bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of Water Dynamics in Hyaluronic Dermal Fillers Revealed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Relaxometry
Authors: Kruk Danuta , Rochowski Pawel , Masiewicz Elzbieta , Wilczynski Slawomir , Wojciechowski Milosz , Broche Lionel M. , Lurie David J.
Published: September 2019

1H spin−lattice nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation experiments were performed for five kinds of dermal fillers based on hyaluronic acid. The relaxation data were collected over a broad frequency range between 4 kHz and 40 MHz, at body temperature. Thanks to the frequency range encompassing four orders of magnitude, the dynamics of water confined in the polymeric matrix was revealed. It is demonstrated that translation diffusion of the confined water molecules exhibits a two‐dimensional character and the diffusion process is slower than diffusion in bulk water by 3–4 orders of magnitude. As far as rotational dynamics of the confined water is concerned, it is shown that in all cases there is a water pool characterized by a rotational correlation time of about 4×10−9 s. In some of the dermal fillers a fraction of the confined water (about 10 %) forms a pool that exhibits considerably slower (by an order of magnitude) rotational dynamics. In addition, the water binding capacity of the dermal fillers was quantitatively compared.
Full Utilization of Lignocellulose with Ionic Liquid Polyoxometalates in a One‐Pot Three‐Step Conversion
Authors: Li Yiming , Zhang Xueyan , Li Zonghang , Song Jiaying , Wang Xiaohong
Published: September 2019

The lignin‐first concept is a new innovation for full utilization of lignocellulose into value‐added chemicals. Ionic liquid (IL) polyoxometalates [MIMPS]2H4P2Mo18O62 [MIMPS=1‐(3‐sulfonic group) propyl‐3‐methyl imidazolium] are reported to be active in the cleavage of β‐O‐4, α‐O‐4, and 4‐O‐5 bonds in three kinds of lignin models and also efficient for converting native lignocellulose. The three components in soft or hard lignocellulose were depolymerized in a one‐pot three‐step treatment. For soft lignocellulose (pine), lignin was first decomposed into guaiacol and phenol with yields of 15.3 and 12.9 % at 98.6 % delignification efficiency at 130 °C for 14 h. Meanwhile, hemicellulose and cellulose were intact during the delignifying process and were subsequently hydrolyzed to 3.5 % xylose at 100 % hemicellulose conversion efficiency at 150 °C for 14 h and 36.4 % glucose at 100 % cellulose conversion efficiency at 170 °C for 12 h, respectively. For hard lignocellulose (poplar), the yields of guaiacol and phenol were 10.1 and 8.7 % at 91.9 % delignification efficiency at 130 °C for 14 h, whereas 12.9 % xylose at 90.4 % hemicellulose conversion efficiency at 150 °C for 12 h and 32.9 % glucose at 100 % cellulose conversion efficiency at 170 °C for 12 h were obtained. [MIMPS]2H4P2Mo18O62 achieved the full utilization of lignocellulose with total conversion in the lignin‐first strategy and also showed the easy separation as a result of temperature‐reversibility with ten recycling runs.
Shyness, aggression, and empathy in children of shy mothers: Moderating influence of children's psychophysiological self‐regulation
Authors: MacGowan Taigan L. , Schmidt Louis A.
Published: September 2019

Maternal psychological factors are known to play a critical role in children's socioemotional development, particularly in pro‐ and anti‐social behaviors. Although shyness is a ubiquitous phenomenon and associated with social anxiety, relatively few have examined the relation between maternal shyness and children's socioemotional development. We explored the moderating influence of children's resting respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and RSA change on the relation between maternal shyness and children's shyness, empathy, and aggression in 129 (62 males) typically developing 4‐ (n = 81) and 6‐ (n = 48) year‐olds. We found that 6‐year‐olds' RSA change score from baseline to a cognitive challenge task acted as a moderator on the relation between mother's shyness and child observed empathy but not for maternal report of child aggression or child's observed shyness. These results were not found in the 4‐year‐olds. Six‐year‐olds with relatively high RSA change and relatively low maternal shyness displayed the highest levels of empathy. These results suggest that the maternal caregiving environment and biological characteristics of the child may confer individual differences in prosocial behaviors in children. Findings are discussed in terms of age‐related differences in socioemotional behaviors in children of shy mothers.
The draft genome of Actinia tenebrosa reveals insights into toxin evolution
Authors: Surm Joachim M. , Stewart Zachary K. , Papanicolaou Alexie , Pavasovic Ana , Prentis Peter J.
Published: September 2019

Sea anemones have a wide array of toxic compounds (peptide toxins found in their venom) which have potential uses as therapeutics. To date, the majority of studies characterizing toxins in sea anemones have been restricted to species from the superfamily, Actinioidea. No highly complete draft genomes are currently available for this superfamily, however, highlighting our limited understanding of the genes encoding toxins in this important group. Here we have sequenced, assembled, and annotated a draft genome for Actinia tenebrosa. The genome is estimated to be approximately 255 megabases, with 31,556 protein‐coding genes. Quality metrics revealed that this draft genome matches the quality and completeness of other model cnidarian genomes, including Nematostella, Hydra, and Acropora. Phylogenomic analyses revealed strong conservation of the Cnidaria and Hexacorallia core‐gene set. However, we found that lineage‐specific gene families have undergone significant expansion events compared with shared gene families. Enrichment analysis performed for both gene ontologies, and protein domains revealed that genes encoding toxins contribute to a significant proportion of the lineage‐specific genes and gene families. The results make clear that the draft genome of A. tenebrosa will provide insight into the evolution of toxins and lineage‐specific genes, and provide an important resource for the discovery of novel biological compounds.
Testing adaptive hypotheses on the evolution of larval life history in acorn and stalked barnacles
Authors: Ewers‐Saucedo Christine , Pappalardo Paula
Published: September 2019

Despite strong selective pressure to optimize larval life history in marine environments, there is a wide diversity with regard to developmental mode, size, and time larvae spend in the plankton. In the present study, we assessed if adaptive hypotheses explain the distribution of the larval life history of thoracican barnacles within a strict phylogenetic framework. We collected environmental and larval trait data for 170 species from the literature, and utilized a complete thoracican synthesis tree to account for phylogenetic nonindependence. In accordance with Thorson's rule, the fraction of species with planktonic‐feeding larvae declined with water depth and increased with water temperature, while the fraction of brooding species exhibited the reverse pattern. Species with planktonic‐nonfeeding larvae were overall rare, following no apparent trend. In agreement with the “size advantage” hypothesis proposed by Strathmann in 1977, egg and larval size were closely correlated. Settlement‐competent cypris larvae were larger in cold water, indicative of advantages for large juveniles when growth is slowed. Planktonic larval duration, on the other hand, was uncorrelated to environmental variables. We conclude that different selective pressures appear to shape the evolution of larval life history in barnacles.
Controlling factors of plant community composition with respect to the slope aspect gradient in the Qilian Mountains
Authors: Qin Yanyan , Adamowski Jan F. , Deo Ravinesh C. , Hu Zeyong , Cao Jianjun , Zhu Meng , Feng Qi
Published: September 2019

Slope aspect can affect soil temperature and soil type distribution, which, in turn, is likely to influence plant community composition. Three Qilian mountains, located in the northeastern part of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, China, with four distinct slope aspects including south‐facing (SF), southwest‐facing (SW), northwest‐facing (NW), and north‐facing (NF) slope aspects, were studied to investigate the impact of slope aspect on plant assemblages. The results indicated that the environmental conditions were favorable under the NF and NW slope aspects as the soil water, soil organic carbon (SOC), and soil total nitrogen (STN) contents were significantly higher, and soil temperature (ST) and soil bulk density (SBD) were significantly lower than under the SF and SW aspects. Under all slope aspects, however, SOC, STN, and soil total phosphate in the top 0.2 m of topsoil accounted for about 60% of its total quantity, to a soil depth of 0.6 m. The plant communities on the SF and SW slopes were found to be primarily composed of Poa pratensis, Potentilla anrisena, and Carex aridula. In contrast, the plant community on the NW slope was mainly composed of Kobresia humilis, Carex crebra, and Potentilla bifurca, while on the NF slope it was mainly composed of Picea crassifolia, Carex scabrirostris, and Polygonum macrophyllum. The order of the influence of environmental factors on species distributions was ST > SBD > sand > STN. Results suggest that the slope aspect has an important role in the regulation of the soil environment and plant assemblages and that ST and SBD were the main factors influencing plant community composition. Furthermore, evidence from this study suggests that these mountains will become increasingly vulnerable to global warming. Thus, the plant community composition on these mountains must be monitored continuously in order to allow for strategic adaptive management.
Functional traits determine the different effects of prey, predators, and climatic extremes on desert reptiles
Authors: Grimm‐Seyfarth Annegret , Mihoub Jean‐Baptiste , Henle Klaus
Published: September 2019

Terrestrial reptiles are particularly vulnerable to climate change. Their highest density and diversity can be found in hot drylands, ecosystems which demonstrate extreme climatic conditions. However, reptiles are not isolated systems but part of a large species assemblage with many trophic dependencies. While direct relations among climatic conditions, invertebrates, vegetation, or reptiles have already been explored, to our knowledge, species’ responses to direct and indirect pathways of multiple climatic and biotic factors and their interactions have rarely been examined comprehensively. We investigated direct and indirect effects of climatic and biotic parameters on the individual (body condition) and population level (occupancy) of eight abundant lizard species with different functional traits in an arid Australian lizard community using a 30‐yr multi‐trophic monitoring study. We used structural equation modeling to disentangle single and interactive effects. We then assessed whether species could be grouped into functional groups according to their functional traits and their responses to different parameters. We found that lizard species differed strongly in how they responded to climatic and biotic factors. However, the factors to which they responded seemed to be determined by their functional traits. While responses on body condition were determined by habitat, activity time, and prey, responses on occupancy were determined by habitat specialization, body size, and longevity. Our findings highlight the importance of indirect pathways through climatic and biotic interactions, which should be included into predictive models to increase accuracy when predicting species’ responses to climate change. Since one might never obtain all mechanistic pathways at the species level, we propose an approach of identifying relevant species traits that help grouping species into functional groups at different ecological levels, which could then be used for predictive modeling.
Thermally Induced Spin Transition in a 2D Ferrous Nitroprusside
Authors: Avila Yosuan , Plasencia Yosdel , Osiry Hernandez , Martínez‐dlCruz Lorena , González Montiel Marlene , Reguera Edilso
Published: September 2019

This study reports the intercalation of pyridine molecules between neighboring layers of two‐dimensional (2D) ferrous nitroprusside. In the material under study, the stacking of neighboring layers results in the formation of a long range ordered solid, where the 3D structure is supported by dipole‐dipole attractive interactions between neighboring pyridine molecules in the interlayer region. No chemical interactions were observed between layers, which preserve their identity as a 2D material. In this hybrid inorganic–organic solid, a thermal induced spin transitions from high to low spin on cooling and then from low to high spin on heating were observed. Such thermal induced spin crossover transition takes place with a pronounced hysteresis of 18 K, according to the magnetic and DSC measurements. That spin crossover transition is characterized by an extremely small structural change, involved a unit cell volume reduction from the high to low spin states of only 0.7 % and a related Fe–NPyridine distance shortening of 0.10 Å. The two spin states and the transition between them were additionally characterized from magnetic and DSC data and, Raman and Mössbauer spectra.
Metal‐Free Visible‐Light‐Mediated Hydrotrifluoromethylation of Unactivated Alkenes and Alkynes in Continuous Flow
Authors: Barthelemy Anne‐Laure , Dagousset Guillaume , Magnier Emmanuel
Published: September 2019

We report herein a novel photoredox‐catalyzed hydrotrifluoromethylation of unsaturated systems under continuous flow. This metal‐free method is easily broadened to other perfluoroalkyl groups (RF = CF3, CFCl2, CF2Br, C4F9) thanks to the use of sulfilimino iminiums as sources of ·RF radicals. The mild reaction conditions are compatible with unactivated alkenes bearing a wide range of functionalities, as well as with alkynes for the first time.
A credit risk evaluation based on intuitionistic fuzzy set theory for the sustainable development of electricity retailing companies in China
Authors: De Gejirifu , Tan Zhongfu , Li Menglu , Huang Lilin , Wang Qiang , Li Huanhuan
Published: September 2019

As China's power market becomes more orderly, electricity retailing companies are influenced by multiple factors restricting their healthy, stable, and sustainable development. This paper explores these issues through four dimensions, the external basic environment, operating credit risk, financial credit risk, and transaction credit risk, and determines the credit risk evaluation index system, which includes 22 factors relevant to electricity retailing companies. To achieve this, this paper utilizes the characteristics of the intuitionistic fuzzy set theory and, in an uncertain environment, the proposed credit risk assessment model based on the intuitionistic fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (IFAHP). In order to improve the identification degree of the credit risk evaluation of electricity retailing companies, a penalty factor is introduced into the model, and the variable weight mechanism of dynamic adjustment hesitancy is proposed. Finally, we select five electricity retailing companies and use different evaluation methods to conduct a comprehensive credit risk evaluation, so as to improve the credit risk level of electricity retailing companies.
Enhance the effectiveness of clinical laboratory critical values initiative notification by implementing a closed‐loop system: A five‐year retrospective observational study
Authors: Li Runqing , Wang Tengjiao , Gong Lijun , Dong Jingxiao , Xiao Nan , Yang Xiaohuan , Zhu Dong , Zhao Zhipeng
Published: September 2019

Background

Accurate and timely clinical laboratory critical values notification are crucial steps in supporting effective clinical decision making, thereby improving patient safety.

Methods

A closed‐loop laboratory critical value notification system was developed by a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, laboratorians, administrators, and information technology experts. All the laboratory critical values that occurred at Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital (BTCH, Beijing, China) from 2015 to 2019 were analyzed and studied retrospectively.

Results

The total number (ratio) of institutional laboratory critical values to all reported items at BTCH from 2015 to 2019 was 38 020/7 706 962 (0.49%). Percentage distribution points of critical value boundaries based on patients’ test reports are 0.007% ~ 6.04% for low boundaries and 71.70% ~ 99.99% for high boundaries. After the intervention, the timely notification ratio, notification receipt ratio, and timely notification receipt ratio of critical values of ED, IPD, and total patients had increased, with a significant difference (P < .001). Five quality indicators, such as notification ratio, timely notification ratio, notification receipt ratio, timely notification receipt ratio, and clinician response ratio over a 5‐year period, were 100%, 94%, 97%, 92%, and 99%, respectively.

Conclusions

We enhanced the effectiveness of clinical laboratory critical values initiative notification by implementing a closed‐loop system and intervening. Clinical critical values and quality indicators should be analyzed and monitored to avoid adversely affecting patient care.
Targeting epigenetic modifications as a potential therapeutic option for diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Kumari Nidhi , Karmakar Aditi , Ganesan Senthil kumar
Published: September 2019

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of visual impairment in adults of working age (20–65 years) in developed countries. The metabolic memory phenomena (persistent effect of a glycemic insult even after retrieved) associated with it has increased the risk of developing the complication even after the termination of the glycemic insult. Hence, the need for finding early diagnosis and treatment options has been of great concern. Epigenetic modifications which generally occur during the beginning stages of the disease are responsible for the metabolic memory effect. Therefore, the therapy based on the reversal of the associated epigenetic mechanism can bring new insight in the area of early diagnosis and treatment mechanism. This review discusses the diabetic retinopathy, its pathogenesis, current treatment options, need of finding novel treatment options, and different epigenetic alterations associated with DR. However, the main focus is emphasized on various epigenetic modifications particularly DNA methylation which are responsible for the initiation and progression of diabetic retinopathy and the use of different epigenetic inhibitors as a novel therapeutic option for DR.
TMEM158 promotes pancreatic cancer aggressiveness by activation of TGFβ1 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Fu Yue , Yao Na , Ding Dong , Zhang Xudong , Liu Hanyang , Ma Le , Shi Weihai , Zhu Chunfu , Tang Liming
Published: September 2019

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most deadly digestive cancers world‐wide, with a dismal five‐year survival rate of <8%. Upregulation of transmembrane protein 158 (TMEM158) is known to facilitate the progression of several carcinomas. However, little is known concerning the potential roles of TMEM158 in PC. Herein, we first found that TMEM158 was significantly upregulated in PC samples as well as PC cell lines. The overexpression of TMEM158 was significantly correlated with advanced clinicopathologic features (including tumor size, TNM stage, and blood vessel invasion) and poorer prognosis of patients with PC in clinic. Evidenced based on a series of loss‐ and gain‐of‐function assays uncovered that TMEM158 enhanced PC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by stimulating the progression of cell cycle, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and MMP‐2/9 production. Furthermore, mechanism‐related investigations disclosed that activation of TGFβ1 and PI3K/AKT signal might be responsible for TMEM158‐triggered PC aggressiveness. Collectively, TMEM158 was upregulated in PC and promoted PC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion through the activation of TGFβ1 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways, highlighting its potential as a tumor promoter and a therapeutic target for PC.
Retracted: CBP‐triggered KDM2B acetylation accelerates the carcinogenesis of colon cancer
Authors: Qi Yuxi , Zhao Yanning
Published: September 2019

Lysine (K)‐specific demethylase 2B (KDM2B) has been testified to be an oncogene in diverse cancers, which joins in mediating the carcinogenesis of cancers. Nonetheless, the function of KDM2B in colon cancer remains unexplored. The study attempted to disclose the influences of KDM2B acetylation in the progression of colon cancer. SW48 and SUN‐C1 cells were transfected with Flag‐KDM2B and administrated by trichostatin A and nicotinamide for 24 hr. Immunoprecipitation with a Flag antibody followed by western blot with acetyl‐lysine‐specific antibody was executed to detect KDM2B acetylation. The correlation between CREB binding protein (CBP) and KDM2B was then investigated. The K‐R and K‐Q mutants were constructed and the impacts of KDM2B on demethylation of nucleosomal substrates, p21, and puma transcription and the carcinogenesis of colon cancer were probed. CBP immediately evoked KDM2B acetylation at lysine residue 765 in colon cancer cells. Acetylation of KDM2B obviously destroyed the relevance with nucleosomes, demethylation of nucleosomal substrates, and repressed p21 and puma transcription. More important, KDM2B acetylation restrained SUN‐C1 cells proliferation and colony formation, meanwhile, hindered cell migration and invasion. Beyond that, the tumor formation was repressed by KDM2B acetylation. The observations testified that CBP‐triggered KDM2B acetylation accelerated the carcinogenesis of colon cancer.
Metabolic and microbial perspectives on the “evolution of evolution”
Authors: Powell Russell , O'Malley Maureen A.
Published: September 2019

Identifying and theorizing major turning points in the history of life generates insights into not only world‐changing evolutionary events but also the processes that bring these events about. In his treatment of these issues, Bonner identifies the evolution of sex, multicellularity, and nervous systems as enabling the “evolution of evolution,” which involves fundamental transformations in how evolution occurs. By contextualizing his framework within two decades of theorizing about major transitions in evolution, we identify some basic problems that Bonner's theory shares with much of the prevailing literature. These problems include implicit progressivism, theoretical disunity, and a limited ability to explain major evolutionary transformations. We go on to identify events and processes that are neglected by existing views. In contrast with the “vertical” focus on replication, hierarchy, and morphology that preoccupies most of the literature on major transitions, we propose a “horizontal” dimension in which metabolism and microbial innovations play a central explanatory role in understanding the broad‐scale organization of life.
Tail regeneration in Lepidosauria as an exception to the generalized lack of organ regeneration in amniotes
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo
Published: September 2019

The present review hypothesizes that during the transition from water to land, amniotes lost part of the genetic program for metamorphosis utilized in larvae of their amphibian ancestors, a program that in extant fish and amphibians allows organ regeneration. The direct development of amniotes, with their growth from embryos to adults, occurred with the elimination of larval stages, increases the efficiency of immune responses and the complexity of nervous circuits. In amniotes, T‐cells and macrophages likely eliminate embryonic‐larval antigens that are replaced with the definitive antigens of adult organs. Among lepidosaurians numerous lizard families during the Permian and Triassic evolved the process of tail autotomy to escape predation, followed by tail regeneration. Autotomy limits inflammation allowing the formation of a regenerative blastema rich in the immunosuppressant and hygroscopic hyaluronic acid. Expression loss of developmental genes for metamorphosis and segmentation in addition to an effective immune system, determined an imperfect regeneration of the tail. Genes involved in somitogenesis were likely lost or are inactivated and the axial skeleton and muscles of the original tail are replaced with a nonsegmented cartilaginous tube and segmental myotomes. Lack of neural genes, negative influence of immune system, and isolation of the regenerating spinal cord within the cartilaginous tube impede the production of nerve and glial cells, and a stratified spinal cord with ganglia. Tissue and organ regeneration in other body regions of lizards and other reptiles is relatively limited, like in the other amniotes, although the cartilage shows a higher regenerative capability than in mammals.
Short‐Term Creatine Supplementation May Alleviate the Malnutrition‐Inflammation Score and Lean Body Mass Loss in Hemodialysis Patients: A Pilot Randomized Placebo‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Marini Ana Clara B. , Motobu Reika D. , Freitas Ana T. V. , Mota João F. , Wall Benjamin T. , Pichard Claude , Laviano Alessandro , Pimentel Gustavo Duarte
Published: September 2019

Background

Creatine supplementation has been proposed to alleviate muscle loss in various populations, but has not been investigated in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Thus, our objective was to evaluate whether creatine supplementation could attenuate the loss of lean body mass (LBM) and malnutrition‐inflammation score (MIS) in HD patients.

Methods

A randomized, placebo‐controlled, double blind, parallel‐design study included HD patients, of both sexes, aged 18–59 years. The patients were allocated to a Placebo Group (PG; n = 15; received maltodextrin, 1st week: 40 g/day and 2nd–4th weeks: 10 g/day) and a Creatine Group (CG; n = 15; received creatine plus maltodextrin, 1st week: 20 g/day of creatine plus 20 g/day of maltodextrin and 2nd–4th weeks: 5 g/day of creatine plus 5 g/day of maltodextrin). Pre and post the intervention, patients were evaluated for food intake, MIS, body composition and biochemical parameters.

Results

CG group attenuated the MIS (Pre: 5.57 ± 0.72 vs. Post: 3.85 ± 0.47 score, P = 0.003) compared with PG (Pre: 5.71 ± 0.97 vs. Post: 5.36 ± 0.95 score, P = 0.317) (supplement × time P = 0.017, effect size: 0.964). The change of LBM was greater in CG than in PG (CG: Δ0.95 vs PG: Δ0.13 kg). At post‐intervention, 28.6% of PG patients presented LBM loss and 71.4% remain stable. In contrast, 14.4% of CG patients had LBM loss, 42.8% remain stable and 42.8% gained. Food intake and quality of life did not change. CG increased the BMI and gait speed in post‐compared to pre‐moment, but no difference among the groups.

Conclusion

In HD patients, four weeks of creatine supplementation may alleviate the MIS as well as attenuate the LBM loss compared to placebo.
Evaluating gender parity in operative experience for otolaryngology residencies in the United States
Authors: Gurgel Richard K. , Cardon Brandon R. , Allen Chelsea McCarty , Presson Angela P. , Kelly Brenna C. , Hopf Harriet W. , Choi Sukgi S. , Miller Robert H.
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Gender disparity exists in medicine, such as differences in pay and promotion opportunities. We hypothesize that there is also a gender difference in graduate medical education as manifested by operative case volume. This study compares surgical case volume by gender for graduating US otolaryngology residents.

Study Design

Cohort study.

Methods

With data use approval from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, we evaluated the key indicator case log summaries of graduating otolaryngology residents from 2009–2017. Mean and standard deviation were used for all cases, and t‐tests were used to compare cases by resident gender. The Bonferroni method was used to adjust for multiple comparisons across years.

Results

Data from 1740 male and 804 female residents were evaluated. Across all years, the average number of key indicator cases reported was 778.8 and 813.6 by female and male residents, respectively, with an average difference of 34.8 cases per graduating year (95% confidence interval [CI] 19.4, 50.2; P < .001). When a resident self‐reported the role of resident surgeon/supervisor, the average number of key indicator cases reported was 602.6 and 643.9 by female and male residents, respectively, with an average difference of 41.3 cases per graduating year (95% CI, 28.0, 54.6; P < .001).

Conclusion

Gender‐based discrepancies in surgical case volume exist among graduating otolaryngology residents. This disparity is partially attributed to the self‐reported role in the surgery. This study has identified those discrepancies so that training programs can implement strategies to ensure improved gender parity.

Level of Evidence

2b Laryngoscope, 130:1651–1656, 2020
Effect of Different Crosslinking Strategies on Physical Properties and Biocompatibility of Freestanding Multilayer Films Made of Alginate and Chitosan
Authors: Apte Gurunath , Repanas Alexandros , Willems Christian , Mujtaba Anas , Schmelzer Christian E. H. , Raichur Ashok , Syrowatka Frank , Groth Thomas
Published: September 2019

Freestanding multilayer films prepared by layer‐by‐layer technique have attracted interest as promising materials for wound dressings. The goal is to fabricate freestanding films using chitosan (CHI) and alginate (ALG) including subsequent crosslinking to improve the mechanical properties of films while maintaining their biocompatibility. Three crosslinking strategies are investigated, namely use of calcium ions for crosslinking ALG, 1‐ethyl‐3‐(‐3‐dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide combined with N‐hydroxysuccinimide for crosslinking ALG with CHI, and Genipin for crosslinking chitosan inside the films. Different characteristics, such as surface morphology, wettability, swelling, roughness, and mechanical properties are investigated showing that films became thinner, exhibited rougher surfaces, had lower water uptake, and increased mechanical strength after crosslinking. Changes of wettability are moderate and dependent on the crosslinking method. In vitro cytotoxicity and cell attachment studies with human dermal fibroblasts show that freestanding CHI‐ALG films represent a poorly adhesive substratum for fibroblasts, while studies using incubation of plastic‐adherent fibroblast beneath floating films show no signs of cytotoxicity in a time frame of 7 days. Results from cell experiments combined with film characteristics after crosslinking, indicate that crosslinked freestanding films made of ALG and CHI may be interesting candidates for wound dressings.
Polyethylenimine‐Based Nanogels for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Zou Yu , Li Du , Shen Mingwu , Shi Xiangyang
Published: September 2019

Nanogels (NGs) are 3‐dimensional (3D) networks composed of hydrophilic or amphiphilic polymer chains, allowing for effective and homogeneous encapsulation of drugs, genes, or imaging agents for biomedical applications. Polyethylenimine (PEI), possessing abundant positively charged amine groups, is an ideal platform for the development of NGs. A variety of effective PEI‐based NGs have been designed and much effort has been devoted to study the relationship between the structure and function of the NGs. In particular, PEI‐based NGs can be prepared either using PEI as the major NG component or using PEI as a crosslinker. This review reports the recent progresses in the design of PEI‐based NGs for gene and drug delivery and for bioimaging applications with a target focus to tackle the diagnosis and therapy of cancer.
Polyethersulfone Block Copolymers for Membrane Applications
Authors: Weber Martin , Rajak Anil , Maletzko Christian
Published: September 2019

Polyarylethersulfones (polysulfone: PSU, polyethersulfone: PESU) belong to the group of established membrane materials and are mainly used for production of ultra‐ and microfiltration membranes. They offer several advantageous properties like hydrolysis and chemical resistance, mechanical strength and bio‐compatibility. A general drawback of these polymers compared to the more polar membrane materials cellulosetriacetate or polyacrylonitrile is the hydrophobic nature of the polyarylethersulfone which can be quantified by the contact angle versus water. An improved synthetic pathway to segmented block copolymers based on polyarylethersulfones and various aliphatic polyethers is presented as well as the characterization of the obtained block copolymers and their use for membrane preparation.
Effect of Blending Procedure on Tensile and Degradation Properties of Toughened Biodegradable Poly(lactic acid) Blend with Poly(trimethylene terephthalate) and Reactive Compatibilizer
Authors: Kultravut Katanyu , Kuboyama Keiichi , Ougizawa Toshiaki
Published: September 2019

This research focuses on brittleness improvement of biodegradable poly(lactic acid) (PLA) by reactive melt blending with poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT). First, PLA is simultaneously blended with PTT and a reactive compatibilizer, poly(ethylene‐co‐glycidyl methacrylate) (PEGMA), (one‐step blending procedure). In the PLA/PTT/PEGMA blend, PEGMA mainly disperses in the PLA matrix phase, and the blend shows unimproved tensile properties. To increase the reaction between PTT and PEGMA, PEGMA is sequentially blended with PTT then PLA (two‐step blending procedure). This procedure is effective in drastically enhancing elongation at break of the blend. The strain at break of the blend formed by two‐step blending is significantly improved because the blending procedure affects the blend morphology. PLA‐g‐PEGMA‐g‐PTT graft copolymer is formed at the interface between PLA and PTT during reactive melt blending with PEGMA when the two‐step blending procedure is employed as a blending method which is confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and viscosity measurement. Such features bring about craze formation during tensile test and this is the reason why the toughening is achieved by the two‐step blending procedure.
Consumer microflow experiences
Authors: Lavoie Raymond , Main Kelley
Published: September 2019

This research explores relatively short, low‐intensity flow states, called microflow and demonstrates that they differ from their longer, more complex deepflow variants with regards to antecedents. As an advancement to flow theory, we demonstrate that the ideal condition to elicit microflow is when skills are slightly higher than the difficulty of the task. Importantly, despite being relatively shorter, microflow experiences still have a strong positive influence on consumer attitudes. Our research also advances theory by demonstrating that the two dimensions of microflow have different relationships with the level of difficulty and consumer attitudes. We discuss both theoretical and practical implications.
Quaternary Solar Cells with 12.5% Efficiency Enabled with Non‐Fullerene and Fullerene Acceptor Guests to Improve Open Circuit Voltage and Film Morphology
Authors: Li Weiping , Liu Wenxu , Zhang Xin , Yan Dong , Liu Feng , Zhan Chuanlang
Published: September 2019

Designing the bulk‐heterojunction structure (binary, ternary and quaternary) is of great fundamental interest for relaxing the trade‐off between open circuit voltage (Voc) and short circuit current density (   Jsc). Herein, a new quaternary blended material system is reported with a nonfullerene and PC71BM as the third and fourth component of PBDB‐T:ITCT, leading to simultaneously increased Voc and Jsc and maintained fill factor (FF). The guest IT‐T‐IC has upshifted LUMO energy level helping to obtain a higher Voc. The further addition of 0.2 PC71BM as the fourth component yields an even higher Voc because the LUMO of PC71BM is higher than that of ITCT. Interestingly, the blend of PC71BM leads to the formation of an unprecedented neuron‐like morphology, which acts as new centers not only performing light absorption and charge separation but also charge transport through their surrounding donor and acceptor fibers. The increased hole and electron mobilities and the reduced bimolecular loss results in an even larger Jsc and FF. These results indicate that a combination using a structurally similar higher‐LUMO‐level non‐fullerene acceptor and PCBM is a simple yet effective quaternary material approach to simultaneously increase Voc and Jsc while maintaining FF, improving final device performance.
Dietary Supplementation of Methyl Donor l‐Methionine Alters Epigenetic Modification in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Navik Umashanker , Sheth Vaibhav G. , Kabeer Shaheen Wasil , Tikoo Kulbhushan
Published: September 2019

Scope

The aim of the current study is to evaluate whether l‐methionine supplementation (l‐Met‐S) improves type 2 diabetes‐induced alterations in glucose and lipid metabolism by modulating one‐carbon metabolism and methylation status.

Methods and Results

Diabetes is induced in male Sprague–Dawley rats using high‐fat diet and low dose streptozotocin. At the end of study, various biochemical parameters, immunoblotting, qRT‐PCR and ChIP‐qPCR are performed. The first evidence that l‐Met‐S activates p‐AMPK and SIRT1, very similar to “metformin,” is provided. l‐Met‐S improves the altered key one‐carbon metabolites in diabetic rats by modulating methionine adenosyl transferase 1A and cystathione β synthase expression. qRT‐PCR shows that l‐Met‐S alleviates diabetes‐induced increase in Forkhead transcription factor 1 expression and thereby regulating genes involved in glucose (G6pc, Pdk4, Pklr) and lipid metabolism (Fasn). Interestingly, l‐Met‐S inhibits the increased expression of DNMT1 and also prevents methylation of histone H3K36me2 under diabetic condition. ChIP assay shows that persistent increase in abundance of histone H3K36me2 on the promoter region of FOXO1 in diabetic rats and it is recovered by l‐Met‐S.

Conclusion

The first evidence that dietary supplementation of l‐Met prevents diabetes‐induced epigenetic alterations and regulating methionine levels can be therapeutically exploited for the treatment of metabolic diseases is provided.
A novel normalization for amide proton transfer CEST MRI to correct for fat signal–induced artifacts: application to human breast cancer imaging
Authors: Zimmermann Ferdinand , Korzowski Andreas , Breitling Johannes , Meissner Jan‐Eric , Schuenke Patrick , Loi Lisa , Zaiss Moritz , Bickelhaupt Sebastian , Schott Sarah , Schlemmer Heinz‐Peter , Paech Daniel , Ladd Mark E. , Bachert Peter , Goerke Steffen
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The application of amide proton transfer (APT) CEST MRI for diagnosis of breast cancer is of emerging interest. However, APT imaging in the human breast is affected by the ubiquitous fat signal preventing a straightforward application of existing acquisition protocols. Although the spectral region of the APT signal does not coincide with fat resonances, the fat signal leads to an incorrect normalization of the Z‐spectrum, and therefore to distorted APT effects. In this study, we propose a novel normalization for APT‐CEST MRI that corrects for fat signal–induced artifacts in the postprocessing without the need for application of fat saturation schemes or water–fat separation approaches.

Methods

The novel normalization uses the residual signal at the spectral position of the direct water saturation to estimate the fat contribution. A comprehensive theoretical description of the normalization for an arbitrary phase relation of the water and fat signal is provided. Functionality and applicability of the proposed normalization was demonstrated by in vitro and in vivo experiments.

Results

In vitro, an underestimation of the conventional APT contrast of approximately −1.2% per 1% fat fraction was observed. The novel normalization yielded an APT contrast independent of the fat contribution, which was also independent of the water‐fat phase relation. This allowed APT imaging in patients with mamma carcinoma corrected for fat signal contribution, field inhomogeneities, spillover dilution, and water relaxation effects.

Conclusion

The proposed normalization increases the specificity of APT imaging in tissues with varying fat content and represents a time‐efficient and specific absorption rate–efficient alternative to fat saturation and water–fat separation approaches.
Consideration of repetitive nerve stimulation of the median nerve in patients being evaluated for myasthenia gravis
Authors: Lee Tiffany Hoi‐Yan , Li Yuebing
Published: September 2019

Repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) of the median nerve is rarely studied in myasthenia gravis (MG). We performed a retrospective analysis of RNS studies performed on 448 patients at our center between 2010 and 2016. Among 95 patients with MG, an abnormal decrement of the compound muscle action potential amplitude was seen in 40.7% of median, 38.4% of spinal accessory, and 57.1% of facial nerve RNS studies. Median nerve RNS was abnormal in 10 patients with normal spinal accessory and 5 patients with normal facial nerve RNS. MG patients with abnormal median nerve RNS were more likely to be seropositive and have limb weakness. No differences were observed in the incidence of abnormal median nerve RNS in patients with and without a median neuropathy at the wrist. Median nerve RNS is easy to perform, reproducible, and should be considered in the electrodiagnostic evaluation of MG.
Improving Proteome Coverage for Small Sample Amounts: An Advanced Method for Proteomics Approaches with Low Bacterial Cell Numbers
Authors: Blankenburg Sascha , Hentschker Christian , Nagel Anna , Hildebrandt Petra , Michalik Stephan , Dittmar Denise , Surmann Kristin , Völker Uwe
Published: September 2019

Proteome analyses are often hampered by the low amount of available starting material like a low bacterial cell number obtained from in vivo settings. Here, the single pot solid‐phase enhanced sample preparation (SP3) protocol is adapted and combined with effective cell disruption using detergents for the proteome analysis of bacteria available in limited numbers only. Using this optimized protocol, identification of peptides and proteins for different Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative species can be dramatically increased and, reliable quantification can also be ensured. This adapted method is compared to already established strain‐specific sample processing protocols for Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus suis, and Legionella pneumophila. The highest species‐specific increase in identifications is observed using the adapted method with L. pneumophila samples by increasing protein and peptide identifications up to 300% and 620%, respectively. This increase is accompanied by an improvement in reproducibility of protein quantification and data completeness between replicates. Thus, this protocol is of interest for performing comprehensive proteomics analyses of low bacterial cell numbers from different settings ranging from infection assays to environmental samples.
Evaluation of the anticancer effects induced by cold atmospheric plasma in 2D and 3D cell‐culture models
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zhang Jishen , Liu Zhijie , Xu Dehui , Guo Li , Liu Dingxin , Kong Michael G.
Published: September 2019

The biological characteristics of three‐dimensional (3D) tumors cannot be adequately represented through two‐dimensional (2D) cell cultures. Here, to acquire more precise information about plasma–tumor interactions, the plasma‐induced cytotoxicity was tested in both 2D cell culture and 3D tumor‐spheroid culture. The results indicated that the toxic effects were markedly reduced in 3D cancer cells compared with 2D cells. We found that reactive oxygen and nitrogen species can penetrate through the entire depth of 3D tumor spheroid, but local apoptosis was observed only on the outermost layer. The permeation depth of plasma‐generated reactive species was then tracked in 3D tumor spheroids. We hypothesized that plasma‐induced apoptosis within a tumor depends on the “deep” delivery of H2O2, NO2−, and NO3−rather than O2−, OH•, and ONOOH/ONOO−.
TiO2 thin film patterns prepared by chemical vapor deposition and atomic layer deposition using an atmospheric pressure microplasma printer
Authors: Aghaee Morteza , Verheyen Joerie , Stevens Alquin A. E. , Kessels Wilhelmus M. M. , Creatore Mariadriana
Published: September 2019

A microplasma printer is employed to deposit thin film patterns of TiO2 by titanium tetra‐isopropoxide and N2/O2 plasma at atmospheric pressure. The setup is adopted to carry out deposition in two configurations, namely under chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and atomic layer deposition (ALD) modes. The properties of TiO2, as well as the patterning resolution, are investigated. The amorphous TiO2 deposited in the CVD mode contains a relatively high level of impurities (residual carbon content of 5–10 at.%) and is characterized by a low refractive index of 1.8. With the ALD mode on the other hand, TiO2 is obtained with a low level of impurities (<1 at.% C and <2 at.% N), a refractive index of 1.98, and a growth per cycle of 0.15 nm. Furthermore, the spatial resolution for a 8‐nm‐thick film is determined by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy line scan and found to be equal to 2,000 and 900 µm for the CVD and ALD modes, respectively. This study can be regarded as the first step toward area‐selective CVD and ALD of TiO2 by a microplasma printer, which can be further explored and extended to other material systems.
Identification of Malonylation, Succinylation, and Glutarylation in Serum Proteins of Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients
Authors: Zhou Boda , Du Yipeng , Xue Yajun , Miao Guobin , Wei Taotao , Zhang Ping
Published: September 2019

Purpose

To identify protein malonylation, succinylation, and glutarylation in human and rat serum.

Experimental design

Immunoprecipitation coupled with MS/MS is employed to compare the relative abundance of malonylation, succinylation, and glutarylation of serum protein in acute myocardial infarction human and rat.

Results

One hundred thirty and 48 unique malonylated, succinylated, or glutarylated peptides are found in human and rat serum, respectively. Succinylation is the most predominant modification. The most modified protein is albumin. Abundance of serum protein succinylation and glutarylation is significantly (p < 0.05) lower in the peripheral serum of ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction patients compared with healthy volunteers, which is also observed in acute myocardial infarction rats.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Malonylation, succinylation, and glutarylation widely exist in mammalian serum proteins, and may reveal novel mechanism of acute myocardial infarction.
Critical Advances in Ambient Air Operation of Nonaqueous Rechargeable Li–Air Batteries
Authors: Liu Lili , Guo Haipeng , Fu Lijun , Chou Shulei , Thiele Simon , Wu Yuping , Wang Jiazhao
Published: September 2019

Over the past few years, great attention has been given to nonaqueous lithium–air batteries owing to their ultrahigh theoretical energy density when compared with other energy storage systems. Most of the research interest, however, is dedicated to batteries operating in pure or dry oxygen atmospheres, while Li–air batteries that operate in ambient air still face big challenges. The biggest challenges are H2O and CO2 that exist in ambient air, which can not only form byproducts with discharge products (Li2O2), but also react with the electrolyte and the Li anode. To this end, recent progress in understanding the chemical and electrochemical reactions of Li–air batteries in ambient air is critical for the development and application of true Li–air batteries. Oxygen‐selective membranes, multifunctional catalysts, and electrolyte alternatives for ambient air operational Li–air batteries are presented and discussed comprehensively. In addition, separator modification and Li anode protection are covered. Furthermore, the challenges and directions for the future development of Li–air batteries are presented.