bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-Study Factor Analysis
Authors: De Vito Roberta , Bellio Ruggero , Trippa Lorenzo , Parmigiani Giovanni
Published: October 2018

We introduce a novel class of factor analysis methodologies for the joint analysis of multiple studies. The goal is to separately identify and estimate (1) common factors shared across multiple studies, and (2) study-specific factors. We develop an Expectation Conditional-Maximization algorithm for parameter estimates and we provide a procedure for choosing the numbers of common and specific factors. We present simulations for evaluating the performance of the method and we illustrate it by applying it to gene expression data in ovarian cancer. In both, we clarify the benefits of a joint analysis compared to the standard factor analysis. We have provided a tool to accelerate the pace at which we can combine unsupervised analysis across multiple studies, and understand the cross-study reproducibility of signal in multivariate data. An R package (MSFA), is implemented and is available on GitHub.
OSCP subunit of mitochondrial ATP synthase: role in regulation of enzyme function and of its transition to a pore
Authors: Giorgio Valentina , Fogolari Federico , Lippe Giovanna , Bernardi Paolo
Published: October 2018

The permeability transition pore (PTP) is a latent, high‐conductance channel of the inner mitochondrial membrane. When activated, it plays a key role in cell death and therefore in several diseases. The investigation of the PTP took an unexpected turn after the discovery that cyclophilin D (the target of the PTP inhibitory effect of cyclosporin A) binds to FOF1 (F)‐ATP synthase, thus inhibiting its catalytic activity by about 30%. This observation was followed by the demonstration that binding occurs at a particular subunit of the enzyme, the oligomycin sensitivity conferral protein (OSCP), and that F‐ATP synthase can form Ca2+‐activated, high‐conductance channels with features matching those of the PTP, suggesting that the latter originates from a conformational change in F‐ATP synthase. This review is specifically focused on the OSCP subunit of F‐ATP synthase, whose unique features make it a potential pharmacological target both for modulation of F‐ATP synthase and its transition to a pore.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Mitochondrial Pharmacology: Featured Mechanisms and Approaches for Therapy Translation. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.22/issuetoc
A group of long noncoding RNAs identified by data mining can predict the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liao Meijian , Liu Qing , Li Bing , Liao Weijie , Xie Weidong , Zhang Yaou
Published: October 2018

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) are reported to be potential cancer biomarkers. This study aims to find new lncRNA biomarker relevant to lung adenocarcinoma. Gene expression profile and clinical data of lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma patients were downloaded from the UCSC Xena database. These data were analyzed to identify potential lncRNA prognostic biomarkers, and the candidate lncRNAs were analyzed and verified with association analysis, meta‐analysis, survival analysis, gene ontology analysis, gene set enrichment analysis, and other statistical methods. A group of 5 lncRNAs was identified from the 1965 differentially expressed (fold‐change >2) genes. Four of these 5 lncRNAs were expressed at a lower level in lung adenocarcinoma tissues and the other one at a higher level (P < .0001). A risk score model was constructed using a linear combination of the expression levels of these lncRNAs. High‐risk patients showed poorer overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.67‐3.06, P < .0001), disease‐free survival (HR = 1.84; 95% CI, 1.26‐2.35, P = .0007), and recurrence‐free survival (HR = 1.51; 95% CI, 1.02‐2.40, P = .04). The 5‐fold cross‐validation and subsequent meta‐analysis further verified that patients in the low‐risk group had better survival (95% CI, 0.74‐1.79, Z = 4.72, P < .00001). Furthermore, both univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that the prognostic value of these 5 lncRNAs was independent of other clinical prognostic factors. Further analysis indicated that these 5 lncRNAs might be associated with tumor metastasis. Taken together, our study suggests new prognostic lncRNA biomarkers for lung adenocarcinoma.
Possible role of p53/Mieap‐regulated mitochondrial quality control as a tumor suppressor in human breast cancer
Authors: Gaowa Siqin , Futamura Manabu , Tsuneki Masayuki , Kamino Hiroki , Tajima Jesse Y. , Mori Ryutaro , Arakawa Hirofumi , Yoshida Kazuhiro
Published: October 2018

Mitochondria‐eating protein (Mieap), encoded by a p53‐target gene, plays an important role in mitochondrial quality control (MQC). Mieap has been reported to have a critical role in tumor suppression in colorectal cancer. Here, we investigated its role as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer. The enforced expression of exogenous Mieap in breast cancer cells induced caspase‐dependent apoptosis, with activation of both caspase‐3/7 and caspase‐9. Immunohistochemistry revealed endogenous Mieap in the cytoplasm in 24/75 (32%) invasive ductal carcinomas (IDC), 15/27 (55.6%) cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and 16/18 (88.9%) fibroadenomas (FA) (IDC vs DCIS; P = 0.0389, DCIS vs FA; P = 0.0234, IDC vs FA; P < 0.0001). In IDC, the Mieap promoter was methylated in 6/46 (13%) cases, whereas p53 was mutated in 6/46 (13%) cases. Therefore, the p53/Mieap‐regulated MQC pathway was inactivated in 12/46 IDC (26.1%). Interestingly, all tumors derived from the 12 patients with Mieap promoter methylation or p53 mutations pathologically exhibited more aggressive and malignant breast cancer phenotypes. Impairment of p53/Mieap‐regulated MQC pathway resulted in significantly shorter disease‐free survival (DFS) (P = 0.021), although p53 status is more prognostic in DFS than Mieap promoter methylation. These results indicate that p53/Mieap‐regulated MQC has a critical role in tumor suppression in breast cancer, possibly in part through mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.
Updates on the surface antigens of basophils: CD16 on basophils of patients with respiratory or insect venom allergy and the rejection of CD203c and CD63 externalization decoupling by bisindolylmaleimides
Authors: Heneberg Petr , Riegerová Kamila , Říhová Adéla , Šimčíková Daniela , Kučera Petr
Published: October 2018

Background

CD16 was previously suggested to be a new marker of basophils that is subject to downregulation by FcεRI crosslinking. Certain compounds, including supraoptimal concentrations of the PKC inhibitors, bisindolylmaleimides, decouple the release of granules containing CD203c, CD63 and histamine, and may thus help to identify the mechanisms related to the CD16 externalization.

Objective

We hypothesized that CD16 is differentially expressed on the surface of basophils in patients with birch pollen or insect venom allergy and is subject to a regulation in response to allergens. We also employed CD203c and CD63 externalization decoupling by bisindolylmaleimides.

Methods

We performed a basophil activation test coupled with CD16 and histamine detection using cells isolated from patients with allergy to birch pollen or insect venom and negative controls. We employed two PKC inhibitors, bisindolylmaleimide II and Ro 31‐8220 at their supraoptimal concentrations and, after difficulties reproducing previously published data, we analyzed the fluorescence of these inhibitors alone. We identified the CD16 isoforms by sequencing nested RT‐PCR amplicons from flow cytometry sorted basophils and by cleaving the CD16b GPI anchor using a phospholipase C.

Results

We provide the first evidence that CD16a is expressed as a surface antigen on a small subpopulation of human basophils in patients with respiratory and insect venom allergy, and this antigen shows increased surface expression following allergen challenge or FcεRI crosslinking. We rejected the apparent decoupling of the surface expression of basophil activation markers following the administration of bisindolylmaleimides.

Conclusions & Clinical Relevance

The inclusion of αCD16 in negative selection cocktails selects against a subset of basophils that are CD16+ or CD16dim. Using CD16dim basophils and unstained leucocytes, we show that previous studies with supraoptimal concentrations of bisindolylmaleimides are likely flawed and are not associated with the differential expression of CD203c and CD63.
Unrecognized pregnancy prior to bariatric surgery: case report and review of implications
Authors: Rye P. , Modi R. , Sharma A. M.
Published: October 2018

A substantial proportion of patients undergoing bariatric surgery are female and of reproductive age. Guidelines suggest that pregnancy should be avoided for 12–18 months following bariatric surgery, and that women be appropriately counselled regarding contraception. We present a case in which a patient underwent a Roux‐en Y gastric bypass while unknowingly in the early stages of pregnancy. After a six‐week period liquid meal replacement for perioperative weight loss, a laparoscopic Roux‐en Y gastric bypass, and a short course of oral antibiotics for a post‐operative wound infection, the patient developed epigastric pain, odynophagia, oesophageal dysphagia, bloating and nausea with oral intake. Only after an abdominal X‐ray, two upper endoscopies and an upper gastrointestinal series was an intrauterine pregnancy seen incidentally on abdominal ultrasound. Ultimately, the patient underwent elective termination of her pregnancy. Patients who are, or are planning to soon become, pregnant should not undergo bariatric surgery. All female patients of reproductive age should be counselled on the importance of effective birth control prior to planning bariatric surgery. Beta‐human chorionic gonadotropin testing should be routinely considered before embarking on meal replacement or surgery.
Clinical outcomes among morbidly obese patients hospitalized with diabetic foot complications
Authors: Harris Che Matthew , Abougergi Marwan S. , Wright Scott Mitchell
Published: October 2018

The aim of the study is to investigate effects of morbid obesity on patients hospitalized with diabetic foot ulcers and infections (DFU/Is). This retrospective cohort study of hospitalized adults investigated patients with a principal diagnosis of DFU/Is, and compared outcomes based on weight. The primary outcome was lower limb amputations. Secondary outcomes included in‐hospital mortality, morbidity (sepsis and discharge disposition), resource utilization (length of stay [LOS] and total hospitalization charges). Multivariate analyses adjusted for confounders. A total of 31 730 admissions were included; 14% were morbidly obese. Patients with morbid obesity had overall lower rates of amputations (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.45–0.80). There was no difference in mortality rates between those who were morbidly obese and the non‐morbidly obese patients (aOR: 3.89 [95% CI: 0.79–19.30]). Combined data from 2010 to 2014 have found higher odds of sepsis in morbidly obese patients compared with non‐morbidly obese patients after adjusting for confounders (aOR: 1.49 [1.09–2.02], P = 0.01). Patients with morbid obesity were less likely to be discharged to home (aOR: 0.82 [95% CI: 0.70–0.95]), had longer LOS (adjusted mean difference [aMD]: 0.47 [95% CI: 0.13–0.81]) and higher hospital charges (aMD: $3205 [95% CI: $3373–$6037]). Despite having lower amputation rates compared to those who are not morbidly obese, patients with morbid obesity hospitalized for DFU/Is succumbed to sepsis more frequently and had less favourable utilization metrics. Specialized care pathways may be needed to enhance the value of care delivered to this high‐risk population.
Cardiovascular safety of oral semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes: Rationale, design and patient baseline characteristics for the PIONEER 6 trial
Authors: Bain Stephen C. , Mosenzon Ofri , Arechavaleta Rosario , Bogdański Pawel , Comlekci Abdurrahman , Consoli Agostino , Deerochanawong Chaicharn , Dungan Kathleen , Faingold Maria C. , Farkouh Michael E. , Franco Denise R. , Gram Jeppe , Guja Cristian , Joshi Pankaj , Malek Rachid , Merino‐Torres Juan F. , Nauck Michael A. , Pedersen Sue D. , Sheu Wayne H. ‐H. , Silver Robert J. , Tack Cees J. , Tandon Nikhil , Jeppesen Ole K. , Strange Mette , Thomsen Mette , Husain Mansoor
Published: October 2018

Aims

To assess the cardiovascular (CV) safety of oral semaglutide, the first tablet formulation of a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist.

Materials and methods

PIONEER 6 is a multinational, randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind trial in patients with type 2 diabetes at high risk of CV events (defined as being aged ≥50 years and having established CV disease [CVD] or moderate [stage 3] chronic kidney disease [CKD], or being aged ≥60 years with ≥1 other CV risk factor). Patients were randomized to once‐daily oral semaglutide (up to 14 mg) or placebo added to standard of care. The primary composite endpoint is time to first occurrence of CV death or non‐fatal myocardial infarction or non‐fatal stroke. The primary hypothesis was to exclude an excess in CV risk with oral semaglutide by assessing non‐inferiority versus placebo for the primary endpoint (non‐inferiority margin of 1.8 for the upper boundary of the 95% confidence interval of the hazard ratio). PIONEER 6 is event‐driven, with follow‐up continuing until accrual of at least 122 primary outcome events. There is no pre‐defined minimal duration.

Results

Overall, 3183 patients have been enrolled (mean age 66.1 years, 31.6% females) in 214 sites across 21 countries. At baseline, the mean duration of diabetes was 14.9 years, mean glycated haemoglobin concentration was 66 mmol/mol (8.2%), and 84.6% of patients had established CVD/moderate CKD.

Conclusions

PIONEER 6 will provide evidence regarding the CV safety of oral semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes and high CV risk.
Asymmetric effects of a leaf‐chewing herbivore on aphid population growth
Authors: Davidson‐Lowe Elizabeth , Szendrei Zsofia , Ali Jared G.
Published: October 2018

1. Plant responses to herbivory are often specific to the feeding guild of the attacking herbivore. These phytochemical responses to herbivore damage can affect herbivore performance and activity. Comprehensive studies on the ecological consequences of multi‐herbivore plant interactions are key to understanding plant–herbivore community dynamics.

2. This study examined how feeding damage by co‐occurring herbivores from separate feeding guilds, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), a sucking herbivore, and Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), a chewing herbivore, alter plant chemistry and indirectly affect herbivore performance. Performance was measured when each insect fed on plants individually, sequentially, or simultaneously in laboratory and field experiments. Phytohormone and glycoalkaloid content were measured for each feeding sequence to evaluate plant responses to herbivory by each guild. Mid‐season and end‐of‐season tuber yield were evaluated in the field study.

3. Damage by L. decemlineata negatively impacted M. persicae performance in both laboratory and field settings. Damage by M. persicae did not affect L. decemlineata performance in laboratory assays. However, L. decemlineata performance was positively affected by M. persicae herbivory in the field, but this effect was temporary. Although phytohormones and plant defences varied across treatments, they provide little resolution on interaction outcomes.

4. These results confirm that the presence of multiple feeding guilds on a single plant can affect these chewing and sucking herbivores differentially, but given the variability in our phytochemical analyses compared with other studies, the mechanism remains unclear. The study's findings show that aphids are negatively affected by chewing herbivores across systems, while aphids temporarily affected beetles positively.
Soil organic carbon stocks in a tidal marsh landscape are dominated by human marsh embankment and subsequent marsh progradation
Authors: Van de Broek M. , Baert L. , Temmerman S. , Govers G.
Published: October 2018

Tidal marshes are coastal and estuarine ecosystems that store large amounts of sedimentary organic carbon (OC). Despite the valuable ecosystem services they deliver, tidal marshes have been converted to other land‐use types over the past centuries. Although previous studies have reported large decreases in soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks after tidal marsh embankment, knowledge on the magnitude and rate of OC losses is still limited. Here, we studied the effect of stepwise embankments of brackish and salt marshes and subsequent marsh progradation on SOC stocks in the Scheldt estuary (the Netherlands). We collected samples from soil profiles along tidal marsh–reclaimed tidal marsh chronosequences and determined total OC stocks and the stable carbon signature of the OC. Our results showed that large losses of previously sequestered SOC occur on a decadal timescale with the embankment of brackish (−8.7 ± 0.7 kg OC m−2) and salt marshes (−6.7 ± 0.8 kg OC m−2). The (incomplete) replacement of tidal marsh OC by agricultural OC is substantially faster in topsoils (ca. a century) compared with subsoils (multiple centuries). Simulations with a coupled land use–SOC model showed that large rates of marsh progradation following embankment construction resulted in a substantial increase in landscape‐scale SOC storage, whereas large SOC losses occurred in landscapes dominated by embanked tidal marshes. The findings of our study might help to assess how these management practices affect regional SOC stocks.

Highlights

We studied how OC stocks in tidal marsh sediments are affected by embankment construction

OC stocks of both brackish and salt marsh sediments were reduced by ca. 60% with embankment

Gains in landscape‐scale SOC storage occurred with marsh progradation after embankment

If no marsh progradation occurs, embankments always lead to SOC loss at the landscape scale
Effect of soil particle interaction forces in a clay‐rich soil on aggregate breakdown and particle aggregation
Authors: Hu F. , Li S. , Xu C. , Gao X. , Miao S. , Ding W. , Liu X. , Li H.
Published: October 2018

Particle aggregation and aggregate breakdown are important processes that frequently occur in soil under natural conditions. However, how these two opposing processes are affected by the forces that govern soil particle interaction remains unclear. Thus, in this research, we aimed to: (i) investigate the relation between particle aggregation and aggregate breakdown and (ii) probe the mechanism underlying particle aggregation and aggregate breakdown under the influences of soil particle interaction forces. Specifically, we investigated particle aggregation and aggregate breakdown in a permanently charged clay‐rich soil in solutions with different electrolyte (NaNO3 and Mg(NO3)2) concentrations. We used the fast wetting method in aggregate breakdown experiments and the dynamic light‐scattering method in aggregation experiments. For soils in either NaNO3 or Mg(NO3)2 solution, the critical coagulation concentration obtained through particle aggregation experiments was equal to the critical breakdown concentration from aggregate breakdown experiments. This result indicated that the net force, which is defined as the sum of the van der Waals, electrostatic and surface hydration forces, is attractive for aggregation but is repulsive for aggregate breakdown. Although several interaction forces were involved in soil particle interactions, we found that the repulsive electrostatic force solely determines whether the net force is attractive or repulsive and thus determines whether aggregation or breakdown would occur. For a given soil, non‐classical cationic polarization in cation–surface interactions strongly influenced the repulsive electrostatic potential energy of soil particles, thus influencing the occurrence of aggregation or breakdown. Our results suggested that adjusting soil internal forces is a feasible approach to regulate particle aggregation and promote aggregate stability.

Highlights

The process of soil aggregate breakdown and particle aggregation were evaluated quantitatively.

There was equality in the opposing forces for particle aggregation and aggregate breakdown.

Electrostatic repulsive force between soil particles controlled processes of aggregation and aggregate breakdown

Cationic non‐classic polarization in cation–surface interactions has an important effect on aggregation and aggregate breakdown.
Soil salinization after long‐term mulched drip irrigation poses a potential risk to agricultural sustainability
Authors: Wang Z. , Fan B. , Guo L.
Published: October 2018

Prevention of soil salinization is key to agriculture in arid and semiarid regions. Because of the desert climate and extensive demand for irrigation, mulched drip irrigation (MDI) has been practised across Xinjiang, the largest cotton‐planting region in China, since the early 1990s, reaching 2 × 106 ha in 2014. Although MDI can minimize irrigation‐induced soil salinization, long‐term practice of MDI causes salts to accumulate in the root zone and on the bare soil surface between mulches, which leads to unsustainable crop yields. Here, we summarize the mechanisms and factors that affect soil salinization under MDI management. A proper MDI scheme that meets the requirements for crop growth and the flushing of excessive salts is essential for agricultural sustainability in Xinjiang and other oasis agroecosystems around the world.

Highlights

Long‐term mulched drip irrigation causes salt accumulation in the subsoil and on the surface.

A proper irrigation scheme that sustains crop growth and flushes excessive salts is crucial.
Calibration of 2‐D soil zymography for correct analysis of enzyme distribution
Authors: Guber Andrey K. , Kravchenko Alexandra N. , Razavi Bahar S. , Blagodatskaya Evgenia , Kuzyakov Yakov
Published: October 2018

Soil zymography is a new technique developed to visualize two‐dimensional distributions of enzyme activities. The method consists of incubating a membrane saturated with an enzyme‐specific fluorogenic substrate on a surface of the soil sample, followed by recording the membrane image generated by a fluorescent product (e.g. MUF: methylumbelliferone) in ultraviolet light. Despite its relative ease of use, performing zymography involves multiple user‐made decisions that might affect the accuracy of enzyme activity estimates. Therefore, unification of the zymography methodology is required for correct estimations and comparisons of various studies. We evaluated the following methodological aspects of the implementation of zymography: (a) camera settings and image processing, (b) effects of evaporation and (c) calibration procedures. Camera settings (shutter speeds or exposure time) affected the intensity of background fluorescence and signal‐to‐noise ratios (SNR). However, because their combined effects varied depending on MUF concentrations, light and camera setting need to be optimized for the expected range of MUF concentrations prior to zymography. Evaporation of MUF solution from the membrane had no effect on fluorescence. Relations between MUF concentration and intensity of fluorescence during calibrations demonstrated a saturated pattern and were strongly affected by image noise outside the optimal range (e.g. 8–14 μm MUF pixel−1). We developed a new calibration approach that is based on a piecewise linear regression. The new approach accounted for specific ranges of MUF concentration and uses nonuniformly saturated membranes, reflecting the real distribution of enzyme activities in soil. The new calibration algorithm eliminated biases of the standard calibration and resulted in greater accuracy in predicting MUF concentrations.

Highlights

We developed a new approach to calibration for 2‐D soil zymography.

The approach accounted for spatial nonuniformity of soil zymograms.

Standard calibration resulted in systematic underestimation of enzyme activity.

Soil zymography requires pixel‐based calibration with nonuniformly saturated membranes.
Sexual dimorphism in immunity across animals: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Kelly Clint D. , Stoehr Andrew M. , Nunn Charles , Smyth Kendra N. , Prokop Zofia M.
Published: October 2018

In animals, sex differences in immunity are proposed to shape variation in infection prevalence and intensity among individuals in a population, with females typically expected to exhibit superior immunity due to life‐history trade‐offs. We performed a systematic meta‐analysis to investigate the magnitude and direction of sex differences in immunity and to identify factors that shape sex‐biased immunocompetence. In addition to considering taxonomic and methodological effects as moderators, we assessed age‐related effects, which are predicted to occur if sex differences in immunity are due to sex‐specific resource allocation trade‐offs with reproduction. In a meta‐analysis of 584 effects from 124 studies, we found that females exhibit a significantly stronger immune response than do males, but the effect size is relatively small, and became non‐significant after controlling for phylogeny. Female‐biased immunity was more pronounced in adult than immature animals. More recently published studies did not report significantly smaller effect sizes. Among taxonomic and methodological subsets of the data, some of the largest effect sizes were in insects, further supporting previous suggestions that testosterone is not the only potential driver of sex differences in immunity. Our findings challenge the notion of pervasive biases towards female‐biased immunity and the role of testosterone in driving these differences.
CAR‐T cell therapy in melanoma: A future success story?
Authors: Simon Bianca , Uslu Ugur
Published: October 2018

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)‐T cells are one of the impressive recent success stories of anti‐cancer immunotherapy. Especially in haematological malignancies, this treatment strategy has shown promising results leading to the recent approval of two CAR‐T cell constructs targeting CD19 in the United States and the European Union. After the huge success in haematological cancers, the next step will be the evaluation of its efficacy in different solid tumors, which is currently investigated in preclinical as well as clinical settings. A commonly examined tumor model in the context of immunotherapy is melanoma, since it is known for its immunogenic features. However, the first results of CAR‐T cell therapy in solid tumors did not reveal the same impressive outcomes that were observed in haematological malignancies, as engineered cells need to cope with several challenges. Obstacles include the lack of migration of CAR‐T cells from blood vessels to the tumor site as well as the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment within solid tumors. Another hurdle is posed by the identification of an ideal target antigen to avoid on‐target/off‐tumor toxicities. Regarding immune escape mechanisms, which can be developed by tumor cells to bypass immune recognition, the observation of antigen loss should also be considered. This article gives an overview of the challenges displayed in CAR‐T cell therapy for the use in solid tumors and discusses different new strategies and approaches that deal with these problems in order to improve CAR‐T cell therapy, particularly for its use in melanoma.
Genotypic covariations of traits underlying sorghum stem biomass production and quality and their regulations by water availability: Insight from studies at organ and tissue levels
Authors: Luquet Delphine , Perrier Lisa , Clément‐Vidal Anne , Jaffuel Sylvie , Verdeil Jean‐Luc , Roques Sandrine , Soutiras Armelle , Baptiste Christelle , Fabre Denis , Bastianelli Denis , Bonnal Laurent , Sartre Pascal , Rouan Lauriane , Pot David
Published: October 2018

Sweet and biomass sorghum are expected to contribute increasingly to bioenergy production. Better understanding the impacts of the genotypic and environmental variabilities on biomass component traits and their properties is essential to optimize energy yields. This study aimed to evaluate whether traits contributing to stem biomass growth and biochemical composition at different biological scales (co)vary with the genotype and the water status in sorghum. Height genotypes were studied over two years in field conditions in southern France under two water treatments (well watered vs. 25 days’ dry down during stem elongation). Main stem internode number, size, (non)structural carbohydrate, and lignin contents were measured at the end of the stress period and/or at final harvest, together with biochemical and histological analyses of the youngest expanded internode. The tallest genotypes showed the highest stem dry weights and lignin contents. Stem (structural) biomass density was positively correlated with lignin content, particularly in internode parenchyma. Stem soluble sugar and lignin contents were inversely proportional across genotypes and water conditions. Genotypes contrasted for drought sensitivity and recovery capacity of stem growth and biochemical composition. The length and cell wall deposition of internodes expanding under water deficit were reduced and did not recover, these responses being weakly correlated. Genotypic variability was pointed out in the growth recovery of internodes expanding under re‐watered conditions. According to the observed genotypic variability and the absence of antagonistic correlations between the responses of the different traits to water availability, it is suggested that biomass sorghum varieties optimizing their responses to water availability in terms of growth and cell wall deposition can be developed for different bioenergy targets.
Environmental factors function as constraints on soil nitrous oxide fluxes in bioenergy feedstock cropping systems
Authors: Duncan David S. , Oates Lawrence G. , Gelfand Ilya , Millar Neville , Robertson G. Philip , Jackson Randall D.
Published: October 2018

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse gas and major component of the net global warming potential of bioenergy feedstock cropping systems. Numerous environmental factors influence soil N2O production, making direct correlation difficult to any one factor of N2O fluxes under field conditions. We instead employed quantile regression to evaluate whether soil temperature, water‐filled pore space (WFPS), and concentrations of soil nitrate () and ammonium () determined upper bounds for soil N2O flux magnitudes. We collected data over 6 years from a range of bioenergy feedstock cropping systems including no‐till grain crops, perennial warm‐season grasses, hybrid poplar, and polycultures of tallgrass prairie species each with and without nitrogen (N) addition grown at two sites. The upper bounds for soil N2O fluxes had a significant and positive correlation with all four environmental factors, although relatively large fluxes were still possible at minimal values for nearly all factors. The correlation withwas generally weaker, suggesting it is less important thanin driving large fluxes. Quantile regression slopes were generally lower for unfertilized perennials than for other systems, but this may have resulted from a perpetual state of nitrogen limitation, which prevented other factors from being clear constraints. This framework suggests efforts to reduce concentrations ofin the soil may be effective at reducing high‐intensity periods—”hot moments”—of N2O production.
Measuring bureaucratic reputation: Scale development and validation
Authors: Lee Danbee , Van Ryzin Gregg G.
Published: October 2018

Despite growing interest in bureaucratic reputation as a theoretical construct, the field lacks a standardized measure that can be used in surveys to capture individual‐level variation in the reputation judgments of citizens and other audiences. The aim of this article, therefore, is to develop a standardized, individual‐level measure of bureaucratic reputation based on the conceptual definition provided by Carpenter (). Employing feedback from experts and data from a survey of over 300 U.S. citizens, this article develops and tests a unidimensional scale of bureaucratic reputation, representing the content domains of performance, morality, procedural fairness, technical competence, and general reputation. Results suggest that our proposed bureaucratic reputation scale (BRS) has good internal reliability and that it is positively associated with support for autonomy, budget, and power, which provides evidence of criterion validity. Potential uses of the scale to study bureaucratic reputation are discussed.
Tuberculosis in dialysis: Clinical spectrum and outcome from an endemic region
Authors: Vikrant Sanjay
Published: October 2018

Introduction:Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant health problem in developing countries. There are limited data on TB among end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on maintenance dialysis in India. Clinical profile and outcome of TB in dialysis were studied.

Methods:Retrospective study of ESRD patients who were on maintenance dialysis (either peritoneal dialysis [PD] or hemodialysis (HD]) and diagnosed to have TB over a period of 11 years.

Findings:Thirty‐two patients had a diagnosis of TB. Mean age of the patients was 50.3 ±13.9 years. The majority (56.2%) of the patients were female. The modality of dialysis was HD in 53.1% and PD in 46.9%. Mean duration of dialysis at the diagnosis of TB was 15.1 ± 13.9 months. Over three‐quarter of the patients had an extrapulmonary involvement. Pleuro‐pulmonary (40.6%), peritoneum (34.4%), and lymph node (15.6%) were the most common sites for TB. About 6.3%patients had disseminated TB, and 3.1% had pericardial TB. The clinical presentation of TB was: fever/pyrexia of unknown origin 28.1%, constitutional symptoms of anorexia, fever, night sweats and weight loss 34.4%, abnormal chest radiograph 37.5%, ascites/peritonitis 34.4%, pleural effusion 25%, lymphadenopathy 18.8%, meningoencephalitis 6.3%, and pericardial effusion 3.1%. Peritoneal TB presented as nonresolving peritonitis in PD and ascites in HD.

The diagnosis was a microbiological/histological in 50% and rest 50% only on clinical grounds. Nine (29%) patients had adverse effects of anti‐TB drugs. Four patients of TB peritonitis had a poor gastrointestinal tolerance of anti‐TB drugs and defaulted on the treatment and had an adverse outcome. About 53.1% of the patients survived, and 46.9% died.

Discussion:TB in dialysis is mostly extrapulmonary. Early diagnosis is difficult, and the adverse effects of anti‐TB medications complicate the treatment. TB in dialysis carries high morbidity and mortality. TB peritonitis has a poor prognosis.
Immunohistochemistry of cytokeratin (CK) 5/6, CD44 and CK20 as prognostic biomarkers of non‐muscle‐invasive papillary upper tract urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Jung Minsun , Kim Bohyun , Moon Kyung Chul
Published: October 2018

Aims

Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for cytokeratin (CK) 5/6, CD44 and CK20 has been significantly associated with the prognosis of urinary bladder urothelial carcinoma, and probably reflects its molecular characteristics. We aimed to investigate the IHC‐based subgroups and their prognostic effects on non‐muscle‐invasive papillary upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).

Methods and results

IHC staining for CK5/6, CK20 and CD44 was analysed in 211 patients with non‐muscle‐invasive papillary UTUC. Staining was classified as showing a negative, positive or normal pattern. We found that CK5/6‐negative, CD44‐negative and CK20‐positive tumours were distinctly high‐risk subgroups that were associated with high grade (CK5/6‐negative, P < 0.001; CD44‐negative, P < 0.001; CK20‐positive, P = 0.017) and frequent intravesical recurrence (CK5/6‐negative, P = 0.002). Using survival analysis with Kaplan–Meier and log‐rank tests, we found that these IHC subgroups were correlated with poor progression‐free (CK5/6‐negative, P = 0.001; CD44‐negative, P = 0.009; CK20‐positive, P = 0.031) and cancer‐specific (CK5/6‐negative, P = 0.009) survival. Furthermore, CK5/6 negativity was an independent prognostic factor for shorter progression‐free (P = 0.009) and cancer‐specific (P = 0.045) survival. CK5/6 improved Harrell's C‐indices for progression‐free (0.68–0.77, P = 0.029) and cancer‐specific (0.59–0.77, P < 0.001) survival. When markers were combined, luminal‐like subtypes showed poor prognoses.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that IHC staining for CK5/6, CD44 and CK20 was significantly associated with the clinicopathological characteristics and prognoses of patients with non‐muscle‐invasive papillary UTUC. The IHC subgroups may be correlated with the molecular characteristics of non‐muscle‐invasive papillary UTUC.
Potential visible WO3/GO composite photocatalyst
Authors: Sajjad Shamaila , Khan Mahwash , Leghari Sajjad Ahmed Khan , Ryma Najamul Athar , Farooqi Sidra Anis
Published: October 2018

Graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized by Hummers method. GO and tungsten oxide (WO3) composites were successfully prepared by deposition of WO3 on GO surface to make efficient visible light catalyst. Scanning electron microscopy of pure GO revealed that GO films are folded with kinked and wrinkled edges. The interspaces layers are partially filled by WO3 nanoparticles with their less wrinkled edges and smooth surface of composite. Moreover, composite sheets are thin and transparent which allow easy penetration of light. EDS showed the presence of C, O, and W in GO/WO3 composites with no impurity. UV‐Vis diffused reflectance spectra showed red shift with the increase in WO3 contents. Raman spectra of GO and GO/WO3 composite show G and D bands. These bands reduced in intensity in composite sample due to removal of oxygenated functional groups with some new peaks of WO3. FT‐IR confirmed successful oxidation of graphite into GO with reduction in GO because oxide‐related bond groups decrease after reduction. The transmittance peaks of WO3 in composite sample are appeared indicating W‐O‐C linkages. The highest visible light activity of the composite is due to easy penetration of light with deposition of WO3, low band gap, and new linkages.
MicroRNA miR‐181a/b‐1 controls MAIT cell development
Authors: Winter Samantha J , Kunze‐Schumacher Heike , Imelmann Esther , Grewers Zoe , Osthues Tabea , Krueger Andreas
Published: October 2018

Mucosal‐associated invariant T (MAIT) cells constitute a major fraction of innate‐like T cells in humans with critical roles in defense against microbial pathogens and in maintaining mucosal integrity. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying MAIT cell development remain largely elusive. Here we investigated the role of miR‐181a/b‐1, a pair of microRNAs that serve as rheostat of TCR signal strength, in this process. Loss of miR‐181a/b‐1 in mice resulted in a profound arrest in early MAIT cell development. As a consequence, in the absence of miR‐181a/b‐1, thymic MAIT cells failed to acquire functional maturity based on expression of transcription factors PLZF, T‐bet and RORγt. Temporal analysis of development using a molecular timer in combination with loss of miR‐181a/b‐1 revealed that MAIT cells complete functional maturation in the periphery and indicates that functionally mature MAIT cells in the thymus are long‐term resident cells. Thus, our study provides insight into the dynamics of MAIT cell development in vivo. Of note, deletion of miR‐181a/b‐1 alone completely mirrored loss of all miRNAs.
Partial average cross‐weight evaluation for ABC inventory classification
Authors: Karagiannis Giannis
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we propose an alternative overall measure, inspired by the notion of average cross‐efficiency, which summarizes achievements across different descending ordering schemes regarding the relative importance of the considered indicators in the Ng model. The proposed overall measure is equal to the arithmetic average of the maximum partial averages across all possible descending ordering schemes. It can also be obtained using the average (across ordering schemes) of the estimated multipliers. We apply the proposed measure to the ABC inventory classification problem, and we compare our results with those by four information theory based methods that may be used for the same purpose, namely the Shannon entropy, distance‐based, weighted least‐square dissimilarity, and maximizing deviation methods.
Ultra‐narrow band blue emission of Eu2+ in halogenated (Alumino)borate systems based on high lattice symmetry
Authors: Wei Yi , Qu Xingyu , Li Guogang , Cheng Ziyong , Molokeev Maxim S. , Lin Chun Che , Chan Ting‐shan , Chang Chung‐Kai , Chuang Yu‐Chun , Lin Jun
Published: October 2018

Phosphor materials with ultra‐high color purity are highly desired in backlit display and WLEDs. How to achieve high‐purity three‐primary emission in rare earth ions activated inorganic phosphors has become a hot topic. Herein, we reported ultra‐narrow band and highly efficient blue‐violet‐emitting Eu2+‐doped Ba2B5O9X (fwhm = 31 nm) and NaBa4(AlB4O9)2X3 (X = Cl, Br) (fwhm = 43 nm) phosphors with peak positions around 424‐437 nm. Especially, the color purity of Ba2B5O9Cl:Eu sample even exceeded 97%, its internal quantum efficiency could achieve 87%. The EXANES analysis revealed that the Eu mainly existed in the form of +2. According to the Rietveld structural refinement, extraordinarily narrow band emission should be attributed to the highly symmetric lattice structures with the flower‐like polyhedrons in the studied (alumino)borate matrix. Significantly, the color gamut of as‐prepared blue phosphor combined with the standard green and red phosphors was almost close to that of Rec. 2020 display standard. In addition, cation substitution strategy in NaBa4(AlxB5‐xO9)2Cl3 (x = 0‐4) and NaBa4(GayB5‐yO9)2Cl3 (y = 0‐3) samples successfully achieved spectra adjustment, and the underlying mechanism was proposed. All these results demonstrate that the as‐prepared phosphors could be superior blue‐emitting candidates for backlit display as well as WLEDs.
Temperature‐dependent fracture strength of whisker‐reinforced ceramic composites: Modeling and factor analysis
Authors: Shao Jiaxing , Li Weiguo , Li Ying , Deng Yong , Zhang Xianhe , Kou Haibo , Xu Niandong , Zhang Xuyao , Ma Jianzuo , Chen Liming , Qu Zhaoliang
Published: October 2018

In this study, a temperature‐dependent fracture strength model for whisker‐reinforced ceramic composites was developed. This model considers the strength degradation of both whisker and ceramic matrix at elevated temperatures, as well as the evolution of residual thermal stress with temperature. It was verified by comparison with the available flexural strengths of five types of whisker‐reinforced ceramic composites at different temperatures, and good agreement between the model predictions and the experimental data is obtained. Moreover, based on the established model, we systematically analyzed the effects of six influencing factors, including the volume fraction and the aspect ratio of whisker, the Young's modulus of matrix and whisker, the thermal expansion coefficient difference and the stress‐free temperature, on the temperature‐dependent flexural strengths of whisker‐reinforced ceramic composites. Some new insights which could help optimize and improve the temperature‐dependent fracture strength of whisker‐reinforced ceramic composites are obtained.
Combustion synthesis of fine aluminum nitride powders under micropositive N2 pressure with water additive
Authors: Sun Siyuan , Ge Yiyao , Wang Qi , Cui Wei , Zhang Jie , Tian Zhaobo , Chen Kexin , Liu Guanghua
Published: October 2018

Fine aluminum nitride (AlN) powders were prepared by a facile and efficient way of combustion synthesis under micropositive N2 pressure of 0.15 MPa and with 3 wt% water as additive. By this approach, the maximum combustion temperature was well regulated to a low value. The influence of water on the reaction rate, the phase composition, and crystal growth of the products was systematically investigated. The addition of water was crucial to the complete nitridation of Al. Furthermore, H2O vapor played a two‐sided role in the reaction. It could accelerate the reaction by promoting the diffusion of Al vapor and N2 and restrain the nitridation rate by absorbing heat.
New insights into tricalcium silicate hydration in paste
Authors: Sowoidnich Thomas , Bellmann Frank , Damidot Denis , Ludwig Horst‐Michael
Published: October 2018

The knowledge of the aqueous phase composition during the hydration of tricalcium silicate (C3S) is a key issue for the understanding of cement hydration. A new in situ method of computing calcium ion concentration from the measurement of the electrical conductivity on paste was coupled to isothermal calorimetry and BET measurements to get new insights on the early hydration of C3S. Ion concentrations of the aqueous phase are mainly dependent on the degree of hydration and the water to C3S ratio. In the case of C3S paste, the calcium and silicon concentrations determined at low degrees of hydration can be related to the equilibrium curve of C‐S‐H having C/S = 1.27 and named C1.27SHy. It is expected that C1.27SHy thermodynamically controls the aqueous phase composition at this early stage. Indeed, the formation of C1.27SHy is quasi‐immediate when C3S is in contact with water inducing a very rapid increase of the specific surface area that remains constant during the induction period. At higher degrees of hydration, the aqueous phase composition departs from the C1.27SHy equilibrium curve. C1.27SHy appears to be a metastable C‐S‐H that could be related to an intermediate phase previously reported. The quasi‐immediate precipitation of C1.27SHy on C3S surface explains why calcium and silicon concentrations remain low during early hydration even though C3S is strongly undersaturated. This also agrees with the control of the end of the induction period by the nucleation and growth of more stable C‐S‐H.
Structural evolution of thermal sprayed bismuth sodium titanate piezoelectric ceramic coatings
Authors: Guo Kun , Sharifzadeh Mirshekarloo Meysam , Yao Kui , Tay Francis Eng Hock
Published: October 2018

The structural evolution of lead‐free piezoelectric bismuth sodium titanate (BNT) coatings with excess Bi derived from thermal spray process was investigated with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Bi‐rich composition was identified as the nucleation agent of the BNT perovskite phase, and fine‐grained microstructure was obtained with more excess Bi. The Bi‐rich composition of the perovskite phase crystallized from melt was BixNayTiO3 (0.5 ≤ X ≤ 0.55, 0.46 ≤ y ≤ 0.5). The crystallization of the Bi‐rich BNT perovskite phase first from liquid precursor phase would result in continuous depletion of Bi composition in the residual amorphous phase, and thus Ti‐rich amorphous phase in the as‐deposited coating and sodium titanate secondary phase in the heat‐treated coating formed in the composition without enough access Bi. The results and analyses suggest only appropriate compensation with adequate amount of excess Bi can realize single perovskite phase in thermal sprayed BNT‐based coatings and hence the superior piezoelectric performance property.