bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Optoelectronic Device for Rapid Monitoring of Creatine Kinase Using Cationic Conjugated Polyelectrolyte
Authors: Hussain Sameer , Zhao Hao , Zhou Lingyun , Zhou Xin , Iyer Parameswar Krishnan , Lv Fengting , Liu Libing , Wang Shu 
Published: August 2019

AbstractDevelopment of new methods and smart devices for precise monitoring and study of biological processes is a foremost area of organic bioelectronics. The use of such bioelectronic devices in early and point‐of‐care diagnosis of diseases, in particular cardiovascular disorders and cancer, is imperative, due to the increasing number of deaths globally. A new multimodal assay and portable device is introduced for direct monitoring of creatine kinase (CK), a well‐known cardiac and colorectal cancer biomarker, using conjugated polyelectrolyte (PMNT). Based on distinct conformational, optical, and electrical behavior, the cationic polythiophene PMNT can efficiently recognize CK under physiological conditions and demonstrate remarkable naked‐eye visualization and fluorescence turn‐on detection ability without employing any antibody‐ or enzyme‐coupled reactions typically used in traditional methods. Furthermore, the utilizing optical properties of PMNT at the interface of microelectronics and biology, a cost‐effective and portable device is constructed to monitor CK rapidly and accessibly. The metabolism of CK is also studied via intracellular imaging of PMNT in human colorectal cancer cells (LS‐174T) and by using the constructed prototype. This strategy displays the potential of conjugated‐polymer‐based devices in early stage diagnosis of disease and the study of biological activities, which ultimately advances their scope in the field of organic bioelectronics.
Defining “Swarming” as a New Model to Optimize Efficiency and Education in an Academic Emergency Department
Authors: Perniciaro Jessica L. , Schmidt Anita R. , Pham Phung K. , Liu Deborah R. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract BackgroundAcademic emergency medicine is a constant balance between efficiency and education. We developed a new model called swarming, where the bedside nurse, resident, and attending/fellow simultaneously evaluate the patient, including initial vital signs, bedside triage, focused history and physical examination, and discussion of the treatment plan, thus creating a shared mental model.ObjectivesTo combine perceptions from trainee physicians, supervising physicians, nurses, and families with in vivo measurements of emergency department swarms to better conceptualize the swarming model.MethodsThis mixed methods study was conducted using a convergent design. Qualitative data from focus groups with nurses, residents, and attendings/fellows were analyzed using directed content analysis. Swarming encounters were observed in real time; durations of key aspects and family satisfaction scores were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The qualitative and quantitative findings were integrated a posteriori.ResultsFrom the focus group data, 54 unique codes were identified, which were grouped together into five larger themes. From 39 swarms, mean (±SD) time (minutes) spent in patient rooms: nurses = 6.8 (±3.0), residents = 10.4 (±4.1), and attendings/fellows = 9.4 (±4.3). Electronic documentation was included in 67% of swarms, and 39% included orders initiated at the bedside. Mean (±SD) family satisfaction was 4.8 (±0.7; Likert scale 1–5).ConclusionsSwarming is currently implemented with significant variability but results in high provider and family satisfaction. There is also consensus among physicians that swarming improves trainee education in the emergency setting. The benefits and barriers to swarming are underscored by the unpredictable nature of the ED and the observed variability in implementation. Our findings provide a critical foundation for our efforts to refine, standardize, and appraise our swarming model.
Hermaphroditism promotes mate diversity in flowering plants
Authors: Christopher Dorothy A. , Mitchell Randall J. , Trapnell Dorset W. , Smallwood Patrick A. , Semski Wendy R. , Karron Jeffrey D. 
Published: August 2019

PremiseGenetically diverse sibships are thought to increase parental fitness through a reduction in the intensity of sib competition, and through increased opportunities for seedling establishment in spatially or temporally heterogeneous environments. Nearly all research on mate diversity in flowering plants has focused on the number of fathers siring seeds within a fruit or on a maternal plant. Yet as hermaphrodites, plants can also accrue mate diversity by siring offspring on several pollen recipients in a population. Here we explore whether mate composition overlaps between the dual sex functions, and discuss the implications for plant reproductive success.MethodsWe established an experimental population of 49Mimulus ringens(monkeyflower) plants, each trimmed to a single flower. Following pollination by wild bees, we quantified mate composition for each flower through both paternal and maternal function. Parentage was successfully assigned to 240 progeny, 98% of the sampled seeds.ResultsComparison of mate composition between male and female function revealed high mate diversity, with almost no outcross mates shared between the two sexual functions of the same flower.ConclusionsDual sex roles contribute to a near doubling of mate diversity in our experimental population ofMimulus ringens. This finding may help explain the maintenance of hermaphroditism under conditions that would otherwise favor the evolution of separate sexes.
The effect of neutrophil serine proteases on human nasal epithelial cell barrier function
Authors: Kao Stephen Shih‐Teng , Ramezanpour Mahnaz , Bassiouni Ahmed , Wormald Peter‐John , Psaltis Alkis James , Vreugde Sarah 
Published: August 2019

BackgroundThe neutrophil serine proteases neutrophil elastase (NE), cathepsin G (CG), and proteinase 3 (PR3) are implicated in the regulation of inflammatory conditions. Pseudomonas aeruginosa elastase (PE), also a serine protease, has been found to behave similarly to NE and has been proposed to assist the pathogen in evading the host immune response. The effect of serine proteases on human nasal epithelial barrier function requires further investigation to better understand the pathophysiology of inflammatory conditions.MethodsPurified human neutrophil serine proteases and PE were applied to primary human nasal epithelial cells grown at air‐liquid interface (HNEC‐ALI) cultures from 6 patients. Barrier integrity and function was assessed via transepithelial electrical resistance (TER), permeability assays, immunofluorescence of Zona occludens‐1 (ZO‐1), and ciliary beat frequency (CBF) measurements. Cytotoxicity assays were employed to assess cell viability. Interleukin 6 (IL‐6) and IL‐8 enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assessed cytokine release from HNEC‐ALI.ResultsThe application of serine proteases showed detrimental effects on HNEC‐ALI barrier integrity. Reduction in TER occurred with NE, CG, and PE with increased paracellular permeability with NE, CG, PR3, and PE. Discontinuous tight junctions with reduction in ZO‐1 expression were identified using immunofluorescence. Neutrophil serine proteases were not toxic cells to the HNECs and had no detrimental effects on the CBF.ConclusionSerine proteases derived from neutrophils and from P. aeruginosa showed detrimental effects on the mucosal barrier integrity with increased permeability, allowing for potential bacterial invasion. This finding may further assist in understanding the pathophysiology present in chronic inflammatory airway diseases.
The simultaneous use of three ventilatory techniques to maintain oxygenation in a patient undergoing tracheal laser resection of tumour
Authors: Inglis D. , Gilhooly M. , Patel A. 
Published: August 2019

SummaryPatients undergoing subglottic airway surgery present a challenge to both anaesthetist and surgeon, and often a balance between surgical access and method of ventilation has to be struck. We report a case in which a 38‐year‐old female with a large mediastinal mass causing distal tracheal obstruction underwent tracheal laser resection. In order to maintain oxygenation throughout she required simultaneous transnasal humidified rapid‐insufflation ventilatory exchange, supraglottic high‐frequency jet ventilation and suprastomal manual jet ventilation through her tracheostomy stoma. Where the use of one technique alone failed, the simultaneous use of all three maintained oxygenation and facilitated surgical access for the duration of the procedure.
Preparation and characterization of CO2‐selective Pebax/NaY mixed matrix membranes
Authors: Zheng Yingfei , Wu Yonghong , Zhang Bing , Wang Zhi 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACTCO2‐selective Pebax/NaY mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) were prepared by incorporating NaY zeolite into Pebax matrix. The morphology, chemical groups, thermal stability, and microstructure of the MMMs were investigated by scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X‐ray diffraction, respectively. The effects of zeolite loading amount, permeation temperature and pressure on the CO2/N2 separation performance of the resultant membranes were studied. The as‐prepared MMMs are much superior to the pristine Pebax membranes in terms of permeability and selectivity. The CO2 permeability and CO2/N2 selectivity can respectively reach to 131.8 Barrer and 130.8 for MMMs made by the starting materials containing 40 wt % NaY. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48398.
Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Tissue and Periphery in Juvenile Dermatomyositis
Authors: Duvvuri Bhargavi , Pachman Lauren M. , Morgan Gabrielle , Khojah Amer M. , Klein‐Gitelman Marisa , Curran Megan L. , Doty Stephen , Lood Christian 
Published: August 2019

ObjectiveNeutrophils are key immune cells participating in host defense through several mechanisms, including the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). This study was undertaken to investigate the role of neutrophils in juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM).MethodsElectron microscopy was used to identify neutrophils in tissue. NETs were also imaged using fluorescence microscopy and quantified using a myeloperoxidase‐DNA enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in plasma obtained from healthy children (n = 20), disease controls (n = 29), JDM patients (n = 66), and JDM patients with history of calcifications (n = 20). Clinical data included disease activity scores and complement C4 levels. Levels of immune complexes (ICs) and calprotectin were analyzed using ELISA.ResultsUsing electron microscopy, neutrophils were found to infiltrate affected muscle tissue, engulfing deposited calcium crystals. Uptake of the crystals led to neutrophil activation (P < 0.01) and subsequent phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase– and NADPH oxidase–dependent but peptidylarginine deiminase 4–independent formation of NETs, which contained mitochondrial DNA (P < 0.05), as confirmed in vivo (P < 0.001) and in vitro (P < 0.01). Peripheral NET levels were associated with calcinosis (P = 0.01), ICs (P = 0.008), and interleukin‐8 levels (P = 0.004). Children with JDM had impaired NET clearance (P = 0.01), associated with autoantibody profiles including melanoma differentiation–associated protein 5 (P = 0.005), and depressed complement C4 levels (r = −0.72, P = 0.002). Furthermore, children with JDM showed evidence of neutrophil activation, with elevated levels of peroxidase activity (P = 0.02) and calprotectin (P < 0.01), which were associated with disease activity (P = 0.007), and dyslipidemia (odds ratio 4.7, P < 0.05).ConclusionWe found novel mechanisms of both calcium crystal–mediated neutrophil activation and cell death in JDM pathophysiology. Targeting this pathway may reduce the frequency and extent of calcinosis, as well as prevent long‐term development of comorbidities, including atherosclerosis.
Genomics course design and combined teaching strategy to enhance learning initiatives in classroom
Authors: Ouyang Liming , Zhang Huizhan , Zhang Xuexin , Wu Haizhen 
Published: August 2019

AbstractGenomics is a core course for bioscience‐majored undergraduates in many universities. However, the teaching of genomics faces many challenges such as the need for rapid updating of related knowledge, content overlap between genomics and molecular biology, lack of motivation of students in the traditional passive classroom‐learning model, the difficulty of presenting omics data analysis processes through lectures, and the challenges of developing the research abilities of senior students. Here we report our updated genomics course design and the teaching practices we used to address these issues, including: use of the presentation‐assimilation‐discussion (PAD) pedagogy and opportunities for students to practice real data analysis and intensive reading of research papers. The resultant positive outcomes and problems are also discussed. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(6):632–637, 2019.
A head‐to‐head comparison of three coronary fractional flow reserve measurement technologies: The fractional flow reserve‐device study
Authors: Beygui Farzin , Lemaître Adrien , Bignon Mathieu , Wain‐Hobson Julien , Briet Clément , Ardouin Pierre , Sabatier Remi , Parienti Jean‐Jacques , Blanchart Katrien , Roule Vincent 
Published: August 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo compare three FFR technologies: the electric‐sensor Pressurewire® (P), the optic‐sensor Comet® (C) guidewire, and the optic‐sensor Navvus® (N) microcatheter.BackgroundDifferent technologies are used to measure fractional flow reserve (FFR) for the functional assessment of coronary lesions with potential discrepancies.MethodsSixty‐six FFR measurements performed on 32 lesions using each technology were used for a paired comparison of FFR on simultaneous measurements and in clinically relevant conditions (guidewires alone, N on a guidewire).ResultsSimultaneous measurements of FFR were significantly (p < .0001) correlated between systems (ρ = 0.88, 0.81 and 0.86 for P and N, P and C and, C and N, respectively).The presence of the N microcatheter, led to reduced values of FFR measured by P or C guidewires (p < .0001). The concomitant presence of P and C guidewires led to significantly lower FFR values (p < .0001) measured by P but not by C. In clinically relevant conditions, values of FFR measured by the optic‐sensor C guidewire and N catheter were similar and lower than those measured by the P guidewire (p < .0001). The agreement between the three technologies (FFR ≤ 0.80) was 94%.ConclusionsFFR values simultaneously measured by three different technologies, are strongly correlated, and provide strongly concordant results. However, significant differences are found between values of FFR. The presence of N, but also C lead to a decrease of FFR measured by P. In clinically relevant conditions, the two optic‐sensor technologies provide similar FFR measurements, lower than those measured by the piezo‐electric technology suggesting a sensor‐technology‐related measurement variability.Clinical trial registration: NCT#03052803.
Ketoisophorone Synthesis with an Immobilized Alcohol Dehydrogenase
Authors: Solé Jordi , Brummund Jan , Caminal Glòria , Schürman Martin , Álvaro Gregorio , Guillén Marina 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe monoterpenoid α‐isophorone is sourced from the available and renewable plant dry matter, as well as a waste recovery operation from acetone. This compound, can be hydroxylated to 4‐hydroxy‐isophorone which is the main precursor for the synthesis of ketoisophorone. On its turn, ketoisophorone is a key intermediate for the production of carotenoids and Vitamin E. Here, the enzymatic oxidation of 4‐hydroxy‐isophorone to ketoisophorone is demonstrated employing an alcohol dehydrogenase (ADHaa) from Artemisia annua and a NADPH oxidase (NOX), as a cofactor regeneration enzyme. After 24 h of reaction and an initial substrate concentration of 50 mM, 95.7 % yield and a space time yield of 6.52 g L−1 day−1 could be obtained. Furthermore, the immobilization of the alcohol dehydrogenase was studied on 17 different supports. An epoxy‐functionalized agarose resulted in the highest metrics, 100±0% immobilization yield and 58.2±3.5 % retained activity. Finally, the immobilized ADHaa was successfully implemented in 4 reaction cycles (96 h operation) presenting a biocatalyst yield of 23.4 g product g−1 of enzyme. It represents a 2.5‐fold increase compared with the reaction with soluble enzymes.
Relationship between dynamic instability of individual microtubules and flux of subunits into and out of polymer
Authors: Mauro Ava J. , Jonasson Erin M. , Goodson Holly V. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBehaviors of dynamic polymers such as microtubules and actin are frequently assessed at one or both of the following scales: (a) net assembly or disassembly of bulk polymer, (b) growth and shortening of individual filaments. Previous work has derived various forms of an equation to relate the rate of change in bulk polymer mass (i.e., flux of subunits into and out of polymer, often abbreviated as “J”) to individual filament behaviors. However, these versions of the “J equation” differ in the variables used to quantify individual filament behavior, which correspond to different experimental approaches. For example, some variants of the J equation use dynamic instability parameters, obtained by following particular individual filaments for long periods of time. Another form of the equation uses measurements from many individuals followed over short time steps. We use a combination of derivations and computer simulations that mimic experiments to (a) relate the various forms of the J equation to each other, (b) determine conditions under which these J equation forms are and are not equivalent, and (c) identify aspects of the measurements that can affect the accuracy of each form of the J equation. Improved understanding of the J equation and its connections to experimentally measurable quantities will contribute to efforts to build a multiscale understanding of steady‐state polymer behavior.
Associative binding in early childhood: Evidence from a preferential looking paradigm
Authors: Johnson Elliott G. , Leckey Sarah , Davinson Kelsey , Ghetti Simona 
Published: August 2019

AbstractRelational memory processes are responsible for forming representations that bind together the co‐occurring elements of an experience. These processes provide a foundation of episodic memory, the capacity to remember specific events about one's past. In the present research, we used a visual comparison paradigm to determine whether toddlers can form memories for the relation between co‐occurring items. In Experiment 1, 66 2‐year‐olds viewed pairs of cartoon faces (AB; CD) and did not show a significant novelty preference for the violated associations (i.e., did not look longer at AD rearranged pair than old AB pair when exposed to AD‐AB). However, toddlers looked longest at the individual face (i.e., D) violating a studied pair, which appeared to be supported by visual preference for centrally located stimuli. In Experiment 2, 46 2‐year‐olds participated in a similar procedure, but faces violating the pair during test were located to the periphery (e.g., AB‐AC). Under these conditions, toddlers looked longer at recombined pair AC. Overall, our results show that toddlers show some ability to make item‐item associations but may need to overcome preferential looking biases to demonstrate this capacity. Furthermore, looking behaviors beyond overall novelty preference may be informative even when overall novelty preference is not found.
Lower methionine/cystine ratio in low‐protein diet improves animal reproductive performance by modulating methionine cycle
Authors: Chen Xingping , Chen Ting , Sun Jiajie , Luo Junyi , Liu Jie , Zeng Bin , Zhang Yongliang , Xi Qianyun 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundAs the extend of low‐protein diets in many countries including China, more researches of amino acid nutrition (AA) have been carried out. But the ideal AA pattern, especially the reasonable proportion of amino acids such as the desired methionine (Met): cystine (Cys) ratios are not yet clear.ObjectivesIn this article, the experiments of low‐protein diet with varying ratios of Met:Cys (low ratio of 1:3, medium ratio of 1:1, and high ratio of 3:1) were conducted to investigate the effect on mice growth and reproductive performance.ResultsThe result indicated that the lower Met:Cys ratio improves reproductive performance in male mice, but the growth performance were no change in all groups. Meanwhile, the abnormality rate of sperm increased as the ratio of methionine and cystine increased. Quantitative analysis showed that the low Met:Cys ratio has obviously decreased the expression of Bax protein and the concentrations of testosterone in male serum, but Prm2, Pgk2, Bcl‐2, Bak1, and AR gene were made no difference. Furthermore, different Met:Cys ratios have significant effects on the modulated methionine cycle by increasing the expressions of MAT2B, GNMT, and BHMT in low Met:Cys ratio. On the other hand, it was also found that there were increases in GSH‐Px enzyme activities and decreases in MDA levels in male serum.ConclusionsOverall, the present study showed that a dietary lower Met:Cys ratio in a low‐protein diet had a positive influence on the reproductive performance of male animal through obviously improving sperm quality and antioxidant capacity, and inhibiting apoptosis. And the study provided new pieces of evidence to re‐evaluate the role of precise sulfur amino acid nutrition in a low‐protein diet.
Recent developments in carbon capture utilisation and storage
Authors: Cozier Muriel 
Published: August 2019

AbstractDespite political turmoil and intrigue, along with the inevitable financial uncertainty, the desire to overcome the obstacles that could hold back the innovation and implementation of technologies and projects to tackle climate change remains active. The recent climate change protests by school children are an indicator of not only the level of concern over climate issues, but what is also at stake if these obstacles allow progress to be derailed. The good news is that in the area of carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS), considered to be among the costliest, but necessary, weapons in the climate change mitigation arsenal, progress continues to be made. In this article, GHGS&T's Muriel Cozier rounds up some of the most recent developments. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.