bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Targeted Delivery of siRNA Lipoplexes to Cancer Cells Using Macrophage Transient Horizontal Gene Transfer
Authors: Wayne Elizabeth C. , Long Christian , Haney Matthew J. , Batrakova Elena V. , Leisner Tina M. , Parise Leslie V. , Kabanov Alexander V. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractDelivery of nucleic acids into solid tumor environments remains a pressing challenge. This study examines the ability of macrophages to horizontally transfer small interfering RNA (siRNA) lipoplexes to cancer cells. Macrophages are a natural candidate for a drug carrier because of their ability to accumulate at high densities into many cancer types, including, breast, prostate, brain, and colon cancer. Here, it is demonstrated that macrophages can horizontally transfer siRNA to cancer cells during in vitro coculture. The amount of transfer can be dosed depending on the amount of siRNA loaded and total number of macrophages delivered. Macrophages loaded with calcium integrin binding protein‐1 (CIB1)‐siRNA result in decreased tumorsphere growth and decreased mRNA expression of CIB1 and KI67 in MDA‐MB‐468 human breast cancer cells. Adoptive transfer of macrophages transfected with CIB1‐siRNA localizes to the orthotopic MDA‐MB‐468 tumor. Furthermore, it is reported that macrophage activation can modulate this transfer process as well as intracellular trafficking protein Rab27a. As macrophages are heavily involved in tumor progression, understanding how to use macrophages for drug delivery can substantially benefit the treatment of tumors.
Biomaterials for High‐Energy Lithium‐Based Batteries: Strategies, Challenges, and Perspectives
Authors: Fu Xuewei , Zhong Wei‐Hong 
Published: September 2019

AbstractDeveloping high‐performance batteries through applying renewable resources is of great significance for meeting ever‐growing energy demands and sustainability requirements. Biomaterials have overwhelming advantages in material abundance, environmental benignity, low cost, and more importantly, multifunctionalities from structural and compositional diversity. Therefore, significant and fruitful research on exploiting various natural biomaterials (e.g., soy protein, chitosan, cellulose, fungus, etc.) for boosting high‐energy lithium‐based batteries by means of making or modifying critical battery components (e.g., electrode, electrolyte, and separator) are reported. In this review, the recent advances and main strategies for adopting biomaterials in electrode, electrolyte, and separator engineering for high‐energy lithium‐based batteries are comprehensively summarized. The contributions of biomaterials to stabilizing electrodes, capturing electrochemical intermediates, and protecting lithium metal anodes/enhancing battery safety are specifically emphasized. Furthermore, advantages and challenges of various strategies for fabricating battery materials via biomaterials are described. Finally, future perspectives and possible solutions for further development of biomaterials for high‐energy lithium‐based batteries are proposed.
Toward understanding inflorescence development and architecture in Passiflora: insights from comparative anatomy and expression of APETALA1
Authors: Hernandes‐Lopes José , Sousa‐Baena Mariane S. , Lemos Renata C. C. , Corrêa Tatiana C. S. , Van Sluys Marie‐Anne , Melo‐de‐Pinna Gladys Flavia de Albuquerque 
Published: September 2019

PremiseThe inflorescence of Passiflora species originates from a bud complex that derives from an initially undivided meristem and ultimately produces flowers and tendrils. Because the development of the inflorescence structures derived from such meristems has been variously interpreted, we investigated the ontogeny of the bud complex and the expression of APETALA1 (AP1) in Passiflora species.MethodsThe anatomical development of 15 species of Passiflora was analyzed using light and scanning electron microscopy. We localized AP1 expression in tissues during inflorescence initiation in two Passiflora species using in situ hybridization.ResultsIn most species, the first primordium to differentiate from the bud complex is a bract, which develops laterally to what will become the inflorescence first‐order axis, in this case, the tendril. The bract axillary meristem originates the second‐order inflorescence axis meristem, which produces two bracteoles, subsequently developing into a floral meristem. AP1 is uniformly expressed in the initially undivided meristem, with expression maintained in the organ primordia derived from the bud complex. Signal is particularly strong in tendril tips.ConclusionsWe concluded that what is often understood as the first bract produced by a floral meristem actually is produced by the original axillary meristem. Bracteoles develop from the meristem in the bract axil; bracteoles plus floral meristem constitute the inflorescence second‐order axis. Comparison of inflorescence early developmental stages in different subgenera indicates flowers are arranged in a modified cyme, with the tendril representing the inflorescence terminal portion. PasAP1 has a broad expression pattern and may have an important role during inflorescence development.
“Be careful!” Perceptions of work‐safety culture among hired Latinx child farmworkers in North Carolina
Authors: Arcury Thomas A. , Arnold Taylor J. , Mora Dana C. , Sandberg Joanne C. , Daniel Stephanie S. , Wiggins Melinda F. , Quandt Sara A. 
Published: September 2019

BackgroundChildren as young as 10 years of age can be hired to work on farms. Many of these hired child farmworkers are Latinx. Although these children experience high rates of injury, little research has addressed work‐safety perceptions among hired Latinx child farmworkers.MethodsFor this qualitative study, we conducted in‐depth interviews in North Carolina in 2016 with 30 Latinx child farmworkers, ages 10 to 17. Our analysis used the work‐safety culture conceptual framework to delineate their perceptions of the psychological, behavioral, and situational elements of safety culture.ResultsThe child farmworkers describe a weak work‐safety culture. Psychologically, they understand that their parents want them to be safe, but they observe that safety is important to only a fraction of their supervisors and coworkers. Behaviorally, they recognize many of the hazards they confront while working, but it is not clear how well they use this knowledge to mitigate these hazards or to change their behaviors to avoid these hazards. Situationally, several children note that the only safety training they receive is the imperative to “be careful.” Most receive little formal training, much of the training they receive is informally provided by family members and coworkers rather than supervisors, and their training is geared more toward how to complete a task than how to complete the task safely.ConclusionsChild farmworkers perceive that work‐safety culture is of limited importance in agriculture. Regulations are needed that improve work‐safety culture in agriculture, especially for those vulnerable due to minority age.
Detection and quantification of Staphylococcus in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Wagner Mackenzie Brett , Baker Jesse , Douglas Richard G. , Taylor Michael W. , Biswas Kristi 
Published: September 2019

BackgroundThe sinonasal microbiota has been implicated in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) pathogenesis, particularly related to the presence of Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus epidermidis is also prevalent within the sinonasal microbiota and may inhibit S. aureus colonization. We investigated polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primer pairs for measuring absolute abundances of S. aureus and S. epidermidis, then compared bacterial community composition and absolute abundances of these species between CRS patients and controls.MethodsSix candidate Staphylococcus species‐specific primer pairs were tested in silico and in vitro against pure bacterial isolates. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) for absolute quantification of S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and overall bacterial load were assessed in 40 CRS (CRS without nasal polyposis [CRSsNP] = 22, CRS with nasal polyposis [CRSwNP] = 18) patients and 14 controls. Amplicon sequencing of the V3‐V4 hypervariable regions of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) bacterial gene were conducted to investigate community composition.ResultsPrimer pairs targeting the gmk gene of S. aureus and nrd gene from S. epidermidis were the most specific and sensitive primers. S. aureus (CRSsNP = 81.8% occurrence, CRSwNP = 83%, control = 92.9%) and S. epidermidis (CRSsNP = 95.5%, CRSwNP = 100%, control = 92.9%) were very prevalent, as indicated by qPCR results. Both CRSsNP and CRSwNP had significantly (p < 0.05) higher bacterial load when compared with controls (p < 0.05 for both). No significant correlation was observed between S. aureus and S. epidermidis abundances (p > 0.05).ConclusionBacterial community sequencing detected Staphylococcus‐assigned sequences in nearly all patients; however, it could not differentiate between S. aureus and S. epidermidis. Here, we present primer pairs that can distinguish between these species. We report a very high prevalence of S. aureus in both CRS patients and controls.
Catalytic Asymmetric Conjugate Addition of a Borylalkyl Copper Complex for Chiral Organoboronate Synthesis
Authors: Jang Won Jun , Yun Jaesook 
Published: September 2019

AbstractWe report the catalytic enantioselective conjugate addition of a borylalkyl copper nucleophile generated in situ from a 1,1‐diborylmethane derivative to α,β‐unsaturated diesters. In the presence of a chiral N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)–copper catalyst, this method facilitated the enantioselective incorporation of a CH2Bpin moiety at the β‐position of the diesters to yield β‐chiral alkyl boronates in up to 86 % yield with high enantioselectivity. The alkylboron moiety in the resulting chiral diester products was converted into various functional groups by organic transformation of the C−B bond.
Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and biological evaluation of a novel chemosensor with different metal ions
Authors: Gaber M. , Fayed Tarek A. , El‐Nahass Marwa N. , Diab H.A. , El‐Gamil Mohammed M. 
Published: September 2019

A novel chemosensor, namely 3‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐1‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)prop‐2‐en‐1‐one, CPPEO, and its metal complexes have been synthesized and characterized by using sets of chemical and spectroscopic techniques, such as elemental analysis, mass, Fourier transform‐infrared and UV–Vis spectral analysis. The thermal properties of the metal complexes have been investigated by thermogravimetric techniques. The decomposition mechanism of the titled complexes was suggested. The results showed that the Co2+ and Mn2+ complexes have an octahedral geometry, while Zn2+ and Cd2+ complexes have tetrahedral geometry. The kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of the thermal decomposition stages have been evaluated using the Coats–Redfern method. The optical sensing response of the investigated chemosensor to the different metal ions was investigated. It responds well to the tested metal ions as reflected from the significant change in both absorption and emission spectra upon adding different concentrations of the metal salts, confirming the intramolecular charge transfer of the chemosensor upon effective coordination with the used metal ions. This leads to enhancing ICT interaction, causing a significant shift in the presence of strongly complexing metal ions. This was fully reversible, where the solution of dye‐metal ion complex was decomplexed by adding an EDTA solution to revert the original spectrum of the dye. The stability constants, K, for the complexes of the investigated chemosensor with the mentioned metal ions were calculated, indicating that Co2+ is the most effectively detected, and the potential of the novel dye was highly efficient switchers for Co2+ ions. Additionally, the molecular modeling was carried out for the chemosensor and its metal complexes. Finally, the solid complexes have been tested for their in vitro antimicrobial activities against some bacterial strains (Gram +ve and Gram −ve bacteria), as well as antifungal strains.
Highly effective flame‐retarded polyester diol with synergistic effects for waterborne polyurethane application
Authors: Wang Shuang , Du Xiaosheng , Fu Xihan , Du Zongliang , Wang Haibo , Cheng Xu 
Published: September 2019

ABSTRACTIn this article, a novel bi‐reactive flame retardant (FRD) was successfully synthesized for waterborne polyurethane (WPU). The chemical structures of FRD were characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectra and 1H and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance. Then, the FRD was incorporated into polyurethane backbone to prepare a series of flame‐retarded WPU (FRWPU). The flammability characteristics of FRWPU were measured by limited oxygen index (LOI), UL‐94, and cone calorimeter (CCT) tests. The FRPWU‐7 had a high LOI value of 30.5% with UL94 V‐0 rating. Moreover, the CCT values indicated that FRD induced the gaseous phase quenching effect of phosphorus‐containing free radicals derived from the decomposed phosphaphenanthrene group on the gas‐phase flame retardancy. Scanning electron micrographs and Raman spectra exhibited that FRD promoted the charring formation of phosphorus‐rich char layer with graphitized surface and honeycomb‐like intumescent structure in WPU matrix during burning. This study provides a new way to design a novel reactive P–P flame retardant consisted of the phosphaphenanthrene group and intumescent flame retardant for WPU application. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48444.
Electrophysical properties of woven polymer mesh fabrics
Authors: Cerovic Dragana D. , Asanovic Koviljka A. , Maletic Slavica B. , Marinkovic Filip S. , Petronijevic Ivan M. , Dojcilovic Jablan R. 
Published: September 2019

ABSTRACTThe investigation was performed on three woven mesh fabrics made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA) 6.6 monofilaments, and PA 6.6 with carbon filament (CF). The dielectric properties were examined as functions of frequency at room conditions and as functions of frequency and temperature under the vacuum. It was observed at lower frequency higher changes of dielectric permittivity for the sample with CFs at room conditions. For PET and PA 6.6, dielectric permittivity in the vacuum was steady and little lower; furthermore, dielectric spectra showed the existence of γ‐, β‐, and α‐relaxations. The dc volume electrical resistivity was investigated in the function of relative humidity at room temperature for PA 6.6 and PA 6.6 with CF. For the sample with the CF, a decrease in the dc electrical resistivity of nine orders of magnitude in the direction with CF was registered as compared to the direction without a conductive filament. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48456.
A new function of immunity‐related gene Zn72D in male fertility of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Biwot John C. , Zhang Hua‐Bao , Chen Meng‐Yan , Wang Yu‐Feng 
Published: September 2019

AbstractZn72D encodes the Drosophila zinc finger protein Zn72D. It was first identified to be involved in phagocytosis and indicated to have a role in immunity. Then it was demonstrated to have a function in RNA splicing and dosage compensation in Drosophila melanogaster. In this study, we discovered a new function of Zn72D in male fertility. We showed that knockdown of Zn72D in fly testes caused an extremely low egg hatch rate. Immunofluorescence staining of Zn72D knockdown testes exhibited scattered spermatid nuclei and no actin cones or individualization complexes (ICs) during spermiogenesis, whereas the early‐stage germ cells and the spermatocytes were observed clearly. There were no mature sperms in the seminal vesicles of Zn72D knockdown fly testes, although a few sperms could be found close to the seminal vesicle. We further showed that many cytoskeleton‐related genes were significantly downregulated in fly testes due to Zn72D knockdown. Taken together these findings suggest that Zn72D may have an important function in spermatogenesis by sustaining the cytoskeleton‐based morphogenesis and individualization thus ensuring the proper formation of sperm in D. melanogaster.
Identification of novel imidazoles as IDO1 inhibitors through microwave‐assisted one‐pot multicomponent reactions
Authors: Bai Zhizheng , Huang Huidan , Chen Jianqiu , Zhang Xiaoyun , Ding Yimei 
Published: September 2019

AbstractA series of imidazole derivatives were designed following rational drug design, and synthesized through microwave‐assisted one‐pot multicomponent reactions. These compounds are produced in large quantities, and are known to be tolerant toward a variety of substrates, thus providing target molecules in a single step within a short time. These compounds were further tested for their ability to inhibit indoleamine‐2,3‐dioxygenase 1 (IDO1). The most promising compound thus obtained is 4o, which displayed IC50 values of 0.82 μΜ. Further in vivo assessment indicated that 4o could reduce the kynurenine levels in plasma by 42.3% in 4 hr, indicating that the compound could act as a promising lead compound for further investigations.
Self‐assembly and Cycling of a Three‐state PdxLy Metallosupramolecular System
Authors: Preston Dan , Inglis Amanda R. , Crowley James D. , Kruger Paul E. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe use of stimuli to induce reversible structural transformations in metallosupramolecular systems is of keen interest to chemists seeking to mimic the way that Nature effects conformational changes in biological machinery. While a wide array of stimuli have been deployed towards this end, stoichiometric changes have only been explored in a handful of examples. Furthermore, switching has generally been between only two distinct states. Here we use a simple 2‐(1‐(pyridine‐4‐methyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)pyridine “click” ligand in combination with PdII in various stoichiometries and concentrations to quantitatively access and cycle between three distinct species: a [PdL2]2+ monomer, a [Pd2L2]4+ dimer, and a [Pd9L12]18+ cage.
Feedback passivity‐based control of discrete nonlinear systems with time‐delay for variable geometry truss manipulator
Authors: Zhao Yanchun C. , Hu Shiqiang Q. , Xu Qimin M. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIn this paper, the feedback passivity‐based control of nonlinear discrete time‐delay systems for variable geometry truss manipulators is investigated. To determine an appropriate communication channel in the sense of feedback passivation, we first model the dynamics of the variable geometry truss manipulator as a generalized discrete nonlinear system with time‐delay. Then we further prove that when the infinite norm of estimated error is bounded, as long as there is a controller enables the closed‐loop system to be input‐strictly passive, there must be a deterministic equivalent controller to ensure that the system is stochastically quasi passive. After that, on the basis of the conclusion obtained, a more conclusive corollary is addressed for linear plants. Though passivity is a stricter condition than stability, feedback passivation does not impose more restrictions on estimate errors, and therefore does not require more communication channel information than mean square stability. Finally, we simplify the variable geometry truss dynamics to a linear plant to simulate to verify the validity of our method, and also compared the experimental results with the methods in the existing literature.
Exploring Treatment and Capacity‐Sharing Agreements Between Water Utilities
Authors: Gorelick David E. , Zeff Harrison B. , Hughes Jeff , Eskaf Shadi , Characklis Gregory W. 
Published: September 2019

Key TakeawaysCapacity‐sharing agreements can help water utilities make use of spare capacity while long‐run demands catch up with projections by allocating project capacity and splitting infrastructure costs between multiple utilities.Utility size, projected growth, and regional context all can influence the most effective choice of capacity‐sharing agreement.Analysis of cooperative agreements can inform utility managers on how to effectively design and implement agreements of their own.
Tiered Water Rates: Understanding Their Equity and Impacts on Customer Bills
Authors: Clumpner Greg 
Published: September 2019

Key TakeawaysRate design affects individual customer bills and the equity of individual ratepayers within (not just between) customer classes.A better understanding of tiered rates may lower the risk of ratepayers seeing water and wastewater rates as inequitable.Water utilities should demonstrate the cost basis of water rates, especially how tiered rates reflect water supply costs and quantities.
Glutathione transferase genotypes may serve as determinants of risk and prognosis in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Pljesa‐Ercegovac Marija , Savic‐Radojevic Ana , Coric Vesna , Radic Tanja , Simic Tatjana 
Published: September 2019

AbstractRenal cell carcinoma (RCC) represents a group of histologically similar neoplasms with significant intratumor and intertumor genetic heterogeneity. Recognized risk factors for RCC development include smoking, hypertension, obesity, as well as von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) disease. Inactivation of VHL, deregulated nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (Nrf2) pathway, and altered redox homeostasis, together with changes in glutathione transferase (GST) profile, are considered as important contributing factors in RCC development and progression. Although the available results of both gene–gene and gene–environment analysis are quite heterogeneous, they clearly indicate that certain GST genotypes may play a role as risk modifiers, either individually or in combination with other Phase I or Phase II gene polymorphisms, as well as in subjects exposed to relevant substrates. Seemingly, GST genotyping could identify individuals with impaired detoxification in renal parenchyma that are at higher risk of developing RCC. In addition to well established roles of GSTs in conjugation and biotransformation of xenobiotics, GSTs have emerged as significant regulators of pathways determining cell proliferation and survival. Indeed, there are evidence in favor of GST significance, not only in terms of risk for RCC development, but also with respect to progression and prognosis. So far, GSTM1‐active genotype was confirmed to be an independent predictor of higher risk of overall mortality. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that certain GST variants may assist in individual RCC risk assessment, as well as postoperative prognosis. Even more, GST profiling might contribute to development of personalized targeted therapy in RCC patients.
Computational fluid dynamics modeling, a novel, and effective approach for developing scalable cell therapy manufacturing processes
Authors: Shafa Mehdi , Panchalingam Krishna M , Walsh Tylor , Richardson Thomas , Baghbaderani Behnam Ahmadian 
Published: September 2019

AbstractInduced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) hold great potential to generate novel, curative cell therapy products. However, current methods to generate these novel therapies lack scalability, are labor‐intensive, require a large footprint, and are not suited to meet clinical and commercial demands. Therefore, it is necessary to develop scalable manufacturing processes to accommodate the generation of high‐quality iPSC derivatives under controlled conditions. The current scale‐up methods used in cell therapy processes are based on empirical, geometry‐dependent methods that do not accurately represent the hydrodynamics of 3D bioreactors. These methods require multiple iterations of scale‐up studies, resulting in increased development cost and time. Here we show a novel approach using computational fluid dynamics modeling to effectively scale‐up cell therapy manufacturing processes in 3D bioreactors. Using a GMP‐compatible iPSC line, we translated and scaled‐up a small‐scale cardiomyocyte differentiation process to a 3‐L computer‐controlled bioreactor in an efficient manner, showing comparability in both systems.