bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water in the Star-forming Region NGC 7129 FIRS 2
Authors: Conrad Mollie E. , Fich Michel
Published: February 2020

Observations of intermediate mass (IM) star formation are expected to highlight the transition between the formation processes of its low and high-mass (HM) counterparts.

and

observations of the IM star formation region NGC 7129 FIRS 2 were obtained with the Heterodyne Instrument for the Far-Infrared aboard the Herschel Space Observatory; most as part of the WISH key-program. The radiative transfer program RATRAN was used to model water emission from the envelope of this star-forming region. We consider the envelope in two regions, inner and outer envelope, which are separated by the water freeze-out radius. An outer envelope ortho-H

O/H2 abundance was determined to be 3.5 ± 0.3 × 10−11, and an outer turbulent velocity was determined to be 2.25  ± 0.25 km s−1. The outer envelope ortho-H2
16O/H2 and para-H2
16O/H2 abundances were determined to be 1.5 ± 0.5 × 10−8 and 4.5 ± 0.5 × 10−9, respectively. The inner envelope abundances and turbulent velocity could not be constrained due to increased optical depth. The derived values are consistent with those found by low-mass (LM) and HM young stellar object studies of water. While the line shapes and intensities of these lines are more similar to the spectral lines found for LM objects, the turbulent velocity is closer to that seen in HM objects. Lastly, we present a simple visualization tool that we created to show that these abundance results, particularly the limited extent probed by these lines, should not have been a surprise. This tool can be very useful in planning future molecular line observations.
Model-independent Constraints on Lorentz Invariance Violation: Implication from Updated Gamma-Ray Burst Observations
Authors: Pan Yu , Qi Jingzhao , Cao Shuo , Liu Tonghua , Liu Yuting , Geng Shuaibo , Lian Yujie , Zhu Zong-Hong
Published: February 2020

Astrophysical observations provide a unique opportunity to test possible signatures of Lorentz invariance violation (LIV), due to the high energies and long distances involved. In quantum theory of gravity, one may expect the modification of the dispersion relation between energy and momentum for photons, which can be probed with the time lag (the arrival time delay between light curves in different energy bands) of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). In this paper, by using the detailed time delay measurements of GRB 160625B at different energy bands, as well as 23 time delay GRBs covering the redshift range of z = 0.168–2.5 (which were measured at different energy channels from the light curves), we propose an improved model-independent method (based on the newly compiled sample of H(z) measurements) to probe the energy-dependent velocity due to the modified dispersion relation for photons. In the framework of a more complex and reasonable theoretical expression to describe the time delays, our results imply that the intrinsic time lags can be better described with more GRB time delay data. More importantly, through direct fitting of the time delay measurements of a sample of GRBs, our limit on the LIV energy scale is comparable to that with unknown constant for the intrinsic time lag, much lower than the Planck energy scale in both linear LIV and quadratic LIV cases.
A Massive Young Runaway Star in W49 North
Authors: Rodríguez Luis F. , Galván-Madrid Roberto , Sanchez-Bermudez Joel , Pree Christopher G. De
Published: February 2020

We analyzed high-angular resolution 45.5 GHz images of the W49 North massive star-forming region obtained in 1998 and 2016 with the Very Large Array. Most of the ultracompact H ii regions show no detectable changes over the time interval of the observations. However, subcomponents B1, B2, G2a, and G2c have increased its peak flux densities by values in the range of 3.8%–21.4%. Most interestingly, the cometary region C clearly shows proper motions that at the distance of the region are equivalent to a velocity of 76 ± 6 km s−1 in the plane of the sky. We interpret this region as the ionized bowshock produced by a runaway O6 ZAMS star that was ejected from the eastern edge of Welch’s ring about 6400 yr ago.
Gérer la vieillesse dans les familles transnationales. Ethnographies comparées Équateur/Soudan
Authors: Palash Polina , Serra Mingot Ester
Published: February 2020

La migration et la protection sociale sont souvent un projet familial. Pour comprendre comment les migrants et leurs familles organisent leur protection sociale, il faut collecter des données à la fois dans leurs pays d’origine et de destination, afin d’observer la circulation multidirectionnelle des personnes et des ressources. La méthodologie ethnographique multi-située avec un échantillon connecté nous permet de comprendre les logiques et pratiques liées à cette protection sociale transnationale. L’article s’appuie sur des données recueillies dans le cadre de deux études ethnographiques multi-situées auprès de deux populations de migrants (Équatoriens et Soudanais) dans plusieurs pays européens et de leurs familles dans les pays d’origine. Il montre comment les contextes spécifiques et les normes socioculturelles déterminent la manière dont ces familles organisent leur protection sociale au-delà des frontières, à partir de l’exemple de la gestion de la vieillesse.
La fabrication de l’« acceptabilité sociale » des parcs photovoltaïques au sol
Authors: Baggioni Vincent , Cacciari Joseph
Published: February 2020

Cet article entend rendre compte des mécanismes qui entourent la réception d’un aménagement de moyenne portée, comme un parc solaire. Au-delà des interactions entre société locale et élaboration de l’aménagement, il montre les liens d’interdépendance se nouant au cours de l’adaptation réciproque de la structure sociale locale et du projet. Au travers des opinions qu’elle génère, la perspective d’un tel aménagement conduit des groupes sociaux à base territoriale à se positionner dans l’espace social local. Ces positionnements réactualisent la structure des rapports sociaux locaux et les socialisations locales antérieures relatives à l’aménagement d’un territoire. En retour, le projet d’aménagement s’ajuste à ces nouveaux rapports sociaux jusqu’à former un nouvel ensemble socio-spatial stabilisé. À partir de l’examen de l’élaboration de deux projets de parcs solaires, l’étude veut ainsi rendre compte des mécanismes d’échanges par co-ajustement qu’implique la territorialisation d’un aménagement.
12/15-Lipoxygenase Deficiency Impairs Neutrophil Granulopoiesis and Lung Proinflammatory Responses to Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Mackel Joseph J. , Garth Jaleesa M. , Blackburn Jonathan P. , Jones MaryJane , Steele Chad
Published: February 2020

Development of invasive aspergillosis correlates with impairments in innate immunity. We and others have recently shown that arachidonic acid metabolism pathways, specifically the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) pathways, participate in the induction of protective innate immune responses during invasive aspergillosis. Based on the high degree of cooperation and interconnection within the eicosanoid network, we hypothesized that 12/15-LOX is also active during invasive aspergillosis. We report in this study that mice deficient in the gene encoding 12/15-LOX (Alox15) are profoundly susceptible to invasive aspergillosis. Decreased survival correlated with increased fungal burden and evidence of increased lung damage. These defects were associated with very early (6 and 12 h) 12/15-LOX–dependent inflammatory cytokine (IL-1α, IL-1β, and TNF-α) and chemokine (CCL3 and CCL4) production. Neutrophil levels in the lung were blunted in the absence of 12/15-LOX, although neutrophil antifungal activity was intact. However, lower neutrophil levels in the lungs of Alox15−/− mice were not a result of impaired recruitment or survival; rather, Alox15−/− mice demonstrated impaired neutrophil granulopoiesis in the bone marrow intrinsically and after fungal exposure. Employing a lower inoculum to allow for better survival allowed the identification of 12/15-LOX–dependent induction of IL-17A and IL-22. Impaired IL-17A and IL-22 production correlated with reduced invariant NKT cell numbers as well as lower IL-23 levels. Together, these data indicate that 12/15-LOX is a critical player in induction of the earliest aspects of the innate immune response to Aspergillus fumigatus.
Flexible and Self‐Powered Lateral Photodetector Based on Inorganic Perovskite CsPbI3–CsPbBr3 Heterojunction Nanowire Array
Authors: Wang Meng , Tian Wei , Cao Fengren , Wang Min , Li Liang
Published: February 2020

Self‐powered perovskite photodetectors mainly adopt the vertical heterojunction structure composed of active layer, electron–hole transfer layers, and electrodes, which results in the loss of incident light and interfacial accumulation of defects. To address these issues, a self‐powered lateral photodetector based on CsPbI3–CsPbBr3 heterojunction nanowire arrays is designed on both a rigid glass and a flexible polyethylene naphthalate substrate using an in situ conversion and mask‐assisted electrode fabrication method. Through adding the polyvinyl pyrrolidone and optimizing the concentration of precursors under the pressure‐assisted moulding process, both the crystallinity and stability of perovskite nanowire array are improved. The nanowire array–based lateral device shows a high responsivity of 125 mA W−1 and a fast rise and decay time of 0.7 and 0.8 ms under a self‐powered operation condition. This work provides a new strategy to fabricate perovskite heterojunction nanoarrays towards self‐powered photodetection.
Unprecedented Improvement of Single Li‐Ion Conductive Solid Polymer Electrolyte Through Salt Additive
Authors: Martinez‐Ibañez Maria , Sanchez‐Diez Eduardo , Qiao Lixin , Zhang Yan , Judez Xabier , Santiago Alexander , Aldalur Itziar , Carrasco Javier , Zhu Haijin , Forsyth Maria , Armand Michel , Zhang Heng
Published: February 2020

Solid‐state lithium metal (Li°) batteries (SSLMBs) are believed to be the most promising technologies to tackle the safety concerns and the insufficient energy density encountered in conventional Li‐ion batteries. Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) inherently own good processability and flexibility, enabling large‐scale preparation of SSLMBs. To minimize the growth of Li° dendrites and cell polarization in SPE‐based SSLMBs, an additive‐containing single Li‐ion conductive SPE is reported. The characterization results show that a small dose of electrolyte additive (2 wt%) substantially increases the ionic conductivity of single Li‐ion conductive SPEs as well as the interfacial compatibility between electrode and SPE, allowing the cycling of SPE‐based cells with good electrochemical performance. This work may provide a paradigm shift on the design of highly cationic conductive electrolytes, which are essential for developing safe and high‐performance rechargeable batteries.
Large‐Range, Reversible Directional Spreading of Droplet on a Double‐Gradient Wrinkled Surface Adjusted Under Mechanical Strain
Authors: Chai Hao , Tian Ye , Yu Sihang , Cao Binbin , Peng Xiang , Zhang Zheng , Liu Aiping , Wu Huaping
Published: February 2020

Dynamical regulation to unidirectional wetting has received considerable attention in recent years due to its important role in flexible electronics, microfluidics, drug transportation, and so forth. It is of great significance to prepare a surface which allows the droplet to spread directionally on it with the length of droplet reversibly fluctuated within a broad range under external stimulation. In this paper, a double‐gradient wrinkled structure is prepared by constructing the structure‐gradient pillar arrays on a mechanics‐adjusted wrinkled surface and subsequently making chemical gradient by oxygen plasma treatment. Under the synergistic effect of the structural gradient, chemical gradient, and wrinkled structure, the droplet can undergo unidirectional spreading and realize dynamic regulation of the spreading length on the flexible structure. This will provide a propagable method for the regulation of surface wetting.
Ultrathin Membranes: A New Opportunity for Ultrafast and Efficient Separation
Authors: Gao Shoujian , Wang Dong , Fang Wangxi , Jin Jian
Published: February 2020

Developing advanced membranes with both high permeance and selectivity to enable ultrafast and efficient separation is a persistent pursuit by materials scientists. In recent years, diverse ultrathin membranes with nanometer‐scale thickness and unique membrane structures have been developed. These materials show ultrahigh permeance and excellent selectivity in water desalination, dye rejection, oil–water purification, and gas separation applications. Herein, current state‐of‐the‐art ultrathin membranes are introduced, including polyamide membranes, diamond‐like carbon membranes, single‐walled carbon nanotube network membranes, metal hydroxide nanostrand network membranes, protein membranes, and graphene laminar membranes and their derivatives. The designs, fabrication techniques, and performance advantages of these ultrathin membranes are discussed. A summary of the remaining challenges and potential future directions are also presented.
Integrated Metasurfaces with Microprints and Helicity‐Multiplexed Holograms for Real‐Time Optical Encryption
Authors: Luo Xuhao , Hu Yueqiang , Li Xin , Jiang Yuting , Wang Yasi , Dai Peng , Liu Qing , Shu Zhiwen , Duan Huigao
Published: February 2020

Optical encryption with multichannel, high complexity, and artistry characteristics has become one of the most significant approaches for modern information security. Recently emerged metasurface‐based optics consisting of planar subwavelength metamaterials has been engineered as an ideal platform for optical encryption because of its capability of manipulating various optical parameters and enhancing information storage capacity. However, limited encrypted channels and insufficient real‐time encryption abilities hinder its practical applications. A novel integrated metasurface is proposed, which can regulate the amplitude, phase, and polarization of light wave simultaneously to realize the combination of microprint and helicity‐multiplexed meta‐holography with negligible crosstalk. By encoding an online editable quick response code into the microprint as a keystore, an optical encryption device is demonstrated with 26‐1 storage capacity endowed by wavelength‐ and helicity‐dependent hologram images that can be employed in real time. The integration scheme enables multidimensional information storage and real‐time encryption and decryption capability, which provides an approachable way for the practical application of metasurface devices in the field of optical encryption.
Spin of the M87 Black Hole
Authors: Garofalo David
Published: February 2020

Spin measurement of the 6.5 billion solar mass black hole in M87 from the Event Horizon Telescope image is the latest in a series that span a wide range in values, but that tend to share the feature of corotation between the accretion flow and black hole. The spin paradigm for black holes predicts very high black hole spin which in that framework is produced in its last significant merger. High black hole spin appears to be ruled out in the gap paradigm, however, which predicts early formation with a mass already in excess of 4 billion solar masses. In this picture, the black hole experiences slow evolution as it departs from its original radio quasar phase and over billions of years not only fails to double its mass but also falls short of regaining its original high spin, such that it is now compatible with a corotating accreting black hole whose dimensionless spin fits best in the range 0.2 < a < 0.5.
Grenzflächenpolymerisation: Von der Chemie zu funktionellen Materialien
Authors: Zhang Feilong , Fan Jun‐bing , Wang Shutao
Published: February 2020

Die Grenzflächenpolymerisation, die eine chemische Reaktion auf die Flüssig‐Flüssig‐ oder Flüssig‐Luft‐Grenzfläche begrenzt, weist große Vorzüge für die kontrollierbare Herstellung von Filmen, Kapseln und Fasern als Trennmembran‐ und Elektrodenmaterialien auf. Jüngste Entwicklungen der Polymerchemie und deren Technologien verleihen der Grenzflächenpolymerisation neue Impulse. In diesem Aufsatz werden jüngste Entwicklungen der Grenzflächenpolymerisation im Zusammenhang verschiedener Polymerisationstypen betrachtet: Grenzflächenpolykondensation, Grenzflächenpolyaddition, oxidative Grenzflächenpolymerisation, Grenzflächenpolykoordination, supramolekulare Grenzflächenpolymerisation und einige andere. Die damit herstellbaren funktionellen Materialien werden beschrieben und ein Ausblick auf die Herausforderungen und Möglichkeiten gegeben, die neue Technologien für die Grenzflächenpolymerisation mit sich bringen. Es ist davon auszugehen, dass die Grenzflächenpolymerisation weiterhin faszinierende funktionelle Materialien hervorbringen wird.
Silver‐Triggered Activity of a Heterogeneous Palladium Catalyst in Oxidative Carbonylation Reactions
Authors: Li Man‐Bo , Yang Ying , Rafi Abdolrahim A. , Oschmann Michael , Grape Erik Svensson , Inge A. Ken , Córdova Armando , Bäckvall Jan‐E.
Published: February 2020

A silver‐triggered heterogeneous Pd‐catalyzed oxidative carbonylation has been developed. This heterogeneous process exhibits high efficiency and good recyclability, and was utilized for the one‐pot construction of polycyclic compounds with multiple chiral centers. AgOTf was used to remove chloride ions in the heterogeneous catalyst Pd‐AmP‐CNC, thereby generating highly active PdII, which results in high efficiency of the heterogeneous catalytic system.
Stimuli‐Responsive Molecular Photon Upconversion
Authors: Yanai Nobuhiro , Kimizuka Nobuo
Published: February 2020

The addition of stimuli‐responsiveness to anti‐Stokes emission provides a unique platform for biosensing and chemosensing. Particularly, stimuli‐responsive photon upconversion based on triplet–triplet annihilation (TTA‐UC) is promising due to its occurrence at low excitation intensity with high efficiency. This Minireview summarizes the recent developments of TTA‐UC switching by external stimuli such as temperature, oxygen, chemicals, light, electric field, and mechanical force. For the systematic understanding of the underlying general mechanisms, the switching mechanisms are categorized into four types: 1) aggregation‐induced UC; 2) assembly‐induced air‐stable UC; 3) diffusion‐controlled UC; and 4) energy‐transfer‐controlled UC. The development of stimuli‐responsive smart TTA‐UC systems would enable sensing with unprecedented sensitivity and selectivity, and expand the scope of TTA‐UC photochemistry by combination with supramolecular chemistry, materials chemistry, mechanochemistry, and biochemistry.
Dysprosiacarboranes as Organometallic Single‐Molecule Magnets
Authors: Jin Peng‐Bo , Zhai Yuan‐Qi , Yu Ke‐Xin , Winpenny Richard E. P. , Zheng Yan‐Zhen
Published: February 2020

The dicarbollide ion, nido‐C2B9H112− is isoelectronic with cyclopentadienyl. Herein, we make dysprosiacarboranes, namely [(C2B9H11)2Ln(THF)2][Na(THF)5] (Ln=Dy, 1Dy) and [(THF)3(μ‐H)3Li]2[{η5‐C6H4(CH2)2C2B9H9}Dy{η2:η5‐C6H4(CH2)2C2B9H9}2Li] 3Dy and show that dicarbollide ligands impose strong magnetic axiality on the central DyIII ion. The effective energy barrier (Ueff) for the loss of magnetization can be varied by the substitution pattern on the dicarbollide. This finding is demonstrated by comparing complexes of nido‐C2B9H112− and nido‐[o‐xylylene‐C2B9H9]2−, which show a Ueff of 430(5) K and 804(7) K, respectively. The blocking temperature defined by the open hysteresis temperature of 3Dy reaches 6.8 K. Moreover, the linear complex [Dy(C2B9H11)2]− is predicted to have comparable properties with the linear [Dy(CpMe3)2]+ complex. As such, carboranyl ligands and their derivatives may provide a new type of organometallic ligand for high‐performance single‐molecule magnets.
Bis(imino)carbazolate: A Master Key for Barium Chemistry
Authors: Chapple Peter M. , Kahlal Samia , Cartron Julien , Roisnel Thierry , Dorcet Vincent , Cordier Marie , Saillard Jean‐Yves , Carpentier Jean‐François , Sarazin Yann
Published: February 2020

Reported here is a readily available bis(imino)carbazole‐based proligand that constitutes a convenient entry point into the challenging synthetic molecular chemistry of barium. It enables the preparation of rare or even, up to now, unknown, solution‐stable heteroleptic barium complexes. The syntheses and structural features for the first molecular barium fluoride and the first barium stannylide, with an unsupported Ba−Sn bond, are described, along with other carbazolate barium species: an amide (both a remarkably stable starting material and an excellent hydrophosphination precatalyst), iodide, and silanylide. DFT analysis of bonding patterns in the barium stannylide and barium silanylide highlights a prevailingly ionic barium–tetrelide bond with a small covalent contribution.
Clinicopathological significance of microRNA‐21 in extracellular vesicles of pleural lavage fluid of lung adenocarcinoma and its functions inducing the mesothelial to mesenchymal transition
Authors: Watabe Shiori , Kikuchi Yoshinao , Morita Shigeki , Komura Daisuke , Numakura Satoe , Kumagai‐Togashi Arisa , Watanabe Masato , Matsutani Noriyuki , Kawamura Masafumi , Yasuda Masanori , Uozaki Hiroshi
Published: February 2020

Background

Pre‐resection pleural lavage cytology is useful to predict tumor recurrence and the prognosis of lung cancer patients. Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) isolated from effusion specimens have come under the spotlight, and several studies showed that microRNA in EVs is associated with prognosis. MicroRNA‐21 (miR‐21) is a representative onco‐microRNA, and miR‐21 in EVs (EV‐miR‐21) promotes cancer dissemination by inducing mesothelial to mesenchymal transition (MMT) in the peritoneal cavity. In this study, we isolated EVs from pleural lavage fluid and focused on EV‐miR‐21 as a diagnostic factor with a relationship to pleural dissemination.

Methods

The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset comprising of 448 cases of lung adenocarcinoma, tissue microarray of 144 cases of lung adenocarcinoma, and pleural lavage fluid of 41 cases was used to examine miR‐21 expression levels. The function of EV‐miR‐21 was investigated in vitro.

Results

The miR‐21 expression level in primary sites was associated with a poor prognosis and correlated with pleural invasion of adenocarcinoma. EV‐miR‐21 levels in pleural lavage fluid were associated with positive cytology and pleural invasion in the primary sites, even in cytology‐negative cases. In vitro studies demonstrated that EV‐miR‐21 induces the MMT. Mesothelial cells in the MMT showed functions similar to cancer‐associated fibroblasts, which are an important stromal component in primary sites and disseminated pleural lesions.

Conclusions

EV‐miR‐21 in pleural lavage fluid is important as a diagnostic and prognostic factor. Moreover, EV‐miR‐21 induces the MMT, which can form premetastatic niches of dissemination in the pleural cavity.
Master of Healthcare Administration program's journey to competency‐based education
Authors: Boykin Montrale , Duren‐Winfield Vanessa , Ohene Natasha M. , Steen Jessica
Published: February 2020

Winston‐Salem State University's (WSSU), Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program, answered the call of the University of North Carolina system to offer education at an equal or higher quality than currently provided at a cost that is consistent with the state's constitution. As such, WSSU converted its MHA program to a competency‐based education (CBE) platform. The American College of Healthcare Executives (2017) states that this is an exciting time for healthcare management. The field requires talented people to help introduce and manage the changes taking place in health care. Implementation of the CBE program resulted in increased enrollment, increased student satisfaction through more flexibility to complete an advanced degree, and greater ease in balancing work–life student demands. WSSU's CBE program is designed to ensure that graduates have training and expertise they need to promote career readiness. This article will discuss the journey of transforming a hybrid MHA program to CBE.
Tumour suppressor candidate 3 inhibits biological function and increases endoplasmic reticulum stress of melanoma cells WM451 by regulating AKT/GSK3‐β/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Wang Shoujie , Zhu Weifang
Published: February 2020

Melanoma is a highly malignant and is a life‐threatening disease with no effective treatment currently. This study aims to evaluate the significance of TUSC3, an endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)‐inducible gene and explore its relationship with AKT/GSK3‐β/β‐catenin signalling pathway in melanoma cell WM451. We investigated TUSC3 expression in melanoma cell by qRT‐PCR, CCK‐8 and clonal formation assays were utilized to evaluate cell proliferation. Wound healing and transwell experiments detected cell migration and invasion. Flow cytometry detected the level of apoptosis. Western blot analysed MMP2, MMP9, p‐AKT, p‐GSK3‐β, β‐catenin and AKT, GSK3‐β, ERS‐related proteins and apoptosis‐related proteins in WM451 cells. The results revealed that TUSC3 was remarkably decreased in melanoma cell lines. Overexpression of TUSC3 significantly inhibits melanoma cell WM451 biological functions and promotes expression of ERS‐related proteins in WM451 cells, increases ERS in WM451 cells by inhibiting AKT/GSK3‐β/β‐catenin pathway. These finding suggest that TUSC3 regulates biological functions of melanoma cells WM451 and increases ERS in melanoma cells WM451 via the inhibition of the AKT/GSK3‐β/β‐catenin signalling pathway.

Significance of the study

Melanoma is a highly malignant and is a life‐threatening disease with no effective treatment currently. Therefore, studying the molecular mechanism of melanoma occurrence and metastasis is essential for the treatment of melanoma. Meanwhile, mounting studies suggest that TUSC3 is considered to be closely associated with the development of various malignancies. TUSC3 regulates proliferation, migration and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition, but the molecular mechanism of the tumour suppressor effects of TUSC3 on melanoma cells is not well understood. Our study demonstrates that TUSC3 inhibits biological function of melanoma cells and increases ERS in melanoma cells by inhibiting AKT/GSK3‐β/β‐catenin pathway. And this is expected to be a new target and method for the treatment of melanoma.
Binary Supramolecular Chirality “1/0” Switched by Hierarchical Photoisomerization of a Flower‐Like Compound with a Binaphthol Core and Alkyl‐Functionalized Azobenzene Side Chains
Authors: Hou Jiaxin , Liao Jinglun , Feng Yancong , Feringa Ben L. , Chen Jiawen , Li Hao , Zhou Guofu
Published: February 2020

Chiral supramolecular assemblies are abundant in nature, but controlling the chirality of artificial systems still remains a challenge. In this work, we developed a system where supramolecular chirality can be controlled between chiral and achiral states, namely a chiral “1/0” switch using a flower‐like azobenzene compound with a binaphthol core. Upon photoisomerization by ultraviolet irradiation, the terminal alkyl tails envelop the chiral “centre” with a reduction in the dihedral angle of the binaphthol moiety from 76.1° to 61.4°, like “closing petals”. In the doped liquid crystal E7 matrix, this hierarchical conformational transition prevents the transfer of chirality to the host liquid crystal, resulting in a degradation from cholesteric phase (HTP value: 13.84 μm−1) to an achiral nematic phase.
The influence of cognitive load on maternal postural sway and heart rate in response to infant vocalizations
Authors: Hiraoka Daiki , Nomura Michio
Published: February 2020

Infants communicate their emotions to their caregivers through cries and laughter. Recent work suggests that adaptive parenting requires cognitive regulation of intuitive behaviors toward infants’ signals. In this study, we examined the effects of cognitive regulation on mothers’ unconscious behavioral and cardiac responses to infant cries and laughs. In all, 55 mothers took part in this study. To manipulate cognitive load, mothers were asked to memorize alphabet characters (two letters in the low cognitive load condition and eight in the high cognitive load condition). Then, they heard infant vocalizations (cries or laughs) for 6 s. During this time, we measured mothers’ behavioral (center of pressure, an index of approach–avoidance behavior) and physiological (heart rate) responses. Regardless of vocalization type (infant cries or laughs), high cognitive load increased mothers’ forward movement toward the infant sounds as well as mothers’ heart rate. These findings advance our understanding of the link between executive function and maternal response to infant signals by utilizing postural and physiological measures of maternal response during memory tasks that require cognitive resources.
The role of soil pipe and pipeflow in headcut migration processes in loessic soils
Authors: Xu Ximeng , Wilson Glenn V. , Zheng Fenli , Tang Qiuhong
Published: February 2020

Headcut formation and migration was sometimes mistaken as the result of overland flow, without realizing that the headcut was formed and being influenced by flow through soil pipes into the headcut. To determine the effects of the soil pipe and flow through a soil pipe on headcut migration in loessic soils, laboratory experiments were conducted under free drainage conditions and conditions of a perched water table. Soil beds with a 3‐cm deep initial headcut were formed in a flume with a 1.5‐cm diameter soil pipe 15 cm below the bed surface. Overland flow and flow into the soil pipe was applied at a constant rate of 68 and 1 l min−1 at the upper end of the flume. The headcut migration rate and sediment concentrations in both surface (channel) and subsurface (soil pipe) flows were measured with time. The typical response was the formation of a headcut that extended in depth until an equilibrium scour hole was established, at which time the headcut migrated upslope. Pipeflow caused erosion inside the soil pipe at the same time that runoff was causing a scour hole to deepen and migrate. When the headcut extended to the depth of the soil pipe, surface runoff entering the scour hole interacted with flow from the soil pipe also entering the scour hole. This interaction dramatically altered the headcut processes and greatly accelerated the headcut migration rates and sediment concentrations. Conditions in which a perched water table provided seepage into the soil pipe, in addition to pipeflow, increased the sediment concentration by 42% and the headcut migration rate by 47% compared with pipeflow under free drainage conditions. The time that overland flow converged with subsurface flow was advanced under seepage conditions by 2.3 and 5.0 min compared with free drainage conditions. This study confirmed that pipeflow dramatically accelerates headcut migration, especially under conditions of shallow perched water tables, and highlights the importance of understanding these processes in headcut migration processes. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Constructal design of an arterial bypass graft
Authors: Dutra Rafael F. , Zinani Flavia S. F. , Rocha Luiz A. O. , Biserni C.
Published: February 2020

Arterial bypass grafts tend to fail after some years due to intimal hyperplasia—an abnormal proliferation of smooth muscle cells that leads to stenosis and graft occlusion. In this regard and on the basis of the constructal design method, this study seeks to investigate the effect of geometric parameters—stenosis degree, junction angle, and diameter ratio—on the flow through a bypass graft circumventing an idealized, partially stenosed coronary artery. The computational model assumes a steady‐state Newtonian fluid flow through an artery stenosis degree from 25% to 75%. A computational fluid dynamics model and a response surface methodology were employed to assess the effects of the project parameters on pressure drop. As diameter ratio increases to 1 and the junction angle decreases to 30°, the pressure drop decreases and there is a considerable dependence of pressure drop on the stenosis degree. The effects of the diameter ratio are more pronounced than those of junction angle on the velocity field and wall shear stress. The application of the constructal design method in hemodynamics might be a good alternative to provide configurations with enhanced performance and to provide valuable results to the understanding of biological flows.
Laparoscopy‐assisted vasovasostomy for post‐herniorrhaphy vas deferens obstruction
Authors: Uchida Masahiro , Iida Shuichi , Hoshi Kazuhiko , Kojo Kosuke , Tsuchiya Haruki , Yamasaki Kazumitsu , Miyazaki Jun , Iwamoto Teruaki
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Repair of obstructive azoospermia caused by childhood herniorrhaphy may be difficult. Therefore, intracytoplasmic sperm injection using testicular sperm is performed. However, vasovasostomy combined with laparoscopic surgery is challenging.

Case presentation

A 42‐year‐old man underwent inguinal hernia repair at age 3. He had normal testicular size, azoospermia, normal hormone levels (follicle‐stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone), absence of Y chromosome micro deletion, and karyotype:46XY, t(1:21)(p34.1:q22.3). He was diagnosed with obstructive azoospermia. Repeated intracytoplasmic sperm injections using testicular sperm resulted in miscarriages. Vasovasostomy combined with laparoscopic surgery was subsequently performed. Postoperative semen analysis result was almost normal. After intracytoplasmic sperm injection of ejaculated sperm, his wife got pregnant.

Conclusion

Even if patients have chromosomal abnormalities, performing microsurgical re‐anastomosis first is recommended. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a laparoscopy‐assisted vasovasostomy for post‐herniorrhaphy vas deferens obstruction in Japan.
Dynamic wireless charging for CAEV taxi fleet in urban environment
Authors: Vaidya Binod , Mouftah Hussein T.
Published: February 2020

Advent of emerging technologies in the transportation shall led to expansion of electric vehicles (EVs) to urban taxi fleets. In future, Connected and Autonomous Electric Vehicle (CAEV) could likely be the next transportation revolution, especially in taxi fleets. With adoption of CAEVs, it is expected to improve road safety, optimize traffic flow, reduce fuel consumption, and minimize carbon emission in urban environment. However, limited driving range and longer recharging time would be key limitations for widespread deployment of CAEVs. Even though range anxiety caused by limited driving range can be minimized by recharging CAEVs with Dynamic Wireless Charging (DWC) that uses inductive power transfer (IPT) technology. However, due to the sparsely deployed DWC infrastructure, charging CAEV taxi using roadway IPT might be challenging. In this paper, we propose a taxi dispatching solution with DWC plan for urban CAEV taxi fleet in the DWC system using roadway IPT charging technique. Objectives are to minimize waiting time for rider and curtail arrival delay due to detour. Compared to primal dispatching strategy, the proposed strategy can perform better.
Climate Justice Literacy: Stories‐We‐Live‐By, Ecolinguistics, and Classroom Practice
Authors: Damico James S. , Baildon Mark , Panos Alexandra
Published: February 2020

Literacy educators can guide students to examine the stories we live by, or the larger narratives that guide individual and collective sensemaking about relationships between humans and the environment. Drawing from the field of ecolinguistics, the authors consider two ecologically destructive stories we live by: Humans are the center of existence, and consumerism is a main pathway to happiness and fulfillment. The authors also explore three intersecting beneficial stories we live by that center on indigenous perspectives, feminist foundations of climate justice, and youth activism. This work is rooted in three essential understandings about climate change: It is a complex socioscientific topic and escalating problem, engaging with climate change is mediated primarily by a complicated array of motivated digital texts and motivated readers, and climate change is about climate (in)justice. The authors conclude with ideas about being a climate justice literacy educator.
Analysis of bone marrow supernatant neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin and hematological parameters in hematological malignancy
Authors: Cho Chi‐Hyun , Cha Jaehyung , Chang Eun‐Ah , Nam Myung‐Hyun , Park Seo‐Jin , Sung Hwa Jung , Lee Se Ryeon
Published: February 2020

Background

Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a urine biomarker related to acute renal injury. Whereas several studies have evaluated NGAL levels in hematological malignancy, using peripheral blood (PB). Recently, bone marrow (BM) NGAL level was reported to be higher than PB NGAL level in individuals with hematological malignancy, suggesting that BM NGAL would reflect BM microenvironment better than PB NGAL. We measured BM NGAL levels in patients with hematological malignancy, comparing those with NGAL levels in normal BM. We evaluated the association of BM NGAL with hematological parameters including neutrophil counts.

Methods

BM samples were collected from 107 patients who underwent BM examination. Immunoassays were used to assess NGAL levels. Data on hematological parameters were collected from medical records. Intergroup comparisons were performed using the Kruskal‐Wallis H test and Pearson chi‐square test. Single and multiple regression analyses were performed to analyze the relationships.

Results

The independent factors that affected the BM NGAL level were neutrophil counts and BM band neutrophil%, while neutrophil count was the main influencing factor. The acute myeloid leukemia (n = 18) and myelodysplastic syndrome (n = 25) groups showed statistically lower BM NGAL levels than patients with normal BM. The myeloproliferative neoplasm group (n = 34) showed higher BM NGAL levels than patients with normal BM, but this difference was not statistically significant. Neutrophil counts and BM band neutrophil% showed intergroup patterns similar to those of BM NGAL levels.

Conclusion

BM NGAL was related to neutrophil count and BM band neutrophil%, showing different levels according to hematological malignant disease entities.
Next‐generation sequencing to investigate circular RNA profiles in the peripheral blood of preterm neonates with bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Mao Xiaonan , Guo Yan , Qiu Jie , Zhao Li , Xu Junjie , Yin Jiao , Lu Keyu , Zhang Mingshun , Cheng Rui
Published: February 2020

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are emerging noncoding RNAs that are involved in many biological processes and diseases. The expression profile of circRNAs in preterm neonates with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains unresolved.

Methods

In BPD infants, peripheral venous blood was drawn and circRNAs were extracted and sequenced by next‐generation sequencing. The levels of the selected circRNAs were measured by real‐time quantitative reverse transcription PCR.

Results

Among thousands of circRNAs, 491 circRNAs were significantly changed. Among the top 10 changed circRNAs, hsa_circ_0003122, hsa_circ_0003357, hsa_circ_0009983, hsa_circ_0003037, and hsa_circ_0009256 were significantly increased, while hsa_circ_0014932, hsa_circ_0015109, hsa_circ_0017811, hsa_circ_0020588, and hsa_circ_0015066 were significantly decreased. These altered circRNAs are involved in complicated biological functions and signaling pathways. Additionally, hsa_circ_0005577 (hsa_circ_FANCL), which was significantly increased in the moderate‐to‐severe BPD subjects, was correlated with oxygenation therapy.

Conclusion

These results suggest that an aberrant circRNA profile in the peripheral blood of BPD infants might be important in BPD pathogenesis.
Caveolin‐3 deficiency associated with the dystrophy P104L mutation impairs skeletal muscle mitochondrial form and function
Authors: Shah Dinesh S. , Nisr Raid B. , Stretton Clare , Krasteva‐Christ Gabriela , Hundal Harinder S.
Published: February 2020

Background

Caveolin‐3 (Cav3) is the principal structural component of caveolae in skeletal muscle. Dominant pathogenic mutations in the Cav3 gene, such as the Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy‐1C (LGMD1C) P104L mutation, result in substantial loss of Cav3 and myopathic changes characterized by muscle weakness and wasting. We hypothesize such myopathy may also be associated with disturbances in mitochondrial biology. Herein, we report studies assessing the effects of Cav3 deficiency on mitochondrial form and function in skeletal muscle cells.

Methods

L6 myoblasts were stably transfected with Cav3P104L or expression of native Cav3 repressed by shRNA or CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing prior to performing fixed/live cell imaging of mitochondrial morphology, subcellular fractionation and immunoblotting, or analysis of real time mitochondrial respiration. Skeletal muscle from wild‐type and Cav3−/− mice was processed for analysis of mitochondrial proteins by immunoblotting.

Results

Caveolin‐3 was detected in mitochondrial‐enriched membranes isolated from mouse gastrocnemius muscle and L6 myoblasts. Expression of Cav3P104L in L6 myoblasts led to its targeting to the Golgi and loss of native Cav3 (>95%), including that associated with mitochondrial membranes. Cav3P104L reduced mitochondrial mass and induced fragmentation of the mitochondrial network that was associated with significant loss of proteins involved in mitochondrial biogenesis, respiration, morphology, and redox function [i.e. PGC1α, succinate dehyrdogenase (SDHA), ANT1, MFN2, OPA1, and MnSOD). Furthermore, Cav3P104L myoblasts exhibited increased mitochondrial cholesterol and loss of cardiolipin. Consistent with these changes, Cav3P104L expression reduced mitochondrial respiratory capacity and increased myocellular superoxide production. These morphological, biochemical, and functional mitochondrial changes were phenocopied in myoblasts in which Cav3 had been silenced/knocked‐out using shRNA or CRISPR. Reduced mitochondrial mass, PGC1α, SDHA, ANT1, and MnSOD were also demonstrable in Cav3−/− mouse gastrocnemius. Strikingly, Cav3 re‐expression in Cav3KO myoblasts restored its mitochondrial association and facilitated reformation of a tubular mitochondrial network. Significantly, re‐expression also mitigated changes in mitochondrial superoxide, cholesterol, and cardiolipin content and recovered cellular respiratory capacity.

Conclusions

Our results identify Cav3 as an important regulator of mitochondrial homeostasis and reveal that Cav3 deficiency in muscle cells associated with the Cav3P104L mutation invokes major disturbances in mitochondrial respiration and energy status that may contribute to the pathology of LGMD1C.
Focal impulse and rotor modulation of atrial rotors during atrial fibrillation leads to organization of left atrial activation as reflected by waveform morphology recurrence quantification analysis and organizational index
Authors: Liu Peter R. , Friedman Daniel J. , Barnett Adam S. , Jackson Kevin P. , Daubert James P. , Piccini Jonathan P.
Published: February 2020

Background

Focal impulse and rotor modulation (FIRM) can cause slowing, organization, and occasionally termination of atrial fibrillation (AF), although results have been mixed. To further characterize changes in AF during rotor ablation, we quantified morphologic and temporal activation changes following FIRM.

Methods

In patients undergoing FIRM ablation for AF, we retrospectively analyzed coronary sinus bipolar EGMs before and after rotor ablation, including EGM activation frequency and regularity, dominant frequency (DF), and organizational index (OI). Changes in EGM waveform morphology were determined with recurrence quantification analysis (RQA) consisting of recurrence rate (RR), determinism (DET), laminarity (LAM), average diagonal line length (L), and trapping time (TT) using Wilcoxon signed‐rank testing.

Results

Overall, 36 rotors from 21 patients undergoing FIRM ablation were analyzed. All morphology RQA parameters demonstrated significant organization of atrial activation after rotor ablation (RR P = .03, DET P = .005, LAM P = .03, L P = .005, TT P = .009). The organizational index also showed a significant increase after rotor ablation (P = .01), and the change in OI correlated with changes in all morphology parameters. Of the rotors, 14/36 (39%) rotors showed organizational changes in all morphology parameters and OI, and an additional 5 rotors (19/36, 53%) showed organizational changes in 4 of 5 morphology parameters and OI.

Conclusions

Coronary sinus EGM waveform morphologies and activation patterns are significantly altered after FIRM ablation even when there is no fibrillatory slowing. RQA morphology analysis and organizational index may impart important information regarding underlying AF organization and may be useful in quantifying the acute response to ablation.
Perioperative outcomes and survival of octogenarians undergoing curative resection for esophagogastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chen Eric , Senders Zachary J , Hardacre Jeffrey , Kim Julian , Ammori John
Published: February 2020

Background and Objectives

Current data are conflicting as to whether the outcomes of octogenarians undergoing resection for esophagogastric adenocarcinoma are comparable to younger patients. This study aims to compare perioperative outcomes and survival of patients ≥80 years old with younger patients undergoing curative resection for esophagogastric adenocarcinoma.

Methods

Retrospective data were collected on 190 patients who underwent resection with curative intent for adenocarcinomas found in the stomach and esophagogastric junction from 2004 to 2015 at a single institution.

Results

Of the 190 patients, 34 (18%) were ≥80 years old. Octogenarians were more likely to have chronic kidney disease (CKD) and were less likely to have received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Pathologic features were similar between groups. Octogenarians' tumors were more likely to be located in the gastric body as compared to the esophagogastric junction in younger patients. Although the length of stay was comparable, octogenarians were significantly less likely to be discharged home (P < .01). Both groups had a single death during the index admission. Incidence and severity of 90 days postoperative complications were not significantly different between groups. There was no difference in 30‐day, 90‐day, 1‐year, or median survival.

Conclusions

Perioperative outcomes and survival of octogenarians undergoing curative resection for esophagogastric cancer are comparable to younger patients at our institution.
Treatment of stage I‐III rectal cancer: Who is refusing surgery?
Authors: Fields Adam C. , Lu Pamela W. , Yoo James , Irani Jennifer , Goldberg Joel E. , Bleday Ronald , Melnitchouk Nelya
Published: February 2020

Background and Objectives

Surgical resection is a cornerstone in the management of patients with rectal cancer. Patients may refuse surgical treatment for several reasons although the rate of refusal is currently unknown.

Methods

The National Cancer Database was utilized to identify patients with stage I‐III rectal cancer. Patients who refused surgical resection were compared to patients who underwent curative resection.

Results

A total of 509 (2.6%) patients with stage I and 2082 (3.5%) patients with stage II/III rectal cancer refused surgery. In multivariable analysis for stage I disease, older age, Black race, and Medicaid/no insurance were independent predictors of surgery refusal. Patients were less likely to refuse surgery if they had a higher income or lived further distances from the treatment facility. In multivariable analysis for stage II/III disease, older age, Black race, insurance other than private, and rural county were independent predictors of surgery refusal. Patients were less likely to refuse surgery if they had higher Charlson comorbidity scores, lived further distances from the treatment facility, or underwent chemoradiation. There was a significant decrease in survival for patients refusing surgery compared to patients undergoing recommended surgery.

Conclusions

A small proportion of patients refuse surgery for rectal cancer, and this treatment decision significantly affects survival.