bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of wild type or a Q311E mutant MB21D2 promotes a pro‐oncogenic phenotype in HNSCC
Authors: Gracilla Daniel E. , Korla Praveen Kumar , Lai Ming‐Tsung , Chiang An‐Jen , Liou Wen‐Shiung , Sheu Jim Jinn‐Chyuan
Published: September 2020

Cadherin‐mediated cell–cell contacts regulated by intracellular binders play critical roles in tissue homeostasis and tumorigenesis. Here, we screened mutational profiles of 312 annotated genes involved in cadherin binding in human squamous cell carcinomas and found MB21D2 to carry a unique recurrent Q311E mutation. MB21D2 overexpression was also frequently found in head and neck cancer (HNSCC) and was associated with poor clinical outcomes. Cell‐based characterizations revealed pro‐oncogenic roles for MB21D2 wild‐type (WT) and its Q311E mutant (Q311E) in cell proliferation, colony formation, sphere growth, and migration/invasion by promoting epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Conversely, MB21D2 knockdown in MB21D2‐overexpressing cells resulted in cell growth arrest and apoptosis. Xenograft tumor models with Q311E‐expressing cells formed larger and more aggressive lesions, compared to models with WT‐MB21D2‐expressing cells or an empty vector. Transcriptome and protein interactome analyses revealed enrichment of KRAS signaling by MB21D2 expression. Immunoblotting confirmed RAS elevation, along with upregulation/phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, and CREB. Blocking RAS signaling in MB21D2‐expressing cells by manumycin significantly reduced cell growth and survival. Our study thus defined RAS signaling‐dependent pro‐oncogenic roles for MB21D2 overexpression and Q311E MB21D2 expression in HNSCC development.
Early response of organic matter dynamics to pine‐biochar in sandy soil under peach trees
Authors: Frene Juan Pablo , Frazier Mattie , Rutto Edwin , Jones McGwire , Liu Shuang , Clark Bernadette , Parker Michael , Gardner Terrence G.
Published: September 2020

Biochar may enhance soil health in sandy soils under peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] tree production. A study was initiated in the Sandhills of North Carolina by applying pine‐biochar at two different rates (5 and 10%, v/v) and types of application (incorporation to 30 cm [‐Inc] and surface [‐Sur]) in 2017. Soil organic matter (SOM) dynamics was assessed via soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), permanganate‐oxidizable carbon (POXC), aggregate fractions (macro‐, micro‐aggregates, and clay + silt particles), and enzyme activities (CNPS activity) at 0–15 and 15–30 cm in 2018 and 2019. After the first year of pine‐biochar application, POXC decreased in all biochar treatments, SOC was higher in the 10%‐Inc treatment, whereas CNPS activities and macroaggregates were highest in the 5%‐Sur compared with the non‐treated control. These results suggest early changes in SOM dynamics and biogeochemical cycling and have the potential to guide producers with the long‐term application of pine‐biochar to sandy soils.
Soil aggregation as affected by application of diverse organic materials
Authors: Garba Maman , Wortmann Charles , Blanco‐Canqui Humberto
Published: September 2020

Application of organic materials can amend soil for improved water infiltration and reduced erodibility with effects varying with soil properties and the organic amendment type and rate. The effects of four livestock manures, three municipal biosolids, and one industrial by‐product on dry and wet soil aggregate stability were evaluated at six sites in Nebraska. The amendments had similar C/N ratios but the biosolids had relatively high concentrations of lignin and cellulose. Soil organic matter (SOM) ranged from 21 to 65 g kg−1 and soils were silty clay loam, silt loam, or loamy sand. Soil was sampled for the 0‐ to 0.05‐m depth at physiological maturity of the second corn (Zea mays L.) crop following amendment application. Aggregation was high with no amendment applied as >95% of the soil was in water stable aggregates (WSA) > 0.053 mm and was not affected by amendments with a few exceptions such as an increase in dry aggregate size and WSA 0.25–2.0 mm at one location. Dry aggregate size was much less for the loamy sand than with other soils. With SOM >60 g kg−1 compared with less SOM, there was 42% more WSA >2 mm and 38% less WSA <2 mm diam. It cannot be concluded that organic amendment application will improve aggregation if SOM >20 g kg−1 but larger effects may have occurred with: sampling sooner after amendment application; a 0‐ to 0.025‐m sampling depth; or sampling at several months after harvest for reduced effect of the rhizosphere on aggregation.
Winter cover crop root biomass yield in corn and soybean systems
Authors: Ruis Sabrina J. , Blanco‐Canqui Humberto , Koehler‐Cole Katja , Jasa Paul J. , Slater Glen , Elmore Roger W. , Ferguson Richard B.
Published: September 2020

Cover crop (CC) roots are critical for soil ecosystem service delivery including soil stabilization, C and nutrient cycling, soil health improvement, and others. However, most CC studies only evaluate CC aboveground biomass yield, neglecting the belowground portion of the plant. The objectives of this study were to quantify the impacts of (a) CC planting (pre‐ and post‐harvest) dates and (b) early (2–4 wk before main crop planting) and late (at main crop planting) CC termination with and without corn (Zea mays L.) residue removal on root biomass yield. We assessed the effects of CC planting or termination dates on root biomass yield for surface 10 cm of soil at four sites through sampling at CC termination and separating roots from soil with a hydropneumatic elutriation system. Pre‐harvest CC planting had limited and variable impacts on root biomass yield compared with post‐harvest planting. Corn residue removal had no impact on root biomass yield. However, CC termination date had effects at the Irrigated but not at the Rainfed site. At the Irrigated site, late‐terminated CCs doubled root biomass yield in both years compared to early terminated and no CC. At this site, under late‐terminated CCs, root biomass yield was 2.8 Mg ha–1 attributed to their higher aboveground biomass yield and later termination. At the Rainfed site, root biomass yield was 1.6 Mg ha–1. Overall, late termination of CCs can increase root biomass yield; however, early planting into the cash crop did not consistently increase root biomass yield under the conditions of this study.
Corn yield response to late‐split nitrogen fertilizer
Authors: Nafziger Emerson D. , Rapp Derek
Published: September 2020

Multiple applications of N fertilizer on corn (Zea mays L.), with the last application as late as tasseling (VT) or early reproductive stages, is regarded as having potential to lower N requirements or to increase yields, or both. To test this, we conducted trials with N rates ranging from 0 to 280 kg N ha−1, applied at or near planting (early), or with 56 kg N ha−1 retained and dribbled near the row at VT stage (late split). Averaged across eight trials with corn following soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], economically optimum nitrogen rate (EONR) values were 159 and 169 kg N ha−1 for early and late‐split N, and predicted yields at the economically optimum nitrogen rate (YEONR) were identical, at 14.8 Mg ha−1. The net return to nitrogen (RTN) at the EONR averaged $537 ha−1 for early N and $525 ha−1 for late‐split N. Averaged over six trials with corn following corn, EONR values were 171 and 170 kg N ha−1, YEONR values were 14.1 and 14.0 Mg ha−1, and RTN values were $745 and $731 ha−1 for early and late‐split N, respectively. Within each set of trials, t tests revealed no significant differences due to N timing on EONR, YEONR, or RTN. With little or no agronomic benefit and added costs for late application, applying late‐split N is unlikely to be profitable in productive Corn Belt soils.
Facilitation with a grain of salt: reduced pollinator visitation is an indirect cost of association with the foundation species creosote bush (Larrea tridentata)
Authors: Braun Jenna , Lortie Christopher J.
Published: September 2020

Premise

In arid ecosystems, shrub facilitation is a critical process driving plant community structure and assembly, often resulting in increased densities of annual plants beneath shrub canopies. Pollinator‐mediated interactions can have fitness consequences for both plant interactors but are largely unexplored as an indirect consequence of direct shrub‐annual facilitation.

Methods

We tested the capacity of the geographically widespread creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) to influence pollinator visitation to its annual understory during its phenological shift into spring flowering. We used small video cameras to record pollinator visitation and foraging behavior on potted transplants of a representative flowering annual. We concurrently evaluated L. tridentata’s positive role as a foundation plant in this system by measuring the associated plant and arthropod communities and deploying data loggers to measure understory microclimates.

Results

Pollinator visitation to the flowering annual desert dandelion, Malacothrix glabrata, was lower when beneath the canopy of L. tridentata, and further declined throughout the study site as L. tridentata entered full bloom. We confirmed the role of L. tridentata as a foundation species in this system through its concurrent, positive effects on annual plant cover (a proxy for biomass), the abundance and richness of the understory arthropod community and its ability to create stable microclimates.

Conclusions

Direct and indirect shrub effects on other species function simultaneously to shift net outcomes even within predominantly net positive facilitation complexes.
Environmental Surface Hygiene in the OR: Strategies for Reducing the Transmission of Health Care–Associated Infections
Authors: Branch Russ , Amiri Azita
Published: September 2020

Health care–associated infections (HAIs) cost billions of dollars annually in the United States and cause patient morbidity and mortality. There is increasing evidence that environmental surfaces in the OR setting, including anesthesia work areas, can harbor pathogens that can lead to HAIs. Patient‐care equipment used routinely in the OR, such as electrocardiograph wires, blood pressure cuffs, pulse oximetry probes, and monitor cables, can become contaminated with pathogens during surgical procedures; without proper cleaning and disinfection between procedures, these items pose a risk for pathogen transmission and subsequent patient infections. This article discusses the association between contaminated surfaces in the OR and the risk for HAIs. It is essential that perioperative nurses, environmental services personnel, anesthesia technicians, and anesthesia professionals properly disinfect environmental surfaces to prevent HAIs.
Achieving the desired state of conservation for East Rennell, Solomon Islands: Progress, opportunities and challenges
Authors: Kiddle Gabriel Luke
Published: September 2020

East Rennell was placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2013. Threats to the site's Outstanding Universal Value include logging, mining, invasive species, and climate change. The site is unlikely to be removed unless actions identified in the 2015 Desired state of conservation for removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger (DSOCR) are implemented. While the Solomon Islands Government has taken some steps towards implementing the DSOCR, overall progress has been minimal, partly due to competing priorities and lack of resources. Consequently, it is unlikely that the DSOCR will be achieved by the target date of 2021. East Rennellese have received little financial benefit from the site's listing and their support for World Heritage may be wavering. To be effective, World Heritage conservation measures must be aligned with local peoples' aspirations and priorities, which include improving livelihoods and preserving culture.
Hemocyanin and hexamerins expression in response to hypoxia in stoneflies (Plecoptera, Insecta)
Authors: Gamboa Maribet
Published: September 2020

Many freshwater ecosystems worldwide undergo hypoxia events that can trigger physiological, behavioral, and molecular responses in many organisms. Among such molecular responses, the regulation of the hemocyanin (Hc) protein expression which plays a major role in oxygen transportation within aquatic insects remains poorly understood. The stoneflies (Plecoptera) are aquatic insects that possess a functional Hc in the hemolymph similar to crustacean that co‐occurs with a nonfunctional Hc protein, hexamerins (Hx). However, the role of both proteins during hypoxia remains undetermined. Here, we evaluated the effect of hypoxia on the expression of Hc and Hx proteins via a comparison between hypoxia and normoxia amino acid sequence variation and protein expression pattern within 23 stonefly species. We induced short‐term hypoxia in wild‐caught stoneflies species, sequenced the target region of Hc and Hx by complementary DNA synthesis, characterized the protein biochemistry using sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, ultrafiltration, and polarographic fluorometric method, and amplified the genome region of the hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF) transcriptional response element that regulated Hc using genome walking library approach. We found a lack of Hc expression in all examined species during hypoxia conditions, despite recognition of the HIF gene region as a possible regulatory factor of Hc, suggesting that compensatory responses as metabolic changes or behavioral tracheal movements to enhance respiratory efficiency could be possible mechanics to compensate for hypoxia. A short Hc‐like novel isoform was detected instead in these 23 species, possibly due to either protein degradation or alternative splicing mechanisms, suggesting that the protein could be performing a different function other than oxygen transportation. Hx during hypoxia was expressed and exhibited species‐level amino acid changes, highlighting a possible role during hypoxia. Our results demonstrate that hypoxia could enable a similar potential adaptive response of multiple species regarding specific physiological requirements, thereby shedding light on community behavior in stress environments that may help us to improve conservation practices and biomonitoring.
Polymer Nanocomposite‐based Coatings for Corrosion Protection
Authors: Peng Tingyu , Xiao Ruihou , Rong Zhenyang , Liu Haibo , Hu Qunyi , Wang Shuhua , Li Xu , Zhang Jianming
Published: September 2020

Corrosion of metals induces enormous loss of material performance and increase of cost, which has been a common and intractable issue that needs to be addressed urgently. Coating technology has been acknowledged to be the most economic and efficient approach to retard the metal corrosion. For several decades, polymers have been recognized as an effective anticorrosion coating material in both industries and scientific communities, as they demonstrate good barrier properties, ease of altering properties and massive production. Nanomaterials show distinctively different physical and chemical properties compared with their bulk counterparts, which have been considered as highly promising functional materials in various applications, impacting virtually all the fields of science and technologies. Recently, the introduction of nanomaterials with various properties into polymer matrix to form a polymer nanocomposite has been devoted to improve anticorrosive ability of polymer coatings. In this review article, we highlight the recent advances and synopsis of these high‐performance polymer nanocomposites as anticorrosive coating materials. We expect that this work could be helpful for the researchers who are interested in the development of functional nanomaterials and advanced corrosion protection technology.
A Scoping Review of Anxiety in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Vasa Roma A. , Keefer Amy , McDonald Rachel G. , Hunsche Michelle C. , Kerns Connor M.
Published: September 2020

Research on anxiety in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has burgeoned in the past 15 years. Most of the research has focused on school‐age children, ages 6 to 18 years. Yet, recent studies suggest that anxiety can emerge in young children, under 6 years, with ASD. This scoping review synthesized the literature on anxiety in young children with ASD. Three domains of anxiety research were reviewed: (a) prevalence/severity, phenomenology, and course; (b) correlates; and (c) treatment. Four online databases were searched from the start of the database until March 2020. Keywords pertaining to anxiety, autism, and young children were entered. The search identified 44 articles for inclusion. These studies varied with respect to sample source, informants, and measures to assess anxiety. The overall prevalence of anxiety ranged from 1.6 to 62%. Sixteen of 17 studies found that young children with ASD had higher levels of anxiety compared to various control groups. A variety of DSM anxiety symptoms and disorders were present in young children with the most common symptoms being specific, social, and generalized fears. Correlates of anxiety included sensory over‐responsivity, sleep disturbance, aggression/defiance, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Three cognitive behavioral treatment studies for anxiety and one developmental intervention targeting ASD symptoms showed promise in reducing anxiety. Findings indicate an early emergence of anxiety in some children with ASD. Further research on the measurement, pathophysiology, and treatment of anxiety in early childhood is critical to improving outcomes in children with ASD.

Lay summary

This scoping review synthesizes the literature on anxiety in young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Results indicate that children with ASD have higher levels of anxiety than children without ASD. Potential factors that could be contributing to anxiety include sensory, sleep, and behavioral problems. Preliminary studies show that anxiety can improve with cognitive behavioral treatment. These findings suggest that research on anxiety in young children with ASD should be prioritized to improve mental health outcomes.
Synthesis and fluorescence properties of two dendritic molecules based on naphthalimide and triphenylamine
Authors: Cheng Huan‐ren , Zhou Zhi‐yu , Zhang Xiao , Wang Shuai , Qian Chen
Published: September 2020

Artificial light‐harvesting systems have attracted great interest in biological photosynthesis and photo‐voltaic devices areas due to their unique structures, easy purification, low‐cost, and convenient processing abilities. Here, two dendritic molecules based on triphenylamine and naphthalimide have been designed and synthesized, their structures were confirmed by 1H NMR, ESI‐MS, and high resolution mass spectrometry. In these molecules, triphenylamine units perform as the electron donor moiety, and naphthalimide units perform as the electron acceptor. The obvious quenched fluorescence intensity and considerably shortened lifetime of the dendritic molecules combined with the molecular frontier orbital energy levels proved that the dendritic molecules not only are good candidates as hole‐transporting materials but also are two excellent photo‐induced electron transfer materials. Therefore, it is believed that these dendritic molecules have potential application value in photo‐voltaic devices.
Pseudomonas as Versatile Aromatics Cell Factory
Authors: Schwanemann Tobias , Otto Maike , Wierckx Nick , Wynands Benedikt
Published: September 2020

Aromatics and their derivatives are valuable chemicals with a plethora of important applications and thus play an integral role in modern society. Their current production relies mostly on the exploitation of petroleum resources. Independency from dwindling fossil resources and rising environmental concerns are major driving forces for the transition towards the production of sustainable aromatics from renewable feedstocks or waste streams. Whole‐cell biocatalysis is a promising strategy that allows the valorization of highly abundant, low‐cost substrates. In the last decades, extensive efforts are undertaken to allow the production of a wide spectrum of different aromatics and derivatives using microbes as biocatalysts. Pseudomonads are intriguing hosts for biocatalysis, as they display unique characteristics beneficial for the production of aromatics, including a distinct tolerance and versatile metabolism.

This review highlights biotechnological applications of Pseudomonas as host for the production of aromatics and derived compounds. This includes their de novo biosynthesis from renewable resources, biotransformations in single‐ and biphasic fermentation setups, metabolic funneling of lignin‐derived aromatics, and the upcycling of aromatic monomers from plastic waste streams. Additionally, this review provides insights into unique features of Pseudomonads that make them exceptional hosts for aromatics biotechnology and discusses engineering strategies.
Time will tell: Decision making in premanifest and manifest Huntington’s disease
Authors: Heim Beatrice , Peball Marina , Saft Carsten , von Hein Sarah Maria , Ellmerer Philipp , Piater Johanna Maria , Seppi Klaus , Djamshidian Atbin
Published: September 2020

Objective

To investigate cognitive flexibility in premanifest and manifest Huntington's disease (HD).

Background

HD is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor, cognitive, and behavioral abnormalities with typical motor symptoms. In this study, we wanted to assess decision making in premanifest (pre‐HD) and manifest HD patients.

Methods

A total of 77 non‐demented subjects including 29 pre‐HD, 22 manifest HD patients, and 26 healthy controls (HC) were included. We stratified the pre‐HD group based on their estimated years to disease onset into a far (FAR, n = 13) and a near (NEAR, n = 16) group. Furthermore, participants performed the Montreal cognitive assessment battery (MoCA), the trail making task part A and B (TMT A, TMT B), the Symbol digit modalities test (SDMT), and the beads task.

Results

In the beads task, HD patients gathered less information than all other groups (all p‐values < .001). Furthermore, the NEAR group gathered less information than the FAR group (p < .001) and HC (p = .001). There was no difference between the HC and the FAR group (p = 1.0). In the TMT and the SDMT, HD patients were slower than all other groups (all p‐values < .01) but there were no other significant differences.

Conclusions

Decision making with a higher degree of uncertainty may be an early neuropsychological sign to indicate the disease process prior to reaching criteria for motor diagnosis of HD.
Sustainable development and financial institutions: Do banks' environmental policies influence customer deposits?
Authors: Galletta Simona , Mazzù Sebastiano , Naciti Valeria , Vermiglio Carlo
Published: September 2020

This paper investigates the relationship between the environmental policies taken by financial institutions and the choice of depositors on where to save their money. Prior research has shown that increases in the number of customers making deposits are driven by bank pricing policy and switching costs for depositors. By employing a dynamic panel data model, this study empirically tests how environmental performance influences the depositors' choice on where to put their money in a sample of worldwide financial institutions from 2011 to 2018. The main results suggest that there is a negative relationship between banks' environmental performance and customers' deposits. Furthermore, the banks that are the best at managing carbon emissions and at pursuing sustainable development pay lower interest rates on customer deposits.
Diagnostic significance and carcinogenic mechanism of pan‐cancer gene POU5F1 in liver hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: He Dingdong , Zhang Xiaokang , Tu Jiancheng
Published: September 2020

Background

The prognostic and clinicopathological significance of POU Class 5 Homeobox 1 (POU5F1) among various cancers are disputable heretofore. The diagnostic value and functional mechanism of POU5F1 in liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) have not been studied thoroughly.

Methods

An integrative strategy of meta‐analysis, bioinformatics, and wet‐lab approach was used to explore the diagnostic and prognostic significance of POU5F1 in various types of tumors, especially in LIHC. Meta‐analysis was utilized to investigate the impact of POU5F1 on prognosis and clinicopathological parameters in various cancers. The expression level and diagnostic value of POU5F1 were assessed by qPCR in plasma collected from LIHC patients and controls. The correlation between POU5F1 and tumor infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) in LIHC was evaluated by CIBERSORT. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed based on TCGA. Hub genes and related pathways were identified on the basis of co‐expression genes of POU5F1.

Results

Elevated POU5F1 was associated with poor OS, DFS, RFS, and DSS in various cancers. POU5F1 was confirmed as an independent risk factor for LIHC and correlated with tumor occurrence, stage, and invasion depth. The combination of POU5F1 and AFP in plasma was with high diagnostic validity (AUC = 0.902, p < .001). Specifically, the level of POU5F1 was correlated with infiltrating levels of B cells, T cells, dendritic cells, and monocytes in LIHC. GSEA indicated that POU5F1 participated in multiple cancer‐related pathways and cell proliferation pathways. Moreover, CBX3, CCHCR1, and NFYC were filtered as the central hub genes of POU5F1.

Conclusion

Our study identified POU5F1 as a pan‐cancer gene that could not only be a prognostic and diagnostic biomarker in various cancers, especially in LIHC, but functionally carcinogenic in LIHC.
Hybrid treatment of aortic aneurism, type‐A dissection, and aortic valve stenosis
Authors: Lunardi Mattia , Franzese Ilaria , Faggian Giuseppe , Ribichini Flavio L.
Published: September 2020

Hybrid multidisciplinary interventions are attractive care options for heart valve and vascular diseases in high‐risk patients. We describe the feasibility of staged hybrid aortic arch repair to treat a type Ia endoleak and transcatheter aortic valve replacement to treat an aortic valve stenosis, achieving an escape strategy to treat an unexpected type‐A aortic dissection.
Unique microstructure, physical, and pasting properties of rice grains produced in Thai upland area
Authors: Theanjumpol Parichat , Chang‐Rue Viboon , Kim Sang Moo , Rattanapanone Nithiya , Maniwara Phonkrit
Published: September 2020

Background and objectives

Upland rice has unique quality derived from diverse growing environment; however, little is known about rice quality cultivated in the uplands of South‐East Asia region. Four highly consumed upland rice varieties are determined their important physical qualities and microstructures.

Findings

All four upland rice varieties exhibit different visual appearance and physical quality especially for color, sphericity, and bulk density of rice grain, and viscosity (peak viscosity ranges from 931 to 3,113 cP; p ≤ .05) of rice flour. Each variety reveals unique structure of aleurone layer and starch granule wherein the granule size and arrangement are notably different among the four varieties.

Conclusions

Physical quality and microstructure are the key features for identifying rice variety cultivated in upland area of Thailand.

Significance and novelty

The four varieties of Thai upland rice grains exhibit different macro‐ and microstructure that are considered a helpful index for variety identification, postharvest handling, and utilization of rice flour.
Postmenopausal endometriosis presenting as a pelvic mass invading the colon
Authors: Polonsky Ariel , Bruck Lance
Published: September 2020

An invading mass in a postmenopausal female is usually suspicious of being cancerous. Even though, endometriosis should always be included in the differential since its surgical management involves significant morbidity and even mortality.
B←N‐Incorporated Dibenzo‐azaacene with Selective Near‐Infrared Absorption and Visible Transparency
Authors: Min Yang , Cao Xu , Tian Hongkun , Liu Jun , Wang Lixiang
Published: September 2020

Organic compounds with selective near‐infrared absorption and visible transparency are very desirable for fabrication of transparent/semitransparent optoelectronic devices. Herein, we develop a molecule with selective near‐infrared absorption property, QBNA‐O, in which four B←N units are incorporated to the core and two benzodioxin groups are introduced at the termini of the dibenzo‐azaacene skeleton. QBNA‐O exhibits a small optical gap of 1.39 eV due to the strong electron‐donating benzodioxin groups and the strong electron‐withdrawing B←N units. In toluene solution, QBNA‐O shows a strong absorption peak at 856 nm with the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of only 41 nm as well as very weak absorption in the visible range from 380 nm to 760 nm. Thin films of QBNA‐O exhibit the average visible transparency (AVT) of 78 % at the thickness of 205 nm and 90 % at the thickness of 45 nm. Solution‐processed organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) of QBNA‐O display ambipolar transporting behavior with the electron mobility of 0.52 cm2 V−1 s−1 and the hole mobility of 0.013 cm2 V−1 s−1 together with excellent air‐stability. The selective NIR absorbing property and excellent charge transporting property imply that QBNA‐O can be used to fabricate transparent organic optoelectronic devices.
Photocatalytic Carboxylation of Phenyl Halides with CO2 by Metal‐Organic Frameworks Materials
Authors: Su Lina , Zhang Yin , Qiu Xueying , Han Jianyu , Tang Zhiyong
Published: September 2020

Main observation and conclusion

In this work, important commercial pharmaceutical intermediates, phenylpropionic acid compounds, are successfully obtained by catalyzing the reaction of carbon dioxide with phenyl halides using MOF‐5, a typical metal‐organic framework (MOF) material. The influence of temperature, pressure, catalyst type and light on the reaction is investigated, and a 90.3% selectivity towards fluorophenylpropionic acid is reached. Significantly, the catalysts are effective for varied benzyl compounds containing different substituent groups. The catalysts are stable and remain active after three cycles.
Exosomal vimentin from adipocyte progenitors accelerates wound healing
Authors: Parvanian Sepideh , Yan Fuxia , Su Dandan , Coelho‐Rato Leila S. , Venu Arun P. , Yang Peiru , Zou Xiaoheng , Jiu Yaming , Chen Hongbo , Eriksson John E. , Cheng Fang
Published: September 2020

Adipose stem cell‐derived exosomes have great potential in accelerating cutaneous wound healing by optimizing fibroblast activities. Recent studies have demonstrated that exosomes play an active role in the transport of functional cytoskeletal proteins such as vimentin. Previously we showed that vimentin serves as a coordinator of the healing process. Therefore, we hypothesized that vimentin incorporated into the exosomes may contribute to mediate fibroblast activities in wound healing. Our results revealed that exosomal vimentin from adipocyte progenitor cells acts as a promoter of fibroblast proliferation, migration, and ECM secretion. Furthermore, our in vitro and in vivo experiments provide evidence that exosomal vimentin shortens the healing time and reduces scar formation. These findings suggest the reciprocal roles of exosomes and vimentin in accelerating wound healing. Exosomes can serve as an efficient transportation system to deliver and internalize vimentin into target cells, while vimentin could have an impact on exosome transportation, internalization, and cell communication.
Comparative morphology of the corpus callosum across the adult lifespan in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and humans
Authors: Westerhausen René , Fjell Anders M. , Kompus Kristiina , Schapiro Steven J. , Sherwood Chet C. , Walhovd Kristine B. , Hopkins William D.
Published: September 2020

The human corpus callosum exhibits substantial atrophy in old age, which is stronger than what would be predicted from parallel changes in overall brain anatomy. To date, however, it has not been conclusively established whether this accentuated decline represents a common feature of brain aging across species, or whether it is a specific characteristic of the aging human brain. In the present cross‐sectional study, we address this question by comparing age‐related difference in corpus callosum morphology of chimpanzees and humans. For this purpose, we measured total midsagittal area and regional thickness of the corpus callosum from T1‐weighted MRI data from 213 chimpanzees, aged between 9 and 54 years. The results were compared with data drawn from a large‐scale human sample which was age‐range matched using two strategies: (a) matching by chronological age (human sample size: n = 562), or (b) matching by accounting for differences in longevity and various maturational events between the species (i.e., adjusted human age range: 13.6 to 80.9 years; n = 664). Using generalized additive modeling to fit and compare aging trajectories, we found significant differences between the two species. The chimpanzee aging trajectory compared with the human trajectory was characterized by a slower increase from adolescence to middle adulthood, and by a lack of substantial decline from middle to old adulthood, which, however, was present in humans. Thus, the accentuated decline of the corpus callosum found in aging humans is not a universal characteristic of the aging brain, and appears to be human‐specific.
The central nervous system of whip spiders (Amblypygi): Large mushroom bodies receive olfactory and visual input
Authors: Sinakevitch Irina , Long Skye M. , Gronenberg Wulfila
Published: September 2020

Whip spiders (Amblypygi) are known for their nocturnal navigational abilities, which rely on chemosensory and tactile cues and, to a lesser degree, on vision. Unlike true spiders, the first pair of legs in whip spiders is modified into extraordinarily long sensory organs (antenniform legs) covered with thousands of mechanosensory, olfactory, and gustatory sensilla. Olfactory neurons send their axons through the leg nerve into the corresponding neuromere of the central nervous system, where they terminate on a particularly large number (about 460) of primary olfactory glomeruli, suggesting an advanced sense of smell. From the primary glomeruli, olfactory projection neurons ascend to the brain and terminate in the mushroom body calyx on a set of secondary olfactory glomeruli, a feature that is not known from olfactory pathways of other animals. Another part of the calyx receives visual input from the secondary visual neuropil (the medulla). This calyx region is composed of much smaller glomeruli (“microglomeruli”). The bimodal input and the exceptional size of their mushroom bodies may support the navigational capabilities of whip spiders. In addition to input to the mushroom body, we describe other general anatomical features of the whip spiders' central nervous system.
Lack of Drug‐Drug Interaction Between Filgotinib, a Selective JAK1 Inhibitor, and Oral Hormonal Contraceptives Levonorgestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Begley Rebecca , Anderson Kacey , Watkins Timothy R. , Weng Winnie , Ampaw Lorraine , Qin Ann , Kearney Brian P. , Mathias Anita
Published: September 2020

Filgotinib (FIL) is a potent and selective JAK1 inhibitor in clinical development for treatment of severe inflammatory diseases. A drug‐drug interaction study to evaluate the potential effect of FIL on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of the oral contraceptive levonorgestrel (LEVO)/ethinyl estradiol (EE) was conducted. This was a phase 1, open‐label, randomized, crossover study in healthy female subjects (N = 24). Subjects received a single dose of LEVO (150 μg)/EE (30 μg) alone (reference), or in combination with multiple‐dose FIL (200 mg once daily for 15 days; test). Intensive PK sampling was conducted, and safety was assessed throughout the study. PK interactions were evaluated using 90% confidence intervals of the geometric least squares mean ratios of the test versus reference treatments. All 24 subjects enrolled completed study treatments. Coadministration of FIL with the oral contraceptive did not alter the PK of LEVO and EE; the 90% confidence intervals of the geometric least squares mean ratios were contained within bioequivalence bounds (80%‐125%). Exposures of FIL were consistent with observed clinical exposure data. Study treatments were generally well tolerated. All adverse events were mild. Coadministration with FIL did not alter the PK of LEVO/EE, and hormonal contraceptives can serve as an effective contraception method for subjects on FIL treatment.
A survey of psychological practitioner workplace well‐being
Authors: Summers Elisabeth M.A. , Morris Reg C. , Bhutani Gita E. , Rao Amra S. , Clarke Jeremy C.
Published: September 2020

The well‐being of the psychological workforce is an area of concern. However, it has been sparsely studied in a holistic manner encompassing workplace well‐being as well as burnout. This study reports a survey of 1,678 psychological practitioners accessed through professional networks. The short Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well‐being Scale (SWEMWBS) and the Psychological Practitioner Workplace Well‐being Measure (PPWWM) were administered with a demographic questionnaire. The mean for the SWEMWBS was below that of a national population survey. The intercorrelation of these tests was .61. Subgroup analyses showed significant differences: assistant psychologists, counsellors and psychological well‐being practitioners demonstrated better than average workplace well‐being. But for general well‐being (SWEMWBS), trainee clinical psychologists and assistant psychologists showed lower than average well‐being, whereas psychological well‐being practitioners were higher than average. Other factors associated with well‐being were contract type—both measures (higher workplace well‐being in those with temporary contracts and the self‐employed); employment sector—for PPWWM only (private organisation/independent workers and third sector/charitable organisation workers scored above the PPWWM mean); ethnicity—for both measures (Asian groups except Chinese had higher well‐being than average for the PPWWM and SWEMWBS) and disability was strongly associated with lower well‐being on both measures. Harassment, feeling depressed or a failure and wanting to leave the National Health Service (NHS) were associated with lower well‐being. Greater age, pay and years of service were negatively correlated with well‐being. A five‐factor structure was obtained with this sample. The results confirmed psychological practitioners as an at‐risk group and identified a number of factors associated with workplace well‐being.
A novel virtual reality‐based theory of mind intervention for outpatients with schizophrenia: A proof‐of‐concept pilot study
Authors: Vass Edit , Simon Viktória , Fekete Zita , Lencse Laura , Ecseri Mária , Kis Balázs , Simon Lajos
Published: September 2020

Schizophrenia is a severe and highly disabling mental illness. Although several pharmacological solutions are available to alleviate symptoms of schizophrenia, they do not seem to provide solution for accompanying social dysfunctions. To handle this unmet clinical need, many innovative interventions have been developed recently. Considering the promising results on this field and the development trend, characterized by the growing proportion of included interactive technology, our research team developed a novel virtual reality (VR)‐based targeted theory of mind (ToM) intervention (VR‐ToMIS) for stable outpatients with schizophrenia. VR‐ToMIS is a nine‐session long structured and individualized method that uses cognitive and behavioural therapeutic techniques in an immersive VR environment. Our study was a randomized, controlled pilot study. Twenty‐one patients have been recruited and randomly allocated to either VR‐ToMIS or passive VR condition. Patients assigned to passive VR condition could use the same VR software as the VR‐ToMIS group, but without any interventions. Effects on psychiatric symptoms, neurocognitive and social cognitive functions, pragmatic language skills and quality of life were evaluated by using analysis of covariance. According to our results, VR‐ToMIS was associated with improvements in negative symptoms, in one neurocognitive field (immediate memory), ToM and pragmatic language skills, but no significant change in quality of life scores was detected. Significant changes in VR‐ToMIS group were associated with moderate to large therapeutic effects (ηp2 = .24–.46, φ = .55–.67). On the background of the presented pilot results, VR‐ToMIS is concluded to be feasible and tolerable.
Heterogeneous Treatment Effects on Cardiovascular Diseases With Dipeptidyl Peptidase‐4 Inhibitors Versus Sulfonylureas in Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Authors: Yang Chen‐Yi , Lin Wei‐Ann , Su Pei‐Fang , Li Lun‐Jie , Yang Chun‐Ting , Ou Huang‐Tz , Kuo Shihchen
Published: September 2020

This study explored heterogeneous treatment effects (HTEs) of the real‐world use of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (DPP‐4is) vs. sulfonylureas (SUs) on cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes. Utilizing Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database, 19,853 propensity score‐matched pairs of DPP‐4i and SU stable users were identified. Classification and regression tree analyses and Cox models were applied to explore HTEs, according to various patient characteristics, on the composite CVDs, three‐point major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), and all‐cause mortality. The absolute risk difference (ARD), hazard ratio (HR), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated for comparing treatment effects. CVD history, ischemic stroke, or transient ischemic attack (IS/TIA) history, and age at treatment initiation were significant treatment effect modifiers. Patients with prior IS/TIA but without any other prior CVDs benefited most in reduced risks of composite CVDs from using DPP‐4i vs. SU (ARD −4.31%, 95% CI −7.48% to −1.14%, HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.69 ~ 0.95), followed by those without prior IS/TIA and CVDs and initiated with DPP‐4i at age < 69.3 years (ARD −0.90%, 95% CI −1.47% to −0.32%, HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.77 ~ 0.97). Patients with prior IS/TIA benefited most in reduced risks of three‐point MACE from using DPP‐4i vs. SU (ARD −4.22%, 95% CV −6.66% to −1.78%, HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.69 ~ 0.93), followed by those without prior IS/TIA and initiated with DPP‐4i at age < 69.3 years (ARD −0.68%, 95% CI −1.08% to −0.29%, HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.70 ~ 0.93). Consideration of CVD and IS/TIA histories and age could facilitate individualized diabetes management of using DPP‐4i vs. SU. Future studies are warranted given the hypothesis‐generating nature in this exploratory research.
OMIP‐070: NKp46‐Based 27‐Color Phenotyping to Define Natural Killer Cells Isolated From Human Tumor Tissues
Authors: Frutoso Marie , Mair Florian , Prlic Martin
Published: September 2020

Purpose and appropriate samples

This 27‐color panel has been validated and optimized to comprehensively profile natural killer (NK) cells isolated from human tumors using a collagenase Type II‐based digestion protocol. We confirmed that detection of protein expression by antibodies used in our final panel was not affected during tissue digestion. During this evaluation process, we found that detection of CD56, a biomarker typically used to identify NK cells, was affected substantially by collagenase‐based digestion. Thus, our panel is centered around expression of NKp46, which is sufficient to identify NK cells and not affected by the tissue collagenase digestion step. Our panel further includes biomarkers used to extrapolate NK‐cell maturation, differentiation, migration, homing potential, and functional state. Our panel is intended to provide in‐depth characterization of human NK cells isolated from tissues, which we specifically tested using oral squamous cell carcinomas tissues, but it is compatible with other tissues that can be dissociated with a collagenase Type II‐based protocol. © 2020 The Authors. Cytometry Part A published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
Serotonergic sensitivity alleles moderate relations between attachment security at age three and socioemotional competence at age five
Authors: Lee Jin‐kyung , Schoppe‐Sullivan Sarah J. , Beauchaine Theodore P.
Published: September 2020

Children with higher socioemotional competence are more likely to build constructive relationships with others and experience more positive adjustment outcomes in later periods. Securely attached children are likely to develop better socioemotional competence, but genetic moderation of associations between attachment and later socioemotional competence has received less attention. Using structural equation modeling, this study analyzed data collected from 1,337 children (51% male) born from 1998 to 2000 in the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing study. The results demonstrated that relations between attachment security at age 3 years and their social competence at age 5 years differed by two serotonin transporter variants (5‐HTTLPR, STin2). Effect sizes of these interactions were larger than effect sizes of main effects and the benefit of having sensitive alleles was consistently supported. This implies that having more secure attachment in the early developmental period is advantageous especially for children with minor alleles who have greater environmental sensitivity.
Burden and management of type 2 diabetes in rural United States
Authors: Dugani Sagar B. , Mielke Michelle M. , Vella Adrian
Published: September 2020

In the United States, rural areas have a higher burden of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) compared to urban areas. However, there is limited information on risk factors and interventions that improve the primary prevention and management of T2DM in rural areas. To synthesize current knowledge on T2DM in rural areas and to guide healthcare providers and policy makers, we reviewed five scientific databases and the grey literature over the last decade (2010–2020). We described classification systems for rurality and the T2DM burden based on rurality and region (West, South, Midwest, and Northeast). We highlighted risk factors for T2DM in rural compared to urban areas, and summarized interventions to screen and manage T2DM based on opportunistic screening, T2DM self‐management, community‐based initiatives, as well as interventions targeting comorbidities and T2DM. Several studies identified the co‐existence of T2DM and depression/psychological symptoms, which could reduce adherence to non‐pharmacologic and pharmacologic management of T2DM. We highlighted the role of technology in education and counselling of patients with geographic and financial barriers to accessing care, which is exacerbated by the SARS‐CoV‐2 coronavirus disease‐19 pandemic. We identified knowledge gaps and next steps in improving T2DM care in rural areas. There is an urgent need for interventions tailored to rural areas given that rural Americans currently experience a disproportionate burden of T2DM and are encumbered by its associated morbidity, mortality, and loss in economic productivity.