bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An illustrated storybook of indigenous stories as a learning tool for scholars and communities
Authors: Poto Margherita Paola , Porrone Arianna
Published: November 2019

Content: Our presentation will focus on a project idea that brings together conventional and unconventional teaching methods by means of a story of indigenous stories illustrated by artists.

Storybooks -when authentic and not grammatically sequenced- have the merit among the others to: (1) convey a direct message; (2) offer different interpretations of a certain event, liberated from cultural assumptions; (3) expose the reader to several tenses at the same time (Ellis, Brewster, 2002; Mourão, 2003) which gives a sense of circuitry and multidimensionality; (4) be dynamic and adaptive, and therefore not statically connected to certain events or interpretation, as well as released from beliefs and value-sets; (5) be uncontroversial, thus universally shareable.

Objective and audience: collecting indigenous stories from different legal traditions that will be narrated by two shape-shifters feminine spirits. Both stories and storytellers mirror the fluid and immanent governing water and earth, in such a way that can be understood by students, indigenous and non-indigenous researchers, community members.

Methodology: Focus groups will be set up with the aim to collect stories from the coastal and rural communities of two Regions: two communities from the Western coasts of Canada and New Zealand (representing the Sea-Region); two local communities from Brazil and India (representing the Earth-Region). These are chosen for their rich and diversified local knowledge, based on the centrality of the sea and the earth in the human existence. Community-based artists and storytellers will be engaged in co-creating the final outcome (a story illustrated by an indigenous artist per community). The story of the stories, with the two feminine spirits as protagonists, will be illustrated by one or two children book’s illustrators.

Expected result: an illustrated book, that will have the original trait of being a frame story narrated by the two spirits of water and earth, containing indigenous narratives on the symbiotic relationship that governs communities and nature.
Long-term patient observation after conservative treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome: a summary of two randomised controlled trials
Authors: Wolny Tomasz , Linek Pawel
Published: November 2019

Background

Physiotherapy of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) involves manual therapy based on neurodynamic techniques. Until now, two randomized controlled trials have shown that immediately after therapy, CTS patients who received neurodynamic techniques had significant improvement in nerve conduction, pain, symptom severity (SSS), functional state (FSS), muscle strength (MS) and two-point discrimination (2PD). However, long-term effects seem to be more important, as they are the only ones that can significantly improve the patient’s health and influence economic and social costs. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term (six months) effects of neurodynamic techniques in the conservative treatment of CTS patients.

Methods

Carpal tunnel syndrome patients (107) from two previously published randomised clinical trials were observed for six months after the treatment based on neurodynamic techniques.

Results

The sensory conduction velocity, motor conduction velocity, and motor latency were not subject to statistically significant changes within six months after therapy (p > 0.05). In both groups, there was further pain reduction (p < 0.05). In Group B, the symptom severity improved significantly (p < 0.05), while the functional status in both groups remained unchanged (p > 0.05). In both groups, there was muscle strength improvement (p < 0.05). Two-point discrimination remained unchanged six months after the therapy.

Conclusion

The use of manual therapy based on neurodynamic techniques maintains the beneficial effects 6 months after therapy in CTS patients.
Antioxidant Content in Solanum Anguivi Lam Berries as Affected by Cooking at Different Stages of Ripening
Authors: Abbe Caroline Yaya , Aboa Nestor , Ahi Pascal Amédée
Published: November 2019

Aims: In this research changes in vitamin C, flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins contents and antioxidant activity in Solanum anguivi Lam berries during ripening and heat treatment have been studied.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Food Science and Technology (UFR-STA), University Nangui Abrogoua, between May 2017 and August 2018.

Methodology: The fresh and boiled berries (at 10 and 15 min) were dried and ground to obtain powders. Then, phenolic compounds (tannins, flavonoids and polyphenols), vitamin C were investigated using standard methods. Antioxidant properties were determinated by reducing power (RP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH).

Results: Green berries had the highest content in vitamin C (32.23 ± 0.03 mg / 100 g FW), tannins (0.19 ± 0.02 mg tannic acid / 100 g DW), polyphenols (1162.33 ± 0.02 mg GAE / 100 g DW) and antioxidant activity (86.96 ± 0.49%). As far as the berries were ripened, its contents of tannins, vitamin C and polyphenols decreased, like it antioxidant activity. Registered losses were polyphenols (61.2%) > vitamin C (59.8%) > tannins (52.6%) > antioxidant activity (17.88%). While, total flavonoids content increased in red berries. Under boiling times, phenolic compounds, vitamin C and antioxidant activity decreased gradually in the berries. Registered losses in green berries were antioxidant activity (97.86%) > vitamin C (59.78%) > polyphenols (52.39%) > tannins (31.57%). 

Conclusion: Solanum anguivi Lam berries consumed in Côte d’Ivoire contain significant levels of

phenolic compounds, vitamin C and antioxidant activity that are essential for human health but no more 10 min of boiling, this nutritive value were well-preserved.
Aberrant expression of RSK1 characterizes high‐grade gliomas with immune infiltration
Authors: M. Hajj Glaucia N. , da Silva Fernanda F. , de Bellis Bárbara , Lupinacci Fernanda C. S. , Bellato Hermano M. , Cruz Juvanier R. , Segundo Claudionor N. C. , Faquini Igor V. , Torres Leuridan C. , Sanematsu Paulo I. , Begnami Maria D. , Martins Vilma R. , Roffé Martín
Published: November 2019

The p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) family, a downstream target of Ras/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase signaling, can mediate cross‐talk with the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 pathway. As RSK connects two oncogenic pathways in gliomas, we investigated the protein levels of the RSK isoforms RSK1–4 in nontumoral brain (NB) and grade I‐IV gliomas. When compared to NB or low‐grade gliomas (LGG), a group of glioblastomas (GBMs) that excluded long‐survivor cases expressed higher levels of RSK1 (RSK1hi). No difference was observed in RSK2 median‐expression levels among NB and gliomas; however, high levels of RSK2 in GBM (RSK2hi) were associated with worse survival. RSK4 expression was not detected in any brain tissues, whereas RSK3 expression was very low, with GBM demonstrating the lowest RSK3 protein levels. RSK1hi and, to a lesser extent, RSK2hi GBMs showed higher levels of phosphorylated RSK, which reveals RSK activation. Transcriptome analysis indicated that most RSK1hi GBMs belonged to the mesenchymal subtype, and RSK1 expression strongly correlated with gene expression signature of immune infiltrates, in particular of activated natural killer cells and M2 macrophages. In an independent cohort, we confirmed that RSK1hi GBMs exclude long survivors, and RSK1 expression was associated with high protein levels of the mesenchymal subtype marker lysosomal protein transmembrane 5, as well as with high expression of CD68, which indicated the presence of infiltrating immune cells. An RSK1 signature was obtained based on differentially expressed mRNAs and validated in public glioma datasets. Enrichment of RSK1 signature followed glioma progression, recapitulating RSK1 protein expression, and was associated with worse survival not only in GBM but also in LGG. In conclusion, both RSK1 and RSK2 associate with glioma malignity, but displaying isoform‐specific peculiarities. The progression‐dependent expression and association with immune infiltration suggest RSK1 as a potential progression marker and therapeutic target for gliomas.
Highly Efficient Charge Transport in a Quasi‐Monolayer Semiconductor on Pure Polymer Dielectric
Authors: Ji Deyang , Zou Ye , Wu Kunjie , Yang Fangxu , Amirjalayer Saeed , Li Liqiang , Huang Xianhui , Li Tao , Hu Wenping , Fuchs Harald
Published: November 2019

The study of monolayer organic field‐effect transistors (MOFETs) provides an effective way to investigate the intrinsic charge transport of semiconductors. To date, the research based on organic monolayers on polymeric dielectrics lays far behind that on inorganic dielectrics and the realization of a bulk‐like carrier mobility on pure polymer dielectrics is still a formidable challenge for MOFETs. Herein, a quasi‐monolayer coverage of pentacene film with orthorhombic phase is grown on the poly (amic acid) (PAA) dielectric layer. More significantly, charge density redistribution occurs at the interface between the pentacene and PAA caused by electron transfer from pentacene to the PAA dielectric layer, which is verified by theoretical simulations and experiments. As a consequence, an enhanced hole accumulation layer is formed and pentacene‐based MOFETs on pure polymer dielectrics exhibit bulk‐like carrier mobilities of up to 13.7 cm2 V−1 s−1 from the saturation region at low VGS, 9.1 cm2 V−1 s−1 at high VGS and 7.6 cm2 V−1 s−1 from the linear region, which presents one of the best results of previously reported MOFETs so far and indicates that the monolayer semiconductor growing on pure polymer dielectric could produce highly efficient charge transport.
Flexible and Waterproof Resistive Random‐Access Memory Based on Nitrocellulose for Skin‐Attachable Wearable Devices
Authors: Lee Jin Hyeok , Park Sung Pyo , Park Kyungho , Kim Hyun Jae
Published: November 2019

Memory for skin‐attachable wearable devices for healthcare monitoring must meet a number of requirements, including flexibility and stability in external environments. Among various memory technologies, organic‐based resistive random‐access memory (RRAM) devices are an attractive candidate for skin‐attachable wearable devices due to the high flexibility of organic materials. However, organic‐based RRAMs are particularly vulnerable to external moisture, making them difficult to apply as skin‐attachable wearable devices. In this research, RRAMs are fabricated that meet the requirements for skin‐attachable wearable devices using a novel organic material, nitrocellulose (NC), which is biocompatible with high water‐resistance and high flexibility. The fabricated NC‐based RRAMs show a stable bipolar resistive switching characteristic. In addition, the formation of a native Al oxide between Al and NC is verified, which is the source of the bipolar switching characteristic of NC‐based RRAMs. Furthermore, electrical and chemical analysis is conducted after dipping and submersion into various solutions as well as deionized water to confirm the water‐resistance of the NC‐based RRAMs. Finally, it is also confirmed that NC‐based RRAMs are suitable for use in skin‐attachable wearable devices through a flexibility test. In conclusion, this study suggests that NC‐based RRAMs can be applied in skin‐attachable wearable devices, simplifying healthcare in the future.
Remotely and Sequentially Controlled Actuation of Electroactivated Carbon Nanotube/Shape Memory Polymer Composites
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhang Fenghua , Leng Jinsong , Fu Kun , Lu X. Lucas , Wang Liyun , Cotton Chase , Sun Baozhong , Gu Bohong , Chou Tsu‐Wei
Published: November 2019

4D printing technology is known as the combination of 3D printing technology and stimulus‐responsive materials. 4D printed conductive filler/shape memory polymer composites have tremendous potential in the development of remotely and sequentially controlled smart devices. This work focuses on the temperature dependent volume resistivity, Joule‐heating induced temperature distribution, and electroactivated shape memory behavior of 4D printed carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) under an applied DC voltage. The variation of volume resistivity of CNT/PLA composites with temperature can be attributed to matrix shrinkage and CNT contact resistance change. Enhanced electroactivated shape recovery property is demonstrated through the optimization of printing speed, layer thickness, and raster angle. Furthermore, compared to the 0° specimen, the 0°/90° specimen has higher degree of homogeneity in temperature distribution and faster recovery process. Finally, remotely and sequentially controlled shape memory behavior of a three‐pronged device is demonstrated. The above results will provide a knowledge base for future optimal design of selectively and sequentially controlled actuators.
Flexible and Ultrasensitive Piezoelectric Composites Based on Highly (00l)‐Assembled BaTiO3 Microplatelets for Wearable Electronics Application
Authors: Li Xiongjie , Wang Yiping , Sun Sheng , He Tingrui , Hu Querui , Yang Ying , Yuan Guoliang
Published: November 2019

Piezoelectric wearable electronics with flexibility and high sensitivity have received increasing attention in the fields of health monitoring, flexible robots, and artificial intelligence. Here, a flexible organic–inorganic hybrid composite for wearable electronics application based on (00l)‐aligned BaTiO3 (BT) single‐crystal microplatelets is prepared by layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly technology. For the polyvinylidene fluoride‐trifluoroethylene (P(VDF‐TrFE))/BT single‐crystal microplatelets composite film, the sensitivity is nearly 20 times higher than that of its counterparts of P(VDF‐TrFE)/BT microparticles composite film and pure P(VDF‐TrFE) film. The orderly alignment of BT microplatelets also has been found advantageous to the strength of the composite film. The tensile strength is up to 204.3 MPa even at a high inorganic phase content of 53.8 wt% in P(VDF‐TrFE)/BT single‐crystal microplatelets composite film, which is four times that of pure P(VDF‐TrFE) film. Moreover, the flexible piezoelectric wearable device based on P(VDF‐TrFE)/BT single‐crystal microplatelets film effectively provides detailed information for monitoring human activities such as pronunciation, frequency, and waveform of pulse beating, and motion states. This high sensitivity, high strength, and flexible piezoelectric composite provides much potential on the applications of wearable equipments and health monitoring devices.
Telecommunications and Data Processing in Flexible Electronic Systems
Authors: Christoe Michael J. , Han Jialuo , Kalantar‐Zadeh Kourosh
Published: November 2019

Despite significant progress in the field of wearables and flexible electronics, there are hardly any reports describing the overall implementation of these systems, from the design of electrical interconnects and substrates to the choice of electronic components. Researchers working on materials for flexible electronics are sometimes disconnected from those designing the electronic circuits for such applications. Herein, an overview of the essential design requirements for flexible electronics is presented. It includes discussions regarding communication protocols, design and implementation of electrical interconnects, choice and fabrication of substrates, and choice of electronic components for flexible systems. The functionalities of these electronic components are comprehensively discussed with consideration of the energy budget, in terms of power consumption, also presented. Additionally, the components of power generation and storage are explored with respect to their market accessibility. The field of wearable electronics is highly interdisciplinary and such information is essential for eventual standardization of the field.
Are genes destiny? Exploring the role of intrauterine environment in moderating genetic influences on body mass
Authors: Kim Jinho
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Genes influence every aspect of human behavior, physiology, and health. Obesity, a major global public health concern, is no exception. However, relatively little is known about whether environmental factors moderate the effects of genetic influences on body mass. By incorporating molecular genetics and the fetal origins of obesity hypothesis into a gene‐environment interaction framework, this study investigates how the effect of the obesity‐associated gene (FTO) interacts with the effect of intrauterine environment to influence body mass during adulthood.

Methods

This study uses data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, and uses sibling comparisons that allow for quasi‐experimental variation in both genetic and environmental factors.

Results

This study found positive, but noisy, within‐family estimates of the FTO‐body mass index (BMI) association. The association between birth weight and adult BMI was robust to controlling for unobserved family background factors. More importantly, this study revealed that the association between having a risk allele of the FTO gene and BMI (and obesity status) is largely concentrated among individuals who were heavier at birth. This provides evidence of a gene‐environment interaction on BMI (and the development of obesity).

Conclusions

Genes are not destiny and environmental factors may offset the effects of obesity‐promoting genes. Public health efforts to counteract genetic effects on body mass may begin as early as in utero. Efforts to prevent higher birth weight may thus help reduce the risk of obesity later in life, by directly addressing the programming effects of the in utero environment and also indirectly moderating obesity‐promoting genetic effects.
Enantioselective Copper(I)/Chiral Phosphoric Acid Catalyzed Intramolecular Amination of Allylic and Benzylic C−H Bonds
Authors: Ye Liu , Tian Yu , Meng Xiang , Gu Qiang‐Shuai , Liu Xin‐Yuan
Published: November 2019

Radical‐involved enantioselective oxidative C−H bond functionalization by a hydrogen‐atom transfer (HAT) process has emerged as a promising method for accessing functionally diverse enantioenriched products, while asymmetric C(sp3)−H bond amination remains a formidable challenge. To address this problem, described herein is a dual CuI/chiral phosphoric acid (CPA) catalytic system for radical‐involved enantioselective intramolecular C(sp3)−H amination of not only allylic positions but also benzylic positions with broad substrate scope. The use of 4‐methoxy‐NHPI (NHPI=N‐hydroxyphthalimide) as a stable and chemoselective HAT mediator precursor is crucial for the fulfillment of this transformation. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate that a crucial allylic or benzylic radical intermediate resulting from a HAT process is involved.
Photo‐oxidation of poly(ethylene terephthalate) films intended for photovoltaic backsheet
Authors: Horne Fiona J. , Liggat John J. , MacDonald William A. , Sankey Stephen W.
Published: November 2019

The photodegradation of 36 μm thick poly(ethylene terephthalate) film under artificial weathering conditions has been investigated. A weatherometer was used to expose samples to a broad wavelength range of light in an oxidative environment, replicating outdoor exposure. Irradiations were also performed using UV lamps of wavelengths 302 and 365 nm light, in an oxidative environment. After exposure, the extent of degradation was determined using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, contact angle measurements, and scanning electron microscopy. Results show the production of a series of degradation products, including carboxylic acid end groups, anhydrides, aldehydes, quinones, and monohydroxy terephthalate groups. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48623.
Effect of polarization switching on piezoelectric and dielectric performance of electrospun nanofabrics of poly(vinylidene fluoride)/Ca–Al LDH nanocomposite
Authors: Shamitha C. , Mahendran Arunjunairaj , Anandhan S.
Published: November 2019

At present, highly flexible, durable, and lightweight piezoelectric nanogenerators with high‐power density and energy conversion efficiency are of great interest. The present study reports a new synthetic route for Ca–Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanosheets and incorporation of these two‐dimensional nanosheets as filler material into poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) to produce composite nanofabrics by electrospinning. The polymorphism, crystallinity, and the interaction between PVDF and LDH were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry techniques. The synergetic effect of PVDF–LDH interaction and in situ stretching due to electrospinning facilitates the nucleation of electroactive β phase up to 82.79%, which makes it a suitable material for piezoelectric‐based nanogenerators. The piezoelectric performance of PVDF/Ca–Al LDH composite nanofabrics was demonstrated by hand slapping and frequency‐dependent mechanical vibration mode, which delivered a maximum open circuit output voltage of 4.1 and 5.72 V, respectively. Moreover, the composite nanofabrics exhibited a high dielectric constant and low dielectric loss due to superior interfacial polarization at low‐frequency region with LDH loading, promising its potential applications in electronic devices. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 137, 48697.
Bmo‐miR‐2780a regulates the expression of the sericin‐1 gene of Bombyx mori
Authors: Qian Ping , Wang Xin , Li Jiashuang , Jiang Tao , Tang Xudong , Huixiang Guan , Shen Xingjia
Published: November 2019

Silk production in Bombyx mori L. is largely determined by the expression of genes encoding fibroin and sericin. Here, we examined the regulatory function of a microRNA (miRNA) on silk gene expression using the sericin‐1 gene (BmSer–1). First, we downloaded whole mature miRNAs of silkworm from miRBase and identified bmo‐miR‐2780a as a candidate miRNA for the regulation of BmSer‐1 expression. We used semi‐quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) with stem‐loop primers to investigate the expression profile of bmo‐miR‐2780a and its predicted target gene BmSer‐1 in seven different tissues from 5th instar day‐3 larvae, including head, fat body, anterior silk gland (ASG), middle silk gland (MSG), posterior silk gland (PSG), middle gut, and hemolymph. Our results showed that bmo‐miR‐2780a was specifically expressed in the MSG and that the expression level of BmSer‐1 was significantly higher in the MSG than in other tissues. Recombinant plasmids carrying both pri‐mir‐2780a and Ser1–3′UTR were constructed and then used to cotransfect BmN cells. We further detected the effect of bmo‐miR‐2780a on Ser‐1 in vivo. These results showed that the target gene was significantly decreased by miR‐2780a compared with the control group (p < .05), thus indicating that bmo‐miR‐2780a might negatively regulate the expression of Ser‐1.
Auslaugungswiderstand von Betonoberflächen in Trinkwasserbehältern
Authors: Schulte Holthausen Robert , Raupach Michael , Merkel Melanie , Breit Wolfgang
Published: November 2019

Unter den meisten Bedingungen sind zementgebundene Baustoffe in Trinkwasser beständig. Sehr weiches bzw. kalkarmes Wasser kann jedoch die Dauerhaftigkeit von Betonoberflächen beeinträchtigen. Auslaugungsprozesse zwischen Werkstoff und Wasser führen langfristig zur Aufweichung der Oberfläche und der einhergehende Alkalitätsverlust kann bei unzureichender Betondeckung zur Korrosion der Bewehrung führen.

Im Rahmen eines DVGW‐geförderten Forschungsprojekts wurden Betonoberflächen einer mehrmonatigen Auslaugungsbeanspruchung in kalkfreiem Wasser ausgesetzt und die oberflächliche Veränderung der Proben anhand verschiedener materialtechnischer Parameter verfolgt. Die Ergebnisse erlauben direkte Rückschlüsse auf den Schädigungsmechanismus, die Auslaugungsgeschwindigkeit sowie das Schädigungsprofil. Die Ergebnisse werden mit Bezug zu den maßgeblichen Einflussparametern der verschieden porösen Betonoberflächen auf ihren Auslaugungswiderstand sowie die Bedeutung für die Dauerhaftigkeit von Betonoberflächen in Trinkwasserbehältern diskutiert.
Lipidomic changes in the rat hippocampus following cocaine conditioning, extinction, and reinstatement of drug‐seeking
Authors: Pati Sumitra , Angel Peggi , Drake Richard R. , Wagner John J. , Cummings Brian S.
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Cocaine dependence affects millions of individuals worldwide; however, there are no pharmacotherapeutic and/or diagnostic solutions. Recent evidence suggests a role for lipid signaling in the development and maintenance of addiction, highlighting the need to understand how lipid remodeling mediates neuroadaptation after cocaine exposure.

Methods

This study utilized shotgun lipidomics to assess cocaine‐induced lipid remodeling in rats using a novel behavioral regimen that incorporated multiple sessions of extinction training and reinstatement testing.

Results

Mass spectrometric imaging demonstrated widespread decreases in phospholipid (PL) abundance throughout the brain, and high‐spatial resolution matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization Fourier‐transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry indicated hippocampus‐specific PL alterations following cocaine exposure. We analyzed the expression of genes involved in hippocampal lipid metabolism and observed region‐specific regulation. In addition, we found that cocaine exposure differentially regulates mitochondrial biogenesis in the brain.

Conclusions

This work presents a comprehensive lipidomic assessment of cocaine‐induced lipid remodeling in the rat brain. Further, these findings indicate a potential interplay between CNS energetics and differential lipid regulation and suggest a role for cocaine in the maintenance of energy homeostasis.
An interactive virtual laboratory addressing student difficulty in differentiating between chemical reaction kinetics and equilibrium
Authors: Koretsky Milo D.
Published: November 2019

The Reaction Rate vs Equilibrium Interactive Virtual Laboratory (IVL) has been developed to address a common student misconception in analyzing and designing chemical reactors—the difference between reaction kinetics and reaction equilibrium. The IVL allows students to make meaning of the difference between reaction rate and equilibrium by exploring their dependence on temperature. The design is to create a cognitive conflict between their observations of how reaction rate and equilibrium depend on temperature. In the IVL, students are guided through a set of 20 frames where they are asked to respond to questions that ask them to predict, observe, or reflect on phenomena related to the specific concept while manipulating the molecular simulations. The Reaction Rate vs Equilibrium IVL is embedded within the Concept Warehouse (available at http://cw.edudiv.org/) and the instructors can access student responses to the questions as well as an automatic grading system can be used for student assessment. In this study, the IVL was implemented in a junior‐level chemical engineering thermodynamics studio class. Data sources included responses from 82 consenting students during their work with the virtual laboratory and a survey completed the day after. We examined student responses to the summative conceptual question pair near the end of the IVL to determine whether students understood the main concept. We found that 57.1% clearly understood the concept. In addition, students indicated that they found group work beneficial when using the IVLs and appreciated the visual and dynamic representation of molecular phenomena.
LINC01116 accelerates nasopharyngeal carcinoma progression based on its enhancement on MYC transcription activity
Authors: Xing Haijie , Sun Hongxia , Du Weiluo
Published: November 2019

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated to be frequently involved in the development of cancers, whereas only a few of them was investigated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Here, we found that LINC01116 was highly expressed in NPC cell lines, and inhibition of LINC01116 notably restrained cell viability, proliferation, and migration in NPC cells. Besides, we unveiled that LINC01116 was mainly distributed in the cytoplasm of NPC cells. Surprisingly, the cytoplasmic LINC01116 could directly interact with the 5′UTR of MYC mRNA, whereas such interaction had no influence on MYC mRNA expression, but facilitated MYC mRNA translation so as to enhance MYC protein level in NPC cells. Moreover, LINC01116 per se had no impact on the transcription of MYC targets but affected their expression through MYC‐dependent manner. Furthermore, MYC overexpression offset the suppression of LINC01116 silence on NPC development. In turn, we discovered that MYC could also serve as the transcriptional activator of LINC01116 in NPC cells. By and large, our findings elucidated a LINC01116/MYC feedback loop in accelerating the tumorigenesis of NPC, revealing a promising target to establish novel biomarkers for NPC patients.
Radiation and chemotherapy for high‐risk lower grade gliomas: Choosing between temozolomide and PCV
Authors: McDuff Susan G. R. , Dietrich Jorg , Atkins Katelyn M. , Oh Kevin S. , Loeffler Jay S. , Shih Helen A.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The majority of patients with high‐risk lower grade gliomas (LGG) are treated with single‐agent temozolomide (TMZ) and radiotherapy despite three randomized trials showing a striking overall survival benefit with adjuvant procarbazine, lomustine, and vincristine (PCV) chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This article aims to evaluate the evidence and rationale for the widespread use of TMZ instead of PCV for high‐risk LGG.

Methods and Materials

We conducted a literature search utilizing PubMed for articles investigating the combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy for high‐risk LGG and analyzed the results of these studies.

Results

For patients with IDH mutant 1p/19q codeleted LGG tumors, there is limited evidence to support the use of TMZ. In medically fit patients with codeleted disease, existing data demonstrate a large survival benefit for PCV as compared to adjuvant radiation therapy alone. For patients with non‐1p/19q codeleted LGG, early data from the CATNON study supports inclusion of adjuvant TMZ for 12 months. Subset analyses of the RTOG 9402 and EORTC 26951 do not demonstrate a survival benefit for adjuvant PCV for non‐1p/19q codeleted gliomas, however secondary analyses of RTOG 9802 and RTOG 9402 demonstrated survival benefit in any IDH mutant lower grade gliomas, regardless of 1p/19q codeletion status.

Conclusions

At present, we conclude that current evidence does not support the widespread use of TMZ over PCV for all patients with high‐risk LGG, and we instead recommend tailoring chemotherapy recommendation based on IDH status, favoring adjuvant PCV for patients with any IDH mutant tumors, both those that harbor 1p/19q codeletion and those non‐1p/19q codeleted. Given the critical role radiation plays in the treatment of LGG, radiation oncologists should be actively involved in discussions regarding chemotherapy choice in order to optimize treatment for their patients.
Structure and Chemical Analysis of Major Specialized Metabolites Produced by the Lichen Evernia prunastri
Authors: Staples Richard , LaDuca Robert L. , Roze Ludmila V. , Laivenieks Maris , Linz John E. , Beaudry Randolph , Fryday Alan , Schilmiller Anthony L. , Koptina Anna V. , Smith Benjamin , Trail Frances
Published: November 2019

We performed comparative profiling of four specialized metabolites in the lichen Evernia prunastri, collected at three different geographic locations, California and Maine, USA, and Yoshkar Ola, Mari El, Russia. Among the compounds produced at high concentrations that were identified in all three specimens, evernic acid, usnic acid, lecanoric acid and chloroatranorin, evernic acid was the most abundant. Two depsidones, salazinic acid and physodic acid, were detected in the Yoshkar‐Ola collection only. The crystalline structure of evernic acid (2‐hydroxy‐4‐[(2‐hydroxy‐4‐methoxy‐6‐methylbenzoyl)oxy]‐6‐methylbenzoate) (hmb) revealed two crystallographically and conformationally distinct hmb anions, along with two monovalent sodium atoms. One hmb moiety contained an exotetradentate binding mode to sodium, whereas the other exhibited an exohexadentate binding mode to sodium. Embedded edge‐sharing {Na2O8}n sodium‐oxygen chains connected the hmb anions into the full three‐dimensional crystal structure of the title compound. The crystal used for single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction exhibited non‐merohedral twinning. The data suggest the importance of the acetyl‐polymalonyl pathway products to processes of maintaining integrity of the lichen holobiont community.
Hybridizing Oligonucleotides with Hydrophobic Peptide Nucleic Acids Assists Their Cellular Uptake through Aggregate Formation
Authors: Misu Sotaro , Kurihara Ryohsuke , Kainuma Reina , Sato Ryugai , Nishihara Tatsuya , Tanabe Kazuhito
Published: November 2019

We applied hybridization between hydrophobic peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) and oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) to achieve their cellular uptake without any need for transfection reagents. We employed a pyrenyl unit as a hydrophobic functional group and introduced it at the terminus of the PNA strand. The pyrene‐tethered PNA (PyPNA) strongly bound with its complementary ODNs to generate amphiphiles; the resulting hybrids formed aggregates that showed efficient cellular uptake and high biological stability. Aggregates containing a functional DNA aptamer that bound to the PyPNA penetrated the cell membrane smoothly, with the aptamer exerting its original function in living cells. Thus, PyPNA efficiently assisted the additive‐free cellular uptake of ODNs.
Ruthenium(II)–Arene Thiocarboxylates: Identification of a Stable Dimer Selectively Cytotoxic to Invasive Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Stephens Liam J. , Levina Aviva , Trinh Iman , Blair Victoria L. , Werrett Melissa V. , Lay Peter A. , Andrews Philip C.
Published: November 2019

RuII‐arene complexes provide a versatile scaffold for novel anticancer drugs. Seven new RuII‐arene‐thiocarboxylato dimers were synthesized and characterized. Three of the complexes (2 a, b and 5) showed promising antiproliferative activities in MDA‐MB‐231 (human invasive breast cancer) cells, and were further tested in a panel of fifteen cancerous and noncancerous cell lines. Complex 5 showed moderate but remarkably selective activity in MDA‐MB‐231 cells (IC50=39±4 μm Ru). Real‐time proliferation studies showed that 5 induced apoptosis in MDA‐MB‐231 cells but had no effect in A549 (human lung cancer, epithelial) cells. By contrast, 2 a and b showed moderate antiproliferative activity, but no apoptosis, in either cell line. Selective cytotoxicity of 5 in aggressive, mesenchymal‐like MDA‐MB‐231 cells over many common epithelial cancer cell lines (including noninvasive breast cancer MCF‐7) makes it an attractive lead compound for the development of specifically antimetastatic Ru complexes with low systemic toxicity.
Development of Polyamine‐Substituted Triphenylamine Ligands with High Affinity and Selectivity for G‐Quadruplex DNA
Authors: Pont Isabel , Martínez‐Camarena Álvaro , Galiana‐Roselló Cristina , Tejero Roberto , Albelda M. Teresa , González‐García Jorge , Vilar Ramón , García‐España Enrique
Published: November 2019

Currently, significant efforts are devoted to designing small molecules able to bind selectively to guanine quadruplexes (G4s). These noncanonical DNA structures are implicated in various important biological processes and have been identified as potential targets for drug development. Previously, a series of triphenylamine (TPA)‐based compounds, including macrocyclic polyamines, that displayed high affinity towards G4 DNA were reported. Following this initial work, herein a series of second‐generation compounds, in which the central TPA has been functionalised with flexible and adaptive linear polyamines, are presented with the aim of maximising the selectivity towards G4 DNA. The acid–base properties of the new derivatives have been studied by means of potentiometric titrations, UV/Vis and fluorescence emission spectroscopy. The interaction with G4s and duplex DNA has been explored by using FRET melting assays, fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism. Compared with previous TPA derivatives with macrocyclic substituents, the new ligands reported herein retain the G4 affinity, but display two orders of magnitude higher selectivity for G4 versus duplex DNA; this is most likely due to the ability of the linear substituents to embrace the G4 structure.
Microwave Hydrothermal Synthesis of 1T@2H−MoS2 as an Excellent Photocatalyst
Authors: Liu Haiyang , Wu Rong , Zhang Hongyan , Ma Ming
Published: November 2019

In this work, a novel microwave hydrothermal method is developed to prepare hybrid 1T@2H−MoS2 nanospheres, with the 1T and 2H phases confirmed by high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and the stability of the hybrid phase verified by Raman spectroscopy. The efficiencies of methyl orange (MO) degradation and photo‐reduction of Cr(VI) by hybrid 1T@2H−MoS2 are much higher than those by 2H−MoS2, which should be attributed to the synergistic effect of the coexistent 1T and 2H phases. In addition, the hybrid sample prepared by microwave method possesses superior photocatalytic performance than that by conventional hydrothermal method, due to the higher 1T phase concentration and different crystallinity. Free‐radical capture experiments show that .O2− dominates the photocatalytic degradation process with 1T phase producing more electrons. The introduction of 1T−MoS2 into 2H−MoS2 shows great potential for photocatalytic degradation, while microwave treatment could be an effective method to prepare the hybrid phase MoS2.
Homogeneous Catalysis is Up for the Challenge
Authors: Ackermann Lutz , Sortais Jean‐Baptiste
Published: November 2019

The articles in this Special Issue illustrate how homogeneous catalysis can meet and overcome the current challenges in the field, ranging from the valorization of biomass and the formation of advanced materials to the synthesis of sustainable fuels, and the step‐economical preparation of novel value‐added chemicals.
Understanding the Synthesis of Supported Vanadium Oxide Catalysts Using Chemical Grafting
Authors: Love Alyssa M. , Cendejas Melissa C. , Hanrahan Michael P. , Carnahan Scott L. , Uchupalanun Pajean , Rossini Aaron J. , Hermans Ive
Published: November 2019

The complexity of variables during incipient wetness impregnation synthesis of supported metal oxides precludes an in‐depth understanding of the chemical reactions governing the formation of the dispersed oxide sites. This contribution describes the use of vapor phase deposition chemistry (also known as grafting) as a tool to systematically investigate the influence of isopropanol solvent on VO(OiPr)3 anchoring during synthesis of vanadium oxide on silica. The availability of anchoring sites on silica was found to depend not only on the pretreatment of the silica but also on the solvent present. H‐bond donors can reduce the reactivity of isolated silanols whereas disruption of silanol nests by H‐bond acceptors can turn unreactive H‐bonded silanols into reactive anchoring sites. The model suggested here can inform improved syntheses with increased dispersion of metal oxides on silica.
Efficient Generation and Synthetic Applications of Alkyl‐Substituted Siloxycarbenes: Suppression of Norrish‐Type Fragmentations of Alkanoylsilanes by Triplet Energy Transfer
Authors: Ishida Kento , Yamazaki Hokuto , Hagiwara Chihiro , Abe Manabu , Kusama Hiroyuki
Published: November 2019

Acylsilanes have been known to undergo isomerization to siloxycarbenes under photoirradiation and the thus generated carbenes can be utilized for various synthetic reactions. But this carbene formation is not necessarily efficient with some alkanoylsilanes because Norrish‐type fragmentations compete, which limit the synthetic utility of alkanoylsilanes as carbene precursors. In this study, generation of siloxycarbenes from alkanoylsilanes by visible‐light‐induced energy transfer was examined by using an Ir complex, [Ir{dF(CF3)ppy}2(dtbpy)]PF6, and was successfully applied to the C−C coupling reactions with boronic esters or aldehydes. This methodology efficiently suppressed undesired Norrish‐type reactions and broadened synthetic utility of alkanoylsilanes.
Understanding the Localization of Berylliosis: Interaction of Be2+ with Carbohydrates and Related Biomimetic Ligands
Authors: Müller Matthias , Buchner Magnus R.
Published: November 2019

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Magnus R. Buchner at Philipps‐Universität Marburg. The image depicts a piece of beryllium decomposing sugar cubes. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201903439.
Low‐Valent Group 14 Phosphinidenide Complexes [({SIDipp}P)2M] Exhibit P–M pπ–pπ Interaction (M=Ge, Sn, Pb)
Authors: Balmer Markus , Franzke Yannick J. , Weigend Florian , von Hänisch Carsten
Published: November 2019

Herein, the synthesis of new low‐valent Group 14 phosphinidenide complexes [({SIDipp}P)2M] exhibiting P–M pπ–pπ interactions (SIDipp=1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐imidazolidin‐2‐ylidene, M=Ge, Sn, Pb), is presented. These compounds were investigated by means of structural, spectroscopic, and quantum‐chemical methods. Furthermore, the monosubstituted compounds [(SIDippP)MX]2 (M=Sn, X=Cl; M=Pb, X=Br) are presented, which show dimeric structures instead of multiple bonding interaction.
Arrhythmia identification and classification using wavelet centered methodology in ECG signals
Authors: Arumugam Maheswari , Sangaiah Arun Kumar
Published: November 2019

A systematic and profound reading of an electrocardiogram (ECG) is needed to identify the different kinds of cardiac diseases called Arrhythmia. The manual identification of the changes in the ECG pattern over a long period is challenging. This work can be automatized by developing algorithms that run perfectly on a computer or on a smartphone to identify the causes of arrhythmia. The proposed work includes three stages of analysis: (1) the ECG noise suppression, (2) RR and PR intervals extraction from the ECG signal, and the (3) ECG classification. The proposed methodology accurately identified the locations and amplitudes of P, Q, R, S, and T subwaves of the ECG signal using a dedicated wavelet design. Experimental results of the MIT‐BIH arrhythmia database records indicate the energy levels of the ECG signal at a decomposition level of 4 and 8 as 3.694e+09 and 7.148e+09, respectively. These energy levels are used in deciding the wavelet decomposition levels for feature extraction and classification of the ECG signal. A decomposition level of eight is proposed in this work for perfect feature extraction and classification of the ECG signal. An analysis of subband frequencies obtained in the decomposition of the ECG signal is also performed. The proposed methodology gives a sensitivity of 99.58% and positive predictive value of 95.92% in the ECG examination.
A sense of place, many times over ‐ pattern formation and evolution of repetitive morphological structures
Authors: Grall Emmanuelle , Tschopp Patrick
Published: November 2019

Fifty years ago, Lewis Wolpert introduced the concept of “positional information” to explain how patterns form in a multicellular embryonic field. Using morphogen gradients, whose continuous distributions of positional values are discretized via thresholds into distinct cellular states, he provided, at the theoretical level, an elegant solution to the “French Flag problem.” In the intervening years, many experimental studies have lent support to Wolpert's ideas. However, the embryonic patterning of highly repetitive morphological structures, as often occurring in nature, can reveal limitations in the strict implementation of his initial theory, given the number of distinct threshold values that would have to be specified. Here, we review how positional information is complemented to circumvent these inadequacies, to accommodate tissue growth and pattern periodicity. In particular, we focus on functional anatomical assemblies composed of such structures, like the vertebrate spine or tetrapod digits, where the resulting segmented architecture is intrinsically linked to periodic pattern formation and unidirectional growth. These systems integrate positional information and growth with additional patterning cues that, we suggest, increase robustness and evolvability. We discuss different experimental and theoretical models to study such patterning systems, and how the underlying processes are modulated over evolutionary timescales to enable morphological diversification.
The nutritional landscape of host plants for a specialist insect herbivore
Authors: Wilson Jerome Keaton , Ruiz Laura , Duarte Jesse , Davidowitz Goggy
Published: November 2019

Nutrition has far‐reaching effects on both the ecology and evolution of species. A substantial body of work has examined the role of host plant quality on insect herbivores, with a particular focus on specialist–generalist dynamics, the interaction of growth and other physiological attributes on fitness and tritrophic effects. Measures of plant quality usually involve one or two axes of nutritional space: typically secondary metabolites or elemental proxies (N and C) of protein and carbohydrates, respectively.

Here, we describe the nutrient space of seven host plants of the specialist insect herbivore, Manduca sexta, using an approach that measures physiologically relevant sources of nutrition, soluble protein and digestible carbohydrates. We show that plant species differ markedly in their nutrient content, offering developing insect herbivores a range of available nutrient spaces that also depend on the age of the leaves being consumed.

The majority of host‐plant species produce diets that are suboptimal to the herbivore, likely resulting in varying levels of compensatory feeding for M. sexta to reach target levels of protein to ensure successful growth and development. Low‐quality diets can also impact immune function leading to complex patterns of optimization of plant resources that maximizes both growth and the ability to defend from parasitoids and pathogens. This study is the first to quantify the nutrient space of a suite of host plants used by an insect herbivore using physiologically relevant measures of nutrition.
Ecological implications of changing hatchery practices for Chinook salmon in the Salish Sea
Authors: Nelson Benjamin W. , Shelton Andrew O. , Anderson Joseph H. , Ford Michael J. , Ward Eric J.
Published: November 2019

For over a century, hatchery programs have been used to subsidize natural salmon populations in order to increase fisheries opportunities and, more recently, to conserve declining natural populations. While an extensive literature has described the impacts of large‐scale hatchery operations on freshwater ecosystems, less attention has been given to ecosystem interactions within the marine environment. We analyzed records of hatchery‐released Chinook salmon in the Salish Sea to assess temporal and spatial changes in hatchery practices since 1950, with the goal of identifying potential implications for ecosystem dynamics and conservation efforts in the region. Over the past 65 yr, we found significant changes in the size and time at which juvenile salmon are released, resulting in decreased diversity of these traits. Research suggests that predation on juvenile salmon by other fish, avian, and marine mammal species could be size‐dependent, and our results indicate that current hatchery practices are releasing Chinook salmon in the size range preferred by these predators. With current marine survival rates at chronically low levels, and increasing demand for hatchery subsidies, it is important to consider how modifying existing hatchery programs intended to reduce homogenization may promote more natural marine food web dynamics, with potential benefits to both hatchery and natural Chinook populations.