bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parallel pathways for sound processing and functional connectivity among layer 5 and 6 auditory corticofugal neurons
Authors: Williamson Ross S , Polley Daniel B
Published: February 2019

Cortical layers (L) 5 and 6 are populated by intermingled cell-types with distinct inputs and downstream targets. Here, we made optogenetically guided recordings from L5 corticofugal (CF) and L6 corticothalamic (CT) neurons in the auditory cortex of awake mice to discern differences in sensory processing and underlying patterns of functional connectivity. Whereas L5 CF neurons showed broad stimulus selectivity with sluggish response latencies and extended temporal non-linearities, L6 CTs exhibited sparse selectivity and rapid temporal processing. L5 CF spikes lagged behind neighboring units and imposed weak feedforward excitation within the local column. By contrast, L6 CT spikes drove robust and sustained activity, particularly in local fast-spiking interneurons. Our findings underscore a duality among sub-cortical projection neurons, where L5 CF units are canonical broadcast neurons that integrate sensory inputs for transmission to distributed downstream targets, while L6 CT neurons are positioned to regulate thalamocortical response gain and selectivity.
zGrad is a nanobody-based degron system that inactivates proteins in zebrafish
Authors: Yamaguchi Naoya , Colak-Champollion Tugba , Knaut Holger
Published: February 2019

The analysis of protein function is essential to modern biology. While protein function has mostly been studied through gene or RNA interference, more recent approaches to degrade proteins directly have been developed. Here, we adapted the anti-GFP nanobody-based system deGradFP from flies to zebrafish. We named this system zGrad and show that zGrad efficiently degrades transmembrane, cytosolic and nuclear GFP-tagged proteins in zebrafish in an inducible and reversible manner. Using tissue-specific and inducible promoters in combination with functional GFP-fusion proteins, we demonstrate that zGrad can inactivate transmembrane and cytosolic proteins globally, locally and temporally with different consequences. Global protein depletion results in phenotypes similar to loss of gene activity, while local and temporal protein inactivation yields more restricted and novel phenotypes. Thus, zGrad is a versatile tool to study the spatial and temporal requirement of proteins in zebrafish.
Emotional faces guide the eyes in the absence of awareness
Authors: Vetter Petra , Badde Stephanie , Phelps Elizabeth A , Carrasco Marisa
Published: February 2019

The ability to act quickly to a threat is a key skill for survival. Under awareness, threat-related emotional information, such as an angry or fearful face, has not only perceptual advantages but also guides rapid actions such as eye movements. Emotional information that is suppressed from awareness still confers perceptual and attentional benefits. However, it is unknown whether suppressed emotional information can directly guide actions, or whether emotional information has to enter awareness to do so. We suppressed emotional faces from awareness using continuous flash suppression and tracked eye gaze position. Under successful suppression, as indicated by objective and subjective measures, gaze moved towards fearful faces, but away from angry faces. Our findings reveal that: (1) threat-related emotional stimuli can guide eye movements in the absence of visual awareness; (2) threat-related emotional face information guides distinct oculomotor actions depending on the type of threat conveyed by the emotional expression.
The genetic requirements of fatty acid import by Mycobacterium tuberculosis within macrophages
Authors: Nazarova Evgeniya V , Montague Christine R , Huang Lu , La Thuy , Russell David , VanderVen Brian C
Published: February 2019

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) imports and metabolizes fatty acids to maintain infection within human macrophages. Although this is a well-established paradigm, the bacterial factors required for fatty acid import are poorly understood. Previously, we found that LucA and Mce1 are required for fatty acid import in Mtb (Nazarova et al., 2017). Here, we identified additional Mtb mutants that have a reduced ability to import a fluorescent fatty acid substrate during infection within macrophages. This screen identified the novel genes as rv2799 and rv0966c as be necessary for fatty acid import and confirmed the central role for Rv3723/LucA and putative components of the Mce1 fatty acid transporter (Rv0200/OmamB, Rv0172/Mce1D, and Rv0655/MceG) in this process.
Response of adult honey bees treated in larval stage with prochloraz to infection with Nosema ceranae
Authors: Glavinic Uros , Tesovnik Tanja , Stevanovic Jevrosima , Zorc Minja , Cizelj Ivanka , Stanimirovic Zoran , Narat Mojca
Published: February 2019

Among numerous factors that contribute to honey bee colony losses and problems in beekeeping, pesticides and Nosema ceranae have been often reported. In contrast to insecticides, whose effects on bees have been widely studied, fungicides did not attract considerable attention. Prochloraz, an imidazole fungicide widely used in agriculture, was detected in honey and pollen stored inside hives and has been already proven to alter immune gene expression of honey bees at different developmental stages. The aim of this study was to simulate the realistic conditions of migratory beekeeping, where colonies, both uninfected and infected with N. ceranae, are frequently transported to the vicinity of crop fields treated with prochloraz. We investigated the combined effect of prochloraz and N. ceranae on honey bees that faced fungicide during the larval stage through food consumption and microsporidium infection afterwards. The most pronounced changes in gene expression were observed in newly emerged Nosema-free bees originating from colonies previously contaminated with prochloraz. As exclusively upregulation was registered, prochloraz alone most likely acts as a challenge that induces activation of immune pathways in newly emerged bees. The combination of both stressors (prochloraz and Nosema infection) exerted the greatest effect on six-day-old honey bees. Among ten genes with significantly altered expression, half were upregulated and half downregulated. N. ceranae as a sole stressor had the weakest effects on immune gene expression modulation with only three genes significantly dysregulated. In conclusion, food contaminated with prochloraz consumed in larval stage could present a threat to the development of immunity and detoxification mechanisms in honey bees.
Positive association between epiphytes and competitiveness of the brown algal genus Lobophora against corals
Authors: Eich Andreas , Ford Amanda K. , Nugues Maggy M. , McAndrews Ryan S. , Wild Christian , Ferse Sebastian C.A.
Published: February 2019

Observations of coral–algal competition can provide valuable information about the state of coral reef ecosystems. Here, we report contact rates and apparent competition states for six shallow lagoonal reefs in Fiji. A total of 81.4% of examined coral perimeters were found to be in contact with algae, with turf algae (54.7%) and macroalgae of the genus Lobophora (16.8%) representing the most frequently observed contacts. Turf algae competitiveness was low, with 21.8% of coral–turf contacts being won by the algae (i.e. overgrowth or bleaching of coral tissue). In contrast, Lobophora competitiveness against corals was high, with 62.5% of contacts being won by the alga. The presence of epiphytic algae on Lobophora was associated with significantly greater algal competitiveness against corals, with 75.8% and 21.1% of interactions recorded as algal wins in the presence and absence of epiphytes, respectively. Sedimentation rate, herbivorous fish biomass, and coral colony size did not have a significant effect on Lobophora–coral interactions. This research indicates a novel and important role of epiphytes in driving the outcome of coral–algal contacts.
Cover cropping can be a stronger determinant than host crop identity for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities colonizing maize and soybean
Authors: Higo Masao , Tatewaki Yuya , Gunji Kento , Kaseda Akari , Isobe Katsunori
Published: February 2019

Background

Understanding the role of communities of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in agricultural systems is imperative for enhancing crop production. The key variables influencing change in AMF communities are the type of cover crop species or the type of subsequent host crop species. However, how maize and soybean performance is related to the diversity of AMF communities in cover cropping systems remains unclear. We therefore investigated which cover cropping or host identity is the most important factor in shaping AMF community structure in subsequent crop roots using an Illumina Miseq platform amplicon sequencing.

Methods

In this study, we established three cover crop systems (Italian ryegrass, hairy vetch, and brown mustard) or bare fallow prior to planting maize and soybean as cash crops. After cover cropping, we divided the cover crop experimental plots into two subsequent crop plots (maize and soybean) to understand which cover cropping or host crop identity is an important factor for determining the AMF communities and diversity both in maize and soybeans.

Results

We found that most of the operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in root samples were common in both maize and soybean, and the proportion of common generalists in this experiment for maize and soybean roots was 79.5% according to the multinomial species classification method (CLAM test). The proportion of OTUs specifically detected in only maize and soybean was 9.6% and 10.8%, respectively. Additionally, the cover cropping noticeably altered the AMF community structure in the maize and soybean roots. However, the differentiation of AMF communities between maize and soybean was not significantly different.

Discussion

Our results suggest cover cropping prior to planting maize and soybean may be a strong factor for shaping AMF community structure in subsequent maize and soybean roots rather than two host crop identities. Additionally, we could not determine the suitable rotational combination for cover crops and subsequent maize and soybean crops to improve the diversity of the AMF communities in their roots. However, our findings may have implications for understanding suitable rotational combinations between cover crops and subsequent cash crops and further research should investigate in-depth the benefit of AMF on cash crop performances in cover crop rotational systems.
Molecular evidence for sex reversal in wild populations of green frogs (Rana clamitans)
Authors: Lambert Max R. , Tran Tien , Kilian Andrzej , Ezaz Tariq , Skelly David K.
Published: February 2019

In vertebrates, sex determination occurs along a continuum from strictly genotypic (GSD), where sex is entirely guided by genes, to strictly environmental (ESD), where rearing conditions, like temperature, determine phenotypic sex. Along this continuum are taxa which have combined genetic and environmental contributions to sex determination (GSD + EE), where some individuals experience environmental effects which cause them to sex reverse and develop their phenotypic sex opposite their genotypic sex. Amphibians are often assumed to be strictly GSD with sex reversal typically considered abnormal. Despite calls to understand the relative natural and anthropogenic causes of amphibian sex reversal, sex reversal has not been closely studied across populations of any wild amphibian, particularly in contrasting environmental conditions. Here, we use sex-linked molecular markers to discover sex reversal in wild populations of green frogs (Rana clamitans) inhabiting ponds in either undeveloped, forested landscapes or in suburban neighborhoods. Our work here begins to suggest that sex reversal may be common within and across green frog populations, occurring in 12 of 16 populations and with frequencies of 2–16% of individuals sampled within populations. Additionally, our results also suggest that intersex phenotypic males and sex reversal are not correlated with each other and are also not correlated with suburban land use. While sex reversal and intersex are often considered aberrant responses to human activities and associated pollution, we found no such associations here. Our data perhaps begin to suggest that, relative to what is often suggested, sex reversal may be a relatively natural process in amphibians. Future research should focus on assessing interactions between genes and the environment to understand the molecular and exogenous basis of sex determination in green frogs and in other amphibians.
Teachers Performance in Relation to Pupils Academic Achievement in Kabankalan City
Authors: Malacapay Marjon C.
Published: February 2019

Teacher's performance in relation to pupils' academic achievement is a quantitative type of research that utilized the descriptive-correlational design. The study aimed to determine the relationship between teachers' performance in terms of teaching-learning process, pupils' outcome, community involvement, and professional growth to their pupils' academic achievement. The researcher distributed a two-part survey questionnaire to the teachers (n=117) covering their demographic profile, and the four performance indicators, while only the second part was distributed to the observers/raters. The researcher then utilized descriptive and inferential statistics for data analysis. Young female teachers, mostly Teacher-I, between a 1-5 year in service, receiving six to ten thousand Pesos (P6,000-10,000) monthly net income and had 21-30 accumulated training hours dominated the population. Also, findings showed that teachers performed very satisfactory, but pupils only performed satisfactorily in terms of academics. Moreover, the teaching-learning process and pupil' outcome have significant relationships on teacher' length of service. A significant difference was only found in rural and urban teacher' community involvement.  Lastly, a significant relationship on pupil' academic achievement was only found on teacher' community involvement. Therefore, among the performance indicators, teacher' community involvement solely affects pupil' academic performance but they least prioritize it.
The Initiatives of Local Government Units (LGUs) in Batangas on Climate Change
Authors: Manalo Jennifer G.
Published: February 2019

The local government units in the Philippines are at the forefront of disaster management including responding to the impacts of climate change. With the necessity to address this problem, this study aimed to determine the initiatives of the local government units (LGUs) in Batangas on climate change. The study made use of descriptive research which involved quantitative and qualitative methods in gathering data. Research triangulation was used. The subjects of the study were the Disaster Risk Reduction Management and planning officers of three component cities and twenty-seven municipalities of Batangas. Frequency counts, percentages, and average weighted mean were used in the statistical analysis of data. Results of the study revealed that LGUs in Batangas comply with the provisions of Republic Act No. 10121, otherwise known as Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010. LGUs to organize disaster risk reduction and management councils at the local level. Likewise, cities and municipalities of Batangas implement policies through local ordinances to adopt and strengthen RA 9003. They are implementing initiatives that encourage businesses to promote climate-smart services and practices. Assessment of farming practices, extension services and linkages with GOs, NGOs and other agencies in the implementation of climate change initiatives needs to be improved.
Education, Second Courser, and non-College of Education Graduate's Performance in the Licensure Examination for Teachers of JRMSU-TC SY 2013-2016
Authors: Salundaguit Dana Faye T.
Published: February 2019

Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) is a standardized examination given to qualified graduates who wish to engage in the teaching profession in both elementary and secondary level. The examination is administered by the Professional Regulatory Commission twice in a year and set the passing percentage to 75%. The study employed a descriptive method of research in determining the LET performances of Education and non-Education graduates of Jose Rizal Memorial State University-Tampilisan Campus (JRMSU-TC). LET results coming from the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) were considered as the main data of the study. The present study considered 281 Elementary Education takers broken down into 168 BEED graduates and 113 non Education graduates, and 235 Secondary Education takers classified according to 75 BSED graduates, 127 Professional Education Certificate (PEC) graduates, and 33 non-College of Education (CED) graduates. The statistical measures used in the study were frequency count and percentage. The salient features were as follows: The Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) first takers performed well in the LET but combining their results with the repeaters, and non-education graduates, results barely surpass the national passing percentage.  In the case of the Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED), overall results indicated low performance in the LET or below the national passing percentage. Based on the findings of the study it was recommended to review the policies of the College of Education particularly on the entry and retention policies, faculty commitment, and the conduct of review classes and mock board.
Methylene blue does not bypass Complex III antimycin block in mouse brain mitochondria
Authors: Gureev Artem P. , Shaforostova Ekaterina A. , Popov Vasily N. , Starkov Anatoly A.
Published: February 2019

Methylene blue (MB) is a promising prodrug to treat mitochondrial dysfunctions that is currently being used in clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease. MB can penetrate the blood brain barrier, accumulating in brain mitochondria where it acts as a redox mediator in the electron transfer chain (ETC). Mitochondrial flavins are thought to reduce MB, which is then oxidized by cytochrome c, thereby bypassing inhibited Complex I of ETC. We found that in mouse brain mitochondria, MB fails to restore the membrane potential and respiration inhibited by antimycin. Furthermore, antimycin inhibits MB‐induced H2O2 generation. Our data suggest that the acceptor of electrons from MB is a Qo ubiquinol‐binding site of Complex III; thus, MB‐based drugs might not be helpful in mitochondrial dysfunctions involving Complex III inhibition.
Overcoming Hypoxia by Multistage Nanoparticle Delivery System to Inhibit Mitochondrial Respiration for Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Xia Donglin , Xu Peipei , Luo Xingyu , Zhu Jianfeng , Gu Haiying , Huo Da , Hu Yong
Published: February 2019

Hypoxia, as characterized by the low local oxygen, confers on cancer cells resistance to oxygen‐consuming photodynamic therapy (PDT). The limited success reached by current approaches harnessing reoxygenation to enhance PDT outcome promotes the reconsideration of the design of the therapeutic approach. In this study, a multistage delivery system capable of reversing hypoxia is demonstrated. Unlike previous strategies that only expect to affect the peripheral tumor tissue, the size‐shrinkable system allows those deeply located hypoxia regions to be treated. Specifically, therapeutics, including atovaquone and indocyanine green derivatives that are respectively responsible for oxidative phosphorylation blockage and PDT, are encapsulated in a gelatin nanoparticle, whose structure would rupture to promote deep penetration when facing matrix metallopeptidase 2 enzyme overexpression in tumor tissue. The antihypoxic performance of the platform has been evaluated using a variety of analyses including flow‐cytometry assay, immunofluorescence, and micro‐positron‐emission tomography imaging. Tumor regression in animal models confirms the feasibility and effectiveness of conquering the PDT‐resistance through abrogating the oxygen consumption. It is hopeful that such a strategy could shed light on the development of next‐generation PDT‐adjuvant treatment.
The Quasi‐Pt‐Allotrope Catalyst: Hollow PtCo@single‐Atom Pt1 on Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon toward Superior Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Lai Wei‐Hong , Zhang Bin‐Wei , Hu Zhenpeng , Qu Xi‐Ming , Jiang Yan‐Xia , Wang Yun‐Xiao , Wang Jia‐Zhao , Liu Hua Kun , Chou Shu‐Lei
Published: February 2019

Single‐atom Pt and bimetallic Pt3Co are considered the most promising oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts, with a much lower price than pure Pt. The combination of single‐atom Pt and bimetallic Pt3Co in a highly active nanomaterial, however, is challenging and vulnerable to agglomeration under realistic reaction conditions, leading to a rapid fall in the ORR. Here, a sustainable quasi‐Pt‐allotrope catalyst, composed of hollow Pt3Co (H‐PtCo) alloy cores and N‐doped carbon anchoring single atom Pt shells (Pt1N‐C), is constructed. This unique nanoarchitecture enables the inner and exterior spaces to be easily accessible, exposing an extra‐high active surface area and active sites for the penetration of both aqueous and organic electrolytes. Moreover, the novel Pt1N‐C shells not only effectively protect the H‐PtCo cores from agglomeration but also increase the efficiency of the ORR in virtue of the isolated Pt atoms. Thus, the H‐PtCo@Pt1N‐C catalyst exhibits stable ORR without any fade over a prolonged 10 000 cycle test at 0.9 V in HClO4 solution. Furthermore, this material can offer efficient and stable ORR activities in various organic electrolytes, indicating its great potential for next‐generation lithium–air batteries as well.
Enhanced Hole Transportation for Inverted Tin‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells with High Performance and Stability
Authors: Liu Cong , Tu Jin , Hu Xiaotian , Huang Zengqi , Meng Xiangchuan , Yang Jia , Duan Xiaopeng , Tan Licheng , Li Zhen , Chen Yiwang
Published: February 2019

High electronic quality perovskite films with a balanced charge transportation is critical for satisfying high‐performance for perovskite solar cells (PVSCs). However, the inferior band alignment of tin‐based perovskite films with an adjacent hole‐transport layer (HTL) leads to a poor hole transportation and collection. In this work, the semiconducting molecule poly[tetraphenylethene 3,3′‐(((2,2‐diphenylethene‐1,1‐diyl)bis(4,1‐phenylene))bis(oxy))bis(N,N‐dimethylpropan‐1‐amine)tetraphenylethene] (PTN‐Br) is introduced into a lead‐free perovskite precursor to form a bulk heterojunction film. In addition, the PTN‐Br molecule with the suitable highest occupied molecular orbital energy level (−5.41 eV) can fill into the grain boundaries of the perovskite film, serving as a hole‐transport medium between grains. The gradient band alignment of the perovskite film with poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) HTL ensures excellent hole transportation and higher open‐circuit voltage. In addition, the π‐conjugated polymer PTN‐Br can passivate trap states within the perovskite film due to the formation of Lewis adducts between uncoordinated Sn atoms and the dimethylamino of PTN‐Br. Consequently, a champion efficiency of 7.94% is achieved with significant enhancements in the open‐circuit voltage and fill factor. Furthermore, the PTN‐Br incorporated device shows better ultra violet (UV) stability because of the UV barrier and passivating effect of PTN‐Br, retaining about 66% of its initial efficiency after 5 h of continuous UV light irradiation.
Recyclable Cytokines on Short and Injectable Polylactic Acid Fibers for Enhancing T‐Cell Function
Authors: Shin Hyun Mu , Ju Youngjun , Kim Gwanghun , Lee Jae Won , Seo Myung Won , Sim Ji Hyun , Yang Jusang , Noh Sora , Kim Jungbae , Kim Hang‐Rae
Published: February 2019

The current practice of cytokine‐based immunotherapy relies on high doses and multiple injections of cytokine agents, which raises patients' inconvenience and economic burden. Here, sustainable and recyclable cytokine delivery based on short and injectable polymer fibers immobilized with interleukin (IL)‐2 and IL‐15 is demonstrated, which can be retained at the target tumor sites upon injection. In detail, electrospun polylactic acid (PLA) fibers are treated with aqueous ethanol solution for their dispersion, increasing the interfiber space for highly efficient biomolecule conjugation, and further immobilized with protein G via enzymatic dopamine coating. The protein G‐immobilized PLA fibers are cut into short fibers using a microtome, and filtering is performed to collect injectable short PLA (sPLA) fibers with the lengths of 15–100 µm. These sPLA fibers are further loaded with cytokines via the interaction between protein G and Fc, and cytokine‐loaded sPLA (Cyto‐sPLA) fibers are injected near the tumor sites using a syringe. The administration of Cyto‐sPLA fibers efficiently suppresses the tumor growth up to 70% by reinvigorating nonfunctional T cells to a functional state that can kill tumors in a sustainable and recyclable manner. The injectable sPLA‐fiber platform can be employed as a carrier for the efficient delivery of various agents in vivo.
PGS Scaffolds Promote the In Vivo Survival and Directional Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Restoring the Morphology and Function of Wounded Rat Uterus
Authors: Xiao Bang , Yang Wenjun , Lei Dong , Huang Jinfeng , Yin Yupeng , Zhu Yiqing , You Zhengwei , Wang Fang , Sun Shuhan
Published: February 2019

Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) causing infertility and recurrent miscarriage of reproductive female mammals usually results from endometrium injury. Nevertheless, there is no efficient therapeutic method to avoid IUA. Bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are an important cell source for tissue regeneration. This study designs and explores the ability of BMSC‐loaded elastic poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) scaffold to prevent IUA and compares the effect of PGS with poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) and collagen scaffolds in resumption of damaged rat uteruses. The 3D architecture provided by PGS scaffolds favors the attachment and growth of rat BMSCs. In vivo bioluminescence imaging shows that compared with direct BMSC intrauterine injection, PLGA, and collagen scaffolds, the PGS scaffold significantly prolongs the retention time of BMSCs in a wounded rat uterus model. More importantly, BMSCs can directly differentiate into endometrial stromal cells after transplantation of PGS/BMSCs constructs, but not PLGA/BMSCs and collagen/BMSCs. It is found that the level of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), vascular endothelial growth factor, and insulin‐like growth factors in the injured endometrium adjacent to PGS/BMSCs constructs is higher than those of rats receiving PLGA/BMSCs, collagen/BMSCs, or BMSCs intrauterine transplantation. Besides, transplantation of PGS/BMSCs leads to better morphology recovery of the damaged uterus than PLGA/BMSCs and collagen/BMSCs. The receptive fertility of PGS/BMSCs is 72.2 ± 6.4%, similar to the one of collagen/BMSCs, but significantly higher than 42.3 ± 3.9% in PLGA/BMSCs. Taken together, PGS/BMSCs may be a promising candidate for preventing IUA.
Anatomy of Skyrmionic Textures in Magnetic Multilayers
Authors: Li Wenjing , Bykova Iuliia , Zhang Shilei , Yu Guoqiang , Tomasello Riccardo , Carpentieri Mario , Liu Yizhou , Guang Yao , Gräfe Joachim , Weigand Markus , Burn David M. , van der Laan Gerrit , Hesjedal Thorsten , Yan Zhengren , Feng Jiafeng , Wan Caihua , Wei Jinwu , Wang Xiao , Zhang Xiaomin , Xu Hongjun , Guo Chenyang , Wei Hongxiang , Finocchio Giovanni , Han Xiufeng , Schütz Gisela
Published: February 2019

Room temperature magnetic skyrmions in magnetic multilayers are considered as information carriers for future spintronic applications. Currently, a detailed understanding of the skyrmion stabilization mechanisms is still lacking in these systems. To gain more insight, it is first and foremost essential to determine the full real‐space spin configuration. Here, two advanced X‐ray techniques are applied, based on magnetic circular dichroism, to investigate the spin textures of skyrmions in [Ta/CoFeB/MgO]n multilayers. First, by using ptychography, a high‐resolution diffraction imaging technique, the 2D out‐of‐plane spin profile of skyrmions with a spatial resolution of 10 nm is determined. Second, by performing circular dichroism in resonant elastic X‐ray scattering, it is demonstrated that the chirality of the magnetic structure undergoes a depth‐dependent evolution. This suggests that the skyrmion structure is a complex 3D structure rather than an identical planar texture throughout the layer stack. The analyses of the spin textures confirm the theoretical predictions that the dipole–dipole interactions together with the external magnetic field play an important role in stabilizing sub‐100 nm diameter skyrmions and the hybrid structure of the skyrmion domain wall. This combined X‐ray‐based approach opens the door for in‐depth studies of magnetic skyrmion systems, which allows for precise engineering of optimized skyrmion heterostructures.
Core–Shell Prussian Blue Analogs with Compositional Heterogeneity and Open Cages for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Zhang Wuxiang , Song Hao , Cheng Yan , Liu Chao , Wang Chaohai , Khan Muhammad Abdul Nasir , Zhang Hao , Liu Jizi , Yu Chengzhong , Wang Lianjun , Li Jiansheng
Published: February 2019

Here, a reduction‐cation exchange (RCE) strategy is proposed for synthesizing Fe–Co based bimetallic Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) with heterogeneous composition distribution and open cage nanocage architecture. Specially, bivalent cobalt is introduced into a potassium ferricyanide solution containing hydrochloric acid and polyvinyl pyrrolidone. The uniform PBAs with opened cages are formed tardily after hydrothermal reaction. Time‐dependent evolution characterization on composition elucidating the RCE mechanism is based on the sequential reduction of ferric iron and cation exchange reaction between divalent iron and cobalt. The PBA structures are confirmed by electron tomography technology, and the heterogeneous element distribution is verified by energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy elemental analysis, leading to the formation of core–shell PBAs with compositional heterogeneity (Fe rich shell and Co rich core) and open cage architecture. When the PBA catalysts are used to boost the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), superior OER activity and long‐term stability (low overpotential of 271 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and ≈5.3% potential increase for 24 h) are achieved, which is attributed to the unique compositional and structural properties as well as high special surface areas (576.2 m2 g−1). The strategies offer insights for developing PBAs with compositional and structural multiplicity, which encourages more practical catalytic applications.
Desulfurization Efficiency Preserved in a Heterometallic MOF: Synthesis and Thermodynamically Controlled Phase Transition
Authors: Han Yi , Sinnwell Michael A. , Teat Simon J. , Sushko Maria L. , Bowden Mark E. , Miller Quin R. S. , Schaef Herbert T. , Liu Lili , Nie Zimin , Liu Jun , Thallapally Praveen K.
Published: February 2019

Efficient removal of heterocyclic organosulfur compounds from fuels can relieve increasingly serious environmental problems (e.g., gas exhaust contaminants triggering the formation of acid rain that can damage fragile ecological systems). Toward this end, novel metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs)‐based sorbent materials are designed and synthesized with distinct hard and soft metal building units, specifically {[Yb6Cu12(OH)4(PyC)12(H2O)36]·(NO3)14·xS}n (QUST‐81) and {[Yb4O(H2O)4Cu8(OH)8/3(PyC)8(HCOO)4]·(NO3)10/3·xS}n (QUST‐82), where H2PyC = 4‐Pyrazolecarboxylic acid. Exploiting the hard/soft duality, it is shown that the more stable QUST‐82 can preserve desulfurization efficiency in the presence of competing nitrogen‐containing contaminate. In addition, thermodynamically controlled single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal (SC–SC) phase transition is uncovered from QUST‐81 to QUST‐82, and in turn, mechanistic features are probed via X‐ray diffraction, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations.
Identifying leukemia‐associated immunophenotype‐based individualized minimal residual disease in acute myeloid leukemia and its prognostic significance
Authors: Sui Jing‐Ni , Chen Qiu‐Sheng , Zhang Yun‐Xiang , Sheng Yan , Wu Jing , Li Jun‐Min , Weng Xiang‐Qin , Chen Bing
Published: February 2019

Based on the leukemia‐associated immunophenotypes (LAIPs), minimal residual disease (MRD) related to the outcome can be detected by multiparameter flow cytometry in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. Although 0.1% was commonly used as a cutoff value, measurable MRD or MRD level below 0.1% has also been associated with prognostic significance and more sensitive thresholds (<0.1%) are required for improving AML prognosis prediction. In this study, 292 adult patients diagnosed with AML (non‐M3) were enrolled, 36 kinds of LAIPs were identified, and the baseline expression levels in normal or regenerating bone marrows of each kind of LAIP were established, which ranged from <2.00 × 10−5 to 5.71 × 10−4. The baseline level of each LAIP was considered as the individual threshold for MRD assessment. MRD statuses stratified by 0.1% and individual threshold were termed as 0.1%‐MRD and individual‐MRD, respectively. The patients of individual‐MRDneg showed significantly better survival compared with those of 0.1%‐MRDneg/individual‐MRDpos or 0.1%‐MRDpos. Multivariate analysis showed that when time points of complete remission, post the first and second consolidation courses, were considered, only individual‐MRD post second consolidation presented independent prognostic value. Notably, in patients of cytogenetic/molecular low‐risk (LR) or intermediate‐risk (IR), the individual‐MRD status could identify the patients with significantly different outcomes, while 0.1%‐MRD status could not. Furthermore, among the patients of the LR or IR group which received chemotherapy only, those with individual‐MRDneg status presented favorable survival, which was comparable with that of the patients accepted allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT). This approach is useful in the selection of an ASCT strategy for clinical practice.
Research on the direct amination of benzene to aniline by NiAlPO4–5 catalyst
Authors: Wang Wei , Yang Yan , Zhang Long
Published: February 2019

A series of NiAlPO4–5 molecular sieves have been hydrothermally synthesized and shown high and stable activity in the direct amination of benzene to aniline with hydroxylamine hydrochloride as aminating agent. The as‐synthesized and calcined samples were investigated with XRD, SEM, TG, BET, NH3‐TPD and FT‐IR to explore the crystalline, coordination and location of the incorporated transition metal ions. The results indicated that nickel ions were incorporated into the framework of AlPO4–5 and the as‐synthesized catalysts were highly crystalline, and possessed good thermal stability. Among them, Ni(0.3)AlPO4–5 showed the highest catalytic activity for the direct amination of benzene with the highest aniline yield of 73.2% and 100.0% selectivity to aniline. After the catalyst was reused for 5 times, the activity remained little change.
Effects of GPTMS concentration and powder to liquid ratio on the flowability and biodegradation behaviors of 45S5 bioglass/tragacanth bioactive composite pastes
Authors: Rasti Mahtab , Hesaraki Saeed , Nezafati Nader
Published: February 2019

Injectable composite pastes were prepared using melt‐derived 45S5 bioactive glass and tragacanth crosslinked by (3‐glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GPTMS). The effect of powder to liquid ratio (P:L = 1.0:2.0–1.0:2.5) and GPTMS/tragacanth ratio (0.0–1.5) on the injectability, swelling behavior, rheology, bioactivity, and cellular behavior of the pastes was investigated. Based on the results, the apparent stability and consistency of the pastes increased upon crosslinking by GPTMS. Due to the increased interactions between tragacanth and glass, a hysteresis loop with larger area was formed in the presence of GPTMS. With increase of GPTMS:tragacanth ratio from 0 to 1.5, the swelling percent dropped from 24.65 to 16.25% after 24 h and the degradation percent also went down from 27.89 to 9.11% after 21 days in the simulated body fluid. The 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay showed a drop in the optical density of MG63 osteoblasts up to 30.07% after exposure to the GPTMS‐crosslinked composite pastes for 3 days. However, the number of viable cells gradually increased in the presence of the pastes and the cell morphology remained unchanged over time. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47604.
Mechanical energy losses in commercial crosslinked low‐density polyethylene in the temperature range between 200 and 400 K
Authors: Lambri Osvaldo Agustín , Bonifacich Federico Guillermo , García José Ángel , Giordano Enrique David Victor , Zelada Griselda Irene , Sánchez Fernando Ariel , Mocellini Ricardo Raúl , Plazaola Fernando
Published: February 2019

Aging treatments in water and in air and controlled neutron irradiation were performed on commercial crosslinked low‐density polyethylene (XLPE) for promoting different mesostructural arrangements of crystallites and crosslinking degree. Infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetry, and dynamic mechanical analysis were used as characterization techniques. The relaxation peak related to the mobility of the grain boundaries from crystalline zones in XLPE was identified at around 260 K (at 7 Hz), involving an activation energy of 90 ± 4 kJ mol−1. The usual equation for describing the grain boundary mobility in metals involving the movement of grain boundary dislocations was adapted for studying the mobility of the boundaries among the crystalline zones, successfully. In addition, a new mechanical relaxation peak that appears at around 300 K (at 7 Hz), which involves an activation energy of 94 ± 5 kJ mol−1, was found. The driving force controlling this peak was determined as the dragging of the polymer chains at the amorphous zones adjacent to the crystals controlled by the mobility of the crystallites boundaries. The chains movement was done with break away from the physical pinning points. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47605.
A new SiC precursor with high ceramic yield: Synthesis and characterization of CHxMeSiH2‐containing poly(methylsilane‐carbosilane)
Authors: Wang Xinliang , Chen Yi , Li Yongming , Xu Caihong
Published: February 2019

A new poly(methylsilane‐carbosilane) (PMSCS) for silicon carbide precursor was prepared using Wurtz‐type copolymerization of methyldichlorosilane (MeHSiCl2), chloromethyldichloromethylsilane (ClCH2MeSiCl2), and (dichloromethyl)methylsilane (Cl2CHMeSiH2), with (chloromethyl)methylsilane (ClCH2MeSiH2) or trimethylchlorosilane (Me3SiCl) as terminated reagent. The ceramic yield of PMSCS was markedly increased by introduction of Cl2CHMeSiH2 comonomer and capped with ClCH2MeSiH2. The H2MeSiCH2‐capped PMSCS with CHMeSiH2 structure unit in main chain produced SiC ceramic with 1.21 of C/Si atomic ratio in a ceramic yield of 78 wt % upon pyrolyzed at 1000 °C. The excellent pyrolytic properties, combining with its economical preparation, good storage stability in air, and favorable processabilty, make the CHxMeSiH2‐containing PMSCS a new cost‐effective SiC ceramic precursor. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47618.
Electrochemiluminescence observing the surface features of Ru‐doped silica nanoparticles based on nanoparticle–ultramicroelectrode collision
Authors: Lv Xiaoqin , Li Min , Guo Zhihui , Zheng Xingwang
Published: February 2019

We present an innovative and sensitive electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) strategy for observing the surface feature of a single silica nanoparticle based on its collision with an ultramicroelectrode (UME). As an ECL luminophore, Ru(bpy)32+ molecules are doped into silica nanoparticles. The stochastic collision events of Ru(bpy)32+‐doped silica nanoparticles (RuSNPs) can be tracked by observing the ECL ‘blips’ from the ECL reaction of Ru(bpy)32+ with a coreactant in solution. When RuSNPs collided with UME, Ru(bpy)32+ molecules that only exist near the collision site of silica nanoparticles (NPs) were electrochemically oxidized to form Ru(bpy)33+, and then emitted light, because silica NPs are insulated. The inhomogeneous properties of silica nanoparticle surfaces will produce diverse ECL blips in intensity and shape. In addition, distribution gradients from the he Ru(bpy)32+ in a silica matrix also affect ECL blips. Some information on the surface properties of silica NPs can be obtained by observation of single silica collision events.
Development and Validation of the Biotechnology Literacy Test
Authors: Açıkgül Fırat Esra , Köksal Mustafa S.
Published: February 2019

In this study, a ‘biotechnology literacy test’ was developed to determine the biotechnology literacy of prospective science teachers, and its validity and reliability were determined. For this purpose, 42 items were prepared by considering Bybee's scientific literacy classifications (nominal, functional, procedural, and multidimensional). The experts were asked to rate each item for content validity. As a result of the experts' evaluations, the content validity of the test was confirmed. The draft test was applied to 494 science prospective teachers. Difficulty and discrimination coefficients of items within the test were calculated to provide evidence of construct validity. It was decided to exclude 13 items as a result of item analysis. It can be said that that the test was difficult (p = 0.40) and discriminative (D = 0.41) at medium level. Finally, a valid and reliable “biotechnology literacy test” consisting of 25 multiple‐choice items each with five choices was developed in this research. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(2): 179–188, 2019.
A smartphone‐based augmented reality system for university students for learning digital electronics
Authors: Avilés‐Cruz Carlos , Villegas‐Cortez Juan
Published: February 2019

The fundamental concepts of electronic devices are generally taught in the initial courses of electrical and electronics engineering. For students, it is very important to grasp the basic concepts that make computers and digital systems possible. Among these concepts, boolean algebra and logic gates stand out. In this paper, a smartphone‐based augmented reality (AR) system is proposed which helps in the adequate learning of logic gate integrated circuits (ICs). The proposed system allows the automatic identification of ICs that enables basic logic operations. It uses a smartphone and a breadboard for the identification of 7 basic logic gate ICs that are: AND gate, OR gate, NOT gate, NAND gate, NOR gate, XOR gate, and XNOR gate. The smartphone takes a picture of the electronic circuit and digitally generates a layer of virtual objects which are then mixed with the original image. The markless paradigm identifies the ICs in a typical circuit and places three objects that are: IC identification, pins information, and logic diagram information. Finally, the smartphone screen displays the image of the logic gate obtained. The entire evaluation of the AR system is presented with a technical efficiency of 97.5 and a qualitative satisfaction study.
Alerting the illusion of smoking improves quality of life in Chinese male cancer survivors
Authors: Xia Juan , Wu Peng , Wang Jiwei , Yu Jinming
Published: February 2019

Objective

To examine the association between smoking status and quality of life (QOL) among cancer survivors in China.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was performed in 2725 male cancer survivors who were members of Cancer Rehabilitation Club and completed the questionnaires in 2013. Using linear regression models adjusted for confounders, we measured the association between QOL and former smokers as well as current (occasional, <10 cigarettes/day, and ≥ 10 cigarettes/day) smokers compared with never smokers.

Results

Current smokers were reported to have higher scores in social, role, cognitive functioning, and had lower scores in nausea/vomiting, pain, dyspnea, and insomnia (P < 0.05). Former smokers had higher global health status and experienced less appetite loss and constipation (P < 0.05). Compared with never smokers, those former smokers and current smokers had significantly high scores on the global health status, social functioning, role functioning, and cognitive functioning (P < 0.05). And they had lower scores in some aspects of symptom scale (P < 0.05). Considering the dose of smoking, the scores were increased in functional subscales and decreased in symptom subscales with the increase of tobacco use, though few variables had statistical significance. As for smoking cessation, the proportion of lung cancer survivors who quit smoking was higher than that of other types of cancer survivors.

Conclusion

Our study suggested the possibility that in China, where smoking prevalence is still high, continued smoking was associated with high QOL scores. The phenomenon may be obscured by some potential reasons, including subjectivity of questionnaire, special substances of cigarettes, Chinese unique culture of tobacco use, and much more. The results reminded researchers and clinicians some underlying situations among smokers in China and prompted a strong call for the implementation of a comprehensive tobacco‐control policy and specific public health educational strategies among not only lung cancer survivors but other types of cancers survivors.
How reconstructive surgery combined with physiotherapy for a painful nontraumatic patellar dislocation enabled a woman with Rett syndrome to become pain free and remain physically active: A case report
Authors: Svedberg Lena , Herngren Bengt , Michno Piotr
Published: February 2019

Key Clinical Message

The effects of orthopedic measures, with the exception of scoliosis surgery, are rarely described in individuals with Rett syndrome. In this case, treating a painful dislocation of the patella with combined orthopedic and physiotherapeutic measures enabled a woman with Rett syndrome to become pain free and remain physically active.
Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography for afferent loop syndrome
Authors: Takata Kazuhide , Anan Akira , Umeda Kaoru , Sakisaka Shotaro
Published: February 2019

Key Clinical Message

Afferent loop syndrome (ALS) is a rare but serious complication after gastrectomy. When a patient is diagnosed with ALS using computed tomography, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography may help in delineating the exact cause of ALS and determining an appropriate management.
One‐Pot Synthesis of DOX@Covalent Organic Framework with Enhanced Chemotherapeutic Efficacy
Authors: Liu Sainan , Hu Chunling , Liu Ying , Zhao Xueyan , Pang Maolin , Lin Jun
Published: February 2019

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have attracted great attention across diverse research fields. However, only a few reports about the biomedical application of COFs are found in the literature. Attributed to the highly porous and tunable structure, as well as good thermal stability, COFs show great potential as drug carriers for chemotherapy. In this work, doxorubicin (DOX) was successfully in situ loaded into a COF by a one‐pot method for the first time. The resultant DOX@COF platform exhibited high drug‐loading capacity (32.1 wt %) and pH‐responsive release property. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated its good biocompatibility and enhanced antitumor efficacy.