bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Materials Stiffness‐Dependent Redox Metabolic Reprogramming of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Secretome‐Based Therapeutic Angiogenesis
Authors: Yang Haibo , Cheam Nicole Mein Ji , Cao Huan , Lee Melissa Kao Hui , Sze Siu Kwan , Tan Nguan Soon , Tay Chor Yong
Published: September 2019

Cellular redox metabolism has emerged as a key tenet in stem cell biology that can profoundly influence the paracrine activity and therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Although the use of materials cues to direct the differentiation of MSCs has been widely investigated, little is known regarding the role of materials in the control of redox paracrine signaling in MSCs. Herein, using a series of mechanically tunable fibronectin‐conjugated polyacrylamide (FN‐PAAm) hydrogel substrates, it is shown that a mechanically compliant microenvironment with native‐tissue mimicking stiffness (E = 0.15 kPa) can mechano‐regulate the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in human adipose‐derived MSCs (ADMSCs). The cells reciprocate to the ROS imbalance by co‐activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 and hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 alpha stress response signaling pathways to increase the production of vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor. Conditioned medium collected from ADMSCs grown on the 0.15 kPa FN‐PAAm is found to significantly promote in vitro and ex ovo vascularization events. Collectively, these findings highlight the importance of delineating critical materials properties that can enable the reprogramming of cellular redox signaling for advanced MSCs‐based secretome regenerative medicine.
Strong and Tunable Electrical Anisotropy in Type‐II Weyl Semimetal Candidate WP2 with Broken Inversion Symmetry
Authors: Su Bo , Song Yanpeng , Hou Yanhui , Chen Xu , Zhao Jianzhou , Ma Yongchang , Yang Yang , Guo Jiangang , Luo Jianlin , Chen Zhi‐Guo
Published: September 2019

A transition metal diphosphide, WP2, is a candidate for type‐II Weyl semimetals (WSMs) in which spatial inversion symmetry is broken and Lorentz invariance is violated. As one of the prerequisites for the presence of the WSM state in WP2, spatial inversion symmetry breaking in this compound has rarely been investigated. Furthermore, the anisotropy of the WP2 electrical properties and whether its electrical anisotropy can be tuned remain elusive. Angle‐resolved polarized Raman spectroscopy, electrical transport, optical spectroscopy, and first‐principle studies of WP2 are reported. The energies of the observed Raman‐active phonons and the angle dependences of the detected phonon intensities are consistent with results obtained by first‐principle calculations and analysis of the proposed crystal symmetry without spatial inversion, showing that spatial inversion symmetry is broken in WP2. Moreover, the measured ratio (Rc
/Ra
) between the crystalline c‐axis and a‐axis electrical resistivities exhibits a weak dependence on temperature (T) in the temperature range from 100 to 250 K, but increases abruptly at T ≤ 100 K, and then reaches the value of ≈8.0 at T = 10 K, which is by far the strongest in‐plane electrical resistivity anisotropy among the reported type‐II WSM candidates with comparable carrier concentrations. Optical spectroscopy study, together with the first‐principle calculations on the electronic band structure, reveals that the abrupt enhancement of the electrical resistivity anisotropy at T ≤ 100 K mainly arises from a sharp increase in the scattering rate anisotropy at low temperatures. More interestingly, the Rc
/Ra
of WP2 at T = 10 K can be tuned from 8.0 to 10.6 as the magnetic field increases from 0 to 9 T. The so‐far‐strongest and magnetic‐field‐tunable electrical resistivity anisotropy found in WP2 can serve as a degree of freedom for tuning the electrical properties of type‐II WSMs, which paves the way for the development of novel electronic applications based on type‐II WSMs.
Aminosilane‐Modified CuGaO2 Nanoparticles Incorporated with CuSCN as a Hole‐Transport Layer for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Lee Byungho , Yun Alan Jiwan , Kim Jinhyun , Gil Bumjin , Shin Byungha , Park Byungwoo
Published: September 2019

Herein, solution‐processible inorganic hole‐transport layer (HTL) of a perovskite solar cell that consists of CuGaO2 nanoparticles and CuSCN, which leads to an improved device performance as well as long‐term stability, is reported. Uniform films of CuGaO2 are prepared by first treating CuGaO2 nanoparticles with aminosilane that leads to well‐dispersed CuGaO2 solution, followed by spin‐coating of the suspension. Subsequent spin‐coating of CuSCN solution onto the CuGaO2 forms a smooth HTL with excellent coverage and electrical conductivity. Comparing to the reference device with CuSCN HTL, the CuGaO2/CuSCN device improves carrier extraction and reduces trap density by ≈40%, as measured by photoluminescence and capacitance analysis. Excellent thermal stability is also demonstrated: ≈80% of the initial efficiency of the perovskite solar cells with the CuGaO2/CuSCN HTL is retained after 400 h under 85 °C/85% relative humidity environment.
Spin‐to‐Orbital Angular Momentum Conversion with Quasi‐Continuous Spatial Phase Response
Authors: Wang He , Li Yongfeng , Chen Hongya , Shen Yang , Yang Zetian , Wang Jiafu , Zhang Jieqiu , Ding Meng , Zhang Anxue , Cui Tiejun , Qu Shaobo
Published: September 2019

Vortex beams carrying orbital angular momentum have captivated great interest in the past few decades due to the inspiring application potential in both optical and microwave fields. More recently, assisted by Pancharatnam–Berry (PB) phase‐based meta‐atom, achieving spin–orbit‐converter becomes an encouraging topic. Commonly, however, spin–orbital‐converters are based on discontinuous phase distribution, which inevitably deteriorates their overall performance. To overcome this difficulty, here a paradigm of spin–orbital‐converter made of spirally arranged metastrip that can produce quasi‐continuously rotated phase profile with high‐efficiency is simulated and experimentally demonstrated in microwave regime. Using dispersion engineering, a meta‐atom capable of exciting spoof surface plasmon polaritons mode is designed to achieve PB phases. The metastrip consisting of a series of identical meta‐atoms is arranged along a proposed Archimedean spiral to obtain the rotated phase distribution of 4π. Near‐field performances reveal that the vortex electric distribution with topological charges of l = ± 2 can be generated. Significantly, this effort provides a strategy of achieving spin‐to‐orbital angular momentum conversion with phase continuity that may find applications in the fields of holography and communication systems.
Highly Efficient UV–Visible Photocatalyst from Monolithic 3D Titania/Graphene Quantum Dot Heterostructure Linked by Aminosilane
Authors: Yoon Hyewon , Lee Kisung , Kim Hyojung , Park Minsu , Novak Travis G. , Hyun Gayea , Jeong Mun Seok , Jeon Seokwoo
Published: September 2019

As rapidly growing environmental pollution demands the development of efficient photocatalytic materials, tremendous attention has been drawn to TiO2, a widely used photocatalytic material with cost‐effectiveness, stability, and outstanding reactivity. To maximize its photocatalytic efficiency by enhancing the photogenerated charge separation, lowering the intrinsically large bandgap (3.2 eV) of TiO2 is a key problem to be overcome. Herein, a new design is reported for an efficient photocatalyst realized by heterostructuring a 3D nanostructured TiO2 monolith (3D TiO2) and graphene quantum dots (GQDs) through using 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) as a linker. The incorporation of APTES between the TiO2/GQD interface enables the formation of a charge injection‐type heterostructure, as confirmed by transient absorption spectroscopy, providing improvement of both visible absorption and charge separation. As a result, the heterostructure exhibits a 242% enhanced photocatalytic performance compared to that of nonheterostructured 3D TiO2 under visible irradiation, demonstrating its promising potential for practical photocatalytic applications in environmental remediation.
Recent Advances in Particulate Adjuvants for Cancer Vaccination
Authors: Song Cui , Li Feng , Wang Shuang , Wang Jianghua , Wei Wei , Ma Guanghui
Published: September 2019

By activating/stimulating antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) and efficiently inducing humoral or cellular immune responses, particulate adjuvants have become one of the most ambitious and promising strategies in cancer vaccination. A large number of materials have been studied for their use as particulate adjuvants, including inorganic materials, polymeric materials, liposomes, emulsions, and exosomes. According to their unique physicochemical properties, these particulate adjuvants mainly work in three aspects: antigen delivery, APC activation, and antigen cross‐presentation, and they show great promise in various antitumor applications. This progress report highlights the recent advances in the study of particulate adjuvants, ranging from their materials, functions, and physicochemical properties to their applications in cancer vaccination.
Ballistic Quantum Transport of Sub‐10 nm 2D Sb2Te2Se Transistors
Authors: Qu Hengze , Zhou Wenhan , Guo Shiying , Li Zhi , Wang Yangyang , Zhang Shengli
Published: September 2019

2D materials, due to their ultrathin dangling‐bond‐free configuration and excellent electrostatic control, have potential as possible Si‐alternative building blocks for future competitive devices. Exploring 2D electronic materials with suitable band gap and high mobility is key to designing ultra‐scaled devices. The electronic properties and device performance of sub‐10 nm 2D Sb2Te2Se are studied by ab initio quantum‐transport simulations. The results show that 2D Sb2Te2Se, a stable system, possesses an indirect bandgap of 1.01 eV and high electron mobility exceeding 103 cm2 V−1 s−1. Through comparing with the ballistic quantum transports of Sb2Te2Se, the n‐metal‐oxide‐semiconductor field‐effect transistor (MOSFET) exhibits better device performance than p‐MOSFET. In particular, not only can the on‐current of n‐MOSFET with gate length Lg = 9 nm reach as high as 1660 µA µm−1, but its other figures of merit including gate capacity (0.72 fF µm−1), delay time (0.31 ps), and power dissipation (0.37 fJ µm−1) also satisfy the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors 2020 requirements. Therefore, 2D Sb2Te2Se could become a potential electronic material for next‐generation nanodevices.
Polymer‐in‐“Quasi‐Ionic Liquid” Electrolytes for High‐Voltage Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Wu Haiping , Xu Yaobin , Ren Xiaodi , Liu Bin , Engelhard Mark H. , Ding Michael S. , El‐Khoury Patrick Z. , Zhang Linchao , Li Qiuyan , Xu Kang , Wang Chongmin , Zhang Ji‐Guang , Xu Wu
Published: September 2019

Due to the limited oxidation stability (<4 V) of ether oxygen in its polymer structure, polyethylene oxide (PEO)‐based polymer electrolytes are not compatible with high‐voltage (>4 V) cathodes, thus hinder further increases in the energy density of lithium (Li) metal batteries (LMBs). Here, a new type of polymer‐in‐“quasi‐ionic liquid” electrolyte is designed, which reduces the electron density on ethereal oxygens in PEO and ether solvent molecules, induces the formation of stable interfacial layers on both surfaces of the LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 (NMC) cathode and the Li metal anode in Li||NMC batteries, and results in a capacity retention of 88.4%, 86.7%, and 79.2% after 300 cycles with a charge cutoff voltage of 4.2, 4.3, and 4.4 V for the LMBs, respectively. Therefore, the use of “quasi‐ionic liquids” is a promising approach to design new polymer electrolytes for high‐voltage and high‐specific‐energy LMBs.
Conversion of a Fleeting Open‐Shell Iron Nitride into an Iron Nitrosyl
Authors: Chang Hao‐Ching , Lin Yen‐Hao , Werlé Christophe , Neese Frank , Lee Way‐Zen , Bill Eckhard , Ye Shengfa
Published: September 2019

Terminal metal nitrides have been proposed as key intermediates in a series of pivotal chemical transformations. However, exploring the chemical activity of transient tetragonal iron(V) nitrides is largely impeded by their facile dimerization in fluid solutions. Herein, in situ EPR and Mössbauer investigations are presented of unprecedented oxygenation of a paramagnetic iron(V) nitrido intermediate, [FeVN(cyclam‐ac)]+ (2, cyclam‐ac−=1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradecane‐1‐acetate anion), yielding an iron nitrosyl complex, [Fe(NO)(cyclam‐ac)]+ (3). Further theoretical studies suggest that during the reaction a closed‐shell singlet O atom is transferred to 2. Consequently, the N−O bond formation does not follow a radical coupling mechanism proposed for the N−N bond formation but is accomplished by three mutual electron‐transfer pathways between 2 and the O atom donor, thanks to the ambiphilic nature of 2.
Simulated sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for a cost‐effective investigation of natural and engineered cellular signaling pathways
Authors: Jaschke Paul R.
Published: September 2019

The ability to separate, identify, and quantify proteins from complex mixtures are key foundational methods across biochemistry teaching and research. In particular, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is an important technique that is used to measure antigen concentrations in both industry and academia. There are four categories of ELISA, direct, indirect, competitive, and sandwich, each with their own applications. Sandwich ELISAs are used to determine antigen concentrations from complex mixtures of protein, such as a cell lysates, and are regularly used as medical diagnostics to diagnose illness and diseases ranging from hepatitis to celiac disease. One major problem with teaching the sandwich ELISA technique to students is the prohibitive cost due to the need to coat a 96‐well plate with a capture antibody. One solution to this problem would be to significantly reduce the role of each student in the lab, but this does not adequately prepare students to perform the procedure in a research or industry lab. Instead, this laboratory exercise teaches students the procedural knowledge needed to perform a direct sandwich ELISA, but uses a simulated experience performed within a wet‐lab environment. The presented scenario is the analysis of phosphorylated proteins within a synthetic signaling pathway, but because the lab uses simulated samples, it can be tailored to different topics and educational aims. The procedure is 10‐ to 26‐fold less expensive per student to deploy than an authentic sandwich ELISA. Students in the course report that the ELISA lab significantly strengthened the connection between theory and practice. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 48(1):67–73, 2020.
Keep up with legal requirements involving Clery Act's campus alerts
Authors: Hanson Hayley , Irwin Ben
Published: September 2019

Under the Clery Act, certain dangerous situations require institutions to issue timely warnings and emergency notifications (collectively, “campus alerts”). Failure to issue campus alerts when required to do so by law can result in noncompliance findings and fines from the U.S. Department of Education during a program review, as well as a less secure campus environment and damage to institutional reputation. Although these two types of campus alerts have similarities, they also have some notable distinctions.
Design and Construction of Aroyl‐Hydrazone Derivatives: Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Molecular Docking and Their Biological Activities
Authors: Kumari Pratibha , Ansari Shagufi Naz , Kumar Ravi , Saini Anoop Kumar , Mobin Shaikh M.
Published: September 2019

Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of four new aroyl‐hydrazone derivatives L1–L4, and their structural as well as biological activities have been explored. In addition to docking with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and duplex DNA, the experimental results demonstrate the effective binding of L1–L4 with BSA protein and calf thymus DNA (ct‐DNA) which is in agreement with the docking results. Further biological activities of L1–L4 have been examined through molecular docking with different proteins which are involved in the propagation of viral or cancer diseases. L1 shows best binding affinity with influenza A virus polymerase PB2 subunit (2VY7) with binding energy −11.42 kcal/mol and inhibition constant 4.23 nm, whereas L2 strongly bind with the hepatitis C virus NS5B polymerase (2WCX) with binding energy −10.47 kcal/mol and inhibition constant 21.06 nm. Ligand L3 binds strongly with TGF‐beta receptor 1 (3FAA) and L4 with cancer‐related EphA2 protein kinases (1MQB) with binding energy −10.61 kcal/mol, −10.02 kcal/mol and inhibition constant 16.67 nm and 45.41 nm, respectively. The binding energies of L1–L4 are comparable with binding energies of their proven inhibitors. L1, L3 and L4 can be considered as both 3FAA and 1MQB dual targeting anticancer agents, while L1 and L3 are both 2VY7 and 2WCX dual targeting antiviral agents. On the other side, L2 and L4 target only one virus related target (2WCX). Furthermore, the geometry optimizations of L1–L4 were performed via density functional theory (DFT). Moreover, all four ligands (L1–L4) were characterized by NMR, FT‐IR, ESI‐MS, elemental analysis and their molecular structures were validated by single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies.
Exploring Battery‐Type ZnO/ZnFe2O4 Spheres‐3D Graphene Electrodes for Supercapacitor Applications: Advantage of Yolk−Shell over Solid Structures
Authors: Jhajharia Suman Kumari , Manappadan Zinoy , Selvaraj Kaliaperumal
Published: September 2019

Recently, a ZnO/ZnFe2O4 composite has been reported to be a promising material for energy storage, owing to its large specific capacity and good redox activity. However, due to the inability to accommodate its strong volumetric variations during operation, it fails to retain its capacitance, which remains as a significant hitch. Herein, we present our attempt towards solving this through a binder‐free electrode design comprising a porous yolk−shell ZnO/ZnFe2O4 composite matrixed inside a 3D network of graphene, which, in turn, is grown on Ni foam. The design exhibits a four‐fold increase in its specific capacitance, yielding 1334 F g−1 (specific capacity of 370.5 mAh g−1) at a current density of 0.5 A g−1 in comparison to that of the ZnO/ZnFe2O4 electrodes (309 F g−1 (85.8 mAh g−1) at 0.5 A g−1) comprising solid metal oxide spheres. The major advantage of the design is the well‐defined yolk−shell architecture that provides free space for volume expansion during long cycling processes and channels for ionic transportation; whereas, the conductive 3D graphene network and porous Ni foam facilitate electronic conduction. The availability of free space in yolk−shell sphere electrodes facilitates the capacitance retention of up to 80 % beyond 5000 cycles at a current density of 1 A g−1, which is in contrast to the capacitance retained by the solid spheres of only approximately 60 %. These results directly demonstrate the significant consequence of the yolk−shell architecture‐based binder‐free design and its promising potential in high‐performing supercapacitors and batteries.
Vascular endothelial growth factor and programmed death‐1 pathway inhibitors in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Mantia Charlene M. , McDermott David F.
Published: September 2019

Advanced renal cell carcinoma has historically carried a poor prognosis with very limited treatment options. However, in recent years, the treatment landscape has changed drastically, with many new therapeutic options and improved survival for patients. Novel treatments consist of molecularly targeted agents against the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway as well as the immune checkpoint inhibitors, which stimulate an antitumor immune response. Recent strategy has focused on the development of combination therapy with the use of VEGF inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors in the first‐line setting. As more treatments are approved and the options for therapy expand further, there is a growing need for predictive biomarkers to personalize treatment choices for individual patients. Prospective clinical trials comparing the sequencing of treatments are needed to help determine the best therapeutic approach.
Continuous‐Flow Hydrogenation and Reductive Deuteration of Nitriles: a Simple Access to α,α‐Dideutero Amines
Authors: Mészáros Rebeka , Peng Bai‐Jing , Ötvös Sándor B. , Yang Shyh‐Chyun , Fülöp Ferenc
Published: September 2019

A simple and efficient continuous flow methodology has been developed for hydrogenation and reductive deuteration of nitriles to yield primary amines and also valuable α,α‐dideutero analogues. Raney nickel proved to be a useful catalyst for the transformation of a wide range of nitriles under reasonably mild conditions with excellent deuterium incorporation (>90 %) and quantitative conversion. Among known model compounds, three new deuterated primary amines were prepared. The large‐scale synthesis of deuterated tryptamine was also carried out to deliver 1.1 g product under flow conditions.
Chromosome Microdissection on Semi‐Archived Material
Authors: Al‐Rikabi Ahmed B. Hamid , Cioffi Marcelo de Bello , Liehr Thomas
Published: September 2019

Glass needle‐based chromosome microdissection (midi) is a standard approach developed in the 1980s and remains more frequently applied in testing than the comparable technique using laser‐based platforms. As the amount of DNA extracted by this technique is minimal and often in the range of picograms, the isolated DNA must be further amplified prior to use; the isolated amplified product can be readily utilized in multiple molecular research and diagnostic investigation. DNA libraries created by midi are either chromosome‐ or chromosome‐region‐specific. However, a critical component to this process is the need for timely chromosome preparation via the air‐drying method not to exceed a ~2–3 h before midi is performed. Failure of this time‐sensitive step often results in the chromosomes drying out after dropping, and upon initiation of the midi technique, the dissected material can jump away while touching by the needle, and collection of a suitable sample is inhibited. Herein, we demonstrate with a simple adaptation of the standard procedure, midi can be performed on semi‐archived material stored for longer periods at −20°C. Thus, the critical step to obtain well‐spread chromosome preparations can be completed under established conditions, for example, in the primary laboratory, stored at −20°C, and sent directly to specialized reference laboratories offering midi. In our study, we were able to obtain high‐quality DNA libraries, as verified by gel electrophoreses and reverse fluorescence in situ hybridization, via midi extracted chromosome spreads derived from human, fish, snake, lampbrush, and insect stored for up to 6 months. © 2019 The Authors. Cytometry Part A published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
A Method for Analyzing Fatty Acids in Cattle Hair, with Special Emphasis on Lauric Acid and Myristic Acid
Authors: Möller Ramona , Nürnberg Gerd , Albrecht Elke , Ruth Wolfgang , Brockmann Gudrun A. , Dannenberger Dirk
Published: September 2019

This study is aimed at improving a protocol for measuring fatty acids in cattle hair with respect to sensitivity, repeatability, and speed to increase its applicability as a biomarker. For the investigation, 14 hair samples from German Holstein cows are used. Alternative methods for grinding the hair (mortar vs mill), lipid extraction (modified Folch vs kit extraction), and solvent evaporation before injection on a gas chromatograph (evaporated vs unevaporated extracts) are tested. Hair ground with a mill compared to that with a mortar has smaller particles and a higher concentration of total lipids after extraction (p < 0.02). The kit used for lipid extraction is faster, and the amount of extracted total lipids and individual fatty acids, especially C12:0, is increased (p = 0.001). The analysis of unevaporated methyl ester extracts using gas chromatography (GC) analysis yields 5.8 and 1.3 higher amounts of C10:0 and C12:0, respectively, than those of evaporated extracts (p < 0.001). According to the results, the protocol for determining fatty acids in cattle hair can be improved by grinding the hair with a mill, extraction of lipids with a kit, and direct loading of methyl ester extracts in a gas chromatograph.

Practical Applications: The fatty acid profile of hair reflects the metabolic status of an animal for the previous 1–3 weeks, as these fatty acids are not influenced by diurnal and short‐term fluctuations. An improved protocol is developed that increases the throughput of fatty acid analysis and improves its applicability for practical use. For breeding and animal welfare, the analysis of cattle hair is possible for more efficient evaluation of the hair fatty acid profile as a robust biomarker in a larger animal population.
A Simple, Serendipitous Synthesis of Heterohexahelicenes
Authors: Dougherty Kelly J. , Qin Qian , Cruz Ricardo , Cho Yeyoung , Donahue James P. , Mague Joel T. , Wilson Laura J. , Kraml Christina M. , Pascal Robert A.
Published: September 2019

Oxidation of benzo[1,2‐b:3,4‐b′:5,6‐b′′]trithiophene (1) with MCPBA at room temperature gives the corresponding monosulfone 3. This material readily undergoes a Diels–Alder dimerization with extrusion of SO2 to form the dihydroheterohelicene 5. This, in turn, is easily converted into the heterohelicene 6 in a one‐pot NBS bromination and elimination. In a similar manner, oxidation of phenanthro[9,10‐b]thiophene (12) gives the dihydroheterohelicene 13, and bromination/elimination forms the corresponding heterohelicene 8. The X‐ray structures of compounds 5, 6, and 13 are reported, as well as computational studies that illuminate the unusual regiochemical outcome of the dimerization reactions.
Divergent Synthetic Route to Oxidized Benzofulvene Sesquiterpenoids: Protecting‐Group‐Free Total Synthesis of Nicotianasesterpenes A, B, and a Polygonum Sesquiterpenoid
Authors: Jeong Myeonggyo , Lee Hyunkee , Kim Gibeom , Jo Jeyun , Chang Jae Won , Jung Jee H. , Suh Young‐Ger , Yun Hwayoung
Published: September 2019

A divergent approach toward the protecting‐group‐free total synthesis of oxidized benzofulvene sesquiterpenoids is described. Highlight of our synthesis includes regio‐ and stereoselective assembly of the common intermediate 9 by the orchestrated application of a Pd(0)‐catalyzed reductive dehalogenation, a solvent‐free methylenation, and a vinylogous Stork enamine aldol condensation in a substrate‐controlled manner. The advanced intermediate 9 was efficiently transformed to nicotianasesterpenes A, B, and a polygonum sesquiterpenoid, respectively.
Effects of Astragaloside IV on treatment of breast cancer cells execute possibly through regulation of Nrf2 via PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Qing , Yao Chang , Bian Wei‐He , Chen Xu , Xue Jing‐Xian , Zhu Zhi‐Yuan , Ying Yu , Xu Yan Lei , Wang Cong
Published: September 2019

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has from ancient times been applied in China for the treatment of breast cancer with its own unique theoretical system. Sanhuang decoction composed of astragalus membranaceus, prepared rhubarb, and rhizoma curcumae longae has traditionally been used for antioxidant stress, inflammatory reaction, and angiogenesis. However, the role and mechanism of Sanhuang decoction in breast cancer remains unknown. The present study demonstrated the antitumor activity of Sanhuang decoction against breast cancer xenografts in nude mice. Notably, Sanhuang decoction promoted severe necrosis and induced cell death. In addition, Sanhuang decoction obviously regulated the inflammation and oxidative stress. Despite these, Sanhuang decoction could increase the expression of Nrf2. Moreover, si‐Nrf2 exhibited the opposite effects compared with the Sanhuang decoction treatment group and reversed the antibreast cancer role of Sanhuang decoction. Further, Sanhuang decoction remarkably suppressed the expression of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Taken together, Sanhuang decoction was firstly evaluated to possess potent antibreast cancer effect in vivo through regulation of inflammation and oxidative stress accomplished by up‐regulation of Nrf2 via PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and Sanhuang decoction might be a powerful candidate formula for antibreast cancer.
Mapping hemispheric asymmetries of the macaque cerebral cortex during early brain development
Authors: Xia Jing , Wang Fan , Wu Zhengwang , Wang Li , Zhang Caiming , Shen Dinggang , Li Gang
Published: September 2019

Studying cortical hemispheric asymmetries during the dynamic early postnatal stages in macaque monkeys (with close phylogenetic relationship to humans) would increase our limited understanding on the possible origins, developmental trajectories, and evolutional mechanisms of brain asymmetries in nonhuman primates, but remains a blind spot to the community. Via cortical surface‐based morphometry, we comprehensively analyze hemispheric structural asymmetries in 134 longitudinal MRI scans from birth to 20 months of age from 32 healthy macaque monkeys. We reveal that most clusters of hemispheric asymmetries of cortical properties, such as surface area, cortical thickness, sulcal depth, and vertex positions, expand in the first 4 months of life, and evolve only moderately thereafter. Prominent hemispheric asymmetries are found at the inferior frontal gyrus, precentral gyrus, posterior temporal cortex, superior temporal gyrus (STG), superior temporal sulcus (STS), and cingulate cortex. Specifically, the left planum temporale and left STG consistently have larger area and thicker cortices than those on the right hemisphere, while the right STS, right cingulate cortex, and right anterior insula are consistently deeper than the left ones, partially consistent with the findings in human infants and adults. Our results thus provide a valuable reference in studying early brain development and evolution.
Phenotypic association of presence of a somatic GNAQ mutation with port‐wine stain distribution in capillary malformation
Authors: Lee Kyeong‐Tae , Park Jong Eun , Eom Yeseul , Lim Ha Seong , Ki Chang‐Seok , Lim So Young
Published: September 2019

Background

A somatic mutation of GNAQ (c.548G>A, p.Arg183Gln) plays a key role in capillary malformation development. The present study aimed to evaluate clinical manifestations of port‐win stain (PWS) associated with this genetic mutation.

Methods

Skin tissue was obtained from 70 patients with capillary malformation who had been treated with excision for lesions. Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify the abundance of cells with the GNAQ mutation.

Results

The GNAQ mutation was found in 50 patients. Patients with lesions involving upper facial region, which included forehead, eyebrow, and upper eyelid, showed a significantly higher rate of positive GNAQ mutation than those not involving it. Cases with facial PWS involving all three facial regions (upper, middle, and lower) showed significantly higher positive rate of GNAQ mutation compared to those involving one or two.

Conclusions

Presence of the somatic mutation GNAQ p.Arg183Gln might be associated with clinical manifestations of PWS.
Regeneration of the cell mass in larvae of temnopleurid sea urchins
Authors: Kasahara Mami , Kobayashi Chiaki , Yamanaka Akira , Kitazawa Chisato
Published: September 2019

Mechanisms of cell mass (CM) formation were analyzed by microsurgery in two temnopleurid sea urchins, Mespilia globulus and Temnopleurus toreumaticus. The CM in temnopleurids is formed at the early larval stage from the left ectodermal invagination, and with the hydrocoel derived from the mesoderm, forms an adult rudiment. After serial removal of the CM, it was strongly regenerated until its attachment to the hydrocoel, with the same timing as in control larvae. Embryos that had the tip of the archenteron or the coelomic pouches removed formed a CM in the normal manner. Removal of the CM plus the left somatocoel or the hydrocoel allowed CM regeneration with and without adult rudiment formation. A transplanted CM enlarged autonomously but did not contribute to adult rudiment formation, and larvae formed a new CM. Our observations suggest that the hydrocoel recognizes its distance from the CM to induce the growth of the CM and controls the normal timing of adult rudiment formation.
Identification and characterization of DAZ family genes in Chinese soft‐shell turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis)
Authors: Liu Xiaoli , Tang Zhoukai , Zhang Piaoyi , Zhu Xinping , Chu Zhangjie , Li Wei , Xu Hongyan
Published: September 2019

The DAZ family genes, including boule, dazl, and daz, play pivotal roles in germ cell development and differentiation during gametogenesis in organisms, which have been widely studied in mammals, reptiles, or fishes. Dazl was bisexual expressed in both mitotic and meiotic germ cells, daz was male premeiotic expressed, whereas boule exhibits largely in unisexual meiotic germ cells but bisexual expression in several fishes, however, there is lack of report on boule gene and the evolutionary conservation and divergence of dazl and boule in reptile. Here, both boule and dazl genes were characterized in Pelodiscus sinensis. The quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that boule and dazl were abundantly expressed in adult ovary and testis but barely in somatic tissues, such as heart, brain, liver, spleen, and kidney. Moreover, through fluorescent in situ hybridization, bisexual and germline‐specific expression profiles of boule and dazl messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were demonstrated. Boule mRNA exhibited a maximal meiotic expression in spermatocytes, and a relatively low, but distinct expression in oocytes at meiotic stages in P. sinensis, similar to the expression profile of human boule in ovary. However, dazl mRNA was richly distributed in male germ cells at almost all stages during spermatogenesis, and predominantly expressed in most of stages of oocytes including premeiotic and meiotic stages. These findings imply that boule and dazl would play distinct roles in the sexual differentiation of germ cells during turtle gametogenesis, and the major functions of daz family members involved in germ cell differentiation would be conserved across species including P. sinensis.
Upfront pancreaticoduodenectomy in severely jaundiced patients: is it safe?
Authors: Pamecha Viniyendra , Sadashiv Patil Nilesh , Kumar Senthil , Rajendran Vivek , Gupta Sahil , Vasantrao Sasturkar Shridhar , Kumar Sinha Piyush , Arora Asit , Agarwal Nikhil , Baghmar Saphalta
Published: September 2019

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes following upfront pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) in severely jaundiced (serum bilirubin level ≥15 mg/dl) patients with malignant distal common bile duct (CBD) obstruction.

Background

Recent studies have failed to show the benefits of preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) before PD. In addition, there is limited data on the impact of upfront PD on perioperative outcomes in severely jaundiced patients.

Methods

We reviewed the prospectively collected data of 177 patients who had undergone PD for the malignant distal CBD obstruction from May 2009 to May 2018. Study subjects were divided into Group A (severely jaundiced patients with upfront PD; n = 20), Group B (patients with serum bilirubin <15 mg/dl and no PBD; n = 88) and Group C (PBD prior to PD; n = 69). Overall morbidity, in‐hospital mortality, and postoperative hospital stay were compared.

Results

No significant differences were noted between the three groups regarding sex, tumor size and stage, comorbidities, and surgical technique. The intra‐operative blood loss was more in severely jaundiced patients as compared to Groups B and C (605 vs. 300 vs. 350 ml, P = 0.0001), but similar operative times, blood transfusions, and rates of post‐pancreatectomy leak and hemorrhage. The infective complications were significantly less with upfront surgery. The overall morbidity, in‐hospital mortality, and hospital stay were comparable between the three groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis failed to identify both the presence of preoperative jaundice and hyperbilirubinemia ≥15 mg/dl as independent risk factors for post‐PD major morbidity.

Conclusion

Upfront PD can be performed safely in the selected severely jaundiced patients and is associated with significantly lower infective complications.
The Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment on Myoblasts and Muscles After Contusion Injury
Authors: Chiu Chih‐Hao , Chang Shih‐Sheng , Chang Gwo‐Jyh , Chen Alvin Chao‐Yu , Cheng Chun‐Ying , Chen Su‐Ching , Chan Yi‐Sheng
Published: September 2019

The recommended treatment varies depending on the severity of muscle injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro myoblast proliferation and the in vivo histologic and physiologic effects of hyperbaric oxygen treatment on muscle healing after contusion. Cells from the C2C12 myoblast cell line were exposed to 100% O2 for 25 min then to air for 5 min at 2.5 atmospheres absolute in a hyperbaric chamber for a total treatment duration of 90 min per 48 h at intervals of 2, 4, 6 and 8 days. Cell growth measurements and western blot analysis of myogenin and actin were performed. Then, 18 mice aged 8–10 weeks were used in the muscle contusion model. The histologic and physiologic effects and muscle regeneration after hyperbaric oxygen treatment were evaluated. The myoblast growth rate was significantly higher (p < 0.05) after hyperbaric oxygen treatment. Densitometric evaluation demonstrated a 39% (p < 0.05) and 25% (p < 0.05) increase in myogenin and actin protein levels, respectively, in the cells treated with 1 dose of hyperbaric oxygen. Similarly, the myogenin and actin protein levels increased for samples receiving multiple hyperbaric oxygen treatments when compared with the control. Physiologic evaluation of fast twitch and tetanus strength revealed a significant difference between the control group and the 14‐day hyperbaric oxygen group. In conclusion, hyperbaric oxygen treatment increases the myoblast growth rate and myogenin and actin production. Better histologic and physiologic performance were found after hyperbaric oxygen treatment in animal contusion model. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:329‐335, 2020
Otoscopic diagnosis using computer vision: An automated machine learning approach
Authors: Livingstone Devon , Chau Justin
Published: September 2019

Objective

Access to otolaryngology is limited by lengthy wait lists and lack of specialists, especially in rural and remote areas. The objective of this study was to use an automated machine learning approach to build a computer vision algorithm for otoscopic diagnosis capable of greater accuracy than trained physicians. This algorithm could be used by primary care providers to facilitate timely referral, triage, and effective treatment.

Methods

Otoscopic images were obtained from Google Images (Google Inc., Mountain View, CA), from open access repositories, and within otolaryngology clinics associated with our institution. After preprocessing, 1,366 unique images were uploaded to the Google Cloud Vision AutoML platform (Google Inc.) and annotated with one or more of 14 otologic diagnoses. A consensus set of labels for each otoscopic image was attained, and a multilabel classifier architecture algorithm was trained. The performance of the algorithm on an 89‐image test set was compared to the performance of physicians from pediatrics, emergency medicine, otolaryngology, and family medicine.

Results

For all diagnoses combined, the average precision (positive predictive value) of the algorithm was 90.9%, and the average recall (sensitivity) was 86.1%. The algorithm made 79 correct diagnoses with an accuracy of 88.7%. The average physician accuracy was 58.9%.

Conclusion

We have created a computer vision algorithm using automated machine learning that on average rivals the accuracy of the physicians we tested. Fourteen different otologic diagnoses were analyzed. The field of medicine will be changed dramatically by artificial intelligence within the next few decades, and physicians of all specialties must be prepared to guide that process.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 130:1408–1413, 2020
Fabrication of Multifunctional Filters via Online Incorporating Nano‐TiO2 into Spun‐Bonded/Melt‐Blown Nonwovens for Air Filtration and Toluene Degradation
Authors: Zhu Xiaoming , Dai Zijian , Xu Kangli , Zhao Yi , Ke Qinfei
Published: September 2019

Multifunctional air filters with high filtration efficiency for aerosol and good degradation for toluene and bacteria are fabricated via online incorporation of TiO2/Ag nanoparticles into the composite nonwovens with spun‐bonded/melt‐blown (SM) hierarchical structure. Today, severe environmental pollution attributed to atmospheric pollutants, mainly including particulate materials, and gaseous volatile organic compounds, as well as bacterial and viral contaminants, has drawn worldwide attention. In this work, a novel online incorporation technique to fabricate a multifunctional air filter with hierarchical structure of SM nonwovens and TiO2 based nanoparticles is proposed. The in situ incorporation technique not only enables the SM nonwovens filters with four orders increment on toluene degradation rate, but also increases filtration quality factor Qf of the SM filters to 0.2251 Pa−1. This research shows promising applications of the multifunctional TiO2/SM nonwoven filters for indoor air remediation. In addition, this scale‐up fabrication method of fiber‐based filters will potentially promote engineering of macromolecular fiber materials.
Alternating Multilayer Structural Epoxy Composite Coating for Corrosion Protection of Steel
Authors: Zhang Jiaoxia , Zhang Weirui , Wei Liping , Pu Liuyue , Liu Jianping , Liu Hu , Li Yingchun , Fan Jincheng , Ding Tao , Guo Zhanhu
Published: September 2019

Epoxy composite coatings filled with fillers have been used extensively as anticorrosion materials. In this study, an alternating multilayer structure is designed to obtain multifunctional epoxy resin composite coating based on stepwise coating method via adding graphene and α‐alumina. Their mechanical properties, thermal conductivity, dielectric and anticorrosion properties are characterized. The toughness and the thermal conductivity clearly increase, while the dielectric properties decrease approximately to zero when the filler mass fraction increases from 0.00% to 0.15%. The whole corrosion process is controlled by electrochemical reaction, and the fillers effectively block the corrosive medium, thus improving the anticorrosion performance of the composite coating.
A Ferroconcrete‐Like All‐Organic Nanocomposite Exhibiting Improved Mechanical Property, High Breakdown Strength, and High Energy Efficiency
Authors: Dan Zhenkang , Jiang Jianyong , Qian Jianfeng , Shen Zhonghui , Li Ming , Nan Cewen , Shen Yang
Published: September 2019

Polymer‐based nanocomposite dielectrics with high energy storage capacity are crucial enablers for numerous applications in modern electronic and electrical industries. The energy density of parallel plate capacitors is determined by breakdown strength and dielectric permittivity of the inner dielectrics. Poly(vinylidene fluoride‐trifluoroethylene‐chlorofluoroethylene) (P(VDF‐TrFE‐CFE)), with the highest permittivity among all the dielectric polymers, is a promising candidate for high energy density capacitors. However, its relatively low breakdown strength and energy efficiency restrict the applications. In this work, a new method combining combinatorial‐electrospinning and hot‐pressing is proposed to fabricate P(VDF‐TrFE‐CFE)‐based all‐organic dielectrics with ferroconcrete‐like structure. In this structure, continuous fibers of polysulfone (PSF) with high Young's modulus act as tough scaffold to improve the mechanical properties of nanocomposites, and an over 750% enhancement of Young's modulus is obtained. The enhanced mechanical properties bring about significant improvement in Weibull breakdown strength to 485 MV m−1, more than 50% higher than neat terpolymer. Furthermore, the suppressed leakage current and conduction loss, and hence the improved discharge energy efficiency under moderate electric field, are achieved due to the high insulation of PSF and its interfacial restriction on space charge mobility.
Backbone Structure Effect on the Thermoelectric Properties of IDT‐Based p‐Type Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Wu Sicheng , Wu Xiaoyu , Xing Weilong , Sun Yimeng , Zou Ye , Xu Wei , Zhu Daoben
Published: September 2019

Four conjugated polymers are synthesized through indacenodithiohene (IDT) unit copolymerized with thiophene and thiophene derivatives. Indacenodithiohene‐co‐thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene (IDT‐TT) and indacenodithiohene‐co‐trans‐1,2‐di(2‐thienyl)ethylene (IDT‐TVT) exhibit better charge transport mobilities than indacenodithiohene‐co‐thiophene (IDT‐T) and indacenodithiohene‐co‐3,4‐ethoxylene dioxythiophene (IDT‐EDOT), and also display superior thermoelectric properties after doping. Theoretical calculations suggest that IDT‐EDOT and IDT‐TVT have better coplanarities; the inferior performance for IDT‐EDOT might be due to its low molecular weight. Meanwhile, it is worth mentioning that via the synergistic effect of two dopants (CN6CP, CuTFSI), the electrical conductivities of the polymers are further improved. The XPS data shows that the coordination interaction between copper ion and the cyano groups of CN6CP introduces cupric ions into the polymer films, which leads to the increase of the doping ratio.
Development and validation of a 1.5 T MR‐Linac full accelerator head and cryostat model for Monte Carlo dose simulations
Authors: Friedel M. , Nachbar M. , Mönnich D. , Dohm O. , Thorwarth D.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

To develop, implement, and validate a full 1.5 T/7 MV magnetic resonance (MR)‐Linac accelerator head and cryostat model in EGSnrc for high precision dose calculations accounting for magnetic field effects that are independent from the vendor treatment planning system.

Methods

Primary electron beam parameters for the implemented model were adapted to be in accordance with measured dose profiles of the Elekta Unity (Elekta AB, Stockholm, Sweden). Parameters to be investigated were the mean electron energy as well as the Gaussian radial intensity and energy distributions. Energy tuning was done comparing depth dose profiles simulated with monoenergetic beams of varying energies to measurements. The optimum radial intensity distribution was found by varying the radial full width at half maximum (FWHM) and comparing simulated and measured lateral profiles. The influence of the energy distribution was investigated by comparing simulated lateral and depth dose profiles with varying energy spreads to measured data. Comparison of simulations and measurements was performed by calculating average and maximum local dose deviations. The model was validated recalculating a clinical intensity‐modulated radiation therapy plan for the MR‐Linac and comparing the resulting dose distribution with simulations from the commercial treatment planning system Monaco using the gamma criterion.

Results

Comparison of simulated and measured data showed that the optimum initial electron beam for MR‐Linac simulations was monoenergetic with an electron energy of (7.4 ± 0.2) MeV. The optimum Gaussian radial intensity distribution has a FWHM of (2.2 ± 0.3) mm. The average relative deviations were smaller than 1% for all simulated profiles with optimum electron parameters, whereas the largest maximum deviation of 2.07% was found for the 22 × 22 cm cross‐plane profile. Profiles were insensitive to energy spread variations. The IMRT plan recalculated with the final MR‐Linac model with optimized initial electron beam parameters showed a gamma pass rate of 99.83 % using a gamma criterion of 3%/3 mm.

Conclusions

The EGSnrc MR‐Linac model developed in this study showed good accordance with measurements and was successfully used to recalculate a first full clinical IMRT treatment plan. Thus, it shows the general possibility for future secondary dose calculations of full IMRT plans with EGSnrc, which needs further detailed investigations before clinical use.