bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glyoxylic acid overcomes 1-MCP-induced blockage of fruit ripening in Pyrus communis L. var. ‘D’Anjou’
Authors: Hewitt Seanna Louise , Dhingra Amit
Published: November 2019

1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) in an ethylene receptor antagonist which blocks ethylene perception and downstream ripening responses in climacteric fruit imparting a longer shelf life. However, in European pear, application of 1-MCP irreversibly obstructs the onset of system 2 ethylene production resulting in perpetually unripe fruit with undesirable quality. Application of exogenous ethylene, carbon dioxide and treatment to high temperatures is not able to reverse the blockage in ripening. We recently reported that during cold conditioning, activation of AOX occurs pre-climaterically. In this study we report that activation of AOX via exposure of 1-MCP treated ‘D’Anjou’ pear fruit to glyoxylic acid triggers an accelerated ripening response. Ripening is consistently evident in decrease of fruit firmness and onset of S1-S2 ethylene transition. Time course ripening related measurements and transcriptomic analysis were performed to assess the effects of glyoxylic acid-driven stimulation of ripening. Transcriptomic and functional enrichment analyses revealed genes and ontologies implicated in glyoxylic acid mediated ripening, including alternative oxidase, TCA cycle, fatty acid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, organic acid metabolism, and ethylene responsive pathways. These observations implicate the glyoxylate cycle as a metabolic hub linking multiple pathways to stimulate ripening through an alternate mechanism. The results provide information regarding how blockage caused by 1-MCP may be circumvented at the metabolic level, thus opening avenues for consistent ripening in pear and possibly other fruit.
Economic, social, and physiological resilience predict brain structure and cognitive performance in 9 - 10-year-old children
Authors: Gonzalez Marybel Robledo , Palmer Clare E. , Uban Kristina A. , Jernigan Terry L. , Thompson Wesley K. , Sowell Elizabeth R.
Published: November 2019

While children with economic disadvantage are at risk for poorer outcomes in cognitive and brain development, less understood is the contribution of other factors in the broader socioeconomic context that may more closely index the underlying mechanisms influencing risk and resilience. We examined brain structure and cognitive test performance in association with economic disadvantage and 22 measures in the broader socioeconomic context among n = 8,158 demographically diverse 9-10-year-old children from the ABCD Study. Total cortical surface area and total cognition scores increased as a function of income-to-needs, with the steepest differences most apparent among children below and near poverty relative to their wealthier peers. We found three latent factors encompassing distinct relationships among our proximal measures, including social, economic, and physiological well-being, each associated with brain structure and cognitive performance independently of economic advantage. Our findings will inform future studies of risk and resilience in developmental outcomes for children with economic disadvantage.
Distinct Neural Signatures of Outcome Monitoring following Selection and Execution Errors
Authors: Mushtaq Faisal , McDougle Samuel D. , Craddock Matt P. , Parvin Darius E. , Brookes Jack , Schaefer Alexandre , Mon-Williams Mark , Taylor Jordan A. , Ivry Richard B.
Published: November 2019

Losing a point in tennis could result from poor shot selection or faulty stroke execution. To explore how the brain responds to these different types of errors, we examined feedback-locked EEG activity while participants completed a modified version of a standard three-armed bandit probabilistic reward task. Our task framed unrewarded outcomes as either the result of errors of selection or errors of execution. We examined whether amplitude of a medial frontal negativity (the Feedback-Related Negativity; FRN) was sensitive to the different forms of error attribution. Consistent with previous reports, selection errors elicited a large FRN relative to rewards and amplitude of this signal correlated behavioral adjustment following these errors. A different pattern was observed in response to execution errors. These outcomes produced a larger FRN, a frontocentral attenuation in activity preceding this component, and a subsequent enhanced error positivity in parietal sites. Notably, the only correlations with behavioral adjustment were with the early frontocentral attenuation and amplitude of the parietal signal; FRN differences between execution errors and rewarded trials did not correlate with subsequent changes in behavior. Our findings highlight distinct neural correlates of selection and execution error processing, providing insight into how the brain responds to the different classes of error that determine future action.
Selection on a pleiotropic color gene block underpins early differentiation between two warbler species
Authors: Wang Silu , Rohwer Sievert , de Zwaan Devin R. , Toews David P. L , Lovette Irby J. , Mackenzie Jacqueline , Irwin Darren E.
Published: November 2019

When one species gradually splits into two, divergent selection on specific traits can cause peaks of differentiation in the genomic regions encoding those traits. Whether speciation is initiated by strong selection on a few genomic regions with large effects or by more diffused selection on many regions with small effects remains controversial. Differentiated phenotypes between differentiating lineages are commonly involved in reproductive isolation, thus their genetic underpinnings are key to the genomics architecture of speciation. When two species hybridize, recombination over multiple generations can help reveal the genetic regions responsible for the differentiated phenotypes against a genomic background that has been homogenized via backcrossing and introgression. We used admixture mapping to investigate genomic differentiation and the genetic basis of differentiated plumage features (relative melanin and carotenoid pigment) between hybridizing sister species in the early stage of speciation: Townsend’s (Setophaga townsendi) and Hermit warblers (S. occidentalis). We found a few narrow and dispersed divergent regions between allopatric parental populations, consistent with the ‘divergence with gene flow’ model of speciation. One of the divergent peaks involves three genes known to affect pigmentation: ASIP, EIF2S2, and RALY (the ASIP-RALY gene block). After controlling for population substructure, we found that a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) inside the intron of RALY displays a strong pleiotropic association with cheek, crown, and breast coloration. In addition, we detect selection on the ASIP-RALY gene block, as the geographic cline of the RALY marker of this gene block has remained narrower than the plumage cline, which remained narrower than expected under neutral diffusion over two decades. Despite extensive gene flow between these species across much of the genome, the selection on ASIP-RALY gene block maintains stable genotypic and plumage difference between species allowing further differentiation to accumulate via linkage to its flanking genetic region or linkage-disequilibrium genome-wide.
Cytochrome cMdownscales photosynthesis under photomixotrophy inSynechocystissp. PCC 6803
Authors: Solymosi Daniel , Muth-Pawlak Dorota , Nikkanen Lauri , Fitzpatrick Duncan , Vasudevan Ravendran , Howe Christopher J. , Lea-Smith David J. , Allahverdiyeva Yagut
Published: November 2019

Photomixotrophy is a metabolic state, which enables photosynthetic microorganisms to simultaneously perform photosynthesis and metabolism of imported organic carbon substrates. This process is complicated in cyanobacteria, since many, includingSynechocystissp. PCC 6803, conduct photosynthesis and respiration in an interlinked thylakoid membrane electron transport chain. Under photomixotrophy, the cell must therefore tightly regulate electron fluxes from photosynthetic and respiratory complexes. In this study, we show via characterization of photosynthetic apparatus and the proteome, that photomixotrophic growth results in a gradual reduction of the plastoquinone pool in wild-typeSynechocystis, which fully downscales photosynthesis over three days of growth. This process is circumvented by deleting the gene encoding cytochromecM(CytM), a crypticc-type heme protein widespread in cyanobacteria. ΔCytM maintained active photosynthesis over the three day period, demonstrated by high photosynthetic O2and CO2fluxes and effective yields of Photosystem II and Photosystem I. Overall, this resulted in a higher growth rate than wild-type, which was maintained by accumulation of proteins involved in phosphate and metal uptake, and cofactor biosynthetic enzymes. While the exact role of CytM has not been determined, a mutant deficient in the thylakoid-localised respiratory terminal oxidases and CytM (ΔCox/Cyd/CytM) displayed a similar phenotype under photomixotrophy to ΔCytM, demonstrating that CytM is not transferring electrons to these complexes, which has previously been suggested. In summary, the obtained data suggests that CytM may have a regulatory role in photomixotrophy by reducing the photosynthetic capacity of cells.

One sentence summary

The cryptic, highly conserved cytochrome cMcompletely blocks photosynthesis inSynechocystisunder three days of photomixotrophy, possibly by suppressing CO2assimilation.
Deep generative model embedding of single-cell RNA-Seq profiles on hyperspheres and hyperbolic spaces
Authors: Ding Jiarui , Regev Aviv
Published: November 2019

Single-cell RNA-Seq (scRNA-seq) has become an invaluable tool for studying biological systems in health and diseases. While dimensionality reduction is a crucial step in interpreting the relation between cells based on scRNA-seq, current methods often are hampered by “crowding” of cells in the center of the latent space, biased by batch effects, or inadequately capture developmental relationships. Here, we introduced scPhere, a scalable deep generative model to embed cells into low-dimensional hyperspherical or hyperbolic spaces, as a more accurate representation of the data. ScPhere resolves cell crowding, corrects multiple, complex batch factors, facilitates interactive visualization of large datasets, and gracefully uncovers pseudotemporal trajectories. We demonstrate scPhere on six large datasets in complex tissue from human patients or animal development, demonstrating how it controls for both technical and biological factors and highlights complex cellular relations and biological insights.
The genomic underpinnings of oscillatory biomarkers supporting successful memory encoding in humans
Authors: Berto Stefano , Fontenot Miles , Seger Sarah , Ayhan Fatma , Caglayan Emre , Kulkarni Ashwinikumar , Douglas Connor , Tamminga Carol A. , Lega Bradley C. , Konopka Genevieve
Published: November 2019

In humans, brain oscillations are thought to support critical features of memory formation such as coordination of activity across regions, consolidation, and temporal ordering of events. However, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlining this activity in humans remains a major challenge. Here, we measured memory-sensitive oscillations using direct intracranial electroencephalography recordings from the temporal cortex of patients performing an episodic memory task. By then employing transcriptomics on the resected tissue from the same patients, we linked gene expression with brain oscillations, identifying genes correlated with oscillatory signatures of memory formation across six frequency bands. A co-expression analysis isolated biomarker-specific modules associated with neuropsychiatric disorders as well as ion channel activity. Using single-nuclei transcriptomic data from this resected tissue, we further revealed that biomarker-specific modules are enriched for both excitatory and inhibitory neurons. This unprecedented dataset of patient-specific brain oscillations coupled to genomics unlocks new insights into the genetic mechanisms that support memory encoding. By linking brain expression of these genes to oscillatory patterns, our data help overcome limitations of phenotypic methods to uncover genetic links to memory performance.
A decision-time account of individual variability in context-dependent orientation estimation
Authors: Dekel Ron , Sagi Dov
Published: November 2019

Following exposure to an oriented stimulus, the perceived orientation is slightly shifted, a phenomenon termed the tilt aftereffect (TAE). This estimation bias, as well as other context-dependent biases, is speculated to reflect statistical mechanisms of inference that optimize visual processing. Importantly, although measured biases are extremely robust in the population, the magnitude of individual bias can be extremely variable. For example, measuring different individuals may result in TAE magnitudes that differ by a factor of 5. Such findings appear to challenge the accounts of bias in terms of learned statistics: is inference so different across individuals? Here, we found that a strong correlation exists between reaction time and TAE, with slower individuals having much less TAE. In the tilt illusion, the spatial analogue of the TAE, we found a similar, though weaker, correlation. These findings can be explained by a theory predicting that bias, caused by a change in the initial conditions of evidence accumulation (e.g., prior), decreases with decision time (Dekel & Sagi, 2019b). We contend that the context-dependence of visual processing is more homogeneous in the population than was previously thought, with the measured variability of perceptual bias explained, at least in part, by the flexibility of decision-making. Homogeneity in processing might reflect the similarity of the learned statistics.

Highlights

The tilt aftereffect (TAE) exhibits large individual differences.

Reduced TAE magnitudes are found in slower individuals.

Reduced TAE in slower decisions can be explained by the reduced influence of prior.

Therefore, individual variability can reflect decision making flexibility.
Inter-domain dynamics and fibrinolytic activity of matrix metalloprotease-1
Authors: Kumar Lokender , Planas-Iglesias Joan , Harms Chase , Kamboj Sumaer , Wright Derek , Klein-Seetharaman Judith , Sarkar Susanta K.
Published: November 2019

The roles of protein conformational dynamics and allostery in function are well-known. However, the roles that inter-domain dynamics have in function are not entirely understood. We used matrix metalloprotease-1 (MMP1) as a model system to study the relationship between inter-domain dynamics and activity because MMP1 has diverse substrates. Here we focus on fibrin, the primary component of a blood clot. Water-soluble fibrinogen, following cleavage by thrombin, self-polymerize to form water-insoluble fibrin. We studied the inter-domain dynamics of MMP1 on fibrin without crosslinks using single-molecule Forster Resonance Energy Transfer (smFRET). We observed that the distance between the catalytic and hemopexin domains of MMP1 increases or decreases as the MMP1 activity increases or decreases, respectively. We modulated the activity using 1) an active site mutant (E219Q) of MMP1, 2) MMP9, another member of the MMP family that increases the activity of MMP1, and 3) tetracycline, an inhibitor of MMP1. We fitted the histograms of smFRET values to a sum of two Gaussians and the autocorrelations to an exponential and power law. We modeled the dynamics as a two-state Poisson process and calculated the kinetic rates from the histograms and autocorrelations. Activity-dependent inter-domain dynamics may enable allosteric control of the MMP1 function.
Mercury 4.0: from visualization to analysis, design and prediction
Authors: Macrae Clare F. , Sovago Ioana , Cottrell Simon J. , Galek Peter T. A. , McCabe Patrick , Pidcock Elna , Platings Michael , Shields Greg P. , Stevens Joanna S. , Towler Matthew , Wood Peter A.
Published: November 2019

The program Mercury, developed at the Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre, was originally designed primarily as a crystal structure visualization tool. Over the years the fields and scientific communities of chemical crystallography and crystal engineering have developed to require more advanced structural analysis software. Mercury has evolved alongside these scientific communities and is now a powerful analysis, design and prediction platform which goes a lot further than simple structure visualization.
Dinuclear cobalt and nickel complexes of a mercaptoacetic acid substituted 1,2,4-triazole ligand: syntheses, structures and urease inhibitory studies
Authors: Fang Zi-Yi , Zhang Li , Ma Jian-Ping , Zhao Long , Wang Shi-Ling , Xie Nan-Hua , Liu Yi-Qin , Guo Xiao-Ying , Qin Jie
Published: November 2019

Because of its versatile coordination modes and strong coordination ability, the mercaptoacetic acid substituted 1,2,4-triazole 2-{[5-(pyridin-2-yl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]sulfanyl}acetic acid (H2L) was synthesized and characterized. Treatment of H2L with cobalt and nickel acetate afforded the dinuclear complexes {μ-3-[(carboxylatomethyl)sulfanyl]-5-(pyridin-2-yl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-ido-κ2
N
1,N
5:N
2,O}bis[aqua(methanol-κO)cobalt(II)] methanol disolvate, [Co2(C9H6N4O2S)2(CH3OH)2(H2O)2]·2CH3OH (1), and {μ-3-[(carboxylatomethyl)sulfanyl]-5-(pyridin-2-yl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-ido-κ2
N
1,N
5:N
2,O}bis[diaquanickel(II)] methanol disolvate dihydrate, [Ni2(C9H6N4O2S)2(H2O)4]·2CH3OH·2H2O (2), respectively. Complex 1 crystallized in the monoclinic space group P21/c, while 2 crystallized in the tetragonal space group I41/a. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies revealed that H2L is doubly deprotonated and acts as a tetradentate bridging ligand in complexes 1 and 2. For both of the obtained complexes, extensive hydrogen-bond interactions contribute to the formation of their three-dimensional supermolecular structures. Hirshfeld surface analysis was used to illustrate the intermolecular interactions. Additionally, the urease inhibitory activities of 1, 2 and H2L were investigated against jack bean urease, where the two complexes revealed strong urease inhibition activities.
Towards a new price discrimination strategy
Authors: Narwal Preeti , Nayak Jogendra Kumar
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the applicability of Pay-What-You-Want (PWYW) pricing multi-channel retailing. Specifically, the impact of PWYW endogenous price discrimination on consumers’ price fairness perception of and reactions to PWYW is investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

Three empirical studies with different product categories were conducted through lab experiments with student sample using scenario-based experimental approach.

Findings

Results indicate the viability of PWYW with lower suggested external reference price. The impact of PWYW endogenous price discrimination is dependent upon the magnitude of price deviation from regular market price and product category. Consumers’ negative perceptions of price differentiation interacted with their underlying beliefs about the retailer’s cost of products across different channels. PWYW acceptance can be fostered in multi-channel by communication of additional-value generated in offline selling.

Originality/value

The current research is possibly the first to explore PWYW viability in the multi-channel context by exploring the consumer’s price perception process and critical consumer reactions through a well-structured research framework.
Variational h-adaption for coupled thermomechanical problems
Authors: Pethe Rohit , Heuzé Thomas , Stainier Laurent
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a variational mesh h-adaption approach for strongly coupled thermomechanical problems.

Design/methodology/approach

The mesh is adapted by local subdivision controlled by an energy criterion. Thermal and thermomechanical problems are of interest here. In particular, steady and transient purely thermal problems, transient strongly coupled thermoelasticity and thermoplasticity problems are investigated.

Findings

Different test cases are performed to test the robustness of the algorithm for the problems listed above. It is found that a better cost-effectiveness can be obtained with that approach compared to a uniform refining procedure. Because the algorithm is based on a set of tolerance parameters, parametric analyses and a study of their respective influence on the mesh adaption are carried out. This detailed analysis is performed on unidimensional problems, and a final example is provided in two dimensions.

Originality/value

This work presents an original approach for independent h-adaption of a mechanical and a thermal mesh in strongly coupled problems, based on an incremental variational formulation. The approach does not rely on (or attempt to provide) error estimation in the classical sense. It could merely be considered to provide an error indicator. Instead, it provides a practical methodology to adapt the mesh on the basis of the variational structure of the underlying mathematical problem.
Development of an auditing framework by integrating ISO 9001 principles within auditing
Authors: Abuazza Omran Ahmad , Labib Ashraf , Savage Barbara M.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an auditing framework which would assist the organizations that experience difficulties with the current ISO 9001 quality audits to achieve their planned objectives with regard to their auditing of conformance, performance, risk management (RM) and improvement collectively.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review was conducted to develop a conceptual audit framework (CAF). Subsequently, a preliminary audit framework (PAF) was developed. It includes the questions that are based on the CAF and connected with the complaints of the concerned organization. This PAF was thoroughly tested and validated by performing 11 internal audits, 2 management reviews (MR) and 3 workshops.

Findings

Applying this PAF indicated that in order to help organizations to audit their performance, RM and improvement collectively, they need to: change their audit approach from ISO elements to ISO principles, integrate the tools that are related to ISO 9001 Principles within the audit’s phases, perform pre-audits in the form of self-auditing, induce auditors to learn all tools to determine the ideal tools for particular situation, audit each department in combination with its internal customer, involve their auditors in problem solving, perform MR prior to closing the audit and analyze the results of audits with their causes by using one of the appropriate qualitative methods, such as analysis by themes. Finally, an auditing framework was developed to meet these needs. It includes the PAF’s questions that led to the discovery of chronic and systematic audit findings. It enhances any ISO 9001 Quality Auditing Questionnaires Checklist.

Originality/value

This study enhances the role of auditors to include risk identification, problem solving and data analysis by development of an auditing framework that is based on ISO 9001 Principles rather than clauses.
Power distribution reforms
Authors: Sinha Praveer , Shankar Ravi , Vrat Prem , Mathur Shweta
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Distribution and retail supply of electricity is the most important cog in the power sector value chain. Despite several reforms, most of the Discoms are facing huge financial losses and resorting to a tariff hike which may not be a viable solution. The purpose of this paper is to analyze a case study of Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd (Tata Power-DDL) which inoculated itself against the financial ills, and demonstrates how a utility can nurture itself and manage the key stakeholder expectation with innovation, ethics, safety, transparency and agility being its cornerstone.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyses the situation for Tata Power-DDL which needs to realign its strategy to meet emerging sustainability challenges. The case covers the aspect of strategic management, strategy formulation and change management system deployment using tools such as strength, weakness, opportunities, threat (SWOT), political economical social technological legal environment (PESTLE), critical success factor and key performance indicator cascade. It touches upon the emerging need for distribution utilities to look beyond economic signals and take social and environmental impacts into the strategy planning process.

Findings

It viewed the distribution business beyond its conventional responsibility of making power available to consumers and to provide quality service. A well thought out adaption and adoption of upgraded technology can be a game changer even for a market which is highly regulated and dominated by players in their respective defined territories.

Research limitations/implications

Since the sector is regulated and each utility has a pre-defined set of area of operation with no competition within its licensed area, hence, there is a limited application of applied strategy tools such as SWOT and PESTLE.

Practical implications

Since the sector is regulated and each utility has a pre-defined set of area of operation with no competition within its licensed area, hence, there is a limited application of applied strategy tools such as SWOT and PESTLE.

Originality/value

India as a market is evolving in energy space and utilities are still struggling to have a fundamental structure to meet the agenda of “power to all.” The paper provides the valuable insights into the process of environmental scanning and formulation of organizational strategy to meet the needs of existing and future energy markets.
Treatment selection for first‐line metastatic renal cell carcinoma in Australia: Impact of new therapy options
Authors: Schmidt Andrew , Azad Arun , Goh Jeffrey , Harris Carole , Joshua Anthony M. , Weickhardt Andrew , Krieger Laurence
Published: November 2019

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors have provided an effective standard of care for the treatment of metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Survival is prolonged with emergence of modern immuno‐oncology combination regimens. Prognostic risk assessment is essential for choosing between these therapies to determine the most appropriate first line treatment option, with selection based on International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium Risk Category. We review the current subsidized first line treatments for mRCC in Australia and consider the evidence for treatment selection and sequencing.
Edge effects on trophic cascades in tropical rainforests
Authors: Harrison Michelle Lisa Kiri , Banks‐Leite Cristina
Published: November 2019

The cascading effects of biodiversity loss on ecosystem functioning of forests have become more apparent. However, how edge effects shape these processes has yet to be established. We assessed how edge effects alter arthropod populations and the strength of any resultant trophic cascades on herbivory rate in tropical forests of Brazil. We established 7 paired forest edge and interior sites. Each site had a vertebrate‐exclosure, procedural (exclosure framework with open walls), and control plot (total 42 plots). Forest patches were surrounded by pasture. Understory arthropods and leaf damage were sampled every 4 weeks for 11 months. We used path analysis to determine the strength of trophic cascades in the interior and edge sites. In forest interior exclosures, abundance of predaceous and herbivorous arthropods increased by 326% and 180%, respectively, compared with control plots, and there were significant cascading effects on herbivory. Edge‐dwelling invertebrates responded weakly to exclusion and there was no evidence of trophic cascade. Our results suggest that the vertebrate community at forest edges controls invertebrate densities to a lesser extent than it does in the interior. Edge areas can support vertebrate communities with a smaller contingent of insectivores. This allows arthropods to flourish and indirectly accounts for higher levels of plant damage at these sites. Increased herbivory rates may have important consequences for floristic community composition and primary productivity, as well as cascading effects on nutrient cycling. By interspersing natural forest patches with agroforests, instead of pasture, abiotic edge effects can be softened and prevented from penetrating deep into the forest. This would ensure a greater proportion of forest remains habitable for sensitive species and could help retain ecosystem functions in edge zones.
Rapid Lump Examination (RLE) – eine schnelle Methode in der mikroskopisch kontrollierten Chirurgie von Basalzellkarzinomen
Authors: Peters Nina , Schubert Melanie , Bauer Juergen , Ghoreschi Franziska C. , Moehrle Matthias
Published: November 2019

Hintergrund

Aufgrund der steigenden Inzidenz von Hautkrebs besteht ein dringender Bedarf an einer schnellen, zuverlässigen und kostengünstigen Therapie. Frühere Studien zeigten, dass natives Tumorgewebe und Schnittränder direkt mikroskopisch mit hoher Sensitivität und Spezifität untersucht werden können.

Ziel

Vergleich der Rapid Lump Examination (RLE) im Rahmen der mikrographischen Chirurgie mit formalinfixierten, paraffineingebetteten Hämatoxylin‐ und Eosin (HE)‐gefärbten Schnitten beim Nachweis von Basalzellkarzinomen (BZK).

Material und Methodik

382 Proben von 118 Exzidaten mit Verdacht auf BZK wurden mit RLE im Vergleich zu formalinfixierten, paraffineingebetteten HE‐gefärbten Schnitten untersucht. Für die RLE wurden die Frischgewebeproben nach einem standardisierten 60‐Sekunden‐Färbeprotokoll direkt mit einem Stereomikroskop untersucht.

Ergebnisse

Die RLE erreichte eine hohe, aber unzureichende diagnostische Genauigkeit im Vergleich zum Goldstandard den formalinfixierten, paraffineingebetteten, HE‐gefärbten Schnitten. Die Sensitivität betrug 76 % (95 %‐KI = [66,18 %; 84,5 %]) und die Spezifität 91 % (95 %‐KI = [86,73 %; 93,75 %]).

Schlussfolgerungen

Die RLE ist eine schnelle und einfache Technik für die mikroskopisch kontrollierte Chirurgie (MKC) von Basalzellkarzinomen, die jedoch Übung erfordert. Die Erfahrung des Untersuchers hatte großen Einfluss auf die Ergebnisse. Die RLE verfügt über großes Potenzial, den Arbeitsablauf in der Mohs‐Chirurgie zu beschleunigen, bedarf aber weiteren Verbesserungen.
Enhanced expression of HNF4α during intestinal epithelial differentiation is involved in the activation of ER stress
Authors: Tunçer Sinem , Sade‐Memişoğlu Aslı , Keşküş Ayşe Gökçe , Sheraj Ilir , Güner Güneş , Akyol Aytekin , Banerjee Sreeparna
Published: November 2019

Intestinal epithelial cells are derived from stem cells at the crypts that undergo differentiation into transit‐amplifying cells, which in turn form terminally differentiated enterocytes as these cells reach the villus. Extensive alterations in both transcriptional and translational programs occur during differentiation, which can induce the activation of cellular stress responses such as ER stress‐related unfolded protein response (UPR) and autophagy, particularly in the cells that are already committed to becoming absorptive cells. Using an epithelial cell model of enterocyte differentiation, we report a mechanistic study connecting enterocyte differentiation to UPR and autophagy. We report that differentiated colon epithelial cells showed increased cytosolic Ca2+ levels and activation of all three pathways of UPR: inositol‐requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1), protein kinase RNA‐like ER kinase, and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) compared to the undifferentiated cells. Enhanced UPR in the differentiated cells was accompanied by the induction of autophagy as evidenced by increased ratio of light chain 3 II/I, upregulation of Beclin‐1, and downregulation of p62. We show for the first time that mechanistically, the upregulation of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) during differentiation led to increased promoter binding and transcriptional upregulation of two major proteins of UPR: X‐box binding protein‐1 and ATF6, implicating HNF4α as a key regulator of UPR response during differentiation. Integrating wet‐lab with in silico analyses, the present study links differentiation to cellular stress responses, and highlights the importance of transcription factor signaling and cross‐talk between the cellular events in the regulation of intestinal cell differentiation.
Interictal Burden of Cluster Headache
Authors: Pohl Heiko , Gantenbein Andreas R. , Sandor Peter S. , Schoenen Jean , Andrée Colette
Published: November 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to measure the interictal burden (IIB) associated with cluster headache (CH).

Background

CH is characterized by an alternation of excruciatingly painful attacks and pain‐free periods. Absence of pain does not necessarily imply absence of symptoms, though. Some may persist or improve more slowly than pain; others may arise in between attacks.

Methods

Participants filled out an online survey based on the EUROLIGHT questionnaire. Inclusion criteria were a reported diagnosis of CH and residency in a European country; exclusion criteria were refusal to give informed consent and to complete the questionnaire.

Results

Most of the burden was related to higher headache frequencies: ongoing symptoms despite pain freedom, impaired autonomy due to avoidance of triggers, reluctance to tell others about the disease, and the feeling of not being understood by family and friends, employers and colleagues. Irreversible, potentially accumulating burden may occur if headache frequency is high; examples are impairment of career options, relationships, and family planning issues. Worrying about future attacks and avoiding potential triggers occur independently from attack frequency and disease duration. There were no differences between the in‐bout and the out‐bout period among participants with episodic CH. Participants with chronic CH reported greater IIB.

Conclusions

Even between attacks CH can have a huge and potentially irreversible impact on life. Different types of IIB were identified, all of which may contribute to the total burden of disease. As cumulative burden might be irreversible, prevention strategies need to be developed.
Extreme variation in testes size in an insect is linked to recent mating activity
Authors: Greenway E. V(Ginny) , Cirino Lauren A. , Wilner Daniela , Somjee Ummat , Anagnostou Maria‐Eleni , Hepple Russell T. , Miller Christine W.
Published: November 2019

Ample sperm production is essential for successful male reproduction in many species. The amount of sperm a male can produce is typically constrained by the size of his testes, which can be energetically expensive to grow and maintain. Although the economics of ejaculate allocation has been the focus of much theoretical and empirical literature, relatively little attention has been paid to individual adult variation and plasticity at the source of sperm production, the testes themselves. We experimentally address this issue using the insect Narnia femorata Stål (Hemiptera: Coreidae). We established the metabolic cost of testicular tissue and then quantified variation in individual testes mass in response to multiple mate quality and quantity treatments. We uncovered extreme variation across individuals and considerable short‐term effects of mating activity on testes dry mass. Importantly, the observed variation in testes mass was associated with notable fitness consequences; females paired with males with larger testes had greater hatching success. Overall, pairing with a female resulted in a 11% reduction in dry testes mass. Despite this apparent considerable mating investment, we found no evidence of strategic allocation to higher quality females or longer‐term changes in testes mass. The dynamic nature of testes mass and its metabolic cost is vital to consider in the context of re‐mating rates, polyandry benefits and general mating system dynamics both in this species and more broadly.
Morphological and histochemical characterisation of the mucosa of the digestive tract in matrinxã Brycon amazonicus (Teleostei: Characiformes)
Authors: Vidal Mateus R. , Ruiz Thalles F. R. , dos Santos Diego D. , Gardinal Mario V. B. , de Jesus Fernando L. , Faccioli Claudemir K. , Vicentini Irene B. F. , Vicentini Carlos A.
Published: November 2019

This study describes anatomical, histological and histochemical features of the digestive tract mucosal layer of the matrinxã Brycon amazonicus, an omnivorous freshwater fish endemic from the Amazon basin. This species presents short thick oesophagus with longitudinal folds, that allow the passage of large food items. The mucosa is lined with a stratified secretory epithelium rich in goblet cells that secrete neutral and acid mucins. The two mucin types provide different viscosity in anterior and posterior oesophagus related to the protective and lubricant functions, respectively. The stomach is a highly distensible Y‐shaped saccular organ. Here, it is proposed that this anatomical shape plays an essential role in food storage when food availability is abundant. The stomach mucosa is composed of epithelial cells with intense neutral mucin secretion to protects against gastric juice. The intestine is slightly coiled and presents internally a complex pattern of transversal folds that increases the absorption surface and the retention time of food. Goblet cells in the intestine secrete acid and neutral mucins that lubricate the epithelium and aid in the digestive processes. In the rectum, an increase in goblet cells population occurs that may be related to better lubrication.
Nutritional and perinatal outcomes of pregnant women with a history of bariatric surgery: a case series from a UK centre
Authors: Maslin K. , Douek I. , Greenslade B. , Shawe J.
Published: November 2019

Background

Women with obesity who become pregnant after bariatric surgery have a reduced risk of several obstetric complications; however, limited data exist from the UK population. The present study aimed to characterise a case series of women who attended a medical antenatal clinic for pregnancy following bariatric surgery.

Methods

Routine clinical information was collected retrospectively from the medical notes of women who had bariatric surgery and subsequently delivered between January 2012 and November 2018. All were seen in the medical antenatal clinic at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton.

Results

Data were available for 46 pregnancies. Of these, 27.9% conceived in the first year after surgery. At 9 weeks of gestation, 13.3%, 28.9%, 33.3% and 24.4% were in the healthy, overweight, obese or severely obese category, respectively. Mean (SD) gestational weight gain was 11.9 (6.9) kg, with 54.1% gaining excess weight. Less than half (39.1%) of women were taking the recommended dose of 5 mg of folic acid when first seen. Some 56.1% and 64.6% had suboptimal iron or vitamin D statuses, respectively. Following advice from the clinic, a greater proportion of women took suitable micronutrient supplements. Subsequently, 93% of babies were born at full term, of whom 88% were of healthy weight.

Conclusions

Despite the nutritional risks associated with bariatric surgery and the high prevalence of obesity during pregnancy, perinatal outcomes were generally positive, with low rates of infants born preterm or low birth weight. Nutritional supplementation practices and iron status improved with input from a specialist team, underlying the importance of individualised input in this population.
Nursing assessment and management of incontinence among medical and surgical adult patients in a tertiary hospital: a best practice implementation project
Authors: Trad Wafa , Flowers Kelli , Caldwell Jennifer , Sousa Mariana S. , Vigh Gia , Lizarondo Lucylynn , Gaudin Julia , Hooper Dianne , Parker Deborah
Published: November 2019

Objectives:

The objectives of this implementation project were to review the nursing assessment and management of adult patients with urinary and fecal incontinence, and to develop local guidelines and ward-based continence assessment tools to assist nursing staff in assessing and managing incontinence.

Introduction:

Urinary or fecal incontinence in acute care hospitals is a growing issue that can lead to constipation, depression, breakdown of skin integrity, increased nursing home placement of older patients, increased length of hospital stay, and escalated healthcare costs. In many cases, incontinence can be treated and managed effectively; however, it is poorly understood and under-prioritized in many hospital settings.

Methods:

A pre–post intervention chart audit was conducted to review compliance with 10 best-practice criteria for incontinence assessment and management. Following baseline data analysis, barriers to compliance with the criteria were identified and subsequently addressed using targeted strategies. The project utilized the JBI Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System (PACES) and the Getting Research into Practice (GRiP) tools.

Results:

Education on continence strategies was delivered to nursing staff, which resulted in improved compliance for all audit criteria. There were notable improvements in the nursing documentation, and assessment and management of patients with urinary and/or fecal incontinence in the post-intervention analysis.

Conclusions:

The results demonstrate that nursing education and formalized assessment pathways in an acute setting can improve nursing compliance with the assessment and management of patients with either urinary or fecal incontinence to ensure safe, compassionate and person-centered care.
Numerical Simulation of Inline Arrangement of Spheroid Particles in Different Orientations
Authors: Jamil Abuzar , Uddin Emad , Zaidi Ali Abbas , Ali Zaib , Aslam Jawad , Gilani Syed Omer
Published: November 2019

The understanding of relative motion between particles of non-spherical shapes is of critical importance in many engineering and natural applications. The flow analysis and later explanation of physics can be used for designing and modification of industrial equipment. In this study, computational fluid dynamics is used to numerically solve two-dimensional steady fluid flow for two tandem spheroid particles. The parameters which are varied in simulations are combined effect of Reynolds number (Re), axis ratio (e), inter particle distance (S), size ratio (d2/d1) and particle orientation (α) on the flow and drag force for tandem spheroid particles. For reliability of results, domain and grid independence studies are done before performing the actual simulations. Furthermore, simulations results are also benchmarked with the available literature results and good agreement is observed. It is observed in simulations that the drag increases with the increase in size ratio. Drag force is maximum for oblate particles for an axis ratio e = 0.5 and larger inter-particle distance. For trailing prolate particles, the small inter-particle distance induces suction or negative drag. Furthermore, the negative drag on prolate particles at smaller inter-particle distance S = 2 increase with the increase in size ratio d2/d1 from 0.5 to 0.75 and negatively affects the collective drag (Cd1+Cd2). At Re = 50, the trailing particle drag Cd2 is independent with the orientation angle. The effect of orientation of leading particles is important for Re = 100 & 150. At the end of paper, the physics behind the affecting parameters on drag force is explained using inter-particle wakes and fluid structures.
Influence of Surface Irregularities on Hydrodynamic Instabilities in Couette-Taylor Flow
Authors: Gaied Lamia , Berrich Emna , Aloui Fethi , Lippert Marc , Keirsbulck Laurent , Bigerelle Maxence
Published: November 2019

In this work, we propose an experimental study of roughness effect on hydrodynamic instabilities’ Couette-Taylor flow. During experiments, the inner cylinder rotates at a given angular velocity and the outer cylinder is maintained fix.

The main objective of the study is to highlight the geometric parameters’ effect on the flow. We mainly focused our attention on the effect of the wall roughness parameter on the appearance instabilities in the studied configuration (delay or advance in its appearance). For this purpose, a qualitative study was performed using Kalliroscope particles to visualize the instabilities. Then, we applied polarography to different types of roughness as a quantitative study. Hence, the possibility to characterize the flow regimes of the first instabilities (TVF, WVF, MWVF, and TN). The experiments have shown that surface irregularities, have an effect on the appearance of the first instabilities, which depend on the size and nature of the roughness. In fact, the surface roughness not only increases the friction on the wall, but it also greatly influences the transport of the mass and momentum in a given flow regime. The flow, therefore, undergoes more friction when the inner cylinder (in rotation) has a rough surface. This friction slows the velocity of the fluid particles; which delays the onset of instability. The movement of the particles will therefore, be dampened by the irregularities at the level of the rough surface. Moreover, the results also proved that as soon as the Couette-Taylor cells are established, the roughness is no longer a particle motion damper, but on the contrary, it promotes the continuation of the disturbance of the flow. The flow becomes then less slowdown in the hollow of the surface irregularities; which leads to less friction. For higher Taylor numbers, the study showed a faster transition from one regime to another.
Prediction of Aerodynamic Noise for Centrifugal Fan of Air-Conditioner by Tetra-Prism Grids
Authors: Iwase Taku , Sato Daiwa , Obara Hideshi , Yamade Yoshinobu , Kato Chisachi
Published: November 2019

We calculated fan performance and aerodynamic noise in the centrifugal fan of air conditioner by large eddy simulation (LES). In this study, we investigated simulation technology employing tetra-prism grids for practical usefulness. Tetraprism grids are easier to generate than hexahedral grids. We employed the numerical simulation code FrontFlow/blue (FFB) throughout the LES. First, we proposed a design method for tetra-prism grids. The design method featured a predicted boundary layer thickness that was the same as the thickness of a prism layer. Next, we compared calculated results for the 13 million grids, 107 million grids and 860 million grids to investigate the grid number influence on fan performance and aerodynamic noise. We confirmed that calculated results for larger number of grids was more accurate than smaller number of grids. We also confirmed that calculated results simulated streaks well and the number of streaks increased in the order of the increasing number of the grids. The proper simulating of the streaks therefore contributed to getting better calculated results. As a result, we confirmed that using the tetra-prism grids was practical in the actual development of fans.