bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blurring and Irregularity of the Subchondral Cortex in Pediatric Sacroiliac Joints on T1 Images: Incidence of Normal Findings That Can Mimic Erosions
Authors: Herregods Nele , Lambert Robert G. W. , Schiettecatte Eva , Dehoorne Joke , Renson Thomas , Laloo Frederiek , Van Den Berghe Thomas , Jans Lennart B. O. , Jaremko Jacob L.
Published: July 2021

Objective

To determine prevalence of variations of subchondral bone appearance that may mimic erosions on T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of pediatric sacroiliac (SI) joints according to age and sex.

Methods

With ethics committee approval and informed consent, SI joint MRIs of 251 children (132 girls), mean age 12.4 years (range 6.1–18.0 years), were obtained in 2 cohorts: 127 children imaged for nonrheumatic reasons, and 124 children with low back pain but no features of sacroiliitis at initial clinical MRI review. MRIs were reviewed by 3 experienced radiologists, blinded from each other, for 3 features of the cortical black line representing the subchondral bone plate on T1‐weighted MRI: visibility, blurring, and irregularity.

Results

Based on agreement from 2 or more readers, the cortical black line was partially absent in 88.4% of the children, blurred in 34.7%, and irregular in 41.4%. All these features were most common on the iliac side of SI joints and at the first sacral vertebra level. Clearly visualized, sharply delineated SI joints with none of these features were seen in only 8.0% of children, or in 35.1% if we conservatively required agreement of all 3 readers to consider a feature present. There was no significant difference between sexes or cohorts; findings were similar across pediatric age groups.

Conclusion

Understanding the normal MRI appearance of the developing SI joint is necessary to distinguish physiologic findings from disease. At least two‐thirds (65%) of normal pediatric SI joints showed at least 1 feature that is a component of the adult definition of SI joint erosions, risking overdiagnosis of sacroiliitis.
N, O‐Codoped Carbon Nanosheet Array Enabling Stable Lithium Metal Anode
Authors: Xu Zhixiao , Xu Luyao , Xu Zhixin , Deng Zhiping , Wang Xiaolei
Published: July 2021

Lithium metal anodes hold great potential for next‐generation high‐energy batteries. However, the low Coulombic efficiency (CE) and dendritic growth during lithium metal plating/stripping cause short cycle life and deter its practical application. Herein, nitrogen, oxygen‐codoped vertical carbon nanosheet arrays are constructed on Cu foil (NOCA@Cu) as the efficient host to improve CE and suppress Li dendrites through polymer interfacial self‐assembly and morphology‐preserved pyrolysis. Benefitting from numerous vertical porous channels with abundant lithiophilic heteroatom dopants, 3D structured NOCA@Cu host can guide Li nucleation and growth in a controlled manner, leading to dendrite‐free Li deposition with high CE and long life cycles in both carbonate electrolyte and ether electrolyte, surpassing horizontal carbon‐coated Cu and pure Cu hosts. Finite element simulation further reveals the structural function of vertical carbon arrays as not only directing Li plating in the nanoarray‐constructed confined space but also homogenizing the distribution of ion concentration and electrical field throughout the 3D electrode. To demonstrate the practical application of lithiated NOCA@Cu anode, it is coupled with a commercial LiFePO4 cathode, delivering high capacity and long‐cycle stability with nearly 100% CE. The cost‐effective, scalable, and efficient features render NOCA@Cu a promising Li host toward practical lithium metal batteries.
Biomimetic and Bioinspired Intervention Strategies for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Han Yu , Pang Xin , Pi Guofu
Published: July 2021

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects the joints and extra‐articular organs and poses a significant health care problem in the modern era. Although current standard treatment modalities successfully control RA flares, no curative treatment modality for RA has been developed. Nanomedicines have addressed the drug side effects and limited efficacy of RA treatment. However, synthetic nanoparticles (NPs) can be toxic and induce immune responses in vivo, posing a risk of further RA progression. Biomimetic nanodrug delivery systems have the potential to improve the biocompatibility of synthetic NPs and the stability and targeting of pharmaceuticals in vivo. For many immune‐related diseases with a complex pathogenesis and that involve a large number of different cell types, biomimetic nanodelivery systems can reduce the immunogenicity of NPs. Furthermore, some bioinspired strategies can mimic certain components of the pathological process, allowing for a more precise drug delivery and effective disease control via the carriers. This article highlights recent research on biomimetic nanodelivery systems for the treatment of RA and categorizes the design methodologies for various targets and carriers.
Translation of Collagen Ultrastructure to Biomaterial Fabrication for Material‐Independent but Highly Efficient Topographic Immunomodulation
Authors: Ryma Matthias , Tylek Tina , Liebscher Julia , Blum Carina , Fernandez Robin , Böhm Christoph , Kastenmüller Wolfgang , Gasteiger Georg , Groll Jürgen
Published: July 2021

Supplement‐free induction of cellular differentiation and polarization solely through the topography of materials is an auspicious strategy but has so far significantly lagged behind the efficiency and intensity of media‐supplementation‐based protocols. Consistent with the idea that 3D structural motifs in the extracellular matrix possess immunomodulatory capacity as part of the natural healing process, it is found in this study that human‐monocyte‐derived macrophages show a strong M2a‐like prohealing polarization when cultured on type I rat‐tail collagen fibers but not on collagen I films. Therefore, it is hypothesized that highly aligned nanofibrils also of synthetic polymers, if packed into larger bundles in 3D topographical biomimetic similarity to native collagen I, would induce a localized macrophage polarization. For the automated fabrication of such bundles in a 3D printing manner, the strategy of “melt electrofibrillation” is pioneered by the integration of flow‐directed polymer phase separation into melt electrowriting and subsequent selective dissolution of the matrix polymer postprocessing. This process yields nanofiber bundles with a remarkable structural similarity to native collagen I fibers, particularly for medical‐grade poly(ε‐caprolactone). These biomimetic fibrillar structures indeed induce a pronounced elongation of human‐monocyte‐derived macrophages and unprecedentedly trigger their M2‐like polarization similar in efficacy as interleukin‐4 treatment.
Ultrafast Electron Tunneling Devices—From Electric‐Field Driven to Optical‐Field Driven
Authors: Zhou Shenghan , Chen Ke , Cole Matthew Thomas , Li Zhenjun , Li Mo , Chen Jun , Lienau Christoph , Li Chi , Dai Qing
Published: July 2021

The search for ever higher frequency information processing has become an area of intense research activity within the micro, nano, and optoelectronics communities. Compared to conventional semiconductor‐based diffusive transport electron devices, electron tunneling devices provide significantly faster response times due to near‐instantaneous tunneling that occurs at sub‐femtosecond timescales. As a result, the enhanced performance of electron tunneling devices is demonstrated, time and again, to reimagine a wide variety of traditional electronic devices with a variety of new “lightwave electronics” emerging, each capable of reducing the electron transport channel transit time down to attosecond timescales. In response to unprecedented rapid progress within this field, here the current state‐of‐the‐art in electron tunneling devices is reviewed, current challenges and opportunities are highlighted, and possible future research directions are identified.
Recycled Photons Traveling Several Millimeters in Waveguides Based on CsPbBr3 Perovskite Nanocrystals
Authors: Navarro‐Arenas Juan , Suárez Isaac , Gualdrón‐Reyes Andrés F. , Mora‐Seró Iván , Bisquert Juan , Martínez‐Pastor Juan P.
Published: July 2021

Reabsorption and reemission of photons, or photon recycling (PR) effect, represents an outstanding mechanism to enhance the carrier and photon densities in semiconductor thin films. This work demonstrates the propagation of recycled photons over several mm by integrating a thin film of CsPbBr3 nanocrystals into a planar waveguide. An experimental set‐up based on a frequency modulation spectroscopy allows to characterize the PR effect and the determination of the effective decay time of outcoupled photons. A correlation between the observed photoluminescence redshift and the increase of the effective decay time is demonstrated, which grows from 3.5 to near 9 ns in the best device. A stochastic Monte Carlo model reproduces these experimental results and allows the extraction of the physical mechanisms involved. In the waveguide under study recycled photons follow a drift (directional enhancement) velocity ≈5.7 × 105 m s−1, dominating over the diffusive regime observed in a standard thin film (D ≈ 420 m2 s−1). This means that recycled photons propagate mm‐distances in shorter traveling times in the waveguide (≈5 ns) as compared to the film (>20 ns). These results are expected to pave the road for exploiting the PR effect in future optoelectronic and photonic devices.
Asymmetric Epoxidation of Enones Promoted by Dinuclear Magnesium Catalyst
Authors: Jaszczewska‐Adamczak Joanna A. , Mlynarski Jacek
Published: July 2021

Asymmetric synthesis with cheaper and non‐toxic alkaline earth metal catalysts is becoming an important and sustainable alternative to conventional catalytic methodologies mostly relying on precious metals. In spite of some sustainable methods for enantioselective epoxidation of enones, the development of a well‐defined and efficient catalyst based on magnesium complexes for these reactions is still a challenging task. In this perspective, we present the application of chiral dinuclear magnesium complexes for asymmetric epoxidation of a broad range of electron‐deficient enones. We demonstrate that the in situ generated magnesium‐ProPhenol complex affords enantioenriched oxiranes in high yields and with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee). Our extensive study verifies the literature data in this area and provides a step forward to better understand the factors controlling the oxygenation process. Elaborated catalyst offers mild reaction conditions and a truly wide substrate scope.

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An MST4‐pβ‐CateninThr40 Signaling Axis Controls Intestinal Stem Cell and Tumorigenesis
Authors: Zhang Hui , Lin Moubin , Dong Chao , Tang Yang , An Liwei , Ju Junyi , Wen Fuping , Chen Fan , Wang Meng , Wang Wenjia , Chen Min , Zhao Yun , Li Jixi , Hou Steven X. , Lin Xinhua , Hu Lulu , Bu Wenbo , Wu Dianqing , Li Lin , Jiao Shi , Zhou Zhaocai
Published: July 2021

Elevated Wnt/β‐catenin signaling has been commonly associated with tumorigenesis especially colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, an MST4‐pβ‐cateninThr40 signaling axis essential for intestinal stem cell (ISC) homeostasis and CRC development is uncovered. In response to Wnt3a stimulation, the kinase MST4 directly phosphorylates β‐catenin at Thr40 to block its Ser33 phosphorylation by GSK3β. Thus, MST4 mediates an active process that prevents β‐catenin from binding to and being degraded by β‐TrCP, leading to accumulation and full activation of β‐catenin. Depletion of MST4 causes loss of ISCs and inhibits CRC growth. Mice bearing either MST4T178E mutation with constitutive kinase activity or β‐cateninT40D mutation mimicking MST4‐mediated phosphorylation show overly increased ISCs/CSCs and exacerbates CRC. Furthermore, the MST4‐pβ‐cateninThr40 axis is upregulated and correlated with poor prognosis of human CRC. Collectively, this work establishes a previously undefined machinery for β‐catenin activation, and further reveals its function in stem cell and tumor biology, opening new opportunities for targeted therapy of CRC.
Electrical Pumping of Perovskite Diodes: Toward Stimulated Emission
Authors: Cho Changsoon , Antrack Tobias , Kroll Martin , An Qingzhi , Bärschneider Toni R. , Fischer Axel , Meister Stefan , Vaynzof Yana , Leo Karl
Published: July 2021

The success of metal halide perovskites in photovoltaic and light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) motivates their application as a solid‐state thin‐film laser. Various perovskites have shown optically pumped stimulated emission of lasing and amplified spontaneous emission (ASE), yet the ultimate goal of electrically pumped stimulated emission has not been achieved. As an essential step toward this goal, here, a perovskite diode structure that simultaneously exhibits stable operation at high current density (≈1 kA cm−2) and optically excited ASE (with a threshold of 180 µJ cm−2) is reported. This diode structure achieves an electroluminescence quantum efficiency of 0.8% at 850 A cm−2, which is estimated to be ≈3% of the charge carrier population required to reach ASE in the same device. It is shown that the formation of a large angle waveguide mode and the reduction of parasitic absorption losses are two major design principles for diodes to obtain a positive gain for stimulated emission. In addition to its prospect as a perovskite laser, a new application of electrically pumped ASE is proposed as an ideal perovskite LED architecture allowing 100% external radiation efficiency.
A practical guide for conducting qualitative research in medical education: Part 3—Using software for qualitative analysis
Authors: Clarke Samuel O. , Coates Wendy C. , Jordan Jaime
Published: July 2021

The process of performing qualitative analysis can be a daunting task. Technology can be employed to ease the burden of the work; however, the researcher may not fully appreciate how and when computer software can assist in conducting qualitative analysis. In this, the third installment of our “how‐to” series on qualitative research methods, we describe basic concepts and approaches to using both simple word processing programs and specific qualitative research software programs to assist in coding and analysis. We hope that the concepts put forth in this paper will help qualitative researchers become more familiar with available technological approaches and that they will, in turn, enhance the efficiency of the research process as well as the depth, clarity and richness of research findings.
Maintaining procedural skills for academic emergency medicine faculty: A needs assessment
Authors: Clyne Brian , Barber Doucet Hannah , Brown Linda , Musits Andrew , Jacobs Elizabeth , Merritt Christopher , Merritt Rory , Allister Lauren , Petrone Gianna , Musisca Nicholas , Smith Jessica L. , Baird Janette , Mello Michael J.
Published: July 2021

Background

Emergency physicians require competence performing critical and routine procedures. The clinical practice of emergency medicine (EM) alone may be insufficient for the acquisition and maintenance of skills. Prior studies suggest the presence of trainees in academic settings and/or the low frequency of procedures increase the risk of skills attrition among faculty. We sought to develop a valid needs assessment survey to inform a faculty procedural skills (FPS) maintenance curriculum.

Methods

A Web‐based FPS survey was designed to assess experiences performing procedures, self‐reported confidence with procedures, and learning preferences for skills maintenance. The survey was administered at a large academic department of EM. Responses were analyzed to determine survey construct validity, faculty attitudes about procedural attrition, and preferred learning methods.

Results

Among EM faculty, confidence was significantly higher for common versus uncommon procedures (p < 0.001). EM faculty respondents reported significantly greater confidence than pediatric EM (PEM) faculty for both common adult procedures (EM mean = 3.7 [±0.3], PEM = 3.0 [±0.4], p < 0.001), and uncommon adult procedures (EM = 2.7 [±0.4], PEM = 2.1 [±0.5], p < 0.001). PEM faculty reported significantly greater confidence with pediatric procedures than EM faculty (PEM mean [±SD] = 3.5 [±0.8], EM = 2.2 [±0.8], p < 0.001). Nearly all faculty (93% [52/56]) agreed that procedural attrition is a concerning problem, and 80% (44/56) had personally experienced it. The most preferred learning methods were task trainers and simulation. Faculty preferred learning environments with faculty peers (91%) over mixed groups with trainees (50%).

Conclusions

Significant differences in procedural skills confidence between common and uncommon procedures, and between EM and PEM faculty, indicate that the FPS survey displayed appropriate construct validity. The finding that skills attrition is prevalent among EM and PEM faculty highlights the need for skill maintenance programming, preferably in peer groups employing task trainers and simulation.
Simulated dew increases volatility of dicamba from soybean leaves
Authors: Henry Jerri Lynn , Lin Chung‐Ho , Smeda Reid J.
Published: July 2021

Adoption of dicamba tolerant soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] accompanied by postemergence applications of dicamba resulted in off‐target movement and damage to nearby crops. The underlying cause, in some cases, has been attributed to weather‐related phenomena such as temperature inversions, which are often accompanied by the formation of dew. The objective of this controlled study was to determine if the formation of simulated dew on soybean leaves treated with dicamba led to increased short‐term dicamba volatility. Over a 48‐h period after the application of dicamba, dicamba volatility concentrations quantified in air samples increased by 20% when soybeans were exposed to simulated dew for 3 h compared with soybeans that were not exposed to dew. Concentrations of volatilized dicamba were elevated in the first (0–24 h) and second (24–48 h) 24‐h period after initiating collection of air samples. Dew may alter the stability of dicamba, ultimately contributing to increased off‐target movement.
Effects of different tillage practices on rill distribution of sloping farmland
Authors: Li Taotao , Wang Yu , Wu Faqi
Published: July 2021

To better understand how surface roughness affects soil erosion, we investigated the rill distribution of sloping farmland under tillage practices in China's Loess Plateau region. Four tillage treatments (three tillage practices and a non‐tillage control) were simulated manually using five slope gradient levels (3°–20°) and two rainfall intensities (90 and 120 mm h–1). The spatial distribution of rills was extracted and four indices were derived based on Strahler's stream ordering. With increasing slope gradient, random roughness exhibited a decreasing effect on sediment yield, and the interaction effect changed from negative to positive at a critical slope gradient of ∼10°. Low‐order rills gradually merged into high‐order rills, forming a complete rill network toward higher slope gradients. The bifurcation ratio of different treatments did not differ considerably. With increasing surface roughness, the length of first‐order rills and their longitudinal river slope decreased. For example, on the 10° slope under 90 mm h–1 rainfall intensity, the longitudinal river slope of contour plowing, manual hoeing, and contour drilling treatments decreased respectively by 29.4, 38, and 48.9% relative to the value of smooth surface (control) with a rise in rill order. Yet a greater surface roughness had the least effect on the number, length, and longitudinal river slope of third‐order rills. A similar result was obtained in that correlation between sediment yield and the length of third‐order rills was the weakest overall. The results indicate that surface roughness affects rill distribution and soil erosion on sloping farmland via its effect upon low‐orderrill development.
Near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy for forage nutritive value analysis in sub‐Saharan African countries
Authors: Balehegn Mulubrhan , Varijakshapanicker Padmakumar , Zampaligre Nouhoun , Blummel Michael , Ayantunde Augustine , Jones Chris , Prasad Kodukula Venkata Subrahamanya Vara , Duncan Alan , Dejene Mesfin , Adesogan Adegbola T.
Published: July 2021

Limited supply of quality feed is the most common problem limiting livestock productivity in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). Routine feed evaluation is indispensable for formulating balanced rations, feed characterization, safety, and minimizing the environmental impact of livestock. Traditional wet chemistry has not met this demand in SSA because it is time consuming, expensive, reliant on imported reagents and equipment that requires regular maintenance. Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) is a rapid and accurate alternative. The NIRS can help meet the need to characterize locally available forages and feeds on the continent, thus allowing formulation of optimally balanced and safe rations, facilitating establishment of nutritive value‐based pricing, and improving feed marketing and environmental stewardship. Though several NIRS systems have been purchased in many SSA countries, few are currently used. Reasons include high upfront costs, lack of requisite technical capacity, lack of access to comprehensive wet chemistry‐based databases to develop and validate robust and accurate predictive equations, lack of access to or relevance of existing validated equations, and limited awareness about the value of NIRS. Recently developed portable devices can dramatically reduce cost, while providing flexibility and comparable accuracy to benchtop systems. Formation of NIRS consortia and communities of practice including public–private partnerships that link equipment, pool resources, and provide periodic training and troubleshooting, can address many of these problems. This paper elaborates the potential for using NIRS to improve feed analysis in SSA countries, the reasons for the low use of existing systems, and strategies to improve the adoption and use of NIRS.
4D Printing of Electroactive Materials
Authors: Chen Andrew Y. , Pegg Elizabeth , Chen Ailin , Jin Zeqing , Gu Grace X.
Published: July 2021

In recent years, the intersection of 3D printing and “smart” stimuli‐responsive materials has led to the development of 4D printing, an emerging field that is a subset of current additive manufacturing research. By integrating existing printing processes with novel materials, 4D printing enables the direct fabrication of sensors, controllable structures, and other functional devices. Compared to traditional manufacturing processes for smart materials, 4D printing permits a high degree of design freedom and flexibility in terms of printable geometry. An important branch of 4D printing concerns electroactive materials, which form the backbone of printable devices with practical applications throughout biology, engineering, and chemistry. Herein, the recent progress in the 4D printing of electroactive materials using several widely studied printing processes is reviewed. In particular, constituent materials and mechanisms for their preparation and printing are discussed, and functional electroactive devices fabricated using 4D printing are highlighted. Current challenges are also described and some of the many data‐driven opportunities for advancement in this promising field are presented.
Liquid Stratification and Diffusion‐Induced Anisotropic Hydrogel Actuators with Excellent Thermosensitivity and Programmable Functionality
Authors: Dong Pengli , Xu Weizhong , Kuang Zhongwen , Yao Youxing , Zhang Zhiqin , Guo Daoyou , Wu Huaping , Zhao Tingyu , Liu Aiping
Published: July 2021

Smart hydrogel actuators with programmable anisotropic structures present fascinating prospects considering their distinctive shape transformation and controllable environmental responsiveness under external stimuli. However, the design of anisotropic hydrogels with simple and universal fabrication and programmable functionality is challenging for their valuable applications in smart actuators and soft robots. Herein, a simple, green, and devisable strategy is proposed to construct a heterogeneous porous hydrogel system by the different liquid diffusion (such as amyl alcohol, water, and ethanol) into a monomeric precursor solution of thermosensitive hydrogels. The well‐defined micro/nanoporous gradient and patterned structures related to selective liquid stratification and interfacial diffusion favor the fast response and accurate programmable deformation of hydrogels under temperature stimuli. Inspiringly, this simple diffusion‐driven tactic can be perfectly applicable for different responsive hydrogels with programmable multifunctionality by adding functional nanomaterials into the diffusible liquid. This green, general, and facile diffusion‐driven strategy provides significant guidance for fabricating environmentally responsive hydrogels with tailorable functionality for their multipurpose applications in drug delivery, bioengineering, smart actuators, and soft robots.
Smart Textiles that Teach: Fabric‐Based Haptic Device Improves the Rate of Motor Learning
Authors: Ramachandran Vivek , Schilling Fabian , Wu Amy R. , Floreano Dario
Published: July 2021

People learn motor activities best when they are conscious of their errors and make a concerted effort to correct them. While haptic interfaces can facilitate motor training, existing interfaces are often bulky and do not always ensure post‐training skill retention. Herein, a programmable haptic sleeve composed of textile‐based electroadhesive clutches for skill acquisition and retention is described. Its functionality in a motor learning study where users control a drone's movement using elbow joint rotation is shown. Haptic feedback is used to restrain elbow motion and make users aware of their errors. This helps users consciously learn to avoid errors from occurring. While all subjects exhibited similar performance during the baseline phase of motor learning, those subjects who received haptic feedback from the haptic sleeve committed 23.5% fewer errors than subjects in the control group during the evaluation phase. The results show that the sleeve helps users retain and transfer motor skills better than visual feedback alone. This work shows the potential for fabric‐based haptic interfaces as a training aid for motor tasks in the fields of rehabilitation and teleoperation.
Temperature‐controlled radiofrequency device treatment of the nasal valve for nasal airway obstruction: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Silvers Stacey L. , Rosenthal Jon N. , McDuffie Chad M. , Yen David M. , Han Joseph K.
Published: July 2021

Background

Nasal valve collapse is one of several causes of nasal obstruction. The safety and efficacy of a temperature‐controlled radiofrequency (RF) device for the treatment of the nasal valve for nasal airway obstruction (NAO) has been established in single‐arm studies. The objective of this trial was to compare active device treatment against a sham procedure (control).

Methods

In a prospective, multicenter, single‐blinded, randomized controlled trial (RCT), patients were assigned to bilateral temperature‐controlled RF treatment of the nasal valve (n = 77) or a sham procedure (n = 41), in which no RF energy was transferred to the device/treatment area. The device was applied to the mucosa over the lower lateral cartilage on the lateral nasal wall. The primary endpoint was responder rate at 3 months, defined as a ≥20% reduction in Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE)‐scale score or ≥1 reduction in clinical severity category.

Results

At baseline, patients had a mean NOSE‐scale score of 76.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 73.8 to 79.5) and 78.8 (95% CI, 74.2 to 83.3) (p = 0.424) in the active treatment and sham‐control arms, respectively. At 3 months, the responder rate was significantly higher in the active treatment arm (88.3% [95% CI, 79.2%‐93.7%] vs 42.5% [95% CI, 28.5%‐57.8%]; p < 0.001). The active treatment arm had a significantly greater decrease in NOSE‐scale score (mean, −42.3 [95% CI, −47.6 to −37.1] vs −16.8 [95% CI, −26.3 to −7.2]; p < 0.001). Three adverse events at least possibly related to the device and/or procedure were reported, and all resolved.

Conclusion

This RCT shows temperature‐controlled RF treatment of the nasal valve is safe and effective in reducing symptoms of NAO in short‐term follow‐up.
An insight on established retinal injury mechanisms and prevalent retinal stem cell activation pathways in vertebrate models
Authors: Sherpa Rinchen Doma , Hui Subhra Prakash
Published: July 2021

Implementing different tools and injury mechanisms in multiple animal models of retina regeneration, researchers have discovered the existence of retinal stem/progenitor cells. Although they appear to be distributed uniformly across the vertebrate lineage, the reparative potential of the retina is mainly restricted to lower vertebrates. Regenerative repair post‐injury requires the creation of a proliferative niche, vital for proper stem cell activation, propagation, and lineage differentiation. This seems to be lacking in mammals. Hence, in this review, we first discuss the many forms of retinal injuries that have been generated using animal models. Next, we discuss how they are utilized to stimulate regeneration and mimic eye disease pathologies. The key to driving stem cell activation in mammals relies on the information we can gather from these models. Lastly, we present a brief update about the genes, growth factors, and signaling pathways that have been brought to light using these models.
Localization of different types of organoclay montmorillonite in the compatibilized polyamide 6/carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber nanocomposites: Morphology and rheological properties
Authors: Azizli Mohammad Javad , Barghamadi Mohammad , Rezaeeparto Katayoon , Mokhtary Masoud , Parham Somayeh , Molavi Fatemeh Khademeh , Soltani Sedigheh
Published: July 2021

In this study, nanocomposites based on polyamide 6/carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (PA6/XNBR) reinforced by the clay montmorillonite (OMMT) (Cloisite 20A and Cloisite 30B) were prepared by melt mixing. Glycidyl methacrylate‐grafted XNBR (XNBR‐g‐GMA) compatibilizer was used for immiscible blends of PA6/XNBR. The results illustrated that OMMT wanted to be selectively present in the more hydrophilic PA6 phase. Also, by adding the XNBR‐g‐GMA compatibilizer and increasing OMMT content, tensile strength, rheological and dynamic mechanical properties of the nanocomposites improved. According to transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images, a few layers of OMMT (Cloisite 20A) in the XNBR‐g‐GMA compatibilizer phase was observed. The results of X‐ray diffractometry and TEM analyses demonstrated that the formation of intercalated or exfoliated structures for both types of OMMT nanocomposites. In end of all analysis was found PA6/XNBR reinforced by the Cloisite 30B could be substantially improved by adding XNBR‐g‐GMA as a compatibilizer when compared to those reinforced by Cloisite 20A.
A spatial analysis of birth defects in Texas, 1999–2011
Authors: Tang Ian W. , Langlois Peter H. , Vieira Verónica M.
Published: July 2021

Background

The etiologies of major birth defects are still unclear and few spatial analyses have been conducted in the United States. Spatial analyses of individual‐level data can help elucidate environmental and social risk factors.

Methods

We used generalized additive models to analyze 52,955 cases of neural tube defects, congenital heart defects (CHDs), gastroschisis, and orofacial cleft defects, and sampled from 642,399 controls born between 1999 and 2011 in Texas. The effect of geographic location was measured using a bivariable smooth term of geocoded birth address within a logistic regression framework. We calculated and mapped odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for birth defects subtypes across Texas, and adjusted for maternal characteristics, environmental indicators, and community‐level covariates. We also performed time‐stratified spatiotemporal analyses for more prevalent birth defects.

Results

Location was significantly associated with crude odds of all birth defects except hypoplastic left heart syndrome. After adjusting for maternal characteristics, environmental indicators, and community‐level factors, ORs in many geographic areas were no longer statistically significant for most defects, especially CHDs. However, areas of significant and insignificant elevated risk remained for defects in all groups in North and South Texas, with ORs for ventricular septal defects increasing over time. Low risk of birth defects was often present in the northern part of East Texas.

Conclusion

Significant spatial patterns of birth defects were identified and varied depending on adjustment of different categories of covariates. Further investigation of areas with increased risks may aid in our understanding of birth defects.
Overexpression of claspin promotes docetaxel resistance and is associated with prostate‐specific antigen recurrence in prostate cancer
Authors: Babasaki Takashi , Sentani Kazuhiro , Sekino Yohei , Kobayashi Go , Thang Pham Quoc , Katsuya Narutaka , Akabane Shintaro , Taniyama Daiki , Hayashi Tetsutaro , Shiota Masaki , Oue Naohide , Teishima Jun , Matsubara Akio , Yasui Wataru
Published: July 2021

Although docetaxel (DTX) confers significant survival benefits in patients with castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), resistance to DTX inevitably occurs. Therefore, clarifying the mechanisms of DTX resistance may improve survival in patients with CRPC. Claspin plays a pivotal role in DNA replication stress and damage responses and is an essential regulator for the S‐phase checkpoint. CLSPN is an oncogenic gene that contributes to tumor proliferation in several human solid tumors. However, the clinical significance of claspin in prostate cancer (PCa) has not been examined. The present study aimed to elucidate the role of claspin and its relationship with DTX resistance in PCa. We immunohistochemically analyzed the expression of claspin in 89 PCa cases, of which 31 (35%) were positive for claspin. Claspin‐positive cases were associated with higher Gleason score, venous invasion, and perineural invasion. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that high claspin expression was related to poor prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) relapse‐free prognosis. In a public database, high CLSPN expression was associated with poor PSA relapse‐free prognosis, Gleason score, T stage, lymph node metastasis, CRPC, and metastatic PCa. Claspin knockdown by siRNA decreased cell proliferation, upregulated DTX sensitivity, and suppressed the expression of Akt, Erk1/2, and CHK1 phosphorylation in DU145 and PC3 cell lines. Furthermore, claspin expression was much more upregulated in DTX‐resistant DU145 (DU145‐DR) than in parental DU145 cells. Claspin knockdown significantly upregulated the sensitivity to DTX in DU145‐DR cells. These results suggest that claspin plays an important role in PCa tumor progression and DTX resistance.
Take a deeper look at possible implications of Fresno State Title IX lawsuit
Authors: Zonder Erica J.
Published: July 2021

After California State University, Fresno announced in October 2020 that men's wrestling and tennis and women's lacrosse would be cut at the end of the 2020–2021 academic year, five members of the women's lacrosse team sued the school. They filed a Title IX lawsuit against Fresno State in U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California, along with a motion seeking a preliminary injunction barring the cut, as well as an order to compel Fresno State to treat the team fairly during the pending litigation. In April 2021, the court granted the motion in part and denied the motion in part.
Did judge dismiss coach's age discrimination claim?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: July 2021

Indiana University at South Bend's athletics department began searching for a full‐time baseball coach. They desired a coach who would prioritize successful recruiting, student‐ athlete success off the field, and follow university policy.
A Cationic Ru(II) Complex Intercalated into Zirconium Phosphate Layers Catalyzes Selective Hydrogenation via Heterolytic Hydrogen Activation
Authors: Chen Manyu , Xia Jie , Li Huan , Zhao Xiuge , Peng Qingpo , Wang Jiajia , Gong Honghui , Dai Sheng , An Pengfei , Wang Haifeng , Hou Zhenshan
Published: July 2021

Catalytic hydrogenations constitute economic and clean transformations to produce pharmaceutical and a multitude of fine chemicals in chemical industry. Herein, we report a cationic Ru(II) complex intercalated into zirconium phosphate (ZrP) layers that enables the efficient catalytic conversion of furfural and other biomass‐derived carbonyl compounds into the corresponding alcohols through selective hydrogenation of C=O group. The ZrP layers acted not only as a support for the Ru‐complex, but also as the new ligands to tune the Ru(II) center via forming Ru−O bond. The resulting catalysts exhibit excellent catalytic performance and can be easily recycled for six times without significant loss of activity and selectivity. The Ru(II) complex‐intercalated catalysts have been characterized by XRD, SEM, HRTEM, HAADF‐STEM, XPS, FT‐IR, DR‐UV/Vis, EXAFS and XANES. Especially, it is observed that the appropriate interlayer spacing between ZrP layers is favorable to stabilize the Ru(II) complex. Notably, on the basis of the further characterization and density functional theory (DFT) calculation, it is identified that the interaction of cationic Ru(II) complex and P−OH group within ZrP layers leads to the high catalytic performance in selective hydrogenation, and the newly formed Ru−O−P species plays a crucial role in the heterolytic hydrogen activation and selective hydrogenation of biomass‐derived compounds containing a carbonyl group.
Ultradoping Boron on Si(100) via Solvothermal Chemistry**
Authors: Frederick Esther , Campbell Quinn , Kolesnichenko Igor V. , Peña Luis F. , Benavidez Angelica , Anderson Evan M. , Wheeler David R. , Misra Shashank
Published: July 2021

Ultradoping introduces unprecedented dopant levels into Si, which transforms its electronic behavior and enables its use as a next‐generation electronic material. Commercialization of ultradoping is currently limited by gas‐phase ultra‐high vacuum requirements. Solvothermal chemistry is amenable to scale‐up. However, an integral part of ultradoping is a direct chemical bond between dopants and Si, and solvothermal dopant‐Si surface reactions are not well‐developed. This work provides the first quantified demonstration of achieving ultradoping concentrations of boron (∼1e14 cm2) by using a solvothermal process. Surface characterizations indicate the catalyst cross‐reacted, which led to multiple surface products and caused ambiguity in experimental confirmation of direct surface attachment. Density functional theory computations elucidate that the reaction results in direct B−Si surface bonds. This proof‐of‐principle work lays groundwork for emerging solvothermal ultradoping processes.
Characterization of the hydrodynamics within a toroid wear tester
Authors: Adedeji Oluwaseun E. , Zhang Lisheng , Sarker Nitish R. , Breakey David E. S. , Sanders R. Sean
Published: July 2021

The toroid wear tester (TWT) is a lab‐scale device used for the assessment of slurry erosion in pipelines. Historically, its application has been limited to the relative ranking of material performance under different slurry flow conditions; however, recent studies have indicated that TWT tests could be predictive and directly applied to slurry pipeline design—provided that the flow inside a TWT is better characterized. In the present study, air‐liquid multiphase flow inside the TWT was investigated. Torque measurements were taken to characterize friction loss for different air‐liquid combinations. A visualization experiment was also conducted to evaluate flow patterns within the TWT. In the experiment, the displacements of spherical glass beads were used to estimate velocity vector fields for different TWT rotational speeds. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis was also conducted to complement the experimental measurements. A 3D transient analysis using the volume of fluid (VOF) approach was used to model the system. The simulation results agreed closely with the experimental findings. Furthermore, the simulations revealed that strong secondary flows (back flow, rotation) exist in the TWT. These type of flows do not occur in horizontal pipelines. Therefore, to use the TWT as a tool for slurry pipeline wear assessment, the differences in the flow field between the two systems must be properly quantified.
Ephrin‐A3 is required for tonotopic map precision and auditory functions in the mouse auditory brainstem
Authors: Hoshino Natalia , Altarshan Yazan , Alzein Ahmad , Fernando Amali M. , Nguyen Hieu T. , Majewski Emma F. , Chen Vincent C.‐F. , Rochlin M. William , Yu Wei‐Ming
Published: July 2021

Tonotopy is a prominent feature of the vertebrate auditory system and forms the basis for sound discrimination, but the molecular mechanism that underlies its formation remains largely elusive. Ephrin/Eph signaling is known to play important roles in axon guidance during topographic mapping in other sensory systems, so we investigated its possible role in the establishment of tonotopy in the mouse cochlear nucleus. We found that ephrin‐A3 molecules are differentially expressed along the tonotopic axis in the cochlear nucleus during innervation. Ephrin‐A3 forward signaling is sufficient to repel auditory nerve fibers in a developmental stage‐dependent manner. In mice lacking ephrin‐A3, the tonotopic map is degraded and isofrequency bands of neuronal activation upon pure tone exposure become imprecise in the anteroventral cochlear nucleus. Ephrin‐A3 mutant mice also exhibit a delayed second wave in auditory brainstem responses upon sound stimuli and impaired detection of sound frequency changes. Our findings establish an essential role for ephrin‐A3 in forming precise tonotopy in the auditory brainstem to ensure accurate sound discrimination.
The distribution of Cdh20mRNA demarcates somatotopic subregions and subpopulations of spiny projection neurons in the rat dorsolateral striatum
Authors: Takahashi Masanori , Fukabori Ryoji , Kawasaki Hiroshi , Kobayashi Kazuto , Kawakami Kiyoshi
Published: July 2021

The dorsolateral striatum (DLS) of rodents is functionally subdivided into somatotopic subregions that represent each body part along both the dorsoventral and anteroposterior (A‐P) axes and play crucial roles in sensorimotor functions via corticostriatal pathways. However, little is known about the spatial gene expression patterns and heterogeneity of spiny projection neurons (SPNs) within somatotopic subregions. Here, we show that the cell adhesion molecule gene Cdh20, which encodes a Type II cadherin, is expressed in discrete subregions covering the inner orofacial area and part of the forelimb area in the ventral domain of the DLS (v‐DLS) in rats. Cdh20‐expressing cells were localized in the v‐DLS at the intermediate level of the striatum along the A‐P axis and could be classified as direct‐pathway SPNs or indirect‐pathway SPNs. Unexpectedly, comprehensive analysis revealed that Cdh20 is expressed in SPNs in the rat DLS but not in the mouse DLS or the ferret putamen (Pu). Our observations reveal that Cdh20 expression demarcates somatotopic subregions and subpopulations of SPNs specifically in the rat DLS and suggest divergent regulation of genes differentially expressed in the v‐DLS and Pu among mammals.
Towards Development, Maintenance, and Standardized Phenotypic Characterization of Single‐Seed‐Descent Genetic Resources for Lupins
Authors: Kroc Magdalena , Tomaszewska Magdalena , Czepiel Katarzyna , Bitocchi Elena , Oppermann Markus , Neumann Kerstin , Guasch Luis , Bellucci Elisa , Alseekh Saleh , Graner Andreas , Fernie Alisdair R. , Papa Roberto , Susek Karolina
Published: July 2021

Well‐characterized genetic resources are fundamental to maintain and provide the various genotypes for pre‐breeding programs for the production of new cultivars (e.g., wild relatives, unimproved material, landraces). The aim of the current article is to provide protocols for the characterization of the genetic resources of two lupin crop species: the European Lupinus albus and the American Lupinus mutabilis. Intelligent nested collections of lupins derived from homozygous lines (single‐seed descent) are being developed, established, and exploited using cutting‐edge approaches for genotyping, phenotyping, data management, and data analysis within the INCREASE project (EU Horizon 2020). This will allow us to predict the phenotypic performance of genotyped lines, and will further boost research and development in lupins. Lupins stand out due to their high‐quality seed protein (∼40% of seed dry weight) and other primary components in the seeds, which include fatty acids, dietary fiber, and minerals. The potential of lupins as a crop is highlighted by the multiple benefits of plant‐based food in terms of food security, nutrition, human health, and sustainable production. The use of lupins in foods, along with other well‐studied and widely used food legumes, will also provide a greatly diversified plant‐based food palette to meet the Global Goals for Sustainable Development to improve people's lives by 2030. © 2021 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Lupin seed phenotypic descriptors

Basic Protocol 2: Lupin seed imaging

Basic Protocol 3: Standardized phenotypic characterization of lupin genetic resources grown towards primary seed increase (development of single‐seed descent genetic resources)
Regulatory roles of osteopontin in human lung cancer cell epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transitions and responses
Authors: Shi Lin , Hou Jiayun , Wang Lin , Fu Huirong , Zhang Yiwen , Song Yuanlin , Wang Xiangdong
Published: July 2021

Background

Lung cancer is still the main cause of death in patients with cancer, due to poor understanding of intracellular regulations. Of those, osteopontin (OPN) may induce the epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) to promote tumor cell metastasis. The present study aims to evaluate the regulatory mechanism of internal and external OPN in the development of lung cancer.

Methods

We evaluated genetic variations and different bioinformatics of genes in chromosome 4 among subtypes of lung cancer using global databases. We validated the expression of OPN and EMT‐related proteins (e.g., E‐cadherin, vimentin) in 208 non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumors and the adjacent nontumorous tissues, further to explore the function of OPN in the progression of lung cancer, with a focus on a potential communication between OPN and EMT in the lung cancer.

Results

We found that OPN might act as a target molecule in lung cancer, which is associated with lymph node metastasis, postresection recurrence/metastasis, and prognosis of patients with lung cancer. Biological behaviors and pathological responses of OPN varied among diseases, challenges, and severities. Overexpression of OPN was correlated with the existence of EMT in lung cancer tissues. Internal and external OPN plays the decisive roles in lung cancer cell movement, proliferation, and EMT formation, through the upregulation of OPN‐PI3K and OPN‐MEK pathways. PI3K and MEK inhibitors downregulated the process of EMT and biological behaviors of lung cancer cells, probably through altering vimentin‐associated cytoskeletons.

Conclusion

OPN can be a metastasis‐associated or specific biomarker for lung cancer and a potential target for antimetastatic treatment.