bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skull Anatomy and Pneumaticity of the Enigmatic Coelurosaurian Theropod Bicentenaria argentina.
Authors: Aranciaga Rolando Alexis M. , Cerroni Mauricio A. , Novas Fernando E.
Published: October 2019

The enigmatic basal coelurosaur Bicentenaria argentina is a small theropod that comes from the Upper Cretaceous of Patagonia. It is constituted by more than 130 elements, including cranial remains. These are represented by an incomplete snout, palate, dermatocranium, and lower jaws still in articulation. The skull material of Bicentenaria was preliminarily studied by previous authors. In this study, we conducted a CT scan of the holotype of Bicentenaria, which allowed us to fully describe all preserved skull bones, including some previously unknown elements. The morphological analysis indicates that Bicentenaria shares many cranial features with other basal coelurosaurs as compsognathids, Ornitholestes, and tyrannosauroids. Otherwise, results of this analysis show that Bicentenaria exhibits a set of traits unique to this taxon. Furthermore, several pneumatic recesses were closely matched with those pneumatic features present in many derived coelurosaurs, particularly tyrannosauroids. This new information, together with future discoveries, will improve our knowledge about the muscular correlates of Bicentenaria and other coelurosaurs, and may shed light about the phylogenetic relationships of this group. Anat Rec, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy Anat Rec, 303:1884–1900, 2020. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
The Law, Ethics and Body Donation: A Tale of Two Bequeathal Programs
Authors: Hutchinson Erin F. , Kramer Beverley , Billings Brendon K. , Brits Desiré M. , Pather Nalini
Published: October 2019

Historically, legislature has been utilized to facilitate appropriate use of cadavers in the anatomical sciences. However, cadaver acquisition and use have also been guided by ethically appropriate and morally acceptable principles. Various global and regional frameworks of “ethical practice” guide body donation, including the use of unclaimed bodies by institutions. These frameworks are responsive to, and reciprocal with the various ethical, moral and legal factors that influence the development of body donation programs. This reciprocity supports the notion that anatomists and anatomical societies have a responsibility to advocate for legal reform when required. In this study, two body bequest programs from geopolitically and socially disparate countries are used as cases to contrast existing legal and governance frameworks for body donation and to examine whether anatomists can direct the acquisition of ethically donated cadavers. The study includes an Australian donor program that has exclusively accepted bequests since its inception, and a South African program that has recently transitioned to a bequest system. Elements such as consent by next‐of‐kin and Inspector of Anatomy, use of unclaimed bodies and ethics committee approval amongst others, are compared. It is acknowledged that legal frameworks for cadaver acquisition generally deliver broad guidance on acceptable utilization of bodies for the anatomical sciences. However, professional discretion is of importance in adapting to societal needs and values. Thus, while anatomists have been able to progress toward more ethical practice than that which is required by the law, they must continue to do so as societal values evolve.
Model and robust gain‐scheduled PID control of a bio‐inspired morphing UAV based on LPV method
Authors: Shao Pengyuan , Wu Jin , Wu Chengfu , Ma Songhui
Published: October 2019

In this paper, a linear parameter‐varying (LPV)‐based model and robust gain‐scheduled structural proportion integral and derivative (PID) control design solution are proposed and applied on a bio‐inspired morphing wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for the morphing process. In the LPV model method, the authors propose an improved modeling method for LPV systems. The method combines partial linearization and function substitution. Using the proposed method, we can choose the varying parameters simply, thus creating a model that is more flexible and applicable. Then, a robust gain‐scheduled structural PID control design method is given by introducing a structural matrix to design a structural PID controller, which is more consistent with the structure of the PID controller used in practice and has a simpler structure than representative ones in the existing literature. The simulation results show that the developed LPV morphing UAV model is able to catch the response of the original nonlinear model with a smaller error than the existing Jacobian linearization method and the designed controller can maintain stable flights in practice with satisfactory robustness and performance.
Analysis of predicted amino acid biosynthesis in Rv3344c in Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv using bioinformatics tools
Authors: Joshi Khyati , Meena Swati , Meena Laxman S.
Published: October 2019

According to World Health Organization (WHO) report, Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv (M. tuberculosis) affects one‐third population of the world. Emergence of effective treatment/research against this disease is need of the hour. Therefore, we present some important aspects of Rv3344c, which is a PE_PGRS protein. Evidence shows that PE_PGRS proteins show fibronectin binding activity. This protein has affinity for calcium and also shows motifs of GTP‐binding protein. It also shows the presence of sites for ribose‐5‐phosphate binding and motifs of aspartate‐beta‐semialdehyde dehydrogenase, both of which are involved in amino acid biosynthesis. Thus, this protein might be targeted to block the amino acid biosynthesis in M. tuberculosis. This article takes into consideration some important aspects of Rv3344c protein as its function is still unknown. This study includes retrieval of protein sequence database, multiple sequence alignment, protein–protein interaction, epitope prediction, localization, function prediction, phosphorylation site prediction, model building and its validation, ligand‐binding prediction along with mutational analysis. Hence, this study might be an important step in the development of new drugs and treatment of tuberculosis.
Biotransformation of cladribine using a stabilized biocatalyst in calcium alginate beads
Authors: Lapponi María J. , Britos Claudia N. , Rivero Cintia W. , Trelles Jorge A.
Published: October 2019

Cladribine is a nucleoside analogue widely used in the pharmaceutical industry for the treatment of several neoplasms, including hairy‐cell leukemia among others. This compound has also shown efficacy in the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. In this work, a green bioprocess for cladribine biosynthesis using immobilized Arthrobacter oxydans was developed. The microorganism was stabilized by entrapment immobilization in the natural matrix alginate. Different reaction parameters were optimized obtaining a biocatalyst able to achieve cladribine bioconversion values close to 85% after 1 hr, the shortest reaction times reported so far. The developed bioprocess was successfully scaled‐up reaching a productivity of 138 mg L−1 hr−1. Also, the biocatalyst was stable for 5 months in storage and in 96 hr at operational conditions.
Treatment patterns, adverse events, healthcare resource use and costs among commercially insured patients with mantle cell lymphoma in the United States
Authors: Kabadi Shaum M. , Near Aimee , Wada Keiko , Burudpakdee Chakkarin
Published: October 2019

Introduction

There are limited data on treatment patterns, adverse events (AEs), and economic burden in younger, commercially insured patients treated for mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).

Methods

Adults with ≥1 treatment for MCL between 1 November 2013‐31 December 2017 were identified from IQVIA Real‐World Data Adjudicated Claims‐US; index date was first treatment. Patients carried ≥1 MCL diagnosis, were newly treated, and were enrolled continuously for ≥12 months prior to and ≥30 days following index. Patients receiving the four most common MCL regimens were included. Measures included frequency of incident AEs, resource use, and costs overall and by number of AEs. Adjusted logistic regression and generalized linear modeling evaluated risk of hospitalization and all‐cause costs per patient per month (PPPM).

Results

Two thousand five hundred and nine treated patients had a drug‐specific code and were classified to a specific treatment regimen. Of those patients, 1785 patients received at least one of the four most commonly used MCL regimens (R‐CHOP, rituximab monotherapy, B‐R, and ibrutinib) at some point over follow‐up (median 23 months). R‐CHOP was the most common regimen observed in the first line (26%), followed by rituximab monotherapy (19%), B‐R (15%), and ibrutinib (5%). The median age was 57 years; median Charlson Comorbidity Index was 0. Among patients receiving the four most common regimens, 63% of patients experienced ≥1 incident AE (R‐CHOP 77%, B‐R 58%, and ibrutinib 52%). An increasing number of incident AEs was associated with increased hospitalization risk (odds ratio = 2.4; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 2.1‐2.7) and increased mean costs PPPM (cost ratio = 1.1; 95% CI 1.1‐1.2).

Discussion

This is the largest study describing treatment patterns and clinical and economic impact of MCL treatment. The most common regimens were R‐CHOP, rituximab monotherapy, B‐R, and ibrutinib. The majority of treated patients experienced at least one incident AE, with hospitalization risk and all‐cause costs increasing as the number of AEs increased.
The polymorphisms (rs3213801 and rs5744533) of DNA polymerase kappa gene are not related with glioma risk and prognosis: A case‐control study
Authors: Wu Ying , Zhou Linghui , Deng Yujiao , Li Na , Yang Pengtao , Dong Shanshan , Yang Si , Zheng Yi , Yao Li , Zhang Ming , Zhai Zhen , Dai Zhijun , Wu Yuan
Published: October 2019

DNA polymerase kappa (POLK), one of the specialized Y family DNA polymerases, functions in translesion synthesis and is suggested to be related with cancers. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in specialized DNA polymerases have been demonstrated to be associated with cancer risk. To evaluate the association of two common POLK variants (rs3213801 C>T and rs5744533 C>T) with glioma, we conducted a case‐control study and genotyped these two POLK variants in 605 patients and 1300 healthy controls. The association analysis revealed no significant correlations were observed between these two POLK SNPs and glioma risk. However, the POLK rs3213801 CT genotype was found to be higher in older glioma patients (≥40) than in younger patients (P = .026). Compared with patients harboring the CC genotype, the frequencies of POLK rs5744533 CT and CT+TT genotypes were increased in patients with lower World Health Organization (WHO) grade glioma (P = .028, 0.044, respectively). According to Kaplan‐Meier analysis and log‐rank tests, POLK SNPs were not correlated with either the overall survival or progression‐free survival. Nevertheless, multivariate analysis revealed that the age (≥40) could increase the risk of death in glioma patients (P < .05), while gross‐total resection and temozolomide treatment were found to play protective roles in glioma prognosis (P < .001, respectively). Overall, our results indicated that POLK variants rs3213801 and rs5744533 are not associated with glioma risk and prognosis. However, these polymorphisms are likely to be associated with certain glioma characteristics, such as age and WHO grade. The age, surgery types, and chemotherapy could be independent prognostic factors in glioma. More studies are required to confirm our findings.
Family instability as a unique risk factor for children's adjustment problems
Authors: Coe Jesse L. , Parade Stephanie H.
Published: October 2019

It is well‐established that children who experience adversity early in life are at high risk for developing a wide array of psychological, social, academic, behavioral, and physical health problems across the lifespan. Most of what we know about how and why adversity is harmful for children is based on research that examines characteristics of the early rearing environment that are directly threatening or harsh. These include experiences like poverty, child maltreatment, and violence in the home or neighborhood. However, early family environments that are “adverse” may also be those that are unstable or unpredictable.
Holiday stress: Thoughts for finding meaning amidst the pressure
Authors: Walters Anne
Published: October 2019

Halloween decorations are out before Labor Day, and winter holiday preparation pressure starts not so long after.
Percutaneous embolization of lymphatic fistulae as treatment for protein‐losing enteropathy and plastic bronchitis in patients with failing Fontan circulation
Authors: Maleux Geert , Storme Emma , Cools Bjorn , Heying Ruth , Boshoff Derize , Louw Jacoba J. , Frerich Stefan , Malekzadeh‐Milanii Sofie , Hubrechts Jelena , Brown Stephen C. , Gewillig Marc
Published: October 2019

Background

To determine the feasibility and clinical result of selective embolization of hepatoduodenal or paratracheal lymphatics in Fontan patients with protein‐losing enteropathy (PLE) or plastic bronchitis (PB).

Methods

Dilated lymph vessels in periportal (PLE) or paratracheal (PB) position were percutaneously punctured with a 22G Chiba needle. Intralymphatic position was confirmed by water soluble contrast injection with drainage to hepatoduodenal or tracheal fistulae. After flushing with 10% glucose solution, occlusion of hepatoduodenal or paratreacheal lymphatics was effected by injection of 1–4 cc mixture 4/1 of Lipiodol/n‐butyl cyanoacrylate (n‐BCA; Histoacryl).

Results

Seven patients with proven PLE were treated with periportal lymphatic embolization 10.7 (range: 6.6–13.5) years after the Fontan operation. The Fontan operation was performed at a median age of 3.7 (range: 2.9–5.7) years and PLE started a median of 3.1 (range: 0.9–4.7) years later. Five patients required a second procedure 2–8 months later. Complications were limited (spillage of glue in portal branch, transient cholangitis, and caustic duodenal bleeding). Six of seven patients reported significant improvement in quality of life and normalization of albumin levels after limited follow‐up (p < .01). One patient (Fontan at 2.9 years; age 16.4 years) had PB for 2 years. Selective transthoracic cone‐beam‐directed puncture of left and right paratracheal lymphatics with n‐BCA embolization of distal lymphatic fistulae resulted in lasting absence of tracheal casts (11 months).

Conclusions

Embolization of periportal/peritracheal lymphatics is a promising technique in Fontan patients with PLE/PB. Larger series are required to determine incidence and reasons of success/failure, with long‐term results and effects on liver function.
Effect of Oxide Support on Catalytic Performance of FeNi‐based Catalysts for CO2‐assisted Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Ethane
Authors: Yan Binhang , Yao Siyu , Chen Jingguang G.
Published: October 2019

CO2‐assisted oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane over Fe3Ni1 catalysts supported on SiO2, ZrO2, and CeO2, as well as CeO2‐supported Fe3xNix with different metal loadings (x=0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4), were investigated to illustrate the effects of the oxide support and the metal loading amount in tuning the catalytic activity and selectivity. The oxidation state and the dispersion of the Ni and Fe species on the supported catalysts were determined by using in‐situ X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and X‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) measurements. Among these FeNi‐based catalysts, Fe3Ni1/CeO2 exhibited the best catalytic activity and maximum ethylene yield for the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane. Excessive loading amount of active metals changed the reaction selectivity from oxidative dehydrogenation to dry reforming. The high activity and selectivity for CO2‐assisted oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane over Fe3Ni1/CeO2 are likely due to the formation of Ni‐FeOx/CeOx interfacial sites, while the presence of Ni‐ZrO2 interfacial sites on Fe3Ni1/ZrO2 and NiFe‐CeOx interfacial sites on Fe12Ni4/CeO2 likely tune the reaction selectivity toward dry reforming of ethane.
Aromatization of Ethylene – Main Intermediate for MDA?
Authors: Vollmer Ina , Abou‐Hamad Edy , Gascon Jorge , Kapteijn Freek
Published: October 2019

Methane dehydroaromatization (MDA) over Mo/HZSM‐5 has been hypothesized in literature to proceed via a two‐step mechanism: methane is first converted to ethylene on the molybdenum (Mo) functionality and then ethylene is oligomerized, cyclized and dehydrogenated on the Brønsted acid sites (BAS) of the HZSM‐5 support. This hypothesis is tested by studying the conversion of ethylene at the same conditions as used for MDA, namely 700 °C, atmospheric pressure, and by co‐feeding experiments with H2 and CH4. Our results suggest that ethylene is not the main intermediate for MDA, because the aromatic selectivities obtained from methane conversion are higher than selectivities measured during ethylene conversion. Furthermore, carbonaceous deposits formed during MDA have a lower density, are more hydrogenated and more active than the ones formed during ethylene aromatization (EDA). Similarly as for MDA, an activation period in which Mo carburizes to its active phase and an induction period, in which aromatics formation rates increase to their maximum are observed for ethylene conversion. The induction period, which was explained by the buildup of a hydrocarbon pool (HCP) is much faster with methane than with ethylene. This period, is attributed to a slow buildup of hydrocarbons, strongly adsorbed on Mo sites, because it is only observed with catalysts containing Mo. Hydrogen co‐feeding with ethylene leads to the formation of more reactive coke species and a significantly prolonged lifetime of the catalyst, but not to a faster buildup of the HCP.
Development of Copper Cobalt Sulfide with Cu : Co Ratio Variation on Carbon Cloth as an Efficient Electrode Material for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Mahala Chavi , Sharma Riya , Sharma Mamta Devi , Pande Surojit
Published: October 2019

When designing a device for energy conversion, development of a highly active catalyst for OER (oxygen evolution reaction) reaction in alkaline medium is of utmost importance. For energy conversion, herein, we developed copper cobalt sulfide on carbon cloth (CC) using a simple and facile hydrothermal method. A vertically grown 2D sheet‐like structure of copper‐cobalt sulfide is observed using L‐cysteine as a sulfur source. An optimized ratio of copper(II) and cobalt(III) and the best sulfur source are found to boost the electrocatalytic activity of mixed metal thiospinel for OER. Several characterization techniques (XRD, Raman, FESEM, TEM, XPS, and ICP‐AES) were used to confirm phase purity, morphology, and composition of copper cobalt sulfides. We have established that 2D nanosheets of CuCo3Sz/CC exhibited superior electrocatalytic performance over bare RuO2 in 1.0 M KOH solution. It is observed that CuCo3Sz/CC need only 105 mV overpotential to generate 5 mA/cm2 current density. CuCo3Sz/CC is very stable and able to produce unaltered current density under an applied potential of 1.615 V vs. RHE for 48 h. Electrochemically active surface area calculation is performed for all catalysts to confirm higher electrocatalytic activity. The catalyst, CuCo3Sz/CC is used in a broad pH region using 0.5 M KOH, saline water, and 0.5 M Na2SO4 electrolyte solution to widen the applicability of water splitting. This work shows an avenue to develop active and durable electrocatalyst for OER without using any noble metal electrocatalyst.
Syntheses and Characterization of a Pair of Isomers of Heteroleptic Bis(Bidentate) Ruthenium(II) Complexes with Two Different Monodentate Ligands
Authors: Toyama Mari , Takizawa Takako , Morita Itaru , Nagao Noriharu , Kuramochi Yusuke , Ishida Hitoshi
Published: October 2019

Two isomers of heteroleptic bis(bidentate) ruthenium(II) complexes with dimethyl sulfoxide (dmso) and chloride ligands, trans(Cl,Nbpy)‐ and trans(Cl,NHdpa)‐[Ru(bpy)Cl(dmso‐S)(Hdpa)]+ (bpy: 2,2′‐bipyridine; Hdpa: di‐2‐pyridylamine), are synthesized. This is the first report on the selective synthesis of a pair of isomers of cis‐[Ru(L)(L′)XY]n+ (L≠L′: bidentate ligands; X≠Y: monodentate ligands). The structures of the ruthenium(II) complexes are clarified by means of X‐ray crystallography, and the signals in the 1H NMR spectra are assigned based on 1H–1H COSY spectra. The colors of the two isomers are clearly different in both the solid state and solution: the trans(Cl,Nbpy) isomer has a deep red color, whereas the trans(Cl,NHdpa) isomer is yellow. Although both complexes have intense absorption bands at λ≈440–450 nm, only the trans(Cl,Nbpy) isomer has a shoulder band at λ≈550 nm. DFT calculations indicate that the LUMOs of both isomers are the π* orbitals in the bpy ligand, and that the LUMO level of the trans(Cl,Nbpy) isomer is lower than that of the trans(Cl,NHdpa) isomer due to the trans effect of the Cl ligand; thus resulting in the appearance of the shoulder band. The HOMO levels are almost the same in both isomers. The energy levels are experimentally supported by cyclic voltammograms, in which these isomers have different reduction potentials and similar oxidation potentials.
Multiemotional product color design using gray theory and nondominated sorting genetic algorithm‐III
Authors: Ding Man , Dong Wei
Published: October 2019

When users select products, they consider the emotional experience resulting from the color of the product. However, the emotional demands of users for product color are multidimensional and diverse. It is very important yet difficult to accurately grasp multiemotional image requirements and effectively convert them into design elements. Therefore, multiemotional product color design (MEPCD) has become a very important and challenging research topic. In this article, a novel MEPCD system using gray theory (GT) and nondominated sorting genetic algorithm‐III (NSGA‐III) is proposed to effectively solve the MEPCD problem. First, the image perception spaces of users, which exist in different emotional dimensions, were collected using factor analysis and the semantic differential technique. Then, GT was used to establish a multidimensional emotional product color image evaluation model. Finally, NSGA‐III was used to optimize and design a multiemotional color scheme for a product. Furthermore, according to actual conditions, an MEPCD system was established based on the proposed method. The design case study shows that the method and design system proposed in this article have a certain range of applicability and can effectively improve the practicality of MEPCD.
Highly Regioselective Methylation of Guanosine Nucleotides: An Efficient Synthesis of 7‐Methylguanosine Nucleotides
Authors: Senthilvelan Annamalai , Shanmugasundaram Muthian , Kore Anilkumar R.
Published: October 2019

This article describes a simple, reliable, efficient, and general method for the synthesis of 7‐methylguanosine nucleotides such as 7‐methylguanosine 5′‐O‐monophosphate (m7GMP), 7‐methylguanosine 5′‐O‐diphosphate (m7GDP), 7‐methyl‐2′‐deoxyguanosine 5′‐O‐triphosphate (m72′dGTP), and 7‐methylguanosine 5′‐O‐triphosphate (m7GTP) starting from the corresponding guanosine nucleotide is described. The present protocol involves methylation reaction of guanosine nucleotide using dimethyl sulfate as a methylating agent and water as a solvent at room temperature to provide the corresponding 7‐methylguanosine nucleotide in good yields with high purity (>99.5%). It is noteworthy that the present methylation reaction proceeds smoothly under aqueous conditions that is highly regioselective to afford exclusive 7‐methylguanosine nucleotide. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Basic Protocol: Synthesis of 7‐methylguanosine nucleotides.
Flow Cytometric Analysis of Hematopoietic Populations in Rat Bone Marrow. Impact of Trauma and Hemorrhagic Shock
Authors: Francis Wendy R. , Ireland Rachel E. , Spear Abigail M. , Jenner Dominic , Watts Sarah A. , Kirkman Emrys , Pallister Ian
Published: October 2019

Severe injury and hemorrhagic shock (HS) result in multiple changes to hematopoietic differentiation, which contribute to the development of immunosuppression and multiple organ failure (MOF). Understanding the changes that take place during the acute injury phase may help predict which patients will develop MOF and provide potential targets for therapy. Obtaining bone marrow from humans during the acute injury phase is difficult so published data are largely derived from peripheral blood samples, which infer bone marrow changes that reflect the sustained inflammatory response. This preliminary and opportunistic study investigated leucopoietic changes in rat bone marrow 6 h following traumatic injury and HS. Terminally anesthetized male Porton Wistar rats were allocated randomly to receive a sham operation (cannulation with no injury) or femoral fracture and HS. Bone marrow cells were flushed from rat femurs and immunophenotypically stained with specific antibody panels for lymphoid (CD45R, CD127, CD90, and IgM) or myeloid (CD11b, CD45, and RP‐1) lineages. Subsequently, cell populations were fluorescence‐activated cell sorted for morphological assessment. Stage‐specific cell populations were identified using a limited number of antibodies, and leucopoietic changes were determined 6 h following trauma and HS. Myeloid subpopulations could be identified by varying levels CD11b expression, CD45, and RP‐1. Trauma and HS resulted in a significant reduction in total CD11b + myeloid cells including both immature (RP‐1(−)) and mature (RP‐1+) granulocytes. Multiple B‐cell lymphoid subsets were identified. The total percentage of CD90+ subsets remained unchanged following trauma and HS, but there was a reduction in the numbers of maturing CD90(−) cells suggesting movement into the periphery. © 2019 The Authors. Cytometry Part A published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
Vereinfachter Nachweis von Aussteifungswänden aus unbewehrtem Mauerwerk
Authors: Graubner Carl‐Alexander , Müller Dominik
Published: October 2019

According to the German National Annex to DIN EN 1996‐3, a calculative verification of the bracing system may be omitted if, besides other requirements, an obviously sufficient number of sufficiently long shear walls is in place. If it is questionable whether a building complies with this requirement, a time‐consuming verification of the bracing system according to DIN EN 1996‐1‐1/NA is unavoidable. This article therefore presents a simplified verification method for the bracing system, which will prospectively be included in the next revision of DIN EN 1996‐3. The simplified bracing verification can already be used as a decision‐making aid to omit the calculative bracing verification according to DIN EN 1996‐1‐1/NA.
Grazing disturbance promotes exotic annual grasses by degrading soil biocrust communities
Authors: Root Heather T. , Miller Jesse E. D. , Rosentreter Roger
Published: October 2019

Exotic invasive plants threaten ecosystem integrity, and their success depends on a combination of abiotic factors, disturbances, and interactions with existing communities. In dryland ecosystems, soil biocrusts (communities of lichens, bryophytes, and microorganisms) can limit favorable microsites needed for invasive species establishment, but the relative importance of biocrusts for landscape‐scale invasion patterns remains poorly understood. We examine effects of livestock grazing in habitats at high risk for invasion to test the hypothesis that disturbance indirectly favors exotic annual grasses by reducing biocrust cover. We present some of the first evidence that biocrusts increase site resistance to invasion at a landscape scale and mediate the effects of disturbance. Biocrust species richness, which is reduced by livestock grazing, also appears to promote native perennial grasses. Short mosses, as a functional group, appear to be particularly valuable for preventing invasion by exotic annual grasses. Our study suggests that maintaining biocrust communities with high cover, species richness, and cover of short mosses can increase resistance to invasion. These results highlight the potential of soil surface communities to mediate invasion dynamics and suggest promising avenues for restoration in dryland ecosystems.
Evaluation of a Yarrowia lipolytica Strain Collection for Its Lipid and Carotenoid Production Capabilities
Authors: Bruder Stefan , Melcher Felix Arthur , Zoll Thomas , Hackenschmidt Silke , Kabisch Johannes
Published: October 2019

The oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica is capable of accumulating large amounts of fatty acids in the form of lipids which can serve as a platform polymer for a variety of applications. Additionally, through heterologous gene expression, Y. lipolytica is capable of producing carotenoids. Due to the observation that Y. lipolytica exhibits a high phenotypic inter‐strain variability, robotics and microwell scale cultivations are applied to examine 12 wild type strains of a Y. lipolytica collection. The strains are characterized with respect to their metabolic capabilities for fatty acid production as well as genetically manipulated to produce beta‐carotene. Furthermore, growth and production behavior of the strain collection at different temperatures as well as initial pH are assessed. A molecular discrimination between the strains is achieved by internal transcribed spacer (ITS)‐sequencing and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based methods. The best performing strain with respect to lipid production produces ≈2% lipids per dry cell weight (DCW) and 8 mg g−1 beta‐carotenoids in yeast nitrogen base (YNB) media. All strains show robust growth from 28 to 34 °C.

Practical Applications: Unlocking nature's potential by screening natural isolates shows that even on inter‐strain level sufficient phenotypic diversity may arise. Automated growth‐based characterization of beta‐carotene‐producing strains in terms of media composition, effect of initial pH, and temperature tolerance shows that with modern cultivation techniques, rapid characterization of strain collections is feasible. Combining results of beta‐carotene and lipid formation could help to balance both pathways to improve the storage of hydrophobic compounds in the lipid droplets. The generalized findings could be further transferred to improve the production of any valuable compound, derived from the mevalonate pathway.
Developmental validation of the Microreader™ 20A ID system
Authors: Qu Shengqiu , Li Hang , Li Yifan , Lv Meili , Yang Fan , Zhu Jing , Yu Zailiang , Liu Yuqing , Chen Chuguang , Wang Yinji , Li Zhuo , Zhang Lin , Liang Weibo
Published: October 2019

The Microreader™ 20A ID system is designed for forensic applications such as personal identification, parentage testing, and research. It includes 13 combined DNA index system (CODIS) short tandem repeat (STR) loci (CSF1PO, FGA, TH01, TPOX, vWA, D3S1358, D5S818, D7S820, D8S1179, D13S317, D16S539, D18S51, and D21S11), three expanded CODIS STR loci (D12S391, D19S433, and D2S1338), three non‐CODIS STR loci (D6S1043, Penta D, and Penta E), and the amelogenin locus in one reaction with a six‐dye fluorescent (FAM, HEX, TAMAR, ROX, PUR, and QD550) analysis system. In this study, the Microreader™ 20A ID system was validated according to the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods validation guidelines for forensic DNA Analysis methods and Chinese national standard, including PCR‐based studies, sensitivity study, precision, and accuracy evaluation, stutter calculation, inhibitor tests, species specificity, and DNA mixture studies. Our results suggest that the Microreader™ 20A ID system is a useful tool for personal identification and parentage testing.
Next‐Generation Genotoxicology: Using Modern Sequencing Technologies to Assess Somatic Mutagenesis and Cancer Risk
Authors: Salk Jesse J. , Kennedy Scott R.
Published: October 2019

Mutations have a profound effect on human health, particularly through an increased risk of carcinogenesis and genetic disease. The strong correlation between mutagenesis and carcinogenesis has been a driving force behind genotoxicity research for more than 50 years. The stochastic and infrequent nature of mutagenesis makes it challenging to observe and to study. Indeed, decades have been spent developing increasingly sophisticated assays and methods to study these low‐frequency genetic errors, in hopes of better predicting which chemicals may be carcinogens, understanding their mode of action, and informing guidelines to prevent undue human exposure. While effective, widely used genetic selection‐based technologies have a number of limitations that have hampered major advancements in the field of genotoxicity. Emerging new tools, in the form of enhanced next‐generation sequencing platforms and methods, are changing this paradigm. In this review, we discuss rapidly evolving sequencing tools and technologies, such as error‐corrected sequencing and single cell analysis, which we anticipate will fundamentally reshape the field. In addition, we consider a variety emerging applications for these new technologies, including the detection of DNA adducts, inference of mutational processes based on genomic site and local sequence contexts, and evaluation of genome engineering fidelity, as well as other cutting‐edge challenges for the next 50 years of environmental and molecular mutagenesis research. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 61:135–151, 2020. © 2019 The Authors. Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Environmental Mutagen Society.
A paradigm shift in German family policy: Applying a topic model to map reform and public discourse, 1990–2016
Authors: Gülzau Fabian
Published: October 2019

This article explores the newspaper discourse surrounding a paradigm shift in social policy. The case at hand, Germany, is a prime example of a welfare state that was particularly resistant to reform. Hence, the rapid paradigm shift in German family policy since the late 1990s is puzzling. This study seeks to resolve this puzzle by drawing on the insight that public discourse is crucial for policy change. Politicians have to promote reforms prior to their implementation. The main channel for communication with the wider public is the mass media. I use newspaper coverage from 1990 to 2016 to analyze whether the media is responsive to reform initiatives. I use topic modeling, an innovative method from the computational social sciences (CSS), to identify dominant themes and shifts over time in a large corpus of newspaper articles (N = 1,459). The analysis shows that public discourse was responsive to the parliamentary debate. The article also clarifies the role of critical events and identifies discursive strategies.
Novel SS18‐NEDD4 gene fusion in a primary renal synovial sarcoma
Authors: Argani Pedram , Zhang Lei , Sung Yun‐Shao , Bacchi Carlos , Swanson David , Dickson Brendan C. , Antonescu Cristina R.
Published: October 2019

We report a primary renal synovial sarcoma with a novel gene fusion and unusual morphology. The patient was a 35‐year‐old female who was found to have a 5 cm hypocellular, myxoid spindle cell renal neoplasm that subtly permeated amongst native renal tubules. The tumor cells showed elongated hyperchromatic nuclei with ill‐defined pale cytoplasm, lacking significant mitotic activity or necrosis. Based on its deceptively bland morphology, the differential diagnosis included mainly benign entities, such as metanephric stromal tumor, mixed epithelial stromal tumor (MEST), and myxoid peripheral nerve sheath tumors. A definitive diagnosis of synovial sarcoma was made only subsequently to RNA‐sequencing, which revealed a novel SS18‐NEDD4 gene fusion. These results were further confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization using custom design break‐apart probes for both genes. This case illustrates the utility of targeted RNA‐sequencing in the classification of challenging tumors with deceptive morphology and identification of novel gene fusion variants. Apart from the canonical SS18‐SSX fusion, this is only the second alternative gene fusion variant described in synovial sarcoma to date, in addition to two cases harboring the SS18L1‐SSX1 fusion.
International trends in hepatocellular carcinoma incidence, 1978–2012
Authors: Petrick Jessica L. , Florio Andrea A. , Znaor Ariana , Ruggieri David , Laversanne Mathieu , Alvarez Christian S. , Ferlay Jacques , Valery Patricia C. , Bray Freddie , McGlynn Katherine A.
Published: October 2019

Primary liver cancer, the major histology of which is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. We comprehensively examined recent international trends of primary liver cancer and HCC incidence using population‐based cancer registry data. Incidence for all primary liver cancer and for HCC by calendar time and birth cohort was examined for selected countries between 1978 and 2012. For each successive 5‐year period, age‐standardized incidence rates were calculated from Volumes V to XI of the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents (CI5) series using the online electronic databases, CI5plus. Large variations persist in liver cancer incidence globally. Rates of liver cancer remain highest in Asian countries, specifically in the East and South‐East, and Italy. However, rates in these high‐risk countries have been decreasing in recent years. Rates in India and in most countries of Europe, the Americas and Oceania are rising. As the population seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) continues to decline, we anticipate rates of HCC in many high‐risk countries will continue to decrease. Treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is likely to bring down rates further in some high‐rate, as well as low‐rate, countries with access to effective therapies. However, such gains in the control of liver cancer are at risk of being reversed by the growing obesity and diabetes epidemics, suggesting diabetes treatment and primary prevention of obesity will be key in reducing liver cancer in the longer‐term.
Self‐Assembly in Protein‐Based Bionanomaterials
Authors: Solomonov Aleksei , Shimanovich Ulyana
Published: October 2019

Supramolecular self‐assembled structures, based on protein−protein interactions, have garnered widespread interest as prospective functional bionanomaterials. Possessing unique properties, proteins have been widely investigated in the last years, due to their capability to form a diversity of natural and artificially designed zero‐, one‐, two‐ and three‐dimensional assemblies. These structures laid the basis for bionanomaterials design, including films, foams, gels, and others, with widespread applications in electronics, biomedicine, and environmental sciences. In this context, the present review is devoted to revealing the diversity of protein assemblies and related bionanomaterials. Special interest is paid to recent advances and new trends in functional amyloids and fibrillar silk‐based self‐assembling architectures, as well as their current and potential applications. We emphasize the protein nanostructures’ diversity for the future design of functional protein‐based materials.
A review of maternal mortality trends in Lebanon, 2010–2018
Authors: El‐Kak Faysal , Kabakian‐Khasholian Tamar , Ammar Walid , Nassar Anwar
Published: October 2019

Lebanon invested in the prevention of maternal mortality after the civil war, which left a deficient vital registration system leading to unreliable estimates of maternal mortality ratio (MMR). Starting in 2004, the Ministry of Public Health integrated reproductive health into primary health care and established a national notification system of maternal and neonatal deaths. From 1990 to 2013, Lebanon achieved an annual change in MMR of −7.5%, which was the highest rate of reduction in the region and met the requirements of Millennium Development Goal 5. For the period 2010–2018, data collected through the national notification system indicate an MMR of 14.9, which is below the officially reported MMR of 23. Since the influx of Syrian refugees, Lebanon has experienced a rise in the number of live births with a slightly increasing trend in MMR, especially in regions with the highest concentration of refugees. Causes of maternal mortality in Lebanon align with the three‐delays model, pointing to deficiencies in the quality of maternity care. More efforts are needed toward strengthening the national notification system to include cases that occur outside hospitals, identifying near‐miss cases, reinforcing the emergency response system, and engaging with all stakeholders to improve quality of care.
The practice management components needed to support comprehensive medication management in primary care clinics
Authors: Pestka Deborah L. , Frail Caitlin K. , Sorge Lindsay A. , Funk Kylee A. , Roth McClurg Mary T. , Sorensen Todd D.
Published: October 2019

Background

Practice management (ie, the necessary resources and support to provide comprehensive medication management [CMM] in an efficient and productive manner) is a central part of CMM practice. However, research identifying the key components of CMM practice management was previously lacking.

Methods

Pharmacists providing CMM from 35 primary care clinics across five states were divided into three cohorts. One‐on‐one semi‐structured interviews were conducted with the lead pharmacist from all clinics in Cohort 1. Participants were asked to describe the essential components of CMM practice management as they applied to their practice. Inductive coding of transcripts led to an initial practice management framework. Participants in Cohorts 2 and 3 reviewed the essential components and participated in individual cognitive interviews. Throughout this process, a series of four focus groups with managers who oversaw pharmacists providing CMM also occurred to obtain their initial perspectives, as well as feedback on the evolving essential components of practice management.

Results

Thirteen essential components of CMM practice management emerged: leadership support, availability and adequacy of clinic space, billing and revenue systems, methods for identifying patients in need of CMM, scheduling CMM services, care documentation, presence and scope of collaborative practice agreements, interprofessional collaboration, engagement of support staff, measuring CMM data, reporting CMM data and outcomes, quality assurance processes, and practitioner training. These essential components were grouped into five overarching domains: organizational support, care delivery processes, care team engagement, evaluating CMM services, and ensuring consistent and quality care.

Conclusion

This study defined the essential components of CMM practice management which may be used to guide CMM practice development and advancement.
Development of the comprehensive medication management practice management assessment tool: A resource to assess and prioritize areas for practice improvement
Authors: Pestka Deborah L. , Frail Caitlin K. , Sorge Lindsay A. , Funk Kylee A. , Janke Kristin K. , Roth McClurg Mary T. , Sorensen Todd D.
Published: October 2019

Background

Significant attention has been given to developing a consistent patient care process for providing comprehensive medication management (CMM). However, little research exists that examines the structures required to effectively manage a CMM practice to achieve quality, consistency and sustainability.

Objective

The objective of this research was to create a CMM practice management assessment tool to identify and prioritize areas of CMM practice improvement.

Methods

Thirty‐four pharmacists providing CMM from 35 primary care clinics across five states were divided into three cohorts. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with pharmacists from Cohort 1. Participants were asked to describe the essential components of CMM practice management and to detail the characteristics of these components in their practice. Themes were identified by two investigators and a descriptive practice assessment tool was developed from emergent themes. Using cognitive interviewing, participants in Cohorts 2 and 3 completed sections of the tool while verbalizing their thought process and providing feedback. This process led to simultaneous development and refinement of the tool, as well as developing evidence of content validity. Throughout tool development, a series of four focus groups with managers overseeing pharmacists providing CMM occurred to obtain their perspectives and feedback on the tool.

Results

A tool with five domains was developed. Each domain consists of two to three essential components of CMM practice management for a total of 13 components. Each component contains several questions which collectively form a 78‐item descriptive practice management assessment tool.

Conclusion

A descriptive practice management assessment tool was developed that can be used to aid in CMM practice advancement. This tool can provide direction for quality improvement work as pharmacists and managers seek to make their practices more efficient and sustainable.
Pectin biopolymer mechanics and microstructure associated with polysaccharide phase transitions
Authors: Pierce Aidan , Zheng Yifan , Wagner Willi L. , Scheller Henrik V. , Mohnen Debra , Tsuda Akira , Ackermann Maximilian , Mentzer Steven J.
Published: October 2019

Polysaccharide polymers like pectin can demonstrate striking and reversible changes in their physical properties depending upon relatively small changes in water content. Recent interest in using pectin polysaccharides as mesothelial sealants suggests that water content, rather than nonphysiologic changes in temperature, may be a practical approach to optimize the physical properties of the pectin biopolymers. Here, we used humidified environments to manipulate the water content of dispersed solution of pectins with a high degree of methyl esterification (high‐methoxyl pectin; HMP). The gel phase transition was identified by a nonlinear increase in compression resistance at a water content of 50% (w/w). The gel phase was associated with a punched‐out fracture pattern and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images that revealed a cribiform (Swiss cheese‐like) pectin microstructure. The glass phase transition was identified by a marked increase in resilience and stiffness. The glass phase was associated with a star‐burst fracture pattern and SEM images that demonstrated a homogeneous pectin microstructure. In contrast, the burst strength of the pectin films was largely independent of water content over a range from 5 to 30% (w/w). These observations indicate the potential to use water content in the selective regulation of the physical properties of HMP biopolymers.
Matrine suppression of self‐renewal was dependent on regulation of LIN28A/Let‐7 pathway in breast cancer stem cells
Authors: Li Xiang , Liang Ting , Chen Si‐Si , Wang Meng , Wang Rui , Li Kai , Wang Ji‐Chang , Xu Chong‐Wen , Du Ning , Qin Sida , Ren Hong
Published: October 2019

Matrine, a natural product extracted from the root of Sophora flavescens Ait, was the main chemical ingredient of compounds of Kushen injection, which has been widely used for its remarkable anticancer effects for years. The underlying mechanisms for Matrine regulations of human breast cancer stem cells (BrCSCs) are barely known. LIN28, a well‐characterized suppressor of Let‐7 microRNA biogenesis, playing vital roles in regulations of stem cells’ renewal and tumorigenesis. Here we show that the compounds of Kushen injection derived Matrine could suppress the BrCSCs differentiation and self‐renewal through downregulating the expression of Lin28A, resulting in the inactivation of Wnt pathway through a Let‐7b‐dependent way. In opposite to Matrine, Cisplatin treatment increases the ability of tumorsphere formation and the expression of BrCSCs markers, which was partially blocked by either Let‐7b overexpression or CCND1 inhibition. Furthermore, Matrine sensitized BrCSCs to cisplatin's suppression of cancer expansion in vitro and in vivo. Our study uncovers the role of the LIN28A/Let‐7 in BrCSCs renewal, and more importantly, elucidated a novel mechanism by which Matrine induces breast cancer involution.