bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanoparticle‐Mediated Suicide Gene Therapy for Triple Negative Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Salvioni Lucia , Zuppone Stefania , Andreata Francesco , Monieri Matteo , Mazzucchelli Serena , Di Carlo Caterina , Morelli Lucia , Cordiglieri Chiara , Donnici Lorena , De Francesco Raffaele , Corsi Fabio , Prosperi Davide , Vago Riccardo , Colombo Miriam
Published: May 2020

Systemic chemotherapy has not significantly reduced clinical demand for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) treatments. To address the need for more effective therapy, the use of nonviral nanoparticles is explored to deliver suicide gene therapy as valuable alternative to protect nucleic acids in the bloodstream and improve their tumor uptake. Biocompatible cationic lipid nanoparticles are developed as a novel delivery system of a suicide plasmid gene encoding saporin. Active targeting is accomplished by taking advantage of nanoparticle functionalization with U11 peptide, designed to be directed toward urokinase plasminogen activator receptor, limiting off‐target toxicity. The antitumor effect of U11‐lipid‐protamine‐DNA (U11‐LPD) nanoparticles are tested in TBNC cells, showing a strong prevalence of targeted versus nontargeted nanoparticles in terms of uptake kinetics and proliferation inhibition. Transfection of green fluorescent protein (GFP) plasmid in MDA‐MB‐231 cells is demonstrated. U11‐LPD nanoparticles administered by retro bulbar injection exhibit excellent tumor tropism in TNBC orthotopic xenograft mice and effectively transfect TNBC cells with saporin plasmid resulting in tumor mass reduction. No systemic toxicity or organ damage is discovered after repeated treatments with nanoparticles. The findings suggest that systemic administration of targeted LPD nanoparticles to deliver saporin safely allows for active inhibition of cancer progression even in the absence of specific promoter gene sequences.
Solution Processed Hybrid Polymer: HgTe Quantum Dot Phototransistor with High Sensitivity and Fast Infrared Response up to 2400 nm at Room Temperature
Authors: Dong Yifan , Chen Mengyu , Yiu Wai Kin , Zhu Qiang , Zhou Guodong , Kershaw Stephen V. , Ke Ning , Wong Ching Ping , Rogach Andrey L. , Zhao Ni
Published: May 2020

Narrow bandgap semiconductor‐based photodetectors often suffer from high room‐temperature noise and are therefore operated at low temperatures. Here, a hybrid poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT): HgTe quantum dot (QD) phototransistor is reported, which exhibits high sensitivity and fast photodetection up to 2400 nm wavelength range at room temperature. The active layer of the phototransistor consists of HgTe QDs well dispersed in a P3HT matrix. Fourier‐transform infrared spectra confirm that chemical grafting between P3HT and HgTe QDs is realized after undergoing prolonged coblend stirring and a ligand exchange process. Thanks to the shifting of the charge transport into the P3HT and the partial passivation of the surface traps of HgTe QDs in the blend, the P3HT: HgTe QD hybrid phototransistor shows significantly improved gate‐voltage tuning, 15 times faster response, and ≈80% reduction in the noise level compared to a pristine HgTe QD control device. More than 1011 Jones specific detectivity (estimated from the noise spectral density measured at 1 kHz) is achieved at room temperature, and the response time (measured at 22 mW cm−2 illumination intensity) of the device is less than 1.5 µs. That is comparable to commercial epitaxially grown IR photodetectors operated in the same wavelength range.
Low‐Voltage Heterojunction Metal Oxide Transistors via Rapid Photonic Processing
Authors: Yarali Emre , Faber Hendrik , Yengel Emre , Seitkhan Akmaral , Loganathan Kalaivanan , Harrison George T. , Adilbekova Begimai , Lin Yuanbao , Ma Chun , Firdaus Yuliar , Anthopoulos Thomas D.
Published: May 2020

Solution‐processed metal oxide thin‐film transistors (TFTs) represent a promising technology for applications in existing but also emerging large‐area electronics. However, high process temperatures and lengthy annealing times represent two remaining technical challenges. Different approaches aiming to address these challenges have been proposed but progress remains modest. Here, the development of high electron mobility metal oxide TFTs based on photonically converted Al2O3/ZrO2 and In2O3/ZnO bilayers acting as the high‐k dielectric and electron‐transporting channel, respectively is described. Sequential solution‐phase deposition and photonic processing lead to low substrate temperature (<200 °C) while minimizing the overall process time to less than 60 s without compromising the quality of the formed layers. The bilayer Al2O3/ZrO2 dielectric exhibits low leakage current density (10−6 A cm−2 at 1 MV cm−1), high geometric capacitance (≈120 nF cm−2) and breakdown electric field of ≈1 MV cm−1. Combining Al2O3/ZrO2 with a photonically converted In2O3/ZnO heterojunction channels, results in TFTs with high electron mobility (19 cm2 V−1 s−1), low operation voltage (≤2 V), high current on/off ratio (>106), and low subthreshold swing (108 mV dec−1), that can be manufactured even onto thermally sensitive polymer substrates. The work is a significant step toward all‐photonic processed metal oxide electronics.
Few‐Layer Organic Crystalline van der Waals Heterojunctions for Ultrafast UV Phototransistors
Authors: Guo Jianhang , Jiang Sai , Pei Mengjiao , Xiao Yanling , Zhang Bowen , Wang Qijing , Zhu Ying , Wang Hengyuan , Jie Jiansheng , Wang Xinran , Shi Yi , Li Yun
Published: May 2020

Organic UV photodetectors using a transistor architecture can yield higher photoresponsivity than diode‐based devices because of the presence of a gate electrode. However, a long‐term issue of these phototransistor devices is the slow response speed, which hinders their practical applications. Here, organic UV phototransistors are constructed using few‐layer organic crystalline van der Waals (vdW) heterojunctions as the photoactive layers. The thickness of the photoactive layers is even less than the exciton diffusion length, thus removing the exciton‐diffusion bottleneck and giving rise to the confinement of charge separation and recombination within the adjacent molecular layers across the heterojunction interface. Hence, the phototransistor devices can exhibit a remarkably enhanced response speed (rise and decay times as short as only ≈4 and 6 ms, respectively). The layer‐dependent photoresponse characteristics are also observed, reinforcing the great importance of few‐layer organic heterostructures in phototransistor devices. This work not only provides a promising avenue toward fast response optoelectronic devices but also presents an in‐depth understanding on the microscopic nature of photogenerated charge carriers at the precision of molecular layers.
Globally optimal synthesis of heat exchanger networks. Part II: Non‐minimal networks
Authors: Chang Chenglin , Liao Zuwei , Costa André L. H. , Bagajewicz Miguel J.
Published: May 2020

In Part I of this work, the synthesis of minimal heat exchanger networks using the isothermal mixing stage‐wise superstructure was presented. In this Part II, an extension of the algorithm presented in Part I is made to consider networks that allow multiple solutions regarding heat allocation, that is, they have energy loops where heat loads can be rearranged without changing the overall energy consumption. We extend the strategy of our Part I to use a set of nested loops to enumerate the number of units, the structure of matches, the energy consumption, different values of exchanger minimum approximation temperature (EMAT), and different locations where EMAT is active. All the models used are linear and are aided by capital cost evaluations. As in Part I, we claim global optimality based on our conjectures. Literature examples are solved to show the effectiveness of the algorithm.
Extending acoustic in‐line pipe rheometry and friction factor modeling to low‐Reynolds‐number, non‐Newtonian slurries
Authors: Rice Hugh P. , Pilgrim Jamie L. , Fairweather Michael , Peakall Jeff , Harbottle David , Hunter Timothy N.
Published: May 2020

The rheology of non‐Newtonian slurries is measured in a recirculating pipe loop using an acoustic velocimetry‐pressure drop technique at very low flow rates and variable solids loadings. The technique avoids (a) settling at low solids concentration, a shortcoming of bench rheometry, by using a vertical test section, and (b) physical sampling, providing greater safety. Speed of sound in the suspensions is also modeled. In‐line and off‐line data are used to assess the suitability of several non‐Newtonian models to describe observed flow behavior. Measured and predicted values of the friction factor are compared with the Madlener et al Herschel–Bulkley extended model found to be superior. The dependence of yield stress and viscosity on solids loading and particle size is investigated, showing complexities from aggregation on the particle size distribution require more interpretation than the choice of rheological or friction‐factor model.
Structure‐Induced Phase Transitions in Classic Systems of Dipoles: Unequal Kagome, Truncated Square, and Prismatic Pentagonal Lattices
Authors: Batle Josep
Published: May 2020

Several magnetic compounds owe their properties to the particular nature of the dipole–dipole interaction. Changes induced in their structure will vary the total interaction energy in nontrivial fashions. In the present work, systems of identical particles possessing dipole moments arranged on various types of 2D structures are studied. By continuously varying a structural parameter, the state of minimum energy will favor distinct dipole configurations, giving rise to different phases. The ultimate goal is to quantitatively address the relation existing between the minimum possible energy for different systems of classic dipoles and the concomitant dipole phases that appear. The systems of dipoles considered here are studied in detail for the first time. With the exploration, new light will be shed on the existence of structural phase transitions in classical systems even at zero temperature, changes induced by the variation of a continuous parameter, and not the temperature, that resemble the ones occurring in quantum phase transitions.
Effectiveness of Narrative Therapy on Communication Patterns for Women Experiencing Low Marital Satisfaction
Authors: Ghavibazou Effat , Hosseinian Simin , Abdollahi Abbas
Published: May 2020

The current study was designed as quasi‐experimental with a pretest and post‐test evaluating the efficacy of narrative therapy on communication patterns for women experiencing low marital satisfaction. Thirty women experiencing low marital satisfaction were chosen using convenience sampling and were randomly assigned to an intervention and waiting list group. The intervention group was treated individually by narrative therapy in eight 45‐minute sessions. Results from repeated measurement ANOVA revealed significant differences between and within the groups and interaction between and within groups. Independent and paired t‐test results showed significant improvement in the intervention group in their marital satisfaction, male‐demand/female‐withdraw, and total demand/withdraw with maintenance at eight weeks follow‐up. Results included increased marital satisfaction, reduced male‐demand/female‐withdraw, and reduced total demand/withdraw. Thus, results show that narrative therapy is effective in increasing the marital satisfaction indicators of male‐demand/female‐withdraw, total demand/withdraw, and marital satisfaction.
Synthesis, characterization, and catalytic activity of half‐sandwich ruthenium complexes with pyridine/phenylene bridged NHC = E (NHC = N‐heterocyclic carbene, E = S, Se) ligands
Authors: Jia Wei‐Guo , Du Teng‐Teng , Gao Li‐Li , Du Jun
Published: May 2020

Three half‐sandwichruthenium(II) complexes with pyridine/phenylene bridged NHC = E (NHC = N‐heterocyclic carbene, E = S, Se) ligands [Ru(p‐cymene)L](PF6)1–2 (1a–1c, L = ligand) were synthesized and characterized. All ruthenium complexes were fully characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectra, mass spectrometry, and single‐crystalX‐ray diffraction methods. Moreover, the half‐sandwich ruthenium complexes with NHC = E ligands showed highly catalytic activities towards to the tandem dehydrogenation of ammonia borane (AB) and hydrogenation of R–NO2 to R–NH2 at 353 K in water.
Evaluation method for heavy metal pollution control effect in rural areas of northern Anhui Province
Authors: Chen Xiaofang , Deng Fukang
Published: May 2020

Soil is an important part of human survival, and people's lives cannot be separated from soil. At present, soil pollution in China is becoming more and more serious, especially heavy metal pollution. Based on this, a method for evaluating the effect of heavy metal pollution treatment in rural areas in northern Anhui was proposed. Taking Liulangguan Lane, Nanling, and Dapu in the south of Anhui Province as the study area, the PLSR model was used to collect soil heavy metal content in the area as sample data. The fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method was used to analyze the effect of heavy metal pollution control in rural areas. The results show that most of the soil quality evaluation grades are grades 2 and 3 and need to be retreated. And the evaluation accuracy of the method is always greater than 0.9500, and the evaluation results are more credible.
Machine learning applications in nonlife insurance
Authors: Grize Yves‐Laurent , Fischer Wolfram , Lützelschwab Christian
Published: May 2020

The literature on analytical applications in insurance tends to be either very general or rather technical, which may hold back the adoption of new important tools by industrial practitioners. Our goal is to stress that machine learning (ML) algorithms will play a significant role in the insurance industry in the near future and thus to encourage practitioners to learn and apply these techniques. After discussing the increasing relevance of data for nonlife insurance and briefly reviewing the major impact of digital technology on this business, we restrict our discussion to technical analytical applications and indicate where ML algorithms can add most value. We present two real examples: first a comparison of retention models for household insurance and then a dynamic pricing problem for online motor insurance. Both applications illustrate the advantages but also some of the difficulties of applying ML tools in practice. Finally, we mention some challenges posed by the use of ML in the industry and formulate a few recommendations for successful applications in insurance. This article is neither a tutorial nor an exhaustive review of technical ML applications in nonlife insurance. However, references for additional learning materials are provided.
Education research and educational practice: The qualities of a close relationship
Authors: Wyse Dominic , Brown Chris , Oliver Sandy , Poblete Ximena
Published: May 2020

The relationship between education practice and education research has a long history. In modern times, education practice and its relation to education research has been central to debates about the nature and quality of education as an academic discipline in universities. This article reports an empirical study that investigated a new instantiation of the practice–theory debate: ‘close‐to‐practice’ research in education. The research sought to (a) define and further articulate the concept of close‐to‐practice research and (b) provide reflections on the quality of close‐to‐practice research. The orientation of the work reported in this article is informed by theory on traditions of knowledge in the organisation of education that have contributed to the development of education as an academic discipline. The main section of the article reports the findings of the empirical study. The research design was a rapid evidence assessment (REA), and a series of interviews with education researchers whose experiences were highly relevant to understanding of close‐to‐practice research issues. The conclusions of the research are reported in relation to how close‐to‐practice research might be defined, including in relation to quality, but also implications for education as a discipline in universities subject to nationwide assessments of quality.
Development and characterization of cancer stem cell‐based tumoroids as an osteosarcoma model
Authors: Ozturk Sukru , Gorgun Cansu , Gokalp Sevtap , Vatansever Seda , Sendemir Aylin
Published: May 2020

Three‐dimensional (3D) cancer tumor models are becoming vital approaches for high‐throughput drug screening, drug targeting, development of novel theranostic systems, and personalized medicine. Yet, it is becoming more evident that the tumor progression and metastasis is fueled by a subpopulation of stem‐like cells within the tumor that are also called cancer stem cells (CSCs). This study aimed to develop a tumoroid model using CSCs. For this purpose CD133+ cells were isolated from SaOS‐2 osteosarcoma cell line with magnetic‐activated cell sorting. To evaluate tumoroid formation ability, the cells were incubated in different cell numbers in agar gels produced by 3D Petri Dish® method. Subsequently, CD133+ cells and CD133− cells were co‐cultured to investigate CD133+ cell localization in tumoroids. The characterization of tumoroids was performed using Live&Dead staining, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. The results showed that, CD133+, CD133− and SaOS‐2 cells were all able to form 3D tumoroids regardless of the initial cell number, but, while 72 hr were needed for CD133+ cells to self‐assemble, 24 hr were enough for CD133− and SaOS‐2 cells. CD133+ cells were located within tumoroids randomly with high cell viability. Finally, when compared to two‐dimensional (2D) cultures, there were 5.88, 4.14, 6.95, and 1.68‐fold higher messenger RNA expressions for Sox2, OCT3/4, Nanog, and Nestin, respectively, in CD133+ cells that were cultured within 3D tumoroids, showing longer maintenance of stem cell phenotype in 3D, that can allow more relevant screening and targeting efficiency in pharmaceutical testing. It was concluded that CSC‐based tumoroids are propitious as 3D tumor models to fill the gap between conventional 2D in vitro culture and in vivo animal experiments for cancer research.
J‐Park Simulator: Wissensgraph für Industrie 4.0
Authors: Kraft Markus , Eibeck Andreas
Published: May 2020

Diese Arbeit beschäftigt sich mit Ontologien, Wissensgraphen (Knowledge Graphs), Agenten und deren Rolle im Rahmen von Industrie 4.0. Anhand des J‐Park‐Simulators (JPS) als Teil des entwickelten Wissensgraphen (www.theworldavatar.com) wird die Bedeutung der Interoperabilität von Agenten in domänenübergreifenden Szenarien gezeigt. Als Fallbeispiel wird gezeigt wie die Ausbreitung von Luftschadstoffen eines Kraftwerks in Berlin mithilfe des JPS untersucht werden kann. Darüber hinaus werden Fragen zur Interoperabilität betrachtet und offene Probleme diskutiert.
Genotypic and phenotypic analyses reveal distinct population structures and ecotypes for sugar beet‐associated Pseudomonas in Oxford and Auckland
Authors: Zhang Xue‐Xian , Ritchie Stephen R. , Chang Hao , Arnold Dawn L. , Jackson Robert W. , Rainey Paul B.
Published: May 2020

Fluorescent pseudomonads represent one of the largest groups of bacteria inhabiting the surfaces of plants, but their genetic composition in planta is poorly understood. Here, we examined the population structure and diversity of fluorescent pseudomonads isolated from sugar beet grown at two geographic locations (Oxford, United Kingdom and Auckland, New Zealand). To seek evidence for niche adaptation, bacteria were sampled from three types of leaves (immature, mature, and senescent) and then characterized using a combination of genotypic and phenotypic analysis. We first performed multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) of three housekeeping genes (gapA, gltA, and acnB) in a total of 152 isolates (96 from Oxford, 56 from Auckland). The concatenated sequences were grouped into 81 sequence types and 22 distinct operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Significant levels of recombination were detected, particularly for the Oxford isolates (rate of recombination to mutation (r/m) = 5.23 for the whole population). Subsequent ancestral analysis performed in STRUCTURE found evidence of six ancestral populations, and their distributions significantly differed between Oxford and Auckland. Next, their ability to grow on 95 carbon sources was assessed using the Biolog™ GN2 microtiter plates. A distance matrix was generated from the raw growth data (A660) and subjected to multidimensional scaling (MDS) analysis. There was a significant correlation between substrate utilization profiles and MLSA genotypes. Both phenotypic and genotypic analyses indicated presence of a geographic structure for strains from Oxford and Auckland. Significant differences were also detected for MLSA genotypes between strains isolated from immature versus mature/senescent leaves. The fluorescent pseudomonads thus showed an ecotypic population structure, suggestive of adaptation to both geographic conditions and local plant niches.
Harnessing proteases for T regulatory cell immunotherapy
Authors: Amarnath Shoba , Brown Marnie L.
Published: May 2020

The immune system is tightly regulated by a subset of T cells defined as regulatory T cells (Tregs). Tregs maintain immune homeostasis by restraining unwarranted immune cell activation and effector function. Here, we discuss an important but underappreciated role of proteases in controlling Treg function. Proteases regulate a number of vital processes that determine T cell immune responses and some of them such as furin, ADAM (through regulating LAG receptor), MALT, and asparaginyl endopeptidase are implicated in Treg immunobiology. Targeted protease inhibition, using either small molecule inhibitors or gene deficient mice has demonstrated their specificity in modulating Treg function in experimental murine models. These data further highlight the ability of proteases to specifically regulate Tregs but no other T effector lineages. Taken together, it is apparent that incorporating proteases as targets within Treg cell engineering protocols may enable generation of robust Treg cellular therapeutics. These engineered Tregs may possess enhanced regulatory function along with resistance to lineage deviation in inflammatory disease such as colitis and graft versus host disease. Within this review, we summarize research on the role of proteases in regulating Treg function and discuss the translational potential of harnessing Treg function by targeting protease driven regulatory pathways.
IL‐7 induces sCD127 release and mCD127 downregulation in human CD8+ T cells by distinct yet overlapping mechanisms, both of which are impaired in HIV infection
Authors: Côté Sandra C. , Burke Schinkel Stephanie C. , Berthoud Tamara K. , Barros Priscila O. , Sanchez‐Vidales Maria , Davidson April M. , Crawley Angela M. , Angel Jonathan B.
Published: May 2020

The IL‐7 receptor specific α chain, CD127, can be expressed both as a membrane‐associated (mCD127) and a soluble form (sCD127), however, the mechanisms involved in their regulation remain to be defined. We first demonstrated in primary human CD8+ T cells that IL‐7‐induced downregulation of mCD127 expression is dependent on JAK and PI3K signaling, whereas IL‐7‐induced sCD127 release is also mediated by STAT5. Following stimulation with IL‐7, expression of alternatively spliced variants of the CD127 gene, sCD127 mRNA, is reduced, but to a lesser degree than the full‐length gene. Evaluation of the role of proteases revealed that MMP‐9 was involved in sCD127 release, without affecting the expression of mCD127, suggesting it does not induce direct shedding from the cell surface. Since defects in the IL‐7/CD127 pathway occur in various diseases, including HIV, we evaluated CD8+ T cells derived from HAART‐treated HIV‐infected individuals and found that IL‐7‐induced (1) downregulation of mCD127, (2) release of sCD127, and (3) expression of the sCD127 mRNA were all impaired. Expression of mCD127 and sCD127 is, therefore, regulated by distinct, but overlapping, mechanisms and their impairment in HIV infection contributes to our understanding of the CD8+ T cell dysfunction that persists despite effective antiretroviral therapy.
Ex vivo blockade of PI3K gamma or delta signaling enhances the antitumor potency of adoptively transferred CD8+ T cells
Authors: Dwyer Connor J. , Arhontoulis Dimitrios C. , Rangel Rivera Guillermo O , Knochelmann Hannah M. , Smith Aubrey S. , Wyatt Megan M. , Rubinstein Mark P. , Atkinson Carl , Thaxton Jessica E. , Neskey David M. , Paulos Chrystal M.
Published: May 2020

Adoptive T cell transfer therapy induces objective responses in patients with advanced malignancies. Despite these results, some individuals do not respond due to the generation of terminally differentiated T cells during the expansion protocol. As the gamma and delta catalytic subunits in the PI3K pathway are abundant in leukocytes and involved in cell activation, we posited that blocking both subunits ex vivo with the inhibitor IPI‐145 would prevent their differentiation, thereby increasing antitumor activity in vivo. However, IPI‐145 treatment generated a product with reduced antitumor activity. Instead, T cells inhibited of PI3Kγ (IPI‐549) or PI3Kδ (CAL‐101 or TGR‐1202) alone were more potent in vivo. While T cells coinhibited of PI3Kγ and PI3Kδ were less differentiated, they were functionally impaired, indicated by reduced production of effector cytokines after antigenic re‐encounter and decreased persistence in vivo. Human CAR T cells expanded with either a PI3Kγ or PI3Kδ inhibitor possessed a central memory phenotype compared to vehicle cohorts. We also found that PI3Kδ‐inhibited CARs lysed human tumors in vitro more effectively than PI3Kγ‐expanded or traditionally expanded CAR T cells. Our data imply that sole blockade of PI3Kγ or PI3Kδ generates T cells with remarkable antitumor properties, a discovery that has substantial clinical implications.
Effect of Ionic Liquid Structure on the Electrochemical Response of Dopamine at Room Temperature Ionic Liquid‐modified Carbon Paste Electrodes (IL–CPE)
Authors: Hernández‐Vargas Salvador G. , Alberto Cevallos‐Morillo Carlos , Aguilar‐Cordero Julio C.
Published: May 2020

In this work 12 different ionic liquids (ILs) have been used added as co‐binders in the preparation of modified carbon paste electrodes (IL–CPEs) used for the voltammetric analysis of dopamine in Britton‐Robinson buffer. The ionic liquids studied were selected based on three main criteria: (1) increasing chain length of alkyl substituents (studying 1‐ethylimidazolium and ethyl, propyl, butyl, hexyl and decylmethylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ionic liquids); (2) nature of the counter ion (dicyanamide, bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide and hexafluorophosphate) in 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium ionic liquids; and (3) cation ring structures (1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium, 1‐butyl‐1‐methylpiperidinium, 1‐butyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium and 1‐butyl‐3‐methylpyridinium) in bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide or hexafluorophosphate (1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium or 1‐butyl‐3‐methylpyridinium as cations) ionic liquids. The use of IL as co‐binders in IL–CPE results in a general enhancement of both the sensitivity and the reversibility of dopamine oxidation. In square wave voltammetry experiments, the peak current increased up to a 400 % when 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide was used as co‐binder, as compared to the response found with the unmodified CPE. Experimental data provide evidence that electrostatic and steric effects are the most important ones vis‐à‐vis these electrocatalytic effects on the anodic oxidation of dopamine on IL–CPE. The relative hydrophilicity of dicyanamide anions reduced the electrocatalytic effects of the corresponding ionic liquids, while the use of 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate or 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (two relatively small and highly hydrophobic ionic liquids) as co‐binders in IL–CPE resulted in the highest electrocatalytic activity among all of the IL–CPE studied.
Cyclodextrin‐micellar electrokinetic chromatography of apolipoproteins on human very low‐density lipoprotein
Authors: Shieh Ying‐Tzu , Chang Chiz‐Tzung , Toh Jia‐Jia , Hsu Yun‐Hsun , Chang I‐Ting , Hsia Min‐Hui , Liu Mine‐Yine
Published: May 2020

The apolipoproteins (APOs) of human very low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL) were investigated by an optimized cyclodextrin‐micellar electrokinetic chromatography (CD‐MEKC) method. The separation buffer consisted of 20 mM sodium phosphate, 40 mM bile salts (50% sodium cholate and 50% sodium deoxycholate), 25 mM carboxymethyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (CM‐β‐CD) (pH 7.0). For CD‐MEKC separation, a sample injection time of 12 s, a separation voltage of 15 KV, and a capillary temperature of 15°C were chosen. The optimal CD‐MEKC method showed good resolution and repeatability for VLDL APOs. Identification and quantitation of VLDL APOs CI, CIII, and E were based on comparison with human APO standards. Good linear relationships with correlation coefficient (R2) 0.99 were obtained for APOs CI, CIII, and E standards. For these three APOs, the linear ranges were within 0.01‐0.54 mg/mL, and the concentration limits of detection (LODs) were lower than 0.02 mg/mL. Moreover, VLDL APOs from four uremic patients and four healthy subjects were compared. The uremic and healthy CD‐MEKC profiles showed dramatic difference. The levels of APO CIII were significantly higher for two patients, and the level of APO E was significantly higher for one patient. This study might be helpful for following the disease development of uremia and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the future.
Microarray expression profiling of long noncoding RNAs in the progesterone‐treated lung cancer cells
Authors: Xie Mingxuan , Lu Xiaoxiao , Chen Qiong
Published: May 2020

Background

The increasing incidence and unique biological features of lung cancer in women has prompted renewed interest in the role of sex hormones in this disease. We previously showed that progesterone (P4) inhibited lung cancer tumorigenesis and progression. Here, we investigated the effects of P4 on expression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and target mRNAs in lung cancer cells.

Methods

We performed high‐throughput microarray and bioinformatics analysis to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs in the untreated and the P4‐treated A549 human lung cancer cells.

Results

In total, 692 lncRNAs and 268 mRNAs were significantly differentially expressed in the P4‐treated A549 cells compared to the untreated A549 cells (> 2‐fold change,p< 0.05). Of the lncRNAs, 82 and 610 were up‐regulated and down‐regulated, respectively. Gene ontology, pathway and network analyses showed that many of the mRNAs were involved in the regulation of classical pathways, including Notch signaling. Differential expression of a lncRNA signature composed of NONHSAT000264, FR075921, FR324124, linc‐TRIM58, RP1‐93H18.7, RP11‐120 K9.2, RP11‐134F2.2 and NONHSAG024980 was validated by quantitatuve reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction analysis.

Conclusions

This is the first report of differentially expressed lncRNAs in the P4‐treated lung cancer cells. The results suggest that lncRNAs could serve as potential therapeutic targets for P4‐sensitive lung cancer.
Tryptophan metabolism in phenylketonuria: A French adult cohort study
Authors: Boulet Lysiane , Besson Gérard , Van Noolen Laetitia , Faure Patrice ,   ECOPHEN Study Group, Maillot François , Corne Christelle
Published: May 2020

Many similarities between tryptophan (Trp) and phenylalanine (Phe) metabolisms exist. It is possible that a modification of Trp metabolism might be seen in phenylketonuria (PKU). As some of these metabolites have neuroactive properties, they should be consider in neurological impairment seen in this pathology and not totally explained by blood Phe concentrations. One hundred and fifty‐one adult PKU patients (mean age 26.8 years) were included for this study. Plasma Trp, kynurenine (KYN), 3‐hydroxykynurenic acid (3HK), and kynurenic acid (KA) were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. KYN and 3HK were significantly lower in PKU patients compared to general population (P < .0001), and KA was significantly enhanced is this population (P = .009). Furthermore, 3HK concentration was significantly different between PKU patients underwent controlled low‐Phe diet compared to PKU patients without this diet (P = .0016). In PKU patients with diet, taking AA substitute enable higher plasma 3HK concentration than without (P = .0008) but still not reaching general population level (P < .0001). Although further study has to be done, it is clear that Trp metabolism is modified in adult PKU patients. An exploration of complete Trp metabolism, and not only Trp concentration, is needed in PKU population, but also in other inborn error of metabolism treated with hypoprotidic diet.
Public Leadership in a Public Sector
Authors: Bose Manab
Published: May 2020

The traditional definition of “Public Leadership” has been attributed to a person who holds an influential position in the service of the public, for example, a Mayor or Councillor. Public‐sector undertakings (PSUs) were set up to serve the public in aspects of the economy that had direct impact on the lives and well‐being of people at large (e.g., the oil and banking industries in India). Two main issues that confront PSUs in India are the ability to attract talent vis‐a‐vis multinational corporations, and the ability to provide “entrepreneurial” and fast‐track career‐development opportunities. The PSUs where public leadership is prominent are the industrial sectors of oil and banking, because these two sectors are directly associated with international markets. Historically, these two sectors in India were nationalized in the mid‐70s and came under the “public leadership” of bureaucrats and their politician bosses who knew very little about international markets within which the two sectors operate. Bureaucratic applications in the oil sector did not recognize the global fluctuation in crude oil prices, leading to the promotion of a culture of central government mandated subsidies to protect the general public. The banking sector, under the control of brilliant but inward‐looking bureaucrats in the Central Bank, remained closed to international investments and participation of foreign industrial conglomerates in the Indian economy for over four decades. Consequently, PSUs in India languished due to lack of “public leadership” accountability; this is evident from the demise of ITI, New Government Electrical Factory, HMT in Bangalore and major industrial powerhouses such as Andrew Yule, Jessop, and others in West Bengal. Public leadership needs emphasis because PSUs are the largest employers in India, control the most substantial asset base that must offer a return to both employees and other stakeholders. This paper is about the emergence of public leadership in an oil PSU, through the person of the HR Director. Under his leadership since 2015, the oil company has demonstrated to the oil sector in India that “entrepreneurship” can be nurtured by implementing policies and practices of leader‐development that are at par with global high‐tech manufacturing and fast moving consumer goods multinationals. Finally, emerging into an era that is “Make in India,” public leadership in PSUs will be called upon to deliver a return on equity that does not undermine and is not in conflict with the delivery of public good in a nation that struggles to bring BPL under control.
Clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of ventricular arrhythmias arising from pulmonary cusps
Authors: Rangaswamy Vickram V. , Yalagudri Sachin , Saggu Daljeet K. , Subramanian Muthiah , Sridevi Chennapragadha , Narasimhan Calambur
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) have been successfully ablated from the pulmonary sinus cusps establishing pulmonary artery (PA) as a distinct site of arrhythmic foci. The aim of the present study was to determine the clinical presentation, electrocardiographic, and ablation characteristics of PA‐VAs.

Methods

Thirty consecutive patients with right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT)‐type VAs were included in this retrospective study. Three‐dimensional electroanatomic mapping was performed in all patients. Mapping was performed initially in RVOT, and later within the PA. Mapping was performed in the PA if there was no early activation, unsatisfactory pace‐map, or ablation in RVOT were unsuccessful. All PA‐VAs were mapped and ablated by looping the catheter in a reverse U fashion.

Results

Among 30 patients, 8 (26.6%) patients VAs were successfully ablated within PA. Electrocardiography (ECG) revealed that the QRS duration was significantly wider in the PA‐VAs group compared to the RVOT‐VAs group (155 ± 14.14 vs 142.40 ± 8.12 ms, P < .01). Mapping by reversed U method of PA‐VAs revealed earlier activation (55 ± 9.66 vs 12.00 ± 8.61 ms, P < .01) in PA compared to RVOT. An isolated discrete prepotential was present at the successful site in 50% (n = 4).

Conclusion

Pulmonary artery‐VAs are an important subset of VA originating from the outflow tract. They have a wider baseline QRS duration compared to RVOT‐VAs. Presence of a prepotential aids in the identification of a successful ablation site. Mapping utilizing the reversed U method can help in localization and successful ablation of PA‐VAs.
Effective on‐line high‐speed shear dispersing emulsifier technique coupled with high‐performance countercurrent chromatography method for simultaneous extraction and isolation of carotenoids from Lycium barbarum L. fruits
Authors: Gong Yuan , Huang Xin‐Yi , Liu Jian‐Fei , Pei Dong , Duan Wen‐Da , Zhang Xia , Sun Xiao , Di Duo‐Long
Published: May 2020

An efficient combination strategy based on high‐speed shear dispersing emulsifier technique and high‐performance countercurrent chromatography was developed for on‐line extraction and isolation of carotenoids from the fruits of Lycium barbarum. In this work, the high‐speed shear dispersing emulsifier technique has been employed to extract crude extracts using the upper phase of high‐performance countercurrent chromatography solvent system composed of n‐hexane−dichloromethane−acetonitrile (10:4:6.5, v/v) as the extraction solvent. At the separation stage, the high‐performance counter‐current chromatography process adopts elution–extrusion mode and the upper phase of the solvent system as stationary phase (reverse‐phase mode). As a result, three compounds including zeaxanthin, zeaxanthin monopalmitate, and zeaxanthin dipalmitate with purities of 89, 90, and 93% were successfully obtained in one extraction‐separation operation within 120 min. The targeted compounds were analyzed and identified by high‐performance liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and NMR spectroscopy. The results indicated that the present on‐line combination method could serve as a simple, rapid, and effective way to achieve weak polar and unstable compounds from natural products.
A social‐cognitive framework of small accommodation enterprise sustainability practices
Authors: Agyeiwaah Elizabeth
Published: May 2020

Small accommodation enterprises have a great potential to assist the tourism industry in the progress toward sustainable development goals. This study explores the inherent complexity of sustainability practices with the recognition that sustainable behavior is the outcome of a reciprocal determinism between personal, environmental, and behavioral factors. Unlike previous studies, the role of knowledge of sustainability as a major determinant of self‐efficacy is investigated to understand whether differences in knowledge have any influence on sustainability practices. A qualitative approach was employed, and 26 owner‐managers of small accommodation enterprises (i.e., home‐stay) were sampled purposively. Three different knowledge groups are identified but their sustainability practices are not significantly different from each other. Significantly, an active group that understands sustainability as a tool for socialization emerges. These findings have a policy and theoretical implications for sustainable development.
Balance function after cochlear implant and inner ear anomaly: Comparison of dynamic posturography
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Farideh , Asghari Alimohamad , Moradi‐Lakeh Maziar , Farhadi Mohammad , Daneshi Ahmad , Mohseni Mohammad , Mohammadi S.Saeed
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Patients with sensorineural hearing loss suffer concomitant vestibular dysfunction that is more prevalent in patients with inner ear anomaly and could be aggravated with cochlear implantation. To assess the vestibular dysfunction in patients with cochlear implantation, we compared their results with those of patients with and without inner ear anomaly.

Materials and methods

This is a historical cohort study lasting for 20 years on 50 patients with cochlear implantation. All patients underwent dynamic posturography and Bruininks‐Oseretsky Test.

Results

Twenty‐two (44%) of the participants showed some types of inner ear anomaly. The frequency of abnormal Bruininks‐Oseretsky Test was 45.5% and 10.7% (P = .005, odds ratio [OR] = 6.9). Abnormal composite was seen in 77.3% and 21.4%, respectively (P < .001; OR = 12.5). The mean strategy score in the fifth condition of the sensory organization test was 25.0 ± 20.4 in patients with inner ear anomaly, whereas it was 44.1 ± 18.9 in those without it (P = .001).

Conclusion

Balance capability in cochlear implantation patients with inner ear anomaly compared to those without inner ear anomaly was worse. More vestibular rehabilitation treatment plans are suggested for these patients.
High‐Efficiency Synthesizer for Spatial Waves Based on Space‐Time‐Coding Digital Metasurface
Authors: Dai Jun Yan , Yang Liu Xi , Ke Jun Chen , Chen Ming Zheng , Tang Wankai , Li Xiang , Chen Mao , Wu Zhan Hao , Cheng Qiang , Jin Shi , Cui Tie Jun
Published: May 2020

Space‐time modulated metasurfaces enable efficient manipulations of nonlinear harmonics with more degrees of freedom than conventional materials by simply controlling the element geometries and modulation signals. The theoretical analyses reveal that a group of harmonics in reflected waves could be generated by the metasurface under the incidence of monochromatic wave with the rapid change of surface reflectivity, while the fundamental spectrum is greatly suppressed. However, it remains a great challenge to synthesize a high‐quality single‐tone signal for the reflected waves with excellent rejection ratio for higher‐order harmonics, which is highly desired for applications like wireless communications and radar detection. Here, a new scheme to overcome this limit, which experimentally realizes high‐efficiency frequency conversion from the fundamental harmonic to the order harmonic of reflected waves, and beam shaping based on the space‐time joint coding strategy are proposed. The measured results show that the maximum conversion efficiency is greater than 88%. This design can also find widespread applications in THz frequencies when the active metasurface for periodical phase modulations is further developed.
A Chip‐Scale Optical Frequency Reference for the Telecommunication Band Based on Acetylene
Authors: Zektzer Roy , Hummon Matthew T. , Stern Liron , Sebbag Yoel , Barash Yefim , Mazurski Noa , Kitching John , Levy Uriel
Published: May 2020

Lasers precisely stabilized to known transitions between energy levels in simple, well‐isolated quantum systems such as atoms and molecules are essential for a plethora of applications in metrology and optical communications. The implementation of such spectroscopic systems in a chip‐scale format would allow to reduce cost dramatically and would open up new opportunities in both photonically integrated platforms and free‐space applications such as lidar. Here the design, fabrication, and experimental characterization of a molecular cladded waveguide platform based on the integration of serpentine nanoscale photonic waveguides with a miniaturized acetylene chamber is presented. The goal of this platform is to enable cost‐effective, miniaturized, and low power optical frequency references in the telecommunications C band. Finally, this platform is used to stabilize a 1.5 µm laser with a precision better than 400 kHz at 34 s. The molecular cladded waveguide platform introduced here could be integrated with components such as on‐chip modulators, detectors, and other devices to form a complete on‐chip laser stabilization system.
On the classification and modular extendability of E0‐semigroups on factors
Authors: Bikram Panchugopal , Markiewicz Daniel
Published: May 2020

In this paper we study modular extendability and equimodularity of endomorphisms and E0‐semigroups on factors, when these definitions are recast to the context of faithful normal semifinite weights and this dependency is analyzed. We show that modular extendability is a property that does not depend on the choice of weights, it is a cocycle conjugacy invariant and it is preserved under tensoring. Furthermore, we prove a necessary and sufficient condition for equimodularity of endomorphisms in the context of weights. This extends previously known results regarding the necessity of this condition in the case of states. The classification of E0‐semigroups on factors is considered: a modularly extendable E0‐semigroup is said to be of type EI, EII or EIII if its modular extension is of type I, II or III, respectively. We prove that all types exist on properly infinite factors. We show that q‐CCR flows are not extendable, and we extend previous results by the first author regarding the non‐extendability of CAR flow to a larger class of quasi‐free states. We also compute the coupling index and the relative commutant index for the CAR flows and q‐CCR flows. As an application, by considering repeated tensors of the CAR flows we show that there are infinitely many non cocycle conjugate non‐extendable E0‐semigroups on the hyperfinite factors of types II1 and IIIλ, for .
Long‐term stability of microbiome diversity and composition in fecal samples stored in eNAT medium
Authors: Young Rebecca R. , Jenkins Kirsten , Araujo‐Perez Felix , Seed Patrick C. , Kelly Matthew S.
Published: May 2020

Fecal samples collected for microbiome analyses are typically frozen to avoid postcollection changes in microbial composition. eNAT is a guanidine thiocyanate‐based medium that stabilizes microbial DNA and allows safe specimen handling and shipping by inactivating microorganisms. We collected fecal samples (n = 50) from children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We divided samples into three aliquots: (a) stored in RNAlater and immediately transferred to −80°C; (b) stored in eNAT medium and immediately transferred to −80°C; and (c) stored in eNAT medium at ambient temperature (~20°C) for 30 days prior to transfer to −80°C. Mean (standard deviation) Shannon diversity and Chao1 indices in sample aliquots were 2.05 (0.62) and 23.8 (16.6), respectively. Comparing samples frozen immediately in RNAlater to samples frozen immediately in eNAT, there were no differences in Shannon diversity (p = .51), Chao1 richness (p = .66), and overall microbiome composition (p = .99). Comparing eNAT samples frozen immediately to samples stored at ambient temperature, we identified no differences in Shannon diversity (p = .65), Chao1 richness (p = .87), and overall microbiome composition (p = .99). Storage of fecal samples in eNAT at ambient temperature for 30 days did not alter microbiome richness, diversity, or composition. eNAT may be a useful medium for fecal microbiome studies, particularly when cold chain storage is unavailable.