bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extended Cyclic Deformation Recovery of the Indentation‐Induced Two‐Way Shape‐Memory Effect in Nickel–Titanium
Authors: Laursen Christopher M. , Anderson Mitchell P. , Frick Carl P.
Published: January 2019

The indentation‐induced two‐way shape‐memory effect (TWSME) has appeal for active surface applications due to its simple training procedure and temperature dependent shape‐shifting nature. However, a direct investigation into the repeatability over many cycles and factors that may limit its longevity remain unanswered; even though most proposed applications would rely on long‐term, cyclic loading. Therefore, the explicit purpose of this study is to investigate the influence that indentation temperature and upper cycle temperature have on TWSME behavior over multiple cycles. A 50.3 at% Ni–Ti shape‐memory alloy was Vickers indented to a load of 80 N at various indentation temperatures which span the material's martensitic and austenitic phases. Samples are then thermally cycled from 15 °C below the martensitic finish temperature to a predetermined upper cycle temperature of either 10 °C or 150 °C above the austenitic finish temperature for up to 1000 cycles. Results suggest that the magnitude of the TWSME deformation recovery is governed by indentation temperature and upper cycle temperature much more so than the specific cycle number. Most importantly, as upper cycle temperature increases beyond the austenite finish temperature there is a significant decrease in the TWSME which remains subdued upon a return to reduced upper cycle temperatures in subsequent cycles.
Tunable Metasurfaces Based on Active Materials
Authors: Cui Tong , Bai Benfeng , Sun Hong‐Bo
Published: January 2019

Metasurfaces, planer artificial materials composed of subwavelength unit cells, have shown superior abilities to manipulate the wavefronts of electromagnetic waves. In the last few years, metasurfaces have been a burgeoning field of research, with a large variety of functional devices, including planar lenses, beam deflectors, polarization converters, and metaholograms, being demonstrated. Up to date, the majority of metasurfaces cannot be tuned postfabrication. Yet, the dynamic control of optical properties of metasurfaces is highly desirable for a plethora of applications including free space optical communications, holographic displays, and depth sensing. Recently, much effort has been made to exploit active materials, whose optical properties can be controlled under external stimuli, for the dynamic control of metasurfaces. The tunability enabled by active materials can be attributed to various mechanisms, including but not limited to thermo‐optic effects, free‐carrier effects, and phase transitions. This short review summarizes the recent progress on tunable metasurfaces based on various approaches and analyzes their respective advantages and challenges to be confronted with. A number of potential future directions are also discussed at the end.
A Hybrid Nanovector of Suicide Gene Engineered Lentivirus Coated with Bioreducible Polyaminoglycosides for Enhancing Therapeutic Efficacy against Glioma
Authors: Fan Wenhua , Shao Meiyu , Zhang Junwen , Jin Guishan , Liu Fusheng , Xu Fu‐Jian
Published: January 2019

An emerging hybrid nanovector integrating the merits of both viral and nonviral vectors has attracted much attention as the next generation of promising gene vectors to overcome the primary challenge of cancer gene therapy. Due to its inherent advantages, lentivirus (Lv) has been increasingly applied and investigated in medical fields. Herein, a new hybrid nanovector (SS‐HPT/Lv) composed of the Lv core and reduction‐responsive hyperbranched polyaminoglycoside (SS‐HPT) shell is designed via electrostatic interaction. In comparison with polybrene (commercial enhanced transfection reagent), SS‐HPT endows the hybrid nanovector with better biosafety. Furthermore, both the appropriate nanoparticle sizes and positive surface potentials contribute to the endocytosis and rescue of SS‐HPT/Lv from endocytic vesicles. Regarding therapeutic application, lentiviral vector acquires permanent transgene expression with the capability of integrating to the host chromosome, and SS‐HPT/Lv exhibits an improved transduction efficacy. The cytosine deaminase/5‐fluorocytosine suicide gene therapy system mediated by SS‐HPT/Lv performs an enhanced antitumor efficiency and extends the survival time of glioma‐bearing rats. Such a hybrid nanovector strategy would open a new avenue to the development of gene vectors for treating malignant cancers.
Studies of Functional Defects for Fast Na‐Ion Conduction in Na3−yPS4−xClx with a Combined Experimental and Computational Approach
Authors: Feng Xuyong , Chien Po‐Hsiu , Zhu Zhuoying , Chu Iek‐Heng , Wang Pengbo , Immediato‐Scuotto Marcello , Arabzadeh Hesam , Ong Shyue Ping , Hu Yan‐Yan
Published: January 2019

All‐solid‐state rechargeable sodium (Na)‐ion batteries are promising for inexpensive and high‐energy‐density large‐scale energy storage. In this contribution, new Na solid electrolytes, Na3−yPS4−xClx, are synthesized with a strategic approach, which allows maximum substitution of Cl for S (x = 0.2) without significant compromise of structural integrity or Na deficiency. A maximum conductivity of 1.96 mS cm−1 at 25 °C is achieved for Na3.0PS3.8Cl0.2, which is two orders of magnitude higher compared with that of tetragonal Na3PS4 (t‐Na3PS4). The activation energy (Ea) is determined to be 0.19 eV. Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations shed light on the merit of maximizing Cl‐doping while maintaining low Na deficiency in enhanced Na‐ion conduction. Solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) characterizations confirm the successful substitution of Cl for S and the resulting change of P oxidation state from 5+ to 4+, which is also verified by spin moment analysis. Ion transport pathways are determined with a tracer‐exchange NMR method. The functional detects that promote Na ‐ion transport are maximized for further improvement in ionic conductivity. Full‐cell performance is demonstrated using Na/Na3.0PS3.8Cl0.2/Na3V2(PO4)3 with a reversible capacity of ≈100 mAh g‐1 at room temperature.
Protein‐Induced Shape Control of Noble Metal Nanoparticles
Authors: Chakraborty Indranath , Parak Wolfgang J.
Published: January 2019

Shape control of nanoparticles results in tuned optical properties which are indeed beneficial for different bio‐based applications. Shape controls in major cases, governed by toxic surfactants or harsh solvent conditions. To avoid the toxicity of surfactants used as shape controlling agent, different bio‐inspired synthesis of noble metal nanoparticles are developed. Proteins play a significant role here to create anisotropic nanoparticles without the use of any toxic surfactants. Various shape and size of nanoparticles are developed so far based on proteins. This progress report summarizes such protein‐induced shape controls of different noble metal nanoparticles and explain the recent understandings of this method from mechanistic point of view. The report also explains the new opportunities in this direction in near future.
Investigating Free Charge‐Carrier Recombination in Organic LEDs Using Open‐Circuit Conditions
Authors: Wu Jinhan , Fischer Axel , Reineke Sebastian
Published: January 2019

Although organic light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) are widely used in commercial applications, a comprehensive knowledge about the occurring recombination pathways is still absent. Especially access to the bandgap is needed to figure out which path the charge carriers take, key to further understand and optimize the latest generations of thin film LED technology. Here, state‐of‐the‐art organic LEDs are treated like solar cells by measuring the open‐circuit voltage under UV illumination. A variation of the illumination intensity and temperature gives access to the effective bandgap, the ideality factor and the recombination strength. A differential evaluation approach is implemented, yielding the full temperature and intensity dependence of these parameters. A radiative and a non‐radiative recombination process are identified and used to reconstruct the current density dependence of the external quantum efficiency. All recombination events are related to an effective bandgap that suggests free charge recombination between the guest and the host material of the emission layer. This approach will thus help to identify and eliminate non‐radiative recombination losses in LEDs based on other type of molecules emitters and materials, such as perovskites or quantum dots, as well. Knowing the effective bandgap will also be essential to realize LEDs with the lowest possible driving voltages.
S‐Type Negative Differential Resistance in Semiconducting Transition‐Metal Dichalcogenides
Authors: Wang Miao , Wang Chen‐Yu , Wu Chenchen , Li Qiao , Pan Chen , Wang Cong , Liang Shi‐Jun , Miao Feng
Published: January 2019

Current‐controlled (also known as “S‐type”) negative differential resistance (NDR) is of crucial importance to many emerging applications including neuromorphic computing and high‐density memristors integration. However, the experimental realization of S‐type NDR based on conventional mechanisms poses demanding requirements on materials, which greatly limits their potential applications. Here, it is experimentally identified that semiconducting transition‐metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) can host a bipolar S‐type NDR devices. Theoretical simulations indicate that the origin of the NDR in these devices arises from a thermal feedback mechanism. Furthermore, the potential applications of TMD‐based S‐type NDR device in signal processing and neuromorphic electronics are demonstrated.
Correlation between systemic inflammatory response and quality of life in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Orb Quinn , Pulsipher Abigail , Smith Kristine A. , Ashby Shaelene , Alt Jeremiah A.
Published: January 2019

Background

Local sinonasal inflammation resulting from altered T‐cell immune signaling is a contributor to the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). CRS patients experience negative impacts on quality of life (QOL) and suffer from comorbidities linked to systemic inflammation. However, systemic inflammatory profiling to evaluate the association between systemic inflammation and QOL in CRS has not been performed. Our objectives were to compare local and systemic inflammatory gene expression in patients with CRS to determine if systemic markers of inflammation associate with disease severity and disease‐specific QOL.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted comparing 16 patients with CRS to 10 controls. Inflammatory gene expression in the anterior ethmoid tissues and peripheral blood of patients was measured using multiplex gene expression analysis and correlated to disease severity (computed tomography and nasal endoscopy) and disease‐specific QOL (22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test [SNOT‐22] and Rhinosinusitis Disability Index) using linear regression analyses.

Results

Patients with CRS showed significant increases in the expression of ctla4 and jak1 in sinonasal tissue and blood (p < 0.05), whereas the gene expression of hla‐dqa1, hla‐dqb1, and dusp4 was significantly decreased in patients with CRS compared to controls (p < 0.05). Soluble and local ctla4 and jak1 showed a significant positive correlation with clinical markers of disease severity and disease‐specific QOL (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Local and systemic gene expression involved in T‐cell immune signaling was found to be significantly altered in the blood and sinonasal tissues of patients with CRS compared to controls and significantly correlated to disease severity and QOL in patients with CRS.
Herbal dry extract BNO 1011 improves clinical and mucociliary parameters in a rabbit model of chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Cho Do‐Yeon , Skinner Daniel , Mackey Calvin , Lampkin Harold B , Elder Jeffrey Brent , Lim Dong Jin , Zhang Shaoyan , McCormick Justin , Tearney Guillermo J. , Rowe Steven M. , Woodworth Bradford A.
Published: January 2019

Background

Enhancing chloride (Cl–) secretion in sinus epithelia represents a novel therapeutic approach to chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Herbal dry extract BNO 1011 enhances mucociliary clearance (MCC) via upregulation of Cl– secretion in sinonasal cultures in vitro and murine epithelium in vivo. The objective of this study is to evaluate whether the BNO 1011 improves MCC and clinical parameters in a rabbit model of CRS.

Methods

After the development of CRS in 30 New Zealand white rabbits, animals were randomly assigned to receive oral placebo (n = 10), BNO 1011 (low dose [LD], 25 mg/kg/daily) (n = 10), or BNO1011 (high dose [HD], 125 mg/kg/daily) (n = 10) for 4 weeks. Outcomes included sinus opacification (Kerschner's rabbit sinus CT grade), maxillary epithelial Cl− secretion (sinus potential difference [PD] assay), airway surface liquid (ASL) depth using micro‐optical coherence tomography (μOCT), and submucosal gland density (SMD) on histopathology. Outcome parameters were analyzed by 2 blinded investigators.

Results

BNO 1011 significantly cleared sinus opacification (HD = 1.21 ± 0.63, LD = 1.26 ± 0.37,) compared to placebo (4.02 ± 0.92) (p = 0.009). BNO 1011 resulted in markedly greater mean sinus PD polarization (HD = –12.23 ± 1.4 mV, LD = –12.0 ± 3.0 mV) when compared to rabbits treated with placebo (–4.1 ± 1.1 mV) (p = 0.03). ASL depth was significantly improved when treated with HD (4.08 ± 0.06 μm) and LD (4.05 ± 0.06 μm) compared to placebo (3.5 ± 0.05 μm) (post hoc analysis, p < 0.0001). Histologically, epithelial thickness (HD = 10.0 ± 0.7 μm; LD = 13.7 ± 0.9 μm; placebo = 21.1 ± 2.3 μm; p < 0.005), subepithelial thickness (HD = 63.1 ± 6.6 μm; LD = 103.2 ± 6.7 μm; placebo = 113.3 ± 6.0 μm; p < 0.001), and SMD (HD = 22.2 ± 2.9%; LD = 31.8 ± 1.1%; placebo = 43.8 ± 1.7%; p < 0.0001) were noticeably better with the HD.

Conclusion

Herbal dry extract BNO 1011 improves radiographic, histologic, and MCC parameters in a rabbit model of CRS.
Improved Transistor Performance by Modulating Molecular Packing with Donor and Acceptor Moieties
Authors: Yao Ze‐Fan , Liu Han‐Yu , Wang Zi‐Yuan , Zhou Ze‐Kun , Wang Jie‐Yu , Pei Jian
Published: January 2019

The joint of the donor and acceptor moieties allows a facile and effective strategy to develop novel organic conjugated materials. However, few pieces of work report the understanding of the donor–acceptor interactions at the molecular level. Herein, we developed three small molecules containing one acceptor motif with different amounts of the donor unit. By combining theoretical calculations and energy level characterization, the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) levels of the three molecules were proven to be almost identical. The molecular packing modes were evaluated from crystal structure prediction. Owing to the donor–acceptor interactions, the packing mode can be tuned from a 1D slipped stacking to a 2D brick layer. The 2D molecular packing and charge transport channel endowed the materials a higher electron mobility of 3.29 cm2 V−1 s−1 in the single‐crystal field‐effect transistors after such modulation.
A graphical approach for stability and robustness analysis in commensurate and incommensurate fractional‐order systems
Authors: Shen Yaohua , Wang Yunjian , Yuan Nana
Published: January 2019

In this paper, a novel graphical approach for stability and robustness analysis in commensurate and incommensurate fractional‐order systems (FOS) is proposed. The approach can determine zero distribution of system characteristic equations with commensurate and incommensurate fractional‐orders in right‐half plane (RHP) and imaginary axis in the complex plane. The approach proposed is derived and generalizd from Routh‐type test for polynomials with the commensurate fractional and integer orders. In addition, the novel graphical approach can treat robustness issues of some certain systems. Furthermore, some examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach. Finally, a proof is given to verify the correctness of the criterion.
Sustainable, Dendrite Free Lithium‐Metal Electrode Cycling Achieved with Polymer Composite Electrolytes Based on a Poly(Ionic Liquid) Host
Authors: Girard Gaetan M. A. , Wang Xiaoen , Yunis Ruhamah , MacFarlane Douglas R. , Bhattacharyya Aninda J. , Forsyth Maria , Howlett Patrick C.
Published: January 2019

Polymer composite solid‐state electrolyte materials based on ionic liquids stand out as viable alternatives to flammable liquid electrolytes for solid state lithium‐metal batteries. They offer a compromise between favourable mechanical properties and stability against Li‐metal, coupled with favourable ion transport. However, insufficient Li+ transport properties for practical battery operation may result from the higher mobility of other ionic species from the ionic liquid (IL). Here, this issue was addressed by confining a highly concentrated IL electrolyte in a poly(ionic liquid) matrix with the addition of 5 wt % of alumina nanoparticles; these superconcentrated IL electrolytes favour Li+ ion transport. The composites are based on a poly(diallyldimethylammonium) bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (PDADMA NTf2) matrix, and an electrolyte solution (ES) of high lithium concentration phosphonium IL, trimethyl(isobutyl)phosphonium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (P111i4FSI), with 3.8 mol kg−1 (3.8 m) LiFSI. The impact of ES content within the composite on Li+ transference number and electrochemical stability against Li‐metal is reported. For the 50 wt % ES and 50 wt % of PDADMA NTf2 composite, up to 0.5 mAh cm−2 of Li‐metal plating/stripping for over 20 days at 50 °C is shown. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed that no Li dendrite formation was visible at the Li‐metal/polymer composite interface. Competitive performance of LiFePO4 electrodes (1.2 mAh cm−2) is also reported.
Dysmorphic contribution of neurotransmitter and neuroendocrine system polymorphisms to subtherapeutic mood states
Authors: Gonzalez Irene , Polvillo Rocio , Ruiz‐Galdon Maximiliano , Reyes‐Engel Armando , Royo Jose Luis
Published: January 2019

Objective

From an evolutionary perspective, emotions emerged as rapid adaptive reactions that increase survival rates. Current psychobiology includes the consideration that genetic changes affecting neuroendocrine and neurotransmission pathways may also be affecting mood states. Following this hypothesis, abnormal levels of any of the aminergic neurotransmitters would be of considerable importance in the development of a pathophysiological state.

Materials and Methods

A total of 668 students from the School of Medicine of the University of Malaga (Average = 22.41 ± 3; 41% men) provided self‐report measures of mood states using POMS and GHQ‐28 questionnaires and buccal cells for genotyping 19 polymorphisms from 14 selected neurotransmitter pathways genes (HTR1A; HTR2A; HTR2C; HTR3B; TPH1; SLC18A1; SLC18A2; COMT; MAOA; MAOB) and neuroendocrine system (AVPR1B; OPRM1; BDNF; OXTR).

Results

MAOA rs3788862 genotype correlates with decreasing levels of Tension among females (beta = −0.168, p‐value = 0.003) but it is neutral among males in this subscale. On the contrary, it correlates with lower GHQ‐28 depression scores among males (beta = −0.196, p‐value = 0.008). Equivalently, SLC18A1 and HTR2A variants correlated with anger and vigor scores, only among males. From the neuroendocrine system, OPRM1 rs1799971 correlated increasing levels of female's Anxiety, depression and Social Dysfunction scores.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that these polymorphisms contribute to define general population mood levels, although exhibiting a clear sexual dimorphism.
Association between miRNAs expression and cognitive performances of Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis patients: A pilot study
Authors: Liguori Maria , Nuzziello Nicoletta , Simone Marta , Amoroso Nicola , Viterbo Rosa Gemma , Tangaro Sabina , Consiglio Arianna , Giordano Paola , Bellotti Roberto , Trojano Maria
Published: January 2019

Introduction

The Pediatric onset of Multiple Sclerosis (PedMS) occurs in up to 10% of all cases. Cognitive impairment is one of the frequent symptoms, exerting severe impact in patients’ quality of life and school performances. The underlying pathogenic mechanisms are not fully understood, and molecular markers predictive of cognitive dysfunctions need to be identified. On these grounds, we searched for molecular signature/s (i.e., miRNAs and target genes) associated with cognitive impairment in a selected population of PedMS patients. Additionally, changes of their regional brain volumes associated with the miRNAs of interest were investigated.

Methods

Nineteen PedMS subjects received a full cognitive evaluation; total RNA from peripheral blood samples was processed by next‐generation sequencing followed by a bioinformatics/biostatistics analysis.

Results

The expression of 11 miRNAs significantly correlated with the scores obtained at different cognitive tests; among the others, eight miRNAs correlated with the Trail Making Tests. The computational target prediction identified 337 genes targeted by the miRNAs of interest; a tangled network of molecular connections was hypothesized, where genes like BST1, NTNG2, SPTB, and STAB1, already associated with cognitive dysfunctions, were nodes of the net. Furthermore, the expression of some miRNAs significantly correlated with cerebral volumes, for example, four miRNAs with the cerebellum cortex.

Conclusions

As far as we know, this is the first evaluation exploring miRNAs in the cognitive performances of PedMS. Although none of these results survived the multiple tests’ corrections, we believe that they may represent a step forward the identification of biomarkers useful for monitoring and targeting the onset/progression of cognitive impairments in MS.
Organizational mindfulness, mindful organizing, and environmental and resource sustainability
Authors: Ndubisi Nelson Oly , Al‐Shuridah Obaid
Published: January 2019

The research theorizes that environmental vulnerability can be minimized through mindfulness‐based strategies, and redesigning organizing processes, so that richer thinking is activated more quickly among greater number of people all of whom try to update their knowledge regardless of the knowledge source. It empirically evaluates the effects of organizational mindfulness and mindful organizing on resources and environmental sustainability. The model was tested in a very appropriate setting—Saudi Arabia, where increasing demand for and supply of energy culminates in unsustainable resources utilization and rise in greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental vulnerabilities. Data were collected from Saudi firms operating in the oil and gas sector and analyzed using SmartPLS software. The measurement and structural models were evaluated.

The measurement model exhibits adequate model fit. The tests for the structural models show that four (of five) dimensions of organizational mindfulness (viz., commitment to resilience, deference to expertise, preoccupation with failure, and reluctance to simplify interpretations) and mindful organizing are significantly related at 5% significance level. Sensitivity to operations has no significant relationship with mindful organizing. Mindful organizing is significantly related to environmental and resources sustainability. Moreover, mindful organizing fully or partially mediates in the relationship between some of the dimensions of organizational mindfulness and environmental and resources sustainability. The study is one of the first to integrate mindfulness‐based approaches to sustainability and environmental research.
Improved survival with radiotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma with major vascular invasion: A propensity‐matched analysis of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database
Authors: Lin Qiuyan , Huang Xiaoquan , Zhong Canmei , Luo Tiancheng , Zeng Xiaoqing , Chen Shiyao
Published: January 2019

Objectives

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with major vascular invasion is an advanced stage disease with an extremely poor prognosis and low survival rate. Our study evaluated the survival benefit of radiotherapy (RT) in HCC patients with major vascular invasion through Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database.

Methods

We analyzed 3181 HCC patients with major vascular invasion cases diagnosed from 2004 to 2013. Patients (N = 308) who underwent RT and patients (N = 2873) who did not receive RT were compared. We successfully analyzed patients using propensity score matching (PSM). Kaplan‐Meier and Cox‐regression analyses were applied to assess prognosis.

Results

The median survival time in radiation‐treated group was longer compared to the control group (7 months vs 3 months; P < 0.001) in the overall sample and 3 months longer compared to the control group (7 months vs 4 months; P < 0.001) in a PSM cohort. Cox‐regression analyses showed that radiation‐treated patients in propensity‐matched sample had a significantly lower risk of mortality (HR: 0.625, 95% CI: 0.522‐0.749, P < 0.001) compared with untreated patients. The radiation‐treated groups had better survival rate than untreated group. Subgroup analysis revealed that the survival time of patients in radiation‐treated group was significantly longer than that in the untreated group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.026, respectively). The subgroup analysis also revealed that RT provides a survival benefit regardless of race, marital status, and tumor size after PSM.

Conclusions

Radiotherapy provides improves survival in HCC patients with major vascular invasion, especially for tumor(s) confined to one lobe and not on surface of liver.
MCCK1 enhances the anticancer effect of temozolomide in attenuating the invasion, migration and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition of glioblastoma cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Liu Tie , Li Anqi , Xu Yulun , Xin Yu
Published: January 2019

Chemotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ) is the traditional treatment for glioblastoma (GBM). Nevertheless, majority of GBM patients have recurrence from resistance to the chemotherapy. Herein, we examined combinational effects of MCCK1 (a specific and effective IKKε inhibitor) with TMZ in GBM U251MG and U‐87MG cell lines as well as U251MG xenograft models to overcome the therapeutic limitation of chemotherapy for GBM. Although MCCK1 alone showed inhibitory effects on in vitro proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT of U251MG and U‐87MG cells, combination of MCCK1 and TMZ showed enhanced inhibitory effects. In the U251MG GBM xenograft models, MCCK1 showed synergistic therapeutic effects in combination with TMZ to reduce tumor volumes significantly. These data indicated that MCCK1 could be a candidate sensitizer to potentiate therapeutic effects of conventional cytotoxic treatment for GBM.
Amplified Expansion Stimulated Emission Depletion Microscopy
Authors: Kim Doyeon , Kim Taeyeon , Lee Jooyong , Shim Sang‐Hee
Published: January 2019

Expansion microscopy (ExM) enhances spatial resolution by using a swellable polymer that expands the sample volume by a factor of ≈4 in one dimension and a factor of ≈64 in volume. Combining ExM with stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy, referred to as ExSTED, increases the resolution to up to 10 nm. However, photobleaching is a critical issue in ExSTED because the sample expansion lowers the fluorophore density whereas high‐resolution STED requires high depletion intensity. To overcome these issues, we developed extremely bright expansion nanoscopy by using biotin–avidin signal amplification to increase the labeling density. Our method provides up to sevenfold increases in fluorescence signal intensity in expanded samples, thus enabling the use of STED imaging with maximum depletion intensities of a commercial microscope in the order of GW cm−2. We demonstrated the method by using biotinylated antibodies and genetic incorporation approaches that allow localization of biotin in a specific molecule or organelle.
Experimental investigation of coalescence behaviour of bubble pairs forming at capillary orifices submerged in bacterial suspension
Authors: Guo Cheng‐Long , Duan Dan‐Ru , Tang Qin‐Yuan , Pei Hong‐Shan , Guo Fei‐Qiang
Published: January 2019

Coalescence behaviour of bubble pairs markedly affected methane bioconversion because methane is usually pumped into a bacterial suspension through an aeration system, forming bubbles at capillary orifices. In the present work, a bioreactor was developed to observe the coalescence behaviour of bubble pairs forming at capillary orifices submerged in bacterial suspension via a visualization experiment. The results indicated that in a bacterial suspension the inrush bubble number decreased and the inrush time shortened, but the contact time was prolonged and the maximum contact area increased compared to those in pure water. Moreover, with an increase in the gas flow rate, the maximum contact area decreased and the contact time shortened, while more trailing bubbles merged into the leading bubble. Furthermore, the increase in the centre distance was conducive to increasing the maximum contact area and prolonging the contact time but the bubble inrush was observed at a centre distance of 0.94 mm. In addition, the larger centre distance enhanced the oscillation amplitude and frequency of the aspect ratio, which had not significantly changed at different gas flow rates. The results of this study will contribute to the optimal design of an aeration system that enhances the performance of the bioreactor.
The role of indirect genetic effects in the evolution of interacting reproductive behaviors in the burying beetle,Nicrophorus vespilloides
Authors: Carter Mauricio J. , Wilson Alastair J. , Moore Allen J. , Royle Nick J.
Published: January 2019

Social interactions can give rise to indirect genetic effects (IGEs), which occur when genes expressed in one individual affect the phenotype of another individual. The evolutionary dynamics of traits can be altered when there are IGEs. Sex often involves indirect effects arising from first‐order (current) or second‐order (prior) social interactions, yet IGEs are infrequently quantified for reproductive behaviors. Here, we use experimental populations of burying beetles that have experienced bidirectional selection on mating rate to test for social plasticity and IGEs associated with focal males mating with a female either without (first‐order effect) or with (second‐order effect) prior exposure to a competitor, and resource defense behavior (first‐order effect). Additive IGEs were detected for mating rate arising from (first‐order) interactions with females. For resource defense behavior, a standard variance partitioning analysis provided no evidence of additive genetic variance—either direct or indirect. However, behavior was predicted by focal size relative to that of the competitor, and size is also heritable. Assuming that behavior is causally dependent on relative size, this implies that both DGEs and IGEs do occur (and may potentially interact). The relative contribution of IGEs may differ among social behaviors related to mating which has consequences for the evolutionary trajectories of multivariate traits.
Soluble CD93 is an apoptotic cell opsonin recognized by αxβ2
Authors: Blackburn Jack W. D. , Lau Darius H. C. , Liu Elaine Y. , Ellins Jessica , Vrieze Angela M. , Pawlak Emily N. , Dikeakos Jimmy D. , Heit Bryan
Published: January 2019

Efferocytosis is essential for homeostasis and prevention of the inflammatory and autoimmune diseases resulting from apoptotic cell lysis. CD93 is a transmembrane glycoprotein previously implicated in efferocytosis, with mutations in CD93 predisposing patients to efferocytosis‐associated diseases. CD93 is a cell surface protein, which is proteolytically shed under inflammatory conditions, but it is unknown how CD93 mediates efferocytosis or whether its efferocytic activity is mediated by the soluble or membrane‐bound form. Herein, using cell lines and human monocytes and macrophages, we demonstrate that soluble CD93 (sCD93) potently opsonizes apoptotic cells but not a broad range of microorganisms, whereas membrane‐bound CD93 has no phagocytic, efferocytic, or tethering activity. Using mass spectrometry, we identified αxβ2 as the receptor that recognizes sCD93, and via deletion mutagenesis determined that sCD93 binds to apoptotic cells via its C‐type lectin‐like domain and to αxβ2 by its EGF‐like repeats. The bridging of apoptotic cells to αxβ2 markedly enhanced efferocytosis by macrophages and was abrogated by αxβ2 knockdown. Combined, these data elucidate the mechanism by which CD93 regulates efferocytosis and identifies a previously unreported opsonin‐receptor system utilized by phagocytes for the efferocytic clearance of apoptotic cells.
Economic assessment of advanced biofuel production via gasification using cost data from the GoBiGas plant
Authors: Thunman Henrik , Gustavsson Christer , Larsson Anton , Gunnarsson Ingemar , Tengberg Freddy
Published: January 2019

This paper describes an economic analysis of the GoBiGas plant, which is a first‐of‐its‐kind industrial installation for advanced biofuel production (ABP) via gasification, in which woody biomass is converted to biomethane. A previous technical evaluation of the demonstration unit confirmed that it is technically feasible to construct advanced biofuel production plants, using commercially available and widely used components. Thus, significant cost reductions for equipment cannot be expected as a consequence of learning effects. However, the equipment itself accounted for <20% of the total investment cost at GoBiGas and there exists the potential to reduce the production cost through learning how to assemble the process and reduce project‐specific costs. The analysis shows that a plant with capacity of 200 MW of biomethane is an attractive scale for future stand‐alone ABP plants with respect to limiting the production cost. For a 200‐MW ABP plant operated using forest residues as fuel, the production cost for biomethane is estimated at approximately 600 SEK/MWh, (60€/MWh, 75US$/MWh), which is equivalent to 5.4 SEK/liter gasoline [0.54 €/liter, or 2.5USD per gallon (9.9 SEK/€, 8 SEK/USD)], where the feedstock accounts for about 36% of the production cost. The most significant uncertainty factors pertaining to the estimated production costs are expected to relate to: trade conditions; the location of the installation; and the local price of feedstock. Thus, there is some potential for implementing cost‐competitive ABP systems of smaller capacity if low‐grade feedstocks (eg, waste‐derived woody biomass) can be utilized, and/or if the unit can be integrated with the already existing infrastructure.
Experimental investigations into the influence of biofilms and environmental factors on short‐term microtopographic fluctuations of supratidal sandstone
Authors: Yuan Runjie , Kennedy David M. , Stephenson Wayne J. , Gómez‐Pujol Lluís
Published: January 2019

In this study laboratory experiments were used to explore the role of biofilms, formed by lithobiontic microorganism communities, in causing hourly surface changes of supratidal sandstone and the potential linkage to long‐term rock decay. To isolate the influence of individual environmental factors (temperature and humidity) on rock surface changes (expansion and contraction), a colonized (biofilm‐covered) and a non‐colonized sandstone block (biofilm‐free) underwent the same univariate microclimatic simulations closely controlled by an environmental chamber. Simulations were run under three different light conditions, with a natural light lamp on, on and off at 20‐min intervals and off, to investigate the impact of light on rock surface dynamics. Measured with a traversing micro‐erosion meter (TMEM), two‐hourly microtopographic fluctuations of these two sandstone blocks were compared in the same environment. Induced by microclimatic variations, surface movements of significantly higher magnitude (12–120% under varying tempeature and 121–154% under varying humidity) and different change patterns were observed on the colonized block, indicating the primary role of biofilm in driving microtopographic fluctuations of supratidal sandstone. However, thermally driven changes of similar magnitude and pattern were observed on both surfaces, suggesting other mechanisms also operating on the non‐colonized rock surface in this process. Due to the sensitivity of biofilm microorganism communities to light, the magnitude and pattern of surface changes was impacted by light condition. Because biofilms increased the magnitude and number of cycles of expansion and contraction of the experimental rock surface, we propose that lithobiontic biofilms facilitate the detachment of grains and granular disintegration on the rock surface, consequently contributing to rock decay and accelerating the rate of breakdown of supratidal rock. This short‐term episode therefore needs to be superimposed on longer term studies to fully understand the role of biofilms in rock surface change. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A rapid method of preparing complex organohalogen extracts from avian eggs: Applications to in vitro toxicogenomics screening
Authors: Crump Doug , Williams Kim L. , Chiu Suzanne , Periard Luke , Letcher Robert J.
Published: January 2019

Double-crested cormorants are piscivorous birds that breed in variably contaminated colonies across the Laurentian Great Lakes of North America. Collection and preparation of environmentally relevant extracts from eggs that contain variable concentrations of organohalogen contaminants represents a minimally invasive approach to characterize potential effects of exposure using in vitro bioassays. In the present study, a rapid, efficient lipid freeze-filtration extraction method was used to prepare extracts from double-crested cormorant eggs collected from 5 breeding colonies that had variable organohalogen contaminant burdens. Extracts, solubilized in dimethyl sulfoxide, were administered to chicken embryonic hepatocytes (CEHs) to determine effects on cell viability, 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity, and messenger RNA expression using a chicken ToxChip polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array. The EROD median effect concentration (EC50) values were lower for extracts with greater organohalogen contaminant burdens and thus permitted an initial ranking of colonies based on the efficacy of eliciting an aryl hydrocarbon receptor–mediated response. The ToxChip PCR array data provided a more exhaustive, pathway-based evaluation of extract effects; variability in the transcriptomic profiles was associated with organohalogen contaminant burdens. For example, extracts from Mud Island (Detroit River, MI, USA) had among the highest organohalogen contaminant burdens and elicited a greater biochemical (EROD EC50 = 0.005) and transcriptomic response (22/43 genes altered on the array) in CEHs compared with the least contaminated site, which was Mandarte Island (BC, Canada; EROD EC50 = 0.172; 8/43 genes altered). Avian eggs represent a useful biomonitoring tool for determining complex mixture effects, and the combination of a rapid extraction method, an in vitro bioassay, and targeted endpoint evaluation (biochemical and transcriptomic) shows great promise as an environmental effects monitoring approach. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:811–819. © 2019 Crown in the right of Canada. Published by Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
A grounded theory study of the narrative behind Indian physiotherapists global migration
Authors: Grafton Kate , Gordon Frances
Published: January 2019

It is estimated that an additional 6.4 million allied health professionals are required to address India's health challenges. Physiotherapy is amongst the largest of these professions. Over the last decade, thousands of Indian physiotherapists have sought to study and work overseas. In this study, 19 physiotherapists from across India were interviewed. Data were collected and analysed using construct+ivist grounded theory methods. The findings indicate that the Indian physiotherapy profession faces many political and clinical hierarchical challenges within the Indian healthcare infrastructure. The profession's education provision has developed, and the private clinical sector has grown, but there are significant disparities in quality and standards across the sector. The profession in India has variable autonomy, is not nationally regulated, is poorly paid, and the leadership has been divided. The political, educational, and clinical context in Indian physiotherapy impacts upon physiotherapists' ability to practise effectively to their professional satisfaction. Individual physiotherapists are frustrated by their workplace and travel overseas where they hear that the physiotherapy profession and practice is different. Whilst the disjunctures influencing these factors continue, and overseas physiotherapy practice is perceived as different and superior, Indian physiotherapists will continue to seek to migrate overseas, and facilitating their return will be challenging.
Dual‐Cure Coatings: Spiroorthoesters as Volume‐Controlling Additives in Thiol–Ene Reactions
Authors: Marx Philipp , Romano Angelo , Fischer Roland , Roppolo Ignazio , Sangermano Marco , Wiesbrock Frank
Published: January 2019

Most thiol–ene systems exhibit shrinkage during cross‐linking, potentially resulting in micro‐cracks and delamination. Oligocyclic monomers like spiroorthoesters (SOEs), on the contrary, show expansion during the ring‐opening polymerization. In this communication, a photocurable thiol–ene system composed of a trifunctional thiol, a bisfunctional allyl‐bisphenol A compound, and an SOE compound bearing one olefin function shows expansion in the range from −3.07 to +1.70 vol% if the SOE content is increased from 0–30 wt%. Network formation can be accomplished under visible light if a radical as well as a cationic photoinitiator (dual‐cure mechanism) and a sensitizer are used. The elasticity of the cured resin increases upon the addition of the SOE; correspondingly, the glass‐transition temperature shows a (minor) decrease from 16 to 3 °C. A tailor‐made combination of the allyl‐bisphenol A compound (90 wt%) and the SOE (10 wt%) yields networks that are volume‐neutral during curing.
Single mutations in BraRS confer high resistance against nisin A in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Arii Kaoru , Kawada‐Matsuo Miki , Oogai Yuichi , Noguchi Kazuyuki , Komatsuzawa Hitoshi
Published: January 2019

Nisin A is a lantibiotic produced by Lactococcus lactis that is widely used as a food preservative. In Staphylococcus aureus, the BraRS two‐component system (TCS) senses nisin A and regulates the expression of the ABC transporter VraDE, which is responsible for nisin A resistance. In this study, we exposed S. aureus to a sub‐minimum inhibition concentration of nisin A and obtained three spontaneous mutants that were highly resistant to this lantibiotic, designated as SAN (S. aureus nisin resistant) 1, SAN8, and SAN87. In the wild‐type S. aureus strain, VraDE expression was induced by nisin A. In contrast, SAN8 and SAN87 showed constitutively high VraDE expression, even in the absence of nisin A, while SAN1 showed higher BraRS expression, which resulted in high VraDE expression in the presence of nisin A. We identified a single mutation in the promoter region of braXRS in SAN1, whereas SAN8 and SAN87 had single mutations in braR and braS, respectively. Interestingly, even the unphosphorylated form of the mutant BraR protein induced VraDE expression. These results indicate that conformational changes in BraS or BraR resulting from the point mutations may result in the constitutive expression of VraDE, allowing S. aureus to adapt to high concentrations of nisin A.
Aquella oligotrophica gen. nov. sp. nov.: A new member of the family Neisseriaceae isolated from laboratory tap water
Authors: Chan Kok‐Gan , See‐Too Wah‐Seng , Chua Kah‐Ooi , Peix Álvaro , Goh Kian Mau , Hong Kar‐Wai , Yin Wai‐Fong , Lee Li‐Sin
Published: January 2019

A bacterial strain designated as P08T was isolated from laboratory tap water during a water quality assessment in University of Malaya, Malaysia. The strain was a Gram‐negative, rod‐shaped, nonmotile, and aerobic bacterium. Complete genome of P08T comprised of a 2,820,660 bp chromosome with a G + C content of 36.43%. Both 16S rRNA phylogeny and phylogenetic tree inferred from the core gene matrix demonstrated that P08T formed a hitherto unknown subline within the family Neisseriaceae. Ortho average nucleotide identity (OrthoANI) values and the percentage of conserved proteins (POCP) calculated from complete genome sequence indicated low relatedness between P08T and its phylogenetic neighbors. Respiratory quinone analysis revealed Q‐8 as the only detectable quinone. The predominant cellular fatty acids were identified as C14:0, iso‐C15:0, and summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c/C16:1 ω6c). The polar lipids consisted of uncharacterized aminolipid, phosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidylethanolamine. All aspects of phenotypic and phylogenetic data suggested that strain P08T represents a novel genus within family Neisseriaceae, for which the name Aquella gen. nov. is proposed. The type species of the genus is Aquella oligotrophica sp. nov., and the type strain is P08T (=LMG 29629T =DSM 100970T).
Investigating energy deposition in glandular tissues for mammography using multiscale Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Oliver Patricia A. K. , Thomson Rowan M.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

To investigate energy deposition in glandular tissues of the breast on macro‐ and microscopic length scales in the context of mammography.

Methods

Multiscale mammography models of breasts are developed, which include segmented, voxelized macroscopic tissue structure as well as nine regions of interest (ROIs) embedded throughout the breast tissue containing explicitly‐modelled cells. Using a 30 kVp Mo/Mo spectrum, Monte Carlo (MC) techniques are used to calculate dose to ∼mm voxels containing glandular and/or adipose tissues, as well as energy deposition on cellular length scales. ROIs consist of at least 1000 mammary epithelial cells and ∼200 adipocytes; specific energy (energy imparted per unit mass; stochastic analogue of the absorbed dose) is calculated within mammary epithelial cell nuclei.

Results

Macroscopic dose distributions within segmented breast tissue demonstrate considerable variation in energy deposition depending on depth and tissue structure. Doses to voxels containing glandular tissue vary between ∼0.1 and ∼4 times the mean glandular dose (MGD, averaged over the entire breast). Considering microscopic length scales, mean specific energies for mammary epithelial cell nuclei are ∼30% higher than the corresponding glandular voxel dose. Additionally, due to the stochastic nature of radiation, there is considerable variation in energy deposition throughout a cell population within a ROI: for a typical glandular voxel dose of 4 mGy, the standard deviation of the specific energy for mammary epithelial cell nuclei is 85% relative to the mean. Thus, for a glandular voxel dose of 4 mGy at the centre of the breast, corresponding mammary epithelial cell nuclei will receive specific energies up to ∼9 mGy (considering the upper end of the 1σ standard deviation of the specific energy), while a ROI located 2 cm closer to the radiation source will receive specific energies up to ∼40 mGy. Energy deposition within mammary epithelial cell nuclei is sensitive to cell model details including cellular elemental compositions and nucleus size, underlining the importance of realistic cellular models.

Conclusions

There is considerable variation in energy deposition on both macro‐ and microscopic length scales for mammography, with glandular voxel doses and corresponding cell nuclei specific energies many times higher than the MGD in parts of the breast. These results should be considered for radiation‐induced cancer risk evaluation in mammography which has traditionally focused on a single metric such as the MGD.