bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of holographic microscopy for quantifying marine particle size and concentration
Authors: Walcutt Noah L. , Knörlein Benjamin , Cetinić Ivona , Ljubesic Zrinka , Bosak Suncica , Sgouros Tom , Montalbano Amanda L. , Neeley Aimee , Menden‐Deuer Susanne , Omand Melissa M.
Published: August 2020

Holographic microscopy has emerged as a tool for in situ imaging of microscopic organisms and other particles in the marine environment: appealing because of the relatively larger sampling volume and simpler optical configuration compared to other imaging systems. However, its quantitative capabilities have so far remained uncertain, in part because hologram reconstruction and image recognition have required manual operation. Here, we assess the quantitative skill of our automated hologram processing pipeline (CCV Pipeline), to evaluate the size and concentration measurements of environmental and cultured assemblages of marine plankton particles, and microspheres. Over 1 million particles, ranging from 10 to 200 μm in equivalent spherical diameter, imaged by the 4‐Deep HoloSea digital inline holographic microscope (DIHM) are analyzed. These measurements were collected in parallel with a FlowCam (FC), Imaging FlowCytobot (IFCB), and manual microscope identification. Once corrections for particle location and nonuniform illumination were developed and applied, the DIHM showed an underestimate in ESD of about 3% to 10%, but successfully reproduced the size spectral slope from environmental samples, and the size distribution of cultures (Dunaliella tertiolecta, Heterosigma akashiwo, and Prorocentrum micans) and microspheres. DIHM concentrations (order 1 to 1000 particles ml−1) showed a linear agreement (r2 = 0.73) with the other instruments, but individual comparisons at times had large uncertainty. Overall, we found the DIHM and the CCV Pipeline required extensive manual correction, but once corrected, provided concentration and size estimates comparable to the other imaging systems assessed in this study. Holographic cameras are mechanically simple, autonomous, can operate at very high pressures, and provide a larger sampling volume than comparable lens‐based tools. Thus, we anticipate that these characterization efforts will be rewarded with novel discovery in new oceanic environments.
PLLA Membrane with Embedded Hydroxyapatite Patterns for Improved Bioactivity and Efficient Delivery of Growth Factor
Authors: Kang In‐Gu , Kim Jinyoung , Park Suhyung , Kim Hyoun‐Ee , Han Cheol‐Min
Published: August 2020

Poly(l‐lactic) acid (PLLA) is widely used in guided bone regeneration membranes due to its mechanical properties and biodegradability. However, the lack of biocompatibility is a serious disadvantage. Herein, the biocompatibility of PLLA is improved by patterning hydroxyapatite (HA) loaded with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2) under it. The HA is obtained by preparing a magnesium pattern via photolithography and hydrothermal converting. After loading rhBMP‐2, the pattern is transferred to PLLA. The pattern is tightly embedded in the PLLA and retained its original position after mechanical stimuli. Fluorescence images allow to assess the protein adsorption and gradual release in a controlled manner. The amount of released rhBMP‐2 is overwhelmingly large when loaded under HA because of its large surface area. Osteogenic differentiation supports the synergistic effect of HA and rhBMP‐2 to improve the biocompatibility. Moreover, in vivo experiments demonstrate that the synergistic effect positively affects the healing rate of bone.
Linear Coordination Polymer Synthesis from Bis‐Catechol Functionalized RAFT Polymers
Authors: Lewis Reece W. , Malic Nino , Saito Kei , Cameron Neil R. , Evans Richard A.
Published: August 2020

Catechol‐Fe(III) complexes contain some of the strongest known metal‐chelate coordination bonds. Despite this, they have until now not been utilized in (polymeric linker) linear coordination polymer (LCP) synthesis. With the view of generating catechol end‐functional polymers, a new, symmetrical bis‐catechol functionalized trithiocarbonate reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) agent is synthesized (CatDMAT). Acrylamide (AM) and dimethylacrylamide (DMA) polymerizations are conducted with CatDMAT using direct photoactivation RAFT polymerization to yield bis‐catechol end‐functionalized homo‐ and block‐copolymers of molecular weight 10–15 kDa. Catechol‐Fe(III) LCPs are successfully formed from the telechelic catechol polymers by bis‐complexation to Fe(III). The tetrahedral bis‐complex is detected by UV–vis spectroscopy (λmax = 570 nm), while increases in relative viscosity and Mn,GPC over their respective uncomplexed polymers confirm the occurrence of supramolecular polymerization. The catechol‐LCPs are shown to undergo oxidation and crosslinking in aqueous solution after 24 h.
Severe reaction to radiotherapy provoked by hypomorphic germline mutations in ATM (ataxia–telangiectasia mutated gene)
Authors: Asadollahi Reza , Britschgi Christian , Joset Pascal , Oneda Beatrice , Schindler Detlev , Meier Urs R. , Rauch Anita
Published: August 2020

Background

A minority of breast cancer (BC) patients suffer from severe reaction to adjuvant radiotherapy (RT). Although deficient DNA double‐strand break repair is considered the main basis for the reactions, pretreatment identification of high‐risk patients has been challenging.

Methods

To retrospectively determine the etiology of severe local reaction to RT in a 39‐year‐old woman with BC, we performed next‐generation sequencing followed by further clinical and functional studies.

Results

We found a −4 intronic variant (c.2251‐4A>G) in trans with a synonymous (c.3576G>A) variant affecting the ATM DNA‐repair gene (NG_009830.1, NM_000051.3) which is linked to autosomal recessive ataxia–telangiectasia (A–T). We verified abnormal transcripts resulting from both variants, next to a minor wild‐type transcript leading to a residual ATM kinase activity and genomic instability. Follow‐up examination of the patient revealed no classic sign of A–T but previously unnoticed head dystonia and mild dysarthria, a family history of BC and late‐onset ataxia segregating with the variants. Additionally, her serum level of alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) was elevated similar to A–T patients.

Conclusion

Considering the variable presentations of A–T and devastating impact of severe reactions to RT, we suggest a routine measurement of AFP in RT‐candidate BC patients followed by next‐generation sequencing with special attention to non‐canonical splice site and synonymous variants in ATM.
Analysis of two‐operator boundary‐domain integral equations for variable coefficient BVPs with general data
Authors: Ayele Tsegaye G.
Published: August 2020

The Dirichlet, Neumann, and mixed boundary value problems for the linear second‐order scalar elliptic differential equation with variable coefficient in a bounded three‐dimensional domain are considered. The PDE right‐hand side belongs to H−1(Ω) or
when neither classical nor canonical conormal derivatives of solutions are well defined. Using the two‐operator approach and appropriate parametrix (Levi function), each problem is reduced to different systems of boundary domain integral equations (BDIEs). Equivalence of the BDIEs to the original BVP, BDIE solvability, solution uniqueness/nonuniqueness, and invertibility of the BDIE operators are analyzed in appropriate Sobolev (Bessel potential) spaces. It is shown that the BDIE operators for the Neumann BVP are not invertible, and appropriate finite‐dimensional perturbations are constructed leading to invertibility of the perturbed operators.
The discrete‐time Kolmogorov systems with historic behavior
Authors: Saburov Mansoor
Published: August 2020

The main aim of this paper is to discuss some feature so‐called historic behavior of a discrete‐time Kolmogorov system of predator–prey interactions, which causes the nonexistence of the time averages.
PleThora: Pleural effusion and thoracic cavity segmentations in diseased lungs for benchmarking chest CT processing pipelines
Authors: Kiser Kendall J. , Ahmed Sara , Stieb Sonja , Mohamed Abdallah S. R. , Elhalawani Hesham , Park Peter Y. S. , Doyle Nathan S. , Wang Brandon J. , Barman Arko , Li Zhao , Zheng W. Jim , Fuller Clifton D. , Giancardo Luca
Published: August 2020

This manuscript describes a dataset of thoracic cavity segmentations and discrete pleural effusion segmentations we have annotated on 402 computed tomography (CT) scans acquired from patients with non‐small cell lung cancer. The segmentation of these anatomic regions precedes fundamental tasks in image analysis pipelines such as lung structure segmentation, lesion detection, and radiomics feature extraction. Bilateral thoracic cavity volumes and pleural effusion volumes were manually segmented on CT scans acquired from The Cancer Imaging Archive “NSCLC Radiomics” data collection. Four hundred and two thoracic segmentations were first generated automatically by a U‐Net based algorithm trained on chest CTs without cancer, manually corrected by a medical student to include the complete thoracic cavity (normal, pathologic, and atelectatic lung parenchyma, lung hilum, pleural effusion, fibrosis, nodules, tumor, and other anatomic anomalies), and revised by a radiation oncologist or a radiologist. Seventy‐eight pleural effusions were manually segmented by a medical student and revised by a radiologist or radiation oncologist. Interobserver agreement between the radiation oncologist and radiologist corrections was acceptable. All expert‐vetted segmentations are publicly available in NIfTI format through The Cancer Imaging Archive at https://doi.org/10.7937/tcia.2020.6c7y‐gq39. Tabular data detailing clinical and technical metadata linked to segmentation cases are also available. Thoracic cavity segmentations will be valuable for developing image analysis pipelines on pathologic lungs — where current automated algorithms struggle most. In conjunction with gross tumor volume segmentations already available from “NSCLC Radiomics,” pleural effusion segmentations may be valuable for investigating radiomics profile differences between effusion and primary tumor or training algorithms to discriminate between them.
Fully automated multiorgan segmentation in abdominal magnetic resonance imaging with deep neural networks
Authors: Chen Yuhua , Ruan Dan , Xiao Jiayu , Wang Lixia , Sun Bin , Saouaf Rola , Yang Wensha , Li Debiao , Fan Zhaoyang
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Segmentation of multiple organs‐at‐risk (OARs) is essential for magnetic resonance (MR)‐only radiation therapy treatment planning and MR‐guided adaptive radiotherapy of abdominal cancers. Current practice requires manual delineation that is labor‐intensive, time‐consuming, and prone to intra‐ and interobserver variations. We developed a deep learning (DL) technique for fully automated segmentation of multiple OARs on clinical abdominal MR images with high accuracy, reliability, and efficiency.

Methods

We developed Automated deep Learning‐based abdominal multiorgan segmentation (ALAMO) technique based on two‐dimensional U‐net and a densely connected network structure with tailored design in data augmentation and training procedures such as deep connection, auxiliary supervision, and multiview. The model takes in multislice MR images and generates the output of segmentation results. 3.0‐Tesla T1 VIBE (Volumetric Interpolated Breath‐hold Examination) images of 102 subjects were used in our study and split into 66 for training, 16 for validation, and 20 for testing. Ten OARs were studied, including the liver, spleen, pancreas, left/right kidneys, stomach, duodenum, small intestine, spinal cord, and vertebral bodies. An experienced radiologist manually labeled each OAR, followed by reediting, if necessary, by a senior radiologist, to create the ground‐truth. The performance was measured using volume overlapping and surface distance.

Results

The ALAMO technique generated segmentation labels in good agreement with the manual results. Specifically, among the ten OARs, nine achieved high dice similarity coefficients (DSCs) in the range of 0.87–0.96, except for the duodenum with a DSC of 0.80. The inference completed within 1 min for a three‐dimensional volume of 320 × 288 × 180. Overall, the ALAMO model matched the state‐of‐the‐art techniques in performance.

Conclusion

The proposed ALAMO technique allows for fully automated abdominal MR segmentation with high accuracy and practical memory and computation time demands.
Anatomy of the long‐waiting period of prospective adopters on the state corridor of child adoption: A necessity or a denial?
Authors: Onayemi Olayinka Modupe
Published: August 2020

Previous studies have revealed the prolonged stay of intending adopters while moving on the corridor of child adoption. However, little or nothing is known about the conceptions, causes, and effects of this delay on intending adopters. The study adopted structural functionalism as the theoretical model. Qualitative methods of data collection were employed. This comprised 22 in‐depth interviews with adoption officials and adopters, 10 key‐informant interviews, comprising five Orphanage managers, and five legal practitioners in three purposively selected states. The study revealed that poor management of intending adopters' application for adoption and adopters' preferences are the main causes of the delay. Delay, however, produced notable effects in circumventions and illegalities, marital disruptions, adopters' feelings of disappointments, and grievous health implications.
Preparation and characterization of new expansible composite microspheres for use with water‐based drilling fluids
Authors: Bai Xiaodong , Ning Tao , Zhang Xuepeng , Xu Yuqian , Yong Xuemei , Luo Yumei , Zhou Song
Published: August 2020

In the process of drilling, the filtration of water‐based drilling fluid causes the hydration and expansion of the rock near the borehole wall, thus bringing some hidden dangers to the borehole stability. In this work, new expansible composite microspheres (NECMs) are prepared by inverse suspension polymerization using vinyltrimethoxysilane, acrylamide, and 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl propane sulfonic acid as raw materials. The results of laser particle size and scanning electron microscopy investigations showed that NECMs are spherical particles with smooth surface, and the particle size was concentrated between 0.2 and 1.78 μm. The water absorption test shows that the amount absorbed reaches 16.4 g/g in fresh water and 13.03 g/g in 10 g/L NaCl solution. Through the drilling fluid plugging performance test, the results show that when the amount of the composite microspheres added is 0.6 wt%, the American Petroleum Institute filtration loss (FLAPI) value is 8.6 mL at room temperature, the cumulative water loss is 12.6 mL in 2 hours, and the FLAPI is only 13 mL after aging at 150°C for 16 hours. When the addition of NECMs is 1.2 wt%, the average plugging rate of cores is 94.32%. It is indicated that the NECMs have good high‐temperature resistance and salt resistance. The soft shell of the composite microspheres has a deformation effect at high temperature, which produces a good deformation plugging effect on the irregular pores. These results show that the microsphere has a good application prospect as a plugging agent for water‐based drilling fluid.
Performance improvement of alumina/silicone rubber composites by adding 3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate grafted siloxane copolymer
Authors: Song Jianan , Zhang Yong
Published: August 2020

3‐(Trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate grafted poly(methylhydrosiloxane‐co‐dimethylsiloxane) (MPS‐g‐PHMS‐PDMS) was synthesized by hydrosilylation reaction. MPS‐g‐PHMS‐PDMS was used as a modifier and directly added into silicone rubber compounds. The effect of MPS‐g‐PHMS‐PDMS on the properties of alumina/silicone rubber composites was studied. The addition of MPS‐g‐PHMS‐PDMS increased the bound rubber content of alumina/silicone rubber compounds and the crosslink density of alumina/silicone rubber composites, indicating the enhancement of filler‐rubber interaction. SEM images indicated that MPS‐g‐PHMS‐PDMS could promote the uniform dispersion of alumina in the composites and decrease the filler‐rubber interface defects. The alumina/MPS‐g‐PHMS‐PDMS/silicone rubber (500/10/90) composite had the thermal conductivity of 1.68 W/(m∙K) and the tensile strength of 3.17 MPa, exhibiting 18.3% and 84.3% enhancement compared with the alumina/silicone rubber (500/100) composite. This work provides an insight for enhancing thermal conductivity and tensile strength of silicone rubber composites at a high filler content.
Modification of hydrophilic polymer network to design a carrier for a poorly water‐soluble substance
Authors: Markovic Maja D. , Panic Vesna V. , Seslija Sanja I. , Spasojevic Pavle M. , Ugrinovic Vukasin Dj. , Boskovic‐Vragolovic Nevenka M. , Pjanovic Rada V.
Published: August 2020

pH sensitive, nontoxic, and biocompatible poly(methacrylic) acid (PMAA) based soft networks have been extensively used in the design of systems for targeted drug delivery. Still, their highly hydrophilic nature limits their potential to be used as a carrier of poorly water‐soluble substances. With the aim to overcome this limitation, the present study details a new approach for modification of PMAA based carriers using two amphiphilic components: casein and liposomes. The FTIR analysis revealed structural features of each component as well as the synergetic effect that originated from the formation of specific interactions. Namely, hydrophobic interactions between the poorly water‐soluble model drug (caffeine) and casein enabled caffeine encapsulation and controlled release, while addition of liposomes ensured better control of the release rate. The morphological properties of the carriers, swelling behavior, and release kinetics of caffeine were investigated depending on the variable synthesis parameters (neutralization degree of methacrylic acid, concentration of caffeine, presence/absence of liposomes) in two different media simulating the pH environment of human intestines and stomach. The data obtained from in vitro caffeine release were correlated and analyzed in detail using several mathematical models, indicating significant potential of investigated carriers for targeted delivery and controlled release of poorly water‐soluble substances.
Distress and problem assessment among people living with cancer from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds
Authors: Skaczkowski Gemma , Pejoski Natalie , Kaur Jasmeen , White Victoria , Livingston Patricia M , Wilson Carlene
Published: August 2020

Objective

To examine whether routine assessment of distress, recommended as part of comprehensive cancer care, is utilised equally with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) vs non‐CALD people living with cancer.

Methods

A medical records review of all patients attending cancer‐specific treatment units at a single tertiary hospital in Melbourne, Australia between 2015‐2018. Recording of administration of the Distress Thermometer and Problem Checklist (DT and PC) was extracted for all patients. Details regarding how the DT and PC (used together) was administered were extracted for a random sub‐sample of 294 CALD patients and 294 matched non‐CALD patients.

Results

A total of 6977 patients were identified (12.0% CALD). Just over half of the CALD (54.7%) and non‐CALD (58.2%) patients had a recorded DT and PC (P > 0.05). For the sub‐sample analysis, CALD patients were less likely to complete the form themselves (14.8% vs 75.9% non‐CALD) and were more likely to have a family member complete the form (55.1% vs 15.1% non‐CALD). CALD patients reported a similar level of distress to non‐CALD patients. Distress scores for CALD and non‐CALD patients were higher when family members completed the form. Provision of discussion, written information, referral offers and rates of referral acceptance were similar between CALD and non‐CALD patients.

Conclusions

Assessment of distress and associated problems, and the process following assessment, were similar for CALD and non‐CALD patients. However, differences in how the form was completed highlight the need for further improvements to ensure that CALD patients are actively involved in their care.
Domain interactions determine the conformational ensemble of the periplasmic chaperone SurA
Authors: Marx Dagan C. , Leblanc Mathis J. , Plummer Ashlee M. , Krueger Susan , Fleming Karen G.
Published: August 2020

SurA is thought to be the most important periplasmic chaperone for outer membrane protein (OMP) biogenesis. Its structure is composed of a core region and two peptidylprolyl isomerase domains, termed P1 and P2, connected by flexible linkers. As such these three independent folding units are able to adopt a number of distinct spatial positions with respect to each other. The conformational dynamics of these domains are thought to be functionally important yet are largely unresolved. Here we address this question of the conformational ensemble using sedimentation equilibrium, small‐angle neutron scattering, and folding titrations. This combination of orthogonal methods converges on a SurA population that is monomeric at physiological concentrations. The conformation that dominates this population has the P1 and core domains docked to one another, for example, “P1‐closed” and the P2 domain extended in solution. We discovered that the distribution of domain orientations is defined by modest and favorable interactions between the core domain and either the P1 or the P2 domains. These two peptidylprolyl domains compete with each other for core‐binding but are thermodynamically uncoupled. This arrangement implies two novel insights. Firstly, an open conformation must exist to facilitate P1 and P2 exchange on the core, indicating that the open client‐binding conformation is populated at low levels even in the absence of client unfolded OMPs. Secondly, competition between P1 and P2 binding paradoxically occludes the client binding site on the core, which may serve to preserve the reservoir of binding‐competent apo‐SurA in the periplasm.
Characterization of left‐handed beta helix‐domains, and identification and functional annotation of proteins containing such domains
Authors: Prabha Anu , Balaji Petety V.
Published: August 2020

Only about 0.3% of the entries in UniProt database have manually curated annotation. Annotation at the molecular level often relies on low‐throughput one‐protein‐at‐a‐time approach. Computational methods bridge this gap by assigning function based on sequence and/or fold similarity. Left‐handed beta helix (LbH) consists of three repeating six‐stranded beta‐strands forming an 18‐mer turn of the helix. Analysis of LbH‐domains showed that variations are found in the number of residues in a beta‐strand (5‐7, 6 being the most common), number of turns (4–10) of the helix, insertions of one or more loops of variable length (0‐36 residues), and the location of loop insertion. An 18‐mer HMM profile was created which identifies LbH‐domain containing proteins using sequence as the only input; the number of false positives is zero when proteins tested were those with known 3D structures. 136 474 entries of TrEMBL database were found to contain LbH‐domain. Rules developed by analyzing LbH‐domain containing acyltransferases, gamma‐class carbonic anhydrases, and nucleotidyltransferases have led to the annotation of 17 389 TrEMBL entries which currently have no functional tag.
Structural and Optical Properties of ZnO:Al Thin Films Produced by Magnetron Sputtering with Different Oxygen Flow: An Experimental and Ab Initio Study
Authors: Queiroz José César Augusto de , Filho João Batista de Azevedo , Feitor Michelle Cerqueira , Libório Maxwell Santana , Santos Edson José da Costa , Souto Ulisses Borges , de Sousa Rômulo Ribeiro Magalhães , Costa Thércio Henrique de Carvalho
Published: August 2020

This work addresses, in an experimental and theoretical way, the influence of different oxygen pressure values on the physical and electronic properties of thin conductive and transparent oxide films of Al‐doped ZnO, with different thicknesses. A series of characterization techniques, which include X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), optical spectrophotometry, and Hall measurements are conducted. All films have a hexagonal wurtzite structure characteristic of ZnO, with preferential orientation along the plane (002) and transmittance values, in the visible range, greater than 80%. The increase in flow oxygen up to 25% provides an increase in the film's density resulting in a decrease in electrical resistivity from 9.58 × 10−3 Ω cm to 8.14 × 10−3 Ω cm. The ab initio calculations allow to observe the distortions in the microstructure of the films attributed to the presence of impurities and to obtain the values of the total and formation energies. The values of the Mulliken population and chemical bond length are notoriously influenced by the concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere. The displacement of the valence band (VB) and the Fermi level, together with the decrease in the gap energy, reinforce the influence of oxygen gas on the electronic structure of the films.
Effect of recycled content and rPET quality on the properties of PET bottles, part II: Migration
Authors: Thoden van Velzen Eggo Ulphard , Brouwer Marieke T. , Stärker Carina , Welle Frank
Published: August 2020

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles were produced from three types of recycled PET (rPET) with four levels of recycled content. The migration of substances from these bottles to water was studied. Several migrated substances were detected. The migrated amounts of acetaldehyde and ethylene glycol complied with the limits given in the food contact material (FCM) legislation. Migration of 2‐methyl‐1,3‐dioxolane was below the limit of 10 μg·L−1, which is conventionally applied for non‐intentionally added substances (NIAS) not classified as ‘carcinogenic’, ‘mutagenic’ or ‘toxic to reproduction’ (CMR). Limonene, acetone, butanone and furan were also detected as migrants, of which limonene is a natural fragrant, and the other three are probably residues from solvents used to clean and protect the mould at the small‐scale production facility. Finally, benzene and styrene were also found as migrants from rPET. These migrants appear to originate from heat‐induced reactions within the PET matrix, which involve contaminants. The formation of benzene in rPET is attributed to polyvinylchloride as contaminant. The migrated amounts of benzene from the PET bottles with recycled content to the water simulant are relatively small (0.03–0.44 μg·L−1) after 10 days at 40°C. Consequently, the margin of exposure is 3.105–8.106. Hence, the level of concern for the public health is low, and the migrated amount represents a low priority for risk management. The FCM legislation demands a risk assessment for migrating NIAS. Depending on the underlying data and exposure scenario, different threshold limits in the food can be derived which can still be considered as safe.
Solitary fibrous tumour of the pleura arising in a pulmonary cavity
Authors: Miura Hiroyuki , Miura Jun , Tachibana Keisei , Goto Shinichi
Published: August 2020

Solitary fibrous tumour of the pleura (SFTP) arising in a cavity is extremely rare. A 66‐year‐old Japanese male presented with an abnormal shadow on his chest X‐ray. Chest computed tomography showed a cavity of approximately 18 mm in diameter between the upper and lower lobes that contained a solid nodule within. Under the thoracoscope, the peduncle cystic tumour was removed with sufficient surgical margin. Macroscopically, a tumour of about 15 mm in diameter arose in the cystic cavity. Immunohistochemical stains were positive for CD34, bcl‐2, and signal transduction and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) but negative for smooth muscle actin (SMA), desmin, and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), and a diagnosis of SFTP was made. The patient remains well without recurrence or any complications at two and a half years after the operation. SFTP should be considered when a tumour arises in a cavity existing in an interlobar space. It is important to determine whether the tumour is pedunculated or sessile during surgery and to perform the appropriate surgical procedure.
Discovery of new colonies by Sentinel2 reveals good and bad news for emperor penguins
Authors: Fretwell Peter T. , Trathan Philip N.
Published: August 2020

The distribution of emperor penguins is circumpolar, with 54 colony locations currently reported of which 50 are currently extant as of 2019. Here we report on eight newly discovered colonies and confirm the rediscovery of three breeding sites, only previously reported in the era before Very High Resolution satellite imagery was available, making a total of 61 breeding locations. This represents an increase of ~20% in the number of breeding sites, but, as most of the colonies appear to be small, they may only increase the total population by around 5–10%. The discoveries have been facilitated by the use of Sentinel2 satellite imagery, which has a higher resolution and more efficient search mechanism than the Landsat data previously used to search for colonies. The small size of these new colonies indicates that considerations of reproductive output in relation to metabolic rate during huddling is likely to be of interest. Some of the colonies exist in offshore habitats, something not previously reported for emperor penguins. Comparison with recent modelling results show that the geographic locations of all the newly found colonies are in areas likely to be highly vulnerable under business‐as‐usual greenhouse gas emissions scenarios, suggesting that population decreases for the species will be greater than previously thought.
Retracted: Two New Co(II) Coordination Polymers: Photocatalytic Properties and Treatment Activity on Sepsis by Reducing TNF‐α and IL‐1β Releasing
Authors: Li Jin‐Hong , Zhang Hui‐Xia , Zhao Hai‐Yun , Chen Li‐Yuan
Published: August 2020

Two novel coordination polymers (CPs) containing Co(II) with the compositions of [Co(L)(2,2′‐bipy)]n (1) and [Co(L)(4,4′‐bipy)4 ⋅ 2H2O]n (2) have been prepared via utilizing bipyridine (2,2′‐bipy for 1 and bipy, 4,4′‐bipy for 2) and the ligand of 1,4‐bis(3‐carboxylbenzyl)piperazine acid (H2L) as the co‐ligand under the hydrothermal conditions. In addition, the photodegradation of organic dyes performances for complex 1 and complex 2 have been studied. It is important that complex 2 reveals excellent dye adsorption and photodegradation performances. In addition, their protective activity on sepsis was assessed and the specific mechanism was discussed detailly. Firstly, the TNF‐α and IL‐1β content released via immune cells was detected through the ELISA detection kit after treated by compounds 1 and 2. Next, the activation level of NF‐κB signaling pathway in the macrophages was determined via western blot.
Efficient As‐Cast Polymer Solar Cells with High and Stabilized Fill Factor
Authors: Fang Jin , Liu Qi , Zhang Jianqi , Ye Long , Wu Jingnan , Wei Zhixiang , Guo Xia , Zhang Maojie , Li Yongfang
Published: August 2020

Molecular ordering and miscibility of donor and acceptor materials play critical roles in developing high‐performance as‐cast polymer solar cells (PSCs). In this work, a highly crystalline nonfullerene small molecular acceptor, namely, C8‐IT‐4F, based on alkylated indacenodithieno[3,2‐b]thiophene as the aromatic core and 2‐(5,6‐diﬂuoro‐3‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐inden‐1‐ylidene)malononitrile moieties as end groups, is selected and synthesized. The π–π stacking distance in C8‐IT‐4F film can be tuned from 3.88 Å to a more compact (3.48 Å) state by a film‐formation process and the confinement induced by the preaggregated polymer donor PM7, leading to broadened absorption and fine phase separation in the blend film. The optimal morphology with a framework of preaggregated polymer donor, J‐type face‐on π–π stacked acceptor, and appropriate donor/acceptor miscibility facilitates charge generation and transport and reduces charge recombination. As a result, the best PSC based on the as‐cast PM7:C8‐IT‐4F blend film exhibits power conversion efficiency of 14.3%, with an open‐circuit voltage of 0.82 V, a short‐circuit current density of 22.7 mA cm−2, a fill factor of 77.1%, and good photostability with a stabilized fill factor.
Perovskite Nano‐Heterojunctions: Synthesis, Structures, Properties, Challenges, and Prospects
Authors: Xu Xiangxing , Wang Xun
Published: August 2020

Scientific and industrial interest on perovskite semiconductor materials has grown rapidly in recent years. Through the efforts of researchers professionals in chemistry, physics, materials and electronics, etc., many records based on perovskites have been and are being refreshed. The brilliant performances emerge not only from the excellent properties of perovskite themselves, but also originate from the composite material systems of hybridizing perovskites with heteromaterials. Herein, first, the crystal and nanostructures of perovskite materials, semiconductor‐based heterojunctions, and the categories of perovskite heterojunction are fundamentally introduced. Then, the state‐of‐the‐art synthesis methods, size and structure control, electron structure‐related physical properties, and applications of the perovskite‐based nano‐heterojunctions are comprehensively reviewed. Finally, perspectives on tackling challenges and developing trends are discussed.
Coliform bacteria in San Pedro Lake, western Mexico
Authors: Ramos‐Ramírez Lesset del Consuelo , Romero‐Bañuelos Carlos Alberto , Jiménez‐Ruíz Edgar Iván , Palomino‐Hermosillo Yolotzin Apatzingan , Saldaña‐Ahuactzi Zeus , Martínez‐Laguna Ygnacio , Handal‐Silva Anabella , Castañeda‐Roldán Elsa Iracena
Published: August 2020

Urbanization, livestock activities, and rainfall are factors that contribute to the contamination of inland water. This study aimed to determine the spatial and temporal variability of total coliforms (TCs) and fecal coliforms (FCs) in the surface water of San Pedro Lake as well as the gills and skin of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) cultivated in the lake. The study consisted of seasonal sampling during an annual cycle. Using the multiple‐tube fermentation technique, we quantified the microbial load of TCs in the lake and fish. The median of the TC and FC groups in surface water showed differences during the seasonal cycle, in which a significant correlation was observed between rainfall and bacterial load in the lake surface water. There was a significant seasonal difference between FCs and TCs in the gills as well as in skin FCs. Anthropogenic activities in the watershed combined with rainfall influence the bacterial load of San Pedro Lake. However, the water quality is still classified as excellent and uncontaminated according to Mexican regulations with lower FC values acceptable for higher FC values. In addition, the bacterial load in tilapia from San Pedro Lake does not pose a risk to human health.

Practitioner points

Watershed livestock activities combined with rainfall increase fecal matter pollution in specific areas of the lake.

San Pedro Lake displays satisfactory quality for aquatic life.

The median fecal coliform population in lake fish (gills and skin) differs by season.
Single‐cell proteomic analysis
Authors: Pham Thai , Tyagi Ankush , Wang Yu‐Sheng , Guo Jia
Published: August 2020

The ability to comprehensively profile proteins in every individual cell of complex biological systems is crucial to advance our understanding of normal physiology and disease pathogenesis. Conventional bulk cell experiments mask the cell heterogeneity in the population, while the single‐cell imaging methods suffer from the limited multiplexing capacities. Recent advances in microchip‐, mass spectrometry‐, and reiterative staining‐based technologies have enabled comprehensive protein profiling in single cells. These approaches will bring new insights into a variety of biological and biomedical fields, such as signaling network regulation, cell heterogeneity, tissue architecture, disease diagnosis, and treatment monitoring. In this article, we will review the recent advances in the development of single‐cell proteomic technologies, describe their advantages, discuss the current limitations and challenges, and propose potential solutions. We will also highlight the wide applications of these technologies in biology and medicine.

This article is categorized under:

Cancer > Molecular and Cellular Physiology
Indikationen und Ergebnisse der Radiojodtherapie beim differenzierten Schilddrüsenkarzinom
Authors: Riemann B.
Published: August 2020

Hintergrund

Bösartige Schilddrüsentumoren sind die häufigsten bösartigen endokrinen Tumoren, die ungefähr 1 % aller malignen Tumoren umfassen. In den letzten Jahren ist die Inzidenz des differenzierten Schilddrüsenkarzinoms (DTC) deutlich angestiegen, insbesondere der kleinen papillären Karzinome.

Fragestellung

Dargestellt werden Indikationen und Ergebnisse der Radiojodtherapie (RJT) beim DTC.

Material und Methoden

Es erfolgt die Durchsicht der aktuellen Literatur und Leitlinien zur RJT des DTC.

Ergebnisse

Die RJT stellt die wichtigste adjuvante Behandlungsoption des DTC dar und wird generell gut vertragen.

Schlussfolgerungen

Verglichen mit anderen Tumoren hat das DTC durch die Kombination von Operation und RJT eine sehr gute Prognose mit einer durchschnittlichen Überlebensrate von über 90 %.
Efficacy of GAD-alum immunotherapy associated with HLA-DR3-DQ2 in recently diagnosed type 1 diabetes
Authors: Hannelius Ulf , Beam Craig A. , Ludvigsson Johnny
Published: August 2020

Aims/hypothesis

The aim of this study was to determine if retention of C-peptide following immunotherapy using recombinant GAD65 conjugated to aluminium hydroxide (GAD-alum) is influenced by HLA risk haplotypes DR3-DQ2 and DR4-DQ8.

Methods

HLA-dependent treatment effect of GAD-alum therapy on C-peptide retention in individuals with recent-onset type 1 diabetes was evaluated using individual-level patient data from three placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trials using a mixed repeated measures model.

Results

A significant and dose-dependent effect was observed in individuals positive for the genotypes that include HLA-DR3-DQ2 but not HLA-DR4-DQ8 and in the broader subgroup of individuals positive for all genotypes that include HLA-DR3-DQ2 (i.e. including those also positive for HLA-DR4-DQ8). Higher doses (three or four injections) showed a treatment effect ratio of 1.596 (95% CI 1.132, 2.249; adjusted p = 0.0035) and 1.441 (95% CI 1.188, 1.749; adjusted p = 0.0007) vs placebo for the two respective HLA subgroups.

Conclusions/interpretation

GAD65-specific immunotherapy has a significant effect on C-peptide retention in individuals with recent-onset type 1 diabetes who have the DR3-DQ2 haplotype.
Time needed to intubate and suction a manikin prior to instituting positive pressure ventilation: a simulation trial
Authors: Cavallin Francesco , Res Giulia , Monfredini Chiara , Doglioni Nicoletta , Villani Paolo Ernesto , Weiner Gary , Trevisanuto Daniele
Published: August 2020

Tracheal suctioning in non-vigorous newborn delivered through meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) is supposed to delay initiation of positive pressure ventilation (PPV), but the magnitude of such delay is unknown. To compare the time of PPV initiation when performing immediate laryngoscopy with intubation and suctioning vs. performing immediate PPV without intubation in a manikin model. Randomized controlled crossover (AB/BA) trial comparing PPV initiation with or without endotracheal suctioning in a manikin model of non-vigorous neonates born through MSAF. Participants were 20 neonatologists and 20 pediatric residents trained in advanced airway management. Timing of PPV initiation was longer with vs. without endotracheal suctioning in both pediatric residents (mean difference 13 s, 95% confidence interval 8 to 18 s;p < 0.0001) and neonatologists (mean difference 12 s, 95% confidence interval 8 to 16 s;p < 0.0001). The difference in timing of PPV initiation was similar between pediatric residents and neonatologists (mean difference − 1 s, 95% confidence interval − 7 to 6 s;p = 0.85).

Conclusions: Performing immediate laryngoscopy with intubation and suctioning was associated with longer—but not clinically relevant—time of initiation of PPV compared with immediate PPV without intubation in a manikin model. While suggesting negligible delay in starting PPV, further studies in a clinical setting are warranted.

Registration: clinicaltrial.gov NCT04076189.What is Known:• Management of the non-vigorous newborn delivered through meconium-stained amniotic fluid remains still controversial.• Tracheal suctioning in non-vigorous newborn delivered through meconium-stained amniotic fluid is supposed to delay initiation of positive pressure ventilation, but the magnitude of such delay is unknown.What is New:• Performing immediate ventilation without intubation was associated with shorter—but not clinically relevant—time of initiation of ventilation compared to immediate laryngoscopy with intubation and suctioning in a manikin model.• Further studies in a clinical setting are warranted.
Multiple DNA viruses identified in multimammate mouse (Mastomys natalensis) populations from across regions of sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Calvignac-Spencer Sébastien , Kouadio Léonce , Couacy-Hymann Emmanuel , Sogoba Nafomon , Rosenke Kyle , Davison Andrew J. , Leendertz Fabian , Jarvis Michael A. , Feldmann Heinz , Ehlers Bernhard
Published: August 2020

The multimammate mouse (Mastomys natalensis; M. natalensis) serves as the main reservoir for the zoonotic arenavirus Lassa virus (LASV), and this has led to considerable investigation into the distribution of LASV and other related arenaviruses in this host species. In contrast to the situation with arenaviruses, the presence of other viruses in M. natalensis remains largely unexplored. In this study, herpesviruses and polyomaviruses were identified and partially characterized by PCR methods, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. In tissues sampled from M. natalensis populations in Côte d'Ivoire and Mali, six new DNA viruses (four betaherpesviruses, one gammaherpesvirus and one polyomavirus) were identified. Phylogenetic analysis based on glycoprotein B amino acid sequences showed that the herpesviruses clustered with cytomegaloviruses and rhadinoviruses of multiple rodent species. The complete circular genome of the newly identified polyomavirus was amplified by PCR. Amino acid sequence analysis of the large T antigen or VP1 showed that this virus clustered with a known polyomavirus from a house mouse (species Mus musculus polyomavirus 1). These two polyomaviruses form a clade with other rodent polyomaviruses, and the newly identified virus represents the third known polyomavirus of M. natalensis. This study represents the first identification of herpesviruses and the discovery of a novel polyomavirus in M. natalensis. In contrast to arenaviruses, we anticipate that these newly identified viruses represent a low zoonotic risk due to the normally highly restricted specificity of members of these two DNA virus families to their individual mammalian host species.
Acetylcholinesterase promotes apoptosis in insect neurons
Authors: Knorr Debbra Y. , Georges Nadine S. , Pauls Stephanie , Heinrich Ralf
Published: August 2020

Apoptosis plays a major role in development, tissue renewal and the progression of degenerative diseases. Studies on various types of mammalian cells reported a pro-apoptotic function of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), particularly in the formation of the apoptosome and the degradation of nuclear DNA. While three AChE splice variants are present in mammals, invertebrates typically express twoachegenes that code for a synaptically located protein and a protein with non-synaptic functions respectively. In order to investigate a potential contribution of AChE to apoptosis in insects, we selected the migratory locustLocusta migratoria.We established primary neuronal cultures of locust brains and characterized apoptosis progression in vitro. Dying neurons displayed typical characteristics of apoptosis, including caspase-activation, nuclear condensation and DNA fragmentation visualized by TUNEL staining. Addition of the AChE inhibitors neostigmine and territrem B reduced apoptotic cell death under normal culture conditions. Moreover, both inhibitors completely suppressed hypoxia-induced neuronal cell death. Exposure of live animals to severe hypoxia moderately increased the expression oface-1in locust brains in vivo. Our results indicate a previously unreported role of AChE in insect apoptosis that parallels the pro-apoptotic role in mammalian cells. This similarity adds to the list of apoptotic mechanisms shared by mammals and insects, supporting the hypothesized existence of an ancient, complex apoptosis regulatory network present in common ancestors of vertebrates and insects.
Charting a “Green Path” for Recovery from COVID-19
Authors: Mukanjari Samson , Sterner Thomas
Published: August 2020

Should the economic recovery from the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) be green? The current crisis is so severe that we should not take the answer for granted. It requires serious thought and we start by reviewing some arguments for and against a green approach. A crucial element is of course to see how different industries fare in the current crisis. Our empirical contribution is to examine daily stock returns for firms from the STOXX Europe 600 index. We find that firms with higher carbon intensities experienced significantly large decreases in stock values particularly those within the crude petroleum extraction, air transport and coke and refined petroleum industries. Our tentative conclusion is that efforts to revitalize the economy should avoid subsidizing stranded assets and instead target the industries of the future. However, identifying these will not necessarily be easy. We find, for example, that having an official ESG “climate change policy” has no effect on firm performance during the pandemic. We suggest possible ways of designing a new form of more informative index.
Promoting Learning from Null or Negative Results in Prevention Science Trials
Authors: Axford Nick , Berry Vashti , Lloyd Jenny , Hobbs Tim , Wyatt Katrina
Published: August 2020

There can be a tendency for investigators to disregard or explain away null or negative results in prevention science trials. Examples include not publicizing findings, conducting spurious subgroup analyses, or attributing the outcome post hoc to real or perceived weaknesses in trial design or intervention implementation. This is unhelpful for several reasons, not least that it skews the evidence base, contributes to research “waste”, undermines respect for science, and stifles creativity in intervention development. In this paper, we identify possible policy and practice responses when interventions have null (ineffective) or negative (harmful) results, and argue that these are influenced by: theinterventionitself (e.g., stage of gestation, perceived importance);trial design,conduct,and results(e.g., pattern of null/negative effects, internal and external validity);context(e.g., wider evidence base, state of policy); andindividual perspectives and interests(e.g., stake in the intervention). We advance several strategies to promote more informative null or negative effect trials and enable learning from such results, focusing on changes to culture, process, intervention design, trial design, and environment.