bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cluster Ensembles
Authors: Acharya Ayan , Ghosh Joydeep
Published: August 2019

Cluster ensembles combine multiple clusterings of a set of objects into a single consolidated clustering, often referred to as theconsensussolution. Consensus clustering can be used to generate more robust and stable clustering results compared to a single clustering approach, perform distributed computing under privacy or sharing constraints, or reuse existing knowledge. This article describes a variety of algorithms that have been proposed to address the cluster ensemble problem, organizing them in conceptual categories that bring out the common threads and lessons learned, while at the same time highlighting the unique features of individual approaches.
Developing Implementable Risk Prediction Models with Electronic Health Records Data
Authors: Goldstein Benjamin A. , Pencina Michael J.
Published: August 2019

Electronic health records (EHR) data have become a primary resource for developing risk prediction models. Not only do EHR data contain unprecedented access to dense, granular clinical data, additionally, since they derive directly from clinical health systems, EHR data provide a means to implement the models into clinical work flows as clinical decision support tools. While appealing, EHR data can be challenging to new users because they are not collected for research purposes. In this article, we discuss five considerations that statisticians ought to be aware of when developing risk prediction models for the purposes of implementation. These are designing the analysis, setting up the data, estimating the model, evaluating the model, and implementing and maintaining the model. While the primary statistical consideration of model estimation is familiar to most statisticians, many of these other considerations are more epidemiologic and informatics based in nature. For these reasons, we conclude that along with a clinical collaborator, the development and implementation of clinical risk models ultimately require team science.
Law of Total Probability
Authors: Niu Yue S.
Published: August 2019

In probability theory, the law of total probability is a fundamental rule that expresses the probability of an event via probabilities of conditional events.
Bayesian Additive Regression Trees (BART)
Authors: Sparapani Rodney , McCulloch Robert
Published: August 2019

This article introduces the nonparametric machine learning technique known asBayesian additive regression trees(BART) for continuous, dichotomous, categorical, and time‐to‐event outcomes.
miRNAs in Plant Development
Authors: Swarup Ranjan , Denyer Tom
Published: August 2019

Since the discovery of the first microRNA (miRNA) inCaenorhabditis elegansabout 25 years ago, small RNAs have emerged as key players in the broad regulation of gene expression in most developmental processes in both plants and animals.

miRNAs are small (20–24 nt) noncoding RNA molecules involved in post‐transcriptional regulation of gene expression. miRNAs regulate gene expression by cleavage of the target transcript and/or through translational repression. The former appears to be a more prevalent mechanism in plants whereas the later appears to be predominant in animals. The level of miRNA‐target sequence complementarity typically dictates whether mRNA repression or transcript cleavage occurs.

This article will focus on our current understanding of the roles of miRNAs in plant development with a key focus on developmentally important miRNAs of the model plant,Arabidopsis thaliana, their modes of action, and the networks to which they belong. This article will also briefly discuss conservation of microRNAs across other plant species and directions for future research on miRNA.
Aerial Root Physiology: Reaching for the Sky or Down to Earth?
Authors: Rasmussen Amanda , Dobrijevic Daisy P. , Ola Anne , Ishaya Findimila Dio , Lovelock Catherine E.
Published: August 2019

Aerial roots have evolved in plants from diverse ecosystems, many facing specific environmental challenges associated with their natural or agricultural setting. In coastal species exposed to wind and waves, including mangroves, soft anoxic substrates have resulted in highly developed aerial root systems. In the rainforest, aerial roots of hemi‐epiphytic figs enable life to begin higher in the canopy while climbing plants, such as ivy and
Monstera
s, depend on structurally very different aerial roots to climb vertical substrates. Maize, globally one of the three most important cereals, develops aerial roots presumably reducing lodging in high winds. In each of these cases, the dominant hypothesized role for aerial roots is to provide support and enabling greater heights to be reached. But do aerial roots of these plant groups also contribute to resource uptake and movement? This article explores the current knowledge of aerial root physiology and structure from each of these interesting and challenging environmental conditions and discusses how understanding these adaptations and niche requirements has value for improving crops, protecting our coastlines, improving our urban green spaces, and managing biodiversity conservation.
Phosphorylation‐Mediated Signalling in Plants
Authors: Xu Xiangyu , Zhu Tingting , Nikonorova Natalia , De Smet Ive
Published: August 2019

Growth and development of a plant and its response to environmental changes requires the perception of triggers and the subsequent activation of a response. To achieve this, endless tasks and functions in any living organism are performed by proteins, and these proteins can undergo various reversible or irreversible posttranslational modifications of specific amino acid residues. One example is phosphorylation, which is a reversible modification affecting protein activity, stability, interactions, and localisation. Phosphorylation is catalysed by a specific group of enzymes, kinases, and the reverse reaction of dephosphorylation is catalysed by other enzymes, phosphatases. In this article, we discuss the tools and approaches to detect protein phosphorylation in plants. We specifically emphasise mass spectrometry‐based approaches to identify phosphopeptides and the specific phosphorylated residues. We, furthermore, illustrate the importance of phosphorylation in the life of a plant with some key examples, such as hormone signalling (specifically brassinosteroids and abscisic acid), signalling associated with the RAPID ALKALINIZATION FACTOR peptide, and signalling downstream of cold stress.
SnO2‐C60 Pyrrolidine Tris‐Acid (CPTA) as the Electron Transport Layer for Highly Efficient and Stable Planar Sn‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Yang Zijiang , Zhong Meiyan , Liang Yongqi , Yang Liangwei , Liu Xingyi , Li Qi , Zhang Jin , Xu Dongsheng
Published: August 2019

For solar cell applications, Sn‐based hybrid perovskites have drawn particular interest due to their environmental friendliness. Here, a thin layer of C60 pyrrolidine tris‐acid (CPTA) is found essential for achieving high efficiency with planar solar cells of Sn‐based perovskites. As a result, a power conversion efficiency of 7.40% is achieved for {en}FASnI3 solar cells with a planar n–i–p architecture, and the device exhibits excellent stability in air. For the first time, highly efficient Sn‐based hybrid perovskite solar cells on n–i–p architecture are achieved. A Voc of 0.72 V is highlighted as the highest Voc ever reported for FASnI3 solar cells.
Performance Enhancement of Flexible Piezoelectric Nanogenerator via Doping and Rational 3D Structure Design For Self‐Powered Mechanosensational System
Authors: Zhang Yuanzheng , Wu Mengjun , Zhu Quanyong , Wang Feiyu , Su Huanxin , Li Hui , Diao Chunli , Zheng Haiwu , Wu Yonghui , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: August 2019

With the rapid development of the Internet of things (IoT), flexible piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENG) have attracted extensive attention for harvesting environmental mechanical energy to power electronics and nanosystems. Herein, porous piezoelectric fillers with samarium/titanium‐doped BiFeO3 (BFO) are prepared by a freeze‐drying method, and then silicone rubber is filled into the microvoids of the piezoelectric ceramics, forming a unique structure based on silicone rubber matrix with uniformly distributed piezoelectric ceramic. When subjected to external force stimulation, compared with conventional piezocomposite films found on undoped BFO without a porous structure, the PENG possesses higher stress transfer ability and thus boosts output performance. The notable enhancement in the stress transfer ability and piezoelectric potential is proven by COMSOL simulations. The PENG can exhibit a maximum open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 16 V and short‐circuit current (Isc) of 2.8 µA, which is 5.3 and 5.6 times higher than those of conventional piezocomposite films, respectively. The PENG can be used as a triggering signal to control the operation of fire extinguishers and household appliances. This work not only expands the application scope of lead‐free piezoelectric ceramic for energy harvesting, but also provides a novel solution for self‐powered mechanosensation and shows great potential application in IoT.
Dynamically Modulated GaN Whispering Gallery Lasing Mode for Strain Sensor
Authors: Peng Yiyao , Lu Junfeng , Peng Dengfeng , Ma Wenda , Li Fangtao , Chen Qiushuo , Wang Xiandi , Sun Junlu , Liu Haitao , Pan Caofeng
Published: August 2019

The continuous development of strain sensors offers significant opportunities for improving human–machine interfaces and health monitoring. The dynamically modulated lasing mode is a novel approach to realize a flexible, noncontact, high color‐resolvability, high‐resolution, and ultrasensitive strain sensor. Here, a flexible strain sensor perceiving stress variations is reported via the dynamical regulation of a GaN whispering gallery lasing mode based on the piezoelectric effect. The refraction index of GaN shows a linear relationship with the applied external tensile strain, resulting in a redshift phenomenon of the lasing mode peak at room temperature due to the predominant function of the piezoelectric polarization in the GaN microwire. Compared with a strain sensor relying on the wavelength shift of a photoluminescence (PL) emission peak, the differences and advantages of a sensor based on the strain‐induced lasing mode variation are also investigated and analyzed systematically. This strain sensor may serve as an essential step toward the color mapping of mechanical signals by optical methods, with potential applications in color‐perceived touching sensing, noncontact stress measurement, laser modulation, and optical communication technologies.
The Synthesis and Biological Function of a Novel Sandwich‐Type Complex Based on {SbW9} and Flexible bpp Ligand
Authors: Wang Lu , Li Shubin , Kai Yu , Zhu Jiang , Shi Huijie , Zhou Baibin , Liu Jiaren
Published: August 2019

A novel sandwich‐type complex [Na(H2O)4][{Na3(H2O)5}{Mn3(bpp)3} (SbW9O33)2}]·8H3O (MnSbW‐bpp) (bpp = 1,3‐bis(4‐pyridyl) propane) is synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, thermogravimetric analysis, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The MnSbW‐bpp compound is the first sandwich case bridged by a flexible ligand. Its biological function of MnSbW‐bpp in antitumor activity is also determined in vitro and in vivo. The inhibitory proliferation and induction of apoptosis are performed by flow cytometry assay, S180 (sarcoma) tumor xenograft in ICR mice, the color Doppler ultrasound monitor, and TdT‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick end labeling assay. The results show that the novel compound—MnSbW‐bpp—is synthesized and identified by its physical and chemical characteristics, such as the fluorescent and paramagnetic activities. MnSbW‐bpp indicates a potency inhibition of human cancer lines, such as SGC‐7901, HT‐29, HepG2, Hela, U2OS, SaoS2, and HMC cells. MnSbW‐bpp also inhibits the growth of tumor xenograft in mice, induced cell apoptosis, and released cytochrome c in vivo and in vitro. Thus, MnSbW‐bpp, as a new compound, possesses the potent inhibition of cancer cells, which indicates that the MnSbW‐bpp has potential merit for the further evaluation of a novel antitumor agent.
Bioinorganics and Wound Healing
Authors: Dalisson Benjamin , Barralet Jake
Published: August 2019

Wound dressings and the healing enhancement (increasing healing speed and quality) are two components of wound care that lead to a proper healing. Wound care today consists mostly of providing an optimal environment by removing waste and necrotic tissues from a wound, preventing infections, and keeping the wounds adequately moist. This is however often not enough to re‐establish the healing process in chronic wounds; with the local disruption of vascularization, the local environment is lacking oxygen, nutrients, and has a modified ionic and molecular concentration which limits the healing process. This disruption may affect cellular ionic pumps, energy production, chemotaxis, etc., and will affect the healing process. Biomaterials for wound healing range from simple absorbents to sophisticated bioactive delivery vehicles. Often placing a material in or on a wound can change multiple parameters such as pH, ionic concentration, and osmolarity, and it can be challenging to pinpoint key mechanism of action. This article reviews the literature of several inorganic ions and molecules and their potential effects on the different wound healing phases and their use in new wound dressings.
A Review on Graphene Fibers: Expectations, Advances, and Prospects
Authors: Fang Bo , Chang Dan , Xu Zhen , Gao Chao
Published: August 2019

Graphene fiber (GF) is a macroscopically assembled fibrous material made of individual units of graphene and its derivatives. Beyond traditional carbon fibers, graphene building blocks consisting of regulable sizes and regular orientations of GF are expected to generate extreme mechanical and transport properties, as well as multiple functions in smart electronic fibrous devices and textiles. Here, the features of GF are presented along four lines: preparation, morphology, structure–performance correlations, and state‐of‐the‐art applications as flexible and wearable electronics. The principles, experiments, and keys of fabricating GF from graphite with different methods, focusing on the industrially viable mainstream strategy, wet spinning, are introduced. Then, the fundamental relationship between the mechanical and transport properties and the structure, including both highly condensed structures for high‐performance and hierarchical structures for multiple functions, is presented. The advances of GF based on structure–performance formulas boost its functional applications, especially in electronic devices. Finally, the possible promotion methods and structural–functional integrated applications of GF are discussed.
Simultaneous Bottom‐Up Interfacial and Bulk Defect Passivation in Highly Efficient Planar Perovskite Solar Cells using Nonconjugated Small‐Molecule Electrolytes
Authors: Zheng Ding , Peng Ruixiang , Wang Gang , Logsdon Jenna Leigh , Wang Binghao , Hu Xiaobing , Chen Yao , Dravid Vinayak P. , Wasielewski Michael R. , Yu Junsheng , Huang Wei , Ge Ziyi , Marks Tobin J. , Facchetti Antonio
Published: August 2019

Recent perovskite solar cell (PSC) advances have pursued strategies for reducing interfacial energetic mismatches to mitigate energy losses, as well as to minimize interfacial and bulk defects and ion vacancies to maximize charge transfer. Here nonconjugated multi‐zwitterionic small‐molecule electrolytes (NSEs) are introduced, which act not only as charge‐extracting layers for barrier‐free charge collection at planar triple cation PSC cathodes but also passivate charged defects at the perovskite bulk/interface via a spontaneous bottom‐up passivation effect. Implementing these synergistic properties affords NSE‐based planar PSCs that deliver a remarkable power conversion efficiency of 21.18% with a maximum VOC = 1.19 V, in combination with suppressed hysteresis and enhanced environmental, thermal, and light‐soaking stability. Thus, this work demonstrates that the bottom‐up, simultaneous interfacial and bulk trap passivation using NSE modifiers is a promising strategy to overcome outstanding issues impeding further PSC advances.
Rapid Open‐Air Digital Light 3D Printing of Thermoplastic Polymer
Authors: Deng Shihong , Wu Jingjun , Dickey Michael D. , Zhao Qian , Xie Tao
Published: August 2019

3D printing has witnessed a new era in which highly complexed customized products become reality. Realizing its ultimate potential requires simultaneous attainment of both printing speed and product versatility. Among various printing techniques, digital light processing (DLP) stands out in its high speed but is limited to intractable light curable thermosets. Thermoplastic polymers, despite their reprocessibility that allows more options for further manipulation, are restricted to intrinsically slow printing methods such as fused deposition modeling. Extending DLP to thermoplastics is highly desirable, but is challenging due to the need to reach rapid liquid–solid separation during the printing process. Here, a successful attempt at DLP printing of thermoplastic polymers is reported, realized by controlling two competing kinetic processes (polymerization and polymer dissolution) simultaneously occurring during printing. With a selected monomer, 4‐acryloylmorpholine (ACMO), printing of thermoplastic 3D scaffolds is demonstrated, which can be further converted into various materials/devices utilizing its unique water‐soluble characteristic. The ultralow viscosity of ACMO, along with surface oxygen inhibition, allows rapid liquid flow toward high‐speed open‐air printing. The process simplicity, enabling mechanism, and material versatility broaden the scope of 3D printing in constructing functional 3D devices including reconfigurable antenna, shape‐shifting structures, and microfluidics.
Amorphous Core–Shell Nanoparticles as a Highly Effective and Stable Battery‐Type Electrode for Hybrid Supercapacitors
Authors: Cheng Danyu , Zhong Qin , Wang Juan , Bu Yunfei
Published: August 2019

Herein, a silver@amorphous nickel–cobalt hydroxide (Ag@NCOH) battery‐type electrode with the morphology of core–shell nanoparticle is successfully fabricated through coordination etching and precipitating route. This electrode exhibits excellent electrochemical performance, including superior specific capacity (≈718.1 C g−1 at 1 A g−1), excellent rate capability (71.9% capacity retention at 30 A g−1), as well as good cycling stability (83.2% capacity retention over 4000 cycles) for hybrid supercapacitors. According to the results of the characterization analysis and systematic electrochemical testing, the Ag nanoparticles in core–shell structure can significantly enhance the conductivity and accelerate the rate of electron transport. Meanwhile, the nanostructures and grain boundaries of amorphous hydroxide materials can effectively improve to expose the electrochemical active sites to electrolyte. Moreover, the hybrid supercapacitor assembled from Ag@NCOH and active carbon (AC) exhibits good performance (energy density of 39.88 W h kg−1 at power density of 375 W kg−1) and superior cycling stability (85.39% capacitance retention over 9000 cycles). This work demonstrates an effective strategy to construct highly effective and stable amorphous electrode materials for hybrid supercapacitors.
Ultrafast Self‐Healing and Injectable Conductive Hydrogel for Strain and Pressure Sensors
Authors: Ye Fengming , Li Meng , Ke Dingning , Wang Liping , Lu Yi
Published: August 2019

The in vivo detection of body motion and subtle physiological signals, including respiration and sphygmus waves, remains a major challenge. High‐precision, miniature sensors are urgently needed to investigate physiological responses against particular stimuli. Injectable conductive self‐healing (ICSH) hydrogels are promising candidates for flexible wearable electronics in healthcare monitoring, owing to their mechanical and electrical characteristics. Given this, an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) of multiwalled carbon nanotube‐poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrenesulfonate)‐polyacrylamide‐poly(vinyl alcohol)/borax composite hydrogel (CNT‐PEDOT‐PAM‐PVA) is cross‐linked in a simplified process to achieve reliable physiological signal detection. The CNT‐PEDOT‐PAM‐PVA IPN offers ultra‐low Young's modulus, high stretchability, rapid self‐healing, and injectability. A miniature strain sensor fabricated via material injection shows consistent and linear responses to mechanical stimuli. It can distinguish between the respiration amplitude and frequency of a mouse during different activities. Pressure micro‐sensors fabricated through bottom‐up printing–injecting can successfully monitor precise sphygmus signals from the human radial and carotid arteries. The feasibility and advantages of ICSH hydrogels in the detection of physiological signals in vivo are demonstrated. Such miniature sensors can contribute to healthcare monitoring and the understanding of the biological basis of a particular behavior or neuropsychiatric disorder.
Rapid Softlithography Using 3D‐Printed Molds
Authors: Razavi Bazaz Sajad , Kashaninejad Navid , Azadi Shohreh , Patel Kamal , Asadnia Mohsen , Jin Dayong , Ebrahimi Warkiani Majid
Published: August 2019

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a long‐standing material of significant interest in microfluidics due to its unique features. As such, rapid prototyping of PDMS‐based microchannels is of great interest. The most prevalent and conventional method for fabrication of PDMS‐based microchips relies on softlithography, the main drawback of which is the preparation of a master mold, which is costly and time‐consuming. To prevent the attachment of PDMS to the master mold, silanization is necessary, which can be detrimental for cellular studies. Additionally, using coating the mold with a cell‐compatible surfactant adds extra preprocessing time. Recent advances in 3D printing have shown great promise in expediting microfabrication. Nevertheless, current 3D printing techniques are sub‐optimal for PDMS softlithography. The feasibility of producing master molds suitable for rapid softlithography is demonstrated using a newly developed 3D‐printing resin. Moreover, the utility of this technique is showcased for a number of widely used applications, such as concentration gradient generation, particle separation, cell culture (to show biocompatibility of the process), and fluid mixing. This can open new opportunities for biologists and scientists with minimum knowledge of microfabrication to build functional microfluidic devices for their basic and applied research.
Negative Thermal Quenching of Efficient White‐Light Emission in a 1D Ladder‐Like Organic/Inorganic Hybrid Material
Authors: Barkaoui Hamdi , Abid Haitham , Zelewski Szymon , Urban Joanna , Baranowski Michal , Mlayah Adnen , Triki Smail , Plochocka Paulina , Abid Younes
Published: August 2019

The synthesis and the optical properties of a new organic–inorganic hybrid material (C6H22N4)[Pb2Br8] (abbreviated as TETAPb2Br8) is reported here. Its ladder‐like crystal structure is built up from infinite 1D chains of corner‐sharing [Pb2Br8]4− bi‐octahedra surrounded by tetra‐protonated triethylenetetramine (abbreviated as TETA4+) organic cations. Under UV excitation, this hybrid organic–inorganic compound emits white light due to radiative recombinations of self‐trapped excitons associated with a structural distortion of the PbBr6 octahedra. Thin films of TETAPb2Br8 show a photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield of ≈11% and exhibit a Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage coordinates of (0.32, 0.37). In the low‐temperature range, the PL intensity increases with increasing temperature. This negative thermal quenching of white‐light emission is interpreted in terms of transitions between excitonic states involving an exciton–phonon interaction. The interpretations are supported by the temperature dependence of the resonant Raman scattering and by density functional theory calculations.
Self‐Limiting Growth of Ultrathin GaN/AlN Quantum Wells for Highly Efficient Deep Ultraviolet Emitters
Authors: Kobayashi Hirotsugu , Ichikawa Shuhei , Funato Mitsuru , Kawakami Yoichi
Published: August 2019

GaN/AlN ultrathin quantum wells (QWs) emitting in the deep UV spectral range are fabricated by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy. The GaN thickness is automatically limited to the monolayer (ML) scale due to the balance between crystallization and evaporation of Ga adatoms. This growth characteristic facilitates the fabrication of highly reproducible GaN ML QWs. The strong quantum confinement within the GaN ML QWs achieves emissions below 250 nm. The photoluminescence intensity at room temperature with respect to that at low temperature, which is closely related to the emission internal quantum efficiency, is drastically improved from 0.1% for a conventional Al0.8Ga0.2N/AlN QWs to 5% for a 1 ML GaN/AlN (0001) QW and 50% for a 2 ML GaN/AlN (102) QW under weak excitation conditions. These higher emission efficiencies are attributed to the suppressed nonradiative recombination in the GaN QWs and the enhanced radiative recombination in the (102) QW.
Smart Nanotechnologies to Target Tumor with Deep Penetration Depth for Efficient Cancer Treatment and Imaging
Authors: Feng Xue , Dixon Hannah , Glen‐Ravenhill Harriet , Karaosmanoglu Sena , Li Quan , Yan Li , Chen Xianfeng
Published: August 2019

Nanomedicines have long been expected to significantly enhance cancer treatment. However, their clinical translation is still very limited despite the world's great efforts during the last two decades. One of the reasons is that the transport barriers within tumors restrict their penetration into tumors, with most nanomedicines remaining among the top submicrometer to several micrometers scale. Therefore, there is extensive interest in the field to understand the tumor microenvironment and develop techniques to boost the penetration of nanomedicines in tumors. This review emphasizes the need for smart nanotechnology to fit the changing requirements of nanomedicines for effective drug delivery, particularly the technologies for deep penetration of nanomedicines in tumor tissues, and explores their mechanisms in order to achieve multistage requirement during the applications of nanomedicines in patients. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of current approaches to facilitate the deep penetration of nanomedicines are discussed and possible future avenues for smart nanotechnology are identified.
Blood–Brain Barrier Dysfunction in a 3D In Vitro Model of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Shin Yoojin , Choi Se Hoon , Kim Eunhee , Bylykbashi Enjana , Kim Jeong Ah , Chung Seok , Kim Doo Yeon , Kamm Roger D. , Tanzi Rudolph E.
Published: August 2019

Harmful materials in the blood are prevented from entering the healthy brain by a highly selective blood–brain barrier (BBB), and impairment of barrier function has been associated with a variety of neurological diseases. In Alzheimer's disease (AD), BBB breakdown has been shown to occur even before cognitive decline and brain pathology. To investigate the role of the cerebral vasculature in AD, a physiologically relevant 3D human neural cell culture microfluidic model is developed having a brain endothelial cell monolayer with a BBB‐like phenotype. This model is shown to recapitulate several key aspects of BBB dysfunction observed in AD patients: increased BBB permeability, decreased expression of claudin‐1, claudin‐5, and VE‐cadherin, increased expression of matrix‐metalloproteinase‐2 and reactive oxygen species, and deposition of β‐amyloid (Aβ) peptides at the vascular endothelium. Thus, it provides a well‐controlled platform for investigating BBB function as well as for screening of new drugs that need to pass the BBB to gain access to neural tissues.
Senior managers’ awareness of sun protection policy predicts implementation of worksite sun safety in a randomized trial
Authors: Walkosz Barbara J. , Buller David B. , Buller Mary Klein , Wallis Allan , Liu Xia
Published: August 2019

Background

Outdoor workers experience chronic exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation (UV) elevating their risk for skin cancer.

Methods

A controlled randomized trial promoted the adoption of workplace sun safety policy and employee education at 98 public organizations in Colorado. A 2‐year follow‐up study with 68 organizations assessed the association of senior manager awareness of sun safety policies and implementation of sun safety actions.

Results

Senior managers’ awareness of existing sun safety policies, but not their personal sun protection behaviors, predicted implementation of sun safety actions including the number of sun protection messages and sun protection items in the workplace and increased communication about sun safety to employees.

Conclusions

Organizational adoption of sun safety policy must include efforts to broadly inform a workplace's senior management to ensure the policies are actually implemented and provide support for sun protection behaviors by outdoor workers to reduce UV exposure and skin cancer risk.
Longitudinal MRI findings in patient with SLC25A12 pathogenic variants inform disease progression and classification
Authors: Kavanaugh Brian C. , Warren Emily B. , Baytas Ozan , Schmidt Michael , Merck Derek , Buch Karen , Liu Judy S. , Phornphutkul Chanika , Caruso Paul , Morrow Eric M.
Published: August 2019

Aspartate–glutamate carrier 1 (AGC1) is one of two exchangers within the malate‐aspartate shuttle. AGC1 is encoded by the SLC25A12 gene. Three patients with pathogenic variants in SLC25A12 have been reported in the literature. These patients were clinically characterized by neurodevelopmental delay, epilepsy, hypotonia, cerebral atrophy, and hypomyelination; however, there has been discussion in the literature as to whether this hypomyelination is primary or secondary to a neuronal defect. Here we report a 12‐year‐old patient with variants in SLC25A12 and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at multiple ages. Novel compound heterozygous, recessive variants in SLC25A12 were identified: c.1295C>T (p.A432V) and c.1447‐2_1447‐1delAG. Clinical presentation is characterized by severe intellectual disability, nonambulatory, nonverbal status, hypotonia, epilepsy, spastic quadriplegia, and a happy disposition. The serial neuroimaging findings are notable for cerebral atrophy with white matter involvement, namely, early hypomyelination yet subsequent progression of myelination. The longitudinal MRI findings are most consistent with a leukodystrophy of the leuko‐axonopathy category, that is, white matter abnormalities that are most suggestive of mechanisms that result from primary neuronal defects. We present here the first case of a patient with compound heterozygous variants in SLC25A12, including brain MRI findings, in the oldest individual reported to date with this neurogenetic condition.
Endoscopic repair of spontaneous skull base defects decreases the incidence rate of intracranial complications
Authors: Allensworth Jordan J. , Rowan Nicholas R. , Storck Kristina A. , Woodworth Bradford A. , Schlosser Rodney J.
Published: August 2019

Background

Spontaneous skull base defects can result in life‐threatening intracranial complications (ICCs), including meningitis and pneumocephalus. Endoscopic skull base reconstruction (ESBR) has traditionally been the treatment of choice, but its impact upon ICCs is not known. In this study, we aimed to describe the incidence rate of preoperative ICCs in patients with spontaneous skull base defects, risk factors associated with ICC development, and the impact of surgical repair on the incidence rate of ICCs.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of all spontaneous skull base defects undergoing ESBR from 2005 to 2019 at 2 academic tertiary care medical centers. The incidence rate of ICCs and the demographics information and risk factors were collected.

Results

In 222 spontaneous skull base defects, preoperative ICCs occurred in 46 subjects (20.7%) with an incidence rate of 22.7 per 100 person‐years. Factors significantly associated with preoperative ICCs included symptom duration, reduced body mass index (BMI), resolved cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, and location in the frontal or lateral sphenoid sinuses. Endoscopic repair was successful in 97.2% of subjects and the postoperative ICC incidence rate was significantly reduced at 0.8 per 100 person‐years (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Spontaneous skull base defects pose significant risk for life‐threatening ICCs. Our findings reveal significantly elevated odds of ICC development associated with resolved CSF rhinorrhea, lower BMI, longer duration of symptoms, and defect location. Endoscopic repair is highly successful with low morbidity and significantly reduces the incidence rate of intracranial complications.
Frontal sinus “mega‐trephination” in a tertiary rhinology practice
Authors: Geltzeiler Mathew , Mowery Alia , Detwiller Kara Y. , Mace Jess C. , Smith Timothy L.
Published: August 2019

Background

Frontal sinus trephination is traditionally performed through a small cutaneous incision and osteotomy, allowing irrigation of the frontal sinus. Utilizing the trephination osteotomy for endoscopic visualization and surgical manipulation requires a larger opening. This “mega‐trephination” is thought to carry an increased risk of cosmetic deformity given the increased bony removal at the anterior table. The purpose of our study was to clarify the risks of frontal sinus mega‐trephination and examine how this technique is incorporated into a modern, tertiary care rhinology practice.

Methods

Patients were identified through billing records and confirmed by retrospective chart review. All patients underwent frontal sinus mega‐trephination, which is defined as an osteotomy large enough for insertion of a 4‐mm endoscope and an operative instrument simultaneously. All patients had at least 2 years of follow‐up. The primary outcome was complication rate, including cosmetic deformity.

Results

Sixty‐four patients underwent frontal sinus mega‐trephination from 2006 to 2016. The most common surgical indications were chronic sinusitis (34%), mucocele (19%), osteoma (17%), acute sinusitis (11%), and inverting papilloma (9%). Ten patients (16%) underwent mega‐trephination alone, whereas the others had mega‐trephination with endoscopic sinus surgery. Twenty‐one patients (33%) had minor complications. The most common complications were self‐limited paresthesia (11%), infection (8%), and epistaxis (3%). No patient complained of permanent cosmetic deformity or required revision surgery for cosmesis.

Conclusion

Frontal sinus mega‐trephination is a useful tool to augment the rhinologist's armamentarium in complex frontal sinus anatomy and pathology. This procedure is well tolerated, safe, and not associated with long‐term cosmetic deformity.
Peptide Brush Polymers for Efficient Delivery of a Gene Editing Protein to Stem Cells
Authors: Blum Angela P. , Nelles David A. , Hidalgo Francisco J. , Touve Mollie A. , Sim Deborah S. , Madrigal Assael A. , Yeo Gene W. , Gianneschi Nathan C.
Published: August 2019

The scarcity of effective means to deliver functional proteins to living cells is a central problem in biotechnology and medicine. Herein, we report the efficient delivery of an active DNA‐modifying enzyme to human stem cells through high‐density cell penetrating peptide brush polymers. Cre recombinase is mixed with a fluorophore‐tagged polymer carrier and then applied directly to induced pluripotent stem cells or HEK293T cells. This results in efficient delivery of Cre protein as measured by activation of a genomically integrated Cre‐mediated recombination reporter. We observed that brush polymer formulations utilizing cell penetrating peptides promoted Cre delivery but oligopeptides alone or oligopeptides displayed on nanoparticles did not. Overall, we report the efficient delivery of a genome‐modifying enzyme to stem cells that may be generalizable to other, difficult‐to‐transduce cell types.
Oxidation of Reduced Ceria by Incorporation of Hydrogen
Authors: Li Zhaorui , Werner Kristin , Qian Kun , You Rui , Płucienik Agata , Jia Aiping , Wu Lihui , Zhang Liyuan , Pan Haibin , Kuhlenbeck Helmut , Shaikhutdinov Shamil , Huang Weixin , Freund Hans‐Joachim
Published: August 2019

The interaction of hydrogen with reduced ceria (CeO2−x) powders and CeO2−x(111) thin films was studied using several characterization techniques including TEM, XRD, LEED, XPS, RPES, EELS, ESR, and TDS. The results clearly indicate that both in reduced ceria powders as well as in reduced single crystal ceria films hydrogen may form hydroxyls at the surface and hydride species below the surface. The formation of hydrides is clearly linked to the presence of oxygen vacancies and is accompanied by the transfer of an electron from a Ce3+ species to hydrogen, which results in the formation of Ce4+, and thus in oxidation of ceria.
Nano‐Ferroelectric for High Efficiency Overall Water Splitting under Ultrasonic Vibration
Authors: Su Ran , Hsain H. Alex , Wu Ming , Zhang Dawei , Hu Xinghao , Wang Zhipeng , Wang Xiaojing , Li Fa‐tang , Chen Xuemin , Zhu Lina , Yang Yong , Yang Yaodong , Lou Xiaojie , Pennycook Stephen J.
Published: August 2019

Piezocatalysis, converting mechanical vibration into chemical energy, has emerged as a promising candidate for water‐splitting technology. However, the efficiency of the hydrogen production is quite limited. We herein report well‐defined 10 nm BaTiO3 nanoparticles (NPs) characterized by a large electro‐mechanical coefficient which induces a high piezoelectric effect. Atomic‐resolution high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF‐STEM) and scanning probe microscopy (SPM) suggests that piezoelectric BaTiO3 NPs display a coexistence of multiple phases with low energy barriers and polarization anisotropy which results in a high electro‐mechanical coefficient. Landau free energy modeling also confirms that the greatly reduced polarization anisotropy facilitates polarization rotation. Employing the high piezoelectric properties of BaTiO3 NPs, we demonstrate an overall water‐splitting process with the highest hydrogen production efficiency hitherto reported, with a H2 production rate of 655 μmol g−1 h−1, which could rival excellent photocatalysis system. This study highlights the potential of piezoelectric catalysis for overall water splitting.
Functionalization of cellulose as imprinted adsorbent for selective adsorption of matrine
Authors: Qiu Yueming , Lin Chunxiang , Liu Yifan , Lv Yuancai , Liu Minghua
Published: August 2019

A novel molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) based on cellulose is fabricated for separation of matrine. Cellulose graft copolymer was first synthesized from cotton linter by atom transfer radical polymerization in ionic liquid with the acrylamide as monomer. Then, the prepared graft copolymer underwent sulfomethylation and subsequent crosslinking in the matrine solution. Effects of the parameters on the reaction degree were discussed, and the structural, component, and morphological characterization of the products were also conducted. The ability of the obtained cellulose‐based MIP (MIP‐SPAM) to adsorb matrine was evaluated by batch adsorption. Results showed that the sorption process was pH dependent, spontaneous, endothermic, and followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Kinetics study revealed that pseudo‐second‐order was closed to the experimental data and both of the membrane diffusion and intraparticle diffusion controlled the matrine adsorption. Moreover, MIP‐SPAM possessed higher selective sorption property for matrine compared to the corresponding nonimprinted polymer. Finally, the MIP‐SPAM could be repeatedly used for five times without any significant loss in the initial binding affinity. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48392.
Affordable remote monitoring of plant growth in facilities using Raspberry Pi computers
Authors: Grindstaff Brandin , Mabry Makenzie E. , Blischak Paul D. , Quinn Micheal , Chris Pires J.
Published: August 2019

Premise

Environmentally controlled facilities, such as growth chambers, are essential tools for experimental research. Automated, low‐cost, remote‐monitoring hardware can greatly improve both reproducibility and maintenance.

Methods and Results

Using a Raspberry Pi computer, open‐source software, environmental sensors, and a camera, we developed Growth Monitor pi (GMpi), a cost‐effective system for monitoring growth chamber conditions. Coupled with our software, GMPi_Pack, our setup automates sensor readings, photography, and alerts when conditions fall out of range.

Conclusions

GMpi offers access to environmental data logging, improving reproducibility of experiments and reinforcing the stability of controlled environmental facilities. The device is also flexible and scalable, allowing researchers the ability to customize and expand GMpi for their own needs.
Improvement of baculovirus as protein expression vector and as biopesticide by CRISPR/Cas9 editing
Authors: Pazmiño‐Ibarra Verónica , Mengual‐Martí Adrià , Targovnik Alexandra Marisa , Herrero Salvador
Published: August 2019

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) system–associated Cas9 endonuclease is a molecular tool that enables specific sequence editing with high efficiency. In this study, we have explored the use of CRISPR/Cas9 system for the engineering of baculovirus. We have shown that the delivering of Cas9‐single guide RNA ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex with or without DNA repair template into Sf21 insect cells through lipofection might be efficient to produce knockouts as well as knock‐ins into the baculovirus. To evaluate potential application of our CRISPR/Cas9 method to improve baculovirus as protein expression vector and as biopesticide, we attempted to knockout several genes from a recombinant AcMNPV form used in the baculovirus expression system as well as in a natural occurring viral isolate from the same virus. We have additionally confirmed the adaptation of this methodology for the generation of viral knock‐ins in specific regions of the viral genome. Analysis of the generated mutants revealed that the editing efficiency and the type of changes was variable but relatively high. Depending on the targeted gene, the editing rate ranged from 10% to 40%. This study established the first report revealing the potential of CRISPR/Cas9 for genome editing in baculovirus, contributing to the engineering of baculovirus as a protein expression vector as well as a biological control agent.
Sex differences in repair rates and outcomes of patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Zommorodi S , Bottai M , Hultgren R
Published: August 2019

Background

Data are conflicting on sex differences in ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) repair rates and outcomes have rarely been addressed. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in the management and outcome of rAAA in men and women, and to describe time trends over a 15-year interval.

Methods

Data on patients with rAAA were extracted from the Swedish National Patient Registry and the Cause of Death Registry for the interval 2001–2015. The study included patients with rAAA whether or not they were admitted to any hospital in Sweden. A propensity score-matched model was used to determine sex differences in repair type and outcome after rupture. Time trends for rAAA events and mortality were investigated.

Results

Some 10 724 patients were identified. A higher percentage of men were admitted to hospital (79·8 versus 77·5 per cent; P = 0·011). Of those admitted, a higher percentage of men than women were treated (56·6 versus 40·4 per cent, P < 0·001). Women were less likely to be treated when diagnosed with rAAA (average treatment effect (ATE) in the model –0·080, 95 per cent c.i. –0·106 to –0·055; P < 0·001). Thirty-day mortality was also higher in women (ATE 0·094, 0·053 to 0·135; P < 0·001); this effect persisted to 1 year (ATE 0·095, 0·052 to 0·137; P < 0·001). Time trends indicated a decrease in rAAA incidence, mostly owing to a decrease among men.

Conclusion

In this study, fewer women with rAAA received surgery and 30-day mortality was higher than in men. There was an overall decrease in rAAA incidence, principally in men.
Photocatalytic Transformation of Amines to Imines by Meso‐Porous Copper Sulfides
Authors: Dutta Biswanath , Achola Laura A. , Clarke Ryan , Sharma Vinit , He Junkai , Kerns Peter , Suib Steven L.
Published: August 2019

Here we have demonstrated a visible‐light‐driven catalytic process for amine to imine transformations, using a hydrothermal procedure based mesoporous copper sulfide material. The surface chemistry of this heterogeneously catalyzed process, which was further supported by computational calculations, was determined by the reaction kinetics, and reactive oxygen determination studies.
An Engineering Approach for Estimating the Formation of Nitric Oxide from Fuel‐Nitrogen
Authors: Förtsch Dieter
Published: August 2019

Explicit approximate equations for estimating the conversion factor of fuel‐nitrogen into nitric oxide are presented. They depend on the fuel‐nitrogen mole fraction, the initial nitric oxide mole fraction, and the kinetics‐equilibrium mole fraction of nitric oxide. This last parameter expresses a limiting value of fuel‐nitrogen conversion; it includes the complex nitrogen chemistry and depends thus on combustion conditions. Experimental results demonstrate that the kinetics‐equilibrium mole fraction for fuel‐lean and high‐temperature conditions can be well estimated by the chemical‐equilibrium mole fraction, but for lower temperatures the kinetics‐equilibrium mole fraction has to be described by other correlations.
Fixed‐Bed Adsorption of Allura Red Dye on Chitosan/Polyurethane Foam
Authors: da Rosa Schio Rejiane , Cruz da Rosa Bruno , Gonçalves Salau Nina Paula , Stoffels Mallmann Evandro , Dotto Guilherme Luiz
Published: August 2019

The potential of a chitosan/polyurethane foam (CTS/PU) fixed‐bed column for the removal of Allura Red dye (AR) from aqueous solutions was evaluated. Breakthrough curves were constructed under different conditions and optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). The empirical models Thomas, Yoon‐Nelson, and Bed Depth Service Time (BDST) were fitted to the experimental data. The dynamic models of Yoon‐Nelson and BDST accurately fitted the experimental data. As a result, CTS/PU can be successfully applied in a fixed‐bed adsorption operation to remove AR dye.
Power Input Prediction in Agitated Gas‐Liquid Contactors with Non‐coalescent Batch
Authors: Kracík Tomáš , Moucha Tomáš , Petříček Radim
Published: August 2019

Volumetric mass transfer coefficients, kLa, just as power input are considered as essential parameters for mechanically agitated gas‐liquid contactors in relation to their optimization and design. The knowledge of power input is crucial for the prediction of other mass transfer characteristics. A power input correlation is created for the industrial design of the process with a non‐coalescent batch that would be appropriate for a broad range of operational conditions. The recommended resulting correlation is able to predict the power input for impellers in industrial‐scale design for a significant scope of operational conditions.
Epigenetics and differential effects of aspirin on breast cancer survival: Opportunities for understanding human susceptibility and risk
Authors: Malecki Kristen M. C.
Published: August 2019

An unending question in clinical and population health research is how and why the human response to treatment varies. Collective findings from the Long Island Breast Cancer Study Project provide further evidence that research examining interactions between epigenetics and low‐cost therapies such as aspirin are important in advancing population health science and biomedical research.