bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Cadmium Cd2+ and Lead Pb2+ Binding by Fe2O3@SiO2‐EDTA Nanoparticles – Binding Stability and Kinetic Studies
Authors: Kulpa Amanda , Ryl Jacek , Skowierzak Grzegorz , Koterwa Adrian , Schroeder Grzegorz , Ossowski Tadeusz , Niedziałkowski Paweł
Published: November 2019

This study describes the synthesis and characterization of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) functionalized magnetic nanoparticles of 20 nm in size – Fe3O4@SiO2‐EDTA – which were used as a novel magnetic adsorbent for Cd(II) and Pb(II) binding in aqueous medium. These nanoparticles were obtained in two‐stage synthesis: covering by tetraethyl orthosilicate and functionalization with EDTA derivatives. Nanoparticles were characterized using TEM, FT‐IR, and XPS methods. Metal ions were detected under optimized experimental conditions using Differential Pulse Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (DPASV) and Hanging Mercury Drop Electrode (HDME) techniques. We compared the ability of Fe3O4@SiO2‐EDTA to bind cadmium and lead in concentration of 553.9 μg L−1 and 647.5 μg L−1, respectively. Obtained results show that the adsorption rate of cadmium binding was very high. The equilibrium for Fe3O4@SiO2‐EDTA‐Cd(II) was reached within 19 min while for the Fe3O4@SiO2‐EDTA‐Pb(II) was reached within 25 minutes. About 2 mg of nanoparticles was enough to bind 87.5 % Cd(II) and 54.1 % Pb(II) content. In the next step the binding capacity of Fe3O4@SiO2‐EDTA nanoparticles was determined. Only 1.265 mg of Fe3O4@SiO2‐EDTA was enough to bind 96.14 % cadmium ions while 5.080 mg of nanoparticles bound 40.83 % lead ions. This phenomenon proves that the studied nanoparticles bind Cd(II) much better than Pb(II). The cadmium ions binding capacity of Fe3O4@SiO2‐EDTA nanoparticles decreased during storage in 0.5 M KCl solution. Two days of Fe3O4@SiO2‐EDTA storage in KCl solution caused the 32 % increase in the amount of nanoparticles required to bind 60 % of cadmium while eight‐days storage caused further increase to 328 %. The performed experiment confirmed that the storage of nanoparticles in solution without any surfactants reduced their binding capacity. The best binding capacity was observed for the nanoparticles prepared directly before the electrochemical measurements.
Online monitoring of the respiratory quotient reveals metabolic phases during microaerobic 2,3‐butanediol production with Bacillus licheniformis
Authors: Heyman Benedikt , Tulke Hannah , Putri Sastia Prama , Fukusaki Eiichiro , Büchs Jochen
Published: November 2019

Microaerobic cultivation conditions are often beneficial for the biotechnological production of reduced metabolites like 2,3‐butanediol. However, due to oxygen limitation, process monitoring based on oxygen transfer rate, or dissolved oxygen measurement provides only limited information. In this study, online monitoring of the respiratory quotient is used to investigate the metabolic activity of Bacillus licheniformis DSM 8785 during mixed acid‐2,3‐butanediol production under microaerobic conditions. Thereby, the respiratory quotient provides valuable information about different metabolic phases. Based on partial reaction stoichiometries, the metabolic activity in each phase of the cultivation was revealed, explaining the course of the respiratory quotient. This provides profound information on the formation or consumption of glucose, 2,3‐butanediol, ethanol and lactate, both, in shake flasks and stirred tank reactor cultivations. Furthermore, the average respiratory quotient correlates with the oxygen availability during the cultivation. Carbon mass balancing revealed that this reflects the increased formation of reduced metabolites with increasing oxygen limitation. The results clearly demonstrate that the respiratory quotient is a valuable online signal to reveal and understand the metabolic activity during microaerobic cultivations. The approach of combining respiratory quotient monitoring with stoichiometric considerations can be applied to other organisms and processes to define suitable cultivation conditions to produce the desired product spectrum.
Advanced Nanomaterials for Nuclear Energy and Nanotechnology
Authors: Khanal Lokendra R. , Sundararajan Jennifer A. , Qiang You
Published: November 2019

The use of the latest engineered nanomaterials in nuclear energy systems has opened doors for improving the performance and safety of nuclear power. Nuclear nanotechnology (NNT) deals with the use of engineered nanomaterials for future nuclear energy applications. Herein, the recent progress in research and benefits of using nanomaterials in different areas of nuclear energy like nuclear fuel extraction and fabrication, fission product capturing, creating robust reactor materials, radiation sensing and monitoring, and radioactive waste separation and spent nuclear fuel reprocessing are summarized. Ongoing research around the world in this field is reviewed, including experimental and computational methods.
Modal‐based ground motion selection procedure for nonlinear response time history analysis of high‐rise buildings
Authors: Liu Yang , Kuang J.S. , Yuen Terry Y.P.
Published: November 2019

The selection of representative input ground motions (IGMs) is important for a proper nonlinear response time history analysis (NLRHA) of modern structures. The prevailing IGM selection procedure requires that the response spectra of selected ground motions are matched with the code‐specified design spectra, while the effect of the frequency contents combination in the time domain on the multimode interactions is not considered. Ignoring the effect of the frequency contents combination in the time domain of IGMs may cause significant variations in the analysis results for selected IGMs, although they are matched to the same design spectrum. In this paper, a modal‐based ground motion selection (MGMS) procedure is proposed as a supplement to spectrum matching‐based IGM selection procedures for selecting proper IGMs that can sufficiently induce the multimode interactions. In the proposed procedure, three equivalent single‐degree‐of‐freedom (ESDOF) systems are developed by pushover analysis. NLRHA is then conducted for these ESDOF systems with a set of 20 seed IGMs chosen by the spectrum‐matching–based selection procedure. Finally, seven IGMs are selected from the seed IGMs for NLRHA in the full structural model. To verify MGMS, seismic demands of high‐rise buildings were computed by NLRHA with seven MGMS‐selected IGMs, seven IGMs with closest spectrum matching, and groups of seven randomly selected IGMs derived from three different sets of 20 seed IGMs. The computed seismic demands with MGMS‐IGMs show very good agreement with the mean demands determined using the whole set of seed IGMs, while the deviation is much lesser compared with those groups of randomly selected IGMs.
The Measure Matters: Examining Achievement Gaps on Cognitively Demanding Reading and Mathematics Assessments
Authors: Kevelson Marisol J. C.
Published: November 2019

This study presents estimates of Black–White, Hispanic–White, and income achievement gaps using data from two different types of reading and mathematics assessments: constructed‐response assessments that were likely more cognitively demanding and state achievement tests that were likely less cognitively demanding (i.e., composed solely or largely of multiple‐choice items). Specifically, the study utilized multilevel modeling of data from over 25,000 fourth‐ through eighth‐grade students participating in the 6‐state Measures of Effective Teaching (MET) study of 2009–2010, including data from the state reading and mathematics achievement tests used in MET districts at that time and data from the Stanford Achievement Test Open‐Ended Reading Assessment (SAT‐9OE) and the Balanced Assessment of Mathematics (BAM). The latter two assessments, consisting entirely of constructed‐response items, were selected by MET researchers to assess learning outcomes, such as those included in the Common Core State Standards, deemed more cognitively complex than those assessed by state achievement tests at the time. The investigator found that estimated Black–White, Hispanic–White, and income achievement gaps were smaller on the SAT‐9OE than on state reading assessments, before accounting for other relevant factors. Estimates of Black–White and Hispanic–White mathematics achievement gaps were slightly larger using BAM data, whereas the estimated income achievement gap was slightly smaller using BAM data. In later models, prior student academic achievement and average student subject‐specific prior achievement accounted for portions of these estimated achievement gaps.
Evaluation of antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of proanthocyanidins from Chinese bayberry (Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc.) leaves against Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Zou Mingming , Tao Wenyang , Ye Xingqian , Liu Donghong
Published: November 2019

Staphylococcus epidermidis has emerged in recent years as one of the most important opportunistic pathogens owing to its ability to attach to processing surfaces in the food industry. Demands of foodstuffs maintaining microbiological safety and stability enhance the need to develop natural antimicrobial agents as food preservatives. Proanthocyanidins from Chinese bayberry leaves (BLPs) belonging to the class of polyphenols promise to be a potential antibacterial material against bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of BLPs on S. epidermidis growth and biofilm formation. BLPs possessed antimicrobial activity with MIC and MBC of 320 and 640 μg/ml, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and flow cytometry analysis revealed a loss of the cell structure and function after treatment of BLPs, evidenced by cell membrane hyperpolarization and changes in cellular morphology. BLPs inhibited the biofilm formation by S. epidermidis on polystyrene microplates. Atomic force microscopy analysis showed that BLPs could decrease the stiffness and adhesion force of the cell envelope, which might account for the inhibition of biofilm formation. In summary, this study indicated that BLPs have potential to be developed as natural preservatives to control S. epidermidis in foods.
Assessment of Malaysia's Large‐Scale Solar Projects: Power System Analysis for Solar PV Grid Integration
Authors: Khan Rehan , Go Yun Ii
Published: November 2019

Malaysia targets to become the second‐largest producer of solar photovoltaic (PV) in the world by increasing the current output from 12% to 20% in 2020. The government also expects to achieve 45% reduction of greenhouse gas emission by 2030 through renewable energy mainly by solar PV. Large‐scale solar (LSS) aims to produce 2.5 GW, which contributes to 10% of the nation's electricity demands. The LSS system is held back by the grid‐scale integration, transmission, and distribution infrastructure. Thus, power system analysis is crucial to achieve optimization in LSS to power grid integration. This paper investigates various power system analysis models and recommends an optimized configuration based on Malaysia's LSS scenario. In stage 1, an optimal PV sizing is carried out based on real data of LSS installation in different locations. In stage 2, power analysis is carried out using to analyze the potential difference variation when connected to a nine‐bus power system. The potential variation at each bus of the system is assessed and hence provides a feasibility statement on the most effective configurations for LSS–grid integration. This paper serves as the reference model for LSS–grid integration in Malaysia and is expected to be replicated in the other countries with similar conditions.
Brain oscillatory activity as a biomarker of motor recovery in chronic stroke
Authors: Ray Andreas M. , Figueiredo Thiago D. C. , López‐Larraz Eduardo , Birbaumer Niels , Ramos‐Murguialday Ander
Published: November 2019

In the present work, we investigated the relationship of oscillatory sensorimotor brain activity to motor recovery. The neurophysiological data of 30 chronic stroke patients with severe upper‐limb paralysis are the basis of the observational study presented here. These patients underwent an intervention including movement training based on combined brain–machine interfaces and physiotherapy of several weeks recorded in a double‐blinded randomized clinical trial. We analyzed the alpha oscillations over the motor cortex of 22 of these patients employing multilevel linear predictive modeling. We identified a significant correlation between the evolution of the alpha desynchronization during rehabilitative intervention and clinical improvement. Moreover, we observed that the initial alpha desynchronization conditions its modulation during intervention: Patients showing a strong alpha desynchronization at the beginning of the training improved if they increased their alpha desynchronization. Patients showing a small alpha desynchronization at initial training stages improved if they decreased it further on both hemispheres. In all patients, a progressive shift of desynchronization toward the ipsilesional hemisphere correlates significantly with clinical improvement regardless of lesion location. The results indicate that initial alpha desynchronization might be key for stratification of patients undergoing BMI interventions and that its interhemispheric balance plays an important role in motor recovery.
Perovskite quantum dot lasers
Authors: Chen Jie , Du Wenna , Shi Jianwei , Li Meili , Wang Yue , Zhang Qing , Liu Xinfeng
Published: November 2019

Owing to the excellent properties of perovskite quantum dots (QDs), such as an easy synthesis process, high photoluminescence quantum yields, high defect tolerance, and tunable bandgap with different elements, laser actions have been widely conducted. Over the past few years, several approaches have been used for successfully creating perovskite QD lasers. In this review, we summarize the progress of perovskite QD lasers from the aspects of laser theory, characteristics and applications of QD lasers, advantages of perovskite materials for lasers, factors influencing the QD laser threshold, two‐photon pumped QD lasers, and perovskite QD laser stability. At the same time, aiming at existing problems, possible solutions and prospects are presented.

image
Circular RNA hsa_circ_0000654 promotes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression by regulating the miR‐149‐5p/IL‐6/STAT3 pathway
Authors: Xu Zhiqiao , Tie Xiaojing , Li Ning , Yi Zhenying , Shen Fengqian , Zhang Yan
Published: November 2019

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are novel noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) with covalently closed‐loop structures that play an essential regulatory role in diverse malignancies, including esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC). Circ_0000654 expression in ESCC and its mechanism of action remains unclear. Real‐time PCR (RT‐PCR) was employed to detect circ_0000654 and miR‐149‐5p expression in ESCC tissues. Circ_0000654 and miR‐149‐5p expression in ESCC cells was selectively regulated. Furthermore, interleukin 6 (IL‐6) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) expression in cells was detected by RT‐PCR and western blot analysis, while CCK8, BrdU, flow cytometry, and transwell assays were used to monitor cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion, respectively. The dual‐luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay were used to verify the targeting relationship between circ_0000654 and miR‐149‐5p, miR‐149‐5p and IL‐6. The function of circ_0000654 on ESCC cell proliferation and metastasis in vivo was examined using a subcutaneous xenograft model and a tail intravenous injection model in nude mice. Circ_0000654 was significantly upregulated in ESCC tissues and cell lines, and its high expression was remarkably associated with an increased T stage and local lymph node metastasis in ESCC patients. Circ_0000654 overexpression and knockdown experiments revealed that circ_0000654 regulated ESCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis in vitro. Circ_0000654 was identified as a sponge of miR‐149‐5p and facilitated ESCC progression by indirectly activating the IL‐6/STAT3 signaling pathway. Additionally, knocking down circ_0000654 strikingly repressed ESCC growth and metastasis in vivo. In summary, circ_0000654 functions as an oncogenic circRNA in ESCC and accelerates ESCC progression via adsorbing miR‐149‐5p and activating the IL‐6/STAT3 signaling pathway.
Gastric juice piR‐1245: A promising prognostic biomarker for gastric cancer
Authors: Zhou Xiaorong , Liu Jianhong , Meng Aifeng , Zhang Lihong , Wang Min , Fan Hong , Peng Wei , Lu Jianwei
Published: November 2019

Background

Emerging reports demonstrated that PIWI‐interacting RNAs (piRNAs) played an indispensable role in tumorigenesis. However, it still remains elusive whether piR‐1245 in gastric juice specific in stomach could be employed as a biomarker for gastric cancer (GC). The present work is aiming at exploring the possibility of piR‐1245 in gastric juice as a potential marker to judge for diagnosis and prognosis of gastric cancer.

Methods

Gastric juice was collected from 66 GC patients and 66 healthy individuals. Quantitative real‐time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was employed to measure the levels of piR‐1245 expression. Then, the pattern of piR‐1245 expression in gastric juice was determined between GC patients and healthy individuals. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed for distinguishing GC from healthy individuals.

Results

Gastric juice piR‐1245 levels in GC were higher than those of controls (P < .0001). The value of area under ROC (AUC) was 0.885 (sensitivity, 90.9%; specificity, 74.2%; 95% confidence interval, 0.8286 to 0.9414). High gastric juice piR‐1245 expression was signally correlated with tumor size (P = .013) and TNM stage (P = .001). GC patients with high piR‐1245 expression in gastric juice exerted a poorer overall survival (OS) (P = .0152) and progression‐free survival (PFS) (P = .013). COX regression analysis verified that gastric juice piR‐1245 expression was an independent prognostic risk variable for OS (P < .05).

Conclusions

The current study suggested that piR‐1245 in gastric juice had the potential to be a useful biomarker for GC detection and prognosis prediction.
Improving energy efficiency of Bacillus velezensis broth microfiltration in tubular ceramic membrane by air sparging and turbulence promoter
Authors: Jokić Aleksandar , Pajčin Ivana , Grahovac Jovana , Lukić Nataša , Dodić Jelena , Rončević Zorana , Šereš Zita
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

Popularity of biocontrol has increased due to the growing environmental concerns and the demand for organic products. It is considered as a sustainable practice for efficient agricultural production. Microbial biopesticides offer environment‐friendly biotechnological alternative to chemical control of plant diseases and pests. Due to its advantages in cell separation cross‐flow microfiltration has emerged as a powerful alternative to the conventional separation methods. However, the flux enhancement remains to be addressed. This study has estimated the use of flux improvement techniques for biomass harvesting by microfiltration using tubular ceramic membranes. Investigated methods for flux enhancement were turbulence promoter, i.e. Kenics static mixer, two‐phase flow (air sparging) and the combination of these two methods.

RESULTS

Significant flux improvement coincides with a reduction in specific energy consumption, while at the same time Bacillus velezensis cells have retained viability and antibacterial activity. The highest values of flux and corresponding improvement, compared to the microfiltration without enhancement techniques, are obtained in the case of combining Kenics static mixer and two‐phase flow (133.4 L m−2 h−1 and 502%). Flux improvement for air sparging was 134%, for turbulence promoter alone flux increase was 434%.

CONCLUSION

The methods proposed herein have achieved effective flux enhancement for cell harvesting. The obtained results also suggest encouraging basis to promote large‐scale economical production of biomass for biocontrol application. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Resurgence as Choice in Context: Treatment duration and on/off alternative reinforcement
Authors: Shahan Timothy A. , Browning Kaitlyn O. , Nall Rusty W.
Published: November 2019

Resurgence as Choice (RaC) is a quantitative theory suggesting that an increase in an extinguished target behavior with subsequent extinction of an alternative behavior (i.e., resurgence) is governed by the same processes as choice more generally. We present data from an experiment with rats examining a range of treatment durations with alternative reinforcement plus extinction and demonstrate that increases in treatment duration produce small but reliable decreases in resurgence. Although RaC predicted the relation between target responding and treatment duration, the model failed in other respects. First, contrary to predictions, the present experiment also replicated previous findings that exposure to cycling on/off alternative reinforcement reduces resurgence. Second, RaC did a poor job simultaneously accounting for target and alternative behaviors across conditions. We present a revised model incorporating a role for more local signaling effects of reinforcer deliveries or their absence on response allocation. Such signaling effects are suggested to impact response allocation above and beyond the values of the target and alternative behaviors as longer‐term repositories of experience. The new model provides an excellent account of the data and can be viewed as an integration of RaC and a quantitative approximation of some aspects of Context Theory.
Significance of switching of the nucleos(t)ide analog used to treat Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection from entecavir to tenofovir alafenamide fumarate
Authors: Uchida Yoshihito , Nakao Masamitsu , Tsuji Shohei , Uemura Hayato , Kouyama Jun‐ichi , Naiki Kayoko , Motoya Daisuke , Sugawara Kayoko , Nakayama Nobuaki , Imai Yukinori , Tomiya Tomoaki , Mochida Satoshi
Published: November 2019

The significance of switching of the nucleos(t)ide analog used to treat patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) from entecavir (ETV) to tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) is uncertain. The subjects of this study were 159 patients with HBV who received treatment with ETV followed by TAF. Among these patients, serial changes in the HBV marker levels were monitored in 92 patients in whom the serum HBsAg levels were ≥100 IU/mL during the 48‐week period immediately before and after the switching. A questionnaire survey for medication compliance was performed in 127 patients. The serum HBsAg levels (log IU/mL) decreased by 0.041 during the ETV treatment period and by 0.068 during the TAF administration period. The degree of reduction was higher during the TAF administration period than during the ETV administration period in patients without cirrhosis (P = .030), patients with genotype B HBV (P = .014), and patients with undetectable serum HBcrAg (P = .038). Multivariate analysis revealed the HBV genotype (B vs C; odds ratio, 3.400; P = .025) and serum aspartate aminotransferase level (every 1+; 1.111; P = .015) at the time of switching as factors influencing the treatment efficacy. Thirty‐six patients (28%) responded that the number of days that they forgot to take the drug decreased after the drug switching, and 77 patients (61%) reported feeling satisfied with the drug switching. Switching of the nucleos(t)ide analog used from ETV to TAF may be useful in the treatment of patients with HBV infection, as it is associated with both a decrease in the serum HBsAg level and improvement of the medication compliance.
Climate as a group level phenomenon: Theoretical assumptions and methodological considerations
Authors: Luria Gil
Published: November 2019

Climate is a group‐level phenomenon that should be measured and studied at the group level. The group level has theoretical and methodological advantages over the individual level. In this paper, I theoretically review the assumptions in measuring climate at the individual and group levels and demonstrate that the group‐level assumptions are more adequate for climate research because of their influences in exposure to events, interpretation of events, and preservation of perceptions. Methodologically, I discuss advantages in group‐level climate measurement accuracy that are based on multiple evaluators of climate and I suggest group aggregation is an organizational form of “wisdom of the crowds.” Finally, I point to three topics that remain to be investigated to understand climate at the group level better. The first is use of variability measures to compensate for information that is lost in aggregation. The second is challenging the assumption that formal organizational structure defines the group boundaries. I suggest that other levels of analysis apply to group‐level climate measurement and demonstrate the use of informal, more natural groups as an additional level. Third, I point to recently developed statistical procedures that can aid the study of climate perception emergence over time.
The impact of planning and communication on unplanned costs in surgical episodes of care: Implications for reducing waste in hospital operating rooms
Authors: Dreyfus David , Nair Anand , Rosales Claudia
Published: November 2019

This ethnographic study of more than 90 surgeries (referred to as episodes of care) identifies the antecedents to operating room (OR) supply waste. The study specifically considers the role of planning instances and communication patterns among members of the surgery team on supply waste within the OR. We operationalize planning instances in terms of the number of changes to the physician preference card (PPC), the key document that is used to plan items needed for surgery. Communication patterns among members of the surgery team are captured by measuring the density of communication among the OR team members during an episode of care. The unplanned costs during an episode of care are used as a measure of OR supply waste. Hundreds of hours were spent observing episodes of care and tracking supplies. A combination of participant‐observation, survey, and secondary data were analyzed to extract theoretical and practical insights. The results show that planning instances have a curvilinear relationship with unplanned costs. In particular, as the number of changes to the PPC increases, unplanned costs first increase and then decrease. Higher density of the OR team's communication network is associated with lower unplanned costs. This study has significant theoretical and managerial implications that we discuss and offer directions for future research.
A Generalized Theoretical Model for the Relationship Between Critical Micelle Concentrations, Pressure, and Temperature for Surfactants
Authors: Thiruvengadam Sudharsan , Murphy Matthew , Tan Jei Shian , Miller Karol
Published: November 2019

Directional solvent extraction (DSE) has been gaining interest as a water treatment technology in recent years. DSE utilizes the process of micellization for the purposes of species separation between water and complex chemical systems. In this article, we develop a conformal geometric algebra‐based formulation that models surfactants, their solubilities, and critical micelle concentration (CMC), with relation to temperature and pressure. Molecules are represented as spatially distributed networks embedded in
R4,1 space, and the mathematical characterizations of these molecules are shown to be effective in modelling CMC as a function of temperature and pressure. One of the contributions of this work is the utilization of this formulation to develop a governing expression, in the form of a three‐dimensional relationship, between CMC, pressure, and temperature for a general surfactant. In prior works, the CMC–temperature plane and CMC–pressure plane expressions have been extensively documented for sodium alkyl sulfates. In this work, we extend the formulation to model the CMC of decanoic acid, sodium octyl sulfate, sodium decyl sulfate, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and sodium tetradecyl sulfate. Using this theoretical model, a relationship between CMC and the directional solubility of water in a surfactant is determined. Directional solubility is related to temperature and pressure, and on this basis, we devise a directional solubility–pressure–temperature expression for an arbitrary surfactant to improve the state of the art for DSE. From this expression, we propose a novel isothermal DSE process for water treatment.
Photoelectrochemical Bisphenol S Sensor Based on ZnO‐Nanoroads Modified by Molecularly Imprinted Polypyrrole
Authors: Viter Roman , Kunene Kwanele , Genys Povilas , Jevdokimovs Daniels , Erts Donats , Sutka Andris , Bisetty Krishna , Viksna Arturs , Ramanaviciene Almira , Ramanavicius Arunas
Published: November 2019

Molecularly imprinted polymers are important tools for the design of sensors and other molecular recognition based analytical systems. In this paper the development of a photoelectrochemical sensor for selective bisphenol determination is reported. The sensor is based on a glass/ZnO/MIP‐Ppy structure consisting of glass modified by a ZnO layer (glass/ZnO), which is functionalized by molecularly imprinted conducting polymer polypyrrole (MIP‐Ppy). The sensitivity of the sensor to bisphenol is in the range of 0.7–12.5 µm. Selectivity tests to other bisphenolic compounds are performed. Some aspects of a photoinduced response mechanism in glass/ZnO/MIP‐Ppy nanostructures are predicted and discussed.
Investigation of Bimetallic Nickel Catalysts in Catalyst‐Transfer Polymerization of π‐Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Buenaflor Jeffrey , Sommerville Parker , Qian Hang , Luscombe Christine
Published: November 2019

A comparative study involving bimetallic nickel catalysts designed from disubstituted N,N,N′,N′‐tetra(diphenylphosphanylmethyl)benzene diamine bridging ligands is reported. Catalyst behavior is explored in the Kumada catalyst‐transfer polymerization (KCTP) using poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) as the model system. The success of a controlled polymerization is monitored by analyzing monomer conversion, degree of polymerization, end‐group identity, and molecular weight distribution. The characterization of P3HT obtained from KCTP initiated with the bimetallic catalysts shows chain‐growth behavior; however, the presence of Br/Br end‐groups and broader molecular weight distribution reveals a reduced controlled polymerization compared to the commonly employed Ni(dppp)Cl2. The observed increase in intermolecular chain transfer and termination processes in KCTP initiation with the bimetallic catalysts can be attributed to a weaker Ni(0)‐π‐aryl complex interaction, which is caused by increased steric crowding of the coordination sphere.
Tunable and Magnetic Thiol–ene Micropillar Arrays
Authors: Al‐Azawi Anas , Cenev Zoran , Tupasela Topi , Peng Bo , Ikkala Olli , Zhou Quan , Jokinen Ville , Franssila Sami , Ras Robin H. A.
Published: November 2019

Tunable and responsive surfaces offer routes to multiple functionalities ranging from superhydrophobic surfaces to controlled adhesion. Inspired by cilia structure in the respiratory pathway, magnetically responsive periodic arrays of flexible and magnetic thiol–ene micropillars are fabricated. Omnidirectional collective bending of the pillar array in magnetic field is shown. Local non‐contact actuation of a single pillar is achieved using an electromagnetic needle to probe the responsiveness and the elastic properties of the pillars by comparing the effect of thiol–ene crosslinking density to pillar bending. The suitable thiol–ene components for flexible and stiff magnetic micropillars and the workable range of thiol‐to‐allyl ratio are identified. The wettability of the magnetic pillars can be tailored by chemical and topography modification of the pillar surface. Low‐surface‐energy self‐assembled monolayers are grafted by UV‐assisted surface activation, which is also used for surface topography modification by covalent bonding of micro‐ and nanoparticles to the pillar surface. The modified thiol–ene micopillars are resistant to capillarity‐driven collapse and they exhibit low contact angle hysteresis, allowing water droplet motion driven by repeated bending and recovery of the magnetic pillars in an external magnetic field. Transport of polyethylene microspheres is also demonstrated.
Experimental evolution for niche breadth in bacteriophage T4 highlights the importance of structural genes
Authors: Pham Jenny Y. , Ogbunugafor C. Brandon , Nguyen Ba Alex N. , Hartl Daniel L.
Published: November 2019

Ecologists have long studied the evolution of niche breadth, including how variability in environments can drive the evolution of specialism and generalism. This concept is of particular interest in viruses, where niche breadth evolution may explain viral disease emergence, or underlie the potential for therapeutic measures like phage therapy. Despite the significance and potential applications of virus–host interactions, the genetic determinants of niche breadth evolution remain underexplored in many bacteriophages. In this study, we present the results of an evolution experiment with a model bacteriophage system, Escherichia virus T4, in several host environments: exposure to Escherichia coli C, exposure to E. coli K‐12, and exposure to both E. coli C and E. coli K‐12. This experimental framework allowed us to investigate the phenotypic and molecular manifestations of niche breadth evolution. First, we show that selection on different hosts led to measurable changes in phage productivity in all experimental populations. Second, whole—genome sequencing of experimental populations revealed signatures of selection. Finally, clear and consistent patterns emerged across the host environments, especially the presence of new mutations in phage structural genes—genes encoding proteins that provide morphological and biophysical integrity to a virus. A comparison of mutations found across functional gene categories revealed that structural genes acquired significantly more mutations than other categories. Our findings suggest that structural genes are central determinants in bacteriophage niche breadth.
mPRα mediates P4/Org OD02‐0 to improve the sensitivity of lung adenocarcinoma to EGFR‐TKIs via the EGFR‐SRC‐ERK1/2 pathway
Authors: Lu Xiaoxiao , Guan Anqi , Chen Xi , Xiao Jian , Xie Mingxuan , Yang Baishuang , He Shuya , You Shaojin , Li Wei , Chen Qiong
Published: November 2019

The discovery of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations has made EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKIs) a milestone in the treatment for advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, patients lacking EGFR mutations are not sensitive to EGFR‐TKI treatment and the emergence of secondary resistance poses new challenges for the targeted therapy of lung cancer. In this study, we identified that the expression of membrane progesterone receptor α (mPRα) was associated with EGFR mutations in lung adenocarcinoma patients and subsequently affected the efficacy of EGFR‐TKIs. Progesterone (P4) or its derivative Org OD02‐0 (Org), which is mediated by mPRα, increases the function of EGFR‐TKIs to suppress the proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the mPRα pathway triggers delayed resistance to EGFR‐TKIs. Mechanistic investigations demonstrated that the mPRα pathway can crosstalk with the EGFR pathway by activating nongenomic effects to inhibit the EGFR‐SRC‐ERK1/2 pathway, thereby promoting antitumorigenic effects. In conclusion, our data describe an essential role for mPRα in improving sensitivity to EGFR‐TKIs, thus rationalizing its potential as a therapeutic target for lung adenocarcinomas.
Spastic paraplegia as the predominant phenotype in a cohort of Chinese patients with adrenoleukodystrophy
Authors: Luo Wen‐Jiao , Wei Qiao , Dong Hai‐Lin , Yan Yang‐Tian , Chen Mei‐Jiao , Li Hong‐Fu
Published: November 2019

Background

X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is one of the most common peroxisomal disorders characterized by abnormal accumulation of very long‐chain fatty acids (VLCFA) in plasma and tissues and caused by mutations within ABCD1. Clinically, ALD present with various phenotypes, ranging from asymptomatic type to rapidly progressive childhood cerebral form. However, no remarkable abnormality in cerebral white matter usually makes it difficult to distinguish adult ALD from hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP).

Methods

We analyzed the features of seven Chinese ALD patients who had a primary phenotype of spastic paraplegia. Sequencing was performed in the probands and their familial members. Detailed clinical, VLCFAs test, hormone test, magnetic resonance imaging, and electromyogram are presented.

Results

We reported seven ALD patients from a Chinese cohort of 142 HSP patients. Genetic investigations revealed five known ABCD1 mutations (c.346G>C, c.521A>G, c.829G>T, c.1415_1416delAG, and c.1849C>T) and two novel mutations (c.454C>G, c.1452_1482del). Further auxiliary testing revealed that they had higher VLCFA and/or adrenal insufficiency.

Conclusions

Our findings expand the mutation spectrum of ABCD1 and indicate that ALD represent a significant portion (4.9%, 7/142) of the spastic paraplegia entities. ALD should be considered in male patients with spastic paraplegia, even if there was no positive family history.
OLCD: Delivering an Exciting Future for Flexible Displays
Authors: Harding James
Published: November 2019

The development of glass‐free organic LCDs (OLCDs) promises a future of thin, lightweight, and shatterproof screens that are scalable to large areas and capable of sidestepping flat screens' limitations to embrace curved surfaces.
A Paradigm Shift in Autonomous Cars (and More) at Vehicle Displays
Authors: Werner Ken
Published: November 2019

Organized by SID's Metro‐Detroit Chapter, the Annual Symposium on Vehicle Displays and Interfaces has become a top display conference in North America, second only to Display Week. Here, we highlight significant developments from this year's event held September 24 to 25 in Livonia, Michigan.
At‐line LC‐QTOF‐MS micro‐fractionation of Derris scandens (Roxb.) Benth, coupled to radioassay for the early identification of PDE5A1 inhibitors
Authors: Bhandari Samjhana , Nuengchamnong Nitra , Chaichamnong Nattiya , Seasong Tongchai , Ingkaninan Kornkanok , Temkitthawon Prapapan
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Chromatographic techniques coupled with bioassays are popularly used for the detection of bioactive compounds in natural products. In this study phytochemicals responsible for showing Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitory activity in Derris scandens were studied using at‐line method.

Objective

The objective of this study was to develop an at‐line liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LC‐QTOF‐MS) micro‐fractionation method for rapid separation and identification of PDE5A1 inhibitors in 95% ethanolic extract of D. scandens.

Methodology

Initially, the correlation between LC‐MS and PDE5A1 inhibitory activity was studied using three concentrations of 1:1 mixture of sildenafil and derrisisoflavone A; PDE5A1 inhibitors. The mixture was separated by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) column and the eluent was split into two flows in the ratio of 1:9. The major part was collected in a 96‐well plate, in each well consecutively every 30 s. The minor part was fed into an electrospray ionisation (ESI)‐QTOF‐MS system. After subsequent solvent removal, the collected micro‐fractions were subjected to radioassay to determine PDE5A1 inhibition.

Results

The result showed, PDE5A1 inhibitory activities of the micro‐fractions were observed in a dose response manner and found to be in agreement with an off‐line study. Similarly, 95% ethanolic extract of D. scandens was subjected to the at‐line LC‐QTOF‐MS micro‐fractionation developed, resulting in separation and tentative identification of 25 compounds with PDE5A1 inhibitory activity. Most of the compounds contained prenylated isoflavone skeleton. Additionally, the active micro‐fractions also showed selectivity on PDE5A1 over PDE6 and PDE1B.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that the at‐line coupled LC‐QTOF‐MS micro‐fractionation with PDE5A1 inhibitory assay is a valuable tool for identifying PDE5A1 inhibitors from complex extracts.
mhGAP – the global scenario
Authors: Hughes Peter , Thomson Sophia
Published: November 2019

Mental Health Gap Action Programme (WHOmhGAP) was launched in 2008 to address the huge gap in need in mental health in low‐ and middle‐income countries.1 The programme involves task shifting of mental health assessment and management skills from specialists to nonspecialist health care workers.1 Here the authors outline the programme, examples of where it has been delivered and the challenges for the future.
Therapeutic recombinant protein production in plants: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Burnett Matthew J. B. , Burnett Angela C.
Published: November 2019

Societal Impact Statement

Therapeutic protein production in plants is an area of great potential for increasing and improving the production of proteins for the treatment or prevention of disease in humans and other animals. There are a number of key benefits of this technique for scientists and society, as well as regulatory challenges that need to be overcome by policymakers. Increased public understanding of the costs and benefits of therapeutic protein production in plants will be instrumental in increasing the acceptance, and thus the medical and veterinary impact, of this approach.

Therapeutic recombinant proteins are a powerful tool for combating many diseases which have previously been hard to treat. The most utilized expression systems are Chinese Hamster Ovary cells and Escherichia coli, but all available expression systems have strengths and weaknesses regarding development time, cost, protein size, yield, growth conditions, posttranslational modifications and regulatory approval. The plant industry is well established and growing and harvesting crops is easy and affordable using current infrastructure. Growth conditions are generally simple: sunlight, water, and the addition of cheap, available fertilizers. There are multiple options for plant expression systems, including species, genetic constructs and protein targeting, each best suited to a particular type of therapeutic protein production. Transient expression systems provide a mechanism to rapidly transfect plants and produce therapeutic protein in a matter of weeks, rather than the months it can take for many competing expression systems, while proteins targeted to cereal seeds can be harvested, stored and potentially purified much more easily than in competing systems. Current challenges for plant expression systems include a lack of regulatory approval, environmental containment concerns and nonhuman glycosylation, which may limit the scope of the type of therapeutic proteins that can be manufactured in plants. The specific strengths of plant expression systems could facilitate the production of certain therapeutic proteins quickly and cheaply in the near future.
Knowledge, beliefs, and influences associated with complementary and alternative medicine among physiotherapy and counselling students
Authors: Armson Anthony , Hodgetts Christopher , Wright Anthony , Jacques Angela , Ricciardi Tanja , Bettinelli Giuly , Walker Bruce
Published: November 2019

Objective

The objective of this study is to determine whether physiotherapy and counselling students, who represent a future generation of two health professions, have differing views about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

Methods

In order to determine physiotherapy and counselling students' self‐rated knowledge and beliefs about CAM and the factors which influence that understanding, a modified 10‐item CAM Health Belief Questionnaire was administered across all year groups to physiotherapy students and counselling students at two universities in Perth, Western Australia. The self‐rated paper‐based survey measured knowledge of CAM among physiotherapy and counselling students, evaluation of their beliefs regarding the use of CAM, factors that influence their knowledge and beliefs, and their likelihood of recommending CAM to future patients.

Results

A response rate of 96.8% was achieved, with 387 physiotherapy students and 88 counselling students. Moderately positive beliefs about CAM were confirmed in both groups, with mean scores of 42.8/70 for physiotherapy students and 43.3/70 for counselling students. There were no significant differences between the student groups in overall self‐rated knowledge of CAM. The main factors that influenced the students' responses were personal experience for counselling students and scientific evidence for physiotherapy students. Other factors included university training, attitudes of lecturers, tutors and fellow students, cultural background, and opinions of external practitioners. Counselling students were more likely than physiotherapy students to recommend CAM therapies to their future patients.

Conclusion

The results from this study demonstrate minimal self‐rated knowledge but moderately positive attitudes towards CAM by both physiotherapy and counselling students.
Prescribing Simulator: new tool to develop prescribing skills
Authors: Dowden Angela
Published: November 2019

Gaining sufficient expertise on medicines and prescribing takes practice, which is ideally done in an environment that doesn't involve actual patients. This is the function of the recently launched Prescribing Simulator, an e‐learning project from the British Pharmacological Society. This article takes a look at this new initiative, how it works and who might benefit.
Darvadstrocel for the treatment of complex perianal fistulas
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: November 2019

Darvadstrocel (Alofisel) – indicated for the treatment of complex perianal fistulas caused by Crohn's disease – is the first allogeneic stem‐cell therapy to be approved in the EU. This article examines its administration, efficacy and place in therapy.
Structure and function of cis‐acting RNA elements of flavivirus
Authors: Liu Zhong‐Yu , Qin Cheng‐Feng
Published: November 2019

The genus Flavivirus is a group of single‐stranded, positive‐sense RNA viruses that includes numerous human pathogens with global impact, such as dengue virus (DENV), yellow fever virus (YFV), West Nile virus (WNV), and Zika virus (ZIKV). The approximately 11‐kilobase genome is flanked by highly structured untranslated regions (UTRs), which contain various cis‐acting RNA elements with unique structures and functions. Moreover, local RNA elements circularize the genome non‐covalently through long‐range interactions. Interestingly, many flavivirus cis‐acting RNA elements contain group‐specific motifs or are specific for the given phylogenetic groups, suggesting their potential association with flavivirus evolution and diversification. In this review, we summarize recent advances about the structure and function of cis‐acting RNA elements in flavivirus genomes and highlight the potential implications for flavivirus evolution. Finally, the scientific questions remained to be answered in the field are also discussed.