bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ein Supermolekül mit minimaler Metallbesetzung basierend auf einem fünffach‐symmetrischen Baustein
Authors: Schiller Jana , Peresypkina Eugenia , Virovets Alexander V. , Scheer Manfred
Published: April 2020

Ein beispielloses, kationisches Supramolekül [(Cp′′Fe(η5‐P5))12{CuNCMe}8]8+ mit einem Durchmesser von 2.66 nm wurde erstmals selektiv als Salz des schwach koordinierenden Anions [Al{OC(CF3)3}4]− isoliert und mittels Röntgenstrukturanalyse, PXRD, NMR‐Spektroskopie und Massenspektrometrie charakterisiert. Sein Kern enthält die kleinstmögliche Anzahl von Cu‐Atomen zur Bindung an 12 Pentaphosphaferrocen‐Einheiten und Bildung eines Supramoleküls mit Fulleren‐Topologie, das, aus topologischer Sicht, zugleich das einfachste Homolog innerhalb der Familie der Metall‐defizitären Pentaphosphaferrocen‐basierten Supramoleküle [{CpRFe(η5‐P5)}12(CuX)20−n] repräsentiert. Die höchste Anzahl bisher realisierbarer vakanter Metallpositionen (12) zwischen cyclo‐P5‐Ringen machen diese Verbindung zu einem geeigneten Ausgangsstoff für potentielle innere und äußere Modifikationen des Kerns sowie für Funktionalisierungen mittels Substitution labiler Acetonitril‐Liganden.
Chemically Programmable and Switchable CAR‐T Therapy
Authors: Qi Junpeng , Tsuji Kohei , Hymel David , Burke Terrence R. , Hudecek Michael , Rader Christoph , Peng Haiyong
Published: April 2020

Although macromolecules on cell surfaces are predominantly targeted and drugged with antibodies, they harbor pockets that are only accessible to small molecules and constitutes a rich subset of binding sites with immense potential diagnostic and therapeutic utility. Compared to antibodies, however, small molecules are disadvantaged by a less confined biodistribution, shorter circulatory half‐life, and inability to communicate with the immune system. Presented herein is a method that endows small molecules with the ability to recruit and activate chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR‐Ts). It is based on a CAR‐T platform that uses a chemically programmed antibody fragment (cp‐Fab) as on/off switch. In proof‐of‐concept studies, this cp‐Fab/CAR‐T system targeting folate binding proteins on the cell surface mediated potent and specific eradication of folate‐receptor‐expressing cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.
Biocatalytic Reduction Reactions from a Chemist's Perspective
Authors: Hollmann Frank , Opperman Diederik J. , Paul Caroline E.
Published: April 2020

Reductions play a key role in organic synthesis, producing chiral products with new functionalities. Enzymes can catalyse such reactions with exquisite stereo‐, regio‐ and chemoselectivity, leading the way to alternative shorter classical synthetic routes towards not only high‐added‐value compounds but also bulk chemicals. In this review we describe the synthetic state‐of‐the‐art and potential of enzymes that catalyse reductions, ranging from carbonyl, enone and aromatic reductions to reductive aminations.
Thermal and exergy efficiency of magnetohydrodynamic Fe3O4‐H2O nanofluids flowing through a built‐in twisted turbulator corrugated tube under magnetic field
Authors: Fan Fan , Qi Cong , Tang Jinghua , Liu Qi
Published: April 2020

Experimental investigations were conducted to explore the thermal and exergy efficiency of Fe3O4‐H2O nanofluids in a corrugated tube. Some influences of the twisted turbulator, horizontal magnetic fields (B = 6mT, 12mT, and 18mT), particle mass fractions (ω = 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 wt%) as well as Re numbers (800–12,000) were analyzed. The experimental results exhibited that the heat transfer capacity of nanofluids intensifies with the increment of mass fraction but weakens with the increase of magnetic flux density. For the same external conditions, the heat transfer capability of the corrugated tube with an inserted twisted turbulator is obviously stronger than that without the turbulator. The resistance coefficient can be augmented by the increasing mass fraction and horizontal magnetic field. In addition, the thermal efficiency R3 and the exergy efficiency were adopted to estimate the comprehensive performance of each working condition. It could be found that the increased mass fraction and reduced magnetic flux density cause an increasing trend on the thermal efficiency. Also, it was obtained that the exergy efficiency of working fluids is intensified under identical pumping power.
Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae): Intoxication with essential oils isolated from Lippia turbinata (Griseb.) and analysis of neuropeptides and neuropeptide receptors, putative targets for pest control
Authors: Corzo Fernando Livio , Traverso Lucila , Sterkel Marcos , Benavente Alba , Ajmat María Teresa , Ons Sheila
Published: April 2020

The Indian meal moth Plodia interpunctella is a pest of stored products worldwide. Plant‐derived essential oils with insecticidal activity could be safe products to control this species. The scarce information about the mode of action of most plant‐derived products limits their use for the control of insect pests. Here, we demonstrate that an essential oil distilled from Lippia turbinata (“poleo”) has insecticidal activity on P. interpunctella larvae. Furthermore, we performed a comprehensive characterization of P. interpunctella neuroendocrine system, in comparison with other lepidopteran species.
Thermodynamic Control of Domain Swapping by Modulating the Helical Propensity in the Hinge Region of Myoglobin
Authors: Nagao Satoshi , Suda Ayaka , Kobayashi Hisashi , Shibata Naoki , Higuchi Yoshiki , Hirota Shun
Published: April 2020

Domain swapping is an exception to Anfinsen's dogma, and more than one structure can be produced from the same amino acid sequence by domain swapping. We have previously shown that myoglobin (Mb) can form a domain‐swapped dimer in which the hinge region is converted to a helical structure. In this study, we showed that domain‐swapped dimerization of Mb was achieved by a single Ala mutation of Gly at position 80. Multiple Ala mutations at positions 81 and 82 in addition to position 80 facilitated dimerization of Mb by stabilization of the dimeric states. Domain swapping tendencies correlated well with the helical propensity of the mutated residue in a series of Mb mutants with amino acids introduced to the hinge region. These findings demonstrate that a single mutation in the hinge loop to modify helical propensity can control oligomer formation, providing new ideas to create high‐order protein oligomers using domain swapping.
Solvent‐Free Photobiocatalytic Hydroxylation of Cyclohexane
Authors: Hobisch Markus , van Schie Morten Martinus Cornelis Harald , Kim Jinhyun , Røjkjær Andersen Kasper , Alcalde Miguel , Kourist Robert , Park Chan Beum , Hollmann Frank , Kara Selin
Published: April 2020

The use of neat reaction media, that is the avoidance of additional solvents, is the simplest and the most efficient approach to follow in biocatalysis. Here, we show that unspecific peroxygenase from Agrocybe aegerita (AaeUPO) can hydroxylate the neat model substrate cyclohexane. H2O2 was photocatalytically generated in situ by nitrogen‐doped carbon nanodots (N−CNDs) and UV LED illumination. AaeUPO entrapment in alginate beads increased enzyme stability and facilitated the reaction in neat cyclohexane. N−CNDs absorption in beads containing AaeUPO created a 2‐in‐1 heterogeneous photobiocatalyst that was active for up to seven days under reaction conditions and produced cyclohexanol, 2.5 mM. To increase productivity, the bead size and the photocatalyst‐to‐enzyme ratio have been identified as promising targets for optimisation.
Electrode Materials for Practical Rechargeable Aqueous Zn‐Ion Batteries: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Zhu Kaiyue , Wu Tao , Sun Shichen , Wen Yeting , Huang Kevin
Published: April 2020

Rechargeable zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) based on near‐neutral aqueous electrolytes have been actively researched in recent years as an alternative large‐scale stationary storage device because of their outstanding merits in energy density, safety, cost, and environmental impact. Although remarkable materials advancements have been reported recently, particularly in the area of Zn‐ion‐storing cathodes, the commercialization course of ZIBs is still being hindered by several key technical issues such as capacity, degradation, self‐discharge, etc. Recognizing that there are ample Reviews on ZIBs in the literature, the focus of this article is to specifically address the current development and critical challenges in ZIB electrodes and provide candid opinions for future commercialization of ZIBs. The Review starts with a brief introduction to ZIBs and their unique advantages in stationary energy storage, and then moves onto the current Zn‐ion storage mechanisms, progress and issues associated with cathodes and anodes. Finally, the Review is concluded with perspectives and directions of future ZIB development.
Rationalizing the AlI‐Promoted Oxidative Addition of C−C Versus C−H Bonds in Arenes
Authors: Cabrera‐Trujillo Jorge Juan , Fernández Israel
Published: April 2020

The factors controlling the oxidative addition of C−C and C−H bonds in arenes mediated by AlI have been computationally explored by means of Density Functional Theory calculations. To this end, we compared the processes involving benzene, naphthalene and anthracene which are promoted by a recently prepared anionic AlI‐carbenoid. It is found that this species exhibits a strong tendency to oxidatively activate C−H bonds over C−C bonds, with the notable exception of benzene, where the C−C bond activation is feasible but only under kinetic control reaction conditions. State‐of‐the‐art computational methods based on the combination of the Activation Strain Model of reactivity and the Energy Decomposition Analysis have been used to rationalize the competition between both bond activation reactions as well as to quantitatively analyze in detail the ultimate factors controlling these transformations.
Rational Design of Azothiophenes—Substitution Effects on the Switching Properties
Authors: Heindl Andreas H. , Wegner Hermann A.
Published: April 2020

A series of substituted azothiophenes was prepared and investigated toward their isomerization behavior. Compared to azobenzene (AB), the presented compounds showed red‐shifted absorption and almost quantitative photoisomerization to their (Z) states. Furthermore, it was found that electron‐withdrawing substitution on the phenyl moiety increases, while electron‐donating substitution decreases the thermal half‐lives of the (Z)‐isomers due to higher or lower stabilization by a lone pair–π interaction. Additionally, computational analysis of the isomerization revealed that a pure singlet state transition state is unlikely in azothiophenes. A pathway via intersystem crossing to a triplet energy surface of lower energy than the singlet surface provided a better fit with experimental data of the (Z)→(E) isomerization. The insights gained in this study provide the necessary guidelines to design effective thiophenylazo‐photoswitches for applications in photopharmacology, material sciences, or solar energy harvesting applications.
Multinuclear PtII Complexes: Why Three is Better Than Two to Enhance Photophysical Properties
Authors: Chakraborty Sourav , Aliprandi Alessandro , De Cola Luisa
Published: April 2020

The self‐assembly of platinum complexes is a well‐documented process that leads to interesting changes of the photophysical and electrochemical behavior as well as to a change in reactivity of the complexes. However, it is still not clear how many metal units must interact in order to achieve the desired properties of a large assembly. This work aimed to clarify the role of the number of interacting PtII units leading to an enhancement of the spectroscopic properties and how to address inter‐ versus intramolecular processes. Therefore, a series of neutral multinuclear PtII complexes were synthesized and characterized, and their photophysical properties at different concentration were studied. Going from the monomer to dimers, the growth of a new emission band and the enhancement of the emission properties were observed. Upon increasing the platinum units up to three, the monomeric blue emission could not be detected anymore and a concentration independent bright‐yellow/orange emission, due to the establishment of intramolecular metallophilic interactions, was observed.
Alkoxydiaminophosphine Ligands as Surrogates of NHCs in Copper Catalysis
Authors: Pizarro Juan Diego , Molina Francisco , Fructos Manuel R. , Pérez Pedro J.
Published: April 2020

A family of phosphine ligands containing a five‐membered ring similar to the popular N‐heterocyclic carbene ligands and an alkoxy third substituent has been developed. These alkoxydiaminophosphine ligands (ADAP) can be generated in one pot and reacted with a copper(I) source leading to the high yield isolation of complexes [(ADAP)CuX]2 (X=Cl, Br). The dinuclear nature of these compounds has been established by means of X‐ray studies and DOSY experiments. A screening of the catalytic properties of these complexes toward carbene‐transfer reactions from diazocompounds to C−H bonds (alkane, arene), olefins or N−H bonds, as well as in CuAAC or nitrene transfer reactions have shown a performance at least similar, if not better, than their (NHC)CuCl analogues, opening a new window in copper catalysis with these readily tunable ADAP ligands.
Selective Hydroboration–Oxidation of Terminal Alkenes under Flow Conditions
Authors: Elsherbini Mohamed , Huynh Florence , Dunbabin Alice , Allemann Rudolf K. , Wirth Thomas
Published: April 2020

An efficient flow process for the selective hydroboration and oxidation of different alkenes using 9‐borabicyclo(3.3.1)nonane (9‐BBN) allows facile conversion in high productivity (1.4 g h−1) of amorpha‐4,11‐diene to the corresponding alcohol, which is an advanced intermediate in the synthesis of the antimalarial drug artemisinin. The in situ reaction of borane and 1,5‐cyclooctadiene using a simple flow generator proved to be a cost efficient solution for the generation of 9‐BBN.
Reversibility of the Ex‐Solution↔Redispersion Processes of Rhodium in Rh0.15Ce0.85O2‐y Nanoparticles Deposited on Functionalized Alumina
Authors: Ledwa Karolina A. , Kępiński Leszek , Pawlyta Mirosława
Published: April 2020

Uniform, highly dispersed (<5 nm) Rh0.15Ce0.85O2‐y nanoparticles deposited on the alumina support functionalized with alkylsilane were obtained in this work and studied in detail, to characterize their basic properties and thermal stability in the oxidizing and reducing atmosphere. In the next step, the possibility to perform the reversible ex‐solution of Rh nanoparticles in the reducing environment (500 °C, H2), and its redispersion into the cerium oxide structure in the oxidizing environment (400 °C, air) was studied with the use of a wide range of experimental methods (XRD, Raman spectroscopy, STEM‐HAADF/EDS, H2‐TPR/TPO, XPS). Good reduction‐oxidation reversibility of the metal ions in ceria nanoparticles was proved, with no increase of the nanoparticles’ size. In the reducing atmosphere, small particles of reduced rhodium were formed, and these particles disappeared in the oxidizing environment. Also, the number of oxygen vacancies significantly changed depending on the treatment.
Conditional generative adversarial networks based on the principle of homologycontinuity for face aging
Authors: Ning Xin , Gou Duoduo , Dong Xiaoli , Tian Weijuan , Yu Lina , Wang Chuansheng
Published: April 2020

Age is one of the most important biological characteristics of the human face. The increase of age coincides with the increase of the aging degree of the face. Face aging synthesis is attracting increasingly more attention from domestic and overseas scholars in the computer vision and computer graphics fields, and it can be integrated into the basic research of face correlation, such as cross‐age face analysis and age estimation. At present, some achievements have been made in face aging synthesis research; however, it is still an urgent problem to reduce the number of parameters and computational complexity of the network while ensuring the aging effect. Therefore, a new face aging algorithm is proposed in this article. Unlike the previous methods of aging process simulation, we introduce an assisted age classification network based on the principle of homology continuity, which is more in line with the human cognition process. After pretraining, the result of age classification is improved, and the pretraining model is then added to the framework of aging face generation for fine‐tuning to constrain the generated aging face, which can improve the aging accuracy of the generated image. Furthermore, we reconstruct the input face by using the age tag of the input face and the synthesized aging face and maintain the identity invariance in the face aging process by minimizing the reconstruction loss. The experimental results show that the method proposed in this article produces a considerable effect of face aging and significantly reduces the number of parameters and the complexity of computational.
Tuning the Emission Color of Indolo[3,2‐b]carbazole‐Based Boron Complexes and their Application in Organic Field Effect Transistors and Bioimaging
Authors: Koli Mrunesh R. , Labiod Amina , Chakraborty Saikat , Kumar Mukesh , Lévêque Patrick , Ulrich Gilles , Leclerc Nicolas , Jacquemin Denis , Mula Soumyaditya
Published: April 2020

Synthetic strategies were developed for the preparation of indolo‐imine boron difluoride (IIBD) dyes based on indolo[3,2‐b]carbazole structures. Four new IIBD dyes were synthesized and were subsequently converted into the corresponding ‐BPh2/‐BOR2 and N‐t‐Boc/N‐benzoyl derivatives. The photophysical properties of all dyes were determined in both solution and solid media. All dyes absorb in the UV/Vis region, show negative solvatochromism, and are fluorescent in both media. The absorbance and fluorescence properties of the dyes can be tuned over a wide range by synthetic modifications. These findings are rationalized by theoretical calculations that correspond well to the experimental shifts, explain the negative solvatochromism, and allow quantification of charge transfer (CT). Similarly, the HOMO–LUMO energies measured by CV are in good agreement with the theoretically calculated values. Interestingly, the energy gaps of the dyes can also be tuned by structural modulations using the developed chemical route. Charge transport properties of the dyes were checked and showed that the N‐benzoyl derivative has the highest hole mobility which is useful for organic field effect transistor (OFET) applications. In addition, easy cellular uptake of the dyes, their low toxicity and high stability inside the cells associated with bright fluorescence in the cytoplasm will be useful for their future application as cellular imaging agents. All of these aspects highlight the interest of this new class of dyes.
Does plant community plasticity mediate microbial homeostasis?
Authors: Buckeridge Kate M. , McLaren Jennie R.
Published: April 2020

Microbial homeostasis—constant microbial element ratios along resource gradients—is a core ecological tenet, yet not all systems display homeostasis. We suggest investigations of homeostasis mechanisms must also consider plant–microbial interactions. Specifically, we hypothesized that ecosystems with strong plant community plasticity to changing resources will have homeostatic microbial communities, with less microbial resource cost, because plants reduce variance in resource stoichiometry. Using long‐term nutrient additions in two ecosystems with differing plant response, we fail to support our hypothesis because although homeostasis appears stronger in the system with stronger plant response, microbial mechanisms were also stronger. However, our conclusions were undermined by high heterogeneity in resources, which may be common in ecosystem‐level studies, and methodological assumptions may be exacerbated by shifting plant communities. We propose our study as a starting point for further ecosystem‐scale investigations, with higher replication to address microbial and soil variability, and improved insight into microbial assimilable resources.
Episodic herbivory, plant density dependence, and stimulation of aboveground plant production
Authors: Ritchie Mark E. , Penner Jacob F.
Published: April 2020

Herbivory is a major energy transfer within ecosystems; an open question is under what circumstances it can stimulate aboveground seasonal primary production. Despite multiple field demonstrations, past theory considered herbivory as a continuous process and found stimulation of seasonal production to be unlikely. Here, we report a new theoretical model that explores the consequences of discrete herbivory events, or episodes, separated in time. We discovered that negative density (biomass) dependence of plant growth, such as might be expected from resource limitation of plant growth, favors stimulation of seasonal production by infrequent herbivory events under a wide range of herbivory intensities and maximum plant relative growth rates. Results converge to those of previous models under repeated, short‐interval herbivory, which generally reduces seasonal production. Model parameters were estimated with new and previous data from the Serengeti ecosystem. Patterns of observed frequent and large magnitude stimulated production in these data agreed generally with those predicted by the episodic herbivory model. The model thus may provide a new framework for evaluating the sustainability and impact of herbivory.
Nanoliposome Powder Containing Shrimp Oil Increases Free Flowing Behavior and Storage Stability
Authors: Gulzar Saqib , Benjakul Soottawat
Published: April 2020

Shrimp oil nanoliposomes dried by freeze‐drying and spray‐drying are characterized, in which carboxy methyl cellulose and fumed silica (SiO2) at various proportions are used as wall material and anti‐caking agent. Spray‐dried powder (SDP) is spherical in shape with average particle size of 5.33 ± 2.55 µm, while the freeze‐dried powder (FDP) having average size of 240.8 ± 237.4 µm is irregular. SDP shows better flowability than FDP, which is more porous with much lower bulk density. Encapsulation efficiency (68.52 ± 1.85%) and solubility (85.22 ± 1.4) of SDP are greater than FDP (51.18 ± 3.81% and 71.25 ± 1.3, respectively) (p < 0.05). However, the wettability of FDP is higher with shorter reconstitution time. FDP exhibits lower oxidation of total encapsulated oil and better retention of n‐3 fatty acids (p < 0.05). Overall, both FDP and SDP are thermodynamically stable and the aforementioned powders have the prolonged storage time of six weeks.

Practical Applications: Oil from shrimp cephalothorax, a byproduct from shrimp processing industries, is one of the rich sources of omega‐3 fatty acids and astaxanthin. Encapsulation of shrimp oil in nanoliposomes is a promising technology, which can be utilized to protect the oil against oxidation and mask the off‐odors. Shrimp oil nanoliposome powder prepared using spray‐drying and freeze‐drying processes and added with the anticaking agents offers numerous advantages such as good flowability, better solubility, and enhanced encapsulation efficiency in addition to the improved oxidative stability and no significant loss of bioactive PUFAs. The shrimp oil nanoliposome powder could be used in the fortification of number of food products, particularly beverages. Moreover, due to the powdered form, the shelf stability is increased, handling and transportation becomes easier, and the cost is significantly reduced.
DNA–protein crosslinks from environmental exposure: Mechanisms of formation and repair
Authors: Kojima Yusuke , Machida Yuichi J.
Published: April 2020

Many environmental carcinogens cause DNA damage, which can result in mutations and other alterations in genomic DNA if not repaired promptly. Because of the bulkiness of the lesions, DNA–protein crosslinks (DPCs) are one of the types of toxic DNA damage with potentially deleterious consequences. Despite the importance of DPCs, how cells remove these complex DNA adducts has been incompletely understood. However, major progress in the DPC repair field over the past 5 years now supports the view that cells are equipped with multiple mechanisms to cope with DPCs. Here, we first provide an overview of environmental substances that induce DPCs, describing the sources of exposure and mechanisms of DPC formation. We then review current models of DPC repair and discuss their significance for environmental carcinogens.
Self‐Suppression of Lithium Dendrite with Aluminum Nitride Nanoflake Additive in 3D Carbon Paper for Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Gao Chunhui , Hong Bo , Sun Kena , Fan Hanlin , Zhang Kai , Zhang Zhian , Lai Yanqing
Published: April 2020

Lithium metal anodes, which deliver high specific capacity, low electrochemical potential, and low density have been considered as the most ideal anode material for Li secondary batteries. However, the development of Li anodes is limited by Li dendrite formation, infinite volume effects, and unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layers. Herein, aluminum nitride (AlN) nanoflakes as an additive to stabilized Li plating, and carbon paper (CP) as three‐dimensional (3D) current collector to alleviate volume effect, are reported. The stabilization is attributed to the higher binding energy between Li and the AlN nanoflakes and a preferential adsorption on the AlN nanoflake surface compared to copper (Cu) and CP surface during Li plating. With the combination of the AlN nanoflake additive and 3D CP current collector, both dendritic Li and volume effects are remarkably inhibited.
Volatile composition of eight blueberry cultivars and their relationship with sensory attributes
Authors: Cheng Ke , Peng Bangzhu , Yuan Fang
Published: April 2020

The volatile compositions of eight blueberry cultivars (‘Premier’, ‘Gardenblue’, ‘Legacy’, ‘Brigitta’, ‘Misty’, ‘O’Neal’, ‘Bluerain’ and ‘Northland’) grown in the middle region of China were investigated. Volatiles were extracted by headspace solid‐phase microextraction (HS‐SPME) and analysed by gas chromatography—quadrupole time of flight—mass spectrometry (SPME‐GC‐QTOF‐MS). A total of 28 volatiles were identified and quantified, including 5 esters, 11 terpenoids, 3 aldehydes, 6 alcohols and 3 volatile phenols. Different blueberry cultivars had distinct varietal volatile profiles. Rabbiteye cultivars, ‘Premier’ and ‘Gardenblue’, were characterized by a large amount of esters, especially for ethyl acetate. ‘Misty’ had the highest terpenoid content. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares regression (PLS) were selected to correlate the chemical data with sensory perceptions. PCA showed that esters were dominant in rabbiteye blueberries, especially for ethyl acetate. No distinct pattern of volatile profile was found for the highbush and half‐highbush blueberry cultivars. PLS showed that the grassy descriptor was positively correlated with linalool and hexanal. The minty descriptor was positively correlated with eucalyptol.
Early institutional head and neck oncologic and microvascular surgery practice patterns across the United States during the SARS‐CoV‐2 (COVID19) pandemic
Authors: Patel Rusha J. , Kejner Alexandra , McMullen Caitlin
Published: April 2020

Background

The SARS‐CoV‐2 (COVID‐19) pandemic has caused rapid changes in head and neck cancer (HNC) care. “Real‐time” methods to monitor practice patterns can optimize provider safety and patient care.

Methods

Head and neck surgeons from 14 institutions in the United States regularly contributed their practice patterns to a shared spreadsheet. Data from 27 March 2020 to 5 April 2020 was analyzed.

Results

All institutions had significantly restricted HNC clinic evaluations. Two institutions stopped free‐flap surgery with the remaining scheduling surgery by committee review. Factors contributing to reduced clinical volume included lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) (35%) and lack of rapid COVID‐19 testing (86%).

Conclusions

The COVID‐19 pandemic has caused a reduction in HNC care. Rapid COVID‐19 testing and correlation with infectious potential remain paramount to resuming the care of patients with head and neck cancer. Cloud‐based platforms to share practice patterns will be essential as the pandemic evolves.
Dispositional playfulness in young children: A cross‐sectional and longitudinal examination of the psychometric properties of a new child self‐reported playfulness scale and associations with social behaviour
Authors: Fink Elian , Mareva Silvana , Gibson Jenny L.
Published: April 2020

Most research on children's play takes a context‐dependent, adult‐focused observational approach to the measurement of play. The current two studies present the development and psychometric properties of the Child Self‐Report Playfulness (CSRP) scale, which was presented via “puppet‐show” to two samples of children. Study 1, across 98 children between 5 and 7 years of age, showed that the items of the CSRP had good internal consistency, were stable across the 6‐week test–retest period and, for the most part, showed no differential item functioning across age, gender, and language ability. Study 2 involved a longitudinal sample of children followed from Reception (age 5,N= 244) to Year 1 (age 6). Findings revealed favourable psychometric properties using longitudinal confirmatory factor analysis and measurement invariance. Associations between child playfulness and teacher‐ and peer‐ratings of social behaviour were examined, and showed specific associations between playfulness and teacher‐rated play interaction, rather than social maturity, problem behaviour or social preference. Overall, the CSRP appears to be a promising approach to the measurement of dispositional playfulness in young children.

Highlights

We developed a Child Self‐Reported Playfulness scale (CSRP) to assess children's perceptions of their own playfulness.

Across two separate samples, the CSRP had favourable psychometric properties, was stable across the ages of 5 and 6 and showed specific associations with teacher‐rated play.

The findings of the current studies have important implications for our understanding and measurement of children's play across development.
Negative interest rate policy and the yield curve
Authors: Wu Jing Cynthia , Xia Fan Dora
Published: April 2020

We evaluate the implications of the ECB's negative interest rate policy (NIRP) on the yield curve. To capture various shapes of the short end of the yield curve induced by the NIRP, we introduce two policy indicators, which summarize the immediate and longer horizon future monetary policy stances. We find that the four NIRP events lowered the short‐term interest rate by the same amount. The impact is dampened at longer maturities for the first two event dates, due to lack of forward guidance. By contrast, for the last two dates, forward guidance drives the largest effects in two years.
Thrombomodulin Functional Domains Support Osteoblast Differentiation and Bone Healing in Diabetes in Mice
Authors: Chen Chung-Hwan , Lai Chao-Han , Hong Yi-Kai , Lu Jui-Ming , Lin Sung-Yen , Lee Tien-Ching , Chang Lan-Yun , Ho Mei-Ling , Conway Edward M , Wu Hua-Lin , Cheng Tsung-Lin
Published: April 2020

Thrombomodulin (TM) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that contains five functional domains. Soluble TM (sTM), comprising extracellular domains TMD1 (lectin-like), TMD2 (epidermal growth factor [EGF]-like repeat containing), and TMD3 (serine-threonine rich), can be shed from cells by the intramembrane protease rhomboid-like-2 (RHBDL2). TM is expressed by osteoblasts, yet its role there has not been determined. Herein we aimed to investigate the properties of TM and its domains in osteoblast function and bone repair following injury in diabetes. In response to a scratch injury of cultured osteoblast-like MG63 cells, expression of TM and RHBDL2 was enhanced, with increased release of sTM. Conditioned media from the injured cells promoted osteoblast migration, an effect that was lacking with conditioned media from MG63 cells in which TM was silenced by shRNA. Exogenous recombinant TMD1 had no effect on osteoblast activities or on bone repair in vivo. However, TM domains 2 and 3 (TMD2/3), induced MG63 cell migration, proliferation and mineralization in vitro, and when locally administered in mice, improved in vivo healing of injured calvarium. This beneficial effect of TMD2/3, mediated via fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)/ERK signaling pathways, was also observed in vitro under high glucose conditions where endogenous TM expression was reduced, and in vivo in diabetic mice following tibia fracture or calvarium injury, where the osteoblastic response and healing were otherwise dampened. Taken together, osteoblast TM participates in bone healing, and recombinant TMD2/3 holds promise as a novel therapy for diabetic bone defect healing. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Abstract

We investigate the role of osteoblast thrombomodulin (TM). In response to injury stimulation, RNA released from damaged cells promotes the expression of RHBDL2 and TM in osteoblasts. RHBDL2 cleaves TM transmembrane domain to generate soluble TM (sTM). Among sTM fragments, TM domains 2 and 3 (TMD2/3) rather than the lectin-like domain (TMD1) promotes osteoblast functions and bone healing through FGFR/ERK signaling. Given that injury-enhanced TM expression and sTM production are reduced in high-glucose environments, treatment with recombinant TMD2/3 improves bone healing.
Ghrelin promotes midbrain neural stem cells differentiation to dopaminergic neurons through Wnt/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Gong Bing , Jiao Lingling , Du Xixun , Li Yong , Bi Mingxia , Jiao Qian , Jiang Hong
Published: April 2020

Ghrelin plays a neuroprotective role in the process of dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons degeneration in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, it still largely unknown whether ghrelin could affect the midbrain neural stem cells (mbNSCs) from which DAergic neurons are originated. In the present study, we observed that ghrelin enhanced mbNSCs proliferation, and promoted neuronal differentiation especially DAergic neuron differentiation both in vitro and ex vivo. The messenger RNA levels of Wnt1, Wnt3a, and glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor were increased in response to the ghrelin treatment. Results showed that Wnt/β‐catenin pathway was relevant to this DAergic neuron differentiation induced by ghrelin. Our finding gave a new evidence that ghrelin may enable clinical therapies for PD by its neurogenesis role.
Shared discovery: A process to coproduce knowledge among scientists, policy makers, and stakeholders for solving nutrient pollution problems
Authors: Royer Matthew B. , Brooks Robert P. , Shortle James S. , Yetter Susan
Published: April 2020

There is growing recognition of the importance of involving stakeholders in solution‐oriented multidisciplinary environmental research projects. Management of nutrients to address water pollution is a wicked problem requiring multidisciplinary research and participation of stakeholders. Here, we frame participatory research as shared discovery, a deliberative, focused engagement process that serves as a directional guide for how research unfolds during the entire span of a project. We explore its application within a 5‐yr, multidisciplinary research project seeking innovative solutions to nutrient management challenges in four agriculturally influenced small watersheds in the Chesapeake Bay basin. This process involved deliberate development of a stakeholder engagement strategy and structure, which included a specific research team dedicated to implementing shared discovery throughout. Recognizing that stakeholders involved in nutrient and watershed management engage at multiple scales, we developed a biscalar approach to engage stakeholders at both a regional or state policy level and within the local study watersheds. Early collaboration allowed stakeholders to be participatory in developing research questions and shaping research design, which made research results more applicable to the identified problems. The biscalar framework for engagement was a novel approach that allowed researchers to incorporate both broader policy concepts into research and local concerns and concepts specific to the small study watersheds, allowing solutions to be tailored to local needs. Although infusing research with stakeholder engagement and input from the outset is a time‐consuming process, it bolsters research design and products and leads to greater application of research to solve nutrient pollution—a wicked problem indeed.
Influence of low‐disturbance fall liquid dairy manure application on corn silage yield, soil nitrate, and rye cover crop growth
Authors: Sherman Jessica F. , Young Eric O. , Jokela William E. , Cavadini Jason
Published: April 2020

Tillage incorporation of manure can mitigate nutrient loss but increases erosion potential and damages cover crops. More information on the effects of low‐disturbance manure application (LDMA) on corn yield, cover crop establishment, and soil properties is needed to better predict manure management practice trade‐offs. Here, corn silage (Zea mays L.) yield, winter rye (Secale cereale L.) establishment, and soil nitrate concentrations were compared for a range of manure application methods, including broadcast incorporation, broadcast/disk, fertilizer N (spring applied at 67, 134, and 202 kg N ha−1), and a no‐manure control, at the University of Wisconsin's Marshfield Agricultural Research Station from 2012 to 2015. Compared with the control, manure and fertilizer N treatments increased corn yield by an average of 1.1‐ to 1.6‐fold and 1.4‐ to 1.6‐fold, respectively. Of the LDMA treatments (sweep‐, strip till‐, and coulter‐injection; aerator/band; broadcast), corn yield was greatest for sweep injection, which did not differ from the high N fertilizer rate (P < .0001). Corn yield averaged across LDMA treatments did not differ from the 134 or 202 kg N ha−1 yields. Compared with disking, LDMA maintained more crop residue (P < .0001), with levels comparable to the control. Soil nitrate‐N at depths of 0–30 and 30–60 cm was influenced by LDMA and fertilizer N; however, leaching to 60–90 cm was comparable among treatments. Results indicate that LDMA with injection conserved more N, caused less damage to winter rye, and had similar yields to fertilizer N treatments with improved soil aggregate stability and higher total carbon content.
A pilot study of the antiviral activity of anionic and cationic polyamidoamine dendrimers against the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus
Authors: Kandeel Mahmoud , Al‐Taher Abdulla , Park Byoung Kwon , Kwon Hyung‐Joo , Al‐Nazawi Mohammed
Published: April 2020

The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV) is an emerging virus that causes infection with a potentially fatal outcome. Dendrimers are highly branched molecules that can be added to antiviral preparations to improve their delivery, as well as their intrinsic antiviral activity. Studies on identifying anti‐MERS‐CoV agents are few. Three types of polyanionic dendrimers comprising the terminal groups sodium carboxylate (generations 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5), hydroxyl (generations 2, 3, 4, and 5), and succinamic acid (generations 2, 3, 4, and 5) and polycationic dendrimers containing primary amine (generations 2, 3, 4, and 5) were used to assess their antiviral activity with the MERS‐CoV plaque inhibition assay. The hydroxyl polyanionic set showed a 17.36% to 29.75% decrease in MERS‐CoV plaque formation. The most potent inhibition of MERS‐CoV plaque formation was seen by G(1.5)‐16COONa (40.5% inhibition), followed by G(5)‐128SA (39.77% inhibition). In contrast, the cationic dendrimers were cytotoxic to Vero cells. Polyanionic dendrimers can be added to antiviral preparations to improve the delivery of antivirals, as well as the intrinsic antiviral activity.
Diagnostic accuracy of an automated chemiluminescent immunoassay for anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgM and IgG antibodies: an Italian experience
Authors: Infantino Maria , Grossi Valentina , Lari Barbara , Bambi Riccardo , Perri Alessandro , Manneschi Matteo , Terenzi Giovanni , Liotti Irene , Ciotta Giovanni , Taddei Cristina , Benucci Maurizio , Casprini Patrizia , Veneziani Francesca , Fabbri Sergio , Pompetti Adolfo , Manfredi Mariangela
Published: April 2020

A pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has been spreading throughout the world. Though molecular diagnostic tests are the gold standard for COVID‐19, serological testing is emerging as a potential surveillance tool, in addition to its complementary role in COVID‐19 diagnostics. Indubitably quantitative serological testing provides greater advantages than qualitative tests but today there is still little known about serological diagnostics and what the most appropriate role quantitative tests might play. Sixty‐one COVID‐19 patients and 64 patients from a control group were tested by iFlash1800 CLIA analyzer for anti‐SARS CoV‐2 antibodies IgM and IgG. All COVID‐19 patients were hospitalized in San Giovanni di Dio Hospital (Florence, Italy) and had a positive oro/nasopharyngeal swab reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction result. The highest sensitivity with a very good specificity performance was reached at a cutoff value of 10.0 AU/mL for IgM and of 7.1 for IgG antibodies, hence near to the manufacturer's cutoff values of 10 AU/mL for both isotypes. The receiver operating characteristic curves showed area under the curve values of 0.918 and 0.980 for anti‐SARS CoV‐2 antibodies IgM and IgG, respectively. iFlash1800 CLIA analyzer has shown highly accurate results for the anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies profile and can be considered an excellent tool for COVID‐19 diagnostics.
Pressure‐induced insertion and transformation of N2 in the cavities of zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8: A Raman study
Authors: Chen Shuanglong , Li Xin , Lv Hang , Dong Enlai , Yang Xibao , Liu Ran , Liu Bingbing
Published: April 2020

We have investigated the pressure‐induced behaviors of nitrogen confined in the zero‐dimensional cavities of zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)‐8 using Raman spectroscopy. Pressure forces the nitrogen molecules in the pressure‐transmitting medium (PTM) to enter the inner pores of ZIF‐8, and two Raman bands attributed to the nitrogen molecules interacting with the framework of ZIF‐8 and those approximately in the central part of the cavities surrounded by the former are observed. The confined nitrogen species transform in a different way under high pressure from those of the bulk nitrogen and the confined nitrogen in the one‐dimensional inorganic channels. Both the intermolecular interaction and the host–guest interaction jointly contribute to the transformation and a highly disordered and densely compressed state of the confined nitrogen is formed at 20 GPa. A hysteresis is found when comparing the Raman spectra at low and industrially accessible pressures after a compression and decompression cycle, suggesting that the ability of ZIF‐8 to storage nitrogen molecules increases. This study opens a new path toward understanding new behaviors of nitrogen in the nanostate and applications of ZIF‐8 for gas storage and capture.
Texture Analysis of Ultrasound Images to Differentiate Simple Fibroadenomas From Complex Fibroadenomas and Benign Phyllodes Tumors
Authors: Basara Akin Isil , Ozgul Hakan , Simsek Kursat , Altay Canan , Secil Mustafa , Balci Pinar
Published: April 2020

Objectives

American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI‐RADS) category 4A lesions can be distinguished from BI‐RADS 3 lesions with main ultrasound (US) findings such as a well‐defined contour, round/oval shape, and parallel orientation with a homogeneous echo pattern. Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System 4A solid masses might be diagnosed as simple fibroadenomas (SFAs), complex fibroadenomas (CFAs), or benign phyllodes tumors (BPTs). Complex fibroadenomas have an increased risk of invasive cancer development than SFAs, and BPTs have a risk of borderline‐malignant phyllodes tumor transformation; both of them are surgically treated, whereas follow‐up procedures are applied in SFAs. It is essential to differentiate SFAs from CFAs and BPTs. Grayscale features of these lesions include a prominent overlap. Texture analyses in breast lesions have contributions in benign‐malignant lesion differentiation. In this study, we aimed to use texture analysis of US images to differentiate these benign lesions.

Methods

Grayscale US features of lesions (32 SFAs, 31 CFAs, and 32 BPTs) were classified according to the BI‐RADS. Texture analysis of US images with LIFEx software (http://www.lifexsoft.org) was performed retrospectively. First‐ and second‐order histogram parameters were evaluated.

Results

In grayscale US, the shape, orientation, and posterior acoustic characteristics had statistical significance (P < .05). In the statistical analysis, skewness, kurtosis, excess kurtosis, gray‐level co‐occurrence matrix (GLCM)‐energy, GLCM‐entropy log 2, and GLCM‐entropy log 10 revealed significant differences among all 3 groups (P < .05).

Conclusions

As grayscale US features show prominent intersections, and treatment options differ, correct diagnosis is essential in SFAs, CFAs, and BPTs. In this study, we concluded that texture analysis of US images can discriminate SFAs from CFAs and BPTs. Texture analyses of US images is a potential candidate diagnostic tool for these lesions, and accurate diagnoses will preclude patients from undergoing unnecessary biopsies.
Evaluation of Cell‐Penetrating Peptides Using Microfluidic In Vitro 3D Brain Endothelial Barrier
Authors: Chung Bohye , Kim Jaehoon , Nam Jiyoung , Kim Hyunho , Jeong Yeju , Liu Hui‐wen , Cho Youngkyu , Kim Yong Ho , Oh Hyun Jeong , Chung Seok
Published: April 2020

In drug delivery to the human brain, blood vessels are a significant hurdle because they restrict the entry of most solutes to protect brain. To overcome this hurdle, an in vitro 3D model for brain endothelial barrier is developed using a microfluidic device with hydrogel providing a 3D extracellular matrix scaffold. Using the model, peptides known to utilize receptor‐mediated transcytosis are verified, which has been one of the most promising mechanisms for brain‐specific penetration. The cytotoxicity and cellular damage to the peptide are investigated and the receptor‐mediated transcytosis and brain endothelial specific penetrating abilities of the peptides in a quantitative manner are demonstrated. As a preclinical test, applying the quantification assays conducted in this study are suggested, including the penetrating ability, cytotoxicity, endothelial damage, and receptor specificity. Using this microfluidic device as an in vitro platform for evaluating various brain targeting drugs and drug carrier candidates is also proposed.