bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensory characterization of specific wood smoke aromas and their contributions to smoked Cheddar cheese flavor
Authors: Del Toro‐Gipson Rachel S. , Rizzo Peter V. , Hanson Dana J. , Drake MaryAnne
Published: February 2020

This study characterized the sensory properties of different wood smokes and their application to smoked Cheddar cheese flavor. Sniff jars of wood smokes were created by exposing filter paper to 23°C smoke (cold smoke). Sensory attributes for nine wood smokes (apple, alder, cedar, cherry, hickory, maple, mesquite, oak, and pecan) were generated by a trained panel followed by projective mapping of the different wood smoke aromas. Four distinct wood smokes (mesquite, cherry, hickory, and cedar) were selected for cold smoking of 30 day old Cheddar cheeses. Cheeses were cold smoked at 23°C followed by descriptive analysis of flavor attributes using the trained panel. Nonparametric and parametric statistical analyses were applied to the collected data. Twelve attributes were selected to describe wood smoke aromas. The sensory descriptors for the cold smokes cited most often included: sweet aromatic, charcoal/charred, guaiacol, meaty, vanillin, and fresh tobacco. Mesquite, cherry, hickory, and cedar smokes were the most distinct smokes by projective mapping, and these smokes also imparted distinct flavors to smoked Cheddar cheeses. The mesquite smoked cheese was characterized by high smoke aroma and the highest meaty/brothy flavor, the cherry smoked cheese was distinguished by campfire/marshmallow flavor, the hickory smoked cheese had high campfire/marshmallow and meaty flavors, and the cedar smoked cheese was characterized by an intense resinous flavor. The determination of sensory properties of different wood smokes demonstrates the differences in specific smoke flavor contributions to cheese. Furthermore, the determination of the sensory properties specific to smoked cheese will provide a platform to understand consumer perception of smoked cheeses.

Practical Applications

Smoked foods are a growing category. This study demonstrated that smokes from different wood sources have distinct aromas that can be differentiated and that these distinct smoke aromatics are imparted to cheeses exposed to different wood smokes. Results from this study provide a sensory language to differentiate aromatics from different wood smokes and may be useful to product developers and food manufacturers seeking to position and differentiate smoked foods.
Who pays for workplace benefits?
Authors: Caserta Maurizio , Ferrante Livio , Reito Francesco
Published: February 2020

In a simple model with hidden action, we analyze the role of nonwage benefits (perks) in the structure of incentive‐compatible contracts. We show that the provision of perks depends on the size of the agent’s reservation wage. The two main results are: (a) for low levels of the reservation wage, perks are never provided by the principal, but the agent may decide to buy, as own consumption, a certain amount of private benefits; (b) for high levels, the principal may find it profitable to offer perks, and the equilibrium quantity increases more than proportionally with the reservation wage, up to the first‐best level.
Atom probe tomography of space‐weathered lunar ilmenite grain surfaces
Authors: Greer Jennika , Rout Surya. S. , Isheim Dieter , Seidman David N. , Wieler Rainer , Heck Philipp R.
Published: February 2020

The surfaces of airless bodies, such as the Moon and asteroids, are subject to space weathering, which alters the mineralogy of the upper tens of nanometers of grain surfaces. Atom probe tomography (APT) has the appropriate 3‐D spatial resolution and analytical sensitivity to investigate such features at the nanometer scale. Here, we demonstrate that APT can be successfully used to characterize the composition and texture of space weathering products in ilmenite from Apollo 17 sample 71501 at near‐atomic resolution. Two of the studied nanotips sampled the top surface of the space‐weathered grain, while another nanotip sampled the ilmenite at about 50 nm below the surface. These nanotips contain small nanophase Fe particles (~3 to 10 nm diameter), with these particles becoming less frequent with depth. One of the nanotips contains a sequence of space weathering products, compositional zoning, and a void space (~15 nm in diameter) which we interpret as a vesicle generated by solar wind irradiation. No noble gases were detected in this vesicle, although there is evidence for 4He elsewhere in the nanotip. This lunar soil grain exhibits the same space weathering features that have been well documented in transmission electron microscope studies of lunar and Itokawa asteroidal regolith grains.
Acotiamide attenuates central urocortin 2‐induced intestinal inflammatory responses, and urocortin 2 treatment reduces TNF‐α productions in LPS‐stimulated macrophage cell lines
Authors: Yamawaki Hiroshi , Futagami Seiji , Sakasegawa Noriko , Murakami Makoto , Agawa Shuhei , Ikeda Go , Noda Hiroto , Kirita Kumiko , Gudis Katya , Higuchi Kazutoshi , Kodaka Yasuhiro , Ueki Nobue , Iwakiri Katsuhiko
Published: February 2020

Background

To determine whether central and in vitro administration of urocortin 2 (Ucn 2) affected intestinal inflammatory responses in LPS‐stimulated rat models and macrophage cell lines and acotiamide modified mucosal inflammation in this model.

Methods

Rats were divided into four groups. LPS‐stimulated group (n = 4); LPS‐ and urocortin 2‐treated group (n = 4); LPS‐ and acotiamide‐treated group (n = 4); and LPS‐, urocortin 2‐, and acotiamide‐treated group (n = 4). CD68‐, CCR2‐, and corticotropin‐releasing hormone receptor type 2 (CRHR2)‐positive cells were assessed by immunostaining. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was measured. TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐4 levels were measured by ELISA method. Gastric emptying and small intestinal transit time were determined using Evans blue.

Key Results

Central administration of Ucn 2 significantly aggravated infiltrations of CD68‐ and CCR2‐positive cells in the intestinal mucosa of LPS‐stimulated rat models compared to those in LPS treatment alone. Interestingly, acotiamide treatment significantly reduced the migrations of both CD68‐ and CCR2‐positive cells in the jejunum of central Ucn 2‐treated LPS‐stimulated rat models. Acotiamide significantly reduced the expression levels of IkB‐α phosphorylation in LPS‐ and MCP‐1‐stimulated NR8383 cells. Central administration of Ucn 2 significantly delayed gastric emptying. In contrast, Ucn 2 stimulation significantly reduced TNF‐α and IL‐6 productions in LPS‐stimulated NR8383 cells and astressin B reversed the inhibition of TNF‐α production in stimulated NR8383 cells. Acotiamide (30 μmol/L) significantly reduced TNF‐α and IL‐6 productions in LPS‐ and MCP‐1‐stimulated NR8383 cells.

Conclusions and Inferences

Central and in vitro treatments of Ucn 2 affected intestinal inflammatory responses, respectively, and acotiamide improved them.
Chest pain in Brugada syndrome: Prevalence, correlations, and prognosis role
Authors: Sebai Fatiha , Rollin Anne , Mondoly Pierre , Voglimacci‐Stephanopoli Quentin , Dupin‐Deguine Delphine , Bieth Eric , Hocini Meleze , Monteil Benjamin , Mandel Franck , Galinier Michel , Carrié Didier , Haïssaguerre Michel , Sacher Frederic , Maury Philippe
Published: February 2020

Background

Brugada syndrome (BrS) is sometimes diagnosed because of chest pain. Prevalence and characteristics of such BrS patients are unknown.

Methods

A total of 200 BrS probands were retrospectively included. BrS diagnosis made because of chest pain (n = 34, 17%) was compared to the other ones.

Results

BrS probands with diagnosis because of chest pain had significantly more often smoker habits, increased body mass index, and familial history of coronary artery disease but less frequently previous resuscitated sudden death/syncope or atrial fibrillation. Presence of coronary spasm and familial coronary artery disease were independently associated with BrS diagnosed because of chest pain. They presented more often with spontaneous type 1 ST elevation (59% vs 26%, P = .0004) and higher ST elevation during the episode of chest pain compared to other patients or compared to baseline electrocardiogram after chest pain resumption. ST elevation during chest pain was lower compared to ajmaline test. A total of 20% of them had significant coronary artery disease and four (11%) had coronary spasm, and they experienced more often recurrent chest pain episodes (24% vs 5%, P = .0002). Presence of chest pain at BrS diagnosis was not correlated to future arrhythmic events in univariate analysis. Only previous sudden cardiac death (SD)/syncope and familial SD were still significantly associated with outcome in multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

Chest pain is a common cause for BrS diagnosis, although major part is not apparently explained by ischemic heart disease. Mechanisms leading to chest main remain unknown in the other ones. ST elevation is higher in this situation but does not seem to carry poor prognosis.
Contextualizing Mexican Migrant Education Selectivity
Authors: Hamilton Erin R. , Huang Po‐Chun
Published: February 2020

The debate on whether Mexican immigrants are positively or negatively selected on education has been limited by studying immigrants in data collected only from the sending or the destination country. Using nationally representative data from Mexico that tracked migrants to the United States prospectively, we examine the education selectivity of Mexicans who immigrated to the United States from 2002 to 2005. We find that using reports of migration by remaining household members and proxy substitution of migration education underestimates migrant selectivity. Migrant men and women were positively selected within households and rural municipalities of origin but negatively selected from the national educational distribution. Differences in selectivity by size of place, as well as when considering the local or national context, means that the answer of whether immigrants are positively or negatively selected on education depends on the context considered.
The LATERAL ROOT DENSITY gene regulates root growth during water stress in wheat
Authors: Placido Dante F. , Sandhu Jaspreet , Sato Shirley J. , Nersesian Natalya , Quach Truyen , Clemente Thomas E. , Staswick Paul E. , Walia Harkamal
Published: February 2020

Drought stress is the major limiting factor in agriculture. Wheat, which is the most widely grown crop in the world, is predominantly cultivated in drought‐prone rainfed environments. Since roots play a critical role in water uptake, root response to water limitations is an important component for enhancing wheat adaptation. In an effort to discover novel genetic sources for improving wheat adaptation, we characterized a wheat translocation line with a chromosomal segment from Agropyron elongatum, a wild relative of wheat, which unlike common wheat maintains root growth under limited‐water conditions. By exploring the root transcriptome data, we found that reduced transcript level of LATERAL ROOT DENSITY (LRD) gene under limited water in the Agropyron translocation line confers it the ability to maintain root growth. The Agropyron allele of LRD is down‐regulated in response to water limitation in contrast with the wheat LRD allele, which is up‐regulated by water deficit stress. Suppression of LRD expression in wheat RNAi plants confers the ability to maintain root growth under water limitation. We show that exogenous gibberellic acid (GA) promotes lateral root growth and present evidence for the role of GA in mediating the differential regulation of LRD between the common wheat and the Agropyron alleles under water stress. Suppression of LRD also had a positive pleiotropic effect on grain size and number under optimal growth conditions. Collectively, our findings suggest that LRD can be potentially useful for improving wheat response to water stress and altering yield components.
A Response To H. O. Mounce
Authors: Farman Keith
Published: February 2020

Wittgenstein: “If a lion could speak, we could not understand him.” (PI, p. 223)

Wittgenstein bids us to be wary of trying to explain or interpret language and its use, instead of limiting ourselves – with a rigorous discipline – to describing such use as comprehensively and clearly as we can.

This injunction, it seems to me, is important even when discussing ‘normal’, ‘everyday’ uses of language by fully sentient human beings, but even more so in such unique cases of sentient disability as Helen Keller’s. As the above quote suggests, explanatory extrapolation from the behaviour of animals risks even greater philosophical confusion.
Restoration in the face of changing climate: importance of persistence, priority effects, and species diversity
Authors: Wilsey Brian
Published: February 2020

Grasslands are extensive, surprisingly biodiverse, highly altered by humans, and not as well protected as other biomes. Restoration provides an opportunity to reverse degradation and increase local biodiversity. Here, I review emerging issues that will become increasingly important to the science and practice of restoration ecology. First, the global change dilemma. Restorations typically target species that were dominant before the Industrial Revolution, in effect, looking back in time. However, increasing atmospheric CO2 and methane, temperature, and nutrients, which are already having significant effects, will result in novel conditions that are unlike the past. Biotic introductions have occurred concurrently with climate change, altering the seed bank and propagule pressure from surroundings. Designing seed mixes with high diversity will increase the likelihood that species will be present that respond favorably to changes. Second, more research is needed on persistence as a long‐term measure of stability. What is perhaps most important to restoration is how persistent restorations are on decade to century scales, and restorations are now of sufficient quantity and age to test questions about persistence. Third, the importance of stochastic processes due to priority effects has been supported by recent studies and have challenged the deterministic assembly model. Target species establishment could be improved by changing the order of introduction of species. Finally, grasslands provide many ecosystem services to society, including nutrient capture, food production, carbon storage, tourism and recreation, and nectar and pollen production. Grasslands are important culturally as outdoor science laboratories. For these reasons, I suggest that grasslands provide an excellent model system for restoration ecology.
Diagnosis and treatment of lung disease associated with alpha one‐antitrypsin deficiency: A position statement from the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand*
Authors: Dummer Jack , Dobler Claudia C. , Holmes Mark , Chambers Daniel , Yang Ian A. , Parkin Lianne , Smith Sheree , Wark Peter , Dev Anouk , Hodge Sandra , Dabscheck Eli , Gooi Julian , Samuel Sameh , Knowles Steven , Holland Anne E.
Published: February 2020

AATD is a common inherited disorder associated with an increased risk of developing pulmonary emphysema and liver disease. Many people with AATD‐associated pulmonary emphysema remain undiagnosed and therefore without access to care and counselling specific to the disease. AAT augmentation therapy is available and consists of i.v. infusions of exogenous AAT protein harvested from pooled blood products. Its clinical efficacy has been the subject of some debate and the use of AAT augmentation therapy was recently permitted by regulators in Australia and New Zealand, although treatment is not presently subsidized by the government in either country. The purpose of this position statement is to review the evidence for diagnosis and treatment of AATD‐related lung disease with reference to the Australian and New Zealand population. The clinical efficacy and adverse events of AAT augmentation therapy were evaluated by a systematic review, and the GRADE process was employed to move from evidence to recommendation. Other sections address the wide range of issues to be considered in the care of the individual with AATD‐related lung disease: when and how to test for AATD, changing diagnostic techniques, monitoring of progression, disease in heterozygous AATD and pharmacological and non‐pharmacological therapy including surgical options for severe disease. Consideration is also given to broader issues in AATD that respiratory healthcare staff may encounter: genetic counselling, patient support groups, monitoring for liver disease and the need to establish national registries for people with AATD in Australia and New Zealand.
An Analysis of the Use of Secondary Reinforcers by Pre-School Teachers for the Students with Special Needs in Inclusive Classes
Authors: Yazıcıoğlu Tansel
Published: February 2020

Reinforcement is one of the widely used practices in today's educational environments. Teachers often use reinforcement as a form of discipline in the classroom, and these reinforcements allow students to learn new ideas, skills, and rules. Reinforcers can be used effectively in teaching of the social and academic skills as well as in reducing or eliminating problem behaviors. Therefore, this study aims at identifying how pre-school teachers in inclusive classes employ secondary reinforcers for the students with special needs. The study is designed as a descriptive research. The participants of the study are four pre-school teachers working in Ankara who teach students with special needs. In this study, the data were collected through the Teacher and Student Information Form and Learned Reinforcement Checklist which was developed by the author. The findings of the study indicate that the participants mostly use social reinforcers. In other words, they all prefer to use social reinforcers such as praise words and applauding for the students with special needs. The findings of the study indicate that the participants employ limited number of activity reinforcers and all teachers participated in the study employed token reinforcers for the students with special needs.
A Simplified Two-Group Multipoint Kinetics Model
Authors: Pradhan Santosh K. , Obaidurrahman K. , Iyer Kannan N.
Published: February 2020

Detailed multiphysics modeling of nuclear power plants has become a necessity in the era of best-estimate analysis. For a number of transients with strong coupling between the neutronics in the reactor core and the fluid-dynamics in the primary circuit and overall heat transfer, it is required to carry out coupled system thermal hydraulics and core three-dimensional (3D) neutronics analysis. Point kinetics approach in the system thermal-hydraulics (TH) code RELAP5 limits its use for many reactivity-induced transients, which involve asymmetric core behavior. In a recent development, a simplified multipoint kinetics model has been coupled with system TH code RELAP5 to circumvent its inadequacy for the analysis of reactivity-induced transients involving asymmetric core behavior. The objective of this paper is to validate the simplified multipoint kinetics model against an asymmetric fast transient benchmark problem in a large power reactor. Time-step and nodalization sensitivity studies have been performed. It is demonstrated that the multipoint kinetics model results are in good agreement with the benchmark, advocating its applicability.
Assessment of the External and Internal Exposure Risk Index and the Annual Gonadals Equivalent Dose Due to Cement in Côte D'Ivoire
Authors: Alain Monnehan G. , Huberson Gogon B. D. L. , Florentin Braffo Ayo , Antonin Koua A. , Omer Kouakou
Published: February 2020

Cement is the most used material in bulding activities in Côte d'Ivoire. Thus, most of the radiation exposure from the building materials is due to the cement. This work is part of radiation protection logic and therefore to assess the level of exposure due to the cement used in Côte d'Ivoire. In this study, samples of gray and white cement whose are sold on Ivorian territory were examined. To carry out this study, we analyzed these samples using a gamma spectrometer. This consisted mainly of a scintillation detector NaI (Tl) and an acquisition system both designed by the German group-LD Didactic. The specific activity of radionuclides that are 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K was evaluated. The average values obtained are 29.66 Bq/kg for 226 Ra; 34.88 Bq/kg for the 232Th; 178.424 Bq/kg for 40K. These are all lower than the limit values recommended by the United Nations Scientific Committee on Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR). In order to assess the radiological impact of these activities, we estimated the external and internal exposure risk indices and the annual gonadals equivalent dose (AGED). The values obtained for these parameters are well below those recommended by UNSCEAR for internal and external exposure indices, and below the world average (except for CG3 sample) for the AGED. These results suggest that the risk to the use of these different cement brands is low.
Inversion for Fire Heat-Release Rate Using Heat Flux Measurements
Authors: Kurzawski Andrew J. , Ezekoye Ofodike A.
Published: February 2020

In fire hazard calculations, knowledge of the heat-release rate (HRR) of a burning item is imperative. Typically, room-scale calorimetry is conducted to determine the HRRs of common combustible items. However, this process can be prohibitively expensive. In this work, a method is proposed to invert for the HRR of a single item burning in a room using transient heat flux measurements at the walls and ceiling near the item. The primary device used to measure heat flux is the directional flame thermometer (DFT). The utility of the inverse method is explored on both synthetically generated and experimental data using two so-called forward models in the inversion algorithm: fire dynamics simulator (FDS) and the consolidated model of fire and smoke transport (CFAST). The fires in this work have peak HRRs ranging from 200 kW to 400 kW. It was found that FDS outperformed CFAST as a forward model at the expense of increased computational cost and that the error in the inverse reconstruction of a 400 kW steady fire was on par with room-scale oxygen consumption calorimetry.
Universal Gray Finite Elements for Heat Transfer Analysis in the Presence of Uncertainties
Authors: Nejadpak Ashkan , Rao Singiresu S.
Published: February 2020

A new finite element method is presented for the analysis of uncertain heat transfer problems using universal gray number theory. The universal gray number representation involves normalization of the uncertain parameters based on their lower and upper bound values with its own distinctive rules of arithmetic operations which makes this method distinctive from conventional interval analysis approaches. This work introduces the concept of fuzzy finite element-based heat transfer analysis using universal gray number theory, that compared to the interval-based fuzzy analysis, would yield significantly improved and more accurate results. Heat transfer problems, including a one-dimensional tapered fin, a two-dimensional hollow rectangle representing a thin slice of a chimney of a thermal power plant, and a three-dimensional (axisymmetric) solid body with different boundary conditions, were considered for the uncertainty analysis. It is shown that, in each case, the interval values of the response parameters given by the universal gray number theory are consistent with the ranges of the input parameters, compared to those given by the interval analysis. It is also revealed that universal gray number theory is more inclusive and less computationally intensive compared to the interval analysis.
Human hair, untreated, colored, bleached, and/or treated with a conditioner, by near-ambient pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Jain Varun , Bahr Stephan , Dietrich Paul , Meyer Michael , Thißen Andreas , Linford Matthew R.
Published: February 2020

Near-ambient pressure-x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (NAP-XPS) is a less traditional form of XPS that allows samples to be analyzed at relatively high pressures, i.e., at ca. 2500 Pa. With NAP-XPS, XPS can probe moderately volatile liquids, biological samples, porous materials, and/or polymeric materials that outgas significantly. Here, we show the NAP-XPS analysis of untreated/blank human hair, and human hair that has been colored (red) and treated with a commercial conditioner, or bleached and treated with a different conditioner. Survey spectra are shown of each material along with figures comparing their Si 2p, S 2p, and C 1s spectra. The survey spectrum of untreated hair shows S 2p, S 2s, C 1s, Ca 2p, N 1s, and O 1s peaks and corresponding O, N, and C Auger signals. The survey spectra of the colored and bleached hair show significant Si 2s and Si 2p signals and reduced or eliminated S 2p and S 2s peaks, presumably due to the deposition of dimethicone (polydimethylsiloxane) from the corresponding commercial hair treatment products. Narrow scans similarly indicate the deposition of a silicon-containing material on the two types of treated hair, with a concomitant decrease in the intensity of the sulfur signals from the hair. Upon treatment, the C 1s envelope also changes—the chemically shifted peak attributable to amide-type carbon disappears.
Etching sharp tips from thin metallic wires for tuning-fork-based scanning probe microscopy
Authors: Krantz Patrick Wallace , Chandrasekhar Venkat
Published: February 2020

Sharp tips are critical for obtaining high resolution images in scanning probe microscopy (SPM), particularly in samples with large variations in topography. For tuning-fork-based SPM, such tips are commonly obtained by electrochemical etching of metallic wires (e.g., tungsten). Electrochemical etching of metallic wires is the preferred means of preparing tips for scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and techniques for obtaining sharp tips have been investigated extensively. However, the requirements for STM and tuning-fork-based SPM are different. In particular, the wires used in STM are typically 250−500μm in diameter, while the wires used for tuning-fork-based SPM are usually an order of magnitude narrower in order to minimize loading of the tuning fork: 25−50μm and sometimes down to a few micrometers in diameter. Consequently, many of the recipes developed for etching thicker metallic wires for STM tips do not give optimal results for smaller diameter wires. The authors describe here a modification of the etching circuit of Ibe et al. that significantly improves the reproducibility and reliability of the etching process for thin wires, and discuss the parameters that affect the aspect ratio of produced tips.
Epitaxial growth of Bi2Se3 in the (0015) orientation on GaAs (001)
Authors: Ginley Theresa P. , Zhang Yuying , Ni Chaoying , Law Stephanie
Published: February 2020

Materials with van der Waals bonding show exotic physics and may have applications in a variety of areas including new optoelectronic devices, spintronic devices, and as quantum materials. To date, control over the morphology and surface orientation of thin films of these materials without substrate pretreatment has been difficult. In this paper, the authors report the growth of Bi2Se3 on GaAs (001) substrates. By controlling the growth conditions and adatom mobility, the authors are able to obtain epitaxial growth in the (0015) orientation without substrate prepatterning. Although the growth window is small, this demonstration opens the door for future control of the orientation of van der Waals materials through control of parameters during growth and via interaction with the substrate.
Effect of temperature on the amino acid-assisted formation of metal islands
Authors: Boyd Kennedy P. S. , Phillips Jesse A. , Paszkowiak Maria A. , Everett Kassidy K. , Cook Emily A. , Iski Erin V.
Published: February 2020

Understanding that life on this planet may have originated under extreme circumstances, such as high temperatures and acidic conditions, it would be extremely beneficial to study how simple biological molecules, like amino acids, behave under these scenarios. Importantly, this is possible through the use of electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy, which can be used to both image and electrochemically manipulate the model systems under consideration. Earlier reports have examined the similarities between studies conducted at ultrahigh vacuum or low temperature and electrochemical conditions with both finding that amino acid molecules trap diffusing metal atoms on surfaces to form 2D ad-islands. Critically, all of the past work was conducted at room temperature. In this report, it has been found that as the temperature of the Au(111) surface was increased, the islands grew by 14% at 300 K and 40% at 305 K, relative to room temperature. Additionally, the increased surface temperature allowed for the formation of islands that were one atomic step higher than those observed at room temperature. Higher surface temperatures not only allowed for the observation of larger immobilized adatom islands, but they also demonstrated how temperature can be used as another method to control surface modification and molecular assembly. Not only is this work critical for a basic understanding of the role between temperature and surface diffusion, but it also begins to mimic how surfaces may have behaved during the emergence of life on Earth.
Prominent spider biologist spun a web of questionable data
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: February 2020

Two retractions spark scrutiny of dozens of papers.
An AMPK–caspase-6 axis controls liver damage in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Zhao Peng , Sun Xiaoli , Chaggan Cynthia , Liao Zhongji , in Wong Kai , He Feng , Singh Seema , Loomba Rohit , Karin Michael , Witztum Joseph L. , Saltiel Alan R.
Published: February 2020

Liver disease defect identified

The energy sensor adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase (AMPK) is implicated in liver damage in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a leading cause of liver-associated death in humans. Zhao
et al.
used mouse models of NASH and samples from human NASH patients to show that AMPK, the activity of which is lost in NASH, phosphorylates the enzyme procaspase-6. In normal liver cells, this modification limits the activation of caspase-6 and the consequent caspase activation cascade that leads to apoptosis. AMPK and caspase-6 may thus provide therapeutic targets for the treatment of NASH.

Science
, this issue p.
652
CO
2
electrolysis to multicarbon products at activities greater than 1 A cm
−2
Authors: García de Arquer F. Pelayo , Dinh Cao-Thang , Ozden Adnan , Wicks Joshua , McCallum Christopher , Kirmani Ahmad R. , Nam Dae-Hyun , Gabardo Christine , Seifitokaldani Ali , Wang Xue , Li Yuguang C. , Li Fengwang , Edwards Jonathan , Richter Lee J. , Thorpe Steven J. , Sinton David , Sargent Edward H.
Published: February 2020

Graceful choreography for CO
2
and H
2
O

One challenge for efficient electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO
2
) is that the gas is hydrophobic, but many of its desirable reactions require water (H
2
O). García de Arquer
et al.
addressed this problem by combining a copper electrocatalyst with an ionomer assembly that intersperses sulfonate-lined paths for the H
2
O with fluorocarbon channels for the CO
2
. The electrode architecture enables production of two-carbon products such as ethylene and ethanol at current densities just over an ampere per square centimeter.

Science
, this issue p.
661
Enhanced sustainable green revolution yield via nitrogen-responsive chromatin modulation in rice
Authors: Wu Kun , Wang Shuansuo , Song Wenzhen , Zhang Jianqing , Wang Yun , Liu Qian , Yu Jianping , Ye Yafeng , Li Shan , Chen Jianfeng , Zhao Ying , Wang Jing , Wu Xiaokang , Wang Meiyue , Zhang Yijing , Liu Binmei , Wu Yuejin , Harberd Nicholas P. , Fu Xiangdong
Published: February 2020

Decoupling tillering and fertilization

For rice as an agricultural crop, more tillers, or branches that carry grains, are desired, as is less demand for nitrogen fertilization. Unfortunately, for many rice varieties, the number of tillers depends on the amount of nitrogen fertilization. Wu
et al.
now show that nitrogen status affects chromatin function through modification of histones, a process in which the transcription factor NGR5 recruits polycomb repressive complex 2 to target genes. Some of these genes regulate tillering, such that with more nitrogen, the plants develop more tillers. NGR5 is regulated by proteasomal destruction and mediates hormone signaling. An increase in NGR5 levels can drive increases in rice tillering and yield without requiring increases in nitrogen-rich fertilizer.

Science
, this issue p.
eaaz2046
Structure of an active human histone pre-mRNA 3′-end processing machinery
Authors: Sun Yadong , Zhang Yixiao , Aik Wei Shen , Yang Xiao-Cui , Marzluff William F. , Walz Thomas , Dominski Zbigniew , Tong Liang
Published: February 2020

Architecture of an mRNA processor

The 3′-end processing of the three major classes of RNA polymerase II transcripts in metazoan cells—polyadenylated messenger RNAs (mRNAs), histone mRNAs, and small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs)—requires three distinct machineries that share common features. Sun
et al.
reconstituted the active human histone pre-mRNA 3′-end processing machinery and solved its structure at near-atomic resolution by cryo–electron microscopy. This structure provides a basis for understanding the mechanism of the shared catalytic reactions between histone pre-mRNA and canonical pre-mRNA and snRNA 3′-end processing machineries.

Science
, this issue p.
700
Porous crystals as membranes
Authors: Carreon Moises A.
Published: February 2020

Microporous crystalline membranes are designed for gas separation and potential scale-up
CRISPR-engineered T cells in patients with refractory cancer
Authors: Stadtmauer Edward A. , Fraietta Joseph A. , Davis Megan M. , Cohen Adam D. , Weber Kristy L. , Lancaster Eric , Mangan Patricia A. , Kulikovskaya Irina , Gupta Minnal , Chen Fang , Tian Lifeng , Gonzalez Vanessa E. , Xu Jun , Jung In-young , Melenhorst J. Joseph , Plesa Gabriela , Shea Joanne , Matlawski Tina , Cervini Amanda , Gaymon Avery L. , Desjardins Stephanie , Lamontagne Anne , Salas-Mckee January , Fesnak Andrew , Siegel Donald L. , Levine Bruce L. , Jadlowsky Julie K. , Young Regina M. , Chew Anne , Hwang Wei-Ting , Hexner Elizabeth O. , Carreno Beatriz M. , Nobles Christopher L. , Bushman Frederic D. , Parker Kevin R. , Qi Yanyan , Satpathy Ansuman T. , Chang Howard Y. , Zhao Yangbing , Lacey Simon F. , June Carl H.
Published: February 2020

CRISPR takes first steps in humans

CRISPR-Cas9 is a revolutionary gene-editing technology that offers the potential to treat diseases such as cancer, but the effects of CRISPR in patients are currently unknown. Stadtmauer
et al.
report a phase 1 clinical trial to assess the safety and feasibility of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in three patients with advanced cancer (see the Perspective by Hamilton and Doudna). They removed immune cells called T lymphocytes from patients and used CRISPR-Cas9 to disrupt three genes (
TRAC, TRBC
, and
PDCD1
) with the goal of improving antitumor immunity. A cancer-targeting transgene, NY-ESO-1, was also introduced to recognize tumors. The engineered cells were administered to patients and were well tolerated, with durable engraftment observed for the study duration. These encouraging observations pave the way for future trials to study CRISPR-engineered cancer immunotherapies.

Science
, this issue p.
eaba7365
; see also p.
976
Metabolic Exchange with Non-Alkane-Consuming Pseudomonas stutzeri SLG510A3-8 Improves
n
-Alkane Biodegradation by the Alkane Degrader
Dietzia
sp. Strain DQ12-45-1b
Authors: Hu Bing , Wang Miaoxiao , Geng Shuang , Wen Liqun , Wu Mengdi , Nie Yong , Tang Yue-Qin , Wu Xiao-Lei
Published: February 2020

Many natural and synthetic microbial communities are composed of not only species whose biological properties are consistent with their corresponding communities but also ones whose chemophysical characteristics do not directly contribute to the performance of their communities. Even though the latter species are often essential to the microbial communities, their roles are unclear. Here, by investigation of an artificial two-member microbial consortium in
n
-alkane biodegradation, we showed that the microbial member without the
n
-alkane-degrading capability had a cross-feeding interaction with and metabolic regulation to the leading member for the synergistic
n
-alkane biodegradation. Our study improves the current understanding of microbial interactions. Because “assistant” microbes showed importance in communities in addition to the functional microbes, our findings also suggest a useful “assistant-microbe” principle in the design of microbial communities for either bioremediation or chemical production.
Mechanisms of Endogenous HIV-1 Reactivation by Endocervical Epithelial Cells
Authors: Gornalusse Germán G. , Valdez Rogelio , Fenkart Gabriella , Vojtech Lucia , Fleming Lamar M. , Pandey Urvashi , Hughes Sean M. , Levy Claire N. , dela Cruz Erin J. , Calienes Fernanda L. , Kirby Anna C. , Fialkow Michael F. , Lentz Gretchen M. , Wagoner Jessica , Jing Lichen , Koelle David M. , Polyak Stephen J. , Fredricks David N. , McElrath M. Juliana , Wald Anna , Hladik Florian
Published: February 2020

A reason that there is no universal cure for HIV-1 is that the virus can hide in the genome of infected cells in the form of latent proviral DNA. This hidden provirus is protected from antiviral drugs until it eventually reactivates to produce new virions. It is not well understood where in the body or how this reactivation occurs. We studied HIV-1 reactivation in the female genital tract, which is often the portal of HIV-1 entry and which remains a site of infection throughout the disease. We found that the columnar epithelial cells lining the endocervix, the lower part of the uterus, are particularly effective in reactivating HIV-1 from infected T cells. This activity was enhanced by certain microbial stimuli, including herpes simplex virus 2, and blocked by antibodies against the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α. Avoiding HIV-1 reactivation could be important for maintaining a functional HIV-1 cure when antiviral therapy is stopped.
Diaphragm disease of the terminal ileum presenting as acute small bowel obstruction
Authors: Bennett Stephen , Martin Jack , Mahler-Araujo Betania , Gourgiotis Stavros
Published: February 2020

Diaphragm disease (DD) of the small bowel is a rarely reported complication of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, characterised by diaphragm-like strictures, most commonly in the ileum, causing varying degrees of obstruction. It typically presents in the elderly, over many years with non-specific symptoms. Diagnosis is challenging, the majority of cases relying on histopathology for confirmation. Treatment involves NSAID cessation and surgery through a combination of stricturoplasties and/or segmental resection. Very rarely DD presents as a surgical emergency. A case presenting as acute small bowel obstruction (SBO) is described, initially diagnosed as adhesions, later confirmed to be DD of the terminal ileum following histopathological examination. Given the widespread use of NSAIDs and an ageing population, it is likely the incidence of DD will increase. It is, therefore, important that surgeons are aware of this disease entity and consider it as a potential diagnosis in patients presenting with acute SBO.
Glaucoma in the Northern Ireland Cohort for the Longitudinal Study of Ageing (NICOLA): cohort profile, prevalence, awareness and associations
Authors: McCann Paul , Hogg Ruth , Wright David M , Pose-Bazarra Sara , Chakravarthy Usha , Peto Tunde , Cruise Sharon , McGuinness Bernardette , Young Ian S , Kee Frank , Azuara-Blanco Augusto
Published: February 2020

Background/Aims

This study aimed to describe the cohort profile of the Northern Ireland Cohort for the Longitudinal Study of Ageing (NICOLA) and to report the prevalence of, awareness of and associations with glaucoma.

Methods

Using geographic stratification, a representative sample of non-institutionalised Northern Irish adults aged over 50 years was invited to participate. NICOLA participants underwent a Computer-Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI), a Self-Completion Questionnaire (SCQ) and a health assessment. The CAPI and SCQ collected comprehensive sociodemographic and health-related data. At the health assessment, participants underwent optic disc stereophotography, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement using ocular response analyser (ORA), autorefraction, spectral domain optical coherence tomography and self-reported history of glaucoma. We invited NICOLA participants suspected of having glaucoma due to optic disc appearance or raised IOP for clinical examination by a glaucoma expert and perimetry. Epidemiological definitions by the International Society Geographical and Epidemiological Ophthalmology were used to define glaucoma.

Results

Of 3221 NICOLA participants (mean age 64.4, SD 8.5, female sex 51.7%) who attended the health assessment component of the NICOLA study (and had a vertical cup to disc ratio measurement in at least one eye), 91 participants had glaucoma. Overall, the crude prevalence of glaucoma was 2.83% (95% CI 2.31% to 3.46%) and 67% of affected individuals did not give a self-reported history of glaucoma.

Conclusions

The prevalence of glaucoma in Northern Ireland is comparable with other population-based studies of European populations. Approximately two-thirds of people with glaucoma were undiagnosed.
Increasing the documentation of 48-hour antimicrobial reviews
Authors: Sahota Ramandeep Singh , Rajan Kiran Kasper , Comont Jonathan Mark Sabine , Lee Hyungeun Hans , Johnston Nikolina , James Mary , Patel Rakhee , Nariculam Joseph
Published: February 2020

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing problem worldwide. Encouraging antimicrobial stewardship can help to reduce the negative consequences of inappropriate antibiotic use. This quality improvement project targets to do this by aiming to improve the proportion of 48-hour antimicrobial reviews completed and documented on two surgical wards at Darent Valley Hospital with a goal of 100% compliance.

This project used four PDSA (plan, do, study, act) cycles to achieve our aim: a trust-wide email; education sessions with junior doctors; sticker reminders in patient notes; presenting our study to surgical consultants and displaying posters on the wards.

The proportion of antimicrobial reviews completed at 48 hours in the patient notes increased from 18% to 77% over 19 weeks from 10 October 2018 to 20 February 2019. The most successful intervention was providing a presentation for consultants at an audit meeting in conjunction with displaying posters on the wards.

The most successful interventions (education sessions with junior doctors and presentation to surgical consultants alongside displaying posters on the wards) were found to be those that required minimal further input after their initial rollout. This project was carried out by medical students and is highly transferrable to other hospitals, and highlighted that a successful quality improvement project can be undertaken by any member of the healthcare team.
LDCT lung cancer screening in populations at different risk for lung cancer
Authors: Teles Gustavo Borges da Silva , Macedo Ana Carolina Sandoval , Chate Rodrigo Caruso , Valente Viviane Arevalo Tabone , Funari Marcelo Buarque de Gusmao , Szarf Gilberto
Published: February 2020

Introduction

The improvement of low-dose CT (LDCT) lung cancer screening selection criteria could help to include more individuals who have lung cancer, or in whom lung cancer will develop, while avoiding significant cost increase. We evaluated baseline results of LDCT lung cancer screening in a population with a heterogeneous risk profile for lung cancer.

Methods

LDCT lung cancer screening was implemented alongside a preventive health programme in a private hospital in Brazil. Individuals older than 45 years, smokers and former smokers, regardless of tobacco exposure, were included. Patients were classified according to the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) eligibility criteria and to PLCOm20126-year lung cancer risk. Patient characteristics, CT positivity rate, detection rate of lung cancer and false-positive rate were assessed.

Results

LDCT scans of 472 patients were evaluated and three lung adenocarcinomas were diagnosed. CT positivity rate (Lung-RADS 3/4) was significantly higher (p=0.019) in the NLST group (10.1% (95% CI, 5.9% to 16.9%)) than in the non-NLST group (3.6% (95% CI, 2.62% to 4.83%)) and in the PLCOm2012high-risk group (14.3% (95% CI, 6.8% to 27.7%)) than in the PLCOm2012low-risk group (3.7% (95% CI, 2.9% to 4.8%)) (p=0.016). Detection rate of lung cancer was also significantly higher (p=0.018) among PLCOm2012high-risk patients (5.7% (95% CI, 2.5% to 12.6%)) than in the PLCOm2012low-risk individuals (0.2% (95% CI, 0.1% to 1.1%)). The false-positive rate for NLST criteria (16.4% (95% CI, 13.2% to 20.1%)) was higher (p<0.001) than for PLCOm2012criteria (7.6 (95% CI, 5.3% to 10.5%)).

Discussion

Our study indicates a lower performance when screening low-risk individuals in comparison to screening patients meeting NLST criteria and PLCOm2012high-risk patients. Also, incorporating PLCOm20126-year lung cancer risk ≥0.0151 as an eligibility criterion seems to increase lung cancer screening effectiveness.
Non-coding RNAs in GI cancers: from cancer hallmarks to clinical utility
Authors: Dragomir Mihnea Paul , Kopetz Scott , Ajani Jaffer A , Calin George Adrian
Published: February 2020

One of the most unexpected discoveries in molecular oncology, in the last decades, was the identification of a new layer of protein coding gene regulation by transcripts that do not codify for proteins, the non-coding RNAs. These represent a heterogeneous category of transcripts that interact with many types of genetic elements, including regulatory DNAs, coding and other non-coding transcripts and directly to proteins. The final outcome, in the malignant context, is the regulation of any of the cancer hallmarks. Non-coding RNAs represent the most abundant type of hormones that contribute significantly to cell-to cell communication, revealing a complex interplay between tumour cells, tumour microenvironment cells and immune cells. Consequently, profiling their abundance in bodily fluids became a mainstream of biomarker identification. Therapeutic targeting of non-coding RNAs represents a new option for clinicians that is currently under development. This review will present the biology and translational value of three of the most studied categories on non-coding RNAs, the microRNAs, the long non-coding RNAs and the circular RNAs. We will also focus on some aspirational concepts that can help in the development of clinical applications related to non-coding RNAs, including using pyknons to discover new non-coding RNAs, targeting human-specific transcripts which are expressed specifically in the tumour cell and using non-coding RNAs to increase the efficiency of immunotherapy.
Flagging performance of Sysmex XN-10 haematology analyser for malaria detection
Authors: Dumas Cécile , Tirard-Collet Pauline , Mestrallet Fanélie , Girard Sandrine , Jallades Laurent , Picot Stéphane , Bienvenu Anne-Lise
Published: February 2020

Aim

The aim was to assess the flagging performance of Sysmex XN-10 haematology analyser for malaria detection through the parasitic red blood cell (‘pRBC’) alarm.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 584 blood samples performed on the Sysmex XN-10 analyser that were tested for malaria. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and prevalence were established for the pRBC alarm.

Results

Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for the pRBC flag were 7.8%, 100%, 100% and 87.7%, respectively. The prevalence of pRBC flag of 0.026% in the overall population was significantly different from the prevalence of 1.027% in the population tested for malaria.

Conclusions

Considering the excellent specificity and the low prevalence of the flag in the overall population, we suggest, in case of the presence of pRBC flag, the implementation of a rapid review of the blood smear looking forPlasmodium, mostly if the patient had fever and had not been tested for malaria.