bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional Characterization and Crystal Structure of the Type II Peptidyl Carrier Protein ColA1a in Collismycins Biosynthesis†
Authors: Ma Xueyang , Wang Guiyang , Liu Tan , Chi Changbiao , Zhang Zhongyi , Yang Donghui , Liu Wen , Ma Ming
Published: March 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusion

Collismycins (COLs) are antibiotics characterized by a 2,2′‐bipyridine (2,2′‐BP) core composed of a trisubstituted ring A and an unmodified ring B. The 2,2′‐BP core, which possesses metal‐chelating ability and plays key roles in various biological activities of COLs, is biosynthesized by a nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS)‐polyketide synthase (PKS) hybrid machinery. The starter module of the NRPS‐PKS hybrid machinery consists of a type II peptidyl carrier protein (PCP) ColA1a and an adenylation protein ColA1b. We here report the functional characterization of ColA1a and ColA1b in vitro, confirming their functions in selection and loading of picolinic acid (PA), instead of normal amino acid substrates, as the origin of ring B in COLs. The 2.1 Å crystal structure of ColA1a was solved, revealing structural features including the additional helices α1a, α1b and missing helix α3, which may reflect unique interactions of ColA1a with other NRPS‐PKS proteins/domains or substrate. Primary and tertiary structural comparison of ColA1a with other PCPs revealed the structural basis for their typical α‐helical bundle, providing a better understanding of the structural flexibility of PCPs. These results facilitate the starter module engineering for the generation of COL derivatives with ring B modifications in the future.
Mapping genomic regions controlling agronomic traits in spring wheat under conventional and organic managements
Authors: Chen Hua , Bemister Darcy H. , Iqbal Muhammad , Strelkov Stephen E. , Spaner Dean M.
Published: March 2020

Identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with important traits is one of the first steps towards deploying marker‐assisted selection, but the lack of stability and consistency in identifying QTL across environments and populations remains a limitation. We conducted this study to identify QTL associated with agronomic traits in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) across management‐specific environments. A total of 204 wheat lines derived from the ‘Peace’ × ‘Carberry’ cross were evaluated in 2016 and 2017 under conventional and organic managements in Edmonton, Canada, and genotyped with diversity arrays technology markers. Using the least‐squares means for each management system, 53 QTL were identified for nine agronomic traits, 14 of which were consistently identified in both managements. The largest QTL we identified was associated with plant height (QPht.dms‐4B), which might be the plant height‐reducing gene Rht‐B1b from ‘Carberry’. It explained 54 and 49% of the phenotypic variation in conventional and organic management, respectively. The second largest QTL was associated with gluten strength (QSds.dms‐1A) in both managements. We identified consistent QTL across both organic and conventional managements, even though they were generally minor‐effect QTL. Twelve organic management‐specific QTL were found for grain yield, days to heading and maturity, plant height, test weight, and thousand‐kernel weight, but most explained relatively low amount of phenotypic variation. The QTL identified across managements, especially the gluten strength QTL (QSds.dms‐1A), may serve as useful markers in selection. The QSds.dms‐1A region needs to be investigated further to confirm whether it is the Gli‐1 storage protein gene.
Color‐distance modeling improves differentiation of colors in digital images of hybrid bermudagrass
Authors: Berndt William L. , Karcher Douglas E. , Richardson Michael D.
Published: March 2020

Identifying and reporting color differences is important in turfgrass experimentation. Finding ways to improve color differentiation may be desirable. Research was conducted to determine if color‐distance modeling (∆E*ab) improves differentiation of color in images of hybrid bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt‐Davy]. Colors differ perceptibly if ∆E*ab >1.0; magnitude of difference increases as ∆E*ab increases. Hue angle (θ) and dark green color index (DGCI) of untreated shoots; shoots treated with petroleum hydrocarbons; and turf treated with N, herbicides, or a growth regulator were determined by digital image analysis. Hue and DGCI means were separated using orthogonal contrasts; ∆E*ab was computed for each contrast. Delta E*ab was a good predictor of color difference magnitude. Association between p‐values for contrasts of θ or DGCI and ∆E*ab were strong; smaller p‐values corresponded to larger ∆E*ab. When log10 p‐values for θ contrasts for ‘Tifway’ turf treated with N, herbicides, and a growth regulator were regressed on ∆E*ab, r2 = .9657 (y = − 0.602 − 0.9512x); for DGCI, r2 = .8743 (y = − 1.6097 − 0.8743x). Computing ∆E*ab helped avoid making false conclusions. Neither θ nor DGCI differed for Tifway treated with mesotrione or glyphosate (p = .2049, .6195) but ∆E*ab was 3.8 due to differences in saturation (p = .0137) and brightness (p = .0067). Computing ∆E*ab improved differentiation of turfgrass color by enhancing the accuracy of difference detection. Improving the ability to differentiate colors and avoidance of making false conclusions has advanced reporting of turfgrass color data.
Kinetics and Mechanisms of ZnO to ZIF‐8 Transformations in Supercritical CO2Revealed by In Situ X‐ray Diffraction
Authors: Sinnwell Michael A. , Miller Quin R. S. , Liu Lili , Tao Jinhui , Bowden Mark E. , Kovarik Libor , Barpaga Dushyant , Han Yi , Kishan Motkuri Radha , Sushko Maria L. , Schaef Herbert T. , Thallapally Praveen K.
Published: March 2020

ZIF‐8 was synthesized in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2). In situ powder X‐ray diffraction, ex situ microscopy, and simulations provide an encompassing view of the formation of ZIF‐8 and intermediary ZnO@ZIF‐8 composites in this nontraditional solvent. Time‐resolved imaging exposed divergent physicochemical reaction pathways from previous studies of the growth of anisotropic ZIF‐8 core@shell structures in traditional solvents. Synthetically relevant physiochemical properties of scCO2were integrated into classical nucleation theory, relating interfacial forces, calculated through DFTB+ based molecular dynamics (MD), with 3D nucleation outcomes. The kinetics of crystallization were examined and displayed a characteristic signature of time‐ and temperature‐dependent mechanisms over the extent of the reaction. Lastly, it is shown that subtle factors, such as the extent of reaction and the size/shape of sacrificial templates can tailor ZIF‐8 composition and size, eliciting control over hierarchical porosity in a nonconventional green solvent.
Electrostatic properties and stability of Coulomb crystals
Authors: Kozhberov Andrew
Published: March 2020

We calculate the electrostatic properties of more than 20 different Coulomb crystals and study their resistance to small oscillations of the ions around their equilibrium positions (phonon oscillations). We discuss the stability of multicomponent crystals against separation into set of one‐component lattices and for some cases, the influence of energy of the zero‐point vibrations. It is confirmed that the body‐centred cubic (bcc) lattice possesses the lowest electrostatic energy among all one‐component (one type of ion in the elementary cell) crystals. For systems composed of two types of ions (their charge and density numbers are Z1, n1 and Z2, n2, respectively) and for n1 = n2, it is found that the formation of a binary bcc lattice is possible at 1/2.4229 < α < 2.4229, where α ≡ Z2/Z1. Under the same conditions, the NaCl lattice forms at α > 5.197 and α < 0.192. While for n2 = 2n1, the MgB2 lattice is found be stable at 0.1 < α < 0.32. For multicomponent lattices with hexagonal structure (binary hexagonal close‐packed, MgB2 and some others lattices), it is shown that their properties depend on the distance between hexagonal layers and this distance changes with α.
Health monitoring scheme‐based Forster resonance energy transfer nanocommunications in the Internet of Biological Nanothings
Authors: Abd El‐atty Saied M.
Published: March 2020

In this paper, a health monitoring approach for a targeted drug delivery (TDD) system taking into consideration the binding of drug to a target cell is proposed. The proposed scheme is mainly based on Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) nanocommunications and the physical phenomenon such as protein–protein interactions in biological systems, in order to propose a molecular communication system with various forms for single and/or multiple ligand–receptor binding. Inspired by classical wireless communication system, the analysis of proposed scheme in terms of bit error rate (BER) and mutual information between the transmitter nanomachine (TN) and receiver nanomachine (RN) is presented. Subsequently, we are able to obtain a closed‐form expression for BER for the proposed scheme. The proposed scheme can be employed in the promising Internet of Biological Nanothings (IoBNT) paradigm. The numerical results reveal that the proposed scheme with multiple donors multiple acceptors system analogous to multiple input multiple output (MIMO) communication system is a superior scheme for transmission therapeutic drug information with achievable BER.
Synthesis of Chiral 3,4‐Disubstituted Pyrrolidines with Antibacterial Properties
Authors: Rodriguez Lenka , Fišera Roman , Gaálová Barbora , Koči Kamila , Bujdáková Helena , Mečiarová Mária , Górová Renáta , Jurdáková Helena , Šebesta Radovan
Published: March 2020

Chiral aliphatic heterocycles are important structural feature of many pharmaceutical agents. Antibiotic resistance is a serious medical problem, therefore new antibacterial compounds are urgently needed. Herein, we describe synthesis of a series of 3,4‐disubstituted pyrrolidine derivatives via organocatalytic Michael addition followed by reductive cyclization. These compounds inhibited growth of standard as well as methicillin‐resistant strains of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
An Electrochemical Sensor Based on Reduced Graphene Oxide, Gold Nanoparticles and Molecular Imprinted Over‐oxidized Polypyrrole for Amoxicillin Determination
Authors: Essousi Houda , Barhoumi Houcine , Karastogianni Sofia , Girousi Stella T.
Published: March 2020

An electrochemical sensor for amoxicillin (AMX) detection based on reduced graphene oxide (RGO), molecular imprinted overoxidized polypyrrole (MIOPPy) modified with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) is described in this work. The electrochemical behavior of the imprinted and non‐imprinted polymer (NIP) was carried out by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and impedance spectroscopy (IS). The structure and morphology of the prepared MIP sensor were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV‐Visible, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and its experimental parameters such as monomer and template concentration, pH buffer solution, incubation time of AMX and AuNPs, scan rate as well as electropolymerization scan cycles were optimized to improve the performance of the sensor. The peak current obtained at the MIP electrode was proportional to the AMX concentration in the range from 10−8 to 10−3 mol L−1 with a detection limit and sensitivity of 1.22 10−6 mol L−1 (Signal to noise ratio=3) and 2.52×10−6 μAmol−1 L, respectively. It was also found that this sensor exhibited reproducibility and excellent selectivity against molecules with similar chemical structures. Besides, the analytical application of the AMX sensor confirms the feasibility of AMX detection in milk and human serum.
Experimental investigation on fire smoke bifurcation flow in longitudinal ventilated tunnels
Authors: Zhao Shengzhong , Liu Fang , Wang Jun , Obadi Imad , Weng Miaocheng , Xu Tiantian
Published: March 2020

Investigation of smoke bifurcation flow has been receiving more attentions, however, delicate quantitative analyses on different regions of the bifurcation flow have rarely been addressed. In this study, a series of small‐scale experiments were conducted to investigate smoke bifurcation flow in longitudinal ventilated tunnels. Results show that when longitudinal ventilation velocity increases to a certain value, the smoke bifurcation phenomenon emerges, and a low‐temperature region forms in the center of the tunnel. Similar to the natural conditions, smoke development under relatively strong ventilation can also be subdivided into four regions. With the increase of ventilation velocity, the ceiling impact region, side wall impact region, and convergence region of two smoke streams move further downstream, indicating that the bifurcation phenomenon becomes more evident. A simple model is proposed based on theoretical analysis and experimental phenomenon to predict two characteristic lengths of smoke bifurcation flow: the offset distance of ceiling impact region and the length of low‐temperature region. Both characteristic lengths increase with ventilation velocity and can be well correlated with the dimensionless ventilation velocity defined in Equation (2) (
V′). The results of this work could provide references for both tunnel ventilation designers and fire science researchers.
NovelPPP1CB‐ALKfusion in spindle cell tumor defined by S100 and CD34 coexpression and distinctive stromal and perivascular hyalinization
Authors: Lopez‐Nunez Oscar , Surrey Lea F. , Alaggio Rita , Fritchie Karen J. , John Ivy
Published: March 2020

A novel group of S100‐ and CD34‐positive spindle cell tumors with distinctive stromal and perivascular hyalinization harboring recurrent gene fusions involving kinases includingRAF1,BRAF,NTRK1/2/3, andREThave been recently reported. To our knowledge, no such cases harboringALKrearrangements have been identified. We report a previously healthy 41‐year‐old male with a 12‐cm intramuscular shoulder mass. The tumor was composed of bland‐appearing spindled to epithelioid cells, arranged in a patternless pattern in a background of loose myxoid stroma containing striking amianthoid‐like stromal collagen and perivascular rings. In accordance with the previously reported tumors, the tumor cells showed diffuse immunopositivity with S100 and CD34, while lacking SOX10 expression. Targeted RNA‐based next‐generation sequencing identified a novel serine/threonine‐protein phosphatase PP1‐beta‐catalytic subunit (PPP1CB)‐ALKfusion gene. Although ALK break‐apart was not detected by FISH, likely due to a paracentric inversion of chromosome 2, the presence of the fusion was confirmed by Sanger sequencing showing a 10‐bp linker between exon 6 ofPPP1CBand intron 19 ofALKwhile maintaining reading frame. Subsequent ALK‐1 immunostain exhibited diffuse cytoplasmic staining in the tumor cells. Our case expands the molecular genetic spectrum of the distinctive group of spindle cell tumors with CD34/S100+ immunophenotype, supporting the important role of various kinases as drivers of oncogenesis. Awareness of this entity including its unique morphologic and immunophenotypic features as well as its interchangeable kinase gene fusions is crucial for correct classification and potential targeted therapy, particularly in aggressive subsets.
Simply Science: The Eighth Annual Bone Marrow Transplant and Cell Therapy Workshop (Orlando, Florida, USA)
Authors: Waller Edmund K.
Published: March 2020

On December 6, 2019, the Eighth Annual Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) and Cell Therapy Workshop was convened in Orlando, Florida. The workshop was a satellite meeting held prior to the American Association of Hematology annual conference and was attended by 200 physicians and scientists with clinical and research interests in bone marrow transplantation and cell therapy. The unique format consisted of 5‐minute presentations of unpublished research followed by 5 minutes of audience questions and discussion. Basic and translational science was reported, not driven by commercial interests but by a desire to understand basic mechanisms in immunology. This meeting report describes the unique nature of the symposium as not sales focused but science driven, and briefly summarizes not only the key proceedings but also their value to the scientific community at large.
The High School–College Disconnect: Examining First‐Generation College Students’ Perceptions of Their Literacy Preparation
Authors: Wahleithner Juliet Michelsen
Published: March 2020

The transition from high school to college is challenging for many students, especially first‐generation college students. College courses require disciplinary specific reading, writing, and thinking skills not often taught in high school, such as reading and analyzing complex texts and constructing original arguments in discipline‐specific genres. Drawing on interviews with 18 first‐generation college students in their first year at a four‐year university, the author sought to understand their perceptions of their preparation for the literacy demands of college. Students reported multiple ways that they wished their high schools had better prepared them, including more complex reading assignments and opportunities to engage in original research. Additionally, students wished that they had received more guidance in developing and supporting their ideas in writing. The findings from this study suggest specific changes that secondary teachers from all content areas should make to their instruction to better prepare students for postsecondary literacy demands.
Connexin 43 Is Necessary for Murine Tendon Enthesis Formation and Response to Loading
Authors: Shen Hua , Schwartz Andrea G , Civitelli Roberto , Thomopoulos Stavros
Published: March 2020

The enthesis is a mineralized fibrocartilage transition that attaches tendon to bone and is vital for musculoskeletal function. Despite recent studies demonstrating the necessity of muscle loading for enthesis formation, the mechanisms that regulate enthesis formation and mechanoresponsiveness remain unclear. Therefore, the current study investigated the role of the gap junction protein connexin 43 in these processes by deleting Gja1 (the Cx43 gene) in the tendon and enthesis. Compared with their wild-type (WT) counterparts, mice lacking Cx43 showed disrupted entheseal cell alignment, reduced mineralized fibrocartilage, and impaired biomechanical properties of the supraspinatus tendon entheses during postnatal development. Cx43-deficient mice also exhibited reduced ability to complete a treadmill running protocol but no apparent deficits in daily activity, metabolic indexes, shoulder muscle size, grip strength, and major trabecular bone properties of the adjacent humeral head. To examine enthesis mechanoresponsiveness, young adult mice were subjected to modest treadmill exercise. Gja1 deficiency in the tendon and enthesis reduced entheseal anabolic responses to treadmill exercise: WT mice had increased expression of Sox9, Ihh, and Gli1 and increased Brdu incorporation, whereas Cx43-deficient mice showed no changes or decreased levels with exercise. Collectively, the results demonstrated an essential role for Cx43 in postnatal tendon enthesis formation, function, and response to loading; results further provided evidence implicating a link between Cx43 function and the hedgehog signaling pathway. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Protocatechuic acid ameliorates testosterone‐induced benign prostatic hyperplasia through the regulation of inflammation and oxidative stress in castrated rats
Authors: Akanni Olubukola O. , Owumi Solomon E. , Olowofela Olusegun G. , Adeyanju Adebukola A. , Abiola Olusoji J. , Adaramoye Oluwatosin A.
Published: March 2020

Protocatechuic acid (PA) is a polyphenol—recognized for its efficacy as an antioxidant—possesses anticancer, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant properties. The efficacy of PA in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has not been investigated. Forty‐two castrated rats (n = 7) were treated as follows: control (corn oil), BPH only received testosterone propionate (TP) (TP 3 mg/kg intraperitoneally), BPH + PA (TP 3 mg/kg + PA 40 mg/kg), BPH + finasteride (Fin) (TP 3 mg/kg + Fin 10 mg/kg), PA only (40 mg/kg: by gavage), and Fin only (10 mg/kg: by gavage) for 4 weeks. In BPH rats, there were significant (P < .05) increases in prostatic (250%) and organosomatic (280%) weights compared with controls. Cotreatment decreased prostatic weights by 19% (PA) and 21% (Fin). Markers of inflammation: myeloperoxidase activities increased in serum (148%) and prostate (70%), as well as nitric oxide levels serum (92%) and prostatic (95%). Proinflammatory cytokines interleukin‐1β and tumor necrosis factor‐α increased by 3.6‐ and 2.8‐fold. Furthermore, prostatic malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and serum total acid phosphatase increased by 97%, 25%, and 48%, respectively. Histology revealed poor architecture and severe proliferation of the prostate in BPH rats. Inflammation and oxidative stress markers, as well as the histological alteration in BPH rats, was attenuated (P < .05) upon cotreatment with PA and comparable with Fin cotreatment. These results suggest that PA mitigates oxido‐inflammatory responses and restored prostatic cytoarchitecture to levels comparable with control in rats induced with BPH.
Investigating the (in)visible: Piloting an integrated methodology to explore multiple forms of violence
Authors: Flynn Kalen , Mathias Brenda , Wiebe Douglas J.
Published: March 2020

Traditional research methods typically utilize singular forms of data to conceptualize and measure violence. Methodologies designed to examine the impact of violence have been structured to primarily examine the interpersonal. However, scholars in community psychology, anthropology, and social work, and so forth, have recognized additional dimensions of violence that impact marginalized populations by restricting agency and negatively affecting physical and mental health, such as structural violence. Given growing interest in multiple forms of violence, new methodologies are required to holistically capture the full impact of violence on individuals. This article will discuss a unique methodology designed to investigate multiple forms of violence by melding semi‐structured place‐based interviews, family history interviews, walking interviews, and physiological data on heart rate coordinated with GPS data. This novel combination of methods allowed the researcher to deepen understanding of the relationship between place and violence while also highlighting the voices and experiences of young adults. Challenges to data collection, limitations of technology, and insights gained from the methodology will be discussed.
The home‐self and out‐of‐home placement: The home concept among adults educated in their childhood at a residential care setting
Authors: Frantsman‐Spector Alin , Shoshana Avihu
Published: March 2020

This study proposes to examine the phenomenology of home among 46 Israeli adults who had been deemed "at‐risk children" and removed from their home by court order in their childhood on the grounds of parental mistreatments, such as abuse and neglect. For a comprehensive understanding of the long‐term impact of out‐of‐home placement, adults of different ages were interviewed. The research findings reflect the close connection between home concept and self‐concept, a long‐standing internal dialectic between the home that did not exist and the home (as an internal‐emotional space) that the adults would have liked to have. Furthermore, our findings reveal what we term the life career of the home concept, that is, the various diachronic phenomenological definitions that adults grant to the home‐self in childhood, anchored in the family home, during their time in a residential care setting, their adolescence, and their adulthood. The discussion addresses the unique self‐concept and home concept of care leavers.
Associations of sociodemographic and clinical factors with gastrointestinal cancer risk assessment appointment completion
Authors: Ebrahimzadeh Jessica E. , Long Jessica M. , Wang Louise , Nathanson John T. , Siddique Shazia Mehmood , Rustgi Anil K. , Goldberg David S. , Katona Bryson W.
Published: March 2020

Cancer risk assessment services are important for patient care; effective use requires appropriate provider referral, accurate scheduling processes, and completed attendance at booked appointments. Sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with gastrointestinal cancer (GIC)‐specific risk assessment appointments remain unstudied; therefore, we aimed to identify factors associated with appointment completion in a GIC risk assessment program at a tertiary academic center. Retrospective chart review was conducted on all patients scheduled for an appointment in the Gastrointestinal Cancer Risk Evaluation Program (GI‐CREP) between January 2016 and December 2017. Data collected included demographic and clinical factors. Chi‐square and Wilcoxon's rank‐sum tests compared variables among patients based on the study outcome of whether a GI‐CREP appointment was completed; marginal standardization was used to predict the standardized percentage of patients that had appointment completion. A total of 676 patients had a scheduled GI‐CREP appointment; 32 individuals were excluded due to incomplete information or scheduling error, resulting in 644 patients available for final analysis. Our study population was predominantly female (61%), White (77%), and married (64%), had private healthcare insurance (76%), and lacked a personal history of cancer (60%). Referrals internal to the healthcare system were most common (77%), with gastroenterologists as the most frequent referring provider (42%). Seventy‐five percent of scheduled individuals had appointment completion, while 25% of individuals did not. Independent predictors for an incomplete GI‐CREP appointment included Medicaid insurance (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.21–4.28, p = .01), self‐identified Black race (OR 1.97, 95% CI: 1.20–3.25, p = .008), and personal history of cancer (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.11–2.31, p = .01). These data highlight existing disparities in GIC risk assessment appointment completion associated with race, health insurance coverage, and medical status. Further studies of these areas are necessary to ensure equitable access to important GIC risk assessment services.
Increasing diversity in the genetic counseling profession: Development of recruitment tools for African American undergraduate students
Authors: Price Erica , Robbins Steven J. , Valverde Kathleen
Published: March 2020

Lack of diversity in the genetic counseling profession has been a concern for over 20 years, with the National Society of Genetic Counselors identifying increasing diversity and inclusion as a strategic focus in 2019. Previous research has revealed potential barriers that could explain the low number of diverse applicants to genetic counseling graduate programs. The aims of this pilot study were to test strategies for participation and site recruitment methods for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and to evaluate the effectiveness of a brief presentation tailored to African American students. Recruitment emails were sent to career services and 124 biology/psychology department chairs from HBCUs and one predominately white institution with over 10% black student population. There was a 16% response rate through career services and a 25% response rate from department chairs. Different sections of a single biology class at one HBCU were randomly assigned to either attend a class presentation by an African American second‐year genetic counseling student and given a brochure detailing the same information (presentation group), or receive a brochure only (brochure group). Ninety students participated in the study: 65 in the presentation group and 25 in the brochure group. All students completed a 10‐question knowledge test and were given an email address for further student‐initiated contact about genetic counseling. In the presentation group, 65% (42/65) completed the knowledge test with a mean score of 7.59/10. Only one student from the brochure group completed the knowledge test. No students initiated contact to receive additional information about genetic counseling. This study highlights the difficulties in reaching African American students, even through HBCUs. Strategies beyond the use of brochures and presentations will be necessary to attract African American students into the genetic counseling profession.
Identifying factors influencing delays in breast cancer treatment in Kentucky following the 2014 Medicaid expansion
Authors: Bhutiani Neal , Hicks Adam C. , Huang Bin , Chen Quan , Tucker Thomas C. , McMasters Kelly M. , Ajkay Nicolás
Published: March 2020

Background and Objectives

A previous analysis of breast cancer care after the 2014 Medicaid expansion in Kentucky demonstrated delays in treatment despite a 12% increase in insurance coverage. This study sought to identify factors associated with treatment delays to better focus efforts for improved breast cancer care.

Methods

The Kentucky Cancer Registry was queried for adult women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between 2010 and 2016 who underwent up‐front surgery. Demographic, tumor, and treatment characteristics were assessed to identify factors independently associated with treatment delays.

Results

Among 6225 patients, treatment after Medicaid expansion (odds ratio [OR] = 2.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.874‐2.535, P < .001), urban residence (OR = 1.362, 95% CI = 1.163‐1.594, P < .001), treatment at an academic center (OR = 1.988, 95% CI = 1.610‐2.455, P < .001), and breast reconstruction (OR = 3.748, 95% CI = 2.780‐5.053, P < .001) were associated with delay from diagnosis to surgery. Delay in postoperative chemotherapy was associated with older age (OR = 1.155,95% CI = 1.002‐1.332, P = .0469), low education level (OR = 1.324, 95% CI = 1.164‐1.506, P < .001), hormone receptor positivity (OR = 1.375, 95% CI = 1.187‐1.593, P < .001), and mastectomy (OR = 1.312, 95% CI = 1.138‐1.513, P < .001). Delay in postoperative radiation was associated with younger age (OR = 1.376, 95% CI = 1.370‐1.382, P < .001), urban residence (OR = 1.741, 95% CI = 1.732‐1.751, P < .001), treatment after Medicaid expansion (OR = 2.007, 95% CI = 1.994‐2.021, P < .001), early stage disease (OR = 5.661, 95% CI = 5.640‐5.682, P < .001), and mastectomy (OR = 1.884, 95% CI = 1.870‐1.898, P < .001).

Conclusions

Patient, tumor, and socioeconomic factors influence the timing of breast cancer treatment. Improving timeliness of treatment will likely require improvements in outreach, education, and healthcare infrastructure.
CE and asymmetrical flow‐field flow fractionation studies of polymer interactions with surfaces and solutes reveal conformation changes of polymers
Authors: Witos Joanna , Karjalainen Erno , Tenhu Heikki , Wiedmer Susanne K.
Published: March 2020

Amphiphilic diblock copolymers consisting of a hydrophobic core containing a polymerized ionic liquid and an outer shell composed of poly(N‐isoprolylacrylamide) were investigated by capillary electrophoresis and asymmetrical flow‐field flow fractionation. The polymerized ionic liquid comprised poly(2‐(1‐butylimidazolium‐3‐yl)ethyl methacrylate tetrafluoroborate) with a constant block length (n = 24), while the length of the poly(N‐isoprolylacrylamide) block varied (n = 14; 26; 59; 88). Possible adsorption of the block copolymer on the fused silica capillary, due to alterations in the polymeric conformation upon a change in the temperature (25 and 45 °C), was initially studied. For comparison, the effect of temperature on the copolymer conformation/hydrodynamic size was determined with the aid of asymmetrical flow‐field flow fractionation and light scattering. To get more information about the hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties of the synthesized block copolymers, they were used as a pseudostationary phase in electrokinetic chromatography for the separation of some model compounds, that is, benzoates and steroids. Of particular interest was to find out whether a change in the length or concentration of the poly(N‐isoprolylacrylamide) block would affect the separation of the model compounds. Overall, our results show that capillary electrophoresis and asymmetrical flow‐field flow fractionation are suitable methods for characterizing conformational changes of such diblock copolymers.
Generalization of the classical signal detection theory for the less‐equal‐more task
Authors: Sergeev Alexander , Rakhmatova Anna , Buevich Alexander , Symanyuk Elvira , Pavlova Svetlana
Published: March 2020

In the work, the psychophysical model of the signal detection theory with the nine outcomes (PMSDT9) for a quantitative description of the solution of the sensory problem of detecting an alternating differential signal was proposed. Unlike the classical model, PMSDT9 has the three probability density functions of the subjective intensity and the sign of the differential signal (instead of the two), the two criteria of displacement (instead of the one), and the nine outcomes (instead of the four). The proposed PMSDT9 model generalizes the application of the classical model of the signal detection theory for the less‐equal‐more task. The modified model provides for the existence of the two criteria (the left and the right) and such outcomes as inversion. The obtained experimental results are consistent with the ideas about the noise in sensory systems.
ID Asks / Barry Young
Authors: Werner Ken
Published: March 2020

A long‐time display analyst, Young is known for his sharp takes on the industry in general and OLEDs in particular. We spoke with him about new developments in phone OLEDs, OLED inkjet printing, and more.
6 CES HEADLINES WORTH FOLLOWING
Authors: Werner Ken
Published: March 2020

Although CES 2020 had many display‐related developments, these stories are worth tracking throughout the year.
Effect of engineered PLGA‐gelatin‐chitosan/PLGA‐gelatin/PLGA‐gelatin‐graphene three‐layer scaffold on adhesion/proliferation of HUVECs
Authors: Hajzamani Dorfam , Shokrollahi Parvin , Najmoddin Najmeh , Shokrolahi Fatemeh
Published: March 2020

A three‐layered fibrous scaffold composed of fibers of different diameters in each layer was fabricated in correspondence with the structure of the blood vessels. Effect of solution and electrospinning parameters on morphology and diameters of the fibers were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), for each layer. The SEM images showed that 18% poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA)‐gelatin‐chitosan in 1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoro‐2‐propanol (HFIP)/acid acetic solution resulted in bead‐free fibers for the outer layer. For the middle layer, 18% PLGA‐gelatin in HFIP at 13 kV with 13 cm needle to collector distance was chosen as the optimum condition. SEM imaging demonstrated that by increasing graphene content from 0.5 to 2 wt% in the inner layer (as an electrically conductive/platelet anti‐adhesion material), the fiber diameter decreased from 324.01 ± 58.90 to 288.59 ± 70.77 nm. The effect of gelatin crosslinking on the microstructure of the fibers was also examined. Shrinkage ratio decreased from 57 to below 21% upon crosslinking of the three‐layered scaffold in exposure to vapor of 50% glutaraldehyde solution for 2 hours. Mechanical test showed that tensile strength of the crosslinked three‐layer scaffold in the longitudinal direction was 2.90 MPa which is comparable to that of the vein and artery. The MTT [3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay displayed cell viability of above 96% for the PLGA‐gelatin containing 2 wt% graphene. SEM analysis revealed that the addition of graphene to PLGA‐gelatin (up to 2%) causes a remarkable improvement in cell adhesion.
Plasma levels of osteopontin from birth to adulthood
Authors: Nourkami‐Tutdibi Nasenien , Graf Norbert , Beier Rita , Zemlin Michael , Tutdibi Erol
Published: March 2020

Aim

Osteopontin (OPN) has been investigated as a biomarker for cancer and nonmalignant diseases during the last decades. Data about OPN as a potential biomarker in childhood diseases are still sparse, and reference values are not available in children. We aimed to establish reference values for children from birth to young adulthood and evaluate whether there are age‐, gender‐, and weight‐specific differences.

Method

Umbilical cord blood and blood plasma samples of 117 children were collected in the Children's Hospital of Saarland University in Homburg/Saar. OPN levels were measured by ELISA, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.

Results

Neonates, infants, toddlers, young children, adolescents, and adults were divided into the following six age groups: newborns (birth), infancy and toddlers (0‐24 months), early childhood (3‐6 years), middle childhood (7‐11 years), adolescence (12‐18 years), and adults (> 18 years). Highest blood OPN levels were found in the group of 0‐1 years of age. OPN blood levels declined significantly with age (Spearman r = −0.874; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our work is the first prospective and systematic study analyzing OPN cord blood and blood plasma levels in children of all ages. It is the first study yielding reference values for different age groups from birth to young adulthood. Our data give insight on how OPN in umbilical cord blood and OPN in blood plasma are physiologically influenced during childhood development and growth with high OPN levels after birth and a constant age‐related decline until the age of 14, when OPN levels reach similar values to those measured in adults.
Interphase engineering in carbon fiber/epoxy composites: Rate sensitivity of interfacial shear strength and interfacial fracture toughness
Authors: Bedi Harpreet S. , Billing Beant K. , Agnihotri Prabhat K.
Published: March 2020

Designing the interface in polymer composites is fundamentally a challenging task. Here, we demonstrate a strategy to engineer the interphase microstructure in carbon fiber/epoxy composites (CFRPs) using carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The incorporation of CNT modifies the interfacial mechanics and interfacial chemistry in conventional CFRPs by creating concentrated, dispersed and mixed type interphase. Therefore, a detailed study is warranted to establish the interfacial microstructure‐property relationship in CNT modified CFRPs. Experimental results show that the relative improvement in interfacial shear strength (IFSS) and interfacial fracture toughness (Gic) depends on the microstructure of interphase. It is shown that simultaneous improvement in IFSS and Gic is possible with certain types of microstructural designs. Moreover, it is observed that IFSS and Gic are not constant material parameters but both of them show a power‐law type dependence on the applied loading rate. The range of rate sensitivity parameters as a function of interphase type suggests that while concentrated and mixed interphase is more suited to maintain the interfacial integrity, dispersed interphase is beneficial for energy dissipating applications of CFRPs. In addition, IFSS and Gic exhibit negative rate sensitivity for certain cases. Finally, it is shown that interphase designing using CNT is an excellent tool to accurately tailor the average interfacial properties of CFRP in a broad range of 16‐79 MPa and 100‐453 J m−2 for IFSS and Gic, respectively.
School psychologists and suicide risk assessment: Role perception and competency
Authors: Erps Kristen H. , Ochs Sarah , Myers Carl L.
Published: March 2020

As the second leading cause of death for adolescents, suicide is a major concern for school personnel. School psychologists' training in mental health makes them well‐positioned to lead in suicide prevention efforts; however, studies have shown a lack of preparedness in crisis intervention and, more specifically, suicide risk assessment. This study surveyed practicing school psychologists (N = 92) to explore their perception of both their role and competency in suicide risk assessment. Suicide risk assessment was defined as a broad term pertaining to any measures taken in suicide prevention, intervention, or postvention. The majority of school psychologists reported having a primary role at the tertiary level (i.e., intervening with a student identified as needing help). Participants indicated lacking adequate graduate preparation; however, most participants were confident in their knowledge of suicide and suicide risk assessment and were comfortable identifying and intervening with a student who is suicidal. Implications for practice and directions for future research are discussed.
Use of remote atmospheric mass spectrometry in atmospheric plasma polymerization of hydrophilic and hydrophobic coatings
Authors: Mertens Jeremy , Nisol Bernard , Hubert Julie , Reniers François
Published: March 2020

This paper shows that, to a certain extent, remote atmospheric mass spectrometry can be used to identify signature fragments, which are able to predict the final surface chemistry of plasma‐deposited organic hydrophilic or hydrophobic coatings, to propose polymerization mechanisms and to predict coating contamination. Examples are given for the plasma polymerization of anhydrides and organic acids for polar coatings and for the polymerization of fluorinated precursors for hydrophobic coatings. To predict the final surface chemistry of hydrophilic coatings, we show that by tracking the evolution of the CO+ and CO2+ fragments in the plasma phase, one can deduce the relative amount of polar functions on the final coating surface. Similarly, the change in intensities of the various CFx+ fragments during the plasma polymerization of hydrophobic coatings is correlated with the relative amount of such CFx groups in the coating. For the same coatings, when CO2+, COF+, and COF2+ fragments are detected in the gas phase, the final coating will be contaminated. The possibilities, as well as some limits of this approach, are discussed.
How Are Practice and Performance Related? Development of Reading From Age 5 to 15
Authors: van Bergen Elsje , Vasalampi Kati , Torppa Minna
Published: March 2020

Does reading a lot lead to better reading skills, or does reading a lot follow from high initial reading skills? The authors present a longitudinal study of how much children choose to read and how well they decode and comprehend texts. This is the first study to examine the codevelopment of print exposure with both fluency and comprehension throughout childhood using autocorrelations. Print exposure was operationalized as children’s amount of independent reading for pleasure. Two hundred children were followed from age 5 to age 15. Print exposure was assessed at ages 5, 7, 8, 9, and 13. Prereading skills were tested at age 5 and reading skills at ages 7, 8, 9, 14, and 15 (the latter with the Programme for International Student Assessment [PISA]). Before children learned to read (i.e., age 5), prereading skills and print exposure were not linked. Path analyses showed that children’s print exposure and reading skills reciprocally influence each other. During the early school years, the effects run from reading fluency to comprehension and print exposure, so from skills to amount. The effect of accumulated practice only emerged in adolescence. Reading fluency, comprehension, and print exposure were all important predictors of age 15 PISA reading comprehension. These findings were largely confirmed by post hoc models with random intercepts. Because foundational reading skills predicted changes in later reading comprehension and print exposure, the authors speculate that intervening decoding difficulties may positively impact exposure to and comprehension of texts. How much children read seems to matter most after the shift from learning to read to reading to learn.
In Situ Growth of MAPbBr3 Nanocrystals on Few‐Layer MXene Nanosheets with Efficient Energy Transfer
Authors: Zhang Zhipeng , Li Ying , Liang Chao , Yu Guannan , Zhao Jiafu , Luo Shaojuan , Huang Yang , Su Chenliang , Xing Guichuan
Published: March 2020

The performance of perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) in optoelectronics and photocatalysis is severely limited by the presence of large amounts of crystal boundaries in NCs film that greatly restricts energy transfer. Creating heterostructures based on perovskite NCs and 2D materials is a common approach to improve the energy transport at the perovskite/2D materials interface. Herein, methylamine lead bromide (MAPbBr3, MA: CH3NH3+) perovskite NCs are homogeneously deposited on highly conductive few‐layer MXene (Ti3C2Tx) nanosheets to form heterostructures through an in situ solution growth method. An optimal mixed solvent ratio is essential to realize the growth of perovskite NCs on Ti3C2Tx nanosheets. Time‐resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy, transient absorption spectroscopy, and the photoresponse of electron‐ and hole‐only photoelectric conversion devices reveal the interfacial energy transfer behavior within MAPbBr3/Ti3C2Tx heterostructures. The present investigation may provide a useful guide toward use of halide perovskite/2D material heterostructures in applications such as photocatalysis as well as optoelectronics.
Polycarbonate Heat Molding for Soft Lithography
Authors: Sonmez Utku M. , Coyle Stephen , Taylor Rebecca E. , LeDuc Philip R.
Published: March 2020

Soft lithography enables rapid microfabrication of many types of microsystems by replica molding elastomers into master molds. However, master molds can be very costly, hard to fabricate, vulnerable to damage, and have limited casting life. Here, an approach for the multiplication of master molds into monolithic thermoplastic sheets for further soft lithographic fabrication is introduced. The technique is tested with master molds fabricated through photolithography, mechanical micromilling as well as 3D printing, and the results are demonstrated. Microstructures with submicron feature sizes and high aspect ratios are successfully copied. The copying fidelity of the technique is quantitatively characterized and the microfluidic devices fabricated through this technique are functionally tested. This approach is also used to combine different master molds with up to 19 unique geometries into a single monolithic copy mold in a single step displaying the effectiveness of the copying technique over a large footprint area to scale up the microfabrication. This microfabrication technique can be performed outside the cleanroom without using any sophisticated equipment, suggesting a simple way for high‐throughput rigid monolithic mold fabrication that can be used in analytical chemistry studies, biomedical research, and microelectromechanical systems.
Low‐Coordinate Step Atoms via Plasma‐Assisted Calcinations to Enhance Electrochemical Reduction of Nitrogen to Ammonia
Authors: Yang Xiaohui , Ling Faling , Zi Xiangrong , Wang Yanwei , Zhang Han , Zhang Huijuan , Zhou Miao , Guo Zaiping , Wang Yu
Published: March 2020

The electrochemical N2 reduction reaction (NRR) is emerging as a promising alternative to the industrial Haber–Bosch process for distributed and modular production of NH3. Nevertheless, developing high‐efficiency catalysts to simultaneously realize both high activity and selectivity for the development of a sustainable NRR is very critical but extremely challenging. Here, a unique plasma‐assisted strategy is developed to synthesize iridium diphosphide nanocrystals with abundant surface step atoms anchored in P,N‐codoped porous carbon nanofilms (IrP2@PNPC‐NF), where the edges of the IrP2 nanocrystals are extremely irregular, and the ultrathin PNPC‐NF possesses a honeycomb‐like macroporous structure. These characteristics ensure that IrP2@PNPC‐NF delivers superior NRR performance with an NH3 yield rate of 94.0 µg h−1 mg−1cat. and a faradaic efficiency (FE) of 17.8%. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the unique NRR performance originates from the low‐coordinate step atoms on the edges of IrP2 nanocrystals, which can lower the reaction barrier to improve the NRR activity and simultaneously inhibit hydrogen evolution to achieve a high FE for NH3 formation. More importantly, such a plasma‐assisted strategy is general and can be extended to the synthesis of other high‐melting‐point noble‐metal phosphides (OsP2@PNPC‐NF, Re3P4@PNPC‐NF, etc.) with abundant step atoms at lower temperatures.