bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Théâtre à Montréal, 1825-1930 : un récit visuel mettant en scène des documents patrimoniaux
Authors: Léger Danielle
Published: August 2019

L’auteur présente un projet de recherche-diffusion sur l’histoire culturelle, sociale et commerciale d’une quarantaine de lieux de théâtre montréalais actifs entre 1825 et 1930, réalisé en partenariat avec le Laboratoire d’histoire et de patrimoine de Montréal (LHPM) de l’UQAM. Puisant à la fois dans le patrimoine documentaire publié et les documents d’archives détenus par Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec, ces travaux ont suscité la création de deux projets de diffusion complémentaires. Une collection a d’abord été créée au printemps 2017 dans Historypin, pour être ensuite déployée en près de deux cents images et capsules textuelles dans un parcours structuré porté par une autre plateforme Web, Story Maps. L’auteur commente ici la portée du projet, sa méthodologie et ses retombées documentaires. Les mérites respectifs des deux plateformes utilisées sont également mis en relief.
Watt-class blue vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser arrays
Authors: Kuramoto Masaru , Kobayashi Seiichiro , Akagi Takanobu , Tazawa Komei , Tanaka Kazufumi , Nakata Keisuke , Saito Tatsuma
Published: August 2019

We have successfully demonstrated a high output power of 1.19 W from a two-dimensional 16 × 16 blue GaN-based vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) array under continuous wave operation at a lasing wavelength of 447 nm. A 256-element VCSEL array exhibited a high-quality far-field beam pattern with a circular shape and narrow divergence angle of around 7°. A very small shift of the lasing wavelength with a change in the dissipated power of 0.05 nm W−1 revealed a very low thermal resistance of 3.4 K W−1.
Identification and functional analysis ofLecRLKgenes inTaxodium‘Zhongshanshan’
Authors: Guo Jinbo , Duan Hao , Xuan Lei , Wang Ziyang , Hua Jianfeng , Yu Chaoguang , Yin Yunlong , Li Mingzhi , Yang Ying
Published: August 2019

Background

Lectin receptor-like protein kinases (LecRLKs) can transform external stimuli into intracellular signals and play important regulatory roles in plant development and response to environmental stressors. However, research on theLecRLKgene family of conifers has seldom been reported.

Methods

PutativeLecRLKgenes were identified in the transcriptome ofTaxodium‘Zhongshanshan’. The classification, domain structures, subcellular localization prediction, and expression patterns ofLecRLKgenes, as well as co-expressed genes, were analyzed using bioinformatics methods. Fifteen representative genes were further selected for qRT-PCR analysis in six tissues and under five different environmental stressor conditions.

Results

In total, 297LecRLKgenes were identified, including 155 G-type, 140 L-type, and 2 C-type. According to the classification, G-type and L-typeLecRLKgenes both can be organized into seven groups. The domain architecture of G-type proteins were more complex compared with that of L- and C-type proteins. Conservative motifs were found in G-type and L-type diverse lectin domains. Prediction and transient expression experiments to determine subcellular localization showed that LecRLKs were mainly concentrated in the cell membrane system, and some members were located at multiple sites at the same time. RNA-seq-based transcriptomics analysis suggested functional redundancy and divergence within each group. Unigenes co-expressed withLecRLKsin the transcriptome were found to be enriched in pathways related to signal transduction and environmental adaptation. Furthermore, qRT-PCR analysis of representative genes showed evidence of functional divergence between different groups.

Conclusions

This is the first study to conduct an identification and expression analysis of theLecRLKgene family inTaxodium. These results provide a basis for future studies on the evolution and function of this important gene family inTaxodium.
Chemical, Functional and Sensory Properties of Extruded Breakfast Strips Produced from a Blend of Orange-fleshed Sweet Potato, Soybean and Plantain Flour
Authors: Kiin-Kabari D. B. , Akusu O. M. , Udoh U. A.
Published: August 2019

Breakfast strips were produced from different blends of orange-fleshed sweet potato (Ipomea batatas), plantain (Musa paradisiaca) and soybean (Glycine max) flours with substitution ratios of 100:0:0, 90:10:0, 90:0:10, 80:10:10, 70:15:15, 60:20:20 and 50:25:25 and labelled as samples A, B, C, D, E, F and G, respectively. The blends were evaluated for functional properties, total carotene, vitamins (B2 and B6) and sensory properties of the breakfast strips with a commercial breakfast food (Flakes) as control (sample H) . For the functional properties, the water absorption capacity decreased while the oil absorption increased with an increase in substitution levels of the soybean flour. The bulk density, solubility, swelling power and swelling volume were higher in sample A. The least gelation capacity maintained a constant rate of 4% across the blends. The moisture content of the strips ranged from 7.25-9.40%. The Ash contents were below 3% for all the blends. The protein contents increased with an increase in substitution with soybean flour while sample A - breakfast strips from 100% orange-fleshed sweet potato flour showed the highest value for fats (5.62%). The fibre content ranged from 0.69 to 5.14% and carbohydrate content reduced with an increased substitution with soybean flour (72.25-78.70%). The energy value ranged from 351.90-384.80 Kcal/100 g which was within the limit recommended for breakfast foods. Total carotene content increased with increased substitution with orange-fleshed sweet potato (15.18-33.56 mg/kg) which is significantly higher than the control at 0.75 mg/kg. The result of the sensory evaluation showed that the overall acceptability of the samples produced compared favourably with the control. Sample A and B showed a vitamin B2 of 4.70 and 4.00 mg/kg, respectively. However, the values decreased with increase in the addition of soybean while vitamin B6 increased with increase in soybean.
Attitude of Final Year Medical Students and House Officers to Otorhinolaryngology Surgery Training
Authors: Uju Ibekwe Matilda
Published: August 2019

Background: A good proportion of medical students and house officers will consider specialization in different aspects of medicine following graduation. However, there are still individuals who at this stage are undecided both in the question of specialization as well as on what area to pursue a career in. In a developing and resource poor country such as our environment where the doctor-patient ratio is very poor, proper distribution of physicians to meet the health demands of the people becomes of utmost importance.

Study Design: A descriptive questionnaire based study.

Place and Duration: Department of otorhinolaryngology surgery university of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital between January 2019 and March 2019.

Methodology: We distributed semi structured self- administered questionnaire to all the final year medical students and the house officers of university of port Harcourt and university of port Harcourt teaching hospital. Only the house officers that did rotation in the ORL surgery department and final year medical students that gave their consent were recruited into the study. Those that did not do a rotation in ORL among the house officers and those that did not give consent were excluded. The data obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 and results presented in simple statistical tables.

Results: In this study there was a recovery rate of 82.4% with 70 respondents, 45 males and 25 females with a ratio of 1.8:1. Age range was 20 to 39 years. The age range 25-29 (58.57%) was the highest and least in age 35-39(4.29%). The final year medical students constituted 57.14% of the study population, 60% (n=42) did not want to specialize; only about 31.43% will like to specialize. while57.14% rated their clinic exposure as excellent, most rated the trainer`s method mainly average.   Most; 74.3% will not choose ORL, 14.3% were undecided and only 11.4% will like to specialize in ORL.  Main reason for this choice is exposure during clinical rotation and mentorship.

Conclusion: The interest in ORL among medical trainees is poor. Among those interested, exposure during clinical rotation is paramount. Dedication and innovative ideas on the part of teachers and mentors may arouse the interest in this specialty.
Case Series: Correcting Deformities: Eliminating the Fear of Stigma
Authors: Amole Isaac Olusayo , Adesina Stephen Adesope , Durodola Adewumi Ojeniyi , Eyesan Samuel Uwale
Published: August 2019

Aim: To show how the surgery helped to eliminate the fear of the stigma associated with Hansen’s disease.

Presentation of Cases: We present a case series of two patients with right ulnar nerve paralysis and one patient with left foot drop. They all underwent surgery for correction of their deformities with excellent outcome.

Discussion: From the cases presented it was clear that though all of them were treated with multi-drug therapy for one year but they were still living under the fear of stigmatization until they had their deformities corrected through surgery. There was a great transformation in the lives of these affected individuals when they had their deformities corrected through surgery. They all overcame their fear of stigmatization after the successful surgery.

Conclusion: Correction of deformities is one of the ways of eliminating fear of stigmatization among the patients who have residual deformities after completing their treatment for Hansen’s disease. The government and non-governmental agencies could do more to make the service readily available and accessible to these individuals. This will help in reintegrating the treated individual back into the community and it will eventually lead to the closure of Leprosy camps.
MassiveMIMO
Authors: Verenzuela Daniel , Björnson Emil
Published: August 2019

Massive MIMO, where MIMO stands for multiple‐input multiple‐output, is a multiuser‐MIMO (MU‐MIMO) cellular communication technology with a massive number of antennas and users. More precisely, each base station (BS) is equipped with a large number of antennas and utilizes these antennas to spatially multiplex many user equipments (UEs) on the same time‐frequency resource. The main difference from conventional cellular networks is that the interference between UEs is managed by spatial processing (called transmit precoding or receive combining) instead of by scheduling them on orthogonal time‐frequency resources. The key differentiator from conventional MU‐MIMO systems is that the users' channels become nearly orthogonal – a property referred to as “favorable propagation” – when the BS has a large number of antennas. This property vastly reduces the interference and thus allows for spatial multiplexing of many tens of UEs, instead of a handful UEs. In addition, favorable propagation enables the use of relatively simple linear signal processing techniques for interference suppression.
The relationship between organizational climate, job stress, workplace burnout, and retention of pharmacists
Authors: Lan Yu-Li , Huang Wan-Tsui , Kao Chi-Lan , Wang Hui-Jung
Published: August 2019

Objectives

This study explored the relationship between organizational climate, job stress, workplace burnout, and retention of pharmacists. This study adopted a cross-sectional design and conducted a questionnaire survey of pharmacists working at three teaching hospitals (a district teaching hospital, a regional teaching hospital, and a medical center).

Methods

The sampling criteria were a license to practice pharmacy and a willingness to sign a written consent form to participate in this study.

Results

One hundred ten questionnaires were distributed, of which 101 contained valid responses, yielding a valid return rate of 91.82%. A significant correlation was evident between organizational climate, job stress, workplace burnout, and retention. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that demographic variables, organizational climate, job stress, and workplace burnout had a predictive power of 55.6% for retention (F = 9.712***, P < .001). Organizational climate had a significant positive correlated with retention (β = 0.401*, P < .001).

Conclusions

The results of this study can help hospitals to create a friendly and healthy workplace, instruct hospital managers how to improve their organizational climates, and reduce pharmacists’ job stress and workplace burnout, thereby enhancing the quality of pharmacy service and medication safety and eventually improving pharmacists’ intention to stay.
Topologically inferring active miRNA‐mediated subpathways toward precise cancer classification by directed random walk
Authors: Ning Ziyu , Feng Chenchen , Song Chao , Liu Wei , Shang Desi , Li Meng , Wang Qiuyu , Zhao Jianmei , Liu Yuejuan , Chen Jiaxin , Yu Xiaoyang , Zhang Jian , Li Chunquan
Published: August 2019

Accurate predictions of classification biomarkers and disease status are indispensable for clinical cancer diagnosis and research. However, the robustness of conventional gene biomarkers is limited by issues with reproducibility across different measurement platforms and cohorts of patients. In this study, we collected 4775 samples from 12 different cancer datasets, which contained 4636 TCGA samples and 139 GEO samples. A new method was developed to detect miRNA‐mediated subpathway activities by using directed random walk (miDRW). To calculate the activity of each miRNA‐mediated subpathway, we constructed a global directed pathway network (GDPN) with genes as nodes. We then identified miRNAs with expression levels which were strongly inversely correlated with differentially expressed target genes in the GDPN. Finally, each miRNA‐mediated subpathway activity was integrated with the topological information, differential levels of miRNAs and genes, expression levels of genes, and target relationships between miRNAs and genes. The results showed that the proposed method yielded a more robust and accurate overall performance compared with other existing pathway‐based, miRNA‐based, and gene‐based classification methods. The high‐frequency miRNA‐mediated subpathways are more reliable in classifying samples and for selecting therapeutic strategies.
Silk Flexible Electronics: From Bombyx mori Silk Ag Nanoclusters Hybrid Materials to Mesoscopic Memristors and Synaptic Emulators
Authors: Shi Chenyang , Wang Jingjuan , Sushko Maria L. , Qiu Wu , Yan Xiaobing , Liu Xiang Yang
Published: August 2019

Functionalization of flexible materials based on mesoscopic reconstruction is a key strategy in fabricating biocompatible flexible electronics. This work is to acquire new mesoscopic bioelectronic hybrid materials of silk fibroin (SF)‐Ag nanoclusters (AgNCs@BSA; BSA: bovine serum albumin), which enhance significantly the performance of silk memristors. It is to build AgNCs@BSA into SF mesoscopic networks by templated β‐crystallization. Atomic force microscopy potential probing indicates that AgNCs@BSA serve as electronic potential wells that change completely the transport behavior of charge particles within the SF films. This leads to significant enhancement in the switching speed (≈10 ns), very good switching stability, extremely low set/reset voltages (0.3/−0.18 V) of SF meso‐hybrid memristors, compared with the original and other organic memristors, and displays unique synapse characteristics and the capability of synapse learning. Classical density functional theory Poisson–Nernst–Planck simulations indicate that the enhanced performance is subject to the low potential paths interconnecting the AgNCs@BSA, which guide charges' transport (Ag+) and deposition in SF films.
3D Bioprinting: The Emergence of Programmable Biodesign
Authors: Correia Carreira Sara , Begum Runa , Perriman Adam W.
Published: August 2019

Until recently, bioprinting was largely limited to highly interdisciplinary research teams, as the process requires significant input from specialists in the fields of materials science, engineering, and cell biology. With the advent of commercially available high‐performance bioprinters, the field has become accessible to a wider range of research groups, who can now buy the hardware off the shelf instead of having to build it from scratch. As a result, bioprinting has rapidly expanded to address a wide array of research foci, which include organotypic in vitro models, complex engineered tissues, and even bioprinted microbial systems. Moreover, in the early days, the range of suitable bioinks was limited. Now, there is a plethora of viable options to suit many cell phenotypes. This rapidly evolving dynamic environment creates endless opportunities for scientists to design and construct highly complex biological systems. However, this scientific diversity presents its own set of challenges, such as defining standardized protocols for characterizing bioprinted structures, which is essential for eventual organ replacement. In this progress report, the current state‐of‐the‐art in the field of bioprinting is discussed, with a special emphasis on recent hardware developments, bioprinting for regenerative medicine, and late‐breaking nontraditional topics.
Methacrylic Acid Copolymer Coating Enhances Constructive Remodeling of Polypropylene Mesh by Increasing the Vascular Response
Authors: Coindre Virginie F. , Carleton Miranda M. , Sefton Michael V.
Published: August 2019

This study reports that a methacrylic acid (MAA)‐based copolymer coating generates constructive remodeling of polypropylene (PP) surgical mesh in a subcutaneous model. This coating is non‐bioresorbable and follows the architecture of the mesh without impeding connective tissue integration. Following implantation, the tissue response is biased toward vascularization instead of fibrosis. The vessel density around the MAA mesh is double that of the uncoated mesh two weeks after implantation. This initial vasculature regresses after two weeks while mature vessels remain, suggesting an enhanced healing response. Concurrently, the MAA coating alters the foreign body response to the mesh. Fewer infiltrating cells, macrophages, and foreign body giant cells are found at the tissue–material interface three weeks after implantation. The coating also dampens inflammation, with lower expression levels of pro‐inflammatory and fibrogenic signals (e.g., Tgf‐β1, Tnf‐α, and Il1‐β) and similar expression levels of anti‐inflammatory cytokines (e.g., Il10 and Il6) compared to the uncoated mesh. Contrary to other coatings that aim to mitigate the foreign body response to PP mesh, a MAA coating does not require the addition of any biological agents to have an effect, making the coated mesh an attractive candidate for soft tissue repair.
Myocardial‐Infarction‐Responsive Smart Hydrogels Targeting Matrix Metalloproteinase for On‐Demand Growth Factor Delivery
Authors: Fan Caixia , Shi Jiajia , Zhuang Yan , Zhang Lulu , Huang Lei , Yang Wen , Chen Bing , Chen Yanyan , Xiao Zhifeng , Shen He , Zhao Yannan , Dai Jianwu
Published: August 2019

Although in situ restoration of blood supply to the infarction region and attenuating pre‐existing extracellular matrix degradation remain potential therapeutic approaches for myocardial infarction (MI), local delivery of therapeutics has been limited by low accumulation (inefficacy) and unnecessary diffusion (toxicity). Here, a dual functional MI‐responsive hydrogel is fabricated for on‐demand drug delivery to promote angiogenesis and inhibit cardiac remodeling by targeting upregulated matrix metalloproteinase‐2/9 (MMP‐2/9) after MI. A glutathione (GSH)‐modified collagen hydrogel (collagen‐GSH) is prepared by conjugating collagen amine groups with GSH sulfhydryl groups and the recombinant protein GST‐TIMP‐bFGF (bFGF: basic fibroblast growth factor) by fusing bFGF with glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) and MMP‐2/9 cleavable peptide PLGLAG (TIMP). Specific binding between GST and GSH significantly improves the amount of GST‐TIMP‐bFGF loaded in collagen‐GSH hydrogel. The TIMP peptide enclosed between GST and bFGF responds to MMPs for on‐demand release during MI. Additionally, the TIMP peptide is a competitive substrate of MMPs that inhibits the excessive degradation of cardiac matrix by MMPs after MI. GST‐TIMP‐bFGF/collagen‐GSH hydrogels promote the recovery of MI rats by enhancing vascularization and ameliorating myocardium remodeling. The results suggest that on‐demand growth factor delivery by synchronously controlling binding and responsive release to promote angiogenesis and attenuate cardiac remodeling might be promising for the treatment of ischemic heart disease.
Edge Dislocations Induce Improved Photocatalytic Efficiency of Colored TiO2
Authors: Ren Peng , Song Miao , Lee Jaewon , Zheng Jian , Lu Zexi , Engelhard Mark , Yang Xiuchun , Li Xiaolin , Kisailus David , Li Dongsheng
Published: August 2019

Titanium oxide is the most widely used material for photocatalytic applications due to its low cost and environmental friendliness. One of the grand challenges to improve its energy conversion efficiency is to utilize more visible light while inhibiting the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes. A one‐step hydrosolvothermal method is used to obtain colored ultrafine nanowires of rutile and nanoparticles of anatase with edge dislocations, which induce broadened visible solar absorption (400–900 nm) and improve photocatalytic efficiency up to 1.8 times that of rutile or anatase without defects. Enhanced photocatalytic activity of these structures is demonstrated by photodegrading methylene blue measurements under simulated solar light irradiation. Results show the existence of Ti3+, induced by edge dislocations, and subsequent electronic band structure–property relationships. This work highlights a strategy for generating sufficient desired defects in TiO2 nanostructures, leading to broadened visible solar absorption and improved photocatalytic efficiency under visible light irradiation.
Functional 3D Printing for Microfluidic Chips
Authors: Weisgrab Gregor , Ovsianikov Aleksandr , Costa Pedro F.
Published: August 2019

Microfluidics enables the downscaling of biochemical applications from a lab setting to a portable format. With the field's recent switch from replica molding to 3D printing, complex geometries can be created and a diverse range of functional elements has been reported. Recent advancements in the development of 3D‐printed sensors, actuators, and other valuable elements for microfluidic devices are summarized. Using movable parts, such as valves or pumps, fluid flow can be precisely controlled and directed. Sensors, in turn, allow for the detection of changes in the engineered microenvironment in real time. Additional elements, such as mixers or gradient generators, facilitate changes within the fluid itself. Together, these functional elements promote the movement of fluids and facilitate the sensing of physicochemical changes in the environment. It is predicted that the widespread adoption of 3D printing in microfluidics will ultimately allow the creation of a new generation of increasingly smart, responsive, and autonomous devices, able to sense and act upon their environment in complex ways and with reduced human intervention.
Multifunctional 3D‐Printed Cellular MAX‐Phase Architectures
Authors: Belmonte Manuel , Koller Martin , Moyano Juan José , Seiner Hanus , Miranzo Pilar , Osendi María Isabel , González‐Julián Jesús
Published: August 2019

The development of porous MAX‐phase structures from computer‐aided design models and 3D printing strategies is of great interest for the fabricating of cellular parts with geometric and material complexities for advanced technological applications. This is reinforced by the joining of the outstanding properties of MAX phases with the benefits of creating lighter materials with a higher surface area. Here, the additive manufacturing of 3D cellular Cr2AlC MAX‐phase architectures using a direct ink writing technique from concentrated MAX aqueous‐based inks is presented. These architectures exhibit multifunctional properties; in particular, high strength and good mechanical cycling behavior, excellent electrical conductivity, tailored heat dissipation, and good thermal cycling resistance, a blend that widens the potential engineering applications of these MAX phases through an innovative approach.
Ultrathin Silicon Nanomembrane in a Tubular Geometry for Enhanced Photodetection
Authors: Xu Changhao , Pan Ruobing , Guo Qinglei , Wu Xiang , Li Gongjin , Huang Gaoshan , An Zhenghua , Li Xiuling , Mei Yongfeng
Published: August 2019

Advanced 3D mesostructures have prominent applications in flexible electronics, photonics, mechanics, and biomedicine. Here, 3D tubular silicon photodetectors are demonstrated by self‐rolling ultrathin silicon nanomembranes with enhanced broadband photodetection and responsivity. Strain distributions within the unique circular structures are investigated with micro‐Raman spectroscopy, while the tensile strain of the rolled‐up microtubes can be controlled with the tube diameter by modifying the membrane thickness and etching parameters during the rolled‐up process. The tubular photodetector exhibits increased photocurrent and suppressed dark current compared with planar devices over a wide incident angle. This study provides a novel approach to construct high‐performance omnidirectional Si‐based photodetectors and offers promising prospects for design and manufacture of complex 3D optoelectronic devices.
Therapeutic Approaches toward Multiple Sclerosis: Where Do We Stand and Where Are We Headed?
Authors: Moura Rui Pedro , Sarmento Bruno
Published: August 2019

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a multifactorial, chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by observable lesions, due to an ongoing demyelinating state that can result in severe impairment in both physical and cognitive functions. Currently, treatment options still heavily rely upon disease‐modifying treatments that do not treat the underlying cause, rather attempt to suppress and ameliorate the symptoms experienced. However, with the advances in drug delivery methods and therapeutic regimen, newer treatment options have emerged, capable of tackling the demyelinating process of MS. Nanotechnology, cell‐based therapies, or novel drug molecules show promising results regarding remyelination of the CNS. It is foreseen that these advances can eventually lead to vast improvements in the quality of life of patients, as well as improving the microenvironment of the CNS.
2‐Methyl‐1,3‐disulfoimidazolium polyoxometalate hybrid catalytic systems as equivalent safer alternatives to concentrated sulfuric acid in nitration of aromatic compounds
Authors: Saikia Susmita , Borah Ruli
Published: August 2019

Ionic liquid‐derived polyoxometalate salts [mdsim]3[PM12O40] (where M = W and Mo) of two heteropolyacids H3PW12O40.nH2O and H3PMo12O40.nH2O were synthesized using 2‐methyl‐1,3‐disulfoimidazolium chloride ([mdsim][Cl]) ionic liquid and the corresponding heteropolyacids. Three equivalents of [mdsim][Cl] were treated with the respective Keggin‐structured heteropolyacids (one equivalent) in aqueous medium at room temperature to afford the water‐stable ionic polyoxometalates as acidic solids. They were completely characterized using spectroscopic and other analytical techniques including thermal analysis and Hammett acidity studies. The inherent Brønsted acidic properties of ─SO3H group of these polyoxometalate salts were studied for the nitration of aromatic compounds with 69% HNO3 at normal temperature and 80°C without use of any external concentrated sulfuric acid. These strongly acidic polyoxometalates display good recyclability and efficient reusability.
Waterborne star‐shaped styrene‐alkyd resins
Authors: Murillo Edwin A.
Published: August 2019

Waterborne star‐shaped styrene‐alkyd resins (SSARs) were synthesized from a branched alkyd resin (AR) and styrene (St) by miniemulsion polymerization. SSARs are an environmentally friendly material. The ratio of AR to St for obtaining SSARs was as follows: 50:50 (SSAR1), 60:40 (SSAR2), 70:30 (SSAR3), and 80:20 (SSAR4). The conversion percentage was directly proportional to St used, and was higher than 94.0 %. Infrared analysis and protonic nuclear magnetic resonance revealed the reaction between AR and St. The synthesis process also leads to the formation of polystyrene and its concentration increases with the concentration of St. The values of the reacted double‐bond fractions were higher than 17.80%. The SSARs drop size was bigger than the particle size. The miniemulsion colloidal stability was good at room temperature. The SSARs zeta potential was between −55 and −90 mV. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48386.
Self‐Templated Assembly of AuI/AgI‐Thiolate Sheets with Central Holes
Authors: Dai Chuying , Yu Yang , Xu Shujue , Li Minjie , Zhang Sean Xiao‐An
Published: August 2019

Composite crystalline sheets of AuI/AgI‐thiolate with central holes are achieved by co‐assembly of AgI‐thiolate and AuI‐thiolate in one‐pot without sacrificial template. Both AgI‐thiolate and AuI‐thiolate can separately assemble to lamellar sheets with similar structures, which makes their co‐assembly possible, while the differences in their assembly pathways make the co‐assembly processes highly dynamic and complex. First, a core@shell structure with AgI‐thiolate at the core was formed upon the mixing of the two, then the core@shell structure transformed to a hole@shell structure by dissociation of the core. Finally, some instable hole@shell structures further dissociated and grew on stable ones to generate holed AuI/AgI‐thiolate composite sheets, in which the two components neither have severe phase separation nor blend uniformly at atomic level. By tuning the feeding ratios, the average diameter of the holes can be controlled. Therefore, the work demonstrates the advantage of co‐assembly technique in obtaining complex structurers. The holed sheets can further assemble to porous macroscopic materials and transform to composite metal nanoparticles by pyrolysis.
Supramolecular Complexation in Biological Media: NMR Study on Inclusion of an Anionic Tetraarylporphyrin into a Per‐O‐Methylated β‐Cyclodextrin Cavity in Serum, Blood, and Urine
Authors: Kitagishi Hiroaki , Saito Mai , Mao Qiyue , Kiriyama Akiko , Negi Shigeru , Kano Koji
Published: August 2019

The supramolecular complexation of 5,10,15,20‐tetrakis(4‐sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (TPPS) with heptakis(2,3,6‐tri‐O‐methyl)‐β‐cyclodextrin (TMCD) has been known to be highly specific in aqueous media. In this study, we have used NMR spectroscopy to reveal that this supramolecular system also works even in biologically crowded media such as serum, blood, and urine. A 13C‐labeled heptakis(2,3,6‐tri‐O‐methyl‐13C)‐β‐cyclodextrin (13C‐TMCD) was synthesized and studied using one‐dimensional (1D) HMQC spectroscopy in serum and blood. The 1D HMQC spectrum of 13C‐TMCD showed clear signals due to the 2‐, 3‐, and 6‐O13CH3 groups, whose chemical shifts changed upon addition of TPPS due to quantitative formation of the 13C‐TMCD/TPPS=2/1 inclusion complex in such biological media. The 1H NMR signals of non‐isotope‐labeled TPPS included by 13C‐TMCD were detected using the 13C‐filtered ROESY technique. A pharmacokinetic study of 13C‐TMCD and its complex with TPPS was carried out in mice using the 1D HMQC method. The results indicated that (1) 1D HMQC is an effective technique for monitoring the inclusion phenomena of 13C‐labeled cyclodextrin in biological media and (2) the intermolecular interaction between 13C‐TMCD and TPPS is highly selective even in contaminated media like blood, serum, and urine.
Genetic risk association of CDKN1A and RET gene SNPs with medullary thyroid carcinoma: Results from the largest MTC cohort and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mishra Vasudha , Kowtal Pradnya , Rane Pallavi , Sarin Rajiv
Published: August 2019

Background

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare subtype of thyroid cancer. Other than gain‐of‐function RET mutations, no other genetic, lifestyle or environmental risk associations have been established for MTC. Several case‐control studies and meta‐analysis have examined the risk association of different SNPs with MTC in different populations but with contradictory or inconclusive results.

Methods

In a large cohort of 438 Indian MTC cases and 489 gender and ethnicity matched healthy controls from 1000 genome project, a comprehensive risk association of 13 SNPs of three pathways—detoxification, cell cycle regulation and RET was performed along with meta‐analysis of RET SNPs.

Results

Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified a protective risk association of CDKN1ASer31Arg SNP with both hereditary (OR 0.26; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.13‐0.55; P < .001) and sporadic MTC (OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.36‐0.78; P = .001). An increased risk association was identified for NAT2Y94Y SNP (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.17‐2.25, P = .004) and CDKN2A3′UTR SNP (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.19‐2.98, P = .006) with sporadic MTC and RET S904S with hereditary MTC (OR 2.82, 95% CI 1.64‐4.86, P < .001). Meta‐analysis of RET SNPs including our cohort identified increased risk association of all four RET SNPs with MTC.

Conclusion

In this largest SNP risk association study for MTC and the only risk association study of the 13 most commonly studied MTC associated SNPs in a single cohort of this rare cancer, a significant protective risk association of CDKN1ASer31Arg SNP with MTC was shown for the first time. Meta‐analysis identified significant risk association of all four RET SNPs, not observed in previous meta‐analysis.
Hematologic toxicity in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers during chemotherapy: A retrospective matched cohort study
Authors: West Allison H. , Knollman Hayley , Dugan James , Hedeker Donald , Handorf Elisabeth A. , Nielsen Sarah M. , Bealin Lisa C. , Goldblatt Lindsay G. , Willems Heather , Daly Mary B. , Afghahi Anosheh , Olopade Olufunmilayo I. , Hulick Peter J. , Shagisultanova Elena , Huo Dezheng , Obeid Elias , Churpek Jane E.
Published: August 2019

Women who inherit a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation have an increased risk of breast cancer. Preliminary evidence suggests they may also have defects in bone marrow function. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a multicenter, retrospective, matched cohort study, comparing women with localized breast cancer requiring cytotoxic chemotherapy who carried an inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation to similar wild‐type patients treated between 1995 and 2017 and matched based on age, race, site, and chemotherapy regimen. The proportion who developed specific hematologic toxicities, timing of these toxicities, and patterns of blood count fluctuations over time were compared among BRCA1 carriers vs matched wild‐type patients and among BRCA2 carriers vs matched wild‐type patients. 88 BRCA1 carriers and 75 BRCA2 carriers were matched to 226 and 242 wild‐type patients, respectively. The proportions and timing of experiencing any grade or grade 3/4 cytopenias during chemotherapy were not significantly different for BRCA1 carriers or BRCA2 carriers vs matched wild‐type patients. Proportions requiring treatment modifications and time to first modification were also similar. Patterns of blood count fluctuations over time in mutation carriers mirrored those in wild‐type patients overall and by the most common regimens. Women with an inherited mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 experience similar frequency, severity, and timing of hematologic toxicities during curative intent breast cancer chemotherapy as matched wild‐type patients. Our findings suggest that BRCA1 or BRCA2 haploinsufficiency is sufficient for adequate bone marrow reserve in the face of short‐term repetitive hematopoietic stressors.
Enhancement of the Amazonian Açaí Waste Fibers through Variations of Alkali Pretreatment Parameters
Authors: de Oliveira Dhimitrius N. P. S. , Claro Pedro I. C. , de Freitas Raquel R. , Martins Maria A. , Souza Tiago M. , da S. e Silva Breno M. , Mendes Lourival M. , Bufalino Lina
Published: August 2019

The açaí fruit depulping produces large amounts of long lignocellulosic fiber bundles that are disposed in the environment. Chemical pretreatments may improve açaí fibers favoring their usage in advanced materials. This work aimed to define optimal alkali reaction parameters to improve the properties of açaí fibers. Two NaOH concentrations (5 % and 10 %) and two reaction temperatures (80 °C and 100 °C) were tested. The raw and treated fibers were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and thermal analyses. All the alkali pretreatments separated fibers from the bundles, unblocked pit channels by removing silicon structures, exposed the inner lignin, partially removed non‐cellulosic compounds, and raised the cellulose crystalline index. The highest temperature and NaOH content resulted in better cleaning and isolation of the fibers, while milder conditions better preserved the cellulose crystalline structure and thermal stability.
FDA cracks down on CBD claims
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: August 2019

This summer, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning letter to Curaleaf Inc. of Wakefield, Massachusetts, for illegally selling cannabidiol (CBD) with claims that their products treat cancer, Alzheimer's disease, opioid withdrawal, pain, and “pet anxiety,” among other conditions and diseases.
Dispersion properties of electron acoustic waves in degenerate and non‐degenerate quantum plasmas
Authors: Fahad S. , Ahmad Mushtaq , Jan Qasim , Akram F.
Published: August 2019

The longitudinal response functions are used to generalize the dispersion properties of electron acoustic waves (EAWs) in the presence of quantum recoil, for isotropic, non‐relativistic, degenerate/non‐degenerate plasmas. In order to study the EAWs, the constituents of non‐degenerate (thermal) plasma are considered to be of two groups of electrons having different number density and temperature, namely the cold electrons and the hot electrons. Similarly in degenerate (Fermi) plasma the two population of electrons are considered to be the thinly populated and the thickly populated electrons. The sparsely populated electrons are termed as cold electrons while the densely populated ones are termed as hot electrons. The ions are stationary which form the neutralizing background. The absorption coefficients for Landau damping with the inclusion of the quantum recoil in both plasmas are calculated and discussed. The results are discussed in the context of laser‐produced plasma.
Multiparameter Flow Cytometry Assay for Quantification of Immune Cell Subsets, PD‐1 Expression Levels and PD‐1 Receptor Occupancy by Nivolumab and Pembrolizumab
Authors: Pluim Dick , Ros Willeke , Miedema Iris H. C. , Beijnen Jos H. , Schellens Jan H. M.
Published: August 2019

We report the development and validation of a 12 parameter immunofluorescence flow cytometry method for the sensitive determination of cell concentrations, their expression of PD‐1, and PD‐1 receptor occupancy. Cell subsets include CD4+ and CD8+‐T‐cells, B‐cells, natural killer cells, classical‐, intermediate‐ and non‐classical monocytes, and myeloid‐ and plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Cells were isolated from peripheral blood by density gradient centrifugation. The validation parameters included specificity, linearity, limit of quantification, precision, biological within‐ and between subject variations. The lower limit of quantification was 5.0% of PD‐1+ cells. Samples were stable for at least 153 days of storage at −80°C. The clinical applicability of the method was demonstrated in 11 advanced cancer patients by the successful determination of immune cell concentrations, relative number of PD‐1+ immune cells, and number of PD‐1 molecules per immune cell. Shortly after infusion of nivolumab, receptor occupancy on CD8+‐T‐cells was 98%. Similar values were found predose cycle 2, suggesting receptor occupancy remained high throughout the entire cycle. © 2019 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Involvement of l‐arginine‐nitric oxide pathway in the antidepressant and memory promoting effects of morin in mice
Authors: Ben‐Azu Benneth , Aderibigbe Adegbuyi O. , Ajayi Abayomi M. , Umukoro Solomon , Iwalewa Ezekiel O.
Published: August 2019

l‐Arginine‐nitric oxide pathway has been reported to be involved in the mediation of the psychopharmacological effects of many psychotropic drugs. Previous studies have shown that morin, a psychotropic compound isolated from mulberry leaf produces functional psychopharmacological effects indicative of antidepressant, antipsychotic, anxiolytic and nootropic properties. However, the role of l‐arginine‐nitric oxide pathway in the psychotropic effects of morin has not been fully investigated, hence, the need for this study. Male Swiss mice were pretreated individually or in combination with nitric oxide precursor [l‐arginine (750 mg/kg, i.p.)], competitive nonselective nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor [N(G)‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME, i.p) (50 mg/kg)] or selective neuronal NOS inhibitor [methylene blue (3.75 mg/kg, i.p)] prior to morin (100 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline (10 mL/kg, i.p.) treatment. Psychopharmacological activities were then evaluated 30 min later using open field, Y‐maze, and forced swim tests. l‐Arginine significantly reversed the effects of morin on locomotion, memory and depression in mice. The reduced motor activity and enhanced memory function produced by morin were significantly attenuated by methylene blue but augmented the antimobility activity of morin in the FST. Moreover, l‐NAME potentiated the psychopharmacological effects of morin in the open field and forced swim tests but reduced its memory promoting effect. Meanwhile, morin supplementation reversed the effects of l‐arginine on l‐NAME‐treated mice in all behavioral models. The results of this study suggest that l‐arginine‐nitric oxide pathway might play a role in the modulation of the antidepressant and memory promoting effects of morin in mice.
Graphene Paper with Sharp‐edged Nanorods of Fe−CuMOF as an Excellent Electrode for the Simultaneous Detection of Catechol and Resorcinol
Authors: Kıranşan Kader Dağcı , Topçu Ezgi
Published: August 2019

A flexible composite paper Fe−Cu‐based metal‐organic framework (MOF)/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) (Fe−CuMOF/rGO) electrode was prepared by using a simple electrochemical method for the simultaneous detection of catechol (CC) and resorcinol (RC). Free‐standing, flexible and double‐sided Fe−CuMOF/rGO composite paper was obtained by applying the electrochemical deposition process on the rGO paper electrode in the solution containing Fe−CuMOF composite. The morphological analysis of Fe−CuMOF/rGO composite paper showed that sea urchin‐like structures formed on the rGO electrode surface consist of numerous sharp‐edged nanorods of Fe−CuMOF. Flexible Fe−CuMOF/rGO paper electrode exhibited high sensitivity, wide linear range and low detection limit for the simultaneous determination of CC and RC. The linear ranges of concentration for CC and RC were 0.1–800 and 0.1–720 μM, respectively, and the corresponding limits of detection (S/N=3) were 0.016 and 0.020 μM. The outstanding performance of this flexible electrode could be attributed to the sharp‐edged urchin‐like Fe−CuMOF structures which provide an increment of the surface area and the electrochemical activity of the composite paper electrode. Stability tests showed that Fe−CuMOF/rGO composite paper electrode has excellent flexibility, high durability, and good reproducibility. Furthermore, this electrode exhibited high sensitivity and selectivity for the determination of CC and RC in real sample analysis.
Analysis of four therapeutic monoclonal antibodies by online capillary isoelectric focusing directly coupled to quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Lingyu , Chen David Da Yong
Published: August 2019

Capillary isoelectric focusing (cIEF) was online coupled to a Q‐TOF MS by a flow‐through microvial interface for the analysis of therapeutic mAb. Intact molecular weights obtained from the mass spectrum deconvolution of separated charge variants provided information on the structural heterogeneity of therapeutic mAbs. A sandwich cIEF–MS configuration composed of anolyte, sample, and catholyte segments sequentially injected into a neutrally coated capillary was used for the charge heterogeneity separation of four mAbs. Acetic acid and ammonium hydroxide were used in places of the non‐volatile acids and bases commonly used for IEF but are incompatible with online MS detection. Glycerol was added as the anti‐convective reagent. A chemical modifier was mixed with the cIEF effluent in the flow‐throw microvial to maintain the ESI stability and to mitigate ion suppression from the co‐eluted carrier ampholytes and glycerol. Analysis of mAb samples have shown relative populations of two basic variants originating from C‐terminal lysine process and acidic variant of deamidation. The lysine clippings, deamidation, and sialic acid modification in oligosaccharide chains were revealed in infliximab. Two lysine clipping variants and a deamidated variant were observed in adalimumab. The duplicate analyses of a reference mAb demonstrated five charge variants separated by cIEF due to some unidentified modifications, as their mass spectra shared close similarities. The mAb analyses demonstrated the feasibility of the cIEF–MS method, and they demonstrated how charge and structural variants and minor differences in therapeutic mAbs are observed with this technology. Online cIEF–MS is an information rich technology with high throughput, demonstrated by the initial data presented here.
Optimization of protein extraction from Chlorella Vulgaris via novel sugaring‐out assisted liquid biphasic electric flotation system
Authors: Koyande Apurav Krishna , Chew Kit Wayne , Lim Jun‐Wei , Lee Sze Ying , Lam Man Kee , Show Pau‐Loke
Published: August 2019

Microalgae biomass has been consumed as animal feed, fish feed and in human diet due to its high nutritional value. In this experiment, microalgae specie of Chlorella Vulgaris FSP‐E was utilized for protein extraction via simple sugaring‐out assisted liquid biphasic electric flotation system. The external electric force provided to the two‐phase system assists in disruption of rigid microalgae cell wall and releases the contents of microalgae cell. This experiment manipulates various parameters to optimize the set‐up. The liquid biphasic electric flotation set‐up is compared with a control liquid biphasic flotation experiment without the electric field supply. The optimized separation efficiency of the liquid biphasic electric flotation system was 73.999 ± 0.739% and protein recovery of 69.665 ± 0.862% compared with liquid biphasic flotation, the separation efficiency was 61.584 ± 0.360% and protein recovery was 48.779 ± 0.480%. The separation efficiency and protein recovery for 5 × time scaled‐up system was observed at 52.871 ± 1.236% and 73.294 ± 0.701%. The integration of simultaneous cell‐disruption and protein extraction ensures high yield of protein from microalgae. This integrated method for protein extraction from microalgae demonstrated its potential and further research can lead this technology to commercialization.
When UAVs coexist with manned airplanes: Large‐scale aerial network management using ADS‐B
Authors: Pan Yan , Li Shining , Li Bingqi , Bhargav B. , Ning Zeyu , Han Qingye , Zhu Ting
Published: August 2019

Increasing attention has been paid to employing the Automatic Dependent Surveillance‐Broadcast (ADS‐B) technology on unmanned area vehicles (UAVs). The critical challenge therefore emerges, ie, how to effectively schedule the UAVs without interfering the communication. An UAV management framework named uFly is proposed to address this challenge by controlling the total ADS‐B communication traffic over the air. The ADS‐B's interference probability is first modeled. Based on this model, the UAVs' ADS‐B traffic (as well as the number of flying UAVs) should match the manned airplanes' signals. By taking the manned airplanes' signals as the first‐class constraint, uFly then dynamically approves or denies UAVs for flight based on the real‐time number of airplanes. Finally, experiments using different data sets are conducted to verify the superior performance of uFly.