bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polylactic acid/nano chitosan composite fibers and their morphological, physical characterization for the removal of cadmium(II) from water
Authors: Thomas Merin S. , Pillai Prasanth K. S. , Faria Marisa , Cordeiro Nereida , Kailas Lekshmi , Kalarikkal Nandakumar , Thomas Sabu , Pothen Laly A.
Published: January 2020

This work discusses the fabrication of polylactic acid (PLA)/nano chitosan (nCHS) composite fibers by electrospinning method for Cd2+ metal ion adsorption from water. Here nCHS was synthesized by ionic gelation method and which is used as a reinforcement for PLA. The scanning electron microscopic analysis revealed that the addition 0.1 wt% nCHS has decreased the fiber diameter as well as the secondary pore size and hence imparted unique properties to electrospun composite fibers. The positive zeta potential values for the composites indicated their higher stability, though; the inclusion of nCHS reduced the crystallinity of the neat membranes. The contact angle measurements showed that the hydrophilicity of the composite was increased up to 0.1 wt% nCHS, and hence the surface energy was increased. Inverse gas chromatography results suggested that the basic character of the composites has intensified with the increase in nCHS addition. The adsorption capacity of the neat electrospun PLA and PLA–nCHS composites for Cd2+ ions were investigated and studies revealed that adsorption capacity of the composite was two times faster (approximately 70%) in comparison with neat PLA fibers. The increase in surface area as well as presence nCHS improved the adsorption capacity of the electrospun membrane.
Possible Mechanism for Synchronized Detection of Weak Magnetic Fields by Nerve Cells
Authors: Barnes Frank , Greenebaum Ben
Published: January 2020

We propose that biological systems may detect static and slowly varying magnetic fields by the modification of the timing of firing of adjacent nerve cells through the local influence of the magnetic field generated by current from one cell's firing on its nearest neighbors. The time delay of an adjacent nerve cell pulse with respect to the initial clock nerve cell pulse could serve as a signal for sensing the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to the current flows in the cells. It has been shown that changes in static magnetic fields modify concentrations of reactive oxygen species, calcium, pH, the growth rates of fibrosarcoma cells, and membrane potentials. These are linked to changes in membrane potentials that can either inhibit or accelerate the firing rate of pacemaker or clock cells. This mechanism may have applications to animals' use of magnetic fields for navigation or other purposes, possibly in conjunction with other mechanisms. Bioelectromagnetics. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices with respect to epilepsy among primary and secondary school teachers in the city of Niamey, Niger
Authors: Assadeck Hamid , Toudou Daouda Moussa , Moussa Konate Mahadi , Mamadou Zakaria , Douma Maiga Dijbo , Sanoussi Samuila
Published: January 2020

Objective

We aimed firstly to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices about epilepsy among primary and secondary school teachers in the city of Niamey and secondly to formulate targeted sensitization messages for these teachers.

Materials and methods

A descriptive cross‐sectional survey was carried out among primary and secondary school teachers in the city of Niamey, capital of Niger, using a self‐administered questionnaire including questions related to knowledge, attitudes, and practices about epilepsy.

Results

One hundred and forty‐five (145) teachers aged 27–69 (mean age: 39.57 ± 8.304 years) had answered the questionnaire (52 men and 93 women). In 62.1% of cases, respondents had a bachelor degree in education signifying a high level of education. Sixty‐one respondents (42.1%) considered epilepsy as a brain disease, whereas it was considered as a psychiatric illness by 15.9% of respondents and as an impurity by 38.9%. Sixteen respondents (11%) considered it as a hereditary disease. Epilepsy was considered as a contagious disease by 46.2% of teachers, and the main transmission routes reported were contact with places of crisis (26.2%), physical contact with an epileptic person (16.6%), and contact with saliva (6.9%). It was considered as an incurable disease by 6.9% of teachers. Of the 115 respondents (79.3%) who considered epilepsy as a treatable condition, 46 of them believe that epilepsy is treated by traditional medicine. When someone has an epileptic seizure, 28.3% of respondents think that physical contact with him should be avoided and that the places of the crisis should be avoided.

Conclusion

Considering that epilepsy is common in school‐age, the study results suggest the need to train teachers with respect to epilepsy to change misconceptions about epilepsy and to promote positive attitudes toward epileptic people to avoid the rejection of these people by the society responsible for problems of social integration.
Exploiting the NADPH pool for xylitol production using recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Reshamwala Shamlan M. S. , Lali Arvind M.
Published: January 2020

Xylitol is a five‐carbon sugar alcohol that has a variety of uses in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In xylose assimilating yeasts, NAD(P)H‐dependent xylose reductase (XR) catalyzes the reduction of xylose to xylitol. In the present study, XR with varying cofactor specificities was overexpressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to screen for efficient xylitol production. Xylose consumption and xylitol yields were higher when NADPH‐dependent enzymes (Candida tropicalis XR and S. cerevisiae Gre3p aldose reductase) were expressed, indicating that heterologous enzymes can utilize the intracellular NADPH pool more efficiently than the NADH pool, where they may face competition from native enzymes. This was confirmed by overexpression of a NADH‐preferring C. tropicalis XR mutant, which led to decreased xylose consumption and lower xylitol yield. To increase intracellular NADPH availability for xylitol production, the promoter of the ZWF1 gene, coding for the first enzyme of the NADPH‐generating pentose phosphate pathway, was replaced with the constitutive GPD promoter in a strain expressing C. tropicalis XR. This change led to a ~12% increase in xylitol yield. Deletion of XYL2 and SOR1, whose gene products can use xylitol as substrate, did not further increase xylitol yield. Using wheat stalk hydrolysate as source of xylose, the constructed strain efficiently produced xylitol, demonstrating practical relevance of this approach.
Daratumumab prevents programmed death ligand‐1 expression on antigen‐presenting cells in de novo multiple myeloma
Authors: Stocker Nicolas , Gaugler Béatrice , Ricard Laure , de Vassoigne Frédéric , Marjanovic Zora , Mohty Mohamad , Malard Florent
Published: January 2020

Background

Daratumumab (Dara), an anti‐CD38 monoclonal antibody, has an immunologic mechanism of action through targeting of CD38 expressing immune cells in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Furthermore, it was recently shown that CD38 upregulation in tumors, is a major mechanism of acquired resistance to antiprogrammed cell death 1 (PD‐1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1). Therefore, we decided to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of CD38 blockade by Dara on the PD‐L1 expressing immune cells.

Methods

We analyzed CD38 and PD‐L1 expression on immune cells at different time points in 18 newly diagnosed MM receiving bortezomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone, with or without Dara.

Results

We first confirmed that CD38 is widely expressed on immune cells, with the strongest expression on plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC). Furthermore, Dara induces a strong depletion of pDC in addition to the well‐known rapid depletion of natural killer cells. Finally, we found that PD‐L1 expression on antigen‐presenting cells (APC) increases with MM treatment in patients that did not received Dara, while addition of Dara prevents this increase.

Conclusion

Overall, our results suggest new mechanisms of action of Dara through depletion of pDC and prevention of PD‐L1 upregulation expression on APC. Our finding provides new evidences for development of therapeutic strategies targeting both CD38 and PD‐L1/PD‐1 pathway in patients with MM.
δ‐Catenin regulates proliferation and apoptosis in renal cell carcinoma via promoting β‐catenin nuclear localization and activating its downstream target genes
Authors: Ju Lincheng , Shan Liping , Yin Bo , Song Yongsheng
Published: January 2020

δ‐Catenin is a unique member of the catenin family and is proved to be overexpressed in diverse human cancer types. However, the clinical significance and underling mechanism of δ‐catenin expression in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remain elusive. Herein, we detected the protein expression of δ‐catenin in 28 clinical specimens of paired renal cancer tissues and normal renal tissues by Western blot analysis. δ‐Catenin expression in 58 cases of renal cell carcinoma was also examined by immunohistochemistry, and its association with clinicopathological factors was analyzed by statistical analysis. In vitro and in vivo assays were employed to further explore the biological role of δ‐catenin in RCC. The results showed that δ‐catenin was highly expressed in both clinical samples and cell lines of RCC. RCC patients with higher δ‐catenin expression had a more advanced pTNM stage and tumor stage as well as lymph nodes metastasis than those with lower expression. By regulating the nuclear translocation of β‐catenin and β‐catenin‐mediated oncogenic signals, δ‐catenin promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptosis in RCC. In vivo assay indicated δ‐catenin facilitated tumor growth in ACHN cell xenograft mouse model. Taken together, our study suggests that δ‐catenin might be considered as a novel prognostic indicator and actionable target for gene therapy in renal cell carcinoma.
High stromal nicotinamide N‐methyltransferase (NNMT) indicates poor prognosis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Song Mengmeng , Li Ye , Miao Mingyong , Zhang Fan , Yuan Hao , Cao Fuao , Chang Wenjun , Shi Hanping , Song Chunhua
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Nicotinamide n‐methyltransferase (NNMT) has good biochemical activity and epigenetic regulation, and has been reported as a major metabolic regulator of cancer. The goal of this study was to investigate the significance of stromal NNMT expression in colorectal cancer (CRC).

Patients and methods

Stromal expression of NNMT in primary CRC, metastasis CRC, and their non‐cancerous tissues from 1088 CRC patients was examined by immunohistochemistry. The associations between stromal NNMT expression and survival outcomes in 967 patients with stage I‐III CRC were further evaluated with Kaplan‐Meier curve and Cox model analyses.

Results

NNMT expression was mainly sourced from stromal compartments and also elevated in CRC. Patients with high stromal NNMT (IHC‐score ≥ 106) have a worse survival than those patients with low stromal NNMT. In multiple Cox analyses, high expression of stromal NNMT remained as an independent risk factor in CRC for disease‐free survival with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.415 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.015‐1.972) and disease‐specific survival with a HR of 5.004 (95% CI, 2.301‐10.883). In addition, high stromal NNMT expression in CRC also indicates the poor survival outcomes in patients with early stage CRC (stage I and II) and in patients who undergo chemotherapy.

Conclusion

NNMT is mainly located in CRC stromal compartment. High stromal NNMT expression predicts an unfavorable postoperative prognosis.
Coenzyme Q10 attenuates rat hepatocarcinogenesis via the reduction of CD59 expression and phospholipase D activity
Authors: Abdel‐Latif Mahmoud , Saidan Suzan , Morsy Basant M.
Published: January 2020

The current study aimed to test the profile of serum lipids, phospholipase D (PLD) activity, and CD59 expression pattern in rat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after therapeutic treatment with Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Three rat groups were allocated as normal control, untreated HCC, and treated HCC (HCC + CoQ10). The levels of serum α‐fetoprotein (AFP) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α were assessed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was detected using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Serum lipids, classical (CH50), and alternative (APH50) pathways of complement activation, the liver cell HMG‐CoA reductase (HMGCR), and PLD activities were assayed colorimetrically. The protein expression of CD59, scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SRB1), B cell lymphoma‐2 (Bcl2), and cleaved Caspase‐3 (Casp‐3) were detected using western blotting, while the level of serum CD59 (sCD59) was assessed using dot‐blot. CoQ10 reduced the cell proliferation, histological alterations, and the levels of AFP and TNF‐α but increased lipids, CH50, and sCD59 in serum. In the liver cell, CoQ10 decreased and increased PLD and HMGCR enzyme activities, respectively. In addition, reduction of liver CD59, Bcl2, and SRB1 vs increased cleaved Casp‐3 expressions was observed. Statistical correlation indicated an inverse relationship between CH50 and each of CD59 expression and PLD activity after treatment with CoQ10. In conclusion, CoQ10 could protect against rat HCC through increased lipids and the reduction of CD59 expression and PLD activity.

Significance of the study

To our knowledge, this study is the first to describe the attenuating effect of antitumour natural product like Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) via the reduction of CD59 expression and phospholipase D (PLD) activity. This illustrates the important role of CD59 and PLD in relation to lipids in cancer prevention.
A case of massive primary tumor growth in the immediate postoperative period
Authors: Boulas Konstantinos A. , Paraskeva Aikaterini , Triantafyllidis Alexandros , Hatzigeorgiadis Anestis
Published: January 2020

Major surgical trauma along with discontinuation of antiangiogenic treatment can exacerbate primary tumor growth even in the immediate postoperative period.
Three cases of intra‐abdominal free air onset associated with COPD treated conservatively
Authors: Shuto Saki , Naka Megumi , Konishi Chisato , Maekawa Koichi
Published: January 2020

Pneumoperitoneum is caused by respiratory disease in rare cases and can be treated conservatively. It is important to confirm physical abdominal examinations, laboratory data, and radiological findings to avoid unnecessary surgical procedures. The diagnosis of pneumoperitoneum associated with respiratory disease requires the exclusion of other fatal illnesses, especially gastrointestinal perforation.
Alkynes and Nitrogen Compounds: Useful Substrates for the Synthesis of Pyrazoles
Authors: Neto Jose S. S. , Zeni Gilson
Published: January 2020

The easy preparation and functionalization of pyrazoles associated with their innumerable biological properties have made this class of N‐heterocycles very attractive for the development of new synthetic routes and applications. The cyclization reactions of alkynes and nitrogen compounds represent a powerful tool for the preparation of pyrazoles. This Review covers the recent advances in the preparation of pyrazoles by reacting alkynes and nitrogen compounds under transition‐metal‐catalyzed or metal‐free conditions.
Solution‐Processed p‐SnSe/n‐SnSe2 Hetero‐Structure Layers for Ultrasensitive NO2 Detection
Authors: Wang Xiaoshan , Liu Yao , Dai Jie , Chen Qian , Huang Xiao , Huang Wei
Published: January 2020

The formation of semiconductor heterostructures is an effective approach to achieve high performance in electrical gas sensing. However, such heterostructures are usually prepared via multi‐step procedures. In this contribution, by taking advantage of the crystal phase‐dependent electronic property of SnSex based materials, we report a one‐step colloid method for the preparation of SnSe(x%)/SnSe2(100−x%) p–n heterostructures, with x ≈30, 50, and 70. The obtained materials with solution processability were successfully fabricated into NO2 sensors. Among them, the SnSe(50 %)/SnSe2(50 %) based sensor with an active layer thickness of 2 μm exhibited the highest sensitivity to NO2 (30 % at 0.1 ppm) with a limit of detection (LOD) down to 69 ppb at room temperature (25 °C). This was mainly attributed to the formation of p–n junctions that allowed for gas‐induced modification of the junction barriers. Under 405 nm laser illumination, the sensor performance was further enhanced, exhibiting a 3.5 times increased response toward 0.1 ppm NO2, along with a recovery time of 4.6 min.
Optimized electrocardiographic criteria for the detection of left ventricular hypertrophy in obesity patients
Authors: Snelder Sanne M. , van de Poll Sweder W.E. , de Groot – de Laat Lotte E. , Kardys Isabella , Zijlstra Felix , van Dalen Bas M.
Published: January 2020

Background

Despite a generally high specificity, electrocardiographic (ECG) criteria for the detection of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) lack sensitivity, particularly in obesity patients.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of the most commonly used ECG criteria (Cornell voltage and Sokolow‐Lyon index), the recently introduced Peguero‐Lo Presti criteria and the correction of these criteria by body mass index (BMI) to detect LVH in obesity patients and to propose adjusted ECG criteria with optimal accuracy.

Methods

The accuracy of the ECG criteria for the detection of LVH was retrospectively tested in a cohort of obesity patients referred for a transthoracic echocardiogram based on clinical grounds (test cohort, n = 167). Adjusted ECG criteria with optimal sensitivity for the detection of LVH were developed. Subsequently, the value of these criteria was prospectively tested in an obese population without known cardiovascular disease (validation cohort, n = 100).

Results

Established ECG criteria had a poor sensitivity in obesity patients in both the test cohort and the validation cohort. The adjusted criteria showed improved sensitivity, with optimal values for males using the Cornell voltage corrected for BMI, (RaVL+SV3)*BMI ≥700 mm*kg/m2; sensitivity 47% test cohort, 40% validation cohort; for females, the Sokolow‐Lyon index corrected for BMI, (SV1 + RV5/RV6)*BMI ≥885 mm*kg/m2; sensitivity 26% test cohort, 23% validation cohort.

Conclusions

Established ECG criteria for the detection of LVH lack sufficient sensitivity in obesity patients. We propose new criteria for the detection of LVH in obesity patients with improved sensitivity, approaching known sensitivity of the most commonly used ECG criteria in lean subjects.
Infrared‐Assisted Synthesis of Prebiotic Glycine
Authors: Scuderi Debora , Pérez‐Mellor Ariel , Lemaire Joël , Indrajith Suvasthika , Bardaud Jean‐Xavier , Largo Antonio , Jeanvoine Yannick , Spezia Riccardo
Published: January 2020

A novel approach has been developed to synthesize complex organic molecules (COMs) relevant to prebiotic chemistry, using infrared (IR) radiation to trigger the reaction. An original laboratory reactor working at low gas density and using IR irradiation was developed. In this way, glycine, the simplest brick of life, has been synthesized by assisting ion–molecule reaction with IR laser light. The ion‐molecule complex constituted by acetic acid and hydroxylamine was formed in a mass spectrometer reactor and then irradiated with IR photons. As photoproducts, we obtained both glycine structures and some of its isomers. Anharmonic vibrational frequency calculations and fragmentation dynamics simulations allow for a better interpretation of the experimental data. This novel approach can be now extended to study other new synthetic pathways responsible for the formation of further COMs also with potential prebiotic relevance.
Wild Dictyostelium discoideum social amoebae show plastic responses to the presence of nonrelatives during multicellular development
Authors: Noh Suegene , Christopher Lauren , Strassmann Joan E. , Queller David C.
Published: January 2020

When multiple strains of microbes form social groups, such as the multicellular fruiting bodies of Dictyostelium discoideum, conflict can arise regarding cell fate. Both fixed and plastic differences among strains can contribute to cell fate, and plastic responses may be particularly important if social environments frequently change. We used RNA‐sequencing and photographic time series analysis to detect possible conflict‐induced plastic differences between wild D. discoideum aggregates formed by single strains compared with mixed pairs of strains (chimeras). We found one hundred and two differentially expressed genes that were enriched for biological processes including cytoskeleton organization and cyclic AMP response (up‐regulated in chimeras), and DNA replication and cell cycle (down‐regulated in chimeras). In addition, our data indicate that in reference to a time series of multicellular development in the laboratory strain AX4, chimeras may be slightly behind clonal aggregates in their development. Finally, phenotypic analysis supported slower splitting of aggregates and a nonsignificant trend for larger group sizes in chimeras. The transcriptomic comparison and phenotypic analyses support discoordination among aggregate group members due to social conflict. These results are consistent with previously observed factors that affect cell fate decision in D. discoideum and provide evidence for plasticity in cAMP signaling and phenotypic coordination during development in response to social conflict in D. discoideum and similar microbial social groups.
Estimating population density of insectivorous bats based on stationary acoustic detectors: A case study
Authors: Milchram Markus , Suarez‐Rubio Marcela , Schröder Annika , Bruckner Alexander
Published: January 2020

Automated recording units are commonly used by consultants to assess environmental impacts and to monitor animal populations. Although estimating population density of bats using stationary acoustic detectors is key for evaluating environmental impacts, estimating densities from call activity data is only possible through recently developed numerical methods, as the recognition of calling individuals is impossible.

We tested the applicability of generalized random encounter models (gREMs) for determining population densities of three bat species (Common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus, Northern bat Eptesicus nilssonii, and Natterer's bat Myotis nattereri) based on passively collected acoustical data. To validate the results, we compared them to (a) density estimates from the literature and to (b) Royle–Nichols (RN) models of detection/nondetection data.

Our estimates for M. nattereri matched both the published data and RN‐model results. For E. nilssonii, the gREM yielded similar estimates to the RN‐models, but the published estimates were more than twice as high. This discrepancy might be because the high‐altitude flight of E. nilssonii is not accounted for in gREMs. Results of gREMs for P. pipistrellus were supported by published data but were ~10 times higher than those of RN‐models. RN‐models use detection/nondetection data, and this loss of information probably affected population estimates of very active species like P. pipistrellus.

gREM models provided realistic estimates of bat population densities based on automatically recorded call activity data. However, the average flight altitude of species should be accounted for in future analyses. We suggest including flight altitude in the calculation of the detection range to assess the detection sphere more accurately and to obtain more precise density estimates.
A hydrate blockage detection apparatus for gas pipeline using ultrasonic focused transducer and its application on a flow loop
Authors: Li Xingbo , Liu Yu , Liu Zheyuan , Chu Jiawei , Song Yongchen , Yu Tao , Zhao Jiafei
Published: January 2020

This paper introduces a novel apparatus and the analyzing method for hydrate blockage detection in natural gas pipeline using the ultrasonic focused testing technique. The apparatus mainly consists of three parts: an ultrasonic focused transducer, a supporting guide track and a positioning ruler for the transducer. It can be installed by fixing the guide track onto the pipe outer wall, and the distance of the transducer to the pipe wall can be adjusted with the positioning ruler. The reflection signals of hydrate surfaces can be then received and recorded by an oscilloscope. The hydrate thickness thus can be calculated by multiplying the ultrasonic velocity with the time difference between two reflections. A calibrating test using this apparatus certified that it can provide an accurate measurement of both the pipe wall thickness and the hydrate blockage thickness from outside of the pipe. A maximum hydrate thickness of 50 mm can be measured due to the high penetrability of the ultrasonic. The feasibility of applying this apparatus to the metal pipeline was verified with a carbon steel cylinder with ice attached on the inner wall. A 360° blockage profile around the cylinder was obtained with a step angle of 5°. The accuracy of measured thickness and cross‐sectional area of the blockage can reach 96% and 91%, respectively. Finally, an application test was conducted on a full visible flow loop of 35 mm inner diameter and 49 m length. The test results showed that the hydrate blockage contour measurement can be achieved with this apparatus despite the gas and water flow in the loop. This hydrate blockage detection apparatus can be applied to gas‐dominated pipelines in which hydrate mainly forms on the wall. Early warning of hydrate blockage can be further studied based on the measurement results using this apparatus.
Novel dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV and angiotensin‐I‐converting enzyme inhibitory peptides released from quinoa protein by in silico proteolysis
Authors: Guo Huimin , Richel Aurore , Hao Yuqiong , Fan Xin , Everaert Nadia , Yang Xiushi , Ren Guixing
Published: January 2020

Quinoa protein has been paid more and more attention because of its nutritional properties and beneficial effects. With the development of bioinformatics, bioactive peptide database and computer‐assisted simulation provide an efficient and time‐saving method for the theoretical estimation of potential bioactivities of protein. Therefore, the potential of quinoa protein sequences for releasing bioactive peptides was evaluated using the BIOPEP database, which revealed that quinoa protein, especially globulin, is a potential source of peptides with dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV (DPP‐IV) and angiotensin‐I‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities. Three plant proteases, namely papain, ficin, and stem bromelain, were employed for the in silico proteolysis of quinoa protein. Furthermore, four tripeptides (MAF, NMF, HPF, and MCG) were screened as novel promising bioactive peptides by PeptideRanker. The bioactivities of selected peptides were confirmed using chemical synthesis and in vitro assay. The present work suggests that quinoa protein can serve as a good source of bioactive peptides, and in silico approach can provide theoretical assistance for investigation and production of functional peptides.
Performance on the standard and hearing‐impaired Montreal Cognitive Assessment in cochlear implant users
Authors: Parada Jennifer C. , Hillyer Jake , Parbery‐Clark Alexandra
Published: January 2020

Objectives

Commonly used cognitive screening tools were not originally developed for patients with hearing loss (HL) and rely heavily on the ability to hear the instructions and test stimuli. Recently, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was modified for use with hearing‐impaired populations (ie, HI‐MoCA). In order to investigate the clinical utility of the HI‐MoCA, we assessed performance between the standard MoCA and HI‐MoCA among postlingually deafened cochlear implant (CI) users.

Methods

We administered the standard MoCA and HI‐MoCA to 21 CI users and compared their performance. We assessed differences in pass/fail status when items from the attention and language sections and the delayed recall task were removed.

Results

There was no significant difference in performance between the standard MoCA and HI‐MoCA. Participants scored higher on both test versions when the delayed recall task was removed. Participants also performed better on the delayed recall task on the HI‐MoCA than on the standard MoCA.

Conclusions

While our findings suggest that the modality of presentation for the MoCA does not influence overall performance for postlingually deafened CI users, visual presentation of stimuli impacted performance on delayed recall. Furthermore, irrespective of presentation modality, our participants scored higher on both MoCA versions when the delayed recall task was removed. Clinically, modifications to the presentation of the MoCA might not be necessary for CI users; however, clinicians should be aware that the delayed recall task is inherently harder for these patients.
Synoptic and meteorological conditions during extreme snow cover ablation events in the Great Lakes Basin
Authors: Suriano Zachary J.
Published: January 2020

Snow cover ablation in the Great Lakes basin is a common and hydrologically important process during the cold season, contributing to a majority of the basin's runoff, and less frequent, extreme ablation events are highly impactful due to an increased flooding risk and warrant specific investigation. A brief climatology of extreme ablation events is presented, where extreme is considered within the top 5% of the distribution. Using synoptic classification techniques, individual weather patterns associated with extreme snow ablation in the Great Lakes basin are isolated. A single pattern deemed the most influential in generating extreme ablation events, southerly flow‐1, is examined in detail, and three case studies are presented to determine the meteorological conditions and surface energy fluxes responsible for ablation. Over 75% of extreme events are associated with southerly flow patterns that predominantly ablate snow with sensible heat fluxes, while rain‐on‐snow patterns induce the remaining extreme events from 1980–2009. Type southerly flow‐1 is responsible for 45% of the extreme events and is characterized by strong southerly advection of warm air into the basin, where sensible heat fluxes of 45–125 Wm−2 are responsible for the majority of energy transfer into the snowpack. When compared with an average ablation event, an extreme ablation event for southerly flow‐1 exhibits air temperatures, dew point temperatures, and wind speeds that are 3.8°C, 3.0°C, and 1.2 ms−1 warmer and faster than an average event, indicating a greater potential for larger ablation.
Sensitivity analysis and uncertainty assessment in water budgets simulated by the variable infiltration capacity model for Canadian subarctic watersheds
Authors: Lilhare Rajtantra , Pokorny Scott , Déry Stephen J. , Stadnyk Tricia A. , Koenig Kristina A.
Published: January 2020

In this study, we evaluate uncertainties propagated through different climate data sets in seasonal and annual hydrological simulations over 10 subarctic watersheds of northern Manitoba, Canada, using the variable infiltration capacity (VIC) model. Further, we perform a comprehensive sensitivity and uncertainty analysis of the VIC model using a robust and state‐of‐the‐art approach. The VIC model simulations utilize the recently developed variogram analysis of response surfaces (VARS) technique that requires in this application more than 6,000 model simulations for a 30‐year (1981–2010) study period. The method seeks parameter sensitivity, identifies influential parameters, and showcases streamflow sensitivity to parameter uncertainty at seasonal and annual timescales. Results suggest that the Ensemble VIC simulations match observed streamflow closest, whereas global reanalysis products yield high flows (0.5–3.0 mm day−1) against observations and an overestimation (10–60%) in seasonal and annual water balance terms. VIC parameters exhibit seasonal importance in VARS, and the choice of input data and performance metrics substantially affect sensitivity analysis. Uncertainty propagation due to input forcing selection in each water balance term (i.e., total runoff, soil moisture, and evapotranspiration) is examined separately to show both time and space dimensionality in available forcing data at seasonal and annual timescales. Reliable input forcing, the most influential model parameters, and the uncertainty envelope in streamflow prediction are presented for the VIC model. These results, along with some specific recommendations, are expected to assist the broader VIC modelling community and other users of VARS and land surface schemes, to enhance their modelling applications.
Organelle specific simultaneous Raman/green fluorescence protein microspectroscopy for living cell physicochemical studies
Authors: Wattanavichean Nungnit , Nishida Ikuhisa , Ando Masahiro , Kawamukai Makoto , Yamamoto Tatsuyuki , Hamaguchi Hiro‐o
Published: January 2020

We demonstrate a novel bio‐spectroscopic technique, “simultaneous Raman/GFP microspectroscopy”. It enables organelle specific Raman microspectroscopy of living cells. Fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, whose mitochondria are green fluorescence protein (GFP) labeled, is used as a test model system. Raman excitation laser and GFP excitation light irradiate the sample yeast cells simultaneously. GFP signal is monitored in the anti‐Stokes region where interference from Raman scattering is negligibly small. Of note, 13 568 Raman spectra measured from different points of 19 living yeast cells are categorized according to their GFP fluorescence intensities, with the use of a two‐component multivariate curve resolution with alternate least squares (MCR‐ALS) analysis in the anti‐Stokes region. This categorization allows us to know whether or not Raman spectra are taken from mitochondria. Raman spectra specific to mitochondria are obtained by an MCR‐ALS analysis in the Stokes region of 1389 strongly GFP positive spectra. Two mitochondria specific Raman spectra have been obtained. The first one is dominated by protein Raman bands and the second by lipid Raman bands, being consistent with the known molecular composition of mitochondria. In addition, the second spectrum shows a strong band of ergosterol at 1602 cm−1, previously reported as “Raman spectroscopic signature of life of yeast.”
Lipid is heterogeneously distributed in muscle and associates with low radiodensity in cancer patients
Authors: Bhullar Amritpal S. , Anoveros‐Barrera Ana , Dunichand‐Hoedl Abha , Martins Karen , Bigam David , Khadaroo Rachel G. , McMullen Todd , Bathe Oliver F. , Putman Charles T. , Clandinin Michael T. , Baracos Vickie E. , Mazurak Vera C.
Published: January 2020

Background

Low muscle radiodensity is associated with mortality in a variety of cancer types. Biochemical and morphological correlates are unknown. We aimed to evaluate triglyceride (TG) content and location as a function of computed tomography (CT)‐derived measures of skeletal muscle radiodensity in cancer patients.

Methods

Rectus abdominis (RA) biopsies were collected during cancer surgery from 75 patients diagnosed with cancer. Thin‐layer chromatography and gas chromatography were used for quantification of TG content of the muscle. Axial CT images of lumbar vertebra were used to measure muscle radiodensity. Oil Red O staining was used to determine the location of neutral lipids in frozen muscle sections.

Results

There was wide variation in RA radiodensity in repeated measures (CV% ranged from 3 to 55% based on 10 serial images) as well as within one slice (CV% ranged from 6 to 61% based on 10 subregions). RA radiodensity and total lumbar muscle radiodensity were inversely associated with TG content of RA (r = −0.396, P < 0.001, and r = −0.355, P = 0.002, respectively). Of the total percentage area of muscle staining positive for neutral lipid, 54 ± 17% was present as extramyocellular lipids (range 23.5–77.8%) and 46 ± 17% (range 22.2–76.5%) present as intramyocellular lipid droplets.

Conclusions

Repeated measures revealed wide variation in radiodensity of RA muscle, both vertically and horizontally. Low muscle radiodensity reflects high level of TG in patients with cancer. Non‐uniform distribution of intramyocellular and extramyocellular lipids was evident using light microscopy. These results warrant investigation of mechanisms resulting in lipid deposition in muscles of cancer patients.
Engineering students' learning during internships: Exploring the explanatory power of the job demands‐control‐support model
Authors: Goller Michael , Harteis Christian , Gijbels David , Donche Vincent
Published: January 2020

Background

Internships are highly relevant learning experiences for engineering students. However, such practice‐based learning settings must be carefully designed to allow their learning potential to unfold.

Purpose

Exploring the job demands‐control‐support (JDCS) model, this study aimed to investigate how job demands, job control, and social support affect interns' use of different learning strategies.

Method

The study utilized data collected from a sample of engineering students (n= 118) who completed a required internship during their degree. The data were analyzed using a structural equation modeling approach including latent factors.

Results

Job demands were found to be a relevant and significant driver of students' shared regulation (e.g., asking for feedback), self‐regulation (e.g., self‐directed use of codified information), efforts to relate theory to practice (e.g., connecting workplace experience with theoretical knowledge), and the absence of avoidance of learning (e.g., lack of adaptation to work situations), but not of external regulation (e.g., asking for help to solve problems). Job control, however, was not found to be a positive or significant driver of student learning. Social support was found to be a relevant and significant predictor of external and shared regulation but not of the other learning activities.

Conclusions

This study provided mixed findings regarding key hypotheses central to the JDCS model, generating rather poor evidence supporting it. In fact, job demands, job control, and social support exhibited much less explanatory power than expected for engineering students' learning during internships.
Off‐axis loads cause failure of the distal radius at lower magnitudes than axial loads: A side‐to‐side experimental study
Authors: Johnston James D. , McDonald Matthew P. , Kontulainen Saija A.
Published: January 2020

Off‐axis loading associated with a fall onto the outstretched hand has been hypothesized to induce distal radius failure at lower magnitudes than axially directed loading commonly used in biomechanical models for estimating fracture risk. However, this hypothesis has not been tested with side‐to‐side experimental testing. The objective of this study was to compare distal radius failure loads between forearm pairs experimentally tested in an axial or off‐axis loading configuration. We acquired 18 pairs of cadaveric forearms from 18 female donors (mean age (standard deviation): 84.4 (7.9) years). Each forearm pair was tested to failure using either an axial compression test (vertical orientation with 0° dorsal inclination, 3°‐6° radial inclination) or an off‐axis test corresponding to the hand position during a fall (15° dorsal inclination, 3°‐6° radial inclination). Failure testing was performed at 3 mm/s onto the palm of the hand until fracture occurred. Of the 18 pairs, 11 sustained a distal radius fracture. We compared failure loads between the two groups using a paired t test. Results indicated that failure load under off‐axis loading was 29% lower than failure load under axial compressive loading (mean difference: −0.31 kN; 95% confidence interval: −0.47 to −0.16 kN, P = .001). In conclusion, off‐axis loading associated with a fall onto the outstretched hand resulted in a 29% lower failure load. Integrating an off‐axis loading configuration into current biomechanical models of distal radius bone strength may prevent overestimating of failure load and may offer a clinically relevant option to estimate distal radius fracture risk and monitor therapy efficacy.
Raman microimaging as an analytical technique for simultaneous quantification and localization of active principles in pharmaceutical solid dosage forms
Authors: Sanhueza Mario I. , Meléndrez Manuel F. , von Plessing Carlos , Bastidas Camila Y. , Neira José Y. , Freer Juanita , Castillo Rosario del P.
Published: January 2020

Raman microimaging, as a product of Raman microspectroscopy mapping and multivariate analysis, was used for the localization and quantification of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in tablets made in laboratory. This was done to develop an analytical strategy to simultaneously recover qualitative and quantitative information of solid dosage forms at a microscopic level by using a nondestructive method. A chemical system, composed of acetaminophen (AMP), caffeine, and one excipient (microcrystalline cellulose), was subjected to chemometric analysis through principal component analysis (PCA) and multivariate curve resolution with alternating least squares (MCR–ALS). This was done by using Raman spectra obtained from microscopic images with pixel sizes of 15 × 15 μm to localize the APIs in the tablets. Partial least squares (PLS) was applied as a calibration method to obtain bulk and single‐pixel concentrations of APIs in the samples. MCR–ALS provided better results than PCA for the localization of APIs. PLS achieved satisfactory root mean standard error values in the external validation set (<4% w/w) in bulk concentration determinations of AMP. This method also achieved concentrations for each pixel of the images, reconstructing images very similar to those obtained by MCR–ALS. Consequently, simultaneous localization and quantification of AMP was possible. Finally, the performance of Raman microimaging was evaluated through estimation of analytical figures of merit (AFOMs) of the technique used to assess the quantification of APIs. This included different calculus of uncertainty in the signal in a technique where the signal/noise ratio is low, and AFOMs for multivariate quantification are not often reported.
Changes in soil microbial community structure during long‐term secondary succession
Authors: Liu Jin , Jia Xiaoyu , Yan Weiming , Zhong Yangquanwei , Shangguan Zhouping
Published: January 2020

Understanding the changes in microbial community composition that occur during succession can help elucidate the mechanisms that drive successional dynamics. However, the mechanisms underlying community assemblages and promoting temporal succession are often overlooked in microbial ecology, and comparisons of the relative roles of bacteria and fungi during long‐term secondary succession are rare. Using both 16S and ITS rRNA gene sequencing, we studied shifts in bacterial and fungal communities in a well‐established secondary successional chronosequence that spanned approximately 160 years in an ecosystem. Our results showed that the abundance of both bacteria and fungi increased with succession in the early stages but then reached a relatively stable state in later successional stages. Diversity showed a fairly linear increase with succession, and there were inconsistent changes between the bacterial and fungal communities. During succession, soil bulk density, soluble carbon, total nitrogen and plant richness had large effects on the microbial community. The abundance of most phyla showed parabolic trends with succession; however, Verrucomicrobia and Basidiomycota showed linear increases with succession, and Cercozoa and Chytridiomycota showed linear decreases with succession. These microbial taxa may be considered collaborative development microbial biomarkers of secondary succession. The predicted microbial functions related to C and N cycle genes showed corresponding changes in succession, which need further study. Our findings suggest that the relationships between soil physicochemical properties and microbial communities mutually influence one another, leading to their ongoing relationship in the course of secondary succession.
Harmful alga trades off growth and toxicity in response to cues from dead phytoplankton
Authors: Brown Emily R. , Kubanek Julia
Published: January 2020

Organisms are under selection pressure to recognize predators and assess predation risk to avoid becoming prey. In some cases, the presence of injured competitors alerts individuals to the likelihood that predators are nearby. Previous studies have shown that the marine dinoflagellate Alexandrium minutum responds to chemical cues from copepods by dramatically upregulating sodium channel‐blocking toxins that appear to function as defenses against copepod grazing. However, it is unknown whether A. minutum uses other cues, such as damaged phytoplankton, some of which are its competitors, to assess predation risk and subsequently increase its resistance to predators. To investigate the role of dead phytoplankton cues in chemical defense plasticity, A. minutum was exposed for 3 days to chemical cues from six different phytoplankton. Chemical cues from dead, unrelated, historically co‐occurring phytoplankton species induced toxin production in A. minutum coincident with a decrease in growth. In contrast, exposure to chemical cues from more closely related dead phytoplankton, either conspecific or congeneric, suppressed toxin production in A. minutum relative to their absence. This was coupled with a modest, yet significant, increase in growth. The consistent inverse relationship between toxin production and growth suggests that A. minutum experiences a trade‐off. Together, these results reveal that relatedness of dead phytoplankton is important in how A. minutum utilizes resources for growth and defense.
Chromosome 15q BP3 to BP5 deletion is a likely locus for speech delay and language impairment: Report on a four‐member family and an unrelated boy
Authors: Pavone Piero , Ruggieri Martino , Marino Simona D. , Corsello Giovanni , Pappalardo Xena , Polizzi Agata , Parano Enrico , Romano Catia , Marino Silvia , Praticò Andrea Domenico , Falsaperla Raffaele
Published: January 2020

Background

Deletions in chromosome 15q13 have been reported both in healthy people and individuals with a wide range of behavioral and neuropsychiatric disturbances. Six main breakpoint (BP) subregions (BP1‐BP6) are mapped to the 15q13 region and three further embedded BP regions (BP3‐BP5). The deletion at BP4‐BP5 is the rearrangement most frequently observed compared to other known deletions in BP3‐BP5 and BP3‐BP4 regions. Deletions of each of these three regions have previously been implicated in a variable range of clinical phenotypes, including minor dysmorphism, developmental delay/intellectual disability, epilepsy, autism spectrum disorders, behavioral disturbances, and speech disorders. Of note, no overt clinical difference among each group of BP region deletions has been recorded so far.

Methods

We report on a four‐member family plus an additional unrelated boy affected by a BP3‐BP5 deletion that presented with typical clinical signs including speech delay and language impairment. A review of the clinical features associated with the three main groups of BP regions (BP4‐BP5, BP3‐BP5, and BP3‐BP4) deletions is reported.

Results

Array‐CGH analysis revealed in the mother (case 1) and in her three children (cases 2, 3, and 4), as well as in the unrelated boy (case 5), the following rearrangement: arr (hg19) 15q13.1‐q13.3 (29.213.402–32.510.863) x1.

Conclusion

This report, along with other recent observations, suggests the hypothesis that the BP region comprised between BP3 and BP5 in chromosome 15q13 is involved in several brain human dysfunctions, including impairment of the language development and, its deletion, may be directly or indirectly responsible for the speech delay and language deficit in the affected individuals.