bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of protein phosphatase‐2A and ‐1 in the regulation of GSK‐3, cdk5 and cdc2 and the phosphorylation of tau in rat forebrain
Authors: Bennecib Malika , Gong Cheng-Xin , Grundke-Iqbal Inge , Iqbal Khalid
Published: July 2002

In Alzheimer disease brain the activities of protein phosphatase (PP)‐2A and PP‐1 are decreased and the microtubule‐associated protein tau is abnormally hyperphosphorylated at several sites at serine/threonine. Employing rat forebrain slices kept metabolically active in oxygenated artificial CSF as a model system, we investigated the role of PP‐2A/PP‐1 in the regulation of some of the major abnormally hyperphosphorylated sites of tau and the protein kinases involved. Treatment of the brain slices with 1.0 μM okadaic acid inhibited ∼65% of PP‐2A and produced hyperphosphorylation of tau at Ser 198/199/202, Ser 396/404 and Ser 422. No significant changes in the activities of glycogen synthase kinase‐3 (GSK‐3) and cyclin dependent protein kinases cdk5 and cdc2 were observed. Calyculin A (0.1 μM) inhibited ∼50% PP‐1, ∼20% PP‐2A, 50% GSK‐3 and ∼30% cdk5 but neither inhibited the activity of cyclin AMP dependent protein kinase A (PKA) nor resulted in the hyperphosphorylation of tau at any of the above sites. Treatment of brain slices with 1 μM okadaic acid plus 0.1 μM calyculin A inhibited ∼100% of both PP‐2A and PP‐1, ∼80% of GSK‐3, ∼50% of cdk5 and ∼30% of cdc2 but neither inhibited PKA nor resulted in the hyperphosphorylation of tau at any of the above sites. These studies suggest (i) that PP‐1 upregulates the phosphorylation of tau at Ser 198/199/202 and Ser 396/404 indirectly by regulating the activities of GSK‐3, cdk5 and cdc2 whereas PP‐2A regulates the phosphorylation of tau directly by dephosphorylation at the above sites, and (ii) that a decrease in the PP‐2A activity leads to abnormal hyperphosphorylation of tau at Ser 198/199/202, Ser 396/404 and Ser 422.
Regulation of MyoD function in the dividing myoblast
Authors: Wei Qin , Paterson Bruce M
Published: July 2002

Proliferating myoblasts express MyoD, yet no phenotypic markers are activated as long as mitogen levels are sufficient to keep the cells dividing. Depending upon mitogen levels, a decision is made in G1 that commits the myoblast to either continue to divide or to exit from the cell cycle and activate terminal differentiation. Ectopic expression of MyoD under the control of the RSV or CMV promoters causes 10T1/2 cells to rapidly exit the cell cycle and differentiate as single myocytes, even in growth medium, whereas expression of MyoD under the weaker SV40 promoter is compatible with proliferation. Co‐expression of MyoD and cyclin D1, but not cyclins A, B, E or D3, blocks transactivation of a MyoD responsive reporter. Similarly, transfection of myoblasts with the cyclin‐dependent kinase (cdk) inhibitors p16 and p21 supports some muscle‐specific gene expression even in growth medium. Taken altogether, these results suggest cell cycle progression negatively regulates myocyte differentiation, possibly through a mechanism involving the D1 responsive cdks. We review evidence coupling growth status, the cell cycle and myogenesis. We describe a novel mitogen‐sensitive mechanism that involves the cyclin D1‐dependent direct interaction between the G1 cdks and MyoD in the dividing myoblast, which regulates MyoD function in a mitogen‐sensitive manner.
Molecular characterization of two ammonium transporters from the ectomycorrhizal fungus Hebeloma cylindrosporum
Authors: Javelle Arnaud , Rodrı́guez-Pastrana Blanca-Rosa , Jacob Christophe , Botton Bernard , Brun Annick , André Bruno , Marini Anne-Marie , Chalot Michel
Published: July 2002

Heterologous expression of the yeast triple Mep mutant has enabled the first molecular characterization of AMT/MEP family members in an ectomycorrhizal fungus. External hyphae, which play a key role in nitrogen nutrition of trees, are considered as the absorbing structure of the ectomycorrhizal symbiosis and therefore molecular studies on ammonium transport in hyphae are urgently needed. The kinetic properties of AMT2 and AMT3 from Hebeloma cylindrosporum were studied in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Expression of HcAmts in the yeast triple Mep mutant restored ammonium retention within cells. The HcAmts did not complement the ammonium sensing defect phenotype of Mep2Δ cells during pseudohyphal differentiation. Northern blot analysis in H. cylindrosporum showed that the HcAMTs were up‐regulated upon nitrogen deprivation and down‐regulated by ammonium.
Structures of the O‐antigens of Proteus bacilli belonging to OX group (serogroups O1–O3) used in Weil‐Felix test
Authors: Ziolkowski Andrzej , Shashkov Alexander S. , Swierzko Anna St. , Senchenkova Sof'ya N. , Toukach Filip V. , Cedzynski Maciej , Amano Ken-Ichi , Kaca Wieslaw , Knirel Yuriy A.
Published: July 2002

Structures of the O‐specific polysaccharide chains of lipopolysaccharides from Proteus group OX strains (serogroups O1–O3) used as antigens in Weil‐Felix test for diagnosis of rickettsiosis, were established. From them, the acid‐labile polysaccharide of Proteus vulgaris OX19 (O1) is built up of the following branched pentasaccharide repeating units connected via a phosphate group:

urn:x-wiley:21508925:media:feb2s0014579397006947:feb2s0014579397006947-math-0001

where QuiNAc stands for 2‐acetamido‐2,6‐dideoxyglucose (N‐acetylquinovosamine). The basis of serospecificity of the Proteus group OX antigens and their cross‐reactivity with human anti‐rickettsial antibodies is discussed.
Purification, crystallization and preliminary X‐ray diffraction studies of the bacteriophage φ29 connector particle
Authors: Guasch Alicia , Parrága Antonio , Pous Joan , Valpuesta José M , Carrascosa José L , Coll Miquel
Published: July 2002

The connector or portal particle from double‐stranded DNA bacteriophage φ29 has been crystallized. This structure, which connects the head of the virus with the tail and plays a central role in prohead assembly and DNA packaging and translocation, is formed by 12 subunits of the p10 protein and has a molecular weight of 430 kDa. The connector structure was proteolysed with endoproteinase Glu‐C from Staphylococcus aureus V8, which removes 13 and 18 amino acids from the amino‐ and carboxy‐terminal regions of the p10 protein, respectively. Two crystal forms were grown from drops containing an alcohol solution and paraffin oil. Crystals of form I are monoclinic, space group C2 with cell dimensions a=416.86 Å, b=227.62 Å, c=236.68 Å and β=96.3° and contain four connector particles per asymmetric unit. Crystals of form II are tetragonal, space group P42212 with cell dimensions a=b=170.2 Å, c=156.9 Å and contain half a particle per asymmetric unit. X‐ray diffraction data from both native crystal forms have been collected to 6.0 and 3.2 Å respectively, using synchrotron radiation. Crystals of form II are likely to have the same packing arrangement as the two‐dimensional crystals analyzed previously by electron microscopy.
All three acyl moieties of trilinolein are efficiently oxygenated by recombinant His‐tagged lipid body lipoxygenase in vitro
Authors: Feussner Ivo , Bachmann Astrid , Höhne Michaela , Kindl Helmut
Published: July 2002

Recently, we found a 13‐lipoxygenase in germinating cucumber cotyledons, which was located at the lipid body membrane. Based on its products formed mobilization of storage lipids seems to be initiated by this 13‐lipoxygenase. For biochemical characterization its cDNA was expressed as His‐tagged protein. Active recombinant enzyme was obtained from low temperature cultivation of E. coli after affinity purification. It (i) exhibited an unchanged region specificity, and (ii) showed a pH optimum of 7.2 against trilinolein as substrate. We compared its ability to oxygenate trilinolein with the one of another 13‐lipoxygenase, soybean lipoxygenase‐1. At the pH optimum of soybean lipoxygenase‐1 (9.0), trilinolein was oxygenated only to 28% of the amount converted by the lipid body lipoxygenase. Moreover, trilinolein oxygenation by soybean lipoxygenase‐1 leads mainly to monohydroperoxy derivatives, whereas oxygenation by lipid body LOX leads to a trihydroperoxy derivative.
Uni‐axial cyclic stretch induces c‐src activation and translocation in human endothelial cells via SA channel activation
Authors: Naruse Keiji , Sai Xaurui , Yokoyama Nagao , Sokabe Masahiro
Published: July 2002

The kinase activity of c‐src increased and peaked at 15 min after an application of uni‐axial cyclic stretch in HUVECs followed by a translocation of c‐src to Triton‐insoluble fraction. Suppression of c‐src by an antisense S‐oligodeoxynucleotide inhibited the stretch‐induced tyrosine phosphorylation and morphological changes. The stretch‐induced increase in c‐src activity was inhibited by FK506, a specific inhibitor for calcineurin, by Gd3+, a blocker for stretch activated channels, and by the extracellular Ca2+ depletion suggesting the involvement of SA channels. These results strongly suggest c‐src plays an important role in the downstream of SA channel activation followed by the morphological changes.
Tumour necrosis factor, a key role in obesity?
Authors: Bulló-Bonet M. , García-Lorda P. , López-Soriano F.J. , Argilés J.M. , Salas-Salvadó J.
Published: July 2002

Tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF) is a pleiotropic cytokine involved in many metabolic responses in both normal and pathophysiological states. In spite of the fact that this cytokine (also known as “cachectin”) has been related to many of the metabolic abnormalities associated with cachexia, recent studies suggest that TNF may also have a central role in obesity modulating energy expenditure, fat deposition and insulin resistance. This review deals with the role of TNF in the control of fat mass and obesity.
Structures of the O‐specific polysaccharides and a serological cross‐reactivity of the lipopolysaccharides of Proteus mirabilis O24 and O29
Authors: Literacka Elzbieta , Perepelov Andrei V. , Senchenkova Sof'ya N. , Zatonsky George V. , Shashkov Alexander S. , Knirel Yuriy A. , Kaca Wieslaw
Published: July 2002

Strains of Proteus mirabilis belonging to serogroups O24 and O29 are frequent in clinical specimens. Anti‐P. mirabilis O24 serum cross‐reacted with the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of P. mirabilis O29 and vice versa. The structures of the O‐specific polysaccharides (OPSs, O‐antigens) of both LPSs were established using sugar analysis and one‐ and two‐dimensional 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR spectroscopy and found to be different. SDS‐PAGE and Western immunoblotting suggested that the serological cross‐reactivity of the LPSs is due to a common epitope(s) on the core‐lipid A moiety, rather than on the OPS. Therefore, the epitope specificity and the structures of the O‐antigens studied are unique among Proteus serogroups.
Induction of labor with vaginal prostaglandin‐E2 in grand multiparous women with one previous cesarean section
Authors: Yamani T.Y. , Rouzi A.A.
Published: July 2002

Objective: To review the outcome of induction of labor with vaginal prostaglandin‐E2 in grand multiparous women with one previous cesarean section. Methods: Twenty‐six grand multiparous women with one previous cesarean section were induced with vaginal prostaglandin‐E2. Results: Twenty (76.9%) women delivered vaginally and six (23.1%) women delivered by emergency cesarean section. The mean duration of labor was 6±3.6 h. There was no uterine rupture or dehiscence. There was one neonatal death and two stillbirths. Conclusions: Our limited study suggests that induction of labor with vaginal prostaglandin‐E2 in selected grand multiparous women with one previous cesarean section may be a reasonable option. However, further studies are needed to document its safety.
The relationship between patients' educational level and therapeutic process in an acute patient therapeutic community
Authors: Isohanni I , Nieminen P , Isohanni M
Published: July 2002

Traditional custodial care in mental hospitals has given way to brief hospitalizations and a variety of active inpatient treatment milieus, eg, therapeutic communities. But can only well-educated patients utilize this kind of complex, even demanding form of psychosocial care? A total of 1,538 patients and their first admissions from 1977 to 1993 at a closed therapeutic community ward at the Department of Psychiatry, University of Oulu (Finland) were assessed to analyze the association of the patient's educational level with some treatment and outcome characteristics. Educational levels were non-professional education (46% of all patients), lower professional (39%) and higher professional education (15%). There were no statistically significant differences in the treatment and outcome variables of patients in any educational level. The result indicates the achievement of one treatment goal on the therapeutic community model, ie, patient equality in spite of different educational status. This result may be especially important for less educated persons.
Anxiety and depressive disorders in an adult insulin-dependent diabetic mellitus (IDDM) population: relationships with glycaemic control and somatic complications
Authors: Friedman S , Vila G , Timsit J , Boitard C , Mouren-Simeoni MC
Published: July 2002

The frequency of anxiety and depressive disorders was examined in 69 insulin-dependent diabetic mellitus (IDDM) outpatients and in two control group. Based on self-report measures, these disorders were similar in IDDM sample and in the control groups. In diabetic outpatients, according to DSM-III-R criteria, there was a high lifetime prevalence of not otherwise specified anxiety and depressive disorders (44% and 41.5%), of simple phobia (26.8%), social phobia (24.6%), and agoraphobia — with and without panic disorder (14.6%). Current social phobia, dysthymia and not otherwise specified depressive disorders were associated with impaired glycaemic control. Glycosylated haemoglobin was associated with compliance but psychiatric disorders were not, except for social phobia which was significantly associated with more frequent consultations and a bad compliance for dietary regimen (more snacking). Somatic complications were not associated with anxious and depressive disorders (current or lifetime) or compliance and were best explained by the duration of the illness and impaired glycaemic control.
Hybridized Triboelectric‐Electromagnetic Nanogenerator for Wind Energy Harvesting to Realize Real‐Time Power Supply of Sensor Nodes
Authors: Zhao Jianxiong , Mu Jiliang , Cui Haoran , He Wenjun , Zhang Le , He Jian , Gao Xin , Li Zhengyang , Hou Xiaojuan , Chou Xiujian
Published: March 2021

As the power consumption of various electronic devices is gradually reduced to milliwatt or even microwatt level, it is possible to achieve self‐powered electronic devices by obtaining weak energy from the environment. In this article, a hybrid nanogenerator that contains two working parts, —the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) in sliding independent layer mode and the electromagnetic generator (EMG) in rotating mode, is reported. The hybrid generator can effectively broaden the output voltage range while shortening the voltage boost time. After polishing the surface of nylon film with different mesh sandpaper, the maximum increase of output voltage and current can reach 60% and 80%, respectively. When the wind speed is 9 m s–1, the maximum average output power values of TENG and EMG are 0.33 and 32.87 mW, respectively. Also the hybrid nanogenerator can stably power 200 light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) and hygro‐thermograph after working for 2 s. Compared with the method of supplying power to electronic devices after a long period of energy storage, the triboelectric‐electromagnetic hybrid nanogenerator that is designed can realize real‐time power supply for wireless sensor nodes and Bluetooth modules at a wind speed of 10.5 m s–1, and the voltage at both ends is always maintained dynamic equilibrium.
Dealing with the complexity of conjugated and self‐assembled polymer‐nanostructures using field‐flow fractionation
Authors: Muza Upenyu L. , Boye Susanne , Lederer Albena
Published: March 2021

Broad diversity and heterogeneity are inherently showcased by both natural and synthetic macromolecular structures. The high application potential for such structures and their combinations calls for novel analytical approaches that allow for comprehensive characterization and a full understanding of their complex composition. This review gives an overview of recent advances in designing and fabricating bioconjugated and self‐assembled polymer structures, and introduces adequate characterization protocols for sufficient elucidation of their specific molecular properties. Possible pitfalls in their analysis are demonstrated, and potential alternatives are discussed. The primary focus is on addressing the highlights, and future prospects of applying field‐flow fractionation coupled and/or hyphenated to different detection methods as a powerful separation and analytical technique for bioconjugate and self‐assembled nanostructures.
A Grounded Theory of Counselor Educators' Academic Leadership Development
Authors: Hays Danica G. , Crockett Stephanie A. , Michel Rebecca
Published: March 2021

Counselor educators are well‐equipped to serve as academic leaders, yet little is known about what factors influence their engagement experiences. This grounded theory provides a theoretical model of academic leadership engagement based on interviews with 20 counselor educators with academic leadership experience. Implications for facilitating academic leadership engagement are provided.
Reductive Depolymerization of Plastic Waste Catalyzed by Zn(OAc)2 ⋅ 2H2O
Authors: Fernandes Ana C.
Published: March 2021

Plastic pollution is one of the biggest problems all over the world. Beyond change/awareness of consumer behavior, there is an urgent need to search for efficient, economical and environmentally friendly catalysts for the valorization of plastic waste to value‐added compounds. This work describes the reductive depolymerization of several types of plastic waste into value‐added compounds, including 1,6‐hexanediol, 1,2‐propanediol, p‐xylene and tetrahydrofuran, in good yields using the eco‐friendly, air‐stable, commercially available and very cheap catalyst Zn(OAc)2 ⋅ 2H2O. This is the first example of the reductive depolymerization of polyester waste catalyzed by a zinc catalyst. Moreover, the catalytic system silane/Zn(OAc)2 ⋅ 2H2O was successfully applied to the reduction of polycaprolactone (PCL) on the gram scale with good yield and also to the selective reductive depolymerization of plastic mixtures. Finally, this work demonstrated that the catalyst Zn(OAc)2 ⋅ 2H2O can be used in at least 7 cycles with good yields.
DiceCT applied to fossilized hard tissues: A preliminary case study using a miocene bird
Authors: Bailleul Alida M. , Lu Jing , Li Zhiheng
Published: March 2021

Iodine‐based contrasting agents for computed tomography (CT) have been used for decades in medicine. Agents like Lugol's iodine enhance the contrasts between soft tissues and mineralized (skeletal) tissues. Because a recent study on extant avian heads showed that iodine–ethanol (I2E) is a better contrast enhancer overall than the standard Lugol's iodine, here, we tested if I2E could also enhance the CT contrasts of two fossilized skeletal tissues: bone and calcified cartilage. For this, we used a partial ankle joint from an extinct pheasant from the Late Miocene of Northwest China (Linxia Basin). The pre‐staining CT scans showed no microstructural details of the sample. After being immersed into a solution of 1% I2E for 8 days and scanned a second time, the contrasts were drastically enhanced between the mineralized tissues (bony trabeculae and calcified cartilage) and the sediments and minerals inside vascular spaces. After three other staining‐scanning cycles in 2%, 3%, and 6% I2E solutions, the best contrasts were obtained after immersion in 6% I2E for 7 days. Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy showed that iodine was preferentially absorbed by the mineralized tissues and the minerals in the vascular spaces, but not by the sediments. This method not only effectively increased the contrasts of two different fossilized skeletal tissues, it was also non‐destructive and reversible because part of the fossil was successfully de‐stained after a few days in pure ethanol. These preliminary results indicate that iodine‐ethanol has the potential to be used widely in vertebrate paleontology to improve CT imaging of fossilized tissues.
First reported CABP2‐related non‐syndromic hearing loss in Northern Europe
Authors: Sheyanth Inger Norlyk , Højland Allan Thomas , Okkels Henrik , Lolas Ihab , Thorup Christian , Petersen Michael Bjørn
Published: March 2021

Background

CABP2‐related non‐syndromic hearing loss have only been reported in a few families worldwide (Iran, Turkey, Pakistan and Italy). The hearing loss was in these cases described as prelingual, symmetrical, and moderate to severe.

Methods

Following DNA isolation, exome sequencing was performed in 123 genes related to non‐syndromic hearing loss. Variant verification and carrier testing were performed by direct sequencing.

Results

We report the first Northern European individual with CABP2‐related hearing loss: an 8‐year‐old Danish Caucasian boy with non‐syndromic, prelingual, and sensorineural hearing loss, who is homozygous for the splice site variant CABP2: c. 637+1G>T previously found in three Iranian families and in one Pakistani family. Both parents are of Danish Caucasian origin with no known history of consanguinity. This is in contrast to the four reported Middle Eastern families, who all were consanguineous. However, loss of heterozygosity in a 3.2 Mb area on chromosome 11 including CABP2 was observed, suggesting a common parental ancestor.

Conclusion

We report the first case of CABP2‐related autosomal recessive hearing loss in Northern Europe. The index is of Danish Caucasian origin and found to be homozygous for the splice site variant c.637+1G>T.
The effect of lymph node dissection on cancer‐specific survival in salvage radical prostatectomy patients
Authors: Wenzel Mike , Würnschimmel Christoph , Nocera Luigi , Collà Ruvolo Claudia , Tian Zhe , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Saad Fred , Briganti Alberto , Graefen Markus , Kluth Luis A. , Mandel Philipp , Chun Felix K. H. , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: March 2021

Background

We hypothesized that lymph node dissection (LND) at salvage radical prostatectomy may be associated with lower cancer‐specific mortality (CSM) and we tested this hypothesis.

Methods

We relied on surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (2004–2016) to identify all salvage radical prostatectomy patients. Categorical, as well as univariate and multivariate Cox regression models tested the effect of LND (LND performed vs. not), as well as at its extent (log‐transformed lymph node count) on CSM.

Results

Of 427 salvage radical prostatectomy patients, 120 (28.1%) underwent LND with a median lymph node count of 6 (interquartile range [IQR], 3–11). According to LND status, no significant or clinically meaningful differences were recorded in PSA at diagnosis, stage and biopsy Gleason score at diagnosis, except for age at prostate cancer diagnosis (LND performed 63 vs. 68 years LND not performed, p < .001). LND status (performed) was an independent predictor of lower CSM (hazard ratio [HR] 0.47; p = .03). Similarly, lymph node count (log transformed) also independently predicted lower CSM (HR: 0.60; p = .01). After the 7th removed lymph node, the effect of CSM became marginal. The effect of N‐stage on CSM could not be tested due to insufficient number of observations.

Conclusions

Salvage radical prostatectomy is rarely performed and LND at salvage radical prostatectomy is performed in a minority of patients. However, LND at salvage radical prostatectomy is associated with lower CSM. Moreover, LND extent also exerts a protective effect on CSM. These observations should be considered in salvage radical prostatectomy candidates.
A comparative Study Between Fluka and Microshield Modeling Calculations to study the Radiation‐Shielding of Nanoparticles and Plastic Waste composites
Authors: El‐Taher Atef , Zakaly Hesham M. H. , Pyshkina Mariia , Allam Elhassan A. , El‐Sharkawy Rehab M. , Mahmoud Mohamed E. , Abdel‐Rahman Mohamed A. E.
Published: March 2021

A comparative study has been conducted by using Monte Carlo FLUKA code and Microshieldsoftware programs to study the radiation shielding properties of plastic waste mixed with nano copper oxide (CuO) and phosphotungstic acid (PTA). The variousdiverse percentages of new nanocomposite have been prepared using the compression moulding technique, then they are characterized using Fourier transfer infrared spectrophotometer (FT‐IR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The new nanocomposite has been established as a effective shielding material towards gamma radiation due to the presence of dense materials, like nano copper oxide and phosphotungstic acid. The gamma radiation attenuation has been established by using the previously mentioned methods. The results have proved that the mass attenuation coefficients (μm) and effective atomic (Zeff), and electron densities (Nel) of the samples increased with increasing the phosphotungstic acid (PTA) content while the half‐value layer (HVL), the tenth value layer (TVL), and the mean free path (MFP) decreased as PTA increased.
A novel phase‐field approach to brittle damage mechanics of gradient metamaterials combining action formalism and history variable
Authors: Abali Bilen Emek , Klunker Andre , Barchiesi Emilio , Placidi Luca
Published: March 2021

Metamaterials response is generally modeled by generalized continuum based theories. Their inherent substructure leads to a necessity for higher‐order theories, and especially in damage mechanics, such a generalization is difficult to acquire. We exploit the action formalism in order to obtain the governing equations in generalized damage mechanics for metamaterials. Additionally, by using auxilliary variables, the variational formulation is endowed with the first rate of damage variable that is missing in standard approaches. The presented action formalism with auxilliary variables leads directly to the weak form. We implement a finite element method based approach by using open‐source computing platform called FEniCS and solve this weak in order to obtain the deformation and damage numerically. Metamaterials simulations are demonstrated for simple geometries in mixed mode (I and II) as well as in mode III.
2020 update on the clinical validity of cerebrospinal fluid amyloid, tau, and phospho-tau as biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease in the context of a structured 5-phase development framework
Authors: Leuzy A. , Ashton N. J. , Mattsson-Carlgren N. , Dodich A. , Boccardi M. , Corre J. , Drzezga A. , Nordberg A. , Ossenkoppele R. , Zetterberg H. , Blennow K. , Frisoni G. B. , Garibotto V. , Hansson O.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

In the last decade, the research community has focused on defining reliable biomarkers for the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology. In 2017, the Geneva AD Biomarker Roadmap Initiative adapted a framework for the systematic validation of oncological biomarkers to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) AD biomarkers—encompassing the 42 amino-acid isoform of amyloid-β (Aβ42), phosphorylated-tau (P-tau), and Total-tau (T-tau)—with the aim to accelerate their development and clinical implementation. The aim of this work is to update the current validation status of CSF AD biomarkers based on the Biomarker Roadmap methodology.

Methods

A panel of experts in AD biomarkers convened in November 2019 at a 2-day workshop in Geneva. The level of maturity (fully achieved, partly achieved, preliminary evidence, not achieved, unsuccessful) of CSF AD biomarkers was assessed based on the Biomarker Roadmap methodology before the meeting and presented and discussed during the workshop.

Results

By comparison to the previous 2017 Geneva Roadmap meeting, the primary advances in CSF AD biomarkers have been in the area of a unified protocol for CSF sampling, handling and storage, the introduction of certified reference methods and materials for Aβ42, and the introduction of fully automated assays. Additional advances have occurred in the form of defining thresholds for biomarker positivity and assessing the impact of covariates on their discriminatory ability.

Conclusions

Though much has been achieved for phases one through three, much work remains in phases four (real world performance) and five (assessment of impact/cost). To a large degree, this will depend on the availability of disease-modifying treatments for AD, given these will make accurate and generally available diagnostic tools key to initiate therapy.
Sexual Satisfaction in Obese People
Authors: Parchomiuk Monika , Kirenko Janusz
Published: March 2021

Obesity has numerous consequences for the psychosocial and physical functioning of the individual which most often include comorbidities, disorders, and negative social attitudes influencing self-image. These factors indirectly associate obesity with problems in the sphere of sex life. Empirical evidence on this issue is relatively unambiguous but studies that focus on the positive dimensions of sex life do not provide clear-cut conclusions. Previous studies have often been carried out in specific groups and various socio-cultural conditions. The current study analyzed the relationship between sexual satisfaction and a variable describing preferences, expectations, and needs of obese people and non-obese people. Satisfaction was analyzed taking into account two components. One reflected the degree of discrepancy/convergence between the desired and actual frequency of sexual behavior. The other reflected the degree of pleasure felt in connection with actual sexual behavior. The sample consisted of 148 obese people and 128 non-obese people. Three measures were used: the Sexual Activity Questionnaire, Sexual Stimulus Scale, and Sexual Needs and Reaction Scale. The groups did not differ significantly in terms of sexual satisfaction in either dimension. The results of the regression analysis showed a more complex structure of correlations between satisfaction, preferences, expectations, and needs in obese people compared to non-obese people. Also, the activity of the partner, including experiences during full penetration, was found to be most important for pleasure (as one of the dimensions of satisfaction) in the test group.
Elevated serum IL-10 is associated with severity of neonatal encephalopathy and adverse early childhood outcomes
Authors: Pang Raymand , Mujuni Brian M. , Martinello Kathryn A. , Webb Emily L. , Nalwoga Angela , Ssekyewa Julius , Musoke Margaret , Kurinczuk Jennifer J. , Sewegaba Margaret , Cowan Frances M. , Cose Stephen , Nakakeeto Margaret , Elliott Alison M. , Sebire Neil J. , Klein Nigel , Robertson Nicola J. , Tann Cally J.
Published: March 2021

Background

Neonatal encephalopathy (NE) contributes substantially to child mortality and disability globally. We compared cytokine profiles in term Ugandan neonates with and without NE, with and without perinatal infection or inflammation and identified biomarkers predicting neonatal and early childhood outcomes.

Methods

In this exploratory biomarker study, serum IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNFα, and VEGF (<12 h) were compared between NE and non-NE infants with and without perinatal infection/inflammation. Neonatal (severity of NE, mortality) and early childhood (death or neurodevelopmental impairment to 2.5 years) outcomes were assessed. Predictors of outcomes were explored with multivariable linear and logistic regression and receiver-operating characteristic analyses.

Results

Cytokine assays on 159 NE and 157 non-NE infants were performed; data on early childhood outcomes were available for 150 and 129, respectively. NE infants had higher IL-10 (p < 0.001), higher IL-6 (p < 0.017), and lower VEGF (p < 0.001) levels. Moderate and severe NE was associated with higher IL-10 levels compared to non-NE infants (p < 0.001). Elevated IL-1α was associated with perinatal infection/inflammation (p = 0.013). Among NE infants, IL-10 predicted neonatal mortality (p = 0.01) and adverse early childhood outcome (adjusted OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.35–3.86,p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Our findings support a potential role for IL-10 as a biomarker for adverse outcomes after neonatal encephalopathy.

Impact

Neonatal encephalopathy is a common cause of child death and disability globally. Inflammatory cytokines are potential biomarkers of encephalopathy severity and outcome.

In this Ugandan health facility-based cohort, neonatal encephalopathy was associated with elevated serum IL-10 and IL-6, and reduced VEGF at birth.

Elevated serum IL-10 within 12 h after birth predicted severity of neonatal encephalopathy, neonatal mortality, and adverse early childhood developmental outcomes, independent of perinatal infection or inflammation, and provides evidence to the contribution of the inflammatory processes.

Our findings support a role for IL-10 as a biomarker for adverse outcomes after neonatal encephalopathy in a sub-Saharan African cohort.
Impact of mucin on the anti-erosive/anti-abrasive efficacy of chitosan and/or F/Sn in enamel in vitro
Authors: Luka Benedikt , Arbter Vivien , Sander Kathrin , Duerrschnabel Andrea , Schlueter Nadine
Published: March 2021

The application of stannous ions in combination with fluoride (F/Sn) is one of the central strategies in reducing erosive tooth wear. F/Sn efficacy can be enhanced by adding chitosan, a positively charged biopolymer. For patients with low saliva flow, this efficacy, however, is not sufficient, making further improvement desirable. This could be achieved by combining chitosan with other molecules like mucin, which together might form multilayers. This in-vitro study aimed to investigate the effect of chitosan, mucin, F/Sn and combinations thereof on enamel erosion and erosion-abrasion. Human enamel samples (n = 448, 28 groups) were cyclically eroded or eroded-abraded (10 days; 6 × 2 min erosion and 2 × 15 s/200 g abrasion per day). Samples were treated 2 × 2 min/day with solutions containing either, chitosan (50 or 500 mPas), porcine gastric mucin, F/Sn or combinations thereof after abrasive challenge. Tissue loss was measured profilometrically, interaction between hard tissue and active agents was assessed with energy dispersive spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Chitosan and F/Sn showed the expected effect in reducing tissue loss under erosive and under erosive-abrasive conditions. Neither mucin alone nor the combinations with mucin showed any additional beneficial effect.
Grafting density induced reentrant disorder–order–disorder transition in planar di-block copolymer brushes
Authors: Capone Barbara , Likos Christos N. , Coluzza Ivan
Published: March 2021

By means of multiscale molecular simulation, we here present a re-entrant disorder/order/disorder transition in diblock copolymer brushes.
Four 3D Co(ii) MOFs based on 2,4,6-tris(4-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine and polycarboxylic acid ligands and their derivatives as efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Yang Ming-Xing , Chen Li-Juan , Ye Yan-Zhu , Lin Xing-Ye , Lin Shen
Published: March 2021

Four 3D Co(ii) MOFs based on 2,4,6-tris(4-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine and polycarboxylic acid ligands and their derivatives as efficient electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction.
A series of M3PS4 (M = Ag, Cu and Ag/Cu) thiophosphates with diamond-like structures exhibiting large second harmonic generation responses and moderate ion conductivities
Authors: Yang Ya , Zhang Bingbing , Wu Xiaowen , Wu Kui
Published: March 2021

Diamond-like thiophosphates exhibiting large second harmonic generation responses and moderate ion conductivities were systematically studied.
The VISCACHA survey
Authors: Dias B. , Angelo M. S. , Oliveira R. A. P. , Maia F. , Parisi M. C. , De Bortoli B. , Souza S. O. , Katime Santrich O. J. , Bassino L. P. , Barbuy B. , Bica E. , Geisler D. , Kerber L. , Pérez-Villegas A. , Quint B. , Sanmartim D. , Santos J. F. C. , Westera P.
Published: March 2021

Context. The interactions between the Small and Large Magellanic Clouds (SMC and LMC) created the Magellanic Bridge; a stream of gas and stars pulled out of the SMC towards the LMC about 150 Myr ago. The tidal counterpart of this structure, which should include a trailing arm, has been predicted by models but no compelling observational evidence has confirmed the Counter-Bridge so far.

Aims. The main goal of this work is to find the stellar counterpart of the Magellanic Bridge and Counter-Bridge. We use star clusters in the SMC outskirts as they provide a 6D phase-space vector, age, and metallicity which help characterise the outskirts of the SMC.

Methods. Distances, ages, and photometric metallicities were derived from fitting isochrones to the colour-magnitude diagrams from the VISCACHA survey. Radial velocities and spectroscopic metallicities were derived from the spectroscopic follow-up using GMOS in the CaII triplet region.

Results. Among the seven clusters analysed in this work, five belong to the Magellanic Bridge, one belongs to the Counter-Bridge, and the other belongs to the transition region.

Conclusions. The existence of the tidal counterpart of the Magellanic Bridge is evidenced by star clusters. The stellar component of the Magellanic Bridge and Counter-Bridge are confirmed in the SMC outskirts. These results are an important constraint for models that seek to reconstruct the history of the orbit and interactions between the LMC and SMC as well as constrain their future interaction including with the Milky Way.
Discrete-to-continuum limits of planar disclinations
Authors: Cesana Pierluigi , van Meurs Patrick
Published: March 2021

In materials science, wedge disclinations are defects caused by angular mismatches in the crystallographic lattice. To describe such disclinations, we introduce an atomistic model in planar domains. This model is given by a nearest-neighbor-type energy for the atomic bonds with an additional term to penalize change in volume. We enforce the appearance of disclinations by means of a special boundary condition. Our main result is the discrete-to-continuum limit of this energy as the lattice size tends to zero. Our proof relies on energy relaxation methods. The main mathematical novelty of our proof is a density theorem for the special boundary condition. In addition to our limit theorem, we construct examples of planar disclinations as solutions to numerical minimization of the model and show that classical results for wedge disclinations are recovered by our analysis.
A finite volume scheme for the solution of a mixed discrete-continuous fragmentation model
Authors: Baird Graham , Süli Endre
Published: March 2021

This paper concerns the construction and analysis of a numerical scheme for a mixed discrete-continuous fragmentation equation. A finite volume scheme is developed, based on a conservative formulation of a truncated version of the equations. The approximate solutions provided by this scheme are first shown to display conservation of mass and preservation of nonnegativity. Then, by utilising a Dunford–Pettis style argument, the sequence of approximate solutions generated is shown, under given restrictions on the model and the mesh, to converge (weakly) in an appropriate L1 space to a weak solution to the problem. By applying the methods and theory of operator semigroups, we are able to show that these weak solutions are unique and necessarily classical (differentiable) solutions, a degree of regularity not generally established when finite volume schemes are applied to such problems. Furthermore, this approach enabled us to derive a bound for the error induced by the truncation of the mass domain, and also establish the convergence of the truncated solutions as the truncation point is increased without bound. Finally, numerical simulations are performed to investigate the performance of the scheme and assess its rate of convergence as the mesh is refined, whilst also verifying the bound on the truncation error.
Numerical dissipation switch for two-dimensional central-upwind schemes
Authors: Kurganov Alexander , Liu Yongle , Zeitlin Vladimir
Published: March 2021

We propose a numerical dissipation switch, which helps to control the amount of numerical dissipation present in central-upwind schemes. Our main goal is to reduce the numerical dissipation without risking oscillations. This goal is achieved with the help of a more accurate estimate of the local propagation speeds in the parts of the computational domain, which are near contact discontinuities and shears. To this end, we introduce a switch parameter, which depends on the distributions of energy in the x- and y-directions. The resulting new central-upwind is tested on a number of numerical examples, which demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method over the original central-upwind scheme.
Diagnosing of Bearing Faults in Induction Motor by Adopting DWT-Based Artificial Neural Network (ANN)
Authors: Thamer Haider Lateef , Al-Lamey Baqer Turki , Al-Thammer Diyah
Published: March 2021

This paper introduces technology for detecting bearing damage to the 3-phase induction machine that is divided into two stages. In the first stage, the stator current signal (iq) is decomposed by adopting (DWT) and extract RMS values of the current signal (iq). The second stage is to enter the external RMS values of the stator current signal (iq) into the trained artificial neural network to detect these defects. With this mechanism, One can protect the induction motor from damage. This is done by using a simulation program simulink/MATLAB2019. The computed results show that better performance can be achieved using such a technique.
Modern technologies as urban management tools that work to sustain and develop urbanization in cities
Authors: Mahmood Hadeel M , Mahdi Khawla H
Published: March 2021

The city and its urban growth generated exceeded the basic designs and plans due to the lack of application of laws and implementers’ familiarity with the rules of urban planning or the absence of laws and the governmental role. This is caused a deficit in the urban planning of the foundations and standards to achieve a life that gives the requirements of adequate housing. In this paper, we tried to apply new technical methods to control and solve Problems and cooperated with planning cadres that work to counter changes in the city. This supports to improve the role of management and the reality of urban plans and management. Modern methods are applied covering the requirements of sustainability and development to serve its community and neighborhoods of MODON. This has been studied with international experiences to activate the principle of urban sustainability and development.
Effectivness of giving clove oil as an anaesthetic for survival rate and number of leucocytes in cantang grouper (Epinephelus sp.) in the closed transportation
Authors: Nurkomaria S , Suprapto H , Sudarno
Published: March 2021

Cantang groupers is one of fish commodities that have high economic value. Live fish transport has several problems for fish and one of the problem is stress in fish. Many stressors can cause mortality of fish if the fish body can not tolerate it. One way that can be used to reduce stress on fish which can increase the value of survival and decrease leucocytess during the transport is giving clove oil as an anaesthetic. This study aim to determine the effect of clove oil as an anesthetic substance on the survival rate (SR) and number of leucocytes in cantang grouper (Ephinephelus sp.) in the closed transport. The method is an experimental method with a completely randomized design (CRD), with five treatments and three replications. The main parameters observed were survival rate and leucocytes of cantang groupers. The data obtained will be analyzed using ANOVA followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. The results showed that administration of clove oil as an anesthetic may improve the survival rate and lower the number of leucocytes of cantang grouper, after the closed transport for 10 hours. The highest survival rate is 86,67% and the Leucocytes is 2,35×104 cell/mm3 with 10ppm of clove oil dosage.
Study Recycling Effluents of Hospital WWTP with Reverse Osmosis
Authors: Rochmah V , Widiasa I N
Published: March 2021

Reverse osmosis (RO) membrane technology has been used extensively in seawater desalination, drinking water production, brackish water treatment, and industrial wastewater treatment, whereas in hospital wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) has not been much studied. Effluents of hospital WWTP can still be reprocessed with filtration technology to improve its quality, so that it can replace the role of clean water that has been taken from ground water, and can even save water use by the Regional Water Supply Company. This study aims to examine the performance of reverse osmosis (RO) technology for recycling effluents of hospital WWTP. The results showed that the reverse osmosis (RO) system with a polyamide membrane proved to be effective for recycling effluents of hospital WWTP. The value of the concentration of processed water (product) RO when viewed from the TDS (Total Dissolved Solid) and COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) parameters has decreased and meets clean water quality standards according to existing regulations. Increased operating time causes a decrease in permeate flux. Increased operating pressure causes increased permeate flux and rejection efficiency. The use of RO systems with polyamide membranes is expected to be the best choice for recycling effluents of hospital WWTP under current conditions.
Stranger in a strange land: genetic variation of native insect resistance biomarkers in UK Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis [Bong.] Carr.)
Authors: Tumas Hayley R , Soufi Ziad , Woolliams John A , McLean J Paul , Lee Steve , Cottrell Joan E , Ilska Joanna J , Lopez Gustavo , MacKay John
Published: March 2021

Reforestation in the British Isles (UK and Ireland) has been dominated with the use of an exotic conifer tree species, Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis [Bong.] Carr.). Sitka breeding in the UK was developed from a single provenance, the Haida Gwaii Islands (Canada), which is both well suited to the British climate and highly susceptible to the white pine weevil (Pissodes strobi L.) in its native range. We examined variation and heritability of insect resistance related traits and assessed potential trade-offs with tree growth in 50 full-sibling families and 13 clonally replicated genotypes growing in the UK. We measured bark levels of three terpenes (dehydroabietic acid, (+)-3-carene and terpinolene) shown to confer resistance to the white pine weevil in Sitka spruce’s native range, on the principle that these defence compounds may also contribute to pest resistance in the UK. We compared our results with published findings from the native range and also used individuals from a Haida Gwaii seed lot grown in the UK for comparison of terpene levels. Dehydroabietic acid content in the UK breeding population was similar to populations from resistant native populations, but (+)-3-carene and terpinolene levels were relatively low. Narrow sense heritability for dehydroabietic acid, (+)-3-carene and terpinolene was estimated as 0.20, 0.93 and 0.98, respectively from the full-sib data, and this evidence of genetic variance was supported by estimates of broad sense heritability from the smaller clonal study. Terpene content was found to be positively correlated to growth traits. The heritability estimates and genetic correlations indicate that selective breeding should be effective in raising levels in the UK breeding population of the three candidate terpenes implicated in weevil resistance. However, low levels observed indicate that other provenances from the native range may produce greater short-term improvements for two of the terpenes.