bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Defensive fruit metabolites obstruct seed dispersal by altering bat behavior and physiology at multiple temporal scales
Authors: Baldwin Justin W. , Dechmann Dina K. N. , Thies Wibke , Whitehead Susan R.
Published: November 2019

The paradoxical presence of toxic chemical compounds in ripe fruits represents a balance between plant enemies and allies: chemical traits can defend seeds against antagonistic herbivores, seed predators, or fungal pathogens, but also can impose costs by repelling mutualistic seed dispersers, although the costs are often difficult to quantify. Seeds gain fitness benefits from traveling far from the parent plant, as they can escape from parental competition and elude specialized herbivores as well as pathogens that accumulate on adult plants. However, seeds are difficult to follow from their parent plant to their final destination. Thus, little is known about the factors that determine seed dispersal distance. We investigated this potential cost of fruit secondary compounds, reduced seed dispersal distance, by combining two data sets from previous work on a Neotropical bat‐plant dispersal system (bats in the genus Carollia and plants in the genus Piper). We used data from captive behavioral experiments, which show how amides in ripe fruits of Piper decrease the retention time of seeds and alter food choices. With new analyses, we show that these defensive secondary compounds also delay the time of fruit removal. Next, with a behaviorally annotated bat telemetry data set, we quantified post‐feeding movements (i.e., seed dispersal distances). Using generalized additive mixed models we found that seed dispersal distances varied nonlinearly with gut retention times as well as with the time of fruit removal. By interrogating the model predictions, we identified two novel mechanisms by which fruit secondary compounds can impose costs in terms of decreased seed dispersal distances: (1) small‐scale reductions in gut retention time and (2) causing fruits to forgo advantageous bat activity peaks that confer high seed dispersal distances.
Recent Advances in Radical Addition to Alkenylboron Compounds
Authors: Lovinger Gabriel J. , Morken James P.
Published: November 2019

The addition of carbon‐centered radicals to alkenylboron compounds provides a useful method for the construction of organoboron reagents which are versatile reagents in chemical synthesis. While the first examples of this type or process appeared 70 years ago, until recently, attention to this type of reaction has been limited. A number of examples of this reactivity have been demonstrated recently, and strategies are emerging that allow for tuning the reagent structure in order to modulate reactivity. This review surveys recent advances in this class of reaction.
Computational evaluation of the effect of processing on the trypsin and alpha‐amylase inhibitor from Ragi (Eleusine coracana) seed
Authors: Fenwick Shannon , Vanga Sai Kranthi , DiNardo Andrea , Wang Jin , Raghavan Vijaya , Singh Ashutosh
Published: November 2019

Ragi, also known as Finger millet, has been promoted as a healthy alternative to major cereals such as rice and wheat. It is a well‐known source of various minerals, dietary fiber, and a primary source of carbohydrate in parts of Asia and Africa. Ragi is a drought resistant crop, hence, useful for adapting to the current climate change and depleting water resource conditions in various parts of the world. However, the Ragi is known to have poor digestibility, primarily due to the presence of antinutritional compounds like alpha‐amylase and trypsin inhibitor. We have studied temperature, static electric fields (SEFs) and oscillating electric fields (OEFs) to evaluate the secondary structure changes of alpha‐amylase and trypsin inhibitor molecule in Ragi. This was simulated at three temperatures: 300, 343, and 373 K with SEF and OEF at an intensity of 1 V/nm with a frequency of 2.45 GHz (for OEF). STRIDE analysis exhibits various changes in the secondary structure of the protein, especially the loop connecting the alpha helices together. Thermal processing alone has also affected the second alpha helix of the molecule. Overall, the SEFs of 1 V/nm are found to have resulted in the most secondary structure deviations in terms of root mean square deviation and radius of gyration.
Development characteristics and field detection of overburden fracture zone in multiseam mining: A case study
Authors: Tian Chenglin , Liu Yanbao , Yang Xuelin , Hu Qianting , Wang Bo , Yang Huiming
Published: November 2019

During the multiseam mining process, the overlying strata were damaged due to different mining disturbances, where a large number of fractures were produced which were the main seepage paths of gas and water, easy to cause gas or water inrush accidents. Thus, it is necessary to explore the development characteristics of the fractured zone in the overlying strata from multiseam mining. In this paper, laboratory triaxial compression tests were firstly conducted on the rock specimens subjected to different mining disturbances. In these tests, the specimen was loaded to different stress before a regular test to simulate the different damage effects on the rock strata caused by different mining disturbances. And the corresponding values of m and s could be obtained through a calculation based on the test results. Subsequently, the numerical simulation was conducted to simulate the field situation, in which the m and s values were used in the numerical model combined with the Hoek‐Brown–modified criterion, and the results show that the overburden failure height was increased with the mining disturbances from 48 to 120 m, and then, the effects of mining height and interval thickness on the development height of fracture zone were studied by numerical simulation. Finally, the leakage of roof drilling at different stages was tested and calculated in the field. The results showed that the loss of leakage drilling can directly reflect the development degree of roof cracks, and the detection results were close to the development height of the numerical simulation fracture zone. It is verified that the simulation method used in this paper is feasible and can be used as a reference for similar research.
Development and characterization of ternary mixture series of medium‐ and long‐chain saturated fatty acids for energy applications
Authors: Anand Abhishek , Shukla Amritanshu , Kumar Anil , Sharma Atul
Published: November 2019

The existing study concerned with the development and characterization of ternary eutectics prepared from medium‐chain fatty acids and long‐chain fatty acids. The acids used to prepare these blendings were commercial‐grade capric acid (CA), myristic acid (MA), stearic acid (SA), lauric acid (LA), and palmitic acid (PA). The different ternary groups using these acids were prepared, that is, CA‐LA‐MA, CA‐LA‐PA, CA‐LA‐SA, CA‐MA‐PA, CA‐MA‐SA, and CA‐PA‐SA having variable weight's compositions (90/5/5, 80/10/10, 70/15/15, 60/20/20, 50/25/25, 40/30/30, 30/35/35, 20/40/40, and 10/45/45). The various thermophysical properties such as melting temperature (MT) and latent heat of fusion (LHF) were measured calorimetrically using the differential scanning calorimeter. The MT obtained were in the range of 15°C‐50°C along with adequate LHF values, that is, 80‐200 kJ/kg, which are within the application range of different thermal systems. The various proportions of CA used in the blending have a decisive influence on determining the MT of the concerned ternary concoction. The data from the result authenticate that these developed materials can be useful for thermal regulation of buildings, photovoltaic, space, and solar water heating systems because of their enormous latent heat values and appropriate phase transition temperature.
Dietary Bioaccumulation and Biotransformation of Hydrophobic Organic Sunscreen Agents in Rainbow Trout
Authors: Saunders Leslie J. , Hoffman Alex D. , Nichols John W. , Gobas Frank A.P.C.
Published: November 2019

The present study investigated the dietary bioaccumulation and biotransformation of hydrophobic organic sunscreen agents, 2-ethylhexyl-4-methoxycinnamate (EHMC) and octocrylene (OCT), in rainbow trout using a modified Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development 305 dietary bioaccumulation test that incorporated nonbiotransformed reference chemicals. Trout were exposed to 3 dietary concentrations of each chemical to investigate the relationship between dietary exposure concentration and observed accumulation and depuration. Both EHMC and OCT were significantly biotransformed, resulting in mean in vivo whole-body biotransformation rate constants (kMET) of 0.54 ± 0.06 and 0.09 ± 0.01 d–1, respectively. The kMET values generated for both chemicals did not differ between dietary exposure concentrations, indicating that chemical concentrations in the fish were not high enough to saturate biotransformation enzymes. Both somatic and luminal biotransformation substantially reduce EHMC and OCT bioaccumulation potential in trout. Biomagnification factors (BMFs) and bioconcentration factors (BCFs) of EHMC averaged 0.0035 kg lipid kg lipid–1 and 396 L kg–1, respectively, whereas those of OCT averaged 0.0084 kg lipid kg lipid–1 and 1267 L kg–1. These values are 1 to 2 orders of magnitude lower than the BMFs and BCFs generated for reference chemicals of similar log KOW. In addition, for both chemicals, derived BMFs and BCFs fell below established bioaccumulation criteria (1.0 kg lipid kg lipid–1 and 2000 L kg–1, respectively), suggesting that EHMC ad OCT are unlikely to bioaccumulate to a high degree in aquatic biota. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:574–586. © 2019 SETAC

Abstract

Natural logarithm transformed concentrations of EHMC and octocrylene (OCT) in rainbow trout soma throughout the dietary bioaccumulation experiment. EHMC and OCT were significantly biotransformed, resulting in biotransformation rate constants (kMET) of 0.54 and 0.09 d-1, respectively. Biomagnification factors (BMF) and bioconcentration factors (BCF) of EHMC averaged 0.0035 kg lipid kg lipid-1 and 396 L kg-1, respectively, and those of OCT averaged 0.0084 kg lipid kg lipid-1 and 1267 L kg-1.
HIT4Mal: Hybrid image transformation for malware classification
Authors: Vu Duc‐Ly , Nguyen Trong‐Kha , Nguyen Tam V. , Nguyen Tu N. , Massacci Fabio , Phung Phu H.
Published: November 2019

Modern malware evolves various detection avoidance techniques to bypass the state‐of‐the‐art detection methods. An emerging trend to deal with this issue is the combination of image transformation and machine learning models to classify and detect malware. However, existing works in this field only perform simple image transformation methods. These simple transformations have not considered color encoding and pixel rendering techniques on the performance of machine learning classifiers. In this article, we propose a novel approach to encoding and arranging bytes from binary files into images. These developed images contain statistical (eg, entropy) and syntactic artifacts (eg, strings), and their pixels are filled up using space‐filling curves. Thanks to these features, our encoding method surpasses existing methods demonstrated by extensive experiments. In particular, our proposed method achieved 93.01% accuracy using the combination of the entropy encoding and character class scheme on the Hilbert curve.
An analysis of overlapping Schwarz method for a weakly coupled system of singularly perturbed convection‐diffusion equations
Authors: Christy Roja J. , Tamilselvan A. , Geetha N.
Published: November 2019

In this article, we have developed an overlapping Schwarz method for a weakly coupled system of convection‐diffusion equations. The method splits the original domain into two overlapping subdomains. A hybrid difference scheme is proposed in which on the boundary layer region, we use the central finite difference scheme on a uniform mesh, whereas on the nonlayer region, we use the mid‐point difference scheme on a uniform mesh. It is shown that the numerical approximations converge in the maximum norm to the exact solution. We have proved that, when appropriate subdomains are used, the method produces almost second‐order convergence. Furthermore, it is shown that two iterations are sufficient to achieve the expected accuracy. Numerical examples are presented to support the theoretical results. The main advantage of this method used with the proposed scheme is that it reduces iteration counts very much and easily identifies in which iteration the Schwarz iterate terminates.
Dorsal‐movement and ventral‐form regions are functionally connected during visual‐speech recognition
Authors: Borowiak Kamila , Maguinness Corrina , von Kriegstein Katharina
Published: November 2019

Faces convey social information such as emotion and speech. Facial emotion processing is supported via interactions between dorsal‐movement and ventral‐form visual cortex regions. Here, we explored, for the first time, whether similar dorsal–ventral interactions (assessed via functional connectivity), might also exist for visual‐speech processing. We then examined whether altered dorsal–ventral connectivity is observed in adults with high‐functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a disorder associated with impaired visual‐speech recognition. We acquired functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data with concurrent eye tracking in pairwise matched control and ASD participants. In both groups, dorsal‐movement regions in the visual motion area 5 (V5/MT) and the temporal visual speech area (TVSA) were functionally connected to ventral‐form regions (i.e., the occipital face area [OFA] and the fusiform face area [FFA]) during the recognition of visual speech, in contrast to the recognition of face identity. Notably, parts of this functional connectivity were decreased in the ASD group compared to the controls (i.e., right V5/MT—right OFA, left TVSA—left FFA). The results confirmed our hypothesis that functional connectivity between dorsal‐movement and ventral‐form regions exists during visual‐speech processing. Its partial dysfunction in ASD might contribute to difficulties in the recognition of dynamic face information relevant for successful face‐to‐face communication.
Association between immunohistochemical expression of matrix metalloproteinases and metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Miguel Andressa F. P. , Mello Fernanda W. , Melo Gilberto , Rivero Elena R. C.
Published: November 2019

Background

The aim of this systematic review (SR) was to summarize and critically appraise available evidence on the association of the immunohistochemical expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) with the occurrence of lymph node/distant metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Methods

Searches were conducted in five main electronic and three gray literature databases.

Results

From 2128 records identified, 50 were included for qualitative analysis. A total of 12 MMPs were identified (‐1, ‐2, ‐3, ‐7, ‐8, ‐9, ‐10, ‐11, ‐13, ‐25, ‐26, and MT1‐MMP). Most included studies reported a positive association of MMP‐1, ‐2, ‐3, ‐7, ‐9, and MT1‐MMP with lymph node metastasis. MMP‐8, ‐25, and ‐26 were not associated with lymph node metastasis.

Conclusions

According to this SR, MMP‐1, ‐2, ‐3, ‐7, ‐9, and MT1‐MMP seem to play an important role in lymph node metastasis of OSCC.
Prognostic capacity of Systemic Inflammation Response Index (SIRI) in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Valero Cristina , Pardo Laura , Sansa Aina , Garcia Lorenzo Jacinto , López Montserrat , Quer Miquel , León Xavier
Published: November 2019

Background

Inflammation and immune evasion are associated with carcinogenesis. Systemic Inflammation Response Index (SIRI) has been proposed as a pretreatment peripheral blood biomarker. The aim of this study is to analyze its prognostic capacity in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC).

Methods

We performed a retrospective study in 824 patients with HNSCC. SIRI was calculated by neutrophils*monocytes/lymphocytes. Using a recursive‐partitioning analysis considering disease‐specific survival (DSS) as dependent variable, three categories were defined according to SIRI value.

Results

Males, patients with history of toxic consumption, oropharyngeal or hypopharyngeal tumors, and advanced tumors had a significantly higher SIRI value. As SIRI increased, a significant decrease in DSS was observed. In a multivariable analysis, SIRI was an independent predictor of DSS. Moreover, SIRI was a significant predictor of local, regional, and distant recurrence‐free survival.

Conclusions

SIRI has independent prognostic capacity in HNSCC. Patients with higher SIRI have a significant decrease in DSS.
Secondary school implementation of a healthy eating policy
Authors: Reilly Kathryn , Yoong Sze Lin , Sutherland Rachel , Wiggers John H. , Delaney Tessa , Reynolds Renee C. , Wrigley Jessica , Wolfenden Luke
Published: November 2019

Issue addressed

Healthy canteen policies regulating the sales of food and beverages are available across all the states and territories in Australia. The aim of this study was to assess the compliance with a newly updated healthy school canteen policy in New South Wales (NSW) among a sample of secondary schools.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of secondary school canteen menus was undertaken in selected regions across NSW (September 2017‐November 2017). Government and Catholic secondary schools with a canteen menu publicly available on school websites were eligible for inclusion. Menus were classified according to the NSW Healthy School Canteen Strategy using a Quick Menu Audit tool, previously validated in primary schools.

Results

Of 62 Catholic and 128 Government secondary schools located in the study region, 53 secondary schools (25 Catholic and 28 Government) were eligible to participate. The average percentage of “everyday” (healthy) items on secondary school menus was 54% (strategy criteria is >75%). Twenty‐eight per cent of menus had no “sugary drinks” (should not be sold). None of the 53 menus assessed met all strategy criteria regarding the availability of foods and beverages. There was no statistically significant difference in meeting; (a) 75% minimum “everyday” items and (b) no “sugary drinks,” by socio‐economic region, remoteness, school enrolments or school type.

Conclusions

If public health benefits of healthy eating policies are to be realised, secondary schools need to be supported to implement such policies.

So what?

Future research assessing the impact of intervention strategies to support policy implementation in secondary schools is recommended.
Temporal and spatial variation of infiltration in urban green infrastructure
Authors: Ebrahimian Ali , Sample‐Lord Kristin , Wadzuk Bridget , Traver Robert
Published: November 2019

Infiltration is the primary mechanism in green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) systems to reduce the runoff volume from urbanized areas. Soil hydraulic conductivity is most important in influencing GSI infiltration rates. Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) is a critical parameter for GSI design and post‐construction performance. However, Ksat measurement in the field is problematic due to temporal and spatial variability and measurement errors. This review paper focuses on a comparison of methods for in‐situ Ksat measurement and the causes of temporal and spatial variations of Ksat within GSI systems. Automated infiltration testing methods, such as the Modified Philip–Dunne (MPD) and SATURO infiltrometers, show promise for efficient Ksat measurements. Soil Ksat values can change over time and substantially vary throughout a GSI, which can be attributed to multiple factors, including but not limited to temperature changes, soil composition and properties, soil compaction level, plant root morphology and distribution, biological and macrofauna activities in the soil, inflow sediment characteristics, quality of infiltrating water, and measurement errors. There is evidence that infiltration rates in vegetated urban GSI systems are sustained given an appropriate GSI design, reasonable concentration of suspended sediments in the inflow runoff, and routine maintenance procedures. These observations indicate that clogging can be counteracted by processes that tend to increase the soil hydraulic conductivity (e.g., plant root and biological activities). This self‐sustainability underlines that infiltration‐based GSI systems are a reliable long‐term stormwater management solution. Recommendations on how to incorporate the temporal changes of Ksat in GSI design and on obtaining a spatially‐representative Ksat for the GSI design are presented.
Metronomic cyclophosphamide induces regulatory T cells depletion and PSA‐specific T cells reactivation in patients with biochemical recurrent prostate cancer
Authors: Laheurte Caroline , Thiery‐Vuillemin Antoine , Calcagno Fabien , Legros Anna , Simonin Harmonie , Boullerot Laura , Jacquin Marion , Nguyen Thierry , Mouillet Guillaume , Borg Christophe , Adotévi Olivier
Published: November 2019

Biochemical recurrence (BCR) occurs in up to 40% of prostate cancer patients after prostatectomy. In our study, we performed an immune monitoring study in 20 prostate cancer patients with BCR previously treated with metronomic cyclophosphamide (mCTX). We observed a decrease of regulatory T cells (Tregs) from 2 months and this was more pronounced after 6 months of mCTX treatment. This drop of Tregs was associated with increased level of activated HLADR+ CD45R0+ T cells in peripheral blood. Furthermore, a reactivation of Th1 polarized anti‐PSA T‐cell response was detected in BCR patients treated with mCTX. However, dendritic cell subsets counts and activation were not influenced by the treatment. In the clinical setting, we found that PSA level control was observed in 82% (9/11) of patients with a significant diminution of Tregs after mCTX compared to 33% (3/9) in patients without Tregs decrease. In addition, 30% (6/20) of patients previously treated with mCTX remained free for androgen deprivation therapy. In conclusion, Tregs diminution and immune activation associated with PSA level control occurred after mCTX in prostate cancer patients with BCR.
Novel targets to cure primary myelofibrosis from studies on Gata1low mice
Authors: Zingariello Maria , Martelli Fabrizio , Verachi Paola , Bardelli Claudio , Gobbo Francesca , Mazzarini Maria , Migliaccio Anna Rita
Published: November 2019

In 2002, we discovered that mice carrying the hypomorphic Gata1low mutation that reduces expression of the transcription factor GATA1 in megakaryocytes (Gata1low mice) develop myelofibrosis, a phenotype that recapitulates the features of primary myelofibrosis (PMF), the most severe of the Philadelphia‐negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). At that time, this discovery had a great impact on the field because mutations driving the development of PMF had yet to be discovered. Later studies identified that PMF, as the others MPNs, is associated with mutations activating the thrombopoietin/JAK2 axis raising great hope that JAK inhibitors may be effective to treat the disease. Unfortunately, ruxolitinib, the JAK1/2 inhibitor approved by FDA and EMEA for PMF, ameliorates symptoms but does not improve the natural course of the disease, and the cure of PMF is still an unmet clinical need. Although GATA1 is not mutated in PMF, reduced GATA1 content in megakaryocytes as a consequence of ribosomal deficiency is a hallmark of myelofibrosis (both in humans and mouse models) and, in fact, a driving event in the disease. Conversely, mice carrying the hypomorphic Gata1low mutation express an activated TPO/JAK2 pathway and partially respond to JAK inhibitors in a fashion similar to PMF patients (reduction of spleen size but limited improvement of the natural history of the disease). These observations cross‐validated Gata1low mice as a bona fide animal model for PMF and prompted the use of this model to identify abnormalities that might be targeted to cure the disease. We will summarize here data generated in Gata1low mice indicating that the TGF‐β/P‐selectin axis is abnormal in PMF and represents a novel target for its treatment.
Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Approach Can Successfully Predict Pharmacokinetics of Citalopram in Different Patient Populations
Authors: Wu Xuemei , Zhang Hongfei , Miah Mohammad Kowser , Caritis Steve N. , Venkataramanan Raman
Published: November 2019

A physiologically based pharmacokinetic model (PBPK) was built for citalopram using Simcyp‐based absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion simulator. Various physicochemical properties of citalopram were obtained from the published literature. The in vitro‐in vivo extrapolation method was used to predict clearance in humans from recombinant enzyme data. Tissue distribution was predicted using parameter estimation function to fit the developed model to the observed concentration‐versus‐time data using nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling approach. The model was verified by comparing the PBPK‐based predictions with the observed pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles of citalopram in 26 clinical studies across a dose range of 10 to 60 mg. The predicted PK parameters of citalopram after intravenous dosing were within the −10% to 22% of the corresponding PK parameters obtained from the studies with quantified data sets. Most of the predicted PK parameters of citalopram after single‐dose oral administration were within the 70%‐130% range of the corresponding PK parameters obtained from observed data from 8 studies. After multidose oral administration, percentage error of Cmax and AUC was between −21% and 25% and −31% and 21%, respectively. Most of the observed data were within the 5th and 95th percentile interval of the variability around the predicted plasma concentrations. With the established model, the PK profiles in geriatric populations, populations with cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19 and/or 2D6 extensive metabolizers or poor metabolizers were predicted, and the predictions were in good agreement with the observed data. The model developed is robust to represent the absorption and disposition of citalopram and can predict the impact of patient covariates, such as age and genetic polymorphism of CYP2C19 and CYP2D6, on exposure of citalopram.
Artificial intelligence in genetic services delivery: Utopia or apocalypse?
Authors: Kearney Elizabeth , Wojcik Antonina , Babu Deepti
Published: November 2019

Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have a long history, with increasing presence and potential in society and medicine. Much of the medical literature is highly optimistic about AI and machine learning, but fears also exist that healthcare professionals will be replaced by machines. AI remains mysterious for many practitioners, so this paper aims to unwind both hype and fear related to the technology for genetics professionals. After an historical introduction to AI in understandable and practical terms, we review its limitations. Building upon this foundation, we discuss current AI applications in medicine, including genomics and genetic counseling, offering grounded ideas about the impact and role of AI in genetic counseling and delivery of genetic services. Since AI is already being used in genomics today, now is the time to fundamentally understand what it is, how it is being used, what its limitations are, and how it will continue to be integrated into genetics as we look ahead.
TRAF family molecules in T cells: Multiple receptors and functions
Authors: Arkee Tina , Bishop Gail A.
Published: November 2019

The TNFR superfamily of receptors, the major focus of the recent TNFR Superfamily Conference held in June 2019, employ the TNFR-associated factor (TRAF) family of adaptor proteins in key aspects of their signaling pathways. Although many early studies investigated TRAF functions via exogenous overexpression in nonhematopoietic cell lines, it has subsequently become clear that whereas TRAFs share some overlap in function, each also plays unique biologic roles, that can be highly context dependent. This brief review summarizes the current state of knowledge of functions of each of the TRAF molecules that mediate important functions in T lymphocytes: TRAFs 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6. Due to our current appreciation of the contextual nature of TRAF function, our focus is upon findings made specifically in T lymphocytes. Key T cell functions for each TRAF are detailed, as well as future knowledge gaps of interest and importance.
Distinguishing human peripheral blood CD16+ myeloid cells based on phenotypic characteristics
Authors: Fromm Phillip D. , Silveira Pablo A. , Hsu Jennifer L. , Papadimitrious Michael S. , Lo Tsun-Ho , Ju Xinsheng , Kupresanin Fiona , Romano Adelina , Hsu Wei-Hsun , Bryant Christian E. , Kong Benjamin , Abadir Edward , Mekkawy Ahmed , M. McGuire Helen , Groth Barbara Fazekas de St. , Cunningham Ilona , Newman Elizabeth , Gibson John , Hogarth P. Mark , Hart Derek N. J. , Clark Georgina J.
Published: November 2019

Myeloid lineage cells present in human peripheral blood include dendritic cells (DC) and monocytes. The DC are identified phenotypically as HLA-DR+ cells that lack major cell surface lineage markers for T cells (CD3), B cells (CD19, CD20), NK cells (CD56), red blood cells (CD235a), hematopoietic stem cells (CD34), and Mo that express CD14. Both DC and Mo can be phenotypically divided into subsets. DC are divided into plasmacytoid DC, which are CD11c−, CD304+, CD85g+, and myeloid DC that are CD11c+. The CD11c+ DC are readily classified as CD1c+DC and CD141+ DC. Monocytes are broadly divided into the CD14+CD16− (classical) and CD14dimCD16+ subsets (nonclassical). A population of myeloid-derived cells that have DC characteristics, that is, HLA-DR+ and lacking lineage markers including CD14, but express CD16 are generally clustered with CD14dimCD16+ monocytes. We used high-dimensional clustering analyses of fluorescence and mass cytometry data, to delineate CD14+ monocytes, CD14dimCD16+ monocytes (CD16+Mo), and CD14− CD16+DC (CD16+DC). We sought to identify the functional and kinetic relationship of CD16+DC to CD16+Mo. We demonstrate that differentiation of CD16+DC and CD16+Mo during activation with IFNγ in vitro and as a result of an allo-hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) in vivo resulted in distinct populations. Recovery of blood CD16+DC in both auto- and allo-(HCT) patients after myeloablative conditioning showed similar reconstitution and activation kinetics to CD16+Mo. Finally, we show that expression of the cell surface markers CD300c, CCR5, and CLEC5a can distinguish the cell populations phenotypically paving the way for functional differentiation as new reagents become available.
Electric field distribution study in inhomogeneous biological tissues
Authors: Sieni Elisabetta , Sgarbossa Paolo , Mognaschi Maria Evelina , Forzan Michele , Parupudi Tejasvi , Mittal Lakshya , Camarillo Ignacio G. , Sundararajan Raji
Published: November 2019

Most solid tumors are inhomogeneous, because of the different types of cells present, different tissues and fat, etc, along with irregular vascularization, pH variation, and heterogeneous oxygen concentration. It is of interest to study the electric field distribution when electrochemotherapy is administered. The variations in the physical and hence the electrical properties, such as the resistance (or conductance), will vary, and parts of the tumor might not get the same electric field and hence will not have the required or the desired efficacy. In this study, the effect of tissue inhomogeneity is explored using potato and apple tissue samples. For this purpose, agar gel and other tissue mimic materials are used to create the inhomogeneity and pulsed to study the effect of electrical pulses. In addition, the electric field distribution is studied using a numerical model to evaluate the effect of tissue inhomogeneity in terms of electric field distribution when electroporation is applied to permeabilize cells, for enhanced drug uptake. The electric field is evaluated by means of finite element analysis and is compared with the distribution found in a phantom model. Good correlation is obtained between the experimental and simulation results. This research has the potential to study the real tumor inhomogeneity conditions.
Managing uncertain tasks in technology‐intensive project environments: A multi‐method study of task closure and capacity management decisions
Authors: Narayanan Sriram , Balasubramanian Sridhar , Swaminathan Jayashankar M. , Zhang Ying
Published: November 2019

Engineers working on tasks in technology‐intensive project environments face substantial task resolution uncertainty. This can result in poor capacity utilization as they expend effort on tasks that are not successfully resolved. A deeper understanding of task‐related uncertainty can help the firm optimize effort allocation across tasks by implementing well‐designed task closure policies that facilitate superior capacity utilization and capacity planning. In this article, we characterize the empirical distribution of task uncertainty and demonstrate how the resolution process affects task outcomes in project environments. Using a combination of empirical estimation, and analytical and simulation modeling, we develop insights into task‐related decision‐making and engineer effort allocation. Using real‐world task resolution data from a software maintenance setting, we first model and estimate a beta‐geometric survival distribution which indicates that the likelihood of successful task resolution substantially reduces with the time a task remains in the system. Using analytical and simulation modeling, we then examine the implications of imposing task closure policies to improve engineer effort allocation and increase system productivity. We demonstrate that adopting well‐designed task closure policies can significantly improve engineer resource utilization in capacity‐constrained settings without a substantial negative impact on project outcomes. We discuss the implications of our research for theory and practice.
Inflammatory, Structural, and Pain Biochemical Biomarkers May Reflect Radiographic Disc Space Narrowing: The Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project
Authors: Goode Adam P. , Schwartz Todd A. , Kraus Virginia B. , Huebner Janet L. , George Steven Z. , Cleveland Rebecca J. , Gracely Richard , Jimenez Maria , DeFrate Louis E. , Chen Jun , Golightly Yvonne M. , Jordan Joanne M.
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this work is to determine the relationship between biomarkers of inflammation, structure, and pain with radiographic disc space narrowing (DSN) in community‐based participants. A total of 74 participants (37 cases and 37 controls) enrolled in the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project during 2006–2010 were selected. The cases had at least mild radiographic DSN and low back pain (LBP). The controls had neither radiographic evidence of DSN nor LBP. The measured analytes from human serum included N‐cadherin, Keratin‐19, Lumican, CXCL6, RANTES, IL‐17, IL‐6, BDNF, OPG, and NPY. A standard dolorimeter measured pressure‐pain threshold. The coefficients of variation were used to evaluate inter‐ and intra‐assay reliability. Participants with similar biomarker profiles were grouped together using cluster analysis. The binomial regression models were used to estimate risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) in propensity score‐matched models. Significant associations were found between radiographic DSN and OPG (RR = 3.90; 95% CI: 1.83, 8.31), IL‐6 (RR = 2.54; 95% CI: 1.92, 3.36), and NPY (RR = 2.06 95% CI: 1.62, 2.63). Relative to a cluster with low levels of biomarkers, a cluster representing elevated levels of OPG, RANTES, Lumican, Keratin‐19, and NPY (RR = 3.04; 95% CI: 1.22, 7.54) and a cluster representing elevated levels of NPY (RR = 2.91; 95% CI: 1.15, 7.39) were significantly associated with radiographic DSN. Clinical Significance: These findings suggest that individual and combinations of biochemical biomarkers may reflect radiographic DSN. This is just one step toward understanding the relationships between biochemical biomarkers and DSN that may lead to improved intervention delivery. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:1027‐1037, 2020
Association between sleep and severe periodontitis in a nationally representative adult US population
Authors: Alqaderi Hend , Goodson J. Max , Agaku Israel
Published: November 2019

Background

Poor sleep behavior appears to have adverse effects on health by metabolic disruption and immunity suppression. Sleep disturbance is strongly associated with diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and some cancers. This study aimed to evaluate the association between sleep duration and periodontal disease in a national US population study in a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Methods

The data were collected from individuals aged ≥30 years and included 3,624 participants in the United States NHANES 2013 to 2014. A weighted multivariable logistic regression modeling quantified the association between sleep and severe periodontal disease. We tested for diabetes as an effect modifier, adjusting for potential confounders such as smoking status, sex, age, education level, and dental visit.

Results

Individuals who sleep >7 hours/night with no trouble sleeping are 40% less likely to have severe periodontal disease (odds ratio [OR] = 0.6, P < 0.05), adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, FPL, education level, and dental visit. Additionally, diabetes was a significant positive effect modifier of the relationship between sleep and severe periodontal disease (OR = 4.8, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Findings of this cross‐sectional representative study of an adult US population revealed a statistically significant association between sleep duration and severe periodontitis. In this study, individuals who slept >7 hours/night were less likely to exhibit severe periodontal disease. It also seems that this relationship was stronger among individuals with diabetes compared with individuals without diabetes.
Identification of Lower Pleistocene widespread tephras associated with large caldera‐forming eruptions in the Tohoku area, north‐east Japan
Authors: Suzuki Takehiko , Maruyama Seiji , Danhara Tohru , Hirata Takafumi , Machida Hiroshi , Arai Fusao
Published: November 2019

Tephra fingerprinting techniques contributing to volcanology and palaeoenvironmental studies have been developed using a combination of laser‐ablation inductively coupled‐plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) and scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS). In particular, femtosecond LA‐ICP‐MS can determine major‐ and trace element abundances in individual glass shards. On the basis of the major oxide and trace element composition of the glass shards, using those methods, we re‐examined the identification of four lower Pleistocene tephras originating from north‐east Japan. All trace element abundances exhibited the typical pattern of tephras from the Hokkaido–Tohoku area, and major element concentrations were distinct. As a result, we re‐examined the correlation of the widespread Tmg‐R4 tephra (2.0 Ma), and newly defined the widespread Kd44‐Naka tephra (1.968–1.781 Ma), both originating from the Sengan geothermal region. Furthermore, we re‐examined identifications of Sr‐Asn‐Kd8 (1.219 Ma) and Sr‐Kc‐U8 (0.922–0.910 Ma) in central Japan, both derived from the Aizu volcanic region. The extensive distributions of the former two tephras suggest the occurrence of two large caldera‐forming eruptions (Volcanic Explosivity Index 7) during a short period. Also, the distributions and volumes of the latter two tephras are broader and larger than those previously assumed. The results provide insight into large volcanic eruption history and terrestrial and marine palaeoenvironmental history.
Model for assessing organic light‐emitting diode display lifetime across applications
Authors: Miller Michael E. , Gerhardt Jérémie , Yoo Hyunjin , Akhavan Tara
Published: November 2019

A model for assessing organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) display lifetime is developed and discussed for estimating OLED display lifetime in various applications. The lifetime model extends existing stretched exponential models of luminance decay for OLED devices to permit this decay to be estimated as a function of time and current density. This extended model is illustrated within an application to assess the power consumption and luminance decay of diodes within an OLED display. Various metrics of display lifetime are discussed with the aim of developing methods to assess the perceived lifetime of an OLED display to global and local luminance decay mechanisms. Finally, these metrics are applied to illustrate the performance of the model for assessing the impact of an image processing algorithm on OLED display lifetime.
Gas chromatography vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy: A review
Authors: Lelevic Aleksandra , Souchon Vincent , Moreaud Maxime , Lorentz Chantal , Geantet Christophe
Published: November 2019

Accelerated technological progress and increased complexity of interrogated matrices imposes a demand for fast, powerful, and resolutive analysis techniques. Gas chromatography has been for a long time a ‘go‐to’ technique for the analysis of mixtures of volatile and semi‐volatile compounds. Coupling of the several dimensions of gas chromatography separation has allowed to access a realm of improved separations in the terms of increased separation power and detection sensitivity. Especially comprehensive separations offer an insight into detailed sample composition for complex samples. Combining these advanced separation techniques with an informative detection system such as vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy is therefore of great interest. Almost all molecules absorb the vacuum ultraviolet radiation and have distinct spectral features with compound classes exhibiting spectral signature similarities. Spectral information can be ‘filtered’ to extract the response in the most informative spectral ranges. Developed algorithms allow spectral mixture estimation of coeluting species. Vacuum ultraviolet detector follows Beer–Lambert law, with the possibility of calibrationless quantitation. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the features and specificities of gas chromatography–vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy coupling which has gained interest since the recent introduction of a commercial vacuum ultraviolet detector. Potentials and limitations, relevant theoretical considerations, recent advances and applications are explored.
A low‐cost underwater particle tracking velocimetry system for measuring in situ particle flux and sedimentation rate in low‐turbulence environments
Authors: Simoncelli Stefano , Kirillin Georgiy , Tolomeev Aleksandr P. , Grossart Hans‐Peter
Published: November 2019

We describe a low‐cost three‐dimensional underwater particle tracking velocimetry system to directly measure particle settling rate and flux in low‐turbulence aquatic environments. The system consists of two waterproof cameras that acquire stereoscopic videos of sinking particles at 48 frames s−1 over a tunable sampling volume of about 45 × 25 × 24 cm. A dedicated software package has been developed to allow evaluation of particle velocities, concentration and flux, but also of morphometric parameters such as particle area, sinking angle, shape irregularity, and density. Our method offers several advantages over traditional approaches, like sediment trap or expensive in situ camera systems: (1) it does not require beforehand particle collection and handling; (2) it is not subjected to sediment trap biases from turbulence, horizontal advection, or presence of swimmers, that may alter particulate load and flux; (3) the camera system enables faster data processing and flux computation at higher spatial resolution; (4) apart from the particle settling rates, the particle size distribution, and morphology is determined. We tested the camera system in Lake Stechlin (Germany) in low turbulence and mean flow, and analyzed the morphological properties and settling rates of particles to determine their sinking behavior. The particle flux assessed from conventional sediment trap measurements agreed well with that determined by our system. By this, the low‐cost approach demonstrated its reliability in low turbulence environments and a strong potential to provide new insights into particulate carbon transport in aquatic systems. Extension of the method to more turbulent and advective conditions is also discussed.
Fast Ring‐Opening Polymerization of 1,2‐Disubstituted Epoxides Initiated by a CoIII‐Salen Complex
Authors: Liu Ye , Yu Hui Ying , Lu Xiao Bing
Published: November 2019

Polyethers are an important class of polymers that find numerous applications. Ring‐opening polymerization of various 1,2‐disubstituted epoxides initiating a commercial, and well‐defined CoIII‐Salen complex is investigated in this paper. Remarkable reactivity (0.01% CoIII loadings, TOF up to 19200 h−1) is discovered in this transformation. High molecular weight polymers (up to 80 kg mol−1) are produced. In particular, polyether from ring‐opening polymerization of 1,4‐dihydronaphthalene oxide exhibits a glass transition temperatures (Tg) of up to 108 °C. By investigating the relationship between polymerization reactivity and counter ion in the CoIII complex, as well as the properties of the resultant polyethers, a cationic mechanism through an oxonium species is proposed.
Systematic Screening of Different Polyglycerin‐Based Dienophile Macromonomers for Efficient Nanogel Formation through IEDDA Inverse Nanoprecipitation
Authors: Oehrl Alexander , Schötz Sebastian , Haag Rainer
Published: November 2019

Alternatives for strain‐promoted azide–alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC) chemistries are needed because of the employment of expensive and not easily scalable precursors such as bicyclo[6.1.0]non‐4‐yne (BCN). Inverse electron demand Diels Alder (iEDDA)‐based click chemistries, using dienophiles and tetrazines, offer a more bioorthogonal and faster toolbox, especially in the biomedical field. Here, the straightforward synthesis of dendritic polyglycerin dienophiles (dPG‐dienophiles) and dPG‐methyl‐tetrazine (dPG‐metTet) as macromonomers for a fast, stable, and scalable nanogel formation by inverse nanoprecipitation is reported. Nanogel size–influencing parameters are screened such as macromonomer concentration and water‐to‐acetone ratio are screened. dPG‐norbonene and dPG‐cyclopropene show fast and stable nanogel formation in the size range of 40–200 nm and are thus used for the coprecipitation of the model protein myoglobin. High encapsulation efficiencies of more than 70% at a 5 wt% feed ratio are obtained in both cases, showing the suitability of the mild gelation chemistry for the encapsulation of small proteins.