bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D genomic features across >50 diverse cell types reveal insights into the genomic architecture of childhood obesity
Authors: Trang Khanh B , Pahl Matthew C , Pippin James A , Su Chun , Littleton Sheridan H , Sharma Prabhat , Kulkarni Nikhil N , Ghanem Louis R , Terry Natalie A , O’Brien Joan M , Wagley Yadav , Hankenson Kurt D , Jermusyk Ashley , Hoskins Jason W , Amundadottir Laufey T , Xu Mai , Brown Kevin M , Anderson Stewart A , Yang Wenli , Titchenell Paul M , Seale Patrick , Cook Laura , Levings Megan K , Zemel Babette S , Chesi Alessandra , Wells Andrew D , Grant Struan FA
Published: November 2024

The prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing worldwide, along with the associated common comorbidities of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in later life. Motivated by evidence for a strong genetic component, our prior genome-wide association study (GWAS) efforts for childhood obesity revealed 19 independent signals for the trait; however, the mechanism of action of these loci remains to be elucidated. To molecularly characterize these childhood obesity loci we sought to determine the underlying causal variants and the corresponding effector genes within diverse cellular contexts. Integrating childhood obesity GWAS summary statistics with our existing 3D genomic datasets for 57 human cell types, consisting of high-resolution promoter-focused Capture-C/Hi-C, ATAC-seq, and RNA-seq, we applied stratified LD score regression and calculated the proportion of genome-wide SNP heritability attributable to cell type-specific features, revealing pancreatic alpha cell enrichment as the most statistically significant. Subsequent chromatin contact-based fine-mapping was carried out for genome-wide significant childhood obesity loci and their linkage disequilibrium proxies to implicate effector genes, yielded the most abundant number of candidate variants and target genes at the
BDNF
,
ADCY3
,
TMEM18
and
FTO
loci in skeletal muscle myotubes and the pancreatic beta-cell line, EndoC-BH1. One novel implicated effector gene,
ALKAL2
– an inflammation-responsive gene in nerve nociceptors – was observed at the key TMEM18 locus across multiple immune cell types. Interestingly, this observation was also supported through colocalization analysis using expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) derived from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) dataset, supporting an inflammatory and neurologic component to the pathogenesis of childhood obesity. Our comprehensive appraisal of 3D genomic datasets generated in a myriad of different cell types provides genomic insights into pediatric obesity pathogenesis.
Mapping patterns of thought onto brain activity during movie-watching
Authors: Wallace Raven S , Mckeown Brontë , Goodall-Halliwell Ian , Chitiz Louis , Forest Philippe , Karapanagiotidis Theodoros , Mulholland Bridget , Turnbull Adam G , Vanderwal Tamera , Hardikar Samyogita , Alam Tirso Gonzalez , Bernhardt Boris , Wang Hao-Ting , Strawson Will , Milham Michael , Xu Ting , Margulies Daniel , Poerio Giulia L , Jefferies Elizabeth , Skipper Jeremy I , Wammes Jeffery , Leech Robert , Smallwood Jonathan
Published: November 2024

Movie-watching is a central aspect of our lives and an important paradigm for understanding the brain mechanisms behind cognition as it occurs in daily life. Contemporary views of ongoing thought argue that the ability to make sense of events in the ‘here and now’ depend on the neural processing of incoming sensory information by auditory and visual cortex, which are kept in check by systems in association cortex. However, we currently lack an understanding of how patterns of ongoing thoughts map onto the different brain systems when we watch a film, partly because methods of sampling experience disrupt the dynamics of brain activity and the experience of movie-watching. Our study established a novel method for mapping thought patterns onto the brain activity that occurs at different moments of a film, which does not disrupt the time course of brain activity or the movie-watching experience. We found moments when experience sampling highlighted engagement with multi-sensory features of the film or highlighted thoughts with episodic features, regions of sensory cortex were more active and subsequent memory for events in the movie was better—on the other hand, periods of intrusive distraction emerged when activity in regions of association cortex within the frontoparietal system was reduced. These results highlight the critical role sensory systems play in the multi- modal experience of movie-watching and provide evidence for the role of association cortex in reducing distraction when we watch films.
Dysfunctional S1P/S1PR1 signaling in the dentate gyrus drives vulnerability of chronic pain-related memory impairment
Authors: Cui Mengqiao , Pan Xiaoyuan , Fan Zhijie , Wu Shulin , Ji Ran , Wang Xianlei , Kong Xiangxi , Wu Zhou , Song Lingzhen , Song Weiyi , Yang Jun-Xia , Zhang Hongjie , Zhang Hongxing , Ding Hai-Lei , Cao Jun-Li
Published: November 2024

Memory impairment in chronic pain patients is substantial and common, and few therapeutic strategies are available. Chronic pain-related memory impairment has susceptible and unsusceptible features. Therefore, exploring the underlying mechanisms of its vulnerability is essential for developing effective treatments. Here, combining two spatial memory tests (Y-maze test and Morris water maze), we segregated chronic pain mice into memory impairment-susceptible and -unsusceptible subpopulations in a chronic neuropathic pain model induced by chronic constrictive injury of the sciatic nerve. RNA-seq analysis and gain/loss-of-function study revealed that S1P/S1PR1 signaling is a determinant for vulnerability to chronic pain-related memory impairment. Knockdown of the S1PR1 in the DG promoted a susceptible phenotype and led to structural plasticity changes of reduced excitatory synapse formation and abnormal spine morphology as observed in susceptible mice, while overexpression of the S1PR1 and pharmacological administration of S1PR1 agonist in the DG promoted an unsusceptible phenotype and prevented the occurrence of memory impairment, and rescued the morphological abnormality. Finally, GO enrichment analysis and biochemical evidence indicated that down-regulation of S1PR1 in susceptible mice may impair DG structural plasticity via interaction with actin cytoskeleton rearrangement-related signaling pathways including Itga2 and its downstream Rac1/Cdc42 signaling and Arp2/3 cascade. These results reveal a novel mechanism and provide a promising preventive and therapeutic molecular target for vulnerability to chronic pain-related memory impairment.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches in cerebral palsy diagnosis, prognosis, and management: a comprehensive review
Authors: Balgude Shalini Dhananjay , Gite Shilpa , Pradhan Biswajeet , Lee Chang-Wook
Published: November 2024

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that alters patients’ muscle coordination, posture, and movement, resulting in a wide range of deformities. Cerebral palsy can be caused by various factors, both prenatal and postnatal, such as infections or injuries that damage different parts of the brain. As brain plasticity is more prevalent during childhood, early detection can help take the necessary course of management and treatments that would significantly benefit patients by improving their quality of life. Currently, cerebral palsy patients receive regular physiotherapies, occupational therapies, speech therapies, and medications to deal with secondary abnormalities arising due to CP. Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) over the years have demonstrated the potential to improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of CP. This review article synthesizes existing research on AI and ML techniques applied to CP. It provides a comprehensive overview of the role of AI-ML in cerebral palsy, focusing on its applications, benefits, challenges, and future prospects. Through an extensive examination of existing literature, we explore various AI-ML approaches, including but not limited to assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and outcome prediction for cerebral palsy. Additionally, we address the ethical considerations, technical limitations, and barriers to the widespread adoption of AI-ML for CP patient care. By synthesizing current knowledge and identifying gaps in research, this review aims to guide future endeavors in harnessing AI-ML for optimizing outcomes and transforming care delivery in cerebral palsy rehabilitation.
Transdisciplinary Teaching and Social Responsiveness of Teachers in Public Elementary Schools
Authors: Gampo-an Naive T. , Baguio Josephine B.
Published: November 2024

This study explored the transdisciplinary teaching practices and social responsiveness of teachers in public elementary schools in the Bunawan District, Division of Davao City. It employed a non-experimental quantitative research design, utilizing a correlational method. The sample comprised 132 teachers from public elementary schools, selected through universal sampling. Data analysis was performed using mean, Pearson r, and regression analysis. The findings indicated that teachers exhibited high level of transdisciplinary teaching practices in areas such as project-based learning, standards of learning, instructional practices, and assessment of learning. Similarly, teachers demonstrated a high level of social responsiveness, particularly regarding students' ethnic backgrounds, their role as educators, sensitivity to language, and an inclusive curriculum. The study revealed a significant relationship between transdisciplinary teaching and social responsiveness. Additionally, it was found that various domains of transdisciplinary teaching significantly influenced the social responsiveness of teachers in these schools. Based on these findings, it is recommended that public school teachers may participate in seminars and professional development programs organized by the Department of Education (DepEd) to enhance their instructional skills. These initiatives may focus on fostering professional growth, enriching teaching practices, and promoting rigorous education opportunities that support the academic success of all learners.
Estimation of Anti Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidant Property of Ethanolic Extract of Dialium guineense Stem Bark in Ethanol-Induced Peptic Ulcer in Albino Rats
Authors: Chiesonu Ugwuoke, Mary , Sunday Aloh Godwin , Ajima Judith Nnedimkpa, , C Oguamanam, Kelechi
Published: November 2024

The hallmark of peptic ulcer illness is desisting in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract due to either pepsin or gastric acid release. It expands into the muscularis propria layer of the gastric epithelium. It may include the lower esophagus, distal duodenum or jejunum. The emergence and resistance of some over the counter anti-ulcer agents and its cost in developing countries have necessitate the need to optimize antiulcer actions of stem bark of Dialium guineense and its efficacy. The purpose of this study is to assess the anti-ulcerogenic properties of ethanol extract and stem bark fractions from Dialium guineense in albino rats that have been given an ethanol-induced ulcer. When compared to omeprazole and the fractions of the groups treated with 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg body weight of ethanol extract of Dialium guineense stem bark, the results of TNF-α, IL-β, and PGE2 revealed a substantial rise in the ulcer group. In GPx and CAT there were significant increase in normal control when compared to the ulcer group and different fractions, this findings showed that By enhancing the effectiveness of nicotineamide dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) or by safeguarding the detoxifying enzymes, catalase lowers oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Further research should be on the identification of compounds which is responsible for the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant of Dialium guineense stem bark.
A PREDICALIDADE DA IGUALDADE E A DINÂMICA DO SENTIR EM ESSE AMOR QUE NOS CONSOME E NATIKI
Authors: TEIXEIRA RAFAEL
Published: November 2024

O filme Esse amor que nos consome (2012), trabalha com situações de corporeidade onde dança e encenação são acionadas para tencionar engajamento afetivo e dinâmica presencial em lugares de ocupação de espaços arquiteturais impedidos. A peça Natiki, programada para espaços comunitários e desenvolvida no âmbito do teatro do oprimido (Boal, 1996), apresenta histórias de imigrantes de Cabo Verde e Guiné-Bissau a partir da dançatividade e de músicas cantadas pelos atores. O objetivo do artigo é ensejar o filme e a obra de teatro por meio de cinco operadores teóricos que auxiliam na observação das vidas migrantes e subalternizadas no desejo de estar juntos, na destruição do tempo insidioso, na liberação de todas as metamorfoses.
Tribological and Corrosion Properties of Ni‐Cr‐Co‐Ti‐V Multi‐Principal Element Alloy Prepared by Vacuum Hot‐Pressing Sintering
Authors: Wen Xin , Cai Zhaobing , Yin Bo , Cui Xiufang , Zhang Xuerun , Jin Guo
Published: April 2019

In our work, an equiatomic Ni‐Cr‐Co‐Ti‐V multi‐principal element alloy is prepared by vacuum hot‐pressing sintering. The phase structure is investigated by Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and properties of hardness, wear and corrosion resistance are studied. Furthermore, some reported high‐entropy alloys (HEAs) and conventional alloys are used as contrast for more intuitive evaluation of properties of Ni‐Cr‐Co‐Ti‐V HEA. The average micro‐hardness of this alloy reaches 1130 ± 15 HV. By nano‐indentation testing, the value of average Young's modulus and nano‐hardness are 318.6 ± 9 GPa and 17.21 ± 0.77 GPa, respectively. Compared with the room temperature, this alloy still keeps a good wear resistance at 600 °C and adhesive wear is the main wear mechanism. In the 3.5 wt% NaCl electrolyte, the passivating capacity of this alloy is significantly higher than that of 304 stainless steel and the corrosion rate of this alloy is relatively low, ≈0.035 mm/year. Thus, this alloy is expected to be applied in the severe interaction work environment of high temperature, wear, and corrosion.
Application of Multifunctional Mechanical Metamaterials
Authors: Shanian Ali , Jette Francois‐Xavier , Salehii Mahtab , Pham Minh Quan , Schaenzer Megan , Bourgeois Genevieve , Bertoldi Katia , Gross Andrew , Javid Farhad , Backman David , Yandt Scott , Gerendas Miklos , Meis Tobias , Knobloch Karsten , Bake Friedrich , Peitsch Dieter
Published: April 2019

Mechanical metamaterials have attracted great interest due their ability to attain material properties outside the bounds of those found in natural materials. Many promising mechanical metamaterials have been designed, fabricated, and tested, however, these metamaterials have not been subjected to the rigorous requirements needed to certify their use in demanding industrial applications that require multifunctional behavior. This paper details an auxetic multifunctional metamaterial that has been optimized to outperform conventional designs for cooling systems commonly used in the space, the transportation, the energy and the nuclear industry. Experimental tests performed to certify this material for use in gas turbines have shown that in comparison to conventional designs, the metamaterial increases structural life by orders of magnitude while also providing more efficient cooling and maintaining similar acoustic damping characteristics. This metamaterial offers an agile and economical solution for the realization of next generation components.
Pretreating Mesenchymal Stem Cells with Cancer Conditioned‐Media or Proinflammatory Cytokines Changes the Tumor and Immune Targeting by Nanoghosts Derived from these Cells
Authors: Lupu‐Haber Yael , Bronshtein Tomer , Shalom‐Luxenburg Hagit , D'Atri Domenico , Oieni Jacopo , Kaneti Limor , Shagan Alona , Hamias Shani , Amram Liat , Kaneti Galoz , Cohen Anavy Noa , Machluf Marcelle
Published: April 2019

Nanoghosts (NGs) are nanovesicles reconstructed from the cytoplasmic membranes of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). By retaining MSC membranes, the NGs retain the ability of these cells to home in on multiple tumors, laying the foundations, thereby, for the development of a targeted drug delivery platform. The susceptibility of MSCs to functional changes, following their exposure to cytokines or cancer‐derived conditioned‐media (CM), presents the opportunity to modify the NGs by conditioning their source cells. This opportunity is investigated by comparing the membrane protein composition and the tumor uptake of NGs derived from naïve MSCs (N‐NG) against conditioned NGs made from MSCs pre‐treated with conditioned‐media (CM‐NG) or with a mix of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF‐α and IL‐1β (Cyto‐NG). CM‐NGs are found to be more targeted towards immune cells than Cyto‐ or N‐NGs, while Cyto‐NGs are the most tumor‐targeted ones, with similar immune‐targeting capacity as N‐NGs but with a higher affinity towards endothelial cells. Proteomic variations were wider in the CM‐NGs, with exceptionally higher levels of ICAM‐1 compared to N‐ and Cyto‐NGs. From a translational point of view, the data show that the tumor‐targeting ability of the NGs, and possibly that of other MSC‐derived extracellular vesicles, can be enhanced by simple conditioning of their source cells.
Impacts of weather, work rate, hydration, and clothing in heat‐related illness in California farmworkers
Authors: Vega‐Arroyo Alondra J. , Mitchell Diane C. , Castro Javier R. , Armitage Tracey L. , Tancredi Daniel J. , Bennett Deborah H. , Schenker Marc B.
Published: April 2019

Background

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effects of work rate, hydration status, and clothing on core body temperature (CBT) on California farmworkers.

Methods

Two hundred and eighty‐seven farmworkers were recruited in Summer 2015, with 259 participants having sufficient data for analysis. We collected CBT, ambient temperature, work rate, body weight loss, and clothing worn by each participant throughout the work day and demographic data from a questionnaire.

Results

Multiple regression with CBT as the outcome was used to determine the adjusted associations between CBT, environmental heat load, and worker characteristics. The multivariate regression model showed statistically significant associations of CBT with work rate (β = .006, 95% CI [0.004, 0.009]) and wet‐bulb globe temperature (β = .03, 95% CI [0.017, 0.05]).

Conclusion

Results suggest that among our population workload is the primary modifiable risk factor for heat‐related illness. As expected, the ambient temperature was also associated with higher risk.
Säurefluoride in der Übergangsmetallkatalyse: Balance von Stabilität und Reaktivität
Authors: Blanchard Nicolas , Bizet Vincent
Published: April 2019

Mehrere aktuelle Studien befassen sich mit der einzigartigen Reaktivität von Säurefluoriden als exzellente Elektrophile in der Übergangsmetallkatalyse. Diese Spezies gehen eine oxidative Addition des Metalls in die C‐F‐Bindung ein, anschließend kann das CO entweder erhalten bleiben oder freigesetzt werden, was durch die Einstellung des Katalysesystems und der Reaktionsparameter gesteuert werden kann. Säurefluoride, die aus Carbonsäuren abgeleitet werden können, zeichnen sich durch eine gute Stabilität und hohe Reaktivität in einer großen Auswahl an Funktionalisierungen mit Nukleophilen aus. Sie bieten damit eine interessante Alternative zu den zugrundeliegenden Carbonsäurederivaten (Säurechloride, Ester, Amide, Säuren oder Aldehyde).
Acid Fluorides in Transition‐Metal Catalysis: A Good Balance between Stability and Reactivity
Authors: Blanchard Nicolas , Bizet Vincent
Published: April 2019

Several recent reports outlined the singular reactivity of acid fluorides as excellent electrophiles in transition‐metal catalysis. These species undergo oxidative addition of the metal into the C−F bond; then, retention or release of the CO moiety can occur and be controlled by tuning the catalytic system and the reaction parameters. Acid fluorides, which can be derived from carboxylic acids, show good stability and high reactivity in a wide range of possible functionalizations with nucleophiles. Their use provides an interesting alternative to that of the parent carboxylic acid derivatives (acid chlorides, esters, amides, acids, or aldehydes).
Fabrication of superhydrophobic polylactide films with ultraviolet‐shielding properties
Authors: Seong Ki Woong , Ryu Yeon Sung , Kim Ick‐Soo , Kim Seong Hun
Published: April 2019

ZnO is a useful material with stable physical and chemical properties for introducing surface roughness and UV‐blocking properties. However, to inhibit ZnO particles’ photocatalytic degradation of peripheral organic materials, we conducted layer‐by‐layer (LbL) deposition with poly(sodium 4‐styrenesulfonate) and poly(diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride) to fabricate ZnO particles with an SiO2 shell with tetraethyl orthosilicate. Polylactide (PLA) films were prepared by compression molding and treated with a weak alkali solution for 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 h to induce hydroxyl and carboxyl groups. The LbL deposition of polyelectrolytes on the PLA film was performed to induce electrical interactions between the PLA films and ZnO composite particles. ZnO composite particles were deposited onto the surface of the PLA films with dip coating, and a stable superhydrophobic surface was developed after hexadecyl trimethoxysilane treatment via a reduction in the surface energy. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47760.
Hydrolysis and thermal stability of partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide in high‐salinity environments
Authors: Oliveira Priscila F. , Costa Josane A. , Oliveira Luis Fernando S. , Mota Letícia S. , de Oliveira Leonardo A. , Mansur Claudia R. E.
Published: April 2019

Partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) is the water‐soluble polymer most often used in flooding applications in the petroleum industry. However, in aqueous solutions at high temperatures, HPAM undergoes hydrolysis of the lateral amide groups, and the presence of salts in the solution can lead to precipitation of this polymer. Therefore, a method was developed to monitor the thermal stability of HPAM solutions in different saline environments and varying temperatures. The proposed test method involved measurements of intrinsic viscosity as a function of time and determination of the degree of hydrolysis of the HPAM by elemental analysis. The results obtained indicated that the presence of divalent cations (Ca+2 and Mg+2) negatively influenced the intrinsic viscosity of the solutions and in some systems led to precocious precipitation of the polymer in environments with higher concentrations of these cations. The hydrolysis reaction of the amide groups to the acrylate groups of the HPAM chain was significantly affected by rising temperature: at 50 °C, hydrolysis occurred, but not as significantly as at 70, 85, 90, and 95 °C. Hydrolysis up to 84% was observed for solutions processed at 90 °C. The results also indicated limits of hardness for the brine at some temperatures: 1353 ppm for 95 °C and 2867 ppm for 70 °C. For brine containing 13,610 ppm or more of divalent cations, hydrolysis and precipitation of the polymer were not observed at 50 °C. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47793.
Hierarchically Porous Carbons Derived from Metal–Organic Framework/Chitosan Composites for High‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Zhong Shan , Kitta Mitsunori , Xu Qiang
Published: April 2019

Hierarchically porous carbon materials with high surface areas are promising candidates for energy storage and conversion. Herein, the facile synthesis of hierarchically porous carbons through the calcination of metal–organic framework (MOF)/chitosan composites is reported. The effects of the chitosan (CS) additive on the pore structure of the resultant carbons are discussed. The corresponding MOF/chitosan precursors could be readily converted into hierarchically porous carbons (NPC‐V, V=1, 2, 4, and 6) with much higher ratios of meso‐/macropore volume to micropore volume (Vmeso‐macro/Vmicro). The derived carbon NPC‐2 with the high ratio of Vmeso‐macro/Vmicro=1.47 demonstrates a high specific surface area of 2375 m2 g−1, and a high pore volume of 2.49 cm3 g−1, as well as a high graphitization degree, in comparison to its counterpart (NPC) without chitosan addition. These excellent features are favorable for rapid ion diffusion/transport, endowing NPC‐2 with enhanced electrochemical behavior as supercapacitor electrodes in a symmetric electrode system, corresponding to a high specific capacitance of 199.9 F g−1 in the aqueous electrolyte and good rate capability. Good cycling stability is also observed after 10 000 cycles.
Experiment and simulation on kinetic resolution of (R,S)‐2‐chloromandelic acid by enzymatic transesterification
Authors: Yuan Xin , Kang Shuangjian , Zhang Panliang , Xu Weifeng , Tang Kewen
Published: April 2019

Optically pure 2‐chloromandelic acid (ClMA) is a very important chiral drug intermediate for synthesis of (S)‐clopidogrel, belonging to the platelet aggregation inhibitor. Enantioselective resolution of (R,S)‐2‐chloromandelic acid was carried out in organic solvent through irreversible transesterification catalyzed by lipase AK with vinyl acetate acting as the acyl donor. Effects of various conditions on enantioselectivity and activity of lipase were investigated, including organic solvents, temperature, water content, substrate ratio, enzyme loading, and reaction time. Based on homogeneous reaction and Ping‐Pong bi‐bi mechanism, a quantitative model was constructed to simulate and optimize the reaction process. Under the optimal conditions, excellent results were obtained with high conversion of (R)‐2‐ClMA (c
R, ≥98.85%) and large enantiomeric excess of substrate (ee
s, ≥98.15%). There is a good agreement between predicted values and experiment data, which indicates that the established method is a powerful tool for optimization of the enantioselective transesterification process for enantiomers separation.
Off‐Pathway‐Sensitive Protein‐Splicing Screening Based on a Toxin/Antitoxin System
Authors: Beyer Hannes M. , Iwaï Hideo
Published: April 2019

Protein‐splicing domains are frequently used engineering tools that find application in the in vivo and in vitro ligation of protein domains. Directed evolution is among the most promising technologies used to advance this technology. However, the available screening systems for protein‐splicing activity are associated with bottlenecks such as the selection of pseudo‐positive clones arising from off‐pathway reaction products or fragment complementation. Herein, we report a stringent screening method for protein‐splicing activity in cis and trans, that exclusively selects productively splicing domains. By fusing splicing domains to an intrinsically disordered region of the antidote from the Escherichia coli CcdA/CcdB type II toxin/antitoxin system, we linked protein splicing to cell survival. The screen allows selecting novel cis‐ and trans‐splicing inteins catalyzing productive highly efficient protein splicing, for example, from directed‐evolution approaches or the natural intein sequence space.
Production of Highly Monodisperse Millimeter‐Sized Double‐Emulsion Droplets in a Coaxial Capillary Device
Authors: Wang Xiaojun , Zhu Jiayi , Shao Ting , Luo Xuan , Zhang Lin
Published: April 2019

An innovative coaxial capillary device with a size‐comparable outlet channel was designed to meet the challenges for controllable production of highly monodisperse millimeter‐sized double‐emulsion droplets by one‐step dripping. The technique of two angled junctions, coaxial capillaries, and compound channel geometry was introduced to convert the millifluidics to microfluidic hydrodynamic features. The relevant nondimensional numbers for a typically regular dripping in this kind of millifluidic flows were similar to those in common microfluidic devices. Effects of the rival forces due to the fluid factors on droplet formation were clarified to explain the dynamic behaviors of double‐emulsion formation and to establish the mechanism of droplet breakup. The results helped to understand the coaxial flow pattern for obtaining a more precise droplet size control and to develop high‐throughput setups for chemistry, physics, and biology.
Three‐Dimensional Observation of Single Air Bubble Breakup in a Stirred Tank
Authors: Krakau Frederic , Kraume Matthias
Published: April 2019

A fully automated three‐dimensional observation of single bubble breakup trajectories in a stirred tank is demonstrated to gain unbiased and statistically relevant information about the breakup process. The mother bubble size is kept constant, independently of the stirring rate. The investigated parameter in this work is the power input. Three‐dimensional bubble breakup trajectories and heat maps for the initial breakup location probability for the bottom and side views are provided. The influence of the stirrer blade angle position, at the moment of bubble detachment from the capillary, on the breakup probability is analyzed. The breakup positions are linked to the current flow field, related to the stirrer blade angle, within the tank.
Constructing Hollow Ni0.2Co0.8S@rGO Composites at Low Temperature Conditions as Anode Material for Lithium‐Ion batteries
Authors: Yang Dingcheng , Ma Yuhang , Wang Canpei , Su Hang , Zhang Wenbo , Li Dan , Liu Yushan , Zhang Jianmin
Published: April 2019

Due to their high theoretical capacities, metal sulfides have been considered as promising electrode materials for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Heavy‐duty applications of metal sulfides for LIBs, however, are still restricted by the unavoidable volume change, resulting in poor rate capability and cycling stability. In this work, a Ni−Co‐ZIF derived Ni0.2Co0.8S hollow nanocage@reduced graphene oxide (Ni0.2Co0.8S@rGO) composite was fabricated through facile self‐assembly followed by freeze‐drying. The highly porous architecture of Ni0.2Co0.8S hollow nanocages wrapped by flexible reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is shown to not only validly inhibit the huge volume expansion during repeated charge/discharge cycling, but also accelerate lithium‐ion and electron transport through the 3D rGO network. The as‐obtained Ni0.2Co0.8S@rGO exhibits excellent electrochemical performance with a high specific capacity of 1585 mA h g−1 after 250 cycles at a current density of 1 A g−1. It is shown that the increasing reversible capacity during cycling can be attributed to the electrochemical activation of porous Ni0.2Co0.8S‐2.5@rGO, the pseudocapacitive behavior, and the highly reversible formation/decomposition of the solid electrolyte interface layer during lithiation/de‐lithiation. The sulfidation and reduction syntheses were operated at a relative low temperature of 90 °C, which is beneficial to inherit the unique morphology of precursor.
Impact of Group 10 Metals on the Solvent‐Induced Disproportionation of o‐Semiquinonato Complexes
Authors: Yamada Shota , Matsumoto Takeshi , Chang Ho‐Chol
Published: April 2019

The oxidation of [MII(3,5‐DTBCat)(DTBbpy)] (M=Ni ([Ni]), Pd ([Pd]), and Pt ([Pt]); 3,5‐DTBCat=3,5‐di‐tert‐butylcatecholato; DTBbpy=4,4′‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine) afforded the dimeric {[NiII(3,5‐DTBSQ)(DTBbpy)](PF6)}2 ({[Ni](PF6)}2; 3,5‐DTBSQ=3,5‐di‐tert‐butylsemiquinonato) and monomeric semiquinonato (SQ) complexes [MII(3,5‐DTBSQ)(DTBbpy)](PF6) (M=Pd ([Pd](PF6)) and Pt ([Pt](PF6))). The negative solvatochromic properties of the SQ complexes allowed us to estimate the relative order of their dipole moments: [Pd](PF6)>[Pt](PF6)>{[Ni](PF6)}2. The complexes [Pd](PF6) and [Pt](PF6) adopt monomeric structures and are stable in CH2Cl2 and toluene, whereas they gradually disproportionate at room temperature to [M] and 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylbenzoquinone (3,5‐DTBBQ) in polar solvents such as THF, MeOH, EtOH, DMF, or DMSO. The results of spectroscopic studies suggested that the oxidized nickel complex adopts a monomeric structure ([Ni](PF6)) in CH2Cl2, but a dimeric structure ({[Ni](PF6)}2) in the other investigated solvents. In polar solvents, {[Ni](PF6)}2 may disproportionate to [Ni] and 3,5‐DTBBQ at 323 K, thereby demonstrating a significant solvent‐ and metal‐dependence in temperature. The relative activities of {[Ni](PF6)}2 and [M](PF6) toward disproportionation are related to the electrochemically estimated Kdis values in CH2Cl2 and DMF. The present work demonstrates that solvent polarity and the dipole moments of the SQ complexes promote disproportionation, which can be controlled by a judicious choice of the metal ion, solvent, and temperature.
Diffusive Adhesives for Water‐Rich Materials: Strong and Tunable Adhesion Beyond the Interface
Authors: Yang Shenyu , Xu Weiwei , Tu Mei , Jiang Lingxiang
Published: April 2019

It is notoriously difficult to adhere water‐rich materials, such as hydrogels and biological tissues. Existing adhesives usually suffer from weak and nonadjustable adhesion strength, in part because the contact between the adhesive and substrate is largely restrained to the adhesive/substrate interface. In this study, we have attempted to overcome this shortcoming by developing a class of diffusive adhesives (DAs) that can extend adhesion deep into the substrate to maximize the adhesive/substrate contact. The DAs consist of hydrogel matrices and preloaded water‐soluble monomers and crosslinkers that can diffuse extensively into the water‐rich substrates after adhesive/substrate contact. Polymerization and crosslinking of the monomers are then triggered leading to a bridging network that interpenetrates the DA and substrate skeletons and topologically binds them together. This kind of adhesion, in the absence of adhesive/substrate covalent bonding, is of high strength and toughness, comparable to those of the best‐performing natural and artificial adhesives. More importantly, we can precisely tune the adhesion strength on demand by manipulating the diffusion profile. It is envisioned that the DA family could be extended to include a large pool of hydrogel matrices and monomers, and that they could be particularly useful in biological and medical applications.
Supramolecular Vesicles Based on Water‐Soluble 2,6‐Helic[6]arene: High Affinity Binding, Stimuli Responsiveness and Delivery of Doxorubicin to Cancer Cells
Authors: Yang Xuan , Mao Weipeng , Liu Yamin , Li Libai , Ma Da
Published: April 2019

Summary of main observation and conclusion

Water‐soluble 2,6‐helic[6]arene was used to construct supramolecular vesicles via host‐guest interaction. Water‐soluble 2,6‐helic[6]arene was discovered to be high affinity host for suitable biomarkers. Supramolecular vesicles were responsive to multiple stimuli types, including temperature, pH, Ca2+, CO2 bubbling and biomarker displacement. Supramolecular vesicles were used to load and deliver anti‐ tumor drug doxorubicin to HeLa cells in vitro.
A Robust Strategy for Sustainable Organic Chemicals Utilizing Bioprivileged Molecules
Authors: Shanks Brent H. , Broadbelt Linda J.
Published: April 2019

Biobased chemicals will inevitably be an important part of a sustainable organic chemical industry. Current efforts in biobased chemicals are largely driven by opportunistic chemical product targets requiring complete technology development from feedstock to final product for a specific molecule. To enhance the development of biobased chemicals, it is important to create strategies that can be more systematic and can leverage advancements across multiple final products. Discussed here is the concept of bioprivileged molecules, which are chemical intermediates that have the potential to be efficiently converted into a range of product molecules that can both directly replace existing petrochemicals and are novel molecules that impart enhanced performance properties in end‐use applications.
Fine‐needle cytology of intraglandular parotid lymph node: A useful procedure in the management of salivary gland nodules
Authors: Vitagliano Giulio , Santoro Giuseppe , Landolfi Luigi , Cozzolino Immacolata , Peluso Anna L. , Ieni Antonio , Selleri Carmine , Zeppa Pio
Published: April 2019

Background

Enlarged intra‐parotid lymph nodes (pLNs) may be misdiagnosed at ultrasound (US) being rare entities and because of their similarities to parotid nodules. Fine‐needle cytology (FNC) is used in the preoperative diagnosis of parotid nodules, and may be used on pLNs to assess their nature and the underlying pathological processes.

Methods

Twenty consecutive pLNs underwent US‐guided FNC and rapid on‐site evaluation (ROSE). Flow cytometry (FC) was also performed in all the cases. Immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) gene rearrangement PCR was performed in five cases. Data obtained were checked by follow‐up and histological controls, when available.

Results

Ultrasound‐guided FNC and ROSE identified 20 pLNs. According to FNC‐FC and PCR data, pLNs were diagnosed as reactive processes(18), FL (1) and B‐cell, NHL NOS (1). Clinical follow‐up (18 cases) and histological assessment (three cases) confirmed FNC‐FC diagnoses of reactive processes and two NHL.

Conclusions

Fine‐needle cytology is a sensitive procedure in the identification of pLNs. FNC is useful in the management of pLNs; it allows a simple follow‐up in case of reactive processes and surgical excision in case of NHL, thus sparing useless excisions for reactive processes.
Book Review
Authors: Tolley S. Gregory
Published: April 2019

Authentic Academic Leadership: A Values‐Based Approach to College Administration
Design of passivity‐based stabilized control of grid‐connected inverter system with LCL filter
Authors: Kato Toshiji , Inoue Kaoru , Nakajima Yusuke , Yamamoto Yuki
Published: April 2019

Instabilities due to mutual interactions between inverters and grid impedance are observed sometimes. This paper proposes a new stabilization method, which improves the output frequency impedance characteristics, satisfying the Nyquist stability criterion. The principle is that the output impedance is designed to be passive with the feedfoward loop characteristics and the system is stable even for an unknown grid system impedance. The design principle for the proposed stabilization method is described and investigated and validated on the basis of simulation and experimental results.
Extension of the local domain‐free discretization method to large eddy simulation of turbulent flows
Authors: Pu Tianmei , Zhou Chunhua , Ai Junqiang
Published: April 2019

In this work, an immersed boundary method, called the local domain‐free discretization (DFD) method, is extended to large eddy simulation (LES) of turbulent flows. The discrete form of partial differential equations at an interior node may involve some nodes outside the solution domain. The flow variables at these exterior dependent nodes are evaluated via linear extrapolation along the direction normal to the wall. To alleviate the requirement of mesh resolution in the near‐wall region, a wall model based on the turbulence boundary layer equations is introduced. The wall shear stress yielded by the wall model and the no‐penetration condition are enforced at the immersed boundary to evaluate the velocity components at an exterior dependent node. For turbulence closure, a dynamic subgrid scale (SGS) model is adopted and the Lagrangian averaging procedure is used to compute the model coefficient. The SGS eddy viscosity at an exterior dependent node is set to be equal to that at the outer layer. To maintain the mass conservation near the immersed boundary, a mass source/sink term is added into the continuity equation. Numerical experiments on relatively coarse meshes with stationary or moving solid boundaries have been conducted to verify the ability of the present LES‐DFD method. The predicted results agree well with the published experimental or numerical data.
Numerical prediction of turbulent boundary layer noise from a sharp‐edged flat plate
Authors: Karimi Mahmoud , Croaker Paul , Skvortsov Alex , Moreau Danielle , Kessissoglou Nicole
Published: April 2019

An efficient hybrid uncorrelated wall plane waves–boundary element method (UWPW‐BEM) technique is proposed to predict the flow‐induced noise from a structure in low Mach number turbulent flow. Reynolds‐averaged Navier‐Stokes equations are used to estimate the turbulent boundary layer parameters such as convective velocity, boundary layer thickness, and wall shear stress over the surface of the structure. The spectrum of the wall pressure fluctuations is evaluated from the turbulent boundary layer parameters and by using semi‐empirical models from literature. The wall pressure field underneath the turbulent boundary layer is synthesized by realizations of uncorrelated wall plane waves (UWPW). An acoustic BEM solver is then employed to compute the acoustic pressure scattered by the structure from the synthesized wall pressure field. Finally, the acoustic response of the structure in turbulent flow is obtained as an ensemble average of the acoustic pressures due to all realizations of uncorrelated plane waves. To demonstrate the hybrid UWPW‐BEM approach, the self‐noise generated by a flat plate in turbulent flow with Reynolds number based on chord Rec = 4.9 × 105 is predicted. The results are compared with those obtained from a large eddy simulation (LES)‐BEM technique as well as with experimental data from literature.
Numerical investigation on performance of three solution reconstructions at cell interface in DVM simulation of flows in all Knudsen number regimes
Authors: Yang L.M. , Shu C. , Yang W.M. , Wu J. , Zhang M.Q.
Published: April 2019

In the conventional discrete velocity method (DVM), the local solution of collisionless Boltzmann equation with a piecewise constant distribution for the distribution function is utilized to reconstruct distribution function at the cell interface and then calculate numerical flux of Boltzmann equation for updating the distribution function at cell center. In this process, a numerical dissipation will be introduced into the solution due to neglecting of the collision effect at the cell interface. This numerical dissipation may deteriorate the solution accuracy of conventional DVM in the continuum flow regime, in which the particle collision happens frequently. To overcome this defect, two improved schemes are first presented in this work, in which the local discrete solution of Boltzmann equation with Shakhov model is adopted to evaluate the distribution function at the cell interface, while the equilibrium state of the local solution is computed by different ways. One of the improved schemes evaluates the equilibrium state exactly by the moments of distribution functions according to the compatibility condition, while the other computes the equilibrium state approximately by a simple average at the cell interface. Since the collision effect is incorporated in evaluation of numerical flux, the improved schemes can provide reasonable solutions in all flow regimes. On the other hand, they introduce some extra computational efforts for determining the collision term at the cell interface as compared with the conventional DVM. To assess the performance of different methods for simulation of flows in all flow regimes, a comprehensive study is then carried out in this work.
A Bioreactor Technology for Modeling Fibrosis in Human and Rodent Precision‐Cut Liver Slices
Authors: Paish Hannah L. , Reed Lee H. , Brown Helen , Bryan Mark C. , Govaere Olivier , Leslie Jack , Barksby Ben S. , Garcia Macia Marina , Watson Abigail , Xu Xin , Zaki Marco Y.W. , Greaves Laura , Whitehall Julia , French Jeremy , White Steven A. , Manas Derek M. , Robinson Stuart M. , Spoletini Gabriele , Griffiths Clive , Mann Derek A. , Borthwick Lee A. , Drinnan Michael J. , Mann Jelena , Oakley Fiona
Published: April 2019

Precision cut liver slices (PCLSs) retain the structure and cellular composition of the native liver and represent an improved system to study liver fibrosis compared to two‐dimensional mono‐ or co‐cultures. The aim of this study was to develop a bioreactor system to increase the healthy life span of PCLSs and model fibrogenesis. PCLSs were generated from normal rat or human liver, or fibrotic rat liver, and cultured in our bioreactor. PCLS function was quantified by albumin enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Fibrosis was induced in PCLSs by transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) and platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGFββ) stimulation ± therapy. Fibrosis was assessed by gene expression, picrosirius red, and α‐smooth muscle actin staining, hydroxyproline assay, and soluble ELISAs. Bioreactor‐cultured PCLSs are viable, maintaining tissue structure, metabolic activity, and stable albumin secretion for up to 6 days under normoxic culture conditions. Conversely, standard static transwell‐cultured PCLSs rapidly deteriorate, and albumin secretion is significantly impaired by 48 hours. TGFβ1/PDGFββ stimulation of rat or human PCLSs induced fibrogenic gene expression, release of extracellular matrix proteins, activation of hepatic myofibroblasts, and histological fibrosis. Fibrogenesis slowly progresses over 6 days in cultured fibrotic rat PCLSs without exogenous challenge. Activin receptor‐like kinase 5 (Alk5) inhibitor (Alk5i), nintedanib, and obeticholic acid therapy limited fibrogenesis in TGFβ1/PDGFββ‐stimulated PCLSs, and Alk5i blunted progression of fibrosis in fibrotic PCLS. Conclusion: We describe a bioreactor technology that maintains functional PCLS cultures for 6 days. Bioreactor‐cultured PCLSs can be successfully used to model fibrogenesis and demonstrate efficacy of antifibrotic therapies.
An investigation into sky temperature estimation, its variation, and significance in heat transfer calculations of solar cookers
Authors: Karn Ashish , Chintala Venkateshwarlu , Kumar Suresh
Published: April 2019

The determination of sky temperature assumes great importance in engineering applications such as radiative cooling of buildings. Many studies that involve a radiative exchange with the sky employ different reported models of sky temperature interchangeably. However, until now, hardly any systematic study has been done to quantify the errors/variations that might be encountered in calculating this radiative exchange employing these different correlations. In the current paper, first, a thorough analysis has been presented on the sky temperature correlations and a possible range of variation in sky temperature based on the estimation of sky emissivity is computed. Both diurnal‐nocturnal variation in sky temperature and seasonal disparities in sky temperature have been reported. Next, the case of a box‐type solar cooker has been taken up for investigation with respect to the possible influence of the sky temperature estimation in predicting its performance parameter, first‐figure‐of‐merit on a daily, seasonal, and climatic basis. Our observations show an enormous difference in sky temperature depending upon the expressions of emissivity from which it is derived. The variability of sky temperature has a nominal influence on the prediction of first‐figure‐of‐merit, although a marked discrepancy is observed across the seasons at the same location.