bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic transformation of Spizellomyces punctatus, a resource for studying chytrid biology and evolutionary cell biology
Authors: Medina Edgar M , Robinson Kristyn A , Bellingham-Johnstun Kimberly , Ianiri Giuseppe , Laplante Caroline , Fritz-Laylin Lillian K , Buchler Nicolas E
Published: May 2020

Chytrids are early-diverging fungi that share features with animals that have been lost in most other fungi. They hold promise as a system to study fungal and animal evolution, but we lack genetic tools for hypothesis testing. Here, we generated transgenic lines of the chytrid Spizellomyces punctatus, and used fluorescence microscopy to explore chytrid cell biology and development during its life cycle. We show that the chytrid undergoes multiple rounds of synchronous nuclear division, followed by cellularization, to create and release many daughter ‘zoospores’. The zoospores, akin to animal cells, crawl using actin-mediated cell migration. After forming a cell wall, polymerized actin reorganizes into fungal-like cortical patches and cables that extend into hyphal-like structures. Actin perinuclear shells form each cell cycle and polygonal territories emerge during cellularization. This work makes Spizellomyces a genetically tractable model for comparative cell biology and understanding the evolution of fungi and early eukaryotes.
AirID, a novel proximity biotinylation enzyme, for analysis of protein–protein interactions
Authors: Kido Kohki , Yamanaka Satoshi , Nakano Shogo , Motani Kou , Shinohara Souta , Nozawa Akira , Kosako Hidetaka , Ito Sohei , Sawasaki Tatsuya
Published: May 2020

Proximity biotinylation based on Escherichia coli BirA enzymes such as BioID (BirA*) and TurboID is a key technology for identifying proteins that interact with a target protein in a cell or organism. However, there have been some improvements in the enzymes that are used for that purpose. Here, we demonstrate a novel BirA enzyme, AirID (ancestral BirA for proximity-dependent biotin identification), which was designed de novo using an ancestral enzyme reconstruction algorithm and metagenome data. AirID-fusion proteins such as AirID-p53 or AirID-IκBα indicated biotinylation of MDM2 or RelA, respectively, in vitro and in cells, respectively. AirID-CRBN showed the pomalidomide-dependent biotinylation of IKZF1 and SALL4 in vitro. AirID-CRBN biotinylated the endogenous CUL4 and RBX1 in the CRL4CRBN complex based on the streptavidin pull-down assay. LC-MS/MS analysis of cells that were stably expressing AirID-IκBα showed top-level biotinylation of RelA proteins. These results indicate that AirID is a novel enzyme for analyzing protein–protein interactions.
Synergistic actions of v-SNARE transmembrane domains and membrane-curvature modifying lipids in neurotransmitter release
Authors: Dhara Madhurima , Mantero Martinez Maria , Makke Mazen , Schwarz Yvonne , Mohrmann Ralf , Bruns Dieter
Published: May 2020

Vesicle fusion is mediated by assembly of SNARE proteins between opposing membranes. While previous work suggested an active role of SNARE transmembrane domains (TMDs) in promoting membrane merger (Dhara et al., 2016), the underlying mechanism remained elusive. Here, we show that naturally-occurring v-SNARE TMD variants differentially regulate fusion pore dynamics in mouse chromaffin cells, indicating TMD flexibility as a mechanistic determinant that facilitates transmitter release from differentially-sized vesicles. Membrane curvature-promoting phospholipids like lysophosphatidylcholine or oleic acid profoundly alter pore expansion and fully rescue the decelerated fusion kinetics of TMD-rigidifying VAMP2 mutants. Thus, v-SNARE TMDs and phospholipids cooperate in supporting membrane curvature at the fusion pore neck. Oppositely, slowing of pore kinetics by the SNARE-regulator complexin-2 withstands the curvature-driven speeding of fusion, indicating that pore evolution is tightly coupled to progressive SNARE complex formation. Collectively, TMD-mediated support of membrane curvature and SNARE force-generated membrane bending promote fusion pore formation and expansion.
Loss of Ena/VASP interferes with lamellipodium architecture, motility and integrin-dependent adhesion
Authors: Damiano-Guercio Julia , Kurzawa Laëtitia , Mueller Jan , Dimchev Georgi , Schaks Matthias , Nemethova Maria , Pokrant Thomas , Brühmann Stefan , Linkner Joern , Blanchoin Laurent , Sixt Michael , Rottner Klemens , Faix Jan
Published: May 2020

Cell migration entails networks and bundles of actin filaments termed lamellipodia and microspikes or filopodia, respectively, as well as focal adhesions, all of which recruit Ena/VASP family members hitherto thought to antagonize efficient cell motility. However, we find these proteins to act as positive regulators of migration in different murine cell lines. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated loss of Ena/VASP proteins reduced lamellipodial actin assembly and perturbed lamellipodial architecture, as evidenced by changed network geometry as well as reduction of filament length and number that was accompanied by abnormal Arp2/3 complex and heterodimeric capping protein accumulation. Loss of Ena/VASP function also abolished the formation of microspikes normally embedded in lamellipodia, but not of filopodia capable of emanating without lamellipodia. Ena/VASP-deficiency also impaired integrin-mediated adhesion accompanied by reduced traction forces exerted through these structures. Our data thus uncover novel Ena/VASP functions of these actin polymerases that are fully consistent with their promotion of cell migration.
Luteolin attenuates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by modulating the PHLPP1/AKT/Bcl-2 signalling pathway
Authors: Zhang YanDong , Ma ChengYuan , Liu ChunShui , Wei Feng
Published: May 2020

Background

Luteolin (LUT) is a flavonoid found in vegetables and fruits that has diverse functions. Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anthracycline antibiotic that is frequently used for the treatment of various cancers. Unfortunately, the clinical efficacy of DOX is limited by its dose-related cardiotoxicity. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential mechanism through which LUT attenuates cardiotoxicity in vivo.

Methods

We evaluated the body weight, heart weight, electrocardiogram, and pathological changes before and after administration of LUT. Moreover, the effects of LUT (50 mg/kg in the low dose group, 100 mg/kg in the high dose group) on biochemical parameters (brain natriuretic peptide, creatine kinase MB, cardiac troponin T, and dehydrogenation of lactate enzyme) and oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase) were studied in the sera of cardiotoxicity model rats. We also identified the apoptotic mediators whose expression was induced by LUT by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) evaluation. In addition, we used network analysis to predict DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and protection afforded by LUT. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of associated proteins.

Results

LUT significantly improved DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in a dose-dependent fashion. LUT ameliorated DOX-induced weight loss and heart weight changes, as well as changes in biochemical parameters and oxidative stress parameters in heart injury model rats. LUT’s protective effect was observed via regulation of the apoptotic markers Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3 mRNA and protein expression levels. Network analysis showed that the AKT/Bcl-2 signalling pathway was activated; specifically, the PH domain leucine-rich repeats protein phosphatase 1 (phlpp1) was involved in the AKT/Bcl-2 signal pathway. LUT inhibited the activity of phlpp1 leading to positive regulation of the AKT/Bcl-2 pathway, which attenuated doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that LUT exerted protective effects against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in vivo by alleviating oxidative stress, suppressing phlpp1 activity, and activating the AKT/Bcl-2 signalling pathway.
Assessment and simulation of land use and land cover change impacts on the land surface temperature of Chaoyang District in Beijing, China
Authors: Amir Siddique Muhammad , Dongyun Liu , Li Pengli , Rasool Umair , Ullah Khan Tauheed , Javaid Aini Farooqi Tanzeel , Wang Liwen , Fan Boqing , Rasool Muhammad Awais
Published: May 2020

Rapid urbanization is changing the existing patterns of land use land cover (LULC) globally, which is consequently increasing the land surface temperature (LST) in many regions. The present study is focused on estimating current and simulating future LULC and LST trends in the urban environment of Chaoyang District, Beijing. Past patterns of LULC and LST were identified through the maximum likelihood classification (MLC) method and multispectral Landsat satellite images during the 1990–2018 data period. The cellular automata (CA) and stochastic transition matrix of the Markov model were applied to simulate future (2025) LULC and LST changes, respectively, using their past patterns. The CA model was validated for the simulated and estimated LULC for 1990–2018, with an overall Kappa (K) value of 0.83, using validation modules in IDRISI software. Our results indicated that the cumulative changes in built-up to vegetation area were 74.61 km2 (16.08%) and 113.13 km2 (24.38%) from 1990 to 2018. The correlation coefficient of land use and land cover change (LULCC), including vegetation, water bodies and built-up area, had values ofr =  − 0.155 (p > 0.005), −0.809 (p = 0.000), and 0.519 (p > 0.005), respectively. The results of future analysis revealed that there will be an estimated 164.92 km2 (−12%) decrease in vegetation area, while an expansion of approximately 283.04 km2 (6% change) will occur in built-up areas from 1990 to 2025. This decrease in vegetation cover and expansion of settlements would likely cause a rise of approximately ∼10.74 °C and ∼12.66 °C in future temperature, which would cause a rise in temperature (2025). The analyses could open an avenue regarding how to manage urban land cover patterns to enhance the resilience of cities to climate warming. This study provides scientific insights for environmental development and sustainability through efficient and effective urban planning and management in Beijing and will also help strengthen other research related to the UHI phenomenon in other parts of the world.
Growth Performance of Two Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) Varieties under Different Agroforestry Systems in Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain S. , Rahman M. S. , Kona K. N. , Bari M. S. , Akter N. , Ali M. M.
Published: May 2020

The experiments was conducted at a farmers’ field adjacent to the HSTU Research Farm, Dinajpur during 28th April to 13th December 2018 to evaluate growth and quality of two ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) varieties under different tree such as ghoraneem, litchi and mango based Agroforestry systems. The experiment was two factors RCBD where Factor A (four Agroforestry systems) and Factor B (two ginger varieties). Factor A (Agroforestry system) were- T1=under Ghoraneem, T2= under Litchi, T3= under Mango and T4= Open field (control). Again, factor B (variety) were- V1= Deshiand V2= China. Therefore, the treatment combinations were T1V1, T1V2, T2V1, T2V2, T3V1, T3V2, T4V1 and T4V2. The experiment results revealed that the growth and quality of ginger were significantly varied by the main effect of different Agroforestry systems. The highest germination speed, plant height was higher under Ghoraneem (T1) but thehighest fresh rhizome weight (21600 kg/ha) was found under Mango based System (T3), whereas the highest dry rhizome weight (20%) was found under Open field condition (T4). The main effect of varieties on growth and quality of ginger were significantly varied. Germination speed, plant height, fresh rhizome weight was higher in deshi ginger (V1) but highest dry rhizome weight was found in china ginger (V2). The interaction effect of Agroforestry systems and ginger varieties was also significant. The highest germination found in T1V1.Again, the tallest plant was recorded in T1V2.The highest fresh rhizome weight (20865 kg/ha) was found in T3V1 but the highest dry rhizome weight was found inT4V1 (21.25 %). The relationship between light intensity and fresh ginger rhizome yield was inversely proportional. The highest ginger rhizome yield (21600 kg/ha) was found when the total light intensity was 115.50 LUX under Mango (T1) and the lowest ginger rhizome yield(18366 kg/ha) was when the total light intensity was 321.50 LUX in open field (T4).
Some Challenges in the Reintegration of Ex-offenders for Appointment as Directors in Botswana
Authors: Mukuna John
Published: May 2020

The aim of this paper is to interrogate key legal perspectives of reintegration of ex-offenders into society with specific reference to their appointment as directors of private enterprises in Botswana. The paper contends that re-integration of ex-offenders is a continuation of their rehabilitation that should start during their incarceration. The paper argues that the Companies Act Chapter 42:01, the principal statutory law governing private enterprises in Botswana, generally fetters the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders by placing unlimited discretion on the courts in the determination of whether ex-offenders should become directors of companies. Such wide and unrestrained powers of the courts may violate the right of ex-offenders to employment and managing their businesses. The paper adopts a qualitative research design with interpretivist paradigm because of the critical and hermeneutical approach when one is interpreting and analyzing diverse legal instruments. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights is considered so as appropriately locate the current discourse. With a view to assessing the magnitude of the treatment of ex-offenders in the private sector for director positions, the paper examines the law on the qualifications for appointment as a director in selected public sector boards. The finding is that whereas the Companies Act Chapter 42:01 leaves the fate of an ex-offender in the hands of the judiciary, that is not the case in the appointment of directors in State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) that are established by legislation. The paper therefore recommends legal reform for the Companies Act Chapter 42:01 to adopt an approach that clearly re-integrates ex-offenders without any court process. For a proper appreciation of the approach found in the Companies Act Chapter 42:01, the paper examines South Africa’s Companies Act 71 of 2008. The paper finds that there is need for legal reform in Botswana so that the fate of ex-offenders regarding managing their own companies and serving in other companies is not left to the courts without any statutory safeguards.
Speed Regulation and Control of Inverter Fed Induction Motor Drives Using Controllers (PI, PID)
Authors: Ojha Piyush Kumar , Amiy Eeshan , Bhagat Apurv Nihal , Kumar Sumit
Published: May 2020

An induction (or asynchronous) motor is an AC electric motor in which runs at the rated condition but there is indeed of variable speed of motor. There are numbers of methods available for speed control, but there is need for selection of proper controller for obtaining the desired result. Simulation was done in the MATLAB Simulink software.
Emission Characteristics of Methyl Ester of Rice Bran Oil Blends with Ethanol in CI Engine
Authors: Sharma Rajat Kumar , Singh Jayant , Negi Ankit , Azad Deepshikha
Published: May 2020

Increasing demand and rapid depletion of fossil fuels have together prompted the researchers of many countries to look for alternate renewable fuels. This study is an attempt to test the feasibility of rice bran oil as fuel in C. I. engine in its original and in its refined form. It is generally produced from rice bran which is a by-product produced during paddy processing. Its viscosity though relatively higher than diesel can be reduced by natural sedimentation process. In this attempt, the performance and emission characteristics of rice bran oil and its refined form were studied and compared with diesel by employing them as a fuel in a single cylinder, direct injection, 4.4 KW, air cooled diesel engine. The performance characteristics revealed that the brake thermal efficiency of the rice bran oil was higher than its refined form and were marginally lower than that of diesel. Emission measurements were carried out using MRU Delta 1600L gas analyzer and the soot concentration was measured with AVL smoke meter. It was found that though blends of rice bran oil with ethanolexhibited greater soot concentration characteristics than rice bran oil and diesel at all loads, it exhibited desirable characteristics for other emissions such as lower CO, HC, NOx emissions and lower exhaust gas temperatures with increasing load.
Evaluation of the Corrosion Inhibitive Properties of Three Different Leave Extracts on Mild Steel Iron in Sulphuric Acid Solution
Authors: Chukwueze Gabriel N. , Asadu Christian O. , Onu Chijioke E. , Ike Innocent S.
Published: May 2020

The inhibitive ability of pawpaw, neem and curry leaf extracts on corrosion of mild steel in sulfuric acid solution were investigated in this work. The extracts obtained from their respective leaves, were characterized to determine their phytochemical constituents as well as functional groups present using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) technique. Weight loss techniques was employed to evaluate the corrosion inhibition efficiency of the leaf extracts. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to study the morphology of the mild steel before and after corrosion experiments. The process factors studied was exposure time, concentration of leaf extracts (inhibitor) and temperature. The results revealed that the phytochemical constituents of the leaves are capable of inhibiting corrosion due to high concentration of tannins which is responsible for the corrosion inhibition of mild steel. The rate of corrosion decreased with increase in the concentration of the extracts while the inhibition efficiency increased with increase in the concentration of the extracts. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed that the corroded mild steel in the presence of the extracts had smoother surfaces than corroded mild steel in the absence of the extracts. Also, neem leaf extract demonstrated higher potential as corrosion inhibitor than pawpaw and curry leaf extracts.
Amount of Information and Measurement Uncertainty
Authors: Menin Boris
Published: May 2020

Aims: To acquaint specialists in the field of physics and technology, experimenters and theoreticians with the possibilities of using information theory to analyze the results of an experiment, without a statistical and subjective expert approach.

Place and Duration of Study: Mechanical & Refrigeration Consultation Expert, between December 2019 and February 2020.

Methodology: Using the information approach and calculating the amount of information contained in the model of measuring a physical constant, we formulate a quantitative indicator for analyzing the results of the experiment.

Results: The appropriateness of applying the described approach is checked when studying the database when measuring various physical constants. The approach is applicable to the analysis of results obtained both for a long and a short period of time.

Conclusion: The information-theoretical approach allows us to formulate a universal indicator of the threshold mismatch between the model and the phenomenon, applicable to all scientific and technical fields in which the International System of Units (SI) is used.
Detection of circulating natural antibodies against CD25, MUC1, and VEGFR1 for early diagnosis of non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Liu Siqi , Zhang Xuan , Jiang Quanhang , Liang Tingting
Published: May 2020

We previously demonstrated that a deficiency of natural antibodies against CD25, Mucin 1 (MUC1), and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1) could contribute to high risk of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study was designed to investigate whether natural IgG antibodies against POU domain class 5 transcription factor 1 (POU5F1), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and the combination of CD25, VEGFR1, and MUC1 could play an anti‐tumorigenic role against developing NSCLC. An ELISA was developed in‐house to examine plasma IgG against peptide antigens derived from POU5F1, TNF‐α, and a combination of peptide antigens derived from CD25, MUC1, and VEGFR1 in 211 patients with NSCLC and 200 healthy controls. Mann–Whitney U test demonstrated that plasma IgG levels for the combination of peptide antigens derived from CD25, MUC1, and VEGFR1 were significantly lower in NSCLC patients than control subjects (Z = −12.978, P < 0.001) although plasma levels of IgG antibodies for POU5F1 and TNFα were not significantly changed. The in‐house ELISA made with the CD25‐MUC1‐VEGFR1 combination had a sensitivity of 49.6% against a specificity of 95% to detect early‐stage NSCLC. In conclusion, natural antibodies against the combination of CD25, VEGFR1, and MUC1 may be an effective biomarker for early diagnosis of NSCLC.
Human In Vitro Model Mimicking Material‐Driven Vascular Regeneration Reveals How Cyclic Stretch and Shear Stress Differentially Modulate Inflammation and Matrix Deposition
Authors: van Haaften Eline E. , Wissing Tamar B. , Kurniawan Nicholas A. , Smits Anthal I. P. M. , Bouten Carlijn V. C.
Published: May 2020

Resorbable synthetic scaffolds designed to regenerate living tissues and organs inside the body have emerged as a clinically attractive technology to replace diseased blood vessels. However, mismatches between scaffold design and in vivo hemodynamic loading (i.e., cyclic stretch and shear stress) can result in aberrant inflammation and adverse tissue remodeling, leading to premature graft failure. Yet, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, a human in vitro model is presented that mimics the transient local inflammatory and biomechanical environments that drive scaffold‐guided tissue regeneration. The model is based on the coculture of human (myo)fibroblasts and macrophages in a bioreactor platform that decouples cyclic stretch and shear stress. Using a resorbable supramolecular elastomer as the scaffold material, it is revealed that cyclic stretch initially reduces proinflammatory cytokine secretion and, especially when combined with shear stress, stimulates IL‐10 secretion. Moreover, cyclic stretch stimulates downstream (myo)fibroblast proliferation and matrix deposition. In turn, shear stress attenuates cyclic‐stretch‐induced matrix growth by enhancing MMP‐1/TIMP‐1‐mediated collagen remodeling, and synergistically alters (myo)fibroblast phenotype when combined with cyclic stretch. The findings suggest that shear stress acts as a stabilizing factor in cyclic stretch‐induced tissue formation and highlight the distinct roles of hemodynamic loads in the design of resorbable vascular grafts.
Tuning the Local Availability of VEGF within Glycosaminoglycan‐Based Hydrogels to Modulate Vascular Endothelial Cell Morphogenesis
Authors: Limasale Yanuar Dwi Putra , Atallah Passant , Werner Carsten , Freudenberg Uwe , Zimmermann Ralf
Published: May 2020

Incorporation of sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) into cell‐instructive polymer networks is shown to be instrumental in controlling the diffusivity and activity of growth factors. However, a subtle balance between local retention and release of the factors is needed to effectively direct cell fate decisions. To quantitatively unravel material characteristics governing these key features, the GAG content and the GAG sulfation pattern of star‐shaped poly(ethylene glycol) (starPEG)–GAG hydrogels are herein tuned to control the local availability and bioactivity of GAG‐affine vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF165). Hydrogels containing varying concentrations of heparin or heparin derivatives with different sulfation pattern are prepared and thoroughly characterized for swelling, mechanical properties, and growth factor transport. Mathematical models are developed to predict the local concentration and spatial distribution of free and bound VEGF165 within the gel matrices. The results of simulation and experimental studies concordantly reveal how the GAG concentration and sulfation pattern determine the local availability of VEGF165 within the cell‐instructive hydrogels and how the factor—in interplay with cell‐instructive gel properties—determines the formation and spatial organization of capillary networks of embedded human vascular endothelial cells. Taken together, this study exemplifies how mathematical modeling and rational hydrogel design can be combined to pave the way for precision tissue engineering.
Multifunctional Nanoparticle Loaded Injectable Thermoresponsive Hydrogel as NIR Controlled Release Platform for Local Photothermal Immunotherapy to Prevent Breast Cancer Postoperative Recurrence and Metastases
Authors: Jia Yan Peng , Shi Kun , Yang Fan , Liao Jin Feng , Han Ru Xia , Yuan Li Ping , Hao Ying , Pan Meng , Xiao Yao , Qian Zhi Yong , Wei Xia Wei
Published: May 2020

For breast cancer patients who have undergone breast‐conserving surgery, effective treatments to prevent local recurrences and metastases is very essential. Here, a local injectable therapeutic platform based on a thermosensitive PLEL hydrogel with near‐infrared (NIR)‐stimulated drug release is developed to achieve synergistic photothermal immunotherapy for prevention of breast cancer postoperative relapse. Self‐assembled multifunctional nanoparticles (RIC NPs) are composed of three therapeutic components including indocyanine green, a photothermal agent; resiquimod (R848), a TLR‐7/8 agonist; and CPG ODNs, a TLR‐9 agonist. RIC NPs are physically incorporated into the thermosensitive PLEL hydrogel. The RIC NPs encapsulated PLEL hydrogel (RIC NPs@PLEL) is then locally injected into the tumor resection cavity for local photothermal therapy to ablate residue tumor tissues and produce tumor‐associated antigens. At the same time, NIR also triggers the release of immune components CPG ODNs and R848 from thermoresponsive hydrogels PLEL. The released immune components, together with tumor‐associated antigens, work as an in situ cancer vaccine for postsurgical immunotherapy by inducing effective and sustained antitumor immune effect. Overall, this work suggests that photothermal immunotherapy based on local hydrogel delivery system has great potential as a promising tool for the postsurgical management of breast cancer to prevent recurrences and metastases.
Sustainable Nanotextured Wave Energy Harvester Based on Ferroelectric Fatigue‐Free and Flexoelectricity‐Enhanced Piezoelectric P(VDF‐TrFE) Nanofibers with BaSrTiO3 Nanoparticles
Authors: An Seongpil , Jo Hong Seok , Li Gen , Samuel Edmund , Yoon Sam S. , Yarin Alexander L.
Published: May 2020

Here, ultrathin, flexible, and sustainable nanofiber‐based piezoelectric nanogenerators (NF‐PENGs) are fabricated and applied as wave energy harvesters. The NF‐PENGs are composed of poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF‐TrFE)) nanofibers with embedded barium strontium titanate (BaSrTiO3) nanoparticles, which are fabricated by using facile, scalable, and cost‐effective fiber‐forming methods, including electrospinning and solution blowing. The inclusion of ferroelectric BaSrTiO3 nanoparticles inside the electrospun P(VDF‐TrFE) nanofibers enhances the sustainability of the NF‐PENGs and results in unique flexoelectricity‐enhanced piezoelectric nanofibers. Not only do these NF‐PENGs yield a superior performance compared to the previously reported NF‐PENGs, but they also exhibit an outstanding durability in terms of mechanical properties and cyclability. Furthermore, a new theoretical estimate of the energy harvesting efficiency from the water waves is introduced here, which can also be employed in future studies associated with various nanogenerators, including PENGs and triboelectric nanogenerators.
Morphogenesis Guided by 3D Patterning of Growth Factors in Biological Matrices
Authors: Broguiere Nicolas , Lüchtefeld Ines , Trachsel Lucca , Mazunin Dmitry , Rizzo Riccardo , Bode Jeffrey W. , Lutolf Matthias P. , Zenobi‐Wong Marcy
Published: May 2020

Three‐dimensional (3D) control over the placement of bioactive cues is fundamental to understand cell guidance and develop engineered tissues. Two‐photon patterning (2PP) provides such placement at micro‐ to millimeter scale, but nonspecific interactions between proteins and functionalized extracellular matrices (ECMs) restrict its use. Here, a 2PP system based on nonfouling hydrophilic photocages and Sortase A (SA)‐based enzymatic coupling is presented, which offers unprecedented orthogonality and signal‐to‐noise ratio in both inert hydrogels and complex mammalian matrices. Improved photocaged peptide synthesis and protein functionalization protocols with broad applicability are introduced. Importantly, the method enables 2PP in a single step in the presence of fragile biomolecules and cells, and is compatible with time‐controlled growth factor presentation. As a corollary, the guidance of axons through 3D‐patterned nerve growth factor (NGF) within brain‐mimetic ECMs is demonstrated. The approach allows for the interrogation of the role of complex signaling molecules in 3D matrices, thus helping to better understand biological guidance in tissue development and regeneration.
Unidirectional and Selective Proton Transport in Artificial Heterostructured Nanochannels with Nano‐to‐Subnano Confined Water Clusters
Authors: Li Xingya , Zhang Huacheng , Yu Hao , Xia Jun , Zhu Yin‐Bo , Wu Heng‐An , Hou Jue , Lu Jun , Ou Ranwen , Easton Christopher D. , Selomulya Cordelia , Hill Matthew R. , Jiang Lei , Wang Huanting
Published: May 2020

The construction of biological proton channel analogues has attracted substantial interest owing to their wide potential in separation of ions, sensing, and energy conversion. Here, metal–organic framework (MOF)/polymer heterogeneous nanochannels are presented, in which water molecules are confined to disordered clusters in the nanometer‐sized polymer regions and to ordered chains with unique molecular configurations in the 1D sub‐1‐nm porous MOF regions, to realize unidirectional, fast, and selective proton transport properties, analogous to natural proton channels. Given the nano‐to‐subnano confined water junctions, experimental proton conductivities in the polymer‐to‐MOF direction of the channels are much higher than those in the opposite direction, showing a high rectification up to 500 and one to two orders of magnitude enhancement compared to the conductivity of proton transport in bulk water. The channels also show a good proton selectivity over other cations. Theoretical simulations further reveal that the preferential and fast proton conduction in the nano‐to‐subnano channel direction is attributed to extremely low energy barriers for proton transport from disordered to ordered water clusters. This study opens a novel approach to regulate ion permeability and selectivity of artificial ion channels.
Strategically Formulating Aggregation‐Induced Emission‐Active Phosphorescent Emitters by Restricting the Coordination Skeletal Deformation of Pt(II) Complexes Containing Two Independent Monodentate Ligands
Authors: Yang Xiaolong , Yue Ling , Yu Yue , Liu Boao , Dang Jingshuang , Sun Yuanhui , Zhou Guijiang , Wu Zhaoxin , Wong Wai‐Yeung
Published: May 2020

Aggregation‐induced emission (AIE)‐active phosphorescent emitters have intrinsic advantages in time‐gated imaging/sensing and improving the electroluminescent efficiencies of organic light‐emitting devices (OLEDs). However, compared with the very prosperous and fruitful developments of AIE‐active fluorescent emitters and related working mechanisms, the progresses on AIE‐active phosphorescent emitters and associated AIE mechanisms are still relatively slow. Herein, the AIE properties of a series of phosphorescent Pt(II) complexes with two monodentate ligands are reported. Compared with the conventional rigid Pt(II) complexes bearing two bidentate ligands or one tri‐/tetradentate ligand, the incorporation of two monodentate ligands provides the resulting Pt(II) complexes with more room to deform their coordination skeletons from the square‐planar geometry in the ground state to the quasi‐tetrahedral configuration in the excited state, causing poor solution emissions. In doped films and aggregate states, intense emissions are observed for these Pt(II) complexes. The as‐fabricated solution‐processed OLED exhibits an impressively high external quantum efficiency of 21.7%. This study provides an effective way to develop excellent AIE‐active phosphorescent emitters.
Passing the Frontiers of Liquid‐Phase Glycerol Partial Oxidation over Supported Bimetallic Catalysts
Authors: Skrzyńska‐Ćwiąkalska Elżbieta , Capron Mickaël , Dumeignil Franck
Published: May 2020

In this paper, the performance of monometallic and bimetallic (Au, Pt, Ag, Pd) catalysts supported on a basic alumina in the partial oxidation of glycerol in the liquid phase are compared. A clear synergetic effect between metals is observed, especially when Au and Pt, Au and Pd, as well as Ag and Pt are associated. These three catalysts, characterized by relatively small mean particle size (i.e., 4.44 ± 2.18 nm for AuPt, 6.42 ± 3.31 nm for AuPd, and 6.91 ± 3.97 nm for AgPt), enable complete glycerol (GLY) conversion after 4 h of reaction at room temperature, under atmospheric pressure (200 mL of a 0.3 m GLY solution, 0.5 g of catalyst, NaOH/GLY = 4 mol mol−1, 1500 rpm, 650 mL O2 min−1). Moreover, it is possible to achieve more than 80% GLY conversion after 4 h of reaction at room temperature under atmospheric pressure with air bubbling (650 mL air min−1) as an oxidation atmosphere. This unpreceded high performance in the glycerol partial oxidation reaction under such mild conditions pave the way to the possibility of industrial exploitation of this promising catalytic system.
Multi‐Functional Edible Film with Excellent UV Barrier Performance and Accurate Instant Ion Printing Capability
Authors: Wang Zi , Tang Lirong , Lin Fengcai , Shen Yanping , Chen Yandan , Chen Xuerong , Huang Biao , Lu Beili
Published: May 2020

Using natural biomass resources to synthesize degradable membrane materials, which may replace traditional plastics, is one of the strategies that can reduce pollution. Herein, a mechanochemical method for preparation of degradable biofilm tannic acid‐modified microfibrillated cellulose (TA@MFC)‐G is proposed. The method involves modification of a microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) with plant polyphenol (tannic acid), followed by complexation with gelatin in an aqueous solution. Compared with pure gelatin film, MFC film has higher intrinsic crystallinity and thermal stability. Due to the synergistic effect of tannin and MFC, the mechanical strength and flexibility of the films are improved; its tensile strength is higher than 75 MPa and its elongation at break is as high as 13%. The films also have high UV blocking ability. Finally, the films are printed using Fe3+ ions or conventional ink, from which it is observed that the pattern printed using Fe3+ ions has higher solvent resistance and water repellency compared to that printed using conventional ink. This biodegradable film may have promising applications as food packaging materials or in other industries.
Enhanced Charge Transfer and Responsivity in Hybrid Quantum Dot/Graphene Photodetectors Using ZnO as Intermediate Electron‐Collecting Layer
Authors: Ahn Seungbae , Chen Wenjun , Moreno‐Gonzalez Miguel A. , Lockett Malcolm , Wang Jiaying , Vazquez‐Mena Oscar
Published: May 2020

Hybrid graphene (Gr)–quantum dot (QD) photodetectors have shown ultrahigh photoresponsivity combining the strong light absorption of QDs with the high mobility of Gr. QDs absorb light and generate photocarriers that are efficiently transported by Gr. Typically, hybrid PbS–QD/graphene photodetectors operate by transferring photogenerated holes from the QDs to Gr while photoelectrons stay in the QDs inducing a photogating mechanism that achieves a responsivity of 6 × 107 A W−1. However, despite such high gain, these systems have poor charge collection with quantum efficiency below 25%. Herein, a ZnO intermediate layer (PbS‐QD/ZnO/Gr) is introduced to improve charge collection by forming an effective p‐n PbS‐ZnO junction driving the electrons to the ZnO layer and then to Gr. This improves the photoresponsivity of the devices by nearly an order of magnitude with respect to devices without ZnO. Charge transfer to Gr is demonstrated by monitoring the change in Fermi level under illumination for conventional PbS‐QD/Gr and for ZnO intermediate PbS‐QD/ZnO/Gr devices. These results improve the capabilities of hybrid QD/Gr configurations for optoelectronic devices.
FromTunnel‐Visionto Panoramic Fog—An Essay on How Philosophy Can Help us Better Understand Consumers' Pursuit of Ethical Food
Authors: Drohan Christopher M. , Norwood F. Bailey
Published: May 2020

Panoramic fog—(noun) the state in which a well‐intentioned individual seeks to understand how their actions impact the world, but the difficulty of doing so induces them to seek comfort in convenient answers, leading them to spend more time reinforcing their acceptance of those answers than questioning them. In the process, they create an irreconcilable gulf between them and persons who accept other convenient answers.
Purpose, Pleasure, Pace and Contrasting Perspectives: Teaching and Learning in the Emergency Department
Authors: Sadka Nancy , Lee Victor , Ryan Anna
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Teaching and learning in the clinical setting are vital for the training and development of emergency physicians. Increasing service provision and time pressures in the emergency department (ED) have led to junior trainees' perceptions of a lack of teaching and a lack of support during clinical shifts. We sought to explore the perceptions of learners and supervisors in our ED regarding teaching within this diverse and challenging context.

Methods

Nine ED physicians and eight ED trainees were interviewed to explore perceptions of teaching in the ED. Clinical teaching was described as “on‐the‐floor” teaching during work shifts. We used a validated clinical teaching assessment instrument to help pilot and develop some of our interview questions, and data were analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis.

Results

We identified three major themes in our study: 1) the strong sense of purpose and the pleasure gained through teaching and learning interactions, despite both groups being unsure of each other's engagement and enthusiasm; 2) contrasting perspectives of teaching with registrars holding a traditional knowledge transmission view, yet shared perspectives of teacher as being ED consultants; and 3) the effect of patient acuity and volume, which both facilitated learning until a critical point of busyness beyond which service provision pressures and staffing limitations were perceived to negatively impact learning.

Conclusions

The ED is a complex and fluid working and learning environment. We need to develop a shared understanding of teaching and learning opportunities in the ED, which helps all stakeholders move beyond learning as knowledge acquisition and sees the potential for learning from teachers of a multitude of professional backgrounds.
A single tillage in a long‐term no‐till system on dryland crop performance
Authors: Schlegel Alan , Holman Johnathon D. , Assefa Yared
Published: May 2020

A no‐till system may cause stratification of soil organic C and lack effective control of herbicide‐resistant weeds. An occasional tillage is proposed to alleviate these, but only limited information is available on the effect of a single or occasional tillage on crop yield in a no‐till wheat grain−sorghum−fallow (WSF) rotation. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of a single tillage to a 10‐cm depth of a long‐term (>6 yr) continuous no‐till WSF system on grain yield, soil water, and water use of grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) for up to 3 yr after the single tillage operation. This research was conducted at Garden City and Tribune, KS. The three tillage treatments were a single tillage in May or June during fallow (June tillage), a single tillage after wheat harvest (July tillage), and a complete NT system. Grain yield of sorghum varied from average of 3.40 Mg ha−1 at Garden City in 2014 to 8.04 Mg ha−1 at Tribune in 2016. Grain yield of winter wheat varied from average of 0.47 Mg ha−1 at Garden City in 2014 to 5.21 Mg ha−1 at Tribune in 2016. There was no significant effect from a single tillage (June tillage or July tillage) on crop yield, yield components, biomass, available soil water (ASW), and water use compared with continuous no‐till. Therefore, we have concluded that a single tillage of a long‐term no‐till dryland WSF system can be done without affecting crop performance.
Changes in surgical therapies for rectal cancer over the past 100 years: A review
Authors: Toiyama Yuji , Kusunoki Masato
Published: May 2020

Advances in surgical and adjuvant therapies have resulted in a dramatic improvement in outcomes of rectal cancer in terms of both oncology and functional preservation. Surgery plays a central role in therapy as it is the only means of achieving a complete cure. These surgical advancements result from extensive pioneering research in the fields of anatomy and physiology. Much history lies behind the recent surgical breakthroughs of total mesorectal excision (TME) and intersphincteric resection (ISR). This article outlines the changes that have taken place in surgical therapies for rectal cancer over more than a century based on clinical trials performed to provide scientific evidence for these therapies.
Enhancing Parameter Estimation Precision in a Dissipative Environment with Two‐Photon Driving
Authors: Xie Dong , Xu Chunling
Published: May 2020

The frequency estimation of an optical cavity field suffering from an unavoidable dissipative environment is investigated. Generally, dissipative noise significantly reduces the precision. Here, it is found that two‐photon driving can improve measurement precision by resisting the noise. Moreover, over a long duration, the frequency uncertainty can be minimized with the right magnitude of the parametric two‐photon drive, which is in sharp contrast to the uncertainty tending to infinity without two‐photon driving. The results show that two‐photon driving can achieve ultrasensitive measurement in a dissipative environment under the long‐encoding‐time condition.
Carbon quantum dots decorated on ZnO nanoparticles: An efficient visible‐light responsive antibacterial agents
Authors: Gao Dangge , Zhao Ping , Lyu Bin , Li Yajuan , Hou Yelin , Ma Jianzhong
Published: May 2020

Zinc oxide@carbon quantum dots (ZnO@CQDs) nanocomposite was prepared via a facile hydrothermal method. Characterization of the obtained samples was carried out by Scanning electron microscopy‐EDX(SEM–EDX), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Photoluminescence (PL), and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR). These results revealed that we have prepared ZnO@CQDs nanocomposite successfully. Our study revealed that the antibacterial efficiency (against S.aureus and E.coli) under visible light irradiation of as prepared ZnO@CQDs nanocomposite was higher than pure ZnO nanoparticles. The ZnO@CQDs nanocomposite showed excellent antibacterial activity against Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria with a minimal inhibitory concentration (6–8 mg/mL) against to E.coli and S.aureus. We also tested the light response of ZnO@CQDs under UV–vis light, by calculating its band gap data, after decorated with CQDs, the band gap of the pure ZnO can significantly decreased from 2.57 eV to 2.50 eV. The ZnO decorated by CQDs can both enhance the light absorption and suppress photogenerated electron–hole's recombination which results in the enhancement of antibacterial properties.
Nicotine‐based ionic liquid supported on magnetic nanoparticles: An efficient and recyclable catalyst for selective one‐pot synthesis of mono‐ and bis‐4H‐pyrimido[2,1‐b]benzothiazoles
Authors: Alishahi Nasrin , Nasr‐Esfahani Mahboobeh , Mohammadpoor‐Baltork Iraj , Tangestaninejad Shahram , Mirkhani Valiollah , Moghadam Majid
Published: May 2020

In this study, an acidic nicotine‐based ionic liquid supported on magnetic nanoparticles ([NicTC]HSO4@MNPs) was synthesized and characterized by different techniques. The activity of this catalyst was evaluated in a multi‐component reaction of 2‐aminobenzothiazole, aldehydes/dialdehydes and β‐ketoesters/1,3‐diketones to afford a series of novel mono‐ and bis‐4H‐pyrimido[2,1‐b]benzothiazole derivatives. In addition, mild reaction conditions, high yields, excellent selectivity as well as easy recovery and reusability of the catalyst, make this method an economic and environmentally‐benign process.
People and places: Bridging the information gaps in refugee integration
Authors: Oduntan Olubukola , Ruthven Ian
Published: May 2020

This article discusses the sources of information used by refugees as they navigate integration systems and processes. The study used interviews to examine how refugees and asylum seekers dealt with their information needs, finding that information gaps were bridged through people and places. People included friends, solicitors, and caseworkers, whereas places included service providers, detention centers, and refugee camps. The information needs matrix was used as an analytical tool to examine the operation of sources on refuge‐seekers' integration journeys. Our findings expand understandings of information sources and information grounds. The matrix can be used to enhance host societies' capacity to make appropriate information available and to provide evidence for the implementation of the information needs matrix.