bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Noncovalent Helicene Structure between Nucleic Acids and Cyanuric Acid
Authors: Alenaizan Asem , Fauché Kévin , Krishnamurthy Ramanarayanan , Sherrill C. David
Published: November 2020

Cyanuric acid (CA), a triazine heterocycle, is extensively utilized for noncovalent self‐assembly. The association between poly(adenine) and CA into micron‐length fibers was a remarkable observation made by Sleiman and co‐workers, who proposed that adenine and CA adopt a hexameric rosette configuration in analogy with previously reported structures for CA assemblies. However, recent experimental observations from the Krishnamurthy group led to a reevaluation of the hexameric rosette model, wherein they have proposed a hydrogen‐bonded helicene model as an alternative. Our molecular dynamics simulations show that the hexad model is indeed unlikely and that this novel noncovalent helicene geometry, where the adenine and CA bases form an extended helical hydrogen‐bond network across the system, is a more probable structural motif. The existence of noncovalent helicene compounds may have wide‐ranging applications in DNA nanotechnology and helicene chemistry.
CompassR Yields Highly Organic‐Solvent‐Tolerant Enzymes through Recombination of Compatible Substitutions
Authors: Cui Haiyang , Jaeger Karl‐Erich , Davari Mehdi D. , Schwaneberg Ulrich
Published: November 2020

The CompassR (computer‐assisted recombination) rule enables, among beneficial substitutions, the identification of those that can be recombined in directed evolution. Herein, a recombination strategy is systematically investigated to minimize experimental efforts and maximize possible improvements. In total, 15 beneficial substitutions from Bacillus subtilis lipase A (BSLA), which improves resistance to the organic cosolvent 1,4‐dioxane (DOX), were studied to compare two recombination strategies, the two‐gene recombination process (2GenReP) and the in silico guided recombination process (InSiReP), employing CompassR. Remarkably, both strategies yielded a highly DOX‐resistant variant, M4 (I12R/Y49R/E65H/N98R/K122E/L124K), with up to 14.6‐fold improvement after screening of about 270 clones. M4 has a remarkably enhanced resistance in 60 % (v/v) acetone (6.0‐fold), 30 % (v/v) ethanol (2.1‐fold), and 60 % (v/v) methanol (2.4‐fold) compared with wild‐type BSLA. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that attracting water molecules by charged surface substitutions is the main driver for increasing the DOX resistance of BSLA M4. Both strategies and obtained molecular knowledge can likely be used to improve the properties of other enzymes with a similar α/β‐hydrolase fold.
Der Schnellstart in die digitale Lehre unter Corona‐Randbedingungen
Authors: Kockmann Norbert
Published: November 2020

Der Corona‐Lockdown und die Campus‐Schließung der TU Dortmund führten zu einem vollständig digitalen Sommersemester 2020 der Fakultät für Bio‐ und Chemieingenieurwesen. Vollständig digital? Nein! Dieser Beitrag gibt Beispiele für unterschiedliche digitale Lehrveranstaltungen. Aus der Sicht des Studiendekans werden Erfahrungen und persönliche Reflexionen zu diesem ungewöhnlichen Semester bis Juli 2020 dargestellt. Nach einer kurzen Einleitung werden Maßnahmen zur digitalen Lehre mit der schrittweisen Teilöffnung beschrieben. Insbesondere der Erfahrungsaustausch zusammen mit dem Feedback der Studierenden brachte interessante Ergebnisse und Erfahrungen mit digitalen Werkzeugen. Die daraus gezogenen Lehren werden skizziert zusammen mit Empfehlungen für verschiedene digitale Werkzeuge und einem Ausblick auf kommende Semester vorgestellt.
Local Distortions in a Prototypical Zeolite Framework Containing Double Four‐Ring Cages: The Role of Framework Composition and Organic Guests**
Authors: Fischer Michael , Freymann Linus
Published: November 2020

Cube‐like double four‐ring (d4r) cages are among the most frequent building units of zeolites and zeotypes. In materials synthesised in fluoride‐containing media, the fluoride anions are preferentially incorporated in these cages. In order to study the impact of framework composition and organic structure‐directing agents (OSDAs) on the possible occurrence of local distortions of fluoride‐containing d4r cages, density functional theory (DFT) calculations and DFT‐based molecular dynamics simulations were performed for AST‐type zeotypes, considering four different compositions (SiO2, GeO2, AlPO4, GaPO4) and two different OSDA cations (tetramethylammonium [TMA] and quinuclidinium [QNU]). All systems except SiO2‐AST show significant deformations, with a pyritohedron‐like distortion of the d4r cages occurring in GeO2‐ and GaPO4‐AST, and a displacement of the fluoride anions towards one of the corners of the cage in AlPO4‐ and GaPO4‐AST. While the distortions occur at random in TMA‐containing zeotypes, they exhibit a preferential orientation in systems that incorporate QNU cations. In addition to providing detailed understanding of the local structure of a complex host‐guest system on the picosecond timescale, this work indicates the possibility to stabilise ordered distortions through a judicious choice of the OSDA, which might enable a tuning of the material's properties.
Corridors through time: Does resource continuity impact pollinator communities, populations, and individuals?
Authors: Nicholson Charlie C. , J.‐M. Hayes Jen , Connolly Samantha , Ricketts Taylor H.
Published: November 2020

Spatial aspects of connectivity have received considerable attention from ecologists and conservationists, yet temporal connectivity, the periodic linking of habitats, plays an equally important, but largely overlooked role. Different biological and biophysical attributes of ecosystems underpin temporal connectivity, but here we focus on resource continuity, the uninterrupted availability of foraging sites. We test the response of pollinators to resource continuity at community, population, and individual levels using a novel natural experiment consisting of farms with either single or sequential cropping systems. We found significant effects at the population level; colony density of an important crop pollinator (Bombus impatiens L.) was greater when crop floral resources were continuously available. However, we did not find significant effects at the community or individual level; wild bee abundance, diversity and body size did not respond to resource continuity. Raspberry farms with greater early season resources provided by blueberry had greater bumble bee populations, suggesting beneficial effects on resource availability due to crop diversity. Better understanding the impact of resource continuity via crop diversity on broader patterns of biodiversity is essential for the co‐management of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Mapping features of pathological exercise using hierarchical‐dimensional modeling
Authors: Dreier Melissa J. , Coniglio Kathryn , Selby Edward A.
Published: November 2020

Objective

Pathological exercise is common among those with eating disorders and has typically been characterized as excessive, compulsive, or compensatory in nature. Little is known about how pathological exercise is associated with other eating disorder behaviors or personality traits, or whether these associations differ between men and women.

Method

We used hierarchical dimensional modeling in three samples, including college women (N = 205), women with eating psychopathology (N = 268), and college men (N = 235), to examine latent associations between pathological exercise and eating disorder psychopathology, namely compulsivity, emotion regulation, and body dissatisfaction.

Results

Using Goldberg's (2006) “bass‐ackwards” method, we identified separate 10‐factor solutions (women) or an 11‐factor solution (men). A distinct muscle building factor arose in the three‐factor solution for men, and it also notably arose in the six‐ and eight‐factor solutions for community and college women, respectively, highlighting an important understudied motivation factor in both healthy and pathological exercise. Each solution accounted for 64.8% (college women), 51.9% (women with eating psychopathology), and 43.9% (college men) of the variance in excessive exercise, respectively.

Discussion

Findings indicate that pathological exercise is associated with different psychological traits (e.g., poor emotion regulation, compulsivity) across populations, and such differences may necessitate unique treatment approaches tailored accordingly.
Evolutionary history of endangered and relict tree species Dipteronia sinensis in response to geological and climatic events in the Qinling Mountains and adjacent areas
Authors: Shahzad Khurram , Liu Mi‐Li , Zhao Yu‐He , Zhang Ting‐Ting , Liu Jian‐Ni , Li Zhong‐Hu
Published: November 2020

Geological and climatic events are considered to profoundly affect the evolution and lineage divergence of plant species. However, the evolutionary histories of tree species that have responded to past geological and climate oscillations in central China's mountainous areas remain mostly unknown. In this study, we assessed the evolutionary history of the endangered and relict tree species Dipteronia sinensis in the Qinling Mountains (QM) and adjacent areas in East Asia based on variations in the complete chloroplast genomes (cpDNA) and reduced‐genomic scale single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Population structure and phylogenetic analysis based on the cpDNA variations suggested that D. sinensis could be divided into two intraspecific genetic lineages in the eastern and western sides of the QM (EQM and WQM, respectively) in East Asia. Molecular dating suggested that the intraspecific divergence of D. sinensis occurred approximately 39.2 million years ago during the later Paleogene. It was significantly correlated with the orogeny of the QM, where the formation of this significant geographic barrier in the region may have led to the divergence of independent lineages. Bayesian clustering and demographic analysis showed that intraspecific gene flow was restricted between the EQM and WQM lineages. Isolation‐with‐migration analysis indicated that the two genetic lineages experienced significant demographic expansions after the Pleistocene ice ages. However, the genetic admixture was determined in some populations between the two lineages by the large scale of SNP variations due to DNA incompatibility, the large significant population size, and rapid gene flow of nuclear DNA markers. Our results suggest that two different conservation and management units should be constructed for D. sinensis in the EQM and WQM areas. These findings provide novel insights into the unprecedented effects of tectonic changes and climatic oscillations on lineage divergence and plant population evolution in the QM and adjacent areas in East Asia.
Glycemic control, associated factors, acute complications of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in children, adolescents and young adults in Tanzania
Authors: McLarty Ronald P. , Alloyce Julius P. , Chitema Grace G. , Msuya Levina J.
Published: November 2020

Objective

To determine the factors associated with poor glycemic control in children (1‐10 years), adolescents (11‐18 years) and young adults (19‐40 years) with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) in Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center (KCMC) in Moshi, Mount Meru Regional Referral Hospital (MMRRH) and Meru District Hospital (MDH) in Arusha, Tanzania.

Methods

Cross sectional study of 150 participants conducted from January to June 2019, data was collected by structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 23.

Results

The mean HbA1c was 12.3 ± 2.2%, 146 had poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 7.5%). BMI, insulin regime and caretaker education were associated with poor glycemic control. There were 16 participants diagnosed in DKA and the most frequently reported complications in the prior 3 months were hyperglycemia (n = 25), DKA (n = 18) and hypoglycemia (n = 4).

Conclusions

Glycemic control is still very poor particularly in adolescents. Significant associations with glycemic control were higher BMI, insulin regime and guardian education. The study revealed lower prevalence of DKA at diagnosis compared to previous studies.
Temporal trends of a vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist in heart failure using a nationwide database in Japan
Authors: Kuragaichi Takashi , Sato Yukihito
Published: November 2020

Aims

Real‐world data on the use of tolvaptan, an oral selective vasopressin 2 receptor antagonist, for patients with heart failure (HF) are not available in Western countries because tolvaptan is not indicated in the Western countries for volume overload in HF. This study aimed to investigate the current status and recent trends of tolvaptan use for HF in Japan by analysing a nationwide Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database.

Methods and results

We retrospectively identified 257 812 patients hospitalized because of HF between 1 April 2008 and 30 November 2018. The diagnosis of HF at admission was based on the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, and in‐hospital treatment. We investigated patient characteristics, in‐hospital diuretic treatment, and tolvaptan treatment after discharge. The proportion of patients who were prescribed with tolvaptan for HF increased from 3.2% in 2011 to 39% in 2018. Since 2015, tolvaptan was prescribed within 2 days of hospitalization in >50% of HF cases. At discharge of a patient who was prescribed with tolvaptan, the rate of oral loop diuretic prescription at a dose ≥80 mg decreased, while the rate of diuretic prescription at a dose <40 mg increased. After discharge, the rate of tolvaptan prescription gradually increased from 34.0% in 2011 to 69.7% in 2018; however, tolvaptan prescriptions lasting >14 days decreased after 2012.

Conclusions

This large‐scale survey indicated an increased rate of tolvaptan prescription and an early shift to tolvaptan treatment in patients with HF in Japan. The prognostic effects of this change in HF treatment remain unclear.
Demands on nonstructural components in buildings with controlled rocking braced frames
Authors: Buccella Nathan , Wiebe Lydell , Konstantinidis Dimitrios , Steele Taylor
Published: November 2020

Controlled Rocking Braced Frames (CRBFs) have been developed as a high‐performance seismic force resisting system that can self‐center after an earthquake and avoid structural damage. A CRBF is designed to uplift and rock on its foundation, and this response is controlled using prestressing and energy dissipation devices that are engaged by uplift. Although CRBFs have been shown to have desirable structural performance, a comprehensive assessment of this system must also consider the performance of nonstructural components, which have a significant impact on the safety and economic viability of the system. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the demands on nonstructural components in buildings with CRBFs in comparison to demands in a reference codified system, taken here as a buckling restrained braced frame (BRBF), as well as to identify which design parameters influence these demands. The responses of various types of nonstructural components, including anchored components, stocky unanchored components that slide, and slender unanchored components that rock, are determined using a cascading analysis approach, where absolute floor accelerations generated from nonlinear response history analyses of each system are used as input for computing the responses of nonstructural components. The results show that the downside of maintaining elastic behavior of the CRBF members is, in general, larger demands on nonstructural components compared to the BRBF system. These demands are not highly influenced by impact during rocking or by the supplemental energy dissipation provided, as the vibration of the CRBF in its higher modes is primarily responsible for the higher demands.
Murray Sidman's contributions to clinical behavior analysis
Authors: Dougher Michael J.
Published: November 2020

Murray Sidman was not himself a clinician nor directly involved in clinical research. Nevertheless, his experimental and conceptual work, especially in the area of stimulus equivalence, profoundly influenced the development of clinical behavior analysis. Before his work on stimulus equivalence, clinicians with a behavior analytic world view working with verbally sophisticated humans, were making some progress in understanding clinical phenomena and in developing innovative therapies. However, given the obvious and predominant role of verbal processes in both the development and treatment of clinical problems, that progress was constrained by the existing behavior analytic account of verbal behavior. Most fundamentally, it was hard to understand how, in the apparent absence of direct training, verbal events, even novel verbal events, acquire the functions of the nonverbal events that they stand for or represent. Sidman's work on stimulus equivalence, especially the transfer (transformation) of functions, offered an answer and thereby provided a conceptual framework of symbolic behavior around which clinical behavior analysis could cohere and develop.
Unavoidable chromatic patterns in 2‐colorings of the complete graph
Authors: Caro Yair , Hansberg Adriana , Montejano Amanda
Published: November 2020

Given a graph on edges, we consider the following two extremal problems: provided is large enough, what is the minimum integer , if it exists, such that any 2‐coloring of the edges of a complete graph on vertices having more than edges in each color class, contains a balanced copy of , that is, a copy of with exactly edges in one of the colors? Graphs for which this is possible are called balanceable. The second problem deals with a similar question but we seek to guarantee copies of in every tone, that is, having exactly edges in, say, color red, for every . Graphs with this property are called omnitonal. We study these problems for different graph families, including paths, stars, and trees in general. When studying such extremal parameters, the question of its existence is obliged. In this line, two universal unavoidable patterns in 2‐edge‐colorings of the complete graph with sufficient representation in each of the colors emerge naturally and they are the key to characterizing balanceable as well as omnitonal graphs. For the two universal unavoidable patterns, which were already known to exist via a Ramsey‐theoretic approach, we present here a Turán‐type counterpart.
Lack of FKBP51 Shapes Brain Structure and Connectivity in Male Mice
Authors: Engelhardt Clara , Boulat Benoit , Czisch Michael , Schmidt Mathias V.
Published: November 2020

Background

Stress exposure as well as psychiatric disorders are often associated with abnormalities in brain structure or connectivity. The co‐chaperone FK506‐binding protein 51 (FKBP51) is a regulator of the stress system and is associated with a risk to develop stress‐related mental illnesses.

Purpose

To assess the effect of a general FKBP51 knockout on brain structure and connectivity in male mice.

Study Type

Animal study.

Animal Model

Two cohorts of FKBP51 knockout (51KO) and wildtype (WT) mice. The first cohort was comprised of n = 18 WT and n = 17 51KOs; second cohort n = 10 WT and n = 9 51KOs.

Field Strength/Sequence

9.4T/3D gradient echo (VBM), DTI‐EPI (DTI).

Assessment

Voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). For VBM, all procedures were executed in SPM12. DTI: FMRIB Software Library (FSL) Tract Based Statistics (TBSS) were integrated within DTI‐TK, allowing the creation of a mean FA skeleton. A voxelwise statistical analysis was applied between WT and 51KO mice.

Statistical Test

Volumetric differences were collected at a threshold of P < 0.005, and only clusters surviving a familywise error correction on the cluster level (pFWE, cluster <0.05) were further considered. VBM data were analyzed using a two‐sample t‐test. The Threshold Free Cluster Enhancement (TFCE) method was used to derive uncorrected‐P statistical results at a P‐level of 0.01.

Results

The structural analysis revealed two clusters of significantly larger volumes in the hypothalamus, periaqueductal gray, and dorsal raphe region of WT animals. DTI measurements, however, demonstrated statistically higher fractional anisotropy (FA) values for 51KO animals in locations including the anterior commissure, fornix, and posterior commissure/superior colliculus commissure region.

Data Conclusion

This study used in vivo structural MRI and DTI to demonstrate that a lack of FKBP51 leads to alterations in brain architecture and connectivity in male mice. These findings are of particular translational relevance for our understanding of the neuroanatomy underlying the interaction of FKBP5 genetic status, stress susceptibility, and psychiatric disorders.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy Stage

1
Risk factors of liver injury in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 in Jiangsu, China: A retrospective, multi‐center study
Authors: Wang Jian , Zhu Li , Xue Leyang , Liu Longgen , Yan Xuebing , Yan Xiaomin , Huang Songping , Zhang Biao , Xu Tianmin , Li Chunyang , Ji Fang , Ming Fang , Zhao Yun , Cheng Juan , Shao Huaping , Chen Kang , Zhao Xiang‐an , Sang Dawen , Zhao Haiyan , Guan Xinying , Chen Xiaobing , Chen Yuxin , Liu Jiacheng , Huang Rui , Zhu Chuanwu , Wu Chao
Published: November 2020

We aimed to describe liver injury and identify the risk factors of liver injury in coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) patients without chronic liver diseases (CLD). The clinical data of 228 confirmed COVID‐19 patients without CLD were retrospectively collected from ten hospitals in Jiangsu, China. Sixty‐seven (29.4%) of 228 patients without CLD showed abnormal liver function on admission, including increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (25 [11.0%]) U/L, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 30 [13.2%]) U/L, gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) 28 [12.4%]) U/L, total bilirubin (Tbil) 16 [7.0%] μmol/L, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) 10 [4.5%]) U/L. During hospitalization, 129 (56.3%) of 228 patients showed abnormal liver function, including elevated ALT (84 [36.8%]), AST (58 [25.4%]), GGT (67 [29.5%]), and Tbil (59 [25.9%]). Age over 50 years (odds ratio [OR], 2.086; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.030–4.225; p = .041), male sex (OR, 2.737; 95% CI, 1.418–5.284; p = .003), and lopinavir–ritonavir (OR, 2.504; 95% CI, 1.187–5.283; p = .016) were associated with higher risk of liver function abnormality, while the atomized inhalation of interferon α‐2b (OR, 0.256; 95% CI 0.126–0.520; p < .001) was associated with reduced risk of liver function abnormality during hospitalization. Mild to moderate liver injury was common in COVID‐19 patients in Jiangsu, China. Age over 50 years, male sex, and lopinavir–ritonavir were the independent risk factors of liver impairment in COVID‐19 patients during hospitalization.
Evidence of human cytomegalovirus infection and expression of 5‐lipoxygenase in borderline ovarian tumors
Authors: Rahbar Afsar , Pantalone Mattia Russel , Religa Piotr , Rådestad Angelique Flöter , Söderberg‐Naucler Cecilia
Published: November 2020

Borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) belong to a group of tumors that are distinctly different from ovarian carcinomas. There is an increased risk of BOTs in patients with pelvic inflammatory disease. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has been detected in ovarian cancer tissue specimens. This virus favors the inflammatory milieu by inducing expression of the potent inflammatory factor 5‐lipoxygenase (5LO), which stimulates cellular viability, cellular proliferation and activates antiapoptotic signaling pathways. Here, we aimed to examine presence of HCMV and 5LO in BOTs. Expression levels of HCMV proteins (IE and pp65) and 5LO were examined in paraffin embedded BOT tissue sections by immunohistochemistry staining and HCMV immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels were determined by serology in blood samples obtained from 15 patients with BOTs identified in a prospective study at Karolinska University Hospital. Extensive expression of HCMV‐IE, pp65, and 5LO were detected in 87%, 40%, and 90% of examined BOT tissue sections, respectively. HCMV–IgG prevalence and antibody levels were significantly higher in patients with BOT compared to age matched healthy women (83.3% vs. 65,6%, respectively, p = .01). Whether HCMV can induce inflammation and affect the pathogenesis of BOTs should therefore be further investigated.
Experimental Investigation of Noble Viscoelastic Surfactant and Chelating Agent for Heavy Oil Enhanced Oil Recovery in High‐Pressure–High‐Temperature Carbonate Reservoirs
Authors: Janjua Aneeq N. , Sultan Abdullah S. , Saikia Tinku , Kamal Muhammad S. , Mahmoud Mohamed
Published: November 2020

The success of chemical enhanced oil recovery (cEOR) is significantly dependent on the type of reservoir and its pressure and temperature conditions. The recovery of heavy oil from carbonate reservoir using cEOR method is still challenging because of its highly complex internal structures and high pressure–high temperature (HPHT) conditions. This research work is the first account of the use of AGA‐97 (viscoelastic surfactant [VES)) along with a chelating agent diethylene triamine penta acetic acid (DTPA) for their application in cEOR method in heavy‐oil‐carbonate reservoirs. Several core flooding experiments were carried out to ascertain the effectiveness of the VES AGA‐97 and chelating agent for cEOR method. The effect of VES on viscosity and interfacial tension was also studied with varying concentration, temperature, and time. The thermal stability of VES was analyzed with the help of thermogravimetric analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. VES AGA‐97 was found to have high thermal stability in short‐term aging. The static adsorption and dynamic adsorption of VES AGA‐97 was studied with the help of total organic carbon analysis. After all the analysis, it was found that VES AGA‐97 and DTPA can be effectively used for cEOR method in carbonate reservoir at HPHT conditions, and the total additional oil recovery of 5.82–9.64% may be achieved.
Combined Low‐Dose Isotretinoin and Pulsed Dye Laser Versus standard‐Dose Isotretinoin in the Treatment of Inflammatory Acne
Authors: Ibrahim Shady M. , Farag Assem , Hegazy Rehab , Mongy Mohamed , Shalaby Suzan , Kamel Marwa M.
Published: November 2020

Background and Objectives

Acne is a widespread disorder of the pilosebaceous unit. Isotretinoin is the background treatment of cases of severe acne. Side effects associated with the standard 0.5–1 mg/kg/day dose decrease patient compliance. Pulsed dye laser (PDL) was proved effective in the management of inflammatory acne. The focus was to evaluate the efficacy of combining low‐dose isotretinoin (0.25 mg/kg/day) with PDL in comparison with the standard higher‐dose isotretinoin (0.5 mg/kg/day) as monotherapy for the management of acne vulgaris.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

The current prospective randomized comparative study included 46 acne patients, who were randomly divided into two groups. The first (ISO/PDL group) was treated with oral isotretinoin (0.25 mg/kg/day) and five sessions of PDL. The second (ISO group) was treated with oral isotretinoin (0.5 mg/kg/day). The physician's clinical assessment was done by three blinded dermatologists using quartile scale score and erythema score at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months and global acne grading system (GAGS) at baseline and 6 months. Patient satisfaction was assessed using the Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI).

Results

Both groups showed a significant improvement in all assessed parameters compared with baseline at 3 and 6 months. Comparing both groups together, the ISO/PDL group showed a statistically significantly greater improvement regarding all parameters at both assessment times. Regarding adverse events, six patients (26%) suffered from flare in the ISO group versus none in the combined group. Dryness was encountered in 20 patients (86%) in the ISO group versus five patients (21%) in the other group. The ISO/PDL group received significantly less cumulative isotretinoin dosage (48.7 ± 5.7 mg/kg) in comparison to the ISO group (100.4 ± 3.1 mg/kg) (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The current study offers a new collaboration between two well‐studied and established treatment modalities leading to a harmony of therapeutic synergism while minimizing the risk of side effects. Longer periods of follow‐up are recommended to diagnose any relapses and modify the proposed protocol. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Miktoarm Star Polymers with Environment‐Selective ROS/GSH Responsive Locations: From Modular Synthesis to Tuned Drug Release through Micellar Partial Corona Shedding and/or Core Disassembly
Authors: Lotocki Victor , Yazdani Hossein , Zhang Qiaochu , Gran Evan Rizzel , Nyrko Anastasiia , Maysinger Dusica , Kakkar Ashok
Published: November 2020

Branched architectures with asymmetric polymeric arms provide an advantageous platform for the construction of tailored nanocarriers for therapeutic interventions. Simple and adaptable synthetic methodologies to amphiphilic miktoarm star polymers have been developed in which spatial location of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) responsive entities is articulated to be on the corona shell surface or inside the core. The design of such architectures is facilitated through versatile building blocks and selected combinations of ring‐opening polymerization, Steglich esterification, and alkyne‐azide click reactions. Soft nanoparticles from aqueous self‐assembly of these stimuli responsive miktoarm stars have low critical micelle concentrations and high drug loading efficiencies. Partial corona shedding upon response to ROS is accompanied by an increase in drug release, without significant changes to overall micelle morphology. The location of the GSH responsive unit at the core leads to micelle disassembly and complete drug release. Curcumin loaded soft nanoparticles show higher efficiencies in preventing ROS generation in extracellular and cellular environments, and in ROS scavenging in human glioblastoma cells. The ease in synthetic elaboration and an understanding of structure‐property relationships in stimuli responsive nanoparticles offer a facile venue for well‐controlled drug delivery, based on the extra‐ and intracellular concentrations of ROS and GSH.
Autophagy Activation by Resveratrol Reduces Severity of Experimental Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Fernández‐Rodríguez Jennifer A , Almonte‐Becerril Maylin , Ramil‐Gómez Olalla , Hermida‐Carballo Laura , Viñas‐Diz Susana , Vela‐Anero Ángela , Concha Ángel , Camacho‐Encina María , Blanco Francisco J , López‐Armada María J
Published: November 2020

Scope

Previous work reported that dietary supplementation with resveratrol lowers synovial hyperplasia, inflammatory and oxidative damage in an antigen‐induced arthritis (AIA) model. Here, it is investigated whether resveratrol can regulate the abnormal synovial proliferation by inducing autophagy and controlling the associated inflammatory response.

Methods and results

Animals treated with resveratrol 8 weeks before AIA induction show the highest significant signal for microtubule‐associated protein 1 light chain 3 by confocal microscopy. Besides, resveratrol significantly reduces p62 expression, but it does not increase the signal of beclin‐1. Also, active caspase‐3 expression, as well as poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase, is upregulated in the AIA group, and is significantly reduced in resveratrol‐treated AIA group. Resveratrol also mitigates angiopoietin‐1 and vascular endothelial growth factor signals. Finally, resveratrol significantly reduces the serum levels of IL‐1β, C reactive protein, and prostaglandin E2, as well as nuclear factor κB synovial tissue expression, which shows a significant correlation with p62 expression.

Conclusion

Dietary supplementation with resveratrol induces the noncanonical autophagy pathway and limits the cross‐talk with inflammation, which in consequence modulates the synovial hyperplasia. Preventive strategies that incorporate dietary intervention with resveratrol may offer a potential therapeutic alternative to drugs to influence the risk of rheumatoid arthritis and influence its course.
Early experiences of nusinersen for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy: Results from a large survey of patients and caregivers
Authors: Chen Er , Dixon Stacy , Naik Rupali , Noone Josh M. , Buchenberger J. Daniel , Whitmire Sarah M. , Mills Rosalina , Arnold William
Published: November 2020

Background

This study aimed to examine the early experience of nusinersen for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) from the patient and caregiver perspective.

Methods

A 54‐item online survey was administered to adult patients and caregivers of pediatric patients diagnosed with SMA.

Results

Overall, respondents (56 patients and 45 caregivers) were satisfied with nusinersen. Satisfaction was highest on changes in energy, stamina, and motor function and lowest on treatment administration and overall time commitment. Differences were noted for treatment effect sustained over time as reported by adult patients vs caregivers reporting on behalf of pediatric patients. Respondents reported insurance approval as a key barrier to access, particularly among adult patients.

Conclusions

Despite therapeutic advances, there remain significant unmet needs for SMA. Challenges with administration and barriers to access potentially limit the number of patients treated or delay treatment. Continued efforts are needed to develop more treatment options and to improve access to treatments.
Population Dynamics and Temporal Trends of Bull Trout in the East Fork Salmon River, Idaho
Authors: Roth Curtis J. , Stark Eric J. , Koenig Lucas D. , Ayers Brian S. , Meyer Kevin A.
Published: November 2020

Because of their long-term listing under the Endangered Species Act, much interest has been placed on estimating population vital rates for Bull Trout Salvelinus confluentus, but the biotic and abiotic factors that influence the interannual variability in those vital rates have rarely been evaluated. We used mark–recapture data to estimate fish growth, survival, and trends in abundance for fluvial adult Bull Trout in the East Fork Salmon River, Idaho. Over an 8-year period, a total of 1,205 individual Bull Trout were collected at a weir on the East Fork Salmon River (29 km upstream of its confluence with the Salmon River) during June–September, of which 420 were recaptures from prior years. Bull Trout varied in length from 215 to 756 mm and achieved a slightly larger asymptotic length and a slightly lower rate of growth relative to other fluvial and adfluvial Bull Trout populations. Apparent survival averaged 0.42 across all years, which was similar to previous studies estimating apparent survival for Bull Trout. The number of emigrating anadromous salmonid smolts in the upper Salmon River basin positively influenced East Fork Salmon River Bull Trout growth and survival, and survival was higher in years with lower annual discharge. Assessment of population growth via linear regression analysis indicated that the Bull Trout population was increasing during the study period (λ = 1.08; 95% confidence interval = 1.03–1.14). Our findings highlight the ecological link between the abundance of wild and hatchery Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, Sockeye Salmon O. nerka, and steelhead O. mykiss smolts and growth and survival of adult Bull Trout in systems where these species occur in sympatry.
When and why employees of non‐profits promote their organizations: Determinants of positive staff‐word‐of‐mouth
Authors: Ruge Christian O. , Le Nhat Q. , Supphellen Magne
Published: November 2020

Employees represent a credible source of information for prospective job applicants of non‐profit organizations. However, less is known about when and why staff actively promote their organizations. The authors develop a parsimonious model of determinants of positive staff‐word‐of‐mouth (SWOM) and test this model on the data from a survey of employees of a major Scandinavian missionary organization (Normisjon). The findings show that identification with the organization, organizational climate, and task satisfaction are significant determinants of positive SWOM. The pattern of effects differs for employees with and without formal leadership responsibility. For employees with such responsibilities, organizational identification has a greater effect and organizational climate a weaker effect on SWOM than for employees with no leadership responsibility. Based on the current findings and the broader literature on employer branding and recruitment, the authors offer tentative guidelines for how to increase positive SWOM for nonprofits.
Phosphorus adsorption characteristics in forested and managed podzolic soils
Authors: Kedir Amana Jemal , Nyiraneza Judith , Galagedara Lakshman , Cheema Mumtaz , Hawboldt Kelly Anne , McKenzie David Bruce , Unc Adrian
Published: November 2020

Despite the agricultural expansion into Canada's boreal ecoregion, little is known about the phosphorus (P) adsorption capacity in natural and managed Podzols' soil profiles. This information is critical for informing management decisions for P use efficiency and mitigating related environmental risks. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate P adsorption characteristics of podzolic horizons in natural and managed soil using nonlinear Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models. A batch adsorption experiment was conducted using soils collected from distinct horizons of forested and managed fields in eastern and central Newfoundland, Canada. Nonlinear Langmuir and Freundlich fitted models had r values >.99 regardless of horizons, locations, and management history. The organic LFH, a surface horizon typical for forested Podzols, and a long‐term managed Ap horizon had the highest P retention capacities when compared to either newly converted soils or soils used as tree nursery following conversion from natural forest. A significant linear correlation and multiple regression models (p < .05) were established between P adsorption parameters and selected soil properties. Results suggest that following conversion from forest to agricultural use, long‐term management that includes tillage and lime and fertilizer application creates an Ap horizon with strong adsorption capacity, which could still fix P and serve as a source of P. The newly converted soils and the deeper soil horizons, for both natural and converted lands, do act mainly as P sinks; hence, crops may need larger quantities of P fertilizer increasing fertilizer expenses and also increasing future legacy P.
Robust Inorganic Hole Transport Materials for Organic and Perovskite Solar Cells: Insights into Materials Electronic Properties and Device Performance
Authors: Fakharuddin Azhar , Vasilopoulou Maria , Soultati Anastasia , Haider Muhammad Irfan , Briscoe Joe , Fotopoulos Vasileios , Di Girolamo Diego , Davazoglou Dimitris , Chroneos Alexander , Yusoff Abd. Rashid bin Mohd , Abate Antonio , Schmidt-Mende Lukas , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja
Published: November 2020

Interfaces in perovskite and organic solar cells play a central role in advancing efficiency and prolong device durability. They improve charge transport/transfer from the absorber layer to the collecting electrodes, while also blocking the opposite charge carriers, minimize voltage losses by suppressing charge recombination. and may act as buffer/protective layers and nanomorphology regulators for the absorber layer. One such interface is formed by the hole transport layer (HTL) and the organic/perovskite absorber. These HTLs typically consist of organic semiconductors, which, although are solution processable at low temperatures and allow perfect energy‐level alignment with the absorber layer and therefore efficient charge collection, are prone to degradation in ambient conditions and under continuous light exposure. In a quest for robust alternatives, inorganic materials such as metal oxides, graphene oxide, bronzes, copper thiocyanate, and transition metal dichalcogenides are actively investigated. However, their hole extraction capability is inferior compared with organic semiconductors as they possess specific energetics leading to significant charge extraction barriers and moderate charge collection. To achieve further advancements in their hole transporting capabilities, strongly interconnecting knowledge of their synthesis, electronic properties, and device performance metrics is required.
A Novel Method for Evaluating the Combustion Characteristics of Carbon Materials and Mold Fluxes
Authors: Gu Shaopeng , Yu Liang , Wen Guanghua , Tang Ping , Wang Zhe , Jiang Wenbo
Published: November 2020

The combustion characteristic of mold fluxes is extremely important for the high‐quality slabs and the smooth casting process, which is directly determined by the type and content of carbon materials. Herein, the physicochemical properties and combustion characteristics of carbon materials are investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller theory, and thermogravimetry (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), followed by the influences of carbon materials on the combustion and melting behavior of mold fluxes. The results show that: 1) the fixed carbon content in single‐carbon materials and carbon‐added mold fluxes can be determined by TG curves; 2) the combustion temperature ranges and the combustion reaction time of single‐carbon materials and carbon‐added mold fluxes can be characterized by DSC curves; and 3) the combustion characteristics of carbon are influenced by mold fluxes, leading to a shorter combustion reaction time. The reduction of combustion reaction time for 1# and 2# being 7.5 and 8.2 min is much larger than that of 2.4 min for 3#. Finally, the melting behavior of mold fluxes is influenced by carbon, especially the melting temperature, flowing temperature, and the melting time, showing an increase trend. However, the softening temperature shows little change.
Metal‐Tellurium Batteries: A Rising Energy Storage System
Authors: Chen Ze , Zhao Yuwei , Mo Funian , Huang Zhaodong , Li Xinliang , Wang Donghong , Liang Guojing , Yang Qi , Chen Ao , Li Qing , Ma Longtao , Guo Ying , Zhi Chunyi
Published: November 2020

Tellurium (Te) is a member of the chalcogen family. Metal‐Te batteries have been explored in rising enthusiasm. Compared with sulfur (S) and selenium (Se), Te shows remarkable advantages, such as the higher electrical conductivity and better stability. The first report of metal‐Te battery was in 2014, and it has been deeply investigated due to its potential for next‐generation energy storage devices since then. Despite metal‐Te batteries are suffering from the same problems as metal‐S batteries, such as intermediates dissolution and large electrode volume change, the research direction can go in different ways due to new opportunities from Te. For instance, Te owns suitable redox potential, good conductivity, high volumetric capacity, and excellent stability, which makes it a strong candidate for negative electrode materials. This review attempts to summarize the current status of metal‐Te batteries and puts forward to some promising possibilities based on its short research history. As a rising energy storage system, the potential of Te‐based batteries in next‐generation high‐performance batteries deserves more attention and researches.
Configurable Miniaturized 3D Pores for Robust Single‐Nanoparticle Analysis
Authors: Liao Caizhi , Antaw Fiach , Wuethrich Alain , Anderson Will , Trau Matt
Published: November 2020

Resistive pulse sensing (RPS) has become a pivotal platform for single‐molecule and nanoparticle analysis. Key to RPS is the sensing pore structure, the preparation of which is a subject of active research. While existing schemes produce pores with precise entrance diameters, producing pores with arbitrarily complex, 3D internal structures remains an open problem. Herein, two‐photon polymerization (TPP)‐based nanolithography is introduced for the reliable preparation of customizable RPS pores. For the first time, accurate micro‐ and nanopores with different cone angles are successfully prepared and their performance is studied experimentally and by simulation. Subsequently, accurate 3D pores are studied for selected RPS analysis: cis‐ and transconical pores for the investigation of the pore's preferential transport capability; symmetrical pores for the electrical tracking of nanoparticle position; and cylindrical pores for the surface charge analysis of chemically distinct nanoparticles of the same size. The TPP nanolithography technique enables tailored 3D pore designs with openings as small as 600 nm in diameter, providing opportunities for new RPS implementations that simultaneously investigate the physical and transport properties of translocating objects.
Supramolecular design based activatable magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Geng Wen‐Chao , Zheng Zhe , Guo Dong‐Sheng
Published: November 2020

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been widely used in clinical diagnosis. In recent years, activatable MRI probes responding to specific changes in their microenvironment have been developed. The signal of the MRI probe can be modulated based on supramolecular design, which can include properties such as self‐assembly and molecular recognition. In this review, we summarize the activatable MRI probes based on the design principles of supramolecular chemistry. We also discuss the current challenges and the future perspectives for how activatable MRI can achieve more extensive clinical applications for cancer therapy.
Relationship Between Hunting Time Schedule and Sika Deer Spatial Displacement in Hunting with and Without Driving
Authors: Yamaguchi Saya , Takeshita Kazutaka M. , Tanikawa Kiyoshi , Kaji Koichi
Published: November 2020

The indirect effects (risk effects) of hunting (e.g., lowered frequency of hunting site use by deer due to human predation risk) have received increasing attention in deer management programs. However, our understanding of the relationship between hunting time schedule and risk‐effect level remains limited. We investigated the relationships between hunting time schedule (the duration of the hunting operation and its execution interval) and the extent of sika deer (Cervus nippon) spatial displacement from hunting sites in hunting with and without driving (drive and stalk hunting, respectively) in the Tanzawa Mountains, Japan, 2016–2018. Driving in deer hunting means the action of making deer move by using dogs and/or hunters. We considered the probability of photographing deer with a camera trap after hunting operation per day (hazard) as an indicator of the extent of deer spatial displacement. Hazard was negatively associated with the duration of hunting operation in both drive and stalk hunting. In stalk hunting, hazard was also negatively associated with the number of days elapsed since the previous hunting operation in the same hunting site, whereas such an association was not observed in drive hunting. For drive hunting, in order to divert deer from hunting sites for a long time, hunting operations should be conducted throughout the day even if these operations are expected to end in a poor harvest. Conversely, for stalk hunting, short hunting‐operation time and short execution interval days between each operation are required to reduce deer spatial displacement. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.