 2019

Racial discrimination is known to harm health, but to what extent the health burden of racial discrimination is contingent on residential contexts is understudied. This study examines the moderating role of racial residential segregation in the relationship between racial discrimination and psychological distress. Nationally representative data from the 2002–2003 National Latino and Asian American Study were merged with metropolitan‐level data from the U.S. Census. Logistic regression models were used to test the independent and joint contributions of racial discrimination and residential segregation to psychological distress among Asians and Latinxs, stratified by nativity status. Higher residential segregation (measured by the interaction index) is associated with lower odds of distress among U.S.‐born Asians but not among other groups. As for the moderating effect, residential segregation exacerbates the positive association between discrimination and distress among foreign‐born Asians (measured by the dissimilarity index) and foreign‐born Latinxs (measured by the interaction index), but not among their respective U.S.‐born counterparts. Taken together, the present study highlights that strategies to mitigate the psychological burden of racial discrimination need to move beyond individual‐level efforts to incorporate neighborhood‐based approaches. In particular, results provide empirical support for efforts to reduce residential segregation, particularly among immigrants who are discriminated against.
The promises and challenges of patient‐derived tumor organoids in drug development and precision oncology
Authors: Granat Lauren M. , Kambhampati Ooha , Klosek Stephanie , Niedzwecki Brian , Parsa Kian , Zhang Dong
Published: August 2019

In the era of precision medicine, cancer researchers and oncologists are eagerly searching for more realistic, cost effective, and timely tumor models to aid drug development and precision oncology. Tumor models that can faithfully recapitulate the histological and molecular characteristics of various human tumors will be extremely valuable in increasing the successful rate of oncology drug development and discovering the most efficacious treatment regimen for cancer patients. Two‐dimensional (2D) cultured cancer cell lines, genetically engineered mouse tumor (GEMT) models, and patient‐derived tumor xenograft (PDTX) models have been widely used to investigate the biology of various types of cancers and test the efficacy of oncology drug candidates. However, due to either the failure to faithfully recapitulate the complexity of patient tumors in the case of 2D cultured cancer cells, or high cost and untimely for drug screening and testing in the case of GEMT and PDTX, new tumor models are urgently needed. The recently developed patient‐derived tumor organoids (PDTO) offer great potentials in uncovering novel biology of cancer development, accelerating the discovery of oncology drugs, and individualizing the treatment of cancers. In this review, we will summarize the recent progress in utilizing PDTO for oncology drug discovery. In addition, we will discuss the potentials and limitations of the current PDTO tumor models.
Facilitating Gold Redox Catalysis with Electrochemistry: An Efficient Chemical‐Oxidant‐Free Approach
Authors: Ye Xiaohan , Zhao Pengyi , Zhang Shuyao , Zhang Yanbin , Wang Qilin , Shan Chuan , Wojtas Lukasz , Guo Hao , Chen Hao , Shi Xiaodong
Published: August 2019

Due to the high oxidation potential between AuI and AuIII, gold redox catalysis requires at least stoichiometric amounts of a strong oxidant. We herein report the first example of an electrochemical approach in promoting gold‐catalyzed oxidative coupling of terminal alkynes. Oxidation of AuI to AuIII was successfully achieved through anode oxidation, which enabled facile access to either symmetrical or unsymmetrical conjugated diynes through homo‐coupling or cross‐coupling. This report extends the reaction scope of this transformation to substrates that are not compatible with strong chemical oxidants and potentiates the versatility of gold redox chemistry through the utilization of electrochemical oxidative conditions.
Chemical Synthesis at Surfaces with Atomic Precision: Taming Complexity and Perfection
Authors: Wang Can , Chi Lifeng , Ciesielski Artur , Samorì Paolo
Published: August 2019

Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) is a powerful tool to study the structure and dynamics of molecules at surfaces and interfaces as well as to precisely manipulate atoms and molecules by applying an external force, by inelastic electron tunneling, or by means of an electric field. The rapid development of these SPM manipulation modes made it possible to achieve fine‐control over fundamental processes in the physics of interfaces as well as chemical reactivity, such as adsorption, diffusion, bond formation, and bond dissociation with precision at the single atom/molecule level. Their controlled use for the fabrication of atomic‐scale structures and synthesis of new, perhaps uncommon, molecules with programmed properties are reviewed. Opportunities and challenges towards the development of complex chemical systems are discussed, by analyzing potential future impacts in nanoscience and nanotechnology.
Cooperative Self‐Assembly of Pyridine‐2,6‐Diimine‐Linked Macrocycles into Mechanically Robust Nanotubes
Authors: Strauss Michael J. , Asheghali Darya , Evans Austin M. , Li Rebecca L. , Chavez Anton D. , Sun Chao , Becker Matthew L. , Dichtel William R.
Published: August 2019

Nanotubes assembled from macrocyclic precursors offer a unique combination of low dimensionality, structural rigidity, and distinct interior and exterior microenvironments. Usually the weak stacking energies of macrocycles limit the length and mechanical strength of the resultant nanotubes. Imine‐linked macrocycles were recently found to assemble into high‐aspect ratio (>103), lyotropic nanotubes in the presence of excess acid. Yet these harsh conditions are incompatible with many functional groups and processing methods, and lower acid loadings instead catalyze macrocycle degradation. Here we report pyridine‐2,6‐diimine‐linked macrocycles that assemble into high‐aspect ratio nanotubes in the presence of less than 1 equiv of CF3CO2H per macrocycle. Analysis by gel permeation chromatography and fluorescence spectroscopy revealed a cooperative self‐assembly mechanism. The low acid concentrations needed to induce assembly enabled nanofibers to be obtained by touch‐spinning, which exhibit higher Young's moduli (1.33 GPa) than many synthetic polymers and biological filaments. These findings represent a breakthrough in the design of inverse chromonic liquid crystals, as assembly under such mild conditions will enable the design of structurally diverse and mechanically robust nanotubes from synthetically accessible macrocycles.
Ultramicroporous Building Units as a Path to Bi‐microporous Metal–Organic Frameworks with High Acetylene Storage and Separation Performance
Authors: Li Yong‐Peng , Wang Ying , Xue Ying‐Ying , Li Hai‐Peng , Zhai Quan‐Guo , Li Shu‐Ni , Jiang Yu‐Cheng , Hu Man‐Cheng , Bu Xianhui
Published: August 2019

A strategy called ultramicroporous building unit (UBU) is introduced. It allows the creation of hierarchical bi‐porous features that work in tandem to enhance gas uptake capacity and separation. Smaller pores from UBUs promote selectivity, while larger inter‐UBU packing pores increase uptake capacity. The effectiveness of this UBU strategy is shown with a cobalt MOF (denoted SNNU‐45) in which octahedral cages with 4.5 Å pore size serve as UBUs. The C2H2 uptake capacity at 1 atm reaches 193.0 cm3 g−1 (8.6 mmol g−1) at 273 K and 134.0 cm3 g−1 (6.0 mmol g−1) at 298 K. Such high uptake capacity is accompanied by a high C2H2/CO2 selectivity of up to 8.5 at 298 K. Dynamic breakthrough studies at room temperature and 1 atm show a C2H2/CO2 breakthrough time up to 79 min g−1, among top‐performing MOFs. Grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations agree that ultrahigh C2H2/CO2 selectivity is mainly from UBU ultramicropores, while packing pores promote C2H2 uptake capacity.
Zinc chloride/acetamide deep eutectic solvent‐mediated fractionation of lignin produces high‐ and low‐molecular‐weight fillers for phenol‐formaldehyde resins
Authors: Hong Shu , Sun Xiang , Lian Hailan , Pojman John A. , Mota‐Morales Josué D.
Published: August 2019

Lignin readily dissolves in a deep eutectic solvent (DES) composed of ZnCl2/acetamide 1:3 M ratio in concentrations up to 16.7 wt %, and upon addition of water, two fractions were obtained; one composed of lignin with low‐molecular weight that remained dissolved in the DES/water mixture, whereas the other fraction of lignin with higher molecular weight (regenerated lignin, RL) was regenerated by precipitation. Both the RL fraction and the whole solution of lignin in DES were used to replace part of phenol (20 wt %) in the condensation of phenol and formaldehyde to introduce biomass in the resulting resins. The lignin treatment that produced the higher yield of RL consisted of lignin/DES ratio of 1:10 (w/w) stirred for 4 h at 100 °C. By using 13C NMR spectroscopy, a preferential cleavage of the S unit of lignin during DES treatment was identified. The modified phenol‐formaldehyde resin (RLPF) containing the RL exhibited higher bonding strength (1.28 ± 0.16 MPa) and shorter Sunshine gel time (557 s) than PF (587 s), showing that the RL helps to improve the polycondensation process. The resin modified with the whole solution of lignin in DES exhibited the shortest Sunshine gel time due to the effect of zinc(II) accelerating the curing process. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48385.
Carbonaceous microsphere‐based superabsorbent polymer as filler for coating of NPK fertilizer: Fabrication, properties, swelling, and nitrogen release characteristics
Authors: Ahmed Khan Tanveer , Zakaria Munirah Ezzah Tuan , Kim Hyun‐Joong , Ghazali Suriati , Jamari Saidatul Shima
Published: August 2019

Recently, the use of controlled release fertilizers in agriculture has resulted in huge benefits in plant growth and cultivation. Superabsorbent polymer (SAP)‐coated fertilizers have the added advantage in retaining water in soil after irrigation and also reduce the nutrient release rate from soil in a controlled manner. This study aimed to produce a nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium (NPK) fertilizer coated with superabsorbent carbonaceous microspheres polymer (SPC) by inverse suspension polymerization method with water‐retention and controlled release properties. Two sets of experiments were conducted: (1) three different weight percentages and (2) different materials. NPK coated with SPC showed increasing water‐retention ability with respect to carbon microsphere percentages and retains >80% water at the 30th day of experiment compared with pure NPK and NPK coated with SAP. The slow release behavior of all samples was investigated by induced coupled plasma mass spectrometry spectrometry and results showed that NPK coated with SAP and SPC has a low release rate with <50% nutrient release compared with uncoated NPK at the 30th day. The release mechanism kinetics of NPK coated with SAP and SPC were studied based on the Kosmeyer–Peppas model. The mechanisms approached Fickian diffusion‐controlled release as the n value for both samples was less than 0.5. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48396.
Three‐Dimensional Hierarchical Constructs of MOF‐on‐Reduced Graphene Oxide for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Wu Yushan , Jiang Haoqing , Ke Fu‐Sheng , Deng Hexiang
Published: August 2019

A three‐dimensional (3D) hierarchical MOF‐on‐reduced graphene oxide (MOF‐on‐rGO) compartment was successfully synthesized through an in situ reduced and combined process. The unique properties of the MOF‐on‐rGO compartment combining the polarity and porous features of MOFs with the high conductivity of rGO make it an ideal candidate as a sulfur host in lithium–sulfur (Li‐S) batteries. A high initial discharge capacity of 1250 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.1 C (1.0 C=1675 mAh g−1) was reached using the MOF‐on‐rGO based electrode. At the rate of 1.0 C, a high specific capacity of 601 mAh g−1 was still maintained after 400 discharge–charge cycles, which could be ascribed to the synergistic effect between MOFs and rGO. Both the hierarchical structures of rGO and the polar pore environment of MOF retard the diffusion and migration of soluble polysulfide, contributing to a stable cycling performance. Moreover, the spongy‐layered rGO can buffer the volume expansion and contraction changes, thus supplying stable structures for Li‐S batteries.
Stability of a force‐free Hall equilibrium and release of magnetic energy
Authors: Kitchatinov Leonid
Published: August 2019

Conservation of magnetic helicity by the Hall drift does not prevent Hall instability of helical fields. This conclusion follows from stability analysis of a force‐free spatially periodic Hall equilibrium. The growth rates of the instability scale as σ ∝ B3/4η1/4 with the field strength B and magnetic diffusivity η and can be large compared to the rate of resistive decay of the background field. The instability deviates the magnetic field from the force‐free configuration. The unstable eigenmodes include a fine spatial structure that evolves into current sheets at the nonlinear stage of the instability. The instability catalyzes the resistive release of magnetic energy. The energy is released in a sequence of spikes, every spike emits several percent of the total energy. A numerically defined scaling for the energy released in a single spike permits an extrapolation to astrophysically relevant values of the Hall number. The instability can be relevant to magnetic energy release in a neutron star crust and, possibly, in stellar coronae.
Acoustic properties of early vocalizations in infants with fragile X syndrome
Authors: Hamrick Lisa R. , Seidl Amanda , Tonnsen Bridgette L.
Published: August 2019

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a neurogenetic syndrome characterized by cognitive impairments and high rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). FXS is often highlighted as a model for exploring pathways of symptom expression in ASD due to the high prevalence of ASD symptoms in this population and the known single‐gene cause of FXS. Early vocalization features—including volubility, complexity, duration, and pitch—have shown promise in detecting ASD in idiopathic ASD populations but have yet to be extensively studied in a population with a known genetic cause for ASD such as FXS. Investigating early trajectories of these features in FXS may inform our limited knowledge of potential mechanisms that predict later social communication outcomes. The present study addresses this need by presenting preliminary findings which (a) characterize early vocalization features in FXS relative to low‐risk controls (LRC) and (b) test the specificity of associations between these features and language and ASD outcomes. We coded vocalization features during a standardized child–examiner interaction for 39 nine‐month‐olds (22 FXS, 17 LRC) whose clinical outcomes were assessed at 24 months. Our results provide preliminary evidence that within FXS, associations between vocalization features and 24‐month language outcomes may diverge from those observed in LRC, and that vocalization features may be associated with later ASD symptoms. These findings provide a starting point for more research exploring these features as potential early markers of ASD in FXS, which in turn may lead to improved early identification methods, treatment approaches, and overall well‐being of individuals with ASD. Autism Res2019. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Although vocal features of 9‐month‐olds with FXS did not differ from those of low‐risk controls, several features were associated with later language and ASD outcomes at 24 months in FXS. These preliminary results suggest acoustic data may be related to clinical outcomes in FXS and potentially other high‐risk populations. Further characterizing these associations may facilitate understanding of biological mechanisms and risk factors associated with social communication development and ASD.
Patterns of arsenic release in drinking water distribution systems
Authors: Triantafyllidou Simoni , Lytle Darren A. , Chen Abraham S. C. , Wang Lili , Muhlen Christy , Sorg Thomas J.
Published: August 2019

A retrospective analysis of 20 water systems from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Arsenic Demonstration Program demonstrated three patterns of arsenic levels at the tap after arsenic treatment of the source well water. Following an initial destabilization period, Pattern A systems (6/20 with low iron/manganese in source water and plastic piping) had arsenic concentrations that did not change as water traveled to consumer taps (conservative contaminant behavior). Pattern B systems (8/20 with high iron/manganese in source water and iron piping) had consistently higher arsenic concentrations at consumer taps, above the arsenic content of incoming treated water, for months to more than a year after arsenic treatment (nonconservative behavior). Pattern C systems (6/20 with additional occasional arsenic treatment complications) experienced multiple arsenic spikes at consumer taps (nonconservative and unpredictable behavior). These field observations suggest that, in some water distribution systems, arsenic may linger long after it has been removed at its source.
Case series: Amniotic band sequence with craniofacial abnormalities
Authors: Lies Shelby , Beckwith Terri , Mills Janith , Butler Lesley , Ezaki Marybeth , Oishi Scott
Published: August 2019

Background

To objectively describe craniofacial, visual, and neurological features associated with amniotic band syndrome (ABS) and discuss likely associated multifactorial etiology.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients identified with ABS and concomitant limb involvement and craniofacial features was conducted. The following data were collected from the patients' medical records: demographic information, past medical history including birth history, surgical history, previous clinic visits/physical exams, description of craniofacial features and ABS, family history, any noted obstetric complications, visceral features, visual features, craniofacial features, intracranial features, neurological symptoms, developmental features, diagnostic tests (including radiographs, IQ testing, EEG findings, chromosomes), photographs, and treatment history.

Results

Seven patients were included in the final cohort, all of whom had a cleft lip with six having both cleft lip and palate. Other craniofacial abnormalities seen were facial clefts which were vertical oblique in nature, tear duct involvement, cranial deformities that required surgical correction with cranial reconstruction, recorded hypertelorism with vision and gaze abnormalities, coloboma, lagopthalmos and optic never dysplasia.

Conclusions

This case series presents seven children with craniofacial involvement associated with amniotic band sequence and attempts to categorize the salient dysmorphology and neurocognitive development. Major craniofacial anomalies in patients with ABS is a rare clinical finding that cannot be completely explained on the basis of premature amniotic layer disruption alone. This study supports that the dysmorphology seen in cases of ABS with craniofacial involvement is complex and most likely multifactorial.

Level of Evidence

IV Case Series.
Achieving a better understanding of binary azeotropic mixtures distillation through Aspen Plus process simulations
Authors: Roman Claudia , García‐Morales Moisés
Published: August 2019

Mass transfer operations are at the heart of every chemical engineering curriculum, as they are the basis of separation procedures extensively used in the chemical industry. Distillation, which involves mass transfer between vapor and liquid phases, is, by far, the most extended separation practice. However, the presence of azeotropes in most of the mixtures with industrial interest complicates the process analysis due to tedious and complex calculations, even in the simplest case of binary mixtures. Moreover, the need for recycle streams makes convergence and variables specification very difficult as compared with the separation of nonazeotropic mixtures. Initial training in process simulators results fundamentally in high‐quality chemical engineering teaching programs. It yields a better understanding of enhanced distillation and entails the use of professional tools highly demanded by employers. This paper reports how the use of the commercial simulator Aspen Plus can help students explore azeotropic distillation by their own, and thus enables looking into aspects which are beyond the scope of problems solved by hand.
Spectrum of TERT promoter mutations and mechanisms of activation in thyroid cancer
Authors: Panebianco Federica , Nikitski Alyaksandr V. , Nikiforova Marina N. , Nikiforov Yuri E.
Published: August 2019

Background

Reactivation of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is an important event in cancer. Two hotspot mutations in the TERT promoter region, c.‐124C > T (C228T) and c.‐146C > T (C250T), occur in various cancer types including thyroid cancer. They generate de novo binding sites for E‐twenty‐six (ETS) transcription factors causing increased TERT transcription. The aim of this study was to search for novel TERT promoter mutations and additional mechanisms of TERT activation in thyroid cancer.

Methods

We studied 198 papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs), 34 follicular thyroid carcinomas (FTCs), 40 Hürthle cell carcinomas (HCCs), 14 poorly differentiated/anaplastic thyroid carcinomas (PDTC/ATC), and 15 medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTCs) for mutations in an −424 bp to +64 bp region of TERT. The luciferase reporter assay was used to functionally characterize the identified alterations. Copy number variations (CNVs) in the TERT region were analyzed using TaqMan copy number assay and validated with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).

Results

We detected the hotspot c.‐124C > T and c.‐146C > T mutations in 7% PTC, 18% FTC, 25% HCC, and 86% PDTC/ATC. One PTC carried a c.‐124C > A mutation. Furthermore, we identified two novel mutations resulting in the formation of de novo ETS‐binding motifs: c.‐332C > T in one MTC and c.‐104_‐83dup in one PTC. These genetic alterations, as well as other detected mutations, led to a significant increase in TERT promoter activity when assayed using luciferase reporter system. In addition, 5% of thyroid tumors were found to have ≥3 copies of TERT.

Conclusions

This study confirms the increased prevalence of TERT promoter mutations and CNV in advanced thyroid cancers and describes novel functional alterations in the TERT gene promoter, including a point mutation and small duplication. These mutations, as well as TERT copy number alterations, may represent an additional mechanism of TERT activation in thyroid cancer.
Multiplex methylated DNA testing in plasma with high sensitivity and specificity for colorectal cancer screening
Authors: Zhao Guodong , Li Hui , Yang Zixuan , Wang Zhenzhen , Xu Manqiu , Xiong Shangmin , Li Shiming , Wu XiaoTing , Liu Xiaoyu , Wang Ziwen , Zhu Yun , Ma Yong , Fei Sujuan , Zheng Minxue
Published: August 2019

Methylated SEPT9 showed relatively low sensitivity in detecting early stage colorectal cancer (CRC) and advanced adenomas (AA) in plasma. Combination of multiple biomarkers was an effective strategy to improve sensitivity in early stage cancer diagnosis and screening. A new qPCR‐based assay combining the detection of methylated SEPT9 and SDC2 (ColoDefense test) was used. Methylation statuses of SEPT9 and SDC2 were examined in 40 sets of cancer tissues and paired adjacent tissues, 10 adenomatous polyps and 3 hyperplastic polyps (HP). Then evaluated with 384 plasma samples, including 117 CRC patients, 23 AA patients, 78 small polyps patients, and 166 normal individuals. The limit of detection of ColoDefense was about 25 pg per reaction. Both SEPT9 and SDC2 were shown by ColoDefense to be heavily methylated in CRC tissues when compared to paired paracancerous tissues and HP (P < .01). The sensitivities for detecting AA and stage I CRC by plasma SEPT9 methylation alone were 12.1% and 65.0%, and those by plasma SDC2 methylation alone were 43.5% and 55.0%. In comparison, the sensitivities to detect AA and stage I CRC by ColoDefense improved to 47.8% and 80.0%. The overall sensitivity of ColoDefense in detecting CRC was 88.9% (95% CI: 81.4%‐93.7%) with a specificity of 92.8% (95% CI: 87.4%‐96.0%). Detection of the combinatorial biomarker of methylated SEPT9 and/or SDC2 is a powerful, convenient and highly effective strategy for early CRC screening with high sensitivity and specificity.
Metastases with definitive pathological diagnosis but no detectable primary tumor: A surveillance epidemiology and end results‐based study
Authors: Tao Lianyuan , Yu Haibo , Dong Yadong , Tian Guanjing , Ren Zhiyuan , Li Deyu
Published: August 2019

Background

This study investigates the characteristics of a special type of cancer of unknown primary site (CUP, type 2), which is a metastasis of a definite pathological diagnosis without a detectable primary site.

Patients and methods

Patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2014 were identified from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. The characteristics of type 2 CUP from different sources were analyzed. For each source of type 2 CUP, tumors of the corresponding TnN0‐XM1 stage were used as controls.

Results

A total of 8505 patients with type 2 CUP were included in this analysis. Type 2 CUP shows an increasing trend, while type 1 shows the opposite. Type 2 CUPs have significant differences with stage IV of the same pathological primary lesion. Many characteristics influenced the prognosis of type 2 CUP patients, including marital status, age, race, sex, registration time, lymph node metastasis, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that identifying the source of metastasis is the key to the selection of treatment and the determination of the prognosis for CUP.
Apply 5 key lessons learned from college sports cases, investigations
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: August 2019

When you hear about investigations, violations, and lawsuits involving other college athletics departments, you hope that type of scenario doesn't strike your school next. But do you know the practical steps you can take to help protect your school from finding itself in similar legal trouble?
Educate student‐athletes, staff, coaches about proper use of NCAA transfer portal
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: August 2019

ORLANDO, FLA. — To help ensure compliance with the new transfer portal process, your student‐athletes will need you to provide them with effective education. To get started, review the tips and strategies shared during a presentation by Daniel A. Cohen, Esq., partner with Nelson Mullins; Susan Peal, director of governance, National Letter of Intent at the National Collegiate Athletic Association; and Rachel Strassner, director of compliance at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. They spoke at the annual convention for the National Association for Athletics Compliance.