bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functions of genes related to testicular germ cell tumour development
Authors: Das M. K. , Kleppa L. , Haugen T. B.
Published: July 2019

Objective

Testicular germ cell tumour (TGCT) is a malignancy with a high heritable component. The inherited risk is polygenic, and around 50 susceptibility genes are identified. The functional role of the gene products for TGCT development is not well understood. The focus of this review is functional studies of genetic risk factors for TGCT derived from GCNIS and the signalling pathways involved in the pathogenesis.

Recent developments

Genome‐wide association studies have identified new risk loci for TGCT and confirmed previously identified susceptibility genes. Many of these risk genes are related to male germ cell development, sex determination and genomic integrity. Gain‐ and loss‐of‐function studies in animal models and TGCT cell lines, as well as gene and protein expression studies in TGCT patient samples, have contributed to the understanding of TGCT development. KITLG‐KIT signalling is of crucial importance, but several other signal transduction pathways may also play a role. Many of the risk loci are in non‐coding regions, and studies have revealed that non‐coding RNAs may act as oncogenes or tumour suppressors in TGCT development.

Conclusions

The risk of TGCT is polygenic, and the underlying molecular mechanisms are complex. Several signalling pathways are related to TGCT development, and both proteins and non‐coding RNAs may act as oncogenes or tumour suppressors. Epigenetic studies are of importance to get further knowledge about how the signalling pathways are regulated.
Expression of miRNA‐371a‐3p in seminal plasma and ejaculate is associated with sperm concentration
Authors: Radtke A. , Dieckmann K.‐P. , Grobelny F. , Salzbrunn A. , Oing C. , Schulze W. , Belge G.
Published: July 2019

Background

The microRNAs of the miR‐371‐3 cluster are novel serum markers for testicular germ cell tumors. Sporadic reports suggested the expression of this miRNA in semen.

Objectives

To verify the expression of miR‐371a‐3p in seminal plasma and unprocessed ejaculate; to compare seminal plasma miRNA levels in germ cell tumors patients with those of controls; to look for an association of miRNA levels with semen quality.

Materials and methods

The miR‐371a‐3p expression was analyzed with qPCR. The study population consisted of 100 participants: seminal plasma samples from 20 germ cell tumors patients and 30 controls, serum samples from 12 healthy men, ejaculate samples from 38 men undergoing fertility testing.

Results

The seminal plasma miR‐371a‐3p levels of germ cell tumors patients were not different from controls. The miRNA expression was very low in serum but much higher in seminal plasma. In ejaculate samples, the miRNA expression significantly correlated with sperm concentration and the total sperm count.

Discussion

miR‐371‐a‐3p is present in sperm‐containing fluids. Seminal plasma levels cannot be used to distinguish germ cell tumors from controls. The correlation with sperm concentration in ejaculate samples suggests the spermatozoa as possible source of miR‐371a‐3p production.

Conclusion

The miR‐371a‐3p levels in ejaculate could represent a novel biomarker for the non‐invasive evaluation of male infertility.
Comparison of crossover and parallel‐group designs for the identification of a binary predictive biomarker of the treatment effect
Authors: Grenet Guillaume , Blanc Corentin , Bardel Claire , Gueyffier François , Roy Pascal
Published: July 2019

Pros and cons of crossover design are well known for estimating the treatment effect compared to parallel‐group design, but remain unclear for identifying and estimating an interaction between a potential biomarker and the treatment effect. Such ‘predictive’ biomarkers, or ‘effect modifiers’, help to predict the response to specific treatments. The purpose of this report was to better characterize the advantages and disadvantages of crossover versus parallel‐group design to identify predictive biomarkers. The treatment effect, the effect of a binary biomarker and their interaction were modelled using a linear model. The intra‐subject correlation in the crossover design was taken into account through an intra‐class correlation coefficient. The variance‐covariance matrix of the parameters was derived and compared. For both trial designs, the variance of the parameter estimating an interaction between the treatment effect and a potential predictive biomarker corresponds to the variance of the parameter estimating the treatment effect, multiplied by the inverse of the frequency of the candidate biomarker. The ratio of the variance of the interaction parameter in the crossover to the variance estimated in the parallel‐group design depends on the complement of the intra‐class correlation coefficient. When planning a clinical trial including a search for candidate biomarker, the frequency of the candidate biomarker helps design the sample size, and the intra‐subject correlation of the outcome should be taken into account for choosing between parallel‐group and crossover designs.
Angioedema Masqueraders
Authors: Fok Jie Shen , Katelaris Constance H
Published: July 2019

Angioedema is a common reason for referral to immunology and allergy specialists. Not all cases are in fact angioedema. There are many conditions that may mimic its appearance, resulting in misdiagnosis. This may happen when a clinician is unfamiliar with conditions resembling angioedema or when there is a low index of clinical suspicion. In this article, we explore a list of differential diagnoses based on body parts, including the lips, the limbs, periorbital tissues, the face, epiglottis and uvula, as well as the genitalia, that may pose as a masquerader even to an experienced eye.
Islet–immune interactions in type 1 diabetes: the nexus of beta cell destruction
Authors: Peters L , Posgai A , Brusko T M
Published: July 2019

Recent studies in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) support an emerging model of disease pathogenesis that involves intrinsic β-cell fragility combined with defects in both innate and adaptive immune cell regulation. This combination of defects induces systematic changes leading to organ-level atrophy and dysfunction of both the endocrine and exocrine portions of the pancreas, ultimately culminating in insulin deficiency and β-cell destruction. In this review, we discuss the animal model data and human tissue studies that have informed our current understanding of the cross-talk that occurs between β-cells, the resident stroma, and immune cells that potentiate T1D. Specifically, we will review the cellular and molecular signatures emerging from studies on tissues derived from organ procurement programs, focusing on in situ defects occurring within the T1D islet microenvironment, many of which are not yet detectable by standard peripheral blood biomarkers. In addition to improved access to organ donor tissues, various methodological advances, including immune receptor repertoire sequencing and single-cell molecular profiling, are poised to improve our understanding of antigen-specific autoimmunity during disease development. Collectively, the knowledge gains from these studies at the islet–immune interface are enhancing our understanding of T1D heterogeneity, likely to be an essential component for instructing future efforts to develop targeted interventions to restore immune tolerance and preserve β-cell mass and function.
Soft tissue augmentation applying a collagenated porcine dermal matrix during second stage surgery: A prospective multicenter case series
Authors: Fischer Kai R. , Testori Tiziano , Wachtel Hannes , Mühlemann Sven , Happe Arndt , Del Fabbro Massimo
Published: July 2019

Background

The achievement and preservation of an adequate amount of soft tissue around implants is a critical factor for the prognosis of the treatment.

Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness of a porcine dermal matrix applied during second stage implant surgery for horizontal soft tissue augmentation and preservation of dimensional stability.

Materials and Methods

Twenty patients (mean age 50.2 ± 11.9 [SD] years) candidate to implant therapy and requiring soft tissue augmentation were recruited in four centers. Augmentation was performed in 24 cases. A porcine dermal matrix was placed into a buccal split‐thickness pouch during uncovering surgery. Silicone impressions were taken before surgery (T0), 2 weeks later at suture removal (T2), 6 months (T3), and 24 months (T4) post augmentation. Dimensional changes of soft tissue were evaluated using superimposition of digitalized study casts.

Results

Nineteen patients (23 implants) could be evaluated at 6 months and 13 patients (17 implants) at 24 months. After 6‐month follow‐up, there was a significant dimensional gain respect to baseline, averaging 0.83 ± 0.64 mm (P < .01). This did not change significantly at 24 months (0.77 ± 0.65 mm, P = .19). The gain was >0.5 mm in 65.2% and 64.7% of the cases, respectively. Soft tissue shrinkage averaged 34.2% ± 77.0% from T2 to T3 (P < .01) and did not change thereafter (P = .39). Shrinkage was more consistent in the posterior mandible than in the maxilla, but not significantly (P = .23 at 6‐month and .36 at 24‐month). No adverse events occurred.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this prospective case series, the use of a porcine dermal matrix may provide consistent soft tissue augmentation that maintains up to 24‐month follow‐up, although graft shrinkage may occur in the first 6 months, depending on the location of surgery.
Why still in hospital after laparoscopic colorectal surgery within an enhanced recovery programme?
Authors: Munk‐Madsen P. , Eriksen J. R. , Kehlet H. , Gögenur I.
Published: July 2019

Aim

Enhanced recovery after surgery programmes in elective colorectal surgery have been developed and implemented widely, but a subgroup of patients may still require longer hospital stays than expected. The aim of this study was to identify and describe factors compromising early postoperative recovery by asking ‘why is the patient still in hospital today?’ after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery within an enhanced recovery after surgery programme.

Method

Patients undergoing elective laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection were evaluated postoperatively with predefined potential reasons for still being in hospital. The primary outcome was ‘reason for still being in hospital’ on postoperative day 0–4 and secondarily length of stay with a focus on differences between patients with and without a stoma.

Results

Ninety‐six patients having colorectal cancer surgery were included. The median length of stay for the whole group was 3 days (range 1–14). The four dominant causes for patients without a stoma to be in hospital were lack of gastrointestinal function, lack of early mobilization, lack of normal micturition and nausea. Patients with a stoma stayed in hospital due to stoma training, lack of gastrointestinal function, lack of free micturition and a miscellaneous ‘others’ group.

Conclusion

Delayed gastrointestinal function, insufficient mobilization, poor urinary function and stoma care training have been characterized as dominant compromising factors for postoperative recovery. Together with a focus on frailty, future studies should focus on improving early mobilization, prevention and treatment of postoperative urinary retention and improved stoma care training, in order to minimize delay in postoperative recovery and discharge.
The experiences of parents and caregiver(s) whose child received an organ from a living anonymous liver donor
Authors: Ghent Emily , Robertson Taylor , Young Katarina , DeAngelis Maria , Fecteau Annie , Grant David , Ng Vicky , Anthony Samantha J.
Published: July 2019

Background

Anonymous living donor transplantation is a potential strategy to address the shortage of available organs for transplant. A living anonymous donor (LAD) is a donor with no biological connection and whose identity is unknown to the recipient. This study captured the lived experiences of pediatric liver transplant recipient families whose child received an organ from a LAD.

Methods

Qualitative data collection and analysis were guided by a theoretical framework of phenomenology. Data analysis highlighted themes through an inductive process of reviewing transcript paragraphs to code for significant statements that represented key concepts and captured depth of experience.

Results

A total of nine interviews were conducted with 10 participants. Data analysis yielded themes of emotional turbulence through their transplant journey. Pre‐transplant experiences were characterized by feelings of helplessness and desperation. Receiving a LAD transplant prompted shock, relief, and acceptance of the donation. Post‐transplant experiences were characterized by altered life‐perspectives and varied levels of connectedness to the donor, marked by gratitude and concern for donor well‐being.

Conclusion

Anonymous donation in liver transplantation is perceived by recipient families as a remarkable gift and a viable donor option. Our preliminary findings can be used to inform strategy development regarding future delivery of care.
siRNA Targeting and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Diseases
Authors: Chevalier Rachel
Published: July 2019

RNA interference via small interfering RNA (siRNA) offers opportunities to precisely target genes that contribute to gastrointestinal (GI) pathologies, such as inflammatory bowel disease, celiac, and esophageal scarring. Delivering the siRNA to the GI tract proves challenging as the harsh environment of the intestines degrades the siRNA before it can reach its target or blocks its entry into its site of action in the cytoplasm. Additionally, the GI tract is large and disease is often localized to a specific site. This review discusses polymer and lipid‐based delivery systems for protection and targeting of siRNA therapies to the GI tract to treat local disease.
A study of the relationship between nuclear contour thickening, nuclear enlargement and human papillomavirus infection in squamous cells
Authors: Iijima Junko , Okayama Kaori , Teruya Koji , Hata Hiromi , Shiina Natsuko , Yabusaki Hiromi , Okodo Mitsuaki
Published: July 2019

Objective

To investigate the relationship between the morphological features of nuclear enlarged cells and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM) and atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC‐US).

Methods

In total, 128 Papanicolaou specimens comprising 41 ASC‐US cases and 87 NILM cases were examined. Cell morphological analysis was performed using both area ratio (nuclear area in cells with nuclear enlargement/nuclear area in normal intermediate cells) and nuclear contour thickening. High‐risk HPV was detected using the Uniplex E6/E7 polymerase chain reaction assay and logistic regression analyses of factors related to high‐risk HPV infection were performed.

Results

Nuclear contour thickening was present in 57.7% (64/111 cells) of high‐risk HPV positive cases and 21.8% (69/317 cells) of high‐risk HPV negative cases. There was a statistically significant association (P = 0.01) between high‐risk HPV infection and nuclear contour thickening. Nuclear contour thickening was approximately one‐third higher in NILM cases than in ASC‐US cases (odds ratio, 0.371; 95% confidence interval, 0.208–0.662) and three times higher in high‐risk HPV‐positive cases than in high‐risk HPV‐negative cases (odds ratio, 2.831; 95% confidence interval, 1.591–5.039).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that nuclear contour thickening in nuclear enlarged cells in NILM and ASC‐US cases may be a cellular finding associated with HPV infection.
Neighbors, relatives, and friends: Finding constructive approaches to religious others
Authors: Henriksen Jan‐Olav
Published: July 2019

The way we approach, describe and interpret the faiths of others impact significantly on the relationship between different religious traditions. This article develops resources from Christian theology to show how it provides important elements for the development of constructive relationships. It also offers some comments on the present proposals put forward by the ELCA. By emphasizing how religious traditions orient and transform believers, it points to how practices can appear as meaningful across traditional borders. To develop constructive relationships with religious others is, fundamentally, a way to practice belief in God as love.
Comorbidity in multiple sclerosis: its temporal relationships with disease onset and dose effect on mortality
Authors: Chou I. J. , Kuo C. F. , Tanasescu R. , Tench C. R. , Tiley C. G. , Constantinescu C. S. , Whitehouse W. P.
Published: July 2019

Background and purpose

We aimed to determine the burden of comorbidities at the time of diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), the risk of developing new comorbidities after diagnosis and the effect of comorbidities on mortality in patients with MS.

Methods

This study used data from 2526 patients with incident MS and 9980 age‐, sex‐ and physician‐matched controls without MS identified from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink.

Results

Before the MS diagnosis, the adjusted odds ratio for the association between MS and a Charlson comorbidity index score of 1–2, 3–4 or ≥5 was 131 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.17–1.47], 1.65 (95% CI, 1.20–2.26) or 3.26 (95% CI, 1.58–6.70), respectively. MS was associated with increased risks of cardiovascular and neurological/mental diseases. After diagnosis, the adjusted hazard ratio for the association between MS and an increased risk of developing comorbidities was 1.13 (95% CI, 1.00–1.29). The risk of developing any comorbidity in terms of neoplasms, musculoskeletal/connective tissue diseases or neurological/mental diseases was higher in MS. Patients with MS had a higher mortality risk compared with controls, with a hazard ratio of 2.29 (95% CI, 1.81–2.73) after adjusting for comorbidities. There was a dose effect of pre‐existing comorbidities on mortality.

Conclusions

Patients with MS have an increased risk of developing multiple comorbidities both before and after diagnosis and pre‐existing comorbidities have an impact on survival.
Statistical Analysis of Area‐wide Alcohol‐related Driving Crashes: A Spatial Econometric Approach
Authors: Saeed Tariq Usman , Nateghi Roshanak , Hall Thomas , Waldorf Brigitte S.
Published: July 2019

The article analyzes area‐wide alcohol‐related driving crash rates, with an emphasis on neighborhood effects, edge effects, and spatial effects arising from shared roadways that traverse area boundaries. Using township data for the state of Indiana, spatial Durbin models of alcohol‐related driving crash rates are presented. The results suggest that a township's population composition and its abundance of alcohol‐related businesses impact the alcohol‐related driving crash rates. Moreover, positive spatial dependence is found to be highly significant, cautioning against the reliance on possibly biased OLS estimators. Due to restrictions in access to the crash and alcohol‐related businesses data of the neighboring states, an alternative approach is adopted to address the spatial edge effects that may arise from alcohol consumption of residents from the edge areas of the neighboring states (possibly leading to crashes inside the border townships). Given the variation in alcohol laws and regulations across states, an empirical assessment of the edge effects is particularly relevant where some border crossing may be deliberate so as to avoid more stringent alcohol restrictions.
Magic in medieval Venice
Authors: Ryan Michael A.
Published: July 2019

The scholarly investigation of premodern magic has grown significantly over the past quarter of a century. Many studies have focused on learned treatises written and received by members of the intellectual elite in the medieval and early modern eras. The practice and interest in magic, however, cut across all social spectra. One aspect of this premodern interest in the occult that has been neglected in the extant scholarship has been that of the occult in the service of trickery or fraud, whose practitioners used their claims to accessing bodies of privileged knowledge to defraud others. Using the case of an anonymous alchemist, “Cristoforo di Parigi,” purportedly exiled from Venice due to his alchemical practices, I trace the state of the field of studies on fraudulent magic, broadly, and in Venice, specifically. Fourteenth‐ and fifteenth‐century Venice, furthermore, is the perfect site for such an analysis, as magic and its medieval receptivity have not been extensively studied within that specific venue during the Middle Ages.
Calling on Europe? Secessionist Political Parties and Their Communications to the European Union
Authors: Boylan Brandon M. , Turkina Ekaterina
Published: July 2019

To what extent do independence‐seeking political parties across Europe appeal to the European Union (EU)? What accounts for differences in these parties' communication levels? In accordance with the literature, we expect that such parties would bypass their host states and seek support from the EU for their nationalist causes, while the EU itself also offers institutional opportunities further enabling parties to solicit assistance, even if it does not always deliver what these parties want. To explore this argument, we conduct an online search for documents and other texts in which secessionist political parties directly and indirectly appeal to the EU and analyze them with social network tools. The resultant network is characterized by multiple parties communicating to the EU but to different degrees. We also find that moderate political ideology on the left–right spectrum, constituent support, and competition in the secessionist movement positively and significantly correlate with higher intensity of online communication.
An Ethical and Legal Framework for Physicians as Surrogate Decision-Makers for Their Patients
Authors: Rosoff Philip M. , Leong Kelly M.
Published: July 2019

Over the last century, and especially since the publication of the Belmont Report in 1978, respect for persons, as exemplified by respect for autonomous decision-making, has become a central tenet in the practice of medicine. The authority of cognitively competent adults to make their own healthcare decisions is enshrined in both law and practice in most advanced industrialized nations. The right to consent to or to refuse medical interventions is virtually absolute, but is contingent on the provision of materially relevant information about the benefits and burdens or risks of the proposed treatment as well as the freedom from coercion by others, especially healthcare personnel. This power also extends to the kinds, amounts and details of the proposed intervention, including the option to decline to hear anything, if one so chooses, assuming that this is a rational choice. This respect transfers to other competent individuals who are authorized as surrogates to decide for those who have temporarily or permanently lost the capacity to make their own healthcare decisions.
Caring for Women Experiencing Breast Engorgement: A Case Report
Authors: Gresh Ashley , Robinson Kelley , Thornton Clifton P. , Plesko Corinne
Published: July 2019

Breast engorgement is an uncomfortable and sometimes painful component of the postpartum period. The effective treatment of breast engorgement may provide an avenue for clinicians to improve postpartum care for women and promote breastfeeding. This case report presents one woman's experience with breast engorgement in the early postpartum period. The etiology, evidence‐based practices for treatment, clinical implications, and recommendations for practice are reviewed. The importance of interprofessional care to minimize conflicting information a lactating woman receives is highlighted. Interprofessional teamwork can optimize care to resolve breast engorgement and facilitate a woman achieving her breastfeeding goals.
Acid sphingomyelinase – a regulator of canonical transient receptor potential channel 6 (TRPC6) activity
Authors: Zeitler Stefanie , Ye Lian , Andreyeva Aksana , Schumacher Fabian , Monti Juliana , Nürnberg Bernd , Nowak Gabriel , Kleuser Burkhard , Reichel Martin , Fejtová Anna , Kornhuber Johannes , Rhein Cosima , Friedland Kristina
Published: July 2019

Recent investigations propose the acid sphingomyelinase (ASM)/ceramide system as a novel target for antidepressant action. ASM catalyzes the breakdown of the abundant membrane lipid sphingomyelin to the lipid messenger ceramide. This ASM‐induced lipid modification induces a local shift in membrane properties, which influences receptor clustering and downstream signaling. Canonical transient receptor potential channels 6 (TRPC6) are non‐selective cation channels located in the cell membrane that play an important role in dendritic growth, synaptic plasticity and cognition in the brain. They can be activated by hyperforin, an ingredient of the herbal remedy St. John’s wort for treatment of depression disorders. Because of their role in the context of major depression, we investigated the crosstalk between the ASM/ceramide system and TRPC6 ion channels in a pheochromocytoma cell line 12 neuronal cell model (PC12 rat pheochromocytoma cell line). Ca2+ imaging experiments indicated that hyperforin‐induced Ca2+ influx through TRPC6 channels is modulated by ASM activity. While antidepressants, known as functional inhibitors of ASM activity, reduced TRPC6‐mediated Ca2+ influx, extracellular application of bacterial sphingomyelinase rebalanced TRPC6 activity in a concentration‐related way. This effect was confirmed in whole‐cell patch clamp electrophysiology recordings. Lipidomic analyses revealed a decrease in very long chain ceramide/sphingomyelin molar ratio after ASM inhibition, which was connected with changes in the abundance of TRPC6 channels in flotillin‐1–positive lipid rafts as visualized by western blotting. Our data provide evidence that the ASM/ceramide system regulates TRPC6 channels likely by controlling their recruitment to specific lipid subdomains and thereby fine‐tuning their physical properties.

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Oral pyogenic granulomas show MAPK/ERK signaling pathway activation, which occurs independently of BRAF, KRAS, HRAS, NRAS, GNA11, and GNA14 mutations
Authors: Pereira Thaís dos Santos Fontes , de Amorim Larissa Stefhanne Damasceno , Pereira Núbia Braga , Vitório Jéssica Gardone , Duarte‐Andrade Filipe Fideles , Guimarães Letícia Martins , Diniz Marina Gonçalves , Gomes Carolina Cavaliéri , Gomez Ricardo Santiago
Published: July 2019

Background

Pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a benign nodular lesion with a prominent vascular component which may affect different sites. Recently, BRAF, KRAS, HRAS, NRAS, GNA11, and GNA14 mutations were reported on PGs of the skin. The present study assessed the role of the MAPK/ERK pathway in oral PG pathogenesis.

Methods

Mutations in hotspot regions of genes involved in the MAPK/ERK pathway activation were investigated by Sanger sequencing. The expression of phospho‐ERK1/2 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Oral PGs did not show mutations in the sequenced regions of the genes BRAF, KRAS, HRAS, NRAS, GNA11, or GNA14. Our results also showed activation of the MAPK/ERK pathway demonstrated by phospho‐ERK1/2 immunohistochemical positivity.

Conclusions

Although oral PG shows MAPK/ERK pathway activation, the driver molecular event remains to be elucidated.
Does Strict Employment Protection Legislation Influence The Rate Of Workplace Accidents?
Authors: Radulescu Roxana , Robson Martin
Published: July 2019

This paper explores the correlation between employment protection legislation (EPL) and the rate of workplace accidents, using a theoretical model and data for OECD countries. EPL has been rolled back in most OECD countries since the mid‐80s. In parallel, there has been a decrease in the number of workplace accidents reported, especially non‐fatal ones. We ask the question whether less employment protection could have contributed to the reduction in accident rates, e.g. by reducing workers’ willingness to report accidents. To investigate, we build a theoretical model, which suggests that the incentives to report workplace accidents are complex and could even result in a negative relationship between EPL and accident reporting. It is possible, e.g. that labour market reforms reduce job security and incentivise behaviours that bring immediate benefits, like accident reporting. The empirical analysis, using a database of 16 OECD countries, supports the view that the dilution of EPL for regular contracts has increased the rate of accident reporting. This result is robust after controlling for a number of other factors, such as the unemployment rate, economic growth, unemployment benefits, trade union density and temporary work.
Atmospheric entry heating of micrometeorites at Earth and Mars: Implications for the survival of organics
Authors: Wilson Aaron P. , Genge Matthew J. , Krzesińska Agata M. , Tomkins Andrew G.
Published: July 2019

The atmospheric entry heating of micrometeorites (MMs) can significantly alter their pre‐existing mineralogy, texture, and organic material. The degree of heating depends predominantly on the gravity and atmospheric density of the planet on which they fall. For particles falling on Earth, the alteration can be significant, leading to the destruction of much of the pre‐entry organics; however, the weaker gravity and thinner atmosphere of Mars enhance the survival of MMs and increase the fraction of particles that preserve organic material. This paper investigates the entry heating of MMs on the Earth and Mars in order to examine the MM population on each planet and give insights into the survival of extraterrestrial organic material. The results show that particles reaching the surface of Mars experience a lower peak temperature compared to Earth and, therefore, experience less evaporative mass loss. Of the particles which reach the surface, 68.2% remain unmelted on Mars compared to only 22.8% on Earth. Due to evaporative mass loss, unmelted particles that reach the surface of Earth are restricted to sizes <70 μm whereas particles >475 μm survive unmelted on Mars. Approximately 10% of particles experience temperatures below ~800 K, that is, the sublimation temperature of refractory organics found in MMs. On Earth, this fraction is significantly lower with less than 1% expected to remain below this temperature. Lower peak temperatures coupled with the larger sizes of particles surviving without significant heating on Mars suggest a much higher fraction of organic material surviving to the Martian surface.
Extracellular acidosis triggers a senescence‐like phenotype in human melanoma cells
Authors: Böhme Ines , Bosserhoff Anja
Published: July 2019

Acidosis of the tumor microenvironment is a characteristic of solid tumors such as malignant melanoma. Main causes of the extracellular acidification are metabolic alterations in cancer cells. While numerous studies showed that acidosis promotes tumor invasiveness, metastasis, and neoangiogenesis resulting in malignant progression, contrary data reported that acidosis induces cell apoptosis, inhibits cell proliferation, and mediates cell autophagy. Here, we show that low pH (pH 6.7) induces senescent/quiescent phenotype in melanoma cells after long‐time treatment defined by induction of SA‐ß‐galactosidase, upregulation of p21, G1/G0 cell cycle arrest, and reduction of proliferation. Moreover, we revealed that extracellular acidosis triggers the inhibition of eIF2α and subsequently the activation of ATF4 expression, a key component of the integrated stress response (ISR), indicating an acid‐mediated translation reprogramming. Interestingly, we also demonstrated that acidosis represses microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF) and activates the expression of the receptor tyrosine kinase AXL. This MITFlow/AXLhigh phenotype is correlated with drug resistance and therapeutic outcome in melanoma. Our results suggest that acidosis is an important microenvironmental factor triggering phenotypic plasticity and promoting tumor progression.
Swedish adolescents’ experiences of cybervictimization and body‐related concerns
Authors: Frisén Ann , Berne Sofia
Published: July 2019

The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between cybervictimization and three body‐related concerns: body‐esteem, self‐objectification, and internalization of body ideals. The aim was also to examine these relationships not only to cybervictimization in general but also to appearance‐related cybervictimization more specifically. The sample comprised 482 adolescents (233 girls and 247 boys aged 13–15; two participants did not answer the question about gender) from four Swedish schools. The results showed that victims of appearance‐related cyberbullying suffered from more body‐related concerns: they had a poorer view of their general appearance and of their weight. They also reported more body shame, thin‐ideal internalization, and appearance‐related pressure from the media. This study shows that cyberbullying that focuses on the victim's appearance is associated with several body‐related concerns that have not previously been studied. A novel finding was also that body‐related concerns were not related to cyberbullying in general, as has been implied in earlier research, but specifically related to cyberbullying directed at the victim's appearance. The findings suggest that there is a need to include attention to the specific relationships between appearance‐related cyberbullying and body‐related concerns in future prevention and intervention work.
Reference values for selected ophthalmic diagnostic tests in two species of microchiroptera bats (Artibeus lituratus and Anoura caudifer)
Authors: Somma André Tavares , Coimbra Christiane M. , Lange Rogério R. , Moore Bret A. , Montiani‐Ferreira Fabiano
Published: July 2019

Objective

To establish reference values for ophthalmic tests in two bat species.

Bats

Fourteen bats including seven great fruit‐eating bats (Artibeus lituratus) and seven tailed tailless bats (Anoura caudifer).

Procedures

Normal values for following ophthalmic tests were investigated as follows: (a) aqueous tear production using the standardized endodontic paper point tear test (EPPTT), (b) rebound tonometry, and (c) horizontal palpebral fissure length.

Results

Aqueous tear production was 2.53 ± 1.65 mm/min for A lituratus and 1.89 ± 0.62 for A caudifer. Intraocular pressure measured in the upright position was 11.0 ± 3.28 mm Hg for A lituratus and 7.28 ± 2.70 for A caudifer. Horizontal palpebral fissure length was 5.04 ± 0.45 mm for A lituratus and 3.92 ± 0.51 for A caudifer.

Conclusions

The data obtained in the present study may serve as a reference for ophthalmic parameters and help practitioners in the diagnosis and management of eye diseases in bats, as well for future investigations about microchiroptera bats.
Tear production, intraocular pressure, and central corneal thickness in white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
Authors: Villar Tatiane , Pascoli Ana L. , Klein Aislinn , Chacaltana Flor C. , Capistrano Erotides , Shipley Cliff F. , Martins Bianca C.
Published: July 2019

Objective

To evaluate the tear production, intraocular pressure, and central corneal thickness in healthy white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and assess for seasonal variability.

Animals studied

Nineteen healthy fawns (3‐10 days old) and 8 healthy adult white‐tailed deer (164‐280 days old) were studied.

Procedures

All fawns were manually restrained for the study, while adult animals were immobilized with an intramuscular injection of combined xylazine (2.2 mg/kg), tiletamine (1 mg/kg), and zolazepam (1 mg/kg). Tear production (STT‐1) was evaluated in both eyes of all fawns. Intraocular pressure (applanation and rebound tonometry) and central corneal thickness (ultrasound pachymetry) were determined in both eyes of all fawns and adult deer.

Results

Mean ± SD tear production in fawns was 12.32 ± 4.46 mm/min. Mean ± SD IOP values in the fawns were 16.21 ± 4.97 mm Hg (TonoPen®) and 14.05 ± 5.03 mm Hg (TonoVet®). In adult deer, mean ± SD IOP values were 15.57 ± 2.88 mm Hg with TonoPen®and 12.87 ± 2.57 with TonoVet®, and TonoPen®significantly overestimated the IOP, compared to TonoVet®(P < 0.005). The IOP was not significantly different between young and adult animals (P = 0.22). A significant difference (P < 0.005) in CCT values was observed between fawns (528.42 ± 27.65 μm) and adult deer (747.55 ± 41.60 μm).

Conclusions

This study reports normal values of tear production in healthy fawns, and intraocular pressure and central corneal thickness in healthy young and adult white‐tailed deer.
Carbon dioxide gas, CO2(g), by near-ambient pressure XPS
Authors: Avval Tahereh G. , Chatterjee Shiladitya , Bahr Stephan , Dietrich Paul , Meyer Michael , Thißen Andreas , Linford Matthew R.
Published: July 2019

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 greater than 2500 Pa. With NAP-XPS, XPS can probe moderately volatile liquids, biological samples, porous materials, and/or polymeric materials that outgas significantly. In this submission, we show the survey, O 1s, C 1s, valence band, O KLL Auger, and C KLL Auger NAP-XPS spectra of gaseous carbon dioxide, CO2, a material that would be difficult to analyze by conventional XPS. A small N 1s signal from N2(g) is also observed in the survey spectrum. The C 1s and O 1s signals in the narrow scans are fit to Gaussian–Lorentzian sum and asymmetric Lorentzian (LA) functions. Better fits are obtained with the LA synthetic line shape. Since it is likely that CO2(g) will be present in other NAP-XPS analyses, these data should serve as a useful reference for other researchers.
Calcite (CaCO3), by near-ambient pressure XPS
Authors: Roychowdhury Tuhin , Bahr Stephan , Dietrich Paul , Meyer Michael , Thißen Andreas , Linford Matthew R.
Published: July 2019

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 greater than 2500 Pa. With NAP-XPS, XPS can analyze moderately volatile liquids, biological samples, porous materials, minerals, and/or polymeric materials that outgas significantly. In this submission, we show NAP-XPS survey and Ca 2p, O 1s, and C 1s narrow scans from calcite, which was analyzed here without external charge compensation. Quantitation of the peaks in the narrow scan gives a ratio that is very close to the theoretical 1:1:3 ratio expected for Ca:C:O in the material. The small N 1s signal in the survey spectrum is attributed to residual nitrogen gas in the analysis chamber.
Argon gas, by near-ambient pressure XPS
Authors: Patel Dhananjay I. , Bahr Stephan , Dietrich Paul , Meyer Michael , Thißen Andreas , Linford Matthew R.
Published: July 2019

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., greater than 2500 Pa. With NAP-XPS, XPS can analyze moderately volatile liquids, biological samples, porous materials, and/or polymeric materials that outgas significantly. In this submission, we show survey, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, and the Auger LMM NAP-XPS spectra from argon gas, a material that could not be analyzed at moderate pressures by conventional methods. A small N 1s signal from residual nitrogen gas in the chamber is also present in the survey spectrum.
Water vapor, by near-ambient pressure XPS
Authors: Patel Dhananjay I. , Shah Dhruv , Bahr Stephan , Dietrich Paul , Meyer Michael , Thißen Andreas , Linford Matthew R.
Published: July 2019

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., greater than 2500 Pa. With NAP-XPS, XPS can be used to probe moderately volatile liquids, biological samples, porous materials, and/or polymeric materials that outgas significantly. In this submission, we show survey and O 1s NAP-XPS spectra from water vapor, a material that could not be analyzed at moderate pressures by conventional approaches and that is expected to be present in many analyses.
Reflection phase dispersion editing generates wideband invisible acoustic Huygens's metasurface
Authors: Li Ying , Ren Zhiwen , Yuan Xujin , Chen Mingji , Cao Wenkang , Cheng Qiang , Jin Zhongkun , Cheng Xiaodong , Zhang Cheng , Yang Jun , Fang Daining
Published: July 2019

Acoustic metasurfaces show non-traditional abilities in wave manipulation and provide alternate mechanisms for information communication and invisibility technology. However, most of the mechanisms remain narrow band (relative bandwidth ∼5%), and a wideband trait is essential for engineering applications. For example, controllable effective material properties—reflection or transmission phase—has barely been realized in wideband because the intrinsic dispersion relation is not always editable. In this paper, wideband reflection phase editing is realized, and wideband invisibility of a phase preserved Huygens's metasurface on a flat background is achieved with anomalous reflection. This metasurface is built with proposed unsymmetrical twin Helmholtz resonators which reach a predefined dispersion relation target value. The total instantaneous acoustic fields show nearly identical carpeting effects in a consecutive band with relative bandwidth 52.1% (from 5400 to 9200 Hz) in simulation and experiment.
Robust reconstruction of equivalent source method based near-field acoustic holography using an alternative regularization parameter determination approach
Authors: Tan Dayi , Chu Zhigang , Wu Guijiao
Published: July 2019

The core of equivalent source method based near-field acoustic holography is to solve the equivalent source strength with the measured pressure and the transfer matrix, which is a typical ill-posed inverse problem. In this work, an explicit formula is proposed in which the regularization parameter is proportional to the product of the hologram distance and the maximum singular value of the transfer matrix. Utilizing the proposed approach, robust acoustic field reconstruction can be achieved even when the hologram distance is 5 times larger than the average microphone spacing.
Application of a MYC degradation screen identifies sensitivity to CDK9 inhibitors in KRAS-mutant pancreatic cancer
Authors: Blake Devon R. , Vaseva Angelina V. , Hodge Richard G. , Kline McKenzie P. , Gilbert Thomas S. K. , Tyagi Vikas , Huang Daowei , Whiten Gabrielle C. , Larson Jacob E. , Wang Xiaodong , Pearce Kenneth H. , Herring Laura E. , Graves Lee M. , Frye Stephen V. , Emanuele Michael J. , Cox Adrienne D. , Der Channing J.
Published: July 2019

CDK9 inhibitors may treat KRAS-mutant cancers by inducing MYC protein degradation.
Does Gender Bias Still Affect Women in Science?
Authors: Roper Rachel L.
Published: July 2019

The percentage of women employed in professional scientific positions has been low but is increasing over time. The U.S. National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation have both implemented programs to improve women’s participation in science, and many universities and companies have diversity and equity programs.
Hfq Globally Binds and Destabilizes sRNAs and mRNAs in Yersinia pestis
Authors: Han Yanping , Chen Dong , Yan Yanfeng , Gao Xiaofang , Liu Zizhong , Xue Yaqiang , Zhang Yi , Yang Ruifu
Published: July 2019

Discovered in 1968 as an
Escherichia coli
host factor that was essential for replication of the bacteriophage Qβ, the Hfq protein is a ubiquitous and highly abundant RNA-binding protein in many bacteria. With the assistance of Hfq, small RNAs in bacteria play important roles in regulating the stability and translation of mRNAs by base pairing. In this study, we want to elucidate the Hfq-assisted sRNA-mRNA regulation in
Yersinia pestis
. A global map of Hfq interaction sites in
Y. pestis
was obtained by sequencing cDNAs converted from the Hfq-bound RNA fragments using UV cross-linking coupled immunoprecipitation technology. We demonstrate that Hfq could bind to hundreds of sRNAs and the majority of mRNAs in
Y. pestis
. The enriched binding motifs in sRNAs and mRNAs are complementary to each other, suggesting a general base-pairing mechanism for sRNA-mRNA interaction. The Hfq-bound sRNA and mRNA regions were both destabilized. The results suggest that Hfq binding facilitates sRNA-mRNA base pairing and coordinates their degradation, which might enable Hfq to surveil the homeostasis of most mRNAs in bacteria.
Integrated stratigraphy at the Bartonian–Priabonian transition: Correlation between shallow benthic and calcareous plankton zones (Varignano section, northern Italy)
Authors: Luciani Valeria , Fornaciari Eliana , Papazzoni Cesare A. , Dallanave Edoardo , Giusberti Luca , Stefani Cristina , Amante Enrico
Published: July 2019

The Varignano section (Trento province, northern Italy) provides an exceptional opportunity for a direct correlation between shallow benthic (SB) zones and standard calcareous plankton zones at the Bartonian–Priabonian transition (middle–late Eocene). This transition has attracted great attention by biostratigraphers in the last decades in searching for a boundary stratotype section. The Alano di Piave section (NE Italy) is the leading candidate for the base Priabonian Global Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP). However, at Alano, larger foraminifera-bearing resedimented levels occur exclusively well below the critical interval. Conversely, the Varignano section, located ∼80 km west of the Alano section, preserves several coarse bioclastic levels rich in larger foraminifera throughout the section. These levels are intercalated with basinal marlstones, crystal tuff layers, and an organic-rich interval. The Varignano section spans planktic foraminiferal Zones E10 and E11 to lower E14, calcareous nannofossil Zones MNP16Bc to MNP18 and Chrons 18n to 17n.2n. The main calcareous plankton events recently proposed as primary base-Priabonian correlation tools, i.e., the last occurrence of the genus Morozovelloides and the Base common (= acme beginning) of Cribrocentrum erbae occur, respectively, within C17n.3n and C17n.2n. We correlate prominent crystal tuff layers exposed at Varignano with those outcropping at Alano, including the Tiziano bed, whose base has also been proposed as the GSSP level. The Varignano section spans the upper SB17 and the lower SB18 Zones, with the zonal boundary marked by the first occurrence of the genus Pellatispira. This event occurs in the lower part of Zones E13 and MNP17A within C18n, well below all the potential criteria to identify the GSSP that also includes Chron C17n.1n base. We point out that the usage of shallow-water biostratigraphers in placing the base of the Priabonian at the base of Zone SB19 is inconsistent with the proposed plankton events.