bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of a new horizon antifungal activity with enhancing the antimicrobial efficacy of ciprofloxacin and its binary mixture via their encapsulation in nanoassemblies: in vitro and in vivo evaluation
Authors: Abou Taleb Sally , Darwish Asmaa Badawy , Abood Amira , Mohamed Amany M.
Published: December 2019

The main goal of this study was to prepare and evaluate nanosponges containing ciprofloxacin (CIP) or its binary mixture with N‐acetyl carnosine (NAC). Nanosponges were prepared by ultrasound‐assisted synthesis technique using hydroxypropyl βeta‐cyclodextrin (HPβ‐CD), as the polymer and diphenyl carbonate (DPC) as the crosslinker. Entrapment efficiency (EE%) of CIP or its binary mixture with NAC in nanosponges was deduced spectrophotometrically. Nanosponges were characterized using several methods. EE% of CIP or its binary mixture with NAC inside nanosponges ranged from 98.63 ± 3.1 to 100 ± 0.07%. Particle size of nanosponges ranged from 66.7 to 90.1 nm. Release of drugs from nanosponges was biphasic and the release pattern followed Korsmeyer–Peppas model. Ex vivo and in vivo studies results showed that the antibacterial effect was enhanced with encapsulation of drugs in the nanosponge system. Furthermore, a potent antifungal activity was obtained from all examined formulae against Candida albicans (10231). The study revealed that successful encapsulation of CIP or its binary mixture with NAC in nanosponge formulations has innovated a new promising therapeutic activity for both drugs.
Restrictive eating, but not binge eating or purging, predicts suicidal ideation in adolescents and young adults with low‐weight eating disorders
Authors: Wang Shirley B. , Mancuso Christopher J. , Jo Jenny , Keshishian Ani C. , Becker Kendra R. , Plessow Franziska , Izquierdo Alyssa M. , Slattery Meghan , Franko Debra L. , Misra Madhusmita , Lawson Elizabeth A. , Thomas Jennifer J. , Eddy Kamryn T.
Published: December 2019

Objective

This study examined the relationship between eating‐disorder behaviors—including restrictive eating, binge eating, and purging—and suicidal ideation. We hypothesized that restrictive eating would significantly predict suicidal ideation, beyond the effects of binge eating/purging.

Methods

Participants were 82 adolescents and young adults with low‐weight eating disorders. We conducted a hierarchical logistic regression, with binge eating and purging in Step 1 and restrictive eating in Step 2, to predict suicidal ideation.

Results

Step 1 was significant (p = .01) and explained 20% variance in suicidal ideation; neither binge eating nor purging significantly predicted suicidal ideation. Adding restrictive eating in Step 2 significantly improved the model (ΔR2 = .07, p = .009). This final model explained 27% of the variance, and restrictive eating (but not binge eating/purging) significantly predicted suicidal ideation (p = .02).

Discussion

Restrictive eating is associated with suicidal ideation in youth with low‐weight eating disorders, beyond the effects of other eating‐disorder behaviors. Although healthcare providers may be more likely to screen for suicidality in patients with binge eating and purging, our findings indicate clinicians should regularly assess suicide and self‐injury in patients with restrictive eating. Future research examining how individuals progress from suicidal ideation to suicidal attempts can further enhance our understanding of suicide in eating disorders.
The difference in referencing in Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar
Authors: Anker Markus S. , Hadzibegovic Sara , Lena Alessia , Haverkamp Wilhelm
Published: December 2019

Aims

How often a medical article is cited is important for many people because it is used to calculate different variables such as the h‐index and the journal impact factor. The aim of this analysis was to assess how the citation count varies between Web of Science (WoS), Scopus, and Google Scholar in the current literature.

Methods

We included the top 50 cited articles of four journals ESC Heart Failure; Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle; European Journal of Preventive Cardiology; and European Journal of Heart Failure in our analysis that were published between 1 January 2016 and 10 October 2019. We recorded the number of citations of these articles according to WoS, Scopus, and Google Scholar on 10 October 2019.

Results

The top 50 articles in ESC Heart Failure were on average cited 12 (WoS), 13 (Scopus), and 17 times (Google Scholar); in Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle 37 (WoS), 43 (Scopus), and 60 times (Google Scholar); in European Journal of Preventive Cardiology 41 (WoS), 56 (Scopus), and 67 times (Google Scholar); and in European Journal of Heart Failure 76 (WoS), 108 (Scopus), and 230 times (Google Scholar). On average, the top 50 articles in all four journals were cited 41 (WoS), 52 (Scopus, 26% higher citations count than WoS, range 8–42% in the different journals), and 93 times (Google Scholar, 116% higher citation count than WoS, range 42–203%).

Conclusion

Scopus and Google Scholar on average have a higher citation count than WoS, whereas the difference is much larger between Google Scholar and WoS.
Tripodal Squaramide Derivative as a Neutral Chloride Ionophore for Whole Blood and Sweat Chloride Measurement
Authors: Fan Lingling , Xu Tingting , Feng Junjun , Ji Zihan , Li Le , Shi Xinhao , Tian Chunxiu , Qin Yu
Published: December 2019

A tripodal squaramide derivative was synthesized and characterized as a new neural ionophore for chloride ion. Squaramide based compounds are known to be better hydrogen bonding receptors than urea derivatives because they donate four hydrogen bonds to anions, while the tripodal structure provides a 3D geometry optimum for spherical anion complexation. The ionophore demonstrated high selectivity over salicylate and heparin that are major interferences for chloride measurement in biological samples with direct potentiometric method. The new ionophore based solid‐contact electrodes were fabricated and showed the measuring range of 10−5 to 1 M chloride ion in the presence of 1 mM of salicylate and heparin with near Nernstian slope of 55 mV/decade. The sensor was successfully applied for the chloride measurement in undiluted heparinized whole blood and artificial sweat samples with our clinical analyzer.
Micro‐computed tomography imaging and probabilistic modelling of rock fracture by freeze–thaw
Authors: Maji Vikram , Murton Julian B.
Published: December 2019

A major problem in studies of rock fracture by frost is the paucity of direct observations in space and time of the initiation and growth of microcracks and their transition to macrocracks. Such observations are essential to understand the location, timing and controls of rock fracture by freeze–thaw. The aim of the present work is to image and elucidate the early stages of rock fracture by applying imaging and statistical methods to a frost‐weathering experiment using intact specimens of a limestone (chalk) and sandstone. First, micro‐computed tomography (μ‐CT) is used to visualize rock fracture in three dimensions over the course of 20 freeze–thaw cycles and to estimate transverse strain using a pixel‐based approach. Second, probabilistic correlation functions are applied to quantify the progressive expansion of the fracture phase and associated damage to rock specimens. The method of μ‐CT is demonstrated for visualizing the growth and coalescence of microcracks and their transition to macrocracks. Fracture proceeded faster and to a greater extent in chalk relative to sandstone, and the macrocracks in chalk were mostly concentric and vertical. Both fracture development and positive transverse strain (dilation) accelerated after cycle 15, suggesting that a threshold has been exceeded, after which macrocracks were evident. Of three probabilistic correlation functions applied to the μ‐CT results, the modified lineal‐path function – which measures the continuous connectivity of the fracture phase in a specific direction – reveals that damage was more extensive in the chalk than the sandstone. It also allows a novel approach to define and quantify three zones of microcracking during freeze–thaw cycling of anisotropic rock: (1) the zone of inherent flaws; (2) the zone of active microcracking; and (3) the zone of weak influence during microcracking. The broader significance of this work is that it provides a new approach to investigate mechanistically how frost action damages rock. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comprehensive review of heat transfer intensification methods for latent heat storage units
Authors: Elarem Raja , Alqahtani Talal , Mellouli Sofiene , Askri Faouzi , Edacherian Abhilash , Vineet Tirth , Badruddin Irfan Anjum , Abdelmajid Jemni
Published: December 2019

Latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) systems and their applications have been very substantive for the developments in energy science and engineering. The efficiency of LHTES systems largely depends on the thermal conductivity of the phase change materials (PCMs) and the heat transfer mechanisms in them. This review focuses on the methods employed to enhance heat transfer in LHTES systems which accordingly improve their storage performance. This includes the possible geometrical configurations of LHTES systems and the effects of their design parameters. The various methods adopted for enhancing LHTES systems' performance through either applying nanomaterials additives, using cascaded or encapsulated PCMs, or employing extended surfaces, such as fins, are discussed in detail. Additionally, various designs of PCM based heat exchangers with active and passive heat transfer techniques were highlighted. These systems are critically analyzed to help selecting reliable techniques and compatible materials for effective designs in order to achieve more efficient LHTES systems. This review would be helpful for the researchers to further develop heat transfer intensification mechanisms in LHTES systems.
Fatty acid profile and in vitro biological properties of two Rosacea species (Pyrus glabra and Pyrus syriaca), grown as wild in Iran
Authors: Hazrati Saeid , Govahi Mostafa , Mollaei Saeed
Published: December 2019

The high demands for the consumption of edible oils have caused scientists to struggle in assessing wild plants as a new source of seed oils. Therefore, in this study, the oil yield, fatty acid and tocopherol compositions, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the oils obtained from Iran's two endemic plants (Pyrus glabra and Pyrus syriaca) were investigated. The obtained oil yields from the P. glabra and P. syriaca seeds were 33 ± 0.51 and 26 ± 0.28 w/w%, respectively. Oleic acid (C18:1) with the amount of 49.51 ± 1.05% was the major fatty acid in the P. glabra oil, while the main fatty acids in the P. syriaca seed oil belonged to linoleic acid (C18:2) and oleic acid (C18:1) with the amounts of 46.99 ± 0.37 and 41.43 ± 0.23%, respectively. The analysis of tocopherols was done by HPLC, and the results indicated that the P. glabra and P. syriaca seed oils were rich in α‐tocopherol (69.80 ± 1.91 and 45.50 ± 1.86 mg/100 g oil, respectively), constituting 86.24 and 89.01% of total detected tocopherols, respectively. The study on the reducing capacity of the oils indicated that the P. glabra oil had more reducing capacity than the P. syriaca oil. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of the P. glabra seed oil (43.4 ± 0.7 µg/ml) was higher than the P. syriaca seed oil (46.3 ± 1.2 µg/ml). Also, the investigation of the antibacterial activities indicated that the P. glabra and P. syriaca oils have an inhibitory effect on the studied bacteria. The results indicate that the oils of these plants can be appropriate sources of plant oils which can act as natural antibacterial agents.
Problem‐Based Learning (PBL): Real‐World Applications to Foster (Inter)Disciplinary Learning and Integration
Authors: Youngerman Ethan , Culver KC
Published: December 2019

This chapter considers problem‐based learning, where engaging students in the application of knowledge to real‐world, ill‐structured problems can foster learning, improve communities, and inspire instructors.
Understanding Student Learning Outcomes of Peer Educators
Authors: Wawrzynski Matthew R. , Lemon Jacob D.
Published: December 2019

From over a decade of collecting data, we know that students who are peer educators experience significant gains as a result of their role as peer educators. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the student learning outcomes student peer educators derive from being involved in these applied learning experiences.
First Year Research Experience (FYRE): Bringing Research to New Undergraduates
Authors: Seifert Tricia A. , Oliveri Christiane , Shaw Colin A.
Published: December 2019

This chapter details the First Year Research Experience (FYRE) program at Montana State University, describing the intent and design of the program, as well as how FYRE participants differed in their approaches to learning from non‐participants.
Structure and dynamics of global capital and international trade: Analysis of the relationship between exports and foreign direct investment (FDI) from 2001 to 2006
Authors: Xiong Tingting , Sun Hao
Published: December 2019

This article attempts to explore the empirical evidence for the linkage between exports and foreign direct investment (FDI) by examining its relationship with over 140 countries from 2001 to 2006. Through using the comprehensive bilateral cross‐country panel exports and FDI data set for the first time, this article provides more insights about the relationships between exports and FDI with developed–developed country pairs as well as with developed–developing country pairs, respectively. By applying augmented gravity models, this article justifies that exports and FDI are complementary as previous studies posit. Furthermore, such complementary relationship is more positive and significant with developed–developing country pairs when compared to other combinations (developed–developed and developing–developing pairs). To be more specific, FDI from developed to developing countries promotes more exports, while FDI from developed countries to developed countries is less important in promoting exports.
Comparison of tris(2‐ethylhexyl) phosphate and di(2‐ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid toxicities in a rat 28‐day oral exposure study
Authors: Pelletier Guillaume , Rigden Marc , Wang Gen Sheng , Caldwell Don , Siddique Shabana , Leingartner Karen , Kosarac Ivana , Cakmak Sabit , Kubwabo Cariton
Published: December 2019

Tris(2‐ethylhexyl) phosphate (TEHP, CAS no. 78‐42‐2) is a plasticizer and a flame retardant, while di(2‐ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (DEHPA, CAS no. 298‐07‐7) is an oil additive and extraction solvent. Publicly‐available information on repeated exposure to these two related organophosphate compounds is fragmentary. Hence, adult male and female Fischer rats were exposed to TEHP (300, 1000 and 3000 mg/kg body weight [BW]/day) or DEHPA (20, 60 and 180 mg/kg BW/day) by gavage for 28 consecutive days, to assess and compare their toxicities. Although significantly impaired BW gains and evidence of TEHP enzymatic hydrolysis to DEHPA were observed only in males, exposures to the highest TEHP and DEHPA doses often resulted in similar alterations of hematology, serum clinical chemistry and liver enzymatic activities in both males and females. The squamous epithelial hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis observed in the non‐glandular forestomach of rats exposed to the middle and high DEHPA doses were most likely caused by the slightly corrosive nature of this chemical. Although tubular degeneration and spermatid retention were observed only in the testes of males exposed to the highest TEHP dose, numerous periodic acid‐Schiff stained crystalline inclusions were observed in testis interstitial cells at all TEHP dose levels. No‐observed‐adverse‐effect levels for TEHP and DEHPA are proposed, but the lower serum pituitary hormone levels resulting from TEHP and DEHPA exposures and the perturbations of testicular histology observed in TEHP‐treated males deserve further investigation. Improved characterization of the toxicity of flame retardants will contribute to better informed substitution choices for legacy flame retardants phased‐out over health concerns.
Involvement of the Gut Microbiota and Barrier Function in Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis
Authors: Schepper Jonathan D , Collins Fraser , Rios-Arce Naiomy Deliz , Kang Ho Jun , Schaefer Laura , Gardinier Joseph D , Raghuvanshi Ruma , Quinn Robert A , Britton Robert , Parameswaran Narayanan , McCabe Laura R
Published: December 2019

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are potent immune-modulating drugs with significant side effects, including glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO). GCs directly induce osteoblast and osteocyte apoptosis but also alter intestinal microbiota composition. Although the gut microbiota is known to contribute to the regulation of bone density, its role in GIO has never been examined. To test this, male C57/Bl6J mice were treated for 8 weeks with GC (prednisolone, GC-Tx) in the presence or absence of broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment (ABX) to deplete the microbiota. Long-term ABX prevented GC-Tx-induced trabecular bone loss, showing the requirement of gut microbiota for GIO. Treatment of GC-Tx mice with a probiotic (Lactobacillus reuteri [LR]) prevented trabecular bone loss. Microbiota analyses indicated that GC-Tx changed the abundance of Verrucomicobiales and Bacteriodales phyla and random forest analyses indicated significant differences in abundance of Porphyromonadaceae and Clostridiales operational taxonomic units (OTUs) between groups. Furthermore, transplantation of GC-Tx mouse fecal material into recipient naïve, untreated WT mice caused bone loss, supporting a functional role for microbiota in GIO. We also report that GC caused intestinal barrier breaks, as evidenced by increased serum endotoxin level (2.4-fold), that were prevented by LR and ABX treatments. Enhancement of barrier function with a mucus supplement prevented both GC-Tx–induced barrier leakage and trabecular GIO. In bone, treatment with ABX, LR or a mucus supplement reduced GC-Tx–induced osteoblast and osteocyte apoptosis. GC-Tx suppression of Wnt10b in bone was restored by the LR and high-molecular-weight polymer (MDY) treatments as well as microbiota depletion. Finally, we identified that bone-specific Wnt10b overexpression prevented GIO. Taken together, our data highlight the previously unappreciated involvement of the gut microbiota and intestinal barrier function in trabecular GIO pathogenesis (including Wnt10b suppression and osteoblast and osteocyte apoptosis) and identify the gut as a novel therapeutic target for preventing GIO. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Maternal Transmission Ratio Distortion of GNAS Loss-of-Function Mutations
Authors: Snanoudj Sarah , Molin Arnaud , Colson Cindy , Coudray Nadia , Paulien Sylvie , Mittre Hervé , Gérard Marion , Schaefer Elise , Goldenberg Alice , Bacchetta Justine , Odent Sylvie , Naudion Sophie , Demeer Bénédicte , Faivre Laurence , Gruchy Nicolas , Kottler Marie-Laure , Richard Nicolas
Published: December 2019

Pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1A (PHP1A) and pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism (PPHP) are two rare autosomal dominant disorders caused by loss-of-function mutations in the imprinted Guanine Nucleotide Binding Protein, Alpha Stimulating Activity (GNAS) gene, coding Gsα. PHP1A is caused by mutations in the maternal allele and results in Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO) and hormonal resistance, mainly to the parathormone (PTH), whereas PPHP, with AHO features and no hormonal resistance, is linked to mutations in the paternal allele. This study sought to investigate parental transmission of GNAS mutations. We conducted a retrospective study in a population of 204 families with 361 patients harboring GNAS mutations. To prevent ascertainment bias toward a higher proportion of affected children due to the way in which data were collected, we excluded from transmission analysis all probands in the ascertained sibships. After bias correction, the distribution ratio of the mutated alleles was calculated from the observed genotypes of the offspring of nuclear families and was compared to the expected ratio of 50% according to Mendelian inheritance (one-sample Z-test). Sex ratio, phenotype of the transmitting parent, and transmission depending on the severity of the mutation were also analyzed. Transmission analysis was performed in 114 nuclear families and included 250 descendants. The fertility rates were similar between male and female patients. We showed an excess of transmission from mother to offspring of mutated alleles (59%, p = .022), which was greater when the mutations were severe (61.7%, p = .023). Similarly, an excess of transmission was found when the mother had a PHP1A phenotype (64.7%, p = .036). By contrast, a Mendelian distribution was observed when the mutations were paternally inherited. Higher numbers of females within the carriers, but not in noncarriers, were also observed. The mother-specific transmission ratio distortion (TRD) and the sex-ratio imbalance associated to PHP1A point to a role of Gsα in oocyte biology or embryogenesis, with implications for genetic counseling. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Heterojunction of BiPO4/BiOBr photocatalysts for Rhodamine B dye degradation under visible LED light irradiation
Authors: Zhao Hong‐jian , Wu Ren‐Jang , Wang Xu‐Cheng , An Yu‐min , Zhao Wen‐Xia , Ma Fu
Published: December 2019

BiOBr synthesized by alcoholysis precipitation is used in the preparation of BiPO4/BiOBr composites by adding H3PO4. Pristine BiOBr and a series of BiPO4/BiOBr composites have been successfully synthesized using an entirely room‐temperature production process. X‐ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV–vis absorption spectroscopy were used to investigated the bulk structure, surface morphology, element composition and optical properties of the samples. The degradation effect of different proportions of BiPO4/BiOBr composites, BiOBr and BiPO4 on Rhodamine B (RhB) was evaluated under visible LED light irradiation. Compared to pure BiOBr and BiPO4, the as‐synthesized BiPO4/BiOBr composites showed enhanced performance, with 30% BiPO4/BiOBr composite showing the best performance, as it could degrade 95.66% of RhB (100 ml, 15 mg/L) within 120 min. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of BiPO4/BiOBr was attributed to the heterojunction formation between BiOBr and BiPO4 and efficient charge separation.
Sodium 4‐amino‐5‐hydroxy‐7‐sulfonaphthalene‐2‐sulfonate an efficient ligand for click reaction in water: Synthesis of 1,2,3‐triazole pharmacophore linked‐quinazolinone scaffold
Authors: Keivanloo Ali , Bakherad Mohammad , Mokhtarei Lotfollah
Published: December 2019

Water soluble sodium 4‐amino‐5‐hydroxy‐7‐sulfonaphthalene‐2‐sulfonate ligand was used successfully for the preparation of 1,2,3‐triazoles pharmacophore linked‐quinazolinone scaffold. The reaction of ethyl 4‐oxo‐3,4‐dihydroquinazoline‐2‐carboxylate and related amide compounds with propargyl bromide afforded ethyl 4‐oxo‐3‐(prop‐2‐yn‐1‐yl)‐3,4‐dihydroquinazoline‐2‐carboxylate and its amide derivatives. The reaction of propargylated compounds with azides catalyzed by copper (II) salt, in the presence of Sodium 4‐amino‐5‐hydroxy‐7‐sulfonaphthalene‐2‐sulfonate as a ligand in water produced novel 1,2,3‐triazole pharmacophore linked‐quinazolinone‐4‐one scaffold with high‐to‐excellent yields. The ligand assisted in the click reaction and reduced loading of copper salt to 2 mol%. Simplicity, short reaction times, use of water as green solvent, and low catalyst loading are the main advantages of this procedure.
Histology and structural integration of the major morphologies of the Cypriniform Weberian apparatus
Authors: Bird Nathan C. , Abels Jeremy R. , Richardson Selena S.
Published: December 2019

The Weberian apparatus, a diagnostic feature of otophysan fishes, is a novel hearing adaptation integrating several developmental and morphological systems (ear‐vertebral column‐swim bladder). Otophysan fishes are one of the largest and most successful freshwater clades, with over 10,000 species across most continents. The largest otophysan order, Cypriniformes, dominates the freshwaters of Asia, Europe, North America, and Africa. Spanning such a wide variety of environments, the Weberian apparatus undergoes morphological modifications to maintain functionality. Within Cypriniformes, we propose three distinct morphological classes of the Weberian apparatus based on the level of skeletal expansion around the swim bladder: simple (typical of most Cyprinidae), anterior plate (found in families such as Gyrinocheilidae, Catostomidae, and Botiidae), and encapsulated (either single‐capsule as found, e.g., in Gobionidae and Cobitidae, or double‐capsule as found, e.g., in Nemacheilidae and Balitoridae). Little ontological or comparative data exists regarding the construction or integration of these different morphologies, and less is known about the tissue level integration and variation within these morphologies. We used paraffin histology to document the hard and soft tissue anatomy of the Weberian apparatus in six species representing all morphological classes. We found sites of similarity across the morphologies including size and structure of the saccule, aspects of ossicle ossification, and swim bladder tunica composition, indicating potential sites of developmental and functional constraint. In contrast, we found differences across both auditory and nonauditory features in otic chamber size, ossification within ossicles and other vertebral elements, and composition of ligaments, indicating likely sites of adaptability. Some of these changes are likely evolutionary (taxonomic), but may be influenced by the environmental niche occupied by the clade. These results show a clear need for increased ontological and comparative study of the complete cypriniform Weberian apparatus, particularly histologically, as well as increased auditory studies across morphological types.
Emotional intelligence and knowledge management: A necessary link?
Authors: Rechberg Isabel D. W.
Published: December 2019

This theoretical paper studies the effect of emotional intelligence (EI) on individuals' participation in knowledge management (KM) practices. Individuals are the sources of knowledge, and EI may advance individuals' self‐awareness, self‐management, social awareness, and relationship‐management skills, which in turn positively impacts their knowledge processing behavior. The argument is made that knowledge creation is enabled through individuals' ability to recognize and correctly interpret emotional and environmental clues. Knowledge sharing is facilitated through individuals' interpersonal, communication, and team‐working skills, enabled through self‐awareness and social awareness. Knowledge is retained in organizations where EI enacts individuals' corporate citizenship behavior, adaptability, and job satisfaction. Where knowledge is power, knowledge management as a discipline may face difficulties, as the attempt to manage knowledge can result in individuals' resistance. Suggestions are provided on how organizations can adapt operations to meet the needs of the knowledge carriers, integrating EI into its strategic plan. Implications for the industry and further research suggestions are followed by conclusions.
Scale effects of sediment retention, water yield, and net primary production: A case‐study of the Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Su Changhong , Dong Min , Fu Bojie , Liu Guohua
Published: December 2019

Ecosystem services are generated by ecological processes over a range of scales. Studying the scale effects on ecosystem services is important for exploring the driving mechanisms and conducive to prudent ecological managements. Unfortunately, quantitative testing the scale effects of ecosystem services' associations, as well as identifying the driving mechanisms across scales, has rarely been documented. This study used the Loess Plateau as study area to test the scale effects and the correlations between sediment retention, water yield, and net primary production (NPP) and their driving mechanisms. A model of Integrated valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoff 3.0 and the Carnegie‐Ames‐Stanford Approach were used to assess the services of sediment retention, water yield, and NPP in 2000 and 2008. Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) was used to quantify the driving mechanisms of ecosystem services. The results indicated that the ecosystem services are more varied in spatial patterns at small scale than at large scale. The average values of sediment retention, water yield, and NPP at small scale increased during the period. However, at large scale, the average values of sediment retention and water yield decreased and the NPP value increased simultaneously. Generally, the correlations between ecosystem services weakened when the spatial scale increased. The results from CCA indicated that, at small scale, the natural factors of precipitation, hours of sunshine, and temperature were the principal driving factors underlying ecosystem services. When the scale increased, the socioeconomic factors of population, grain production, and nonfarming production were gradually integrated into the factors driving the patterns of ecosystem services.
Microbiome of the deep Lake Baikal, a unique oxic bathypelagic habitat
Authors: Cabello‐Yeves Pedro J. , Zemskaya Tamara I. , Zakharenko Alexandra S. , Sakirko Mariya V. , Ivanov Vyacheslav G. , Ghai Rohit , Rodriguez‐Valera Francisco
Published: December 2019

Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world. Its depth provides the only bathypelagic (> 1000 m deep) freshwater habitat on Earth and its oxic, ultra‐oligotrophic features make it a freshwater counterpart of the deep ocean. Here we have analyzed metagenomes from 1250 and 1350 m deep samples and built 231 metagenome‐assembled genomes (MAGs). We detected high fractions of Thaumarchaeota (ca. 20% of 16S rRNA reads) and members of the candidate phyla radiation (CPR) (3–4.5%). Among the MAGs, we obtained ammonia‐oxidizing archaea (AOA, Nitrosopumilaceae) and bacteria (AOB, Nitrosomonadaceae), and nitrite‐oxidizers (Nitrospirae) indicating very active nitrification. A new clade of freshwater SAR202 Chloroflexi and methanotrophs (Methyloglobulus) were also remarkably abundant, the latter reflecting a possible role of methane oxidation as well. Novel species of streamlined and cosmopolitan bacteria such as Ca. Fonsibacter or acI Actinobacteria were more abundant at the surface but also present in deep waters. Conversely, CPRs, Myxococcales, Chloroflexi, DPANN (Diapherotrites, Parvarchaeota, Aenigmarchaeota, Nanoarchaeota and Nanohaloarchaeota) archaea, or Gammaproteobacteria were found only in bathypelagic samples. We noted various important taxonomic and metabolic differences between deep aphotic region of Lake Baikal and marine waters of similar depth: Betaproteobacteriales, CPR, and DPANN superphylum were only found in bathypelagic Baikal, while Deltaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, or Alphaproteobacteria prevailed in oceanic samples. The genes mediating ammonia and methane oxidation, aromatic compound degradation, or alkane/methanesulfonate monooxygenases were detected in higher numbers in deep Baikal compared to their oceanic counterparts or its own surface. Overall, depth seems to be less relevant than salinity in configuring the microbial community.
Recent Strategies in Fabrication of Gradient Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Jo Heejung , Yoon Minhyuk , Gajendiran Mani , Kim Kyobum
Published: December 2019

Hydrogels are widely used as scaffold in tissue engineering field because of their ability to mimic the cellular microenvironment. However, mimicking a completely natural cellular environment is complicated due to the differences in various physical and chemical properties of cellular environments. Recently, gradient hydrogels provide excellent heterogeneous environment to mimic the different cellular microenvironments. To create hydrogels with an anisotropic distribution, gradient hydrogels have been widely developed by adopting several gradient generation techniques. Herein, the various gradient hydrogel fabrication techniques, including dual syringe pump systems, microfluidic device, photolithography, diffusion, and bio‐printing are summarized. As the effects of gradient 3D hydrogels with stems have been reviewed elsewhere, this review focuses principally on gradient hydrogel fabrication for multi‐model tissue regeneration. This review provides new insights into the key points for fabrication of gradient hydrogels for multi‐model tissue regeneration.
Effect of Sulfation Route and Subsequent Oxidation on Derivatization Degree and Biocompatibility of Cellulose Sulfates
Authors: Strätz Juliane , Liedmann Andrea , Heinze Thomas , Fischer Steffen , Groth Thomas
Published: December 2019

Sulfated cellulose (CS) represents an interesting biopolymer due to bioactivity comparable to heparin. However, use of CS for making surface coatings or hydrogels requires the presence of reactive groups for covalent reactions. Here, an approach is presented to oxidize cellulose sulfates for subsequent cross‐linking reactions with amino groups to form imine bonds. Cellulose is sulfated by direct sulfation or acetosulfation, followed by a Malaprade oxidation. The CS obtained is characterized by elemental analysis and 13C‐NMR spectroscopy. The resulting oxidized cellulose sulfates (oxCS) have different degrees of sulfation ranging from 0.79 to 1.13 and oxidation degrees from 0.18 to 0.34, but also different mass average molecular mass (MW). Toxicity studies are carried out with mouse 3T3 fibroblasts exposed to aqueous solutions of oxCS. The results show that all oxCS are non‐toxic at lower concentrations (0.5 mg mL−1), but with both increasing degree of oxidation and concentrations, toxic effects are observed particularly for acetosulfated and lesser for direct sulfated oxCS, which is related to a decrease in the MW of the products. It is concluded that oxCS obtained by direct sulfation with MW above 70 kDa may represent a biocompatible material for the applications suggested above.
Mechanical Deformation Mediated Transmembrane Transport
Authors: Ming Zunzhen , Pang Yan , Liu Jinyao
Published: December 2019

Transmembrane transport is essential and plays critical roles for molecule exchange for cell survival. Methods capable of mimicking and regulating transmembrane transport have transformed the ability to create biosensors, separation membranes, and drug carriers. However, artificial channels have been largely restricted by their complicated chemical fabrication and inefficiency to dynamically manipulate the transport process. Here, a novel approach to regulate transmembrane transport is described by simply adjusting the mechanical deformation of liposomal bilayers which are covalently embedded in a crosslinked hydrogel network. This new approach is able to dynamically control transmembrane transport by stretching and loosening. The transmembrane diffusion of molecules can be switched on and off, and precisely tuned by varying strain. A potential of this method to programmably regulate cell growth is demonstrated by tuning external mechanical force. Given its unique characteristics, this method allows the development of innovative systems for controlled transmembrane transport of molecules.
A novel de novo nonsense mutation in ZC4H2 causes Wieacker‐Wolff Syndrome
Authors: Wang Dan , Hu Dongjie , Guo Zhichao , Hu Rong , Wang Qunxian , Liu Yannan , Liu Mingjing , Meng Zijun , Yang Huan , Zhang Yun , Cai Fang , Zhou Weihui , Song Weihong
Published: December 2019

Background

Wieacker‐Wolff syndrome (WWS) is a congenital X‐linked neuromuscular disorder, which was firstly reported in 1985. Zinc finger C4H2‐type containing (ZC4H2) gene has been found to be associated with the disease pathogenesis. However, the underlying mechanism remains elusive.

Methods

Whole‐exome sequencing was performed to identify the mutations. Expression plasmids were constructed and cell culture and immune‐biochemical assays were used to examine the effects of the mutation.

Results

We reported a female patient with classical symptoms of WWS and discovered a novel nonsense heterozygous mutation (p.R67X; c.199C>T) in ZC4H2 gene in the patient but not in her parents. The mutation resulted in a 66 amino‐acid truncated ZC4H2 protein. The mutation is located in the key helix domain and it altered the subcellular locations of the mutant ZC4H2 protein. X‐chromosome inactivation (XCI) pattern analysis revealed that the XCI ratio of the proband was 22:78.

Conclusion

Female heterozygous carriers with nonsense mutation with a truncated ZC4H2 protein could lead to the pathogenesis of Wieacker‐Wolff syndrome and our study provides a potential new target for the disease treatment.
Identification of RNPC3 as a novel JAK2 fusion partner gene in B‐acute lymphoblastic leukemia refractory to combination therapy including ruxolitinib
Authors: Chen Xue , Wang Fang , Zhang Yang , Ma Xiaoli , Liu Mingyue , Cao Panxiang , Zhou Lin , Wang Lan , Zhang Xian , Wang Tong , Liu Hongxing
Published: December 2019

Background

Hematopoietic neoplasms with chromosomal translocations involving JAK2 are rare, and most of them show myeloproliferative neoplasm‐associated features, followed by B‐acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL). De novo B‐ALL cases with JAK2 rearrangements are suggested to be appropriately considered as BCR‐ABL1‐like B‐ALL, but its partners varied.

Methods

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), RNA sequencing (RNA‐Seq), whole‐genome sequencing, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) were performed to identify the pathogenic fusion gene in a 29‐year‐old woman with relapsed B‐ALL and rare t(1;9)(p13;p22) translocation.

Results

We identified RNPC3 as a new JAK2 fusion partner in the patient. She was treated with a combination of chemotherapy and targeted drug ruxolitinib and chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell therapy, but failed to achieve complete remission. She had no chance to undergo allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and died of disease progression 7 months after the initial diagnosis. Her clinical course demonstrated that this novel RNPC3‐JAK2 fusion might portend an unfavorable prognosis.

Conclusion

This finding adds to the expanding compendium of JAK2 fusions found in B‐ALL and suggests the potential need for a diagnostic FISH analysis as well as RNA‐Seq in the appropriate clinical setting.
DC‐AL GAN: Pseudoprogression and true tumor progression of glioblastoma multiform image classification based on DCGAN and AlexNet
Authors: Li Meiyu , Tang Hailiang , Chan Michael D. , Zhou Xiaobo , Qian Xiaohua
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Pseudoprogression (PsP) occurs in 20–30% of patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) after receiving the standard treatment. PsP exhibits similarities in shape and intensity to the true tumor progression (TTP) of GBM on the follow‐up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These similarities pose challenges to the differentiation of these types of progression and hence the selection of the appropriate clinical treatment strategy.

Methods

To address this challenge, we introduced a novel feature learning method based on deep convolutional generative adversarial network (DCGAN) and AlexNet, termed DC‐AL GAN, to discriminate between PsP and TTP in MRI images. Due to the adversarial relationship between the generator and the discriminator of DCGAN, high‐level discriminative features of PsP and TTP can be derived for the discriminator with AlexNet. We also constructed a multifeature selection module to concatenate features from different layers, contributing to more powerful features used for effectively discriminating between PsP and TTP. Finally, these discriminative features from the discriminator are used for classification by a support vector machine (SVM). Tenfold cross‐validation (CV) and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) were applied to evaluate the performance of this developed algorithm.

Results

The accuracy and AUC of DC‐AL GAN for discriminating PsP and TTP after tenfold CV were 0.920 and 0.947. We also assessed the effects of different indicators (such as sensitivity and specificity) for features extracted from different layers to obtain a model with the best classification performance.

Conclusions

The proposed model DC‐AL GAN is capable of learning discriminative representations from GBM datasets, and it achieves desirable PsP and TTP classification performance superior to other state‐of‐the‐art methods. Therefore, the developed model would be useful in the diagnosis of PsP and TTP for GBM.
The electrospun poly(ε‐caprolactone)/fluoridated hydroxyapatite nanocomposite for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Johari Narges , Fathi Mohammadhossein , Fereshteh Zeinab , Kargozar Saeid , Samadikuchaksaraei Ali
Published: December 2019

Biodegradable cell‐incorporated scaffolds can guide the regeneration process of bone defects such as physiological resorption, tooth loss, and trauma which medically, socially, and economically hurt patients. Here, 0, 5, 10, and 15 wt% fluoridated hydroxyapatite (FHA) nanoparticles containing 25 wt% F− and 75 wt% OH− were incorporated into poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) matrix to produce PCL/FHA nanocomposite scaffolds using electrospinning method. Then, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) pattern, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to evaluate the morphology, phase structure, and functional groups of prepared electrospun scaffolds, respectively. Furthermore, the tensile strength and elastic modulus of electrospun scaffolds were investigated using the tensile test. Moreover, the biodegradation behavior of electrospun PCL/FHA scaffolds was studied by the evaluation of weight loss of mats and the alternation of pH in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) up to 30 days of incubation. Then, the biocompatibility of prepared mats was investigated by culturing MG‐63 osteoblast cell line and performing MTT assay. In addition, the adhesion of osteoblast cells on prepared electrospun scaffolds was studied using their SEM images. Results revealed that the fiber diameter of prepared electrospun PCL/FHA scaffolds alters between 700 and 900 nm. The mechanical assay illustrated the mat with 10 wt% FHA nanoparticles revealed the highest tensile strength and elastic modulus. The weight loss alternation of mats determined around 1% to 8% after 30 days of incubation. The biocompatibility and cell adhesion of mats improved by increasing the amounts of FHA nanoparticles.
Promoting adherence in adolescents and young adults with cancer to optimize outcomes: A developmentally oriented narrative review
Authors: Vandermorris Ashley , Sampson Lorna , Korenblum Chana
Published: December 2019

Adherence is a critical consideration in ongoing efforts to improve outcomes among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer. In this narrative review, we embed existing conceptualizations of adherence within a developmental context to provide a novel vantage point from which to examine this important issue. Applying this developmentally oriented framework, we summarize the most current literature on strategies to enhance adherence in the AYA population. A developmentally informed approach to working with AYAs can elucidate unique strengths and vulnerabilities of this population and offer a new perspective on opportunities to respond to biopsychosocial barriers to adherence in a strengths‐based, collaborative manner.
Preparation and properties of polyurethane rigid foam materials modified by microencapsulated phase change materials
Authors: Xiang Hongxia , An Jiaxuan , Zeng Xiaoyan , Liu Xiaoxiang , Li Youbing , Yang Chaolong , Xia Xiaochao
Published: December 2019

Polyurethane rigid foam composites are prepared via in situ foaming the polyurethane prepolymer blended with microencapsulated phase change material (MEPCM) in the work. The MEPCM is composed of n‐octadecane as core material and silicon dioxide as shell material synthesized by chemical precipitation method. Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) indicate that there are no chemical reactions between core and shell of the MEPCMs, and whose average diameter is ca. 0.69 μm investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The encapsulation rate of the MEPCM is up to 47.5% calculated by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) parameters, and the decomposition temperature of the encapsulated octadecane increased by about 20°C according to the thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) analysis. The thermal controlling ability of polyurethane rigid foam with the MEPCMs is tested by a self‐made heating and/or cooling device, and the results showed that the foamed composites presented greater than 50 J/g for the latent heat enthalpy value and a relatively constant temperature ranged from 26°C to 28°C when the MEPCMs is 50 wt%.
An experimental study on performance of jute‐polyester composite tubes under axial and transverse impact loading
Authors: Mache Ashok , Deb Anindya , Gupta Narinder
Published: December 2019

The efficacy of woven jute‐polyester (JP) composite tubes as structural energy‐absorbing countermeasures has been explored in the current study. In this connection, the behaviors of 3‐ply and 4‐ply JP composite tubes of square and double‐hat shaped sections subjected to axial quasi‐static and impact loads are considered, and compared with 4‐ply glass‐polyester (GP) tubes of similar geometric configurations. Initially, basic mechanical characterization of JP laminates is carried out using a Universal Testing Machine, which is followed up with axial quasi‐static and drop‐weight impact testing of JP tubes, along with similar tests carried out on GP tubes. A thorough comparison is made between the performances including failure patterns of JP and GP components under axial loading using metrics such as peak load, mean crush load, absorbed energy, and specific energy absorption (SEA). As many structural applications involve dynamic bending loads, a comparative study is carried out between double‐hat JP and GP components subjected to transverse impact loading. Based on the competitive values of mean load and SEA yielded by jute‐composite tubes in the present study for axial impact loading, and high mean load and moderate energy absorption till failure recorded by similar components under three‐point impact bending, it can be concluded that JP tubes can be capable of supporting impact loads under both axial and bending modes.