bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mussel‐inspired polydopamine‐encapsulated carbon dots with dual emission for detection of 4‐nitrophenol and Fe3+
Authors: Liu Qian , Zhao Feifei , Shi Bingfeng , Lü Changli
Published: October 2020

Carbon dots (CDs) with excellent optical properties are widely used in biomedicine, fluorescence sensing, and light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). However, it is still a challenge to prepare CDs that can stably emit red fluorescence in the water environment. In this study, polydopamine‐encapsulated luminescent carbon dots (CDs@PDA) with an encapsulating structure were synthesized at room temperature from p‐phenylenediamine‐derived red‐light CDs as the core and using mussel‐inspired chemical properties of polydopamine (PDA). In the binary system of water:ethanol = 1: 3 (volume ratio), the as‐prepared CDs@PDA had a dual emission of ultraviolet light (330 nm) and red light (640 nm) with the fluorescence quantum yields of 8.0 and 15.5%, respectively, at the same time under 285 nm light excitation. The as‐prepared CDs@PDA could be directly used for fluorescence selective sensing of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) and Fe3+ through simultaneously quenching of ultraviolet and red fluorescence based on the internal filtration effect mechanism with detection limits of 3.44 and 3.75 μM, respectively. This research showed that PDA‐coated CDs can significantly improve the photoluminescence stability of CDs with new optical features. This means that the encapsulated structure of mussel chemistry is very helpful for expanding the application range of CDs in the water environment.
MiR‐1471 protects the aggravation of non‐small‐cell lung carcinoma by targeting FOXL1
Authors: Shi Donglei , Zhang Kun , Li Guangquan , Zhao Yinghao
Published: October 2020

This study detected the expression pattern of miR‐1471 in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues, and analyzed the prognostic significance of miR‐1471 in NSCLC. Subsequently, potential targets of miR‐1471 were screened for assessing the potential molecular mechanism in NSCLC. A total of 47 primary NSCLC cases treated by radical resection and systematic lymphadenectomy in the department of thoracic surgery were collected, as well as their clinical data. MiR‐1471 levels in NSCLC tissues were detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The prognostic potential of miR‐1471 in NSCLC was assessed by Kaplan–Meier method, followed by log‐rank test. Potential target genes of miR‐1471 and the binding sites were predicted by bioinformatics analysis, and screened for the optimal one. The binding relationship between miR‐1471 and the target FOXL1 was examined by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. Subsequently, biological functions of miR‐1471 and FOXL1 in NSCLC cell functions were explored by cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8), 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU) assay and flow cytometry. MiR‐1471 was downregulated in NSCLC tissues and its level was correlated to TNM staging in NSCLC patients. Overall survival was poor in NSCLC patients expressing low level of miR‐1471. Overexpression of miR‐1471 attenuated proliferative ability and arrested cell cycle progression in G1/S phase. FOXL1 was confirmed to be the target gene binding miR‐1471. Its expression pattern and biological functions in NSCLC cells were contrary to those of miR‐1471. MiR‐1471 is downregulated in NSCLC samples, which is related to TNM staging and prognosis in NSCLC patients. Therefore, miR‐1471 suppresses the malignant aggravation of NSCLC via inhibiting the translation of FOXL1 mRNA. In addition, it could be used as an effective biomarker for predicting the prognosis in NSCLC.
Interleukin‐5 deletion promotes sepsis‐induced M1 macrophage differentiation, deteriorates cardiac dysfunction, and exacerbates cardiac injury via the NF‐κB p65 pathway in mice
Authors: Liang Wanqian , Li Jianhua , Bai Caiyan , Chen Yingen , Li Yan , Huang Guotao , Wang Xuehui
Published: October 2020

Inflammation plays a crucial role in sepsis‐induced cardiac injury. The purpose of this study was to determine whether interleukin‐5 (IL‐5) affected lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced cardiac injury by regulating the inflammatory response. First, the expression level and source of cardiac IL‐5 were examined, and the results showed that LPS treatment and cecal ligation decreased cardiac IL‐5 expression in macrophages. In addition, LPS was used to establish a mouse sepsis model, and the effects of IL‐5 deletion on cardiac injury, M1 macrophage differentiation and myocardial cell apoptosis were analyzed. The results showed that IL‐5 deficiency significantly increased cardiac injury marker expression, worsened cardiac dysfunction, promoted M1 macrophage differentiation and exacerbated myocardial cell apoptosis in LPS‐induced septic mice. The nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) p65 pathway was inhibited by JSH‐23, and the results showed that treatment with JSH‐23 inhibited M1 macrophage differentiation and alleviated cardiac injury in LPS‐treated IL‐5‐knockout mice. Furthermore, the effects of IL‐5 deficiency on M1 macrophage differentiation and myocardial cell apoptosis were measured in vitro. The IL‐5‐mediated promotion of M1 macrophage differentiation was also reversed by S31‐201, and the pro‐apoptotic effect of IL‐5 knockout on macrophage‐mediated myocardial cell apoptosis was also reversed by JSH‐23. In conclusion, we found that IL‐5 knockout may exacerbate sepsis‐induced cardiac injury by promoting M1 macrophage differentiation in mice. IL‐5 may be a potential target for the clinical prevention of sepsis‐related cardiac injury.
γ‐Linolenic and Stearidonic Acids from Boraginaceae of Diverse Mediterranean Origin
Authors: Guil‐Guerrero José Luis , González‐Fernández María José , Lyashenko Svetlana , Fabrikov Dmitri , Rincón‐Cervera Miguel Ángel , Urrestarazu Miguel , Gómez‐Mercado Francisco
Published: October 2020

Thirty Boraginaceae species from different tribes were evaluated in a search of γ‐linolenic (GLA, 18:3n‐6) and stearidonic acid (SDA, 18:4n‐3)‐rich oils. The high GLA percentages were found in the seed oils of Symphytum bulbosum and S. tuberosum subsp. tuberosum (27.6 and 27.2 % of total fatty acids (FA)), which are unusually high values for GLA‐oils in the current literature. On the whole seed, noticeable GLA percentages were found in S. grandiflorum, S. tuberosum subsp. tuberosum and Borago officinalis (7.43, 4.90, and 4.51 g/100 g, respectively). The main SDA‐taxa detected in this study were Buglossoides arvensis, B. incrassata and Glandora oleifolia (21.3, 18.9, and 16.3 % of total fatty acids). On total seed weight, Glandora rosmarinifolia showed the highest SDA content (3.57 g/100 g). Finally, the higher FA contents were found in S. grandiflorum and Paramoltkia doerfleri seeds (35.2 and 37.0 g/100 g, respectively). Principal component analysis showed that similarities in FA profiles allow grouping species as botanical criteria for Boraginaceae tribes do, while the FA groupings confirm the metabolic activities of desaturase and elongase enzymes. Data on the FA composition of the seed oils analyzed here suggest their potential use as functional foods and can be considered as novel sources of SDA and GLA.
Atypical presentation of barium reflux due to bronchoesophageal fistula
Authors: Han Yeon Jae , Park Geun‐Young , Im Sun
Published: October 2020

Subtle signs of an abnormal communication from the esophagus to the respiratory tract space via the fistula may be missed and can result in delayed diagnosis. Our case shows an atypical presentation of a fistula during barium swallowing test.
Metal‐Free Synthesis of Aryl Selenocyanates and Selenaheterocycles with Elemental Selenium
Authors: Zhang Xue , Huang Xiao‐Bo , Zhou Yun‐Bing , Liu Miao‐Chang , Wu Hua‐Yue
Published: October 2020

This work reports a green method for the synthesis of aryl selenocyanates via a three‐component reaction of arylboronic acids, Se powder, and trimethylsilyl cyanide (TMSCN) under metal‐free and additive‐free conditions. Remarkably, TMSCN acts as not only the substrate, but also the catalyst. Various selenaheterocycles can be also accessed with a catalytic amount of TMSCN.
Computational and Experimental Study of Turbo‐Organomagnesium Amide Reagents: Cubane Aggregates as Reactive Intermediates in Pummerer Coupling
Authors: Planas Ferran , Kohlhepp Stefanie V. , Huang Genping , Mendoza Abraham , Himo Fahmi
Published: October 2020

The dynamic equilibria of organomagnesium reagents are known to be very complex, and the relative reactivity of their components is poorly understood. Herein, a combination of DFT calculations and kinetic experiments is employed to investigate the detailed reaction mechanism of the Pummerer coupling between sulfoxides and turbo‐organomagnesium amides. Among the various aggregates studied, unprecedented heterometallic open cubane structures are demonstrated to yield favorable barriers through a concerted anion‐anion coupling/ S−O cleavage step. Beyond a structural curiosity, these results introduce open cubane organometallics as key reactive intermediates in turbo‐organomagnesium amide mixtures.
Assessment of Groundwater Quality and Associated Human Health Risk of Central Gujarat, India
Authors: Siddha Swayam , Sahu Paulami
Published: October 2020

The groundwater quality of Vishwamitri River Basin (VRB), Central Gujarat, is assessed to evaluate its competency to meet the agricultural and drinking standards, and to determine associated human‐health risk by consumption of this groundwater, if any. The overall groundwater quality for drinking is expressed by water quality index. Various indices like sodium adsorption ratio, salinity hazard, soluble sodium percentage, magnesium adsorption ratio, and Kelly's ratio represent groundwater's agricultural suitability. A health risk assessment model is used to measure non‐carcinogenic human health hazard. Results reveal that i) trace metals like lithium, manganese, molybdenum, strontium, thallium, vanadium and zinc are present in groundwater indicating contamination of groundwater by hazardous industrial and agricultural wastes; ii) groundwater of about 78% of VRB area is unsuitable for drinking; iii) positive values of Schoeller index of maximum groundwater samples indicate that ion exchange of Na+ and K+ with Ca2+and Mg2+ is the dominant mechanism to control the quality of groundwater; iv) SAR values indicate high to very high salinity of groundwater and therefore, it is unsuitable for irrigation; and v) the health risk assessment model discloses that the risk of gastrointestinal disorder is higher in children than adults; and oral ingestion is more dangerous than dermal exposure.
Co‐staining of KCa3.1 Channels in NSCLC Cells with a Small‐Molecule Fluorescent Probe and Antibody‐Based Indirect Immunofluorescence
Authors: Brömmel Kathrin , Maskri Sarah , Bulk Etmar , Pethő Zoltan , Rieke Marius , Budde Thomas , Koch Oliver , Schwab Albrecht , Wünsch Bernhard
Published: October 2020

The Ca2+ activated potassium channel 3.1 (KCa3.1) is involved in critical steps of the metastatic cascade, such as proliferation, migration, invasion and extravasation. Therefore, a fast and efficient protocol for imaging of KCa3.1 channels was envisaged. The novel fluorescently labeled small molecule imaging probes 1 and 2 were synthesized by connecting a dimethylpyrrole‐based BODIPY dye with a derivative of the KCa3.1 channel inhibitor senicapoc via linkers of different length. Patch‐clamp experiments revealed the inhibition of KCa3.1 channels by the probes confirming interaction with the channel. Both probes 1 and 2 were able to stain KCa3.1 channels in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells following a simple, fast and efficient protocol. Pre‐incubation with unlabeled senicapoc removed the punctate staining pattern showing the specificity of the new probes 1 and 2. Staining of the channel with the fluorescently labeled senicapoc derivatives 1 or 2 or with antibody‐based indirect immunofluorescence yielded identical or very similar densities of stained KCa3.1 channels. However, co‐staining using both methods did not lead to the expected overlapping punctate staining pattern. This observation was explained by docking studies showing that the antibody used for indirect immunofluorescence and the probes 1 and 2 label different channel populations. Whereas the antibody binds at the closed channel conformation, the probes 1 and 2 bind within the open channel.
Hürthle cell hurdles: Why do tumors derived from this cell type refuse to reveal their secrets and weaknesses?
Authors: Sadow Peter M.
Published: October 2020

Hürthle cell lesions are difficult to classify by cytology alone. Molecular companion testing has added some insight, but has not resolved these diagnostic challenges.
A high‐performance FPGA‐based multicrossbar prioritized network‐on‐chip
Authors: Alaei Mohammad , Yazdanpanah Fahimeh
Published: October 2020

High performance system‐on‐chip (SoCs) designs have led to high‐density integrated circuits using field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) for rapid prototyping and reconfigurable digital circuits. Using FPGA reconfigurability, it is possible to design a configurable network‐on‐chip (NoC) for different applications. NoC architectures provide efficient communication infrastructures for implementing very large SoCs. In this article, we propose HiFMP, a high‐performance FPGA‐based multicrossbar prioritized NoC router. The aim followed by the proposed router is designing a low‐power NoC router with high performance in terms of energy‐efficiency, network throughput, area, and latency for efficient FPGA realization. HiFMP is a parameterizable router, and is effectively used for an FPGA‐based NoC with mesh topology. Performance evaluations include network‐level analysis and hardware exploration; the results demonstrate the effectiveness and high performance of HiFMP in terms of latency, throughput, power consumption, and area, comparing with the existing related architectures.
Self‐Assembly of Ferrocene‐Phenylalanine@Graphene Oxide Hybrid Hydrogels for Dopamine Detection
Authors: Zhang Gong , Wang Jiahui , Wang Yuefei , Qi Wei , Su Rongxin , He Zhimin
Published: October 2020

The effect of graphene oxide (GO) is explored on the self‐assembly behavior of ferrocene‐L‐phenylalanine (Fc−F) in solution. The assembly behavior of Fc−F in GO dispersions at different concentrations and pH values was systematically investigated. At pH 8, a stable hybrid material could be formed by facile and elaborate supramolecular assembly. Moreover, the concentration of GO could also be used to adjust the mechanical strength of the hybrid hydrogel. Increasing the concentration of GO in the assembly process, a hydrogel with better mechanical strength could be obtained. The storage modulus could be up to 6.3 kPa by increasing the GO concentration to 1 mg/mL. Finally, the dopamine concentration in the solution could be detected in a high accuracy by loading the hybrid hydrogel onto the electrode surface. The R2 of linear fitting equation could reach 0.9915 in the range of 10–200 μmol/L, indicating that it has the potential as biosensing electrode material.
Documentation of en route mortality of summer chum salmon in the Koyukuk River, Alaska and its potential linkage to the heatwave of 2019
Authors: Westley Peter A. H.
Published: October 2020

This paper documents a mass en route mortality event of adult summer chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) returning to the Koyukuk River, Alaska in the Yukon River basin. In response to reports from local communities, a small team of researchers (including the author) surveyed ca. 275 km of river on July 26 and 27, 2019 and counted 1,364 dead salmon. Although the total magnitude of mortality is unknown, counts from the survey certainly represent only a small fraction of the true number of fish that died. We sampled 73 carcasses to confirm death occurred prematurely prior to complete maturation and spawning, and to quantify sex and length. Visual inspection revealed a substantial fraction exhibited patterns of fungal growth consistent with secondary infections of skin lesions caused by the ubiquitous natural bacterial pathogen Flavobacterium columnare. Water temperatures during the survey averaged 17.1°C and the water was approximately 85% saturated with oxygen (ca. 8.5 mg/L), which likely contributed to the stress for upstream migrants. Evidence suggests size‐selective en route mortality as female migrants that died were 2% and male migrants 5% shorter than individuals that survived to their spawning grounds on Henshaw Creek. This translates to very strong estimates of natural selection using standardized selection differentials, yet it is unclear whether selection acts on body size directly or indirectly through correlated phenotypic traits such as run timing. The mortality event likely underpins the below average returns of summer chum salmon to the Koyukuk River in 2019, suggesting an impact on spawner abundance. The future consequences of this, or potentially increasingly frequent, en route mortality events for population productivity and the extent to which genetic adaptation or adaptive phenotypic plasticity of migration behavior may facilitate persistence of these populations is unknown.
Sensing Legionella by photogate‐type fluorescence sensor
Authors: Tanaka Sawako , Choi Young Joon , Ishida Makoto , Sawada Kazuaki , Ishii Hiromu , Machida Katsuyuki , Nikaido Yasuhiko , Saito Mitsumasa , Yoshida Shin‐ichi
Published: October 2020

This work describes the way of sensing bacteria, Legionella by photogate‐type fluorescence sensor. Photoirradiation time dependences of L. dumoffii with the UV‐photointensity as a parameter was obtained by the optical sensor. The photocurrents obtained by the sensor decreased depending on the irradiation time, showing the decay process of fluorescent material in Legionella cells. Initial decay rates were also found to vary with UV‐photointensity. These results indicate that the photogate‐type optical sensor can detect Legionella by using a simple combination of photochemical reaction rate constant and the excitation light intensity.
Within‐population variation in dietary traits: implications for vulnerability and impact of imperiled keystone predators
Authors: Ward‐Fear G. , Shine R. , Brown G. P.
Published: October 2020

Within a population of apex predators, differences among individuals can influence both their ecological impact and their vulnerability to threatening processes. Our field studies on a large monitor lizard (Varanus panoptes) in the Australian wet–dry tropics show that diets shift seasonally and depend upon a lizard’s sex and body size. Individuals that had previously been recorded to consume frogs were most at risk following biological invasion by toxic cane toads (Rhinella marina), as were individuals with broad diets during the wet season. As a result, mortality of those individual predators likely reduced predation pressure on other taxa (invertebrates and reptiles) that were frequently consumed by the same lizards that ate frogs, but with less benefit for taxa (e.g., rodents) that were consumed by non‐anuran‐eating individuals within the predator population. In particular, individuals killed by cane toads often had consumed agamid lizards, a group whose abundance has been reported to increase due to toad‐induced mortality of V. panoptes. To understand the vulnerability of apex predators, or the ecological consequences of their extirpation, we need to incorporate the role of variation among individuals in critical ecological traits.
Grid Evolution and the Business Ecosystem
Authors: Caldwell John
Published: October 2020

For at least the past decade, a popular topic of discussion in the electricity industry has been change. It has become a regular practice at industry conferences to feature one or more sessions focused on “grid modernization” at which the potential impact of technological innovations and new business or regulatory paradigms is discussed, and it is usually implied in these sessions that electricity service is on the cusp of some fundamental transformation. In recent years, conferences have begun to be held that are exclusively devoted to the subject of transformation in the electricity sector. Various potential causes for such a transformation have been identified, including the continued governmental push at both the state and federal levels in earlier years for cleaner energy, the declining cost of solar and wind power and storage technologies, the growing popularity of customer‐owned “distributed resources,” and increasing concerns about grid “resiliency.” Legislative and/or regulatory initiatives introduced in several states have explored new regulatory ­models that might support if not create the impetus for fundamental change. But while at least some of these trends are potentially transformational, it has been a continuing challenge to develop a coherent vision of what the “grid of the future” might look like.
Influence of a curved conical turbulator on heat transfer augmentation in a helical double‐pipe heat exchanger
Authors: Hashemi Karouei Seyed H. , Mousavi Ajarostaghi Seyed S.
Published: October 2020

The rate of heat transfer in helical pipes is much more than straight pipes. In the present study, heat transfer and fluid flow in a double‐coil heat exchanger with an innovative swirl generator with a curved structure in the inner channel (hot side) are studied, numerically. The proposed turbulator has a curved structure and 12 blades to produce swirl flows. Also, two holes are considered at the semi‐conical part of the turbulator. The effects of geometrical parameters of the proposed turbulator including the inner radius of the turbulator and the radius of the turbulator's holes are evaluated. Results indicate that the maximum effectiveness belongs to the case with inner diameter of the turbulator and radius of turbulator' holes equal to 19 and 3.6 mm, respectively, at . Also, the generated swirl flows by the turbulator has a significant influence on heat transfer augmentation. Furthermore, a high inner radius of the turbulator leads to an increase in heat transfer rate and effectiveness, consequently. As a result, by increasing the inner radius of turbulator by 26.7%, the effectiveness rises by 80% (maximum at  = 0.008 kg/s). Increasing the radius of turbulator's hole by 133.34% leads to an growth in effectiveness of about 50% (maximum at  = 0.058 kg/s).
Experimental investigation on controlled cooling by coupling of thermoelectric and an air impinging jet for CPU
Authors: Belarbi Abdelillah Abed , Beriache M'hamed , Che Sidik Nor Azwadi , Mamat Rizalman
Published: October 2020

In this study, experimental tests have been carried out on the coupling thermoelectric cooling module with minichannel heatsink subjected to impinging airflow for cooling desktop central processing unit (CPU). A controlled thermoelectric‐forced test system was designed for this purpose. This was designed using electronic Arduino card. The proposed hybrid cooling system was compared with the conventional forced air‐cooling technique. Three power of heat source (CPU) were adopted, investigated, and compared, namely 60, 87, and 95 W. Performance of controlled thermoelectric cooling with three preset temperature were experimentally examined. The effects of air velocity and thermoelectric input current on the case temperature (Tcase), thermal resistance, and heat transfer coefficient were analyzed. Results showed that the Tcase increases with the increase of its input power. In addition, increasing air jet velocity and thermoelectric input current improve CPU cooling significantly. For a CPU power of 95 W, the recorded Tcase temperature was 57°C with the conventional system. While it was maintained below 50°C in the hybrid system. The thermoelectric cooler has had a major effect on CPU cooling, having 15% improvement over conventional forced air‐cooling. However, this was accompanied by an increase in energy consumption in the range of 45 W.
Unpacking and Operationalizing Disciplinary Literacy: A Review of Disciplinary Literacy Inquiry and Instruction
Authors: Fang Zhihui , Robertson Dana A.
Published: October 2020

This forum reviews a mix of resources to inform pedagogy and related educational practices that foreground representations of youth and their literacy practices within and outside of school.
Measurement of cartilage sub‐component distributions through the surface by Raman spectroscopy‐based multivariate analysis
Authors: Mason Daniel , Murugkar Sangeeta , Speirs Andrew D.
Published: October 2020

Articular cartilage posesses unique material properties due to a complex depth‐dependent composition of sub‐components. Raman spectroscopy has proven valuable in quantifying this composition through cartilage cross‐sections. However, cross‐sectioning requires tissue destruction and is not practical in situ. In this work, Raman spectroscopy‐based multivariate curve resolution (MCR) was employed in porcine cartilage samples (n = 12) to measure collagen, glycosaminoglycan, and water distributions through the surface for the first time; these were compared against cross‐section standards. Through the surface Raman measurements proved reliable in predicting composition distribution up to a depth of approximately 0.5 mm. A fructose‐based optical clearing agent (OCA) was also used in an attempt to further improve depth of resolution of this measurement method. However, it did not; mainly due to a high‐spectral overlap with the Raman spectra of main cartilage sub‐components. This measurement technique potentially could be used in situ, to better understand the etiology of joint diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA).
Galanin and neuropeptide Y interactions elicit antidepressant activity linked to neuronal precursor cells of the dentate gyrus in the ventral hippocampus
Authors: Borroto‐Escuela Dasiel O. , Pita‐Rodriguez Mariana , Fores‐Pons Ramón , Barbancho Miguel A. , Fuxe Kjell , Narváez Manuel
Published: October 2020

A need for new antidepressants is necessary since traditional antidepressants have several flaws. Neuropeptide Y(NPY) Y1 receptor (NPYY1R) and galanin (GAL) receptor 2 (GALR2) interact in several regions of the limbic system, including the hippocampus. The current study assesses the antidepressant effects induced by GALR2 and NPYY1R coactivation, together with the evaluation of cell proliferation through 5‐Bromo‐2'‐deoxyuridine expression within the dentate gyrus of the ventral hippocampus (vDG). We employed in situ proximity ligation assay to manifest GALR2/NPYY1R heteroreceptor complexes. Additionally, the expression pattern of GALR2 and the activation of the extracellular‐regulated kinases (ERK) pathway after GALR2 and NPYY1R costimulation in cell cultures were examined. GALR2 and NPYY1R coactivation resulted in sustained antidepressant behaviors in the FST after 24 h, linked to increased cell proliferation in the vDG. Moreover, an increased density of GALR2/NPYY1R heteroreceptor complexes was observed in vDG, on doublecortin‐expressing neuroblasts. Recruitment of the GALR2 expression to the plasma membrane was observed upon the coactivation of GALR2 and NPYY1R in cell cultures, presumably associated to the enhanced effects on the activation of ERK pathway. GALR2 may promote the GALR2/NPYY1R heteroreceptor complexes formation in the ventral hippocampus. It may induce a transformation of cell proliferation toward a neuronal lineage by enhancement of ERK pathway. Thus, it may give the mechanism for the antidepressant behavior observed. These results may provide the basis for the development of heterobivalent agonist pharmacophores, targeting GALR2/NPYY1R heteromers, especially in the neuronal precursor cells of the dentate gyrus in the ventral hippocampus for the novel treatment of depression.
Application of Scanning Electron Microscopy in the observation of dentin‐adhesive interface
Authors: Ramić Bojana D. , Stojanac Igor Lj , Drobac Milan R. , Kantardžić Ivana R. , Maletin Aleksandra Z. , Cvjetićanin Milica T. , Otašević Katarina S. , Petrović Ljubomir M.
Published: October 2020

The objective of this study was observation of the adhesive interface on original tooth samples, as well as their epoxy replicas, under SEM. A light‐cure flowable composite was incrementally placed and light‐polymerized in previously prepared cylindrical dentinal cavities on the buccal surfaces of extracted human third molars. After finishing procedures, impressions of the composite/dentin margin were made using polyvinylsiloxane in order to obtain accurate epoxy replicas for SEM analysis. Ultrastructural morphology of the adhesive surface was observed at high magnifications (≥1,000×) on original tooth samples, which were previously prepared to expose the part of the dentin surface, which participates in the formation of adhesive bond. SEM micrographs showed that marginal adaptation was mostly of acceptable quality. In some of the SEM micrographs of original tooth samples, marginal gap formation, and resin tag breakdown were noted, which were ascribed to polymerization shrinkage. Profound understanding of ultrastructural morphology is necessary for achieving more predictable and durable margin between composite restorations and surrounding tooth structures, and SEM analysis can serve that purpose.
Halfway to Technical Stereocomplex PLA Products—An Arduous Path to a Breakthrough
Authors: Tarkhanov Evgueni , Lehmann André , Menrath Andreas
Published: October 2020

Stereocomplexation of the biopolymer polylactic acid offers an excellent opportunity for the production of bio‐based products, which can be utilized in technical applications due to their thermal and mechanical properties. This article deals with the current prospects of cost‐efficient processing from the molten state while highlighting the scientific progress and the useful research approaches required to meet this goal.
Thermally Assisted Self‐Healing and Shape Memory Behavior of Diphenolic Acid‐Based Benzoxazines
Authors: Ručigaj Aleš , Ambrožič Rok , Krajnc Matjaž
Published: October 2020

Two diphenolic acid‐based benzoxazines are designed and crosslinked to form smart polymers with shape memory and self‐healing ability. Aliphatic molecules of stearylamine and jeffamine are selected with the intent to introduce network flexibility and mobility in the designed copolymer system. While stearylamine is incorporated to form a more rigid benzoxazine molecule (DaSa), aliphatic polyether molecule of jeffamine in benzoxazine (DaJa) allows system mobility. Prepared benzoxazine precursors are characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance and IR method, while thermomechanical properties are determined by differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis. Glass transition temperature increases with the increasing proportion of the more rigid benzoxazine from stearylamine ranging from 6 to 104 °C. All prepared copolymers show promising self‐healing and shape memory abilities proved by fracture toughness and self‐deploy tests, respectively. The best results are reached at 50 and 60 wt% of DaSa benzoxazine (glass transition temperature being 83 and 84 °C) in the copolymer system with self‐healing ability of 50–60% in three consecutive cycles, shape fixity above 90%, and shape recovery over 90%. The synthesis chemicals such as diphenolic acid, jeffamine, stearylamine, and paraformaldehyde can be of a natural origin having a great potential to develop a bio‐based system.
Adhesive Joining of Zerodur–CFRP–Zerodur Sandwich Structures for Aerospace Applications
Authors: la Pierre des Ammbrois Stefano De , Corazzari Ingrid , Damiano Olivier , Cornillon Laurence , Terenzi Andrea , Casalegno Valentina , Ferraris Monica
Published: October 2020

A high performance adhesive is used to join Zerodur to a carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs) honeycomb (HC) in a sandwich structure for aerospace applications. The main problem of finding an adhesive with suitable thermomechanical stability and ease of application for use in large components, together with a lower curing temperature than 160 °C, in order to avoid detrimental effects on the CFRPs is resolved. Two phenolic‐based and one cyanate ester‐based adhesives are considered. One phenolic‐based adhesive that is already proven effective in the joining of carbon/carbon composites (C/C) is used to join CFRP slabs and Zerodur–CFRP–Zerodur in a sandwich structure. Thermal analysis is conducted to characterize and compare the phenolic adhesive, cured at 150 °C and at 260 °C, with a cyanate ester‐based adhesive and a commercial phenolic‐based one. The phenolic adhesive cured at 150 °C results to be the most suitable joining material; the lap shear strength of the CFRP slabs joined at room temperature is measured after thermal cycling. Zerodur–CFRP–Zerodur sandwich structures, joined by the phenolic adhesive cured at 150 °C, are tested in tensile and lap shear modes.
A Mechanochromic Hydrogen‐Bonded Rotaxane
Authors: Sandoval‐Torrientes Rafael , Carr ThomasR. , De Bo Guillaume
Published: October 2020

Tensile forces influence a variety of important biological processes and force sensors are required to study these processes in vivo. Current force sensors are often tailor‐made for a specific application, or activate at much higher forces than those observed at the cellular or tissue level. A versatile force sensor, with tunable mechanical and optical properties, activated at low pN forces will be ideal. In this communication, a new mechanoresponsive fluorescent hydrogen‐bonded rotaxane, built around a maleimide dye, is reported. Its force‐sensing properties are demonstrated in a polyacrylamide gel, a synthetic model of living tissue.
Autosomal Recessive Cerebellar Ataxias With Elevated Alpha‐Fetoprotein: Uncommon Diseases, Common Biomarker
Authors: Renaud Mathilde , Tranchant Christine , Koenig Michel , Anheim Mathieu
Published: October 2020

alpha‐Fetoprotein (AFP) is a biomarker of several autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxias (ARCAs), especially ataxia telangiectasia (AT) and ataxia with oculomotor apraxia (AOA) type 2 (AOA2). More recently, slightly elevated AFP has been reported in AOA1 and AOA4. Interestingly, AOA1, AOA2, AOA4, and AT are overlapping ARCAs characterized by oculomotor apraxia, with oculocephalic dissociation, choreo‐dystonia, and/or axonal sensorimotor neuropathy, in addition to cerebellar ataxia with cerebellar atrophy. The genetic backgrounds in these disorders play central roles in nuclear maintenance through DNA repair [ATM (AT), APTX (AOA1), or PNKP (AOA4)] or RNA termination [SETX (AOA2)]. Partially discriminating thresholds of AFP have been proposed as a way to distinguish between ARCAs with elevated AFP. In these entities, elevated AFP may be an epiphenomenon as a result of liver transcriptional dysregulation. AFP is a simple and reliable biomarker for the diagnosis of ARCA in performance and interpretation of next‐generation sequencing. Here, we evaluated clinical, laboratory, imaging, and molecular data of the group of ARCAs that share elevated AFP serum levels that have been described in the past two decades. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Surgical Management of Breast Cancer: Global Trends and Future Perspectives
Authors: Rocco Nicola , Montagna Giacomo , Di Micco Rosa , Benson John , Criscitiello Carmen , Chen Li , Di Pace Bruno , Esgueva Colmenarejo Antonio Jesus , Harder Yves , Karakatsanis Andreas , Maglia Anna , Mele Marco , Nafissi Nahid , Ferreira Pedro Santos , Taher Wafa , Tejerina Antonio , Vinci Alessio , Nava Maurizio , Catanuto Giuseppe
Published: October 2020

Introduction

The rapid spread of COVID-19 across the globe is forcing surgical oncologists to change their daily practice. We sought to evaluate how breast surgeons are adapting their surgical activity to limit viral spread and spare hospital resources.

Methods

A panel of 12 breast surgeons from the most affected regions of the world convened a virtual meeting on April 7, 2020, to discuss the changes in their local surgical practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Similarly, a Web-based poll based was created to evaluate changes in surgical practice among breast surgeons from several countries.

Results

The virtual meeting showed that distinct countries and regions were experiencing different phases of the pandemic. Surgical priority was given to patients with aggressive disease not candidate for primary systemic therapy, those with progressive disease under neoadjuvant systemic therapy, and patients who have finished neoadjuvant therapy. One hundred breast surgeons filled out the poll. The trend showed reductions in operating room schedules, indications for surgery, and consultations, with an increasingly restrictive approach to elective surgery with worsening of the pandemic.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 emergency should not compromise treatment of a potentially lethal disease such as breast cancer. Our results reveal that physicians are instinctively reluctant to abandon conventional standards of care when possible. However, as the situation deteriorates, alternative strategies of de-escalation are being adopted.

Implications for Practice

This study aimed to characterize how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting breast cancer surgery and which strategies are being adopted to cope with the situation.
Prognostic Clinical and Radiographic Biomarkers for BRAF-Targeted Therapy in Advanced Melanoma
Authors: Shah Kaustav P. , Song Haocan , Ye Fei , Johnson Douglas B.
Published: October 2020

Agents blocking BRAF and MEK produce robust responses in patients with BRAFV600-mutated melanoma; however, more accurate clinical biomarkers are needed to predict prognosis. To explore this question, we retrospectively studied 158 patients with BRAF-mutated melanoma treated with BRAF with or without MEK inhibitors. We found that the number of distinct tumor sites upon initiation of targeted therapy was associated with decreased progression-free survival but had no effect on overall survival. Serum values of lactate dehydrogenase and absolute lymphocyte count to absolute neutrophil count ratio independently had the strongest association with both progression-free survival and overall survival. Using both of these markers can help stratify prognosis of patients with metastatic melanoma receiving targeted therapy.
No evidence of an extinction of experience or emotional disconnect from nature in urban Singapore
Authors: Oh Rachel Rui Ying , Fielding Kelly S. , Carrasco Román L. , Fuller Richard A.
Published: October 2020

It is widely believed that people living in cities have fewer and poorer daily experiences of nature, and that this contributes to the biodiversity crisis on the basis that if people do not know nature, they will not care for its conservation. In 1978, Pyle coined the term ‘extinction of experience’ to reflect the loss of opportunities to experience nature as urbanization progresses.

However, evidence of an emotional disconnect from nature arising from an extinction of experience remains poorly documented. Here we repeat a study conducted in 1996 comprising household surveys and bird surveys in a neighbourhood of Singapore, one of the world's most densely populated cities. We investigate empirically whether experiences of nature, opportunities to experience nature and the emotional connection between people and nature have changed across 22 years.

We discover that emotional connection with nature has actually increased among greenspace users and non‐users, while the frequency and duration of greenspace visits remained unchanged. Among greenspace users, the number of different nature elements experienced also remained unchanged and more frequent users demonstrated a stronger emotional connection with nature. We further found an increase in opportunities to experience local nature, as measured by bird species richness and abundance.

While we found no evidence for an extinction of experience or an emotional disconnect from nature in this particular setting and timeframe in urban Singapore, similar studies elsewhere are necessary to explore whether there may be geographical, cultural or temporal variations.

A freePlain Language Summarycan be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Cold atmospheric plasma modification of curcumin loaded in tri‐phosphate chitosan nanoparticles enhanced breast cancer cells apoptosis
Authors: Sadoughi Azadeh , Irani Shiva , Bagheri‐Khoulenjani Shadab , Atyabi Seyed Mohammad , Olov Nafiseh
Published: October 2020

The anti‐cancer mechanisms of curcumin have been reported to include suppressions of angiogenesis and tumor proliferation. The main goal of this research is to increase the solubility of curcumin by cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) and assess the effects of modified curcumin by charging with tri‐polyphosphate chitosan nanoparticles for MCF‐7, MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells, and human fibroblast cells. Curcumin modification was done by CAP and its solubility was evaluated by spectrophotometry. After loading modified curcumin into nano‐chitosan‐TPP, nanocurcumin was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Cellular viability and apoptosis of treated cells were assessed by MTT and Annexin V. The changes of messenger RNA expression of TP5353 and VEGF genes were analyzed by real‐time PCR. CAP was able to transform the curcumin to possess hydrophilic characteristics after 90 seconds. The mean diameter of Curcumin loaded chitosannanoparticles (NPs) were determined as 48 nm. MTT results showed that the IC50 of nano Cur‐chitosan‐TPP was effectively decreased compared to free curcumin in MCF‐7 (15 μg/mL at 72 hours vs 20 μg/mL at 48 hours). Additionally, nano Cur‐chitosan‐TPP had no significant effect on normal cells (Human dermal fibroblas: HDF), whereas it also decreased the viability of triple negative breast cancer cell line (MDA‐MB‐231). Real‐time PCR results showed that expression level of TP53 gene was upregulated (P = .000), whereas VEGF gene downregulated (P = .000) in treated MCF‐7 cells. Curcumin loaded chitosan nanoparticles have led to an induction of apoptosis (79.93%) and cell cycle arrest (at S and G2M). Modified‐curcumin‐tri‐polyphosphate chitosan nanoparticles using CAP can be considered as a proper candidate for breast cancer treatment.
Structural properties of a biotechnological capsule confined by a 3D‐cellulose acetate membrane
Authors: Menashe Ofir , Rosen‐Kligvasser Jasmine , Kurzbaum Eyal , Suckeveriene Ran Y.
Published: October 2020

Small bioreactor platform (SBP) capsules are designed to implement selective bacterial cultures within aquatic media, mainly wastewaters, in a bioaugmentation process. Such capsules, coated with cellulose acetate (CA) membranes to form three‐dimensional (3D) structural barriers, are intended to provide a long‐term protected and confined environment for the introduced bacterial cultures. These state‐of‐the‐art 3D membranes allow the tailored design of the encapsulated bacteria and adjustment to several environmental properties, such as organics and nutrients, pressure, and the natural flora. Our study characterizes, for the first time, the mechanical and thermal properties of the SBPCA structural membrane and the effects of water molecules on these properties. High‐resolution scanning electron microscopy images of the CA membranes show mesh‐like porous structures, crucial for mass transport both inside and outside the capsule. Thermal gravimetric analysis shows a reduction of ~115°C in the thermal decomposition temperature of wet capsules compared to that of dry capsules. Mechanical testing shows that the modulus and maximum stress of wet samples are each decreased by an order of magnitude compared to those of dry samples at similar maximum strain. The permeability of the CA membrane to phenol, a model water organic pollutant, was found to be 3 × 10−8 cm2 s−1. It is concluded that water molecules soften CA structural membranes, yielding soft amorphous structures, which are needed for the optimized processing of the SBP capsule. The plasticizing effect is important in the membrane architecture formation and fiber elasticity when used in an aqueous environment.
Lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma, antigen‐driven after all?
Authors: Poppema Sibrandes
Published: October 2020

Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) was suggested as an entity separate from other types of Hodgkin lymphoma 40 years ago and recognized in the WHO classification in 2001. Based on its relatively benign course with late distant relapses, relation with lymph node hyperplasia with progressively transformed germinal centers, presence of clonal immunoglobulin gene rearrangements with somatic hypermutations and ongoing mutations, and relation with a number of inherited defects affecting the immune system, it has been suspected that NLPHL might be antigen‐driven. Recent evidence has shown that cases of IgD‐positive NLPHL are associated with infection by Moraxella catarrhalis, a common bacterium in the upper respiratory tract and in lymph nodes. This review summarizes the evidence for NLPHL as a B‐cell lymphoma involving follicular T‐lymphocytes normally found in germinal centers, its molecular features and relation to inherited immune defects, and its relation and differential diagnosis from similar entities. Finally, it discusses the evidence that in many cases a watch and wait policy might be a viable initial management strategy. © 2020 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Potential sealing and repair of human FM defects after trauma with peptide amphiphiles and Cx43 antisense
Authors: Barrett David W. , Okesola Babatunde O. , Costa Eleni , Thrasivoulou Christopher , Becker David L. , Mata Alvaro , Deprest Jan A. , David Anna L. , Chowdhury Tina T.
Published: October 2020

Objective

We examined whether peptide amphiphiles functionalised with adhesive, migratory or regenerative sequences could be combined with amniotic fluid (AF) to form plugs that repair fetal membrane (FM) defects after trauma and co‐culture with connexin 43 (Cx43) antisense.

Methods

We assessed interactions between peptide amphiphiles and AF and examined the plugs in FM defects after trauma and co‐culture with the Cx43antisense.

Results

Confocal microscopy confirmed directed self‐assembly of peptide amphiphiles with AF to form a plug within minutes, with good mechanical properties. SEM of the plug revealed a multi‐layered, nanofibrous network that sealed the FM defect after trauma. Co‐culture of the FM defect with Cx43 antisense and plug increased collagen levels but reduced GAG. Culture of the FM defect with peptide amphiphiles incorporating regenerative sequences for 5 days, increased F‐actin and nuclear cell contraction, migration and polarization of collagen fibers across the FM defect when compared to control specimens with minimal repair.

Conclusions

Whilst the nanoarchitecture revealed promising conditions to seal iatrogenic FM defects, the peptide amphiphiles need to be designed to maximize repair mechanisms and promote structural compliance with high mechanical tolerance that maintains tissue remodeling with Cx43 antisense for future treatment.
Solid state polymer ionogel electrolyte for use in Li‐ion batteries
Authors: Zhan Chi , Jana Sadhan C.
Published: October 2020

This work presents a preparation method for solid state ionogel electrolyte membranes intended for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). These membranes are obtained by filling the pores of syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) gels with an ionic liquid (IL) that is later polymerized. The aim is to improve the thermal stability and mechanical properties in conjunction with mitigation of ionic liquid loss from ionogel electrolyte membranes at high application temperatures (>50°C). Such ionogel membranes circumvent the dimensional stability issues of polyolefin membranes at >90°C, volatility and flammability issues of organic liquid electrolytes, and ionic liquid loss due to thermal expansion of typical ionogel membranes. The ionogel membranes developed in this work contain a framework of high porosity sPS gel filled with an ionic liquid that is later polymerized via free‐radical polymerization. The resulting solid electrolyte membrane show improved thermal stability, good shape fixity, and negligible IL loss at high temperature. The electrolyte membrane also shows good electrochemical stability and adequate ionic conductivity due to high IL loading and high porosity of sPS gels.