bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Evolution of Industrial Brewer’s Yeast Strains towards a Snowflake Phenotype
Authors: Kayacan Yeseren , Van Mieghem Thijs , Delvaux Filip , Delvaux Freddy R. , Willaert Ronnie
Published: February 2020

Flocculation or cell aggregation is a well-appreciated characteristic of industrial brewer’s strains, since it allows removal of the cells from the beer in a cost-efficient and environmentally-friendly manner. However, many industrial strains are non-flocculent and genetic interference to increase the flocculation characteristics are not appreciated by the consumers. We applied adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) to three non-flocculent, industrial Saccharomyces cerevisiae brewer’s strains using small continuous bioreactors (ministats) to obtain an aggregative phenotype, i.e., the “snowflake” phenotype. These aggregates could increase yeast sedimentation considerably. We evaluated the performance of these evolved strains and their produced flavor during lab scale beer fermentations. The small aggregates did not result in a premature sedimentation during the fermentation and did not result in major flavor changes of the produced beer. These results show that ALE could be used to increase the sedimentation behavior of non-flocculent brewer’s strains.
Stability of Soft Magnetic Helical Microrobots
Authors: Samsami Kiarash , Mirbagheri Seyed Amir , Meshkati Farshad , Fu Henry Chien
Published: February 2020

Nano/microrobotic swimmers have many possible biomedical applications such as drug delivery and micro-manipulation. This paper examines one of the most promising classes of these: rigid magnetic microrobots that are propelled through bulk fluid by rotation induced by a rotating magnetic field. Propulsion corresponds to steadily rotating and translating solutions of the dynamics of such microrobots that co-rotate with the magnetic field. To be observed in experiments and be amenable to steering control, such solutions must also be stable to perturbations. In this paper, we analytically derive a criterion for the stability of such steadily rotating solutions for a microrobot made of soft magnetic materials, which have a magnetization that depends on the applied field. This result generalizes previous stability criteria we obtained for microrobots with a permanent magnetization.
An Overview of the Applications of Nanomaterials and Nanodevices in the Food Industry
Authors: Shafiq Mehwish , Anjum Sumaira , Hano Christophe , Anjum Iram , Abbasi Bilal Haider
Published: February 2020

The efficient progress in nanotechnology has transformed many aspects of food science and the food industry with enhanced investment and market share. Recent advances in nanomaterials and nanodevices such as nanosensors, nano-emulsions, nanopesticides or nanocapsules are intended to bring about innovative applications in the food industry. In this review, the current applications of nanotechnology for packaging, processing, and the enhancement of the nutritional value and shelf life of foods are targeted. In addition, the functionality and applicability of food-related nanotechnologies are also highlighted and critically discussed in order to provide an insight into the development and evaluation of the safety of nanotechnology in the food industry.
Fatty Acid Profiling for the Authentication of Iberian Hams According to the Feeding Regime
Authors: González-Domínguez Raúl , Sayago Ana , Fernández-Recamales Ángeles
Published: February 2020

The quality and sensory characteristics of Iberian ham are closely related to the pig feeding regime. These are mainly due to the inclusion or not of acorns into the diet, which significantly increases the content of monounsaturated fatty acids in this food product. In this work, the fatty acid profile from subcutaneous fat samples was evaluated and modeled with various chemometric approaches as a potential tool for authentication of Iberian ham from three categories according to the rearing system: “Jamón de Bellota”, “Jamón de Cebo de Campo”, and “Jamón de Cebo”. The application of artificial neural networks provided satisfactory classification and prediction rates, with oleic acid being the most important variable driving this differentiation.
The Genome Assembly and Annotation of the Southern Elephant Seal Mirounga leonina
Authors: Kim Bo-Mi , Lee Yoon Jin , Kim Jeong-Hoon , Kim Jin-Hyoung , Kang Seunghyun , Jo Euna , Lee Seung Jae , Lee Jun Hyuck , Chi Young Min , Park Hyun
Published: February 2020

The southern elephant seal Mirounga leonina is the largest phocid seal and one of the two species of elephant seals. They are listed as ‘least concern’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species 2015. Here, we have assembled the reference genome for M. leonina using the 10× chromium sequencing platform. The final genome assembly of M. leonina was 2.42 Gb long, with a contig N50 length of 54 Mb and a maximum length of 111.6 Mb. The M. leonina genome contained 20,457 predicted protein-coding genes and possessed 41.51% repeated sequences. The completeness of the M. leonina genome was evaluated using benchmarking universal single-copy orthologous genes (BUSCOs): the assembly was highly complete, containing 95.6% of the core set of mammalian genes. The high-quality genomic information on M. leonina will be essential for further understanding of adaptive metabolism upon repeated breath-hold dives and the exploration of molecular mechanisms contributing to its unique biochemical and physiological characteristics. The southern elephant seal genome project was deposited at NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information) under BioProject number PRJNA587380.
The Undrained Behaviour of an Air-Fall Volcanic Ash
Authors: Picarelli Luciano , Olivares Lucio , Lampitiello Salvatore , Darban Reza , Damiano Emilia
Published: February 2020

Pyroclastic soils are widespread in the world. In particular, they cover a great part of Campania, a densely populated country of Southern Italy, where some distinct volcanic centers are present. In these soils, precipitations can trigger fast flow-like landslides causing destruction and loss of human lives. The movement style, the high velocity and the long run-out of these landslides are an indication of the occurrence, in the saturated soil mass, of mechanisms of undrained instability due to the inability of soil to sustain the deviator stress related to the slope condition. This paper reports the results of a wide experimental laboratory program carried out on a volcanic ash, which recently has been the seat of a killer landslide, stressing the factors that govern the undrained response of these materials.
A Note on “Metal Distribution and Short-Time Variability in Recent Sediments from the Ganges River towards the Bay of Bengal (India)” by Bonnail et al. (2019)
Authors: Alam Mohammad Ayaz
Published: February 2020

A careful reading of Bonnail et al. (2019)’s work points out some issues in the description of the Ganges River, e.g., describing it in a way that gives impression to the readers unfamiliar with the Indian rivers that it flows by the national capital New Delhi, after reading “it receives inputs from highly populated cities of India, including New Delhi and …”. However, as a matter of fact, it is not the Ganges, but the Yamuna River, a tributary of the Ganges, that passes through the National Capital Region of Delhi. Moreover, authors identify the studied river as the Ganges, whereas it is one of the distributaries of the Ganges called Hooghly (anglicized version of its local name Hugli). They have referred to the seasonality of the studied river; however, the flow of the studied (Hooghly) river is controlled by a barrage on the Ganges River. Moreover, Hooghly River receives input from its own tributaries; viz., Mayurakshi and Damodar, flowing through highly mineralized and coaliferous areas of Jharkhand state of India. Bonnail et al. (2019) have attributed the contamination of the river sediments to anthropogenic activities alone, by not evaluating likely natural sources. A correction factor for the underestimated total organic carbon (TOC) content obtained using Walkley-Black method should have been applied before using TOC values for factor analysis to overcome the underestimation issue with this method. This work intends to serve as a compendium, rather than a critique, to otherwise commendable work by Bonnail et al. (2019).
Detective Fiction in a Post-Truth World: Eva Rossmann’s Patrioten
Authors: McChesney Anita
Published: February 2020

Detective fiction is known as a genre that is concerned with revealing truths, both in the fictional world of the text as well as in the society after which it is patterned. The current socio-political environment, however, has been described as an era of post-truth politics and political propaganda, in which truth is more often determined by the relative strength of its representation. While some contemporary crime novels continue to propagate a reassuring message of truth, select Austrian narratives reflect this new so-called post-truth world. Bringing together theories of detective fiction and post-truth discourse, this article demonstrates how Eva Rossmann’s 2017 crime novel Patrioten (Patriots) adapts the themes and structures of traditional detective narratives to expose a society in which certainty is determined less by objective facts than by their construction in the media and socio-political discourse. The analysis concludes that the novel’s thematic and formal innovations help to redefine the socio-critical potential of contemporary detective fiction by showing the imminent dangers of an unregulated post-truth society.
Mental Health Literacy in Healthcare Students: An Expansion of the Mental Health Literacy Scale
Authors: Chao Hsing-Jung , Lien Yin-Ju , Kao Yu-Chen , Tasi I-Chuan , Lin Hui-Shin , Lien Yin-Yi
Published: February 2020

Objective: Although the recently developed mental health literacy scale showed significant score differences between general population and mental health professionals, to this date there is no published scale intended to specifically assess mental health literacy (MHL) in healthcare students. This study constructed a 26-item scale-based measure to assess multiple components of MHL and associated psychometric properties in a sample of medical and public health students of 11 universities in Taiwan. Methods: The development and validation of the scale comprised three phases: measure development, pilot testing (n = 32), and psychometric properties examination (n = 1294). Results: 26 items were generated for five factors: maintenance of positive mental health, recognition of mental illness, attitude to mental illness stigma, help-seeking efficacy, and help-seeking attitude. The scale demonstrated good content validity, internal consistency, and construct validity (factorial validity, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and known groups validity). Conclusions: The findings suggest that the Mental Health Literacy Scale for Healthcare Students (MHLS-HS) is a valid, reliable, and practical tool for identifying MHL gaps in medical and public health students. It has the potential to inform remedial curricular interventions for educators and evaluate intervention effectiveness.
Geoacumulation of Heavy Metals in Sediment of the Fluvial–Lagoon–Deltaic System of the Palizada River, Campeche, Mexico
Authors: Navarrete-Rodríguez Gabycarmen , Castañeda-Chávez María del Refugio , Lango-Reynoso Fabiola
Published: February 2020

The fluvial–lagoon–deltaic system of the Palizada River in Campeche is an ecosystem of socioeconomic and ecological importance. It is justifiable to carry out studies in this system due to its connection with another larger ecosystem called the Términos Lagoon. The objective of this investigation was to analyze the concentration of Pb and Cd in sediments of the fluvial–lagoon–deltaic system of the Palizada River and to determine, with this, the contamination index of these metals. Cd showed the highest concentration in sampling sites and climatic seasons with respect to Pb, with a maximum value of 53.9 ± 5.0, while the Pb concentration was 10.4 ± 0.2 μg∙g−1. The same tendency was present with pollution and geoaccumulation indexes; here, the Cd index stands out. The enrichment of heavy metals was identified through the accumulation of Cd and Pb; such a process was evaluated through the geoacumulation index (Igeo). The results of this indicated that the contamination of these elements is mainly of anthropogenic origin. This element represents an ecological toxic risk due to the chronic presence of heavy metals in a priority area for the conservation of aquatic and terrestrial biota such as the Palizada system, owing to its high toxicity even at low concentrations. Thus, it is important to evaluate its sublethal effects in the organisms that inhabit this system, which requires the implementation of integral monitoring.
Intelligent High-Resolution Geological Mapping Based on SLIC-CNN
Authors: Sang Xuejia , Xue Linfu , Ran Xiangjin , Li Xiaoshun , Liu Jiwen , Liu Zeyu
Published: February 2020

High-resolution geological mapping is an important supporting condition for mineral and energy exploration. However, high-resolution geological mapping work still faces many problems. At present, high-resolution geological mapping is still generated by expert interpretation of survey lines, compasses, and field data. The work in the field is constrained by the weather, terrain, and personnel, and the working methods need to be improved. This paper proposes a new method for high-resolution mapping using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and deep learning algorithms. This method uses the UAV to collect high-resolution remote sensing images, cooperates with some groundwork to anchor the lithology, and then completes most of the mapping work on high-resolution remote sensing images. This method transfers a large amount of field work into the room and provides an automatic mapping process based on the Simple Linear Iterative Clustering-Convolutional Neural Network (SLIC-CNN) algorithm. It uses the convolutional neural network (CNN) to identify the image content and confirms the lithologic distribution, the simple linear iterative cluster (SLIC) algorithm can be used to outline the boundary of the rock mass and determine the contact interface of the rock mass, and the mode and expert decision method is used to clarify the results of the fusion and mapping. The mapping method was applied to the Taili waterfront in Xingcheng City, Liaoning Province, China. In this study, the Area Under the Curve (AUC) of the mapping method was 0.937. The Kappa test result was k = 0.8523, and a high-resolution geological map was obtained.
Effects of Cold Jet Atmospheric Pressure Plasma on the Structural Characteristics and Immunoreactivity of Celiac-Toxic Peptides and Wheat Storage Proteins
Authors: Sun Fusheng , Xie Xiaoxue , Zhang Yufan , Duan Jiangwei , Ma Mingyu , Wang Yaqiong , Qiu Ding , Lu Xinpei , Yang Guangxiao , He Guangyuan
Published: February 2020

The present research reported the effects of structural properties and immunoreactivity of celiac-toxic peptides and wheat storage proteins modified by cold jet atmospheric pressure (CJAP) plasma. It could generate numerous high-energy excited atoms, photons, electrons, and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, including O3, H2O2, •OH, NO2− and NO3− etc., to modify two model peptides and wheat storage proteins. The Orbitrap HR-LC-MS/MS was utilized to identify and quantify CJAP plasma-modified model peptide products. Backbone cleavage of QQPFP and PQPQLPY at specific proline and glutamine residues, accompanied by hydroxylation at the aromatic ring of phenylalanine and tyrosine residues, contributed to the reduction and modification of celiac-toxic peptides. Apart from fragmentation, oxidation, and agglomeration states were evaluated, including carbonyl formation and the decline of γ-gliadin. The immunoreactivity of gliadin extract declined over time, demonstrating a significant decrease by 51.95% after 60 min of CJAP plasma treatment in vitro. The CJAP plasma could initiate depolymerization of gluten polymer, thereby reducing the amounts of large-sized polymers. In conclusion, CJAP plasma could be employed as a potential technique in the modification and reduction of celiac-toxic peptides and wheat storage proteins.
Integrated Genome-Wide Analysis of an Isogenic Pair of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Clinical Isolates with Differential Antimicrobial Resistance to Ceftolozane/Tazobactam, Ceftazidime/Avibactam, and Piperacillin/Tazobactam
Authors: Huang Weihua , Hamouche Joelle El , Wang Guiqing , Smith Melissa , Yin Changhong , Dhand Abhay , Dimitrova Nevenka , Fallon John T.
Published: February 2020

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients and the leading cause of nosocomial infections. We investigated, here, two MDR P. aeruginosa clinical isolates from a hospitalized patient with differential antimicrobial resistance to ceftazidime/avibactam (CZA), ceftolozane/tazobactam (C/T), and piperacillin/tazobactam (P/T). Their assembled complete genomes revealed they belonged to ST235, a widespread MDR clone; and were isogenic with only a single nucleotide variant, causing G183D mutation in AmpC β-lactamase, responsible for a phenotypic change from susceptible to resistant to CZA and C/T. Further epigenomic profiling uncovered two conserved DNA methylation motifs targeted by two distinct putative methyltransferase-containing restriction-modification systems, respectively; more intriguingly, there was a significant difference between the paired isolates in the pattern of genomic DNA methylation and modifications. Moreover, genome-wide gene expression profiling demonstrated the inheritable genomic methylation and modification induced 14 genes being differentially regulated, of which only toxR (downregulated), a regulatory transcription factor, had its promoter region differentially methylate and modified. Since highly expressed opdQ encodes an OprD porin family protein, therefore, we proposed an epigenetic regulation of opdQ expression pertinent to the phenotypic change of P. aeruginosa from resistant to susceptible to P/T. The disclosed epigenetic mechanism controlling phenotypic antimicrobial resistance deserves further experimental investigation.
Hypoxic-Inflammatory Responses under Acute Hypoxia: In Vitro Experiments and Prospective Observational Expedition Trial
Authors: Kammerer Tobias , Faihs Valentina , Hulde Nikolai , Stangl Manfred , Brettner Florian , Rehm Markus , Horstmann Mareike , Kröpfl Julia , Spengler Christina , Kreth Simone , Schäfer Simon
Published: February 2020

Induction of hypoxia-inducible-factor-1α (HIF-1α) pathway and HIF-target genes allow adaptation to hypoxia and are associated with reduced incidence of acute mountain sickness (AMS). Little is known about HIF-pathways in conjunction with inflammation or exercise stimuli under acute hypobaric hypoxia in non-acclimatized individuals. We therefore tested the hypotheses that (1) both hypoxic and inflammatory stimuli induce hypoxic-inflammatory signaling pathways in vitro, (2) similar results are seen in vivo under hypobaric hypoxia, and (3) induction of HIF-dependent genes is associated with AMS in 11 volunteers. In vitro, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were incubated under hypoxic (10%/5% O2) or inflammatory (CD3/CD28) conditions. In vivo, Interleukin 1β (IL-1β), C-X-C Chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR-4), and C-C Chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR-2) mRNA expression, cytokines and receptors were analyzed under normoxia (520 m above sea level (a.s.l.)), hypobaric hypoxia (3883 m a.s.l.) before/after exercise, and after 24 h under hypobaric hypoxia. In vitro, isolated hypoxic (p = 0.004) or inflammatory (p = 0.006) stimuli induced IL-1β mRNA expression. CCR-2 mRNA expression increased under hypoxia (p = 0.005); CXCR-4 mRNA expression remained unchanged. In vivo, cytokines, receptors, and IL-1β, CCR-2 and CXCR-4 mRNA expression increased under hypobaric hypoxia after 24 h (all p ≤ 0.05). Of note, proinflammatory IL-1β and CXCR-4 mRNA expression changes were associated with symptoms of AMS. Thus, hypoxic-inflammatory pathways are differentially regulated, as combined hypoxic and exercise stimulus was stronger in vivo than isolated hypoxic or inflammatory stimulation in vitro.
The Fluoro-Thiazolylhydrazone Compound TSC-3C Inhibits Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) Cell Line Activity by Promoting Apoptosis, Regulating the MAPK Pathway and Inducing Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Authors: Zhang Jiajia , Dai Jiajia , Zheng Qingxuan , Guo Shuju , Yu Yanyan , Hu Wenpeng , Gao Yanan , Shi Dayong
Published: February 2020

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive cancer in women, and despite improved treatments, it remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. We and others have demonstrated that different hybrid compounds targeting PARP/MAPK or other pathways to inhibit cancer progression may lead to promising therapeutic results. We introduced fluorine to alter the physical properties of the compounds. TSC-3C was one of the generated compounds. Upon treatment with TSC-3C, MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation, invasion, and migration were inhibited. TSC-3C induced MDA-MB-231 cell mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis, which may be caused by reducing the level of phosphorylated p44/42 MAPK (ERK1/2) and increasing the level of p-JNK. The present study may help to elucidate the role of the MAPK pathway in the development of breast cancer and may promote further research on halogenated heterocyclic compounds for the treatment of breast cancer.
A Small Number of HER2 Redirected CAR T Cells Significantly Improves Immune Response of Adoptively Transferred Mouse Lymphocytes against Human Breast Cancer Xenografts
Authors: Tóth Gábor , Szöllősi János , Abken Hinrich , Vereb György , Szöőr Árpád
Published: February 2020

HER2 positive JIMT-1 breast tumors are resistant to trastuzumab treatment in vitro and develop resistance to trastuzumab in vivo in SCID mice. We explored whether these resistant tumors could still be eliminated by T cells redirected by a second-generation chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) containing a CD28 costimulatory domain and targeting HER2 with a trastuzumab-derived scFv. In vitro, T cells engineered with this HER2 specific CAR recognized HER2 positive target cells as judged by cytokine production and cytolytic activity. In vivo, the administration of trastuzumab twice weekly had no effect on the growth of JIMT-1 xenografts in SCID mice. At the same time, a single dose of 2.5 million T cells from congenic mice exhibited a moderate xenoimmune response and even stable disease in some cases. In contrast, when the same dose contained 7% (175,000) CAR T cells, complete remission was achieved in 57 days. Even a reduced dose of 250,000 T cells, including only 17,500 CAR T cells, yielded complete remission, although it needed nearly twice the time. We conclude that even a small number of CAR T lymphocytes can evoke a robust anti-tumor response against an antibody resistant xenograft by focusing the activity of xenogenic T cells. This observation may have significance for optimizing the dose of CAR T cells in the therapy of solid tumors.
The Metabolomic Signature of the Placenta in Spontaneous Preterm Birth
Authors: Elshenawy Summer , Pinney Sara E. , Stuart Tami , Doulias Paschalis-Thomas , Zura Gabriella , Parry Samuel , Elovitz Michal A. , Bennett Michael J. , Bansal Amita , Strauss Jerome F. , Ischiropoulos Harry , Simmons Rebecca A.
Published: February 2020

The placenta is metabolically active and supports the growth of the fetus. We hypothesize that deficits in the capacity of the placenta to maintain bioenergetic and metabolic stability during pregnancy may result in spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB). To explore this hypothesis, we performed a nested cased control study of metabolomic signatures in placentas from women with SPTB (<36 weeks gestation) compared to normal pregnancies (≥38 weeks gestation). To control for the effects of gestational age on placenta metabolism, we also studied a subset of metabolites in non-laboring preterm and term Rhesus monkeys. Comprehensive quantification of metabolites demonstrated a significant elevation in the levels of amino acids, prostaglandins, sphingolipids, lysolipids, and acylcarnitines in SPTB placenta compared to term placenta. Additional quantification of placental acylcarnitines by tandem mass spectrometry confirmed the significant elevation in SPTB human, with no significant differences between midgestation and term placenta in Rhesus macaque. Fatty acid oxidation as measured by the flux of 3H-palmitate in SPTB placenta was lower than term. Collectively, significant and biologically relevant alterations in the placenta metabolome were identified in SPTB placenta. Altered acylcarnitine levels and fatty acid oxidation suggest that disruption in normal substrate metabolism is associated with SPTB.
Endoscopist’s Judgment Is as Useful as Risk Scores for Predicting Outcome in Peptic Ulcer Bleeding: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Brullet Enric , Garcia-Iglesias Pilar , Calvet Xavier , Papo Michel , Planella Montserrat , Pardo Albert , Junquera Félix , Montoliu Silvia , Ballester Raquel , Martinez-Bauer Eva , Suarez David , Campo Rafel
Published: February 2020

Background: Guidelines recommend using prognostic scales for risk stratification in patients with non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding. It remains unclear whether risk scores offer greater accuracy than clinical evaluation. Objective: Compare the diagnostic accuracy of the endoscopist’s judgment against different risk-scoring systems (Rockall, Glasgow–Blatchford, Baylor and the Cedars–Sinai scores) for predicting outcomes in peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB). Methods: Between February 2006 and April 2010 we prospectively recruited 401 patients with peptic ulcer bleeding; 225 received endoscopic treatment. The endoscopist recorded his/her subjective assessment (“endoscopist judgment”) of the risk of rebleeding and death immediately after endoscopy for each patient. Independent evaluators calculated the different scores. Area under the receiver-operating-characteristics (ROC) curve, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated for rebleeding and mortality. Results: The areas under ROC curve of the endoscopist’s clinical judgment for rebleeding (0.67–0.75) and mortality (0.84–0.9) were similar or even superior to the different risk scores in both the whole group and in patients receiving endoscopic therapy. Conclusions: The accuracy of the currently available risk scores for predicting rebleeding and mortality in PUB patients was moderate and not superior to the endoscopist’s judgment. More precise prognostic scales are needed.
Opposite Roles of BAP1 in Overall Survival of Uveal Melanoma and Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Liu-Smith Feng , Lu Yunxia
Published: February 2020

Background: BRCA1-Associated Protein 1 (BAP1) germline mutations predispose individuals to cancers, including uveal melanoma (UM) and cutaneous melanoma (CM). BAP1 loss is common in UM and is associated with a worse prognosis. BAP1 loss is rare in CM and the outcome is unclear. Methods: UM and CM data was retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Cox regression model was performed to examine whether BAP1 mRNA levels or copy number variations were associated with overall survival (OS). Results: BAP1-low mRNA predicted a poor OS in UM (HR = 9.57, 95% CI: 2.82, 32.5) but a contrasting better OS in CM (HR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.95). These results remained unchanged after adjusting for sex, age, and stage in UM and CM, or after adjusting for ulceration or Breslow depth in CM. Additionally, low BAP1 mRNA predicted a better OS in CM patients older than 50 years but not in younger patients. Co-expression and enrichment analysis revealed differential genes and mutations that were correlated with BAP1 expression levels in UM and CM tumors. Conclusions: Low BAP1 mRNA was significantly associated with a better OS in CM patients, in sharp contrast to UM. High BAP1 expression in CM was significantly associated with over-expressed CDK1, BCL2, and KIT at the protein level which may explain the poor OS in this sub-group of patients. Function of BAP1 was largely different in CM and UM despite of a small subset of shared co-expressed genes.
Prognostic Significance of Glucose Metabolism as GLUT1 in Patients with Pulmonary Pleomorphic Carcinoma
Authors: Imai Hisao , Kaira Kyoichi , Endoh Hideki , Imaizumi Kazuyoshi , Goto Yasuhiro , Kamiyoshihara Mitsuhiro , Kosaka Takayuki , Yajima Toshiki , Ohtaki Yoichi , Osaki Takashi , Kogure Yoshihito , Tanaka Shigebumi , Fujita Atsushi , Oyama Tetsunari , Minato Koichi , Asao Takayuki , Shirabe Ken
Published: February 2020

Glucose metabolism is necessary for tumor progression, metastasis, and survival in various human cancers. Glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), in particular, plays an important role in the mechanism of ¹⁸F-FDG (2-[¹⁸F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose) within tumor cells. However, little is known about the clinicopathological significance of GLUT1 in patients with pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma (PPC). Adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, adenosquamous cell carcinoma, poorly differentiated carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and others were identified as epithelial components, and spindle-cell type, giant-cell type, and both spindle- and giant-cell types were identified as sarcomatous components. This study was performed to determine the prognostic impact of GLUT1 expression in PPC. Patients with surgically resected PPC (n = 104) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry analysis to detect GLUT1 expression and determine the Ki-67 labeling index using specimens of the resected tumors. GLUT1 was highly expressed in 48% (50/104) of all patients, 42% (20/48) of the patients with an adenocarcinoma component, and 53% (30/56) of the patients with a nonadenocarcinoma component. High expression of GLUT1 was significantly associated with advanced stage, vascular invasion, pleural invasion, and tumor cell proliferation as determined by Ki-67 labeling. GLUT1 expression and tumor cell proliferation were significantly correlated according to the Ki-67 labeling in all patients (Spearman’s rank; r = 0.25, p < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, GLUT1 was identified as a significant independent marker for predicting a poor prognosis. GLUT1 is an independent prognostic factor for predicting the poor prognosis of patients with surgically resected PPC.
Initial Glaucoma Medication in the Hypertensive Phase Following Ahmed Valve Implantation: A Comparison of Results Achieved Using Aqueous Suppressants and Prostaglandin Analogs
Authors: Lee Jiyun , Park Chan Kee , Jung Kyoung In
Published: February 2020

Background: To compare the effects of aqueous suppressants (AS) and prostaglandin (PG) analogs during the hypertensive phase on intraocular pressure (IOP) and surgical outcomes. Methods: In this retrospective, observational study, 66 eyes (66 patients) with Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation were included. As evaluation items, IOP changes, number of postoperative medications, the surgical success rate, and postoperative complications were examined. Complete success was defined as IOP between 6 and 21 mmHg without medications, while qualified success was with a maximum of four medications. Results: The short-term IOP reduction following initial medication was 9.3 mmHg for AS and 4.4 mmHg for PG analogs (p = 0.016). More postoperative medications were used in PG than in AS from postoperative 3 months to 3 years (all p < 0.05). The qualified success rate with the initial medication was higher in AS than in PG (67.5% vs. 42.3% at 1 year, 80.6% vs. 37.5% at 2 years, 80.0% vs. 35.0% at 3 years, all p < 0.05). Conclusions: Association between AS used as the first medications during the hypertensive phase and better IOP control and a higher success rate was observed. The type of the initial glaucoma medication after AGV implantation could affect short- and long-term surgical outcomes.
Diagnostic Validity of Digital Imaging Fiber-Optic Transillumination (DIFOTI) and Near-Infrared Light Transillumination (NILT) for Caries in Dentine
Authors: Marmaneu-Menero Ana , Iranzo-Cortés José Enrique , Almerich-Torres Teresa , Ortolá-Síscar José Carmelo , Montiel-Company José María , Almerich-Silla José Manuel
Published: February 2020

The objective of the study is to analyse the available evidence for the validity of the transillumination method in the diagnosis of interproximal caries. Bibliographic searches were carried out in three data bases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus) with the key words “Transillumination AND caries”. A total of 11 studies were selected for the qualitative analysis and meta-analysis. In the qualitative analysis, both in vivo and in vitro studies were included. The gold standards were tomography, digital radiography, and clinical visual diagnosis. The meta-analysis determined the sensitivity, specificity, and area below the ROC curve relative to the transillumination method in the diagnosis of caries in dentine. Meta-analysis results obtained for transillumination gave a sensitivity value of 0.69 (confidence interval: 0.54–0.81), a specificity value of 0.89 (confidence interval: 0.61–0.98), while giving an AUC value of 0.79 (confidence interval: 0.67–0.87). Transillumination is a method offering moderate validity in the diagnosis of carious lesions in dentine, there is no strong evidence that may enable us to affirm that transillumination may fully substitute X-rays in the complementary diagnosis of carious lesions
The Right Ventricle—You May Forget It, But It Will Not Forget You
Authors: Wanner Patrick M. , Filipovic Miodrag
Published: February 2020

Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction and failure are common and often overlooked causes of perioperative deterioration and adverse outcomes. Due to its unique pathophysiologic underpinnings, RV failure often does not respond to typical therapeutic measures such as volume resuscitation and often worsens when therapy is escalated and mechanical ventilation is begun, with a danger of irreversible cardiovascular collapse and death. The single most important factor in improving outcomes in the context of RV failure is anticipating and recognizing it. Once established, a vicious circle of systemic hypotension, and RV ischemia and dilation is set in motion, rapidly spiraling down into a state of shock culminating in multi-organ failure and ultimately death. Therapy of RV failure must focus on rapidly reestablishing RV coronary perfusion, lowering pulmonary vascular resistance and optimizing volemia. In parallel, underlying reversible causes should be sought and if possible treated. In all stages of diagnostics and therapy, echocardiography plays a central role. In severe cases of RV dysfunction there remains a role for the use of the pulmonary artery catheter. When these mostly simple measures are undertaken in a timely fashion, the spiral of death of RV failure can often be broken or even prevented altogether.
Atomic-Scale Investigation on the Evolution of Tio2-Anatase Prepared by a Sonochemical Route and Treated with NaOH
Authors: Victoria Dimas Berenice , Hernández Pérez Isaías , Garibay Febles Vicente Garibay , Díaz Barriga Arceo Lucía Díaz Barriga , Suárez Parra Raúl Suárez , Rivera Olvera Jesús Noé , Luna Paz Ricardo , Melo Máximo Dulce Viridiana Melo , González Reyes Leonardo González
Published: February 2020

To date, the formation mechanisms of TiO2, as well as its heterostructures, have not been clarified. Moreover, detailed research on the transition from a tetragonal anatase phase to the monoclinic phase of the TiO2(B) phase and their interface structure has been quite limited until now. In the present study, we report on the sonochemical synthesis of TiO2-anatase with a crystallite size of 5.2 ± 1.5 nm under different NaOH concentrations via the hydrothermal method. The use of alkaline solution and the effect of the temperature and reaction time on the formation and structural properties of TiO2-anatase nanopowders were studied. The effects of NaOH concentration on the formation and transformation of titanate structures are subject to thermal effects that stem from the redistribution of energy in the system. These mechanisms could be attributed to three phenomena: (1) the self-assembly of nanofibers and nanosheets, (2) the Ostwald ripening process, and (3) the self-development of hollow TiO2 mesostructures.
Innovative Use of Sheep Wool for Obtaining Materials with Improved Sound-Absorbing Properties
Authors: Borlea (Mureşan) Simona Ioana , Tiuc Ancuţa-Elena , Nemeş Ovidiu , Vermeşan Horaţiu , Vasile Ovidiu
Published: February 2020

In recent years, natural materials are becoming a valid alternative to traditional sound absorbers due to reduced production costs and environmental protection. This study explores alternative usage of sheep wool as a construction material with improved sound absorbing properties beyond its traditional application as a sound absorber in textile industry or using of waste wool in the textile industry as a raw material. The aim of this study was to obtain materials with improved sound-absorbing properties using sheep wool as a raw material. Seven materials were obtained by hot pressing (60 ÷ 80 °C and 0.05 ÷ 6 MPa) of wool fibers and one by cold pressing. Results showed that by simply hot pressing the wool, a different product was obtained, which could be processed and easily manipulated. The obtained materials had very good sound absorption properties, with acoustic absorption coefficient values of over 0.7 for the frequency range of 800 ÷ 3150 Hz. The results prove that sheep wool has a comparable sound absorption performance to mineral wool or recycled polyurethane foam.
Magnetic and Magneto-Optical Properties of Fe75−xMn25Gax Heusler-like Compounds
Authors: Král Daniel , Beran Lukáš , Zelený Martin , Zemen Jan , Antoš Roman , Hamrle Jaroslav , Zázvorka Jakub , Rameš Michal , Onderková Kristýna , Heczko Oleg , Veis Martin
Published: February 2020

Fe75−xMn25Gax Heusler-like compounds were investigated in a wide range of Fe/Ga ratios while keeping the Mn content constant and equal 25 at% in order to elucidate the interplay between magnetic properties and composition. Materials were prepared by arc-melting from pure elements and subsequently annealed. Experimental investigations were focused on magnetization behavior in a wide temperature range from 4 to 1000 K and magnetic field up to 9 T. Optical and magneto-optical (MO) measurements were employed to shed more light on the magnetic state and electronic structure of investigated materials. Magnetization measurements indicated that in the vicinity of stoichiometry (Fe2MnGa) the compounds are ferro/ferrimagnetic, whereas the Fe-deficient compound is paramagnetic and at high Fe concentration the antiferromagnetic interaction prevails. Theoretical calculations of corresponding ordered and disordered stoichiometric compounds were carried out and compared to the experiment on the level of net magnetic moment as well as magneto-optical spectra. This comparison suggests that the Heusler crystal structure, L21, is not present even close to stoichiometry. Moreover, the comparison of density of states (DOS) for ordered and disordered structures allowed us to explain missing martensitic transformation (MT) in investigated materials.
Printed Electronics as Prepared by Inkjet Printing
Authors: Beedasy Vimanyu , Smith Patrick J.
Published: February 2020

Inkjet printing has been used to produce a range of printed electronic devices, such as solar panels, sensors, and transistors. This article discusses inkjet printing and its employment in the field of printed electronics. First, printing as a field is introduced before focusing on inkjet printing. The materials that can be employed as inks are then introduced, leading to an overview of wetting, which explains the influences that determine print morphology. The article considers how the printing parameters can affect device performance and how one can account for these influences. The article concludes with a discussion on adhesion. The aim is to illustrate that the factors chosen in the fabrication process, such as dot spacing and sintering conditions, will influence the performance of the device.
Fractional Supersymmetric Hermite Polynomials
Authors: Bouzeffour Fethi , Jedidi Wissem
Published: February 2020

We provide a realization of fractional supersymmetry quantum mechanics of order r, where the Hamiltonian and the supercharges involve the fractional Dunkl transform as a Klein type operator. We construct several classes of functions satisfying certain orthogonality relations. These functions can be expressed in terms of the associated Laguerre orthogonal polynomials and have shown that their zeros are the eigenvalues of the Hermitian supercharge. We call them the supersymmetric generalized Hermite polynomials.
Impact of Tree Pollen Distribution on Allergic Diseases in Serbia: Evidence of Implementation of Allergen Immunotherapy to Betula verrucosa
Authors: Minić Rajna , Josipović Mirjana , Tomić Spirić Vesna , Gavrović-Jankulović Marija , Perić Popadić Aleksandra , Prokopijević Ivana , Ljubičić Ana , Stamenković Danijela , Burazer Lidija
Published: February 2020

Background and objectives: The relationship between air pollen quantity and the sensitization of allergic patients is crucial for both the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases. Weather conditions influence the distribution of allergenic pollen and increases in pollen concentration may negatively affect the health of allergic patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the implementation of allergen immunotherapy with regard to air pollen concentration. Material and Methods: Here we examined the relationship between Betula air pollen concentration and the usage of Betula verrucosa allergen immunotherapy in Serbia. Examination covered the period from 2015 to 2018. Measurement of airborne pollen concentration was performed with Lanzoni volumetric pollen traps. The evidence of the usage of sublingual allergen immunotherapy (SLIT) was gathered from patients with documented sensitization to specific pollen. Results: During this period tree pollens were represented with 58% ± 21% of all measured air pollen species, while Betula pollen represented 15% ± 8% of all tree pollens. Betula pollination peaked in April. Allergen immunotherapy to Betula verrucosa in Serbia is entirely conducted as sublingual immunotherapy and represents 47.1% ± 1.4% of issued tree pollen SLIT. The use of pollen SLIT increased by 68% from 2015 to 2018, with an even greater increase in usage recorded for Betula SLIT—80%. Conclusions: This analysis shows a clear causative relationship between pollination and the type/prevalence of applied allergen immunotherapy. Information about the flowering seasons of allergenic plants is very important for people who suffer from allergy, for clinical allergologists, as well as for governing authorities. The presented data is of practical importance to the proper timing of immunotherapy initiation and of importance for urban landscaping. The obtained data can be the starting point for the instatement of a thorough epidemiological study and the inclusion of Serbia on the pollen map of Europe.
Experimental Investigation on Ultrasonic Atomization Assisted Turning of Titanium Alloy
Authors: Meng Jianbing , Huang Bingqi , Dong Xiaojuan , Hu Yizhong , Zhao Yugang , Wei Xiuting , Luan Xiaosheng
Published: February 2020

There are high cutting temperatures, large tool wear, and poor tool life in conventional machining, owing to the superior strength and low thermal conductivity of titanium alloy. In this work, ultrasonic atomization assisted turning (UAAT) of Ti6Al4V was performed with a mixed water-soluble oil-based cutting fluid, dispersed into tiny droplets by the high frequency vibration of a piezoelectric crystal. Different cutting speeds and two machining environments, dry and ultrasonic atomization assisted machining, were considered in the investigation of tool life, tool wear morphology, surface roughness, and chip morphology. In comparison with dry machining, UAAT shows lower tool wear and longer tool life due to the advantages of cooling and lubrication. Furthermore, better surface roughness, smoother chip edges, and shorter tool-chip contact length were obtained with UAAT.
Different Patterns of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Metabolically Healthy and Insulin-Resistant Obese Subjects
Authors: Sciacqua Angela , Cimellaro Antonio , Mancuso Luana , Miceli Sofia , Cassano Velia , Perticone Maria , Fiorentino Teresa V. , Andreozzi Francesco , Succurro Elena , Sesti Giorgio , Perticone Francesco
Published: February 2020

Obese subjects showed different cardiovascular risk depending by different insulin sensitivity status. We investigated the difference in left ventricular mass and geometry between metabolically healthy (MHO) and unhealthy (MUHO) obese subjects. From a cohort of 876 obese subjects (48.3 ± 14.1 years) without cardio-metabolic disease and stratified according to increasing values of Matsuda index after 75 g oral glucose tolerance test, we defined MHO (n = 292) those in the upper tertile and MUHO (n = 292) those in the lower tertile. All participants underwent echocardiographic measurements. Left ventricular mass was calculated by Devereux equation and normalized by height2,7 and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was defined by values >44 g/m2.7 for females and >48 g/m2.7 for males. Left ventricular geometric pattern was defined as concentric or eccentric if relative wall thickness was higher or lower than 0.42, respectively. MHO developed more commonly a concentric remodeling (19.9 vs. 9.9%; p = 0.001) and had a reduced risk for LVH (OR 0.46; p < 0.0001) than MUHO, in which the eccentric type was more prevalent (40.4 vs. 5.1%; p < 0.0001). We demonstrated that obese subjects—matched for age, gender and BMI—have different left ventricular mass and geometry due to different insulin sensitivity status, suggesting that diverse metabolic phenotypes lead to alternative myocardial adaptation.
The Dirac Spectrum and the BEC-BCS Crossover in QCD at Nonzero Isospin Asymmetry
Authors: Brandt Bastian B. , Cuteri Francesca , Endrődi Gergely , Schmalzbauer Sebastian
Published: February 2020

For large isospin asymmetries, perturbation theory predicts the quantum chromodynamic (QCD) ground state to be a superfluid phase of u and d ¯ Cooper pairs. This phase, which is denoted as the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) phase, is expected to be smoothly connected to the standard phase with Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC) of charged pions at μ I ≥ m π / 2 by an analytic crossover. A first hint for the existence of the BCS phase, which is likely characterised by the presence of both deconfinement and charged pion condensation, comes from the lattice observation that the deconfinement crossover smoothly penetrates into the BEC phase. To further scrutinize the existence of the BCS phase, in this article we investigate the complex spectrum of the massive Dirac operator in 2+1-flavor QCD at nonzero temperature and isospin chemical potential. The spectral density near the origin is related to the BCS gap via a generalization of the Banks-Casher relation to the case of complex Dirac eigenvalues (derived for the zero-temperature, high-density limits of QCD at nonzero isospin chemical potential).
Common Structural Patterns in the Maxicircle Divergent Region of Trypanosomatidae
Authors: Gerasimov Evgeny S. , Zamyatnina Ksenia A. , Matveeva Nadezda S. , Rudenskaya Yulia A. , Kraeva Natalya , Kolesnikov Alexander A. , Yurchenko Vyacheslav
Published: February 2020

Maxicircles of all kinetoplastid flagellates are functional analogs of mitochondrial genome of other eukaryotes. They consist of two distinct parts, called the coding region and the divergent region (DR). The DR is composed of highly repetitive sequences and, as such, remains the least explored segment of a trypanosomatid genome. It is extremely difficult to sequence and assemble, that is why very few full length maxicircle sequences were available until now. Using PacBio data, we assembled 17 complete maxicircles from different species of trypanosomatids. Here we present their large-scale comparative analysis and describe common patterns of DR organization in trypanosomatids.