bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Movements and Solidarity Structures in Crisis-Ridden Greece
Authors: Malamidis Haris
Published: November 2020

Social Movements and Solidarity Structures in Crisis-Ridden Greece explores the rich grassroots experience of social movements in Greece between 2008 and 2016. The harsh conditions of austerity triggered the rise of vibrant mobilizations that went hand-in-hand with the emergence of numerous solidarity structures, providing unofficial welfare services to the suffering population. Based on qualitative field research conducted in more than 50 social movement organizations in Greece's two major cities, the book offers an in-depth analysis of the contentious mechanisms that led to the development of such solidarity initiatives. By analyzing the organizational structure, resources and identity of markets without middlemen, social and collective kitchens, organizations distributing food parcels, social clinics and self-managed cooperatives, this study explains the enlargement of boundaries of collective action in times of crisis.
Colonization of carbapenem-resistantKlebsiella pneumoniaein a sink-drain model biofilm system
Authors: Burgos-Garay Maria , Ganim Christine , de Man Tom J.B. , Davy Terri , Mathers Amy J. , Kotay Shireen , Daniels Jonathan , Perry K. Allison , Breaker Erin , Donlan Rodney M.
Published: November 2020

Background:

Sink drains in healthcare facilities may provide an environment for antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms, including carbapenemase-producingKlebsiella pneumoniae(CPKP).

Methods:

We investigated the colonization of a biofilm consortia by CPKP in a model system simulating a sink-drain P-trap. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) biofilm reactors (CBRs) were inoculated with microbial consortia originally recovered from 2 P-traps collected from separate patient rooms (designated rooms A and B) in a hospital. Biofilms were grown on stainless steel (SS) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coupons in autoclaved municipal drinking water (ATW) for 7 or 28 days.

Results:

Microbial communities in model systems (designated CBR-A or CBR-B) were less diverse than communities in respective P-traps A and B, and they were primarily composed of β and γ Proteobacteria, as determined using 16S rRNA community analysis. Following biofilm development CBRs were inoculated with eitherK. pneumoniaeST45 (ie, strain CAV1016) orK. pneumoniaeST258 KPC+ (ie, strain 258), and samples were collected over 21 days. Under most conditions tested (CBR-A: SS, 7-day biofilm; CBR-A: PVC, 28-day biofilm; CBR-B: SS, 7-day and 28-day biofilm; CBR-B: PVC, 28-day biofilm) significantly higher numbers of CAV1016 were observed compared to 258. CAV1016 showed no significant difference in quantity or persistence based on biofilm age (7 days vs 28 days) or substratum type (SS vs PVC). However, counts of 258 were significantly higher on 28-day biofilms and on SS.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that CPKP persistence in P-trap biofilms may be strain specific or may be related to the type of P-trap material or age of the biofilm.
Campus Carry and Active-Shooter-Event Emotion Management
Authors: VUORI JUHA
Published: November 2020

This forum entry approaches the issue of Campus Carry from the viewpoint of emotion management with regard to active-shooter events. Self-defense has become the most prominent reason for owning and carrying a firearm in the Unites States in the same period that mass shootings have continued to increase. At the same time, active-shooter drills and rehearsals have become a generational experience for students. The essay examines social imaginaries by comparing concealed-carry imaginaries against those discernible in active-shooter-event instructional videos produced by the City of Houston, the Department of Homeland Security, and a number of universities. This places the Campus Carry issue in the larger context of a general securitized imaginary where, irrespective of the actual prevalence of violent crime, the campus is considered a place like any other, in the sense that violent things can happen to everyone, at any time, obliging individuals to defend themselves with firearms because the authorities are not there to immediately protect them.
Philip Melanchthon and the Age of Enlightenment: Notes on his Commemoration in 1760
Authors: PURVIS ZACHARY
Published: November 2020

The academic commemoration of Philip Melanchthon, humanist, reformer and ‘teacher of Germany’ (‘praeceptor Germaniae’), occurred for the first time on a large scale in 1760, the two-hundredth anniversary of his death. This article offers a first exploration of the bicentennial. It explores how Melanchthon's commemorators in central Europe positioned him as a hero of the early German Enlightenment (Aufklärung), singling out and reinterpreting his labours for the ‘improvement of humanity’. Shorn of context, divested of theological and ecclesiastical commitments, Melanchthon became the model scholar and the pride of Lutheran Germany, who transcended confessional particularities to instruct all of Europe.
Bats in a cave tourism and pilgrimage site in eastern India: conservation challenges
Authors: Debata Subrat
Published: November 2020

Caves and other subterranean habitats are crucial for the survival of many bat species, but often deteriorate as a result of visits by tourists. The aim of the study was to understand the conservation challenges associated with the cave dwelling bats at Gupteswar cave tourism and pilgrimage site in eastern India and to develop conservation recommendations. I counted bat populations and monitored tourist visits once per month for 12 months during September 2016–August 2017. Roosting and breeding activities of eight species of bats, including two nationally threatened species, were recorded from five caves. The number of bats counted during the 12 survey days was 785–940 individuals. Tourism activity occurred throughout the year but was higher during local festive seasons; the maximum number of tourist entries recorded in a single day was 2,769. Installation of gated entrances, scheduling of visits to control overcrowding, restriction of access to caves with maternity colonies during breeding seasons, and minimal use of electric bulbs for illumination would minimize disturbance to the bats. Installation of educational display boards would help to create awareness of the conservation importance of bats amongst the cave visitors.
Classroom-based assessment
Authors: Lewkowicz Jo , Leung Constant
Published: November 2020

The assessment of students in the classroom has been going on since time immemorial. What is comparatively recent, however, is the systematic study of classroom-based assessment (CBA). The term ‘CBA’ has been putatively linked to Michael Scriven's (1967) work on formative and summative evaluation. However, current interest in such assessment and how it is enacted has, to a large extent, been prompted by shifts in educational policy in various contexts and evolving education systems. This, in turn, has led to the increase in research activity that is detailed in the timeline that follows. At the same time, considerable effort has been exerted by various governments and professional associations into the development of CBA frameworks, but as publications related to these are not strictly research documents, a separate list of examples is provided as supplementary material.
Nicht schon wieder eine Armvenenthrombose – Erinnerungen an die Vergangenheit
Authors: Weber Viktoria , Zdoroveac Andrei , Turkalj Igor , Gähwiler Roman , Thalhammer Christoph , Isaak Andrej
Published: November 2020

Zusammenfassung. Eine einseitige Armschwellung lässt den Betrachter fast automatisch an eine Armvenenthrombose denken. Dieser Artikel soll auf weitere wichtige Differenzialdiagnosen aufmerksam machen. Im vorgestellten Fall handelt es sich um einen Patienten mit symptomatischer arterio-venöser Fistel zwischen der A. und V. subclavia rechts nach Port-a-Cath-Implantation.
Fortgeschrittene Erkrankungen mit hirnorganischen Veränderungen
Authors: Hedbom Susanne , Catschegn Sereina
Published: November 2020

Zusammenfassung. Der Grossteil von Patientinnen und Patienten in spezialisierten Langzeiteinrichtungen der Palliative Care weist hirnorganische Veränderungen auf. Dabei handelt es sich um Erkrankungen, die durch komplexe neurologische und psychische Symptome gekennzeichnet sind. Die Betreuung dieser Patientinnen und Patienten ist zeit-, pflege- und behandlungsintensiv und stellt auch bestimmte Bedingungen an die Umgebung. Die vorausschauende Planung im physischen, psychosozialen und existenziellen Bereich mit dem Ziel einer bestmöglichen Lebensqualität erhält damit eine andere Gewichtung. Den besonderen Herausforderungen kann grundsätzlich durch ein reizarmes und übersichtliches Umfeld sowie ein gut abgestimmtes Zusammenarbeiten der verschiedenen Professionen begegnet werden. Die vielfältigen hirnorganischen Erkrankungen gehen mit spezifischen Symptomen einher, für die es allgemeine Behandlungsgrundsätze gibt.
Stellenwert der Ergometrie in der heutigen kardiovaskulären Diagnostik
Authors: Nowotny Florian , Dürst Urs , Wyss Christophe
Published: November 2020

Zusammenfassung. Obschon die Ergometrie zur Abklärung hinsichtlich des Vorliegens einer koronaren Herzkrankheit in den aktuellen europäischen Richtlinien nicht mehr als primärer Test empfohlen wird (da sie modernen, nicht-invasiven bildgebenden Verfahren deutlich unterlegen ist), kann sie nach wie vor zur Beurteilung von Belastungsgrenze, Operabilität, Objektivierung der körperlichen Leistungsfähigkeit, Beschwerdesymptomatik, Arrhythmien, Blutdruckverhalten und Risikostratifizierung bei ausgewählten Patientinnen und Patienten eingesetzt werden. Bei adäquater Indikationsstellung, korrekter Durchführung und sachkundiger/systematischer Interpretation ist die Ergometrie ein wertvolles Instrument in der kardiovaskulären Diagnostik.
The Habitat of the Nascent Chicxulub Crater
Authors: Bralower T. J. , Cosmidis J. , Fantle M. S. , Lowery C. M. , Passey B. H. , Gulick S. P. S. , Morgan J. V. , Vajda V. , Whalen M. T. , Wittmann A. , Artemieva N. , Farley K. , Goderis S. , Hajek E. , Heaney P. J. , Kring D. A. , Lyons S. L. , Rasmussen C. , Sibert E. , Rodríguez Tovar F. J. , Turner‐Walker G. , Zachos J. C. , Carte J. , Chen S. A. , Cockell C. , Coolen M. , Freeman K. H. , Garber J. , Gonzalez M. , Gray J. L. , Grice K. , Jones H. L. , Schaefer B. , Smit J. , Tikoo S. M.
Published: November 2020

An expanded sedimentary section provides an opportunity to elucidate conditions in the nascent Chicxulub crater during the hours to millennia after the Cretaceous‐Paleogene (K‐Pg) boundary impact. The sediments were deposited by tsunami followed by seiche waves as energy in the crater declined, culminating in a thin hemipelagic marlstone unit that contains atmospheric fallout. Seiche deposits are predominantly composed of calcite formed by decarbonation of the target limestone during impact followed by carbonation in the water column. Temperatures recorded by clumped isotopes of these carbonates are in excess of 70°C, with heat likely derived from the central impact melt pool. Yet, despite the turbidity and heat, waters within the nascent crater basin soon became a viable habitat for a remarkably diverse cross section of the food chain. The earliest seiche layers deposited with days or weeks of the impact contain earliest Danian nannoplankton and dinocyst survivors. The hemipelagic marlstone representing the subsequent years to a few millennia contains a nearly monogeneric calcareous dinoflagellate resting cyst assemblage suggesting deteriorating environmental conditions, with one interpretation involving low light levels in the impact aftermath. At the same horizon, microbial fossils indicate a thriving bacterial community and unique phosphatic fossils including appendages of pelagic crustaceans, coprolites and bacteria‐tunneled fish bone, suggesting that this rapid recovery of the base of the food chain may have supported the survival of larger, higher trophic‐level organisms. The extraordinarily diverse fossil assemblage indicates that the crater was a unique habitat in the immediate impact aftermath, possibly as a result of heat and nutrients supplied by hydrothermal activity.
Trace Element Biogeochemistry in the High‐Latitude North Atlantic Ocean: Seasonal Variations and Volcanic Inputs
Authors: Achterberg Eric P. , Steigenberger Sebastian , Klar Jessica K. , Browning Thomas J. , Marsay Chris M. , Painter Stuart C. , Vieira Lúcia H. , Baker Alex R. , Hamilton Douglas S. , Tanhua Toste , Moore C. Mark
Published: November 2020

We present dissolved and total dissolvable trace elements for spring and summer cruises in 2010 in the high‐latitude North Atlantic. Surface and full depth data are provided for Al, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the Iceland and Irminger Basins, and consequences of biological uptake and inputs by the spring Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption are assessed. Ash from Eyjafjallajökull resulted in pronounced increases in Al, Mn, and Zn in surface waters in close proximity to Iceland during the eruption, while 3 months later during the summer cruise levels had returned to more typical values for the region. The apparent seasonal removal ratios of surface trace elements were consistent with biological export. Assessment of supply of trace elements to the surface mixed layer for the region, excluding volcanic inputs, indicated that deep winter mixing was the dominant source, with diffusive mixing being a minor source (between 13.5% [dissolved Cd, DCd] and −2.43% [DZn] of deep winter flux), and atmospheric inputs being an important source only for DAl and DZn (DAl up to 42% and DZn up to 4.2% of deep winter + diffusive fluxes) and typically less than 1% for the other elements. Elemental supply ratios to the surface mixed layer through convection were comparable to apparent removal ratios we calculated between spring and summer. Given that deep mixing dominated nutrient and trace element supply to surface waters, predicted increases in water column stratification in this region may reduce supply, with potential consequences for primary production and the biological carbon pump.
Thermometry and Microstructural Analysis Imply Protracted Extensional Exhumation of the Tso Morari UHP Nappe, Northwestern Himalaya: Implications for Models of UHP Exhumation
Authors: Long Sean P. , Kohn Matthew J. , Kerswell Buchanan C. , Starnes Jesslyn K. , Larson Kyle P. , Blackford Nolan R. , Soignard Emmanuel
Published: November 2020

Documenting the processes that facilitate exhumation of ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) rocks at convergent margins is critical for understanding orogen dynamics. Here, we present structural and temperature data from the Himalayan UHP Tso Morari nappe (TMN) and overlying nappes, which we integrate with published pressure‐temperature‐time constraints to refine interpretations for their structural evolution and exhumation history. Our data indicate that the 5.5‐km‐thick TMN is the upper portion of a penetratively deformed ductile slab, which was extruded via distributed, pure shear‐dominated, top‐down‐to‐east shearing. Strain in the TMN is recorded by high‐strength quartz fabrics (density norms between 1.74 and 2.86) and finite strain data that define 63% transport‐parallel lengthening and 46% transport‐normal shortening. The TMN attained peak temperatures of ~500–600°C, which decrease in the overlying Tetraogal and Mata nappes to ~150–300°C, defining a field gradient as steep as 67°C/km. Within the overlying nappes, quartz fabric strength decreases (density norms between 1.14 and 1.21) and transport‐parallel lengthening and transport‐normal shortening decrease to 14% and 18%, respectively. When combined with published 40Ar/39Ar thermochronometry, quartz fabric deformation temperatures as low as ~330°C indicate that the top‐to‐east shearing that exhumed the TMN continued until ~30 Ma. Peak temperatures constrain the maximum depth of the overlying Mata nappe to 12.5–17.5 km; when combined with published fission‐track thermochronometry, this provides further support that the TMN was not underplated at upper crustal levels until ~30 Ma. The long‐duration, convergence‐subnormal shearing that exhumed the TMN outlasted rapid India‐Asia convergence by ~15 Myr and may be the consequence of strain partitioning during oblique convergence.
The disubstituted adamantyl derivative LW1564 inhibits the growth of cancer cells by targeting mitochondrial respiration and reducing hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α accumulation
Authors: Kim Inhyub , Kim Minkyoung , Park Min Kyung , Naik Ravi , Park Jae Hyung , Kim Bo-Kyung , Choi Yongseok , Chang Kwan Young , Won Misun , Ban Hyun Seung , Lee Kyeong
Published: November 2020

Targeting cancer metabolism has emerged as an important cancer therapeutic strategy. Here, we describe the synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel class of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α inhibitors, disubstituted adamantyl derivatives. One such compound, LW1564, significantly suppressed HIF-1α accumulation and inhibited the growth of various cancer cell lines, including HepG2, A549, and HCT116. Measurements of the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and ATP production rate revealed that LW1564 suppressed mitochondrial respiration, thereby increasing the intracellular oxygen concentration to stimulate HIF-1α degradation. LW1564 also significantly decreased overall ATP levels by inhibiting mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) complex I and downregulated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling by increasing the AMP/ATP ratio, which increased AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation. Consequently, LW1564 promoted the phosphorylation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, which inhibited lipid synthesis. In addition, LW1564 significantly inhibited tumor growth in a HepG2 mouse xenograft model. Taken together, the results indicate that LW1564 inhibits the growth of cancer cells by targeting mitochondrial ETC complex I and impairing cancer cell metabolism. We, therefore, suggest that LW1564 may be a potent therapeutic agent for a subset of cancers that rely on oxidative phosphorylation for ATP generation.
Retraction Note: Air-stable superparamagnetic metal nanoparticles entrapped in graphene oxide matrix
Authors: Tuček Jiří , Sofer Zdeněk , Bouša Daniel , Pumera Martin , Holá Kateřina , Malá Aneta , Poláková Kateřina , Havrdová Markéta , Čépe Klára , Tomanec Ondřej , Zbořil Radek
Published: November 2020

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-19968-3.
Systems identification and characterization of β-glucuronosyltransferase genes involved in arabinogalactan-protein biosynthesis in plant genomes
Authors: Ajayi Oyeyemi Olugbenga , Showalter Allan M.
Published: November 2020

Utilizing plant biomass for bioethanol production requires an understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in plant cell wall assembly. Arabinogalactan-proteins (AGPs) are glycoproteins that interact with other cell wall polymers to influence plant growth and developmental processes. Glucuronic acid, which is transferred to the AGP glycan by β-glucuronosyltransferases (GLCATs), is the only acidic sugar in AGPs with the ability to bind calcium. We carried out a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of a putative GLCAT gene family involved in AGP biosynthesis by examining its sequence diversity, genetic architecture, phylogenetic and motif characteristics, selection pressure and gene expression in plants. We report the identification of 161 putative GLCAT genes distributed across 14 plant genomes and a widely conserved GLCAT catalytic domain. We discovered a phylogenetic clade shared between bryophytes and higher land plants of monocot grass and dicot lineages and identified positively selected sites that do not result in functional divergence of GLCATs. RNA-seq and microarray data analyses of the putative GLCAT genes revealed gene expression signatures that likely influence the assembly of plant cell wall polymers which is critical to the overall growth and development of edible and bioenergy crops.
Bromalites from the Upper Triassic Polzberg section (Austria); insights into trophic interactions and food chains of the Polzberg palaeobiota
Authors: Lukeneder Alexander , Surmik Dawid , Gorzelak Przemysław , Niedźwiedzki Robert , Brachaniec Tomasz , Salamon Mariusz A.
Published: November 2020

A rich assemblage of various types of bromalites from the lower Carnian “Konservat-Lagerstätte” from the Reingraben Shales in Polzberg (Northern Calcareous Alps, Lower Austria) is described for the first time in detail. They comprise large regurgitalites consisting of numerous entire shells of ammonoid Austrotrachyceras or their fragments and rare teuthid arm hooks, and buccal cartilage of Phragmoteuthis. Small coprolites composed mainly of fish remains were also found. The size, shape and co-occurrence with vertebrate skeletal remains imply that regurgitalites were likely produced by large durophagous fish (most likely by cartilaginous fish Acrodus). Coprolites, in turn, were likely produced by medium-sized piscivorous actinopterygians. Our findings are consistent with other lines of evidence suggesting that durophagous predation has been intense during the Triassic and that the so-called Mesozoic marine revolution has already started in the early Mesozoic.
Single cell profiling of capillary blood enables out of clinic human immunity studies
Authors: Dobreva Tatyana , Brown David , Park Jong Hwee , Thomson Matt
Published: November 2020

An individual’s immune system is driven by both genetic and environmental factors that vary over time. To better understand the temporal and inter-individual variability of gene expression within distinct immune cell types, we developed a platform that leverages multiplexed single-cell sequencing and out-of-clinic capillary blood extraction to enable simplified, cost-effective profiling of the human immune system across people and time at single-cell resolution. Using the platform, we detect widespread differences in cell type-specific gene expression between subjects that are stable over multiple days.
Micro-contextual identification of archaeological lipid biomarkers using resin-impregnated sediment slabs
Authors: Rodríguez de Vera Caterina , Herrera-Herrera Antonio V. , Jambrina-Enríquez Margarita , Sossa-Ríos Santiago , González-Urquijo Jesús , Lazuen Talia , Vanlandeghem Marine , Alix Claire , Monnier Gilliane , Pajović Goran , Tostevin Gilbert , Mallol Carolina
Published: November 2020

Characterizing organic matter preserved in archaeological sediment is crucial to behavioral and paleoenvironmental investigations. This task becomes particularly challenging when considering microstratigraphic complexity. Most of the current analytical methods rely on loose sediment samples lacking spatial and temporal resolution at a microstratigraphic scale, adding uncertainty to the results. Here, we explore the potential of targeted molecular and isotopic biomarker analysis on polyester resin-impregnated sediment slabs from archaeological micromorphology, a technique that provides microstratigraphic control. We performed gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and gas chromatography–isotope ratio mass spectromety (GC–IRMS) analyses on a set of samples including drill dust from resin-impregnated experimental and archaeological samples, loose samples from the same locations and resin control samples to assess the degree of interference of polyester resin in the GC–MS and Carbon-IRMS signals of different lipid fractions (n-alkanes, aromatics, n-ketones, alcohols, fatty acids and other high polarity lipids). The results show that biomarkers within the n-alkane, aromatic, n-ketone, and alcohol fractions can be identified. Further work is needed to expand the range of identifiable lipid biomarkers. This study represents the first micro-contextual approach to archaeological lipid biomarkers and contributes to the advance of archaeological science by adding a new method to obtain behavioral or paleoenvironmental proxies.
Tracking COVID-19 using taste and smell loss Google searches is not a reliable strategy
Authors: Asseo Kim , Fierro Fabrizio , Slavutsky Yuli , Frasnelli Johannes , Niv Masha Y.
Published: November 2020

Web search tools are widely used by the general public to obtain health-related information, and analysis of search data is often suggested for public health monitoring. We analyzed popularity of searches related to smell loss and taste loss, recently listed as symptoms of COVID-19. Searches on sight loss and hearing loss, which are not considered as COVID-19 symptoms, were used as control. Google Trends results per region in Italy or state in the US were compared to COVID-19 incidence in the corresponding geographical areas. The COVID-19 incidence did not correlate with searches for non-symptoms, but in some weeks had high correlation with taste and smell loss searches, which also correlated with each other. Correlation of the sensory symptoms with new COVID-19 cases for each country as a whole was high at some time points, but decreased (Italy) or dramatically fluctuated over time (US). Smell loss searches correlated with the incidence of media reports in the US. Our results show that popularity of symptom searches is not reliable for pandemic monitoring. Awareness of this limitation is important during the COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to spread and to exhibit new clinical manifestations, and for potential future health threats.
Improving existing analysis pipeline to identify and analyze cancer driver genes using multi-omics data
Authors: Nguyen Quang-Huy , Le Duc-Hau
Published: November 2020

The cumulative of genes carrying mutations is vital for the establishment and development of cancer. However, this driver gene exploring research line has selected and used types of tools and models of analysis unsystematically and discretely. Also, the previous studies may have neglected low-frequency drivers and seldom predicted subgroup specificities of identified driver genes. In this study, we presented an improved driver gene identification and analysis pipeline that comprises the four most widely focused analyses for driver genes: enrichment analysis, clinical feature association with expression profiles of identified driver genes as well as with their functional modules, and patient stratification by existing advanced computational tools integrating multi-omics data. The improved pipeline's general usability was demonstrated straightforwardly for breast cancer, validated by some independent databases. Accordingly, 31 validated driver genes, including four novel ones, were discovered. Subsequently, we detected cancer-related significantly enriched gene ontology terms and pathways, probable drug targets, two co-expressed modules associated significantly with several clinical features, such as number of positive lymph nodes, Nottingham prognostic index, and tumor stage, and two biologically distinct groups of BRCA patients. Data and source code of the case study can be downloaded athttps://github.com/hauldhut/drivergene.
Antiseptic quaternary ammonium compound tolerance by gram-negative bacteria can be rapidly detected using an impermeant fluorescent dye-based assay
Authors: Gregorchuk Branden S. J. , Reimer Shelby L. , Beniac Daniel R. , Hiebert Shannon L. , Booth Timothy F. , Wuzinski Michelle , Funk Brielle E. , Milner Kieran A. , Cartwright Nicola H. , Doucet Ali N. , Mulvey Michael R. , Khajehpour Mazdak , Zhanel George G. , Bay Denice C.
Published: November 2020

Biocides such as quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are potentially important contributors towards bacterial antimicrobial resistance development, however, their contributions are unclear due to a lack of internationally recognized biocide testing standards. Methods to detect QAC tolerance are limited to laborious traditional antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) methods. Here, we developed a rapid fluorescent dye-based membrane impermeant assay (RFDMIA) to discriminate QAC susceptibility among Gram-negative Enterobacterales and Pseudomonadales species. RFDMIA uses a membrane impermeant fluorescent dye, propidium iodide, in a 30-min 96-well fluorescent microplate-based assay where cell suspensions are exposed to increasing QAC concentrations. Our results demonstrate that RFDMIA can discriminate between QAC-susceptible and QAC-adapted Escherichia coli tolerant phenotypes and predict benzalkonium and cetrimide tolerance in all species tested except for intrinsically fluorescent Pseudomonas aeruginosa. RFDMIA identified a close association to minimum inhibitory concentration values determined by broth microdilution AST and increasing fluorescent dye emission values. RFDMIA emission values and scanning electron microscopy results also suggest that CET-adapted E. coli isolates have a CET dependence, where cells require sub-inhibitory CET concentrations to maintain bacilliform cell integrity. Overall, this study generates a new, rapid, sensitive fluorescent assay capable of detecting QAC-susceptible Gram-negative bacteria phenotypes and cell membrane perturbations.
Multiple myeloma hinders erythropoiesis and causes anaemia owing to high levels of CCL3 in the bone marrow microenvironment
Authors: Liu Lanting , Yu Zhen , Cheng Hui , Mao Xuehan , Sui Weiwei , Deng Shuhui , Wei Xiaojing , Lv Junqiang , Du Chenxing , Xu Jie , Huang Wenyang , Xia Shuang , An Gang , Zhou Wen , Ma Xiaoke , Cheng Tao , Qiu Lugui , Hao Mu
Published: November 2020

Anaemia is the most common complication of myeloma and is associated with worse clinical outcomes. Although marrow replacement with myeloma cells is widely considered a mechanistic rationale for anaemia, the exact process has not been fully understood. Our large cohort of 1363 myeloma patients had more than 50% of patients with moderate or severe anaemia at the time of diagnosis. Anaemia positively correlated with myeloma cell infiltration in the bone marrow (BM) and worse patient outcomes. The quantity and erythroid differentiation of HSPCs were affected by myeloma cell infiltration in the BM. The master regulators of erythropoiesis, GATA1 and KLF1, were obviously downregulated in myeloma HSPCs. However, the gene encoding the chemokine CCL3 showed significantly upregulated expression. Elevated CCL3 in the BM plasma of myeloma further inhibited the erythropoiesis of HSPCs via activation of CCL3/CCR1/p38 signalling and suppressed GATA1 expression. Treatment with a CCR1 antagonist effectively recovered GATA1 expression and rescued erythropoiesis in HSPCs. Myeloma cell infiltration causes elevated expression of CCL3 in BM, which suppresses the erythropoiesis of HSPCs and results in anaemia by downregulating the level of GATA1 in HSPCs. Thus, our study indicates that targeting CCL3 would be a potential strategy against anaemia and improve the survival of myeloma patients.
Behavioural and ERP evidence of the self-advantage of online self-relevant information
Authors: Niu Gengfeng , Yao Liangshuang , Kong Fanchang , Luo Yijun , Duan Changying , Sun Xiaojun , Zhou Zongkui
Published: November 2020

The present study examined whether individuals experienced the same cognitive advantage for online self-relevant information (nickname) as that experienced for information encountered in real life (real name) through two experiments at both the behavioural and neural levels (event-related potential, ERP). The results indicated that individuals showed the same cognitive advantage for nicknames and real names. At the behavioural level, a nickname was detected as quickly as the real name, and both were detected faster than a famous name; at the neural level, the P300 potential elicited by one’s nickname was similar to that elicited by one’s real name, and both the P300 amplitudes and latencies were larger and more prolonged than those elicited by other name stimuli. These results not only confirmed the cognitive advantage for one’s own nickname and indicated that this self-advantage can be extended to online information, but also indicated that the virtual self could be integrated into the self and further expanded individuals’ self-concept.
Relationship of early acute complications and insertion site in push method percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy
Authors: Suzuki Hiroshi , Joshita Satoru , Nagaya Tadanobu , Sato Koichi , Ito Akihiro , Suga Tomoaki , Umemura Takeji
Published: November 2020

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), which is frequently used for nutrition management in patients having difficulty with oral intake, is considered a safe procedure. However, serious complications may occur depending on site of the puncture. This study aimed to clarify whether push method PEG construction at the posterior wall (PW) of the greater curvature (GC) had a higher risk of complications. We retrospectively investigated the relationship between puncture site at the PW of the GC and early acute complications in 540 patients receiving PEG. Early acute complications were defined as bleeding or perforation within 30 days after the PEG procedure. PEG-related complications were observed in 80 patients in total, with early acute complications detected in 42 patients. PEG construction at the PW of the GC in 12 cases exhibited a significantly higher occurrence of early acute complications versus PEG at other sites (41.7% vs. 7.0%, p = 0.001). Further, multivariate analysis revealed PW at the GC to be independently associated with early acute complications (OR 9.59, 95% CI 2.82–32.61; p = 0.0003). It may be desirable to avoid PEG at the PW of the GC. If performed, clinicians should pay careful attention to early acute complications.
Environmental effects on efficacy of herbicides for postemergence goosegrass (Eleusine indica) control
Authors: Shekoofa Avat , Brosnan James T. , Vargas Jose J. , Tuck Daniel P. , Elmore Matthew T.
Published: November 2020

Experiments were conducted to understand environmental effects on efficacy of herbicides used to control goosegrass (Eleusine indica L. Gaertn.). Herbicides were applied to goosegrass maintained at soil moisture contents (VMC) of < 12%, 12 to 20%, or > 20%. Herbicides included fenoxaprop-p-ethyl (140 g ha−1), topramezone (25 g ha−1), foramsulfuron (44 g ha−1), 2,4-D + dicamba + MCPP + carfentrazone (860 + 80 + 270 + 28 g ha−1), and thiencarbazone-methyl + foramsulfuron + halosulfuron-methyl (22 + 45 + 69 g ha−1). Goosegrass control increased as VMC increased. Vapor pressure deficit (VPD) and air temperature were manipulated to determine effects of evaporative demand on foramsulfuron. Effects of soil drying were also studied following foramsulfuron application. Reductions in transpiration rate (TR) and leaf area were greatest with foramsulfuron applications to goosegrass in silt-loam under high evaporative demand (3 kPa VPD, 38 °C). Foramsulfuron had no effect on goosegrass in silica-sand regardless of evaporative demand. TR dropped to 0.2 mmh−1 within eight days after application to goosegrass in silt-loam compared to 18 days in silica-sand. Overall, foramsulfuron efficacy on goosegrass was maximized under conditions of high soil moisture and evaporative demand, and may be reduced in sandy soils that hold less water.
Transcriptome analysis of Xanthomonas fragariae in strawberry leaves
Authors: Puławska Joanna , Kałużna Monika , Warabieda Wojciech , Pothier Joël F. , Gétaz Michael , van der Wolf Jan M.
Published: November 2020

Xanthomonas fragariae is a quarantine bacterial pathogen that causes angular leaf spot on strawberry. The aim of our study was to analyse the mechanism of interaction of this bacterium with its host plant at the transcriptome level. For this purpose, mRNAs of X. fragariae growing in Wilbrink’s medium and from infected strawberry cv. Elsanta plants were isolated and sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform. The expression profiles of the bacteria in Wilbrink’s medium and in planta were very diverse. Of the 3939 CDSs recorded, 1995 had significantly different expression in planta (966 and 1029 genes were down- and upregulated, respectively). Among the genes showing increased expression in planta, those with eggNOG/COG (evolutionary genealogy of genes: Non-supervised Orthologous Groups/Cluster of Orthologous Groups) categories associated with bacterial cell motility, signal transduction, transport and metabolism of inorganic ions and carbohydrates and transcription were overrepresented. Among the genes with the most increased expression in planta, genes primarily associated with flagella synthesis and chemotaxis were found. It is also interesting to note that out of the 31 genes localized on a plasmid, 16 were expressed differently in planta, which may indicate their potential role in plant–pathogen interactions. Many genes with differentiated expression that were localized on chromosome and plasmid encode proteins of unknown function.
Traumatic tracheobronchial injuries: incidence and outcome of 136.389 patients derived from the DGU traumaregister
Authors: Schibilsky David , Driessen Arne , White William James , Lefering Rolf , Paffrath Thomas , Bouillon Bertil , Walker Tobias , Schlensak Christian , Mutschler Manuel
Published: November 2020

To describe the incidence, therapy and outcome of traumatic tracheobronchial injuries (TTBI) in trauma patients with multiple injuries derived from the DGU TraumaRegister. We analyzed the data on all patients listed on the TraumaRegister DGU (TR-DGU) in Germany between 2002 and 2015 aged 16 years or older and with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) of ≥ 9. We analyzed the data on 136,389 trauma patients, 561 of whom had suffered tracheobronchial injuries (0.4%). The majority were male (73.4%) and had a mean age of 43.7 years. In total, 84.0% of all TTBI injuries occurred secondary to blunt trauma, caused mainly by accidents (71.2%). TTBI was accompanied by several concomitant thoracic injuries such as pneumo- (41.2%) and hemothorax (23.2%), lacerations (7.8%) and contusions (32.3%) of the lung, as well as multiple rib fractures (29.6%). The severity of injury was classified via the abbreviated injury scale (AIS): 39.3% with AIS = 3, 51.3% with AIS = 4 and 60% with AIS = 5 patients underwent surgical interventions. The mortality of patients with tracheobronchial injuries was higher: 24.6%, versus 13.7% in all patients (control group). This high percentage reflects their generally severe injury burden through concomitant injuries. The incidence of TTBI in this large cohort of trauma patients is very low. However, its high mortality rate emphasizes its importance. Mortality was associated with higher ISS and AIS scores. Higher rates of concomitant injuries were therefore associated with a higher mortality rate. TTBI injuries revealed a higher rate of progression to surgical management, with 35% undergoing surgery within the first 24 h. This excessive mortality rate demonstrates a high overall injury burden in patients with TTBI and high mortality of associated injuries. A surgical intervention’s impact on mortality cannot be assessed in this study, as it would need to be investigated in a case-matched study.
Secreted sphingomyelins modulate low mammary cancer incidence observed in certain mammals
Authors: Ledet Melissa M. , Harman Rebecca M. , Fan Jennifer C. , Schmitt-Matzen Emily , Diaz-Rubio Maria Elena , Zhang Sheng , Van de Walle Gerlinde R.
Published: November 2020

Determining mechanisms that naturally protect species from developing cancer is critical in order to prevent and treat cancer. Here, we describe a novel cancer-suppressing mechanism, via the secretion of bioactive factors by mammary cells, that is present in domesticated mammals with a low mammary cancer incidence. Specifically, these bioactive factors induced triple-negative breast cancer cell (TNBC) death in vitro and reduced tumorigenicity in a xenograft TNBC mouse model in vivo. RNA deep sequencing showed significant downregulation of genes associated with breast cancer progression in secretome-cultured TNBC cells. Further in-depth multi-omics analysis identified sphingomyelins as key secreted factors, and their role was confirmed via inhibition of the sphingomyelin signaling pathway. We speculate that secreted sphingomyelins in the mammary gland of mammals with a naturally low incidence of mammary cancer mediate the elimination of cancer cells. This study contributes to the growing list of protective mechanisms identified in cancer-proof species.
A genomic signature for accurate classification and prediction of clinical outcomes in cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint blockade immunotherapy
Authors: Lu Mei , Wu Kuan-Han Hank , Trudeau Sheri , Jiang Margaret , Zhao Joe , Fan Elliott
Published: November 2020

Tumor mutational burden (TMB) is associated with clinical response to immunotherapy, but application has been limited to a subset of cancer patients. We hypothesized that advanced machine-learning and proper modeling could identify mutations that classify patients most likely to derive clinical benefits. Training data: Two sets of public whole-exome sequencing (WES) data for metastatic melanoma. Validation data: One set of public non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) data. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) machine-learning and proper modeling were used to identify a set of mutations (biomarker) with maximum predictive accuracy (measured by AUROC). Kaplan–Meier and log-rank methods were used to test prediction of overall survival. The initial model considered 2139 mutations. After pruning, 161 mutations (11%) were retained. An optimal threshold of 0.41 divided patients into high-weight (HW) or low-weight (LW) TMB groups. Classification for HW-TMB was 100% (AUROC = 1.0) on melanoma learning/testing data; HW-TMB was a prognostic marker for longer overall survival. In validation data, HW-TMB was associated with survival (p = 0.0057) and predicted 6-month clinical benefit (AUROC = 0.83) in NSCLC. In conclusion, we developed and validated a 161-mutation genomic signature with “outstanding” 100% accuracy to classify melanoma patients by likelihood of response to immunotherapy. This biomarker can be adapted for clinical practice to improve cancer treatment and care.
Development of a stacked, porous silk scaffold neuroblastoma model for investigating spatial differences in cell and drug responsiveness
Authors: Ornell Kimberly J. , Mistretta Katelyn S. , Ralston Coulter Q. , Coburn Jeannine M.
Published: November 2020

Stacked porous silk scaffolds support spatial, cell-driven changes in an in vitro neuroblastoma model.
The effect of a ruthenium precursor on the low-temperature ammonia synthesis activity over Ru/CeO2
Authors: Manaka Yuichi , Nagata Yuki , Kobayashi Keisuke , Kobayashi Daisuke , Nanba Tetsuya
Published: November 2020

The lower peak temperature of the low-temperature reduction peak was associated with a higher ammonia synthesis activity for Ru/CeO2 catalysts.
DNA topoisomerases as additional targets for anticancer monofunctional platinum(ii) complexes
Authors: Zhang Hongmei , Yang Tao , Wang Yanqing , Wang Zenghui , Zhu Zhenzhu , Guo Zijian , Wang Xiaoyong
Published: November 2020

Monofunctional platinum(ii) complexes show significant inhibition to DNA topoisomerases I/IIα besides DNA-binding and mitochondrial targeting capabilities, thereby potentiating the cytotoxicity.
Direct structural and mechanistic insights into fast bimolecular chemical reactions in solution through a coupled XAS/UV–Vis multivariate statistical analysis
Authors: Tavani Francesco , Capocasa Giorgio , Martini Andrea , Sessa Francesco , Di Stefano Stefano , Lanzalunga Osvaldo , D'Angelo Paola
Published: November 2020

A combined multivariate and theoretical analysis of coupled XAS/UV–Vis data was proven to be an innovative method to obtain direct structural and mechanistic evidence for bimolecular reactions in solution involving organic substrates.
Further synthetic investigation of the general lanthanoid(iii) [Ln(iii)]/copper(ii)/pyridine-2,6-dimethanol/carboxylate reaction system: {CuII5LnIII4} coordination clusters (Ln = Dy, Tb, Ho) and their yttrium(iii) analogue
Authors: Dermitzaki Despina , Raptopoulou Catherine P. , Psycharis Vassilis , Escuer Albert , Perlepes Spyros P. , Mayans Julia , Stamatatos Theocharis C.
Published: November 2020

A new family of {Cu5Ln4} complexes bearing the dianionic form of pyridine-2,6-dimethanol (pdm2−) and ancillary ButCH2CO2− carboxylate groups is reported and magnetically studied.
Flexible, low-cost and scalable, nanostructured conductive paper-based, efficient hygroelectric generator
Authors: Moreira Kelly S. , Lermen Diana , dos Santos Leandra P. , Galembeck Fernando , Burgo Thiago A. L.
Published: November 2020

Converting humidity into useful electrical energy was only recently demonstrated and the improvements presented in this work are not only highly energy efficient, but also contributes to the development of scalable, real-world applications.
Interzeolite conversion of a micronsized FAU to a nanosized CHA zeolite free of organic structure directing agent with a high CO2capacity
Authors: Møller Kristoffer H. , Debost Maxime , Lakiss Louwanda , Kegnæs Søren , Mintova Svetlana
Published: November 2020

The interzeolite transformation of a micronsized FAU zeolite to a nanosized CHA zeoliteviaalkali treatment is presented.
Insights into ultrafast charge-pair dynamics in P3HT:PCBM devices under the influence of static electric fields
Authors: Rana Debkumar , Jovanov Vladislav , Wagner Veit , Materny Arnulf , Donfack Patrice
Published: November 2020

Electric field effects in P3HT:PCBM solar cell result in polaron-pair-like secondary photoexcitation species showing slower and bimolecular decay characteristics.
A study on the effect of four thermoplastic elastomers on the properties of double-base propellants
Authors: Zou Xiaobin , Zhang Wenguo , Gu Yongjun , Fu Xiuchong , Zhang Zehao , Ge Zhen , Luo Yunjun
Published: November 2020

Four thermoplastic elastomers were investigated as modifiers of the double-base propellant to improve the propellant's brittleness at lower temperatures.
Identification, isolation, structural characterization, in silico toxicity prediction and in vitro cytotoxicity assay of simeprevir acidic and oxidative degradation products
Authors: Ahmed Rasha M. , Fayed Marwa A. A. , El-Behairy Mohammed F. , Abdallah Inas A.
Published: November 2020

Simeprevir is a new direct-acting antiviral drug used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.
Viscous liquid–liquid wetting and dewetting of textured surfaces
Authors: Hu Xiaoyi , Wang Zhen , Hwang David J. , Colosqui Carlos E. , Cubaud Thomas
Published: November 2020

We experimentally investigate the spreading and receding behavior of small water droplets immersed in viscous oils on grid-patterned surfaces using synchronized bottom and profile views.
Binding, unbinding and aggregation of crescent-shaped nanoparticles on nanoscale tubular membranes
Authors: Spangler Eric J. , Olinger Alexander D. , Kumar P. B. Sunil , Laradji Mohamed
Published: November 2020

Binding/unbinding phase diagram of a crescent-shaped nanoparticle on a tubular membrane as a function of the tubular membrane radius of curvature and adhesion strength.
Formation of β-Ga2O3 nanorings from metal–organic frameworks and their high catalytic activity for epoxidation of alkenes
Authors: Wang Wei Ping , Song Le Xin , Li Yao , Teng Yue , Xia Juan , Wang Fang , Liu Nan Ning
Published: November 2020

β-Ga2O3 nanorings fabricated by structural transformation of concave Ga-MOF nanodisks exhibit high catalytic activity for epoxidation of alkenes.
Superwetting membranes: from controllable constructions to efficient separations
Authors: Long Mengying , Ma Yu , Yang Chao , Zhang Runnan , Jiang Zhongyi
Published: November 2020

Superwetting has pronounced influences on membrane permeability, selectivity, and stability in diverse separation processes.
Naphthalimide based fluorescent organic nanoparticles in selective sensing of Fe3+ and as a diagnostic probe for Fe2+/Fe3+ transition
Authors: Sarkar Deblina , Chowdhury Monalisa , Das Prasanta Kumar
Published: November 2020

Bluish green emitting fluorescent organic nanoparticles (FONPs) with AIE showed selective sensing of Fe3+ with a LOD of 12.5 ± 1.2 mM and was exploited in bio-imaging and detection of Fe2+/Fe3+ transition inside cancer cells due to their high H2O2 content.