bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Six Sympathomimetic Drugs in Dosage Forms
Authors: Smela Michael J , Stromberg Rona
Published: February 2020

A simple and rapid stability-Indicating liquid chromatographic method is described for quantitative determination of 6 sympathomimetic drugs In various liquid and solid formulations. Analyses were carried out on a C18 reverse phase column using 0.01M 1-octanesulfonlc acid, sodium salt In 0.2% acetic acid-methanol (70 + 30) as the mobile phase with photometric detection at 220 nm. Coefficients of variation for 5 consecutive injections of a mixed standards solution ranged from 0.62% for metaraminol to 1.40% for epinephrine. Standard recoveries ranged from 98.8 % for metaraminol to 100.8% for epinephrine. The method was linear between 0.2 and 10 μg of drug Injected and was used successfully to analyze 17 commercial products in a variety of dosage forms.
Comparison of Automated Liquid Chromatographic and Bioassay Methods for Determining Spiramycin Concentration in Bovine Plasma
Authors: Sanders Pascal , Moulin Gérard , Gaudiche Chantal , Delepine Bernard , Mourot Dominique
Published: February 2020

The performance of a liquid chromatographic (LC) methcd for spiramycin measurement in bovine plasma has been compared with that of a microbiological method. Plasna samples were obtained from cattle administered spiramycn intravenously. Comparison tests used were intraclass cornlation (r1), correlation (r), and Student’s paired t-test. For cocentratlons lower than 2.5 lU/mL, microbiological value were higher than LC values. This difference in results modfied pharmacokinetic interpretation and might be explaind by the presence of microbiologically active metabolites.
Trace-Level Quantitation of Sulfonylurea Herbicides
in Natural Water
Authors: Thompson Dean G , Macdonald Linda M
Published: February 2020

A novel gas chromatographic/electron capture detection (GC/ECD) technique is described for quantitation of trace sulfonylurea herbicide residues in natural water. In this method, the parent sulfonylurea herbicides are isolated from their aryl sulfonamide metabolites by Florisil chromatography, and the acidic aqueous hydrolysis products of the parent compounds are then quantitated. The method has been validated for both metsulfuron methyl (MET; methyl 2-{[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin- 2-yl)aminocarbonyl] aminosulfonyl} benzoate), and chlorsulfuron [CHLOR; 2-chloro-A/-(4-methoxy-6- methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-aminocarbonyl benzenesulfonamide]. Acidic hydrolysis of the isolated parent compounds MET and CHLOR produced a high yield of the corresponding aryl sulfonamides, methyl 2-(aminosulfonyl)benzoate and 2- chlorobenzenesulfonamide, as confirmed by mass spectral analysis. In-house validation studies confirmed excellent chromatographic behavior, high recovery efficiency (>80%), and generally good precision (<12% coefficient of variation) for quantitation of MET and CHLOR in fortified natural water samples over a wide range of concentrations (50 ppb, 500 ppt, and 50 ppt). Validated limits of quantitation were 50 ppt, with minimum limits of detection conservatively estimated as 10 ppt.
Gas Chromatographic/Thermal Energy Analyzer Method for N-Nitrosodibenzylamine in Hams Processed in Elastic Rubber Netting
Authors: Pensabene John W , Fiddler Walter
Published: February 2020

We previously described a solid-phase extraction (SPE) procedure for determining volatile nitrosamines in hams processed in elastic rubber nettings. This same procedure was found to successfully isolate N-nitrosodibenzylamine (NDBzA), a semivolatile nitrosamine. This nitrosamine may form as a result of the reformulated rubber now used in nettings. Reformulation became necessary because of the reported presence of M-nitrosodibutylamine in both the old nettings and on the exterior portion of commercial hams. After SPE, NDBzA was quantitated by using a gas chromatographic (GC) system interfaced to a nitrosamine-specific chemiluminescence detector [thermal energy analyzer (TEA)]. The GC system was equipped with a heated interface external to the TEA furnace to facilitate quantitation of NDBzA. With separation on a packed column, the method can be used to analyze 10 volatile nitrosamines and NDBzA. Repeatability of the method for NDBzA was found to be 2.1 ppb, and the coefficient of variation (CV) was 10.6%. Analysis of 18 commercial hams from 9 different producers, purchased from local retailers, indicated that 12 were positive for NDBzA (range, 2.6–128.5 ppb). NDBzA was confirmed by GC/mass spectrometry.
Usefulness of Cellulase in Recovery of Salmonella spp. from Guar Gum
Authors: Amaguaña R Miguel , Sherrod Patricia S , Hammack Thomas S , June Geraldine A , Andrews Wallace A
Published: February 2020

Most foods examined for Salmonella spp. by the procedure described in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Bacteriological Analytical Manual are preenriched at a 1:9 sample/broth ratio. However, 25 g guar gum (an emulsifying agent) is not wetted completely in 225 mL of preenrichment broth, and after a 24 h incubation at 35°C, the product is transformed into a viscous, nonpipettable mass. The effects of 4 factors (inorganic salts, pH, temperature, and various enzymes) on the viscosity of the sample/ preenrichment mixture during incubation were determined. Addition of various inorganic salts or adjustment of pH from 4.0 to 9.0 had no significant effect on the viscosity of the incubated mixture. Elevated incubation temperatures of 42°, 44°, and 46°C reduced viscosity but were well above the optimal growth temperature for Salmonella, 35°C. Addition of cellulase to lactose broth at a final concentration of 0.01% reduced viscosity of the mixture, making it readily pipettable. At least one Salmonella cell was consistently recovered from 25 g samples of guar gum, which represents a most probable number value of 0.04 cell per g.
Comparison of Microwave Oven and Convection Oven for Acid Hydrolysis of Dietary Fiber Polysaccharides
Authors: Li Betty W
Published: February 2020

Hydrolysis of dietary fiber polysaccharides (DFP) is an integral part of any enzymatic-chemical method for dietary fiber analysis. Residues obtained after enzyme treatments of fiber-containing foods are usually suspended in 12M sulfuric acid and kept at or slightly above ambient temperature for at least 1 h, and then the mixtures are diluted with deionized water to a final concentration of 1M or 2M acid, followed by heating at 100°C in a water bath or convection oven for 1 or 2 h. Under these hydrolytic conditions, some degradation of the released monosaccharides generally takes place over the duration of hydrolysis. We investigated the feasibility of using microwave energy as a heat source to reduce time and minimize degradation. Preliminary tests were done on the well-characterized soy polysaccharide Fibrim. With a microwave digestion system equipped with temperature and pressure monitors and control lines, optimum settings of power (5%, 75%), time (up to 3 min and 30 s), temperature (35°-55°C), and pressure (45-65 psi) were determined for different foods depending on the residue weight and volume of acid. Results were comparable for microwave oven and convection oven hydrolysis of DFP from 5 foods with good correlations for neutral sugar values; r2 = 0.997 for arabinose, 0.925 for galactose, 0.981 for glucose, 0.969 for mannose, and 0.990 for xylose.
MicroRNA-448 targets SATB1 to reverse the cisplatin resistance in lung cancer via mediating Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway
Authors: Ning Mei-Ying , Cheng Zhao-Lin , Zhao Jing
Published: February 2020

This study aims to examine whether miR-448 reverses the cisplatin (DDP) resistance in lung cancer by modulating SATB1. QRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to examine the miR-448 and SATB1 expressions in DDP-sensitive and -resistant lung cancer patients. A microarray was used to investigate the cytoplasmic/nucleic ratio (C/N ratios) of genes in A549 cells targeted by miR-448, followed by Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. A549/DDP cells were transfected with miR-448 mimics/inhibitors with or without SATB1 siRNA followed by MTT assay, Edu staining, flow cytometry, qRT-PCR and western blotting. MiR-448 was lower but SATB1 was increased in DDP-resistant patients and A549/DDP cells. And the patients showed low miR-448 expression or SATB1 positive expression had poor prognosis. SATB1, as a target gene with higher C/N ratios (>1), was found negatively regulated by miR-448. Besides, miR-448 inhibitors increased resistance index of A549/DDP cells, promoted cell proliferation, increased cell distribution in S phrase, declined cell apoptosis and activated Wnt/β-catenin pathway. However, SATB1 siRNA could reverse the above effect caused by miR-448 inhibitors. MiR-448 targeting SATB1 to counteract the DDP resistance of lung cancer cells via Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
Revealing the Hidden Colour in Representations of Eileen Gray’s Modern Architecture and Design
Authors: Tyler Rachel Siobhan
Published: February 2020

Colour is both spatial and material. It is an integral feature of architecture, yet it is often undervalued, particularly in contrast to form. This article explores how Eileen Gray’s background in fine art and material practice promoted a particular use of colour in her architecture. Art practitioners who engage with processes of colour and material making are alert to the ambiguous nature of colour and its potential to contribute to space production. However, such knowledge is often overlooked by historians or dismissed as less significant than other aspects of design. Previous architectural histories of Eileen Gray that rely upon representations of her work in black and white photographs have missed the spatial and place-making qualities of colour in her work. Archival evidence, by contrast, reveals the significance of Gray’s material and practice-led colour research, which resulted in her distinct approach to modern architecture.
Portal placement for endoscopic surgery in the deep gluteal area: a cadaveric study
Authors: Bataillie F , Bataillie S , van Beek N , Corten K
Published: February 2020

Partial or complete avulsion of the insertion of the proximal hamstrings at the level of the ischial tuberosity is most often treated by open exploration and reinsertion. However, endoscopic reinsertion could be considered to minimize the soft tissue damage. In this study, we aimed to determine the most optimal location of four endoscopic portals that allow for a safe exploration of the proximal hamstring insertion site. The reference points for the portals run vertically through the center of the sciatic tuberosity and through a horizontal line which lies on the inferior edge of the tuberosity. The distance and relationship between the sciatic, the inferior gluteal and posterior femoral cutaneous nerves and the four proposed endoscopic portals was documented. Our results showed that it was best to start with the inferior portal followed by the medial and lateral portal. The inferior portal allowed for a clear visualization of the sciatic nerve and was along with the medial portal at a distance of >5 cm from any of the surrounding nerves. Care must be taken with the lateral portal, as the distance to the surrounding nerves varied between specimens. A fourth portal could be used as a viewing portal when necessary. Our study showed that the sequence and position of the proposed endoscopic portals provide a safe approach to the proximal part of the hamstrings and the ischial tuberosity. These findings can be helpful for endoscopic procedures to the ischium and the sciatic nerve in the gluteal region.
Mating Delay Reduces Reproductive Performance but not Longevity in a Monandrous Moth
Authors: Zheng Xia-Lin , Liu Junyan , Lu Wen , He Xiong Zhao , Wang Qiao
Published: February 2020

Age at mating is one of the most important factors that affect mating success and reproductive fitness in insects. The present study investigated how the age of the two sexes at mating determined mating success, reproductive fitness and longevity in Phauda flammans (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Phaudidae), a serious pest of Ficus spp. trees in South and Southeast Asia. The study may provide basic knowledge for the development of mating disruption programs using sex pheromones to control this pest. The species is monandrous and its adults live for only 4–5 d. We show that delayed mating significantly lowered mating success in both sexes, with males being more severely affected than females. Mating delay also reduced reproductive outputs of both sexes but females were more negatively affected than males. We did not find any effect of delayed mating on longevity of either sex. Our findings suggest that mating disruption with sex pheromones can be an effective method to delay mating in P. flammans, reducing reproductive success and thus limit population growth.
Efficacy and Spatial Extent of Yard-Scale Control of Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) Using Barrier Sprays and Larval Habitat Management
Authors: Hollingsworth Brandon , Hawkins Pete , Lloyd Alun L , Reiskind Michael H
Published: February 2020

The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse), is a peridomestic, container-ovipositing mosquito commonly found throughout the southeastern United States. In the United States, Ae. albopictus is typically considered a nuisance pest; however, it is capable of transmitting multiple pathogens. Ae. albopictus is an important pest species and the target of numerous mosquito control efforts in the United States. Here, we evaluate the effectiveness and spatial extent of Ae. albopictus population reduction using a bifenthrin (AI Bifen IT, 7.9%) barrier spray and larval habitat management (LHM) in a temperate, suburban setting. Sixteen pairs of adjoining neighbors were randomly assigned to treatment groups with one neighbor receiving a treatment and the other monitored for evidence of a spillover effect of the treatments. Ae. albopictus populations in both yards were monitored for 33 d, with treatments occurring on the eighth day. Barrier sprays, both alone and combined with LHM, resulted in a significant reduction in Ae. albopictus abundance posttreatment. While LHM alone did not result in a significant reduction over the entire posttreatment period, Ae. albopictus populations were observed to be in decline during this period. No treatments were observed to have any reduction in efficacy 25 d posttreatment, with treatments involving LHM having a significantly increased efficacy. Yards neighboring treated yards were also observed to have reduced population sizes posttreatment, but these differences were rarely significant. These results provide insights into the population dynamics of Ae. albopictus following two common treatments and will be useful for integrated pest management plans.
Urban Populations of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) From Central Argentina: Dispersal Patterns Assessed by Bayesian and Multivariate Methods
Authors: Ayala Ana María , Vera Noelia Soledad , Chiappero Marina Beatriz , Almirón Walter Ricardo , Gardenal Cristina Noemí
Published: February 2020

Aedes aegypti (L.), the main vector of dengue and other arboviruses, was declared eradicated from Argentina in 1964; however, in 1987, it was detected again and nowadays it occurs in most of the country territory. To understand the transmission of vector-borne diseases, knowledge of the dispersal of vector populations is essential to evaluate the risk of pathogen transmission. We conducted a population genetic analysis of Ae. aegypti in 20 neighborhoods from Córdoba, the second largest city in Argentina, using 10 microsatellite loci. High genetic differentiation and the absence of an isolation by distance pattern was found using Weir and Cockerham’s θ. Bayesian and multivariate clustering analyses showed that the studied sites included individuals with high membership coefficients (Q) in their populations, individuals with membership in another cluster, and admixed individuals. Individuals with high Q in clusters different from the population in which they were collected strongly suggests that passive transport is important in shaping the Ae. aegypti dispersal pattern in Córdoba city. Knowing the genetic structure of Ae. aegypti populations and their dispersal patterns would contribute to the implementation of vector control programs.
Mosquito Species Composition and Abundance in Quebec, Eastern Canada
Authors: Shahhosseini Nariman , Wong Gary , Frederick Christina , Kobinger Gary P
Published: February 2020

Given current and projected changes in the climate, the composition of mosquito species is predicted to shift geographically with implications for the transmission dynamics of vector-borne pathogens. Many mosquito species are rarely collected in Canada and their history is poorly understood; thus assessing their potential role as vectors for pathogenesis is difficult. Mosquitoes were collected from four trapping sites in Quebec Province, Canada, from June to September during 2018 and 2019 using BG sentinel traps. From all morphologically identified female mosquitoes, at least one specimen was selected for identification confirmation using the DNA-barcoding technique. Sequences were subjected to alignment and a Neighbor-Joining (NJ) tree was created using Geneious software. In total, 2,752 female mosquitoes belonging to 20 species over five genera: including Aedes (Ae.), Anopheles (An.), Culex (Cx.), Culiseta (Cu.), Coquillettidia (Cq.) were collected. The predominant mosquito was found to be Ae. cinereus. The highest number of mosquito species was captured in July, followed by August, September, and then June. Five genera were characterized by a distinctive set of cytochrome oxidase I (COI) sequences that formed well-supported clusters in the NJ-tree. The presence of Ae.japonicus in Quebec provides an initial look at the distribution of mosquito species in eastern Canada, which may put Canadians at risk of a wider range of arboviruses.
Using Forest Inventory and Analysis Data to Support National Forest Management: Regional Case Studies
Authors: Hoover Coeli M , Bush Renate , Palmer Marin , Treasure Emrys
Published: February 2020

Although many forestry practitioners have a general understanding of the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program and the type of data collected, most non-expert users of FIA reports and basic data are unlikely to be familiar with the breadth of information available and the many potential uses of the data. We present case studies from three USDA Forest Service regions to highlight a variety of applications of FIA data, from informing the forest plan revision process to supplying managers with timely information on important forest attributes at the stand and landscape scales. These examples illustrate the utility of FIA data in meeting managers’ information needs, the importance of the linkages between research and management throughout the agency, and the role that the FIA program can play in fostering those collaborations.
Continental-scale citizen science data reveal no changes in acoustic responses of a widespread tree frog to an urbanisation gradient
Authors: Mitchell Brittany A , Callaghan Corey T , Rowley Jodi J L
Published: February 2020

One of the major drivers of global biodiversity declines is habitat loss and modification, often associated with anthropogenic environments. To mitigate biodiversity declines, a comprehensive understanding of how species respond to novel anthropogenic environments is required. Compared to natural habitats, human-modified environments often have increased noise and light pollution, potentially affecting acoustically communicating species, such as frogs. These areas may force animals to modulate or alter their calls to communicate with potential mates, as they compete with anthropogenic noise. Using large-scale citizen science data, coupled with remotely sensed data, we examined how the advertisement calls of the Australian red tree frog (Litoria rubella) varied in response to a gradient consistent with anthropogenic disturbance. After measuring a suite of acoustic properties of L.rubella across its range, we discovered that their advertisement calls showed no response to a disturbance urbanisation gradient. The advertisement calls of the species were highly variable, both at continental and local scales. Our results indicate that acoustic communication in male L.rubella may not be impeded in human-modified habitats as (1) they are a loud species typically heard over background noise and multi-species choruses and (2) their calls are highly variable—potentially serving as a buffer to any acoustic disturbances. Overall, our results provide evidence that some frog species may be acoustically urban tolerant and provide a greater understanding of the responses frogs exhibit to human-mediated environmental change.
Diet composition of introduced barn owls (Tyto alba javanica) in urban area in comparison with agriculture settings
Authors: Saufi Safwan , Ravindran Shakinah , Hamid Noor Hisham , Zainal Abidin Cik Mohd Rizuan , Ahmad Hamdan , Ahmad Abu Hassan , Salim Hasber
Published: February 2020

This study investigated the diet of introduced barn owls (Tyto alba javanica, Gmelin) in the urban area of the Main Campus of Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia, based on collected regurgitated pellets. We also compared the diet of the introduced barn owls with the diet of barn owls from two agricultural areas, i.e. oil palm plantations and rice fields. Pellet analysis of introduced barn owls showed that commensal Norway rats, Rattus norvegicus, made up the highest proportion of the diet (65.37% prey biomass) while common shrews, Suncus murinus were the second highest consumed prey (30.12% prey biomass). Common plantain squirrel, Callosciurus notatus, made up 4.45% of the diet while insects were taken in a relatively small amount (0.046% prey biomass). Introduced barn owls showed a preference for medium-sized prey, i.e. 40–120 g (52.96% biomass and 38.71% total). In agricultural areas, rice field rats, Rattus argentiventer predominated the diet of barn owls (98.24% prey biomass) in rice fields while Malayan wood rats, Rattus tiomanicus, were the most consumed prey in oil palm plantations (99.5% prey biomass). Food niche breadth value was highest for barn owls introduced in an urban area with a value of 2.90, and 1.06 in rice fields and 1.22 in oil palm plantations. Our analysis reiterates the prey preference of barn owls in various landscapes for small mammals. Our results also indicate the suitability of utilizing barn owls as a biological control not only in agricultural areas, but also as a biological control agent for commensal rodent pests in urban areas.
A wish list for synthetic biology in photosynthesis research
Authors: Zhu Xin-Guang , Ort Donald R , Parry Martin A J , von Caemmerer Susanne
Published: February 2020

This perspective summarizes the presentations and discussions at the ‘ International Symposium on Synthetic Biology in Photosynthesis Research’, which was held in Shanghai in 2018. Leveraging the current advanced understanding of photosynthetic systems, the symposium brain-stormed about the redesign and engineering of photosynthetic systems for translational goals and evaluated available new technologies/tools for synthetic biology as well as technological obstacles and new tools that would be needed to overcome them. Four major research areas for redesigning photosynthesis were identified: (i) mining natural variations of photosynthesis; (ii) coordinating photosynthesis with pathways utilizing photosynthate; (iii) reconstruction of highly efficient photosynthetic systems in non-host species; and (iv) development of new photosynthetic systems that do not exist in nature. To expedite photosynthesis synthetic biology research, an array of new technologies and community resources need to be developed, which include expanded modelling capacities, molecular engineering toolboxes, model species, and phenotyping tools.
The Context of Multi-Ethnic Politics for Ethiopian American Literature
Authors: Thomas Steven W
Published: February 2020

Considering the broad conversation among African novelists about the representation of Africans in America, this essay proposes a reevaluation of Ethiopian American literature that is attentive to the historical complexity of Ethiopia’s ethnic diversity. Situating novels and memoirs in their regional context of the Horn of Africa, it highlights how writers of the Ethiopian diaspora sometimes wrestle with and other times avoid the implications of the region’s ethnic politics. Focusing on the novel The Parking Lot Attendant (2018) by Nafkote Tamirat as a case study, it compares it to how other novelists and memoirists from the region, including Dinaw Mengestu, Nega Mezlekia, Maaza Mengiste, Meti Birabiro, Rebecca Haile, and Nurrudin Farrah, have managed the burden of multi-ethnic representation. Tamirat’s novel is somewhat unique for framing the immigrant experience within the story of a political dystopia and uncanny “loneless” social relations. By analyzing Ethiopian American literature in this way, the essay critiques scholarship that has been inattentive to the complex multi-ethnic history of the region because of its focus on the alienation of Ethiopian protagonists from cross-cultural and intracultural forms of political engagement.
The evolutionary status of protostellar clumps hosting class II methanol masers
Authors: Jones B M , Fuller G A , Breen S L , Avison A , Green J A , Traficante A , Elia D , Ellingsen S P , Voronkov M A , Merello M , Molinari S , Schisano E
Published: February 2020

The Methanol MultiBeam survey (MMB) provides the most complete sample of Galactic massive young stellar objects (MYSOs) hosting 6.7 GHz class II methanol masers. We characterize the properties of these maser sources using dust emission detected by the Herschel Infrared Galactic Plane Survey (Hi-GAL) to assess their evolutionary state. Associating 731 (73 per cent) of MMB sources with compact emission at four Hi-GAL wavelengths, we derive clump properties and define the requirements of an MYSO to host a 6.7 GHz maser. The median far-infrared (FIR) mass and luminosity are 630 M⊙ and 2500 L⊙ for sources on the near side of Galactic centre and 3200 M⊙ and 10000 L⊙ for more distant sources. The median luminosity-to-mass ratio is similar for both at ∼4.2 L⊙  M⊙−1. We identify an apparent minimum 70 μm luminosity required to sustain a methanol maser of a given luminosity (with $L_{70} \propto L_{6.7}\, ^{0.6}$). The maser host clumps have higher mass and higher FIR luminosities than the general Galactic population of protostellar MYSOs. Using principal component analysis, we find 896 protostellar clumps satisfy the requirements to host a methanol maser but lack a detection in the MMB. Finding a 70 μm flux density deficiency in these objects, we favour the scenario in which these objects are evolved beyond the age where a luminous 6.7 GHz maser can be sustained. Finally, segregation by association with secondary maser species identifies evolutionary differences within the population of 6.7GHz sources.
A strongly changing accretion morphology during the outburst decay of the neutron star X-ray binary 4U 1608−52
Authors: van den Eijnden J , Degenaar N , Ludlam R M , Parikh A S , Miller J M , Wijnands R , Gendreau K C , Arzoumanian Z , Chakrabarty D , Bult P
Published: February 2020

It is commonly assumed that the properties and geometry of the accretion flow in transient low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) significantly change when the X-ray luminosity decays below ∼10−2 of the Eddington limit (LEdd). However, there are few observational cases where the evolution of the accretion flow is tracked in a single X-ray binary over a wide dynamic range. In this work, we use NuSTAR and NICER observations obtained during the 2018 accretion outburst of the neutron star LMXB 4U 1608−52, to study changes in the reflection spectrum. We find that the broad Fe–Kα line and Compton hump, clearly seen during the peak of the outburst when the X-ray luminosity is ∼1037 erg s−1 (∼0.05 LEdd), disappear during the decay of the outburst when the source luminosity drops to ∼4.5 × 1035 erg s−1 (∼0.002 LEdd). We show that this non-detection of the reflection features cannot be explained by the lower signal-to-noise ratio at lower flux, but is instead caused by physical changes in the accretion flow. Simulating synthetic NuSTAR observations on a grid of inner disc radius, disc ionization, and reflection fraction, we find that the disappearance of the reflection features can be explained by either increased disc ionization (log ξ ≳ 4.1) or a much decreased reflection fraction. A changing disc truncation alone, however, cannot account for the lack of reprocessed Fe–Kα emission. The required increase in ionization parameter could occur if the inner accretion flow evaporates from a thin disc into a geometrically thicker flow, such as the commonly assumed formation of a radiatively inefficient accretion flow at lower mass accretion rates.
A new gravitational-wave signature of low-T/|W| instability in rapidly rotating stellar core collapse
Authors: Shibagaki Shota , Kuroda Takami , Kotake Kei , Takiwaki Tomoya
Published: February 2020

We present results from a full general relativistic three-dimensional hydrodynamics simulation of rapidly rotating core collapse of a 70 M⊙ star with three-flavour spectral neutrino transport. We find a strong gravitational-wave (GW) emission that originates from the growth of the one- and two-armed spiral waves extending from the nascent proto-neutron star (PNS). The GW spectrogram shows several unique features that are produced by the non-axisymmetric instabilities. After bounce, the spectrogram first shows a transient quasi-periodic time modulation at ∼450 Hz. In the second active phase, it again shows the quasi-periodic modulation but with the peak frequency increasing with time, which continues until the final simulation time. From our detailed analysis, such features can be well explained by a combination of the so-called low-T/|W| instability and the PNS core contraction.
Immunoglobulin G/albumin staining in tubular protein reabsorption droplets in minimal change disease and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
Authors: Bu Lihong , Mirocha James , Haas Mark
Published: February 2020

Background

Some renal biopsies cannot distinguish minimal change disease (MCD) from primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) because of inadequate sampling and/or a lack of sampled glomeruli with segmental sclerosis. As protein excretion in MCD has been described as being albumin-selective, we examined whether the ratio of immunoglobulin G (IgG)/albumin staining in protein reabsorption droplets (tPRD) might help distinguish MCD from FSGS.

Methods

Frozen tissue from 144 native renal biopsies from patients with nephrotic syndrome and a diagnosis of MCD or FSGS [73 MCD, 30 FSGS tip variant (FSGS-tip), 38 FSGS-not otherwise specified (FSGS-NOS), 3 FSGS collapsing] was retrospectively stained by direct immunofluorescence for IgG and albumin; none of these samples showed diagnostic lesions of FSGS. IgG and albumin staining of tPRD were graded on a scale of 0 to 3+ based on the distribution and intensity of staining.

Results

Mean (standard deviation) IgG/albumin staining ratios were 0.186 ± 0.239 for MCD, 0.423 ± 0.334 for FSGS-tip (P = 0.0001 versus MCD) and 0.693 ± 0.297 for FSGS-NOS (P < 0.0001 versus MCD; P = 0.0001 versus FSGS-tip). Of 84 biopsies with a ratio ≤0.33, 63 (75%) showed MCD, whereas among 21 with a ratio of 1.0, all but one showed FSGS (15 FSGS-NOS).

Conclusions

In summary, IgG/albumin staining in tPRD was correlated with histologic diagnosis in renal biopsies with MCD and FSGS. A ratio of ≤0.33 was associated with MCD, whereas a ratio of 1.0 was most often seen with FSGS-NOS.
Coagulation Differences Detectable in Deep and Lobar Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage Using Thromboelastography
Authors: Roh David , Torres Glenda L , Cai Chunyan , Zammit Christopher , Reynolds Alexandra S , Mitchell Amanda , Connolly E Sander , Claassen Jan , Grotta James C , Choi Huimahn A , Chang Tiffany R
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

There are radiographic and clinical outcome differences between patients with deep and lobar intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) locations. Pilot studies suggest that there may be functional coagulation differences between these locations detectable using whole blood coagulation testing.

OBJECTIVE

To confirm the presence of interlocation functional coagulation differences using a larger cohort of deep and lobar ICH patients receiving whole blood coagulation testing: thromboelastography (TEG; Haemonetics).

METHODS

Clinical and laboratory data were prospectively collected between 2009 and 2018 for primary ICH patients admitted to a tertiary referral medical center. Deep and lobar ICH patients receiving admission TEG were analyzed. Patients with preceding anticoagulant use and/or admission coagulopathy (using prothrombin time/partial thromboplastin time/platelet count) were excluded. Linear regression models assessed the association of ICH location (independent variable) with TEG and traditional plasma coagulation test results (dependent variable) after adjusting for baseline hematoma size, age, sex, and stroke severity.

RESULTS

We identified 154 deep and 53 lobar ICH patients who received TEG. Deep ICH patients were younger and had smaller admission hematoma volumes (median: 16 vs 29 mL). Adjusted multivariable linear regression analysis revealed longer TEG R times (0.57 min; 95% CI: 0.02-1.11; P = .04), indicating longer clot formation times, in deep compared to lobar ICH. No other TEG parameter or plasma-based coagulation differences were seen.

CONCLUSION

We identified longer clot formation times, suggesting relative coagulopathy in deep compared to lobar ICH confirming results from prior work. Further work is required to elucidate mechanisms for these differences and whether ICH location should be considered in future coagulopathy treatment paradigms for ICH.
Rural–Urban Differences in Hospitalizations for Opioid Use–Associated Infective Endocarditis in the United States, 2003–2016
Authors: Nenninger E Katherine , Carwile Jenny L , Ahrens Katherine A , Armstrong Brett , Thakarar Kinna
Published: February 2020

Background

The incidence of infective endocarditis, a serious heart infection that can result from injection drug use, has increased in step with the opioid epidemic. Harm reduction services aimed at decreasing infectious complications of injection drug use are limited in rural areas; however, it is unknown whether the burden of opioid use–associated infective endocarditis varies between rural and urban populations.

Methods

We used 2003–2016 National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample data and joinpoint regression to compare trends in hospitalization for opioid use–associated infective endocarditis between rural and urban populations.

Results

Rates of US hospitalizations for opioid use–associated infective endocarditis increased from 0.28 to 3.86 per 100 000 rural residents, as compared with 1.26 to 3.49 for urban residents (overall difference in annual percent change P < .01). We observed 2 distinct trend periods, with a period of little change between 2003 and 2009/2010 (annual percent change, 0.0% rural vs –0.08% urban) followed by a large increase in hospitalization rates between 2009/2010 and 2016 (annual percent change, 0.35% rural vs 0.36% urban). Over the study period, opioid use–associated infective endocarditis hospitalizations shifted toward younger age groups for both rural and urban residents, and rural resident hospitalizations increasingly occurred at urban teaching hospitals. For both groups, Medicaid was the most common payer.

Conclusions

The increase in US hospitalizations for opioid use–associated infective endocarditis over the past decade supports the importance of public health efforts to reduce injection-related infections in both urban and rural areas. Future studies should examine factors affecting the higher increase in rate of these hospitalizations in rural areas.
Phenological shift in swarming patterns of Rhopilema nomadica in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Edelist Dor , Guy-Haim Tamar , Kuplik Zafrir , Zuckerman Noa , Nemoy Philip , Angel Dror L
Published: February 2020

Jellyfish (JF) swarms impact human wellbeing and marine ecosystems. Their global proliferation is a matter of concern and scientific debate, and the multitude of factors affecting (and affected by) their density and distribution merits long-term monitoring of their populations. Here we present an eight-year time series for Rhopilema nomadica, the most prominent JF species swarming the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Reports were submitted by the public and within it a group of trained participants via an internet website between June 2011 and June 2019. Data collected included species, size, location, ranked amount and stinging. Swarms of R. nomadica prevailed in July and ended in August but were also prominent in winter from January to March. Both observations deviate from past swarming patterns described in the late 1980s, when summer swarms persevered until October and winter swarms were not documented. Climate change (increasing water temperature) and the westwards up-current spread of R. nomadica are discussed as possible explanations for this phenological shift. We further demonstrate how data obtained by Citizen Science is used to develop a swarming indicator and monitor JF in time and space, and propose a forecast based on these observations.
Signal on the Margin: Behavior of Levered Investors and Future Economic Conditions*
Authors: Deuskar Prachi , Kumar Nitin , Poland Jeramia Allan
Published: February 2020

Margin capacity, defined as the aggregate excess debt capacity of investors buying securities on margin, strongly predicts (i) lower S&P 500 returns, (ii) lower growth in aggregate earnings, dividends, employment, and overall economic activity, (iii) higher macro, financial, and policy uncertainty, (iv) lower interest rates, (v) tighter lending standards by banks, and (vi) lower intermediary equity capital. High margin capacity is a precursor, not a response, to borrowing and intermediary constraints and higher volatility. It typically arises when levered investors with profitable past positions limit their leverage. We interpret that it reflects informed investors’ conservatism ahead of bad times.
Profiling the ToxCast Library With a Pluripotent Human (H9) Stem Cell Line-Based Biomarker Assay for Developmental Toxicity
Authors: Zurlinden Todd J , Saili Katerine S , Rush Nathaniel , Kothiya Parth , Judson Richard S , Houck Keith A , Hunter E Sidney , Baker Nancy C , Palmer Jessica A , Thomas Russell S , Knudsen Thomas B
Published: February 2020

The Stemina devTOX quickPredict platform is a human pluripotent stem cell-based assay that predicts the developmental toxicity potential based on changes in cellular metabolism following chemical exposure [Palmer, J. A., Smith, A. M., Egnash, L. A., Conard, K. R., West, P. R., Burrier, R. E., Donley, E. L. R., and Kirchner, F. R. (2013). Establishment and assessment of a new human embryonic stem cell-based biomarker assay for developmental toxicity screening. Birth Defects Res. B Dev. Reprod. Toxicol. 98, 343–363]. Using this assay, we screened 1065 ToxCast phase I and II chemicals in single-concentration or concentration-response for the targeted biomarker (ratio of ornithine to cystine secreted or consumed from the media). The dataset from the Stemina (STM) assay is annotated in the ToxCast portfolio as STM. Major findings from the analysis of ToxCast_STM dataset include (1) 19% of 1065 chemicals yielded a prediction of developmental toxicity, (2) assay performance reached 79%–82% accuracy with high specificity (> 84%) but modest sensitivity (< 67%) when compared with in vivo animal models of human prenatal developmental toxicity, (3) sensitivity improved as more stringent weights of evidence requirements were applied to the animal studies, and (4) statistical analysis of the most potent chemical hits on specific biochemical targets in ToxCast revealed positive and negative associations with the STM response, providing insights into the mechanistic underpinnings of the targeted endpoint and its biological domain. The results of this study will be useful to improving our ability to predict in vivo developmental toxicants based on in vitro data and in silico models.
Similar temperature dependence of photosynthetic parameters in sun and shade leaves of three tropical tree species
Authors: Hernández Georgia G , Winter Klaus , Slot Martijn
Published: February 2020

Photosynthetic carbon uptake by tropical forests is of critical importance in regulating the earth’s climate, but rising temperatures threaten this stabilizing influence of tropical forests. Most research on how temperature affects photosynthesis focuses on fully sun-exposed leaves, and little is known about shade leaves, even though shade leaves greatly outnumber sun leaves in lowland tropical forests. We measured temperature responses of light-saturated photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, and the biochemical parameters VCMax (maximum rate of RuBP carboxylation) and JMax (maximum rate of RuBP regeneration, or electron transport) on sun and shade leaves of mature tropical trees of three species in Panama. As expected, biochemical capacities and stomatal conductance were much lower in shade than in sun leaves, leading to lower net photosynthesis rates. However, the key temperature response traits of these parameters—the optimum temperature (TOpt) and the activation energy—did not differ systematically between sun and shade leaves. Consistency in the JMax to VCMax ratio further suggested that shade leaves are not acclimated to lower temperatures. For both sun and shade leaves, stomatal conductance had the lowest temperature optimum (~25 °C), followed by net photosynthesis (~30 °C), JMax (~34 °C) and VCMax (~38 °C). Stomatal conductance of sun leaves decreased more strongly with increasing vapor pressure deficit than that of shade leaves. Consistent with this, modeled stomatal limitation of photosynthesis increased with increasing temperature in sun but not shade leaves. Collectively, these results suggest that modeling photosynthetic carbon uptake in multi-layered canopies does not require independent parameterization of the temperature responses of the biochemical controls over photosynthesis of sun and shade leaves. Nonetheless, to improve the representation of the shade fraction of carbon uptake dynamics in tropical forests, better understanding of stomatal sensitivity of shade leaves to temperature and vapor pressure deficit will be required.
Relationship Between Serum Norepinephrine Levels at ICU Admission and the Risk of ICU-Acquired Delirium: Secondary Analysis of the Melatonin Evaluation of Lowered Inflammation of ICU Trial
Authors: Yasuda Yuma , Nishikimi Mitsuaki , Nishida Kazuki , Takahashi Kunihiko , Numaguchi Atsushi , Higashi Michiko , Matsui Shigeyuki , Matsuda Naoyuki
Published: February 2020

Objectives:

Abnormal secretion of catecholamines is well known to cause delirium. In particular, disturbances of catecholamine balance can cause ICU-acquired delirium. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the serum levels of catecholamines and the risk of occurrence of ICU-acquired delirium separately in patients who had/had not received exogenous catecholamines before ICU admission.

Design:

A secondary analysis of the data of 81 patients enrolled in our previous randomized clinical trial.

Setting:

ICU of an academic hospital.

Patients:

ICU patients in whom the serum levels of catecholamines were measured at ICU admission.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

We evaluated the association between the serum levels of catecholamines measured at ICU admission and the risk of ICU-acquired delirium separately in patients who had received exogenous catecholamines at ICU admission (Ex[+] group) and those who had not received exogenous catecholamines (Ex[–] group). The serum levels of norepinephrine measured at ICU admission were significantly associated with the risk of ICU-acquired delirium in the Ex(–) group (odds ratio, 2.58; 95% CI, 1.02–6.52; p = 0.046), but not in the Ex(+) group (odds ratio, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.88–1.18; p = 0.823). Furthermore, there was a statistically significant interaction effect between the serum levels of norepinephrine and the use/nonuse of exogenous catecholamines at ICU admission in relation to the risk of occurrence of ICU-acquired delirium (p
interaction = 0.017).

Conclusions:

The serum levels of norepinephrine measured at admission were associated with the risk of occurrence of ICU-acquired delirium in patients who had not received exogenous catecholamines at ICU admission, whereas no such association was observed in those who had received exogenous catecholamines previously. Thus, the association between the serum levels of catecholamines measured at admission and the risk of ICU-acquired delirium differed between patients who had/had not received exogenous catecholamines at ICU admission.
Delayed graft function is correlated with graft loss in recipients of expanded-criteria rather than standard-criteria donor kidneys: a retrospective, multicenter, observation cohort study
Authors: Han Fei , Lin Min-Zhuan , Zhou Hong-Lan , Li Heng , Sun Qi-Peng , Huang Zheng-Yu , Hong Liang-Qing , Wang Gang , Cai Rui-Ming , Sun Qi-Quan
Published: February 2020

Background:

Although the use of expanded-criteria donors (ECDs) alleviates the problem of organ shortage, it significantly increases the incidence of delayed graft function (DGF). DGF is a common complication after kidney transplantation; however, the effect of DGF on graft loss is uncertain based on the published literature. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine the relationship between DGF and allograft survival.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective, multicenter, observation cohort study. A total of 284 deceased donors and 541 recipients between February 2012 and March 2017 were included. We used logistic regression analysis to verify the association between clinical parameters and DGF, and Cox proportional hazards models were applied to quantify the hazard ratios of DGF for kidney graft loss.

Results:

Among the 284 deceased donors, 65 (22.8%) donors were ECD. Of the 541 recipients, 107 (19.8%) recipients developed DGF, and this rate was higher with ECD kidneys than with standard-criteria donor (SCD) kidneys (29.2% vs. 17.1%; P = 0.003). The 5-year graft survival rate was not significantly different between SCD kidney recipients with and without DGF (95.8% vs. 95.4%; P = 0.580). However, there was a significant difference between ECD kidney recipients with and without DGF (71.4% vs. 97.6%; P = 0.001), and the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for graft loss for recipients with DGF was 1.885 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.305–7.630; P = 0.024). Results showed that induction therapy with anti-thymocyte globulin was protective against DGF (odds ratio = 0.359; 95% CI = 0.197–0.652; P = 0.001) with all donor kidneys and a protective factor for graft survival (HR = 0.308; 95% CI = 0.130–0.728; P = 0.007) with ECD kidneys.

Conclusion:

DGF is an independent risk factor for graft survival in recipients with ECD kidneys, but not SCD kidneys.