bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acoustic divergence in advertisement calls among three sympatricMicrohylaspecies from East China
Authors: Chen Zhi-Qiang , Lin You-Fu , Tang Yun , Ding Guo-Hua , Wu Yan-Qing , Lin Zhi-Hua
Published: March 2020

Background

Species-specific advertisement calls are the main mechanism of transmitting information between individuals in anuran amphibians and are therefore indispensable for anuran survival and reproduction. Survey methods that monitor these calls can be used for rapid species recognition, behavioral experiments, and conservation monitoring. In this study, we described in detail 10 call parameters from three sympatric species in the genusMicrohylaand analyzed the differences in call parameter among these species to provide a basis for systematic monitoring, acoustic analysis and taxonomic study of this genus.

Methods

The quantitative analyses of temporal and spectral call parameters were used in our study for the advertisement calls of three sympatricMicrohylaspecies (M. beilunensis,M. fissipesandM. heymonsi) in Zhejiang Province, East China.

Results

Our results showed the following: (1) Significant differences existed among the three sympatricMicrohylaspecies in call duration (CD), call interval (CI), number of pulses (NP), pulse rate, call intensity (CIT), dominant frequency (DF) and frequency of the first to fourth formants (F1, F2, F3 and F4). (2) Some spectral parameters (DF, F1 and F3) were negatively correlated with the body size of the vocalizing individuals in each species. (3) The coefficients of variation within individuals (CVw) for CIT, DF and F1–F4 were smaller than 5%, whereas the CVWfor CI was larger than 10% in each species. (4) The principal component analysis and discriminant function analysis showed that call parameters could distinguish the threeMicrohylaspecies. (5) The phylogenetic generalized least squares analysis showed that phylogenetic relationships affected CD and NP against snout-vent length (SVL), DF and NP against CD, and NP against DF, but not of DF against SVL; based on the phylogenetic analysis, CD and NP were not related to SVL, but DF was negatively related to SVL.
Co-expression clustering across flower development identifies modules for diverse floral forms inAchimenes(Gesneriaceae)
Authors: Roberts Wade R. , Roalson Eric H.
Published: March 2020

Background

Genetic pathways involved with flower color and shape are thought to play an important role in the development of flowers associated with different pollination syndromes, such as those associated with bee, butterfly, or hummingbird pollination. Because pollination syndromes are complex traits that are orchestrated by multiple genes and pathways, the gene regulatory networks have not been explored. Gene co-expression networks provide a systems level approach to identify important contributors to floral diversification.

Methods

RNA-sequencing was used to assay gene expression across two stages of flower development (an early bud and an intermediate stage) in 10 species ofAchimenes(Gesneriaceae). Two stage-specific co-expression networks were created from 9,503 orthologs and analyzed to identify module hubs and the network periphery. Module association with bee, butterfly, and hummingbird pollination syndromes was tested using phylogenetic mixed models. The relationship between network connectivity and evolutionary rates (dN/dS) was tested using linear models.

Results

Networks contained 65 and 62 modules that were largely preserved between developmental stages and contained few stage-specific modules. Over a third of the modules in both networks were associated with flower color, shape, and pollination syndrome. Within these modules, several hub nodes were identified that related to the production of anthocyanin and carotenoid pigments and the development of flower shape. Evolutionary rates were decreased in highly connected genes and elevated in peripheral genes.

Discussion

This study aids in the understanding of the genetic architecture and network properties underlying the development of floral form and provides valuable candidate modules and genes for future studies.
Reverend George H. Judd’s Thylacines
Authors: Sleightholme Stephen R. , Campbell Cameron R.
Published: March 2020

A rare photograph by the Reverend George H. Judd of two Thylacines (Thylacinus cynocephalus) within their enclosure at the old Beaumaris Zoo in Hobart is published for the first time, and the probable date the photograph was taken and the identity of the Thylacines portrayed is discussed.
Forensic Accounting Techniques and Fraud Prevention in Sierra Leonean Deposit Money Banks
Authors: Bangura Alpha Bernard
Published: March 2020

Deposit money banks are financial institutions licensed by the Central Bank of Sierra Leone to mobilize deposit from surplus unit and channel the funds through loans to the deficit unit and perform other financial services, such as accepting deposits, giving business loans and auto loans, mortgage lending and basic investment products like savings accounts and certificates of deposit. This study examined the Forensic accounting techniques and fraud prevention in Sierra Leonean money deposit banks. Survey design was utilized in this study with relation to Forensic accounting techniques and fraud prevention in Sierra Leonean money deposit banks. The regression estimates show the effect of forensic accounting techniques on corporate governance, internal control, and whistle blowing which indicates that the forensic accounting techniques have a positive significant effect on corporate governance, forensic accounting techniques have a positive significant effect on internal control also forensic accounting techniques have a positive significant effect on whistle blowing respectively of the surveyed Sierra Leonean deposit money banks.
Public Perception on Labeling Genetically Modified (GM) Foods in Ghana: Implications for Food Policy
Authors: Ampadu-Ameyaw Richard , Owusu-Arthur Johnny , Asamoah-Okyere Kwame Dei
Published: March 2020

Labeling of genetically modified (GM) food and other food ingredients from GM source has become an important national policy issues receiving serious attention not only in Ghana but globally.   This paper focused on public perceptions of labeling of GM foods in Ghana as a way of garnering a view of the public understanding of the technology that has become so much controversial for which several millions of public sector money is spent on education in the last few years. The survey which elapsed over a period of three months, shows results that indicate a dearth of knowledge on the technology and yet a high demand for labelling of the products, even though not many people read the labels on food products. This leads to the question as to ‘who is doing the listening’. The authors conclude that the limited knowledge and technology essentials among others explain why the public seems to reject the technology and call for labelling of the products in spite of the fact that labelling is nothing but a choice variable, which has nothing to do with safety measure. Modifying the present attitude of the opponents of the technology and the demanders of labelling ignoring the cost that may be involved require extensive education and awareness creations throughout the country using tailor made communication forms to address various different groups.
Phytochemical Profile and Investigation of the Spasmolytic Activity of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels Seeds
Authors: Monteiro F. S. , Carvalho A. F. S. , Ribeiro R. M. , Borges A. C. R. , Borges M. O. R.
Published: March 2020

Aims: Perform the phytochemical analysis and investigate the spasmolytic activity of the hydroalcoholic extract obtained from S. cumini seeds (EHS-SC).

Study Design: Qualitative phytochemical analysis and test of the EHS-SC on isolated smooth muscles (aorta, trachea, jejunum and uterus) of rat, to value effect relaxant and/or inhibitor.

Place and Duration of Study: Pharmacognosy Laboratory II (Pharmacy course) and Pharmacology Research and Post-Graduate Laboratory (Department of Physiological Sciences) of the Federal University of Maranhão, between January 2017 and July 2018.

Methodology: EHS-SC was submitted to phytochemical analysis and changes in color, fluorescence and absence or presence of precipitate were observed. The smooth muscle segments were suspended (tension of 1 g) in glass vats containing specific saline solution, at an appropriate temperature and after stabilization period, was stimulated by a suitable contractile agent to observe the effect of EHS-SC in the phasic and/or tonic component.

Results: EHS-SC showed the majority presence of phenols, steroids, alkaloids and flavonoids (flavones, xanthones, flavonols) and was more potent in inhibiting phasic contractions induced by 10-6 M carbachol (CCh) in isolated rat jejunum (Emax: 83.5 ± 6.7%; n = 3). In addition, the EHS-SC (81.0; 243.0 and 729 µg/mL) antagonized the CCh effect (n = 4), increasing the EC50 (6.5 ± 1.3 x 10-7 M) of the CCh to 8.5 ± 1.1; 18.5 ± 3.4 and 40.5 ± 7.4 x 10-7 M and reducing the Emax (100%) of the CCh to 82.9 ± 10.5; 67.6 ± 6.0 and 10.1 ± 8.3%.

Conclusion: Spasmolytic activity may be combined with antimicrobial and antidiarrheal activity according to literature data, where they show that the seeds have the same secondary metabolites, signaling the therapeutic potential for the treatment of colic and/or diarrhea.
Care for Patients with Type II Diabetes in Primary Care
Authors: Herrera Sávia Denise Silva Carlotto , Guedes Anna Carolina Lacerda , Oliveira Neilton Araujo de , Silva Marcos Gontijo da , Souza Júnior Júlio Cezar Castro de , Duarte Rayssa Cláudia Oliveira , Araújo Warly Neves , Alves Rafaela de Carvalho , Silveira Janne Marques da , Hernández Yuniel Martínez
Published: March 2020

Objective: To evaluate the influence of Medical Residency Program Health in Family and Community (MRPHFC) on the quality of care and prevention of type II diabetes mellitus (DM II) provided by basic health units (BHU) in Gurupi-TO.

Methodology: Descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective research carried out in 12 BHU in the urban area of Gurupi-TO, to compare the primary care provided in the BHU that have the medical residency program, with those who do not have the program, through of the QualiAB 2016 tool that evaluates the conduct of the servers, 107 medical health professionals, nurses, nursing technicians and community health agents were surveyed, 61 in BHU with MRPFCH and 46 without. The data were tested by the chi-square test to verify if there is a difference in the service considering p≤5% or 0.05.

Results: The BHU with MRPFCH performance presented more significant results in most of the items studied.

Conclusion: The presence of MRPFCH programs contributes significantly to quality improvement in preventive care that is extremely important in the prevention and management of chronic comorbidities in patients with DM II.
Stock Market Development and Economic Development in Emerging Economies
Authors: Ayankunle A. Ibrahim, , Okereke J. Emeka, , Ifionu P. Ebele,
Published: March 2020

This study investigated the effect of stock market development on economic development in developing economies which include Nigeria, South Africa, Angola and Kenya using time panel data between the periods 1986 to 2018. The study employed panel co-integration test, panel regression and granger causality test. We measure stock market development using all share index, market capitalization, foreign portfolio investment and total volume traded while human development index is used as a proxy for economic development. Findings reveal that stock market activities in most African countries have not significantly impacted their economic development except for few African countries which had adequate market regulations. We further find evidence to assert that activities in South African stock market significantly promote economic development in their nation when compared to other countries under investigation. Although the Nigerian stock market activities are also significant in contributing to the economic development process, but in a negative manner while Angola performs less to Nigeria and finally, Kenya stock market activities do not significantly promote economic development in their nation. As such, we recommended that adequate regulation should be implemented introduced as this will help in ascertaining a stable stock market and thereby encouraging the foreign participant to operate in the market.
Self‐Crystallized Multifunctional 2D Perovskite for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Kim Hobeom , Pei Mingyuan , Lee Yonghui , Sutanto Albertus A. , Paek Sanghyun , Queloz Valentin I. E. , Huckaba Aron J. , Cho Kyung Taek , Yun Hyung Joong , Yang Hoichang , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja
Published: March 2020

Recently, perovskite solar cells (PSC) with high power‐conversion efficiency (PCE) and long‐term stability have been achieved by employing 2D perovskite layers on 3D perovskite light absorbers. However, in‐depth studies on the material and the interface between the two perovskite layers are still required to understand the role of the 2D perovskite in PSCs. Self‐crystallization of 2D perovskite is successfully induced by deposition of benzyl ammonium iodide (BnAI) on top of a 3D perovskite light absorber. The self‐crystallized 2D perovskite can perform a multifunctional role in facilitating hole transfer, owing to its random crystalline orientation and passivating traps in the 3D perovskite. The use of the multifunctional 2D perovskite (M2P) leads to improvement in PCE and long‐term stability of PSCs both with and without organic hole transporting material (HTM), 2,2′,7,7′‐tetrakis‐(N,N‐di‐p‐methoxyphenyl‐amine)‐9,9′‐spirobifluorene (spiro‐OMeTAD) compared to the devices without the M2P.
A Surface‐Tailoring Method for Rapid Non‐Thermosensitive Cell‐Sheet Engineering via Functional Polymer Coatings
Authors: Baek Jieung , Cho Younghak , Park Hyun‐Ji , Choi Goro , Lee Jong Seung , Lee Minseok , Yu Seung Jung , Cho Seung‐Woo , Lee Eunjung , Im Sung Gap
Published: March 2020

Cell sheet engineering, a technique utilizing a monolayer cell sheet, has recently emerged as a promising technology for scaffold‐free tissue engineering. In contrast to conventional tissue‐engineering approaches, the cell sheet technology allows cell harvest as a continuous cell sheet with intact extracellular matrix proteins and cell–cell junction, which facilitates cell transplantation without any other artificial biomaterials. A facile, non‐thermoresponsive method is demonstrated for a rapid but highly reliable platform for cell‐sheet engineering. The developed method exploits the precise modulation of cell–substrate interactions by controlling the surface energy of the substrate via a series of functional polymer coatings to enable prompt cell sheet harvesting within 100 s. The engineered surface can trigger an intrinsic cellular response upon the depletion of divalent cations, leading to spontaneous cell sheet detachment under physiological conditions (pH 7.4 and 37 °C) in a non‐thermoresponsive manner. Additionally, the therapeutic potential of the cell sheet is successfully demonstrated by the transplantation of multilayered cell sheets into mouse models of diabetic wounds and ischemia. These findings highlight the ability of the developed surface for non‐thermoresponsive cell sheet engineering to serve as a robust platform for regenerative medicine and provide significant breakthroughs in cell sheet technology.
Fast Sodium Storage with Ultralong Cycle Life for Nitrogen Doped Hollow Carbon Nanofibers Anode at Elevated Temperature
Authors: Chen Zhuowen , Duan Huanhuan , Xu Zhiguang , Chen Caihong , Yan Yurong , Wu Songping
Published: March 2020

Sodium ion batteries have been suffering low reversible capacity, poor rate, and less cycling reliability upon sodiation/desodiation. To address those formidable issues, electrospinning combined with hard template route is adopted here to collect loofah‐like nitrogen‐doped hollow carbon nanofibers (NHCNFs) derived from sustainable and low‐cost resources, that is, renewable acrylic yarn. NHCNFs render a remarkable reversible capacity of 143 mAh g−1 for 5000 cycles at a current density of 10 A g−1 at ambient temperature. More importantly, NHCNFs possesses an impressive capability in tackling the elevated temperature environment, affording an admirable reversible capacity of 156 mAh g−1 at a high rate of 15 A g−1 even after 10 000 cycles under 50 °C. These superior performances could be attributed to the combination of the following factors: delicately designed microstructure with hollow bead‐like channels, pseudocapacitive behavior and accelerated kinetics. Such an excellent attribute enables loofah‐like NHCNFs to be a promising low‐cost and environment‐friendly anode for sodium ion rechargeable batteries.
Suzuki‐Miyaura Cross‐Coupling of Amides using Well‐Defined, Air‐Stable [(PR3)2Pd(II)X2] Precatalysts
Authors: Ma Siyue , Zhou Tongliang , Li Guangchen , Szostak Michal
Published: March 2020

A versatile method for the Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling of amides using highly active, well‐defined, and air‐stable Pd−phosphine precatalysts is reported. Most notably, the method represents the first example of using practical and operationally‐simple Pd(II)−phosphine precatalysts in the emerging amide bond cross‐coupling manifold. The reactions are efficient at 0.10 mol% loading, furnishing biaryl ketones with high chemoselectivity for N−C(O) bond cleavage. This versatile method enables for the first time to achieve Pd−phosphine‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of amides at ppm loading. This C−N cross‐coupling can be used to efficiently furnish pharmaceutical intermediates by orthogonal Pd‐catalyzed cross‐couplings. We fully expect that operationally‐simple [(PR3)2Pd(II)X2] precatalysts as effective triggers for N−C(O) cross‐coupling will be of broad synthetic and catalytic interest.

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Highly Effective Work Function Reduction of α‐Borophene via Caesium Decoration: A First‐Principles Investigation
Authors: Zheng Bing , Xie Ying , Deng Ying‐yi , Wang Zhao‐qi , Lou Yuan‐qing , Qian Yin‐yin , He Jing , Yu Hai‐tao
Published: March 2020

Borophene‐based nanocomposite is envisioned as a highly promising electrode material for nanoscale electronic devices such as light‐emitting diodes, organic solar cells, and field emitters. Therefore, engineering the work function of borophene to an optimal value is crucial for maximizing both conversion efficiency and device performance. A first‐principles density functional theory is employed to investigate the effects of Cs decoration on the structure, electronic properties, and work function of α‐borophene. The results indicate that Cs decoration effectively reduces the work function of α‐borophene (4.16 eV) to 3.05–0.11 eV at varying Cs concentrations, superior to those obtained in previous studies for Li (or other metal atom) decoration. Notably, work functions of all (but one) optimized Cs‐decorated α‐borophene configurations are lower than those of the commonly used electrode materials, Mg and Ca. Additionally, this study comprehensively investigates factors contributing to the work function reduction of Cs‐decorated α‐borophene relative to α‐borophene. Further, the results indicate that Cs decoration is a simple and effective method for decreasing the work function. Therefore, Cs‐decorated α‐borophene nanomaterials can be potentially utilized as cathode materials in electronic devices due to their metallic character and extremely low work functions.
Weight Update Generation Circuit Utilizing Phase Noise of Integrated Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor Ring Oscillator for Memristor Crossbar Array Neural Network‐Based Stochastic Learning
Authors: Bae Woorham , Yoon Kyung Jean
Published: March 2020

Herein, a robust programmable stochastic weight generation method for a memristive neural network is proposed. There have been few prior algorithm suggestions for crossbar neural network‐based stochastic learning; however, there has not been much attention focussed on robust physical implementations. As a result, coming up with a robust method to provide the probability generator is an essential knob for its physical implementation. Here, implanting such stochastic behavior into the weight update signal itself is proposed, by multiplying it with the randomized probability sequence. To generate such probability sequence, bang‐bang dithering of a phase‐locked loop (PLL) with a binary phase detector (PD) is used. The programmable probability is enabled by introducing an offset for the PD outputs. Yet the dithering sequence has deterministic nature, phase noise of complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) ring oscillator to randomize the deterministic dithering is exploited. As a result, this lower power oscillator offers a better probability sequence, which enables an ultralow power circuit implementation.
Transition‐Metal‐Free Oxidative Cross‐Coupling of Tetraarylborates to Biaryls Using Organic Oxidants
Authors: Gerleve Carolin , Studer Armido
Published: March 2020

Readily prepared tetraarylborates undergo selective (cross)‐coupling through oxidation with Bobbitt's salt to give symmetric and unsymmetric biaryls. The organic oxoammonium salt can be used either as a stoichiometric oxidant or as a catalyst in combination with in situ generated NO2 and molecular oxygen as the terminal oxidant. For selected cases, oxidative coupling is also possible with NO2/O2 without any additional nitroxide‐based cocatalyst. Transition‐metal‐free catalytic oxidative ligand cross‐coupling of tetraarylborates is unprecedented and the introduced method provides access to various biaryl and heterobiaryl systems.
Tensile testing and fracture mechanism analysis of polyvinyl alcohol nanofibrous webs
Authors: Lou Lihua , Yu Weijie , Kendall Ronald J. , Smith Ernest , Ramkumar Seshadri S.
Published: March 2020

A tensile properties testing study was conducted to understand the influence of thickness, cross‐head speed (speed of testing), gauge length (GL; specimen test length), and sample shape on important tensile properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofiber webs. The effects of each testing parameter on load at break, extension at break, Young's modulus, and tensile stress–strain curve of PVA nanofiber webs are analyzed. The Welch two samplet‐tests show the significant difference among tested data. Using interaction plots, two‐way analysis of variance, and margin mean plots, the interaction effects among testing parameters have been analyzed. Of all the factors, cross‐head speed, the interaction among GL, and sample thickness (GL: Thickness) and the interaction among GL, testing speed and sample thickness (GL: Speed: Thickness) have significant influence on the tensile properties of PVA nanofiber webs. Moreover, the hypothesized model of mechanism of tensile strain–stress curve of PVA nanofiber webs has been proposed. Based on the model, the tensile strain–stress curve can be split into three stages: linear elastic, partial break up, and complete breakage. This study will provide a better understanding of tensile testing parameters' effects and their interaction effects on the tensile properties of nanowebs.
Discrete‐time mean‐field stochastic linear‐quadratic optimal control problem with finite horizon
Authors: Song Teng , Liu Bin
Published: March 2020

In this paper we consider the discrete‐time mean‐field stochastic linear‐quadratic (MF‐LQ) optimal control problem with indefinite weighting matrices. First, we establish the maximum principle, and by the solvability of mean‐field forward‐backward stochastic difference equations derived from the maximum principle, we characterize the existence of the open‐loop optimal control for the MF‐LQ problem. Then, by virtue of introducing the linear matrix inequalities condition, we obtain the solvability of the generalized difference Riccati equations (GDREs). Moreover, we show that the indefinite MF‐LQ problem is well‐posed if and only if the GDREs are solvable. Finally, a numerical example is used to show the effectiveness of the obtained results.
Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy for on‐site analysis: A review of recent developments
Authors: Sun Ji , Gong Lin , Wang Wenjun , Gong Zhengjun , Wang Dongmei , Fan Meikun
Published: March 2020

On‐site identification and quantification of chemicals is critical for promoting food safety, human health, homeland security risk assessment, and disease diagnosis. Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has been widely considered as a promising method for on‐site analysis due to the advantages of nondestructive, abundant molecular information, and outstanding sensitivity. However, SERS for on‐site application has been restricted not only by the cost, performance, and portability of portable Raman instruments, but also by the sampling ability and signal enhancing performance of the SERS substrates. In recent years, the performance of SERS for on‐site analysis has been improved through portable Raman instruments, SERS substrates, and other combined technologies. In this review, popular commercial portable Raman spectrometers and the related technologies for on‐site analysis are compared. In addition, different types of SERS substrates for on‐site application are summarized. SERS combined with other technologies, such as electrochemical and microfluidics are also presented. The future perspective of SERS for on‐site analysis is also discussed.
‘Turn‐on’ fluorescence sensing of hydrogen peroxide in marine food samples using a carbon dots–MnO2 probe
Authors: Ning Keke , Xiang Guoqiang , Wang Cuicui , Huang Feihong , Liu Jinzhi , Zhang Lanlan , Yan Minmin , Hu Bingqian , Lei Wen
Published: March 2020

A ‘turn‐on’ fluorescence method for detection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in marine food samples is presented in this article. Using this method, a carbon dots (CDs)–MnO2 probe was formed in which fluorescence intensity (FI) of CDs was quenched through fluorescence resonance energy transfer by addition of MnO2 nanosheets. When H2O2 was added into the CDs–MnO2 solution, the MnO2 nanosheets formed Mn2+ ions due to a redox reaction between H2O2 and MnO2 nanosheets, and CD FI was recovered. Under optimized conditions, the detection limit for H2O2 was 0.87 μM, and analytical linear range was 4–100 μM. Furthermore, this developed fluorescence sensing system was successfully used with satisfactory results to determine trace H2O2 content in marine food samples.
Differences in physician opinions about controversial issues surrounding contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM): A survey of physicians from accredited breast centers in the United States
Authors: Yao Katharine , Bleicher Richard , Moran Meena , Chang Cecilia , Dietz Jill , Stearns Vered , Connolly James , Sarantou Terry , Kurtzman Scott ,   National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers Data Working Group
Published: March 2020

Background

Indications and insurance coverage for contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) and CPM as a quality measure are controversial. Few studies have examined physician opinions on these issues.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey of multi‐specialty physicians at the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers from 2017‐2018 examined opinions on insurance coverage for CPM, CPM as a quality measure, and indications for CPM. A multivariate logistic regression was used to assess physician and facility factors associated with likelihood to recommend CPM.

Results

Of 2412 physicians, 1226 responded from 382 facilities for a physician response rate of 50.8%. There were 300 (24.5%) medical oncologists, 316 (25.8%) radiation oncologists, 248 (20.2%) plastic surgeons, and 322 (26.3%) oncologic or general surgeons. Three hundred and ninety‐eight (37%) physicians favor insurance coverage for all patients and 520 (46.6%) for patients at average CBC risk. Four hundred and fifty (40%) of all physicians felt physician specific rates of CPM should be a hospital quality measure. BRCA deleterious mutation carrier status was the most common indication to recommend CPM (n = 1043; 92%) and 684 (60.2%) physicians discourage CPM for average contralateral risk (CBC) patients. After adjusting for physician and facility factors, the only significant predictor of higher likelihood to recommend CPM for average CBC risk patients were plastics surgeons (OR = 8.3 (95%CI 2.4‐29.1)) P = .0009).

Conclusion

There is consensus among physicians on the most appropriate indication for CPM but opinions vary on CPM as a quality measure and insurance coverage for CPM. These findings can help guide discussions on CPM among a multidisciplinary team of physicians.
Time to diagnostic resolution after an uncertain screening mammogram in an underserved population
Authors: Kumar Anita J. , Banco Darcy , Steinberger Elise E. , Chen Joanna , Weidner RuthAnn , Makim Shital , Parsons Susan K.
Published: March 2020

Background

Screening mammography has reduced breast cancer–associated mortality worldwide. Approximately 10% of patients require further diagnostic testing after an uncertain screening mammogram (Breast imaging reporting and data system [BI‐RADS] = 0), and time to diagnostic resolution varies after BI‐RADS = 0 screening mammogram. There is little data about factors associated with diagnostic resolution in patients of Chinese origin (“Chinese”) receiving care in the US.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis to identify patterns of diagnostic resolution in an urban US hospital with a large population of Chinese patients. We evaluated whether location of primary care provider (PCP) impacted time to resolution among Chinese patients, hypothesizing that patients with a PCP outside of the hospital would have longer time to diagnostic resolution than those patients with a PCP within the institution.

Results

Between 2015 and 2016, 368 patients at Tufts Medical Center (Tufts MC) had resulting BI‐RADS = 0 after screening mammogram. The majority of patients (341/368, 93%) achieved diagnostic resolution with median time to resolution 27 days (Q1: 14, Q3: 40). Seven percent (27/368) never achieved resolution. Among those with diagnostic resolution, 10% of patients required >60 days to achieve resolution. Chinese origin, no previous breast cancer, subsidized insurance, and outside referring physician were associated with longer time to resolution in univariable analysis. In multivariable regression, after adjusting for age, insurance, marital status, and prior breast cancer, Chinese patients with Tufts MC PCP experienced timelier diagnostic resolution vs Chinese patients without a Tufts MC PCP (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.85, P = .02). Location of PCP did not impact time to resolution among non‐Chinese patients.

Conclusion

We identified patterns of diagnostic resolution in an urban hospital with a large historically underserved population. We found that Chinese patients without integrated primary care within the institution are at risk for delayed diagnostic resolution. Future interventions need to target at‐risk patients to prevent loss of follow‐up after uncertain screening mammogram.
Did court dismiss terminated coach's defamation lawsuit?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: March 2020

When the University of Pittsburgh wrestling team returned from a 2016 off‐campus tournament, the coach told an assistant athletics director he had implemented an unspecified new team policy because there had been some kind of incident at the hotel.
LncRNA LINC00899 promotes progression of acute myeloid leukaemia by modulating miR‐744‐3p/YY1 signalling
Authors: Dong XueMei , Xu Xin , Guan YanPing
Published: March 2020

Long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) LINC00899 is one kind cytoplasmic lncRNA, however, there is rarely little information about its function in physiological process. Here, we demonstrated that lncRNA LINC00899 was upregulated in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) cells and was quite correlated with poor prognosis of AML patients. High expression of LINC00899 in AML cells could promote cell proliferation and inhibit cell apoptosis, and facilitate the progression of AML consequently both in vitro and in vivo. Besides, LINC00899 acted as a molecular sponge of miR‐744‐3p. Furthermore, we characterized YY1 as the direct target of miR‐744‐3p, and LINC00899/miR‐744‐3p interaction modulated YY1 expression in AML cells. Finally, we verified LINC00899 modulated AML cell proliferation and apoptosis via regulating YY1. Our study revealed novel mechanism about how did lncRNA LINC00899 execute function in AML and thus provided potential therapeutic interventions for AML.

Significance of the study

LncRNA LINC00899 is upregulated in AML cells and is correlated with poor prognosis of AML patients.

LncRNA LINC00899 mediates cell proliferation and apoptosis of acute myeloid leukaemia cells.

Knockdown of LINC00899 inhibited the growth of xenograft glioma tumour in vivo.

LINC00899 acts as a molecular sponge of miR‐744‐3p.

YY1 is the downstream target of LINC00899/miR‐744‐3p signalling.
YY1‐induced upregulation of FOXP4‐AS1 and FOXP4 promote the proliferation of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells
Authors: Li Yonghui , Li Tingting , Yang Yongbin , Kang Wenli , Dong Shaoyong , Cheng Shujie
Published: March 2020

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) belongs to one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide and possesses high mortality. Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated to be essential biological participants in the progression of ESCC. On the basis of bio‐informatics prediction, forkhead box P4 antisense RNA 1 (FOXP4‐AS1) and forkhead box P4 (FOXP4) were upregulated in esophageal carcinoma samples and were positively correlated with each other. The present study aimed to explore the function of FOXP4‐AS1 and FOXP4 in ESCC cells. Function assays disclosed that knockdown of FOXP4‐AS1 or FOXP4 efficiently suppressed cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis. Moreover, FOXP4‐AS1 positively regulated FOXP4 by interacting with insulin‐like growth factor 2 mRNA‐binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2) to stabilize FOXP4 messenger RNA. In addition, FOXP4‐AS1 could upregulate the expression of FOXP4 by sponging miR‐3184‐5p. Finally, we found that Yin Yang 1 (YY1) is a transcription factor that can transcriptionally activate both FOXP4‐AS1 and FOXP4 in ESCC cells. In a word, YY1‐induced upregulation of FOXP4‐AS1 and FOXP4 promote the proliferation of ESCC cells
Samarium(II) Monoalkyl Complex Supported by a β‐Diketiminato‐Based Tetradentate Ligand: Synthesis, Structure, and Catalytic Hydrosilylation of Internal Alkynes
Authors: Liu Xiaojuan , Wen Qingqing , Xiang Li , Leng Xuebing , Chen Yaofeng
Published: March 2020

The synthesis and catalytic applications of trivalent rare‐earth metal alkyl complexes have been well developed, but the chemistry of divalent rare‐earth metal alkyl complexes lagged much behind. Herein, we report the synthesis, structure, and catalytic applications of a samarium(II) monoalkyl complex supported by a β‐diketiminato‐based tetradentate ligand, [LSmCH(SiMe3)2] (L=[MeC(NDipp)CHC(Me)NCH2CH2N(Me)CH2CH2NMe2]−, Dipp=2,6‐(iPr)2C6H3). This complex is synthesized by the salt metathesis reaction of samarium iodide [LSm(μ‐I)]2 and KCH(SiMe3)2 in 63 % yield. Its structure is characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, showing a distorted square‐pyramid coordination geometry. This samarium(II) monoalkyl complex exhibits high catalytic activity in the hydrosilylation of aryl and methyl‐substituted unsymmetrical internal alkynes with secondary hydrosilanes, selectively providing the α‐(E) products in high yields.
Enzymatic Syntheses and Applications of Fluorescent Cyclic Dinucleotides
Authors: Li Yao , Ludford Paul T. , Fin Andrea , Rovira Alexander R. , Tor Yitzhak
Published: March 2020

Bacterial cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) play important roles in regulating biofilm formation, motility and virulence. In eukaryotic cells, theses bacterial CDNs are recognized as pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and trigger an innate immune response. We report the photophysical analyses of a novel group of enzymatically synthesized emissive CDN analogues comprised of two families of isomorphic ribonucleotides. The highly favorable photophysical features of the CDN analogues, when compared to their non‐emissive natural counterparts, are used to monitor in real time the dinucleotide cyclase‐mediated synthesis and phosphodiesterase (PDE)‐mediated hydrolysis of homodimeric and mixed CDNs, providing effective means to probe the activities of two classes of bacterial enzymes and insight into their biomolecular recognition and catalytic features.
Organocatalytic Multicomponent Synthesis of α/β‐Dipeptide Derivatives
Authors: Martzel Thomas , Annibaletto Julien , Millet Pierre , Pair Etienne , Sanselme Morgane , Oudeyer Sylvain , Levacher Vincent , Brière Jean‐François
Published: March 2020

A straightforward multicomponent Knoevenagel‐aza‐Michael‐cyclocondensation reaction involving readily available hydroxamic acid‐derived from naturally occurring α‐amino acids allows a diversity‐oriented synthesis of novel isoxazolidin‐5‐ones possessing an N‐protected α‐amino acid pendant with good to high diastereoselectivities thanks to a match effect with a chiral organocatalyst. These diversely substituted heterocycles, easily isolated as a single diastereoisomer, proved to be versatile platforms for the formation of an array of α/β‐dipeptide fragments.
Fabrication of Silica/Sulfur@Polyaniline Spheres with Radial Mesochannels as Enhanced Cathode Materials for High‐Performance Lithium−Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Gong Qinghua , Gu Shaonan , Li Jifan , Wang Qian , Sun Xuefeng , Zhou Guowei
Published: March 2020

The unique structure SiO2/S@polyaniline (PANI) composite with radial meso‐channels was designed and synthesized by in situ chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline on SiO2/S surface. The composite was used as the cathode for lithium−sulfur batteries. The SiO2 nanospheres with radial meso‐channels provided sufficient internal space to accommodate the volume expansion for sulfur and possessed strong adsorption capability for lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). Additionally, the thin PANI coating serving as conductive frameworks generated sufficient electrical conduction paths and effectively prevented the outward diffusion of LiPSs, leading to long‐term stability. Benefitting from the composites’ unique structural and compositional advantages, we obtained an initial specific capacity of 1008.6 mA h g−1 at 0.2 C and an outstanding cycling stability at 1 C rate over 1000 cycles with a capacity decay of 0.04% per cycle. An excellent rate performance of 630.2 mA h g−1 at 2 C was also achieved. Our work reveals the potential application of the porous SiO2@PANI‐based sulfur cathodes in future high‐performance lithium−sulfur batteries. Furthermore, first‐principle calculations and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis prove the strong adsorption of LiPSs by the SiO2 surface. The formation of S−O bond on the SiO2 is also found to dominate the adsorption mechanism between LiPSs and SiO2.
Simple Protocol for Generating and Genotyping Genome‐Edited Mice With CRISPR‐Cas9 Reagents
Authors: Fernández Almudena , Morín Matías , Muñoz‐Santos Diego , Josa Santiago , Montero Andrea , Rubio‐Fernández Marcos , Cantero Marta , Fernández Julia , del Hierro María Jesús , Castrillo Marta , Moreno‐Pelayo Miguel Ángel , Montoliu Lluís
Published: March 2020

The simple protocol described in this article aims to provide all required information, as a comprehensive, easy‐to‐follow step‐by‐step method, to ensure the generation of the expected genome‐edited mice. Here, we provide protocols for the preparation of CRISPR‐Cas9 reagents for microinjection and electroporation into one‐cell mouse embryos to create knockout or knock‐in mouse models, and for genotyping the resulting offspring with the latest innovative next‐generation sequencing methods. © 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Basic Protocol 1: Designing the best RNA guide for your gene disruption/editing strategy

Basic Protocol 2: Preparing and validating CRISPR‐Cas9 reagents

Basic Protocol 3: Preparing and injecting CRISPR‐Cas9 compounds into fertilized mouse oocytes

Basic Protocol 4: Genotyping genome‐edited mice

Support Protocol: Genotyping for CRISPR‐generated “indel” mutations
Laser‐generated ns plasma pulses characterized using SiC Schottky diode
Authors: Torrisi Lorenzo , Torrisi Alfio , Cutroneo Mariapompea
Published: March 2020

The nonequilibrium plasma generated by nanosecond laser pulse is characterized using a SiC detector connected in time‐of‐flight configuration to measure the radiations emitted from the plasma. Different metallic targets were irradiated by the pulsed laser at an intensity of 1010 W/cm2 and 200 mJ pulse energy. The SiC allows detecting ultraviolet radiations and soft X‐rays, electrons, and ions. The obtained plasma has a temperature of the order of tens to hundreds eV depending on the atomic number of the irradiated target and ion accelerations of the order of 100 eV per charge state.
Geomorphology and climate interact to control organic carbon stock and age in mountain river valley bottoms
Authors: Scott Daniel N. , Wohl Ellen
Published: March 2020

Organic carbon (OC) in valley bottom downed wood and soil that cycles over short to moderate timescales (101 to 105 years) represents a large, dynamic, and poorly quantified pool of carbon whose distribution and residence time affects global climate. We sought to quantify this potentially important OC pool at the watershed scale to estimate its magnitude and age, as well as determine the controls on its variability within watersheds. To do this, we compared four disparate mountain river basins to show that mountain river valley bottoms store substantial estimated OC stocks in floodplain soil and downed wood (median OC of
MgC/ha, n = 178). Although soil OC is generally young (exhibiting a median radiocarbon fraction modern value of
, n = 121), geomorphic processes regulate soil burial and processes that limit microbial respiration, preserving aged OC in especially deep, unconfined, wet, and/or high‐elevation floodplain soils. We statistically modeled OC stocks to show that valley bottom morphology and hydrology regulate variability in floodplain soil retention and resulting variability in OC stock and age in floodplain soil throughout river networks. Comparing the distribution of OC stocks between wood and soil, we find that where floodplain soils are present, their OC stocks are generally greater than OC stocks stored in wood. Our results suggest that although mountain rivers may accumulate large OC stocks relatively rapidly, those stocks are highly sensitive to alterations in soil and wood retention, implying that human alterations to either disturb or restore floodplain wood and soil storage may have substantial impacts on OC storage in river corridors. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biology and Clinical Application of Regulatory RNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Pea Antonio , Jamieson Nigel B. , Braconi Chiara
Published: March 2020

Most of the human genome consists of DNA genes that are translated into RNAs but not into proteins. These RNA molecules are named noncoding RNAs (ncRNA). While in the past it was thought that ncRNAs would be redundant without relevant functions, it is now well established that ncRNAs identify a class of regulatory molecules that finely tune cell homeostasis and are deregulated in disease states, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Of note, the number of ncRNAs within a cell increases progressively, with the complexity of the species indicating their essential role in the maintenance of regulatory networks that affect the intricacy of the organism. ncRNAs have been demonstrated to mediate HCC development and progression by affecting intrinsic cancer cell signaling and crosstalk between malignant cells and the microenvironment. Moreover, ncRNAs hold promise as clinical biomarkers, but further evidence is warranted before their translation and integration within clinical practice.
Estimation of Nusselt number and effectiveness of double‐pipe heat exchanger with Al2O3–, CuO–, TiO2–, and ZnO–water based nanofluids
Authors: Pattanayak Bikash , Mund Abhishek , Jayakumar J. S. , Parashar Kajal , Parashar Sujay K. S.
Published: March 2020

This paper deals with experimental studies carried out to analyze heat transfer characteristics of Al2O3–, CuO–, TiO2–, and ZnO–water based nanofluids in a double‐pipe, counter flow heat exchanger for different volume concentrations (0.025%, 0.05%, 0.075%, and 0.1%) of the nanofluids. The fabricated double‐pipe heat exchanger is made up of two different materials, viz., copper as the inner tube and unplasticized polyvinyl chloride as the outer tube. The density, viscosity, and thermal conductivity were calculated, and were used to estimate dimensionless numbers, such as Reynolds number, Prandtl number, and Nusselt number, and also to estimate heat exchanger effectiveness. High‐energy ball milling technique was used to prepare nanoparticles and were characterized using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Polyvinyl alcohol (3%) was used as a surfactant for making the nanofluids stable. It was observed from the experiment that with the increase in the volume concentration, thermal conductivity, viscosity, and friction factor increase, whereas the Reynolds number decreases. The experimentally observed data for Nusselt number were formulated into a correlation that matches the data for all these nanofluids within an error of 11.4%. It was found that the highest effectiveness was obtained while using TiO2–water nanofluids than other nanofluids.
Soret and Dufour effects on MHD flow of viscoelastic fluid past an infinite vertical stretching sheet
Authors: Siva Kumar Reddy B. , Surya Narayana Rao K. V. , Vijaya R. Bhuvana
Published: March 2020

Heat and mass transmission taking place in a magnetohydrodynamics fluid of substantial viscosity via a permeable object has been currently a subject of study inviting research. This transmission takes place along an infinite expanding vertical surface showing Soret and Dufour effects. Differential forms of nonlinear nature such as energy, momentum, and equations defining concentration are ascertained by means of similarity transformation with the existing buoyancy force, and by making use of the homotopy analysis method, the equations have been analytically resolved. The impacts arising out of applied factors on temperature, velocity, and concentration forms have been appropriately designed and established.
Intratumoral heterogeneity and genetic characteristics of prostate cancer
Authors: Wu Bo , Lu Xin , Shen Haibo , Yuan Xiaobin , Wang Xin , Yin Nan , Sun Libin , Shen Pengliang , Hu Caoyang , Jiang Huanrong , Wang Dongwen
Published: March 2020

Prostate cancer is a heterogeneous disease and optimum gene targeting treatment is often impermissible. We aim to determine the intratumoral genomic heterogeneity of prostate cancer and explore candidate genes for targeted therapy. Exome sequencing was performed on 37 samples from 16 patients with prostate cancer. Somatic variant analysis, copy number variant (CNV) analysis, clonal evolution analysis and variant spectrum analysis were used to study the intratumoral genomic heterogeneity and genetic characteristics of metastatic prostate cancer. Our study confirmed the high intratumoral genetic heterogeneity of prostate cancer in many aspects, including number of shared variants, tumor mutation burden (TMB), variant genes, CNV burden, weighted genome instability index (wGII), CNV profiles, clonal evolutionary process, variant spectrum and mutational signatures. Moreover, we identified several common genetic characteristics of prostate cancer. Alterations of DNA damage repair genes, RTK/RAS pathway associated gene RASGRF1 and autophagy gene EPG5 may be involved in tumorigenesis in prostate cancer. CNV burden and DNA damage repair (DDR) genes may be associated with metastasis of prostate cancer.