bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Superhydrophobic Surface with Controllable Adhesion for Anti‐Roof‐Collapse Application in Flexible Microfluidics
Authors: Cheng Min , Liu Ying , Zhong Bowen , Wang Hao , Liu Yangchengyi , Liang Xu , Chen Wenxiang , Chen Shangda , Li Ming , Xia Wenjie , Wang Xiufeng
Published: October 2019

Design of microfluidic reservoir with improved performance is essential in flexible epidermal microfluidic devices, which often suffer from structural instability due to the low stiffness and strong adhesion of the reservoir made of soft elastomers, causing the so‐called self‐collapse phenomena. Here, a method is proposed to fabricate a flexible superhydrophobic poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) layer with a low‐adhesive surface for epidermal microfluidic device by using chemical etching and soft lithography techniques. The obtained PDMS layer exhibits ultralow dry adhesion with great stability compared to previously made soft layer often having relatively high adhesion. Remarkably, this layer is able to maintain its ultralow adhesion with various counterpart engineering materials even in different environmental conditions, including dry, under water, and under oil conditions, and it exhibits an excellent time durability (more than one month) and use‐stability (at least 20 cycles). It is later shown that the designed PDMS layer with ultralow‐adhesive and superhydrophobic surface can be applied to prevent the self‐collapse of roof effectively in microfluidic reservoir. This study provides an effective design strategy to develop flexible elastomeric materials with controllable adhesion, paving the way for improving the mechanical and structural stability of large dimension reservoirs in wearable microfluidics through surface engineering.
Combining Locomotion and Grasping Functionalities in Soft Robots
Authors: Yin Alexander , Lin Hung-Ching , Thelen Joanna , Mahner Benjamin , Ranzani Tommaso
Published: October 2019

In recent years, the field of soft robotics has grown considerably, demonstrating robots with advanced locomotion capabilities as well as robust grasping and manipulation with respect to their rigid counterparts. The combination of locomotion and grasping capabilities entails a unique set of challenges in soft robotics that have not been fully explored yet, such as the capability to carry a payload without compromising its motion capabilities, and how to adjust changes in the center of mass of the robot. Herein, a soft robotic platform is proposed that demonstrates simultaneous locomotion and grasping. The challenges that such a soft robot would encounter are explored in terms of stability of the robot while supporting a payload and variations in the location of the center of mass. The robot has 13 independently controllable degrees of freedom to study different locomotion and grasping strategies. A passive stiffening methodology is also presented that allows the robot body to statically sustain up to 7.7 times its body weight (BW), and to walk carrying a payload up to 100% times its BW.
Myhre syndrome: A first familial recurrence and broadening of the phenotypic spectrum
Authors: Meerschaut Ilse , Beyens Aude , Steyaert Wouter , De Rycke Riet , Bonte Katrien , De Backer Tine , Janssens Sandra , Panzer Joseph , Plasschaert Frank , De Wolf Daniël , Callewaert Bert
Published: October 2019

Myhre syndrome is a rare multisystem connective tissue disorder, characterized by short stature, facial dysmorphology, variable intellectual disability, skeletal abnormalities, arthropathy, cardiopathy, laryngotracheal anomalies, and stiff skin. So far, all molecularly confirmed cases harbored a de novo heterozygous gain‐of‐function mutation in SMAD4, encoding the SMAD4 transducer protein required for both transforming growth factor‐beta and bone morphogenic proteins signaling. We report on four novel patients (one female proband and her two affected children, and one male proband) with Myhre syndrome harboring the recurrent c.1486C>T (p.Arg496Cys) mutation in SMAD4. The female proband presented with a congenital heart defect, vertebral anomalies, and facial dysmorphic features. She developed severe tracheal stenosis requiring a total laryngectomy. With assisted reproductive treatment, she gave birth to two affected children. The second proband presented with visual impairment following lensectomy in childhood, short stature, brachydactyly, stiff skin, and decreased peripheral sensitivity. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of the dermis shows irregular elastin cores with globular deposits and almost absent surrounding microfibrils and suggests age‐related increased collagen deposition. We report on the first familial case of Myhre syndrome and illustrate the variable clinical spectrum of the disorder. Despite the primarily fibrotic nature of the disease, TEM analysis mainly indicates elastic fiber anomalies.
Visible‐Light‐Driven N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyzed γ‐ and ϵ‐Alkylation with Alkyl Radicals
Authors: Dai Lei , Xia Zi‐Hao , Gao Yuan‐Yuan , Gao Zhong‐Hua , Ye Song
Published: October 2019

The merging of photoredox catalysis and N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalysis for γ‐ and ϵ‐alkylation of enals with alkyl radicals was developed. The alkylation reaction of γ‐oxidized enals with alkyl halides worked well for the synthesis γ‐multisubstituted‐α,β‐unsaturated esters, including those with challenging vicinal all‐carbon quaternary centers. The synthesis of ϵ‐multisubstituted‐α,β‐γ,δ‐diunsaturated esters by an unprecedented NHC‐catalyzed ϵ‐functionalization was also established.
A Single Thermoresponsive Diblock Copolymer Can Form Spheres, Worms or Vesicles in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Ratcliffe Liam P. D. , Derry Matthew J. , Ianiro Alessandro , Tuinier Remco , Armes Steven P.
Published: October 2019

It is well‐known that the self‐assembly of AB diblock copolymers in solution can produce various morphologies depending on the relative volume fraction of each block. Recently, polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA) has become widely recognized as a powerful platform technology for the rational design and efficient synthesis of a wide range of block copolymer nano‐objects. In this study, PISA is used to prepare a new thermoresponsive poly(N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide)‐poly(2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate) [PHPMAC‐PHPMA] diblock copolymer. Remarkably, TEM, rheology and SAXS studies indicate that a single copolymer composition can form well‐defined spheres (4 °C), worms (22 °C) or vesicles (50 °C) in aqueous solution. Given that the two monomer repeat units have almost identical chemical structures, this system is particularly well‐suited to theoretical analysis. Self‐consistent mean field theory suggests this rich self‐assembly behavior is the result of the greater degree of hydration of the PHPMA block at lower temperature, which is in agreement with variable temperature 1H NMR studies.
Multifunktionale Einzelmolekülmagnete auf Lanthanoidbasis in neuem Licht
Authors: Marin Riccardo , Brunet Gabriel , Murugesu Muralee
Published: October 2019

Einzelmolekülmagnete (SMMs) stehen bei neuen technischen Entwicklungen in der Quanteninformationsverarbeitung und Spintronik im Vordergrund. Trotz der aktuellen Durchbrüche bei der Ausdehnung der Blocking‐Temperatur auf Temperaturen oberhalb jener von Flüssigstickstoff sind noch erhebliche Hürden beim Integrieren und Ansprechen solcher Verbindungen in Bauelementen zu erwarten. Vor diesem Hintergrund können durch die Entwicklung multifunktionaler SMMs nicht nur Moleküle mit Eigenschaften ausgestattet werden, die die In‐situ‐Überwachung des SMM‐Betriebs in Echtzeit ermöglichen, sondern auch wichtige Erkenntnisse zum Verständnis des magnetischen Verhaltens erhalten werden. In diesem Aufsatz zeigen wir, wie Magnetismus und Lumineszenz in Einzelmolekülen kombiniert werden, um diese Ziele zu erreichen. Erörtert werden die wesentlichen Designprinzipien, um die gleichzeitige Kombination von Photolumineszenz und langsamer Relaxation der Magnetisierung zu realisieren; solche Moleküle können nützlich für Spintronik‐Bauelemente der nächsten Generation sein.
Difluor(aryl)(perfluoralkyl)‐λ4‐Sulfane und Selane: Fehlende Bindeglieder der Trichlorisocyanursäure/Kaliumfluorid Chemie
Authors: Brüning Fabian , Pitts Cody Ross , Kalim Jorna , Bornemann Dustin , Ghiazza Clément , de Montmollin Jean , Trapp Nils , Billard Thierry , Togni Antonio
Published: October 2019

Der TCICA/KF‐Ansatz zur oxidativen Fluorierung von Heteroatomen hat sich als überraschend einfacher, sicherer und vielseitiger Ersatz für klassisch schwierige Fluorierungsreaktionen erwiesen. Obwohl die Polyfluorierung (oder Chlorfluorierung) von Diaryldisulfiden, Diaryldiseleniden, Diarylditelluriden, Aryliodiden und Aryl(perfluoralkyl)tellanen beschrieben wurde, bleibt die Anwendung dieser TCICA/KF‐Methode auf Aryl(perfluoralkyl)sulfane und Selane ein unerforschtes Gebiet. Dementsprechend, um die “fehlenden Bindeglieder” in der sich entwickelnden Reihe von chalkogenbasierter Substratreaktivität anzugehen, berichten wir über milde Synthesen von metastabilen Difluor(aryl)(perfluoralkyl)‐λ4‐sulfanen und Selanen. Da es in der aktuellen Literatur nur wenige Beispiele für diese Spezies gibt (zugänglich nur über Verwendung von F2 oder XeF2/HF) haben wir detaillierte Strukturanalysen durchgeführt, vor allem anhand von NMR‐ und röntgenkristallografischen Daten. Darüber hinaus untersuchen wir den Einfluss der Perfluoralkylkette auf das Ergebnis der oxidativen Fluorierung und liefern schließlich erste Anhaltspunkte, dass Difluor(aryl)(trifluormethyl)‐λ4‐sulfane als Fluorierungsreagenzien wirken können.
Exploration of imidazole and imidazopyridine dimers as anticancer agents: Design, synthesis, and structure–activity relationship study
Authors: Meenakshisundaram Sangeetha , Manickam Manoj , Pillaiyar Thanigaimalai
Published: October 2019

Dimerization of proteins/receptors plays a critical role in various cellular processes, including cell proliferation and differentiation. Therefore, targeting such dimeric proteins/receptors by dimeric small molecules could be a potential therapeutic approach to treating various diseases, including inflammation‐associated diseases like cancer. A novel series of bis‐imidazoles (13–18) and bis‐imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines (19–28) were designed and synthesized from Schiff base dimers (1–12) for their anticancer activities. All the synthesized compounds were screened for anticancer activities against three cancer cell lines, including cervical (HeLa), breast (MDA‐MB‐231), and renal cancer (ACHN). From structure–activity relationship studies, imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines (19–28) showed remarkable cytotoxic activities, with compounds 19 and 24 showing the best inhibitory activities against all three cell lines. Especially, both 19 and 24 were very effective against the breast cancer cell line (19, GI50 = 0.43 µM; 24, GI50 = 0.3 µM), exceeding the activity of the control adriamycin (GI50 = 0.51 µM). The in vivo anticancer activity results of compounds 19 and 24 were comparable with those of the animals treated with the standard drug tamoxifen. Therefore, the dimeric imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine scaffold could serve as a potential lead for the development of novel anticancer agents.
Diaphragmatic paralysis: Evaluation in infants with congenital Zika syndrome
Authors: van der Linden Vanessa , Lins Otavio Gomes , de Lima Petribu Natacha Calheiros , de Melo Ana Claudia Marques Gouveia , Moore Jazmyn , Rasmussen Sonja A. , Moore Cynthia A.
Published: October 2019

Background

Paralysis of the diaphragm in newborn infants can lead to recurrent infections and life‐threatening respiratory insufficiency. The clinical diagnosis of unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis has been reported in infants with laboratory evidence of congenital Zika virus infection and/or the congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) phenotype but no evaluation of phrenic nerve function has been described. All reported infants have had accompanying arthrogryposis. High infant mortality is reported.

Methods

The causal mechanism of congenital diaphragmatic paralysis was evaluated in three infants with arthrogryposis as a manifestation of CZS (two of the three infants had laboratory evidence of ZIKV infection shortly after birth; the remaining infant had negative serology for ZIKV when first tested at 7 months of age). Electromyography and phrenic nerve compound muscle action potential (CMAP) were performed in all infants with diaphragmatic paralysis demonstrated on imaging studies.

Results

All infants had evidence of moderate chronic involvement of peripheral motor neurons. Phrenic nerve CMAP was reduced on the side of the diaphragmatic paralysis in two infants and reduced bilaterally in the remaining infant who had primarily anterior involvement of the diaphragm. All three infants had multiple medical complications and one infant died at 18 months of age.

Conclusion

Evaluation of three infants with CZS and diaphragmatic paralysis demonstrated phrenic nerve dysfunction. In these and other affected infants, arthrogryposis appears to be a constant co‐occurring condition and health problems are significant; both conditions are likely due to involvement of the peripheral nervous system in some infants with CZS.
Analysis of plasma migration components in Patrinia villosa (Thunb.) Juss. effective parts by UPLC–Q‐TOF–MS
Authors: Han Xiao , Wang Shuai , Yang Xin‐xin , Li Tian‐jiao , Zhao Huan‐jun , Zhou Li‐ping , Zhao Lin , Bao Yong‐rui , Meng Xian‐sheng
Published: October 2019

Patrinia villosa (Thunb.) Juss. (PVJ) is described as pungent, bitter and slightly cold in Chinese medicine, and is associated with the large intestine, stomach and liver meridians. The preliminary experiments of our research team proved that PVJ total flavonoids have excellent inhibitory effects on liver cancer cells. The present experiment uses the UPLC–Q‐TOF–MS technology and serum pharmacochemistry methods to analyze the chemical components in vitro and in vivo of PVJ antiliver tumors. A total of 14 chemical components were identified in the total flavonoids extract of PVJ, and it is mainly composed of flavonoids, flavonones, flavonols and phenolic acids. At the same time, seven prototypical components and seven metabolic components were detected in the drug‐containing plasma. Hydrocaffeate and scutellarein are the phase I metabolites of caffeic acid and scutellarin, respectively. Sulfated apigenin, sulfated luteolin, sulfated kaempferol and methylated kaempferol are the II phase metabolites of apigenin, luteolin, kaempferol, respectively. The experiment provides a reference for the research and development of antitumor drug candidates, and provides a basis for revealing the bioactive components of PVJ and the antitumor mechanism.
Age related changes seen in human cornea in formalin fixed sections and on biomicroscopy in living subjects: A comparison
Authors: Taurone Samanta , Miglietta Selenia , Spoletini Marialuisa , Feher Janos , Artico Marco , Papa Veronica , Matassa Roberto , Familiari Giuseppe , Gobbi Pietro , Micera Alessandra
Published: October 2019

The purpose of our experimental research was to assess the effects of aging on the main corneal structures in healthy corneas. Small, human cornea samples were collected from 20 Caucasian subjects during surgery for traumatic lesions to the eye. Ten subjects were adults (mean age 28 years) and 10 were elderly (mean age 76 years). Morphological analysis was carried out using light microscopy and electron microscopy. Another 40 patients (20 young: mean age < 30 years; 20 elderly: mean age > 70 years) were studied in vivo by confocal microscopy. The resulting images were analyzed qualitatively, quantitatively, and statistically. The basic light microscope revealed a decrease in endothelial cell density with age accompanied by an increase in endothelial cell size. Transmission electron microscopy revealed a corneal thinning and a decrease in the number of corneal stromal cells. A marked decrease in stromal nerve fibers was observed in the older subjects compared to the younger ones. Variable pressure scanning electron microscopy (VP‐SEM) was used to make surface morphological observations and to determine the chemical composition of in vivo hydrated human corneas. Our results showed the effects of aging on normal corneal morphology highlighting the structural diversity of the corneal layers and revealing an age‐related reduction in nerve fibers, thus explaining the decreased corneal sensitivity that may be observed in the elderly. Clin. Anat. 33:245–256, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Granuloma whorls
Authors: Zia Farrukh , Ali Natasha
Published: October 2019

What is the significance of bone marrow examination in presence of peripheral cytopenias? It is still regarded as a mandatory investigation to diagnose hematological disorders. In this case, bone marrow trephine was initially done as a diagnosis of exclusion for ITP, whereas it revealed multiple granulomas suggesting mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.
Mechanistic Aspects of the Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution Reaction over Ni−Co Oxides
Authors: Negahdar Leila , Zeng Feng , Palkovits Stefan , Broicher Cornelia , Palkovits Regina
Published: October 2019

The electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) presents the key transformation in electrochemical water‐splitting majorly determining energy efficiency and economics of hydrogen generation. In this study, the kinetics of the OER over Ni−Co oxide structured by KIT‐6 templating and non‐structured Ni−Co oxide catalysts in alkaline solution have been investigated aiming for insight with regard to the respective kinetically relevant surface reactions. Steady‐state Tafel plot analysis and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to determine kinetic parameters, Tafel slopes and the order of reaction. A dual Tafel slope behavior was observed for both catalysts. Tafel slopes of ca. 40 and 120 mV dec−1 and 90 and 180 mV dec−1 at low and high overpotentials appear for structured and non‐structured Ni−Co oxide, respectively. A reaction order of unity was observed for structured Ni−Co oxide, while non‐structured Ni−Co oxide possessed a fractional reaction order in the high overpotential region. The kinetics of OER over structured Ni−Co oxide were governed by Langmuir adsorption with the rate‐limiting step after primary adsorption of surface intermediates. In contrast, non‐structured Ni−Co oxide obeyed the Temkin adsorption isotherm condition with the primary adsorption step being rate‐limiting.
Enzyme‐Decorated Covalent Organic Frameworks as Nanoporous Platforms for Heterogeneous Biocatalysis
Authors: Oliveira Felipe L. , de Souza Stefania P. , Bassut Jonathan , Álvarez Heiddy M. , Garcia‐Basabe Yunier , Alves de Souza Rodrigo O. M. , Esteves Pierre M. , Gonçalves Raoni S. B.
Published: October 2019

Sustainability in chemistry heavily relies on heterogeneous catalysis. Enzymes, the main catalyst for biochemical reactions in nature, are an elegant choice to catalyze reactions due to their high activity and selectivity, although they usually suffer from lack of robustness. To overcome this drawback, enzyme‐decorated nanoporous heterogeneous catalysts were developed. Three different approaches for Candida antarctica lipase B (CAL‐B) immobilization on a covalent organic framework (PPF‐2) were employed: physical adsorption on the surface, covalent attachment of the enzyme in functional groups on the surface and covalent attachment into a linker added post‐synthesis. The influence of the immobilization strategy on the enzyme uptake, specific activity, thermal stability, and the possibility of its use through multiple cycles was explored. High specific activities were observed for PPF‐2‐supported CAL‐B in the esterification of oleic acid with ethanol, ranging from 58 to 283 U mg−1, which was 2.6 to 12.7 times greater than the observed for the commercial Novozyme 435.
Interleukin‐18 in patients with acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Åkerblom Axel , James Stefan K. , Lakic Tatevik G. , Becker Richard C. , Cannon Christopher P. , Steg Philippe G. , Himmelmann Anders , Katus Hugo A. , Storey Robert F. , Wallentin Lars , Weaver W. Douglas , Siegbahn Agneta ,   on behalf of the PLATO Investigators
Published: October 2019

Background

We aimed to assess associations between circulating IL‐18 concentrations and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

Hypothesis and Methods

Plasma IL‐18 concentrations were measured at admission, discharge, 1 month, and 6 months in patients with ACS in the PLATelet inhibition and patient Outcomes (PLATO) trial. Associations with outcomes were evaluated with Cox regression models on the composite of CV death, spontaneous myocardial infarction (sMI), or stroke; and on CV death or sMI separately, including adjustment for clinical risk factors and biomarkers (cTnT‐hs, NT‐proBNP, cystatin C, CRP‐hs, and GDF‐15).

Results

Median IL‐18 concentrations at baseline, discharge, 1 month, and 6 months were 237, 283, 305, and 320 ng/L (n = 16 636). Male sex, obesity, diabetes, and plasma levels of cystatin C, GDF‐15, and CRP‐hs were independently associated with higher IL‐18 levels. Higher baseline IL‐18 levels were associated with the composite endpoint and with CV death (hazard ratio [HR] 1.05, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.02‐1.07 and HR 1.10, 95% CI 1.06‐1.14, respectively, per 25% increase of IL‐18 levels). Associations remained significant after adjustment for clinical variables but became non‐significant after adjustment for all biomarkers (HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.98‐1.04 and HR 1.04, 95% CI 1.00‐1.08, respectively). There were no associations with sMI.

Conclusions

In ACS patients, IL‐18 concentrations increased after the acute event and remained increased for 6 months. Baseline IL‐18 levels were significantly associated with CV mortality, independent of clinical characteristics and indicators of renal/cardiac dysfunction but this association was attenuated after adjustment for multiple biomarkers.
A Photo‐Stable Indocyanine Green and Rapamycin Co‐Delivery System Based on Poly(Glutamic Acid)‐Modified Manganese Phosphate for Synergetic Tumor Therapy
Authors: Hao Yongwei , Zheng Cuixia , Qiang Hong , Chen Hongli , Wang Fan , Zhang Jinjie , Zhang Hongling , Wang Lei , Zhang Zhenzhong , Zhang Yun
Published: October 2019

Some manganese‐based nanomaterials quench the fluorescence of photosensitizers, which strongly quenches fluorescence emission and suppresses reactive oxygen species (ROS) production due to the photo‐induced charge transfer from the excited photosensitizer to nanomaterials. In this study, to overcome these disadvantages, amorphous porous manganese phosphate (MnP) nanoparticles are used for loading indocyanine green (ICG), and a broader ICG absorbance width instead of weakened fluorescence profile is observed, resulting in higher stability and phototherapy efficiency under 808 nm irradiation. Moreover, autophagy inhibition obviously weakens the ICG‐mediated phototherapy to breast cancer cells. On this foundation, an autophagy promoter rapamycin (RAPA) and ICG are co‐loaded into the MnP nanoparticles, and further decorated with biocompatible poly(glutamic acid). As expected, this stable nanoplatform released 80.0±4.1% agents at low pH compared to that 32.0±4.8% at normal pH, indicating a clear pH‐responsive release profile. Uniting phototherapy with autophagy promoter by this system is found to achieve synergistic outcomes as evidenced by the smaller relative tumor volume of 1.8±0.4. Overall, this work provides the first photo‐stable manganese‐based nanomaterial without fluorescence quenching profile for achieving multiple desirable therapeutic performances.
Open‐Label, Randomized, Single‐Dose, 2‐Period, 2‐Sequence Crossover, Comparative Pharmacokinetic Study to Evaluate Bioequivalence of 2 Oral Formulations of Olanzapine Under Fasting and Fed Conditions
Authors: Du Ping , Li Pengfei , Liu Hongchuan , Zhao Rui , Zhao Zhixia , Yu Weiyue , Zhou Xin , Liu Lihong
Published: October 2019

Olanzapine, a second‐generation atypical antipsychotic drug, is widely used for schizophrenia and moderate to severe mania associated with bipolar disorders. This open‐label, randomized, single‐dose, 2‐sequence, 2‐period crossover, comparative pharmacokinetic study assessed the bioequivalence of 5 mg of olanzapine administered in tablet (R) or disintegrating tablet (T) formulation in healthy Chinese volunteers under both fasting and fed conditions. Numbers of enrolled subjects were 30 and 24 for fasting and fed treatments, respectively. Blood samples were drawn and collected predose as well as up to 144 hours postdose. The plasma concentration of olanzapine was quantitated by a robust, rapid, and sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method. The R was bioequivalent to T formulation under either fasting or fed conditions. The 90%CI for ratios of the geometric means observed maximum plasma concentration, area under the curve from time 0 extrapolated to last time point, and area under the curve from time 0 extrapolated to infinity were all within the allowed limit (80.0% to 125.0%). The pharmacokinetic profiles of T and R formulations were similar under fasting and fed conditions. Both formulations were well tolerated, with a similar incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events under fasting and fed conditions.
An Integrated Microfluidic Chip and Its Clinical Application for Circulating Tumor Cell Isolation and Single‐Cell Analysis
Authors: Xu Mingxin , Zhao Hui , Chen Jun , Liu Wenwen , Li Encheng , Wang Qi , Zhang Lichuan
Published: October 2019

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) represent invasive tumor cell populations and provide a noninvasive solution to the clinical management and research of tumors. Characterization of CTCs at single‐cell resolution enables the comprehensive understanding of tumor heterogeneity and may benefit the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients. However, most efforts have been made on enumeration and detection of CTCs, while little focus has been directed to single‐cell study. Herein, an integrated microfluidic platform for single‐cell isolation and analysis was established. After validating this platform on lung cancer cell lines, we detected and isolated single CTCs from the peripheral blood samples of 20 cancer patients before and after one treatment cycle. Furthermore, we performed single‐cell whole‐exome DNA sequencing on a single CTC from the peripheral blood sample of a representative early stage lung cancer patient. Among the blood samples of 20 patients, 15 of them were positive for CTC detection (75.0% detectable rate). Single‐cell analysis revealed detailed genetic variations of the CTC, while six new gene mutations were detected in both single CTC and surgical specimen. This study provides a useful tool for the isolation and analysis of single CTCs from peripheral blood samples, which not only facilitates the early diagnosis of cancers but also helps to unravel the genetic information of tumor at a single‐cell level. © 2019 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Wildflower plantings harbor increased arthropod richness and abundance within agricultural areas in Florida (USA)
Authors: Campbell Joshua W. , Kimmel Chase B. , Grodsky Steven M. , Smithers Cherice , Daniels Jaret C. , Ellis James D.
Published: October 2019

Intensive agriculture has led to a reduction of overall biodiversity and ecosystem services such as pollination and biological control. To offset these economic losses, many farmers are planting native wildflowers to enhance flowering plant diversity and augment pollinator and other beneficial arthropod populations on their farms. In this study, we examined arthropod communities in Florida (USA) within wildflower plots and fallow control plots, which were primarily composed of grasses. Significantly more herbivorous insects, predatory arthropods, and pollinators were found within wildflower plots than in fallow control plots. We also implemented pollinator surveys at flowering plants. These surveys highlighted numerous plant–pollinator interactions within wildflower plots, supporting the idea that some native wildflower species are more attractive to pollinators than are others. Nevertheless, utilizing diverse flowering plants for wildflower plots may support a wide diversity of beneficial arthropod species, including native bees. Our results suggest that wildflower plantings in Florida can be a successful management tool to harbor increased overall plant and arthropod diversity (including native pollinators and other beneficial arthropods) within intensive agricultural areas.
Novel management tools for subsidized avian predators and a case study in the conservation of a threatened species
Authors: Shields Timothy , Currylow Andrea , Hanley Brenda , Boland Stephen , Boarman William , Vaughn Mercy
Published: October 2019

Wildlife managers face complex problems in attempting to achieve contemporary conservation goals while maintaining ecosystem function. Anthropogenically altered environments can subsidize certain species, causing them to become overabundant and straining the remaining natural system. Such is the case with the widespread avian generalist and subsidized predator, the common raven (Corvus corax). Ravens depredate nests and prey on small animals, with locally focused high impacts to the ecosystem during rearing of their nestlings. Limiting predator abundance reduces the spatially concentrated predation rates by eliminating nestling provisioning needs. We investigated avenues to limit the reproduction of common raven using customized theoretical and practical tools. Specifically, we developed an online interactive tool, a mathematical model, that calculates the predator's population growth rate under any given proportion of reproductive management. This quantitative tool models an assessment of ravens in a defined area and results in the degree to which raven fitness would need to be reduced to control their populations. To implement the model's results in a field‐practical way and manage reproduction with minimal disturbance, we developed novel technology, a Remote Fluid Application System (RFAS). The RFAS applies the egg addling technique of egg oiling to high (usually out of reach) nesting situations. We tested these tools in the Mojave Desert, CA, where the raven is a heavily human‐subsidized predator. We mounted our RFAS on telescoping poles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs; drones) and found that we were able to aerially, and precisely, spray‐oil eggs high in trees or cliffs/rock faces, halting 100% (n = 46) of raven nesting events. With these tools, we enable managers to calculate the intensity of, and the ability to carry out, egg addling needed to stem or halt predator population growth. We conclude that the combination of the interactive software (StallPOPd Interactive Tool, https://cwhl.vet.cornell.edu/tools/stallpopd; publicly available at https://ecommons.cornell.edu/handle/1813/65718) and the RFAS is the most effective wildlife management strategy to date for the offset or control of undesirable population growth in high‐nesting avian predators.
Mononuclear Hydroxo Carbonato Complexes of Np(V), Np(VI), and U(VI): A Density Functional Study
Authors: Gray Andrew , Chiorescu Ion , Krüger Sven , Rösch Notker
Published: October 2019

Mononuclear ternary actinide hydroxo carbonato complexes AnO2(OH)y(CO3)zq have been studied computationally for An = Np(V), Np(VI), and U(VI). Density functional calculations were carried out to examine complexes with up to two carbonate and two hydroxide ligands. This study focusses on ternary Np(V) complexes suggested by experiment. Geometry parameters of hydroxo carbonato complexes lie between the corresponding values of hydroxo and carbonato complexes with the same number of anionic ligands. We used calculated bond lengths to interpret an EXAFS experiment. We determined a tendency to decreasing complexation energies for series of complexes with a constant number of anionic ligands and increasing numbers of carbonate ligands. Our results suggest that mononuclear hydroxo carbonato complexes should also exist for An(VI). Complexation energy trends of An‐OH‐CO3 complexes also yield a new perspective on the open debate on complexation constants of Np(V) hydroxo complexes. The consistently calculated properties of the An‐OH‐CO3 system and their trends will be helpful for further experimental characterization.
Oswestry Disability Index scores correlate with MRI measurements in degenerating intervertebral discs and endplates
Authors: Arpinar V. Emre , Gliedt Jordan A. , King Jeffrey A. , Maiman Dennis J. , Muftuler L. Tugan
Published: October 2019

Background

Low back pain (LBP) is a widespread problem and the leading cause of disability worldwide. While the cause of LBP is multifactorial, several studies suggested that inflammatory mediators in damaged subchondral plates of degenerating discs may lead to chemical sensitization and mechanical stimulation, eventually causing pain. The goal of this study was to explore associations between such changes and LBP‐related disability using dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI.

Methods

Thirty‐two patients diagnosed with nonspecific LBP and 24 healthy control subjects were studied with dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCEMRI) MRI and T1r (spin–lattice relaxation in the rotating frame) acquisitions. DCEMRI enhancement in disc endplate regions and average T1ρ measurements in the nucleus pulposus were extracted. The LBP patients were grouped based on their Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores and associations between MRI measurements and ODI scores were analyzed.

Results

Significant associations were found between ODI scores and DCEMRI enhancement in the cartilaginous endplate regions of the most degenerated discs. ODI scores also correlated with T1ρ measurements in the nucleus pulposus of degenerating discs.

Conclusions

DCEMRI enhancement in the cartilaginous endplate regions and lower T1ρ measurements in the nucleus pulposus (NP) were associated with greater disability that is related to low back pain as reported on the ODI. This complements earlier reports suggesting a link between LBP and endplate degeneration. Further studies are needed to validate these findings.

Significance

Our findings indicated that dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI signal enhancement in the cartilaginous endplate regions were associated with greater disability related to low back pain. This signal enhancement might be an indication of inflammatory changes in disc endplate regions. Therefore, advanced quantitative imaging techniques like the ones presented in this study might be needed to complement conventional radiological evaluations to identify the subset of patients who could potentially benefit from novel therapies directed towards treating the disc endplate regions.
Salt‐Resistant Carbon Nanotubes/Polyvinyl Alcohol Hybrid Gels with Tunable Water Transport for High‐Efficiency and Long‐Term Solar Steam Generation
Authors: Hu Gaoyue , Cao Yang , Huang Mingyu , Wu Qiang , Zhang Kexi , Lai Xiaoyong , Tu Jinchun , Tian Cheng , Liu Jing , Huang Wei , Ding Lei
Published: October 2019

Solar steam generation has emerged as a promising technology for water purification. Carbon materials are the most widely investigated photothermal conversion materials, but it remains challenging to effectively improve the efficiency of carbon‐based photothermal films cost effectively. Herein, carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hybrid gels are designed by simply freezing/thawing the mixture of CNTs and the PVA polymers, in which the CNT light absorbers are well embedded in PVA molecular meshes. Combining the super‐hydrophilic feature and the capillary effect of the PVA porous networks, the hierarchical PVA gel enables efficient water transport from internal capillary channels to molecular meshes. Moreover, PVA molecule chains wrapped on the CNT light absorbers also function as energy‐absorbing media to reduce heat loss, achieving confinement of thermal energy to the water clusters. With this advanced solar steam generation system, the converted thermal energy can be utilized in situ to drive the vaporization of water around the CNTs. The CNTs/PVA hybrid gel shows a high energy efficiency of 90.5% and water evaporation rate of 2.06 kg m−2 h−1 under 1 sun illumination. In addition to taking advantage of the inherent bimodal porous structures, the fabricated evaporator can realize fast and long‐term stable solar steam generation.
1D Pyrrolidinium Lead Iodide for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Pham Ngoc Duy , Yang Yang , Hoang Minh Tam , Wang Tony , Tiong Vincent Tiing , Wilson Gregory Joseph , Wang Hongxia
Published: October 2019

Due to their superior environmental stability, utilization of low‐dimensional perovskites in organometal halide solar cells (OMHSCs) has seen a sharp increase. Herein, a method to form 1D pyrrolidinium lead iodide (PyPbI3) in situ atop photoactive 3D methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) using pyrrolidine posttreatment is reported. As compared with 3D MAPbI3, 1D PyPbI3 has a wider bandgap and is more environmentally stable, and it serves as a tunneling contact to mitigate charge carrier recombination and as a robust barrier against environmental degradation when incorporated into OMHSCs. Accordingly, power conversion efficiencies of the resulting MAPbI3 devices are enhanced from an average of 14.86% ± 0.65% to 15.9% ± 0.58% and their shelf‐life stability is significantly prolonged.
Transforming Ni‐Coagulated Polyferriertic Sulfate Sludge into Porous Heteroatom‐Doped Carbon‐Supported Transition Metal Phosphide: An Efficient Catalyst for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Li Ge , Zhu Tonghe , Ye Yali , Liang Sheng , Duan Weijian , Hong Wei , Feng Chunhua
Published: October 2019

The transformation of sludge waste from wastewater treatment plants into functional materials is an attractive prospect. Herein, the successful synthesis of mesoporous heteroatom‐doped carbon‐supported NiFe phosphide (FeNi2P@HDC) from Ni‐coagulated iron sludge by forming a biogenic precursor via incubation of the sludge with Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1, followed by a simple pyrolysis process, is reported. The incubation results in the formation of a solid chemical bonding between bacteria and the surface of the newly formed mineral, which is beneficial for producing a desirable microstructure and chemical composition. The as‐synthesized FeNi2P@HDC shows a superior oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance, evident from the data, including a low overpotential of 280 mV to reach a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and a small Tafel slope of 56 mV dec−1 under alkaline conditions, which is comparable with that of the majority of the reported Ni and/or Fe phosphide catalysts in the literature and better than the state‐of‐the‐art RuO2 catalyst. Such a good performance seems to be the result of the synergistic effect of the intrinsic activity of FeNi2P nanoparticles and the strong interaction between FeNi2P and heteroatom‐doped graphene‐like carbon support.
The impact of environmental factors on persons with dementia attending recreational groups
Authors: Cohen‐Mansfield Jiska
Published: October 2019

Objectives

The Comprehensive Process Model of Group Engagement posits that personal factors (eg, cognitive function), stimulus factors (eg, group activity content and group size), and environmental factors (eg, light and noise) impact the response to group activities. This paper reports the impact of environmental and group characteristics on engagement, mood, and sleepiness of persons with dementia attending group activities.

Methods/design

The sample included 69 nursing home residents. Environmental contexts of activities included time of day, location, noise, light, and temperature. Outcome variables captured engagement, mood, and sleepiness, observed during 20 group activity sessions. Mixed model analyses were used to examine the impact of environmental and group attributes on the outcome variables.

Results

Background noise and time of day significantly affected outcome variables after controlling for participants' cognitive functioning and group topic. Background noise was related with decreased engagement and increased sleepiness. Activities conducted before noon were associated with increased sleepiness. Group size did not affect the outcome variables. There was little variation concerning temperature and light.

Conclusions

These findings have implications for architectural and ongoing planning. The methodology presents a model for continuous quality improvement. The main components of the Comprehensive Process Model of Group Engagement significantly impacted group activity engagement.
Cerebellar function in children with and without dyslexia during single word processing
Authors: Ashburn Sikoya M. , Flowers D. Lynn , Napoliello Eileen M. , Eden Guinevere F.
Published: October 2019

The cerebellar deficit hypothesis of dyslexia posits that dysfunction of the cerebellum is the underlying cause for reading difficulties observed in this common learning disability. The present study used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and a single word processing task to test for differences in activity and connectivity in children with (n = 23) and without (n = 23) dyslexia. We found cerebellar activity in the control group when word processing was compared to fixation, but not when it was compared to the active baseline task designed to reveal activity specific to reading. In the group with dyslexia there was no cerebellar activity for either contrasts and there were no differences when they were compared to children without dyslexia. Turning to functional connectivity (FC) in the controls, background FC (i.e., not specific to reading) was predominately found between the cerebellum and the occipitaltemporal cortex. In the group with dyslexia, there was background FC between the cerebellum and several cortical regions. When comparing the two groups, they differed in background FC in connections between the seed region right crus I and three left‐hemisphere perisylvian target regions. However, there was no task‐specific FC for word processing in either group and no between‐group differences. Together the results do not support the theory that the cerebellum is affected functionally during reading in children with dyslexia.
Reproductive factors and thyroid cancer risk: Meta‐analysis
Authors: Mannathazhathu Arathy S. , George Preethi S. , Sudhakaran Sreekala , Vasudevan Durga , Krishna KM Jagathnath , Booth Christopher , Mathew Aleyamma
Published: October 2019

Background

Assessed pooled risk on reproductive factors and oral contraceptives (OC) on thyroid cancer (TC) using published studies (1996‐2017).

Methods

Summary odds ratio (OR) for case‐control studies (n = 10) and risk ratio (RR) for cohort studies (n = 9) was done.

Results

OR was 1.43 (95% CI: 1.16‐1.77) for age at menarche >14 years, 1.49 (95% CI: 1.19‐1.86) for parity >2, 1.38 (95% CI: 1.18‐1.61) for miscarriage/abortion, and 2.05 (95% CI: 1.39‐3.01) for artificial menopause. A protective effect (ORs: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.72‐0.99) on TC was observed for prolonged use of OCs. RR was 1.17 (95% CI: 0.90‐1.57) for age at menarche >14 years, 1.10 (95% CI: 0.94‐1.27) for parity >2, 1.20 (95% CI: 1.03‐1.40) for miscarriage/abortion, and 2.16 (95% CI: 1.41‐3.31) for artificial menopause and protective effect (RR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.65‐0.92) for prolonged use of OCs.

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis supports an association due to changes in female hormones during menstrual cycle and pregnancy with the risk of TC and explains female preponderance.
Biallelic Mutations in Tetratricopeptide Repeat Domain 26 (Intraflagellar Transport 56) Cause Severe Biliary Ciliopathy in Humans
Authors: Shaheen Ranad , Alsahli Saud , Ewida Nour , Alzahrani Fatema , Shamseldin Hanan E. , Patel Nisha , Al Qahtani Awad , Alhebbi Homoud , Alhashem Amal , Al‐Sheddi Tarfa , Alomar Rana , Alobeid Eman , Abouelhoda Mohamed , Monies Dorota , Al‐Hussaini Abdulrahman , Alzouman Muneerah A. , Shagrani Mohammad , Faqeih Eissa , Alkuraya Fowzan S.
Published: October 2019

Background and Aims

The clinical consequences of defective primary cilium (ciliopathies) are characterized by marked phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity. Although fibrocystic liver disease is an established ciliopathy phenotype, severe neonatal cholestasis is rarely recognized as such.

Approach and Results

We describe seven individuals from seven families with syndromic ciliopathy clinical features, including severe neonatal cholestasis (lethal in one and necessitating liver transplant in two). Positional mapping revealed a single critical locus on chromosome 7. Whole‐exome sequencing revealed three different homozygous variants in Tetratricopeptide Repeat Domain 26 (TTC26) that fully segregated with the phenotype. TTC26 (intraflagellar transport [IFT] 56/DYF13) is an atypical component of IFT‐B complex, and deficiency of its highly conserved orthologs has been consistently shown to cause defective ciliary function in several model organisms. We show that cilia in TTC26‐mutated patient cells display variable length and impaired function, as indicated by dysregulated sonic hedgehog signaling, abnormal staining for IFT‐B components, and transcriptomic clustering with cells derived from individuals with closely related ciliopathies. We also demonstrate a strong expression of Ttc26 in the embryonic mouse liver in a pattern consistent with its proposed role in the normal development of the intrahepatic biliary system.

Conclusions

In addition to establishing a TTC26‐related ciliopathy phenotype in humans, our results highlight the importance of considering ciliopathies in the differential diagnosis of severe neonatal cholestasis even in the absence of more typical features.
No generally increased risk of cancer after total hip arthroplasty performed due to osteoarthritis
Authors: Hailer Nils P. , Garland Anne , Gordon Max , Kärrholm Johan , Sköldenberg Olof , Eriksson Niclas , Garmo Hans , Holmberg Lars
Published: October 2019

Previous studies on the risk of cancer after total hip arthroplasty (THA) contradict each other, and many are hampered by small cohort sizes, residual confounding, short observation times or a mix of indications underlying the THA procedure. We evaluated the risk of cancer after total hip arthroplasty due to osteoarthritis in a nationwide cohort by comparing cancer incidences in individuals exposed to total hip arthroplasty due to osteoarthritis and in unexposed, sex‐, age‐ and residence matched individuals. To address some previous studies’ shortcomings, information on comorbidity and socioeconomic background were obtained and adjusted for. We included 126,276 patients exposed to a cemented THA between 1992 and 2012, and 555,757 unexposed individuals. Follow‐up started on the day of surgery for exposed individuals and respective date for matched, unexposed individuals, and ended on the day of death, emigration, censuring or December 31st, 2012, whichever came first. The Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Registry (SHAR), the Swedish Cancer Registry, the Swedish National Patient Registry and Statistics Sweden were accessed to obtain information on procedural details of the THA, cancer diagnoses, comorbidities, and socioeconomic background. The primary outcome measure was the occurrence of any cancer after the index date. Exposed individuals had a slightly lower adjusted risk of developing any cancer than unexposed individuals (hazard ratio [HR] 0.97; CI 0.95–0.99). The only cancer with a statistically significant risk increase in exposed individuals was skin melanoma (HR 1.15; CI 1.05–1.24). We attained similar risk estimates in analyses stratified by sex, in individuals with minimum 5 years of follow‐up, in an analysis including individuals with a history of previous cancer, and in patients with cementless THA. In this study on a large and well‐defined population with long follow‐up, we found no increased overall risk of cancer after THA. These reassuring findings could be included in the guidelines on preoperative information given to THA patients.