bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D‐Bioprinted Mini‐Brain: A Glioblastoma Model to Study Cellular Interactions and Therapeutics
Authors: Heinrich Marcel Alexander , Bansal Ruchi , Lammers Twan , Zhang Yu Shrike , Michel Schiffelers Raymond , Prakash Jai
Published: January 2019

Glioblastoma‐associated macrophages (GAMs) play a crucial role in the progression and invasiveness of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM); however, the exact crosstalk between GAMs and glioblastoma cells is not fully understood. Furthermore, there is a lack of relevant in vitro models to mimic their interactions. Here, novel 3D‐bioprinted mini‐brains consisting of glioblastoma cells and macrophages are presented as tool to study the interactions between these two cell types and to test therapeutics that target this interaction. It is demonstrated that in the mini‐brains, glioblastoma cells actively recruit macrophages and polarize them into a GAM‐specific phenotype, showing clinical relevance to transcriptomic and patient survival data. Furthermore, it is shown that macrophages induce glioblastoma cell progression and invasiveness in the mini‐brains. Finally, it is demonstrated how therapeutics can inhibit the interaction between GAMs and tumor cells resulting in reduced tumor growth and more sensitivity to chemotherapy. It is envisioned that this 3D‐bioprinted tumor model is used to improve the understanding of tumor biology and for evaluating novel cancer therapeutics.
Modular Metal–Organic Polyhedra Superassembly: From Molecular‐Level Design to Targeted Drug Delivery
Authors: Zhu Wei , Guo Jimin , Ju Yi , Serda Rita E. , Croissant Jonas G. , Shang Jin , Coker Eric , Agola Jacob Ongudi , Zhong Qi‐Zhi , Ping Yuan , Caruso Frank , Brinker C. Jeffrey
Published: January 2019

Targeted drug delivery remains at the forefront of biomedical research but remains a challenge to date. Herein, the first superassembly of nanosized metal–organic polyhedra (MOP) and their biomimetic coatings of lipid bilayers are described to synergistically combine the advantages of micelles and supramolecular coordination cages for targeted drug delivery. The superassembly technique affords unique hydrophobic features that endow individual MOP to act as nanobuilding blocks and enable their superassembly into larger and well‐defined nanocarriers with homogeneous sizes over a broad range of diameters. Various cargos are controllably loaded into the MOP with high payloads, and the nanocages are then superassembled to form multidrug delivery systems. Additionally, functional nanoparticles are introduced into the superassemblies via a one‐pot process for versatile bioapplications. The MOP superassemblies are surface‐engineered with epidermal growth factor receptors and can be targeted to cancer cells. In vivo studies indicated the assemblies to have a substantial circulation half‐life of 5.6 h and to undergo renal clearance—characteristics needed for nanomedicines.
Conjugated Donor–Acceptor Terpolymers Toward High‐Efficiency Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Dang Dongfeng , Yu Donghong , Wang Ergang
Published: January 2019

The development of conjugated alternating donor–acceptor (D–A) copolymers with various electron‐rich and electron‐deficient units in polymer backbones has boosted the power conversion efficiency (PCE) over 17% for polymer solar cells (PSCs) over the past two decades. However, further enhancements in PCEs for PSCs are still imperative to compensate their imperfect stability for fulfilling practical applications. Meanwhile development of these alternating D–A copolymers is highly demanding in creative design and syntheses of novel D and/or A monomers. In this regard, when being possible to adopt an existing monomer unit as a third component from its libraries, either a D′ unit or an A′ moiety, to the parent D–A type polymer backbones to afford conjugated D–A terpolymers, it will give a facile and cost‐effective method to improve their light absorption and tune energy levels and also interchain packing synergistically. Moreover, the rationally controlled stoichiometry for these components in such terpolymers also provides access for further fine‐tuning these factors, thus resulting in high‐performance PSCs. Herein, based on their unique features, the recent progress of conjugated D–A terpolymers for efficient PSCs is reviewed and it is discussed how these factors influence their photovoltaic performance, for providing useful guidelines to design new terpolymers toward high‐efficiency PSCs.
Pseudohalides in Lead‐Based Perovskite Semiconductors
Authors: Walker Bright , Kim Gi‐Hwan , Kim Jin Young
Published: January 2019

The emerging class of lead halide perovskite (LHP) semiconductors offers a surprising combination of low cost, ease of preparation, outstanding material properties, and performance in optoelectronic devices that has not yet been observed in any other class of material. Considering their general ABX3 formula, the halide (X) composition in LHP compositions has proven to be one of the best handles to control the material characteristics such as bandgap, morphology, and electronic properties. However, compared to the amount of effort that has been expended to discover new A cations and B cations, relatively few reports have dealt with the subject of discovering new X anions outside of the series of halides (Cl−, Br−, I−). In principal, a much wider range of anions with a −1 charge (pseudohalides) may form the ABX3 stoichiometry with Pb2+, yet the general ability of polyatomic pseudohalides to form semiconducting perovskite crystal phases with Pb2+ remains an open question. Herein, the prospect of using polyatomic pseudohalide anions in LHP semiconductors is addressed.
Perovskite—a Perfect Top Cell for Tandem Devices to Break the S–Q Limit
Authors: Wang Ziyu , Song Zhaoning , Yan Yanfa , Liu Shengzhong (Frank) , Yang Dong
Published: January 2019

Up to now, multijunction cell design is the only successful way demonstrated to overcome the Shockley–Quiesser limit for single solar cells. Perovskite materials have been attracting ever‐increasing attention owing to their large absorption coefficient, tunable bandgap, low cost, and easy fabrication process. With their rapidly increased power conversion efficiency, organic–inorganic metal halide perovskite‐based solar cells have demonstrated themselves as the most promising candidates for next‐generation photovoltaic applications. In fact, it is a dream come true for researchers to finally find a perfect top‐cell candidate in tandem device design in commercially developed solar cells like single‐crystalline silicon and CIGS cells used as the bottom component cells. Here, the recent progress of multijunction solar cells is reviewed, including perovskite/silicon, perovskite/CIGS, perovskite/perovskite, and perovskite/polymer multijunction cells. In addition, some perspectives on using these solar cells in emerging markets such as in portable devices, Internet of Things, etc., as well as an outlook for perovskite‐based multijunction solar cells are discussed.
Birth mode, breastfeeding and childhood infectious morbidity in the Yucatec Maya
Authors: Veile Amanda , Faria Amy A. , Rivera Sydney , Tuller Sydney M. , Kramer Karen L.
Published: January 2019

Objectives

Cesarean delivery is linked to breastfeeding complications and child morbidity. These outcomes may disproportionately affect Latin American indigenous populations that are experiencing rising cesarean delivery rates, but often inhabit environments that exacerbate postnatal morbidity risks. We therefore assess relationships between birth mode, infant feeding practices, and childhood infectious morbidity in a modernizing Yucatec Maya community, where prolonged breastfeeding is the norm. We predicted that under these conditions, cesarean delivery would increase risk of childhood infectious morbidity, but prolonged breastfeeding postcesarean would mitigate morbidity risk.

Methods

Using a longitudinal child health dataset (n = 88 children aged 0‐60 months, 24% cesarean‐delivered, 2290 observations total), we compare gastrointestinal infectious (GI) and respiratory infectious (RI) morbidity rates by birth mode. We model associations between cesarean delivery and breastfeeding duration, formula feeding and child nutritional status, then model GI and RI as a function of birth mode, child age, and feeding practices.

Results

Cesarean delivery was associated with longer breastfeeding durations and higher child weight‐for‐age, but not with formula feeding, GI, or RI. Adolescent motherhood and RI were risk factors for GI; formula feeding and GI were risk factors for RI. Regional housing materials protected against GI; breastfeeding protected against RI and mitigated the effect of formula feeding.

Conclusions

We find no direct link between birth mode and child infectious morbidity. Yucatec Maya mothers practice prolonged breastfeeding, especially postcesarean, and in conjunction with formula feeding. This practice protects against childhood RI, but not GI, perhaps because GI is more susceptible to maternal and household factors.
Factors affecting quality of life in children and adolescents with hypermobile Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome/hypermobility spectrum disorders
Authors: Mu Weiyi , Muriello Michael , Clemens Julia L. , Wang You , Smith Christy H. , Tran Phuong T. , Rowe Peter C. , Francomano Clair A. , Kline Antonie D. , Bodurtha Joann
Published: January 2019

Hypermobile Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome (hEDS) is a hereditary disorder of connective tissue, often presenting with complex symptoms can include chronic pain, fatigue, and dysautonomia. Factors influencing functional disability in the pediatric hEDS population are incompletely studied. This study's aims were to assess factors that affect quality of life in children and adolescents with hEDS. Individuals with hEDS between the ages 12–20 years and matched parents were recruited through retrospective chart review at two genetics clinics. Participants completed a questionnaire that included the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL™), PedsQL Multidimentional Fatigue Scale, Functional Disability Inventory, Pain‐Frequency‐Severity‐Duration Scale, the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, measures of anxiety and depression, and helpful interventions. Survey responses were completed for 47 children and adolescents with hEDS/hypermobility spectrum disorder (81% female, mean age 16 years), some by the affected individual, some by their parent, and some by both. Clinical data derived from chart review were compared statistically to survey responses. All outcomes correlated moderately to strongly with each other. Using multiple regression, general fatigue and pain scores were the best predictors of the PedsQL total score. Additionally, presence of any psychiatric diagnosis was correlated with a lower PedsQL score. Current management guidelines recommend early intervention to prevent disability from deconditioning; these results may help identify target interventions in this vulnerable population.
A Convenient and Atom‐Economic One‐Pot Selenium‐Chloride‐Mediated Synthesis of 2‐Arylselenopheno[2,3‐b]indoles and Their Antifungal Activity
Authors: Martins Guilherme M. , do Carmo Gabriele , Morel Ademir F. , Kaufman Teodoro S. , Silveira Claudio C.
Published: January 2019

A facile and convenient atom‐economic protocol for the one‐pot synthesis of 2‐aryl selenopheno[2,3‐b]indoles, by an electrophilic cyclization of 3‐(arylalkynyl)indoles with SeCl2 prepared in situ as the selenium source, is reported. The tricyclic products were obtained in moderate to very good yields. The reaction was optimized, and its scope and limitations were systematically studied. It was observed that its performance was affected by the steric and electronic properties of the substituent attached to the nitrogen atom and to a lesser extent by the nature and position of the substituents of the pending aryl moiety. Halogen atoms located para to the alkynyl group caused an average of 20% yield reduction. The reaction was unsuccessful with substrates bearing an alkyl chain attached to one of the sides of the alkynyl moiety. The antifungal activity of selected tricyclic compounds was tested against a panel of clinically relevant yeasts, and one of the heterocycles was exceptionally effective against Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gatti.
Semi‐Locked Tetrathienylethene as a Building Block for Hole‐Transporting Materials: Toward Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Shen Chao , Wu Yongzhen , Zhang Hao , Li Erpeng , Zhang Weiwei , Xu Xiaojia , Wu Wenjun , Tian He , Zhu Wei‐Hong
Published: January 2019

The construction of state‐of‐the‐art hole‐transporting materials (HTMs) is challenging regarding the appropriate molecular configuration for simultaneously achieving high morphology uniformity and charge mobility, especially because of the lack of appropriate building blocks. Herein a semi‐locked tetrathienylethene (TTE) serves as a promising building block for HTMs by fine‐tuning molecular planarity. Upon incorporation of four triphenylamine groups, the resulting TTE represents the first hybrid orthogonal and planar conformation, thus leading to the desirable electronic and morphological properties in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Owing to its high hole mobility, deep lying HOMO level, and excellent thin film quality, the dopant‐free TTE‐based PSCs exhibit a very promising efficiency of over 20 % with long‐term stability, achieving to date the best performances among dopant‐free HTM‐based planar n‐i‐p structured PSCs.
Functionalizable composite nanoparticles as a dual magnetic resonance imaging/computed tomography contrast agent for medical imaging
Authors: Illert Patrick , Wängler Björn , Wängler Carmen , Zöllner Frank , Uhrig Tanja , Litau Shanna , Pretze Marc , Röder Thorsten
Published: January 2019

A dual contrast agent for computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was synthesized via microemulsion polymerization. This contrast agent consists of Fe3O4 particles (d = 7 nm) with an iodine‐carrying nanopolymeric shell, with overall particle sizes ranging from 50 to 250 nm. 2‐Methacryloyloxyethyl(2,3,5‐triiodobenzoate) was used as the monomer. Sodium oleate was used as the surfactant and its amount was varied to control the overall particle size. The composite nanoparticles were mainly characterized via dynamic light scattering, with further analyses using transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The particles provided a highly visible contrast in CT and MR images. A template for biomedical applications was created by adding a comonomer and the particles were further functionalized with the somatostatin analogue Tyr3‐octreotate. The particles were tested for specific uptake into somatostatin receptor‐positive AR42J cells. The additional uptake of the functionalized particles was investigated. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47571.
A Versatile Naphthalimide–Sulfonamide‐Coated Tetraphenylethene: Aggregation‐Induced Emission Behavior, Mechanochromism, and Tracking Glutathione in Living Cells
Authors: Han Xie , Liu Yuhong , Liu Guotao , Luo Jing , Liu Sheng Hua , Zhao Wenbo , Yin Jun
Published: January 2019

A tetraphenylethene (TPE) derivative substituted with a sulfonyl‐based naphthalimide unit (TPE‐Np) was designed and synthesized. Its optical properties in solution and in the solid state were investigated. Photophysical properties indicated that the target molecule, TPE‐Np, possessed aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) behavior, although the linkage between TPE and the naphthalimide unit was nonconjugated. Additionally, it exhibited an unexpected, highly reversible mechanochromism in the solid state, which was attributed to the change in manner of aggregation between crystalline and amorphous states. On the other hand, a solution of TPE‐Np in a mixture of dimethyl sulfoxide/phosphate‐buffered saline was capable of efficiently distinguishing glutathione (GSH) from cysteine and homocysteine in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. Furthermore, the strategy of using poly(ethylene glycol)–polyethylenimine (PEG‐PEI) nanogel as a carrier to cross‐link TPE‐Np to obtain a water‐soluble PEG‐PEI/TPE‐Np nanoprobe greatly improved the biocompatibility, and this nanoprobe could be successfully applied in the visualization of GSH levels in living cells.
Application of the active disturbance rejection control structure to improve the controller performance of uncertain pneumatic actuators
Authors: Rosas Almeida David I. , Alvarez Joaquin , Cantu Cardenas Jesus Armando
Published: January 2019

In many robotic applications, pneumatic actuators are not adequate for tracking control tasks given the poor performance obtained with traditional control techniques like PID controllers. In this paper we show that the so‐called Active Disturbance Rejection Control Structure (ADRCS), combined with a discontinuous observer and standard or robust algorithms in the controller block, provides a good solution to regulation and tracking control problems of pneumatic actuators. The discontinuous observer estimates the velocity, and whose discontinuous nature permits to estimate also the disturbances affecting the system, allowing to use a very simple model of the actuator and avoiding an off‐line parameter identification. To analyze the observer ability to estimate the disturbances, we test three different algorithms in the controller block, the standard PD and two discontinuous controllers proposed elsewhere. The performance of the closed loop system is evaluated through experimental results using a performance index based on an
norm, for constants and sinusoidal references. Also, we compare the performance of the proposed algorithms with the controllers with those using the same control algorithm but not including the disturbance compensation, showing the important effect of the disturbance estimation included in the ADRCS on the overall controller performance.
Exponential stability of output‐based event‐triggered control for switched singular systems
Authors: Feng Nana , Wu Baowei , Liu Lili , Wang Yue‐E
Published: January 2019

This paper presents the exponential stability of output‐based event‐triggered control for switched singular systems. An event‐triggered mechanism is introduced based on measure output, by employing the Lyapunov functional method and average dwell time approach, some sufficient conditions for exponential stability of the switched singular closed‐loop systems are derived. Furthermore, dynamic output feedback controller parameters are obtained. Lastly, a numerical example is given to illustrate the validity of the proposed solutions.
Linkage between tropical terrestrial carbon cycle and precipitation: The two anomalous years of 1979 and 1996
Authors: Zhu Jiawen , Zhang Minghua , Zeng Xiaodong
Published: January 2019

Tropical terrestrial ecosystems are the critical driver of the land carbon cycle and climate change. Previous studies have reported strong response in the tropical land carbon cycle to precipitation anomalies in post‐La Niña years. We show that among the post‐La Niña years, 1979 and 1996 stand out strikingly different from other years. 1979 has one of the largest atmospheric CO2 growth rate (CGR) while 1996 has one of the smallest CGR, despite that their annual tropical precipitation anomalies are small. We show that these 2 years correspond to opposite seasonal precipitation anomalies over tropical vegetated lands in the wet‐to‐dry transition seasons in which negative correlation between precipitation and CGR is the strongest. 1979 has large dry anomaly during the transition season, inhibiting land carbon uptake, while 1996 has large wet anomaly during the transition season, favoring more carbon uptake by the tropical ecosystem. Results here highlight the importance of seasonality of climate anomalies and their timing of occurrences with the rhythm of the carbon–climate coupling.
Cost-effectiveness of targeted screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm in siblings
Authors: Hultgren R , Linné A , Svensjö S
Published: January 2019

Background

Population screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in 65-year-old men has been shown to be cost-effective. A risk group with higher prevalence is siblings of patients with an AAA. This health economic model-based study evaluated the potential cost-effectiveness of targeted AAA screening of siblings.

Methods

A Markov model validated against other screening programmes was used. Two methods of identifying siblings were analysed: direct questioning of patients with an AAA (method A), and employing a national multigeneration register (method B). The prevalence was based on observed ultrasound data on AAAs in siblings. Additional parameters were extracted from RCTs, vascular registers, literature and ongoing screening. The outcome was cost-effectiveness, probability of cost-effectiveness at different willingness-to-pay (WTP) thresholds, reduction in AAA death, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained and total costs on a national scale.

Results

Methods A and B were estimated to reduce mortality from AAA, at incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of €7800 (95 per cent c.i. 4627 to 12 982) and €7666 (5000 to 13 373) per QALY respectively. The probability of cost-effectiveness was 99 per cent at a WTP of €23 000. The absolute risk reduction in AAA deaths was five per 1000 invited. QALYs gained were 27 per 1000 invited. In a population of ten million, methods A and B were estimated to prevent 12 and 17 AAA deaths, among 2418 and 3572 siblings identified annually, at total costs of €499 500 and €728 700 respectively.

Conclusion

The analysis indicates that aneurysm-related mortality could be decreased cost-effectively by applying a targeted screening method for siblings of patients with an AAA.
Comprehensive studies on optimization of cellulase and xylanase production by a local indigenous fungus strain via solid state fermentation using oil palm frond as substrate
Authors: Tai Wan Yi , Tan Joo Shun , Lim Vuanghao , Lee Chee Keong
Published: January 2019

The high cost of cellulases remains the most significant barrier to the economical production of bio‐ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass. The goal of this study was to optimize cellulases and xylanase production by a local indigenous fungus strain (Aspergillus niger DWA8) using agricultural waste (oil palm frond [OPF]) as substrate. The enzyme production profile before optimization indicated that the highest carboxymethyl cellulose (CMCase), filter paper (FPase), and xylanase activities of 1.06 U/g, 2.55 U/g, and 2.93 U/g were obtained on day 5, day 4, and day 5 of fermentation, respectively. Response surface methodology was used to study the effects of several key process parameters in order to optimize cellulase production. Of the five physical and two chemical factors tested, only moisture content of 75% (w/w) and substrate amount of 2.5 g had statistically significant effect on enzymes production. Under optimized conditions of 2.5 g of substrate, 75% (w/w) moisture content, initial medium of pH 4.5, 1 × 106 spores/mL of inoculum, and incubation at ambient temperature (±30°C) without additional carbon and nitrogen, the highest CMCase, FPase, and xylanase activities obtained were 2.38 U/g, 2.47 U/g, and 5.23 U/g, respectively. Thus, the optimization process increased CMCase and xylanase production by 124.5 and 78.5%, respectively. Moreover, A. niger DWA8 produced reasonably good cellulase and xylanase titers using OPF as the substrate when compared with previous researcher finding. The enzymes produced by this process could be further use to hydrolyze biomass to generate reducing sugars, which are the feedstock for bioethanol production.
What is a tongue tie? Defining the anatomy of the in‐situ lingual frenulum
Authors: Mills Nikki , Pransky Seth M. , Geddes Donna T. , Mirjalili Seyed Ali
Published: January 2019

Surgical release of the lingual frenulum (frenotomy) has become an increasingly common procedure, performed from birth through to adulthood. Surprisingly, detailed anatomy of the in‐situ lingual frenulum has never been described, and no anatomical basis has been proposed for the individual variability in frenulum morphology. The lingual frenulum is frequently referred to as a “cord” or “submucosal band” of connective tissue, yet there is no evidence to support this anatomical construct. This paper aims to describe the anatomy of the in‐situ lingual frenulum and its relationship to floor of mouth structures. Fresh tissue microdissection of the lingual frenulum and floor of mouth was performed on nine adult cadavers with photo‐documentation and description of findings. The lingual frenulum is a dynamic structure, formed by a midline fold in a layer of fascia that inserts around the inner arc of the mandible, forming a diaphragm‐like structure across the floor of mouth. This fascia is located immediately beneath the oral mucosa, fusing centrally with the connective tissue on the tongue's ventral surface. The sublingual glands and submandibular ducts are enveloped by the fascial layer and anterior genioglossus fibers are suspended beneath it. Lingual nerve branches are located superficially on the ventral surface of the tongue, immediately deep to the fascia. The lingual frenulum is not a discrete midline structure. It is formed by dynamic elevation of a midline fold in the floor of mouth fascia. With this study, the clinical concept of ankyloglossia and its surgical management warrant revision. Clin. Anat. 32:749–761, 2019. © 2019 The Authors. Clinical Anatomy published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Clinical Anatomists.
Assessing the fusion of the ischiopubic synchondrosis using predictive modeling
Authors: Gregory Laura S. , Jones Lee V. , Amorosi Natasha M.
Published: January 2019

Flaring of the ischiopubic synchondrosis at the time of fusion is a common clinical observation in pediatrics and represents a normal physiological process in skeletal maturation. When presenting unilaterally, this flaring can mimic a range of serious pathological conditions such as osteomyelitis, osteal tumors, and traumatic injury. An improved understanding of ischiopubic synchondrosis fusion is therefore critical to avoid potential misdiagnosis. Retrospective multi‐slice computed tomography pelvic scans of Australian individuals aged neonate to 24 years (n = 184) were assessed using a novel five stage morphological classification system of the maturation and fusion of the ischiopubic synchondrosis. Maturation scoring was conducted using both multiplanar formatting views and volume‐rendered reconstructions in OsiriX™. Maturational stage was strongly related to age (P < 0.001) with fusion of the ischiopubic synchondrosis observed between the ages of 4 and 9 years in females and 7 and 13 years for males. The highest probability of fusion in our Queensland Australian population based on multinomial regression predictive modeling was between 7 and 10 years of age. We documented three variants of fusion: pubic and ischial outgrowths, appearance of a secondary ossification center, and a fusiform‐shaped enlargement. This study provides the first predictive modeling of the timing of fusion of the ischiopubic synchondrosis using a reliable morphological classification system. The significant variation in timing and progression of fusion of the ischiopubic synchondrosis reported in this study, will aid in minimizing misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment in children presenting with asymmetrical or delayed ischiopubic synchondrosis anomalies. Clin. Anat. 32:851–859, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intracoronary recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in an infant with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and complete left main coronary artery thrombosis
Authors: Mohammad Nijres Bassel , Huntington John H. , Baliulis Giedrius , Vettukattil Joseph J.
Published: January 2019

An infant with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) presented with complete heart block and severe myocardial dysfunction requiring ECMO support due to complete left main coronary artery (LMCA) thrombosis. Current guidelines for managing coronary artery thrombosis in infants with single ventricle physiology are inadequate. We describe successful LMCA and branch recanalization via intra coronary infusion of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator and discuss management of acute coronary thrombosis in children with single ventricle physiology.
Activated carbon impregnation with ag and cu composed nanoparticles for escherichia coli contaminated water treatment
Authors: Arakawa Flávia Sayuri , Shimabuku‐Biadola Quelen Letícia , de Lima Bazana Simone , Silva Marcela Fernandes , de Abreu Filho Benício Alves , Bergamasco Rosangela
Published: January 2019

This study aimed to produce modified granular activated carbon (GAC) by low concentrations of silver (Ag) and/or copper (Cu) nanoparticles with antibacterial capacity for application in water purification. Modified porous materials were produced from the vacuum impregnation method, at the concentrations (mass of metal/mass of activated carbon) of Ag 8 x 10−4 g/g (Ag 0.08 %), Cu 1 x 10−2 g/g (Cu 1 %), and Ag 8 x 10−4 g/g + Cu 1 x 10−2 g/g (Ag 0.08 % Cu 1 %). The reduction of the metal salts in NPs of Ag and Cu in their metallic forms or oxides was carried out by the thermal decomposition method. The characterization of the produced porous material was performed by x‐ray diffraction, programmed temperature reduction, scanning electron microscopy, x‐ray dispersive energy spectroscopy, electron transmission microscopy, and specific surface area measurements: Brunauer, Emmet, and Teller; micropore area (t method); pore size distribution (DA method); and volume and diameter of micropores (HK method) and mesopores (BJH method). In the structure of the material produced, Ag and Cu metal compounds and AgO and CuO oxides were identified, with average crystallite sizes of < 60 nm. The efficiency of the inactivation of Escherichia coli was more significant in the GAC modified with the combination of NPs (GAC/NP‐AgCu) (6.4 log
10 units), evidencing the synergistic effect of the metals when compared to GAC/NP‐Ag (0.56 log10 units) and GAC/NP‐Cu (1.31 log10 units) modified porous material. Thus, these antibacterial materials can be used for application in water purification, improving the bacteriological quality of water intended for human consumption, noting that the low concentration of metals used can provide exceptional process efficiency.
Fabrication of hydrophobic cellulose nanocrystals
Authors: Baatti Abdessamad , Erchiqui Fouad , Bébin Philippe , Godard François , Bussières Denis
Published: January 2019

An environmentally friendly procedure for the chemical modification of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), obtained from pine wood, was developed to manufacture hydrophobic CNCs. In comparison to other methods, this procedure has the particularity of producing a hydrophobic CNC in a single step, without using organic solvents while using MTMS as a precursor. CNCs were successfully dispersed in water, and the NMR technique was used to study the hydrolysis reaction of the MTMS in water before the surface modification of the CNCs. After 24 h of the modification reaction, the spray‐drying method was used to produce a dry powder of modified CNCs. The obtained hydrophobic CNCs were characterized by several techniques. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the covalent bonds between the MTMS and CNCs as well as the formation of nanostructured polymethylsilsesquioxane (PMSQ) on the surface of the CNCs. XPS spectroscopy examined the presence of Si atoms of the MTMS on the surface of the CNCs. XRD detected the presence of a crystalline structure of PMSQ on the surface of the CNCs and confirmed the preservation of the CNCs crystal after the modification operation. The morphology study using SEM, AFM, and TEM techniques confirmed the presence of nanostructured PMSQ on the surfaces of modified CNCs. The hydrophobic CNCs showed a significant increase in water contact angle (110°) compared to that of unmodified CNCs (43°). This new way of modifying CNCs can produce hydrophobic CNCs with potential for dispersion in non‐polar polymers for the formulation of new nanocomposites.
Synthesis and Structure–Activity Relationship Studies of Benzo[b][1,4]oxazin‐3(4H)‐one Analogues as Inhibitors of Mycobacterial Thymidylate Synthase X
Authors: Modranka Jakub , Li Jiahong , Parchina Anastasia , Vanmeert Michiel , Dumbre Shrinivas , Salman Mayla , Myllykallio Hannu , Becker Hubert F. , Vanhoutte Roeland , Margamuljana Lia , Nguyen Hoai , Abu El‐Asrar Rania , Rozenski Jef , Herdewijn Piet , De Jonghe Steven , Lescrinier Eveline
Published: January 2019

Since the discovery of a flavin‐dependent thymidylate synthase (ThyX or FDTS) that is absent in humans but crucial for DNA biosynthesis in a diverse group of pathogens, the enzyme has been pursued for the development of new antibacterial agents against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of the widespread infectious disease tuberculosis (TB). In response to a growing need for more effective anti‐TB drugs, we have built upon our previous screening efforts and report herein an optimization campaign of a novel series of inhibitors with a unique inhibition profile. The inhibitors display competitive inhibition toward the methylene tetrahydrofolate cofactor of ThyX, enabling us to generate a model of the compounds bound to their target, thus offering insight into their structure–activity relationships.
Secure logging scheme for forensic analysis in cloud
Authors: Sree Thankaraja Raja , Bhanu Somasundaram Mary Saira
Published: January 2019

Cloud computing has emerged as a prominent technology that provides reliable on‐demand cloud services to users. Among the various kind of attacks, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack is one of the major application layer attacks that target the resources and services running in the cloud. Due to the distributed nature of attacks or crimes in the cloud, the evidence are collected from various components such as the router, switches, hard disk, log traces, and virtual machines. An attacker may collude with the cloud provider or investigators to tamper the log files or by inserting false information or by deleting the malicious activity logs altogether by leaving no trace. Hence, security is the major concern in cloud wherein investigation of crimes and attacks are very difficult. Collecting logs from the cloud providers is very hard since many users share the same network resources and the investigators rely on the providers to access the information. Therefore, in order to preserve the confidentiality, integrity, and authentication of logs, secure logging scheme is proposed to preserve the logs for forensic investigation. This paper highlights the secure logging scheme by extracting the features from logs of all virtual machine instances by double encryption scheme and also deals the integrity of the logs using hashing and verifies the signatures using Bloom filter–based R tree (BR tree). Furthermore, the verification is performed using Shamir Secret Sharing (SSS) scheme, and it is responsible for sharing the secret (private) keys to all the three parties, ie, user, investigator, and cloud providers. It is inferred from the experimental results that the proposed scheme requires minimal log processing time, minimal verification time for inserting logs, stores logs in time, and space efficient manner and scalable than existing methods.
pI Determination of Native Proteins In Biological Samples
Authors: Ganapathy‐Kanniappan Shanmugasundaram
Published: January 2019

The electrophoretic mobility of a protein on an immobilized pH‐gradient gel (IPG) depends upon its overall positive (acidic) or negative (basic) charge, the principle underlying the IEF technique. In isoelectrofocusing (IEF), a protein with a net positive or negative charge migrates through the pH gradient gel until it reaches the isoelectric point (pI), a pH at which it remains neutral. Thus, the pI of a protein indicates its net charge, a critical determinant of its stability/activity in a given milieu. Conventionally, the first‐dimensional IPG‐IEF is followed by a second dimension, by which the focused proteins are denatured/reduced and resolved on an SDS‐PAGE gel for subsequent immunoblotting to verify the protein identity. The recent development of one‐dimensional, vertical IEF followed by immunoblotting enabled concurrent analysis (pI determination) of multiple samples. The protocol described here outlines vertical IEF and immunoblotting under non‐denaturing conditions to determine the pI of native proteins in biological samples. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Autonomic Neurons with Sympathetic Character Derived From Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Saito‐Diaz Kenyi , Wu Hsueh Fu , Zeltner Nadja
Published: January 2019

We describe an in vitro differentiation protocol to derive autonomic neurons of the peripheral nervous system with the character of postganglionic sympathetic neurons from human pluripotent stem cells. This protocol has been used to generate autonomic neurons from healthy embryonic stem cells as well as from patient‐derived induced pluripotent stem cells, which were previously used to model familial dysautonomia, a genetic childhood disorder affecting the autonomic nervous system. Here, we describe each step in detail that is necessary to successfully derive these cells. First, we generate neural crest cells, which are purified using fluorescence‐activated cell sorting. This is followed by intermediate culture as neural crest spheroids, where the cells can be expanded, and lastly long‐term differentiation into neurons. The cells have morphological and molecular characteristics of autonomic neurons and thus can be employed to study diseases affecting the autonomic nervous system. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
IRMOF‐3 Biological Activity Enhancement by Post‐Synthetic Modification
Authors: Abdelhameed Reda M. , Darwesh Osama M. , Rocha João , Silva Artur M. S.
Published: January 2019

The growing resistance of pathogens to conventional antibiotics has become a public health problem requiring novel effective solutions. In this context, metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are attracting attention because they can act as reservoirs releasing metal ions with antibacterial properties. This action is reminiscent of that proposed for metal‐ and metal oxide‐nanoparticles but different from the action of antibiotics. These features make MOFs promising candidates for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. Here, IRMOF‐3 was modified with 2,5‐dimethoxytetrahydrofuran, N,N′‐disuccinimidyl carbonate, acryloyl chloride, and phthalaldehyde to produce, respectively, IRMOF‐3‐FU, IRMOF‐3‐SU, IRMOF‐3‐AC, IRMOF‐3‐DL in 38 to 90 % yields. Remarkably, the biological activity of these compounds evaluated against various bacterial and fungal strains is higher than the activity of commercial antibiotics.
Predictions of genotoxic potential, mode of action, molecular targets, and potency via a tiered multiflow® assay data analysis strategy
Authors: Dertinger Stephen D. , Kraynak Andrew R. , Wheeldon Ryan P. , Bernacki Derek T. , Bryce Steven M. , Hall Nikki , Bemis Jeffrey C. , Galloway Sheila M. , Escobar Patricia A. , Johnson George E.
Published: January 2019

The in vitro MultiFlow® DNA Damage Assay multiplexes γH2AX, p53, phospho‐histone H3, and polyploidization biomarkers into a single flow cytometric analysis. The current report describes a tiered sequential data analysis strategy based on data generated from exposure of human TK6 cells to a previously described 85 chemical training set and a new pharmaceutical‐centric test set (n = 40). In each case, exposure was continuous over a range of closely spaced concentrations, and cell aliquots were removed for analysis following 4 and 24 hr of treatment. The first data analysis step focused on chemicals' genotoxic potential, and for this purpose, we evaluated the performance of a machine learning (ML) ensemble, a rubric that considered fold increases in biomarkers against global evaluation factors (GEFs), and a hybrid strategy that considered ML and GEFs. This first tier further used ML output and/or GEFs to classify genotoxic activity as clastogenic and/or aneugenic. Test set results demonstrated the generalizability of the first tier, with particularly good performance from the ML ensemble: 35/40 (88%) concordance with a priori genotoxicity expectations and 21/24 (88%) agreement with expected mode of action (MoA). A second tier applied unsupervised hierarchical clustering to the biomarker response data, and these analyses were found to group certain chemicals, especially aneugens, according to their molecular targets. Finally, a third tier utilized benchmark dose analyses and MultiFlow biomarker responses to rank genotoxic potency. The relevance of these rankings is supported by the strong agreement found between benchmark dose values derived from MultiFlow biomarkers compared to those generated from parallel in vitro micronucleus analyses. Collectively, the results suggest that a tiered MultiFlow data analysis pipeline is capable of rapidly and effectively identifying genotoxic hazards while providing additional information that is useful for modern risk assessments—MoA, molecular targets, and potency. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 60:513–533, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Treatment of biodigester effluent through EC followed by MFC: Pollutants removal and energy perspective
Authors: Shankar Ravi , Varma Anil Kumar , Mondal Prasenjit , Chand Sri
Published: January 2019

The present work deals with the treatment of bio digester effluent (BDE) using electrocoagulation (EC) followed by continuous membrane less microbial fuel cell (CML‐MFC). BDE with high organic load and low biodegradability index (BI) is first treated with EC process, which removes organic load and improves the BI of treated BDE. Further the EC treated BDE with relatively low organic load 1000 mg/L and considerable BI (~0.42) is used as a substrate solution for the CML‐MFC process. It is noted that the BDE with initial organic load of 2500 mg/L can be successfully treated using only EC process, whereas, only CML‐MFC operation can successfully teat EC treated BDE with low organic load (1000 mg/L). However, in combined study of EC followed by CML‐MFC, the BDE with initial organic load of 7450 mg/L can be successfully treated to achieve effluent composition below permissible limit as per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) norm. It is also computed that under the experimental conditions, during the EC process, approximately 2.466 and 0.537 kJ/g of energy can be generated from sludge and scum, respectively, whereas, approximately 48 mV voltage and 0.02 mA current can be generated from the CML‐MFC process. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13139, 2019
Identification of Toxicants from a Highly C10–C40-Contaminated Sediment Influenced by the Wood Industry: Petroleum Hydrocarbons or Biogenic Organic Compounds?
Authors: Dahl Mari , Survo Suvi , Välitalo Pia , Kabiersch Grit , Alitalo Olga-Sofia , Penttinen Olli-Pekka , Rantalainen Anna-Lea
Published: January 2019

Sediment from a log pond located in south Finland contained 15 000 to 50 000 mg/kg dry weight of C10–C40 hydrocarbons. It was unclear whether they originated from the hydraulic fluid of the log hoist or the wood extractives. In the present study, methods of effect-directed analysis were used for the identification of toxicants. A combination of fractionation, biotesting, and chemical analyses revealed that the key toxicant of log pond sediment was retene, a dialkyl-substituted phenanthrene derived from wood resin acids. In addition, the most toxic fraction included 3 other wood-originated diterpenic compounds. Typical wood extractives such as sesquiterpenes and odd–carbon number alkanes in the range C21–C33 were identified in the fraction, which showed minor genotoxic potency. The most polar fraction contained triterpenes and showed estrogenic activity. No evidence for the presence of hydraulic fluid in sediment was found. The study also indicated that in cases where the organic matter content of sediment or soil is high, using the results of standard mineral oil analysis in risk management can lead to incorrect actions because standard methods do not differentiate petroleum hydrocarbons from biogenic hydrocarbons. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;9999:1–11. © 2019 SETAC

Abstract

A combination of fractionation, biotesting, and chemical analyses revealed that the wood-originated diterpenic compounds were the key toxicants in log pond sediment.
Amitriptyline at an Environmentally Relevant Concentration Alters the Profile of Metabolites Beyond Monoamines in Gilt-Head Bream
Authors: Ziarrusta Haizea , Ribbenstedt Anton , Mijangos Leire , Picart-Armada Sergio , Perera-Lluna Alex , Prieto Ailette , Izagirre Urtzi , Benskin Jonathan P. , Olivares Maitane , Zuloaga Olatz , Etxebarria Nestor
Published: January 2019

The antidepressant amitriptyline is a widely used selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that is found in the aquatic environment. The present study investigates alterations in the brain and the liver metabolome of gilt-head bream (Sparus aurata) after exposure at an environmentally relevant concentration (0.2 µg/L) of amitriptyline for 7 d. Analysis of variance–simultaneous component analysis is used to identify metabolites that distinguish exposed from control animals. Overall, alterations in lipid metabolism suggest the occurrence of oxidative stress in both the brain and the liver—a common adverse effect of xenobiotics. However, alterations in the amino acid arginine are also observed. These are likely related to the nitric oxide system that is known to be associated with the mechanism of action of antidepressants. In addition, changes in asparagine and methionine levels in the brain and pantothenate, uric acid, and formylisoglutamine/N-formimino-L-glutamate levels in the liver could indicate variation of amino acid metabolism in both tissues; and the perturbation of glutamate in the liver implies that the energy metabolism is also affected. These results reveal that environmentally relevant concentrations of amitriptyline perturb a fraction of the metabolome that is not typically associated with antidepressant exposure in fish. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;00:1–13. © 2019 SETAC
Leading the Way, Setting the Pace
Authors: Becker Katja
Published: January 2019

DFG Collaborative Research Centres are celebrating their 50th anniversary. How have they stimulated new directions in the German research system, and how will they continue to do so? A look back at the future
The Throw of the Dice
Authors: Stollberg‐Rilinger Barbara
Published: January 2019

In early modern Europe, many things were decided by casting lots – from the distribution of assets to punishments and even elections to public office. When understood as a communicative process and a symbolic practice of a particular time, this method of decision‐making also forms part of the mosaic of political cultural history.
Rediscovering a German Creole
Authors: Maitz Péter , König Werner , Volker Craig Alan , Lindenfelser Siegwalt , Götze Angelika , Lipfert Salome , Neumeier Katharina
Published: January 2019

„Unserdeutsch”, a creole spoken in a former German South Pacific colony, and what is now Papua New Guinea, is being extensively documented and studied by linguists for the first time. There is no time to lose, because after a chequered history the world's only German‐based creole – long ignored – is facing extinction.
Frequency of alpha oscillation predicts individual differences in perceptual stability during binocular rivalry
Authors: Katyal Sucharit , He Sheng , He Bin , Engel Stephen A.
Published: January 2019

When ambiguous visual stimuli have multiple interpretations, human perception can alternate between them, producing perceptual multistability. There is a large variation between individuals in how long stable percepts endure, on average, between switches, but the underlying neural basis of this individual difference in perceptual dynamics remains obscure. Here, we show that in one widely studied multistable paradigm–binocular rivalry–perceptual stability in individuals is predicted by the frequency of their neural oscillations within the alpha range (7–13 Hz). Our results suggest revising models of rivalry to incorporate effects of neural oscillations on perceptual alternations, and raise the possibility that a common factor may influence dynamics in many neural processes.