bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The complexity of porphyrin-like pigments in a marine annelid sheds new light on haem metabolism in aquatic invertebrates
Authors: Martins C. , Rodrigo A. P. , Cabrita L. , Henriques P. , Parola A. J. , Costa P. M.
Published: September 2019

True green pigments in the animal kingdom are scarce and are almost invariably porphyrinoids. Endogenous porphyrins resulting from the breakdown of haem are usually known as “bile pigments”. The pigmentation of intertidal Polychaeta has long gained attention due to its variety and vivid patterning that often seems incompatible with camouflage, as it occurs withEulalia viridis, one of the few truly green Polychaeta. The present study combined UV and bright-field microscopy with HPLC to address the presence and distribution of pigments in several organs. The results showed two major types of porphyrin-like pigments, yellowish and greenish in colour, that are chiefly stored as intraplasmatic granules. Whereas the proboscis holds yellow pigments, the skin harbours both types in highly specialised cells. In their turn, oocytes and intestine have mostly green pigments. Despite some inter-individual variation, the pigments tend to be stable after prolonged storage at −20 °C, which has important implications for future studies. The results show that, in a foraging predator of the intertidal where melanins are circumscribed to lining the nervous system, porphyrinoid pigments have a key role in protection against UV light, in sensing and even as chemical defence against foulants and predators, which represents a remarkable adaptive feature.
Identification of in vivo nonlinear anisotropic mechanical properties of ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm from patient-specific CT scans
Authors: Liu Minliang , Liang Liang , Sulejmani Fatiesa , Lou Xiaoying , Iannucci Glen , Chen Edward , Leshnower Bradley , Sun Wei
Published: September 2019

Accurate identification of in vivo nonlinear, anisotropic mechanical properties of the aortic wall of individual patients remains to be one of the critical challenges in the field of cardiovascular biomechanics. Since only the physiologically loaded states of the aorta are given from in vivo clinical images, inverse approaches, which take into account of the unloaded configuration, are needed for in vivo material parameter identification. Existing inverse methods are computationally expensive, which take days to weeks to complete for a single patient, inhibiting fast feedback for clinicians. Moreover, the current inverse methods have only been evaluated using synthetic data. In this study, we improved our recently developed multi-resolution direct search (MRDS) approach and the computation time cost was reduced to 1~2 hours. Using the improved MRDS approach, we estimated in vivo aortic tissue elastic properties of two ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm (ATAA) patients from pre-operative gated CT scans. For comparison, corresponding surgically-resected aortic wall tissue samples were obtained and subjected to planar biaxial tests. Relatively close matches were achieved for the in vivo-identified and ex vivo-fitted stress-stretch responses. It is hoped that further development of this inverse approach can enable an accurate identification of the in vivo material parameters from in vivo image data.
Predictors for Pulmonary Tuberculosis Treatment Outcome in Denmark 2009–2014
Authors: Holden Inge K. , Lillebaek Troels , Seersholm Niels , Andersen Peter H. , Wejse Christian , Johansen Isik S.
Published: September 2019

Monitoring of tuberculosis (TB) treatment outcome is essential to ensure an effective TB control program. In this nationwide retrospective cohort study from Denmark we present TB treatment outcome rates and risk factors associated with an unfavourable outcome. All patients notified with pulmonary TB from 2009 through 2014 were included. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk factors for unfavourable outcome. In total, 1681 pulmonary TB cases were included. TB treatment success rates increased during the study period. In 2014, the treatment success rate reached 85% for new culture positive cases whereas 7% cases interrupted treatment. The mortality decreased during the study period from 12.3% to 4.1%. Several risk factors associated with unfavourable outcome were identified in a multivariable model: male (OR: 2.56), Greenlandic origin (OR: 1.80), abuse of alcohol (OR: 2.90), history of mental disorder (OR: 2.46), and anaemia at time of treatment initiation (OR: 1.92). In a TB low incidence setting such as the Danish, it is important to maintain focus on preventing an unfavourable TB outcome. Patient management and treatment can be optimized by taking into consideration risk factors such as those identified in the present study.
Synthesis and biological characterization of silver nanoparticles derived from the cyanobacterium Oscillatoria limnetica
Authors: Hamouda Ragaa A. , Hussein Mervat H. , Abo-elmagd Rasha A. , Bawazir Salwa S.
Published: September 2019

Using aqueous cyanobacterial extracts in the synthesis of silver nanoparticle is looked as green, ecofriendly, low priced biotechnology that gives advancement over both chemical and physical methods. In the current study, an aqueous extract of Oscillatoria limnetica fresh biomass was used for the green synthesis of Ag-NPs, since O. limnetica extract plays a dual part in both reducing and stabilizing Oscillatoria-silver nanoparticles (O-AgNPs). The UV-Visible absorption spectrum, Fourier transforms infrared (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were achieved for confirming and characterizing the biosynthesized O-AgNPs. TEM images detected the quasi-spherical Ag-NPs shape with diverse size ranged within 3.30–17.97 nm. FT-IR analysis demonstrated the presence of free amino groups in addition to sulfur containing amino acid derivatives acting as stabilizing agents as well as the presence of either sulfur or phosphorus functional groups which possibly attaches silver. In this study, synthesized Ag-NPs exhibited strong antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria (Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus) as well as cytotoxic effects against both human breast (MCF-7) cell line giving IC50 (6.147 µg/ml) and human colon cancer (HCT-116) cell line giving IC50 (5.369 µg/ml). Hemolytic activity of Ag-NPs was investigated and confirmed as being non- toxic to human RBCs in low concentrations.
Non-contrast power Doppler ultrasound imaging for early assessment of trans-arterial chemoembolization of liver tumors
Authors: Tierney Jaime , Baker Jennifer , Borgmann Anthony , Brown Daniel , Byram Brett
Published: September 2019

Trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is an important yet variably effective treatment for management of hepatic malignancies. Lack of response can be in part due to inability to assess treatment adequacy in real-time. Gold-standard contrast enhanced computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, although effective, suffer from treatment-induced artifacts that prevent early treatment evaluation. Non-contrast ultrasound is a potential solution but has historically been ineffective at detecting treatment response. Here, we propose non-contrast ultrasound with recent perfusion-focused advancements as a tool for immediate evaluation of TACE. We demonstrate initial feasibility in an 11-subject pilot study. Treatment-induced changes in tumor perfusion are detected best when combining adaptive demodulation (AD) and singular value decomposition (SVD) techniques. Using a 0.5 s (300-sample) ensemble size, AD + SVD resulted in a 7.42 dB median decrease in tumor power after TACE compared to only a 0.06 dB median decrease with conventional methods.
Field demonstration of a semiochemical treatment that enhances Diorhabda carinulata biological control of Tamarix spp.
Authors: Gaffke Alexander M. , Sing Sharlene E. , Dudley Tom L. , Bean Daniel W. , Russak Justin A. , Mafra-Neto Agenor , Peterson Robert K. D. , Weaver David K.
Published: September 2019

The northern tamarisk beetle Diorhabda carinulata (Desbrochers) was approved for release in the United States for classical biological control of a complex of invasive saltcedar species and their hybrids (Tamarix spp.). An aggregation pheromone used by D. carinulata to locate conspecifics is fundamental to colonization and reproductive success. A specialized matrix formulated for controlled release of this aggregation pheromone was developed as a lure to manipulate adult densities in the field. One application of the lure at onset of adult emergence for each generation provided long term attraction and retention of D. carinulata adults on treated Tamarix spp. plants. Treated plants exhibited greater levels of defoliation, dieback and canopy reduction. Application of a single, well-timed aggregation pheromone treatment per generation increased the efficacy of this classical weed biological control agent.
Impact of cleaning and disinfection procedures on microbial ecology and Salmonella antimicrobial resistance in a pig slaughterhouse
Authors: Bridier Arnaud , Le Grandois Patricia , Moreau Marie-Hélène , Prénom Charleyne , Le Roux Alain , Feurer Carole , Soumet Christophe
Published: September 2019

To guarantee food safety, a better deciphering of ecology and adaptation strategies of bacterial pathogens such as Salmonella in food environments is crucial. The role of food processing conditions such as cleaning and disinfection procedures on antimicrobial resistance emergence should especially be investigated. In this work, the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella and the microbial ecology of associated surfaces communities were investigated in a pig slaughterhouse before and after cleaning and disinfection procedures. Salmonella were detected in 67% of samples and isolates characterization revealed the presence of 15 PFGE-patterns belonging to five serotypes: S.4,5,12:i:-, Rissen, Typhimurium, Infantis and Derby. Resistance to ampicillin, sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline and/or chloramphenicol was detected depending on serotypes. 16S rRNA-based bacterial diversity analyses showed that Salmonella surface associated communities were highly dominated by the Moraxellaceae family with a clear site-specific composition suggesting a persistent colonization of the pig slaughterhouse. Cleaning and disinfection procedures did not lead to a modification of Salmonella susceptibility to antimicrobials in this short-term study but they tended to significantly reduce bacterial diversity and favored some genera such as Rothia and Psychrobacter. Such data participate to the construction of a comprehensive view of Salmonella ecology and antimicrobial resistance emergence in food environments in relation with cleaning and disinfection procedures.
Patched1 haploinsufficiency severely impacts intermediary metabolism in the skin of Ptch1+/−/ODC transgenic mice
Authors: Li Changzhao , Mishra Bharat , Kashyap Mahendra , Weng Zhiping , Andrabi Shaida A. , Mukhtar Shahid M. , Kim Arianna L. , Bickers David R. , Kopelovich Levy , Athar Mohammad
Published: September 2019

The study of dominantly heritable cancers has provided insights about tumor development. Gorlin syndrome (GS) is an autosomal dominant disorder wherein affected individuals develop multiple basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) of the skin. We developed a murine model of Ptch1 haploinsufficiency on an ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) transgenic background (Ptch1+/−/ODCt/C57BL/6) that is more sensitive to BCCs growth as compared with Ptch1+/+/ODCt/C57BL/6 littermates. Ptch1+/−/ODCt/C57BL/6 mice show an altered metabolic landscape in the phenotypically normal skin, including restricted glucose availability, restricted ribose/deoxyribose flow and NADPH production, an accumulation of α-ketoglutarate, aconitate, and citrate that is associated with reversal of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, coupled with increased ketogenic/lipogenic activity via acetyl-CoA, 3-hydroybutyrate, and cholesterol metabolites. Also apparent was an increased content/acetylation of amino-acids, glutamine and glutamate, in particular. Accordingly, metabolic alterations due to a single copy loss of Ptch1 in Ptch1+/−/ODCt/C57BL/6 heterozygous mice may provide insights about the cancer prone phenotype of BCCs in GS patients, including biomarkers/targets for early intervention.
Germline variability and tumor expression level of ribosomal protein gene RPL28 are associated with survival of metastatic colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Labriet Adrien , Lévesque Éric , Cecchin Erika , De Mattia Elena , Villeneuve Lyne , Rouleau Michèle , Jonker Derek , Couture Félix , Simonyan David , Allain Eric P. , Buonadonna Angela , D’Andrea Mario , Toffoli Giuseppe , Guillemette Chantal
Published: September 2019

This study investigated the potential of single nucleotide polymorphisms as predictors of survival in two cohorts comprising 417 metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients treated with the FOLFIRI (folinic acid, 5-fluorouracil and irinotecan) regimen. The rs4806668G > T of the ribosomal protein gene RPL28 was associated with shorter progression-free survival and overall survival by 5 and 9 months (P = 0.002), with hazard ratios of 3.36 (P < 0.001) and 3.07 (P = 0.002), respectively. The rs4806668T allele was associated with an increased RPL28 expression in transverse normal colon tissues (n = 246, P = 0.007). RPL28 expression was higher in colorectal tumors compared to paired normal tissues by up to 124% (P < 0.001) in three independent datasets. Metastatic cases with highest RPL28 tumor expression had a reduced survival in two datasets (n = 88, P = 0.009 and n = 56, P = 0.009). High RPL28 was further associated with changes in immunoglobulin and extracellular matrix pathways. Repression of RPL28 reduced proliferation by 1.4-fold to 5.6-fold (P < 0.05) in colon cancer HCT116 and HT-29 cells. Our findings suggest that the ribosomal RPL28 protein may influence mCRC outcome.
Isolation, characterization and identification of antibiofouling metabolite from mangrove derived Streptomyces sampsonii PM33
Authors: Gopikrishnan Venugopal , Radhakrishnan Manikkam , Shanmugasundaram Thangavel , Ramakodi Meganathan P. , Balagurunathan Ramasamy
Published: September 2019

In this study, we report the production, bioassay guided isolation and identification of antibiofouling metabolite from mangrove derived actinobacterium, Streptomyces sampsonii (PM33). The actinobacterial strain PM33 yields maximum amount of antifouling compounds through agar surface fermentation. In optimization, carbohydrates such as glucose, fructose and xylose, are suitable for maximum production of the active compound. In addition, other compounds such as malt extract, glutamine, and sodium chloride concentrations (2.5, 5 and 7.5%) and parameters such as pH 7.0 and temperature range 30 °C to 40 °C enhanced the production of antifouling metabolite. The antifouling metabolite was extracted in ethyl acetate. TLC and bioautography was used to separate and detect the antifouling metabolite present in the crude extract. The physico chemical features revealed that the antifouling metabolite PM33 – B as taxifolin (C15H12O7). The purified taxifolin was found to be active against biofouling bacteria, algal spore germination and mollusc foot adherence, respectively. Toxicity nature of taxifolin was also determined by adopting zebrafish embryos. The taxifolin isolated from mangrove-derived Streptomyces sampsonii PM33 is a promising candidate for the development of eco-friendly antifouling preparation.
Pre-treatment with the CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib improves the efficacy of paclitaxel in TNBC cells
Authors: Cretella Daniele , Fumarola Claudia , Bonelli Mara , Alfieri Roberta , La Monica Silvia , Digiacomo Graziana , Cavazzoni Andrea , Galetti Maricla , Generali Daniele , Petronini Pier Giorgio
Published: September 2019

Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is a challenging disease due to the lack of druggable targets; therefore, chemotherapy remains the standard of care and the identification of new targets is a high clinical priority. Alterations in the components of the cell cycle machinery have been frequently reported in cancer; given the success obtained with the CDK4/6 inhibitor palbocicib in ER-positive BC, we explored the potential of combining this drug with chemotherapy in Rb-positive TNBC cell models. The simultaneous combination of palbociclib with paclitaxel exerted an antagonistic effect; by contrast, the sequential treatment inhibited cell proliferation and increased cell death more efficaciously than single treatments. By down-regulating the E2F target c-myc, palbociclib reduced HIF-1α and GLUT-1 expression, and hence glucose uptake and consumption both under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Importantly, these inhibitory effects on glucose metabolism were enhanced by palbociclib/paclitaxel sequential combination; the superior efficacy of such combination was ascribed to the ability of paclitaxel to inhibit palbociclib-mediated induction of AKT and to further down-regulate the Rb/E2F/c-myc signaling. Our results suggest that the efficacy of standard chemotherapy can be significantly improved by a pre-treatment with palbociclib, thus offering a better therapeutic option for Rb-proficient TNBC.
Rich observations of local and regional infrasound phases made by the AlpArray seismic network after refinery explosion
Authors: Fuchs Florian , Schneider Felix M. , Kolínský Petr , Serafin Stefano , Bokelmann Götz
Published: September 2019

On September 1st, 2018 a devastating explosion occurred on the facility of an oil refinery near Ingolstadt, Germany. We analyzed data of 400 permanent and temporary seismic stations and find strong seismo-acoustic signals on more than 80 seismic stations. The infrasound signal is detectable on seismic stations within 10–350 km from the source, with 40 km spatial resolution. We confirm the explosion site both by the seismic and seismo-acoustic arrivals. Apart from seismic P- and S-waves, we identified three separate acoustic phases with celerities of 332, 292, and 250 m/s, respectively, each of which has a particular spatial pattern of positive detections at the ground. Seismo-acoustic amplitudes are strongly affected by the type of seismic installation but still allow insight into regional infrasound attenuation. Our observations likely represent tropospheric, stratospheric, and thermospheric phases. We performed 3D acoustic ray tracing to validate our findings. Tropospheric and thermospheric arrivals are to some extent reproduced by the atmospheric model. However, ray tracing does not predict the observed acoustic stratospheric ducts. Our findings suggest that small-scale variations had considerable impact on the propagation of infrasound generated by the explosion.
Biodegradation influence on alkylphenanthrenes in oils from Bongor Basin, SW Chad
Authors: Huang Haiping , Li Zhiqiang , Wen Zhigang , Han Denglin , Pan Renfang
Published: September 2019

Oil samples from the Bongor Basin, SW Chad have been geochemically characterized to investigate the biodegradation influence on alkylphenanthrenes. Concentrations of C0–3-alkylphenanthrenes (C0–3Ps) increase markedly after level 6 biodegradation due to the removal of other vulnerable components, decrease sharply after level 7 biodegradation and approach to absence at level 8. Phenanthrene appears to have higher ability to resist biodegradation than C1–3Ps at certain biodegradation levels (≤level 7) due to demethylation, which has been inferred as a possible reaction process during biodegradation of the aromatic hydrocarbons. The enrichment of non-alkylated phenanthrene in biodegraded oils makes biodegradation assessment complicated on the basis of alkylphenanthrene distributions. Individual isomers in alkylphenanthrenes exhibit variable ability to resist biodegradation influence. While certain isomers do show higher ability to resist biodegradation than others, no uniform biodegradation sequence can be established. Meanwhile, the biodegradation susceptibility between hopanes and alkylphenanthrenes varies greatly in different samples. The biodegradation systematics of alkylphenanthrenes proves to be highly complex, which may be indicative of the multiple charges and mixing during biodegradation.
Effect of explant source, perlite nanoparticles and TiO2/perlite nanocomposites on phytochemical composition of metabolites in callus cultures of Hypericum perforatum
Authors: Ebadollahi R. , Jafarirad S. , Kosari-Nasab M. , Mahjouri S.
Published: September 2019

It appears that the biologically-synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) have potential to perform as effective elicitors for the production of valuable secondary metabolites in plants. Besides, it has been reported that the toxicity of the biologically-synthesized NP is not as much as that of the chemically-synthesized NPs. Therefore, it is necessary to test their advantages aspects. In this study, the physical synthesis of perlite NPs and biologically-synthesis of TiO2/perlite nanocomposites (NCs) were conducted. Subsequently, their effects and explant source influence on the growth characteristics and secondary metabolite profiles of Hypericum perforatum callus cultures were evaluated. According to the obtained results, morphology of the synthesized perlite NPs and TiO2/perlite NCs were mesoporous and spherical with sizes ranging about 14.51–23.34 and 15.50–24.61 nm, respectively. Addition of perlite NPs and TiO2/perlite NCs to the culture medium at the concentration range of 25–200 mg/L showed no adverse impacts on the growth characteristics of H. perforatum calli. According to the GC-MS analysis, the stress caused by perlite NPs and TiO2/perlite NCs led to an increase in the variety, amount and number of volatile compounds. The calli obtained from in vitro grown plants produced more volatile compounds relative to the calli obtained from field grown plants under the nanomaterial stress conditions. The production of hypericin and pseudohypericin were also determined in the callus cultures under desired nanomaterials elicitation. Accordingly, our results suggest that perlite NPs and TiO2/perlite NCs can possibly be considered as effective elicitors for the production of volatile compounds, hypericin, and pseudohypericin in callus cultures of H. perforatum.
Synthesis and characterization of CaSr-Metal Organic Frameworks for biodegradable orthopedic applications
Authors: Joseph Naomi , Lawson Harrison D. , Overholt Kalon J. , Damodaran Krishnan , Gottardi Riccardo , Acharya Abhinav P. , Little Steven R.
Published: September 2019

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) formed from metals and organic ligands, are crystalline materials that are degradable in aqueous medium, and capable of releasing Ca and Sr ions. In this manuscript, the ability of MOFs to degrade and release osteogenic Ca and Sr ions was investigated. MOFs were generated by choosing osteoinductive Ca and Sr metals, and an organic ligand 1,3,5 tricarboxylicbenzene (H3BTC) as a linker. These MOFs were able to induce in vitro biomineralization from pre-osteoblastic MC3T3 cells and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Moreover, these MOFs (when loaded with dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG)) induced vascular endothelial production from hMSCs. qRT-PCR analysis performed on hMSCs (isolated from femoral heads of patients undergoing joint arthroplasty) treated with MOFs crystals suggested that the CaSr-MOFs by themselves can upregulate osteogenic genes in hMSCs, which is the first time to our knowledge that this has been observed from MOFs.
Efficient partition of integer optimization problems with one-hot encoding
Authors: Okada Shuntaro , Ohzeki Masayuki , Taguchi Shinichiro
Published: September 2019

Quantum annealing is a heuristic algorithm for solving combinatorial optimization problems, and hardware for implementing this algorithm has been developed by D-Wave Systems Inc. The current version of the D-Wave quantum annealer can solve unconstrained binary optimization problems with a limited number of binary variables. However, the cost functions of several practical problems are defined by a large number of integer variables. To solve these problems using the quantum annealer, integer variables are generally binarized with one-hot encoding, and the binarized problem is partitioned into small subproblems. However, the entire search space of the binarized problem is considerably larger than that of the original integer problem and is dominated by infeasible solutions. Therefore, to efficiently solve large optimization problems with one-hot encoding, partitioning methods that extract subproblems with as many feasible solutions as possible are required. In this study, we propose two partitioning methods and demonstrate that they result in improved solutions.
Fine-tuning the photosynthetic light harvesting apparatus for improved photosynthetic efficiency and biomass yield
Authors: Friedland N. , Negi S. , Vinogradova-Shah T. , Wu G. , Ma L. , Flynn S. , Kumssa T. , Lee C.-H. , Sayre R. T.
Published: September 2019

Photosynthetic electron transport rates in higher plants and green algae are light-saturated at approximately one quarter of full sunlight intensity. This is due to the large optical cross section of plant light harvesting antenna complexes which capture photons at a rate nearly 10-fold faster than the rate-limiting step in electron transport. As a result, 75% of the light captured at full sunlight intensities is reradiated as heat or fluorescence. Previously, it has been demonstrated that reductions in the optical cross-section of the light-harvesting antenna can lead to substantial improvements in algal photosynthetic rates and biomass yield. By surveying a range of light harvesting antenna sizes achieved by reduction in chlorophyll b levels, we have determined that there is an optimal light-harvesting antenna size that results in the greatest whole plant photosynthetic performance. We also uncover a sharp transition point where further reductions or increases in antenna size reduce photosynthetic efficiency, tolerance to light stress, and impact thylakoid membrane architecture. Plants with optimized antenna sizes are shown to perform well not only in controlled greenhouse conditions, but also in the field achieving a 40% increase in biomass yield.
Prothrombin, alone or in complex concentrates or plasma, reduces bleeding in a mouse model of blood exchange-induced coagulopathy
Authors: Eltringham-Smith Louise J. , Yu Ruoying , Qadri Syed M. , Wang Yiming , Bhakta Varsha , Pryzdial Edward L. , Crosby Jeffrey R. , Ni Heyu , Sheffield William P.
Published: September 2019

Prothrombin complex concentrates (PCC) are fractionated plasma protein drugs that reverse warfarin anticoagulation. PCC may control more general bleeding. We sought to identify the dominant procoagulant factor in PCC in vivo. We tested PCC or coagulation factor (F) treatment in CD1 mice made coagulopathic by exchange of whole blood for washed red cells. Anesthetized mice were transfused with murine fresh-frozen plasma (mFFP), PCC, mixtures of human vitamin K-dependent proteins (VKDP) (prothrombin, FVII, FIX, or FX), or purified single human VKDP, immediately prior to tail transection (TT), liver laceration (LL), or intravascular laser injury (ILI). Plasma donor mice were treated with vehicle or control antisense oligonucleotide (ASO-CON) or ASO specific for prothrombin (FII) (ASO-FII) to yield mFFP or ASO-CON mFFP or ASO-FII mFFP. Blood losses were determined spectrophotometrically (TT) or gravimetrically (LL). Thrombus formation was quantified by intravital microscopy of laser-injured arterioles. PCC or four factor- (4F-) VKDP or prothrombin significantly reduced bleeding from TT or LL. Omission of prothrombin from 4F-VKDP significantly reduced its ability to limit bleeding. Mice transfused with ASO-FII mFFP demonstrated inferior haemostasis versus those transfused with ASO-FII following TT, LL, or ILI. Prothrombin is the dominant procoagulant component of PCC and could limit bleeding in trauma.
Exploring the link between microseism and sea ice in Antarctica by using machine learning
Authors: Cannata Andrea , Cannavò Flavio , Moschella Salvatore , Gresta Stefano , Spina Laura
Published: September 2019

The most continuous and ubiquitous seismic signal on Earth is the microseism, closely related to ocean wave energy coupling with the solid Earth. A peculiar feature of microseism recorded in Antarctica is the link with the sea ice, making the temporal pattern of microseism amplitudes different with respect to the microseism recorded in low-middle latitude regions. Indeed, during austral winters, in Antarctica the oceanic waves cannot efficiently excite seismic energy because of the sea ice in the Southern Ocean. Here, we quantitatively investigate the relationship between microseism, recorded along the Antarctic coasts, and sea ice concentration. In particular, we show a decrease in sea ice sensitivity of microseism, due to the increasing distance from the station recording the seismic signal. The influence seems to strongly reduce for distances above 1,000 km. Finally, we present an algorithm, based on machine learning techniques, allowing to spatially and temporally reconstruct the sea ice distribution around Antarctica based on the microseism amplitudes. This technique will allow reconstructing the sea ice concentration in both Arctic and Antarctica in periods when the satellite images, routinely used for sea ice monitoring, are not available, with wide applications in many fields, first of all climate studies.
Hyperglycemia induces spermatogenic disruption via major pathways of diabetes pathogenesis
Authors: Maresch Constanze C. , Stute Dina C. , Fleming Thomas , Lin Jihong , Hammes Hans-Peter , Linn Thomas
Published: September 2019

Diabetes-induced hyperglycemia has previously been shown to impact on male sub-/infertility, however, still little is known about the underlying mechanisms. In the present study we have addressed three major biochemical pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of hyperglycemia induced organ damage (the advanced glycation end product (AGE) formation pathway, the diacylglycerol-protein kinase C pathway (PKC), and the polyol pathway) in both testis and epididymis of the Ins2Akita mouse model of Type 1 diabetes (T1DM). Hyperglycemia activated both the PKC and the polyol pathway in a significant and progressive manner within the testis, but not within the epididymis. While the AGE receptor was ubiquitiously expressed in the testis, concentrations of precursor methylglyoxal and AGE carboxymethyllysine were increased in both epididymis and testis in diabetic mice. However, AGEs did not activate intracellular pathways of ERK1, ERK2, Rela, Nrf-2, IkBkB, NFkB except CDC42, Akt1. In conclusion, two of the major pathways of hyperglycemia-induced organ damage were clearly activated within the testis of T1DM mice. This provides therapeutical opportunities in the treatment of diabetic male reproductive dysfunction.
Martial arts increase oxytocin production
Authors: Rassovsky Yuri , Harwood Anna , Zagoory-Sharon Orna , Feldman Ruth
Published: September 2019

Numerous studies have demonstrated that oxytocin (OT), a peptide hormone, plays an important role in regulating mammalian social behaviors, linking it to social affiliation in parent-infant attachment, romantic and filial relationships, and other prosocial behaviors, such as trust and cooperation. Not surprisingly, research efforts have been made to increase endogenous levels of OT. In the present study, we investigated whether traditional martial arts training, which integrates the natural benefits of physical exercise with dyadic prosocial interaction, would result in OT response. To this end, 68 beginner and advanced participants were recruited from several schools practicing Jujitsu (“soft art”), a form of traditional martial arts originating in Japan. Salivary OT levels were assessed at baseline, immediately following high-intensity training, and following a cool-down period. Analyses revealed a significant increase in OT immediately after a high-intensity training, returning to baseline levels following a cool-down period. Additionally, although no significant difference between beginner and advanced martial artists was found, a significantly higher increase in salivary OT followed ground grappling, as compared to “punch-kick” sparring, indicating an added benefit of close contact tactile interaction. These results suggest that the reportedly socially beneficial effects of traditional martial arts may be in part mediated by OT release and underscore the potentially therapeutic applications of these methods for disorders involving social dysfunction, such as autism, conduct problems, or schizophrenia.
miRNA-dependent regulation of STIM1 expression in breast cancer
Authors: Kulkarni Rashmi P. , Elmi Asha , Alcantara-Adap Ethel , Hubrack Satanay , Nader Nancy , Yu Fang , Dib Maya , Ramachandran Vimal , Najafi Shoushtari Hani , Machaca Khaled
Published: September 2019

Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) has been shown to be important for breast cancer metastasis in xenograft mouse models. The ER Ca2+ sensor STIM1 and Orai plasma membrane Ca2+ channels molecularly mediate SOCE. Here we investigate the role of the microRNA machinery in regulating STIM1 expression. We show that STIM1 expression is regulated post-transcriptionally by the miRNA machinery and identify miR-223 and miR-150 as regulators of STIM1 expression in the luminal non-aggressive MCF7 breast cancer cell line. In contrast, STIM1 expression in the more aggressive basal triple-negative MDA-MB-231 cell line is not significantly modulated by a single miRNA species but is rather upregulated due to inhibition of the miRNA machinery through downregulation of Ago2. Consistently, overexpression of Ago2 results in decreased STIM1 protein levels in MDA-MB-231 cells. Clinically, STIM1 and Ago2 expression levels do not correlate with breast cancer progression, however in the basal subtype high STIM1 expression is associated with poorer survival. Our findings show that STIM1 expression is differentially regulated by the miRNA machinery in different cell types and argue for a role for this regulation in breast cancer.
Cyclic Peptide Stabilized Lead Halide Perovskite Nanoparticles
Authors: Jancik Prochazkova Anna , Salinas Yolanda , Yumusak Cigdem , Brüggemann Oliver , Weiter Martin , Sariciftci Niyazi Serdar , Krajcovic Jozef , Kovalenko Alexander
Published: September 2019

Combining the unique properties of peptides as versatile tools for nano- and biotechnology with lead halide perovskite nanoparticles can bring exceptional opportunities for the development of optoelectronics, photonics, and bioelectronics. As a first step towards this challenge sub 10 nm methylammonium lead bromide perovskite colloidal nanoparticles have been synthetizes using commercial cyclic peptide Cyclo(RGDFK), containing 5 amino acids, as a surface stabilizer. Perovskite nanoparticles passivated with Cyclo(RGDFK) possess charge transfer from the perovskite core to the peptide shell, resulting in lower photoluminescence quantum yields, which however opens a path for the application where charge transfer is favorable.
Cigarette smoke alters the transcriptome of non-involved lung tissue in lung adenocarcinoma patients
Authors: Pintarelli Giulia , Noci Sara , Maspero Davide , Pettinicchio Angela , Dugo Matteo , De Cecco Loris , Incarbone Matteo , Tosi Davide , Santambrogio Luigi , Dragani Tommaso A. , Colombo Francesca
Published: September 2019

Alterations in the gene expression of organs in contact with the environment may signal exposure to toxins. To identify genes in lung tissue whose expression levels are altered by cigarette smoking, we compared the transcriptomes of lung tissue between 118 ever smokers and 58 never smokers. In all cases, the tissue studied was non-involved lung tissue obtained at lobectomy from patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Of the 17,097 genes analyzed, 357 were differentially expressed between ever smokers and never smokers (FDR < 0.05), including 290 genes that were up-regulated and 67 down-regulated in ever smokers. For 85 genes, the absolute value of the fold change was ≥2. The gene with the smallest FDR was MYO1A (FDR = 6.9 × 10−4) while the gene with the largest difference between groups was FGG (fold change = 31.60). Overall, 100 of the genes identified in this study (38.6%) had previously been found to associate with smoking in at least one of four previously reported datasets of non-involved lung tissue. Seven genes (KMO, CD1A, SPINK5, TREM2, CYBB, DNASE2B, FGG) were differentially expressed between ever and never smokers in all five datasets, with concordant higher expression in ever smokers. Smoking-induced up-regulation of six of these genes was also observed in a transcription dataset from lung tissue of non-cancer patients. Among the three most significant gene networks, two are involved in immunity and inflammation and one in cell death. Overall, this study shows that the lung parenchyma transcriptome of smokers has altered gene expression and that these alterations are reproducible in different series of smokers across countries. Moreover, this study identified a seven-gene panel that reflects lung tissue exposure to cigarette smoke.
In situ characterization of the high pressure – high temperature melting curve of platinum
Authors: Anzellini Simone , Monteseguro Virginia , Bandiello Enrico , Dewaele Agnès , Burakovsky Leonid , Errandonea Daniel
Published: September 2019

In this work, the melting line of platinum has been characterized both experimentally, using synchrotron X-ray diffraction in laser-heated diamond-anvil cells, and theoretically, using ab initio simulations. In the investigated pressure and temperature range (pressure between 10 GPa and 110 GPa and temperature between 300 K and 4800 K), only the face-centered cubic phase of platinum has been observed. The melting points obtained with the two techniques are in good agreement. Furthermore, the obtained results agree and considerably extend the melting line previously obtained in large-volume devices and in one laser-heated diamond-anvil cells experiment, in which the speckle method was used as melting detection technique. The divergence between previous laser-heating experiments is resolved in favor of those experiments reporting the higher melting slope.
Ytterbium-doped fiber laser as pulsed source of narrowband amplified spontaneous emission
Authors: Muniz-Cánovas Pablo , Barmenkov Yuri O. , Kir’yanov Alexander V. , Cruz José L. , Andrés Miguel V.
Published: September 2019

We report random noise pulsed regime of an ytterbium-doped fiber laser arranged in common Fabry-Perot configuration. We show that the laser output obeys the photon statistics inherent to narrowband amplified spontaneous emission and that the noise pulsing is properly addressed in terms of probability density and autocorrelation functions. Our novel approach reveals, in particular, that the regime’s coherence time dramatically shortens, from few ns to tens ps, with increasing laser power.
Induced Ring-like Deposits Around Suspended Radioactive Particles by Marangoni Stress and its Possible Use as Detection Technique
Authors: Arias Francisco J. , De Las Heras Salvador
Published: September 2019

In this work Marangoni-thermal convection promoted by the heat from the radioactive decay of radiogenic particles suspended in fluids is analysed. It was found that owing to the outward flow induced from the radioactive particle, the surrounding material could be pushed outwards from the particle. As a result a power-law distribution of concentration surrounding the particle appears which could reveal the presence of suspended radiogenic particles or can be used as a preliminary visual technique for detection.
Production and Characterisation of Reference Materials in Support of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) Industries
Authors: Braysher Emma , Russell Ben , Dal Molin Franck , Read David
Published: September 2019

Naturally occurring radioactive material is a problematic by-product of a range of industries and needs to be handled, stored, processed and disposed of in a safe and economic manner. Accurate characterisation of such material should be underpinned by measurement of certified reference materials in order to validate the methods employed and ensure quality control. This work highlights the current shortage of suitable reference materials and the approach being followed to address this issue, initially for the steel and oil and gas industries.
Inter Laboratory Comparison Exercise to Determine the Radionuclide Comparison of Three Mixed Biota Samples
Authors: Caborn Jane , Blowers Paul , Benzing Roger , Boler Alison , Cobb John , Dewar Alastair , Hardy Christopher , Harris David , Lees Anthony , Mitchell Lorna , O’Colmáin Máirín , Tait David , Volynkin Andrey , Warwick Phillip. E.
Published: September 2019

The issue surrounding the shortage of reference materials has long been discussed and becoming progressively important as the nuclear industry faces the challenges of decommissioning, increasing the requirement for the analysis of a wide range of radionuclides in diverse sample types. To meet demand the radiochemical methods need to be flexible and robust whilst maintaining a high level of quality, essential to underpinning public and environmental safety in a highly regulated sector. Integral to the process of method development, validation, and performance evaluation is the use of reference materials which provide the confidence in the measurement. Currently there is an acute shortage of certified, solid, reference materials due to costs associated with production and availability of suitable material. An alternative to adopting the formal intercomparison exercise approach was explored by the UK’s Analyst Informal Working Group (AIWG). The members recognized the shortage of suitable, solid materials containing a range of alpha, beta and gamma emitters and identified three mixed biota samples. The molluscs, winkles and crustacea contained a mix of environmental activity level radionuclides (14C, 40K, 90Sr, 99Tc, 137Cs, 239+240Pu, 241Pu and 241Am) and were dispatched to 12 laboratories in the UK and Europe in the Summer of 2017. Following analysis, using several techniques, the results were evaluated in terms of levels of precision, sensitivity and limits of detection. The results of the study showed all the radionuclides were successfully analysed by the laboratories to a level of precision and accuracy consistent with that achieved through routine analysis. The exercise demonstrated the viability and benefits of adopting the intercomparison exercise approach, which uses consensus values, to produce fit for purpose reference materials to practically address the shortage.
Determination of Natural Radioactivity in Iron and Steel Materials
Authors: Dal-Molin Franck , Sutcliffe Adam , Anderson David R. , Read David
Published: September 2019

It has been known since the 1990s that two natural radioisotopes from the uranium-238 (238U) decay series, polonium-210 (210Po) and lead-210 (210Pb), originally present in trace amounts in raw materials, are volatilised and concentrate in the form of dusts during iron ore sintering. In the UK, most of the dust generated during this process is collected by means of electrostatic precipitators and recycled back into the production system using conveyor belts. Nevertheless, a small proportion passes into the atmosphere via stack emissions and some fugitive dusts can also escape into the workplace during maintenance operations. Tata Steel UK Ltd, a major European steel making company, has developed and validated in-house radioanalytical methods for the measurement of 210Po and 210Pb in a wide range of iron-making materials including raw feedstock, waste dusts, occupational and emission filter samples. The data gathered have enabled a better understanding of the fate of 210Po and 210Pb throughout the integrated steel making route, providing essential information to support environmental permits for discharges to the atmosphere and for confirming that chronic exposure to these two natural radioisotopes does not lead to significant radiological doses to the workforce. Additionally, since the implementation of the BSS Directive 2013/59 Euratom and the Construction Products Regulation (CPR), there is a need for the European steel industry to characterise the levels of radium-226 (226Ra), thorium-232 (232Th) and potassium-40 (40K) in slag materials and confirm that those materials do not pose a significant risk of internal and external exposure to radiation when reused or recycled in building materials. This paper highlights the technical challenges encountered when measuring those natural radioisotopes in various iron-making materials, including the difficulty of validating radioanalytical methods in the absence of suitable certified reference materials.
Gamma-ray Spectrometry Measurement of Concrete Samples from Nuclear Decommissioning Facilities – Validation of the LabSOCS™ Efficiency Calibration at Low Energies
Authors: Dehbi N. , Véronneau C. , Piroux J. C. , El Yadari F. , Gasse G. , Schenckbecher P.
Published: September 2019

Proper characterization and segregation of materials arising during decommissioning operations are very important factors in waste minimization. Characterization helps develop a complete understanding of the radiological characteristics of these materials in order to enable them to be segregated and to be sent for selected disposal. A number of techniques for measuring the radioactivity of materials generated in decommissioning operations are available. Failure in control procedures at any step can cause important consequences, not only in follow-up steps, but, in some cases, may result in generating waste packages which are not compliant with the waste acceptance criteria for long term storage or disposal. In this work we propose three different methodologies for the adjustment of the samples attenuation coefficients in order to validate the efficiency calibration curves generated by Mirion LabSOCS™ (Laboratory Sourceless Calibration Software). The three methodologies can be applied in the case where it is required to perform γ-rays spectrometry measurements at energies below 200 keV, on concrete samples of unknown chemical composition.
Rapid Determination of Sr-90 in Environmental Matrices by SPE-ICP-MS for Emergency Monitoring
Authors: Fujiwara Kenso , Yanagisawa Kayo , Iijima Kazuki
Published: September 2019

In order to evaluate the migration and transfer of radionuclides in the environment, not only Strontium-90 (Sr-90) in water but also those in soil and biological samples should be measured. For rapid quantification of Sr-90, a new method by means of online solid phase extraction coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SPE-ICP-MS) has been developed. In this method, it is unavoidable to eliminate the interference by polyatomic ion induced by isotopes and matrices in fishes. In this study, SPE-ICP-MS method was applied to the measurement of Sr-90 in fishes, and the influence of the Sr isotopes and coexisting ions such as Ca element was evaluated. The detection limit (3σ) was evaluated as 0.35Bq/L (740Bq/kg), which was applicable level to WHO guidelines for drinking water quality.