bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent advances in polysaccharide‐based hydrogels for synthesis and applications
Authors: Li Zili , Lin Zhiqun
Published: January 2021

Hydrogels are three‐dimensional (3D) crosslinked hydrophilic polymer networks that have garnered tremendous interests in many fields, including water treatment, energy storage, and regenerative medicine. However, conventional synthetic polymer hydrogels have poor biocompatibility. In this context, polysaccharides, a class of renewable natural materials with biocompatible and biodegradable properties, have been utilized as building blocks to yield polysaccharide‐based hydrogels through physical and/or chemical crosslinking of polysaccharides via a variety of monomers or ions. These polysaccharide‐derived hydrogels exhibit peculiar physicochemical properties and excellent mechanical properties due to their unique structures and abundant functional groups. This review focuses on recent advances in synthesis and applications of polysaccharide‐based hydrogels by capitalizing on a set of biocompatible and biodegradable polysaccharides (i.e., cellulose, alginate, chitosan, and cyclodextrins [CDs]). First, we introduce the design and synthesis principles for crafting polysaccharide‐based hydrogels. Second, polysaccharide‐based hydrogels that are interconnected via various crosslinking strategies (e.g., physical crosslinking, chemical crosslinking, and double networking) are summarized. In particular, the introduction of noncovalent and/or dynamic covalent interactions imparts polysaccharide‐based hydrogels with a myriad of intriguing performances (e.g., stimuli–response and self‐recovery). Third, the diverse applications of polysaccharide‐based hydrogels in self‐healing, sensory, supercapacitor, battery, drug delivery, wound healing, tissues engineering, and bioimaging fields are discussed. Finally, the perspectives of polysaccharide‐based hydrogels that promote their future design to enable new functions and applications are outlined.
Investigation of Quantum Droplets: An Analytical Approach
Authors: Debnath Argha , Khan Ayan
Published: January 2021

Recent observations of droplets in dipolar and binary Bose–Einstein condensate (BEC) gives motivation to study the theory of droplet formation in detail. Specifically, the authors are interested in investigating the possibility of droplet formation in a quasi‐1D geometry. Recent observations have suggested that droplets are stabilized by competition between effective mean‐field and beyond mean‐field interaction. Hence, it is possible to map the effective equation of motion to a cubic‐quartic nonlinear Schrödinger equation (CQNLSE). Two analytical solutions of the modified Gross–Pitaevskii equation or CQNLSE are obtained and they are verified numerically. Based on their stability, the parameter regime for which droplets can form is investigated. The effective potential allows for conclusions about the regions of soliton domination and self‐bound droplet formations.
The Formation/Decomposition Equilibrium of LiH and its Contribution on Anode Failure in Practical Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Xu Gaojie , Li Jiedong , Wang Chao , Du Xiaofan , Lu Di , Xie Bin , Wang Xiao , Lu Chenglong , Liu Haisheng , Dong Shanmu , Cui Guanglei , Chen Liquan
Published: January 2021

Discovering the underlying reason for Li anode failure is a critical step towards applications of lithium metal batteries (LMBs). In this work, we conduct deuterium‐oxide (D2O) titration experiments in a novel on‐line gas analysis mass spectrometry (MS) system, to determine the content of metallic Li and lithium hydride (LiH) in cycled Li anodes disassembled from practical LiCoO2/Li LMBs. The practical cell is comprised of ultrathin Li anode (50 μm), high loading LiCoO2 (17 mg cm−2, 2.805 mAh cm−2) and different formulated electrolytes. Our results suggest that the amount of LiH accumulation is negatively correlated with cyclability of practical LMBs. More importantly, we reveal a temperature sensitive equilibrium (Li + 1/2 H2 ⇌ LiH) governing formation and decomposition process of LiH at Li anode. We believe that the unusual understanding provided by this study will draw forth more insightful efforts to realize efficient Li protection and the ultimate applications of “holy grail” LMBs.
Photocatalyst for High‐Performance H2 Production: Ga‐Doped Polymeric Carbon Nitride
Authors: Jiang Wenshuai , Zhao Yajie , Zong Xupeng , Nie Haodong , Niu Lijuan , An Li , Qu Dan , Wang Xiayan , Kang Zhenhui , Sun Zaicheng
Published: January 2021

A photocatalyst system is generally comprises a catalyst and cocatalyst to achieve light absorption, electron‐hole separation, and surface reaction. It is a challenge to develop a single photocatalyst having all functions so as to lower the efficiency loss. Herein, the active GaN4 site is integrated into a polymeric carbon nitride (CN) photocatalyst (GCN), which displays an excellent H2 production rate of 9904 μmol h−1 g−1. It is 162 and 3.3 times higher than that of CN with the absence (61 μmol h−1 g−1) and presence (2981 μmol h−1 g−1), respectively, of 1.0 wt % Pt. Under light irradiation the electron is injected and stored at the GaN4 site, where the LUMO locates. The HOMO distributes on the aromatic ring resulting in spatial charge separation. Transient photovoltage discloses the electron‐storage capability of GCN. The negative GaN4 promotes proton adsorption in the excited state. The positive adsorption energy drives H2 desorption from GaN4 after passing the electron to the proton. This work opens up opportunities for exploring a novel catalyst for H2 production.
Electrooxidative Rhodium‐Catalyzed [5+2] Annulations via C−H/O−H Activations
Authors: Wang Yulei , Oliveira João C. A. , Lin Zhipeng , Ackermann Lutz
Published: January 2021

Electrooxidative annulations involving mild transition metal‐catalyzed C−H activation have emerged as a transformative strategy for the rapid construction of five‐ and six‐membered heterocycles. In contrast, we herein describe the first electrochemical metal‐catalyzed [5+2] cycloadditions to assemble valuable seven‐membered benzoxepine skeletons by C−H/O−H activation. The efficient alkyne annulation featured ample substrate scope, using electricity as the only oxidant. Mechanistic studies provided strong support for a rhodium(III/I) regime, involving a benzoxepine‐coordinated rhodium(I) sandwich complex as the catalyst resting state, which was re‐oxidized to rhodium(III) by anodic oxidation.
Subglottic stenosis imitating the carina – a case report of airway mimicry
Authors: Trageser H. , Lott C. , Epp K. , Pirlich N.
Published: January 2021

We present a case of awake tracheal intubation with flexible bronchoscopy which resulted in incorrect tracheal tube placement. The presence of a stenotic subglottic lesion with an appearance similar to the carina led to the tube being positioned with only the tip within the trachea whilst the cuff was located between the vocal cords. A capnography trace was identified before induction of anaesthesia; however, visual confirmation of the carina was undertaken in a rushed manner due to the patient becoming agitated. Once the incorrect tracheal tube placement was identified, the decision was made to wake the patient. Thereafter, a more experienced operator successfully performed awake tracheal intubation with flexible bronchoscopy using a smaller tracheal tube, which easily passed through the subglottic stenosis. This report emphasises the importance of performing the ‘two‐point check’ every time awake tracheal intubation is undertaken: to confirm correct tube placement, both a capnography trace and view of the tracheal lumen including the carina and main bronchi is required. This must be properly performed before induction of anaesthesia; safety should not be compromised by a stressful environment or time pressure.
Development and characterization of a poly (vinyl alcohol) and sodium alginate blend foam for wound dressing loaded with propolis and all‐trans retinoic acid
Authors: Cesar Pedro Henrique Souza , Natarelli Caio Vinicius Lima , Oliveira Juliano Elvis de , Andrade Paula Ariane , dos Santos Tamara Leite , Marcussi Silvana
Published: January 2021

Propolis is a complex mixture of phytochemicals, with antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, and healing properties. All‐trans retinoic acid is implicated in wound healing by stimulating angiogenesis, cell recruitment, extracellular matrix deposition, and reepithelization. The incorporation of both agents to a polymeric wound dressing composed of poly (vinyl alcohol) and sodium alginate may result in improved healing allied to controlled release, fluid uptake, and wound protection. In the present work, we have physically characterized this wound dressing and analyzed its release kinetics. The anti‐inflammatory capacity was assayed. SEM images showed a highly porous structure with a diverse morphology. FTIR spectra displayed a highly cross‐linked structure with both polymers connected by hydrogen bonds and acetal bridges. The wound dressings were able to retain great volumes of PBS. Propolis and vitamin A releasing behavior were maintained for 6 h. The concentrations of the biologically active substances were capable of promoting anti‐inflammatory action in an erythrocyte membrane stabilization model. The wound dressings obtained here showed adequate physical properties. The fabrication process did not affect the anti‐inflammatory capacity. Further tests are needed to ensure the biocompatibility and to assess other biological activities of the therapeutic agents.
Investigation of pyrolysis kinetics and gaseous compounds emitted during charcoal production from woods commonly used in the Eastern Mediterranean
Authors: Ankona Etty , Multanen Victor , Nisnevitch Marina , Billig Miriam , Anker Yaakov
Published: January 2021

Air pollution caused by the traditional charcoal production industry is an environmental problem for developing countries. Avocado (Persea americana) and Lemon (Citrus limon) trees that are commonly used in the charcoal industry in the Eastern Mediterranean were chosen as representatives of charcoal raw material in a wood pyrolysis kinetic study that was conducted using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). The weight loss was measured in a nitrogen atmosphere with a heating rate of 10 °C.min−1 at a temperature range from 30 °C to 700 °C. Four main stages, denoted as dehydration, initial decomposition and both active and final decomposition, were registered in the wood thermal decomposition. The main gases produced were identified in the active decomposition stage for lemonwood and avocado wood, respectively, in the temperature range of 255 to 355 °C and 246 to 340 °C. The released gases in the biomass pyrolysis were measured on‐line using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Main gas products of avocado and lemonwood pyrolysis were similar and included CO2, CO, H2O, CH4, and several organic compounds including methanol, formic acid, acetic acid, and furan. Charcoal production thermogravimetric analysis validated that the wood biomass thermal decomposition process has four stages: (1) water evaporation; (2) initial decomposition; (3) active decomposition, and (4) final decomposition. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Myelomeningocele genotype–phenotype correlation findings in cilia, HH, PCP, and WNT signaling pathways
Authors: Ortiz‐Cruz Gabriela , Aguayo‐Gómez Adolfo , Luna‐Muñoz Leonora , Muñoz‐Téllez Luis A. , Mutchinick Osvaldo M.
Published: January 2021

Background

Myelomeningocele (MMC) is the most severe and frequent type of spina bifida. Its etiology remains poorly understood. The Hedgehog (Hh), Wnt, and planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling pathways are essential for normal tube closure, needing a structural‐functional cilium for its adequate function. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of different gene variants (GV) from those pathways on MMC genotype‐subphenotype correlations.

Methods

The study comprised 500 MMC trios and 500 controls, from 16 Telethon centers of 16 Mexican states. Thirty‐four GVs of 29 genes from cilia, Hh, PCP, and Wnt pathways, were analyzed, by an Illumina on design microarray. The total sample (T‐MMC) was stratified in High‐MMC (H‐MMC) when thoracic and Low‐MMC (L‐MMC) when lumbar‐sacral vertebrae affected. STATA/SE‐12.1 and PLINK software were used for allelic association, TDT, and gene–gene interaction (GGI) analyses, considering p value <.01 as statistically significant differences (SSD).

Results

Association analysis showed SSD for COBL‐rs10230120, DVL2‐rs2074216, PLCB4‐rs6077510 GVs in T‐MMC and L‐MMC, and VANGL2‐rs120886448 in T‐MMC and H‐MMC, and INVS‐rs7024375 exclusively in L‐MMC. TDT assay showed SSD preferential transmissions of C2CD3‐rs826058 in H‐MMC, and LRP5‐rs3736228, and BBS2‐rs1373 in L‐MMC. Statistically significant GGI was observed in four in T‐MMC, four completely different in L‐MMC, and one in H‐MMC. Interestingly, no one repeated in subphenotypes.

Conclusions

Our results support an association of GVs in Hh, Wnt, PCP, and cilia pathways, with MMC occurrence location, although further validation is needed. Furthermore, present results show a distinctive panel of gene‐variants in H‐MMC and LMMC subphenotypes, suggesting a feasible genotype–phenotype correlation.
Why boys will be boys and girls will be girls: Human sex development and its defects
Authors: Eid Wassim , Biason‐Lauber Anna
Published: January 2021

Among the most defining events of an individual's life, is the development of a human embryo into male or a female. The phenotypic sex of an individual depends on the type of gonad that develops in the embryo, a process which itself is determined by the genetic setting of the individual. The development of the gonads is different from any other organ, as they possess the potential to differentiate into two functionally distinct organs, testes, or ovaries. Sex development can be divided into two distinctive processes, “sex determination,” which is the commitment of the undifferentiated gonad into either a testis or an ovary, a process that is genetically programmed in a critically timed manner and “sex differentiation,” which takes place through hormones produced by the gonads, once the developmental sex determination decision has been made. Disruption of any of the genes involved in either the testicular or ovarian development pathway could lead to disorders of sex development. In this review, we provide an insight into the factors important for sex determination, their antagonistic actions and whenever possible, references on the “prismatic” clinical cases are given. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 108:365–379, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dimethyloxalylglycine, a small molecule, synergistically increases the homing and angiogenic properties of human mesenchymal stromal cells when cultured as 3D spheroids
Authors: Costa Marta H. G. , Serra Joana , McDevitt Todd C. , Cabral Joaquim M. S. , da Silva Cláudia L. , Ferreira Frederico Castelo
Published: January 2021

Strategies aiming at increasing the survival and paracrine activity of human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are of utmost importance to achieve the full therapeutic potential of these cells. Herein, we propose both physical and biochemical strategies to enhance the survival, homing, angiogenic, and immunomodulatory properties of MSCs in vitro. To that purpose, we compared the effect of exposing either 2D monolayer or 3D spheroids of MSCs to (i) hypoxia (2% O2) or to (ii) a hypoxic‐mimetic small molecule, dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG), with cells cultured at 21% O2. 3D‐cultured MSC spheroids evidenced higher survival upon exposure to oxidative stress and expressed higher levels of factors involved in tissue repair processes, namely tumor necrosis factor‐stimulated gene‐6, matrix metalloproteinase‐2, and vascular endothelial growth factor. MSCs cultured as 3D spheroids and further exposed to hypoxia or hypoxic‐mimetic conditions provided by DMOG synergistically favored the expression of the cell surface marker C‐X‐C chemokine receptor type‐4, involved in homing processes to injured tissues, and adhesion to extracellular matrix components as fibronectin. These results highlight the role of ex vivo preconditioning approaches, presenting a novel strategy that combine biochemical stimuli with 3D spheroid organization of MSCs to maximize their tissue regeneration potential.
Biomanufacturing of value‐added products from oils or fats: A case study on cellular and fermentation engineering of Yarrowia lipolytica
Authors: Liu Na , Soong Ya‐Hue V. , Mirzaee Iman , Olsen Andrew , Yu Peng , Wong Hsi‐Wu , Xie Dongming
Published: January 2021

The United States produces more than 10 million tons of waste oils and fats each year. This paper aims to establish a new biomanufacturing platform that converts waste oils or fats into a series of value‐added products. Our research employs the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica as a case study for citric acid (CA) production from waste oils. First, we conducted the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation of the bioreactor system and identified that the extracellular mixing and mass transfer is the first limiting factor of an oil fermentation process due to the insolubility of oil in water. Based on the CFD simulation results, the bioreactor design and operating conditions were optimized and successfully enhanced oil uptake and bioconversion in fed‐batch fermentation experiments. After that, we investigated the impacts of cell morphology on oil uptake, intracellular lipid accumulation, and CA formation by overexpressing and deleting the MHY1 gene in the wild type Y. lipolytica ATCC20362. Fairly good linear correlations (R2 > 0.82) were achieved between cell morphology and productivities of biomass, lipid, and CA. Finally, fermentation kinetics with both glucose and oil substrates were compared and the oil fermentation process was carefully evaluated. Our study suggests that waste oils or fats can be economical feedstocks for biomanufacturing of many high‐value products.
Functional heterogeneity in the left lateral posterior parietal cortex during visual and haptic crossmodal dot‐surface matching
Authors: Yang Jiajia , Yu Yinghua , Shigemasu Hiroaki , Kadota Hiroshi , Nakahara Kiyoshi , Kochiyama Takanori , Ejima Yoshimichi , Wu Jinglong
Published: January 2021

Background

Vision and touch are thought to contribute information to object perception in an independent but complementary manner. The left lateral posterior parietal cortex (LPPC) has long been associated with multisensory information processing, and it plays an important role in visual and haptic crossmodal information retrieval. However, it remains unclear how LPPC subregions are involved in visuo‐haptic crossmodal retrieval processing.

Methods

In the present study, we used an fMRI experiment with a crossmodal delayed match‐to‐sample paradigm to reveal the functional role of LPPC subregions related to unimodal and crossmodal dot‐surface retrieval.

Results

The visual‐to‐haptic condition enhanced the activity of the left inferior parietal lobule relative to the haptic unimodal condition, whereas the inverse condition enhanced the activity of the left superior parietal lobule. By contrast, activation of the left intraparietal sulcus did not differ significantly between the crossmodal and unimodal conditions. Seed‐based resting connectivity analysis revealed that these three left LPPC subregions engaged distinct networks, confirming their different functions in crossmodal retrieval processing.

Conclusion

Taken together, the findings suggest that functional heterogeneity of the left LPPC during visuo‐haptic crossmodal dot‐surface retrieval processing reflects that the left LPPC does not simply contribute to retrieval of past information; rather, each subregion has a specific functional role in resolving different task requirements.
Delivering online alternatives to the anatomy laboratory: Early experience during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Flynn William , Kumar Naveen , Donovan Russell , Jones Melissa , Vickerton Paula
Published: January 2021

Social distancing measures due to the COVID‐19 pandemic will make anatomy dissecting room practicals difficult, if not impossible to run at some institutions in the upcoming academic year. The learning community that exists within physical anatomy practicals needs to be moved online. Virtual replacement of visuo‐spatial and social elements of learning anatomy pose particular challenges to educators. Our department has trialed Blackboard Collaborate, an online communication platform in conjunction with Visible Body, a 3D anatomical modeling program. We have delivered 266 hr of synchronous small group teaching to medical and physician associate students. We describe this approach and discuss the relevance of distance learning pedagogy to the design of new online anatomy teaching and development of online learning communities.
The diterpene Manool extracted from Salvia tingitana lowers free radical production in retinal rod outer segments by inhibiting the extramitochondrial F1Fo ATP synthase
Authors: Ravera Silvia , Esposito Alfonso , Degan Paolo , Caicci Federico , Manni Lucia , Liguori Anna , Bisio Angela , Iobbi Valeria , Schito Anna , Traverso Carlo Enrico , Panfoli Isabella
Published: January 2021

Uncontrolled oxidative stress production, especially in the outer retina is one of the causes of retinal degenerations. Mitochondria are considered the principal source of oxidative stress. However, a Reactive Oxygen Intermediates (ROI) production in the retinal photoreceptor layer seems to depend also on the expression of an extramitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) machinery in the rod outer segments (OS). In fact, OS conduct aerobic metabolism, producing ATP through oxygen consumption, although it is devoid of mitochondria. As diterpenes display an antioxidant effect, we have evaluated the effect Manool, extracted from Salvia tingitana, on the extramitochondrial OxPhos and the ROI production in the retinal rod OS. Results confirm that the OxPhos machinery is ectopically expressed in the OS and that F1Fo‐ATP synthase is a target of Manool, which inhibited the OS ATP synthesis, binding the F1 moiety with high affinity, as analysed by molecular docking. Moreover, the overall slowdown of OxPhos metabolism reduced the ROI production elicited in the OS by light exposure, in vitro. In conclusion, data are consistent with the antioxidant properties of Salvia spp., suggesting its ability to lower oxidative stress production, a primary risk factor for degenerative retinal diseases.

Significance of the study

Here we show that Manool, a diterpene extracted from Salvia tingitana has the potential to lower the free radical production by light‐exposed rod outer segments in vitro, by specifically targeting the rod OS F1Fo‐ATP synthase belonging to the extramitochondrial OxPhos expressed on the disk membrane. The chosen experimental model allowed to show that the rod OS is a primary producer of oxidative stress linked to the pathogenesis of degenerative retinal diseases. Data are also consistent with the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory action of Salvia spp., suggesting a beneficial effect also in vivo.
Laparoscopic removal of a fishbone migrating from the gastrointestinal tract to the pancreas
Authors: Mulita Francesk , Kehagias Dimitris , Tchabashvili Levan , Iliopoulos Fotis , Drakos Nikolas , Kehagias Ioannis
Published: January 2021

Laparoscopic surgery can be performed safely for the removal of a foreign body embedded in the pancreas and should be preferred instead of open surgery, whenever possible.
Experimental Optimization and Modeling of Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Oil from Pinus gerardiana
Authors: Amani Mitra , Ardestani Nedasadat Saadati , Honarvar Bizhan
Published: January 2021

The influence of different temperatures, pressures, and flow rates on the supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) of oil from Pinus gerardiana was investigated. Extraction was designed using the Box‐Behnken design and artificial neural network. Furthermore, a mathematical model of broken and intact cells was applied to consider mass transfer kinetics of extracted natural materials. The experimental oil extraction was performed by Soxhlet and supercritical carbon dioxide methods and the yield and composition of the obtained oils was compared. Although the yield of the SFE process was lower than that of the Soxhlet extraction, the SFE presented the advantage of shorter extraction time and lower temperatures. Also, the chemical compositions of the obtained oils from Soxhlet and SFE processes were the same.
Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Lysine Demethylase 5 C Degraders
Authors: Iida Tetsuya , Itoh Yukihiro , Takahashi Yukari , Yamashita Yasunobu , Kurohara Takashi , Miyake Yuka , Oba Makoto , Suzuki Takayoshi
Published: January 2021

Lysine demethylase 5 C (KDM5C) controls epigenetic gene expression and is attracting great interest in the field of chemical epigenetics. KDM5C has emerged as a therapeutic target for anti‐prostate cancer agents, and recently we identified triazole 1 as an inhibitor of KDM5C. Compound 1 exhibited highly potent KDM5C‐inhibitory activity in in vitro enzyme assays, but did not show strong anticancer effects. Therefore, a different approach is needed for the development of anticancer agents targeting KDM5C. Here, we attempted to identify KDM5C degraders by focusing on a protein‐knockdown strategy. Compound 3 b, which was designed based on compound 1, degraded KDM5C and inhibited the growth of prostate cancer PC‐3 cells more strongly than compound 1. These findings suggest that KDM5C degraders are more effective as anticancer agents than compounds that only inhibit the catalytic activity of KDM5C.
Impact of provider type and number of providers on surveillance testing among survivors of head and neck cancers
Authors: Yao Christopher M. K. L. , Fu Shuangshuang , Tam Samantha , Kiong Kimberley L. , Guo Theresa , Zhao Hui , Giordano Sharon H. , Sturgis Erich M. , Lewis Carol M.
Published: January 2021

Background

Guidelines for follow‐up after head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment recommend frequent clinical examinations and surveillance testing. Here, the authors describe real‐world follow‐up care for HNC survivors and variations in surveillance testing.

Methods

Using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)–Medicare data, this study examined a population‐based cohort of HNC survivors between 2001 and 2011 Usage of cross‐sectional head and neck imaging (CHNI), chest imaging (CI), positron emission tomography (PET), fiberoptic nasopharyngolaryngoscopy (FNPL), and, in irradiated patients, thyroid function testing (TFT) was captured over 2 consecutive surveillance years. Multivariate modeling with logistic regression analyses was used to assess variations by clinical factors, nonclinical factors, number and types of providers seen and their evolution over time.

Results

Among 13,836 HNC survivors, the majority saw a medical, radiation, or surgical oncologist and a primary care provider (PCP; 81.7%) in their first year of surveillance. However, only 58.1% underwent either PET or CHNI, 47.8% underwent CHNI, 64.1% underwent CI, 32.5% underwent PET scans, 55.0% underwent FNPL, and 55.9% underwent TFT. In multivariate analyses, patients who followed up with more providers and those who followed up with both a PCP and an oncologist were more likely to undergo surveillance testing (P < .007). However, adjusting for providers seen did not explain the variations in surveillance testing rates based on age, race, education, income level, and place of residence. Over time, there was a gradual increase in the use of PET scans and TFT during surveillance years.

Conclusions

In this large SEER‐Medicare data study, only half of HNC survivors received the recommended testing, and greater compliance was seen in those who followed up with both an oncologist and a PCP. More attention is needed to minimize variations in surveillance testing across sociodemographic groups.
Prognostic value of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Prognostic Score in metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Lebenthal Justin M. , Zheng Junting , Glare Paul A. , O’Reilly Eileen M. , Yang Andrew C. , Epstein Andrew S.
Published: January 2021

Background

The Memorial Sloan Kettering Prognostic Score (MPS), a composite of the neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and albumin, is an objective prognostic tool created as a more readily available alternative to the Glasgow Prognostic Score. A prior analysis of patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) suggested that the MPS may predict survival, although it did not control for clinically relevant factors.

Methods

MPS scores were calculated for patients with mPDAC treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2014. An MPS scale of 0 to 2 was used: 0 for an albumin level ≥ 4 g/dL and an NLR ≤ 4 g/dL, 1 for either an albumin level < 4 g/dL or an NLR > 4 g/dL, and 2 for an albumin level < 4 g/dL and an NLR > 4 g/dL. Performance status, antineoplastic therapy, presence of thromboembolism (TE), radiation therapy, and metastatic sites were also analyzed. The associations with overall survival were examined with time‐dependent Cox proportional hazards regression analyses.

Results

A multivariate model revealed that higher MPS scores at diagnosis (hazard ratio for MPS of 2 vs MPS of 0, 1.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.13‐1.76), liver metastases, radiation therapy, hospital admissions, TE, and performance status were associated with worse overall survival. The median overall survival for patients with MPS scores of 0, 1, and 2 were 12.9, 9.0, and 5.4 months, respectively.

Conclusions

The MPS, an easily calculated composite of the NLR and albumin, is an objective tool that may predict survival in mPDAC independently of performance status, disease characteristics, and cancer therapy.

Lay Summary

The Memorial Sloan Kettering Prognostic Score (MPS) is a new scoring system that incorporates markers of inflammation found in individuals' blood at the diagnosis of metastatic pancreatic cancer.

Data suggest that the MPS may help to determine prognosis.
MMWD: An efficient mobile malicious webpage detection framework based on deep learning and edge cloud
Authors: Liu Yizhi , Zhu Chaoqun , Wu Yadi , Xu Heng , Song Jun
Published: January 2021

In recent years, with the rapid development of mobile social networks and services, the research of mobile malicious webpage detection has become a hot topic. Most of the existing malicious webpage detection systems are deployed on desktop systems and servers. Due to the limitation of network transmission delay and computing resources, these existing solutions fail to provide the real‐time and lightweight properties for mobile webpage detection. In this paper, we propose an advanced mobile malicious webpage detection framework based on deep learning and edge cloud. Inspired by the idea of edge computing, a multidevice load optimization approach is first introduced to improve detection efficiency. Second, an automatic extraction approach based on deep learning model features is presented to enhance detection accuracy. Furthermore, detection systems can be flexibly deployed on edge nodes and servers, thus providing the properties of resource optimization deployment and real‐time detection. Finally, comparative analysis and performance evaluation are presented to show the detection efficiency and accuracy of the proposed framework.
Construction of Aromatic Multilayered Structures Based on the Conformational Properties of N,N’‐Dimethylated Squaramide
Authors: Arimura Maiko , Tanaka Kimiko , Kanda Midori , Urushibara Ko , Fujii Shinya , Katagiri Kosuke , Azumaya Isao , Kagechika Hiroyuki , Tanatani Aya
Published: January 2021

Squaramide is a highly rigid four‐membered ring system bearing two carbonyl and two amino groups, and its derivatives have found applications in many fields. We synthesized several N,N’‐dimethylated oligosquaramides linked via phenyl groups, and investigated their structures in the crystalline state and in solution. Compounds 1, 2 (bissquaramides), and 13 (trissquaramide) exist as folded structures in the crystalline state, in which the aromatic rings are located in a face‐to‐face position. In their multilayered structures, the benzene rings are more nearly parallel and are closer to each other, compared with those in N,N’‐dimethylated oligoureas. Individual molecules of meta‐connected compounds 2 and 13 show a helical structure with all‐R or all‐S axis chirality, but afford only racemic crystals. The NMR spectra indicated that these compounds retain well‐ordered folded structures in solution. The unique steric and electronic properties of N,N’‐dimethylated squaramide can provide access to novel functional aromatic multilayered and helical foldamers.
Targeted Genetic Changes in Candida albicans Using Transient CRISPR‐Cas9 Expression
Authors: Huang Manning Y. , Cravener Max V. , Mitchell Aaron P.
Published: January 2021

Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen responsible for significant disease and mortality. Absent complete mating and other convenient methods, dissection of its virulence factors relies on robust tools to delete, complement, and otherwise modify genes of interest in this diploid organism. Here we describe the design principles and use of CRISPR associated nuclease 9 (Cas9) and single‐guide RNAs transiently expressed from PCR cassettes to modify genes of interest, generating homozygous mutants in a single transformation step. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

This article was corrected on 27 February 2023. See the end of the full text for details.

Basic Protocol 1: PCR amplification of CRISPR components

Basic Protocol 2: Transformation of Candida albicans

Basic Protocol 3: Selecting and genotyping transformants

Alternate Protocol 1: Deletion with recyclable markers by CRISPR induced marker excision (CRIME)

Alternate Protocol 2: Knock‐in and combining multiple cassettes with overlapping homology
Growth and Maintenance of Escherichia coli Laboratory Strains
Authors: Tuttle Amie R. , Trahan Nicholas D. , Son Mike S.
Published: January 2021

Escherichia coli is a Gram‐negative bacterium, commonly used in both teaching and research laboratories. This article includes protocols for the growth and maintenance of E. coli in any teaching‐ or research‐associated laboratory. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

This article was corrected on 18 July 2022. See the end of the full text for details.

Basic Protocol 1: Growth of E. coli from frozen stocks

Basic Protocol 2: Growth of E. coli in liquid media

Basic Protocol 3: Enumeration of E. coli on solid media

Basic Protocol 4: Storage of E. coli frozen stocks in glycerol

Basic Protocol 5: Storage of E. coli in agar stabs

Basic Protocol 6: Growth curve of E. coli liquid culture
Paraoxonase‐1 (PON1) Status Analysis Using Non‐Organophosphate Substrates
Authors: Marsillach Judit , Richter Rebecca J. , Costa Lucio G. , Furlong Clement E.
Published: January 2021

Human paraoxonase‐1 (PON1) is a high‐density lipoprotein‐associated enzyme with antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antiapoptotic roles. The ability of PON1 to hydrolyze specific organophosphate (OP) compounds and prevent accumulation of oxidized lipids in lipoproteins has prompted a large number of studies investigating PON1's role in modulating toxicity and disease. Most of these studies, however, have only focused on PON1 single nucleotide polymorphism analyses and have ignored PON1 activity levels, arguably the most important parameter in determining protection against exposure and disease. We developed a two‐substrate activity assay termed “PON1 status” that reveals both the functional PON1192 genotype and plasma PON1 activity levels. While our previous studies with PON1 status demonstrated that both PON1192 functional genotype and enzymatic activity levels obtained exclusively by determining PON1 status are required for a proper evaluation of PON1's role in modulating OP exposures and risk of disease, the original PON1 status assay requires the use of highly toxic OP metabolites. As many laboratories are not prepared to handle such toxic compounds and the associated waste generated, determination of PON1 status has been limited to rather few studies. Here, we describe a PON1 status protocol that uses non‐OP substrates with a resolution equivalent to that of the original PON1 status approach. We have also included useful suggestions to ensure the assays can easily be carried out in any laboratory. The protocols described here will enable a proper examination of the risk of exposure or susceptibility to disease in PON1 epidemiological studies without the need to handle highly toxic substrates. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

This article was corrected on 18 July 2022. See the end of the full text for details.

Basic Protocol: Determining PON1 status using non‐organophosphate substrates

Support Protocol 1: Experimental pathlength determination

Support Protocol 2: PON1 DNA genotyping for the Q192R (rs662) polymorphism
A 24‐hour operational single‐phase quasi‐Z‐source photovoltaic power system
Authors: Wei Xianglin , Liu Yushan , Wang Han , Zhang Wanhong , Chen Wei , Yang Weiman , Huang Surong
Published: January 2021

Battery energy stored single‐phase quasi‐Z‐source inverter photovoltaic (BES‐qZSI‐PV) power system shows many advantages in comparison with other tri‐port inverter‐based PV power systems. However, the existing BES‐qZSI‐PV power system does not work at night or cloudy day because of its circuit limitation. This paper proposes a 24‐h operational BES‐qZS‐PV system by the following approaches: (1) the main power circuit is proposed for the day and night operation; (2) the detailed circuit models including the DC model and the second‐harmonics ripple model are built by considering scenarios of day and night operations; (3) the design method of quasi‐Z‐source network parameters is proposed to meet the requirement of day and night operations; and (4) the control strategy is proposed to achieve the high‐performance system operation all the time and seamless transition between day and night operation. After theoretical modeling and analysis, the built models are verified by comparing their calculation results with the circuit‐based simulation and experimental results. The proposed single‐phase BES‐qZSI‐PV power system is tested; experimental and simulation results are captured when the system operates in day, night, and transition to validate the proposed 24‐h operational BES‐qZSI‐PV system.
Bringing function to structure: Root–soil interactions shaping phosphatase activity throughout a soil profile in Puerto Rico
Authors: Cabugao Kristine Grace , Yaffar Daniela , Stenson Nathan , Childs Joanne , Phillips Jana , Mayes Melanie A. , Yang Xiaojuan , Weston David J. , Norby Richard J.
Published: January 2021

Large areas of highly productive tropical forests occur on weathered soils with low concentrations of available phosphorus (P). In such forests, root and microbial production of acid phosphatase enzymes capable of mineralizing organic phosphorus is considered vital to increasing available P for plant uptake.

We measured both root and soil phosphatase throughout depth and alongside a variety of root and soil factors to better understand the potential of roots and soil biota to increase P availability and to constrain estimates of the biochemical mineralization within ecosystem models.

We measured soil phosphatase down to 1 m, root phosphatase to 30 cm, and collected data on fine‐root mass density, specific root length, soil P, bulk density, and soil texture using soil cores in four tropical forests within the Luquillo Experimental Forest in Puerto Rico.

We found that soil phosphatase decreased with soil depth, but not root phosphatase. Furthermore, when both soil and root phosphatase were expressed per soil volume, soil phosphatase was 100‐fold higher that root phosphatase.

Both root and soil factors influenced soil and root phosphatase. Soil phosphatase increased with fine‐root mass density and organic P, which together explained over 50% of the variation in soil phosphatase. Over 80% of the variation in root phosphatase per unit root mass was attributed to specific root length (positive correlation) and available (resin) P (negative correlation).

Synthesis: Fine‐root traits and soil P data are necessary to understand and represent soil and root phosphatase activity throughout the soil column and across sites with different soil conditions and tree species. These findings can be used to parameterize or benchmark estimates of biochemical mineralization in ecosystem models that contain fine‐root biomass and soil P distributions throughout depth.
Queen execution in a monogynous ant
Authors: Giehr Julia , Heinze Jürgen
Published: January 2021

Workers in many species of social insects are capable of laying unfertilized eggs, which can develop into haploid males. This causes a conflict about male parentage between queens and workers. In a few species, this may result in matricide, that is, workers kill the colony's queen. Queen killing has so far been observed mainly in multi‐queen colonies or in annual species, when the queen's fecundity declines at the end of the reproductive period. Here, we report queen expulsion and matricide in a monogynous, monandrous ant with perennial societies. Workers were seen to aggressively expel both related and unrelated queens from their nest shortly after the end of hibernation. Queen expulsion and matricide led to a significant decrease in the number of workers and brood, but eventually increased the direct fitness of workers through significant male production. Long‐term observations revealed a short lifespan of queens, while workers in orphaned colonies survived and produced male offspring over several years.
Age‐ and sex‐related dietary specialization facilitate seasonal resource partitioning in a migratory shorebird
Authors: Hall Laurie A. , De La Cruz Susan E. W. , Woo Isa , Kuwae Tomohiro , Takekawa John Y.
Published: January 2021

Dietary specialization is common in animals and has important implications for individual fitness, inter‐ and intraspecific competition, and the adaptive potential of a species. Diet composition can be influenced by age‐ and sex‐related factors including an individual's morphology, social status, and acquired skills; however, specialization may only be necessary when competition is intensified by high population densities or increased energetic demands.

To better understand the role of age‐ and sex‐related dietary specialization in facilitating seasonal resource partitioning, we inferred the contribution of biofilm, microphytobenthos, and benthic invertebrates to the diets of western sandpipers (Calidris mauri) from different demographic groups during mid‐winter (January/February) and at the onset of the breeding migration (April) using stable isotope mixing models. Western sandpipers are sexually dimorphic with females having significantly greater body mass and bill length than males.

Diet composition differed between seasons and among demographic groups. In winter, prey consumption was similar among demographic groups, but, in spring, diet composition differed with bill length and body mass explaining 31% of the total variation in diet composition. Epifaunal invertebrates made up a greater proportion of the diet in males which had lesser mass and shorter bills than females. Consumption of Polychaeta increased with increasing bill length and was greatest in adult females. In contrast, consumption of microphytobenthos, thought to be an important food source for migrating sandpipers, increased with decreasing bill length and was greatest in juvenile males.

Our results provide the first evidence that age‐ and sex‐related dietary specialization in western sandpipers facilitate seasonal resource partitioning that could reduce competition during spring at the onset of the breeding migration.

Our study underscores the importance of examining resource partitioning throughout the annual cycle to inform fitness and demographic models and facilitate conservation efforts.
Temporal resource partitioning of wildebeest carcasses by scavengers after riverine mass mortality events
Authors: Handler Katherine S. , Subalusky Amanda L. , Kendall Corinne J. , Dutton Christopher L. , Rosi Emma J. , Post David M.
Published: January 2021

Scavengers play an important role in nutrient recycling and disease control, and this role may be particularly critical after mass mortality events, such as those caused by epidemics, culling, or natural disasters. Current work on scavenger ecology has focused on use of single carcasses, but behaviors are likely to be different at mass mortality events, in which high resource abundance can prolong the spatial and temporal availability of carcasses. Little is currently known about how scavengers respond to large die‐offs and understanding scavenger use and succession patterns at mass mortality events has important implications for disease ecology. We used photographic time series and river‐side surveys of scavengers using carcasses to investigate scavenger use and succession on wildebeest carcasses that resulted from annual mass drownings in the Mara River, Kenya. In addition, we used telemetry data for tagged avian scavengers to assess individual use of mass drownings. Density of avian scavengers per carcass was almost two orders of magnitude lower at mass drownings than has been documented previously for single carcasses on land. Scavengers demonstrated patterns of temporal resource partitioning, with large‐bodied avian scavengers more common initially, followed by small‐bodied avian scavengers, and then by insectivorous birds and non‐avian scavengers. Avian scavengers also differed in daily activity patterns, with marabou storks more common in the morning and late afternoon and white‐backed and Rüppell’s vultures more common mid‐day. Telemetry data indicated that approximately half of tagged vultures used mass drowning events but only spent a small proportion of their time there, suggesting that competition still plays an important role in scavenger dynamics at mass mortality events and that the rewards of such abundant resources may be offset by the risk of foraging in the river. Further research on scavenger behavior during mass mortality events is needed to better understand the role of scavengers in decomposition of carcasses and disease control during these events.