bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of cecum time-location in a colonoscopy video by deep learning analysis of colonoscope movement
Authors: Cho Minwoo , Kim Jee Hyun , Hong Kyoung Sup , Kim Joo Sung , Kong Hyoun-Joong , Kim Sungwan
Published: July 2019

Background

Cecal intubation time is an important component for quality colonoscopy. Cecum is the turning point that determines the insertion and withdrawal phase of the colonoscope. For this reason, obtaining information related with location of the cecum in the endoscopic procedure is very useful. Also, it is necessary to detect the direction of colonoscope’s movement and time-location of the cecum.

Methods

In order to analysis the direction of scope’s movement, the Horn–Schunck algorithm was used to compute the pixel’s motion change between consecutive frames. Horn–Schunk-algorithm applied images were trained and tested through convolutional neural network deep learning methods, and classified to the insertion, withdrawal and stop movements. Based on the scope’s movement, the graph was drawn with a value of +1 for insertion, −1 for withdrawal, and 0 for stop. We regarded the turning point as a cecum candidate point when the total graph area sum in a certain section recorded the lowest.

Results

A total of 328,927 frame images were obtained from 112 patients. The overall accuracy, drawn from 5-fold cross-validation, was 95.6%. When the value of “t” was 30 s, accuracy of cecum discovery was 96.7%. In order to increase visibility, the movement of the scope was added to summary report of colonoscopy video. Insertion, withdrawal, and stop movements were mapped to each color and expressed with various scale. As the scale increased, the distinction between the insertion phase and the withdrawal phase became clearer.

Conclusion

Information obtained in this study can be utilized as metadata for proficiency assessment. Since insertion and withdrawal are technically different movements, data of scope’s movement and phase can be quantified and utilized to express pattern unique to the colonoscopist and to assess proficiency. Also, we hope that the findings of this study can contribute to the informatics field of medical records so that medical charts can be transmitted graphically and effectively in the field of colonoscopy.
Genetic diversity in natural populations of noble crayfish (Astacus astacusL.) in north-western Poland on the basis of combined SSR and AFLP data
Authors: Panicz Remigiusz , Napora-Rutkowski Łukasz , Keszka Sławomir , Skuza Lidia , Szenejko Magdalena , Śmietana Przemysław
Published: July 2019

Background

Conservation of noble crayfish (Astacus astacus) populations is becoming particularly important since the number of individuals is rapidly declining across the distribution range of the species in Europe. Five crayfish populations in northwestern Poland have been constantly monitored for two decades. However, the genetic structure of these populations has not been analysed, although this information is important to devise effective conservation strategies.

Methods

Noble crayfish were collected in the autumn of 2014 by scuba diving in Lakes Graniczne, Babinki, Biwakowe, Sęki and Kwisno, all of which are situated in the Bytów Lakeland of northwestern Poland. Genetic diversity of the five populations was assessed based on allele variability in nine SSR regions and six AFLP primer combinations.

Results

Microsatellite results analysed with AMOVA showed that the diversity between populations corresponds to 18% of total variability, which was confirmed by similar results obtained using AFLP. Additionally, significant genetic diversity was revealed by high average FSTvalues. All of the studied crayfish populations significantly deviated from the expected Hardy–Weinberg genetic equilibrium and were characterised by negative values of inbreeding coefficient (FIS).

Discussion

The invariably negative inbreeding coefficients (FIS) suggest a low number of mating individuals, a possible consequence of the phenomenon known as genetic bottleneck. However, additional comprehensive analyses are needed to assess the genetic structure, origin and vulnerability of the remaining populations of noble crayfish in the Bytów Lakeland of northwestern Poland, which have high conservation value and are particularly important as a live genetic bank for breeding and restitution purposes.
Association network analysis identifies enzymatic components of gut microbiota that significantly differ between colorectal cancer patients and healthy controls
Authors: Ai Dongmei , Pan Hongfei , Li Xiaoxin , Wu Min , Xia Li C.
Published: July 2019

The human gut microbiota plays a major role in maintaining human health and was recently recognized as a promising target for disease prevention and treatment. Many diseases are traceable to microbiota dysbiosis, implicating altered gut microbial ecosystems, or, in many cases, disrupted microbial enzymes carrying out essential physio-biochemical reactions. Thus, the changes of essential microbial enzyme levels may predict human disorders. With the rapid development of high-throughput sequencing technologies, metagenomics analysis has emerged as an important method to explore the microbial communities in the human body, as well as their functionalities. In this study, we analyzed 156 gut metagenomics samples from patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and adenoma, as well as that from healthy controls. We estimated the abundance of microbial enzymes using the HMP Unified Metabolic Analysis Network method and identified the differentially abundant enzymes between CRCs and controls. We constructed enzymatic association networks using the extended local similarity analysis algorithm. We identified CRC-associated enzymic changes by analyzing the topological features of the enzymatic association networks, including the clustering coefficient, the betweenness centrality, and the closeness centrality of network nodes. The network topology of enzymatic association network exhibited a difference between the healthy and the CRC environments. The ABC (ATP binding cassette) transporter and small subunit ribosomal protein S19 enzymes, had the highest clustering coefficient in the healthy enzymatic networks. In contrast, the Adenosylhomocysteinase enzyme had the highest clustering coefficient in the CRC enzymatic networks. These enzymic and metabolic differences may serve as risk predictors for CRCs and are worthy of further research.
Cardioprotective effects of Prolame and SNAP are related with nitric oxide production and with diminution of caspases and calpain-1 activities in reperfused rat hearts
Authors: Román-Anguiano Nadia Giovanna , Correa Francisco , Cano-Martínez Agustina , de la Peña-Díaz Aurora , Zazueta Cecilia
Published: July 2019

Cardiac tissue undergoes changes during ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) that compromise its normal function. Cell death is one of the consequences of such damage, as well as diminution in nitric oxide (NO) content. This signaling molecule regulates the function of the cardiovascular system through dependent and independent effects of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). The independent cGMP pathway involves post-translational modification of proteins by S-nitrosylation. Studies in vitro have shown that NO inhibits the activity of caspases and calpains through S-nitrosylation of a cysteine located in their catalytic site, so we propose to elucidate if the regulatory mechanisms of NO are related with changes in S-nitrosylation of cell death proteins in the ischemic-reperfused myocardium. We used two compounds that increase the levels of NO by different mechanisms: Prolame, an amino-estrogenic compound with antiplatelet and anticoagulant effects that induces the increase of NO levels in vivo by activating the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and that has not been tested as a potential inhibitor of apoptosis. On the other hand, S-Nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), a synthetic NO donor that has been shown to decrease cell death after inducing hypoxia-reoxygenation in cell cultures. Main experimental groups were Control, I-R, I-R+Prolame and I-R+SNAP. Additional groups were used to evaluate the NO action pathways. Contractile function represented as heart rate and ventricular pressure was evaluated in a Langendorff system. Infarct size was measured with 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride stain. NO content was determined indirectly by measuring nitrite levels with the Griess reaction and cGMP content was measured by Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay. DNA integrity was evaluated by DNA laddering visualized on an agarose gel and by Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP Nick-End Labeling assay. Activities of caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9 and calpain-1 were evaluated spectrophotometrically and the content of caspase-3 and calpain-1 by western blot. S-nitrosylation of caspase-3 and calpain-1 was evaluated by labeling S-nitrosylated cysteines. Our results show that both Prolame and SNAP increased NO content and improved functional recovery in post-ischemic hearts. cGMP-dependent and S-nitrosylation pathways were activated in both groups, but the cGMP-independent pathway was preferentially activated by SNAP, which induced higher levels of NO than Prolame. Although SNAP effectively diminished the activity of all the proteases, a correlative link between the activity of these proteases and S-nitrosylation was not fully established.
Mobile learning in dentistry: usage habits, attitudes and perceptions of undergraduate students
Authors: Suner Aslı , Yilmaz Yusuf , Pişkin Beyser
Published: July 2019

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate usage habits, attitudes and perceptions towards mobile learning (m-learning), as well as to identify variables related to those attitudes amongst undergraduate dental students.

Materials and Methods

The study consists of 81 dental undergraduate students who who volunteered to participate. The data collection tool consists of an m-learning attitude scale, a questionnaire, and open-ended questions. To compare the total scores and factors of m-learning attitude scale for demographic information and mobile technology usage habits of the students; the Mann–WhitneyUtest was used for two independent groups such as gender, presence of electronic devices, and places of Internet usage. The Kruskal–Wallis test was also used to compare the total scores and factors of m-learning attitude scale for more than two independent groups including internet usage purposes and opinions. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was performed, and linear regression analysis was used to predict the change in total score according to the purposes of Internet usage.

Results

The majority of students thought that the use of mobile devices in dentistry courses was useful and their attitudes towards m-learning were high. The students generally use the Internet for online shopping, connecting to social networks, and communication. They tend to use mobile technologies for personal use, followed by educational purposes. There were significant differences found in the m-learning attitudes for gender, having a portable power supply and use of mobile devices in dentistry courses. Communication was found significant in predicting the change in total score for the m-learning attitude scale according to the purpose of Internet usage.

Conclusion

Dental students have generally positive attitudes towards m-learning. Students raise awareness towards the promise of m-learning in order to apply their individual technology use and learning behaviours. Designing learning materials and applications for mobile devices may increase students’ performances.
Integrative analysis of transcriptome-wide association study and gene expression profiling identifies candidate genes associated with stroke
Authors: Yang Jian , Yan Bin , Fan Yajuan , Yang Lihong , Zhao Binbin , He Xiaoyan , Ma Qingyan , Wang Wei , Bai Ling , Zhang Feng , Ma Xiancang
Published: July 2019

Background

Stroke is a major public health burden worldwide. Although genetic variation is known to play a role in the pathogenesis of stroke, the specific pathogenic mechanisms are still unclear. Transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) is a powerful approach to prioritize candidate risk genes underlying complex traits. However, this approach has not been applied in stroke.

Methods

We conducted an integrative analysis of TWAS using data from the MEGASTROKE Consortium and gene expression profiling to identify candidate genes for the pathogenesis of stroke. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis was also conducted to detect functional gene sets.

Results

The TWAS identified 515 transcriptome-wide significant tissue-specific genes, among which SLC25A44 (P = 5.46E−10) and LRCH1 (P = 1.54E−6) were significant by Bonferroni test for stroke. After validation with gene expression profiling, 19 unique genes were recognized. GO enrichment analysis identified eight significant GO functional gene sets, including regulation of cell shape (P = 0.0059), face morphogenesis (P = 0.0247), and positive regulation of ATPase activity (P = 0.0256).

Conclusions

Our study identified multiple stroke-associated genes and gene sets, and this analysis provided novel insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying stroke.
RITA modulates cell migration and invasion by affecting focal adhesion dynamics
Authors: Hoock Samira Catharina , Ritter Andreas , Steinhäuser Kerstin , Roth Susanne , Behrends Christian , Oswald Franz , Solbach Christine , Louwen Frank , Kreis Nina‐Naomi , Yuan Juping
Published: July 2019

RITA, the RBP‐J interacting and tubulin‐associated protein, has been reported to be related to tumor development, but the underlying mechanisms are not understood. Since RITA interacts with tubulin and coats microtubules of the cytoskeleton, we hypothesized that it is involved in cell motility. We show here that depletion of RITA reduces cell migration and invasion of diverse cancer cell lines and mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Cells depleted of RITA display stable focal adhesions (FA) with elevated active integrin, phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase, and paxillin. This is accompanied by enlarged size and disturbed turnover of FA. These cells also demonstrate increased polymerized tubulin. Interestingly, RITA is precipitated with the lipoma‐preferred partner (LPP), which is critical in actin cytoskeleton remodeling and cell migration. Suppression of RITA results in reduced LPP and α‐actinin at FA leading to compromised focal adhesion turnover and actin dynamics. This study identifies RITA as a novel crucial player in cell migration and invasion by affecting the turnover of FA through its interference with the dynamics of actin filaments and microtubules. Its deregulation may contribute to malignant progression.
Analysis of BnMTL, a novel metallothionein‐like protein in the bast fiber crop Ramie (Boehmeria nivea)
Authors: Gao Gang , Chen Jikang , Chen Ping , Chen Kunmei , Abubakar Aminu Shehu , Yu Chunming , Zhu Aiguo
Published: July 2019

Ramie (Boehmeria nivea) is a perennial herb that is highly tolerant of heavy metals. In the present study, we cloned a novel metallothionein‐like gene from ramie; this gene, termed BnMTL, encodes a putative 46 amino acid protein with a molecular mass of 4.38 kDa. Analysis using quantitative RT‐PCR revealed that cadmium (Cd2+) treatment results in elevated expression of BnMTL in the roots. We heterologously overexpressed BnMTL in Escherichia coli cells to examine its binding to Cd2+ and its possible role in homeostasis. Recombinant E. coli cells expressing BnMTL exhibited a high tolerance of Cd2+ stress up to a concentration of 1 mm, and the observed accumulation of Cd2+ was almost eight‐fold higher than the control. These results demonstrate that BnMTL (i) is highly expressed in the root following exposure to Cd2+ and (ii) encodes a typical metallothionein‐like protein with high cadmium‐binding activity.
Virus Diseases of Potatoes
Authors: Torrance Lesley
Published: July 2019

The cultivated potato (
Solanum tuberosum
L.) is known to be infected by at least 40 viruses. Viruses pose a continuing threat to potato production through yield losses and degrading stocks of seed tubers. Some viruses can be controlled by crop management practices, but the most effective and environmentally beneficial method is through host resistance. Climate change is expected to increase virus disease incidence; however, developments in plant breeding technologies to breed resistant cultivars together with integrated management practices show much potential to control existing and emerging virus diseases.

Key Concepts

The most economically important viruses of potato.

Control of virus disease incidence in potato production systems.

Virus resistance mechanisms.

Methods of virus detection and identification.

Future threats to potato from climate change.
Sex Chromosome Dosage Compensation
Authors: Csankovszki Gyorgyi
Published: July 2019

Organisms that use a chromosome‐based mechanism for sex determination must contend with the resulting sex‐linked gene dosage imbalance between males and females. While some organisms appear to tolerate gene‐dosage differences, others have evolved compensatory processes. The molecular mechanisms behind dosage compensation are only understood in a few organisms. In the fruit fly
Drosophila melanogaster
, XY males upregulate X‐linked gene expression two‐fold by a process that involves histone acetylation. Whether other lineages upregulate the male X is currently highly debated. Then in mammals, XX females inactivate one of their two X chromosomes using the long noncoding RNA
Xist
and repressive chromatin modifications. In the nematode
Caenorhabditis elegans
, XX hermaphrodites downregulate gene expression from both X chromosomes two‐fold by the action of a protein complex resembling the mitotic chromosome compaction machinery. Detailed studies of these mechanisms provided insights into not just dosage compensation, but the broader field of gene regulation in general.

Key Concepts

Differences in sex chromosome dose create a gene expression imbalance.

Some lineages tolerate sex‐chromosome‐linked imbalances, other lineages evolved mechanisms to compensate for the differences in gene dosage.

Complete balance includes balancing the single male X to autosomes and equalising sex‐linked gene dosage between the sexes.

The MSL complex binds to the X chromosome in male
Drosophila
to upregulate gene expression two‐fold.

The MSL subunit MOF acetylates lysine 16 on histone H4 in gene bodies, leading to enhancement of transcription elongation.

The noncoding RNA
Xist
is expressed from the inactive X chromosome of female mammals.

Xist
RNA recruits chromatin‐modifying activities to transcriptionally silence the chromosome.

The condensin‐like DCC binds both X chromosomes of hermaphroditic nematodes to dampen gene expression two‐fold.

The DCC remodels and compacts the chromosome and recruits histone‐modifying enzymes to limit RNA Polymerase II loading onto the chromosomes.
Giant Bacteria
Authors: Ionescu Danny , Bizic Mina
Published: July 2019

For almost all bacteria, it is convenient to be very small, but a few highly specialist groups of bacteria have evolved to be orders of magnitude larger than ordinary bacteria. While some of these giant microbes are abnormally large in all dimensions, others are long and thin or consist of assemblages of multiple cells. These giant bacteria are spread across the domain Bacteria and have evolved multiple ways to combat diffusion constrains. Giant bacteria often thrive in nutrient and carbon‐rich environments and/or in steep redox gradients. Genomically, giant bacteria seem all to be polyploid, that is containing multiple copies of their genome. Giant bacteria have been described throughout the history of microbial research but only some of them can be traced in current taxonomy and are being actively studied. Therefore, it is likely there are other giant bacteria in nature, awaiting to be explored.

Key Concepts

Growth and activity of giant bacteria are expected to be constrained by a combination of diffusion of nutrients into the cells as well as intracellular trafficking of solutes by diffusion.

Giant bacteria can be divided into ‘truly’ giant, consisting of abnormally large cells on all dimensions, or ‘pseudo‐giant’ consisting of cells abnormally large on one axis or multicellular assemblages of bacteria.

‘Pseudo‐giant’ bacteria may not face the same diffusion limitations as ‘truly’ giant bacteria.

‘Truly’ giant bacteria likely ‘resolve’ diffusion constrains by one or more methods including, minimising cytoplasmic space by intracellular (pseudo)compartmentalisation, storage vacuoles, rapid swimming.

Giant bacteria often grow in carbon‐ and nutrient‐rich environments and/or in steep redox gradients, thus additionally minimising diffusion‐related constraints.

Current knowledge suggests that all giant bacteria contain multiple copies of their genomes being oligoploid (3–10 copies) or polyploid (10–1000s of copies).

Gigantism in bacteria occurs in multiple phylogenetic lineages covering both Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive taxa.

Early descriptions of giant bacteria suggest that the currently studied taxa do not encompass the entire diversity of abnormally large bacteria.
Guard Cell Actin Cytoskeleton
Authors: Jiang Kun , Shimono Masaki , Day Brad
Published: July 2019

Stomata are adjustable pores found predominantly in the leaf epidermis that control CO2influx into the apoplast and transpirational water loss. Guard cells enclosing the stomatal pore can perceive and respond to diverse stimuli via a complex signalling network: central to this signalling network is the actin cytoskeleton, which has been proposed as a critical component of stomatal guard cell function. Indeed, guard cell actin cytoskeletal filaments undergo dramatic conformational changes during biotic and abiotic stimulus‐induced stomatal movement. As a function of the genetic requirement for these highly regulated conformational changes, disruption of actin filament dynamics using pharmacological or genetic‐based approaches leads to stomatal insensitivity to the opening and closing signals. Recent advances in high‐resolution live‐cell microscopy have enabled the visualisation of the dynamic features of individual actin filaments, and in total, provided new knowledge about the quantitative properties of filament distribution and turnover. Additional studies have also revealed a spectrum of actin regulatory components and stomatal signalling events that are associated with cytoskeletal actin function in guard cells. Future research on stomatal actin signalling mutants will shed light on the mechanisms underlying the regulation of cell physiological processes and activation of responses to external stresses via actin re‐modelling.

Key Concepts

The guard cell actin cytoskeleton serves as a hub of the stomatal signalling network.

The cortical actin arrays in guard cells rearrange rapidly to facilitate stomatal movement induced by biotic and abiotic stimuli.

Reorganisation of actin filaments in guard cells is orchestrated by a diverse of actin‐binding proteins.

The activation and repression of actin‐binding proteins are coordinated by a multitude of early signalling components of the stomatal signalling network.

The reorganisation of cytoskeletal actin is mechanistically coupled to key guard cell signalling events such as transmembrane ion flux, membrane recycling and morphological changes of vacuoles.
Multifunctional Bioinstructive 3D Architectures to Modulate Cellular Behavior
Authors: Vaithilingam Jayasheelan , Sanjuan‐Alberte Paola , Campora Simona , Rance Graham A. , Jiang Long , Thorpe Jordan , Burroughs Laurence , Tuck Christopher J. , Denning Chris , Wildman Ricky D. , Hague Richard J. M. , Alexander Morgan R. , Rawson Frankie J.
Published: July 2019

Biological structures control cell behavior via physical, chemical, electrical, and mechanical cues. Approaches that allow us to build devices that mimic these cues in a combinatorial way are lacking due to there being no suitable instructive materials and limited manufacturing procedures. This challenge is addressed by developing a new conductive composite material, allowing for the fabrication of 3D biomimetic structures in a single manufacturing method based on two‐photon polymerization. The approach induces a combinatorial biostimulative input that can be tailored to a specific application. Development of the 3D architecture is performed with a chemically actuating photocurable acrylate previously identified for cardiomyocyte attachment. The material is made conductive by impregnation with multiwalled carbon nanotubes. The bioinstructive effect of 3D nano‐ and microtopography is combined with electrical stimulation, incorporating biochemical, and electromechanical cues to stimulate cells in serum‐free media. The manufactured architecture is combined with cardiomyocytes derived from human pluripotent stem cells. It is demonstrated that by mimicking biological occurring cues, cardiomyocyte behavior can be modulated. This represents a step change in the ability to manufacture 3D multifunctional biomimetic modulatory architectures. This platform technology has implications in areas spanning regenerative medicine, tissue engineering to biosensing, and may lead to more accurate models for predicting toxicity.
Phonon Polaritons in Monolayers of Hexagonal Boron Nitride
Authors: Dai Siyuan , Fang Wenjing , Rivera Nicholas , Stehle Yijing , Jiang Bor‐Yuan , Shen Jialiang , Tay Roland Yingjie , Ciccarino Christopher J. , Ma Qiong , Rodan‐Legrain Daniel , Jarillo‐Herrero Pablo , Teo Edwin Hang Tong , Fogler Michael M. , Narang Prineha , Kong Jing , Basov Dimitri N.
Published: July 2019

Phonon polaritons in van der Waals materials reveal significant confinement accompanied with long propagation length: important virtues for tasks pertaining to the control of light and energy flow at the nanoscale. While previous studies of phonon polaritons have relied on relatively thick samples, here reported is the first observation of surface phonon polaritons in single atomic layers and bilayers of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). Using antenna‐based near‐field microscopy, propagating surface phonon polaritons in mono‐ and bilayer hBN microcrystals are imaged. Phonon polaritons in monolayer hBN are confined in a volume about one million times smaller than the free‐space photons. Both the polariton dispersion and their wavelength–thickness scaling law are altered compared to those of hBN bulk counterparts. These changes are attributed to phonon hardening in monolayer‐thick crystals. The data reported here have bearing on applications of polaritons in metasurfaces and ultrathin optical elements.
2D Nanomaterials for Cancer Theranostic Applications
Authors: Cheng Liang , Wang Xianwen , Gong Fei , Liu Teng , Liu Zhuang
Published: July 2019

2D nanomaterials with unique nanosheet structures, large surface areas, and extraordinary physicochemical properties have attracted tremendous interest. In the area of nanomedicine, research on graphene and its derivatives for diverse biomedical applications began as early as 2008. Since then, many other types of 2D nanomaterials, including transition metal dichalcogenides, transition metal carbides, nitrides and carbonitrides, black phosphorus nanosheets, layered double hydroxides, and metal–organic framework nanosheets, have been explored in the area of nanomedicine over the past decade. In particular, a large surface area makes 2D nanomaterials highly efficient drug delivery nanoplatforms. The unique optical and/or X‐ray attenuation properties of 2D nanomaterials can be harnessed for phototherapy or radiotherapy of cancer. Furthermore, by integrating 2D nanomaterials with other functional nanoparticles or utilizing their inherent physical properties, 2D nanomaterials may also be engineered as nanoprobes for multimodal imaging of tumors. 2D nanomaterials have shown substantial potential for cancer theranostics. Herein, the latest progress in the development of 2D nanomaterials for cancer theranostic applications is summarized. Current challenges and future perspectives of 2D nanomaterials applied in nanomedicine are also discussed.
3D Printing of Salt as a Template for Magnesium with Structured Porosity
Authors: Kleger Nicole , Cihova Martina , Masania Kunal , Studart André R. , Löffler Jörg F.
Published: July 2019

Porosity is an essential feature in a wide range of applications that combine light weight with high surface area and tunable density. Porous materials can be easily prepared with a vast variety of chemistries using the salt‐leaching technique. However, this templating approach has so far been limited to the fabrication of structures with random porosity and relatively simple macroscopic shapes. Here, a technique is reported that combines the ease of salt leaching with the complex shaping possibilities given by additive manufacturing (AM). By tuning the composition of surfactant and solvent, the salt‐based paste is rheologically engineered and printed via direct ink writing into grid‐like structures displaying structured pores that span from the sub‐millimeter to the macroscopic scale. As a proof of concept, dried and sintered NaCl templates are infiltrated with magnesium (Mg), which is typically highly challenging to process by conventional AM techniques due to its highly oxidative nature and high vapor pressure. Mg scaffolds with well‐controlled, ordered porosity are obtained after salt removal. The tunable mechanical properties and the potential to be predictably bioresorbed by the human body make these Mg scaffolds attractive for biomedical implants and demonstrate the great potential of this additive technique.
Tailored Nonlinear Anisotropy in Mie‐Resonant Dielectric Oligomers
Authors: Kroychuk Maria K. , Yagudin Damir F. , Shorokhov Alexander S. , Smirnova Daria A. , Volkovskaya Irina I. , Shcherbakov Maxim R. , Shvets Gennady , Kivshar Yuri S. , Fedyanin Andrey A.
Published: July 2019

The field of Mie‐resonant nanophotonics has attracted a lot of attention recently due to many promising applications in linear and nonlinear metaoptics. Optically induced magnetic resonances define novel characteristics of isolated high‐index dielectric nanoparticles and their oligomers. Here, the orientation‐dependent nonlinear frequency generation from dielectric oligomers with different symmetries, being all characterized by isotropic linear response, is demonstrated. The rotational dependence of the third‐harmonic signal emitted by the nanoparticle oligomers in accord with their point‐group symmetry (e.g., C3 or C4) is observed experimentally, while their linear scattering remains isotropic. The experimental data are in a good agreement with numerical simulations and the symmetry analysis of the nonlinear susceptibility tensor. The results open a new avenue for tailoring nonlinear properties of nanoscale structures.
High‐Efficiency Ultrathin Dual‐Wavelength Pancharatnam–Berry Metasurfaces with Complete Independent Phase Control
Authors: Xie Rensheng , Zhai Guohua , Wang Xiong , Zhang Dajun , Si Liming , Zhang Hualiang , Ding Jun
Published: July 2019

Metasurfaces are planar structures that can offer unprecedented freedoms to manipulate electromagnetic wavefronts at deep‐subwavelength scale. The wavelength‐dependent behavior of the metasurface could severely reduce the design freedom. Besides, realizing high‐efficiency metasurfaces with a simple design procedure and easy fabrication is of great interest. Here, a novel approach to design highly efficient meta‐atoms that can achieve full 2π phase coverage at two wavelengths independently in the transmission mode is proposed. More specifically, a bilayer meta‐atom is designed to operate at two wavelengths, the cross‐polarized transmission efficiencies of which reach more than 70% at both wavelengths. The 2π phase modulations at two wavelengths under the circularly polarized incidence can be achieved independently by varying the orientations of the two resonators constructing the meta‐atom based on Pancharatnam–Berry phase principle. As proof‐of‐concept demonstrations, three dual‐wavelength meta‐devices employing the proposed meta‐atom are numerically investigated and experimentally verified, including two metalenses (1D and 2D) with the same focusing length and a vortex beam generator carrying different orbital angular momentum modes at two operation wavelengths. Both the simulation and experimental results satisfy the design goals, which validate the proposed approach.
Biomaterial‐Based Metabolic Regulation in Regenerative Engineering
Authors: Ma Chuying , Kuzma Michelle L. , Bai Xiaochun , Yang Jian
Published: July 2019

Recent advances in cell metabolism studies have deepened the appreciation of the role of metabolic regulation in influencing cell behavior during differentiation, angiogenesis, and immune response in the regenerative engineering scenarios. However, the understanding of whether the intracellular metabolic pathways could be influenced by material‐derived cues remains limited, although it is now well appreciated that material cues modulate cell functions. Here, an overview of how the regulation of different aspect of cell metabolism, including energy homeostasis, oxygen homeostasis, and redox homeostasis could contribute to modulation of cell function is provided. Furthermore, recent evidence demonstrating how material cues, including the release of inherent metabolic factors (e.g., ions, regulatory metabolites, and oxygen), tuning of the biochemical cues (e.g., inherent antioxidant properties, cell adhesivity, and chemical composition of nanomaterials), and changing in biophysical cues (topography and surface stiffness), may impact cell metabolism toward modulated cell behavior are discussed. Based on the resurgence of interest in cell metabolism and metabolic regulation, further development of biomaterials enabling metabolic regulation toward dictating cell function is poised to have substantial implications for regenerative engineering.
Indigenizing and Decolonizing the Teaching of Psychology: Reflections on the Role of the Non‐Indigenous Ally
Authors: Schmidt Heather
Published: July 2019

Canada's 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission published 94 Calls to Action including direction to post‐secondary institutions “to integrate Indigenous knowledge and teaching methods into classrooms” as well as to “build student capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect.” In response, Canadian universities have rushed to “Indigenize” and are now competing to hire Indigenous faculty, from a limited pool of applicants. However, it is missing the true spirit of reconciliation for non‐Indigenous faculty to continue with the status quo while assigning the sole responsibility of Indigenizing curriculum to these new hires. How can non‐Indigenous psychology professors change their teaching to ensure that all students acquire an appreciation of traditional Indigenous knowledge about holistic health and healing practices, as well as an understanding of Canada's history of racist colonization practices and its intergenerational effects? Community psychologists, particularly those who have established relationships with Indigenous communities, have an important role to play. In this article, I survey the existing literature on Indigenizing and decolonizing psychological curriculum and share ways in which I have integrated Indigenous content into my psychology courses. I also reflect upon the successes, questions, and ongoing challenges that have emerged as I worked in collaboration with first Anisinaabek First Nations and then Mi'kmaw/L'nu First Nations.
Fragile X syndrome in a male with methylated premutation alleles and no detectable methylated full mutation alleles
Authors: Hayward Bruce , Loutaev Inna , Ding Xiaohua , Nolin Sarah L. , Thurm Audrey , Usdin Karen , Smith Carolyn B.
Published: July 2019

Most cases of fragile X syndrome (FXS) result from aberrant methylation of the FMR1 gene. Methylation occurs when the number of tandemly arranged cytosine guanine guanine (CGG)‐repeats in the 5′ end of the transcriptional unit of FMR1 exceeds a certain critical threshold, thought to be between 200 and 400 repeats. Such alleles are referred to as full mutation (FM) alleles. Premutation (PM) alleles, alleles with 55–200 repeats, are generally not aberrantly methylated and in fact may have hyperexpression of the FMR1 mRNA. We describe here a male who meets the diagnostic criteria for FXS, who is highly mosaic with a mixture of multiple PM and FM alleles and 50% methylation. However, the methylated alleles are limited to two alleles in the PM range, ~165 and ~175 repeats respectively, with the FM alleles being unmethylated. This finding has implications for FXS diagnosis as well as for efforts to delete the repeat in individuals with FXS using a CRISPR‐Cas9 approach.
Early results of nerve transfers for restoring function in severe cases of acute flaccid myelitis
Authors: Pino Paula A. , Intravia Jessica , Kozin Scott H. , Zlotolow Dan A.
Published: July 2019

Objective

To describe early functional outcomes of nerve transfer surgery in a relatively large cohort of patients with acute flaccid myelitis (AFM).

Methods

A retrospective case analysis was made of patients with AFM treated with nerve transfer surgery between 2007 and 2018. Surgical criteria were persistent motor deficits after 6 months from onset and available donor nerves. Thirty‐two patients with AFM were evaluated; 16 underwent nerve transfer surgeries. Motor function was evaluated by a licensed occupational therapist using the Active Movement Scale preoperatively and during follow‐up examinations. Patients with 6 or more months of follow‐up were included in the analysis. Patients with procedures other than nerve transfers were excluded.

Results

Sixteen patients with AFM had nerve transfers, with a male predominance (75%) and median age of 2.5 years (range = 4 months–12 years). Eleven patients had a minimum 6 months of follow‐up. Nerve transfers to restore elbow function had 87% excellent recovery for elbow flexion and 67% for elbow extension. Finger and thumb extension were full against gravity in 1 patient (100%). Shoulder external rotation was excellent in 50% of patients and shoulder abduction in only 20%. Nine of 10 patients (90%) had resolution of shoulder pseudosubluxation following nerve transfer to the suprascapular nerve.

Interpretation

Patients with AFM with persistent motor deficits 6 to 9 months after onset benefit from nerve transfer surgery. Restoration of elbow function was more reliable than restoration of shoulder function. We recommend early referral of patients with incomplete recovery to a center experienced in nerve transfers for timely evaluation and treatment. ANN NEUROL 2019;86:607–615
Polymer‐anchored mononuclear and binuclear CuII Schiff‐base complexes: Impact of heterogenization on liquid phase catalytic oxidation of a series of alkenes
Authors: Maurya Abhishek , Kesharwani Neha , Kachhap Payal , Mishra Vivek Kumar , Chaudhary Nikita , Haldar Chanchal
Published: July 2019

Liquid phase catalytic oxidation of a number of alkenes, for example, cyclohexene, cis‐cyclooctene, styrene, 1‐methyl cyclohexene and 1‐hexene, was performed using polymer‐anchored copper (II) complexes PS‐[Cu (sal‐sch)Cl] (5), PS‐[Cu (sal‐tch)Cl] (6), PS‐[CH2{Cu (sal‐sch)Cl}2] (7) and PS‐[CH2{Cu (sal‐tch)Cl}2] (8). Neat complexes [Cu (sal‐sch)Cl] (1), [Cu (sal‐tch)Cl] (2), [CH2{Cu (sal‐sch)Cl}2] (3) and [CH2{Cu (sal‐tch)Cl}2] (4) were isolated by reacting CuCl2·2H2O with [Hsal‐sch] (I), [Hsal‐tch] (II), [H2bissal‐sch] (III) and [H2bissal‐tch] (IV), respectively, in refluxing methanol. Complexes 1–4 have been covalently anchored in Merrifield resin through the amine nitrogen of the semicarbazide or thiosemicarbazide moiety. A number of analytical, spectroscopic and thermal techniques, such as CHNS analysis, Fourier transform‐infrared, UV–Vis, PMR, 13C‐NMR, electron paramagnetic resonance, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, atomic force microscopy, atomic absorption spectroscopy, and electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry, were used to analyze and establish the molecular structure of the ligands (I)–(IV) and complexes (1)–(8) in solid state as well as in solution state. Grafted complexes 5–8 were employed as active catalysts for the oxidation of a series of alkenes in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. Copper hydroperoxo species ([CuIII (sal‐sch)‐O‐O‐H]), which is believed to be the active intermediate, generated during the catalytic oxidation of alkenes, are identified. It was found that supported catalysts are very economical, green and efficient in contrast to their neat complexes as well as most of the recently reported heterogeneous catalysts.
Using Interventional Radiology to Treat Postpartum Hemorrhage
Authors: Liberth Maureen , Gordon Miriam
Published: July 2019

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a serious complication of giving birth that can result in death. Interventional radiology allows for the use of uterine artery embolization and transcatheter arterial embolization to prevent and treat PPH. These procedures are minimally invasive options that use the uterine or internal iliac arteries to place either a balloon or embolic material to stop the bleeding. These techniques also can be used as a preventive treatment for women with known placental abnormalities who are at an increased risk of hemorrhaging. This article discusses causes, early recognition, and treatment of PPH. It also discusses nursing care for patients with PPH and presents a case report describing the use of interventional radiology before cesarean delivery for a patient with placenta accreta.
Pervaporative separation of methyl acetate–methanol azeotropic mixture using high‐performance polydimethylsiloxane/ceramic composite membrane
Authors: Li Yuxue , Zong Chuanxin , Zhou Haoli , Jin Wanqin
Published: July 2019

Methyl acetate is a very important green solvent, which is often produced by esterification using excess methanol as one of the reagents. Therefore, cost‐efficient separation of the methyl acetate/methanol mixture is important. However, the formation of a methanol/methyl acetate azeotrope at atmospheric pressure results in high energy consumption for their separation using distillation such as extractive distillation. In order to reduce the energy consumption, pervaporation (PV) was used to replace the distillation in this study. Two membranes, polydimethylsiloxane and polyoctylmethylsiloxane, were first compared in the PV separation of the methyl acetate/methanol mixture. Then the effects of different operating parameters such as temperature, feed flow rate, permeate pressure, and so on were investigated. Total flux was up to 100 kg/(m2·hr) at 50°C, whereas the separation factor ranges from 1.2 to 5.0. Results showed that the methyl acetate/methanol azeotrope could be broken in the studied concentration range and high flux could be obtained. Furthermore, the change of activation energy with feed methyl acetate concentration and membrane thickness with temperature was investigated. To demonstrate the potential of the industrial applications, the stability in separation of 32 wt.% methyl acetate–methanol mixtures for 15 days was investigated.
Mechanical property improvement and fire hazard reduction of ammonium polyphosphate microencapsulated in rigid polyurethane foam
Authors: Li Shaoxiang , Zhou Yue , Cheng Jiaji , Ma Qianyu , Zhang Feng , Wang Yong , Liu Meng , Wang Dong , Qu Wenjuan
Published: July 2019

Ammonium polyphosphate (APP) is an effective phosphorus‐containing flame retardant. But APP also has excellent hygroscopic capacity and decreases the mechanical property of composite. The aim of the study was to microencapsulate APP with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) to prepare microencapsulated ammonium polyphosphate (PMAPP) in order to eliminate the harmful effects caused by the mechanical property of composite. The microcapsules are characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), and hydroscopicity test and observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fire hazard of rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) is evaluated using a cone calorimeter and limited oxygen index test. The mechanical property of RPUF is studied by compressive strength test. The results show that APP has been microencapsulated by PMMA successfully and the shell does not decrease the beneficial effect of APP on fire hazard of RPUF. Furthermore, the shell also reduces the damage of APP on the mechanical property of composite. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48307.
Hollow PtPd Nanorods with Mesoporous Shells as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for the Methanol‐Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Wang Hongjing , Qian Xiaoqian , Liu Songliang , Yin Shuli , Yu Hongjie , Xu You , Li Xiaonian , Wang Ziqiang , Wang Liang
Published: July 2019

Tailoring the morphology and composition of platinum‐based electrocatalysts is of significant importance for the development of highly efficient direct methanol fuel cells. Herein, we report a dual‐templating method for the design of hollow PtPd nanorods with mesoporous shells (mPtPd HNRs). We found that F127 micelles favored the formation of mesoporous structures and that SiO2 nanorods served as a hard template for the creation of cavities. The well‐developed mesopores, hollow structures, and bimetallic composition of the mPtPd HNRs afforded a sufficient number of active sites to facilitate the electrochemical oxidation of methanol, thereby leading to enhanced activity and stability. This strategy allowed for the reliable preparation of mesoporous hollow platinum‐based electrocatalysts with desired compositions and morphologies for catalytic applications.
Hg2+‐selective ratiometric and colorimetric probe based on dansyl–rhodamine and its staining function in cell imaging
Authors: Wang Yuesong , Ding Haichang , Wang Shuai , Fan Congbin , Tu Yayi , Liu Gang , Pu Shouzhi
Published: July 2019

A new ratiometric probe composed of a dansyl–rhodamine dyad for the detection of Hg2+ via fluorescence resonance energy transfer was designed and synthesized. Rhodamine, dansyl chloride, and hydrazide were selected as the acceptor, donor, and reaction site, respectively. It displayed high selectivity and sensitivity to Hg2+ with obvious colour change and fluorescence change due to Hg2+‐assisted hydrolysis of rhodamine hydrazide. A good linear relationship ranging from 0 to 16 μM and 0–28 μM for the Hg2+ concentration was found based on absorbance and fluorescence assay, respectively. Detection limits of absorbance and fluorescence for Hg2+ were calculated to be 1.22 μM and 9.10 μM, respectively.
Validation and application of a novel LC/MS/MS method for the determination of isoginkgetin in rat plasma
Authors: Zhao Cuimei , Han Song , Yang Shengbao , Xin Weidong
Published: July 2019

Isoginkgetin is a biflavonoid compound isolated from the leaf extracts of Ginkgo biloba. In this study, an liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) with liquid–liquid extraction was developed and validated for the analysis of isoginkgetin in rat plasma. In the process of chromatographic separation, selected reaction monitoring transitions for isoginkgetin and IS were m/z 566.8 → 134.7 and m/z 430.8 → 269.3, respectively. The validation parameters including selectivity, linearity, LLOQ, accuracy, precision, matrix effect, stability and recovery were satisfactory. The intra‐ and inter‐batch precision (RSD) were <12.1% in plasma, while the accuracy (RE) was within ±14.3%. This method was employed in a pharmacokinetic study on rats after the intravenous administration of isoginkgetin.