bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reversible Structure Engineering of Bioinspired Anisotropic Surface for Droplet Recognition and Transportation
Authors: Li Qian , Li Lijun , Shi Kui , Yang Baisong , Wang Xin , Shi Zhekun , Tan Di , Meng Fandong , Liu Quan , Hu Shiqi , Lei Yifeng , Liu Sheng , Xue Longjian
Published: July 2020

Surfaces with tunable liquid adhesion have aroused great attention in past years. However, it remains challenging to endow a surface with the capability of droplet recognition and transportation. Here, a bioinspired surface, termed as TMAS, is presented that is inspired by isotropic lotus leaves and anisotropic butterfly wings. The surface is prepared by simply growing a triangular micropillar array on the pre‐stretched thin poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) film. The regulation of mechanical stress in the PDMS film allows the fine tuning of structural parameters of the micropillar array reversibly, which results in the instantaneous, in situ switching between isotropic and various degrees of anisotropic droplet adhesions, and between strong adhesion and directional sliding of water droplets. TMAS can thus be used for robust droplet transportation and recognition of acids, bases, and their pH strengths. The results here could inspire the design of robust sensor techniques.
The Prevalence of Disability Health Training and Residents With Disabilities in Emergency Medicine Residency Programs
Authors: Sapp Richard W. , Sebok‐Syer Stefanie S. , Gisondi Michael A. , Rotoli Jason M. , Backster Anika , McClure Poffenberger Cori
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Individuals with disabilities experience significant health care disparities due to a multitude of barriers to effective care, which include a lack of adequate physician training on this topic and negative attitudes of physicians. This results in disparities through inadequate physical examination and diagnostic testing, withholding or inferior treatment, and neglecting preventative care. While much has been published about disability education in undergraduate medical education, little is known about the current state of disability education in emergency medicine (EM) residency programs.

Methods

In 2019, a total of 237 EM residency program directors (PDs) in the United States were surveyed about the actual and desired number of hours of disability health instruction, perceived barriers to disability health education, prevalence of residents and faculty with disabilities, and confidence in providing accommodations to residents with disabilities.

Results

A total of 104 surveys were completed (104/237, 43.9% response rate); 43% of respondents included disability‐specific content in their residency curricula for an average of 1.5 total hours annually, in contrast to average desired hours of 4.16 hours. Reported barriers to disability health education included lack of time and lack of faculty expertise. A minority of residency programs have faculty members (13.5%) or residents (26%) with disabilities. The prevalence of EM residents with disabilities was 4.02%. Programs with residents with disabilities reported more hours devoted to disability curricula (5 hours vs 1.54 hours, p = 0.017) and increased confidence in providing workplace accommodations for certain disabilities including mobility disability (p = 0.002), chronic health conditions (p = 0.022), and psychological disabilities (p = 0.018).

Conclusions

A minority of EM PDs in our study included disability health content in their residency curricula. The presence of faculty and residents with disabilities is associated with positive effects on training programs, including a greater number of hours devoted to disability health education and greater confidence in accommodating learners with disabilities. To reduce health care disparities for patients with disabilities, we recommend that a dedicated disability health curriculum be integrated into all aspects of the EM residency curriculum, including lectures, journal clubs, and simulations and include direct interaction with individuals with disabilities. We further recommend that disability be recognized as an aspect of diversity when hiring faculty and recruiting residents to EM programs, to address this training gap and to promote a diverse and inclusive learning environment.
Optimization of agrobacterium‐mediated transformation of sugar beet: Glyphosate and insect pests resistance associated genes
Authors: Moazami‐Goodarzi Khadijeh , Mortazavi Sayyed‐Elyass , Heidari Bahram , Norouzi Peyman
Published: July 2020

Transformation of sugar beet with genes conferring tolerance against biotic stresses might accelerate improvement of new hybrid varieties with respect to root yield. In the present study, the optimization of transformation procedure and the integration of four agronomically important genes were assessed in two sugar beet inbred lines. First, the transformation system was optimized with the Agrobacterium tumefacienes LBA4404 and GV3101 strains harboring a recombinant plasmid vector. The vector was constructed based on pBI121 plasmid containing the cryIA105, cryIIIAa, CP4‐epsps and gox genes. The effects of four factors including the strains and growth density of Agrobacterium, inoculation time, and plant lines on the frequency of regeneration were assessed. The adventitious bud excised leaflets were used as explants for tissue culture. A factorial experiment based on completely randomized design was adopted as statistical model. Analysis of variance showed that simple effect of Agrobacterium strain, growth density and inoculation time on regeneration of transgenic plantlets, as well as growth rate × inoculation time interaction had significant effects on regeneration of transgenic plantlets. Means comparison analyses indicated that OD600 = 0.6 and inoculation time of 15 min were the best conditions for transformation. Totally, more than 330 putative transgenic plantlets were regenerated during transformation. The presence of transgenes in the putative transgenic plants was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. Subsequently, transcription of transgenes was confirmed by Reverse Transcription‐PCR analysis. Overall, our results revealed that the modified protocol for transformation could be used successfully to introduce new gene cassettes into sugar beet lines.
The Muslimah Project: A Collaborative Inquiry into Discrimination and Muslim Women’s Mental Health in a Canadian Context
Authors: Hunt Brianna , Wilson Ciann L. , Fauzia Ghazala , Mazhar Fauzia
Published: July 2020

Prior research in Europe and North America demonstrates that religious discrimination against Muslim people, commonly known as Islamophobia, results in many negative mental health impacts, including depression, anxiety, isolation, and feelings of exclusion (Awan & Zempi, 2015). In Canada, Muslim women face a unique form of discrimination based on their religious, racial, and gender identities (Helly, 2012; Zine, 2008). Grounded in feminist intersectional theory and practice (Hill Collins & Bilge, 2016), the present manuscript emerges from a community‐based project centered on Muslim women’s experiences of discrimination and resulting adverse mental health impacts. Through a series of five focus groups (N = 55), the research team engaged with Muslim women from diverse backgrounds in order to gain a more complete understanding of mental health inequities in Canada. Thematic analyses of focus group data revealed that Muslim women participants regularly experience Islamophobic discrimination and face multiple barriers when attempting to access culturally relevant and responsive supports. Results illuminate the potential of reciprocal, community‐based research to investigate and respond to mental health disparities experienced by Muslim women in Canada.
Circulating ethanolamine plasmalogen indices in Alzheimer's disease: Relation to diagnosis, cognition, and CSF tau
Authors: Kling Mitchel A. , Goodenowe Dayan B. , Senanayake Vijitha , MahmoudianDehkordi Siamak , Arnold Matthias , Massaro Tyler J. , Baillie Rebecca , Han Xianlin , Leung Yuk‐Yee , Saykin Andrew J. , Nho Kwangsik , Kueider‐Paisley Alexandra , Tenenbaum Jessica D. , Wang Li‐San , Shaw Leslie M. , Trojanowski John Q. , Kaddurah‐Daouk Rima F. ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Metabolomics Consortium (ADMC) and the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Altered lipid metabolism is implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the mechanisms remain obscure. Aging‐related declines in circulating plasmalogens containing omega‐3 fatty acids may increase AD risk by reducing plasmalogen availability.

Methods

We measured four ethanolamine plasmalogens (PlsEtns) and four closely related phosphatidylethanolamines (PtdEtns) from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI; n = 1547 serum) and University of Pennsylvania (UPenn; n = 112 plasma) cohorts, and derived indices reflecting PlsEtn and PtdEtn metabolism: PL‐PX (PlsEtns), PL/PE (PlsEtn/PtdEtn ratios), and PBV (plasmalogen biosynthesis value; a composite index). We tested associations with baseline diagnosis, cognition, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) AD biomarkers.

Results

Results revealed statistically significant negative relationships in ADNI between AD versus CN with PL‐PX (P = 0.007) and PBV (P = 0.005), late mild cognitive impairment (LMCI) versus cognitively normal (CN) with PL‐PX (P = 2.89 × 10−5) and PBV (P = 1.99 × 10−4), and AD versus LMCI with PL/PE (P = 1.85 × 10−4). In the UPenn cohort, AD versus CN diagnosis associated negatively with PL/PE (P = 0.0191) and PBV (P = 0.0296).

In ADNI, cognition was negatively associated with plasmalogen indices, including Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale 13‐item cognitive subscale (ADAS‐Cog13; PL‐PX: P = 3.24 × 10−6; PBV: P = 6.92 × 10−5) and Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE; PL‐PX: P = 1.28 × 10−9; PBV: P = 6.50 × 10−9). In the UPenn cohort, there was a trend toward a similar relationship of MMSE with PL/PE (P = 0.0949).

In ADNI, CSF total‐tau was negatively associated with PL‐PX (P = 5.55 × 10−6) and PBV (P = 7.77 × 10−6). Additionally, CSF t‐tau/Aβ1‐42 ratio was negatively associated with these same indices (PL‐PX, P = 2.73 × 10−6; PBV, P = 4.39 × 10−6). In the UPenn cohort, PL/PE was negatively associated with CSF total‐tau (P = 0.031) and t‐tau/Aβ1‐42 (P = 0.021). CSF Aβ1‐42 was not significantly associated with any of these indices in either cohort.

Discussion

These data extend previous studies by showing an association of decreased plasmalogen indices with AD, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), cognition, and CSF tau. Future studies are needed to better define mechanistic relationships, and to test the effects of interventions designed to replete serum plasmalogens.
Dietary fatty acids and risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias: Observations from the Washington Heights‐Hamilton Heights‐Inwood Columbia Aging Project (WHICAP)
Authors: Gustafson Deborah R. , Bäckman K. , Scarmeas N. , Stern Y. , Manly J.J. , Mayeux R. , Gu Y.
Published: July 2020

Introduction

High dietary intake of long chain, polyunsaturated fatty acids is associated with lower Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk.

Methods

Washington Heights‐Hamilton Heights‐Inwood Columbia Aging Project is a multiethnic, prospective observational study of aging and dementia among elderly (≥ 65 years). Dietary intake was measured using a food frequency questionnaire. Dietary short‐, medium‐, and long‐chain fatty acid intakes were categorized by number of carbons and double bonds. Consensus AD diagnoses were made. Associations between AD risk and dietary fatty acid and cholesterol intakes were estimated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results

Of 2612 multiethnic women (67%) and men (baseline age 76.3 [6.4] years), 380 developed AD over an average 4.5 years follow‐up. Lower risk of AD was associated with increasing intakes of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; hazard ratio [HR] = 0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.57 to 0.95, P = 0.018) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; HR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.57 to 0.95, P = 0.021), and longer AD‐free survival (P < 0.05).

Discussion

Higher intake of DHA and EPA are protective for AD.
How to Remove the Capping Agent from Pd Nanocubes without Destructing Their Surface Structure for the Maximization of Catalytic Activity?
Authors: Shi Yifeng , Lyu Zhiheng , Cao Zhenming , Xie Minghao , Xia Younan
Published: July 2020

We report a robust method for effectively removing the chemisorbed Br− ions, a capping agent, from the surface of Pd nanocubes to maximize their catalytic activity. The Br− ions can be removed by simply heating the sample in water, but the desorption of Br− ions will expose the underneath Pd atoms to the O2 from air for the formation of a relatively thick oxide layer. During potential cycling, the oxide layer evolves into detrimental features such as steps and terraces. By introducing a trace amount of hydrazine into the system, the Br− ions can be removed by heating without forming a thick oxide layer. The as‐cleaned nanocubes show greatly enhanced activity toward formic acid oxidation. This cleaning method can also remove Br− ions from Rh nanocubes and it is expected to work for other combinations of nanocrystals and capping agents.
Plattformen für die orale Insulinabgabe: Strategien zur Beseitigung der biologischen Barrieren
Authors: Xiao Yufen , Tang Zhongmin , Wang Junqing , Liu Chuang , Kong Na , Farokhzad Omid C. , Tao Wei
Published: July 2020

Diabetes mellitus ist eine lebenslange Stoffwechselerkrankung, die häufige subkutane Insulininjektionen erfordert. Diese Verabreichungsmethode kann jedoch mit Beschwerden des Patienten und einer lokalen Gewebeinfektion verbunden sein. Die orale Verabreichung von Insulin wird aufgrund der wahrscheinlich überlegenen Patientencompliance und ‐bequemlichkeit sowie der Kosteneffizienz als bequemere Methode zur Behandlung von Diabetes verfolgt. Verschiedene biologische Barrieren behindern jedoch die klinische Translation von oralem Insulin. Die rasante Entwicklung der Nanotechnologie im letzten Jahrzehnt bietet vielversprechende Möglichkeiten zur Verbesserung der Bioverfügbarkeit von oralem Insulin. Dieser Kurzaufsatz gibt einen Überblick über biologische Barrieren für die orale Insulinabgabe, fasst wichtige technische Fortschritte zusammen und skizziert zukünftige Perspektiven in oralen Insulinformulierungen sowie deren hypoglykämische Wirkungen.
Water‐Induced Structural Dynamic Process in Molecular Sieves under Mild Hydrothermal Conditions: Ship‐in‐a‐Bottle Strategy for Acidity Identification and Catalyst Modification
Authors: Sun Tantan , Xu Shutao , Xiao Dong , Liu Zhiqiang , Li Guangchao , Zheng Anmin , Liu Wenjuan , Xu Zhaochao , Cao Yi , Guo Qiang , Wang Nan , Wei Yingxu , Liu Zhongmin
Published: July 2020

Water is the most important substance in nature. Imitating the formation of natural materials, molecular sieves have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and applied in industry. Herein, we reveal an unforeseen observation on a very special water‐induced structural dynamic process of these materials. Dynamic and reversible breaking and forming of T‐O‐T bonds in silicoaluminophosphate (SAPO) occurs through interactions between gaseous water and the molecular‐sieve framework under mild hydrothermal conditions and is confirmed by detection of the incorporation of 17O from H217O into molecular‐sieve framework. Encapsulation of the bulky molecules trimethylphosphine and pyridine (kinetic diameters much larger than the pore size of SAPO‐34) into CHA cavities consolidated the water‐induced dynamic process. Consequently, new insights into the dynamic features of molecular sieves in water are provided. The ship‐in‐a‐bottle strategy based on these findings also open new fields for fine acidity identification and gives extra boost in shape‐selective catalysis.
Coupled Metabolic Cycles Allow Out‐of‐Equilibrium Autopoietic Vesicle Replication
Authors: Engwerda Anthonius H. J. , Southworth Josh , Lebedeva Maria A. , Scanes Robert J. H. , Kukura Philipp , Fletcher Stephen P.
Published: July 2020

We report chemically fuelled out‐of‐equilibrium self‐replicating vesicles based on surfactant formation. We studied the vesicles’ autocatalytic formation using UPLC to determine monomer concentration and interferometric scattering microscopy at the nanoparticle level. Unlike related reports of chemically fuelled self‐replicating micelles, our vesicular system was too stable to surfactant degradation to be maintained out of equilibrium. The introduction of a catalyst, which introduces a second catalytic cycle into the metabolic network, was used to close the first cycle. This shows how coupled catalytic cycles can create a metabolic network that allows the creation and perseverance of fuel‐driven, out‐of‐equilibrium self‐replicating vesicles.
Tuning Chain Relaxation from an Amorphous Biopolymer Film to Crystals by Removing Air/Water Interface Limitations
Authors: Han Qian , Tao Fei , Xu Yan , Su Hao , Yang Facui , Körstgens Volker , Müller‐Buschbaum Peter , Yang Peng
Published: July 2020

A promising route to the synthesis of protein‐mimetic materials that are capable of strong mechanics and complex functions is provided by intermolecular β‐sheet stacking. An understanding of the assembly mechanism on β‐sheet stacking at molecular‐level and the related influencing factors determine the potential to design polymorphs of such biomaterials towards broad applications. Herein, we quantitatively reveal the air/water interface (AWI) parameters regulating the transformation from crowding amorphous aggregates to ordered phase and show that the polymorph diversity of β‐sheet stacking is regulated by the chain relaxation‐crystallization mechanism. An amorphous macroscale amyloid‐like nanofilm is formed at the AWI, in which unfolded protein chains are aligned in a short‐range manner to form randomly packed β‐sheets. The subsequent biopolymer chain relaxation‐crystallization to form nanocrystals is further triggered by removing the limitations of energy and space at the AWI.
“Perioperative Unfolding Case Study”—A Lesson in Quality and Safety
Authors: Altmiller Gerry
Published: July 2020

Unfolding case studies present the opportunity for learners to develop and improve their critical thinking and problem‐solving skills to deliver safe patient care. The structure of an unfolding case study actively engages learners to determine and customize nursing care based on the patient's changing situation. In addition, this type of case study supports development of knowledge, skills, and attitudes consistent with the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) competencies. During the student session at the AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo 2019, the author gave attendees the opportunity to participate in the “Perioperative unfolding case study” that was framed in the QSEN competencies. Session evaluations indicated that participants found the process provided a thorough overview of perioperative nursing and emphasized safety‐focused initiatives that protect patients undergoing operative and other invasive procedures. This article offers an in‐depth discussion of the “Perioperative unfolding case study” and its implementation.
Developing a Perioperative Nurse Residency Program to Address Planned Nurse Retirements
Authors: Nissen Nancy A.
Published: July 2020

Many perioperative nurses are nearing retirement age, which requires hospital and other surgical facility leaders either to compete for experienced perioperative nurses or to find educational solutions to prepare qualified nurses for the perioperative nurse role. Facing the upcoming retirement of several perioperative nurses, leaders at the Sacramento Veterans Affairs Medical Center needed to be proactive. This article describes the leaders’ exploration of possible solutions to the shortage, the development of attainable goals, and the steps to provide a successful perioperative nurse residency program. It discusses the required human and material resources, the candidate screening process, and information related to classroom and clinical experiences. The first nine‐month perioperative nurse residency program concluded with three graduates who are now working full‐time as RN circulators and scrub persons. This facility’s administrative leaders immediately approved a second cohort that ran from February 2019 to November 2019.
Ionizing radiation as adjuvant for the abiotic degradation of plastic bags containing pro‐oxidant additives
Authors: Aldas Miguel , Valle Vladimir , Aguilar Jenny , Pavon Cristina , Santos Roque , Luna Maribel
Published: July 2020

The effects of ionizing radiation in promoting the abiotic degradation mechanisms in oxo‐degradable plastic bags were studied. Commercial plastic bags, containing pro‐oxidant additives, were irradiated with gamma photons and accelerated electrons at doses of 5 and 10 kGy. Then, the irradiated bags were exposed to abiotic degradation, either thermal aging or accelerated weathering. Mechanical and microstructural characterizations were performed to follow the degradation. Plastic bags containing additives did not show important changes in their structure after ionizing radiation and thermal aging. Meanwhile, accelerated weathering combined with gamma photons irradiation produce fragmentation of all the samples after 120 h of degradation. It was concluded that the combination of ionizing radiation and accelerated weathering allows the breakage of polyethylene chains trough accelerating the activation of pro‐oxidant additive. Additionally, polyethylene molecules are degraded with pre‐treatment of ionizing radiation even if they do not contain the pro‐oxidant additive.
Fabrication of alginate‐P(SBMA‐co‐AAm) hydrogels with ultrastretchability, strain sensitivity, self‐adhesiveness, biocompatibility, and self‐cleaning function for strain sensors
Authors: Jin Xiaoqiang , Jiang Huihong , Qiao Fenghui , Huang Weipin , Bao Xiaojiong , Wang Zhengke , Hu Qiaoling
Published: July 2020

Conductive hydrogels have attracted a myriad of interest due to their potential applications for human motion monitoring, personal healthcare diagnosis and so forth. However, fabrication of hydrogel‐based strain sensors integrating with ultrastretchability, adhesiveness, strain sensitivity, biocompatibility, and self‐cleaning function is still a challenge. Herein, a new type of semi‐interpenetrating multifunctional hydrogels, which integrated all above practical features magically were prepared via a facile one‐pot in‐situ radical copolymerization method. Thereinto, [2‐(methacryloyloxy) ethyl] dimethyl‐(3‐sulfopropyl) ammonium hydroxide (SBMA) and acrylamide (AAm) copolymers cross‐linked by N,N′‐Methylenebisacrylamide (MBAA) served as the soft and functional matrix, whereas alginate was employed as the enhanced component. The transparent zwitterionic hydrogels had a max elongation and ionic conductivity of 1353% and 0.15 S/m, respectively. They could adhere onto various surfaces, including steel, glass, skin, and rubber. The repeatable adhesiveness, linear strain sensitivity within 0%–250% tensile strain and 0%–30% compressive strain provided remarkable working range and using stability. What's more notable was that the biocompatibility and self‐cleaning function tested by MTT, live/dead assay, allergy patch tests, and plate colony‐counting method imparted great possibility of practical application for strain sensors to hydrogels from a biological point of view.
Solar observatory Einstein Tower: Data release of the digitized solar full‐disk photographic plate archive
Authors: Pal Partha S. , Verma Meetu , Rendtel Jürgen , Manrique Sergio Javier González , Enke Harry , Denker Carsten
Published: July 2020

We present solar full‐disk observations that were recorded at the Einstein Tower during the years 1943–1991 (solar cycles 18–22). High‐school students from Potsdam and Berlin digitized more than 3,500 full‐disk images during 2–3‐week internships at Leibniz‐Institut für Astrophysik Potsdam (AIP). The digital images cover a 15 cm × 15 cm region on photographic plates, which were scanned at a resolution of 7,086 × 7,086 pixels. The raw data are monochromatic 8‐bit images in the tagged image file format (TIFF). These images were calibrated and saved with improved photometric precision as 16‐bit images with 2,048 × 2,048 pixels in the Flexible Image Transport System (FITS) format, which contains extensive headers describing the full‐disk images and the observations. The various calibration steps include, for example, accurate measurements of the solar radius, determination of the limb‐darkening function, and establishing an accurate coordinate system. The contrast‐enhanced and limb‐darkening corrected images, as well as the raw data, are freely available to researchers and the general public in a publicly accessible repository. The data are published as a special data release of the Archives of Photographic PLates for Astronomical USE (APPLAUSE) project.
Exploring Lithium Storage Mechanism and Cycling Stability of Bi2Mo3O12 Binary Metal Oxide Anode Composited with Ti3C2 MXene
Authors: Tian Kai , Lu Hui , Bu Liangmin , Huang Xue , Chiang Chao‐Lung , Yang Shiqi , Zhao Yue , Lin Yan‐Gu , Zhao Jianqing , Gao Lijun
Published: July 2020

Metal oxides are widely evaluated as high‐capacity anode candidates for practical lithium ion battery applications, owing to their attractive volumetric and gravimetric capacities compared with the traditional graphite anode. Synergistic effects on improving electrochemical performance of binary metal oxide anodes have been increasingly reported via different working mechanisms for lithium storage instead of simple combination of two single components. Herein, we report on exploring lithium storage mechanism in Bi2Mo3O12 binary metal oxide for the first time as an anode material. In‐situ synchrotron X‐ray diffraction measurements are performed on this exotic material to elucidate lithium storage behaviors, coupled with voltage‐resolved cyclic voltammetry and ex‐situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses. The Bi2Mo3O12 anode undergoes an irreversible initial conversion reaction, resulting in metallic Bi and Li2MoO4 components through electrochemical lithiation. During successive cycling, these two components reversibly uptake and release Li ions through alloying/de‐alloying and intercalation/de‐intercalation reactions, by forming corresponding Li3Bi alloy and excessively‐lithiated Li2+xMoO4 derivative, respectively. Cycling stability of the Bi2Mo3O12 anode material is considerably enhanced by in‐situ composition with Ti3C2‐based MXene nanosheets. The Bi2Mo3O12@Ti3C2 composite anode material can deliver an initial charge capacity of approximately 846 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1 and retain at 227 mAh g−1 upon prolonged 1000 cycles at 2.5 A g−1 high charge/discharge current density. This work offers some insights into lithium storage mechanism and composite nanostructure design in Bi−Mo−O binary metal oxide anode towards enhanced electrochemical performance.
Chromatographic clarification overcomes chromatin‐mediated hitch‐hiking interactions on Protein A capture column
Authors: Van de Velde Joris , Saller Manfred J. , Eyer Kurt , Voloshin Alexei
Published: July 2020

Protein A capture chromatography is a critical unit operation in the clearance of host cell protein (HCP) impurities in monoclonal antibody (mAb) purification processes. Though one of the most effective purification steps, variable levels of protein impurities are often observed in the eluate. Coelution of HCP impurities is suggested to be strongly affected by the presence of chromatin complexes (Gagnon et al., 2014; Koehler et al., 2019). We investigated the effect of removal of DNA complex and HCP reduction pre‐Protein A on the HCP clearance performance of the Protein A capture step itself. We found that only reduction of DNA in the Protein A load consistently lowered HCP in the Protein A eluate. Reduction of HCP in the Protein A load stream did not produce a significant increase in the chromatography HCP clearance performance. These results are consistent across three different biosimilar therapeutic mAbs expressed by the same Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line (i.e., CHOBC® of Polpharma Biologics). This result demonstrates that optimization of the mAb purification process utilizing Protein A as the primary capture step depends primarily on being able to effectively clear DNA and associated complexes early in the process, rather than trying to incorporate HCP reduction at the harvest cell culture fluid.
Vitamin D supplementation and serum neurofilament light chain in interferon‐beta‐1b‐treated MS patients
Authors: Hänninen Katariina , Jääskeläinen Olli , Herukka Sanna‐Kaisa , Soilu‐Hänninen Merja
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) is a promising biomarker of MS activity, progression, and treatment response. The aim of the present study was to address whether sNfL concentrations are affected by supplementation of vitamin D and correlate with disease activity in interferon‐beta‐1b (IFNb‐1b)‐treated Finnish MS.

Materials and Methods

Serum samples were available of 32 participants of the Finnish vitamin D randomized controlled trial (17 vitamin D/15 placebo). Serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D was measured using radioimmunoassay and sNfL using single‐molecule array (Simoa). Correlation of sNfL with brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) activity, burden of disease (BOD, mm3), and disability was assessed at the study baseline and at 52 weeks.

Results

Serum NfL concentrations were similar in the patients randomized to high‐dose vitamin D and placebo at the study baseline and at month 12 follow‐up (p‐value). Concentrations of sNfL were higher in patients with Gadolinium‐enhancing lesions in brain MRI: median (95% CI) sNfL was 14.84 (9.9–42.5) pg/ml and 11.39 (8.9–13.2) pg/ml in patients without Gd+lesions (p = .0144) and correlated with enhancing lesion volume (Pearsonr = .36,p = .037) at the study baseline but not at week 52. Serum NfL did not correlate with the MRI BOD or disability measured by expanded disability status scale and 25‐foot walk test.

Conclusion

In this small cohort of clinically stable IFN‐treated Finnish MS patients, sNfL levels were similarly low in patients supplemented with high‐dose vitamin D or placebo. Subclinical disease activity in MRI was associated with higher sNfL levels.
Adherence to the 2018 World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research cancer prevention recommendations and pancreatic cancer incidence and mortality: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Zhi‐Qing , Li Qu‐Jin , Hao Fa‐Bao , Wu You‐Qi‐Le , Liu Shan , Zhong Guo‐Chao
Published: July 2020

Background

Whether adherence to the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) cancer prevention recommendations is associated with a reduced risk of pancreatic cancer remains controversial. Additionally, no study has investigated this association in the US population. Hence, we investigated the association of adherence to the 2018 WCRF/AICR cancer prevention recommendations with pancreatic cancer incidence and mortality in a US population.

Methods

A population‐based cohort of 95 962 participants was identified. A score incorporating eight WCRF/AICR components was constructed to reflect adherence to the WCRF/AICR guidelines, with higher scores representing greater adherence to the guidelines. Cox and competing risk regression were used to calculate risk estimates for pancreatic cancer incidence and mortality, respectively. Restricted cubic spline functions were used to test nonlinearity.

Results

In the fully adjusted model, higher overall WCRF/AICR scores were shown to be associated with lower risks of developing pancreatic cancer (hazard ratiotertile 3 vs 1:0.67; 95% confidence interval: 0.49, 0.90; Ptrend = .0099) and mortality due to this cancer (subdistribution hazard ratiotertile 3 vs 1 0.65; 95% confidence interval: 0.47, 0.89; Ptrend = .0108) in a linear dose–response manner (all Pnonlinearity > .05). The component “be physically active” was shown to be a key contributor to the observed associations. No association of the diet‐specific WCRF/AICR score with pancreatic incidence and mortality was found.

Conclusions

Adherence to the 2018 WCRF/AICR guidelines, especially “be physically active,” confers reduced risks of pancreatic cancer incidence and mortality in the US population; however, adherence to dietary components alone does not confer such beneficial effects.
Influence of Cosurfactant on the Synthesis of Surface‐Modified Na2/3Ni1/3Mn2/3O2 as a Cathode for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: García‐García Francisco J. , Klee Rafael , Lavela Pedro , Bomio Mauricio R. D. , Tirado José L.
Published: July 2020

The electrochemical performance of two Na2/3Ni1/3Mn2/3O2 samples, prepared through an oleic‐assisted emulsion procedure, is examined. The effect of cosurfactants with either short (methylamine) or long (octylamine) chains is determined for their applicability as cathode materials for sodium‐ion batteries. Their structural and morphological properties are studied by X‐ray diffraction and electron microscopy. The electrochemical performance is determined by cycling sodium half‐cells with the galvanostatic method. Particular interest is devoted to their kinetic properties evaluated by using impedance spectroscopy.
Electrochemical Transformations of Chiral Ni(II) Schiff Base Derivative of Serine: A Route to Novel Structures
Authors: Levitskiy Oleg A. , Aglamazova Olga I. , Grishin Yuri K. , Paseshnichenko Ksenia A. , Magdesieva Tatiana V.
Published: July 2020

Electrochemical oxidative functionalization of (R)‐ and (S)‐SerNi complexes performed in a biphasic H2O, NaBr, NaHCO3/CH2Cl2 system using TEMPO as a mediator results in the formation of a new glycine derivative brominated at the α‐amino acid carbon as well as at the para‐position of the aminophenylene ring in 70 % yield. The reaction is stereoselective; only the (S)‐diastereomer is formed, regardless of the stereo configuration of the starting complex, which can be either (S)‐ or (R)‐SerNi. The lability of the Cα‐−Cβ bond in SerNi precludes targeted oxidation of the hydroxy group in the carbonyl derivative even under the mild conditions. Meanwhile, a new dibrominated complex with a labile Cα‐Br bond (BDE is 27 kcal/mol) is a convenient precursor for further modification of the amino acid fragment, for example via nucleophilic reactions. The new α‐sulfanyl complex was obtained in 63 % yield. The mechanism of the electrochemical processes is discussed.
Deep and reinforcement learning for automated task scheduling in large‐scale cloud computing systems
Authors: Rjoub Gaith , Bentahar Jamal , Abdel Wahab Omar , Saleh Bataineh Ahmed
Published: July 2020

Cloud computing is undeniably becoming the main computing and storage platform for today's major workloads. From Internet of things and Industry 4.0 workloads to big data analytics and decision‐making jobs, cloud systems daily receive a massive number of tasks that need to be simultaneously and efficiently mapped onto the cloud resources. Therefore, deriving an appropriate task scheduling mechanism that can both minimize tasks' execution delay and cloud resources utilization is of prime importance. Recently, the concept of cloud automation has emerged to reduce the manual intervention and improve the resource management in large‐scale cloud computing workloads. In this article, we capitalize on this concept and propose four deep and reinforcement learning‐based scheduling approaches to automate the process of scheduling large‐scale workloads onto cloud computing resources, while reducing both the resource consumption and task waiting time. These approaches are: reinforcement learning (RL), deep Q networks, recurrent neural network long short‐term memory (RNN‐LSTM), and deep reinforcement learning combined with LSTM (DRL‐LSTM). Experiments conducted using real‐world datasets from Google Cloud Platform revealed that DRL‐LSTM outperforms the other three approaches. The experiments also showed that DRL‐LSTM minimizes the CPU usage cost up to 67% compared with the shortest job first (SJF), and up to 35% compared with both the round robin (RR) and improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) approaches. Moreover, our DRL‐LSTM solution decreases the RAM memory usage cost up to 72% compared with the SJF, up to 65% compared with the RR, and up to 31.25% compared with the improved PSO.
Solid‐Phase Synthesis of RNA 5′‐Azides and Their Application for Labeling, Ligation, and Cyclization Via Click Chemistry
Authors: Warminski Marcin , Kowalska Joanna , Jemielity Jacek
Published: July 2020

RNAs with 5′ functional groups have been gaining interest as molecular probes and reporter molecules. Copper‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition is one of the most straightforward methods to access such molecules; however, RNA functionalization with azide group has been posing a synthetic challenge. This article describes a simple and efficient protocol for azide functionalization of oligoribonucleotides 5′‐end in solid‐phase. An azide moiety is attached directly to the C5′‐end in two steps: (i) ‐OH to ‐I conversion using methyltriphenoxyphosphonium iodide, and (ii) ‐I to ‐N3 substitution using sodium azide. The reactivity of the resulting compounds is exemplified by fluorescent labeling using both copper(I)‐catalyzed (CuAAC) and strain‐promoted (SPAAC) azide‐alkyne cycloaddition reactions, ligation of two RNA fragments, and cyclization of short bifunctionalized oligonucleotides. The protocol makes use of oligoribonucleotides synthesized by standard phosphoramidite approach on solid support, using commercially available 2′‐O‐PivOM‐protected monomers. Such a protection strategy eliminates the interference between the iodination reagent and silyl protecting groups (TBDMS, TOM) commonly used in RNA synthesis by phosphoramidite approach. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Solid‐phase synthesis of oligoribonucleotide 5′‐azides

Basic Protocol 2: CuAAC labeling of oligoribonucleotide 5′‐azides in solution

Alternate Protocol 1: CuAAC labeling of oligoribonucleotide 5′‐azides on solid support

Basic Protocol 3: SPAAC labeling of oligoribonucleotide 5′‐azides

Basic Protocol 4: CuAAC ligation of oligoribonucleotide 5′‐azides

Basic Protocol 5: CuAAC cyclization of oligoribonucleotide 5′‐azides

Support Protocol: HPLC Purification
A generalized common‐ground single‐switch continuous input‐current boost converter favourable for DC microgrids
Authors: Varesi Kazem , Ghorbani Mahdi
Published: July 2020

The conventional DC‑DC converters have limited voltage gain at moderate duty cycles. In theory, the large duty cycles should be adopted to reach large boosting factors. But in reality, at extreme duty cycles, the effect of parasitic components become dominant, which leads to increased voltage drops on devices, increased total loss and reduced efficiency. This paper proposes a single‐switch (requiring single gate‐driver circuit) diode‐inductor‐capacitor (DLC) cell‐based basic boost configuration that can solve the abovementioned issues. The employment of single‐switch has led to only two operational modes (in continuous conduction mode [CCM]) and easy control strategy. The continuous input‐current and large step‐up capability make the proposed configuration favourable for renewable or hybrid energy systems in DC microgrids. The simple configuration, modularity, moderate blocking voltage on semiconductors, wide duty‐cycle range, large voltage gains at low duty cycles, common‐ground between source and load are some profits of suggested configuration. The basic topology can be expanded by addition of DLC cells. Based on comparative analysis, the proposed configuration has larger step‐up capability per required components and lesser average normalized blocking voltage on semiconductors compared with other single‐switch topologies. This leads to smaller and cheaper structure with fewer losses. The configuration and operational modes of proposed basic topology (and its extended version) have been explained. Then, the design considerations and small‐signal modelling of basic topology have been investigated. Finally, the effectiveness and correct operation of proposed topology have been certified by comparative analysis and experimental results.
Current‐mode body‐biased switch to increase performance of linear charge pumps
Authors: Ballo Andrea , Grasso Alfio Dario , Palumbo Gaetano
Published: July 2020

This letter introduces a novel scheme to improve charge transfer switches in linear charge pumps. The proposed approach relies on the reduction of the threshold voltage of the transistor implementing each charge transfer switch by forcing a current into its bulk junction. Simulation results using a 130‐nm standard complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Determination of CD43 and CD200 surface expression improves accuracy of B‐cell lymphoma immunophenotyping
Authors: Hoffmann Joerg , Rother Marissa , Kaiser Ulrich , Thrun Michael C. , Wilhelm Christian , Gruen Andrea , Niebergall Ute , Meissauer Ute , Neubauer Andreas , Brendel Cornelia
Published: July 2020

Background

The Matutes score (MS) was proposed to differentiate chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) from other B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphomas (B‐NHLs). However, ambiguous immunophenotypes are common and remain a diagnostic challenge. Therefore, we evaluated the diagnostic benefit of measuring CD200 and CD43 expression together with the standard MS antigens.

Methods

138 lymphoma patient samples and a validation cohort of 138 additive samples were classified according to the standard MS and further assigned with one or two additional points, for high CD200 and/or CD43 expression levels. The “classical” MS and the “Matutes score‐extended” (MS‐e) were categorized as high (4‐5/6‐7), intermediate (2‐3/4‐5), and low (0‐1/0‐3). Samples were reclassified into the MS‐e with focus on ambiguous cases with an intermediate “classical” MS.

Results

A total of 35 of 138 (25.4%) patient samples were assigned to the intermediate MS group and confirmed by histopathological reports as CLL (14/40.0%) and B‐NHLs other than CLL (21/60%). MS‐e analysis identified 13 of 14 (92.9%) of CLL cases (MS‐e 4–5) and 18/21 (85.7%) non‐CLL cases (MS‐e ≤ 3) correctly. Overall, the sensitivity of the CLL diagnosis was significantly increased by application of MS‐e compared to the “classical” MS (98.8% vs. 82.7%; p = 0.0009), while specificity of both methods was almost equal (94.7% vs. 98.3%; p = 0.4795). Of note, sole measurement of CD43 and CD200 on B‐cells sufficiently differentiated CLL from non‐CLL with a test accuracy superior to the “classical” MS (F1 score 96.2 vs. 93.6).

Conclusion

CD200 and CD43 have a high informative value in diagnostic immunophenotyping and facilitate the separation of CLL from other B‐NHLs particularly in ambiguous cases.
On the performance of underlay cognitive radio system with random mobility under imperfect channel state information
Authors: Odeyemi Kehinde O. , Owolawi Pius A. , Olakanmi Oladayo O.
Published: July 2020

In this paper, the performance of an underlay cognitive radio system with random mobility and imperfect channel state information (CSI) is investigated. The mobile user (MU) utilises maximum ratio combining (MRC) and selection combining (SC) diversity techniques as signal reception to improve the quality of received signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR). Under the Rayleigh fading, random waypoint mobility model is employed to characterised the effect of the MU random mobility on the system performance. Thus, novel probability density function (PDF) and cumulative distribution function (CDF) for the two considered diversity techniques are derived. Through these, the outage probability and average bit error rate (ABER) closed‐form analytical expressions are then obtained to quantify the system performance under the MRC and SC schemes. The results illustrate the effect of imperfect CSI, user mobility which is characterised by pathloss and the network topology on the system performance. Also, the results depict that MRC offers the system better performance compared with SC under the same system conditions. The accuracy of the derived analytical expressions is verified through Monte‐Carlo simulations.
The importance of risk of neoplasm as an outcome in cytologic‐histologic correlation studies on thyroid fine needle aspiration
Authors: Chen Yu‐Hsin , Partyka Kristen L. , Dougherty Rae , Cramer Harvey M. , Wu Howard H.
Published: July 2020

Background

The introduction of noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary‐like nuclear features (NIFTP) altered the practice of thyroid pathology and reduced the risk of malignancy (ROM) associated with the indeterminate categories in the Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology (TBSRTC). It has been proposed that the evaluation of the risk of neoplasm (RON) is important in cytologic‐histologic correlation studies.

Methods

A total of 5224 thyroid aspirates were performed at our institution during an 8‐year period. Of the 1475 cases (28%) with surgical follow‐up, the histologic diagnoses comprised benign non‐neoplastic (BNN, n = 669), follicular adenoma (FA, n = 188), NIFTP (n = 42), papillary microcarcinoma (PMC) (n = 223), and malignant neoplasm excluding PMC (n = 353). The RON was calculated to include neoplasia with low risk biologic behavior (FA, NIFTP, PMC) and malignant neoplasms. In contrast, the ROM was reserved for malignant neoplasms excluding PMC.

Results

The RON for each TBSRTC category was: nondiagnostic (ND) 38.3%, benign 20.9%, atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) 63.2%, follicular neoplasm or suspicious for follicular neoplasm (FN/SFN) 83.9%, suspicious for malignancy (SFM) 94%, and malignant 100%. The ROM excluding PMC was: ND 14%, benign 1.6%, AUS/FLUS 17.8%, FN/SFN 28.4%, SFM 84.4%, and malignant 99.5%.

Conclusions

The RON and ROM support the recommended management guidelines from TBSRTC for all categories, except for FN/SFN. Histopathologic follow‐up of FN/SFN aspirates in our study contain a very high rate of neoplasm (83.9%), which might support the management preference of conservative surgery.
Genetic diversity and population structure of Quercus fabri Hance in China revealed by genotyping‐by‐sequencing
Authors: Xiong Shifa , Zhao Yunxiao , Chen Yicun , Gao Ming , Wu Liwen , Wang Yangdong
Published: July 2020

Analysis of genetic diversity and population structure among Quercus fabri populations is essential for the conservation and utilization of Q. fabri resources. Here, the genetic diversity and structure of 158 individuals from 13 natural populations of Quercus fabri in China were analyzed using genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS). A total of 459,564 high‐quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were obtained after filtration for subsequent analysis. Genetic structure analysis revealed that these individuals can be clustered into two groups and the structure can be explained mainly by the geographic barrier, showed gene introgression from coastal to inland areas and high mountains could significantly hinder the mutual introgression of genes. Genetic diversity analysis indicated that the individual differences within groups are greater than the differences between the two groups. These results will help us better understand the genetic backgrounds of Q. fabri.