bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conjugated Polymers for Assessing and Controlling Biological Functions
Authors: Zeglio Erica , Rutz Alexandra L. , Winkler Thomas E. , Malliaras George G. , Herland Anna
Published: March 2019

The field of organic bioelectronics is advancing rapidly in the development of materials and devices to precisely monitor and control biological signals. Electronics and biology can interact on multiple levels: organs, complex tissues, cells, cell membranes, proteins, and even small molecules. Compared to traditional electronic materials such as metals and inorganic semiconductors, conjugated polymers (CPs) have several key advantages for biological interactions: tunable physiochemical properties, adjustable form factors, and mixed conductivity (ionic and electronic). Herein, the use of CPs in five biologically oriented research topics, electrophysiology, tissue engineering, drug release, biosensing, and molecular bioelectronics, is discussed. In electrophysiology, implantable devices with CP coating or CP‐only electrodes are showing improvements in signal performance and tissue interfaces. CP‐based scaffolds supply highly favorable static or even dynamic interfaces for tissue engineering. CPs also enable delivery of drugs through a variety of mechanisms and form factors. For biosensing, CPs offer new possibilities to incorporate biological sensing elements in a conducting matrix. Molecular bioelectronics is today used to incorporate (opto)electronic functions in living tissue. Under each topic, the limits of the utility of CPs are discussed and, overall, the major challenges toward implementation of CPs and their devices to real‐world applications are highlighted.
Liquid fluidization with cylindrical particles: Highly resolved simulations
Authors: Derksen Jos J.
Published: March 2019

We perform three‐dimensional, time‐dependent simulations of dense, fluidized suspensions of solid cylindrical particles in a Newtonian liquid in fully periodic domains. The resolution of the flow field is an order of magnitude finer than the diameter of the cylindrical particles. At their surfaces no‐slip conditions are applied through an immersed boundary method (IBM), coupled to the lattice‐Boltzmann method that is used as the fluid flow solver. The marker points of the IBM are also used to detect and perform collisions between the cylinders. With these particle‐resolved simulations, we study the effects of the aspect ratio of the cylinders and the solids volume fraction on the superficial slip velocity between fluid and solids, on the solids velocity fluctuations, as well as on the orientation of the cylinders. The aspect ratio (length over diameter of the cylinders) ranges from 0.5 to 4, the solids volume fraction goes up to 0.48. Reynolds numbers based on average settling velocity are of the order of 1–10. At constant Archimedes number, we observe only minor sensitivities of the settling Reynolds number on the aspect ratio.
Potassium‐Sodium‐Niobate‐Based Thin Films: Lead Free for Micro‐Piezoelectrics
Authors: Zhang Su‐Wei , Zhou Zhen , Luo Jin , Li Jing‐Feng
Published: March 2019

Extensive research and great progress of (K,Na)NbO3 (KNN)‐based lead‐free piezoelectric films have been driven by the current legislation and the requirement for sustainable development of society and environment in the applications of microelectromechanical systems. A comprehensive discussion of the recent achievement in KNN‐based films is presented herein. First, the available synthetic techniques, chemical modification, the ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties of KNN‐based films are reviewed, followed by an introduction of the crystal structures and electrical properties of KNN‐based epitaxial films in comparison with the bulk ceramics. Finally, the applications of KNN‐based films for the sensors, the energy harvesters, and energy storage devices are addressed, and current challenges and prospects for future work are discussed.
Isoselective Lactide Ring Opening Polymerisation using [2]Rotaxane Catalysts
Authors: Lim Jason Y. C. , Yuntawattana Nattawut , Beer Paul D. , Williams Charlotte K.
Published: March 2019

Polylactide (PLA) is a fully biodegradable and recyclable plastic, produced from a bio‐derived monomer: it is a circular economy plastic. Its properties depend upon its stereochemistry and isotactic PLA shows superior thermal‐mechanical performances. Here, a new means to control tacticity by exploiting rotaxane conformational dynamism is described. Dynamic achiral [2]rotaxanes can show high isoselectivity (Pi=0.8, 298 K) without requiring any chiral additives and enchain by a chain end control mechanism. The organocatalytic dynamic stereoselectivity is likely applicable to other small‐molecule and polymerization catalyses.
Effect of polyethylene glycol on mechanical properties of bamboo fiber‐reinforced polylactic acid composites
Authors: Long Haibo , Wu Zhiqiang , Dong Qianqian , Shen Yuting , Zhou Wuyi , Luo Ying , Zhang Chaoqun , Dong Xianming
Published: March 2019

The bamboo fiber (BF)‐reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) composites were prepared using the twin‐screw extruder and injection molding. Thermal gravimetric analyzer results indicated the thermal stability of BF/PLA composites decreased with increasing BF content. Differential scanning calorimeter and X‐ray diffraction curves showed that BF played a role as a nucleating agent, but the crystallinity of composite materials decreased with the increasing BF content. The melt flow rate of composites reduced with the increase in BF content, resulting in a poorer processing property. The processability of the composites was improved with the addition of high molecular polyethylene glycol (PEG). Mechanics performance test showed that tensile strength and bending strength of composites increased at low loading with the BF content increased then decreased when the loading continued to increase. The tensile strength of the composite materials reached 65.46 MPa when alkali‐treated BF (ABF) content was 20 wt %. The flexural strength of the composites reached 97.94 MPa when ABF content was 10 wt %. Impact performance has also been improved. PEG‐20000 was the best plasticizer among the PEG‐6000，PEG‐10000, and PEG‐20000. When the component of PEG was 10 wt %, the elongation increased by 56%. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) result showed that the fracture of the composites was smooth, most ABF were wrapped in matrix and distribution of ABF in PLA matrix was more uniform. It means that interfacial compatibility of bamboo fiber and PLA improved after BF modified by alkali. High molecular weight PEG enhance melt flow ability of polymer, result in fibers were further enclosed in the PLA matrix and increase properties of composites. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47709.
Migratory connectivity and local site fidelity in red knots on the southern Pacific coast of South America
Authors: Navedo Juan G. , Gutiérrez Jorge S.
Published: March 2019

The red knot Calidris canutus, a flagship migratory waterbird species, continues to decline within the Americas. One major unanswered question is the status and connectivity of birds spending the non‐breeding season on the southern Pacific coast of South America. Answering this question will provide a useful geographic endpoint that could enhance ongoing conservation efforts.

Red knots on Chiloé Island (43°S, Chile) were studied during four consecutive non‐breeding seasons (2014–2018) using systematic counts and resightings of ringed individuals in two shallow bays with known aggregations of other shorebird species.

Maximum seasonal abundances (±SD) at each bay (68.8 ± 13.4; 85.0 ± 13.2) were similar across years. However, actual abundance on Chiloé is probably higher, as other suitable habitats were not surveyed.

A total of 55 resightings corresponding to 14 individuals were recorded. The majority (72%) was for birds present during consecutive seasons; there were no recorded interchanges between bays. All birds, but one in Argentina, were ringed on the Atlantic coast of the USA (mainly the Gulf of Mexico) during their spring (northward) migration.

Mark–resight data reveal a strong migratory connectivity between the southern Pacific coast of South America and the Atlantic coast of North America for this small but regular population of a highly imperilled species. Data also suggest that the red knots on Chiloé might be considered a separate conservation unit (most likely subspecies rufa). Thus, there is an urgent need to conduct comprehensive studies on Chiloé Island for the conservation of the intraspecific diversity of this migratory flagship species.
Searching Data: A Review of Observational Data Retrieval Practices in Selected Disciplines
Authors: Gregory Kathleen , Groth Paul , Cousijn Helena , Scharnhorst Andrea , Wyatt Sally
Published: March 2019

A cross‐disciplinary examination of the user behaviors involved in seeking and evaluating data is surprisingly absent from the research data discussion. This review explores the data retrieval literature to identify commonalities in how users search for and evaluate observational research data in selected disciplines. Two analytical frameworks, rooted in information retrieval and science and technology studies, are used to identify key similarities in practices as a first step toward developing a model describing data retrieval.
Places in Information Science
Authors: Purves Ross S. , Winter Stephan , Kuhn Werner
Published: March 2019

Human spatial concepts, such as the concept of place, are not immediately translatable to the geometric foundations of spatial databases and information systems developed over the past 50 years. These systems typically rest on the concepts of objects and fields, both bound to coordinates, as two general paradigms of geographic representation. The match between notions of place occurring in everyday where questions and the data available to answer such questions is unclear and hinders progress in place‐based information systems. This is particularly true in novel application areas such as the Digital Humanities or speech‐based human–computer interaction, but also for location‐based services. Although this shortcoming has been observed before, we approach the challenges of relating places to information system representations with a fresh view, based on a set of core concepts of spatial information. These concepts have been proposed in information science with the intent of serving human–machine spatial question asking and answering. Clarifying the relationship of the notion of place to these concepts is a significant step toward geographically intelligent systems. The main result of the article is a demonstration that the notion of place fits existing concepts of spatial information, when these are adequately exploited and combined.
Association Between Breastfeeding Initiation and Duration and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Preschool Children Enrolled in the Study to Explore Early Development
Authors: Soke Gnakub N. , Maenner Matthew , Windham Gayle , Moody Eric , Kaczaniuk Jamie , DiGuiseppi Carolyn , Schieve Laura A.
Published: March 2019

Studies report inconsistent findings on the relationship between ASD and breastfeeding. We explored associations between ASD and breastfeeding initiation (yes/no) and duration (months categorized in tertiles) in the Study to Explore Early Development, a community‐based case–control study in six sites in the Unites States. We adjusted for various child and mother demographic and pregnancy factors. Breastfeeding initiation was reported in 85.7% of mothers of children with ASD and 90.6% of mothers of controls. After adjustment, we found no significant difference in breastfeeding initiation (adjusted odds‐ratio [aOR]: 0.88 and 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.60–1.28). However, mothers of children with ASD were less likely to report duration of breastfeeding in the high (≥12 months) versus low tertile (<6 months) (aOR and 95% CI: 0.61 [0.45–0.84]) or the middle (6–<12 months) versus low tertile (0.72: 0.54–0.98). The association of ASD and breastfeeding duration was slightly attenuated when the presence of the broader autism phenotype (BAP) in the mother was accounted for, but still remained for the highest tertile. This association does not appear to be totally explained by maternal BAP. We were unable to distinguish whether the difference in duration was due to difficulties breastfeeding children who later develop ASD, other factors not adjusted in our study, or greater ASD risk resulting from shorter breastfeeding duration. Longitudinal studies that compare reasons why mothers stop breastfeeding between ASD and controls and establish a temporal relation between ASD and breastfeeding are needed. Future studies should also evaluate interactions between ASD risk genes and breastfeeding. Autism Research 2019, 12: 816–829. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

In this study, we compared breastfeeding practices between mothers of children with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We found that the percentage of mothers who started breastfeeding was similar between the two groups, but mothers of children with ASD breastfed for a shorter amount of time compared to mothers of children without ASD. Future studies are needed to evaluate the reasons why the duration of breastfeeding was shorter for mothers of children with ASD compared to those without ASD.
Vanadium Oxide Nanosheets for Flexible Dendrite‐Free Hybrid Aluminium‐Lithium‐Ion Batteries with Excellent Cycling Performance
Authors: Gong Xuefei , Chen Jingwei , Li Shaohui , Mohrhusen Lars , Al‐Shamery Katharina , Lee Pooi S.
Published: March 2019

The front cover artwork is provided by Pooi See Lee's group. The image shows the hybrid Al‐Li‐ion batteries with Al as anode and mixed Al3+ and Li+ ions based electrolyte. Owing to the low cost, high volumetric capacities and dendrite‐free characteristics of Al as anode and improved kinetics of utilizing the mixed electrolytes, the hybrid Al‐Li‐ion batteries deliver competitive advantages among various energy storage devices. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/batt.201800108.
Querkrafttragfähigkeit von Carbonbeton‐Plattenbrücken mit C‐förmiger Querkraftbewehrung
Authors: Bielak Jan , Bergmann Sarah , Hegger Josef
Published: March 2019

Anders als die Biegebemessung stellt die Querkraftbemessung von Carbonbeton Planer und Forscher noch vor grundlegende Fragen. Während für dünne Platten ohne Querkraftbewehrung bereits zahlreiche Anwendungen und erste bauaufsichtliche Zulassungen vorliegen, besteht für den technischen und wirtschaftlichen Praxiseinsatz von Bauteilen mit Querkraftbewehrung aus nichtmetallischen Textilien noch Forschungsbedarf. Für den Neubau zweier schiefwinkliger Straßenbrücken aus Carbonbeton wurden statische und zyklische Versuche an Plattenstreifen mit C‐förmiger Querkraftbewehrung am Institut für Massivbau der RWTH Aachen durchgeführt. Die Ergebnisse überraschen mit einer sehr geringen Streuung und einem gutmütigen Ermüdungsverhalten. Insgesamt sind deutliche Parallelen zum Querkraftversagen bei Stahlbeton oder Beton mit stabförmiger Faserverbundkunststoff(FVK)‐Bewehrung erkennbar. Der Beitrag zeigt praxisnah die Anwendungsmöglichkeit und die weiteren Herausforderungen für den Einsatz von Carbonbeton auch abseits von filigranen Einzelanwendungen und architektonischen Kunstobjekten.
Experiences from placing Stack Overflow at the core of an intermediate programming course
Authors: López‐Nores Martín , Blanco‐Fernández Yolanda , Bravo‐Torres Jack F. , Pazos‐Arias José J. , Gil‐Solla Alberto , Ramos‐Cabrer Manuel
Published: March 2019

Objectivist methodologies do not align well the learning requirements of modern‐day computer science and software engineering, and major universities are moving from the old standards towards “learning by doing” approaches. We discuss the redesign of an intermediate Computer Programming course taught at the University of Vigo (Spain), seeking to promote question‐and‐answer websites for programmers as the main source of reference for the students, and turning the teacher into a permanent observer who delivers pertinent advice. The change of programming language, from Java to JavaScript, is also justified. A comparative experiment was conducted with 126 undergraduate students in Vigo (Spain) and Cuenca (Ecuador), revealing advantages in terms of understanding (22% increase in comprehension of new programming constructs), problem‐solving capabilities (16% improvement in correct operation of the developed systems) and even greater clarity in communication and documentation (53% better), along with positive perceptions by the students (19% increase).
Expanding opportunities for stent optimization
Authors: Vetrovec George W.
Published: March 2019

Key Points

Restenosis is reduced but continues to impact optimal late PCI outcomes.

FFR post stenting can predict late need for repeat revascularization.

Intraluminal Intensity of Blood Speckle measured via Intravascular Ultrasound may provide another method to predict target vessel revascularization.
Does single‐valve surgery cause ischemia?
Authors: Shatila Wassim , Krajcer Zvonimir
Published: March 2019

Key Points

Isolated valve surgery is associated with a small incidence of postoperative PCI.

PCI after single‐valve surgery is associated with elevated mortality and morbidity risk.

Possible mechanisms for cardiac ischemia include iatrogenic causes (such as suture‐related or air embolism), intimal hyperplasia, and immunologic reaction to the valve prosthesis.
The calculus of preloading antiplatelet agents in ST‐elevation myocardial infarction: Does it make a difference?
Authors: Seto Arnold H. , Kern Morton J.
Published: March 2019

Key Points

There is limited evidence supporting the preloading of potent oral P2Y12 inhibitors in ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

This study demonstrates that longer pretreatment times were associated with improved angiographic coronary flow grades and ST‐segment resolution.

Although larger studies would be needed to prove a clinical benefit, in the absence of harm preloading in STEMI would be the most reasonable strategy.
Milling and baking quality of hexaploid spring wheat starch synthase IIa (ssIIa) mutants with elevated amylose content
Authors: Hogg Andrew C. , Giroux Michael J.
Published: March 2019

Background and objectives

Novel alleles of starch synthase II (ssIIa) homeologs were created in a soft white spring wheat using chemical mutagenesis and then combined to create four unique ssIIa triple mutant haplotypes. Previous research found the resultant triple ssIIa mutants were hard in texture and had increased seed amylose and protein content that was strongly correlated with decreases in individual seed weight and seed starch content. The objective of this research was to examine how these changes in amylose content affect milling and bread baking characteristics.

Findings

Triple ssIIa mutant haplotypes yielded significantly less flour that had a higher protein and ash content, decreased brightness, and increased yellowness and redness compared to controls. Solvent retention capacity tests on flour from ssIIa mutant lines had significant increases in water, sucrose, and sodium bicarbonate absorption but similar lactic acid absorption and poor gluten performance indexes compared to controls. Flour dough made from ssIIa mutants had increased water absorption with increased mixing tolerance and produced bread with significantly reduced loaf volume, crumb grain score, and crumb brightness with increased crumb yellowness and redness. Attempts to restore loaf volume using up to 6% vital wheat gluten were unsuccessful.

Conclusions

High amylose ssIIa triple mutants have significant decreases in flour yields as a result of their diminished starch content and seed size. The unique composition of flour from ssIIa triple mutants does not readily lend itself to producing a functional dough for bread making and resultant bread has significant decreases in loaf volume.

Significance and novelty

Our results demonstrate that flour with increased amylose levels can be used to create bread with increased protein and dietary fiber.
Sulfur Chemistry for Stable and Electroactive Metal‐Organic Frameworks: The Crosslinking Story
Authors: He Jun , Cheng Shengxian , Xu Zhengtao
Published: March 2019

The versatile sulfur chemistry, as exemplified by the reactive yet tractable thiol group (‐SH), offers unique opportunities for bypassing the obstacles in accessing stable and electroactive metal‐organic frameworks. Of particular interest are recent advances in assembling MOF materials equipped with free‐standing thiol functions: metal guests can be conveniently inserted to install electroactive metal‐sulfur bonds, which, as crosslinks, also stabilize the host coordination net. Here the historical development of the bifunctional, two‐step design embodied by the thiol‐tagged MOF solids is traced, in order to highlight the underlying spirit that has driven research efforts in the past two decades. Going forward, broad new horizons are foreseen in solid‐state materials synthesis, for example, arising from various sulfur‐based hard‐and‐soft combinations, in synergy with the crystalline and modular MOF structural platform.
From a 2,1‐Benzazaarsole to Elusive 1‐Arsanaphthalenes in One Step
Authors: Kremláček Vít , Erben Milan , Jambor Roman , Růžička Aleš , Turek Jan , Rychagova Elena , Ketkov Sergey , Dostál Libor
Published: March 2019

The 2,1‐benzazaarsole (1) showed a diene‐like reactivity towards selected alkynes RC≡CR (R=CO2Me, C5F4N) thus forming 1‐arsa‐1,4‐dihydro‐iminonaphthalenes 2 a and 3 a as hardly isolable intermediates, that underwent facile CH→NH proton migration leading to before elusive substituted 1‐arsanaphthalenes 2 b and 3 b that could be completely structurally characterized.
Using the SpyTag SpyCatcher system to label smooth muscle myosin II filaments with a quantum dot on the regulatory light chain
Authors: Brizendine Richard K. , Anuganti Murali , Cremo Christine R.
Published: March 2019

The regulatory light chain (RLC) of myosin is commonly tagged to monitor myosin behavior in vitro, in muscle fibers, and in cells. The goal of this study was to prepare smooth muscle myosin (SMM) filaments containing a single head labeled with a quantum dot (QD) on the RLC. We show that when the RLC is coupled to a QD at Cys‐108 and exchanged into SMM, subsequent filament assembly is severely disrupted. To address this, we used a novel approach for myosin by implementing the SpyTag002 SpyCatcher002 system to prepare SMM incorporated with RLC constructs fused to SpyTag or SpyCatcher. We show that filament assembly, actin‐activated steady‐state ATPase activities, ability to be phosphorylated, and selected enzymatic and mechanical properties were essentially unaffected if either SpyTag or SpyCatcher were fused to the C‐terminus of the RLC. Crucially for our application, we also show that a QD coupled to SpyCatcher can be covalently attached to a RLC‐Spy incorporated into a SMM filament without disrupting the filament, and that the filaments can move along actin in vitro.
Association between body mass index and response to duloxetine for aromatase inhibitor‐associated musculoskeletal symptoms in SWOG S1202
Authors: Henry N. Lynn , Unger Joseph M. , Till Cathee , Schott Anne F. , Crew Katherine D. , Lew Danika L. , Fisch Michael J. , Moinpour Carol M. , Wade James L. , Hershman Dawn L.
Published: March 2019

Background

Aromatase inhibitor (AI)‐associated musculoskeletal symptoms (AIMSS) negatively impact adherence to and persistence with therapy. In SWOG S1202, patients with AIMSS who were treated with duloxetine, a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, reported improvement in pain by 12 weeks compared with placebo. Based on the authors’ prior observation that responses to pain interventions differ between obese and nonobese patients, the current study examined whether response to duloxetine therapy differed by obesity status.

Methods

In SWOG S1202, a total of 299 AI‐treated postmenopausal women with stage I to III (AJCC 7th Edition) breast cancer who developed new or worsening average pain were enrolled, randomized to duloxetine or placebo, and treated for 12 weeks. Patient‐reported outcomes were obtained at baseline and through 12 weeks. Patients were categorized into nonobese (body mass index [BMI] <30 kg/m2) or obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). The authors tested the interaction between intervention and obesity with respect to average pain at 12 weeks in the 289 eligible patients, using a P value of .05 to indicate statistical significance.

Results

In approximately 54% of evaluable patients with a BMI ≥30 kg/m2, the reduction in the mean average pain score between baseline and 12 weeks was statistically significantly greater for patients treated with duloxetine compared with those receiving placebo (‐2.73 vs ‐1.64 points; P = .003). Conversely, in the nonobese patients, the reduction in the mean average pain score was similar in the 2 cohorts (‐2.46 vs ‐2.34 points; P = .75). The P value for interaction was .02, thereby meeting the threshold criteria of the current study. Similar findings were evident for other pain‐related patient‐reported outcomes.

Conclusions

In this trial, obese patients with AIMSS obtained more analgesic benefit from duloxetine compared with nonobese patients. Additional studies are warranted to determine the biologic basis for these findings.
Single‐neuron axonal reconstruction: The search for a wiring diagram of the brain
Authors: Economo Michael N. , Winnubst Johan , Bas Erhan , Ferreira Tiago A. , Chandrashekar Jayaram
Published: March 2019

Reconstruction of the axonal projection patterns of single neurons has been an important tool for understanding both the diversity of cell types in the brain and the logic of information flow between brain regions. Innovative approaches now enable the complete reconstruction of axonal projection patterns of individual neurons with vastly increased throughput. Here, we review how advances in genetic, imaging, and computational techniques have been exploited for axonal reconstruction. We also discuss how new innovations could enable the integration of genetic and physiological information with axonal morphology for producing a census of cell types in the mammalian brain at scale.
Drug‐Drug Interactions of Tacrolimus or Cyclosporine With Glecaprevir and Pibrentasvir in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Kosloski Matthew P. , Zhao Weihan , Li Hong , Pugatch David , Asatryan Armen , Kort Jens , Mensa Federico J. , Liu Wei
Published: March 2019

A fixed‐dose combination of glecaprevir and pibrentasvir is approved for treatment of chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 1‐6. Three phase 1 open‐label studies were conducted in healthy volunteers to evaluate the potential for clinically relevant drug‐drug interactions of the glecaprevir 300‐mg and pibrentasvir 120‐mg combination with the immunosuppressants tacrolimus (1 mg) or cyclosporine (100 and 400 mg). Glecaprevir and pibrentasvir exposure was unaffected by tacrolimus, whereas the tacrolimus area under the curve (AUC) value was 45% higher with glecaprevir and pibrentasvir. Cyclosporine 100 mg had a limited effect on glecaprevir or pibrentasvir exposure (≤37% AUC increase), but cyclosporine 400 mg increased exposure of both glecaprevir and pibrentasvir (410% and 93% AUC increase, respectively). Cyclosporine concentration was unaffected by glecaprevir and pibrentasvir at either cyclosporine dose (≤14% AUC change). Adverse events were all grade 1 (mild), with the most common nausea and flushing attributed to cyclosporine. Findings from these studies supported evaluation of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir in HCV‐infected kidney and liver transplant recipients receiving tacrolimus without additional dose adjustment or receiving cyclosporine up to 100 mg per day.
Synthesis of RNA Crosslinking Oligonucleotides Modified with 2‐Amino‐7‐Deaza‐7‐Propynyl‐6‐Vinylpurine
Authors: Yamada Ken , Abe Yusuke , Nagatsugi Fumi
Published: March 2019

This article describes procedures to synthesize 2′‐OMe‐RNA modified with cross‐linkable 2‐amino‐7‐deaza‐7‐propynyl‐6‐vinylpurine (ADpVP) and preparation of the RNA‐crosslinking experiment in vitro. All synthesis steps yield the desired compound in moderate or high yield without expensive chemical reagents or specific devices. The crosslink‐active form of modified RNA can also be purified by commonly used reversed‐phase HPLC, can be stored at −80°C after lyophilization for a few days, and is ready to use for crosslinking experiments. This crosslink‐active RNA can efficiently form covalent bonds with complementary RNA in a sequence‐specific manner. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Does Long‐Term Proton Pump Inhibitor Use Increase Risk of Dementia? Not Really! Results of the Group‐Based Trajectory Analysis
Authors: Huang Shih‐Tsung , Tseng Li‐Yen , Chen Liang‐Kung , Peng Li‐Ning , Hsiao Fei‐Yuan
Published: March 2019

Conflicting data of the potential association between proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and risk of dementia have been reported. This study aimed to examine the subsequent risk of incident dementia in older adults by categorizing subjects into different trajectories of longitudinal PPI use. A group‐based trajectory modeling was used to identify distinct groups with regard to longitudinal PPI use over 3 years and to further examine the association between the trajectories of PPI use and dementia in a 5‐year follow‐up. Among 10,533 older adults who initiated PPIs, three distinct trajectories of longitudinal PPI use were identified: short‐term (n = 7,406, 70.3%), intermittent (n = 1,528, 14.5%), and long‐term users (n = 1,599, 15.2%). Long‐term (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.99 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.93–1.17)) and intermittent PPI users (HR = 0.91 (95% CI, 0.76–1.09)) were not associated with an increased risk of incident dementia compared with short‐term users. Regardless of pattern of use, PPIs did not appear to significantly increase the risk of dementia over a mean follow‐up period of 4 years.
Microfluidic Immiscible Phase Filtration System for the Isolation of Small Numbers of Cells from Whole Blood
Authors: Pirozzi Ileana , Snider Adam , Kraus Morey , Schönbrunner E. Ralf , Tripathi Anubhav
Published: March 2019

Isolation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) has generated clinical and academic interest due to the important role that CTCs play in cancer metastasis and diagnosis. Here, we present a PDMS and glass prototype of a microfluidic device for the immunomagnetic, immiscible phase filtration based capture, and isolation of MCF‐7 breast cancer cells, from various sample matrices including PBS‐based buffer, blood plasma, and unprocessed whole blood. Following optimization of surface energy of an oil–water interface, microfluidic geometry, and bead‐binding kinematics, our microfluidic device achieved 95 ± 4% recovery of target cells from PBS‐based buffer with 95% purity, 90 ± 3% recovery of target cells from blood plasma and recovery of ~70 ± 5% from unprocessed whole blood with purity >99% with 1 ml blood samples with 1,000 spiked target cells. From quantitative studies to assess the nonspecific carryover of contaminants from whole blood, we found that our system accomplishes a >175 fold depletion in platelets, >900 fold depletion in erythrocytes, and >1,700 fold depletion in leukocytes with respect to unprocessed whole blood, enabling us to avoid sample pre‐processing. In addition, we found that ~95% of the isolated target cells were viable, making them suitable for subsequent molecular and cellular studies. We quantify and propose mechanisms for the carryover of platelet, erythrocyte, and leukocyte contamination in purified samples, rather than relying on sample pre‐processing. These results validate the continued study of our platform for extraction of CTCs from patient samples and other rare cell isolation applications. © 2019 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
The influence of thyroid nodule size on the diagnostic efficacy and accuracy of ultrasound guided fine‐needle aspiration cytology
Authors: Aydoğan Berna İmge , Şahin Mustafa , Ceyhan Koray , Deniz Olgun , Demir Özgür , Emral Rifat , Tonyukuk Gedik Vedia , Uysal Ali Rıza , Çorapçıoğlu Demet
Published: March 2019

Background

Diagnostic accuracy of fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in large and subcentimeter nodules is still debated. We aimed to evaluate the impact of nodule size on efficacy of the ultrasound‐guided FNAC.

Methods

B‐mode grayscale ultrasound (US), US‐guided FNAC according to Bethesda system and histopathological data of 514 nodules from 371 patients, who underwent thyroidectomy were examined retrospectively. Nodules were grouped by maximal diameter; group A nodules were smaller than 10 mm (n = 59), group B nodules were between 10 and 29 mm (n = 218), and group C nodules were 30 mm or greater (n = 130).

Results

Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of FNAC was 92.0%, 100%, and 95.1% in group A, 80.7%, 99.1%, and %92.9 in group B, 70.0%, 98.9%, and 95.8% in group C nodules, respectively. The prevalence of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and incidental PTC were 44.2% (n = 164) and 6.4% (n = 24), respectively. Malignancy rate was more frequent in group A when compared to groups B and C (P < 0.01). Nodule size was positively associated with follicular cancer risk (P = 0.009). The thyroid stimulating hormone level was positively associated with malignancy (P = 0.02) and optimal cut‐off value was 0.96 mIU/L. False‐negative rate was 8.0%, 19.3%, and 30.0% in groups A, B, and C nodules, respectively.

Conclusions

Although the malignancy rate was low in nodules ≥30 mm, diagnostic surgery for large nodules should be considered because of decreased reliability of FNAC, ineffectiveness of clinical and sonographic criteria. False‐negative rate was relatively low and malignancy rate was high in subcentimeter nodules, supporting the accuracy of FNAC.
Early usage and meaning of evolvability
Authors: Crother Brian I. , Murray Christopher M.
Published: March 2019

Evolvability has become an enormously popular concept in evolutionary biology and in machine learning software architecture. While it is claimed that the term was coined in 1988 by Richard Dawkins, it was used as early as 1931 as a characteristic of life by John A. Thomson. We quote and review the earliest uses and definitions of evolvability in biological frameworks up until 1989, which are remarkably few. The meaning changed from simply the “ability to evolve” as a characteristic of life to various versions of including necessary variation to predict whether or not something could evolve to the rate and quality of that evolution. Or, meaning changed from the ability to evolve to the “quality” of the ability to evolve. Since then, evolvability has taken on many definitions as it has exploded in usage.
Optical characteristics of nanospace of silver nanowire on a silver mirror
Authors: Yamaguchi Kenzo , Nakamoto Tatsuki , Fujii Masamitsu
Published: March 2019

Localized surface plasmons in subnanometer gaps defined by metal nanoparticle dimer has recently attracted attention as a high‐sensitivity sensor with a small volume. We demonstrated multiple gap plasmons by a single silver nanowire with a spacer layer on silver film, that is, nanowire on mirror (NWoM) in the dark‐field with polarization‐dependent.
Prey availability, environmental constraints, and aggregation dictate population distribution of an imperiled fish
Authors: Simonis Juniper L. , Merz Joseph E.
Published: March 2019

Accelerated global loss of fish species underscores an urgent need to elucidate constraints on spatial and temporal population patterns and to mitigate human‐mediated impacts accordingly. We analyzed 20 yr of trawl data using a spatiotemporally explicit, hierarchically Bayesian model to define density distributions of an imperiled anadromous fish—the delta smelt, Hypomesus transpacificus—in the heavily modified and highly used San Francisco Estuary. To reduce management reliance on an estuary‐wide annual population index that minimizes data resolution and ignores uncertainty, our model took a spatiotemporal approach and explicitly accounted for sampling and observation variation through both stochastic and deterministic elements. Our model demonstrated that juvenile smelt density has decreased over annual time and displays a distinct seasonal pattern (the combination of growth into the sampled size class, mortality, and movement into and out of the sampling frame) of increases in March–June followed by decreases in June–August. Smelt density was highly spatiotemporally autocorrelated and strongly tracked prey availability yet was also constrained by local hydrological factors (salinity, turbidity, velocity). Specifically, juvenile smelt preferred slightly saline, turbid, generally slow‐moving water with ample copepod prey. However, poor swimming capabilities reduced the capacity of juvenile smelt to mix throughout the estuary and find optimal habitat, emphasizing the importance of accounting for spatiotemporal autocorrelation in species distribution models. Further, whole‐estuary outflow appeared to influence the spatial distribution of covariates and juvenile smelt, such that smelt densities tended to peak closer to the marine zone at a lower maximal value when outflow was high. The predictions of our model accurately matched observed patterns of juvenile delta smelt catch while embracing uncertainty (although the predictions tended to exaggerate the total smelt catch variation via over‐predicted tail values). These results highlight that data‐driven improvements can be made to the analytical methods currently used to guide delta smelt management and lay the groundwork for mitigating the impacts of water use, flow regimes, habitat alteration, and climate change on an endangered species in a highly impacted and economically consequential habitat.
Investigating the consequences of climate change under different land‐use regimes: a novel experimental infrastructure
Authors: Schädler Martin , Buscot Francois , Klotz Stefan , Reitz Thomas , Durka Walter , Bumberger Jan , Merbach Ines , Michalski Stefan G. , Kirsch Konrad , Remmler Paul , Schulz Elke , Auge Harald
Published: March 2019

Climate change and land‐use change are considered as the most important threats to ecosystems. Both factors can be expected to have interacting influences on ecosystem functions directly and indirectly via changes in biodiversity. Knowledge about these interactions is limited due to a lack of experiments which investigate climate change effects under different land‐use scenarios. Among the processes involved in ecosystem responses to global change, in particular, those occurring in soils or related to biotic interactions and microevolution were underinvestigated in previous experiments. Examinations of these relationships require spatial and temporal scales which go beyond those realized in the majority of ecological field experiments. We introduce a new research facility, the Global Change Experimental Facility (GCEF), which was designed to investigate the consequences of a future climate scenario for ecosystem functioning in different land‐use types on large field plots (400 m2). Climate manipulation is based on projections for the period of 2070–2100 with an increased temperature and a changed precipitation pattern consisting of reduced precipitation in summer and increased precipitation in spring and autumn. We subject five different land‐use types (two farming systems, three grasslands), differing in land‐use intensity, to ambient and future climatic conditions. The use of automated roofs and side panels to passively increase night temperatures results in an average increase in daily mean temperature by 0.55°C accompanied by a stronger increase in minimum temperatures (up to 1.14°C in average) with longer frost‐free periods and an increase in growing degree days by 5.2%. The combined use of mobile roofs and irrigation systems allows the reduction (in summer by ~20%) and increase in rainfall (in spring and autumn by ~10%) according to future scenarios superimposed on the ambient variation in precipitation. The large plot size and the technical configuration allow the establishment of realistic land‐use scenarios and long‐term observations of responses of ecosystem functions and community dynamics on relevant temporal and spatial scales. Thus, theGCEFprovides a well‐suited platform for the interdisciplinary research on the consequences of climate change under different land‐use scenarios.
Contribution of non‐native plants to the phylogenetic homogenization of U.S. yard floras
Authors: Padullés Cubino Josep , Cavender‐Bares Jeannine , Hobbie Sarah E. , Hall Sharon J. , Trammell Tara L. E. , Neill Christopher , Avolio Meghan L. , Darling Lindsay E. , Groffman Peter M.
Published: March 2019

Cultivation and spread of non‐native plant species may result in either phylogenetic homogenization (increasing similarity) or differentiation (decreasing similarity) of urban floras. However, it is unknown how non‐native species influence homogenization of cultivated versus spontaneously occurring species in cities, and which traits are associated with species that promote homogenization versus differentiation. In this study, we compared homogenization effects of cultivated and spontaneous non‐native species in yard floras across and within seven widely distributed U.S. cities. Additionally, we explored which traits explained their particular contribution to homogenization. We recorded plant presence/absence in 178 private yards distributed among seven metropolitan statistical areas in the United States. We compared phylogenetic homogenization effects of non‐native species within both the cultivated and spontaneous species pools using phylogenetic dissimilarities and the homogenization index. Then, we expressed contributions of non‐native species to the homogenization of each pool as a function of two different sets of plant functional traits using phylogenetic generalized least square (PGLS) models across and within cities. Across cities, spontaneous non‐native species homogenized, and cultivated non‐native species differentiated, yard floras. Within the spontaneous pool, short, small‐seeded non‐native plants and non‐native grasses significantly homogenized yard floras. Within the cultivated pool, species contribution to homogenization was best predicted by plant height, presence of showy flowers, and growth form, with non‐native grasses significantly homogenizing cultivated yard floras. Within cities, non‐native species—whether they were cultivated or spontaneous—consistently homogenized yard floras of the three northern cities and differentiated yard floras of three of the four southern cities, suggesting that homogenization processes are context‐ and scale‐dependent. Likewise, traits explaining homogenization differed substantially among cities. The inconsistent patterns among cities in the plant traits that promoted homogenization of both cultivated and spontaneous species suggest that local environmental and anthropogenic conditions of individual cities imposed strong constraints on trait selection. Linking plant functional traits that promote homogenization with residents’ preferences for vegetation may further enhance understanding of how yard plant communities assemble at regional and local scales.
Prolonged mechanical ventilation after left ventricular assist device implantation: risk factors and clinical implications
Authors: Papathanasiou Maria , Mincu Raluca‐Ileana , Lortz Julia , Horacek Michael , Koch Achim , Pizanis Nikolaus , Kamler Markus , Rassaf Tienush , Luedike Peter
Published: March 2019

Aims

Unsuccessful weaning from ventilator after major cardiovascular procedures has been shown to be associated with increased post‐operative morbidity and mortality. Our study aimed to identify predictors and clinical implications of prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation.

Methods and results

We analysed the data of patients receiving a continuous‐flow LVAD in our centre from December 2010 to September 2017. PMV was defined by a duration of invasive ventilation of >7 days after LVAD implantation. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed for predictors of PMV. Survival was estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method. During the study period, 156 patients received a continuous‐flow LVAD in our centre. Seventeen patients were excluded due to early death (<7 days), and 139 patients were enrolled in the study (mean age: 58 years; male: 84%). The median duration of mechanical ventilation post‐operatively was 94 h (range: 5 to 4192 h). PMV was observed in 43% of patients. Patients on PMV were characterized by a more severe disease state at baseline, compared with the group of early extubation, as reflected by their Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support level (Level 1–3: 72 vs. 49%, P = 0.008). Patients on PMV exhibited higher pulmonary wedge pressures (25 vs. 21 mmHg, P = 0.04), lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (53 vs. 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, P = 0.02), lower haemoglobin (10.6 vs. 11.6 g/dL, P = 0.02), and lower platelet counts (189 vs. 240/nL, P = 0.02). Previous sternotomy was more frequent in the PMV group (32 vs. 13%, P = 0.006). Higher rates of preoperative circulatory support (30 vs. 11.4%, P = 0.006), dialysis (31.7 vs. 10.1%, P = 0.001), and invasive ventilation (35 vs. 7.6%, P < 0.001) were reported for the PMV group. Logistic regression analysis revealed that estimated glomerular filtration rate [odds ratio (OR) 0.977, confidence interval (CI) 0.955–0.999, P = 0.038], platelet count (OR 0.994, CI 0.989–0.998, P = 0.008), and previous sternotomy (OR 5.079, CI 1.672–15.427, P = 0.004) were independent predictors of PMV. PMV was accompanied by longer intensive care unit (24 vs. 4 days, P < 0.001) and hospital stay (47 vs. 32 days, P = 0.003). Survival analysis revealed a profound increase in mortality at 180‐day post‐implantation in the PMV group (62 vs. 10%, log‐rank: P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Prolonged mechanical ventilation affects nearly half of patients after LVAD implantation. Previous sternotomy, renal function, and platelet counts are associated with increased risk for PMV. PMV is accompanied by decreased survival at 180‐day post‐implantation and longer hospitalizations.
Experimental observations on the interface front of phase change material inside cylindrical cavity
Authors: Han Xing , Kang Zhanxiao , Tian Xiaowei , Wang Liqiu
Published: March 2019

The final solidification shape of phase change material (PCM) in cylindrical cavity is important for design of thermal energy storage system. We experimentally study the role of height and radius of cylindrical cavity, Stefan number (Ste, from 0.2000 to 0.4500), Superheating factor (S, from 0.1250 to 0.8125). There are three main morphologies of inward solidification shape as height increases (10‐60 mm): concave, Gaussian‐distribution‐like shape and the one with a hole appearing inside PCM. The cavity radius (24‐35.5 mm) will influence the critical height of distinguishing second and third morphologies. Temperature variation during solidification process is recorded by microthermocouples, showing the main heat transfer direction. Stefan number shows significant influence to the final solidification shape while superheating factor does not. The final solidification shape of PCM can reflect the heat transfer mechanism during solidification process.