bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultura de aprendizaje: factor relevante en la enseñanza por proyectos del español como L2
Authors: Vela Hidalgo Alejandra , Buitrago Rico Yudi Marlen
Published: April 2019

Este artículo explora los factores de éxito o fracaso, específicamente la cultura de aprendizaje, de la metodología basada en proyectos en clase de español como segunda lengua para promover el uso de la lengua meta fuera de clase. Para esto, se llevaron a cabo dos estudios de caso con dos grupos de diferentes niveles (A1-A2 y B2). Los resultados apuntan a que el uso de proyectos fuera de clase ayuda a los estudiantes a usar la lengua meta en contextos auténticos, siempre y cuando el aprendiente esté familiarizado con dicha metodología y/o esté dispuesto a aceptarla. En el caso de estudiantes de culturas de aprendizaje diferentes, se encontraron dificultades que no afectaron el resultado final. Se concluye que el enfoque por tareas y proyectos es una herramienta exitosa para fomentar el uso de la lengua meta fuera del aula cualquiera que sea la cultura de aprendizaje de los aprendientes.
Identifying language learning gaps of ESL students at intermediate level in Pakistani colleges
Authors: Lodhi Muhammad Arfan , Akash Amber
Published: April 2019

The study attempted to evaluate the existing language proficiency level of 12th grade students and compared the results with the relevant learning standards fixed by the CEFR for these intermediate level language users. The data was collected and analyzed quantitatively from a random sample of 200 students from government and private colleges in Pakistan. A language proficiency test, checklist and questionnaire were administered as data collection instruments. The findings of the study reflected huge learning gaps between the acquired and desired proficiency levels of language learners. Data shows that the majority of the students were found at initial level of basic users for all seven language learning skills i.e. reading, writing, listening, speaking, vocabulary, grammar and sociolinguistic appropriateness. It is highly recommended to adopt appropriate and effective instructional plans to increase the language proficiency level of students up to the required standards.
The effect of three soil tillage treatments on weed infestation in forage maize
Authors: Chovancova Svetlana , Neudert Lubomir , Winkler Jan
Published: April 2019

This study assessed the impact of using soil tillage in maize crops on weed infestation intensity and weed species composition. A field experiment was established as a model example of livestock production management in drier climate conditions where maize was grown in seven-step crop rotation sequence: alfalfa – the first year, alfalfa – the second year, winter wheat, forage maize, winter wheat, sugar beet, and spring barley. Three soil tillage treatments were applied: conventional tillage (CT), minimum tillage (MT), and no-tillage (NT). An arithmetic method and multivariate analyses of ecological data were used. The highest weed infestation, mainly due to late spring species, was recorded in MT. Perennial and overwintering species were frequently observed in NT. Early spring weed species were abundant in CT. Different tillage treatments cause a significant change in the weed species spectrum in maize. A study of the relationship between tillage and the level of weed infestation requires long-term monitoring which will allow us to predict the intensity of weed infestation in particular locations.
Mitigation of adverse effects of salt stress on germination, growth, photosynthetic efficiency and yield in maize (Zea mays L.) through magnetopriming
Authors: Baghel Lokesh , Kataria Sunita , Jain Meeta
Published: April 2019

The efficiency of magnetopriming was evaluated for mitigation of the detrimental effects of salt stress on maize germination, growth, photosynthesis, and yield of maize plants. Maize seeds were pretreated with 200 mT of static magnetic field (SMF) for 1 h to assess the impact of SMF on the germination, seedling vigor, growth of plant, photosynthetic performance, ROS content, and yield under salt stress. The seedling characteristics of maize were negatively influenced by salt stress. However, SMF-pretreated maize seeds showed relatively higher germination percentage and germination stress tolerance index as compared to untreated seeds in saline and nonsaline conditions. The detrimental effect of NaCl induced salt stress was also observed on growth, yield, and different physiological characteristic of maize plants. The results showed that SMF-pretreated seeds enhanced seedling vigor, growth parameters such as plant height, leaf area, and biomass accumulation at different concentrations of NaCl (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mM) as compared to untreated seeds. Photosynthetic pigments, quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm), phenomenological fluxes such as electron transport per leaf CS (ETo/CSm) and density of reaction centers (RC/CSm), the performance index (PI) were high in the leaves of plants that emerged from SMF-pretreated seeds as compared to untreated seeds. This stimulatory effect of SMF treatment of seeds was also revealed in the rate of photosynthesis and stomatal conductance, which results in improved yield of maize plants under saline conditions. The leaves from plants of SMF-treated seeds showed decreased hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) when compared with untreated seeds in both conditions. SMF ameliorates the adverse effect of salt stress in maize plants, by reducing H2O2 and increasing growth, photosynthetic performance, and yield under salt stress. For improvement of salt tolerance, magnetopriming with SMF of 200 mT for 1 h to dry seeds of maize can be efficiently used as a presowing treatment.
Chitosan biostimulant controls infection of cucumber by Phytophthora capsici through suppression of asexual reproduction of the pathogen
Authors: Zohara Fatematuz , Surovy Musrat Zahan , Khatun Amena , Prince Md. F. R. K. , Akanda Md. Abdul Mannan , Rahman Mahfuzur , Islam Md. Tofazzal
Published: April 2019

The biopolymer chitosan is a derivative of chitin, which can promote plant growth and protect plants from phytopathogens. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of chitosan as a biostimulant and a biorational agent to protect cucumber plants from damping-off disease caused by Phytophthora capsici. Cucumber seeds were treated with a range of chitosan concentrations, viz. 0, 125, 250, and 500 ppm, to evaluate effect on seed germination and fresh root and shoot weight of the seedlings. Chitosan significantly (p ≤ 0.05) enhanced seed germination and root and shoot growth of cucumber in a dose-dependent manner up to 500 ppm. Application of in vitro chitosan suspension onto P. capsici mycelial plug suppressed growth of mycelia, formation of sporangia, and release of P. capsici zoospores at 125–500 ppm concentrations. Cucumber seedlings from chitosan-treated seeds showed enhanced resistance to damping-off disease caused by P. capsici compared to untreated control. Cucumber seedlings from 500 ppm chitosan seed treatment showed 100% disease resistance against damping off caused by P. capsici. These results suggest that chitosan could be used as a natural and environmentally safe alternative to a synthetic growth promoter and pesticide for sustainable production of cucumber.
Does family affect feeling of pain and coping strategies in
people with chronic motor organ pain?
Authors: Bąk-Sosnowska, Monika , Gruszczyńska Magdalena , Biernat Monika , Pytlik Beata
Published: April 2019

Many factors, including psychological ones, affect the feeling of pain and coping with it. The aim of
the study was to analyze the relationship between family status, and the subjective intensity of pain and coping
strategies, in people suffering from chronic motor organ pain. 176 adults were examined. The diagnostic survey
was used as well as the following tools: 10-point visual analogue scale to assess the severity of pain, Questionnaire
on the Strategy of Coping with Pain (CSQ), the authors’own questionnaire. The mean pain intensity was 5.71 ±
1.97 points. The most cognitive coping strategy was the declared coping (61.81 ± 20.25). The most frequently
used behavior strategies were: analgesics (72.97%), parapharmaceuticals (45.27%), physiotherapy (57.43%). It
has been shown that people with a partner are more likely to use physiotherapy than singles (p<0.01). People who
do not have children: feel less pain than people with one child (p<0.05), pray less frequently than people with two
children (p<0.05), use catastrophic thinking less often than people with one child (p<0.05) or two children (p<0.05).
People with two children significantly more often than childless people or parents of large families use painkillers
(p<0.001), parapharmaceuticals (p<0.05), and physiotherapy (p<0.01). In conclusion, the number of children is
related to the severity of feeling pain and the use of specific cognitive and behavioral coping strategies in people
with chronic motor organ pain. Partner status is not related to the intensity of pain or the remedial strategies,
except for the use of physiotherapy.
Tretogonia Melichar (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Proconiini): two new species from South Brazil and a description of T. dentalis Emmrich, 1988
Authors: Mejdalani Gabriel , Domahovski Alexandre C. , Rendón-Mera Diana I. , Cavichioli Rodney R.
Published: April 2019

Two new Brazilian sharpshooter species of the genus Tretogonia Melichar, 1926 are described and illustrated: Tretogonia diminuta sp. nov. and T. elegantula sp. nov., both from the State of Paraná. A redescription of T. dentalis Emmrich, 1988 is provided based on a male from the State of Mato Grosso do Sul. This is the first Brazilian record of T. dentalis, a species originally described from Paraguay. Photographs and line drawings are provided for the three species, as well as notes on the taxonomy and biology of the genus.
A case of rescuing a patient with acute cardiovascular instability from sudden and massive intraoperative pulmonary thromboembolism by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Kim Won Jin , Kang Jin Gu
Published: April 2019

Intraoperative pulmonary thromboembolism is a high mortality situation. Early mortality in patients with pulmonary thromboembolism varies from 2% in normotensive patients to 30% in patients with cardiogenic shock. The use of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation can improve survival and neurologic outcomes of cardiac arrest. We report a case of intraoperative massive pulmonary thromboembolism with circulatory collapse and cardiac arrest during anesthesia for pelvic bone fracture surgery, which were rescued by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
Fungal Diversity and Onychomycosis
Authors: Joyce Annette , Gupta Aditya K. , Koenig Lars , Wolcott Randall , Carviel Jessie
Published: April 2019

Background:

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail that is often recalcitrant to treatment and prone to relapse. Traditional potassium hydroxide and culture diagnosis is costly and time-consuming. Therefore, molecular methods were investigated to demonstrate effectiveness in diagnosis and to quantify the microbial flora present that may be contributing to disease.

Methods:

A total of 8,816 clinically suspicious toenail samples were collected by podiatric physicians across the United States from patients aged 0 to 103 years and compared with a control population (N = 20). Next-generation sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used to identify and quantify dermatophytes, nondermatophyte molds, and bacteria.

Results:

Approximately 50% of suspicious toenails contained both fungi and bacteria, with the dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum contributing the highest relative abundance and presence in 40% of these samples. Of the remaining 50% of samples, 34% had bacterial species present and 16% had neither. Fungi only were present in less than 1% of samples. Nondermatophyte molds contributed to 11.0% of occurrences in fungus-positive samples. All of the control samples were negative for fungi, with commensal bacterial species composing most of the flora population.

Conclusions:

Molecular methods were successful in efficiently quantifying microbial and mycologic presence in the nail. Contributions from dermatophytes were lower than expected, whereas the opposite was true for nondermatophyte molds. The clinical significance of these results is currently unknown.
The Dynamic Baropodometric Profile of Children with Idiopathic Toe-Walking
Authors: Martín-Casas Patricia , Meneses-Monroy Alfonso , Beneit-Montesinos Juan Vicente , Atín-Arratibel María de los Ángeles , Plaza-Manzano Gustavo , Pecos-Martín Daniel , Gallego-Izquierdo Tomás , Williams Cylie
Published: April 2019

Background:

Idiopathic toe-walking (ITW) gait may present in children older than 3 years and in the absence of a medical condition known to cause or be associated with toe-walking gait. It is unknown how this gait type changes pressure distribution in the growing foot. We sought to determine whether children with ITW gait exhibit different plantar pressures and temporal gait features than typically developing children.

Methods:

Children aged 3 to 6 years were recruited who had either a typical heel-toe gait pattern or a diagnosis of ITW. The ITW diagnosis was reported by the parent/caregiver and confirmed through history and physical examination. Temporal gait measures, peak pressures, and impulse percentages were measured. A minimum of ten unshod footprints were collected. Data were compared with unpaired t tests.

Results:

The study included 40 children with typical gait and 56 with ITW gait. The ITW group displayed lower peak pressures at the hallux, midfoot, and hindfoot (P < .05) and higher and lower pressure impulse percentages at the forefoot (P < .001) and hindfoot (P < .001), respectively. The ITW group spent a higher percentage of contact time at all areas of the forefoot and less at the midfoot and rearfoot (P < .05). There were no significant differences in total step duration and foot progression angle between groups (P > .05).

Conclusions:

There were differences in pressure distributions between groups. Understanding these differences may help us better understand the compensations or potential long-term impact that ITW gait may have on a young child's foot. Podiatric physicians may also consider the use of this equipment in the clinical setting to measure outcomes after treatment for ITW.
Technique and Tips for Multiplanar Correction of Plantar Plate Repairs in Lesser Metatarsophalangeal Joints
Authors: McCartan Brant L. , Juels Christopher A. , Shih Jonathan A.
Published: April 2019

Plantar plate repairs are challenging procedures because of the small anatomy of the plantar plate. This can make them daunting, time-consuming procedures to perform. Advances in technology, such as interference screws and small suture passers, have created improved technique possibilities to decrease difficulty, correct multiple planes of deformity, create stronger constructs, and improve patient results. The plantar plate repair technique presented in this article includes a dorsal approach with a metatarsal osteotomy, a knotless repair that provides a strong construct to allow patients to protectively bear weight immediately, and can reduce operative time by presenting tips to quickly navigate the procedure. The presented technique allows for detailed correction of all three planes of deformity, maximizing patient results.
Structure and mechanism of a Hypr GGDEF enzyme that activates cGAMP signaling to control extracellular metal respiration
Authors: Hallberg Zachary F , Chan Chi Ho , Wright Todd A , Kranzusch Philip J , Doxzen Kevin W , Park James J , Bond Daniel R , Hammond Ming C
Published: April 2019

A newfound signaling pathway employs a GGDEF enzyme with unique activity compared to the majority of homologs associated with bacterial cyclic di-GMP signaling. This system provides a rare opportunity to study how signaling proteins natively gain distinct function. Using genetic knockouts, riboswitch reporters, and RNA-Seq, we show that GacA, the Hypr GGDEF in Geobacter sulfurreducens, specifically regulates cyclic GMP-AMP (3′,3′-cGAMP) levels in vivo to stimulate gene expression associated with metal reduction separate from electricity production. To reconcile these in vivo findings with prior in vitro results that showed GacA was promiscuous, we developed a full kinetic model combining experimental data and mathematical modeling to reveal mechanisms that contribute to in vivo specificity. A 1.4 Å-resolution crystal structure of the Geobacter Hypr GGDEF domain was determined to understand the molecular basis for those mechanisms, including key cross-dimer interactions. Together these results demonstrate that specific signaling can result from a promiscuous enzyme.
Transcriptional down-regulation of ccr5 in a subset of HIV+ controllers and their family members
Authors: Gonzalo-Gil Elena , Rapuano Patrick B , Ikediobi Uchenna , Leibowitz Rebecca , Mehta Sameet , Coskun Ayse K , Porterfield J Zachary , Lampkin Teagan D , Marconi Vincent C , Rimland David , Walker Bruce D , Deeks Steven , Sutton Richard E
Published: April 2019

HIV +Elite and Viremic controllers (EC/VCs) are able to control virus infection, perhaps because of host genetic determinants. We identified 16% (21 of 131) EC/VCs with CD4 +T cells with resistance specific to R5-tropic HIV, reversed after introduction of ccr5. R5 resistance was not observed in macrophages and depended upon the method of T cell activation. CD4 +T cells of these EC/VCs had lower ccr2 and ccr5 RNA levels, reduced CCR2 and CCR5 cell-surface expression, and decreased levels of secreted chemokines. T cells had no changes in chemokine receptor mRNA half-life but instead had lower levels of active transcription of ccr2 and ccr5, despite having more accessible chromatin by ATAC-seq. Other nearby genes were also down-regulated, over a region of ~500 kb on chromosome 3p21. This same R5 resistance phenotype was observed in family members of an index VC, also associated with ccr2/ccr5 down-regulation, suggesting that the phenotype is heritable.
Maturation trade-offs in octopus females and their progeny: energy, digestion and defence indicators
Authors: Olivares Alberto , Rodríguez-Fuentes Gabriela , Mascaró Maite , Sanchez Arteaga Ariadna , Ortega Karen , Caamal Monsreal Claudia , Tremblay Nelly , Rosas Carlos
Published: April 2019

Sexual maturation and reproduction influence the status of a number of physiological processes and consequently the ecology and behaviour of cephalopods. UsingOctopus mimusas a study model, the present work was focused in the changes in biochemical compound and activity that take place during gonadal maturation of females and its consequences in embryo and hatchlings characteristics. To do that, a total of 31 adult females ofO. mimuswere sampled to follow metabolites (ovaries and digestive gland) and digestive enzyme activities (alkaline and acidic proteases) during physiological and functional maturation. Levels of protein (Prot), triacylglyceride (TG), cholesterol (Chol), glucose (Glu), and glycogen (Gly) were evaluated. Groups of eggs coming from mature females were also sampled along development and after hatching (paralarvae of 1 and 3 days old) to track metabolites (Prot, TG, Glu, Gly, TG, Chol), digestive enzymes activity (Lipase, alkaline proteases, and acidic proteases), and antioxidant/detoxification defence indicators with embryos development. Based on the data obtained, we hypothesized that immature females store Chol in their ovaries, probably from the food they ingested, but switch to TG reserves at the beginning of the maturation processes. At the same time, results suggest that these processes were energetically supported by Glu, obtained probably from Gly breakdown by gluconeogenic pathways. Also, was observed that embryos metabolites and enzyme activities (digestive and antioxidant/detoxification enzymes) where maintained without significant changes and in a low activity during the whole organogenesis, meaning that organogenesis is relatively not energetically costly. In contrast, after organogenesis, a mobilization of nutrients and activation of the metabolic and digestive enzymes was observed, together with increments in consumption of yolk and Gly, and reduction in lipid peroxidation. Derived from our results, we also have the hypothesis that reactive oxygen species (ROS) were produced during the metabolic processes that occurs in ovarian maturation. Those ROS may be in part transferred to the egg provoking a ROS charge to the embryos. The elimination of ROS in embryos started when the activity of the heart and the absorption of the yolk around stages XIV and XV were evident. Altogether, these processes allowed the paralarvae to hatch with buffered levels of ROS and with the antioxidant defence mechanisms ready to support further ROS production derived from paralarvae higher life stage requirements (feeding and metabolic demands).
Throwing light on dark diversity of vascular plants in China: predicting the distribution of dark and threatened species under global climate change
Authors: Tang Lili , Wang Runxi , He Kate S. , Shi Cong , Yang Tong , Huang Yaping , Zheng Pufan , Shi Fuchen
Published: April 2019

Background

As global climate change accelerates, ecologists and conservationists are increasingly investigating changes in biodiversity and predicting species distribution based on species observed at sites, but rarely consider those plant species that could potentially inhabit but are absent from these areas (i.e., the dark diversity and its distribution). Here, we estimated the dark diversity of vascular plants in China and picked up threatened dark species from the result, and applied maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model to project current and future distributions of those dark species in their potential regions (those regions that have these dark species).

Methods

We used the Beals probability index to estimate dark diversity in China based on available species distribution information and explored which environmental variables had significant impacts on dark diversity by incorporating bioclimatic data into the random forest (RF) model. We collected occurrence data of threatened dark species (Eucommia ulmoides, Liriodendron chinense, Phoebe bournei, Fagus longipetiolata, Amentotaxus argotaenia, and Cathaya argyrophylla) and related bioclimatic information that can be used to predict their distributions. In addition, we used MaxEnt modeling to project their distributions in suitable areas under future (2050 and 2070) climate change scenarios.

Results

We found that every study region’s dark diversity was lower than its observed species richness. In these areas, their numbers of dark species are ranging from 0 to 215, with a generally increasing trend from western regions to the east. RF results showed that temperature variables had a more significant effect on dark diversity than those associated with precipitation. The results of MaxEnt modeling showed that most threatened dark species were climatically suitable in their potential regions from current to 2070.

Discussions

The results of this study provide the first ever dark diversity patterns concentrated in China, even though it was estimated at the provincial scale. A combination of dark diversity and MaxEnt modeling is an effective way to shed light on the species that make up the dark diversity, such as projecting the distribution of specific dark species under global climate change. Besides, the combination of dark diversity and species distribution models (SDMs) may also be of value for ex situ conservation, ecological restoration, and species invasion prevention in the future.
Salivary LDOC1 is a gender-difference biomarker of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Liu Chung-Ji , Chen Jen-Hao , Hsia Shih-Min , Liao Chiu-Chu , Chang Hui-Wen , Shieh Tzong-Ming , Shih Yin-Hwa
Published: April 2019

Background

The X-linked tumor suppressor gene LDOC1 is reported to be involved in oral cancer. The detection of biomarkers in salivary RNA is a non-invasive strategy for diagnosing many diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential of salivary LDOC1 as a biomarker of oral cancer.

Methods

We determined the expression levels of LDOC1 in the saliva of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) subjects, and investigated its correlation with various clinicopathological characteristics. The expression levels of salivary LDOC1 were detected in 53 OSCC subjects and 43 healthy controls using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis. We used Fisher’s exact test to analyze the correlations between expression levels and clinicopathological characteristics.

Results

Salivary LDOC1 was significantly upregulated in females with OSCC (p = 0.0072), and significantly downregulated in males with OSCC (p = 0.0206). Eighty-nine percent of male OSCC subjects who smoked expressed low levels of LDOC1. OSCC cell lines derived from male OSCC subjects expressed low levels of LDOC1.

Conclusions

A high level of salivary LDOC1 expression is a biomarker of OSCC in females. A high percentage of male OSCC subjects who smoke express low levels of salivary LDOC1. A low level of salivary LDOC1 expression is a biomarker of OSCC in males.
Cutaneous Side Effect of Hydroxurea in a Sickle Cell Anaemia Child-A Case Report
Authors: Salako A. O. , Ogunmefun S. O. , Aworanti O. W.
Published: April 2019

Background: Hydroxyurea (HU) has redefined the quality of life of children with sickle cell anaemia and their care givers. Despite the acclaimed benefits of HU, the drug could be associated with variable side effects affecting different systems in the human body, including the skin and integuments. The aim of this report is to raise the awareness about the less common side effects of HU.

Case Report: A 5-year 8 months old homozygous sickle cell anaemia child presented with pruritic hyperpigmented lesions on the trunk, arms and the legs, four weeks after commencement of HU. HU was initially discontinued for two weeks and thereafter recommenced with a different brand but there was worsening skin lesions despite at a daily low dose of 10 mg/kg. The rashes eventually resolved with low dose once in 3 days HU therapy.  She had recurrent episodes of acute painful crisis; average of three [3] episodes per year warranted hospital admission prior to commencement, but with HU therapy, there has been significant improvement in the crisis.

Discussion: Cutaneous lesions are uncommon side effect of hydroxyurea. This side effect is dependent on genetic predisposition and photosensitivity. However, with the established benefit of HU in the management sickle cell anaemia, it is important for the sickle cell experts to continue to monitor closely the children for both the common and rare side effects and to individualize therapy to ensure maximal benefit with minimal or no side effects.
Evaluation of Genetic Diversity of Seven Species of Solanum in Nigeria Using SDS-PAGE
Authors: Ogundairo Busirat Odunayo , Ayodele Muyiwa Segun
Published: April 2019

Seed protein profile of 12 accessions belonging to 7 species of the genus Solanum of the family solanaceae were investigated through poly acrylamide gel electrophoresis. The accessions were selected based on their overlapping morphological associations observed on the field. Occurrence of two protein bands of molecular weights 100 kda and 20 kda in all accession showed interspecific relationships and could be used as generic bands among the genus Solanum. All morphologically similar accessions manifested similarities in their protein bands except S. melongena. Dendrogram based on upgma also revealed the generic status and intraspecific relationships of the accession of S. aethiopicum and S. macrocarpon.
A Laser Scanning Method to Control the Location, Shape, Contact Angle and Sliding of Water Droplet on Superhydrophobic Surface
Authors: Zhang Hui , Liu Yang , Hua Meng , Dong Guang‐Neng
Published: April 2019

A simple and novel approach is proposed to control location, shape, contact angle, and sliding of droplet on superhydrophobic aluminum alloy surfaces scanned by laser. By firstly etched suitably, followed by coating with stearic acid, aluminum alloy surface is possible to exhibit the property of superhydrophobic behavior. Irradiating such surface with specific hydrophilic patterns, by a relatively high power and precisely controlled laser, allows fixing the location and shape of water droplets. Suitably altering scanning time and power of the laser beam, the fabricated surface facilitates the control of the contact angle of droplet. Properly railing hydrophilic lines/curves on such superhydrophobic surface facilitates constraining droplet to slide and water to flow in certain controllable orientations. Furthermore, relevant likely mechanisms involved in controlling the location, shape, contact angle, and sliding of water droplet on hydrophobic/hydrophilic surface have also been elucidated systematically on the basis of analyzation of electrical scanning images.
Cancer‐associated fibroblasts show heterogeneous gene expression and induce vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in response to environmental stimuli
Authors: Inoue Ken‐ichi , Kishimoto Satoko , Akimoto Kazumi , Sakuma Masashi , Toyoda Shigeru , Inoue Teruo , Yoshida Ken‐ichiro , Shimoda Mitsugi , Suzuki Shuji
Published: April 2019

Aim

Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAF) play a crucial role in angiogenesis in the complex tumor microenvironment. However, fibroblasts show extensive heterogeneity and their dynamic functions against stressors remain largely unknown.

Methods

We collected patient‐derived CAF and carried out perturbation‐based monitoring of the dynamic functions. Clinically relevant experimental stimuli were defined as follows: hypoxia, cisplatin, fluorouracil, coculture with cancer spheroids (interaction through paracrine signals). We selected 18 marker genes that encode components for fibroblast activation, intracellular communication, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was carried out for data collection and statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS software.

Results

Kruskal‐Wallis multivariate analysis of variance showed that variations in expression of 11 marker genes were explained, in part, by a difference in tissue of origin. Friedman and two‐sided Wilcoxon signed rank tests detected significant perturbations in expression of marker genes. Paracrine signal from cancer spheroids induced vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in CAF but not in fetal lung fibroblasts.

Conclusion

We have established perturbation‐based monitoring of patients’ CAF. Further data collection and individual patient follow up is ongoing to identify critical determinants of disease outcome.
Metal‐Free Regioselective Carbonylation of Imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines via Photoredox Catalysis using Nitrones
Authors: Tang Fang , Guan Zhi , He Yan‐Hong
Published: April 2019

Imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine is an important skeletal structure of many drug molecules. A novel metal‐free regioselective C3 carbonylation of imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines via visible light photoredox catalysis using nitrones is described. 9‐Mesityl‐10‐methylacridinium ion (Acr+−Mes) acts as an efficient organic photosensitizer and molecular oxygen acts as an oxidant. This work provides a greener and convenient alternative to the C3 carbonylation of imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines. Mild reaction conditions and a wide range of substrates make this method of great potential application value in medicinal chemistry and organic synthesis.
Assessing the quality of information on wikipedia: A deep‐learning approach
Authors: Wang Ping , Li Xiaodan
Published: April 2019

Currently, web document repositories have been collaboratively created and edited. One of these repositories, Wikipedia, is facing an important problem: assessing the quality of Wikipedia. Existing approaches exploit techniques such as statistical models or machine leaning algorithms to assess Wikipedia article quality. However, existing models do not provide satisfactory results. Furthermore, these models fail to adopt a comprehensive feature framework. In this article, we conduct an extensive survey of previous studies and summarize a comprehensive feature framework, including text statistics, writing style, readability, article structure, network, and editing history. Selected state‐of‐the‐art deep‐learning models, including the convolutional neural network (CNN), deep neural network (DNN), long short‐term memory (LSTMs) network, CNN‐LSTMs, bidirectional LSTMs, and stacked LSTMs, are applied to assess the quality of Wikipedia. A detailed comparison of deep‐learning models is conducted with regard to different aspects: classification performance and training performance. We include an importance analysis of different features and feature sets to determine which features or feature sets are most effective in distinguishing Wikipedia article quality. This extensive experiment validates the effectiveness of the proposed model.
A thermoplastic microfluidic microphysiological system to recapitulate hepatic function and multicellular interactions
Authors: Bale Shyam Sundhar , Manoppo Andrea , Thompson Rebecca , Markoski Alex , Coppeta Jonathan , Cain Brian , Haroutunian Nerses , Newlin Veronica , Spencer Abbie , Azizgolshani Hesham , Lu Mingjian , Gosset James , Keegan Philip , Charest Joseph L.
Published: April 2019

Hepatic in vitro platforms ranging from multi‐well cultures to bioreactors and microscale systems have been developed as tools to recapitulate cellular function and responses to aid in drug screening and disease model development. Recent developments in microfabrication techniques and cellular materials enabled fabrication of next‐generation, advanced microphysiological systems (MPSs) that aim to capture the cellular complexity and dynamic nature of the organ presenting highly controlled extracellular cues to cells in a physiologically relevant context. Historically, MPSs have heavily relied on elastomeric materials in their manufacture, with unfavorable material characteristics (such as lack of structural rigidity) limiting their use in high‐throughput systems. Herein, we aim to create a microfluidic bilayer model (microfluidic MPS) using thermoplastic materials to allow hepatic cell stabilization and culture, retaining hepatic functional phenotype and capturing cellular interactions. The microfluidic MPS consists of two overlapping microfluidic channels separated by a porous tissue‐culture membrane that acts as a surface for cellular attachment and nutrient exchange; and an oxygen permeable material to stabilize and sustain primary human hepatocyte (PHH) culture. Within the microfluidic MPS, PHHs are cultured in the top channel in a collagen sandwich gel format with media exchange accomplished through the bottom channel. We demonstrate PHH culture for 7 days, exhibiting measures of hepatocyte stabilization, secretory and metabolic functions. In addition, the microfluidic MPS dimensions provide a reduced media‐to‐cell ratio in comparison with multi‐well tissue culture systems, minimizing dilution and enabling capture of cellular interactions and responses in a hepatocyte‐Kupffer coculture model under an inflammatory stimulus. Utilization of thermoplastic materials in the model and ability to incorporate multiple hepatic cells within the system is our initial step towards the development of a thermoplastic‐based high‐throughput microfluidic MPS platform for hepatic culture. We envision the platform to find utility in development and interrogation of disease models of the liver, multi‐cellular interactions and therapeutic responses.
Investigation of Fouling Mechanisms Using Surface Morphology and Physicochemical Membrane Features
Authors: Heidari Setareh , Amirinejad Mehdi , Jahangirian Hamed
Published: April 2019

The influences of membrane composition and surface morphology for membranes composed of polyethersulfone (PES) and fumarate alumoxane (Fum‐A) on fouling were investigated. Membrane fouling and blocking mechanisms were analyzed using the Hermia and combined pore blocking models. According to the Hermia fitted parameters, nanocomposite membranes revealed better antifouling properties. The lowest fouling coefficient belonged to the 2 wt % Fum‐A/PES membrane. In whey filtration, membrane surface morphology did not seem to have an important impact on the blocking mechanism as hydrophilicity. However, results clearly indicated a strong correlation between the surface morphology and the contribution of each individual fouling mechanism in the combined pore blocking/cake formation models.
Comparison of Two Sustainable Counter Electrodes for Energy Storage in the Microbial Rechargeable Battery
Authors: Molenaar Sam D. , Elzinga Margo , Willemse Sonja G. , Sleutels Tom , ter Heijne Annemiek , Buisman Cees J. N.
Published: April 2019

Recently, the microbial rechargeable battery (MRB) has been proposed as a potentially sustainable and low‐cost electrical energy storage technology. In the MRB, bioelectrochemical CO2 reduction and subsequent product oxidation has successfully been combined in one integrated system. However, finding a suitable counter electrode is hindering its further development. In this work, we have tested two alternative counter electrodes in duplicate‐namely, i) oxygen/water and ii) a capacitive electrode‐for use in the MRB platform. During daily charge/discharge cycling over periods of 11 to 15 days, experimentally obtained energy efficiencies of 25 and 3.7 % were reported when using the capacitive and the oxygen/water electrodes, respectively. Large overpotentials, resulting in a voltage efficiency of 15 % and oxygen crossover leading to coulombic efficiencies of 25 % caused the considerably lower efficiency for the oxygen/water systems, despite the theoretical higher voltage efficiency. Although the capacitive electrode equipped systems performed better, energy density is limited by the operational potential window within which capacitive systems can operate reliably. Microbial community analysis revealed dominant presence of Geobacter in the bioanode and Selenomonadales in the biocathode. These results do not necessarily bring practical application of the MRB closer, but they do provide new insights in the working principle of this new technology.
Rapid Growth of Halide Perovskite Single Crystals: From Methods to Optimization Control
Authors: Wang Yu‐Ling , Chang Shuai , Chen Xiao‐Mei , Ren Yan‐Dong , Shi Li‐Fu , Liu Yong‐Hao , Zhong Hai‐Zheng
Published: April 2019

Metal halide perovskites are emerging as new generation optoelectronic materials due to their high carrier mobility, long carrier diffusion length and large light absorption coefficient, which have broad applications in solar cell, light‐emitting diode, laser, photodetector and transistors. Perovskite single crystal is an ideal platform for discerning the intrinsic properties of these materials. In some cases, perovskite single crystals are better candidates to gain high performance optoelectronics. However, the growth of perovskite single crystals is time and cost consuming, which has an obvious disadvantage for device exploration. Therefore, fast growth technique is highly desirable in not only promoting the use of perovskites in commercial applications but also facilitating deep physical investigation of the materials. In this review, we summarize thoroughly the development of fast growth of the halide perovskites single crystal. Specifically, we highlight the progress of rapid growth techniques with emphasis on the optimization control.
Regularity for Shape Optimizers: The Degenerate Case
Authors: Kriventsov Dennis , Lin Fanghua
Published: April 2019

We consider minimizers of

urn:x-wiley:00103640:media:cpa21810:cpa21810-math-0001

where F is a function nondecreasing in each parameter, and λk(Ω) is the kth Dirichlet eigenvalue of ω. This includes, in particular, functions F that depend on just some of the first N eigenvalues, such as the often‐studied F=λN. The existence of a minimizer, which is also a bounded set of finite perimeter, was shown recently. Here we show that the reduced boundary of the minimizers Ω is made up of smooth graphs and examine the difficulties in classifying the singular points. Our approach is based on an approximation (“vanishing viscosity”) argument, which—counterintuitively—allows us to recover an Euler‐Lagrange equation for the minimizers that is not otherwise available. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Titrating Complex Mass Cytometry Panels
Authors: Gullaksen Stein‐Erik , Bader Lucius , Hellesøy Monica , Sulen André , Fagerholt Oda Helen Eck , Engen Caroline B. , Skavland Jørn , Gjertsen Bjørn Tore , Gavasso Sonia
Published: April 2019

We describe here a simple and efficient antibody titration approach for cell‐surface markers and intracellular cell signaling targets for mass cytometry. The iterative approach builds upon a well‐characterized backbone panel of antibodies and analysis using bioinformatic tools such as SPADE. Healthy peripheral blood and bone marrow cells are stained with a pre‐optimized “backbone” antibody panel in addition to the progressively diluted (titrated) antibodies. Clustering based on the backbone panel enables the titration of each antibody against a rich hematopoietic background and assures that nonspecific binding and signal spillover can be quantified accurately. Using a slightly expanded backbone panel, antibodies quantifying changes in transcription factors and phosphorylated antigens are titrated on ex vivo stimulated cells to optimize sensitivity and evaluate baseline expression. Based on this information, complex panels of antibodies can be thoroughly optimized for use on healthy whole blood and bone marrow and are easily adaptable to the investigation of samples from for example clinical studies. © 2019 The Authors. Cytometry Part A published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
Traits or habitat? Disentangling predictors of leaf‐litter decomposition in Amazonian soils and streams
Authors: Four B. , Cárdenas R. E. , Dangles O.
Published: April 2019

Quantifying the relative contributions of plant physicochemical traits and environmental conditions to leaf decomposition is essential to increase our understanding of ecosystem processes in forested terrestrial and aquatic habitats. This is particularly crucial in tropical rainforests that display high levels of tree diversity and environmental heterogeneity over relatively small spatial scales. For example, in Amazonia, detritus from hundreds of tree species fuels carbon cycling in watersheds, but much remains to be learned about how species traits interact with environmental conditions to mediate decomposition. We investigated the leaf‐litter decomposition of 17 tree species with contrasting traits in soil and stream habitats in Yasuní National Park, Ecuador. We hypothesized that (1) habitat type would be the major determinant of leaf decomposition (faster in stream than soil systems), (2) species would be ranked similarly in terms of leaf decomposition rates, according to decomposability traits (i.e., litter quality), within each habitat, and (3) the variability of leaf decomposition within habitats would be greater for soil than for stream systems. Contrary to our first hypothesis, we found that leaf‐litter decomposition rates for any given tree species were similar in stream and soil systems. However, we found that the relative importance of litter traits for decomposition such as concentrations of micronutrients (Mn and Cu, in particular) was consistent across habitats. Finally, we found that decomposition was equally highly variable in both terrestrial and aquatic systems. This variability was explained by differences in microhabitat within soils, but appeared to be more stochastic in streams. Overall, we found that plant traits had an overwhelming effect on the decomposition process in the intertwined aquatic and terrestrial matrices of the Yasuní rainforest, with significant effects of microhabitat features. This study sheds light on the fate of the pool of dead organic matter in tropical rainforests and highlights the need for further studies of the mechanisms underlying microhabitat variability.
Motivational interviewing can support physical activity in elderly patients with diastolic heart failure: results from a pilot study
Authors: Schertz Anna , Herbeck Belnap Birgit , Chavanon Mira‐Lynn , Edelmann Frank , Wachter Rolf , Herrmann‐Lingen Christoph
Published: April 2019

Aims

Patients suffering from heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) report similar symptoms and reduction in quality of life to those with reduced ejection fraction but remain largely untreated. We conducted a preliminary evaluation of the acceptance, feasibility, and efficacy of a motivational interviewing (MI) intervention to support elderly patients suffering from HFpEF in maintaining or starting physical activity.

Methods and results

At the conclusion of the exercise training in diastolic heart failure parent trial that examined the effects of supervised exercise, patients with HFpEF were offered participation in a two‐group pilot study. Based on their preference, consenting patients were assigned to either a 6 month MI intervention group (n = 19) or their physicians' usual care (n = 20). To support participants in increasing and/or maintaining their physical activity, counsellors delivered a mean of 6.5 MI sessions (face to face and via telephone) and also provided a physical activity diary as self‐management tool. At baseline and 6 months, we assessed participants' physical activity motivation (Sportbezogene Selbstkonkordanz Scale) and their physical improvements with the 6 min walk test and a cardiopulmonary exercise test. Of the entire sample (N = 39), 46% were female, their mean age was 73, 90% were in New York Heart Association Class II, and the mean ejection fraction was 61.4%. The majority of MI participants rated the intervention as acceptable, 90% perceived MI as helpful in setting specific exercise goals and overcoming barriers concerning physical activity, and 58% considered the physical activity diary as very helpful. Three‐quarters of MI participants (79%) reported an increase in their physical activity compared with the previous year. Intervention participants showed a greater increase in median peak VO2 from baseline to 6 months (baseline: 18.4 mL/kg/min; 6 months: 20.4 mL/kg/min) compared with the control group (baseline: 20.0 mL/kg/min; 6 months: 19.2 mL/kg/min; P = 0.015). There was no significant change in motivation on the Sportbezogene Selbstkonkordanz Scale for either group (MI: 1.7 vs. 3, P = 0.55; control: 4.7 vs. 4, P = 0.26) nor did patients show any significant improvements in the 6 min walk test (MI: 549 vs. 540 m, P = 0.80; control: 572 vs. 580 m, P = 0.37). Counsellors rated the implementation of the MI intervention as feasible.

Conclusions

The results from this pilot study suggest that our MI intervention was well accepted by participants and deemed feasible. It also appears to be an effective treatment to increase and maintain physical activity and exercise capacity in patients suffering from HFpEF. Our findings need to be confirmed in a randomized clinical trial with larger and unselected patient cohorts.
Amide‐Oxazoline Directed ortho‐C–H Nitration Mediated by CuII
Authors: Gao Tian‐Hong , Wang Chun‐Meng , Tang Kai‐Xiang , Xu Yun‐Gen , Sun Li‐Ping
Published: April 2019

A CuII‐mediated ortho‐C–H nitration using amide‐oxazoline as the directing group has been developed. The reactions utilize sodium nitrite as the source of the nitro group under O2 atmosphere and proceed smoothly. The desired products can be obtained in yields of 26–94 %.