bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative effect of osmium tetroxide and ruthenium tetroxide onLacazia loboiultrastructure
Authors: Sarmiento‐Lacera Ladys , Torres‐Fernández Orlando , Rivera Jorge A. , Rodríguez‐Toro Gerzaín 
Published: November 2020

AbstractLobomycosis is a skin infection produced by the fungusLacazia loboi, which mainly affects some indigenous and afro‐descendant populations in Tropical America. We previously reported the comparative effect of osmium tetroxide (OsO4) and ruthenium tetroxide (RuO4) in the electron microscopy (EM) of other related microorganisms. The objective of this study is to compare the effect of postfixation with OsO4and RuO4in the ultrastructure ofL.loboiyeasts. Skin biopsies on patients diagnosed with lobomycosis were fixed in glutaraldehyde at 3% and postfixed in the following solutions: (a) 1% OsO4, (b) 0.2% RuO4, and (c) OsO4at 1% followed by RuO4at 0.2%. They were then processed using the conventional method for EM. Unlike OsO4,the treatment with RuO4revealed different shades of gray and electron dense bands in the cell wall and other cell components ofL.loboi. The most notable finding was the presence of radial filamentous structures around the yeast, which made the image look like the sun. Postfixation with RuO4revealed ultrastructural details that had not been previously reported forL loboi. The combined use of OsO4and RuO4in EM of microorganisms with cell walls can be useful to evaluate the effect of microbicide substances.
Location of a single histidine within peptide carriers increases mRNA delivery
Authors: He Jiaxi , Xu Songhui , Leng Qixin , Mixson A. James 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundPreviously, we determined that four‐branched histidine‐lysine (HK) peptides were effective carriers of plasmids and small interfering RNA. In the present study, we compared several branched HK carriers and, in particular, two closely‐related H3K4b and H3K(+H)4b peptides for their ability as carriers of mRNA. The H3K(+H)4b peptide differed from its parent analogue, H3K4b, by only a single histidine in each branch.MethodsA series of four‐branched HK peptides with varied sequences was synthesized on a solid‐phase peptide synthesizer. The ability of these peptides to carry mRNA expressing luciferase to MDA‐MB‐231 cells was investigated. With gel retardation and heparin displacement assays, the stability of HK polyplexes was examined. We determined the intracellular uptake of HK polyplexes by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. The size and polydispersity index of the polyplexes in several media were measured by dynamic light scattering.ResultsMDA‐MB‐231 cells transfected by H3K(+H)4b‐mRNA polyplexes expressed 10‐fold greater levels of luciferase than H3K4b polyplexes. With gel retardation and heparin displacement assays, the H3K(+H)4b polyplexes showed greater stability than H3K4b. Intracellular uptake and co‐localization of H3K(+H)4b polyplexes within acidic endosomes were also significantly increased compared to H3K4b. Similar to H3K(+H)4b, several HK analogues with an additional histidine in the second domain of their branches were effective carriers of mRNA. When combined with DOTAP liposomes, H3K(+H)4b was synergistic in delivery of mRNA.ConclusionsH3K(+H)4b was a more effective carrier of mRNA than H3K4b. Mechanistic studies suggest that H3K(+H)4b polyplexes were more stable than H3K4b polyplexes. Lipopolyplexes formed with H3K(+H)4b markedly increased mRNA transfection.
Neuron‐specific cilia loss differentially alters locomotor responses to amphetamine in mice
Authors: Ramos Carlos , Roberts Jonté B. , Jasso Kalene R. , Ten Eyck Tyler W. , Everett Thomas , Pozo Patricia , Setlow Barry , McIntyre Jeremy C. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe neural mechanisms that underlie responses to drugs of abuse are complex, and impacted by a number of neuromodulatory peptides. Within the past 10 years it has been discovered that several of the receptors for neuromodulators are enriched in the primary cilia of neurons. Primary cilia are microtubule‐based organelles that project from the surface of nearly all mammalian cells, including neurons. Despite what we know about cilia, our understanding of how cilia regulate neuronal function and behavior is still limited. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the contributions of primary cilia on specific neuronal populations to behavioral responses to amphetamine. To test the consequences of cilia loss on amphetamine‐induced locomotor activity we selectively ablated cilia from dopaminergic or GAD2‐GABAergic neurons in mice. Cilia loss had no effect on baseline locomotion in either mouse strain. In mice lacking cilia on dopaminergic neurons, locomotor activity compared to wild‐ type mice was reduced in both sexes in response to acute administration of 3.0 mg/kg amphetamine. In contrast, changes in the locomotor response to amphetamine in mice lacking cilia on GAD2‐GABAergic neurons were primarily driven by reductions in locomotor activity in males. Following repeated amphetamine administration (1.0 mg kg−1 day−1 over 5 days), mice lacking cilia on GAD2‐GABAergic neurons exhibited enhanced sensitization of the locomotor stimulant response to the drug, whereas mice lacking cilia on dopaminergic neurons did not differ from wild‐type controls. These results indicate that cilia play neuron‐specific roles in both acute and neuroplastic responses to psychostimulant drugs of abuse.
The Normative Features of Creativity: Creative Individuals are Judged to be Warmer and More Competent
Authors: Bonetto Eric , Pichot Nicolas , Girandola Fabien , Bonnardel Nathalie 
Published: November 2020

AbstractMany studies mention the social valorization of creative individuals. However, previous works show contrasting results concerning both this valorization and the links between creativity and the two dimensions of social judgment (individuals’ warmth and competence). Consequently, we implemented two paradigms classically used when examining the normative features of individuals' traits such as creativity. Study 1 (N = 206), using a self‐presentation paradigm, showed that individuals tend to present themselves as creative in order to gain others' approval. Thus, creativity seems to be subject to social valorization. Studies 2 (N = 149) and 3 (N = 457), using social judgment tasks, corroborated these findings, and allowed to gain a finer‐grained vision of what dimensions of social value are associated with creativity. These ones showed that highly creative individuals were considered warmer and more competent than weakly creative individuals. Results from Study 3 also suggest that these judgments may be domain‐dependent. Implications for research on creativity, as well as on social judgment, are discussed.
A Multispecialty Critical Airway Simulation Course for Medical Students
Authors: Dermody Sarah M. , Masciello Maria , Malekzadeh Sonya 
Published: November 2020

ObjectivesTo develop a novel multispecialty simulation‐based course that teaches both technical and nontechnical skills in the management of adult and pediatric critical airways to graduating medical students and 2) to encourage a collaborative, multispecialty approach to the management of a difficult airway amongst fourth‐year medical students who have enrolled in otolaryngology, anesthesia, and emergency medicine residency programs.MethodsFourth‐year medical student who had matched into otolaryngology, anesthesia, and emergency medicine participated in an intensive half‐day course consisting of a series of hands‐on skills stations with increasing complexity, followed by simulated complex patient scenarios designed for shared management of airway emergencies. Participants completed questionnaires prior to and immediately after the course. Fischer's exact test was utilized to compare data between the precourse and postcourse surveys. Free‐text responses were qualitatively assessed to inform course development.ResultsThirty‐four medical students were enrolled (6 otolaryngology, 15 anesthesia, 13 emergency medicine), and 30 students completed both surveys. Fisher's exact test demonstrated improved confidence (P < .05) for every skill. More than 85% of participants strongly agreed or agreed that the intervention was useful in developing their knowledge, technical skills, and self‐confidence and in improving clinical performance prior to residency.ConclusionsThis critical airway course introduces a multispecialty simulation‐based course designed to impart graduating medical students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and behaviors for critical airway management while fostering interprofessional collaboration. Our course was successful in improving confidence and was perceived as useful in developing knowledge, technical skills, self‐confidence, and clinical performance prior to residency.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 131:1482–1486, 2021
Higher Increase in Plasma DHA in Females Compared to Males Following EPA Supplementation May Be Influenced by a Polymorphism in ELOVL2: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Metherel Adam H. , Irfan Maha , Klingel Shannon L. , Mutch David M. , Bazinet Richard P. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractYoung adult females have higher blood docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), 22:6n‐3 levels than males, and this is believed to be due to higher DHA synthesis rates, although DHA may also accumulate due to a longer half‐life or a combination of both. However, sex differences in blood fatty acid responses to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), 20:5n‐3 or DHA supplementation have not been fully investigated. In this exploratory analysis, females and males (n = 14–15 per group) were supplemented with 3 g/day EPA, 3 g/day DHA, or olive oil control for 12 weeks. Plasma was analyzed for sex effects at baseline and changes following 12 weeks' supplementation for fatty acid levels and carbon‐13 signature (δ13C). Following EPA supplementation, the increase in plasma DHA in females (+23.8 ± 11.8, nmol/mL ± SEM) was higher than males (−13.8 ± 9.2, p < 0.01). The increase in plasma δ13C‐DHA of females (+2.79 ± 0.31, milliUrey (mUr ± SEM) compared with males (+1.88 ± 0.44) did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.10). The sex effect appears driven largely by increased plasma DHA in the AA genotype of females (+58.8 ± 11.5, nmol/mL ± SEM, n = 5) compared to GA + GG in females (+4.34 ± 13.5, n = 9) and AA in males (−29.1 ± 17.2, n = 6) for rs953413 in the ELOVL2 gene (p < 0.001). In conclusion, EPA supplementation increases plasma DHA levels in females compared to males, which may be dependent on the AA genotype for rs953413 in ELOVL2.
Rational Design of Mussel‐Inspired Hydrogels with Dynamic Catecholato−Metal Coordination Bonds
Authors: Heidarian Pejman , Kouzani Abbas Z. , Kaynak Akif , Bahrami Bahador , Paulino Mariana , Nasri‐Nasrabadi Bijan , Varley Russell J. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractNature has often been the main source of inspiration for designing smart functional materials. As an example, mussels can attach to almost any wet surfaces, for example, wood, rocks, metal, etc., due to the presence of catechols containing amino acid 3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl‐l‐alanine (DOPA). Fabrication of mussel‐inspired hydrogels using dynamic catecholato−metal coordination bonds has recently been in the limelight because of the hydrogels’ ease of gelation, interesting self‐healing, self‐recovery, adhesiveness, and pH‐responsiveness, as well as shear‐thinning and mechanical properties. Mussel inspired hydrogels take advantage of catechols, for example, DOPA in the blue mussel, to undergo catecholatometal gelation through coordination chemistry. This review explores the latest developments in the fabrication of such hydrogels using catecholato−metal coordination bonds, and discusses their potential applications in sensors, flexible electronics, tissue engineering, and wound dressing. Moreover, current challenges and prospects of such hydrogels are discussed. The main focus of this paper is on providing a deeper understanding of this growing field in terms of chemistry, physics, and associated properties.
Technical Note: MRQy — An open‐source tool for quality control of MR imaging data
Authors: Sadri Amir Reza , Janowczyk Andrew , Zhou Ren , Verma Ruchika , Beig Niha , Antunes Jacob , Madabhushi Anant , Tiwari Pallavi , Viswanath Satish E 
Published: November 2020

PurposeThere is an increasing availability of large imaging cohorts [such as through The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA)] for computational model development and imaging research. To ensure development of generalizable computerized models, there is a need to quickly determine relative quality differences in these cohorts, especially when considering MRI datasets which can exhibit wide variations in image appearance. The purpose of this study is to present a quantitative quality control tool, MRQy, to help interrogate MR imaging datasets for: (a) site‐ or scanner‐specific variations in image resolution or image contrast, and (b) imaging artifacts such as noise or inhomogeneity; which need correction prior to model development.MethodsUnlike existing imaging quality control tools, MRQy has been generalized to work with images from any body region to efficiently extract a series of quality measures (e.g., noise ratios, variation metrics) and MR image metadata (e.g., voxel resolution and image dimensions). MRQy also offers a specialized HTML5‐based front‐end designed for real‐time filtering and trend visualization of quality measures.ResultsMRQy was used to evaluate (a) n = 133 brain MRIs from TCIA (7 sites) and (b) n = 104 rectal MRIs (3 local sites). MRQy measures revealed significant site‐specific variations in both cohorts, indicating potential batch effects. Before processing, MRQy measures could be used to identify each of the seven sites within the TCIA cohort with 87.5%, 86.4%, 90%, 93%, 90%, 60%, and 92.9% accuracy and the three sites within the rectal cohort with 91%, 82.8%, and 88.9% accuracy using unsupervised clustering. After processing, none of the sites could be distinctively clustered via MRQy measures in either cohort; suggesting that batch effects had been largely accounted for. Marked differences in specific MRQy measures were also able to identify outlier MRI datasets that needed to be corrected for common acquisition artifacts.ConclusionsMRQy is designed to be a standalone, unsupervised tool that can be efficiently run on a standard desktop computer. It has been made freely accessible and open‐source athttp://github.com/ccipd/MRQyfor community use and feedback.
Synthesis, photophysical, and theoretical studies on π‐conjugated copolymers based on benzothiadiazole and cyanopyridine acceptor moieties along with other π‐bridge units
Authors: El‐Shehawy Ashraf A. , Abdu Mohamed E. , El‐Hendawy Morad M. , El‐Khouly Mohamed , Sherif Mohamed H. , Moustafa Hamed Y. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractA set of π‐conjugated copolymers were synthesized via Pd‐catalyzed cross‐coupling based on benzothiadiazole and cyanopyridine moieties along with other π‐bridge units (thiophene and/or benzene). Their chemical structures were confirmed by various analytical techniques (elemental, IR, 1H, and 13C NMR analyses). All copolymers showed good solubility in most common organic solvents. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) analysis showed their good thermal stability with no significant weight loss up to ~260°C. The estimated optical band gaps for thin films were found to be in the range of 2.25–2.62 eV. It was found that the π‐bridge units (benzene and/or thiophene) significantly affect the molecular architecture and optoelectronic properties of the copolymers. They exhibited good fluorescence in diluted solution where the fluorescence emission spectra were obtained by irradiative excitation at the wavelength in the range of 526.0–532.0 nm. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that all copolymers exhibited a symmetric halo peak at 2θ = 22.5–23.8° corresponding to the presence of alkyl side chains in addition to a small intensity peak at 2θ of ~43° indicates the existence of some degree of remnant some ranges of crystallinity in the films. Density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT (TD‐DFT) calculations were used to assess planarity, electronic structure, and optical absorption properties.
An EWMA signed ranks control chart with reliable run length performances
Authors: Perdikis Theodoros , Psarakis Stelios , Castagliola Philippe , Maravelakis Petros E. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractDuring the design phase of a control chart, the determination of its exact run length properties plays a vital role for its optimal operation. Markov chain or integral equation methods have been extensively applied in the design phase of conventional control charts. However, for distribution‐free schemes, due to the discrete nature of the statistics being used (such as the sign or the Wilcoxon signed rank statistics, for instance), it is impossible to accurately compute their run length properties. In this work, a modified distribution‐free phase II exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA)‐type chart based on the Wilcoxon signed rank statistic is considered and its exact run length properties are discussed. A continuous transformation of the Wilcoxon signed rank statistic, combined with the classical Markov chain method, is used for the determination of the average run length in the in‐ and out‐of control cases. Moreover, its exact performance is derived without any knowledge of the distribution of sample observations. Finally, an illustrative example is provided showing the practical implementation of our proposed chart.
Acoustofluidics‐Assisted Fluorescence‐SERS Bimodal Biosensors
Authors: Hao Nanjing , Pei Zhichao , Liu Pengzhan , Bachman Hunter , Naquin Ty Downing , Zhang Peiran , Zhang Jinxin , Shen Liang , Yang Shujie , Yang Kaichun , Zhao Shuaiguo , Huang Tony Jun 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAcoustofluidics, the fusion of acoustics and microfluidic techniques, has recently seen increased research attention across multiple disciplines due in part to its capabilities in contactless, biocompatible, and precise manipulation of micro‐/nano‐objects. Herein, a bimodal signal amplification platform which relies on acoustofluidics‐induced enrichment of nanoparticles is introduced. The dual‐function biosensor can perform sensitive immunofluorescent or surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) detection. The platform functions by using surface acoustic waves to concentrate nanoparticles at either the center or perimeter of a glass capillary; the concentration location is adjusted simply by varying the input frequency. The immunofluorescence assay is achieved by concentrating fluorescent analytes and functionalized nanoparticles at the center of the microchannel, thereby improving the visibility of the fluorescent output. By modifying the inner wall of the glass capillary with plasmonic Ag nanoparticle‐deposited ZnO nanorod arrays and focusing analytes toward the perimeter of the microchannel, SERS sensing using the same device setup is achieved. Nanosized exosomes are used as a proof‐of‐concept to validate the performance of the acoustofluidic bimodal biosensor. With its sample‐enrichment functionality, bimodal sensing, short processing time, and minute sample consumption, the acoustofluidic chip holds great potential for the development of lab‐on‐a‐chip based analysis systems in many real‐world applications.
Engineering the Interaction Dynamics between Nano‐Topographical Immunocyte‐Templated Micromotors across Scales from Ions to Cells
Authors: Wang Jie , Ahmed Rajib , Zeng Yitian , Fu Kaiyu , Soto Fernando , Sinclair Bob , Soh Hyongsok Tom , Demirci Utkan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractManufacturing mobile artificial micromotors with structural design factors, such as morphology nanoroughness and surface chemistry, can improve the capture efficiency through enhancing contact interactions with their surrounding targets. Understanding the interplay of such parameters targeting high locomotion performance and high capture efficiency at the same time is of paramount importance, yet, has so far been overlooked. Here, an immunocyte‐templated nano‐topographical micromotor is engineered and their interactions with various targets across multiple scales, from ions to cells are investigated. The macrophage templated nanorough micromotor demonstrates significantly increased surface interactions and significantly improved and highly efficient removal of targets from complex aqueous solutions, including in plasma and diluted blood, when compared to smooth synthetic material templated micromotors with the same size and surface chemistry. These results suggest that the surface nanoroughness of the micromotors for the locomotion performance and interactions with the multiscale targets should be considered simultaneously, for they are highly interconnected in design considerations impacting applications across scales.
Unit of measurement libraries, their popularity and suitability
Authors: McKeever Steve , Bennich‐Björkman Oscar , Salah Omar‐Alfred 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn scientific applications, physical quantities, and units of measurement are used regularly. If the inherent incompatibility between these units is not handled properly it can lead to potentially catastrophic problems. Although the risk of a miscalculation is high and the cost equally so, almost none of the major programming languages has support for physical quantities. We employed a systematic approach to examine and analyse available units of measurement (UoM) libraries. The search results were condensed into 38 libraries. These were the most comprehensive and well‐developed, open‐source libraries, chosen from approximately 3700 search results across seven repository hosting sites. Most libraries are implemented in a similar manner, but with varying features and evaluation strategies. Three developers and a scientist were interviewed and 91 practitioners of varying experiences from on‐line forums were surveyed to explain their impressions of UoM libraries and their suitability. Our findings show several reasons for nonadoption, including insufficient awareness of UoM libraries, cumbersome in practice, specific performance concerns, and usage of development processes that exclude unit information We conclude with recommendations to UoM library creators derived from these observations. We also argue that so long as units are not part of the language, or not supported through an IDE extension, their use will be limited. Native language support allows for efficient unit conversion and static checking. While lightweight methods provide many benefits of UoM libraries with minimal overheads. Libraries are perhaps best suited to applications in which unit of measurement checking is desirable at run‐time.