bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RNA‐dependent chaperone (chaperna) as an engineered pro‐region for the folding of recombinant microbial transglutaminase
Authors: Lee Jinhee , Son Ahyun , Kim Paul , Kwon Soon Bin , Yu Ji Eun , Han Gyoonhee , Seong Baik L.
Published: November 2018

Transglutaminase (TGase) induces the cross‐linking of proteins by catalyzing an acyl transfer reaction. TGase is a zymogen, activated by the removal of its pro‐region. Because the pro‐region is crucial for folding and inhibition of the TGase activity, the recombinant expression of the mature TGase (mTGase) without the pro‐region, usually results in inactive inclusion bodies or low protein yield. Here, Streptomyces netropsis TGase was fused with Escherichia coli lysyl‐tRNA synthetase (LysRS), as a module with chaperoning activity in an RNA dependent manner (chaperna). The TGase activity from purified fusion protein induced via the removal of LysRS by tev protease in vitro. Moreover, active mTGase was produced in E. coli via an intracellular cleavage system, wherein LysRS‐mTGase was cleaved by the coexpressed tev protease in vivo. The results suggest that LysRS essentially mimics pro‐region, which exerts a dual function—folding of TGase into active conformation and keeping it as dormant state—in an RNA‐dependent manner. Thus, trans‐acting RNAs, prompt the cis‐acting chaperone function of LysRS, while being mechanistically similar to the intramolecular chaperone function of the pro‐region. These results could be implemented and extended for the folding of “difficult‐to‐express” recombinant proteins, by harnessing the chaperna function.
Characterizing modes of action and interaction for multicomponent osmolyte solutions on Jurkat cells
Authors: Pi Chia‐Hsing , Yu Guanglin , Dosa Peter I. , Hubel Allison
Published: November 2018

This study examined the post‐thaw recovery of Jurkat cells cryopreserved in three combinations of five osmolytes including trehalose, sucrose, glycerol, mannitol, and creatine. Cellular response was characterized using low‐temperature Raman spectroscopy, and variation of post‐thaw recovery was analyzed using statistical modeling. Combinations of osmolytes displayed distinct trends of post‐thaw recovery, and a nonlinear relationship between compositions and post‐thaw recovery was observed, suggesting interactions not only between different solutes but also between solutes and cells. The post‐thaw recovery for optimized cryoprotectants in different combinations of osmolytes at a cooling rate of 1°C/min was comparable to that measured with 10% dimethyl sulfoxide. Statistical modeling was used to understand the importance of individual osmolytes as well as interactions between osmolytes on post‐thaw recovery. Both higher concentrations of glycerol and certain interactions between sugars and glycerol were found to typically increase the post‐thaw recovery. Raman images showed the influence of osmolytes and combinations of osmolytes on ice crystal shape, which reflected the interactions between osmolytes and water. Differences in the composition also influenced the presence or absence of intracellular ice formation, which could also be detected by Raman. These studies help us understand the modes of action for cryoprotective agents in these osmolyte solutions.
Review of advanced physical and data‐driven models for dynamic bioprocess simulation: Case study of algae–bacteria consortium wastewater treatment
Authors: Del Rio‐Chanona Ehecatl Antonio , Cong Xiaoyan , Bradford Eric , Zhang Dongda , Jing Keju
Published: November 2018

Microorganism production and remediation processes are of critical importance to the next generation of sustainable industries. Undertaking mathematical treatment of dynamic biosystems operating at any spatial or temporal scale is essential to guarantee their performance and safety. However, constructing physical models remains a challenge due to the extreme complexity of process biological mechanisms. Data‐driven models also encounter severe limitations because datasets from large‐scale bioprocesses are often scarce without complete information and on a restricted operational space. To fill this gap, the current research compares the performance of advanced physical and data‐driven models for dynamic bioprocess simulations subject to incomplete and scarce datasets, which to the best of our knowledge has never been addressed before. In specific, kinetic models were constructed by integrating different classic models, and state‐of‐the‐art hyperparameter selection frameworks were developed to design artificial neural networks and Gaussian process regression models. An algae–bacteria consortium wastewater treatment process was selected to test the accuracy of these modeling strategies, as it is one of the most sophisticated biosystems due to the intricate mutualistic and competitive interactions. Based on the current results and available data, a heuristic model selection procedure is provided. This study paves the way to facilitate future bioprocess modeling.
Limbic encephalitis: Experience of a moroccan center
Authors: Toudou‐Daouda Moussa , Filali‐Adib Ahmed , Slassi Aicha , Belahsen Mohammed‐Faouzi , Souirti Zouhayr
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Histologically defined as an inflammation—degeneration of limbic structures, limbic encephalitis (LE) is a rare disease and often difficult to diagnose particularly in institutions with limited access to laboratory tests such as antineuronal antibodies or HSV‐PCR, and functional imaging. We aimed to describe the demographic, clinical, paraclinical, and etiological features of LE, as well as its medium‐term prognosis in Moroccan patients.

Materials and Methods

We collected retrospectively all patients diagnosed with LE in the Department of Neurology of the University Hospital Hassan II of Fez (Morocco) between September 2008 and December 2016. We analyzed their demographic features, clinical manifestations, magnetic resonance imaging and laboratory findings, etiologies, and medium‐term prognoses.

Results

We included 22 men and 9 women aged 14–76 years (mean age: 45.8 years). In 64.5% of cases, the onset of symptoms was acute. The clinical manifestations included generalized status epilepticus (16.1%), confusional syndrome (29%), epileptic seizures (38.7%), psychiatric disorders (48.4%), and memory disorders (45.2%). The nonlimbic symptoms were nuchal stiffness (22.6%), headaches (9.7%), fever (61.3%), vesicular rash (3.2%), and language disorders (6.5%). The different etiologies found were herpes simplex virus (6.5%), syphilis (16.1%), tuberculosis (3.2%), varicella (3.2%), paraneoplastic autoimmune LE (22.6%), anti‐NMDA‐R LE (6.5%), and sarcoidosis (3.2%). We found 12 cases (38.7%) of LE without definite etiology and with an incomplete diagnostic workup. The medium‐term clinical course includes a complete remission in 45.2% of cases and partial remission in 45.1% of cases. The different sequelae were temporal lobe epilepsy (9.7%), anterograde amnesia (16.1%), and severe cognitive impairment (19.4%). The mortality rate was 9.7% (3 patients).

Conclusion

Our study shows a wide diversity of etiologies of LE in Morocco with essentially an acute mode of onset of symptoms.
Pretreatment values of bilirubin and albumin are not prognostic predictors in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer
Authors: Feng Lanyun , Gu Shihui , Wang Peng , Chen Hao , Chen Zhen , Meng Zhiqiang , Liu Luming
Published: November 2018

Purpose

To identify the pretreatment values of bilirubin and albumin and other serum biomarkers in predicting the prognosis for advanced pancreatic cancer.

Methods

A total of 201 consecutive patients pathologically diagnosed as advanced pancreatic cancer were retrospectively reviewed. Tumor location, TNM classification, the level of baseline total bilirubin (TBIT), direct bilirubin (DBIT), albumin (ALB), globulin (GLOB), total protein (TP), ALB to GLOB ratio (AGR), CA19‐9, CA242, and CA50 were collected. The values of CA19‐9, CA242, and CA50 were divided into two groups according to the upper limit value which were 1000 U/mL, 150 IU/mL, and 500 IU/mL, respectively. The values of TBIL, DBIL, IBIL, ALB, GLOB, TP, ALB, and GLOB were divided into low and high groups according to the median. To investigate if the median was an effective discriminator in dividing these markers, the patients were divided into a test set (n = 100) and a validation set (n = 101). Kaplan‐Meier (K‐M) survival analysis and Cox regression analysis were performed to explore the potential relationship between them and overall survival (OS).

Results

A K‐M survival analysis revealed that the investigated markers in test set, including TBIL, DBIL, IBIL, ALB, GLOB, TP, ALB, and GLOB, were not associated with the OS. The findings from the validation set were consistent with those in the test set. Factors with P value smaller than 0.1 in the univariate analysis along with the tumor location, CA19‐9, CA242, CA50, were entered into the multivariate analysis. A Cox regression analysis suggested that the cancerization at head of pancreas (P = 0.01) and a high level of CA19‐9 (P = 0.02) were independent prognostic indicators for poor OS of pancreatic cancer.

Conclusions

Baseline bilirubin and serum proteins were not associated with the prognosis of advanced pancreatic cancer. Tumor location and level of CA19‐9 may serve as significant indicators for poor prognosis in those patients.
Atypical Clinical Presentation of Pemphigus and Its Management: A Case Report
Authors: Neely Anthony L. , Choksi Karishma , Othman Abdullah , Patel Krupa , Zhou Zheng , Kinaia Bassam
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Many mucocutaneous conditions affect the skin and oral cavity. Common conditions include lichen planus, pemphigus, and pemphigoid. This case report shows an atypical presentation of a mucocutaneous condition wherein histopathology was required for definitive diagnosis and treatment.

Case Presentation

A 51‐year‐old African American male self‐reported to a private periodontal practice with a chief complaint of sporadic painful oral lesions of about 2 months duration. The patient also reported painful throat lesions. He had been previously treated for a sore throat followed by unspecified inflammation of the epiglottis. Clinical examination revealed diffuse bilateral eye redness, numerous intraoral ulcerations on soft and hard palate and floor of the mouth with trouble swallowing. Oral and ocular presentation suggested a differential diagnosis of cicatricial pemphigoid. Pemphigoid and lichen planus were also considered. Ophthalmologic exam revealed only allergies and no other abnormality. Soft tissue biopsies showed intraepithelial separation between the spinous layer and basement membrane. Direct and indirect immunofluorescence showed strong immunoglobulin G and moderate C3 reactivity confirming a diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris (PV). A rheumatologist initially treated the patient with a daily combination regimen of methylprednisolone and mycophenolate mofetil. Lesions improved after a few weeks on the regimen. Reduction of medications resulted in return of oral and throat lesions. Resumption of the regimen resulted in lesion remission. Azathioprine replaced the mycophenolate mofetil, and then was gradually stopped after methylprednisolone cessation. Lesions have not reappeared for 1 year.

Conclusion

This case illustrates that early diagnosis of mucocutaneous lesions leads to proper treatment and possible remission.
Usefulness of longitudinal reconstructed optical coherence tomography images for predicting the need for the reverse wire technique during coronary bifurcation interventions
Authors: Watanabe Makoto , Okura Hiroyuki , Okamura Akihiko , Iwai Saki , Keshi Ayaka , Kamon Daisuke , Isojima Takuya , Ueda Tomoya , Soeda Tsunenari , Saito Yoshihiko
Published: November 2018

Objectives

The aim is to investigate the usefulness of longitudinal reconstructed optical coherence tomography (OCT) images in selecting the reverse wire (RW) technique for inserting a guidewire into a side branch (SB).

Background

It is sometimes necessary to protect the SB with a guidewire to prevent SB complications in PCI for bifurcation lesions. The RW is a novel method for guidewire insertion into an extremely angulated SB when the standard antegrade wire (AW) approach is difficult.

Methods

This retrospective study included 46 consecutive patients who underwent OCT‐guided PCI in bifurcation lesions with significant SB stenosis. Patients were divided into two groups: 36 patients with successful guidewire crossing using the AW (AW group) and 10 patients with unsuccessful AW but successful RW guidewire crossing (RW group). SB angle and branch point (BP) slope, defined as the angle between the line connecting the proximal and distal BPs and the vertical, were measured using longitudinal reconstructed OCT images.

Results

The RW group had a significantly larger SB angle and higher BP slope than the AW group (108.7 ± 11.4° vs. 76.2 ± 14.9°; P < 0.0001, 128.7 ± 31.6° vs. 82.9 ± 33.6°; P = 0.0004, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that SB angle ≥ 100° and BP slope ≥ 120° are optimal cutoff values for predicting the need for RW (area under the curve 0.97, sensitivity 90.0%, specificity 91.7%; area under the curve 0.83, sensitivity 80.0%, specificity 86.1%, respectively).

Conclusions

Longitudinal reconstructed OCT is useful for selecting the wiring technique for bifurcation lesions.
Engineering UiO‐66 Metal Organic Framework for Heterogeneous Catalysis
Authors: Dhakshinamoorthy Amarajothi , Santiago‐Portillo Andrea , Asiri Abdullah M. , Garcia Hermenegildo
Published: November 2018

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are currently attracting considerable attention as heterogeneous catalysts at moderate temperatures, mainly for liquid‐phase reactions. Since structural stability is one of the major concerns for the use of MOFs in catalysis, particularly considering that frequently some of the reported MOF materials are very unstable, the interest in this area has been focused on those MOFs exhibiting the highest structural robustness, UiO‐66 being among the most widely used. Two introductory sections deal with the synthesis, structure and main properties of UiO‐66, including its remarkable thermal (up to 350 °C) and chemical (aqueous solution in a wide pH range) stability. The main body of the review summarizes those examples of using UiO‐66 in catalysis grouped according to the nature of the active sites, starting with the use of UiO‐66 as Lewis acids. In this section, emphasis has been made in the recent strategies to create structural defects in a controlled way that generate Lewis acidity. Other sections cover examples illustrating substituted terephthalate as active sites and the evidence that there is a synergy between acid and basic sites in close proximity that make some of these UiO‐66 with substituents at the linker to act as dual acid‐base catalysts. Other sections are focused on the use of UiO‐66 as hosts of metal nanoparticles, metal oxides and other host, remarking the influence that the nature of UiO‐66 and the possible presence of substituents in the framework play on the activity of the incorporated guest. The last section summarizes the current state of the art in the use of UiO‐66 in catalysis and provides our views on future developments regarding the application of UiO‐66 in industrial processes.
Hydrostatic Pressure on Toroidal Interaction and Propeller Chirality of Hexaarylbenzenes: Explicit Solvent Effects on Differential Volumes in Methylcyclohexane and Hexane
Authors: Kosaka Tomoyo , Iwai Satono , Fukuhara Gaku , Imai Yoshitane , Mori Tadashi
Published: November 2018

A unique and effective interaction between the peripheral aromatic blades makes hexaarylbenzenes (HABs) attractive in fundamental research as well as for various applications such as molecular wires, sensors, and supramolecular assemblies. The chiroptical responses of HABs are susceptible to environmental factors such as solvent and temperature owing to the dynamic conformational transitions between the conformers. In this study, pressure dependence on the propeller chiral HABs in two different solvents was studied in detail. The effective differential volumes for two different equilibria were determined by quantitative analyses of CD spectra, affording very large differential volumes from the propeller to toroidal conformer (ΔVT‐C) of +43 and +42 cm3 mol−1, for H2 and H6, respectively, in methylcyclohexane. The value of H6 was further enhanced to +72 cm3 mol−1 in hexane, the largest value for the typical unimolecular conformational change. Such a response of propeller chirality in HABs is expedient in designing more advanced piezo‐sensitive materials.
Real‐time hand gestures system based on leap motion
Authors: Jia Jing , Tu Geng , Deng Xin , Zhao Chuchu , Yi Wenlong
Published: November 2018

In the three‐dimensional human‐computer interaction, the identification of dynamic and static gestures is a very important and challenging work in the field of machine vision, In this paper, we propose a new gesture recognition system. Leap Motion device is a kind of equipment, which is specially used for hand recognition, which can get the feature data to realize the gesture recognition in real time. The system is mainly composed of the following two parts. For static gestures, we use a kind of feature information based on the distance, direction, and bending degree of the fingertip, and bring the support vector machine into the training to realize the static gesture recognition. For dynamic gestures, we use gesture length as a benchmark to reject non‐key gestures and preprocess frames with abnormal gesture sequences. The average recognition rate of static gestures reaches 99.98%, and the recognition rate of dynamic gestures reaches 96.20%. The experimental results show that the algorithm has a good effect on gesture recognition, and it is suitable for the simple interaction between gestures, people and people and daily communication of daily communication barriers.
A novel simulator model and standardized assessment tools for fine needle aspiration cytology training
Authors: Alcaraz‐Mateos Eduardo , Jiang Xiaoyin “Sara” , Mohammed Ahmed Abdelraheem Reda , Turic Iva , Hernández‐Sabater Laura , Caballero‐Alemán Fuensanta , Párraga‐Ramírez Manuel José , Poblet Enrique
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is an invaluable diagnostic procedure for evaluation of lesions; however, acquisition of diagnostic material is dependent on the skill of the practitioner. We report a novel patient simulator for teaching the FNA procedure and structured assessment tools for educators and learners.

Methods

We created a novel simulator model for FNA training, employed a standardized teaching module, and assessed procedure utility in medical students. Groups of students completed training using a commercial version of the model, and underwent structured evaluation using an Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) form, and the Debriefing Assessment for Simulation in Healthcare (DASH) tool.

Results

In the initial phase, 178 students rated the training workshop between valuable and essential (4.2 on a 5‐point Likert scale). In the second phase, for students evaluated with the OSATS form, the mean overall score was 33 out of 50 (range 26‐43). The areas of weakness for the participants were: (a) compression after the FNA procedure, (b) completion of the informed consent, and (c) correct explanation of the procedure to the patient. For the group of students that completed the DASH questionnaire, the results were: 6.2 (assessment by students) and 6.7 (assessment by instructor) out of a maximum of 7.

Conclusion

A realistic simulation model, in combination with a standardized training program with formal assessment methods is a valuable tool to teach FNA. We here describe a process for teaching the FNA procedure to interested educators and learners.
Effect of Syringic acid on antioxidant biomarkers and associated inflammatory markers in mice model of asthma
Authors: Li Yinfang , Zhang Li , Wang Xiaohua , wu wei , Qin Rui
Published: November 2018

Asthma is termed as the induction of chronic inflammation in the airway lumen of lungs due to accumulation of inflammatory cells which affects normal breathing process. Prolonged accumulation of inflammatory cells leads to oxidative stress and suppression of antioxidant activities. Therefore, in our present investigation, a potential phenolic compound, Syringic acid was tested for the suppression of inflammatory markers toward an antiasthmatic activity in ovalbumin (OVA)‐induced asthmatic mice model. As a result, the Syringic acid treatment was found to suppress the inflammatory cells; eosinophil, neutrophil, macrophage, lymphocyte, and other inflammatory markers including IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13, and TNF‐α in the BALF of OVA‐induced asthmatic mice. Similarly, IgE levels were significantly reduced in the blood serum of Syringic acid treated mice groups. In this context, the IFN‐γ levels were found enhanced in the BALF of Syringic acid treated asthmatic mice groups, expressing an anti‐inflammatory response. Enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants such as SOD, CAT, and GSH levels were found high in the Syringic acid treatment than the asthmatic control group, which depicts the antioxidant response of Syringic acid on asthmatic groups. Intriguingly, the ROS, NO2, NO3, and MDA levels were inhibited in the BALF of Syringic acid treated mice groups. The airway hyper‐reactivity (AHR) was comparatively normal in the Syringic acid treatment as it was severe in the case of asthmatic control group. Consequently, the effect of Syringic acid is prominent in the treatment of asthma by controlling the accumulation of inflammatory cells, other inflammatory markers along with enhancement of antioxidant markers, suppression of ROS and controlling airway hyperreactivity. Hence, Syringic acid may be recommended for clinical trials in the treatment of asthma.
The interactive effects of predator stress, predation, and the herbicide Roundup
Authors: Relyea Rick A.
Published: November 2018

As the number of studies examining the effects of contaminants grows, ecologists are becoming increasingly aware that contaminants can interact with natural stressors (e.g., competition and predator cues) in their effects on nontarget animals. In amphibians, predator cues can make contaminants more lethal under laboratory conditions, but the opposite outcome has been observed under more natural conditions with stratified water columns; stratification causes more pesticide to be present near the surface while predator cues scare spring‐breeding amphibians down to the benthos. I examined whether this phenomenon also occurs in three species of summer‐breeding amphibians (Hyla versicolor, Rana clamitans, and Rana catesbeiana) that were raised in outdoor mesocosms. Specifically, I asked how amphibian survival was affected by multiple concentrations of a common herbicide (glyphosate; commercial name: Roundup), the herbicide combined with chemical cues from predators (caged larval dragonflies; Anax junius), and the herbicide combined with lethal predators. Environmentally relevant concentrations of the herbicide caused high rates of tadpole mortality, but this outcome was substantially reversed by the addition of predator cues. With lethal predators, the tadpoles experienced such high mortality that the herbicide caused no additional effect. Roundup also induced morphological changes in Hyla versicolor, and the induced traits were different from those induced by predators. Collectively, these results suggest that while predator cues can make pesticides less lethal when thermal stratification occurs, highly lethal predators can overwhelm these effects. Thus, the impacts of such contaminants can be dramatically different in environments that do or do not contain high‐risk predators.
Species interactions cause non‐additive effects of multiple environmental stressors on communities
Authors: Thompson Patrick L. , MacLennan Megan M. , Vinebrooke Rolf D.
Published: November 2018

Cumulative ecological impacts of chronic, extreme, and often novel, anthropogenic environmental changes (i.e., stressors) often differ from the sum of their individual effects. Uncertainty over the causes of such non‐additivity among multiple stressors confounds forecasts of their net ecological impact. Although stressors can interact directly within the environment to mediate their combined effects on communities, species interactions likely also play key roles. Here, we use a simulation model to explore how species interactions cause community responses (changes in species richness and total biomass) to paired stressors to differ from what we would expect based on the individual effects of each stressor (the additive effect). We demonstrate how interspecific interactions cause communities to respond non‐additively to stressors, and how this depends on whether these interactions are negative or positive and whether the stressors have positive or negative impacts on the community property of interest. When pairwise species interactions involve at least one negative interaction (i.e., competition or predation), stressors combine to have greater than expected negative impacts (e.g., species or biomass loss) and less than expected positive impacts (e.g., biomass increases). In contrast, reciprocally positive interactions between species (i.e., facilitation) generally cause stressors to have additive, or slightly less than additive, net effects on species richness and community biomass. While species interactions determine the nature of the combined impact of multiple stressors (i.e., greater than or less than expected), species co‐tolerance and stressor timing (i.e., sequential vs simultaneous application) only modify the magnitude of this effect. These findings highlight how interactions among species can contribute to non‐additive responses by communities to environmental change, in addition to those caused by interactions among stressors themselves.
High precision tracing of soil and sediment movement using fluorescent tracers at hillslope scale
Authors: Hardy R.A. , Quinton J.N. , James M.R. , Fiener P. , Pates J.M.
Published: November 2018

Generating high resolution spatial information on the movement of sediment in response to soil erosion remains a major research challenge. In this paper we present a new tracing method that utilises LED (light emitting diode) light to induce fluorescence in a sand‐sized tracer, which is then detected, using a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor in a commercial digital camera, at mm‐resolution without the need for removal of soil material. First, we detail two complementary, but independent, methods for quantifying the concentration of tracer from images: particle counting and an intensity based method. We show that both methods can produce highly resolved estimates of particle concentrations under laboratory conditions. Secondly, we demonstrate the power of the method for collecting spatial information on soil redistribution by tillage, with mm precision, over an approximately 50 m hillslope and vertically down the soil profile. Our work demonstrates the potential to collect quantitative time‐resolved data about soil movement without disturbing the soil surface which is being studied, and with it the possibility to parameterise or evaluate dynamic distributed soil erosion models or to undertake fundamental research focused on particle movement that has been impossible to conduct previously. © 2018 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Influence of Electrolyte Scaffold Microstructure and Loading of MIEC Material on the Electrochemical Performance of RSOC Fuel Electrode
Authors: Maide M. , Lillmaa K. , Salvan L. K. , Möller P. , Uibu M. , Lust E. , Nurk G.
Published: November 2018

Perovskite‐based mixed ionic electronic conductive (MIEC) oxides have been synthesized and studied as promising redox‐stable solid oxide cell (SOC) electrode materials. In order to enhance performance of MIEC electrode materials, influence of porous electrolyte structure as well as the loading of the electroactive material on the performance of La0.8Sr0.2Cr0.49Mn0.49Ni0.02O3‐δ – (Sc2O3)0.1(CeO2)0.01(ZrO2)0.89 (LSCMN‐ScCeSZ) and Sr2Fe1.5Mo0.5O6‐δ (Sc2O3)0.1(CeO2)0.01(ZrO2)0.89 (SFM‐ScCeSZ) MIEC electrodes have been studied. The results indicated that pre‐calcination and milling process of ScCeSZ electrolyte powder increased the average pore sizes and the overall porosity of scaffolds by about 10 vol.%. However, due to the use of pre‐calcined electrolyte powder with increased particle sizes, specific area of electrolyte scaffolds and catalytic activity decreased at lower MIEC loadings. Porous scaffold with highest open porosity of 81% was used to study the influence of different MIEC materials at high loadings on the performance of composite electrodes. Results indicated that optimal loading depends on the properties of MIEC material and it was found to be 30 and 50 wt.% for SFM and LSCMN, respectively. The highest current density values 1.11 and 0.78 A cm−2 were measured for electrolysis mode at 850 °C, at potential 1.5 V and 30% of absolute humidity for SFM and LSCMN composite electrodes, respectively.
Transcriptome and cytogenetic profiling analysis of matched in situ/invasive cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas from immunocompetent patients
Authors: García‐Díez Irene , Hernández‐Muñoz Inmaculada , Hernández‐Ruiz Eugenia , Nonell Lara , Puigdecanet Eulàlia , Bódalo‐Torruella Marta , Andrades Evelyn , Pujol Ramon M. , Toll Agustí
Published: November 2018

Although most cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCCs) develop from actinic keratoses (AKs), the key events in this evolution remain unclear. We have combined the results of different genomic and expression array platforms on matched concomitant samples of sun‐exposed skin (SES), AK, and cSCC from 10 immunocompetent patients. Gene expression analysis and copy number alterations were assessed using GeneChip Human Gene 2.0 ST Array (Affymetrix, Santa Clara, CA) and CytoScan HD Cytogenetics Solution (Affymetrix) platforms, respectively. Integration of transcriptome and genome results was evaluated using the DR‐Integrator tool. Additional studies (qPCR, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot) were performed for selected genes. FOSL1 and BNC1 encode transcription factors whose expression was increased in cSCC in the expression array and the qPCR. By immunohistochemistry, FOSL1 showed an intense staining at the invasive front of cSCC samples and BNC1 expression varied from a nuclear (SES) to a cytoplasmic location (cSCC). Western blot analyses confirmed the enhancement of FOSL1 and BNC1. In addition, the smallest overlapping regions (SORIs) of genomic imbalance involving at least three of the samples were selected. One of the SORIs was a deletion in the p24.1 band of chromosome 3, shared by seven of the cSCCs. A strong correlation in the integration analysis was found for NEK10, a gene contained in the previously mentioned SORI. Loss of NEK10 expression in cSCC was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyses. In addition, functional studies in NEK10 depleted cells were performed. In conclusion, we identified FOSL1 and BNC1, which could act as tumor drivers, and NEK10, which could function as a tumor suppressor, to be differentially expressed during cSCC development.
Estimating cross‐population genetic correlations of causal effect sizes
Authors: Galinsky Kevin J. , Reshef Yakir A. , Finucane Hilary K. , Loh Po‐Ru , Zaitlen Noah , Patterson Nick J. , Brown Brielin C. , Price Alkes L.
Published: November 2018

Recent studies have examined the genetic correlations of single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) effect sizes across pairs of populations to better understand the genetic architectures of complex traits. These studies have estimated , the cross‐population correlation of joint‐fit effect sizes at genotyped SNPs. However, the value of depends both on the cross‐population correlation of true causal effect sizes () and on the similarity in linkage disequilibrium (LD) patterns in the two populations, which drive tagging effects. Here, we derive the value of the ratio as a function of LD in each population. By applying existing methods to obtain estimates of , we can use this ratio to estimate . Our estimates of were equal to 0.55 (
SE = 0.14) between Europeans and East Asians averaged across nine traits in the Genetic Epidemiology Research on Adult Health and Aging data set, 0.54 (
SE = 0.18) between Europeans and South Asians averaged across 13 traits in the UK Biobank data set, and 0.48 (
SE = 0.06) and 0.65 (
SE = 0.09) between Europeans and East Asians in summary statistic data sets for type 2 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, respectively. These results implicate substantially different causal genetic architectures across continental populations.
Accelerating low carbon industrial growth through carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS)
Authors: van Os Peter
Published: November 2018

A European consortium of science, industry and institutions joined forces during the final quarter of 2017 to collaborate in transforming six European industrial regions into economically robust low‐carbon centres by 2025. The ALIGN‐CCUS (Accelerating Low Carbon Industrial Growth through CCUS) project has financial backing from the participating countries and the European Union.

In this interview, Peter van Os, of the Dutch research institute Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek (TNO), who is leading the ALIGN‐CCUS project consortium, talks to GHG about the project. He explains how it is aligning a range of issues to bring about a paradigm shift in the perception and deployment of carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) in the EU and beyond.
Apathy and right caudate perfusion in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus: A case‐control study
Authors: Kanemoto Hideki , Kazui Hiroaki , Suehiro Takashi , Kishima Haruhiko , Suzuki Yukiko , Sato Shunsuke , Azuma Shingo , Matsumoto Takuya , Yoshiyama Kenji , Shimosegawa Eku , Tanaka Toshihisa , Ikeda Manabu
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Apathy is prevalent in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH), a treatable disorder resulting from ventricular enlargement. We assessed the relationship between apathy and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in patients with iNPH.

Methods

Before lumbo‐peritoneal shunt surgery (LPS), 56 iNPH patients were evaluated on apathy and dysphoria subscales of the Neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI), and were divided into two groups according to NPI apathy score: 15 without apathy (iNPH−APA) and 41 with apathy (iNPH+APA). Among iNPH+APA, 29 patients were evaluated for apathy and dysphoria 3 months after LPS, and were divided into two groups on the basis of the change in NPI apathy score: 13 with improvement (iNPH+ImpAPA) and 16 without improvement in apathy (iNPH−ImpAPA). N‐isopropyl‐p‐iodoamphetamine single photon emission computed tomography using the autoradiography method was performed before and after LPS, and rCBF was calculated in 22 regions of interest in the frontal cortex, basal ganglia, and limbic system.

Results

In iNPH+APA, rCBF in the right caudate nuclei before LPS was significantly lower than that in iNPH−APA (P = 0.004; two‐sample t test). Between iNPH−ImpAPA and iNPH+ImpAPA, a significant group‐by‐shunt interaction was observed for rCBF in only the right caudate nuclei (F1, 28 = 11.75, P = 0.002; two‐way repeated‐measures analysis of variance), with increased rCBF in iNPH+ImpAPA but not in iNPH−ImpAPA. The significant group‐by‐shunt interaction persisted if change in NPI dysphoria scores was used as a covariate (F1, 27 = 8.33, P = 0.008).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that right caudate dysfunction might cause apathy in iNPH patients.
Track density imaging in progressive supranuclear palsy: A pilot study
Authors: Nigro Salvatore , Bianco Maria Giovanna , Arabia Gennarina , Morelli Maurizio , Nisticò Rita , Novellino Fabiana , Salsone Maria , Augimeri Antonio , Quattrone Aldo
Published: November 2018

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by white matter (WM) changes in different supra‐ and infratentorial brain structures. We used track density imaging (TDI) to characterize WM microstructural alterations in patients with PSP‐Richardson's Syndrome (PSP‐RS). Moreover, we investigated the diagnostic utility of TDI in distinguishing patients with PSP‐RS from those with Parkinson's disease and healthy controls (HC). Twenty PSP‐RS patients, 21 PD patients, and 23 HC underwent a 3 T MRI diffusion‐weighted (DW) imaging. Then, we combined constrained spherical deconvolution and WM probabilistic tractography to reconstruct track density maps by calculating the number of WM streamlines traversing each voxel. Voxel‐wise analysis was performed to assess group differences in track density maps. A support vector machine (SVM) approach was also used to evaluate the performance of TDI for discriminating between groups. Relative to PD patients, decreases in track density in PSP‐RS patients were found in brainstem, cerebellum, thalamus, corpus callosum, and corticospinal tract. Similar findings were obtained between PSP‐RS patients and HC. No differences in TDI were observed between PD and HC. SVM approach based on whole‐brain analysis differentiated PD patients from PSP‐RS with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.82. The AUC reached a value of 0.98 considering only the voxels belonging to the superior cerebellar peduncle. This study shows that TDI may represent a useful approach for characterizing WM alterations in PSP‐RS patients. Moreover, track density decrease in PSP could be considered a new feature for the differentiation of patients with PSP‐RS from those with PD.
Synthesis and molecular structure of functionalized tris[2‐(4′‐substituted butoxyphenyl)]phosphine oxides as precursors of tripodal ligands
Authors: Baulina Tat'yana V. , Kudryavtsev Igor Yu. , Smolyakov Alexander F. , Pasechnik Margarita P. , Brel Valery K.
Published: November 2018

A series of tris[2‐(4′‐substituted butoxyphenyl)]phosphine oxides [2‐X(CH2)4OC6H4]3PO (X = OAc (2), OH (3), OSO2Me (4), Br (5), and N3 (6)) useful as precursors of new tripodal ligands have been prepared. Alkylation of initial tris(2‐hydroxyphenyl)phosphine oxide (1) resulted in triacetate 2, which was deprotected to triol 3. The latter has been converted into trimesylate 4, which has been treated with LiBr or NaN3 to give the corresponding tribromo or triazido derivatives 5 and 6, respectively. According to X‐ray diffraction, the molecules of compounds 2, 5, and 6 in crystal adopt conformation where two side arms are oriented to the same direction as the P=O group, while the third side arm is oriented in the opposite manner.
Postoperative radiotherapy for T1/2N0M0 mucoepidermoid carcinoma positive for CRTC1/3‐MAML2 fusions
Authors: Okumura Yoshihide , Murase Takayuki , Saida Kosuke , Fujii Kana , Takino Hisashi , Masaki Ayako , Ijichi Kei , Shimozato Kazuo , Tada Yuichiro , Nibu Ken‐ichi , Inagaki Hiroshi
Published: November 2018

Background

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines recommend considering postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) for completely resected T1/2N0M0 salivary mucoepidermoid carcinomas when they show tumor spillage, perineural invasion, or intermediate/high‐grade histology. CRTC1/3‐MAML2 fusions have been associated with a favorable clinical outcome.

Methods

Forty‐seven T1/2N0M0 mucoepidermoid carcinoma cases positive for CRTC1/3‐MAML2 fusions were completely resected and were not treated with PORT.

Results

Pathologically, none of the cases showed tumor spillage or perineural invasion. Cases with intermediate/high‐grade histology numbered 9 (19%) to 26 (55%) with the currently used 3 different grading systems. During the follow‐up (median 60 months), locoregional tumor recurrence occurred in 4 cases, which were treated with surgery alone. At the last follow‐up (median 60 months; 7‐160), all patients were alive with no evidence of disease.

Conclusion

An excellent prognosis may be achieved without PORT in T1/2N0M0 mucoepidermoid carcinoma patients positive for CRTC1/3‐MAML2 fusions when the tumors are completely resected without tumor spillage.
Massive aneurysmal bone cyst of the skull base treated with denosumab
Authors: Asi Karim W. , Abdelmeguid Ahmed , Bell Diana , Hanna Ehab Y.
Published: November 2018

Background

Aneurysmal bone cysts are rare, benign expansile tumors most commonly involving long bones and vertebrae in patients younger than age 20. Skull base involvement is rare. Aneurysmal bone cysts shares radiological and histological features with other bone tumors, posing a diagnostic challenge.

Methods/Results

We report the case of a 32‐year‐old man who presented with facial pain, epistaxis, and cranial neuropathies secondary to a massive tumor of the maxillary sinus and anterior skull base. The tumor was originally misdiagnosed as osteosarcoma. However, genomic analysis revealed a rearrangement in the USP6 gene, elucidating a diagnosis of primary aneurysmal bone cysts. The patient was treated with denosumab. Within 5 months, the patient was asymptomatic with CT showing ossification of the tumor.

Conclusions

This case highlights (1) the utility of genomic analysis in aggressive bone tumors when the diagnosis is unclear and (2) the effectiveness of denosumab as a treatment for aneurysmal bone cysts when surgical resection is unfavorable.
Testing a new rill flow resistance approach using the Water Erosion Prediction Project experimental database
Authors: Nicosia Alessio , Di Stefano Costanza , Pampalone Vincenzo , Palmeri Vincenzo , Ferro Vito , Nearing Mark A.
Published: November 2018

In this paper, a recently theoretically deduced rill flow resistance equation, based on a power‐velocity profile, was tested using the Water Erosion Prediction Project database. This database includes measurements of flow velocity, water depth, cross section area, wetted perimeter, and bed slope that were made in rills shaped on experimental sites distributed across the continental United States. In particular, three different experimental conditions (only rainfall, only flow, and rain with flow) were examined, and for each condition, the theoretically based relationship for estimating the Γ function of the power velocity profile was calibrated. The results established that (a) the Darcy‐Weisbach friction factor can be accurately estimated using the proposed theoretical approach, and (b) the flow resistance increases with the effect of rainfall impact.
Alternative analysis of transient infiltration experiment to estimate soil water repellency
Authors: Alagna Vincenzo , Iovino Massimo , Bagarello Vincenzo , Mataix‐Solera Jorge , Lichner Lubomir
Published: November 2018

The repellency index (RI) defined as the adjusted ratio between soil‐ethanol, Se, and soil‐water, Sw, sorptivities estimated from minidisk infiltrometer experiments has been used instead of the widely used water drop penetration time and molarity of ethanol drop tests to assess soil water repellency. However, sorptivity calculated by the usual early‐time infiltration equation may be overestimated as the effects of gravity and lateral capillary are neglected. With the aim to establish the best applicative procedure to assess RI, different approaches to estimate Se and Sw were compared that make use of both the early‐time infiltration equation (namely, the 1 min, S1, and the short‐time linearization approaches), and the two‐term axisymmetric infiltration equation, valid for early to intermediate times (namely, the cumulative linearization and differentiated linearization approaches). The dataset included 85 minidisk infiltrometer tests conducted in three sites in Italy and Spain under different vegetation habitats (forest of Pinus pinaster and Pinus halepensis, burned pine forest, and annual grasses), soil horizons (organic and mineral), postfire treatments, and initial soil water contents. The S1 approach was inapplicable in 42% of experiments as water infiltration did not start in the first minute. The short‐time linearization approach yielded a systematic overestimation of Se and Sw that resulted in an overestimation of RI by a factor of 1.57 and 1.23 as compared with the cumulative linearization and differentiated linearization approaches. A new repellency index, RIs, was proposed as the ratio between the slopes of the linearized data for the wettable and hydrophobic stages obtained by a single water infiltration test. For the experimental conditions considered, RIs was significantly correlated with RI and WDPT. Compared with RI, RIs includes information on both soil sorptivity and hydraulic conductivity and, therefore, it can be considered more physically linked to the hydrological processes affected by soil water repellency.
Making sense of conflicting information: A touchscreen paradigm to measure young children's selective trust
Authors: Hermes Jonas , Rakoczy Hannes , Behne Tanya
Published: November 2018

Much recent research has shown that children from age 4 onwards reveal a robust preference for reliable over unreliable informants when choosing whom to trust and learn from. Findings concerning selective model choice in children younger than 4 years have mostly been mixed. The present study developed a new touchscreen‐based paradigm with reduced task demands in order to test 2‐ and 3‐year‐old children (N = 48). Results showed that 3‐year‐olds selectively endorsed information from a previously reliable rather than a previously unreliable informant when searching for objects whereas 2‐year‐olds just followed the first hint even if provided by an unreliable informant. Whether the lack of selective model choice in 2‐year‐olds reflects competence or performance deficits remains to be clarified. But the present results do suggest that 3‐years‐olds have the basic competence to selectively choose reliable over unreliable informants that may have been masked in some previous studies by task demands.

Highlights

The paper develops a novel touchscreen‐based search paradigm to test young children's selective trust with reduced task demands.

Three‐year‐olds chose selectively between conflicting hints, whereas 2‐year‐olds followed the first hint even if provided by an unreliable informant.
Different characteristics and survival in non‐small cell lung cancer patients with primary and acquired EGFR T790M mutation
Authors: Wang Shuyuan , Yan Bo , Zhang Yanwei , Xu Jianlin , Qiao Rong , Dong Yu , Zhang Bo , Zhao Yiming , Zhang Lele , Qian Jie , Lu Jun , Zhao Ruiying , Han Baohui
Published: November 2018

Primary epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) T790M mutation can be occasionally identified in previous untreated nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. To compare clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients with primary and acquired EGFR T790M mutation, we collected the data of patients diagnosed with EGFR mutation from 2012 to 2017 in Shanghai Chest Hospital. Primary EGFR T790M mutation was identified in 61 patients (1.1%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.8%–1.3%) of 5685 TKI‐naive EGFR mutant patients. Acquired T790M mutation was detected in 98 patients (50.3%; 95%CI: 43.2%–57.3%) of 195 TKI‐treated patients. T790M mutation always coexisted with sensitizing EGFR mutations. Primary EGFR T790M always coexisted with 21L858R (46/61) whereas acquired T790M coexisted with 19del (68/98), (p < 0.001). Among them, 18 patients with primary T790M mutation received osimertinib and 72 patients with acquired T790M mutation received osimertinib. The median progression‐free survival (PFS) of osimertinib was significantly longer in primary T790M group (17.0 months, 95%CI:14.0–20.0 months) compared to acquired T790M group (10.0 months, 95%CI:8.6–11.4 months, p = 0.022). However, the median overall survival (OS) of acquired T790M mutation patients was significantly longer compared to that of primary T790M mutation patients who received osimertinib (50.4 months vs. 29.9 months, p = 0.016). Our findings suggest that primary T790M mutation likely coexists with 21L858R while acquired mutation likely coexists with 19del. Both mutations showed good response to osimertinib. Patients with primary T790M mutation experienced greater benefits from osimertinib. However, patients with acquired T790M mutation had a better overall survival during the entire clinical treatment.