bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinct genomic profile in h. pylori‐associated gastric cancer
Authors: Zhang Xiaochen , Liu Fang , Bao Hua , Wang Ao , Han Ming , Wu Xue , Gu Yanhong , Zheng Leizhen
Published: March 2021

Gastric cancer is one of the most common and deadly cancer types. Currently, four subtypes have been identified with unique molecular alterations: Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐positive, microsatellite instability (MSI), chromosomal instability (CIN), and genomic stable (GS) tumors. Notably, many gastric tumors are associated with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori but the genomic landscape of this subgroup of tumors remains largely unknown. Targeted sequencing covering 425 genes was performed retrospectively on 1703 gastric tumor tissues and matched normal blood samples. Nonsynonymous mutations, copy‐number variation (CNV), and MSI status were called from human DNA reads; nonhuman DNA reads were mapped to NCBI microbial reference genome using Kraken and significant species were identified. Overall, 37 (2.76%) from a total of 1703 samples were EBV‐positive, 200 (11.74%) samples were H. pylori‐positive, and 10 samples were positive for both. Among the rest, 59 (3.46%) samples were MSI, 380 (22.31%) were CIN, and 1017 (59.72%) were GS. Most of the 200 H. pylori‐positive samples tend to be genome stable (85.5%, p < 0.001) and microsatellite stable (95%, p = 0.04). Compared to 1017 GS tumors, mutations in AKT3, EPAS1, MLH1, and BKT and amplifications of NFE2L2, TERC, MCL1, and TOP1 were significantly enriched in H. pylori‐positive tumors. And compared to EBV‐positive tumors, mutations in PIK3CA, ARID1A, and PTEN were significantly depleted in H. pylori‐positive subtype while TP53 mutations were enriched. This study characterized the unique genomic landscape of H. pylori‐positive gastric tumors using targeted panel sequencing. The successful identification of DNA reads from infectious agents in tumor samples indicates that deep sequencing is a promising way to uncover characteristics of microbial environment in tumors.
Optical imaging of surface strain distribution up to 1500°C: Development of micro‐speckle pattern
Authors: Arai Yutaro , Inoue Ryo , Kakisawa Hideki
Published: March 2021

Micro‐speckle patterns were fabricated using α‐Al2O3 and SiC micro‐particles for in‐plane strain distribution measurement at temperatures up to 1500°C using an ultraviolet high‐temperature observation system (UV‐HTOS) combined with a digital image correlation (DIC) technique. The experimental results showed that the measured mean surface strains of α‐Al2O3 were in good agreement with the calculated values obtained from thermal expansion coefficient and temperature difference. The proposed speckle pattern could be used for strain distribution measurement without degradation even after heating up to 1500°C. The results also demonstrated that the pattern fabricated in this study is effective to understand the heterogeneous deformation mechanism in composite materials applied in high‐temperature structural components.
Software‐guided Microfluidic Reaction Calorimeter Based on Thermoelectric Modules
Authors: Frede Timothy Aljoscha , Burke Inga , Kockmann Norbert
Published: March 2021

A software‐guided, continuous reaction calorimeter based on thermoelectric modules for direct heat flux measurements is presented. Sensors and actuators of the calorimeter's setup are implemented within a lab automation system, which enables the automated calibration of the heat flux sensors and investigations of chemical reactions through sequential function charts. Functionality of the calibration is shown by heat transfer experiments. Additionally, the calorimeter's performance is demonstrated by good agreement of conducted neutralization experiments with literature data.
Efficient extraction and theoretical insights for separating o‐, m‐, and p‐cresol from model coal tar by an ionic liquid [Emim][DCA]
Authors: Li Ao , Zhu Chen , Zhang Lianzheng , Ma Yixin , Xu Dongmei , Gao Jun , Wang Yinglong
Published: March 2021

Cresols are valuable phenolic chemicals which are mainly separated from coal tar. The separation of cresols using sustainable technology is of importance for comprehensive utilization of coal tar. In this work, for extracting o‐, m‐, and p‐cresol from the model coal tar, an ionic liquid 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium dicyanamide ([Emim][DCA]) was prepared. The influence of ionic liquid dosage, extraction time, and temperature on separating o‐, m‐, and p‐cresol was explored. The extraction efficiency was determined from the experimental results to assess the extraction ability of [Emim][DCA]. With the optimal conditions, o‐, m‐, and p‐cresol were extracted efficiently from the model coal tar and the extraction efficiencies of o‐cresol, m‐cresol, and p‐cresol were up to 99.50%, 99.65%, 98.38%, respectively. In the meantime, the extraction mechanism was determined by calculation of σ‐profile, interaction energy, and electron density. The results showed that [Emim][DCA] and cresols formed the complexes by hydrogen bond. The formation of hydrogen bond was verified by the FTIR spectra, which is helpful for designing the related ionic liquids for recovering the phenolic compounds from coal tar. In addition, the recyclability of the [Emim][DCA] was explored.
New Platinum(II) Complexes Affecting Different Biomolecular Targets in Resistant Ovarian Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Hyeraci Mariafrancesca , Scalcon Valeria , Folda Alessandra , Labella Luca , Marchetti Fabio , Samaritani Simona , Rigobello Maria Pia , Dalla Via Lisa
Published: March 2021

Resistance to platinum‐based anticancer drugs represents an important limit for their clinical effectiveness and one of the most important field of investigation in the context of platinum compounds. From our previous studies, PtII complexes containing the triphenylphosphino moiety have been emerging as promising agents, showing significant cytotoxicity to resistant ovarian carcinoma cells. Two brominated triphenylphosphino trans‐platinum derivatives were prepared and evaluated on human tumor cell lines, sensitive and resistant to cisplatin. The new complexes exert a notable antiproliferative effect on resistant ovarian carcinoma cells, showing a remarkable intracellular accumulation and the ability to interact with different intracellular targets. The interaction with DNA, the collapse of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and the impairment of intracellular redox state were demonstrated. Moreover, a selectivity towards the selenocysteine of thioredoxin reductase was observed. The mechanism of action is discussed with regard to the resistance phenomenon in ovarian carcinoma cells.
SPASC: Strategy‐proof auction mechanism with cost and QoS incentive for service composition
Authors: Xia Yao , Huang Zhiqiu , Zhang Yonglong , Yuan Min , Wang Shangguang , Zhou Yu
Published: March 2021

In cloud computing, service composition provides an appealing paradigm to compose existing single services into a powerful workflow. The critical issues in service composition is that service providers may lie about the service's cost and QoS for more profits. However, existing studies only address the issue of services' untruthful cost, none of the studies consider both the issue of untruthful cost and untruthful QoS. Thus, it is necessary to design an incentive mechanism to motivate service providers to offer services with the truthful cost and truthful QoS. To address the above challenging issues, we propose the strategy‐proof auction mechanism for service composition (SPASC), which can determine the winners and dynamically calculate the price of services. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to design an incentive mechanism to motivate service providers to offer services with the truthful cost and truthful QoS in this field. Furthermore, we propose an auction algorithm to implement the SPASC. Both theoretical proof and the extensively experimental results validate that SPASC achieves the truthfulness and individual rationality. At the same time, the experimental results also prove that this mechanism can motivate service providers to offer services with the truthful cost and truthful QoS.
Toward Continuous‐Flow Hyperpolarisation of Metabolites via Heterogenous Catalysis, Side‐Arm‐Hydrogenation, and Membrane Dissolution of Parahydrogen
Authors: Hale William G. , Zhao Tommy Y. , Choi Diana , Ferrer Maria‐Jose , Song Bochuan , Zhao Hanqin , Hagelin‐Weaver Helena E , Bowers Clifford R.
Published: March 2021

Side‐arm hydrogenation (SAH) by homogeneous catalysis has extended the reach of the parahydrogen enhanced NMR technique to key metabolites such as pyruvate. However, homogeneous hydrogenation requires rapid separation of the dissolved catalyst and purification of the hyperpolarised species with a purity sufficient for safe in‐vivo use. An alternate approach is to employ heterogeneous hydrogenation in a continuous‐flow reactor, where separation from the solid catalysts is straightforward. Using a TiO2‐nanorod supported Rh catalyst, we demonstrate continuous‐flow parahydrogen enhanced NMR by heterogeneous hydrogenation of a model SAH precursor, propargyl acetate, at a flow rate of 1.5 mL/min. Parahydrogen gas was introduced into the flowing solution phase using a novel tube‐in‐tube membrane dissolution device. Without much optimization, proton NMR signal enhancements of up to 297 (relative to the thermal equilibrium signals) at 9.4 Tesla were shown to be feasible on allyl‐acetate at a continuous total yield of 33 %. The results are compared to those obtained with the standard batch‐mode technique of parahydrogen bubbling through a suspension of the same catalyst.
Carbon Quantum Dots Promote Coupled Valence Engineering of V2O5 Nanobelts for High‐Performance Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Jingrui , Wei Shuxian , Wang Haowei , Liu Huanhuan , Zhang Yi , Liu Siyuan , Wang Zhaojie , Lu Xiaoqing
Published: March 2021

Aqueous Zn‐ion batteries (ZIBs) have acquired the researchers’ curiosity owing to their harmlessness, cost effectiveness and high theoretical capacity of Zn anode. However, desirable cathode materials with high‐capacity and high‐rate are still scarce. In this work, the formation of carbon quantum dots induced vanadium pentoxide nanobelts was demonstrated via a facile one‐step hydrothermal method for ZIBs. It exhibited an excellent Zn ion storage capacity of 460 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, superior rate capability and stable cycling performance (above 85 % capacity retention over 1500 cycles at 4 A g−1). The electrochemical kinetics and zinc ion storage mechanism were also considered. An efficient architecture‐coupled valence engineering in the hybrid cathode was proposed to improve the electric conductivity, Zn ion diffusion rate, and cycling stability for ZIBs. This work may be a great motivation for further research on V2O5 or other vanadium‐based materials for high‐performance ZIBs.
RF power amplifier design using microstrip ring resonator based on image parameter method
Authors: Golestanifar Alireza , Karimi Gholamreza
Published: March 2021

In this paper, an RF power amplifier (PA) using a microstrip ring resonator (MRR) structure based on the image parameter method is proposed. The MRR structures are utilized as decoupling circuits at the DC supply of the active device. The design process is quite easy and applicable for microwave and RF PA design. To reach exact data for matching network design, load‐pull technique is applied. The proposed PA is designed and optimized at the frequency range of 2.3 to 2.6 GHz, proper for Wi‐Fi applications. For a source power of 10 dBm, the obtained power gain, efficiency, and dissipated power (Pdiss) are 12.3 dB, 63.6%, and 266 mW, respectively. Also, power added efficiency (PAE) for an input power of 10 dBm is 57%. The proposed PA is fabricated and measured, showing good conformity between the simulation and experimental results.
Landscape and dynamics of single tumor and immune cells in early and advanced‐stage lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chen Zhencong , Huang Yiwei , Hu Zhengyang , Zhao Mengnan , Li Ming , Bi Guoshu , Zheng Yuansheng , Liang Jiaqi , Lu Tao , Jiang Wei , Xu Songtao , Zhan Cheng , Xi Junjie , Wang Qun , Tan Lijie
Published: March 2021

Background

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients with different American Joint Committee on Cancer stages have different overall 5‐year survival rates. The tumor microenvironment (TME) and intra‐tumor heterogeneity (ITH) have been shown to play a crucial role in the occurrence and development of tumors. However, the TME and ITH in different lesions of LUAD have not been extensively explored.

Methods

We present a 204,157‐cell catalog of the TME transcriptome in 29 lung samples to systematically explore the TME and ITH in the different stages of LUAD. Traditional RNA sequencing data and complete clinical information were downloaded from publicly available databases.

Results

Based on these high‐quality cells, we constructed a single‐cell network underlying cellular and molecular features of normal lung, early LUAD, and advanced LUAD cells. In contrast with early malignant cells, we noticed that advanced malignant cells had a remarkably more complex TME and higher ITH level. We also found that compared with other immune cells, more differences in CD8+/CTL T cells, regulatory T cells, and follicular B cells were evident between early and advanced LUAD. Additionally, cell‐cell communication analyses, revealed great diversity between different lesions of LUAD at the single‐cell level. Flow cytometry and qRT‐PCR were used to validate our results.

Conclusion

Our results revealed the cellular diversity and molecular complexity of cell lineages in different stages of LUAD. We believe our research, which serves as a basic framework and valuable resource, can facilitate exploration of the pathogenesis of LUAD and identify novel therapeutic targets in the future.
Ion velocity shear‐induced drift wave and momentum transport in non‐Maxwellian magnetoplasma flows
Authors: Khan S.A. , Ikram M. , Ayub M.K.
Published: March 2021

We have investigated the diamagnetic flow in a non‐uniform partially ionized plasma with non‐Maxwellian electron population to explain the dynamics of ion velocity shear‐induced low‐frequency drift mode and associated instabilities. The dispersion relations are found, and instability threshold conditions are pointed out along with ion‐parallel momentum transport due to drift motion with relative phase shift of fluctuating quantities in a non‐conservative system. The real frequencies and instability growth rates are studied numerically and illustrated for typical space and laboratory plasmas. This study should be useful in understanding some aspects of low‐frequency time‐delayed perturbations with sheared flow leading to drift instabilities and cross‐field parallel ion momentum transport in nonuniform magnetoplasmas containing a non‐Maxwellian electron population.
Multipath transport control protocol for 5G mobile augmented reality networks
Authors: Khan Tariq , Sohail Adnan , Qureshi Kashif Naseer , Iqbal Saleem , Jeon Gwanggil
Published: March 2021

The performance of backhaul networks is the major concern for internet service providers, cloud service providers, and data centers for redundancy and reliability. With the integration of new data communication technologies, the system should be more smart and intelligent to handle data traffic coming from new networks like 5G. This new 5G standard provides connectivity among devices where all the traffic is handled by backbone and backhaul networks. The devices and nodes need multiple interfaces, but the TCP/IP standard uses a single path per connection for data communication. This limitation leads to the degradation of network performance and communication failures. There is a need to enhance data throughput and performance by using available paths and interfaces. Multipath Transport Control Protocol (MTCP) is one of the advanced extension of the TCP/IP standard for using available interfaces. This paper proposed an MTCP based infrastructure for 5G networks to handle all the coming data from these networks and provide fast reliable data handling. The proposed infrastructure is evaluated in simulation to check its performance with existing standards. The results indicate that the proposed infrastructure is minimizing the convergence time in case of any failure in the main path.
Understanding the relationship between sexual harassment and eating disorder psychopathology: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hayes Samantha , Linardon Jake , Kim Christina , Mitchison Deborah
Published: March 2021

Objective

The experience of sexual harassment (SH) may exacerbate the drive toward an ideal and often unattainable physical appearance, creating the foundation of unhealthy eating, and greater shape and weight concerns. This systematic review aimed to synthesize evidence on the relationship between SH and eating disorder psychopathology, as well as mediating and moderating factors that contribute to this relationship.

Method

Six key databases were searched from inception to August 2020; including CINAHL, PsycInfo, PubMed, Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science.

Results

Overall, 15 studies meeting inclusion criteria were found, with 14 reporting a statistically significant relationship between SH and eating disorder psychopathology. A meta‐analysis with 12 cross‐sectional studies confirmed a small but significant effect for this concurrent association. Moderators of this relationship included gender, posttraumatic stress, and anxiety. No studies in this review conducted true mediation.

Discussion

Conclusions about causal and mediating relationship between SH and eating disorder psychopathology are constrained by the preponderance of cross‐sectional design (14 of the 15 studies). Therefore, it is recommended that future studies focus on the use of longitudinal design, and also on adolescent populations, where first experiences of SH are usually reported, and which is also the peak age of onset for eating disorders.
Effects of stress on chewing and food intake in patients with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Schmalbach Ileana , Herhaus Benedict , Pässler Sebastian , Schmalbach Bjarne , Berth Hendrik , Petrowski Katja
Published: March 2021

Objective

The present study investigates the impact of psychosocial stress on chewing and eating behavior in patients with anorexia nervosa (PAN).

Method

The eating and chewing behavior of PAN were examined in a standardized setting by means of a chewing sensor. These procedures encompassed n = 19 PAN, age, and gender matched to n = 19 healthy controls (HC). Food intake and chewing frequency were assessed in two experimental conditions: rest versus stress (via Trier Social Stress Test). To verify stress induction, two appraisal scales were employed. In addition, chronic stress, psychological distress and eating disorder symptoms were assessed.

Results

In terms of food intake and chewing frequency, the results of the 2x2 ANOVA demonstrated a significant effect of condition and group. During stress, all participants demonstrated a higher chewing frequency and a decreased ingestion. In general, patients ate less at a lower chewing frequency (vs. HC). However, sample specific analyses demonstrated that the eating and chewing behavior of PAN remained unchanged regardless of the condition, except for their drinking. Food choices were comparable between the groups, but appetite values significantly differed.

Discussion

The increase in chewing frequency in all participants during stress suggests that chewing might impact affect regulation, however, not specifically in PAN. Future research should clarify to what extent the normalization of chewing behavior could ameliorate ED‐symptoms (incl. food intake) in PAN. The application of a chewing sensor could support this aim and future interventions.
Trait means or variance—What determines plant species' local and regional occurrence in fragmented dry grasslands?
Authors: Bergholz Kolja , Kober Klarissa , Jeltsch Florian , Schmidt Kristina , Weiss Lina
Published: March 2021

One of the few laws in ecology is that communities consist of few common and many rare taxa. Functional traits may help to identify the underlying mechanisms of this community pattern, since they correlate with different niche dimensions. However, comprehensive studies are missing that investigate the effects of species mean traits (niche position) and intraspecific trait variability (ITV, niche width) on species abundance. In this study, we investigated fragmented dry grasslands to reveal trait‐occurrence relationships in plants at local and regional scales. We predicted that (a) at the local scale, species occurrence is highest for species with intermediate traits, (b) at the regional scale, habitat specialists have a lower species occurrence than generalists, and thus, traits associated with stress‐tolerance have a negative effect on species occurrence, and (c) ITV increases species occurrence irrespective of the scale. We measured three plant functional traits (SLA = specific leaf area, LDMC = leaf dry matter content, plant height) at 21 local dry grassland communities (10 m × 10 m) and analyzed the effect of these traits and their variation on species occurrence. At the local scale, mean LDMC had a positive effect on species occurrence, indicating that stress‐tolerant species are the most abundant rather than species with intermediate traits (hypothesis 1). We found limited support for lower specialist occurrence at the regional scale (hypothesis 2). Further, ITV of LDMC and plant height had a positive effect on local occurrence supporting hypothesis 3. In contrast, at the regional scale, plants with a higher ITV of plant height were less frequent. We found no evidence that the consideration of phylogenetic relationships in our analyses influenced our findings. In conclusion, both species mean traits (in particular LDMC) and ITV were differently related to species occurrence with respect to spatial scale. Therefore, our study underlines the strong scale‐dependency of trait‐abundance relationships.
Combining modern tracking data and historical records improves understanding of the summer habitats of the Eastern Lesser White‐fronted GooseAnser erythropus
Authors: Tian Haitao , Solovyeva Diana , Danilov Gleb , Vartanyan Sergey , Wen Li , Lei Jialin , Lu Cai , Bridgewater Peter , Lei Guangchun , Zeng Qing
Published: March 2021

The Lesser White‐fronted Goose (Anser erythropus),smallest of the “gray” geese, is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and protected in all range states. There are three populations, with the least studied being the Eastern population, shared between Russia and China. The extreme remoteness of breeding enclaves makes them largely inaccessible to researchers. As a substitute for visitation, remotely tracking birds from wintering grounds allows exploration of their summer range. Over a period of three years, and using highly accurate GPS tracking devices, eleven individuals ofA. erythropuswere tracked from the key wintering site of China, to summering, and staging sites in northeastern Russia. Data obtained from that tracking, bolstered by ground survey and literature records, were used to model the summer distribution ofA. erythropus. Although earlier literature describes a patchy summer range, the model suggests a contiguous summer habitat range is possible, although observations to date cannot confirmA. erythropusis present throughout the modeled range. The most suitable habitats are located along the coasts of the Laptev Sea, primarily the Lena Delta, in the Yana‐Kolyma Lowland, and smaller lowlands of Chukotka with narrow riparian extensions upstream along major rivers such as the Lena, Indigirka, and Kolyma. The probability ofA. erythropuspresence is related to areas with altitude less than 500 m with abundant wetlands, especially riparian habitat, and a climate with precipitation of the warmest quarter around 55 mm and mean temperature around 14°C during June‐August. Human disturbance also affects site suitability, with a gradual decrease in species presence starting around 160 km from human settlements. Remote tracking of animal species can bridge the knowledge gap required for robust estimation of species distribution patterns in remote areas. Better knowledge of species' distribution is important in understanding the large‐scale ecological consequences of rapid global change and establishing conservation management strategies.
Response diversity in corals: hidden differences in bleaching mortality among cryptic Pocillopora species
Authors: Burgess Scott C. , Johnston Erika C. , Wyatt Alex S. J. , Leichter James J. , Edmunds Peter J.
Published: March 2021

Variation among functionally similar species in their response to environmental stress buffers ecosystems from changing states. Functionally similar species may often be cryptic species representing evolutionarily distinct genetic lineages that are morphologically indistinguishable. However, the extent to which cryptic species differ in their response to stress, and could therefore provide a source of response diversity, remains unclear because they are often not identified or are assumed to be ecologically equivalent. Here, we uncover differences in the bleaching response between sympatric cryptic species of the common Indo‐Pacific coral, Pocillopora. In April 2019, prolonged ocean heating occurred at Moorea, French Polynesia. 72% of pocilloporid colonies bleached after 22 d of severe heating (>8oC‐days) at 10 m depth on the north shore fore reef. Colony mortality ranged from 11% to 42% around the island four months after heating subsided. The majority (86%) of pocilloporids that died from bleaching belonged to a single haplotype, despite twelve haplotypes, representing at least five species, being sampled. Mitochondrial (open reading frame) sequence variation was greater between the haplotypes that experienced mortality versus haplotypes that all survived than it was between nominal species that all survived. Colonies > 30 cm in diameter were identified as the haplotype experiencing the most mortality, and in 1125 colonies that were not genetically identified, bleaching and mortality increased with colony size. Mortality did not increase with colony size within the haplotype suffering the highest mortality, suggesting that size‐dependent bleaching and mortality at the genus level was caused instead by differences among cryptic species. The relative abundance of haplotypes shifted between February and August, driven by declines in the same common haplotype for which mortality was estimated directly, at sites where heat accumulation was greatest, and where larger colony sizes occurred. The identification of morphologically indistinguishable species that differ in their response to thermal stress, but share a similar ecological function in terms of maintaining a coral‐dominated state, has important consequences for uncovering response diversity that drives resilience, especially in systems with low or declining functional diversity.
Fast in‐line bottom‐up analysis of monoclonal antibodies: Toward an electrophoretic fingerprinting approach
Authors: Dadouch Meriem , Ladner Yoann , Bich Claudia , Montels Jérôme , Morel Jacques , Perrin Catherine
Published: March 2021

For their characterization and quality control, monoclonal antibodies are frequently analyzed at the bottom‐up level to generate specific fingerprints that can be used to tackle post‐translational modifications or ensure production consistency between lots. To circumvent time‐consuming and labor‐intensive off‐line sample preparation steps, the implementation of integrated methodologies from sample preparation to separation and detection is highly valuable. In this perspective, capillary zone electrophoresis appears as a choice technique since the capillary can subsequently be used as a vessel for sample preparation and electrophoretic discrimination/detection of the reaction products. Here, a fast in‐line methodology for the routine quality control of mAbs at the bottom‐up level is reported. Simultaneous denaturation and reduction (pretreatment step) were conducted with RapiGest® surfactant and dithiothreitol before in‐line tryptic digestion. Reactant mixing was realized by transverse diffusion of laminar flow profile under controlled temperature. In‐line digestion was carried out with a resistant trypsin to autolysis. The main parameters affecting the digestion efficiency (trypsin concentration and incubation conditions) were optimized to generate mAb electrophoretic profiles free from trypsin interferences. An acidic MS‐compatible BGE was used to obtain high resolution separation of released peptides and in‐line surfactant cleavage. The whole methodology was performed in less than two hours with good repeatability of migration times (RSD = 0.91%, n = 5) and corrected peak areas (RSD = 9.6%, n = 5). CE‐fingerprints were successfully established for different mAbs and an antibody‐drug conjugate.
Extracts from Dated Lake Sediment Cores in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region Alter Ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase Activity and Gene Expression in Avian Hepatocytes
Authors: Salat Alexandre P.J. , Williams Kim L. , Chiu Suzanne , Eickmeyer David C. , Kimpe Linda E. , Blais Jules M. , Crump Doug
Published: March 2021

Increases in oil sands mining operations in the Athabasca oil sands region have resulted in increased concentrations of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) and heavy metals in aquatic systems located near surface mining operations. In the present study, sediment cores were collected from 3 lakes with varying proximity to surface mining operations to determine the differences in PAC concentrations. Sediment cores were separated into 2 sections—current mining (top; 2000–2017) and premining (bottom; pre-1945)—and extracts were prepared for in vitro screening using a well-established chicken embryonic hepatocyte (CEH) assay. Concentrations and composition of PACs varied between sites, with the highest ∑PACs in Saline Lake, 5 km from an active oil sands mine site. The proportion of alkylated PACs was greater than that of parent PACs in the top sediment sections compared with the bottom. Ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity in CEH permitted the ranking of lake sites/core sections based on an aryl hydrocarbon receptor–mediated end point; mean median effect concentration values were lowest for the top cores from Saline Lake and another near-mining operations lake, referred to as WF1. A ToxChip polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array was used to evaluate gene expression changes across 43 target genes associated with numerous toxicological pathways following exposure to top and bottom sediment core extracts. The 2 study sites with the greatest ∑PAC concentrations (Saline Lake and WF1) had the highest gene expression alterations on the ToxChip PCR array (19 [top] and 17 [bottom]/43), compared with a reference site (13 [top] and 7 [bottom]/43). The avian in vitro bioassay was useful for identifying the toxicity of complex PAC extracts associated with variably contaminated sediment cores, supporting its potential use for hotspot identification and complex mixture screening. EnvironToxicol Chem 2021;40:1881–1891. © 2021 SETAC

Abstract

Preparation of sediment core extracts from 3 lakes with varying proximity to oilsands activities at 2 discrete depths for administration to chicken hepatocytes and determination of effects on ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase induction and gene expression. EROD = ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase; PCR = polymerase chain reaction.
Identification of bitter‐taste compounds in class‐III caramel colours
Authors: Li He , Zhang Wen‐Chao , Tang Xiang‐Yi , Wu Chun‐Jian , Yu Shu‐Juan , Zhao Zi‐Qing
Published: March 2021

Caramel colours become one of the most widely used colorings in various foods and beverages due to their total miscibility with water and great coloring properties by containing colloidal aggregates. Bitterness in caramel colours can negatively influence their acceptability. The sequential solvent extraction (SSE) and semi‐preparative liquid chromatography (SP‐LC) combined with the taste dilution analysis were applied to identify the most intense bitter‐tasting compounds in class‐III caramel colours. Four main compounds with the highest bitterness intensity were isolated and structurally elucidated based on high resolution‐electrospray ionization‐mass spectrum (HR‐ESI‐MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and gas chromatography‐mass spectrum (GC‐MS): 2,3‐dihydro‐3,5‐dihydroxy‐6‐methyl‐4(H)‐pyran‐4‐one (DDMP), 5‐(hydroxymethyl) furfural (HMF), furfural and 5‐methylfurfural (MF). The threshold concentrations of DDMP, HMF, furfural and MF were 14.3, 30.0, 4.4 and 17.5μmol L−1, respectively. Furthermore, two volatile bitter compounds were identified: [5‐(di‐methoxymethyl) furan‐2‐yl] methanol (DMFM) and 2,3,4,4‐tetramethyl‐pentane‐1,3‐diol (TMP). Based on the composition of the caramel colours and the structures of these compounds, Maillard reaction was supported to generate these bitter compounds in caramel colour‐III.
Early‐stage Parkinson's disease: Abnormal nigrosome 1 and 2 revealed by a voxelwise analysis of neuromelanin‐sensitive MRI
Authors: Sung Young Hee , Noh Young , Kim Eung Yeop
Published: March 2021

Previous pathologic studies evaluated the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) of a limited number of idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) patients with relatively longer disease durations. Therefore, it remains unknown which region of the SNpc is most significantly affected in early‐stage IPD. We hypothesized that a voxelwise analysis of thin‐section neuromelanin‐sensitive MRI (NM‐MRI) may help determine the significantly affected regions of the SNpc in early‐stage IPD and localize these areas in each nigrosome on high‐spatial‐resolution susceptibility map‐weighted imaging (SMwI). Ninety‐six healthy subjects and 50 early‐stage IPD patients underwent both a 0.8 × 0.8 × 0.8 mm3 NM‐MRI and a 0.5 × 0.5 × 1.0 mm3 multi‐echo gradient‐recalled echo imaging for SMwI. Both NM‐MRI and SMwI templates were created by using image data from the 96 healthy subjects. Permutation‐based nonparametric tests were conducted to investigate spatial differences between the two groups in NM‐MRI, and the results were displayed on both NM‐MRI and SMwI templates. The posterolateral and anteromedial regions of the SNpc in NM‐MRI were significantly different between the two groups, corresponding to the nigrosome 1 and nigrosome 2 regions, respectively, on the SMwI template. There were the areas of significant spatial difference in the hypointense SN on SMwI between early‐stage IPD patients and healthy subjects. These areas on SMwI were slightly greater than those on NM‐MRI, including the areas showing group difference on NM‐MRI. Our voxelwise analysis of NM‐MRI suggests that two regions (nigrosome 1 and nigrosome 2) of the SNpc are separately affected in early‐stage IPD.
Correlation of transcriptionally active human papillomavirus status with the clinical and molecular profiles of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Patel Usha , Mittal Neha , Rane Swapnil U. , Patil Asawari , Gera Poonam , Kannan Sadhana , Joshi Amit , Noronha Vanita , Patil Vijay M. , Prabhash Kumar , Mahimkar Manoj B.
Published: March 2021

Background

To examine the molecular profiles of human papillomavirus (HPV)‐positive and HPV‐negative head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs), expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), phospho‐EGFR dimers, hypoxia markers, and cancer stem cell markers were evaluated.

Methods

HPV‐status was confirmed using RNA‐ISH. Immunohistochemical data of biomarker expression levels were analyzed using the Mann‐Whitney U test. The clinical outcomes and biomarker expression in the HPV‐positive (n = 25), matched HPV‐negative (n = 49), and p16‐positive/HPV‐negative (n = 20) subgroups were comparatively analyzed.

Results

HPV was detected in 25 (5.8%) cases and was significantly associated with favorable outcomes. HPV‐positive tumors exhibited lower membrane expression of EGFR, pEGFRY1068, pEGFRY1173, CD44, CD44v6, and CD98hc than HPV‐negative and p16‐positive tumors. The expression of HIF1α, CA9, ALDH1A1, and SOX2 was not significantly associated with HPV‐status. The clinical outcomes and biomarker expression levels were similar between the HPV‐negative and p16‐positive HNSCC.

Conclusion

HPV‐positive HNSCC exhibited distinct molecular profile compared to HPV‐negative and p16‐positive HNSCC. The clinical and molecular profiles were similar between p16‐positive and HPV‐negative subgroups.
Using citizen science to engage the public in monitoring workplace breastfeeding support in Australia
Authors: Rowbotham Samantha , Marks Leah , Tawia Susan , Woolley Emma , Rooney Janelle , Kiggins Elissa , Healey Danielle , Wardle Karen , Campbell Vanessa , Bridges Nicole , Hawe Penelope
Published: March 2021

Issue addressed

Returning to work is a major barrier to continued breastfeeding. While many large organisations in Australia have policies to support breastfeeding and expressing at work, it is not known how these are implemented in practice, what support is available in smaller workplaces or to what extent workplace support meets the needs of breastfeeding mothers.

Methods

This pilot study trialled a citizen science approach where members of the public provided photographs and descriptions of breastfeeding facilities and support within their workplaces. The study was promoted through community networks and social media, and data were submitted via an online survey. Data were analysed inductively to identify key themes.

Results

Thirty‐seven participants provided data on breastfeeding support in their workplace. Three key themes were identified: physical features and facilities; workplace culture; and organisational and occupational characteristics. There was considerable variation in workplace support and around half of the participants indicated that they had to use communal, poorly equipped and/or unhygienic spaces to breastfeed or express at work.

Conclusion

While some employers have taken important steps towards supporting mothers to combine breastfeeding and work, there is room for improvement. Through this pilot study, we have demonstrated the feasibility and value of using a citizen science approach to obtain data from a range of workplaces along with perceptions of workplace characteristics that support or hinder breastfeeding and expressing at work.

So what?

Citizen science is a useful approach to capturing data on workplace support for breastfeeding and could be scaled up to enable ongoing monitoring. The findings raise important issues around the interpretation and implementation of current legislation to support mothers in the workplace.
A cross‐sectional study on the prevalence of electrolyte abnormalities in multiple trauma patients in Hamedan, Iran
Authors: Rezaei Bareza , Ramazani Einaz , Amiri Rahimpour , Sanaei Zahra
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Evaluation of electrolyte status and homeostasis is one of the most important components of evaluation and treatment of critically ill patients, especially those with multiple trauma. Electrolyte imbalance can be associated with a bad prognosis and the need of specialized consultancy.

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate and determine the electrolyte status of patients with multiple trauma and evaluate the relationship of electrolyte disorders with patient outcome.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, 370 patients who were referred to the emergency department of Besat Hospital in Hamadan, Iran with multiple trauma were studied. Demographic parameters clinical characteristics such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, consciousness score and body temperature, paraclinical characteristics including radiographic status, ultrasound, and electrocardiography and serum levels of sodium, potassium, creatinine, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and BUN and urine analysis was performed. Data regarding the discharge from emergency department or referral to other units were also complete in a questionnaire for each patient. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSSv24.

Results

Three hundred seventy patients with multiple trauma were studied where 73% of patients were men and 27% were women. One hundred ninety‐six patients were discharged from the emergency department, and 174 patients were referred to other units of the hospital. The most common electrolyte abnormalities were hypotension (62.7%), hypernatremia (9.5%), hypokalemia (6.8%), and hypercreatinine (4.6%). The results of independent t‐test showed that heart rate and potassium level were significantly higher in patients referred to other units than in patients discharged from the emergency department and respiratory rate and hematocrit were significantly lower in patients referred to other units.

Conclusion

Hypotension, hypernatremia, hypokalemia, hypercreatinine, and abnormal urine analysis were more frequent in patients referred to other units than in patients discharged from the emergency department. These variables can be considered in predicting patient status for referral to other units and delayed hospital discharge.
Thermal performance and energy saving investigation in a modified baseboard radiator and compare it with conventional heating systems—Experimental and CFD approach
Authors: Karimpour Rostam , Rahmati Ahmad Reza , Gheibi Ali
Published: March 2021

In the present work, thermal performance of a new modified baseboard radiator is investigated experimentally based on the European Standard EN‐442. Temperature distribution and thermal comfort conditions of the floor heating system and panel radiator is compared with the present system numerically. To validation of the simulation results, a comparison has been made between the simulation and the experimental obtained results. Comparison shows that there is a good agreement between them. The heat output rate of the new system increased about 46.06% compared with conventional baseboard radiant model and also the baseboard heating system is capable of providing better thermal comfort conditions than two other systems. Energy consumption in three systems is investigated experimentally by smart temperature control mechanism. Results show that energy consumption in the baseboard radiant is 83.03% and 55.96% lower than floor heating system and panel radiator, respectively.
Chronic restraint stress promotes the mobilization and recruitment of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells through β‐adrenergic‐activated CXCL5‐CXCR2‐Erk signaling cascades
Authors: Cao Mingyue , Huang Wei , Chen Yuzhu , Li Gaoxiang , Liu Nasi , Wu Youming , Wang Guiping , Li Qian , Kong Dexin , Xue Tongtong , Yang Nan , Liu Yanyong
Published: March 2021

Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play an important role in tumor immune escape. Recent studies have shown that MDSCs contribute to tumor progression under psychological stress, but the underlying mechanism of MDSCs mobilization and recruitment remains largely unknown. In the present study, a chronic restraint stress paradigm was applied to the H22 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) bearing mice to mimic the psychological stress. We observed that chronic restraint stress significantly promoted HCC growth, as well as the mobilization of MDSCs to spleen and tumor sites from bone marrow. Meanwhile, chronic restraint stress enhanced the expression of C‐X‐C motif chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) and pErk1/2 in bone marrow MDSCs, together with elevated chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand 5 (CXCL5) expression in tumor tissues. In vitro, the treatments of MDSCs with epinephrine (EPI) and norepinephrine (NE) but not corticosterone (CORT)‐treated H22 conditioned medium obviously inhibited T‐cell proliferation, as well as enhanced CXCR2 expression and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (Erk) phosphorylation. In vivo, β‐adrenergic blockade with propranolol almost completely reversed the accelerated tumor growth induced by chronic restraint stress and inactivated CXCL5‐CXCR2‐Erk signaling pathway. Our findings support the crucial role of β‐adrenergic signaling cascade in the mobilization and recruitment of MDSCs under chronic restraint stress.
SLC6A15 acts as a tumor suppressor to inhibit migration and invasion in human papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Chen Yuxin , Li Hai , Liang Weiwei , Guo Yan , Peng Miaoguan , Ke Wen , Xiao Haipeng , Guan Hongyu , Li Yanbing
Published: March 2021

Solute Carrier Family 6 Member 15 (SLC6A15), a sodium‐dependent neutral amino acid transporter, has been found with dysregulated expression in several kinds of cancers. However, the expression pattern and the biological functions of SLC6A15 in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) remain unknown. In this study, we found that SLC6A15 was downregulated in PTC, which was related to N classification. Ectopic overexpression of SLC6A15 impaired migratory and invasive abilities of PTC cell in vitro. In addition, we identified intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, a vital oncogene in thyroid cancer progression, was involved in the effects of SLC6A15 on PTC cell. These results indicate that SLC6A15 acts as a tumor suppressor and might be a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of PTC.
Efficient mesh refinement for the Poisson‐Boltzmann equation with boundary elements
Authors: Ramm Vicente , Chaudhry Jehanzeb H. , Cooper Christopher D.
Published: March 2021

The Poisson‐Boltzmann equation is a widely used model to study electrostatics in molecular solvation. Its numerical solution using a boundary integral formulation requires a mesh on the molecular surface only, yielding accurate representations of the solute, which is usually a complicated geometry. Here, we utilize adjoint‐based analyses to form two goal‐oriented error estimates that allow us to determine the contribution of each discretization element (panel) to the numerical error in the solvation free energy. This information is useful to identify high‐error panels to then refine them adaptively to find optimal surface meshes. We present results for spheres and real molecular geometries, and see that elements with large error tend to be in regions where there is a high electrostatic potential. We also find that even though both estimates predict different total errors, they have similar performance as part of an adaptive mesh refinement scheme. Our test cases suggest that the adaptive mesh refinement scheme is very effective, as we are able to reduce the error one order of magnitude by increasing the mesh size less than 20% and come out to be more efficient than uniform refinement when computing error estimations. This result sets the basis toward efficient automatic mesh refinement schemes that produce optimal meshes for solvation energy calculations.
Corrigendum: Super‐simple resolvable balanced incomplete block designs with block size 4 and index 2
Authors: Zhang Xiande , Ge Gennian
Published: March 2021

In this note, we present a corrected proof of Lemma 5.8 which was wrong due to the incorrectness of Construction 2.3, from our paper.