bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structures of glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase in Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Barrett Kayleigh F. , Dranow David M. , Phan Isabelle Q. , Michaels Samantha A. , Shaheen Shareef , Navaluna Edelmar D. , Craig Justin K. , Tillery Logan M. , Choi Ryan , Edwards Thomas E. , Conrady Deborah G. , Abendroth Jan , Horanyi Peter S. , Lorimer Donald D. , Van Voorhis Wesley C. , Zhang Zhongsheng , Barrett Lynn K. , Subramanian Sandhya , Staker Bart , Fan Erkang , Myler Peter J. , Soge Olusegun O. , Hybiske Kevin , Ojo Kayode K.
Published: January 2020

Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng) and Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) are the most commonly reported sexually transmitted bacteria worldwide and usually present as co‐infections. Increasing resistance of Ng to currently recommended dual therapy of azithromycin and ceftriaxone presents therapeutic challenges for syndromic management of Ng‐Ct co‐infections. Development of a safe, effective, and inexpensive dual therapy for Ng‐Ct co‐infections is an effective strategy for the global control and prevention of these two most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted infections. Glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is a validated drug target with two approved drugs for indications other than antibacterials. Nonetheless, any new drugs targeting GAPDH in Ng and Ct must be specific inhibitors of bacterial GAPDH that do not inhibit human GAPDH, and structural information of Ng and Ct GAPDH will aid in finding such selective inhibitors. Here, we report the X‐ray crystal structures of Ng and Ct GAPDH. Analysis of the structures demonstrates significant differences in amino acid residues in the active sites of human GAPDH from those of the two bacterial enzymes suggesting design of compounds to selectively inhibit Ng and Ct is possible. We also describe an efficient in vitro assay of recombinant GAPDH enzyme activity amenable to high‐throughput drug screening to aid in identifying inhibitory compounds and begin to address selectivity.
Toward a structome of Acinetobacter baumannii drug targets
Authors: Tillery Logan M. , Barrett Kayleigh F. , Dranow David M. , Craig Justin , Shek Roger , Chun Ian , Barrett Lynn K. , Phan Isabelle Q. , Subramanian Sandhya , Abendroth Jan , Lorimer Donald D. , Edwards Thomas E. , Van Voorhis Wesley C.
Published: January 2020

Acinetobacter baumannii is well known for causing hospital‐associated infections due in part to its intrinsic antibiotic resistance as well as its ability to remain viable on surfaces and resist cleaning agents. In a previous publication, A. baumannii strain AB5075 was studied by transposon mutagenesis and 438 essential gene candidates for growth on rich‐medium were identified. The Seattle Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease entered 342 of these candidate essential genes into our pipeline for structure determination, in which 306 were successfully cloned into expression vectors, 192 were detectably expressed, 165 screened as soluble, 121 were purified, 52 crystalized, 30 provided diffraction data, and 29 structures were deposited in the Protein Data Bank. Here, we report these structures, compare them with human orthologs where applicable, and discuss their potential as drug targets for antibiotic development against A. baumannii.
Systemic treatment for metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer: Does seqence matter?
Authors: Andrews Jack R. , Ahmed Mohamed E. , Karnes R. Jeffrey , Kwon Eugene , Bryce Alan H.
Published: January 2020

Background

Optimal sequencing of systemic therapy in the management for metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) remains poorly elucidated. The CHAARTED and STAMPEDE studies have proven that early chemotherapy in the hormone‐sensitive setting yields a greater net survival advantage than docetaxel for mCRPC. In a retrospective study, we attempt to investigate the two most common treatment sequences for mCRPC and investigate whether earlier chemotherapy for mCRPC is consequential to survival outcomes.

Methods

We identified 112 patients with mCRPC treated at the Mayo Clinic between 2011 and 2017. We identified two cohorts, 80 patients (group A) received full course docetaxel chemotherapy followed by second generation hormone therapy (2nd gen androgen deprivation therapy [ADT]; Abiraterone or Enzalutamide) and 32 patients (group B) treated with 2nd gen ADT followed by docetaxel. The primary endpoint evaluated was 3‐year cancer‐specific survival.

Results

Mean prostate specific antigen at initiation of first treatment was 32.0 in group A and 21.7 in group B (P = .4). Bone metastases were more prevalent in group B (87% vs 58%, P = .01). All other clinicopathologic variables were statistically similar between group A and group B. Three‐year cancer‐specific survival was 87.4% vs 64.1% for group A and group B, respectively (P = .016). We report a univariate hazard ratio of 3.61 (95% CI, 1.74‐9.5, 0 P = .01). Three‐year overall survival was 82.4% and 60.8% for group A and group B, P = .01. These results held true when excluding patients with lymph node only metastasi.

Conclusion

Our data indicates that sequence of systemic therapy may influence outcomes for mCRPC and that docetaxel should be considered before 2nd generation ADT. Our results support the importance of earlier chemotherapy in the castration resistant state.
Predator density modifies mosquito regulation in increasingly complex environments
Authors: Buxton Mmabaledi , Cuthbert Ross N , Dalu Tatenda , Nyamukondiwa Casper , Wasserman Ryan J
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Predation plays a pivotal role in the composition and functioning of ecosystems. Both habitat complexity and predator density are important contexts which may determine the strength of trophic and non‐trophic interactions. In aquatic systems, the efficacy of natural enemies in regulating vector pest species could be modified by such context dependencies. Here, we use a functional response (FR) approach to experimentally quantify conspecific multiple predator effects across a habitat complexity gradient of two notonectids, Anisops sardea and Enithares chinai, towards larvae of the vector mosquito Culex pipiens pipiens.

RESULTS

E. chinai exhibited significantly greater consumption rates than A. sardea across habitat complexities, both as individuals and conspecific pairs. Each predator type displayed Type II FRs across experimental treatments, with synergistic multiple predator effects (i.e. prey risk enhancement) displayed in the absence of habitat complexity. Effects of increasing habitat complexity modified multiple predator effects differentially between species given behavioral differences, with habitat complexity causing significant antagonism (i.e. prey risk reduction) with multiple A. sardea compared to E. chinai.

CONCLUSION

Habitat complexity effects on multiple predator interactions can manifest differently at the species level, suggesting emergent effects which complicate predictions of natural enemy impact in heterogenous environments. Considerations of density, diversity and habitat effects on efficacies of natural enemies should thus be considered by pest management practitioners to better explain biocontrol efficacies in increasingly diverse environments. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Analysis of Spontaneous Subpeak Emission from the Guide Layers of the Ultraviolet‐B Laser Diode Structure Containing Composition‐Graded p‐AlGaN Cladding Layers
Authors: Sato Kosuke , Yasue Shinji , Ogino Yuya , Iwaya Motoaki , Takeuchi Tetsuya , Kamiyama Satoshi , Akasaki Isamu
Published: January 2020

This article covers an investigation of the optical properties and the origin of the mechanism of spontaneous subpeak emission from an ultraviolet‐B (UVB) light‐emitting diode containing aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN) guide layers, by changing the p‐electrode size and AlGaN film structure. The subpeak emission originates from the guide layer above the quantum well. Moreover, the ratio of the output power of the well emission to the total output power depends on the current density. This ratio increases with increasing current density. The estimated mechanism of the subpeak emission is the electron overflow to the second guide layer and carrier recombination at the interface of the AlGaN guide and AlGaN electron blocking layers (EBLs). The larger difference in the Al/III molar ratio at the interface of the guide layer and the EBL in the UVB laser diode (LD) is considerably larger than that of the layers in conventional visible LDs containing bulk p‐AlGaN. Because of this difference in molar ratios, a deeper energy valley is formed to assist the unfavorable carrier recombination.
Magnetic and Electron Spin Resonance Properties of BaxSr2–xTiCoO6 Double Perovskites
Authors: Sri Gyan Deepankar , Saxena Mandvi , Eremina Rushana , Fazlizhanov Ilshat , Mamedov Dzhavid , Yatsyk Ivan , Shukla Ashutosh Kumar , Dwivedi Akansha , Maiti Tanmoy
Published: January 2020

Herein, the magnetic behavior of BaxSr2–xTiCoO6 (BSTC) double perovskites synthesized by the conventional solid‐state reaction route is investigated. To understand the complexity of B‐site cations and their distribution in different valance states, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is performed. To understand the magnetic interactions at lower temperatures, variation of magnetization in both zero‐field‐cooled and field‐cooled conditions is studied in the temperature range from 2 to 300 K. Temperature dependence of inverse susceptibility is explained by modified Curie–Weiss law. Weak ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions are found in BSTC compounds, causing the randomness and frustrations and leading to a spin‐glass‐like behavior. To gain further insights, electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements are also carried out in BSTC ceramics. ESR measurement suggests the occurrence of Jahn–Teller glass analogous to the spin‐glass behavior in BSTC ceramics.
Magnons in the Multiferroic Phase of Cupric Oxide
Authors: Maity Avishek , Schwesig Steffen , Ziegler Fabian , Sobolev Oleg , Eckold Götz
Published: January 2020

Polarized neutron scattering is used to characterize low‐energy magnetic excitations in the multiferroic and antiferromagnetic phases of cupric oxide (CuO). The experiments are performed with the novel type of polarization analysis available at the thermal three‐axes spectrometer PUMA@FRM, II allowing the simultaneous detection of spinflip and nonspinflip scattering. The energy gaps of several magnon modes are determined, and evidence for the existence of electromagnons near 3 and 13 meV is found.
On evaluating how well a biomarker can predict treatment response with survival data
Authors: Mboup Bassirou , Blanche Paul , Latouche Aurélien
Published: January 2020

One of the objectives of personalized medicine is to take treatment decisions based on a biomarker measurement. Therefore, it is often interesting to evaluate how well a biomarker can predict the response to a treatment. To do so, a popular methodology consists of using a regression model and testing for an interaction between treatment assignment and biomarker. However, the existence of an interaction is not sufficient for a biomarker to be predictive. It is only necessary. Hence, the use of the marker‐by‐treatment predictiveness curve has been recommended. In addition to evaluate how well a single continuous biomarker predicts treatment response, it can further help to define an optimal threshold. This curve displays the risk of a binary outcome as a function of the quantiles of the biomarker, for each treatment group. Methods that assume a binary outcome or rely on a proportional hazard model for a time‐to‐event outcome have been proposed to estimate this curve. In this work, we propose some extensions for censored data. They rely on a time‐dependent logistic model, and we propose to estimate this model via inverse probability of censoring weighting. We present simulations results and three applications to prostate cancer, liver cirrhosis, and lung cancer data. They suggest that a large number of events need to be observed to define a threshold with sufficient accuracy for clinical usefulness. They also illustrate that when the treatment effect varies with the time horizon which defines the outcome, then the optimal threshold also depends on this time horizon.
Effect of recycled content and rPET quality on the properties of PET bottles, part I: Optical and mechanical properties
Authors: Alvarado Chacon Fresia , Brouwer Marieke T. , Thoden van Velzen Eggo Ulphard
Published: January 2020

The effect of recycled content and type of recycled poly (ethylene terephthalate) (rPET) on the haziness; colour parameters L*, a*, and b*; total colour change; ultraviolet‐visual spectrum (UV‐VIS) absorption; and environmental stress cracking (ESC) of PET bottles was studied. Three series of PET bottles were made at a small scale production facility with same type of virgin PET and three different types of rPET with recycled contents of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. Also, the particle contamination of the produced PET bottles was studied by dissolving bottle fragments and counting the insoluble particles. A linear relationship was found between the haziness of PET bottles and the particle contamination, with a coefficient of determination of 0.96. Linear relationships were also found between the colour parameters L* and b* and the particle contamination of the PET bottles, but the slope differed for each type of rPET. The origin of rPET (mono‐collection or cocollection) seems to be the crucial factor determining particle contamination and colour of the produced bottles. No correlation was found between the recycled content and the incidence of ESC. However, PET bottles in which high intrinsic viscosity (IV) values were measured showed lower chances of ESC than PET bottles with low IV values
Nutrient budgets in the Saigon–Dongnai River basin: Past to future inputs from the developing Ho Chi Minh megacity (Vietnam)
Authors: Nguyen Tuyet T.N. , Némery Julien , Gratiot Nicolas , Garnier Josette , Strady Emilie , Nguyen Dan P. , Tran Viet Q. , Nguyen An T. , Cao Son Tung , Huynh Trang P.T.
Published: January 2020

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC, Vietnam) is one of the fastest growing megacities in the world. In this paper, we attempt to analyse the dynamics of nutrients, suspended sediments, and water discharges in its aquatic systems today and in the future. The work is based on nine sampling sites along the Saigon River and one on the Dongnai River to identify the reference water status upstream from the urban area and the increase in fluxes that occur within the city and its surroundings. For the first time, the calculated fluxes allow drawing up sediment and nutrient budgets at the basin scale and the quantification of total nutrient loading to the estuarine and coastal zones (2012–2016 period). Based on both national Vietnamese and supplementary monitoring programs, we estimated the water, total suspended sediment, and nutrients (Total N, Total P, and dissolved silica: DSi) fluxes at 137 m3 year−1, 3,292 × 103 tonSS year−1, 5,323 tonN year−1, 450 tonP year−1, and 2,734 tonSi year−1 for the Saigon River and 1,693 m3 year−1, 1,175 × 103 tonSS year−1, 31,030 tonN year−1, 1,653 tonP year−1, and 31,138 tonSi year−1 for the Dongnai River, respectively. Nutrient fluxes provide an indicator of coastal eutrophication potential (indicator of coastal eutrophication potential), using nutrient stoichiometry ratios. Despite an excess of nitrogen and phosphorus over silica, estuarine waters downstream of the megacity are not heavily impacted by HCMC. Finally, we analysed scenarios of future trends (2025–2050) for the nutrient inputs on the basis of expected population growth in HCMC and improvement of wastewater treatment capacity. We observed that without the construction of a large number of additional wastewater treatment plants, the eutrophication problem is likely to worsen. The results are discussed in the context of the wastewater management policy.
Cl⋅⋅⋅Cl Halogen Bonding: Nature and Effect of Substituent at Electron Donor Cl atom
Authors: Sutradhar Dipankar , Chandra Asit K.
Published: January 2020

Halogen‐halogen bonding plays a vital role in crystal engineering and supramolecular chemistry. The Cl⋅⋅⋅Cl halogen bonding is studied here between R−Cl and ClF molecules using high level quantum chemical methods to find the nature and role of the substituent on the strength of this bond. A wide range of R moieties, like R=Cl, F, CH3, C2H5, C3H7, (CH3)3, H2F, CHF2, CF3, NH2, N(CH3)2, NHF and NF2, are chosen to find the effect of the substituent. The binding energies are found to range between −2.28 and −13.73 kJ mol−1 at the CCSD(T)/aug‐cc‐pVTZ level. The binding energy correlates with the negative electrostatic potential on the Cl atom and IP value of the R−Cl molecules, but it depends upon the nature of R−Cl bond. The electron density [ρ(rc)] at the bond critical point (BCP) is found to be a good parameter to assess the strength of the interaction. The decomposition of interaction energy by using Symmetry Adapted Perturbation Theory (SAPT) reveals that dispersion force is also important in stabilizing the complexes. Several important correlations between the strength of Cl⋅⋅⋅Cl interaction and molecular properties of R−Cl are established.
Synthesis and Characterization of Ni(II)/Zn(II) Metal Complexes Derived from Schiff Base and Ortho‐Phenylenediamine: In vitro DNA Binding, Molecular Modeling and RBC Hemolysis
Authors: Aazam Elham S. , Zaki Mehvash
Published: January 2020

Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of [Ni(L)(o–phenyl)]Cl (1) and [Zn(L)(o–phenyl)]Cl (2) new metal complexes derived from Schiff base ligand of 2–ethoxy–6–((pyrazin–2–ylimino)methyl)phenol (L) and ortho‐phenylenediamine. The biophysical studies of ligand and complexes 1 and 2 have been investigated with CT DNA and experimental outcomes show that both the complexes exhibited higher binding propensity towards DNA as compared to ligand L. Furthermore, molecular docking studies confirmed that both the complexes preferentially bind in the minor groove of DNA. Moreover, 1 trigger the condensation of CT–DNA into compact globules and rod‐shaped morphology revealing electrostatic and intermolecular π–π interactions of ligand moiety present in the DNA–bound complexes. Interestingly, 1 does not produce much hemolysis even at higher concentration of 100 μM. The work is expected to encourage the development of a newer metal complex whose ultimate target is DNA.
Carbon Dots Synthesized and its Applications in the Detection of Chlortetracycline and Water Based on the Aggregation‐Induced Emission
Authors: Li Rong , Hou Xinyan , Yuan Min , Long Yunfei , Chen Shu
Published: January 2020

In recent years, carbon dots (CDs) have attracted widespread attention for their unique structure and excellent optical properties. In this study, orange‐red emission CDs were prepared using the one‐pot solvothermal carbonization method in ethanol medium. The fluorescence of the CDs was enhanced significantly in the presence of chlortetracycline (CTC), which was accompanied by the blue shift of emission wavelength in ethanol medium, and the enhancement of fluorescence intensity was proportional to CTC concentration in the range of 1.00×10−8 to 5.00×10−6 mol/L with the detection limit of 3.30 nmol/L. As revealed by the mechanism study, the enhanced fluorescence of the CDs by CTC was attributed to the aggregation‐induced emission (AIE). Besides, the AIE effect on the mixture of CDs and CTC was down‐regulated significantly in the presence of water, while the down‐regulated fluorescence intensity was proportional to water concentration in the range between 2.21×10−4 and 1.35×10−3 mol/L with the detection limit of 3.29×10−5 mol/L. Based on the above‐mentioned fact, a simple method for dual response to CTC and trace water was developed, and it exhibited excellent sensitivity and selectivity.
Nanograting Structured Ultrathin Substrate for Ultraflexible Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Takakuwa Masahito , Heo Soo Won , Fukuda Kenjiro , Tajima Keisuke , Park Sungiun , Umezu Shinjiro , Someya Takao
Published: January 2020

The nanopatterning of the surfaces of polymer substrates enhances the performances of photovoltaics. Ultraflexible organic photovoltaics (OPVs) are one of the promising energy harvesters for wearable electronics. A reduction in incident light angle dependence while maintaining the power conversion efficiency (PCE) is desirable for wearable electronics devices in which the angle of incident light continuously changes due to the deformation of the device. However, the nanopatterning of the ultrathin polymer substrates of ultraflexible OPVs using the reported methods is challenging because they fatally damage the substrates. Here, the fabrication of ultraflexible OPVs having a low incident light angle dependence while maintaining a PCE of 10.5% by developing ultrathin nanograting polymer substrates is reported. The nanograting‐patterned fluorinated polymer enables the formation of periodic nanograting structures onto the back surface of a 1 µm thick polymer substrate having a pitch of 760 nm and a height of 100 nm, while the opposite surface remains flat after the formation of the planarization layer. Furthermore, with the nanopatterning of the ultrathin substrate, electron‐transporting layer, and active layer, the ultraflexible OPVs exhibit a PCE of 10.8%. The combination of new materials with the developed patterning method is expected to afford even greater performances.
Wölbkrafttorsion an einzelligen schlanken Kastenquerschnitten
Authors: Unterweger Harald , Derler Christoph
Published: January 2020

Stabförmige Bauteile aus Stahl weisen bei planmäßiger Torsionsbelastung häufig einen einzelligen Kastenquerschnitt auf. Da diese Querschnitte i. d. R. nicht wölbfrei sind, stellen sich, außer den für das Gleichgewicht alleine ausreichenden St. Venant'schen Schubspannungen, im Lagerungs‐ und Lasteinleitungsbereich zusätzliche Wölbspannungen ein, mit komplexem Spannungsverlauf. Ziel der Arbeit ist abzuklären, inwiefern bei beulgefährdeten Querschnitten ein alleiniger Beulnachweis am isolierten Querschnittsteil (Steg oder Gurt) mit alleinigen St. Venant'schen Schubspannungen eine ausreichende Tragsicherheit liefert. Einleitend erfolgt in dieser Arbeit eine Analyse der Wölbspannungen (σω, τω) für verschiedene Querschnittsgeometrien (Höhen‐zu‐Breiten‐Verhältnis), Querschnittstypen (idente oder unterschiedliche Wanddicke) und Stablängen. Anhand einer Vorstudie zum Beultragverhalten, mit und ohne Wölbspannungen, werden repräsentative Einzelfälle herausgearbeitet, die dann detailliert untersucht werden. Dabei erfolgen GMNIA‐Analysen zur Ermittlung der Beultragfähigkeit einerseits am Gesamtstab (inkl. Wölbspannungen) und andererseits am isolierten Querschnittsteil, unter alleiniger St. Venant'scher Torsionsbeanspruchung τsv. Ergänzend erfolgen auch Ergebnisdarstellungen für Traglastberechnungen mit zusätzlicher Normalkraft‐ oder Biegebeanspruchung.
Effects of Electron Beam Irradiation on the Physicochemical Properties of Quinoa and Starch Microstructure
Authors: Du Zhihong , Li Yulin , Luo Xiaohu , Xing Jiali , Zhang Qingchuan , Wang Ren , Wang Li , Chen Zhengxing
Published: January 2020

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is treated with electron beam irradiation (EBI) at doses of 0, 1, 2, 4, and 8 kGy. The effects of EBI on physicochemical and structural properties are investigated. The mean size of quinoa granules and starch and the amylose content of quinoa increase as the irradiation dose increases. The storage and loss moduli of quinoa flour decline after irradiation. The swelling ability of quinoa flour does not significantly change within the irradiation dose between 0 and 4 kGy. The solubility of quinoa flour increases significantly when quinoa is irradiated at an irradiation dose of >4 kGy. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results indicate that the changes in enthalpy significantly decrease after irradiation, whereas EBI does not significantly change other DSC parameters. All the viscosity parameters of quinoa flour in a Rapid Visco Analyzer significantly decline after EBI. X‐ray diffraction reveals that the relative crystallinity of starch decreases after irradiation. Scanning electron microscopy shows that irradiation does not damage the microstructure of quinoa starch. The contents of slowly digestible and resistant starches of quinoa starch increase as the irradiation dose increases. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicates that no new chemical groups in starch are formed.
Fundamentals of 5‐aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy and diagnosis: An overview
Authors: Malik Zvi
Published: January 2020

5‐Aminolevulinic acid‐based photodynamic therapy (ALA‐PDT) comprises photochemical and biological reactions, finally generating tumor destruction. Tumor selectivity of ALA‐PDT relies on the disturbed heme synthesis pathway in neoplastic cells. Tumor pretreatment with ALA induces two reactions: the first, self‐activation of the key enzyme porphobilinogen synthase and then protoporphyrin (PpIX) synthesis at low Fe++ availability. We emphasize that the toxic mechanism of ALA‐PDT triggered by 1O2 targets intracellular organelle destruction death pathways. PpIX fluorescence of tumors, particularly in glioblastoma, is used clinically for fluorescence guidance during neurosurgery. Targeting residual and metastatic cancer stem cells is a crucial challenge of ALA‐PDT, plausibly combined with other therapeutic modalities to encounter metastatic recurrences. We overview the different aspects of ALA‐PDT mechanism and future research and prospects.
Scalar-graviton amplitudes
Authors: Bjerrum-Bohr N. E. J. , Cristofoli Andrea , Damgaard Poul H. , Gomez Humberto
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Using the CHY-formalism and its extension to a double cover we provide covariant expressions for tree-level amplitudes with two massive scalar legs and an arbitrary number of gravitons in D dimensions. Using unitarity methods, such amplitudes are needed inputs for the computation of post-Newtonian and post-Minkowskian expansions in classical general relativity.
Investigating commercially relevant packaging solutions to improve storage stability of mechanically filleted Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) produced under industrial conditions
Authors: Sone Izumi , Sveinsdóttir Hildur I. , Stefánsson Guðmundur , Larsson Karin , Undeland Ingrid , Skåra Torstein , Romotowska Paulina E. , Karlsdóttir Magnea G.
Published: January 2020

This study investigated the efficacy of three commercially relevant packaging methods (vacuum with water glazing VAC-G; vacuum with seawater VAC-S; shatter-layer packaging SL) to improve frozen storage stability of mechanically filleted Atlantic mackerel at − 25 °C, in comparison to water glazing alone (GL) and storage as whole unglazed, block frozen fish. Besides proximate composition and pH of raw material, quality changes were analysed by free fatty acid content (FFA), water holding capacity (WHC), cooking yield, lipid oxidation (lipid hydroperoxides, PV; non-protein bound thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS) and sensory profiles of cooked samples after 3.5, 8, 10 and 12 months of frozen storage. Vacuum-packaging was effective in mitigating the PV and TBARS as well as rancid odour and flavour. The inclusion of seawater in VAC-S altered the sensory textural attributes of the mackerel fillet to be more juicy, tender and soft and increased the attribute of salty flavour in the sample. SL delayed rancid odour and flavour by 2 months compared to GL. Processing of mackerel under industrial conditions, including filleting, handling, double-freezing and glazing accelerated the formation of FFA as well as losses of WHC and cooking yield in the fillet regardless the packaging methods.
Synergistic Effects of Forensic Medicine and Traumatology: Comparison of Clinical Diagnosis Autopsy Findings in Trauma‐Related Deaths
Authors: Schmidt Uwe , Oramary Delovan , Kamin Konrad , Buschmann Claas T. , Kleber Christian
Published: January 2020

Background

Trauma is the third leading cause of death worldwide after cardiovascular and oncologic diseases. Predominant causes of trauma‐related death (TD) are severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI), hemorrhagic shock, and multiple organ failure. An analysis of TD is required in order to review the quality of trauma care and grasp how well the entire trauma network functions, especially for the most severely injured patients. Furthermore, autopsies not only reveal hidden injuries, but also verify clinical assumed causes of death.

Material

During the study period of 3 years, a total of 517 trauma patients were admitted to our supraregional University Centre of Orthopaedics and Traumatology in Dresden. 13.7% (71/517) of the patients died after trauma, and in 25 cases (35.2%), a forensic autopsy was instructed by the federal prosecutor. The medical records, death certificates, and autopsy reports were retrospectively evaluated and the clinical findings matched to autopsy results.

Results

The observed mortality rates (13.7%) were 4.2% less than expected by the calculated RISC II probability of survival (mortality rate of 17.9%). The most frequent trauma victims were due to falls >3 m (n = 29), followed by traffic accidents (n = 28). The median ISS was 34, IQR 25, and the median New ISS (NISS) was 50, IQR 32. Locations of death were in emergency department (23.9%), ICU (73.2%), OR and ward (1.4%, respectively). Clinicians classified 47.9% of deaths due to sTBI (n = 34), followed by 9.9% thoracic trauma and multiple organ failure (n = 7), 8.4% multiple trauma (n = 6), and 2.8% hypoxia and exsanguination (n = 2). In 18.3%, cases were unspecific or other causes of death recorded on the death certificates. Evident differences with evident clinical consequences were ascertained in 4% (n = 1) and marginal clinical consequences in 24% (6/25). In 16% (4/25), marginal differences with minor forensic consequences were revealed.

Conclusions

Even in a supraregional trauma center, specialized in multiple trauma management (4.2% survival benefit), room for improvement exists in more than a quarter of all casualties. This underlines the need for higher autopsy rates to uncover missed injuries and to understand the pathomechanism in each trauma fatality. This would also help to uncover potential insufficiencies in clinical routines with regard to diagnostics. The interdisciplinary cooperation of trauma surgeons and forensic pathologists can increase the quality of trauma patient care.
Molekularpathologische Diagnostik an zytologischen Präparaten
Authors: Fassunke Jana , Ball Markus , Engels Marianne
Published: January 2020

Für Lungenkarzinome mit bestimmten molekulargenetischen Veränderungen desALK-,BRAF- oderEGFR-Gens gibt es zielgerichtete Therapien, die auch in der Erstlinientherapie zugelassen sind. Oftmals steht für die molekularpathologische Testung nur ein begrenztes Probenmaterial in Form von Biopsien zur Verfügung. In einigen Fällen weisen die Biopsien nach Standardfärbungen und immunhistochemischen Färbungen keinen oder einen zu geringen Tumoranteil auf, um PCR-basierte Untersuchungen oder FISH(Fluoreszenz-in-situ-Hybridisierung)-Analysen damit durchzuführen. In solchen Fällen kann auf zytologische Präparate wie Bronchusbürstenausstriche, transbronchiale Nadelaspiration (TBNA), Bronchiallavage, Punktionsausstriche von Lymphknotenmetastasen oder peripheren Metastasen, Pleuraerguss, Aszites und Perikarderguss zurückgegriffen werden. Standardfärbungen wie HE, Pappenheim und Papanicolaou sowie immunhistologische Präparate können nach der morphologischen Analyse und Diagnosesicherung verwendet werden, um daraus DNA zu extrahieren. Ein Zytopathologe markiert hierfür die Tumorzellareale vorher auf dem Objektträger. Nur bei ausreichend hohem Tumorzellanteil ist es möglich, diese Areale zu dissezieren und DNA zu extrahieren. Um eine FISH-Analyse mit den zytologischen Präparaten durchzuführen, müssen vom Zytopathologen möglichst kleine Areale mit mehr als 100 Tumorzellen eingezeichnet werden. Bereits gefärbte Schnitte werden vor der Hybridisierungsreaktion entfärbt. Ziel ist es, auch bei begrenztem Ausgangsmaterial eine umfangreiche Diagnostik zu erreichen und Rebiopsien zu vermeiden. In der Pathologie der Uniklinik Köln wurden im Zeitraum von 2016 bis Juli 2019 1711 NGS(Next Generation Sequencing)- und FISH-Analysen an zytologischen Präparaten durchgeführt. Dabei lag die Erfolgsrate der NGS-Untersuchungen mit 85,9 % leicht über der Erfolgsrate der FISH-Analysen mit 82,8 %.
Psi-PIV: a novel framework to study unsteady microfluidic flow
Authors: Kislaya Ankur , Deka Antaran , Veenstra Peter , Tam Daniel S. W. , Westerweel Jerry
Published: January 2020

In microscopic particle image velocimetry (micro-PIV), correlation averaging over multiple frames is often required, leading to a loss in temporal resolution, therefore limiting the measurement accuracy for unsteady flows. Here, we present a new PIV method suitable to study steady and unsteady laminar flows between parallel plates (i.e., Hele-Shaw flow), which is a common flow configuration in microfluidic applications. Our method reduces the effective seeding density and yields similar if not higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) compared to conventional micro-PIV. We call this algorithm $$\Psi$$Ψ-PIV. $$\Psi$$Ψ-PIV requires a much smaller number of frames to reach the same SNR compared to the widely used correlation averaging method. This leads to a significant improvement of the temporal resolution. The $$\Psi$$Ψ-PIV algorithm is used in an experimental investigation of steady and unsteady flows in a Hele-Shaw cell. Our experiment shows that $$\Psi$$Ψ-PIV reduces the number of required frames by 8 times and 30 times compared to the frames required by conventional PIV for steady and unsteady laminar flow, respectively. In this study, PIV and $$\Psi$$Ψ-PIV use a single-pass cross-correlation to present the underlying difference between the two approaches.

Graphic abstract
Histone deacetylase inhibitors dysregulate DNA repair proteins and antagonize metastasis-associated processes
Authors: Kiweler Nicole , Wünsch Désirée , Wirth Matthias , Mahendrarajah Nisintha , Schneider Günter , Stauber Roland H. , Brenner Walburgis , Butter Falk , Krämer Oliver H.
Published: January 2020

Purpose

We set out to determine whether clinically tested epigenetic drugs against class I histone deacetylases (HDACs) affect hallmarks of the metastatic process.

Methods

We treated permanent and primary renal, lung, and breast cancer cells with the class I histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) entinostat (MS-275) and valproic acid (VPA), the replicative stress inducer hydroxyurea (HU), the DNA-damaging agent cis-platinum (L-OHP), and the cytokine transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ). We used proteomics, quantitative PCR, immunoblot, single cell DNA damage assays, and flow cytometry to analyze cell fate after drug exposure.

Results

We show that HDACi interfere with DNA repair protein expression and trigger DNA damage and apoptosis alone and in combination with established chemotherapeutics. Furthermore, HDACi disrupt the balance of cell adhesion protein expression and abrogate TGFβ-induced cellular plasticity of transformed cells.

Conclusion

HDACi suppress the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and compromise the DNA integrity of cancer cells. These data encourage further testing of HDACi against tumor cells.
Large-scale spatial synchrony in red squirrel populations driven by a bottom-up effect
Authors: Turkia Tytti , Jousimo Jussi , Tiainen Juha , Helle Pekka , Rintala Jukka , Hokkanen Tatu , Valkama Jari , Selonen Vesa
Published: January 2020

Spatial synchrony between populations emerges from endogenous and exogenous processes, such as intra- and interspecific interactions and abiotic factors. Understanding factors contributing to synchronous population dynamics help to better understand what determines abundance of a species. This study focuses on spatial and temporal dynamics in the Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) using snow-track data from Finland from 29 years. We disentangled the effects of bottom-up and top-down forces as well as environmental factors on population dynamics with a spatiotemporally explicit Bayesian hierarchical approach. We found red squirrel abundance to be positively associated with both the abundance of Norway spruce (Picea abies) cones and the predators, the pine marten (Martes martes) and the northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), probably due to shared habitat preferences. The results suggest that red squirrel populations are synchronized over remarkably large distances, on a scale of hundreds of kilometres, and that this synchrony is mainly driven by similarly spatially autocorrelated spruce cone crop. Our research demonstrates how a bottom-up effect can drive spatial synchrony in consumer populations on a very large scale of hundreds of kilometres, and also how an explicit spatiotemporal approach can improve model performance for fluctuating populations.
Fabrication of high-resolution conductive patterns on a thermally imprinted polyetherimide film by the capillary flow of conductive ink
Authors: Kurose Takashi , Shishido Hiroto , Ishigami Akira , Nemoto Akihiko , Ito Hiroshi
Published: January 2020

We developed herein a simple and economical high-resolution wiring process on a plastic substrate. High-resolution conductive patterns on the PEI film was fabricated by utilizing the thermal imprint technology and the capillary flow of the conductive ink. An amorphous thermoplastic polyetherimide (PEI) film was thermally imprinted with a metal mold having line (8 μm)/space (12 μm) structures. The effects of the imprint temperature, melting time, and imprint pressure on the PEI film transferability were investigated. A higher replication ratio was obtained when the molding temperature was higher, the melting time was longer, the imprint pressure was higher, and the mold structure height was lower. The mold structures were almost perfectly transferred on the PEI film surface at a molding temperature of 285 °C, a melting time of 3.0 min, and a molding pressure of 1.0 MPa. Two different wiring processes, namely, spin coating and capillary flowing of Ag ink onto the imprinted PEI film, were conducted. For the spin-coating wiring process, the Ag ink existed not only inside the grooves but also on the convex area as the residual layer, regardless of rotational speed and time. For the capillary flowing wiring process, when the Ag ink contacted the edge of the imprinted pattern on the PEI film, it spontaneously flowed toward the wiring direction. Only the concave grooves were selectively filled with Ag ink, and the residual layer was not observed. The fabricated wiring conformed to Ohm’s law, with an electric resistivity of 42 × 10−8 Ω m.
What explains the link between childhood ADHD and adolescent depression? Investigating the role of peer relationships and academic attainment
Authors: Powell Victoria , Riglin Lucy , Hammerton Gemma , Eyre Olga , Martin Joanna , Anney Richard , Thapar Anita , Rice Frances
Published: January 2020

There is increasing evidence that childhood Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) elevates risk of later depression, but the mechanisms behind this association are unclear. We investigated the relationship between childhood ADHD symptoms and late-adolescent depressive symptoms in a population cohort, and examined whether academic attainment and peer problems mediated this association. ALSPAC (Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children) is an ongoing prospective longitudinal population-based UK cohort that has collected data since September 1990. 2950 individuals with data on parent-reported ADHD symptoms in childhood (7.5 years) and self-reported depressive symptoms in late adolescence (17.5 years) were included in analyses. 2161 individuals with additional data at age 16 years on parent-reported peer problems as an indicator of peer relationships and formal examination results (General Certificate of Secondary Education; GCSE) as an indicator of academic attainment were included in mediation analyses. Childhood ADHD symptoms were associated with higher depressive symptoms (b = 0.49, SE = 0.11, p < 0.001) and an increased odds of clinically significant depressive symptoms in adolescence (OR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.15–1.41, p < 0.001). The association with depressive symptoms was mediated in part by peer problems and academic attainment which accounted for 14.68% and 20.13% of the total effect, respectively. Childhood ADHD is associated with increased risk of later depression. The relationship is mediated in part by peer relationships and academic attainment. This highlights peer relationships and academic attainment as potential targets of depression prevention and intervention in those with ADHD. Future research should investigate which aspects of peer relationships are important in conferring later risk for depression.
Sentinel node mapping for post-endoscopic resection gastric cancer: multicenter retrospective cohort study in Japan
Authors:   Japanese Society for Sentinel Node Navigation Surgery, Mayanagi Shuhei , Takahashi Naoto , Mitsumori Norio , Arigami Takaaki , Natsugoe Shoji , Yaguchi Yoshihisa , Suda Takeshi , Kinami Shinichi , Ohi Masaki , Kawakubo Hirofumi , Sato Yasunori , Takeuchi Hiroya , Aikou Takashi , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: January 2020

Background

Standard gastrectomy with systematic lymphadenectomy as an additional surgery after endoscopic resection (ER) causes a deterioration in long-term quality of life. If the sentinel lymph node (SN) basin concept can be applied in post-ER gastric cancer, minimal surgery can be applied without reducing the curability. This retrospective multicenter cohort study aimed to verify the validity of the SN basin concept in post-ER gastric cancer.

Patients and methods

Individual data of 132 patients who underwent SN mapping after ER were collected from 8 university hospitals in Japan from 2001 to 2016. Tracers were injected endoscopically in the submucosal layer at four sites around the post-ER scar. We compared the SN basin distribution of post-ER gastric cancer with that of 275 patients with non-ER gastric cancer.

Results

Two cases of SN were unidentified, both involving a single tracer (SN detection rate: 98.5%). Nine cases (6.8%) of lymph node metastasis were found, of which eight had a metastatic lymph node within the SNs and one had a non-SN metastasis within the SN basin. The diagnostic sensitivity of SN mapping for lymph node metastasis was 88.9% in post-ER group and 95.7% in non-ER group (P = 0.490); the accuracy was 99.2% and 99.6% (P = 0.539), respectively. Regarding the SN basin, no significant intergroup differences were found regardless of the primary tumor location.

Conclusions

Our findings clarified the feasibility of SN mapping based on the SN basin concept in patients with gastric cancer who previously underwent ER.
Campus Connections: Student and Course Networks in Higher Education
Authors: Israel Uriah , Koester Benjamin P. , McKay Timothy A.
Published: January 2020

Residential higher education brings thousands of students together for multiple years and offers them an array of shared intellectual experiences and a network of social interactions. Many of these intellectual and social connections are formed during courses. Students are connected to students through courses they take together, and courses are connected to one another by students who take both. These courses and the students who take them form a bipartite network that encodes information about campus structures and student experiences. Because all institutions of higher education collect and maintain precise records of what courses students take, it is possible to assemble a student-course network that quantitatively describes the interactions among students and courses. We provide an example that demonstrates the identification of courses effective at creating unique connections among students and reveals how students and majors can be strongly connected or dispersed. We show how social network analysis can be used to improve our understanding of the learning environment at the University of Michigan, and we hope that this kind of analysis is of interest to persons at other institutions.
Thermal analysis of synovial fluids in different stages of osteoarthritis and after bacterial infections
Authors: Dandé Árpád , Kocsis Béla , Lőrinczy Dénes
Published: January 2020

The analysis of synovial fluid is an important method in diagnosing and handling septic arthritis. To achieve a quick diagnosis could be a great advantage in the therapy. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) proved to be a useful technique in the differential diagnosis of tumors using blood plasma or sera. The aim of this paper is to show up some characteristic thermal parameters in the diagnosis of different grades of arthritis, which are in good agreement with the severity of disease checked by conventional X-ray supported grading. To follow the effect of different bacterial strains, the synovial fluids were inoculated by three types of bacterial strains (with 103–105 CFU mL−1 concentrations) at 37 °C and stored trough 24 h. After that, they were denatured in 20–90 °C temperature range with 0.3 K min−1 scanning rate. The change in the maximum denaturation temperature (Tm) and calorimetric enthalpy (∆H) monitored the severity of sepsis and depended on the type of bacteria. The proliferation characteristics of bacteria should be strain specific. The synovial fluid samples inoculated with the most frequently occurring bacteria were monitored in isotherm mode (isoperibol calorimeter) at 37 °C up to the end of the proliferation. The isoperibolic scans clearly demonstrated specific, concentration-dependent representative curves in case of each bacterium (duration of proliferation, maximum of proliferation rates, etc.). Therefore, thermal analysis of human synovial fluid samples by DSC or isoperibolic calorimetry could be a useful tool in the staging of osteoarthritis and the diagnostics of septic arthritis.
Understanding the gender gap in immigrant entrepreneurship: a multi-country study of immigrants’ embeddedness in economic, social, and institutional contexts
Authors: Brieger Steven A. , Gielnik Michael M.
Published: January 2020

Given the rising rate of migration across the globe, immigrant entrepreneurship is more than ever a topic of high theoretical and practical relevance. Immigrant entrepreneurship can offer host societies a win-win situation, generating incomes for immigrant entrepreneurs and contributing to knowledge transfer, innovativeness, and economic growth within the host economy. However, studies reveal that immigrant entrepreneurship is primarily male dominated and our understanding of the drivers and contextual factors that explain the gender gap is limited. Based on the mixed embeddedness approach, this multi-country study investigates the effects of immigrants’ embeddedness in supportive economic, social, and institutional environmental conditions on the gender gap in immigrant entrepreneurship. Our key findings are threefold: First, the results confirm that a gender gap in immigrant entrepreneurship exists. Female immigrants, compared with their male counterparts, are less likely to start and run their own business. Second, the results reveal that female immigrant entrepreneurship is encouraged by a supportive entrepreneurial environment, showing that policy can enhance female immigrant entrepreneurship through supportive conditions. Third, we find the same pattern of results for forced immigrants and opposite results for natives, suggesting that entrepreneurship is a “Plan A” employment strategy for (forced) female immigrants, whereas it is only a “Plan B” employment strategy for female natives.