bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endocytosis‐Enabled Construction of Silica Nanochannels Crossing Living Cell Membrane for Transmembrane Drug Transport
Authors: Pan Xi , Xu Dandan , Tang Xiuzhen , Liu Ning , You Yongqiang , Wang Xianqiao , Yan Xiaohui , Ma Xing , Chen Xiaoyuan
Published: July 2020

Artificial transmembrane channel (ATC) analogs are developed for overcoming biological membrane barriers and realizing transmembrane drug delivery, which are mostly studied within artificial lipid bilayers and thus lacked enough stability in practical applications on living cells. Here, natural endocytosis of silica‐based 1D nanomaterials (nanowires) with an ultrahigh aspect ratio is investigated. Enlightened by partially endocytosed ultralong silica nanowires, ATC that can penetrate living cell membranes for transmembrane transportation of small drug molecules is creatively constructed, resulting in enhanced drug delivery efficacy and decreased the half maximal inhibitory concentration. For the first time, an in‐depth study of the cellular uptake of 1D nanomaterials with ultrahigh aspect ratios (from 10 to 120) into living cells is carried out. Through confocal laser scanning microscopy observation, the endocytosis process of ultralong nanowires, including full uptake of short nanowires and partial uptake of longer nanowires, is clarified. Theoretical simulation is performed to give a fundamental understanding on the endocytosis mechanism of ultralong 1D silica nanowires. The simulation results demonstrate the time‐dependent internalization dynamics of the nanowires, which agrees well with our experimental results. This work not only clarifies the cellular interaction between 1D nanomaterials and living cells, but also pioneers the use of natural endocytosis of 1D nanomaterials for constructing ATC.
Gram‐Scale Synthesis of High‐Loading Single‐Atomic‐Site Fe Catalysts for Effective Epoxidation of Styrene
Authors: Xiong Yu , Sun Wenming , Xin Pingyu , Chen Wenxing , Zheng Xusheng , Yan Wensheng , Zheng Lirong , Dong Juncai , Zhang Jian , Wang Dingsheng , Li Yadong
Published: July 2020

Single‐atomic‐site (SAS) catalysts, a new frontier of catalysts, always show extremely high atom efficiency and unexpected catalytic properties. Herein, a pyrolyzing coordinated polymer (PCP) strategy is developed, which is facile and widely applicable in the synthesis of a series of SAS catalysts including SAS‐Fe, SAS‐Ni, SAS‐Cu, SAS‐Zn, SAS‐Ru, SAS‐Rh, SAS‐Pd, SAS‐Pt, and SAS‐Ir. The as‐obtained SAS catalysts can be easily synthesized at gram scale and the metal loading of SAS‐Fe catalysts achieves a record value of 30 wt%, which meets the requirement of practical applications. Moreover, it is discovered that SAS‐Fe catalysts show unprecedented catalytic performance for epoxidation of styrene using O2 as the only oxidant (yield: 64%; selectivity: 89%), while Fe nanoparticles and ironporphyrin are inactive. This discovery is believed to pave the way for exploiting the unparalleled properties of SAS catalysts and promoting their industrial applications.
Engineering the Phases and Heterostructures of Ultrathin Hybrid Perovskite Nanosheets
Authors: Sun Yan , Yin Yao , Pols Mike , Zhong Jingxian , Huang Zhen , Liu Bowen , Liu Jinqiu , Wang Wei , Xie Hongguang , Zhan Guixiang , Zhou Zishu , Zhang Wei , Wang Pengcheng , Zha Chenyang , Jiang Xiaohong , Ruan Yinjie , Zhu Chao , Brocks Geert , Wang Xiaoyong , Wang Lin , Wang Jianpu , Tao Shuxia , Huang Wei
Published: July 2020

Low‐dimensional perovskites have gained increasing attention recently, and engineering their material phases, structural patterning and interfacial properties is crucial for future perovskite‐based applications. Here a phase and heterostructure engineering on ultrathin perovskites, through the reversible cation exchange of hybrid perovskites and efficient surface functionalization of low‐dimensional materials, is demonstrated. Using PbI2 as precursor and template, perovskite nanosheets of varying thickness and hexagonal shape on diverse substrates is obtained. Multiple phases, such as PbI2, MAPbI3 and FAPbI3, can be flexibly designed and transformed as a single nanosheet. A perovskite nanosheet can be patterned using masks made of 2D materials, fabricating lateral heterostructures of perovskite and PbI2. Perovskite‐based vertical heterostructures show strong interfacial coupling with 2D materials. As a demonstration, monolayer MoS2/MAPbI3 stacks give a type‐II heterojunction. The ability to combine the optically efficient perovskites with versatile 2D materials creates possibilities for new designs and functionalities.
Tetradentate Pt(II) Complexes for Spectrum‐Stable Deep‐Blue and White Electroluminescence
Authors: Zhu Lu , Xie Wentao , Qian Chunyue , Xie Wang , Shen Kang , Lv Anqi , Ma Huili , Li Hongbo , Hang Xiao‐Chun , Li Wenqi , Su Shi‐Jian , Huang Wei
Published: July 2020

A new class of tetradentate Pt(II) complexes, Pt(pzpyOczpy‐iPr) and Pt(pzpyOczpy‐mesi), enabling fabrication of deep‐blue and white phosphorescent devices, is successfully synthesized and fully characterized. Their photoluminescent quantum yields in dichloromethane are over 90% with short decay lifetimes less than 4.0 µs. Under low doping concentration, the emission is governed by ligand‐centered triplet transition state (3LC, 3πcz*→πcz) on carbazole group, rendering narrow blue emission with full width at half‐maximum (FWHM) less than 45 nm.  When increasing the doping concentration, expanded monomeric and excimeric emissions are demonstrable, displaying broad white emission with FWHM up to 152 nm.  Devices fabricated with 2 wt% dopant in DPEPO host achieve a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of 17.2% with CIE coordinates of (0.14, 0.15). Otherwise, devices with 50 wt% dopant in mCPCN afford broad white emission with EQEmax of 18.0% and maximum power efficiency of 60.2 lm W−1. More importantly, the concentration‐dependent electroluminescence provides superior stable color under a wide range of current density, revealing a spectrum‐stable emission derived from highly admixed substates in T1.
Highly Linear and Symmetric Weight Modification in HfO2‐Based Memristive Devices for High‐Precision Weight Entries
Authors: Ryu Jin Joo , Jeon Kanghyeok , Kim Guhyun , Yang Min Kyu , Kim Chunjoong , Jeong Doo Seok , Kim Gun Hwan
Published: July 2020

In this study, highly reliable and accurate weight‐modification behaviors are realized using a W/Al2O3 (3 nm)/HfO2 (7 nm)/TiN memristive device. The accuracy of the simulated inference of the MNIST dataset when considering the weight‐modification behavior is ≈95%. It is determined the optimal programming voltage pulsing conditions considering i) a high linearity in the weight‐modification, ii) symmetry between potentiation and depression, and iii) an alleviation of the voltage‐driving circuit overhead for the related part of weight‐modification process. Particular emphasis is placed on the last concern, and thus, the fixed shape of each programming pulse for both potentiation and depression are utilized. The optimal pulse design is 500 µs for the pulse rising, plateau, and falling times and a 2 V amplitude at the absolute scale. Additionally, the nonparametric method to evaluate the linearity and symmetry as opposed to the application of several parametric methods are proposed. The nonparametric method is based on an evaluation of actual data rather than models, and thus considers the actual variability in the conductance change, which is otherwise often ignored in the parameter optimization process.
Agronomic performance of the lignocellulosic feedstock crop energy cane in the Texas Rolling Plains
Authors: Pokhrel Pramod , Rajan Nithya , Jifon John , Rooney William , Jessup Russell , da Silva Jorge , Enciso Juan , Attia Ahmed
Published: July 2020

Feedstock genetics and environment are important factors determining biomass yield of biofuel crops. Field studies were conducted to evaluate agronomic performance of four energy cane (Saccharum spp. hybrid) genotypes (TUS11‐62, TUS11‐58, TCP10‐4928, and Ho 02‐113) in the Texas Rolling Plains. In the first study, cane billets were planted in 2015 and data were collected from first (2016) and second (2017) ratoons. A second study was planted in 2016 and data were collected the same year from plant cane. Data collected include biomass, stalk height, stalk population, leaf area index (LAI), and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Biomass yield of ratoons was not significantly different (p > .05) among genotypes. However, TUS11‐58 had the highest plant cane yield. The average biomass yield of plant cane, first, and second ratoons were 20.2, 40.4, and 26.4 t ha−1 respectively. Longer growing period of ratoon (∼8 mo) compared to plant cane (∼5.5 mo) increased biomass. However, low temperatures (−14 to −16 °C) during the dormant phase resulted in lower yield of the second ratoon. Among genotypes, TUS11‐62 had taller stalks, but was cold sensitive. Genotype TCP10‐4928 had higher stalk population and LAI. An exponential relationship was observed between LAI and NDVI (R2 = .67). Overall, there were differences in growth characteristics of energy cane genotypes, however biomass yield was similar in the ratoon phase. The results of this study showed that low temperature tolerance and growing season duration are key factors in determining biomass yield in higher latitude regions such as the Texas Rolling Plains.
Short‐term and long‐term outcomes of laparoscopic colectomy with multivisceral resection for surgical T4b colon cancer: Comparison with open colectomy
Authors: Miyo Masaaki , Kato Takeshi , Takahashi Yusuke , Miyake Masakazu , Toshiyama Reishi , Hamakawa Takuya , Sakai Kenji , Nishikawa Kazuhiro , Miyamoto Atsushi , Hirao Motohiro
Published: July 2020

Aim

In response to the rising use of laparoscopic surgery, recent studies have shown that laparoscopic multivisceral resections for locally advanced colon cancer are safe, feasible, and provide acceptable oncological outcomes. However, the usefulness of laparoscopic multivisceral resection remains controversial. Here, we aimed to compare short‐term and long‐term outcomes between laparoscopic and open multivisceral resection approaches for treating locally advanced colon cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data on 1315 consecutive patients admitted to the National Hospital Organization, Osaka National Hospital, for surgical treatment of colorectal cancer between 2010 and 2017. We assessed invasiveness in terms of operating times, blood loss, and complications. Oncological outcomes included 5‐year survival rates and recurrences.

Results

We included 85 patients that underwent a colectomy with a multivisceral resection for locally advanced colon cancer; of these, 38 were treated with a laparoscopic approach and 47 were treated with an open approach. Compared to the open surgery group, the laparoscopic group had significantly less blood loss (median volume: 25 vs 140 mL, P <0.001), a lower complication rate (10.5% vs 29.8%, P = 0.036), and shorter hospital stays (12 vs 15 days, P = 0.028). After excluding patients with stage Ⅳ colon cancer, the groups showed similar pathologic outcomes and no significant differences in 5‐year disease‐free survival (73.9% vs 67.4%; P = 0.664) or 5‐year overall survival (75.8% vs 67.7%; P = 0.695).

Conclusion

A laparoscopic approach for locally advanced colon cancer could be less invasive than an open approach without affecting oncological outcomes in selected patients.
Replacement of the Cobalt Center of Vitamin B12 by Nickel: Nibalamin and Nibyric Acid Prepared from Metal‐Free B12 Ligands Hydrogenobalamin and Hydrogenobyric Acid
Authors: Kieninger Christoph , Wurst Klaus , Podewitz Maren , Stanley Maria , Deery Evelyne , Lawrence Andrew D. , Liedl Klaus R. , Warren Martin J. , Kräutler Bernhard
Published: July 2020

The (formal) replacement of Co in cobalamin (Cbl) by NiII generates nibalamin (Nibl), a new transition‐metal analogue of vitamin B12. Described here is Nibl, synthesized by incorporation of a NiII ion into the metal‐free B12 ligand hydrogenobalamin (Hbl), itself prepared from hydrogenobyric acid (Hby). The related NiII corrin nibyric acid (Niby) was similarly synthesized from Hby, the metal‐free cobyric acid ligand. The solution structures of Hbl, and Niby and Nibl, were characterized by spectroscopic studies. Hbl features two inner protons bound at N2 and N4 of the corrin ligand, as discovered in Hby. X‐ray analysis of Niby shows the structural adaptation of the corrin ligand to NiII ions and the coordination behavior of NiII. The diamagnetic Niby and Nibl, and corresponding isoelectronic CoI corrins, were deduced to be isostructural. Nibl is a structural mimic of four‐coordinate base‐off Cbls, as verified by its ability to act as a strong inhibitor of bacterial adenosyltransferase.
Assessment of severity of acute pancreatitis in a Sars-CoV-2 pandemia
Authors: Chiarello M M , Cariati M , Brisinda G
Published: July 2020

Human and animal rights

Every patient has given permission for publication of information from the medical history as long as it is used for medical research purposes.

Informed consent

Informed consent was obtained from all the individual participants of the study.
New Antibacterial Thiodiketopiperazines from the Deep Sea Sediment‐Derived Fungus Epicoccum nigrum SD‐388
Authors: Chi Lu‐Ping , Li Xiao‐Ming , Li Xin , Wang Bin‐Gui
Published: July 2020

Two new antibacterial thiodiketopiperazine derivatives (TDKPs), 7‐dehydroxyepicoccin H and 7‐hydroxyeutypellazine F, along with seven known TDKP analogs, were isolated and identified from Epicoccum nigrum SD‐388, a deep‐sea‐sediment‐derived fungus. The structures of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of detailed spectroscopic analysis. The absolute configuration of 7‐dehydroxyepicoccin H was established by X‐ray crystallographic analysis, while 7‐hydroxyeutypellazine F was determined by ECD experiment and TDDFT‐ECD calculation. The antibacterial activities against human and aquatic pathogens were evaluated. 7‐Dehydroxyepicoccin H and 7‐hydroxyeutypellazine F displayed inhibitory activities against aquatic pathogens Vibrio vulnificus, V. alginolyticus, and Edwardsiella tarda, with MIC values ranging from 4.0 to 8.0 μg/mL.
Design, Synthesis and Antifungal Activities of 6‐Substituted 3‐Butylphthalide Derivatives against Phytopathogenic Fungi
Authors: Li Yong , Luo Zhongfu , Luo Bilan , Lan Qing , Fan Judi , Xue Wei , Miao Jing , Li Yi , Tang Lei , Fan Lingling
Published: July 2020

In order to discover novel potential antifungal agents, a series of 6‐substituted 3‐butylphthalide derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their antifungal activities against nine phytopathogenic fungi. Preliminary bioassay tests showed that five 3‐butylphthalide derivatives exhibited more potent antifungal activities than hymexazol at the concentration of 50 μg/mL. Especially, 3‐butyl‐6‐nitro‐2‐benzofuran‐1(3H)‐one and 3‐butyl‐6‐hydroxy‐5‐nitro‐2‐benzofuran‐1(3H)‐one had significant fungicidal activity against some phytopathogenic fungi. The EC50 of 3‐butyl‐6‐nitro‐2‐benzofuran‐1(3H)‐one against FS, FO and FG were 6.6, 9.6 and 16.0 μg/mL, respectively. The EC50 of 3‐butyl‐6‐hydroxy‐5‐nitro‐2‐benzofuran‐1(3H)‐one against BC, PO, VM, SS and AS were 6.3, 5.9, 10.0, 4.5 and 8.4 μg/mL, respectively. The preliminary structure–activity relationships (SARs) of all target compounds were also investigated.
Imaging analysis of Bartonella species in the skin using single‐photon and multi‐photon (second harmonic generation) laser scanning microscopy
Authors: Maluki Azar , Breitschwerdt Edward , Bemis Lynne , Greenberg Rosalie , Mozayeni Bobak Robert , Dencklau Jamie , Ericson Marna
Published: July 2020

We demonstrate Bartonella spp are abundant in skin lesions resembling striae distensae. These striae distensae‐like lesions, coincidental with sudden onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms, indicate testing for suspected Bartonella spp. infection.
Targeting an Interaction Between Two Disordered Domains by Using a Designed Peptide
Authors: Mayer Guy , Shpilt Zohar , Bressler Shachar , Marcu Orly , Schueler‐Furman Ora , Tshuva Edit Y. , Friedler Assaf
Published: July 2020

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Assaf Friedler at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The image depicts the protein–protein interactions reported in this work. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202000465.
Selective Fragments for the CREBBP Bromodomain Identified from an Encoded Self‐assembly Chemical Library
Authors: Catalano Marco , Moroglu Mustafa , Balbi Petra , Mazzieri Federica , Clayton James , Andrews Katrina H. , Bigatti Martina , Scheuermann Jörg , Conway Stuart J. , Neri Dario
Published: July 2020

DNA‐encoded chemical libraries (DECLs) are collections of chemical moieties individually coupled to distinctive DNA barcodes. Compounds can be displayed either at the end of a single DNA strand (i. e., single‐pharmacophore libraries) or at the extremities of two complementary DNA strands (i. e., dual‐pharmacophore libraries). In this work, we describe the use of a dual‐pharmacophore encoded self‐assembly chemical (ESAC) library for the affinity maturation of a known 4,5‐dihydrobenzodiazepinone ring (THBD) acetyl‐lysine (KAc) mimic for the cyclic‐AMP response element binding protein (CREB) binding protein (CREBBP or CBP) bromodomain. The new pair of fragments discovered from library selection showed a sub‐micromolar affinity for the CREBBP bromodomain in fluorescence polarization and ELISA assays, and selectivity against BRD4(1).
Combining statistical shape modeling, CFD, and meta‐modeling to approximate the patient‐specific pressure‐drop across the aortic valve in real‐time
Authors: Hoeijmakers M. J. M. M. , Waechter‐Stehle I. , Weese J. , Van de Vosse F. N.
Published: July 2020

Background

Advances in medical imaging, segmentation techniques, and high performance computing have stimulated the use of complex, patient‐specific, three‐dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. Patient‐specific, CFD‐compatible geometries of the aortic valve are readily obtained. CFD can then be used to obtain the patient‐specific pressure‐flow relationship of the aortic valve. However, such CFD simulations are computationally expensive, and real‐time alternatives are desired.

Aim

The aim of this work is to evaluate the performance of a meta‐model with respect to high‐fidelity, three‐dimensional CFD simulations of the aortic valve.

Methods

Principal component analysis was used to build a statistical shape model (SSM) from a population of 74 iso‐topological meshes of the aortic valve. Synthetic meshes were created with the SSM, and steady‐state CFD simulations at flow‐rates between 50 and 650 mL/s were performed to build a meta‐model. The meta‐model related the statistical shape variance, and flow‐rate to the pressure‐drop.

Results

Even though the first three shape modes account for only 46% of shape variance, the features relevant for the pressure‐drop seem to be captured. The three‐mode shape‐model approximates the pressure‐drop with an average error of 8.8% to 10.6% for aortic valves with a geometric orifice area below 150 mm2. The proposed methodology was least accurate for aortic valve areas above 150 mm2. Further reduction to a meta‐model introduces an additional 3% error.

Conclusions

Statistical shape modeling can be used to capture shape variation of the aortic valve. Meta‐models trained by SSM‐based CFD simulations can provide an estimate of the pressure‐flow relationship in real‐time.
Towards sustainable development: Evolution of corporate sustainability in multinational firms
Authors: Derqui Belén
Published: July 2020

Scholars have often found a lack of strategy in Corporate Sustainability management and literature lacks longitudinal studies that could shed light on the transformations needed to push it forward. In this longitudinal study (2013–2019), we show how Corporate Sustainability has evolved to be now truly embedded in Corporate Strategy. A paradigm shift is taking hold: sustainability is not an altruistic option for managers anymore, it is now considered a source of revenue. A key contribution of this paper is that it lists the most relevant transformations through which the case study organisations went during the period of study, including bottom‐up leadership, purpose‐driven brand management, enhanced long term partnerships, increased transparency and renewed goals and priorities. Results offer implications for theory and practice. Managers willing to improve the sustainability performance of their companies can use the proposed framework to take advantage of the multiple opportunities that arise from the sustainability megatrend.
Dialing in Direct Air Capture of CO2 by Crystal Engineering of Bisiminoguanidines
Authors: Custelcean Radu , Williams Neil J. , Wang Xiaoping , Garrabrant Kathleen A. , Martin Halie J. , Kidder Michelle K. , Ivanov Alexander S. , Bryantsev Vyacheslav S.
Published: July 2020

Direct air capture (DAC) technologies that extract carbon dioxide from the atmosphere via chemical processes have the potential to restore the atmospheric CO2 concentration to an optimal level. This study elucidates structure‐property relationships in DAC by crystallization of bis(iminoguanidine) (BIG) carbonate salts. Their crystal structures are analyzed by X‐ray and neutron diffraction to accurately measure key structural parameters including molecular conformations, hydrogen bonding, and π‐stacking. Experimental measurements of key properties, such as aqueous solubilities and regeneration energies and temperatures, are complemented by first‐principles calculations of lattice and hydration free energies, as well as free energies of reactions with CO2, and BIG regenerations. Minor structural modifications in the molecular structure of the BIGs are found to result in major changes in the crystal structures and the aqueous solubilities within the series, leading to enhanced DAC.
P‐ and F‐co‐doped Carbon Nitride Nanocatalysts for Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction and Thermocatalytic Furanics Synthesis from Sugars
Authors: Kumar Subodh , Gawande Manoj B. , Kopp Josef , Kment Stepan , Varma Rajender S. , Zbořil Radek
Published: July 2020

A new P‐ and F‐co‐doped amorphous carbon nitride (PFCN) has been synthesized via sol‐gel‐mediated thermal condensation of dicyandiamide. Such synthesized P‐ and F‐co‐doped carbon nitride displayed a well‐defined mesoporous nanostructure and enhanced visible light absorption region up to infrared with higher BET surface area of 260.93 m2 g−1; the highest recorded value for phosphorus‐doped carbon nitride materials. Moreover, the formation mechanism is delineated and the role of templates was found to be essential not only in increasing the surface area but also in facilitating the co‐doping of P and F atoms. Co‐doping helped to narrow the optical band gap to 1.8 eV, thus enabling an excellent photocatalytic activity for the aqueous reduction of carbon dioxide into methanol under visible‐light irradiation, which is fifteen times higher (119.56 μmol g−1 h−1) than the bare carbon nitride. P doping introduced Brønsted acidity into the material, turning it into an acid‐base bifunctional catalyst. Consequently, the material was also investigated for the thermal conversion of common carbohydrates into furanics.
Estimating polymorphic growth curve sets with nonchronological data
Authors: Moriguchi Kai
Published: July 2020

When we collect the growth curves of many individuals, orderly variation in the curves is often observed rather than a completely random mixture of various curves. Small individuals may exhibit similar growth curves, but the curves differ from those of large individuals, whereby the curves gradually vary from small to large individuals. It has been recognized that after standardization with the asymptotes, if all the growth curves are the same (anamorphic growth curve set), the growth curve sets can be estimated using nonchronological data; otherwise, that is, if the growth curves are not identical after standardization with the asymptotes (polymorphic growth curve set), this estimation is not feasible. However, because a given set of growth curves determines the variation in the observed data, it may be possible to estimate polymorphic growth curve sets using nonchronological data.

In this study, we developed an estimation method by deriving the likelihood function for polymorphic growth curve sets. The method involves simple maximum likelihood estimation. The weighted nonlinear regression and least‐squares method after the log‐transform of the anamorphic growth curve sets were included as special cases.

The growth curve sets of the height of cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) and larch (Larix kaempferi) trees were estimated. With the model selection process using the AIC and likelihood ratio test, the growth curve set for cypress was found to be polymorphic, whereas that for larch was found to be anamorphic. Improved fitting using the polymorphic model for cypress is due to resolving underdispersion (less dispersion in real data than model prediction).

The likelihood function for model estimation depends not only on the distribution type of asymptotes, but the definition of the growth curve set as well. Consideration of these factors may be necessary, even if environmental explanatory variables and random effects are introduced.
Refining trophic dynamics through multi‐factor Bayesian mixing models: A case study of subterranean beetles
Authors: Saccò Mattia , Blyth Alison J. , Humphreys William F. , Cooper Steven J. B. , Austin Andrew D. , Hyde Josephine , Mazumder Debashish , Hua Quan , White Nicole E. , Grice Kliti
Published: July 2020

Food web dynamics are vital in shaping the functional ecology of ecosystems. However, trophic ecology is still in its infancy in groundwater ecosystems due to the cryptic nature of these environments. To unravel trophic interactions between subterranean biota, we applied an interdisciplinary Bayesian mixing model design (multi‐factor BMM) based on the integration of faunal C and N bulk tissue stable isotope data (δ13C and δ15N) with radiocarbon data (Δ14C), and prior information from metagenomic analyses. We further compared outcomes from multi‐factor BMM with a conventional isotope double proxy mixing model (SIA BMM), triple proxy (δ13C, δ15N, and Δ14C, multi‐proxy BMM), and double proxy combined with DNA prior information (SIA + DNA BMM) designs. Three species of subterranean beetles (Paroster macrosturtensis, Paroster mesosturtensis, and Paroster microsturtensis) and their main prey items Chiltoniidae amphipods (AM1: Scutachiltonia axfordi and AM2: Yilgarniella sturtensis), cyclopoids and harpacticoids from a calcrete in Western Australia were targeted. Diet estimations from stable isotope only models (SIA BMM) indicated homogeneous patterns with modest preferences for amphipods as prey items. Multi‐proxy BMM suggested increased—and species‐specific—predatory pressures on amphipods coupled with high rates of scavenging/predation on sister species. SIA + DNA BMM showed marked preferences for amphipods AM1 and AM2, and reduced interspecific scavenging/predation on Paroster species. Multi‐factorial BMM revealed the most precise estimations (lower overall SD and very marginal beetles' interspecific interactions), indicating consistent preferences for amphipods AM1 in all the beetles' diets. Incorporation of genetic priors allowed crucial refining of the feeding preferences, while integration of more expensive radiocarbon data as a third proxy (when combined with genetic data) produced more precise outcomes but close dietary reconstruction to that from SIA + DNA BMM. Further multidisciplinary modeling from other groundwater environments will help elucidate the potential behind these designs and bring light to the feeding ecology of one the most vital ecosystems worldwide.
The paradoxical rarity of a fruit fly fungus attacking a broad range of hosts
Authors: Doorenweerd Camiel , Sievert Sebastian , Rossi Walter , Rubinoff Daniel
Published: July 2020

Understanding the factors that determine the realized and potential distribution of a species requires knowledge of abiotic, physiological, limitations as well as ecological interactions. Fungi of the order Laboulbeniales specialize on arthropods and are typically thought to be highly specialized on a single species or closely related group of species. Because infections are almost exclusively transmitted through direct contact between the hosts, the host ecology, to a large extent, determines the distribution and occurrence of the fungus. We examined ~20,000 fruit flies (Diptera: Dacinae) collected in Malaysia, Sulawesi, Australia, and the Solomon Islands between 2017 and 2019 for fungal infections and found 197 infected flies across eight different Bactrocera species. Morphology and 1,363 bps of small subunit (18S) DNA sequences both support that the infections are from a single polyphagous fungal species Stigmatomyces dacinus—a known ectoparasite of these fruit flies. This leads to the question: why is S. dacinus rare, when its hosts are widespread and abundant? In addition, the hosts are all Bactrocera, a genus with ~480 species, but 37 Bactrocera species found sympatric with the hosts were never infected. Host‐selection does not appear to be phylogenetically correlated. These results suggest a hidden complexity in how different, but closely related, host species vary in their susceptibility, which somehow limits the abundance and dispersal capability of the fungus.
Collective cell migration of fibroblasts is affected by horizontal vibration of the cell culture dish
Authors: Enomoto Umi , Imashiro Chikahiro , Takemura Kenjiro
Published: July 2020

Regulating the collective migration of cells is an important issue in bioengineering. Enhancing or suppressing cell migration and controlling the migration direction is useful for various physiological phenomena such as wound healing. Several methods of migration regulation based on different mechanical stimuli have been reported. While vibrational stimuli, such as sound waves, show promise for regulating migration, the effect of the vibration direction on collective cell migration has not been studied in depth. Therefore, we fabricated a vibrating system that can apply horizontal vibration to a cell culture dish. Here, we evaluated the effect of the vibration direction on the collective migration of fibroblasts in a wound model comprising two culture areas separated by a gap. Results showed that the vibration direction affects the cell migration distance: vibration orthogonal to the gap enhances the collective cell migration distance while vibration parallel to the gap suppresses it. Results also showed that conditions leading to enhanced migration distance were also associated with elevated glucose consumption. Furthermore, under conditions promoting cell migration, the cell nuclei become elongated and oriented orthogonal to the gap. In contrast, under conditions that reduce the migration distance, cell nuclei were oriented to the direction parallel to the gap.
Depicting the Ecosystems of Support and Financial Sustainability for Five College Promise Populations
Authors: Millett Catherine M.
Published: July 2020

The college promise movement is aimed toward making the attendance and completion of college affordable for eligible Americans in hundreds of local communities and states throughout the United States. Many college promise programs are designed with the intent of enabling students to start and complete college degree and/or postsecondary certificate programs without taking on unmanageable college debt. Two significant issues were examined at the June 2019 symposiumDepicting the Ecosystem of Support and Financial Sustainability for Five College Promise Populations, sponsored by Educational Testing Service (ETS) and the College Promise Campaign with the generous support of the ECMC Foundation and the Strada Education Network. First, how would college promise programs be enhanced if they were reconceived with a deeper understanding and intent to accommodate the diversity within the postsecondary student population (traditional‐aged students, adults, undocumented students, veterans, and justice‐involved students)? Second, how could extant and new funding models be aligned to leverage the financial support needed to develop and implement these subpopulation‐targeted ecosystem designs? The symposium united the higher education community with scholars, policy makers, student representatives and other stakeholders to develop comprehensive ecosystems of support for these five subpopulations as they make their way to, through and beyond college. Additional aims were (a) to identify the cross‐group connections for use and adaptation in local communities and states and (b) to explore the variety, and knitting together, of funding opportunities for program supports.
Production, medium optimization, and structural characterization of an extracellular polysaccharide produced byRhodotorula minuta ATCC 10658
Authors: Samadlouie Hamid Reza , Jahanbin Kambiz , jalali Parisa
Published: July 2020

Several strains of microorganism are capable of converting carbohydrates into extracellular polysaccharide. The preset research is a first effort made to optimize extracellular polysaccharide (CRMEP) byRhodotorula minutaATCC 10658 using one factor at time and response surface methods. One factor at time was applied in the initial screening of substrates prior to optimization study. Of all the substrates examined, starch as carbon source and defatted soy bean powder as protein source were discovered to be best for CRMEP production. Response surface analysis revealed that 15 g/L starch and 30g/L defatted soy bean powder were the optimal chemical conditions. The model predicted 13.22 g/L for CRMEP, which went along with the experimentally observed result. Purification of CRMEP by anion‐exchange column of DEAE‐cellulose yielded RMEP. Structural investigation indicated that the main chain of RMEP was composed of (1 → 3) and (1 → 4)‐linked mannopyranosyl residues, with branches attached toO‐6 of some (1 → 3)‐linked mannopyranosyl residues. The branches were composed of Glcp‐(1 → residues.
Association of multimodal analgesia with perioperative safety and opioid use following head and neck microvascular reconstruction
Authors: Sayal Navdeep R. , Militsakh Oleg , Aurit Sarah , Hufnagle John , Hubble Lester , Lydiatt William , Lydiatt Daniel , Lindau Robert , Coughlin Andrew , Osmolak Angela , Panwar Aru
Published: July 2020

Background

This study examines the association of multimodal analgesia (MMA) protocol for head and neck microvascular reconstruction with postoperative safety and opioid use.

Methods

Retrospective, intention‐to‐treat analysis of 226 patients undergoing head and neck microvascular reconstruction between January 1, 2014 and August 30, 2018 at a tertiary‐care hospital following MMA protocol implementation. Multivariable models examined outcomes of interest.

Results

There were no differences between groups in frequency of bleeding, return to operating room, complete flap loss, readmissions, wound complications, and 30‐day mortality. Patients in MMA protocol experienced reduced likelihood of partial flap loss (OR 0.18, confidence interval 0.04‐0.91), meaningful reduction in postoperative opioid use (cumulative inpatient morphine equivalents [64 vs 141 mg; P < .001], daily morphine equivalents [8 vs 22 mg/d; P < .001]; and 22.5% lower frequency of opioid prescription at discharge [55.6% vs 78.1%; P = .001]).

Conclusions

In patients undergoing head and neck microvascular reconstruction, MMA is safe and associated with reduced postoperative opioid use.
Diagnostic value of urinary microprotein concentration for patients with negative urinary protein test results and positive urinary casts on microscopic examination
Authors: Zheng ChunSheng , Wang WenHua , Chen RongYan , Liu JiLai , Li YangYu , Qin XueJun
Published: July 2020

Objective

To analyze the association between positive urinary casts on microscopic examination and urinary microprotein concentration in the case of negative urinary protein test results. This study also investigated the diagnostic value of urinary microprotein examination.

Subjects

A total of 949 samples that were analyzed with a UF‐1000i Urine Analyzer and returned cast alarm results were categorized into two groups, a positive and negative group, according to qualitative urinary protein sulfosalicylic acid test results. Then, 54 samples with negative protein test results but positive cast results according to microscopic examination were selected as the study group; 60 normal people with healthy physical examination results were selected as the control group. Both groups underwent urinary microprotein tests, including urinary microalbumin (mAlb), α1‐microglobulin (A1M), transferrin (TRU), and immunoglobulin G (IgG). T tests were used to evaluate mean differences between groups and chi‐square tests were used to calculate ratio differences between groups.

Results

(a) Microscopic examinations of the positive and negative protein groups revealed no statistically significant difference in cast detection rate (P = .421). (b) Among the 54 samples in the study group, 37 were found to have abnormal casts, while in the remaining 17 samples, only hyaline casts were detected. (c) The detection levels of mAlb, A1M, and IgG in the study group were significantly higher than the control group (P values < .05).

Conclusion

Urinary microprotein test should be included in the re‐examination rules for routine tests for patients with negative protein results and positive casts under microscopic examination.
Exploration of pyrazole based aldo‐x bifunctional building blocks for the synthesis of pyrazole annulated molecular architectures
Authors: Sharma Shubham , Singh Virender
Published: July 2020

Over the last decade, the synthetic chemist's community has attracted attention towards aldo‐x precursors due to their versatility to afforded variety of heterocyclic frameworks. The aldo‐x bifunctional building blocks (AXB3s) contain two or more reactive sites with different reactivity, which may offer new opportunities for the introduction of diversity in core skeleton, which may be of great biological and medicinal relevance. In this context, pyrazole based AXB3s such as 4‐iodopyrazole‐3/5‐carbaldehyde may be explored for achieving pyrazole fused/linked heterocyclic skeletons by employing different organic transformations. Specifically, iodo substituted pyrazoles provide a new platform for the installation of desired pattern via transition‐metal catalyzed approaches. Herein, we have assembled the strategies towards the development of pyrazole substituted and fused molecular architectures by using 4‐iodopyrazole‐3/5‐carbaldehydes and pyrazole C‐3)/C5‐ carbaldehydes. The photophysical data of some fluorescent pyrazole derivatives have also been discussed.
The Curvilinear Association Between Posttraumatic Distress and Posttraumatic Growth Among Pellet Gun Victims: The Moderating Roles of Time Since Trauma and Age
Authors: Dar Imtiyaz Ahmad , Iqbal Naved
Published: July 2020

Since 2010, the use of pellet guns in Indian‐administered Kashmir has led to serious physical and psychological consequences among a growing number of victims. However, no research to date has examined the association between posttraumatic distress and posttraumatic growth (PTG) within this population. Previous research conducted on other types of trauma exposure has yielded inconsistent findings regarding the nature and directionality of this association; namely, whether it is linear or curvilinear. Moreover, this inconsistency may also be due to the effects of other variables, such as time since trauma and age. In the present study, we investigated whether the association between posttraumatic distress and PTG among pellet gun victims is best explained as linear or curvilinear and tested whether this association was moderated by time since trauma and/or age. Using purposive sampling, 120 pellet gun victims were recruited from Indian‐administered Kashmir. The results of quadratic hierarchical regression suggested that an inverted U‐shaped curvilinear association, sr2 = 0.07 (medium effect), was a better fit over and above a linear term, sr2 = 0.06 – 0.08 (medium effect). The moderation test further revealed that this effect was present across time but became apparent, as an inverted U‐shape, 18 to 24 months posttrauma, sr2 = 0.04 (small effect); age, however, was not found to influence this association. These findings held even after controlling for the effects of confounding variables. The present findings suggest that across time, moderate levels of posttraumatic distress are associated with the highest levels of PTG.
Role of Surgery in Rhabdomyosarcoma of the Head and Neck in Children
Authors: Dombrowski Natasha D. , Wolter Nikolaus E. , Robson Caroline D. , Kawai Kosuke , Irace Alexandria L. , Vargas Sara O. , Marcus Karen J. , Mack Jennifer W. , Collins Natalie B. , Rahbar Reza
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children. The goal of this research is to analyze the role of surgery in the management of pediatric parameningeal (PM) and non‐PM head and neck RMS (HNRMS).

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of patients <20 years of age treated for HNRMS between 1970 and 2015. Clinical presentation, tumor characteristics, treatment, recurrence, follow‐up, and outcome data were collected.

Results

Of 97 patients with HNRMS, 56% were male. Overall median (IQR: interquartile range) age at diagnosis was 5.8 (3.3–9.8) years. Sixty‐five patients (67%) had PM tumors. Of 75 patients with histologic subtype identified, 51 (53%) had embryonal and 20 (21%) alveolar RMS. Almost all patients received chemotherapy (99%) and radiotherapy (95%). Forty‐four patients (45%) underwent surgery. Surgery was more likely to be conducted in patients with lesions of a non‐PM site. Median follow‐up time was 3.4 years (IQR: 1.1–10.8). In 5 years of follow‐up, 20% (17 of 85) died and 29% (20 of 70) had recurrence. The estimated 5‐year survival rate was 72% (95% CI, 57.8, 81.5%). Surgery was associated with a reduced risk of mortality after accounting for TNM stage 4 and tumor site (adjusted HR 0.24; 95% CI, 0.07, 0.79; P = .02). The association between surgery and risk of mortality was similar in PM and non‐PM tumors.

Conclusion

A multimodal protocol for treatment including chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy is the mainstay for management of children with HNRMS. While surgery is more commonly used to treat non‐PM HNRMS, patients who are able to undergo surgery have significantly higher 5‐year survival.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E984–E992, 2021
Prospective Study in 355 Patients With Suspected COVID‐19 Infection: Value of Cough, Subjective Hyposmia, and Hypogeusia
Authors: Martin‐Sanz Eduardo , Riestra Juan , Yebra Laura , Larran Alba , Mancino Fiorella , Yanes‐Diaz Joaquin , Garrote Maria , Colmenero Marta , Montiel Esther , Molina Cristina , Moreno Daniel , Rodriguez Antonio , Monedero Gerardo , Sanz‐Fernández Ricardo , Gonzalez Rocio , Esteban‐Sanchez Jonathan
Published: July 2020

Objective

To evaluate the incidence of certain symptoms in a population of health workers exposed to coronavirus disease 2019 patients.

Study Design

Case‐control study.

Methods

The study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital from March 1 to April 7, 2020. Health workers with suspected coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection were included. The presence of COVID‐19 was detected by using real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) methods. Positive and negative RT‐PCR patients were used as case and control groups, respectively.

This study analyzed the incidence of COVID‐19 symptoms in both patient groups. Visual analog scales were used for self‐assessment of smell and taste disorders, ranging from 0 (no perception) to 10 (excellent perception).

Results

There were 215 (60.6%) patients with positive RT‐PCR and 140 (39.4%) patients with negative RT‐PCR. The presence of symptoms such as hyposmia hypogeusia, dysthermia, and cough were strongly associated with a positive RT‐PCR. The association of cough and subjective hyposmia had 5.46 times higher odds of having a positive test. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that a fever higher than 37.45°C resulted in sensitivity and specificity of 0.65 and 0.61, respectively. A total of 138 cases (64.1%) and 114 cases (53%) had subjective hyposmia and hypogeusia, respectively. The 85.4% of these patients recovered olfactory function within the first 14 days of the onset of the symptoms.

Conclusion

There is a significant association between positive RT‐PCR and subjective hyposmia. The association of subjective hyposmia and cough increase significantly the odds of having a positive RT‐PCR. The measurement of fever as the only method for screening of COVID‐19 infection resulted in a poor association.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 130:2674–2679, 2020
Progress Toward Sustainable Reversible Deactivation Radical Polymerization
Authors: Scholten Philip B. V. , Moatsou Dafni , Detrembleur Christophe , Meier Michael A. R.
Published: July 2020

The recent focus of media and governments on renewability, green chemistry, and circular economy has led to a surge in the synthesis of renewable monomers and polymers. In this review, focussing on renewable monomers for reversible deactivation radical polymerizations (RDRP), it is highlighted that for the majority of the monomers and polymers reported, the claim to renewability is not always accurate. By closely examining the sustainability of synthetic routes and the renewability of starting materials, fully renewable monomers are identified and discussed in terms of sustainability, polymerization behavior, and properties obtained after polymerization. The holistic discussion considering the overall preparation process of polymers, that is, monomer syntheses, origin of starting materials, solvents used, the type of RDRP technique utilized, and the purification method, allows to highlight certain topics which need to be addressed in order to progress toward not only (partially) renewable, but sustainable monomers and polymers using RDRPs.
Improved depiction of subthalamic nucleus and globus pallidus internus with optimized high‐resolution quantitative susceptibility mapping at 7 T
Authors: Cong Fei , Liu Xueru , Liu Chia‐Shang Jason , Xu Xin , Shen Yelong , Wang Bo , Zhuo Yan , Yan Lirong
Published: July 2020

The subthalamic nucleus (STN) and globus pallidus internus (GPi) are commonly used targets in deep‐brain stimulation (DBS) surgery for the treatment of movement disorders. The success of DBS critically depends on the spatial precision of stimulation. By taking advantage of good contrast between iron‐rich deep‐brain nuclei and surrounding tissues, quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) has shown promise in differentiating the STN and GPi from the adjacent substantia nigra and globus pallidus externus, respectively. Nonlinear morphology‐enabled dipole inversion (NMEDI) is a widely used QSM algorithm, but the image quality of reconstructed susceptibility maps relies on the regularization parameter selection. To date, few studies have systematically optimized the regularization parameter at the ultra‐high field of 7 T. In this study, we optimized the regularization parameter in NMEDI to improve the depiction of STN and GPi at different spatial resolutions at both 3 T and 7 T. The optimized QSM images were further compared with other susceptibility‐based images, including T2*‐weighted (T2*w), R2*, susceptibility‐weighted, and phase images. QSM showed better depiction of deep‐brain nuclei with clearer boundaries compared with the other methods, and 7 T QSM at 0.35 × 0.35 × 1.0 mm3 demonstrated superior performance to the others. Our findings suggest that optimized high‐resolution QSM at 7 T allows for improved delineation of deep‐brain nuclei with clear and sharp borders between nuclei, which may become a promising tool for DBS nucleus preoperative localization.