bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reﬂections on Intergenerational Trauma: Healing as a Critical Intervention
Authors: Quinn Ashley
Published: June 2020

The high numbers of Aboriginal children placed in provincial and territorial care demonstrates the need for effective interventions that directly address the legacy of trauma from colonialization. This paper argues that healing is a critical component of any intervention seeking to help Aboriginal Peoples and their children. Research on healing and recent government initiatives and legislation directed at preserving traditional Aboriginal healing practices are discussed. This article concludes with recommendations for various community members involved in the healing of Aboriginal Peoples.
Intercultural Communications and Conductive Hearing Loss
Authors: Howard Damien
Published: June 2020

Widespread conductive hearing loss among Aboriginal peoples in ﬁrst world nations has a signiﬁcant, although largely invisible impact on intercultural communication. Poor acoustics and cultural differences in communication styles compound the effect of widespread hearing loss among Aboriginal peoples. This article considers Australian research that has investigated how conductive hearing loss can impact on intercultural communication in schools and in the criminal justice system, as well as communication processes within Aboriginal families. An understanding of these issues can facilitate the development of innovative interventions that can help address Aboriginal disadvantage, especially within mainstream institutions.
The Impact of Poverty on First Nations Mothers Attending a Parenting Program
Authors: Harris Barbara , Russell Mary , Gockel Annemarie
Published: June 2020

Urban Aboriginal mothers’ experiences with Family Preservation Services indicate that while such interventions ameliorate the challenges they face, poverty is not adequately addressed. Prominent are the importance of prevention; attention to process; cultural context; and attention to actual needs, however, First Nations mothers (a) feel lucky when they get things they need, (b) feel ‘inadequate’ about the inability to manage ﬁnances, and, (c) perceive the lack of support in meeting needs to be a result of racism. As well, poverty often leads to forced compromises which can perpetuate risk of coming to the attention of child welfare.
Detoxifying the Child and Family Welfare System for Australian Indigenous Peoples: Self-determination, Rights and Culture as the Critical Tools
Authors: Bamblett Muriel , Lewis Peter
Published: June 2020

The toxic environment that is colonized Australia has broken many of the traditional circles of care for Indigenous children and created a service system which waits for Indigenous families to become dysfunctional before there is any response. The Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) encourages an approach to Indigenous children and families which is culturally respectful, culturally appropriate and framed according to the need to respect self-determination and human rights. VACCA has developed early childhood and family welfare policies which identify how cultural-strengthening works as a preventative measure to address risk factors for Indigenous children. With the ongoing reforms to Child and Family Welfare arising from the Children, Youth and Families Act, the Victoria State Government in Australia has an historic opportunity to lead the nation in creating an Indigenous-led child and family service system which focuses on issues of prevention and early intervention. The new Act prioritizes cultural and community connection in the best interest principles for Indigenous children, recognizes self-determination and requires generalist children’s welfare services to be culturally competent. The only way to ensure that every Indigenous child is effectively cared for is by developing the capacity of Indigenous communities to look after their own by strengthening Indigenous organizations and agencies. It is Indigenous agencies who are best placed to deliver innovative programs which are culturally embedded and carefully targeted to restore the circles of care for Indigenous kids. Aculturally competent service system is what is needed to ensure better outcomes for Indigenous children.
Domestic Sex Trafficking of Aboriginal Girls in Canada: Issues and Implications
Authors: Sethi Anupriya
Published: June 2020

The current discourses on human trafficking in Canada do not take into account domestic trafficking, especially of Aboriginal girls. Notwithstanding the alarmingly high number of missing, murdered and sexually exploited Aboriginal girls, the issue continues to be portrayed more as a problem of prostitution than of sexual exploitation or domestic trafficking. The focus of this study is to examine the issues in sexual exploitation of Aboriginal girls, as identified by the grass root agencies, and to contextualize them within the trafficking framework with the purpose of distinguishing sexual exploitation from sex work. In doing so, the paper will outline root causes that make Aboriginal girls vulnerable to domestic trafficking as well as draw implications for policy analysis.
The Effects of Self Harming Behaviours of Youth in Child Welfare Care
Authors: Cheung Connie , Goodman Deborah
Published: June 2020

This paper considers the clinical issue of self-harming behaviours, deﬁned as intentional self-injury that results in tissue damage. It is distinct from a suicide attempt, as self-harm does not occur within the context of a conscious wish to die. Self-harming behaviours among children and youth is a recent area of research. To date, studies indicate that in community samples, self-harming behaviours occur in as many as 35% of youth who are sampled (Gratz, 2001). Alarmingly, very little is known about self-harming behaviours among children and youth within the child protection system. This study, drawing from data gathered through a government-mandated reporting procedure of all children and youth in care,attempted to explore self-harming behaviours of children and youth in welfare care. While analyses did not focus explicitly on Aboriginal children and youth, it does consider differences in self-harming behaviours among minority and non-minority children and youth in care of the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto. Approximately half of all child welfare cases that go through the child protection system in Toronto fall under the responsibility of the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto. Although minority status was not signiﬁcantly related to the number of self-harming attempts or threats, results suggested that minority children and youth in care were less likely to use puncture-type behaviour (cutting, scratching, stabbing) as a means of serious self harm. Results suggest that although self- harm may be a universal phenomenon, culture may affect how children and youth in care engage in self-harming behaviours. Direction of future research should consider between-cultural effects and more importantly, how these culture-speciﬁc differences may impact on children and youth’s self-harming behaviours.
The Maltreatment and Adolescent Pathways (MAP) Project: Using Adolescent Child Protective Services Population-Based Research to Identify Research Questions
Authors: Wekerle Christine , Leung Eman , Wall Anne-Marie , MacMillan Harriet , Trocmé Nico , Boyle Michael
Published: June 2020

This article introduces readers to the Maltreatment and Adolescent Pathways (MAP) study. The MAP is a longitudinal study that follows active case ﬁles of mid-adolescents in a large urban child protective services (CPS) system. The MAP is a unique opportunity to collect information from teens about their physical health (e.g., sleep quality), mental health (e.g., posttraumatic stress disorder) and cognitive style (e.g., attention, memory). The MAP study samples the population of CPS teens on questions that are used in provincial teen surveys, allowing for points of comparison to non-CPS teens. The MAP tracks youth development over 2.5 years. Although the MAP currently has a very small number of Aboriginal teens, the responses of these teens may focus practitioner and researcher attention to priority areas for further research. This includes the investigation of how some research issues, such as maltreatment history, personal safety, relationship to primary CPS worker and suicidal ideation, may be cross-informative. It is known that teen risk behaviours cluster together, but it is important to understand the relationships among these variables. An understanding of these relationships can drive knowledge creation, as well as practice and policy change. Finally, the MAPstudy has succeeded given a successful collaborative partnership between hospital, university, and CPS partners who both strive to keep the youths’ best interests in the forefront.
Promising practice for maintaining identities in First Nation adoption
Authors: Carriere Jeannine
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this article is to explore the importance of identity in First Nation adoption. It is adapted from a PhD study completed by the author in 2005. The objectives of this study were: (1) describe how connectedness relates to health for First Nation adoptees, and (2) explore legislative, policy and program implications in the adoption of First Nation children. The ﬁndings suggest that, for First Nation adoptees, there is a causal relationship between connection to birth family, community and ancestral knowledge, adoption and health. The major ﬁnding is that loss of identity may contribute to impaired physical, spiritual, mental and emotional health for First Nation adoptees. This article provides suggestions on how identity can be preserved in First Nation adoption through programs, policies and practice.
Are rural American Indian adolescents becoming a race of angels?
Authors: Cournane John
Published: June 2020

This article discusses the importance of identity formation and the development in young Aboriginal persons as important in the early years of education. Education is an important anchor that would help ensure a reduction in adolescent suicides and improve ego development.
Same Country; Same Lands; 78 Countries Away
Authors: Blackstock Cindy
Published: June 2020

As the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (2003) noted, Aboriginal children face more discrimination and increased risk factors than other Canadian children. Their lived experiences are shaped by the policies of assimilation and colonization that aimed to eliminate Aboriginal cultures through repression of fundamental freedoms, denial of ownership and the operation of residential schools (RCAP, 1996; Milloy, 1999). First Nations child and family service agencies have expressed concern about the lack of resources available to support families in redressing the significant impacts of colonization. The voluntary sector provides a myriad of important social supports to Canadians off reserve and this research project sought to determine how accessible voluntary sector resources were for First Nations children, youth and families resident on reserve in British Columbia. Results of a provincial survey of First Nations child and family service agencies and child, youth and family voluntary sector organizations indicate very limited access to voluntary sector services. Possible rationales for this social exclusion are examined and recommendations for improvement are discussed.
Aboriginal Research: Berry Picking and Hunting in the 21st Century
Authors: Absolon Kathy , Willett Cam
Published: June 2020

In this article issues around research methodology specific to Aboriginal people will be discussed. A brief historical analysis lays a foundation for the need for unique research methodologies as it pertains to Aboriginal people both as researched and researcher. Contemporary critiques by Aboriginal writers and communities will be presented in relation to the limitations and effects of Euro-western research methods. Finally, the authors will discuss issues, possibilities and responsibilities around conducting research as Aboriginal researchers.
Aboriginal Social Work Education in Canada: Decolonizing Pedagogy for the Seventh Generation
Authors: Sinclair Raven
Published: June 2020

Aboriginal social work is a relatively new field in the human services, emerging out of the Aboriginal social movement of the 1970s and evolving in response to the need for social work that is sociologically relevant to Aboriginal people. Aboriginal social work education incorporates Aboriginal history and is premised upon traditional sacred epistemology in order to train both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal social workers who can understand and meet the needs of Aboriginal people. The deficiencies of contemporary cross-cultural approaches and anti-oppressive social work education are highlighted as a means to emphasize the importance of socialwork education premised upon relevant history and worldview. The values and responsibilities that derive from Aboriginal worldview as the foundation for Aboriginal social work education are discussed in terms of the tasks that are impliedfor the educator and student of Aboriginal social work. Such tasks include self-healing, decolonization, role modeling, developing critical consciousness, and social and political advocacy. Aboriginal social work education, a decolonizing pedagogy directed to mitigating and redressing the harm of colonization at the practice level, is a contemporary cultural imperative.
СРПСКИ ИСТОРИЈСКИ ЧАСОПИС I
Authors: Субић Радован
Published: June 2020

Стручна непрофитна организација Удружење историчара Републике Српске „Милорад Екмечић“ основана 2016. године као један од основних циљева поставила је унапријеђење научно-истраживачке дјелатности у области историјске науке у Републици Српској. Научно-истраживачки рад историчара по правилу јесте усамљенички посао али научни радник не може да се развија без прилике да постигнуте резултате објави и да на основу реакције стручне јавности даље унапријеђује свој рад и исправља евентуалне уочене недостатке.
Ginsenoside panaxatriol reverses TNBC paclitaxel resistance by inhibiting the IRAK1/NF-κB and ERK pathways
Authors: Wang Panpan , Song Dan , Wan Danhong , Li Lingyu , Mei Wenhui , Li Xiaoyun , Han Li , Zhu Xiaofeng , Yang Li , Cai Yu , Zhang Ronghua
Published: June 2020

Background

Paclitaxel (PTX) resistance is a major obstacle in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Previously, we have reported that interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) and its downstream pathways are associated with PTX resistance in TNBC cells. In this study, we sought to investigate the combination treatment of ginsenoside panaxatriol (GPT), one of the main active components in Panax ginseng, with PTX on viability and apoptosis of TNBC PTX resistant cells, and explore the role of IRAK1 mediated signaling pathways in the therapeutic effects.

Methods

CellTiter-Glo and colony formation assays were used to assess cell viability. Flow cytometry was used to analyze subG1 and apoptosis. Western blot was used to detect expressions of proteins involved in apoptosis and the IRAK1/NF-κB and ERK pathways. The mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines, S100A7/8/9 and cancer stem cell (CSC)-related genes were examined by qPCR. Stem cells were identified by tumor sphere assay. Cell invasion ability was examined by transwell assay.

Results

We show that GPT inhibits MDA-MB-231 PTX resistant (MB231-PR) cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. When combined with PTX, GPT synergistically causes more cell death, induces subG1 accumulation and cell apoptosis. Besides, up-regulation of BAX/BCL-2 ratio, and down-regulation of MCL-1 are also observed. Moreover, this combination inhibits IRAK1, NF-κB and ERK1/2 activation, and leads to down-regulation of inflammatory cytokines (IL6, IL8, CXCL1, CCL2), S100A7/9 and CSC-related genes (OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, ALDH1, CD44) expression. In addition, the combination treatment suppresses MB231-PR cell invasion ability, and impairs tumor sphere growth both in MB231-PR and SUM159 PTX resistant (SUM159-PR) cells.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that GPT can resensitize TNBC PTX resistant cells to PTX by inhibiting the IRAK1/NF-κB and ERK pathways and reducing stem cell characteristics.
The Dynamics of Electrochemicals and Microbial Populations during Anaerobic Treatment of Human Urine in Soil Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Stanley H. O. , Ugboma C. J.
Published: June 2020

The dynamics of electrochemicals and microbial populations during anaerobic treatment of human urine in soil microbial fuel cells (MFCs) were investigated. The experimental MFC was supplemented with daily urine input while the control MFC was without urine. During the treatment process, electrochemical and microbiological parameters in effluent of the urine-supplemented MFC were monitored using standard methods. The pH of the urine increased from 5.70 to 7.16 after 15 days of treatment in the urine supplemented MFC. The concentration of phosphorus, potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, total nitrogen and total organic carbon of the urine reduced from 0.76 g/l to 0.07 g/l, 1.91 g/l to 0.17 g/l, 2.24 g/l to 0.09 g/l, 0.14 g/l to 0.003 g/l, 0.08 g/l to 0.00 g/l, 8.25 g/l to 0.74 g/l and 7.10 g/l to 0.53 g/l respectively after 15 days of treatment. Furthermore, Open voltage of the urine supplemented MFC ranged from 5.63 V to 10.34 V while Open voltage of the control ranged from 1.84 V to 5.02 V after 15 days of operation. The population of facultative bacteria (FAB) and strict anaerobic bacteria (SAB) ranged from 64.2 x 104 CFU to 36.2 x 104 CFU and 21.2 x104 CFU to 61.3 x104 CFU respectively with time. The urine supplemented MFC performed significantly (p < 0.05) better than the control with respect to voltage output while significantly reduced concentrations of organic carbon, nitrogen and metallic (salt) species were found. Therefore, the soil MFC may be applied as a waste management option to treat human urine while generating electricity before disposal.
Distribution of Heavy Metal Lead (Pb) in Water and Plankton on Floating Net Cage Area with Different Density at Cirata Reservoir, West Java
Authors: Prabangasta Dhandy Alfhian , Hasan Zahidah , Apriliani Izza Mahdiana , Hamdani Herman
Published: June 2020

Cirata Reservoir mostly functions as a Hydroelectric Power Plant (PLTA) and the location of fish farming with the floating cage system (KJA). Utilization of reservoirs for fish culture in Cirata Reservoir has exceeded the capacity determined by the government. This causes changes in water quality in the waters of the Cirata Reservoir and affects the concentration of heavy metal lead in the waters. The purpose of this study was to determine the distribution of heavy metal lead (Pb) that exist in the KJA with different densities in the Cirata Reservoir. This research was conducted on 3 November-8 December 2019 at Cirata Reservoir with sampling stations in  Jangari, Maleber and Patokbeusi. The method used in this research is purposive sampling. The results of the physical-chemical parameter research show that the water temperature at the three stations ranges from 31.9oC-34.5oC, air temperature 27oC-32oC, transparency 53.5-76 cm, pH 6.87-7.67, CO2 8,4-16.8 mg/L, BOD 1.1-20.5 mg/L and DO 5.83-9.72 mg/L. The results of Pb measurements in water ranges from 0,001 to 0,029 mg/L. Pb measurements in plankton ranges from 0.001 to 0.039 mg/L. Pb bioconcentration factor values ​​range from 1.27 - 2.40. These              results indicate that aquatic organisms in the Cirata Reservoir can accumulate metals in their bodies.
Genotype by Environment Interaction of Cotton Genotypes for Seed Cotton Yield in Zambia
Authors: Simasiku Martin L. , Lungu Davies M. , Tembo Langa
Published: June 2020

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is an important cash crop in Zambia. The national seed cotton yield (SCY) per hectare ranges from 200-500 kg/ ha as compared to the potential of up to 2500 kg/ ha. Understanding the specific performance of several genotypes across different environments is an option, which may maximize specific genotypic performance. In addition, the performance of specific environments if known concerning specific and mean genotypic performance may guide the breeding approaches to these environments. This study therefore investigated the presence of SCY mega-production environments in Zambia and delineated the environments and identified the ideal test environment capable of discriminating yield differences among genotypes. Thirty (30) genotypes, were planted following a 6 x 5 lattice design with three replications in seven environments of Zambia. Additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model and genotype plus genotype by environment (GGE) biplot were used to explore the genotype by genotypic environmental interaction (GEI). Three mega environments (M1, M2 and M3) were identified. Genotype G27, G26 and G28 were the best performing genotypes in M1, M2 and M3 with overall mean SCY of 1416, 1320 and 960 kg/ ha respectively. Among the locations, Masumba was identified as an ideal test environment with mean SCY of 1249 kg/ ha. Therefore, testing seed cotton genotypic yield and selecting desirable genotypes in Masumba may be sufficient for evaluation.
Comparison between Pharmaco-invasive Strategy and Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention According to Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Related Delay
Authors: Akl Khaled Nasr , Ashmawy Medhat Mohamed , Elmasry Magdy Mohamed , Kassem Hanan Kamel , Elsaeid Ayman Mohamed
Published: June 2020

Aim: This study aimed to compare between the effect of pharmacoinvasive strategy (PI)& primary percutaneous coronary intervention (P-PCI) according to PCI related delay (door to ballon) on the mortality and morbidity during in-hospital stay and after 30-day follow up. Moreover, left ventricular systolic function was assessed by two-dimensional echocardiography at cardiology department, Tanta University.

Patients and Methods: The study was conducted on 300 patients that were divided into 2 main groups. Group A consisted of patients had primary PCI as reperfusion therapy and further divided into three groups according to PCI related delay (door toballon). Group A1, PCI-related delay is ≤60 minute(92patients). Group A2, PCI-related delay is >60 to ≤ 90 minute. (54patients). Group A3, PCI-related delay is >90minute (78 patients). The second group (group B), include patients who under gopharmaco-invasive strategy, PCI within 24 hour after thrombolysis (76 patients). In the second group, coronary angiography was done immediately in cases of failed thrombolysis and for successful thrombolysis; coronary angiography was performed within 3 – 24 hours.

Results: During hospital stay, more patients in group A3 died than those of group B or group A1, A2 with no statistical significance. In addition, morepatients in group A3 showed heart failure symptoms with statistical significance than those of group B, A1 and A2. Bleeding complications occurred significantly more in group B. During follow up visits more patients in group A3 complained of heart failure symptoms with statistical significance than those of group B, A1, A2 patients.

Conclusion: Primary PCI without door to balloon time delay (≤90 minutes)was encouraged and had the best results on morbidity and mortality. Also, pharmacoinvasive strategy was encouraged as being better than primary PCI when door to balloon time showed marked delay( <90 minutes).
Radiosurgery Techniques for Brain Metastases
Authors: Topkan Erkan , Kucuk Ahmet , Senyurek Sukran , Sezen Duygu , Durankus Nulifer Kılıc , Akdemir Eyub Yasar , Saglam Yucel , Bolukbasi Yasemin , Pehlivan Berrin , Selek Ugur
Published: June 2020

As a notable cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality, brain metastases (BMs) represent the most prevalent intracranial tumors arising in up to 40% of all adult solid tumors during the course of treatment. Intracranial stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) gained wide appreciation by the radiation oncology communities for the treatment of BM with regards to the grim prognosis of such patients after alternative therapies, including the whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT).  Additional concerns on the neurocognitive deterioration and comparably low tumor control rates offered by the conventional WBRT further quickened the implementation of SRS to the daily practice of radiation oncology clinics. However, the striking diversities among the treatment algorithms and the treatment planning systems of the gamma knife-, linear accelerator- (LINAC), tomotherapy-, robotic Cyberknife-, or the proton therapy-based SRS render the administration of SRS/FSRT challenging. Acknowledging these difficulties, the present review intended to offer a thorough outline of the main principals of the SRS/FSRT technique from the initial patient fixation to the final machine and dose delivery quality assurance treads.
Economic and Risk Analysis to Deep Water Operations
Authors: Ubani C. E. , Oluobaju A. O.
Published: June 2020

The exploration and production (E&P) operations of oil and gas project in deep waters, is associated with risks. These risks affects return on investment if they are not identified and analyzed to reduce their impact on the project. This study seek to apply Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) analysis, Monte Carlo Simulation and Sensitivity analysis, to an existing field in the Niger Delta region in Nigeria, to ascertain the viability of deepwater project when it is affected by government fiscal terms and technical terms. Economic and risk models were developed to determine profitability indicators and risk associated with the project. Risk simulator software was used to carry out Monte Carlo simulation and the sensitivity analysis. Results obtained showed that the project was economically viable with a Net Present Value (NPV) of $1,621.8 million and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 34%. The Monte Carlo Simulation and the sensitivity analysis showed that the Contractor’s NPV and percentage take were most sensitive to tax (under the fiscal terms) with an range of $639.27 million for a variation of by +/- 10% and crude price (under the technical term). The model developed can easily be applied in investment selections and decision makers should make decision based on the outcome of both economic model (cash flow analysis) and the risk model (Monte Carlo Simulation).
Design, Synthesis, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Novel Threonine-based Sulfonamide Derivatives
Authors: Egbujor M. C. , Okoro U. C. , Nwobodo D. C. , Ezeagu C. U. , Amadi U. B. , Okenwa-Ani C. G. , Ugwu J. I. , Okoye I. G. , Abu I. P. , Egwuatu P. I.
Published: June 2020

Aim: To systematically design, synthesize and evaluate the biological activities of new threonine-based sulfonamide derivatives in order to achieve improved drug potency.

Methodology: Sulfamoyl carboxylic acids were prepared by the reaction of threonine with the appropriate sulfonyl chloride while their acetylated, carboxamide and aniline derivatives were synthesized via Lumiere-Barbier acetylation, Schotten-Baumann ammonolysis and Buchwald-Hartwig cross-coupling methods respectively. The FTIR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and elemental analytical data were employed in the structural characterization. In vitro and in silico antioxidant and antimicrobial studies were carried out.

Results: Compounds 1b and 1d displayed the best in vitro antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and antifungal activities against Candida albican sand Aspergillus niger. Compound 1f (IC50 = 1.150±0.003 µg/ml) exhibited the best in vitro antioxidant activity. Compound 1a had a higherin silico antibacterial (-11.51 kcal/mol) binding energies than antibacterial reference drug, penicillin (-10.89 kcal/mol). Compound 1c had the highest in silico antifungal binding energy (-10.48 kcal/mol)comparable to ketoconazole (-10.85 kcal/mol).

Conclusion: All the compounds were found to be potential antioxidant and antimicrobial drug candidates having complied with Lipinski’s rule of five.
The STAT3‐miR‐223‐TGFBR3/HMGCS1 axis modulates the progression of cervical carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Ju , Jiang Ming , Qian Lili , Lin Xiao , Song Weiguo , Gao Yunfeng , Zhou Ying
Published: June 2020

Cervical cancer is induced by persistent infections with high‐risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs), which produce the early protein 6 of HPVs (E6)/E7 protein that is involved in cell transformation by interacting with several oncoproteins or tumor suppressors. However, the role of noncoding RNA in mediating the pathogenesis of cervical cancer remains unclear. Here, we report that the novel signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)‐microRNA‐223‐3p (miR‐223)‐TGFBR3/HMGCS1 axis regulated by the E6 protein controls cervical carcinogenesis. miR‐223 was highly expressed in cervical tumor tissues, whereas TGFBR3 or HMGCS1 was significantly downregulated. miR‐223 targeted the 3′‐UTRs of TGFBR3 and HMGCS1 and suppressed their expression, leading to increased anchorage‐independent growth and cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. The increased expression of miR‐223 was mediated by the transcription factor STAT3, whose activity was enhanced by E6 in the context of interleukin (IL)‐6 stimulation. In addition, exosomal miR‐223 derived from CSCC cells induced IL‐6 secretion by monocyte/macrophage in a coculture system in vitro, and IL‐6 secretion, in turn, led to enhanced STAT3 activity in CSSC cells, forming a positive feedback loop. Furthermore, modified miR‐223 inhibitor effectively suppressed tumor growth in cell line‐derived xenograft model, suggesting that miR‐223 is a potential promising therapeutic target in CSCC. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that the STAT3‐miR‐223‐HMGCS1/TGFBR3 axis functions as a key signaling pathway in cervical cancer progression and provides a new therapeutic target.
Evaluating the positional uncertainty of intrafraction, adjacent fields, and daily setup with the BrainLAB ExacTrac system in patients who are receiving craniospinal irradiation
Authors: Duan Xiaojuan , Zhou Yibing , Dai Hongya , Zhao Lirong , Qian Jindong , Yang Dingqiang , Zhang Liwei , Luo Can , Li Guanghui
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To investigate the daily setup, interfraction motion, variability in the junction areas, and dosimetric effect in craniospinal irradiation (CSI) patients.

Methods

Fifteen CSI patients who had undergone split‐field IMRT were followed in the study. Previous, middle, and posttreatment, each target volume position was evaluated using the ExacTrac system. Interfraction and intrafraction motions, the margin of the junction in adjacent targets volumes, and the dosimetric effect of the longitudinal residual error were analyzed.

Results

The lowest attainment rate within the tolerance of the initial setup error was 66.79% in six directions. The values of the initial error were within 15 mm (SD 4.5 mm) in the translation direction and 5° (SD 1.3°) in the rotation direction after the transposition of the treatment isocenter. With the guidance of the ExacTrac system, the interfraction and intrafraction residual errors were almost within the tolerance after correction, the margin of CTV‐to‐PCTV was in the range of target expansion criteria. The residual longitudinal errors resulted in only slight changes in the mean doses of PGTV and PCTV, while the maximum dose of the spinal cord increased by 16.1%. The patients did not exhibit any side‐effects by the overall treatment during the follow‐up period.

Conclusions

Position correction is necessary after setup and the transposition of the treatment isocenter. Intra‐fraction motion in the lateral direction should be monitored throughout treatment. The position errors in junction areas are almost within the tolerance after correction. The patients did not exhibit any side‐effects by the overall treatment.
Silica Nanostructures Produced Using Diatom Peptides with Designed Post‐Translational Modifications
Authors: Wallace Andrea K. , Chanut Nicolas , Voigt Christopher A.
Published: June 2020

Diatoms produce intricately patterned silica structures under ambient conditions, a process initiated by post‐translationally modified silaffin peptides that nucleate silicic acid. Designing these peptides would enable the production of silica nanostructures with desired properties; however, the functional effects of modifications are poorly understood. Here, Escherichia coli is used to express and modify recombinant silaffin R5 peptide from the diatom Cylindrotheca fusiformis. A library of 38 enzymes is tested for R5 modifications in vitro, from which active methyltransferases, kinases, acetyltransferases, oxidases, and myristoyltransferases are identified from diatoms, humans, yeast, and bacteria. Modified R5 peptides are used for silica precipitation and the impacts on particle size, shape, porosity, and surface area are quantified. In vivo pathways are designed to coexpress R5 and a modifying enzyme and the resulting peptide is used to nucleate silica nanostructures with controlled size (100–3500 nm), porosity (20–635 m2 g−1), or embedded with melanin. It is found that phosphorylation reduces the need for inorganic phosphate during silica synthesis. The simultaneous methylation and phosphorylation of R5 leads to smaller particles requiring less inorganic phosphate. Inspired by diatoms, the use of post‐translationally modified peptides will enable the control of silica morphology under ambient conditions, with potential applications in electronics and photonics.
Synthesis of Two‐Dimensional Perovskite by Inverse Temperature Crystallization and Studies of Exciton States by Two‐Photon Excitation Spectroscopy
Authors: Chen Zhihui , Zhang Qi , Zhu Menglong , Wang Xinyun , Wang Qixing , Wee Andrew Thye Shen , Loh Kian Ping , Eda Goki , Xu Qing‐Hua
Published: June 2020

Two‐dimensional (2D) organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites (OIHPs), a natural multiple‐quantum‐well structure with quasi‐2D electronic properties, have recently emerged as a promising class of semiconducting materials for photovoltaic and optoelectronic applications. However, facile synthesis of high‐quality 2D OIHPs single crystals is still lacking. The layer dependence of the exciton binding energy of (C4H9NH3)2PbI4 (C4PI), a widely studied 2D OIHP, is still debated. Herein, a novel synthesis technique based on inverse temperature crystallization in a binary‐solvent system is used to prepare 2D OIHPs and a systematic study of excitonic states of the synthesized 2D OIHPs by two‐photon excitation (TPE) spectroscopy is conducted. The obtained TPE spectra indicate that the exciton binding energies are similar for C4PI nanosheets and bulk crystals with different number of layers, most likely due to the intrinsically weak interlayer coupling. Further, the dark excitonic 2p states of (C6H5(CH2)2NH3)2PbI4 (PEPI) and C4PI are also observed by TPE spectroscopy. The results provide a novel synthesis protocol and insight into exciton properties of 2D OIHPs.
Ammonia Thermal Treatment toward Topological Defects in Porous Carbon for Enhanced Carbon Dioxide Electroreduction
Authors: Dong Yan , Zhang Qiuju , Tian Ziqi , Li Boran , Yan Wensheng , Wang Shuo , Jiang Kemin , Su Jianwei , Oloman Colin W. , Gyenge Elod L. , Ge Ruixiang , Lu Zhiyi , Ji Xiulei , Chen Liang
Published: June 2020

Topological defects, with an asymmetric local electronic redistribution, are expected to locally tune the intrinsic catalytic activity of carbon materials. However, it is still challenging to deliberately create high‐density homogeneous topological defects in carbon networks due to the high formation energy. Toward this end, an efficient NH3 thermal‐treatment strategy is presented for thoroughly removing pyrrolic‐N and pyridinic‐N dopants from N‐enriched porous carbon particles, to create high‐density topological defects. The resultant topological defects are systematically investigated by near‐edge X‐ray absorption fine structure measurements and local density of states analysis, and the defect formation mechanism is revealed by reactive molecular dynamics simulations. Notably, the as‐prepared porous carbon materials possess an enhanced electrocatalytic CO2 reduction performance, yielding a current density of 2.84 mA cm−2 with Faradaic efficiency of 95.2% for CO generation. Such a result is among the best performances reported for metal‐free CO2 reduction electrocatalysts. Density functional theory calculations suggest that the edge pentagonal sites are the dominating active centers with the lowest free energy (ΔG) for CO2 reduction. This work not only presents deep insights for the defect engineering of carbon‐based materials but also improves the understanding of electrocatalytic CO2 reduction on carbon defects.
Low‐Loss Organic Hyperbolic Materials in the Visible Spectral Range: A Joint Experimental and First‐Principles Study
Authors: Lee Yeon Ui , Yim Kanghoon , Bopp Steven Edward , Zhao Junxiang , Liu Zhaowei
Published: June 2020

Hyperbolic media strengthen numerous attractive applications in optics such as super‐resolution imaging, enhanced spontaneous emission, and nanoscale waveguiding. Natural hyperbolic materials exist at visible frequencies; however, implementations of these materials suffer substantial compromises resulting from the high loss in the currently available candidates. Here, the first experimental and theoretical investigation of regioregular poly(3‐alkylthiophenes) (rr‐P3ATs), a naturally low‐loss organic hyperbolic material (OHM) in the visible frequency range, is shown. These hyperbolic properties arise from a highly ordered structure of layered electron‐rich conjugated thiophene ring backbones separated by insulating alkyl side chains. The optical and electronic properties of the rr‐P3AT can be tuned by controlling the degree of crystallinity and alkyl side chain length. First‐principles calculations support the experimental observations, which result from the rr‐P3AT's structural and optical anisotropy. Conveniently, rr‐P3AT‐based OHMs are facile to fabricate, flexible, and biocompatible, which may lead to tremendous new opportunities in a wide range of applications.
Charge State Control of F16CoPc on h‐BN/Cu(111)
Authors: Pörtner Mathias , Wei Yinying , Riss Alexander , Seufert Knud , Garnica Manuela , Barth Johannes V. , Seitsonen Ari P. , Diekhöner Lars , Auwärter Willi
Published: June 2020

The use of molecular materials in solar cells and nano‐electronics demands a fundamental understanding and control of their electronic properties. Particularly relevant is the molecular response to the environment, that is, the interaction with the support and adjacent molecules, as well as the influence of electrostatic gating. Here, the control of molecular level alignment and charge states of fluorinated cobalt phthalocyanines (F16CoPc) on atomically thin hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) sheets on Cu(111) is reported using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and spectroscopy (STS), as well as atomic force microscopy (AFM) and complementary density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Three parameters that govern the electronic level alignment of F16CoPc orbitals are investigated: i) template‐induced gating by the work function variation of the h‐BN/Cu(111) substrate, ii) gating by the STM tip, and iii) screening by neighboring molecules. The interplay of these parameters influences the charge distribution in the studied molecular arrangements and thus provides the possibility to tune their physicochemical behavior, for instance, the response toward electronic or optical excitation, charge transport, or binding of axial adducts.
Tunable Resonance and Phase Vortices in Kirigami Fano‐Resonant Metamaterials
Authors: Jeong Hoon Yeub , Lim Yeonsoo , An Soo‐Chan , Nguyen Thi Hai‐Yen , Byun Gangil , Jun Young Chul
Published: June 2020

Emerging internet‐of‐things technologies require widespread antennas and sensors. They should be cheap enough to be widely deployed, but still should be highly functional and tunable. Here, a thorough, in‐depth study of spectral shifts and phase vortices in kirigami Fano‐resonant metamaterials is presented. Microwave metamaterials are printed on paper using metal inks. Then, the printed metamaterials are cut line‐by‐line and folded, so that a step height between neighboring unit cells can be created. By varying step heights, significant spectral tuning as well as resonance switching are obtained. The large spectral shift of the highly asymmetric Fano lineshape also enables significant control of radiation direction. The observations are explained based on the interactions between neighboring unit cells. Moreover, phase singularities are found at the zero‐amplitude position of the Fano resonance spectrum, and a pair of phase vortices appear in parameter space. The kirigami metamaterials allow an easy parameter scan, and therefore significant control of the spectral phase becomes possible. Such drastic phase changes around singularity points could be very useful for various applications, including optical sensing and wavefront manipulation. The kirigami metamaterials enable easily fabricated but highly functional and tunable elements, which could be useful for various antennas and sensors.
A Simple, Inexpensive, Wearable Glove with Hybrid Resistive‐Pressure Sensors for Computational Sensing, Proprioception, and Task Identification
Authors: Hughes Josie , Spielberg Andrew , Chounlakone Mark , Chang Gloria , Matusik Wojciech , Rus Daniela
Published: June 2020

Wearable devices have many applications ranging from health analytics to virtual and mixed reality interaction, to industrial training. For wearable devices to be practical, they must be responsive, deformable to fit the wearer, and robust to the user's range of motion. Signals produced by the wearable must also be informative enough to infer the precise physical state or activity of the user. Herein, a fully soft, wearable glove is developed, which is capable of real‐time hand pose reconstruction, environment sensing, and task classification. The design is easy to fabricate using low cost, commercial off‐the‐shelf items in a manner that is amenable to automated manufacturing. To realize such capabilities, resisitive and fluidic sensing technologies with machine learning neural architectures are merged. The glove is formed from a conductive knit which is strain sensitive, providing information through a network of resistance measurements. Fluidic sensing captured via pressure changes in fibrous sewn‐in flexible tubes, measuring interactions with the environment. The system can reconstruct user hand pose and identify sensory inputs such as holding force, object temperature, conductability, material stiffness, and user heart rate, all with high accuracy. The ability to identify complex environmentally dependent tasks, including held object identification and handwriting recognition is demonstrated.
Characteristic dental pattern with hypodontia and short roots in Fraser syndrome
Authors: Kunz Felix , Kayserili Hülya , Midro Alina , de Silva Deepthi , Basnayake Sriyani , Güven Yeliz , Borys Jan , Schanze Denny , Stellzig‐Eisenhauer Angelika , Bloch‐Zupan Agnes , Zenker Martin
Published: June 2020

Fraser syndrome (FS) is a rare autosomal recessive multiple congenital malformation syndrome characterized by cryptophthalmos, cutaneous syndactyly, renal agenesis, ambiguous genitalia, and laryngotracheal anomalies. It is caused by biallelic mutations of FRAS1, FREM2, and GRIP1 genes, encoding components of a protein complex that mediates embryonic epithelial–mesenchymal interactions. Anecdotal reports have described abnormal orodental findings in FS, but no study has as yet addressed the orodental findings of FS systematically. We reviewed dental radiographs of 10 unrelated patients with FS of different genetic etiologies. Dental anomalies were present in all patients with FS and included hypodontia, dental crowding, medial diastema, and retained teeth. A very consistent pattern of shortened dental roots of most permanent teeth as well as altered length/width ratio with shortened dental crowns of upper incisors was also identified. These findings suggest that the FRAS1–FREM complex mediates critical mesenchymal–epithelial interactions during dental crown and root development. The orodental findings of FS reported herein represent a previously underestimated manifestation of the disorder with significant impact on orodental health for affected individuals. Integration of dentists and orthodontists into the multidisciplinary team for management of FS is therefore recommended.
Association of diabetes with stroke and post‐stroke dementia: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Shang Ying , Fratiglioni Laura , Marseglia Anna , Plym Anna , Welmer Anna‐Karin , Wang Hui‐Xin , Wang Rui , Xu Weili
Published: June 2020

Introduction

The impact of prediabetes and diabetes on stroke and the development of dementia after a stroke remain unclear.

Methods

A total of 2655 dementia‐free participants (including a stroke‐free cohort and a prevalent stroke cohort) were followed‐up for 12 years. Dementia and post‐stroke dementia were determined by clinical examinations and national registry data. Diabetes was ascertained via medical examination, medication use, medical records, or glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥6.5%. Prediabetes was defined as HbA1c ≥5.7% in diabetes‐free participants.

Results

In the stroke‐free cohort, 236 participants developed ischemic stroke, and 47 developed post‐stroke dementia. Diabetes was associated with ischemic stroke (hazard ratio [HR] 1.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16 to 2.67) and post‐stroke dementia (HR 2.56, 95% CI 1.04 to 6.25). In the prevalent stroke cohort, diabetes was also related to dementia risk. Prediabetes was not significantly related to stroke or post‐stroke dementia.

Discussion

Diabetes, but not prediabetes, is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke and post‐stroke dementia.
Design of Bowl‐Shaped N‐Hydroxyimide Derivatives as New Organoradical Catalysts for Site‐Selective C(sp3)−H Bond Functionalization Reactions
Authors: Kato Terumasa , Maruoka Keiji
Published: June 2020

A series of new bowl‐shaped N‐hydroxyimide derivatives has been designed and used as selective organoradical catalysts. A number of these bowl‐shaped N‐hydroxyimide derivatives exhibit excellent site‐selectivity in the amination of benzylic C(sp3)−H bonds in aromatic hydrocarbon substrates.
Kristallstruktur und Spektroskopie offenbaren einen Schwefel‐Liganden am aktiven Zentrum einer O2‐stabilen [FeFe]‐Hydrogenase
Authors: Rodríguez‐Maciá Patricia , Galle Lisa M. , Bjornsson Ragnar , Lorent Christian , Zebger Ingo , Yoda Yoshitaka , Cramer Stephen P. , DeBeer Serena , Span Ingrid , Birrell James A.
Published: June 2020

[FeFe]‐Hydrogenasen sind die aktivsten natürlich vorkommenden Katalysatoren zur Wasserstofferzeugung. Ihre technologische Anwendung ist jedoch durch ihre extreme Sauerstoffempfindlichkeit begrenzt. Aus sulfatreduzierenden Bakterien können sie aber in dem sauerstoffstabilen Hinact‐Zustand isoliert werden. Die Struktur dieses Enzyms, sowie der Bildungsmechanismus dieses Zustands sind jedoch bis heute unbekannt. Unsere Kristallstruktur solch einer [FeFe]‐Hydrogenase im Hinact‐Zustand mit einer Auflösung von 1.65 Å zeigt, dass ein Schwefelligand die freie Koordinationsstelle besetzt. Durch kernresonante inelastische Streuung, Resonanz‐ Raman‐, Infrarot‐ und Röntgenabsorptionsspektroskopie, jeweils in Kombination mit Hybrid‐quantenmechanischen/molekülmechanischen (QM/MM) Berechnungen, konnten wir detaillierte Informationen zu Struktur und Bildung des Hinact‐Zustands erhalten. Diese Erkenntnisse könnten zur Entwicklung sauerstoffstabiler Hydrogenasen und molekularer Katalysatoren beitragen.