bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small Number of Defects per Nanostructure Leads to “Digital” Quenching of Photoluminescence: The Case of Metal Halide Perovskites
Authors: Scheblykin Ivan G.
Published: October 2020

Long charge carrier diffusion length and large grain size are commonly believed to be inherent properties of highly luminescent polycrystalline thin‐film semiconductors. However, exactly these two properties make luminescence very susceptible to quenching by just one strongly quenching defect state if present in each grain. Moreover, when the number of quenchers per grain is small (say 1–10), it varies greatly from grain to grain, purely for statistical reasons. These fluctuations, which resemble digital signal switching, can be one of the reasons for large differences between the luminescence brightness of different grains in polycrystalline films. This and other peculiarities of photoluminescence in systems where the number of strong quenchers per grain/crystallite is small is discussed in detail using metal halide perovskites as examples.
Nitrogen and sulfur fertilizers effects on growth and yield of Brassica carinata in South Dakota
Authors: Bhattarai Dwarika , Kumar Sandeep , Nleya Thandiwe
Published: October 2020

Carinata (Brassica carinata A. Braun), a non‐food oilseed and an alternative biofuel feedstock, has received attention for its potential as a low‐input option for production in the semi‐arid regions of the Northern Great Plains (NGP). This study was conducted to (a) determine the economic optimum N and S fertilization rates and (b) determine the interactive effects of N and S fertilization on seed yield and agronomic traits in carinata. The field experiment conducted in 2017 and 2018 at Brookings, SD, had four N rates (56, 84, 112, and 140 kg N ha−1) and three S rates (0, 22, and 45 kg S ha−1). Increasing N rate increased seed and oil yield each peaking at 112 kg N ha−1 in both years. Applying S fertilizer increased seed and oil yield and oil concentration over the control but with the two S rates performing similar in both years. In the absence of S application, seed yield was reduced irrespective of N rate indicating that S is critical to obtain a positive response to N fertilizer. Economically optimal N rate ranged from 47 to 93 kg N ha−1 whereas economic optimum S rate ranged from 20 to 26 kg S ha−1. The economic optimum yield ranged from 1.0 Mg ha−1 to 1.5 Mg ha−1. These findings suggest that carinata seed yield and agronomic trait response to N fertilization can vary depending on S availability in the soil.
Alternative genomic diagnoses for individuals with a clinical diagnosis of Dubowitz syndrome
Authors: Dyment David A. , O'Donnell‐Luria Anne , Agrawal Pankaj B. , Coban Akdemir Zeynep , Aleck Kyrieckos A. , Antaki Danny , Al Sharhan Hind , Au Ping‐Yee B. , Aydin Hatip , Beggs Alan H. , Bilguvar Kaya , Boerwinkle Eric , Brand Harrison , Brownstein Catherine A. , Buyske Steve , Chodirker Bernard , Choi Jungmin , Chudley Albert E. , Clericuzio Carol L. , Cox Gerald F. , Curry Cynthia , de Boer Elke , de Vries Bert B. A. , Dunn Kathryn , Dutmer Cullen M. , England Eleina M. , Fahrner Jill A. , Geckinli Bilgen B. , Genetti Casie A. , Gezdirici Alper , Gibson William T. , Gleeson Joseph G. , Greenberg Cheryl R. , Hall April , Hamosh Ada , Hartley Taila , Jhangiani Shalini N. , Karaca Ender , Kernohan Kristin , Lauzon Julie L. , Lewis M. E. Suzanne , Lowry R. Brian , López‐Giráldez Francesc , Matise Tara C. , McEvoy‐Venneri Jennifer , McInnes Brenda , Mhanni Aziz , Garcia Minaur Sixto , Moilanen Jukka , Nguyen An , Nowaczyk Malgorzata J. M. , Posey Jennifer E. , Õunap Katrin , Pehlivan Davut , Pajusalu Sander , Penney Lynette S. , Poterba Timothy , Prontera Paolo , Doriqui Maria Juliana Rodovalho , Sawyer Sarah L. , Sobreira Nara , Stanley Valentina , Torun Deniz , Wargowski David , Witmer P. Dane , Wong Isaac , Xing Jinchuan , Zaki Maha S. , Zhang Yeting ,   Care4Rare Consortium,   Centers for Mendelian Genomics, Boycott Kym M. , Bamshad Michael J. , Nickerson Deborah A. , Blue Elizabeth E. , Innes A. Micheil
Published: October 2020

Dubowitz syndrome (DubS) is considered a recognizable syndrome characterized by a distinctive facial appearance and deficits in growth and development. There have been over 200 individuals reported with Dubowitz or a “Dubowitz‐like” condition, although no single gene has been implicated as responsible for its cause. We have performed exome (ES) or genome sequencing (GS) for 31 individuals clinically diagnosed with DubS. After genome‐wide sequencing, rare variant filtering and computational and Mendelian genomic analyses, a presumptive molecular diagnosis was made in 13/27 (48%) families. The molecular diagnoses included biallelic variants in SKIV2L, SLC35C1, BRCA1, NSUN2; de novo variants in ARID1B, ARID1A, CREBBP, POGZ, TAF1, HDAC8, and copy‐number variation at1p36.11(ARID1A), 8q22.2(VPS13B), Xp22, and Xq13(HDAC8). Variants of unknown significance in known disease genes, and also in genes of uncertain significance, were observed in 7/27 (26%) additional families. Only one gene, HDAC8, could explain the phenotype in more than one family (N = 2). All but two of the genomic diagnoses were for genes discovered, or for conditions recognized, since the introduction of next‐generation sequencing. Overall, the DubS‐like clinical phenotype is associated with extensive locus heterogeneity and the molecular diagnoses made are for emerging clinical conditions sharing characteristic features that overlap the DubS phenotype.
Early‐onset severe spinocerebellar ataxia 42 with neurodevelopmental deficits (SCA42ND): Case report, pharmacological trial, and literature review
Authors: Casas‐Alba Dídac , López‐Sala Laura , Pérez‐Ordóñez Marta , Mari‐Vico Rosanna , Bolasell Mercè , Martínez‐Monseny Antonio F. , Muchart Jordi , Fernández‐Fernández José M. , Martorell Loreto , Serrano Mercedes
Published: October 2020

Early‐onset severe spinocerebellar ataxia 42 with neurodevelopmental deficits (SCA42ND, MIM#604065) is an ultrarare autosomal dominant syndrome related to de novo CACNA1G gain‐of‐function pathogenic variants. All patients with SCA42ND show cerebellar atrophy and/or hypoplasia on neuroimaging and share common features such as dysmorphic features, global developmental delay, and axial hypotonia, all manifesting within the first year of life. To date, only 10 patients with SCA42ND have been reported with functionally confirmed gain‐of‐function variants, bearing either of two recurrent pathogenic variants. We describe a girl with congenital ataxia, without epilepsy, and a de novo p.Ala961Thr pathogenic variant in CACNA1G. We review the published subjects with the aim of better characterizing the dysmorphic features that may be crucial for clinical recognition of SCA42ND. Cerebellar atrophy, together with digital anomalies, particularly broad thumbs and/or halluces, should lead to clinical suspicion of this disease. We describe the first pharmacological attempt to treat a patient with SCA42ND using zonisamide, an antiepileptic drug with T‐type channel blocker activity, in an off‐label indication using an itemized study protocol. No efficacy was observed at the dose tested. However, without pharmacological treatment, she showed a positive evolution in neurodevelopment during the follow‐up.
Biomarkers of fetal conditions: Finger ridge‐counts, facial fluctuating asymmetry, and digit ratio (2D:4D)—are they correlated in women?
Authors: Klimek Magdalena , Galbarczyk Andrzej , Nenko Ilona , Jasienska Grazyna
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Fetal environmental conditions are crucial for life‐long health. Direct measurements of developmental conditions are limited in humans; thus, several biomarkers of those conditions have been proposed: that is, finger ridge‐counts, level of facial fluctuating asymmetry (FA), and digit ratio (2D:4D). Since all of these biomarkers share a similar gestational time of formation, we hypothesize that their values are significantly correlated.

Materials and methods

Data were collected at the Mogielica Human Ecology Study Site in southern Poland among 234 women. Finger ridge‐counts, level of facial FA, and 2D:4D have been measured. The two‐step analyses included Pearson's correlations of simple values of the biomarkers and correlations of composite variables calculated based on principal component analysis.

Results

We did not find any statistically significant correlations between finger ridge‐counts, FA, and 2D:4D in women. Similarly, we did not observe any correlations between three composites created from the biomarkers.

Discussion

Our results indicate that there are no relationships between the biomarkers, suggested as proxies of the quality of prenatal conditions, in a single population. This is the first study analyzing three different markers simultaneously. The lack of correlations may indicate that the tested biomarkers reflect, in fact, different environmental conditions, occurring in separate “critical windows” of development, or that the biomarkers are not valid as proxies of developmental conditions.
Controlled Surface Adhesion of Macrophages via Patterned Antifouling Polymer Brushes
Authors: Striebel Johannes , Vorobii Mariia , Kumar Ravi , Liu Hui-Yu , Yang Bingquan , Weishaupt Carsten , Rodriguez-Emmenegger Cesar , Fuchs Harald , Hirtz Michael , Riehemann Kristina
Published: October 2020

Macrophages will play an important role in future diagnostics and immunotherapies of cancer. However, this demands to selectively capture and sort different subpopulations, which remains a challenge due to their innate ability to bind to a wide range of interfaces indiscriminately. The main obstacle here is the lack of interfaces combining sufficient antifouling properties with the display of specific binding sites allowing sorting and quantification. Herein, as a proof of principle means, it is introduced to pattern interfaces to locally and selective capture macrophages. The repellent coating is based on antifouling polymer brushes, which can be functionalized. Arrays of binding sites are constructed by microchannel cantilever spotting. Those structures are tested for the isolation of different macrophage subtypes, especially polarized anti‐inflammatory macrophages of the M2 type which can be found associated to tumors (“tumor associated macrophages”; TAMs). Using macrophages as a model system, it is demonstrated that the newly developed surfaces and patterns are efficient for specifically trapping targeted cells and can be useful for further development of therapeutic or diagnostic purposes in the future.
Dye‐sensitized solar cells based on zinc(II) phthalocyanines bearing 3‐pyridin‐3‐ylpropoxy anchoring groups
Authors: Keleş Turgut , Biyiklioglu Zekeriya , Güzel Emre , Nebioğlu Mehmet , Şişman İlkay
Published: October 2020

In this study, nonperipherally tetra‐substituted (2), peripherally tetra‐substituted (3), and peripherally octa‐substituted (4) zinc(II) phthalocyanines were synthesized as sensitizers for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) in which 3‐pyridin‐3‐ylpropoxy substituent acts as anchoring unit to bind TiO2 surface. The optical results indicated that there is an interaction between the dyes and the TiO2 surface. The photovoltaic performances of the DSSCs based on these dyes were found to depend on both the position and number of the substituents. Despite the more red‐shifted absorption, the DSSC based on 2 showed the conversion efficiency of 0.68%, which is lower than 1.36% and 0.92% for 3 and 4, respectively, under one sun (AM 1.5G). The vertical orientation of the dye on TiO2 surface could be the main reason for the higher photovoltaic performance of complex 3, which is beneficial for not only injecting the electrons into the conduction band of TiO2 but also reducing the charge recombination. Overall, these results demonstrate that the peripherally tetra‐substituted 3‐pyridin‐3‐ylpropoxy zinc(II) phthalocyanine complex (3) as a sensitizer can more efficiently utilize the photons in the red/near‐infrared region with respect to the other complexes studied.
A targeted sequence capture array for phylogenetics and population genomics in the Salicaceae
Authors: Sanderson Brian J. , DiFazio Stephen P. , Cronk Quentin C. B. , Ma Tao , Olson Matthew S.
Published: October 2020

Premise

The family Salicaceae has proved taxonomically challenging, especially in the genus Salix, which is speciose and features frequent hybridization and polyploidy. Past efforts to reconstruct the phylogeny with molecular barcodes have failed to resolve the species relationships of many sections of the genus.

Methods

We used the wealth of sequence data in the family to design sequence capture probes to target regions of 300–1200 bp of exonic regions of 972 genes.

Results

We recovered sequence data for nearly all of the targeted genes in three species of Populus and three species of Salix. We present a species tree, discuss concordance among gene trees, and present population genomic summary statistics for these loci.

Conclusions

Our sequence capture array has extremely high capture efficiency within the genera Populus and Salix, resulting in abundant phylogenetic information. Additionally, these loci show promise for population genomic studies.
Osteohistology and microanatomy of a new specimen of Cearachelys placidoi (Testudines: Pleurodira) a side‐necked turtle from the lower Cretaceous of Brazil
Authors: Sena Mariana Valéria de Araújo , Bantim Renan Alfredo Machado , Saraiva Antônio Álamo Feitosa , Sayão Juliana Manso , Oliveira Gustavo Ribeiro
Published: October 2020

Pelomedusoides had a recognised diverse Early Cretaceous fauna of turtles in Northeast Brazil. Within them, the bothremydid Cearachelys placidoi has a relatively abundant record. This diversity contrasts with the scarcity of osteohistological studies in this group. The relatively well‐preserved shell of C. placidoi (UFRPE 5600), from the Aptian age of Araripe Basin, is studied here for the purpose of filling this gap. We performed the osteohistological description of the plastron of a new specimen of C. placidoi. Also, to conduct a comparative study, we carried out histological sections in bones of the recent chelid Phrynops sp. Our histological findings indicate similarities between the histological pattern of freshwater turtles and the coastal marine C. placidoi. Moreover, osteohistological features imply metaplastic incorporation of dermal interwoven structural fiber bundles. Lastly, the xiphiplastron of C. placidoi shows an increase of bone compactness over its craniocaudal axis. This microanatomical feature is exclusive to Cearachelys so far.
Age‐SpecificTime Trends in Incidence Rates of Autism Spectrum Disorder Following Adaptation ofDSM‐5 and OtherASD‐RelatedRegulatory Changes in Israel
Authors: Davidovitch Michael , Slobodin Ortal , Weisskopf Marc G. , Rotem Ran S.
Published: October 2020

We analyzed data on 879,029 children born in 1999–2017 from a large Israeli health fund to evaluate time‐trends in incidence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This included examining possible effects associated with the adaptation of the DSM‐5 criteria for ASD, and the implementation of regulatory changes affecting eligibility for ASD‐related stipends and services. ASD cases were ascertained based on electronic medical records review, with complete verification of ASD case status. Results indicated a substantial increase in ASD incidence rate (IR) over time that was overall not appreciably affected by the above changes. Cumulative incidence through age 8 rose from 0.46% (boys: 0.73; girls: 0.18) in 2007 to 1.30% (boys: 2.12; girls: 0.45) in 2018. Age‐specific analyzes indicated that the largest increase in IR occurred in toddlers and preschool children, with a more modest increase at older age groups. Results suggest that the rise in early diagnosed ASD does not stem from a downward shift in the distribution of ages at first diagnosis, but rather from early detection of cases not previously diagnosed. Findings highlight the need to expand research aimed at identifying exogenous factors that may underlie the rise in incidence, and to evaluate factors that may contribute to late diagnosis of some cases.Autism Res2020, 13: 1893‐1901. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals LLC

Lay Summary

In an analysis of nearly 900,000 Israeli children born in 1999–2017, we found that the incidence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) increased significantly over time, especially among toddlers and preschool children but also at older age groups. We additionally observed that changes affecting diagnostic criteria for ASD and eligibility for ASD‐related services did not appreciably affect these trends. Results highlight the need to continue research aimed at identifying factors causing this increase and reasons contributing to late diagnosis of some cases.
Use of correlated scrambling variables in quantitative randomized response technique
Authors: Murtaza Maryam , Singh Sarjinder , Hussain Zawar
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we develop a new methodology that indicates that the use of correlated scrambling variables in the randomized response technique may play an important role in increasing the efficiency of an estimator of the population mean of a sensitive variable. Although it is clear analytically that the proposed estimator is more efficient than its existing competitors, we have investigated the magnitude of the gain in efficiency through simulation studies that involve both real secondary data from the health sciences, as well as artificial data. We also derive an estimator of the variance of the proposed estimator of mean and we study the coverage of 95% confidence intervals based on this variance estimator. An application using real primary data on smoking by university students is also included.
Gene signature based on B cell predicts clinical outcome of radiotherapy and immunotherapy for patients with lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Han Linzhi , Shi Hongjie , Luo Yuan , Sun Wenjie , Li Shuying , Zhang Nannan , Jiang Xueping , Gong Yan , Xie Conghua
Published: October 2020

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common and lethal cancer worldwide. Radiotherapy (RT) is widely used at all stages of LUAD, and the development of immunotherapy substantially enhances the survival of LUAD patients. Although the emerging treatments for LUAD have improved prognosis, only a small fraction of patients can benefit from clinical therapies. Thereby, approaches assessing responses to RT and immunotherapy in LUAD patients are essential. After integrating the analysis of RT, immunization, mRNA, and clinical information, we constructed a signature based on 308 tumor‐infiltrating B lymphocyte‐specific genes (TILBSig) using a machine learning method. TILBSig was composed of 6 B cell‐specific genes (PARP15, BIRC3, RUBCNL, SP110, TLE1, and FADS3), which were highly associated with the overall survival as independent factors. TILBSig was able to differentiate better survival compared with worse survival among different patients, and served as an independent factor for clinical characteristics. The low‐risk TILBSig group was correlated with more immune cell infiltration (especially B lineages) and lower cancer stem cell characteristics than the high‐risk group. The patients with lower risk scores were more likely to respond to RT and immunotherapy. TILBSig served as an excellent predicator for prognosis and response to immunotherapy and RT in LUAD patients.
Bioactive Constituents from the Bryophyta Hypnum plumaeforme
Authors: Li Jian‐Lin , Wie Lai‐Lai , Chen Chen , Liu Di , Gu Yu‐Qin , Duan‐Mu Jia‐Xin , Chen Guang‐Tong , Song Yan
Published: October 2020

Chemical investigation of the secondary metabolites of the whole plant of bryophyte Hypnum plumaeforme Wilson led to the isolation of a new pimarane‐type diterpenoid, momilactone F (1), along with seventeen known compounds. Their chemical structures were elucidated based on massive spectroscopic data. The allelopathic and antifungal properties were evaluated. Among them, momilactone F (1), acrenol (2),[11] momilactones A (3) and B (4) showed significant allelopathic activity against Samolus parviflorus Raf. and Lactuca sativa L. var. angustana Irish, as well as selected antifungal property against crop pathogenic fungi strains. On the other hand, 8(14)‐podocarpen‐13‐on‐18‐oic acid (8) exhibited strong promoting activity on the growth of L. sativa L. var. angustana Irish. The present investigation provided new insights for developing of H. plumaeforme for further application as a potential agricultural tool.
Structural Insights into the Interaction of Heme with Protein Tyrosine Kinase JAK2**
Authors: Schmalohr Benjamin Franz , Mustafa Al‐Hassan M. , Krämer Oliver H. , Imhof Diana
Published: October 2020

Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) is the most important signal‐transducing tyrosine kinase in erythropoietic precursor cells. Its malfunction drives several myeloproliferative disorders. Heme is a small metal‐ion‐carrying molecule that is incorporated into hemoglobin in erythroid precursor cells to transport oxygen. In addition, heme is a signaling molecule and regulator of various biochemical processes. Here, we show that heme exposure leads to hyperphosphorylation of JAK2 in a myeloid cancer cell line. Two peptides identified in JAK2 are heme‐regulatory motifs and show low‐micromolar affinities for heme. These peptides map to the kinase domain of JAK2, which is essential for downstream signaling. We suggest these motifs to be the interaction sites of heme with JAK2, which drive the heme‐induced hyperphosphorylation. The results presented herein could facilitate the development of heme‐related pharmacological tools to combat myeloproliferative disorders.
Long‐term follow‐up of percutaneous coronary intervention versus coronary artery bypass grafting in left main coronary artery disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Garg Aakash , Rout Amit , Raheja Hitesh , Hakeem Hisham , Sharma Samin
Published: October 2020

Objectives

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the long‐term outcomes of PCI compared to CABG in patients with LMCAD.

Background

Recent data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) has raised concerns regarding the long‐term efficacy and safety of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) compared with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD).

Methods

We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE databases for published RCTs comparing PCI using stenting with CABG in patients with LMCAD. Preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta‐analysis guidelines were used for the present study. End‐points of interest were all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular (CV) mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and repeat revascularization at longest available follow‐up. Relevant data were collected and pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was calculated using random‐effects model.

Results

Five RCTs including a total of 4,499 patients were included in the final analysis. Mean duration of follow‐up was 96 months. The risks of all‐cause mortality [OR 1.09 (95% CI 0.88–1.34)] and cardiovascular mortality [1.14 (0.88–1.47)] were comparable between PCI and CABG. There were no statistically significant differences between PCI and CABG for MI [1.52 (0.98–2.37)] and stroke [0.84 (0.48–1.45)]. Conversely, repeat revascularization was significantly higher with PCI as compared with CABG [1.82 (1.49–2.22)].

Conclusion

At long‐term follow‐up, PCI is associated with similar risks of mortality but a higher risk of repeat revascularization compared with CABG in LMCAD. Long‐term risk of MI with PCI compared to CABG needs to be further explored in future studies.
A novel technique for postclosure of large‐bore sheaths using two Perclose devices
Authors: Choi Charles H. , Hall James Kevin , Malaver Diego , Applegate Robert J. , Zhao David X. M.
Published: October 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of a novel percutaneous postprocedure closure technique for large arterial sheath removal with the use of two Perclose ProGlide (Abbott Vascular Devices, Redwood City, CA) devices.

Background

Postprocedural closing of large‐bore arteriotomies using the Perclose system can be difficult given the subsequent inability of the device to capture sufficient wall tissue.

Methods

Our study was a single‐center retrospective analysis of 22 consecutive patients who underwent large arteriotomy closure via the postclosure technique with a 12–16‐Fr sheath. Efficacy endpoints included successful deployment of the system and hemostasis. Safety endpoints included the incidence of major or minor vascular complications as defined by the Vascular Academic Research Consortium‐2 (VARC‐2) definitions at 30‐day follow‐up.

Results

The postclosure technique resulted in 100% technical success rate and no postprocedural bleeding or vascular complications.

Conclusion

Postclosure technique is a safe, highly effective, and feasible percutaneous method to achieve large‐bore arteriotomy hemostasis with low rates of major bleeding or vascular complications and favorable early outcome.
Prone positioning and convalescent plasma therapy in a critically ill pregnant woman with COVID‐19
Authors: Donzelli Massimo , Ippolito Mariachiara , Catalisano Giulia , Renda Baldassare , Tarantino Francesco , Diquattro Orazia , Cortegiani Andrea
Published: October 2020

Prone positioning is feasible in pregnancy and may have contributed to the positive outcome in this case. Doctors should not be reluctant to move a patient to a prone position just because they are pregnant.
Dual‐Transducer Malaria Aptasensor Combining Electrochemical Impedance and Surface Plasmon Polariton Detection on Gold Nanohole Arrays
Authors: Lenyk Bohdan , Figueroa‐Miranda Gabriela , Pavlushko Ivan , Lo Young , Tanner Julian A. , Offenhäusser Andreas , Mayer Dirk
Published: October 2020

Two transducer principles are combined in one aptamer biosensor (aptasensor) by simultaneously performing electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and surface plasmon polariton (SPP) detection of a malaria biomarker. A thin gold film perforated with nanohole arrays is modified with small and highly charged aptamer receptors and utilized for the detection of Plasmodium falciparum lactate dehydrogenase (PfLDH), the main biomarker of malaria. Monitoring the same analyte binding events by two independent transduction principles not only corroborates the in situ detection, but also covers a concentration range of six orders of magnitude (1 pM–1 μM). The EIS method is highly sensitive to low concentrations of PfLDH (1 pM–100 nM), whereas SPP is sensitive to higher concentrations of the target (10 nM–1 μM), owing to either high interfacial or more bulk sensitivity, respectively. Thus, we propose the dual‐transducer aptasensor based on gold nanohole arrays as a platform for a broad dynamic concentration range and reliable detection.
The Synthesis of Warfarin Using a Reconfigurable‐Reactor Platform Integrated to a Multiple‐Variable Optimization Tool
Authors: Kwak Jee Seong , Bizarri Nour , Sharif Sepideh , Zhang Wenyao Peter , Mallik Debasis , Organ Michael G.
Published: October 2020

Optimization of the asymmetric synthesis of warfarin, an important anticoagulant, has been evaluated using a reconfigurable reaction platform capable of performing batch, continuous flow, and plug‐flow synthesis. Further, this platform has been integrated with a novel, multidimensional, multiple variable analysis tool that can evaluate multiple critical quality attributes (CQA), percent conversion and enantiomeric excess in this case, from a single injection that is repeatedly recycled in a closed loop of chromatography columns, a detector and a heart‐cut valve. Further, the new, integrated analysis system also facilitates validation of each QA, providing a high‐level of confidence in analytical measurements, which are obtained without operator intervention.
Foreign affiliates' knowledge sourcing from parent firms
Authors: Kim Hyun Gon , Cho Se Ho
Published: October 2020

This study investigates the factors that influence the extent to which foreign research and development affiliates source knowledge from their parent firms, by developing theoretical hypotheses that predict patterns of foreign affiliates' knowledge sourcing according to their technological capabilities at multiple levels (firm, industry, and country). We use cross‐border mergers and acquisitions and patent citation data from Fortune Global 500 firms to test our theoretical arguments. The findings suggest that a parent firm's foreign affiliate ownership, industry‐level R&D intensity, and home–host country differences in technological capabilities increase foreign affiliates' knowledge sourcing from their parent firms.
Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma from more rural and lower‐income households have more advanced tumor stage at diagnosis and significantly higher mortality
Authors: Wong Robert J. , Kim Donghee , Ahmed Aijaz , Singal Ashwani K.
Published: October 2020

Background

Patients from rural and low‐income households may have suboptimal access to liver disease care, which may translate into worse HCC outcomes. The authors provide a comprehensive update of HCC incidence and outcomes among US adults, focusing on the effect of rural geography and household income on tumor stage and mortality.

Methods

The authors retrospectively evaluated adults with HCC using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data from 2004 to 2017. HCC incidence was reported per 100,000 persons and was compared using z‐statistics. Tumor stage at diagnosis used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results staging system and was evaluated with multivariate logistic regression. HCC mortality was evaluated using Kaplan‐Meier and multivariate Cox proportional hazards methods.

Results

HCC incidence plateaued for most groups, with the exception of American Indians/Alaska Natives (2004‐2017: APC, 4.17%; P < .05) and patients in the lowest household income category (<$40,000; 2006‐2017: APC, 2.80%; P < .05). Compared with patients who had HCC in large metropolitan areas with a population >1 million, patients in more rural regions had higher odds of advanced‐stage HCC at diagnosis (odds ratio, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.00‐1.20; P = .04) and higher mortality (hazard ratio, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01‐1.08; P = .02). Compared with the highest income group (≥$70,000), patients with HCC who earned <$40,000 annually had higher odds of advanced‐stage HCC (odds ratio, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.01‐1.32; P = .03) and higher mortality (hazard ratio, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.16‐1.31; P < .001).

Conclusions

Patients from rural regions and lower‐income households had more advanced tumor stage at diagnosis and significantly higher HCC mortality. These disparities likely reflect suboptimal access to consistent high‐quality liver disease care, including HCC surveillance.
Comprehensive Phenotyping of Dendritic Cells in Cancer Patients by Flow Cytometry
Authors: Carenza Claudia , Franzese Sara , Calcaterra Francesca , Mavilio Domenico , Della Bella Silvia
Published: October 2020

Dendritic cells (DCs) play a crucial role in the complex interplay between tumor cells and the immune system. During the elimination phase of cancer immunoediting, immunostimulatory DCs are critical for the control of tumor growth. During the escape phase, regulatory DCs sustain tumor tolerance and contribute to the development of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment that characterizes this phase. Moreover, increasing evidence indicates that DCs are also critical for the success of cancer immunotherapy. Hence, there is increasing need to fully characterize DC subsets and their activatory/inhibitory profile in cancer patients. In this review, we describe the role played by different DC subsets in the different phases of cancer immunoediting, the function exerted by different activatory and inhibitory molecules expressed on DC surface, and the cytokines produced by distinct DC subsets, in order to provide an overview on the DC features that may be useful to be assessed when dealing with the flow cytometric characterization of DCs in cancer patients. © 2020 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Resistance and resilience of pelagic and littoral fishes to drought in the San Francisco Estuary
Authors: Mahardja Brian , Tobias Vanessa , Khanna Shruti , Mitchell Lara , Lehman Peggy , Sommer Ted , Brown Larry , Culberson Steve , Conrad J. Louise
Published: October 2020

Many estuarine ecosystems and the fish communities that inhabit them have undergone substantial changes in the past several decades, largely due to multiple interacting stressors that are often of anthropogenic origin. Few are more impactful than droughts, which are predicted to increase in both frequency and severity with climate change. In this study, we examined over five decades of fish monitoring data from the San Francisco Estuary, California, USA, to evaluate the resistance and resilience of fish communities to disturbance from prolonged drought events. High resistance was defined by the lack of decline in species occurrence from a wet to a subsequent drought period, while high resilience was defined by the increase in species occurrence from a drought to a subsequent wet period. We found some unifying themes connecting the multiple drought events over the 50‐yr period. Pelagic fishes consistently declined during droughts (low resistance), but exhibit a considerable amount of resiliency and often rebound in the subsequent wet years. However, full recovery does not occur in all wet years following droughts, leading to permanently lower baseline numbers for some pelagic fishes over time. In contrast, littoral fishes seem to be more resistant to drought and may even increase in occurrence during dry years. Based on the consistent detrimental effects of drought on pelagic fishes within the San Francisco Estuary and the inability of these fish populations to recover in some years, we conclude that freshwater flow remains a crucial but not sufficient management tool for the conservation of estuarine biodiversity.
Frenemy at the gate: Invasion by Pheidole megacephala facilitates a competitively subordinate plant ant in Kenya
Authors: Palmer Todd M. , Riginos Corinna , Milligan Patrick D. , Hays Brandon R. , Pietrek Alejandro G. , Maiyo Nelly J. , Mutisya Samuel , Gituku Benard , Musila Simon , Carpenter Scott , Goheen Jacob R.
Published: October 2020

Biological invasions can lead to the reassembly of communities and understanding and predicting the impacts of exotic species on community structure and functioning are a key challenge in ecology. We investigated the impact of a predatory species of invasive ant, Pheidole megacephala, on the structure and function of a foundational mutualism between Acacia drepanolobium and its associated acacia‐ant community in an East African savanna. Invasion by P. megacephala was associated with the extirpation of three extrafloral nectar‐dependent Crematogaster acacia ant species and strong increases in the abundance of a competitively subordinate and locally rare acacia ant species, Tetraponera penzigi, which does not depend on host plant nectar. Using a combination of long‐term monitoring of invasion dynamics, observations and experiments, we demonstrate that P. megacephala directly and indirectly facilitates T. penzigi by reducing the abundance of T. penzigi’s competitors (Crematogaster spp.), imposing recruitment limitation on these competitors, and generating a landscape of low‐reward host plants that favor colonization and establishment by the strongly dispersing T. penzigi. Seasonal variation in use of host plants by P. megacephala may further increase the persistence of T. penzigi colonies in invaded habitat. The persistence of the T. penzigi–A. drepanolobium symbiosis in invaded areas afforded host plants some protection against herbivory by elephants (Loxodonta africana), a key browser that reduces tree cover. However, elephant damage on T. penzigi‐occupied trees was higher in invaded than in uninvaded areas, likely owing to reduced T. penzigi colony size in invaded habitats. Our results reveal the mechanisms underlying the disruption of this mutualism and suggest that P. megacephala invasion may drive long‐term declines in tree cover, despite the partial persistence of the ant–acacia symbiosis in invaded areas.
A multiscale framework for disentangling the roles of evenness, density, and aggregation on diversity gradients
Authors: McGlinn Daniel J. , Engel Thore , Blowes Shane A. , Gotelli Nicholas J. , Knight Tiffany M. , McGill Brian J. , Sanders Nathan J. , Chase Jonathan M.
Published: October 2020

Disentangling the drivers of diversity gradients can be challenging. The Measurement of Biodiversity (MoB) framework decomposes scale‐dependent changes in species diversity into three components of community structure: species abundance distribution (SAD), total community abundance, and within‐species spatial aggregation. Here we extend MoB from categorical treatment comparisons to quantify variation along continuous geographic or environmental gradients. Our approach requires sites along a gradient, each consisting of georeferenced plots of abundance‐based species composition data. We demonstrate our method using a case study of ants sampled along an elevational gradient of 28 sites in a mixed deciduous forest of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA. MoB analysis revealed that decreases in ant species richness along the elevational gradient were associated with decreasing evenness and total number of species, which counteracted the modest increase in richness associated with decreasing spatial aggregation along the gradient. Total community abundance had a negligible effect on richness at all but the finest spatial grains, SAD effects increased in importance with sampling effort, and the aggregation effect had the strongest effect at coarser spatial grains. These results do not support the more‐individuals hypothesis, but they are consistent with a hypothesis of stronger environmental filtering at coarser spatial grains. Our extension of MoB has the potential to elucidate how components of community structure contribute to changes in diversity along environmental gradients and should be useful for a variety of assemblage‐level data collected along gradients.
Microbiome and environment explain the absence of correlations between consumers and their diet in Bornean microsnails
Authors: Hendriks Kasper P. , Bisschop Karen , Kortenbosch Hylke H. , Kavanagh James C. , Larue Anaïs E. A. , Chee‐Chean Phung , Bonte Dries , Duijm Elza J. , Salles Joana Falcão , Pigot Alex L. , Richter Mendoza Francisco J. , Schilthuizen Menno , Anderson Marti J. , Speksnijder Arjen G. C. L. , Etienne Rampal S.
Published: October 2020

Classical ecological theory posits that species partition resources such that each species occupies a unique resource niche. In general, the availability of more resources allows more species to co‐occur. Thus, a strong relationship between communities of consumers and their resources is expected. However, correlations may be influenced by other layers in the food web, or by the environment. Here we show, by studying the relationship between communities of consumers (land snails) and individual diets (from seed plants), that there is in fact no direct, or at most a weak but negative, relationship. However, we found that the diversity of the individual microbiome positively correlates with both consumer community diversity and individual diet diversity in three target species. Moreover, these correlations were affected by various environmental variables, such as anthropogenic activity, habitat island size, and a possibly important nutrient source, guano runoff from nearby caves. Our results suggest that the microbiome and the environment explain the absence of correlations between diet and consumer community diversity. Hence, we advocate that microbiome inventories are routinely added to any community dietary analysis, which our study shows can be done with relatively little extra effort. Our approach presents the tools to quickly obtain an overview of the relationships between consumers and their resources. We anticipate our approach to be useful for ecologists and environmentalists studying different communities in a local food web.
An urban Blitz with a twist: rapid biodiversity assessment using aquatic environmental DNA
Authors: Hupało Kamil , Majaneva Markus , Czachur Molly Victoria , Sire Lucas , Marquina Daniel , Lijtmaer Darío A. , Ivanov Vladislav , Leidenberger Sonja , Čiampor Fedor , Čiamporová‐Zaťovičová Zuzana , Mendes Izabela S. , Desiderato Andrea , Topstad Lasse , Meganck Kenny , Hariz Z. A. Danial , Kjærstad Gaute , Lin Xiao‐Long , Price Benjamin , Stevens Mark , Ekrem Torbjørn , Deiner Kristy
Published: October 2020

As global biodiversity declines, there is an increasing need to create an educated and engaged society. Having people of all ages participate in measuring biodiversity where they live helps to create awareness. Recently, the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) for biodiversity surveys has gained momentum. Here, we explore whether sampling eDNA and sequencing it can be used as a means of rapidly surveying urban biodiversity for educational purposes. We sampled 2 × 1 L of water from each of 15 locations in the city of Trondheim, Norway, including a variety of freshwater, marine, and brackish habitats. DNA was extracted, amplified in triplicate targeting the barcoding fragment of COI gene, and sequenced. The obtained data were analyzed on the novel mBRAVE platform, an online open‐access software and computing resource. The water samples were collected in 2 days by two people, and the laboratory analysis was completed in 5 days by one person. Overall, we detected the presence of 506 BINs identified as belonging to 435 taxa, representing at least 265 putative species. On average, only 5.4% of the taxa were shared among six replicates per site. Based on the observed diversity, three distinct clusters were detected and related to the geographic distribution of sites. There were some taxa shared between the habitats, with a substantial presence of terrestrial biota. Here we propose a new form of BioBlitz, where with noninvasive sampling effort combined with swift processing and straightforward online analyses, hundreds of species can be detected. Thus, using eDNA analysis of water is useful for rapid biodiversity surveys and valuable for educational purposes. We show that rapid eDNA surveys, combined with openly available services and software, can be used as an educational tool to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity.
Plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPase 1 (PMCA1) but not PMCA4 is critical for B‐cell development and Ca2+ homeostasis in mice
Authors: Korthals Mark , Tech Laura , Langnaese Kristina , Gottfried Anna , Hradsky Johannes , Thomas Ulrich , Zenclussen Ana Claudia , Brunner‐Weinzierl Monika C. , Tedford Kerry , Fischer Klaus‐Dieter
Published: October 2020

The amplitude and duration of Ca2+ signaling is crucial for B‐cell development and self‐tolerance; however, the mechanisms for terminating Ca2+ signals in B cells have not been determined. In lymphocytes, plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPase (PMCA) isoforms 1 and 4 (PMCA1 and PMCA4, aka ATP2B1 and ATP2B4) are the main candidates for expelling Ca2+ from the cell through the plasma membrane. We report here that Pmca4 (Atp2b4) KO mice had normal B‐cell development, while mice with a conditional KO of Pmca1 (Atp2b1) had greatly reduced numbers of B cells, particularly splenic follicular B cells, marginal zone B cells, and peritoneal B‐1a cells. Mouse and naïve human B cells showed only PMCA1 expression and no PMCA4 by western blot, in contrast to T cells, which did express PMCA4. Calcium handling was normal in Pmca4−/− B cells, but Pmca1 KO B cells had elevated basal levels of Ca2+, elevated levels in ER stores, and reduced Ca2+ clearance. These findings show that the PMCA1 isoform alone is required to ensure normal B‐cell Ca2+ signaling and development, which may have implications for therapeutic targeting of PMCAs and Ca2+ in B cells.
Influence of Microwave Irradiation and Combustion Fuels on the Rate Capability and Cycle Performance of Li1.2Mn0.52Ni0.13Co0.13Al0.02O2 Layered Material
Authors: Nkosi Funeka , Palaniyandy Nithyadharseni , Raju Kumar , Ozoemena Kenneth I.
Published: October 2020

Commercialization of lithium‐manganese rich oxides (LMR‐NMC) cathodes for lithium‐ion batteries is hindered by shortcomings such as severe capacity fade and poor rate capability. This work reveals the synergetic effect of the structure and morphology in reducing capacity fade and improving rate capability in Li1.2Mn0.52Ni0.13Co0.13Al0.02O2 (LMNCA) cathode. The results show that the hybrid microwave irradiation‐combustion synthesis results in smaller particles, increased lattice parameters, reduced transition metal oxidation states, and high Li‐ion diffusion coefficients. These resulted in powders with reduced capacity fade and enhanced rate performance. LMNCA urea‐mic exhibited the best electrochemical performance with a discharge capacity of 360 mAh/g and capacity retention of 88 % after 50 cycles at 0.1 C.
Corrosion Inhibition of Mild Steel in Sulfuric Acid by a Newly Synthesized Schiff Base: An Electrochemical, DFT, and Monte Carlo Simulation Study
Authors: Sliem Mostafa H. , El Basiony N. M. , Zaki E. G. , Sharaf Mohammed A. , Abdullah Aboubakr M.
Published: October 2020

Effects of using a synthesized aminothiazole (BZ) Schiff base at different concentrations with and without the addition of 1 mM of KI on the corrosion mitigation of mild steel (MS) in 0.5 M sulphuric acid (H2SO4) solutions are studied electrochemically using direct and alternating currents (DC and AC) techniques. Besides, the adsorption and thermodynamic parameters are calculated in a temperature range of 293–323 K. Furthermore, Mott‐Schottky analysis is used to study the type of oxide layer on the MS surface. Quantum chemical calculations and Monte Carlo simulation techniques are used, and both confirmed the experimental results.
Mechanically flexible viscosity sensor for real‐time monitoring of tubular architectures for industrial applications
Authors: Nour Maha A. , Khan Sherjeel M. , Qaiser Nadeem , Bunaiyan Saleh A. , Hussain Muhammad M.
Published: October 2020

Real‐time monitoring of fluid viscosities in tubular systems is essential for industries transporting fluid media. The available real‐time viscometers for tubular systems have major drawbacks, such as using invasive methods with large pressure drops due to flow disturbances, destructive installation processes with permanent tube damage, and limited operability with laminar flows. Therefore, developing a viscometer to address the above‐mentioned concerns is required for industrial applications. In this study, a new application of a velocity‐dependent viscometer using a novel design for real‐time measurements with insignificant flow disruption is proposed. It involves a Poly (methyl‐methacrylate) microchannel bridge with a microfluidic flowmeter attached to a mechanically flexible Polydimethylsiloxane platform connected to the inner surface of the pipe, which can adapt to different pipe diameters and curvatures. Moreover, the proposed viscometer uses the pipe flow driving force to flow fluids into the microchannel for measurement without requiring a pumping system or any sample withdrawals. The results of the simulation analysis match the experimental results of the sensor performance. The sensor can measure different viscosities in the range of 4‐334 mPa s with a resolution higher than 2.7 mPa s. Finally, a stand‐alone system is integrated with the sensor for wireless data transmission.