bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of diffusion‐weighted MRI and geometric distortion on a 0.35T MR‐LINAC at multiple gantry angles
Authors: Lewis Benjamin , Guta Anamaria , Mackey Stacie , Gach H. Michael , Mutic Sasa , Green Olga , Kim Taeho
Published: January 2021

Diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) provides a valuable diagnostic tool for tumor evaluation. Yet, it is difficult to acquire daily MRI data sets in the traditional radiotherapy clinical setting due to patient burden and limited resources. However, integrated MRI radiotherapy treatment systems facilitate daily functional MRI acquisitions like DWI during treatment exams. Before ADC values from MR‐RT systems can be used clinically their reproducibility and accuracy must be quantified. This study used a NIST traceable DWI phantom to verify ADC values acquired on a 0.35 T MR‐LINAC system at multiple gantry angles. A diffusion‐weighted echo planar imaging sequence was used for all image acquisitions, with b‐values of 0, 500, 900, 2000 s/mm2 for the 1.5 T and 3.0 T systems and 0, 200, 500, 800 s/mm2 for the 0.35 T system. Images were acquired at multiple gantry angles on the MR‐LINAC system from 0° to 330° in 30° increments to assess the impact of gantry angle on geometric distortion and ADC values. CT images, and three fiducial markers were used as ground truth for geometric distortion measurements. The distance between fiducial markers increased by as much as 7.2 mm on the MR‐LINAC at gantry angle 60°. ADC values of deionized water vials from the 1.5 T and 3.0 T systems were 8.30 × 10‐6 mm2/s and −0.85 × 10‐6 mm2/s off, respectively, from the expected value of 1127 × 10‐6 mm2/s. The MR‐LINAC system provided an ADC value of the pure water vials that was −116.63 × 10‐6 mm2/s off from the expected value of 1127 × 10‐6 mm2/s. The MR‐LINAC also showed a variation in ADC across all gantry angles of 33.72 × 10‐6 mm2/s and 20.41 × 10‐6 mm2/s for the vials with expected values of 1127 × 10‐6 mm2/s and 248 × 10‐6 mm2/s, respectively. This study showed that variation of the ADC values and geometric information on the 0.35 T MR‐LINAC system was dependent on the gantry angle at acquisition.
How low can you go? A CBCT dose reduction study
Authors: Olch Arthur J. , Alaei Parham
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is often used for patient setup based solely on bony anatomy. The goal of this work was to evaluate whether CBCT dose can be lowered to the level of kV image pair doses when used for bony anatomy‐based IGRT without compromising positioning accuracy.

Methods

An anthropomorphic phantom was CT scanned in the head, head and neck, chest, and pelvis regions and setup on the linear accelerator couch with the isocenter near the planned location. Cone beam computed tomographies were performed with the standard “full dose” protocol supplied by the linac vendor. With sequentially lowering the dose, three‐dimensional (3D) matching was performed for each without shifting the couch. The standard kV image pair protocol for each site was also used to image the phantoms. For all studies, six degrees of freedom was included in the 2D or 3D matching to the extent they could be employed. Imaging doses were determined in air at isocenter following the TG‐61 formalism.

Results

Cone beam computed tomography dose was reduced by 81–98% of the standard CBCT protocol to nearly that of the standard kV image pair dose for each site. Relative to the standard CBCT shift values, translational shifts were within 0.3 and 1.6 mm for all sites, for the reduced dose CBCT and kV image pair, respectively. Rotational shifts were within 0.2 degree and 0.7 degrees for all sites, for the reduced dose CBCTs and kV image pair, respectively.

Conclusion

For bony anatomy‐based image guidance, CBCT dose can be reduced to a value similar to that of a kV image pair with similar or better patient positioning accuracy than kV image pair alignment. Where rotations are important to correct, CBCT will be superior to orthogonal kV imaging without significantly increased imaging dose. This is especially important for image guidance for pediatric patient treatments.
Biofilm Adhesion to Surfaces is Modulated by Biofilm Wettability and Stiffness
Authors: Kretschmer Martin , Schüßler Carina Anke , Lieleg Oliver
Published: January 2021

Although many surfaces in industry and medicine are colonized by bacterial biofilms, little is known about the physical principles that govern the adhesion properties of such bacterial communities. In part, this is due to the technical challenge associated with the characterization of a biofilm directly on the substrate it is grown on. Moreover, distinguishing between the cohesive and adhesive properties of a (bio)material requires information on the amount of material transferred between the interacting surfaces, which is not easily possible in existing measurement techniques applied in biofilm research. Here, a new method is introduced which allows for characterizing the detachment process of biofilms in situ and makes it possible to identify the dominant mode of fracture. As a countersurface in those detachment tests with biofilm layers, either a synthetic/inorganic material surface or another biofilm layer can be used. By comparing results obtained with different biofilms generated at distinct cultivation conditions, how two selected material properties, i.e., the biofilm wettability and the biofilm stiffness, contribute to the detachment process can be shown. The novel measurement approach demonstrated here can easily be adapted further to enable adhesion/detachment measurements with a broad range of other biofilms including those grown at submerged conditions.
Toward Hijacking Bioelectricity in Cancer to Develop New Bioelectronic Medicine
Authors: Robinson Andie J. , Jain Akhil , Sherman Harry G. , Hague Richard J. M. , Rahman Ruman , Sanjuan‐Alberte Paola , Rawson Frankie J.
Published: January 2021

Bioelectronic medicine is a treatment modality that uses electricity to treat disease by altering the body's electrical communication systems. All cells are electrically active, in that they possess bioelectric circuitry generating a resting membrane potential and endogenous electric fields that influence cell functions and communication. There is now an accepted paradigm that cancer is characterized by malfunctions in cells’ bioelectrical circuitry. This yields opportunities for bioelectronic medicine as novel treatments for cancer by manipulating its bioelectrical properties. To highlight the possibilities a bioelectrical approach can offer cancer therapy, the relevance of bioelectrical activity in cancer is reviewed and also how such activity can be hijacked in novel treatments. This includes sensing or measuring the electrical activity of cells for diagnostic and prognostic applications, controlling or altering bioelectricity including both ionic and faradaic current processes, and eliciting morphological changes using electric fields. Importantly, key links between cellular ionic and faradaic processes that contribute to cancer phenotypes are presented, which if considered and understood as a whole, can bring broad‐reaching improvements to cancer therapy.
Comparison of self‐expandable metallic stent placement followed by laparoscopic resection and elective laparoscopic surgery without stent placement for left‐sided colon cancer
Authors: Ueki Tomoyuki , Miyake Toru , Kojima Masatsugu , Kaida Sachiko , Iida Hiroya , Shimizu Tomoharu , Tani Masaji
Published: January 2021

Aim

Self‐expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement for obstructive colon cancer is widely performed as a bridge to surgery (BTS) procedure before resection. This study aimed to investigate the surgical and oncological results of laparoscopic elective surgery with or without SEMS placement to assess the efficacy of SEMS placement as a BTS.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients with stage II, III, and IV left‐sided colon cancer who underwent elective laparoscopic resection between 2013 and 2019. All patients were divided into two groups: with and without SEMS placement.

Results

The SEMS group included 24 patients, whereas the non‐SEMS group included 86 patients. The serum hemoglobin and albumin levels were lower (P = .049, P = .03), and the serum leukocyte and C‐reactive protein levels were higher (P < .0001, P = .022) in the SEMS group. The tumor diameter and tumor circumferential rate were higher in the SEMS group (both P < .0001). No significant differences were observed in operation time, blood loss, postoperative complications, or postoperative hospital stay. After 1:1 propensity score matching, 15 patients in the SEMS group were compared with 15 patients in the non‐SEMS group. The 3‐year overall survival rates of the SEMS and non‐SEMS groups were 87.5% and 88.9%, respectively (P = .97). The 3‐year recurrence‐free survival rates of the SEMS and non‐SEMS groups were 58.2% and 81.7%, respectively (P = .233). No significant difference was found in the sites of recurrence.

Conclusion

The perioperative and long‐term outcomes of SEMS placement as a BTS before laparoscopic resection could be acceptable compared with other elective laparoscopic operations without SEMS placement.
Supramolecular control over thermo‐responsive systems with lower critical solution temperature behavior
Authors: Zhang Qiao , Dong Shengyi , Zhang Mingming , Huang Feihe
Published: January 2021

Lower critical solution temperature (LCST) is the critical temperature below which the solution is miscible for all compositions and above which the solution becomes a suspension. The study of LCST properties has become a central research topic due to its profound impact on the applications of stimuli‐responsive materials. Inspired by the marriage between materials science and supramolecular chemistry, the introduction of supramolecular pairs and interactions into polymeric LCST systems is increasingly practiced. Especially, supramolecular interactions provide precise control over LCST behavior in both water and organic solvents. Furthermore, supramolecular interactions not only control or adjust LCST behavior (supramolecular interaction controlled LCST), but also induce LCST phase behavior in species lack of thermo‐sensitive properties (supramolecular interaction induced LCST). In this review, we summarize the applications of supramolecular interactions in LCST systems. By examining the relationship between supramolecular interactions and LCST changes, we further discuss the differences between supramolecular interaction controlled LCST and supramolecular interaction induced LCST. We hope this review will give our readers a snapshot on how the supramolecular interactions influence the LCST behavior in various systems, and benefit them with different applications.
Engineering inorganic lead halide perovskite deposition toward solar cells with efficiency approaching 20%
Authors: Qiu Fa‐Zheng , Li Ming‐Hua , Qi Jun‐Jie , Jiang Yan , Hu Jin‐Song
Published: January 2021

Inorganic perovskite materials have gained tremendous attention due to their superior chemical and thermal stability than organic‐inorganic hybrid perovskites. In the past years, substantial research efforts have been devoted to developing uniform and pin‐hole free inorganic perovskite films with high electronic quality. As a result, power conversion efficiency of inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has boosted to over 19%, which presents a promising potential for technology commercialization. Herein, we give a comprehensive review of the recent progress on state‐of‐the‐art inorganic cesium lead halide based PSCs, particularly on the perovskite deposition approaches. We show a clear roadmap to fabricate high electronic quality inorganic perovskite films by tuning the precursor crystallization kinetics, performing post‐deposition treatments, and passivating surface/interface defects. Inorganic perovskite films prepared by these approaches exhibit not only high crystallinity, favorable morphology, and low trap densities but also improved phase stability. The advanced deposition approaches lay the foundation for further improving the performance and long‐term operational stability of inorganic perovskite photovoltaics.
Temporal consistency and ecological validity of personality structure in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus): A unifying field and laboratory approach
Authors: Šlipogor Vedrana , Massen Jorg J. M. , Schiel Nicola , Souto Antonio , Bugnyar Thomas
Published: January 2021

Personality in animals has been extensively researched in recent decades. Temporal consistency of behaviors is almost always part of the personality definition and is usually explored in several different testing sessions or observation periods. However, it is still unclear whether the obtained personality constructs are stable across several years, which might be especially important for long‐living animals, such as primates. Further, little is known on whether the personality structures obtained in the laboratory reflect the structures obtained under ecologically relevant conditions in the wild. Therefore, we conducted a battery of personality tests on common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) (N = 27), compared it with a test battery conducted 4 years beforehand on a subset of animals in captivity (N = 13) and ran an adapted version under field conditions at Baracuhy Biological Field Station, Brazil (N = 18). Under captive conditions, we found a remarkably similar personality structure across 4 testing years. Further, we found high long‐term temporal consistency in the first two personality components, Boldness and Exploration; however, monkeys that changed their social (i.e., breeding) status between the two testing periods showed a significant increase in Boldness scores. Under field conditions, we found a somewhat similar personality structure as compared to the laboratory, which to some extent corroborates ecological validity of our personality test design. Nevertheless, whether the structure in the wild is suppressed or expanded in comparison to captivity, and in which way the social setting influences personality structure, should be further explored. Taken together, our results contribute to the discussion about the reliability and ecological validity of personality structures in nonhuman primates.
Enzyme‐Inspired Iron Porphyrins for Improved Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction and Evolution Reactions
Authors: Xie Lisi , Zhang Xue‐Peng , Zhao Bin , Li Ping , Qi Jing , Guo Xinai , Wang Bin , Lei Haitao , Zhang Wei , Apfel Ulf‐Peter , Cao Rui
Published: January 2021

Nature uses Fe porphyrin sites for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Synthetic Fe porphyrins have been extensively studied as ORR catalysts, but activity improvement is required. On the other hand, Fe porphyrins have been rarely shown to be efficient for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). We herein report an enzyme‐inspired Fe porphyrin 1 as an efficient catalyst for both ORR and OER. Complex 1, which bears a tethered imidazole for Fe binding, beats imidazole‐free analogue 2, with an anodic shift of ORR half‐wave potential by 160 mV and a decrease of OER overpotential by 150 mV to get the benchmark current density at 10 mA cm−2. Theoretical studies suggested that hydroxide attack to a formal FeV=O form the O−O bond. The axial imidazole can prevent the formation of trans HO‐FeV=O, which is less effective to form O−O bond with hydroxide. As a practical demonstration, we assembled rechargeable Zn‐air battery with 1, which shows equal performance to that with Pt/Ir‐based materials.
Combined effect of cassava starch nanoparticles and protein isolate in properties of starch‐based nanocomposite films
Authors: de Almeida Fabiane Cerqueira , de Souza Carolina Oliveira , Philadelpho Biane Oliveira , França Lemos Paulo Vitor , Cardoso Lucas Guimarães , Santana Jamille Santos , Alves da Silva Jania Betania , Cruz Correia Paulo Romano , Camilloto Geany Peruch , de Souza Ferreira Ederlan , Druzian Janice Izabel
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of incorporation of cowpea protein isolate and cassava starch nanoparticles obtained by ultrasound on the properties of cassava starch:glycerol films. The cowpea bean protein isolate was successfully obtained with 72.5% of protein and solubility about 90%. The cassava starch nanoparticles yielded 97.85%. Increasing protein isolate concentration in starch:glycerol films resulted in a progressive reduction of water vapor permeability up to 27.0%. The cassava starch nanoparticles added films presented expressive increments in tensile strength (283.83%) as well as modulus of elasticity (204.31%), accompanied by decreasing in elongation at break (24.28%). The thermal stabilities of cassava starch films were affected by the addition of both protein isolate and cassava starch nanoparticles. The cassava starch nanoparticles obtained by ultrasound ensured the maintenance of film properties, optimizing the production time, with a higher yield, and without the need for chemical reagents. Thus, it could be useful for substitution of those obtained by acid hydrolysis. Therefore, giving rise to a trend of production of nanocomposite films suitable for reinforced packaging applications.
Effect of particle size on flame retardancy and mechanical properties of hydroxyethyl diphosphate modified aluminum hydroxide intrinsic polyethylene terephthalate
Authors: Shi Jianping , Zeng Wei , Yang Zhiwang , Li Ju , Zhao Pufang , Li Hongtao , Yan Xingxing , Wen Na , Lei Ziqiang , Chen Denglong , Guan Jie
Published: January 2021

Organic–inorganic hybrid flame retardant was obtained by modifying aluminum hydroxide with different particle size with 1‐hydroxyethylidene‐1,1‐diphosphonic acid. The structure of the organic–inorganic hybrid flame retardant is characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy, while 1H‐NMR spectroscopy only characterizes specific samples. The thermal stability and flame retardancy of the samples were analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis, limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical combustion of UL‐94 and cone calorimeter. The results show that the modified 10 μm aluminum hydroxide has a better effect than the 25 μm aluminum hydroxide and 100 nm aluminum hydroxide. Compared with pure polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the LOI value of the best sample is increased by 24.4%, and UL‐94 V reaches V‐0 level. Heat release rate, total heat release rate, and carbon monoxide production rate decreased by 45.8%, 33.2%, and 41.5%, respectively, compared to pure PET. The results showed that the aluminum hydroxide with a particle size of 10 μm exhibited the best flame retardant effect, which could be attributed to the decomposition of organic phosphoric acid and the dehydration of aluminum hydroxide, yielding a higher amount of residual carbon.
Inflammasome Activation in Ankylosing Spondylitis Is Associated With Gut Dysbiosis
Authors: Guggino Giuliana , Mauro Daniele , Rizzo Aroldo , Alessandro Riccardo , Raimondo Stefania , Bergot Anne‐Sophie , Rahman M. Arifur , Ellis Jonathan J. , Milling Simon , Lories Rik , Elewaut Dirk , Brown Matthew A. , Thomas Ranjeny , Ciccia Francesco
Published: January 2021

Objective

We undertook this study to evaluate the activation and functional relevance of inflammasome pathways in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients and rodent models and their relationship to dysbiosis.

Methods

An inflammasome pathway was evaluated in the gut and peripheral blood from 40 AS patients using quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC), flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy, and was compared to that of 20 healthy controls and 10 patients with Crohn’s disease. Bacteria was visualized using silver stain in human samples, and antibiotics were administered to HLA–B27–transgenic rats. The NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 was administered to SKG mice, and ileal and joint tissues were assessed by IHC analysis and real‐time qRT‐PCR. The role of inflammasome in modulating the interleukin‐23 (IL‐23)/IL‐17 axis was studied ex vivo.

Results

Expression levels of Nlrp3, Nlrc4, and Aim2 were increased in the gut of HLA–B27–transgenic rats and reduced by antibiotic treatment (P < 0.05). In curdlan‐treated SKG mice, NLRP3 blockade prevented ileitis and delayed arthritis onset (P < 0.05). Compared to healthy controls, AS patients demonstrated overexpression of NLRP3 (fold induction 2.33 versus 22.2; P < 0.001), NLRC4 (fold induction 1.90 versus 6.47; P < 0.001), AIM2 (fold induction 2.40 versus 20.8; P < 0.001), CASP1 (fold induction 2.53 versus 24.8; P < 0.001), IL1B (fold induction 1.07 versus 10.93; P < 0.001), and IL18 (fold induction 2.56 versus 15.67; P < 0.001) in the ileum, and caspase 1 activity was increased (P < 0.01). The score of adherent and invasive mucosa‐associated bacteria was higher in AS (P < 0.01) and correlated with the expression of inflammasome components in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (P < 0.001). NLRP3 expression was associated with disease activity (the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score using the C‐reactive protein level) (r2 = 0.28, P < 0.01) and with IL23A expression (r2 = 0.34, P < 0.001). In vitro, inflammasome activation in AS monocytes was paralleled by increased serum levels of IL‐1β and IL‐18. Induction of IL23A, IL17A, and IL22 was IL‐1β–dependent.

Conclusion

Inflammasome activation occurs in rodent models of AS and in AS patients, is associated with dysbiosis, and is involved in triggering ileitis in SKG mice. Inflammasomes drive type III cytokine production with an IL‐1β–dependent mechanism in AS patients.
Recruit With Diversity and Inclusion in Mind
Authors: Mulki Sapna , Stone‐Sabali Steven
Published: January 2021

Key Takeaways

A diverse workforce is important because it increases productivity and engagement and creates an organization that better represents the community it serves.

During the hiring process, understand the value of word choice, disseminate job postings to underrepresented communities, and assess potential areas of bias.

The interview process should emphasize the value that a candidate can add to an organization and not how a candidate would be a good cultural fit.

To recruit a diverse workforce, ensure that all qualified candidates will feel welcomed to apply for a job opening and have a clear understanding of all job expectations.
Probability Management for Water Finance and Resource Managers
Authors: Chesnutt Thomas W. , Hollis Michael , Mitchell David L. , Kavanagh Shayne , Pekelney David M. , Putt Brian , Savage Sam
Published: January 2021

Key Takeaways

From determining future water demands to setting rates, it's a given that most planning related to water requires managers to deal with uncertainties.

If uncertainties are understood more clearly, then stakeholders buy in to resulting decisions more readily.

Probability management provides principles, methods, standards, and tools to reduce the cost of confronting uncertainty when making decisions.
The effects of NONRATT008453.2 on autophagy in genital tubercle fibroblasts of rats with hypospadias induced by dibutyl phthalate
Authors: Feng Xiao , Huang Enfu , Gao Yuanyuan , Zhang Ya , Zhou Yun
Published: January 2021

Background

Hypospadias is a common birth defect that might be caused by inadequate fusion of the urethral folds in the process of male external genital development. We intended to discover the crucial long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulating autophagy from the gene expression profile of the genital tubercle (GT) of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) induced hypospadiac rats.

Methods

Whole transcriptome resequencing was used to determine the expression of the total RNA in GTs and cultured fibroblasts obtained from GTs of DBP‐induced hypospadiac male rat fetuses. Autophagosomes and autolysosomes were examined under a transmission electron microscope after overexpression of lncRNA NONRATT008453.2 in the fibroblasts by adenovirus transfection. Finally, the protein expression levels of Atg5, Beclin‐1, Atg7, and the LC3A/B‐II:LC3A/B‐I ratio were detected in the fibroblasts by western blotting.

Results

NONRATT008453.2 suppressed autophagy by promoting the expression of Atg7, but inhibited the expressions of Atg5, Beclin‐1, and the LC3A/B‐II:LC3A/B‐I ratio in the GT fibroblasts.

Conclusions

NONRATT008453.2 may have an influence on autophagy in the fibroblasts of the GT in DBP‐induced hypospadiac rats.
Effect of Functional Groups on the I2 Sorption Kinetics of Isostructural Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Lee Byeongchan , Park Jinhee
Published: January 2021

In this work, the effect of functional groups on I2 sorption kinetics is investigated using two different types of isostructural metal‐organic frameworks, UiO‐66‐X series (X = H, Br, NO2, NH2, (OH)2, and (COOH)2) and M2(m‐DOBDC) series, (M = Co2+, Mg2+, and Ni2+; m‐DOBDC4− = 4,6‐dioxo‐1,3‐benzenedicarboxylate). Among the UiO‐66‐X series, UiO‐66‐(COOH)2 exhibits the fastest sorption kinetics and the highest sorption capacity due to dipole‐induced dipole interactions between carboxylic acid groups and I2 molecules. In addition, faster I2 chemisorption is observed in M2(m‐DOBDC) because of electrophilic aromatic substitution of m‐DOBDC4− with I2. The I2 sorption mechanisms are further supported by fitting the I2 adsorption kinetics data to pseudo‐first‐order and pseudo‐second‐order kinetic models.
Hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity assessment on ethanol extract of Fructus Psoraleae in Sprague Dawley rats using a UPLC–Q‐TOF–MS analysis of serum metabolomics
Authors: Xu Longlong , Tang Xianglin , Hao Feiran , Gao Yue
Published: January 2021

Fructus Psoraleae (FP) is commonly used in the treatment of vitiligo, osteoporosis, and other diseases in clinic. As a result, the toxicity caused by FP is frequently encountered in clinical practice; however, the underlying toxicity mechanism remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the toxic effect of the ethanol extract of FP (EEFP) in rats and to explore the underlying toxic mechanisms using a metabolomics approach. The toxicity was evaluated by hematological indicators, biochemical indicators, and histological changes. In addition, a serum metabolomic method based on ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight MS (UPLC–Q‐TOF–MS) had been established to investigate the hepatorenal toxicity of FP. Multivariate statistical approaches, such as partial least squares discriminant analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis, were built to evaluate the toxic effects of FP and find potential biomarkers and metabolic pathways. Ten endogenous metabolites had been identified and the related metabolic pathways were involved in phospholipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, purine metabolism, and antioxidant system activities. The results showed that long‐term exposure to high‐dose EEFP may cause hepatorenal toxicity in rats. Therefore, serum metabolomics can improve the diagnostic efficiency of FP toxicity and make it more accurate and comprehensive.
Structure and binding ability of self‐assembled α‐lactalbumin protein nanotubular gels
Authors: Tarhan Özgür , Hamaker Bruce R. , Campanella Osvaldo H.
Published: January 2021

Partial hydrolysis of whey‐based α‐lactalbumin (α‐La) with Bacillus licheniformis protease (BLP) induces the formation of nanotubular structures in the presence of calcium ions by a self‐assembly process. α‐La nanotubes (α‐LaNTs) exist in the form of regular hollow strands with well‐defined average dimensions. The growth of nanotubes induces the formation of stiff transparent protein gels due to the well‐arranged networks that the strands can form; these gels can be used for entrapment, transportation, and target delivery of bioactive agents in the industry. High purity of α‐La (free of other whey protein fractions) is desirable for nanotube formation; however, pure proteins are very expensive and not practically obtained for industrial applications. Thus, the purpose of this research was to construct α‐LaNTs from an α‐La preparation with lower purity and to study the gelation phenomena triggered by the self‐assembled nanotubes. Some structural features of nanotube gels and their active agent‐binding abilities were also investigated. A lower amount of α‐LaNTs was observed when low purity α‐La was used for nanotube formation. Nanotube growth induced gel formation and higher gel stiffness was obtained when compared to α‐La hydrolysates. α‐La was denatured after hydrolysis and self‐assembly, and remarkable changes were observed in the α‐helix and β‐sheet domains of α‐La structure. Increased intensity in Amide I and II regions indicated potential locations for binding of active agents to α‐LaNTs. Whey‐based α‐La without much purification can be used to produce nanotubular gels and these gels can be considered carrying matrices for active agents in various industrial applications.
Anatomical location of the spinothalamic tract in the subcortical white matter in the human brain: A diffusion tensor imaging study
Authors: Jang Sung Ho , Seo Jeong Pyo
Published: January 2021

Introduction

We investigated the anatomical location of the spinothalamic tract and its thalamocortical pathway (STT) in the subcortical white matter in normal subjects, using diffusion tensor tractography (DTT).

Materials and Methods

The STT was reconstructed using FMRIB software in 40 normal subjects. The most probable locations of the STT were defined as the location on an axial slice of the centrum semiovale (CS), corona radiata (CR), and posterior limb of the internal capsule (PL).

Results

The STT was located at an average of 62.66% in the anterior to posterior direction along a horizontal line that passed between the anterior and posterior ends of the brain, and an average of 36.29% lateral from the midline in the CS. In the CR, the STT was located at an average of 79.60% in the anterior to posterior direction along the aforementioned horizontal line, and an average of 36.36% lateral from the midline. In the PL, the STT was located at an average of 83.58% in the anterior to posterior direction along a horizontal line that passed the middle point at the genu of the internal capsule and the posterior endpoint of the putamen, and an average of 69.69% lateral from the midline to the lateral end of the putamen.

Conclusions

We found the precise anatomical location of the STT in the subcortical white matter in the human brain using DTT. We believe that the results of this study will be helpful to clinicians in the neuroscience field.
Systematic review of phase‐I/II trials enrolling refractory and recurrent Ewing sarcoma: Actual knowledge and future directions to optimize the research
Authors: Felix Arthur , Berlanga Pablo , Toulmonde Maud , Landman‐Parker Judith , Dumont Sarah , Vassal Gilles , Le Deley Marie‐Cécile , Gaspar Nathalie
Published: January 2021

Background

Optimal Phase‐II design to evaluate new therapies in refractory/relapsed Ewing sarcomas (ES) remains imperfectly defined.

Objectives

Recurrent/refractory ES phase‐I/II trials analysis to improve trials design.

Methods

Comprehensive review of therapeutic trials registered on five databases (who.int/trialsearch, clinicaltrials.gov, clinicaltrialsregister.eu, e‐cancer.fr, and umin.ac.jp) and/or published in PubMed/ASCO/ESMO websites, between 2005 and 2018, using the criterion: (Ewing sarcoma OR bone sarcoma OR sarcoma) AND (Phase‐I or Phase‐II).

Results

The 146 trials identified (77 phase‐I/II, 67 phase‐II, and 2 phase‐II/III) tested targeted (34%), chemo‐ (23%), immune therapies (19%), or combined therapies (24%). Twenty‐three trials were ES specific and 48 had a specific ES stratum. Usually multicentric (88%), few trials were international (30%). Inclusion criteria cover the recurrent ES age range for only 12% of trials and allowed only accrual of measurable diseases (RECIST criteria). Single‐arm design was the most frequent (88%) testing mainly single drugs (61%), only 5% were randomized. Primary efficacy outcome was response rate (RR=CR+PR; Complete+Partial response) (n = 116/146; 79%), rarely progression‐free or overall survival (16% PFS and 3% OS). H0 and H1 hypotheses were variable (3%–25% and 20%–50%, respectively). The 62 published trials enrolled 827 ES patients. RR was poor (10%; 15 CR=1.7%, 68 PR=8.3%). Stable disease was the best response for 186 patients (25%). Median PFS/OS was of 1.9 (range 1.3–14.7) and 7.6 months (5–30), respectively. Eleven (18%) published trials were considered positive, with median RR/PFS/OS of 15% (7%–30%), 4.5 (1.3–10), and 16.6 months (6.9–30), respectively.

Conclusion

This review supports the need to develop the international randomized phase‐II trials across all age ranges with PFS as primary endpoint.
Smoking cessation and shared decision‐making practices about lung cancer screening among primary care providers
Authors: Lopez‐Olivo Maria A. , Minnix Jennifer A. , Fox James G. , Nishi Shawn P. E. , Lowenstein Lisa M. , Maki Kristin G. , Leal Viola B. , Tina Shih Ya‐Chen , Cinciripini Paul M. , Volk Robert J.
Published: January 2021

Objective

We describe primary care providers’ current practice patterns related to smoking cessation counseling and lung cancer screening (LCS).

Methods

Family, internal medicine, and pulmonary medicine providers from two medical centers were asked to complete an electronic survey to report their practice patterns.

Results

Of 52 participating providers, most reported initiating three major components of a smoking cessation intervention often or very often: advise to quit (50, 96%), assess willingness to quit (47, 90%), and assist with counseling or pharmacotherapy (49, 94%). However, other components were less commonly initiated such as arranging follow‐ups (only 11 providers indicated recommending them often or very often, 21%) and less than half of providers reported that they often or very often recommend cessation counseling or pharmacotherapy of any type (except varenicline), though family medicine providers were more likely to recommend pharmacotherapy compared to the other specialists (p < 0.01). The majority of providers (47, 92%) reported that they engage in informed/shared decision‐making about LCS, although only about one‐third (17, 33%) indicated using a patient decision aid. Pulmonary medicine providers were more likely to use decision aids than providers from internal or family medicine (p < 0.04).

Conclusions

Within the context of LCS, primary care providers report often having conversations about smoking cessation with their patients who smoke, have no clear preference for type of treatment, and rarely use follow‐up calls or visits pertaining to quitting smoking. While many providers report engaging in shared decision‐making about LCS, few use a decision aid for this conversation.
Simplifying the definition of the fully functioning person for client use
Authors: Renger Susan , Macaskill Ann
Published: January 2021

This study seeks clarity on the definition of the ‘fully functioning’ individual to enable clients to define their own therapeutic aims in humanistic therapy. The definition and use of therapeutic aims or goals is not common in humanistic therapy. However, the potential for utilising goal setting is discussed in the context of Rogers’ ideas on self‐directed learning, which could be applied to humanistic therapy. A simple description of Rogers’ notion of a fully functioning person would give the client a start point from which to define their own hopes for emotional growth, which could then engage goal‐directed behaviour. As a result, humanistic therapy may be more efficient as clients focus their processing towards specified outcomes. Further, a clear sense of personal direction and self‐efficacy may enable clients to manage their own therapeutic development on a self‐therapy basis.

Initially, a literature review was undertaken to collate existing descriptions of a fully functioning person or ideal humanistic outcomes. These were condensed into a list of items, which were then distributed to 35 therapists for ratification through a Delphi study. Group consensus was reached, and the resulting list was then simplified so that it could be easily understood by a sample of the general public. The final outcome was a list of 71 items describing a fully functioning individual in simple terms.
Chemical Synthesis and Biological Applications of O‐GlcNAcylated Peptides and Proteins
Authors: Groenevelt Jessica M. , Corey Daniel J. , Fehl Charlie
Published: January 2021

All human cells use O‐GlcNAc protein modifications (O‐linked N‐acetylglucosamine) to rapidly adapt to changing nutrient and stress conditions through signaling, epigenetic, and proteostasis mechanisms. A key challenge for biologists in defining precise roles for specific O‐GlcNAc sites is synthetic access to homogenous isoforms of O‐GlcNAc proteins, a result of the non‐genetically templated, transient, and heterogeneous nature of O‐GlcNAc modifications. Toward a solution, this review details the state of the art of two strategies for O‐GlcNAc protein modification: advances in “bottom‐up” O‐GlcNAc peptide synthesis and direct “top‐down” installation of O‐GlcNAc on full proteins. We also describe key applications of synthetic O‐GlcNAc peptide and protein tools as therapeutics, biophysical structure–function studies, biomarkers, and as disease mechanistic probes to advance translational O‐GlcNAc biology.
The contribution of particle‐size distribution to the physiochemical properties of total wheat starch during freezing
Authors: Yang Zixuan , Xu Dan , Guo Lunan , Zhou Hongling , Wu Fengfeng , Xu Xueming
Published: January 2021

Background and objectives

The fractionation and reconstitution methods were used to investigate the effects of freezing only large granules or small granules on the corresponding reconstituted total wheat starch. Reconstituted total wheat starch was evaluated for physicochemical properties.

Findings

Results showed that frozen small granules have more significant effect on the short‐range order and gel hardness of frozen total wheat starch. In contrast, large granules are the primary granules that determine the crystallinity, swelling power, and pasting profiles of total wheat starch during freezing. There were synergetic interactions between large and small granules in terms of enthalpy increment of total wheat starch.

Conclusions

The contribution of large granules on the total wheat starch gel was more on viscosity, while the contribution of small granules was more on elasticity.

Significance and novelty

Starch characteristics and properties among the two types of granules are further anticipated to aid explanation of the changes in total wheat starch during frozen storage.
Specific Ion–Protein Interactions Influence Bacterial Ice Nucleation
Authors: Schwidetzky Ralph , Lukas Max , YazdanYar Azade , Kunert Anna T. , Pöschl Ulrich , Domke Katrin F. , Fröhlich‐Nowoisky Janine , Bonn Mischa , Koop Thomas , Nagata Yuki , Meister Konrad
Published: January 2021

Ice nucleation‐active bacteria are the most efficient ice nucleators known, enabling the crystallization of water at temperatures close to 0 °C, thereby overcoming the kinetically hindered phase transition process at these conditions. Using highly specialized ice‐nucleating proteins (INPs), they can cause frost damage to plants and influence the formation of clouds and precipitation in the atmosphere. In nature, the bacteria are usually found in aqueous environments containing ions. The impact of ions on bacterial ice nucleation efficiency, however, has remained elusive. Here, we demonstrate that ions can profoundly influence the efficiency of bacterial ice nucleators in a manner that follows the Hofmeister series. Weakly hydrated ions inhibit bacterial ice nucleation whereas strongly hydrated ions apparently facilitate ice nucleation. Surface‐specific sum‐frequency generation spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the different effects are due to specific interactions of the ions with the INPs on the surface of the bacteria. Our results demonstrate that heterogeneous ice nucleation facilitated by bacteria strongly depends upon the nature of the ions, and specific ion–protein interactions are essential for the complete description of heterogeneous ice nucleation by bacteria.
Explorative Study for Participating and Use‐Inspired Research in Chemical Education
Authors: Gökkus Yasemin , Tausch Michael W.
Published: January 2021

Diese explorative Studie ist nach dem Prinzip der nutzenorientierten Grundlagenforschung konzipiert und wurde unter Beteiligung von ca. 1000 Lehrenden und Lernenden aus Gymnasien und Universitäten durchgeführt. Die inhaltlichen Schwerpunkte der 84 an 18 Gymnasien durchgeführten Schulstunden fokussieren den Zusammenhang Licht und Farbe sowie die Energiekonversion und ‐speicherung mit Lichtbeteiligung. Die erhobenen und statistisch ausgewerteten Daten dokumentieren eine starke Korrelation zwischen Lernertrag und Identifikation mit photochemischen Inhalten sowie eine überaus bedeutend eingeschätzte Zukunftsrelevanz der Energieform Licht im Chemieunterricht und im Lehramtsstudium.
Conformational Landscape, Chirality Recognition and Chiral Analyses: Rotational Spectroscopy of Tetrahydro‐2‐Furoic Acid⋅⋅⋅Propylene Oxide Conformers
Authors: Xie Fan , Seifert Nathan A. , Hazrah Arsh S. , Jäger Wolfgang , Xu Yunjie
Published: January 2021

A chiral adduct formed between a chiral carboxylic acid, tetrahydro‐2‐furoic acid (THFA), and a chiral ester, propylene oxide (PO), was investigated using rotational spectroscopy and DFT calculations. Isolated THFA exists dominantly as three different conformers: I, II, and III in a jet, with I and II taking on the trans‐COOH configuration and III having the cis‐COOH configuration. We utilized CREST, a conformational ensemble space exploration tool, to identify the possible conformations of the binary adduct, THFA⋅⋅⋅PO. Subsequent DFT geometry optimizations predicted about two hundred homochiral and heterochiral binary structures with 28 low energy structures within an energy window of 15 kJ mol−1. A rich broadband rotational spectrum was obtained with a mixture of trace amounts of THFA+PO in neon in a supersonic jet expansion. Six THFA⋅⋅⋅PO conformers were identified experimentally. Kinetically favored binary products which contain trans‐COOH I dominate among the observed conformers, while thermodynamically more stable adducts were also detected. Detailed analyses of the structures of the observed conformers show interesting chirality‐controlled structural preferences. Such non‐covalently bound chiral contact pairs are the foundation of chiral‐tag rotational spectroscopy, an exciting new analytical application of rotational spectroscopy for determination of enantiomeric excess. Enantiomeric excess analyses were performed and the results are discussed.
It Takes Three to Tango: The Length of the Oligothiophene Chain Determines the Nature of the Long‐Lived Excited State and the Resulting Photocytotoxicity of a Ruthenium(II) Photodrug
Authors: Chettri Avinash , Roque John A. , Schneider Kilian R. A. , Cole Houston D. , Cameron Colin G. , McFarland Sherri A. , Dietzek Benjamin
Published: January 2021

TLD1433 is the first Ru(II) complex to be tested as a photodynamic therapy agent in a clinical trial. In this contribution we study TLD1433 in the context of structurally‐related Ru(II)‐imidozo[4,5‐f][1,10]phenanthroline (ip) complexes appended with thiophene rings to decipher the unique photophysical properties which are associated with increasing oligothiophene chain length. Substitution of the ip ligand with ter‐ or quaterthiophene changes the nature of the long‐lived triplet state from metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer to 3ππ* character. The addition of the third thiophene thus presents a critical juncture which not only determines the photophysics of the complex but most importantly its capacity for 1O2 generation and hence the potential of the complex to be used as a photocytotoxic agent.
Recent Development of Mn‐based Oxides as Zinc‐Ion Battery Cathode
Authors: Shi Wen , Lee Wee Siang Vincent , Xue Junmin
Published: January 2021

Manganese‐based oxide is arguably one of the most well‐studied cathode materials for zinc‐ion battery (ZIB) due to its wide oxidation states, cost‐effectiveness, and matured synthesis process. As a result, there are numerous reports that show significant strides in the progress of Mn‐based oxides as ZIB cathode. However, ironically, due to the sheer number of Mn‐based oxides that have been published in recent years, there remain certain contemplations with regards to the electrochemical performance of each type of Mn‐based oxides and their performance comparison among various Mn polymorphs and oxidation states. Thus, to provide a clearer indication of the development of Mn‐based oxides, the recent progress in Mn‐based oxides as ZIB cathode was summarized systematically in this Review. More specifically, (1) the classification of Mn‐based oxides based on the oxidation states (i. e., MnO2, Mn3O4, Mn2O3, and MnO), (2) their respective polymorphs (i. e., α‐MnO2 and δ‐MnO2) as ZIB cathode, (3) the modification strategies commonly employed to enhance the performance, and (4) the effects of these modification strategies on the performance enhancement were reviewed. Lastly, perspectives and outlook of Mn‐based oxides as ZIB cathode were discussed at the end of this Review.
Choosing the Right Lignin to Fully Replace Bisphenol A in Epoxy Resin Formulation
Authors: Nikafshar Saeid , Wang Jiarun , Dunne Kevin , Sangthonganotai Prakit , Nejad Mojgan
Published: January 2021

Thirteen unmodified lignin samples from different biomass sources and isolation processes were characterized and used to entirely replace bisphenol A (BPA) in the formulation of solubilized epoxy resins using a developed novel method. The objective was to measure the reactivity of different lignins toward bio‐based epichlorohydrin (ECH). The epoxy contents of various bio‐based epoxidized lignins were measured by titration and 1H NMR spectroscopy methods. A partial least square regression (PLS‐R) model with 92 % fitting accuracy and 90 % prediction ability was developed to find correlations between lignin properties and their epoxy contents. The results showed that lignins with higher phenolic hydroxy content and lower molecular weights were more suitable for replacing 100 % of toxic BPA in the formulation of epoxy resins. Additionally, two epoxidized lignin samples (highest epoxy contents) cured by using a bio‐based hardener (Cardolite GX‐3090) were found to show comparable thermomechanical performances and thermal stabilities to a petroleum‐based (DGEBA) epoxy system.
Miniaturization: How many cells are needed to build a tooth?
Authors: Larionova Daria , Lesot Hervé , Huysseune Ann
Published: January 2021

Background

Organs that develop early in life, and are replaced by a larger version as the animal grows, often represent a miniature version of the adult organ. Teeth constituting the first functional dentition in small‐sized teleost fish, such as medaka (Oryzias latipes), are examples of such miniature organs. With a dentin cone as small as the size of one human cell, or even smaller, these teeth raise the question how many dentin‐producing cells (odontoblasts) are required to build such a tooth, and whether this number can be as little as one.

Results

Based on detailed observations with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and TEM‐based 3D‐reconstructions, we show that only one mesenchymal cell qualifies as a true odontoblast. A second mesenchymal cell potentially participates in dentin formation, but only at a late stage of tooth development. Moreover, the fate of these cells appears to be specified very early during tooth development.

Conclusions

Our observations indicate that in this system, one single odontoblast fulfills roles normally exerted by a large and communicating cell population. First‐generation teeth in medaka thus provide an exciting model to study integration of multiple functions into a single cell.