bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Toll pathway inhibits tissue growth and regulates cell fitness in an infection-dependent manner
Authors: Germani Federico , Hain Daniel , Sternlicht Denise , Moreno Eduardo , Basler Konrad
Published: November 2018

The Toll pathway regulates the cellular response to infection via the transcriptional upregulation of antimicrobial peptides. In Drosophila, apart from its role in innate immunity, this pathway has also been reported to be important for the elimination of loser cells in a process referred to as cell competition, which can be locally triggered by secreted factors released from winner cells. In this work, we provide evidence that the inhibition of Toll signaling not only increases the fitness of loser cells, but also bestows a clonal growth advantage on wild-type cells. We further demonstrate that this growth advantage depends on basal infection levels since it is no longer present under axenic conditions but exacerbated upon intense pathogen exposure. Thus, the Toll pathway functions as a fine-tuned pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative regulator, underlining the existence of a trade-off between innate immunity and growth during development.
N
atrialba
Authors: Minegishi Hiroaki , Kamekura Masahiro
Published: November 2018

Na.tri.al'ba. N.L. n.
natron
(arbitrarily derived from the Arabic n.
natrun
or
natron
) soda, sodium carbonate; L. fem. adj.
alba
, white; N.L. fem. n.
Natrialba
, sodium white; referring to the high sodium ion requirement and the pigmentless colonies of the type species.

Euryarchaeota / Halobacteria / Natrialbales / Natrialbaceae / Natrialba

Strains of the genus
Natrialba
are extremely halophilic, with growth occurring in media containing 1.6–5.3 M NaCl. Temperatures between 20 and 60°C support growth. They are neutrophilic or alkaliphilic. Neutrophilic strains grow optimally at pH 7.0–8.0, while alkaliphilic strains grow up to pH 10.5–11.0 with optima at 9.0–9.5. Neutrophilic nonpigmented species are
Natrialba asiatica
,
Natrialba aegyptiaca
, and
Natrialba taiwanensis
, while alkaliphilic red‐pigmented species are
Natrialba chahannaoensis
,
Natrialba hulunbeirensis
, and
Natrialba magadii
. Cells lyse in distilled water. They are oxidase‐ and catalase‐positive, chemoorganotrophic, and aerobic. No growth is observed on single substrates. Most species reduce nitrate to nitrite. Neutrophilic species produce acids from sugars. Phylogenetically, the genus is closely related to the genera
Haloterrigena
,
Natrinema
,
Natronorubrum
, and
Natronolimnobius
. The major membrane polar lipids are C
20
C
20
and C
20
C
25
glycerol diether derivatives of PG and PGP‐Me. Neutrophilic species possess a glycolipid, S2‐DGD (disulfated diglycosyl diether), in addition, while alkaliphilic species do not. Isolates have been recovered from salterns, beach sands, salty soil, and soda lakes.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 60.3–64.3. The DNA may contain a major and a minor component.

Type species
:
Natrialba asiatica
Kamekura and Dyall‐Smith 1996, 625
VP
(effective publication: Kamekura and Dyall‐Smith 1995, 348).
S
porosalibacterium
Authors: Fardeau Marie‐Laure , Cayol Jean‐Luc , Ollivier Bernard
Published: November 2018

Spo.ro.sa.li.bac.te'ri.um. Gr. n.
spora
a seed and, in bacteriology, a spore; L. n.
sal, salis
salt; L. neut. n.
bacterium
a rod; N.L. neut. n.
Sporosalibacterium
a moderately halophilic sporulated rod.

Firmicutes / Clostridia / Clostridiales / Clostridiaceae / Sporosalibacterium

The genus
Sporosalibacterium
, at the time of writing, comprised two validly published species,
Sporosalibacterium faouarense
, which was isolated from a hydrocarbon‐polluted soil surrounding a deep petroleum environment located in the El Faouar area in south Tunisia, and
Sporosalibacterium tautonense
, obtained from the sample of a microbial mat, developed under the flow of subsurface water in TauTona Gold Mine, South Africa. The species of the genus are thermotolerant, moderately halophilic, and strictly anaerobic and present a fermentative growth on carbohydrates. Phylogenetic analyses using 16S rRNA gene sequences placed the two species as representatives of
Clostridiaceae
family.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 32.9 ± 2.5 (HPLC).

Type species
:
Sporosalibacterium faouarense
Rezgui, Ben Ali Gam, Ben Hamed, Fardeau, Cayol, Maaroufi and Labat 2011, 104
VP
.
C
hthonomonas
Authors: Stott Matthew B , Lee Kevin C‐Y , Morgan Xochitl C , Carere Carlo R
Published: November 2018

Chtho.no.mo'nas. Gr. n.
chthōn, chthonos
earth, soil, land; Gr. fem. n.
monas
a unit, monad; N.L. fem. n.
Chthonomonas
a unit (bacterium) from soil.

Armatimonadetes / Chthonomonadetes / Chthonomonadales / Chthonomonadaceae / Chthonomonas

Chthonomonas calidirosea
is the only cultivated and formally described species within the class
Chthonomonadetes
and one of the only three described species within the phylum
Armatimonadetes
. It is thermophilic and grows at moderately acidophilic conditions. Cells are highly corrugated rods with diderm cell walls, stain Gram‐negative, and display negative‐oxidase and positive‐catalase reactions. Cells do not generate spores. The DNA %G + C content is 54.4 mol%, and the major respiratory quinone is MK‐8. The principal fatty acids are C
16
:0
, iso‐C
17
:0
, and anteiso‐C
17
:0
. Cells are obligate aerobes. Carbohydrates, particularly oligosaccharides and amorphous polysaccharides, provide carbon and energy. The type strain was isolated from geothermally heated soils at Tikitere, near Rotorua, New Zealand.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 54.4 (genome analysis).

Type species
:
Chthonomonas calidirosea
Lee, Dunfield, Morgan, Crowe, Houghton, Vyssotski, Ryan, Lagutin, McDonald and Stott 2011, 2488
VP
.
S
alinirussus
Authors: Cui Heng‐Lin
Published: November 2018

Sa.li.ni.rus'sus. L. fem. pl. n.
salinae
salterns, salt works; L. masc. adj.
russus
red; N.L. masc. n.
Salinirussus
red salt organism from salt works.

Euryarchaeota / Halobacteria / Halobacteriales / Haloarculaceae / Salinirussus

The genus
Salinirussus
is classified with the family
Haloarculaceae
, order
Halobacteriales
, in the class
Halobacteria
. Cells are pleomorphic rod shaped under optimal growth conditions, red pigmented, stain Gram‐negative, are motile, and lyse in distilled water.
Salinirussus
is a neutrophile that grows optimally at pH 7.0 and at 37°C. It is an aerobic, chemoorganotrophic extreme halophile (optimum growth at 3.4 M NaCl), and can grow on a wide range of carbohydrates, organic acids, and amino acids as carbon and energy sources. Sugars are metabolized with the formation of acids. The major polar lipids are the diphytanyl glycerol diether derivatives of phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester (PGP‐Me), and three unidentified glycolipids. Currently, the genus consists of one species:
Salinirussus salinus
(the type species of the genus). The type strain and single strain of
Salinirussus
was isolated from marine solar saltern.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 69.0.

Type species
:
Salinirussus salinus
Cui, Lü, Li and Zhou 2017, 3625
VP
Hot Deformation Behavior of Cu–9.83Ni–1.24Fe–0.7Mn–0.012Ce Alloy for Seawater Pipelines
Authors: Hao Qiqi , Qi Liang , Wang Yu , Wang Hang , Yang Bin
Published: November 2018

The flow stress of a Cu–9.83Ni–1.24Fe–0.7Mn–0.012Ce alloy at high temperature is studied by using a thermo‐simulation machine. The microstructure is characterized by optical microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The flow stress and strain increase linearly in the initial stages of hot deformation, and two trends exist after the linear section. When the strain rate exceeds 0.1 s−1, the flow stress continues to increase with an increase in deformation. When the strain rate is less than 0.1 s−1, steady‐state flow results. A thermal‐processing map of the alloy is established based on the dynamic material model. The destabilization zone of the alloy is established for 800–870 °C and a strain rate of 0.1–10 s−1. Subgrains are formed by dynamic recovery with high‐density dislocations. The deformation temperature range of safe processing I zone is 800–900 °C with a strain rate of 0.01–0.1 s−1; and the deformation temperature range of safe processing zone II is 900–1000 °C with a strain rate of 0.01–10 s−1. The softening mechanism of recrystallization is conducive to thermal processing.
Ultrafast Fabrication of Thermoelectric Films by Pulsed Light Sintering of Colloidal Nanoparticles on Flexible and Rigid Substrates
Authors: Danaei Roozbeh , Varghese Tony , Ahmadzadeh Mostafa , McCloy John , Hollar Courtney , Sadeq Saleh Mohammad , Park Jonghyun , Zhang Yanliang , Panat Rahul
Published: November 2018

Sintered thermoelectric (TE) nanoparticle films are known to have a high figure‐of‐merit ZT factor and are considered for waste hear recovery and heating and cooling applications. The conventional process of thermal sintering of TE nanoparticles requires an inert environment and long heating times, and cannot be used on polymer substrates due to the requirements of the process (e.g., heating up to 400 °C). In this communication, the authors demonstrate for the first time the use of an intense flash of UV light from a Xenon lamp to sinter TE nanoparticles within milliseconds under ambient conditions on flexible polymer as well as glass substrates to create functional TE films. Photonic sintering is used to fabricate Bismuth Telluride thermoelectric films with a conductivity of 3200 S m−1 (a 5–6 orders of magnitude increase over unsintered films) and a peak power factor of 30 µW m−1 K−2. Modeling is used to gain an insight into the physical processes occurring during photonic sintering process and identify the critical parameters controlling the process. This work opens‐up an exciting possibility of extremely rapid fabrication of TE generators under ambient conditions on a variety of flexible and rigid substrates.
Nanocarriers and Their Loading Strategies
Authors: Wang Neng , Cheng Xuejun , Li Nan , Wang Hong , Chen Hongyu
Published: November 2018

Nanocarriers are of paramount significance for drug delivery and nanomedicine technology. Given the imperfect systems and nonideal therapeutic effects, there are works to be done in synthesis as much as in biological studies, if not more so. Building the foundation of synthesis would offer more tools and deeper insights for exploring the biological systems with extreme complexity. This review aims at a broad‐scope summary and classification of nanocarriers for drug delivery, with focus on the synthetic strategy and structural implications. The nanocarriers are divided into four categories according to the loading principle: molecular‐level loading, surface loading, matrix loading, and cavity loading systems. Making comparisons across diverse nanocarrier systems would make it easier to see the fundamental characteristics, from where the weakness can be addressed and the strengths combined. The systematic comparisons may also inspire new ideas and methods.
Programmable Construction of Peptide‐Based Materials in Living Subjects: From Modular Design and Morphological Control to Theranostics
Authors: Li Li‐Li , Qiao Zeng‐Ying , Wang Lei , Wang Hao
Published: November 2018

Self‐assembled nanomaterials show potential high efficiency as theranostics for high‐performance bioimaging and disease treatment. However, the superstructures of pre‐assembled nanomaterials may change in the complicated physiological conditions, resulting in compromised properties and/or biofunctions. Taking advantage of chemical self‐assembly and biomedicine, a new strategy of “in vivo self‐assembly” is proposed to in situ construct functional nanomaterials in living subjects to explore new biological effects. Herein, recent advances on peptide‐based nanomaterials constructed by the in vivo self‐assembly strategy are summarized. Modular peptide building blocks with various functions, such as targeting, self‐assembly, tailoring, and biofunctional motifs, are employed for the construction of nanomaterials. Then, self‐assembly of these building blocks in living systems to construct various morphologies of nanostructures and corresponding unique biological effects, such as assembly/aggregation‐induced retention (AIR), are introduced, followed by their applications in high‐performance drug delivery and bioimaging. Finally, an outlook and perspective toward future developments of in vivo self‐assembled peptide‐based nanomaterials for translational medicine are concluded.
Nanoscale Coatings for Ultralow Dose BMP‐2‐Driven Regeneration of Critical‐Sized Bone Defects
Authors: Cheng Zhe A. , Alba‐Perez Andres , Gonzalez‐Garcia Cristina , Donnelly Hannah , Llopis‐Hernandez Virginia , Jayawarna Vineetha , Childs Peter , Shields David W. , Cantini Marco , Ruiz‐Cantu Laura , Reid Andrew , Windmill James F. C. , Addison Elena S. , Corr Sandra , Marshall William G. , Dalby Matthew J. , Salmeron‐Sanchez Manuel
Published: November 2018

While new biomaterials for regenerative therapies are being reported in the literature, clinical translation is slow. Some existing regenerative approaches rely on high doses of growth factors, such as bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) in bone regeneration, which can cause serious side effects. An ultralow‐dose growth factor technology is described yielding high bioactivity based on a simple polymer, poly(ethyl acrylate) (PEA), and mechanisms to drive stem cell differentiation and bone regeneration in a critical‐sized murine defect model with translation to a clinical veterinary setting are reported. This material‐based technology triggers spontaneous fibronectin organization and stimulates growth factor signalling, enabling synergistic integrin and BMP‐2 receptor activation in mesenchymal stem cells. To translate this technology, plasma‐polymerized PEA is used on 2D and 3D substrates to enhance cell signalling in vitro, showing the complete healing of a critical‐sized bone injury in mice in vivo. Efficacy is demonstrated in a Münsterländer dog with a nonhealing humerus fracture, establishing the clinical translation of advanced ultralow‐dose growth factor treatment.
Recent Advances and Emerging Trends in Photo‐Electrochemical Solar Energy Conversion
Authors: Tilley S. David
Published: November 2018

Photo‐electrochemical (PEC) solar energy conversion offers the promise of low‐cost renewable fuel generation from abundant sunlight and water. In this Review, recent developments in photo‐electrochemical water splitting are discussed with respect to this promise. State‐of‐the‐art photo‐electrochemical device performance is put in context with the current understanding of the necessary requirements for cost‐effective solar hydrogen generation (in terms of solar‐to‐hydrogen conversion efficiency and system durability, in particular). Several important studies of photo‐electrochemical hydrogen generation at p‐type photocathodes are highlighted, mostly with protection layers (for enhanced durability), but also a few recent examples where protective layers are not needed. Recent work with the widely studied n‐type BiVO4 photoanode is detailed, which highlights the needs and necessities for the next big photoanode material yet to be discovered. The emerging new research direction of photo‐electrocatalytic upgrading of biomass substrates toward value‐added chemicals is then discussed, before closing with a commentary on how research on PEC materials remains a worthwhile endeavor.
Triboelectric Nanogenerator: A Foundation of the Energy for the New Era
Authors: Wu Changsheng , Wang Aurelia C. , Ding Wenbo , Guo Hengyu , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: November 2018

As the world is marching into the era of the internet of things (IoTs) and artificial intelligence, the most vital development for hardware is a multifunctional array of sensing systems, which forms the foundation of the fourth industrial revolution toward an intelligent world. Given the need for mobility of these multitudes of sensors, the success of the IoTs calls for distributed energy sources, which can be provided by solar, thermal, wind, and mechanical triggering/vibrations. The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) for mechanical energy harvesting developed by Z.L. Wang's group is one of the best choices for this energy for the new era, since triboelectrification is a universal and ubiquitous effect with an abundant choice of materials. The development of self‐powered active sensors enabled by TENGs is revolutionary compared to externally powered passive sensors, similar to the advance from wired to wireless communication. In this paper, the fundamental theory, experiments, and applications of TENGs are reviewed as a foundation of the energy for the new era with four major application fields: micro/nano power sources, self‐powered sensors, large‐scale blue energy, and direct high‐voltage power sources. A roadmap is proposed for the research and commercialization of TENG in the next 10 years.
Extension of the mutational and clinical spectrum of SOX2 related disorders: Description of six new cases and a novel association with suprasellar teratoma
Authors: Blackburn Patrick R. , Chacon‐Camacho Oscar F. , Ortiz‐González Xilma R. , Reyes Mariana , Lopez‐Uriarte Graciela A. , Zarei Shabnam , Bhoj Elizabeth J. , Perez‐Solorzano Sofia , Vaubel Rachael A. , Murphree Marine I. , Nava Jessica , Cortes‐Gonzalez Vianney , Parisi Joseph E. , Villanueva‐Mendoza Cristina , Tirado‐Torres Iris G. , Li Dong , Klee Eric W. , Pichurin Pavel N. , Zenteno Juan C.
Published: November 2018

SOX2 is a transcription factor that is essential for maintenance of pluripotency and has several conserved roles in early embryonic development. Heterozygous loss‐of‐function variants in SOX2 are identified in approximately 40% of all cases of bilateral anophthalmia/micropthalmia (A/M). Increasingly SOX2 mutation‐positive patients without major eye findings, but with a range of other developmental disorders including autism, mild to moderate intellectual disability with or without structural brain changes, esophageal atresia, urogenital anomalies, and endocrinopathy are being reported, suggesting that the clinical phenotype associated with SOX2 loss is much broader than previously appreciated. In this report we describe six new cases, four of which carry novel pathogenic SOX2 variants. Four cases presented with bilateral anophthalmia in addition to extraocular involvement. Another individual presented with only unilateral anophthalmia. One individual did not have any eye findings but presented with a suprasellar teratoma in infancy and was found to have the recurrent c.70del20 mutation in SOX2 (c.70_89del, p.Asn24Argfs*65). This is this first time this tumor type has been reported in the context of a de novo SOX2 mutation. Notably, individuals with hypothalamic hamartomas and slow‐growing hypothalamo‐pituitary tumors have been reported previously, but it is still unclear how SOX2 loss contributes to their formation.
Autosomal recessive Stickler syndrome resulting from a COL9A3 mutation
Authors: Hanson‐Kahn Andrea , Li Bing , Cohn Daniel H. , Nickerson Deborah A. , Bamshad Michael J. ,   University of Washington Center for Mendelian Genomics, Hudgins Louanne
Published: November 2018

Stickler syndrome is a connective tissue disorder characterized by hearing loss, ocular anomalies, palatal defects, and skeletal abnormalities. The autosomal dominant form is the most common, but autosomal recessive forms have also been described. We report the second case of autosomal recessive Stickler syndrome due to homozygosity for a loss of function mutation in COL9A3, which encodes the α3 chain of type IX procollagen. The clinical features were similar to the previously described COL9A3 Stickler syndrome family, including moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss, high myopia, and both tibial and femoral bowing at birth. Radiographs demonstrated abnormal capital femoral epiphyses and mild irregularities of the vertebral endplates. This case further establishes the phenotype associated with mutations in this gene. We suggest that loss of the α3 chain of type IX collagen results in a Stickler syndrome phenotype similar to that of the other autosomal recessive forms caused by mutations in genes encoding the α1 and α2 chains of type IX collagen.
In‐office balloon sinus dilation versus medical therapy for recurrent acute rhinosinusitis: a randomized, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Sikand Ashley , Ehmer Dale R. , Stolovitzky J. Pablo , McDuffie Chad M. , Mehendale Neelesh , Albritton Ford D.
Published: November 2018

Background

A limited number of studies have demonstrated symptomatic improvement for recurrent acute rhinosinusitis (RARS) patients after endoscopic sinus surgery. In this randomized, controlled study we evaluated 24‐week outcomes for balloon sinus dilation (BSD) performed in‐office (IO) with medical management (MM) as compared with MM only for RARS patients.

Methods

Adults diagnosed with RARS were randomized to groups with BSD plus MM (n = 29) or MM alone (n = 30). Patients who received MM alone also received a sham BSD‐IO procedure to blind them to group assignment. Patients were followed to 48 weeks posttreatment. The primary outcome was the difference between arms in change in Chronic Sinusitis Survey (CSS) score from baseline to 24 weeks. Secondary endpoints included comparisons of Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSDI) score, medication usage, medical care visits, and sinus infections.

Results

Change in patient‐reported quality of life (QOL), as measured by the CSS total score from baseline to 24 weeks, was significantly greater in the BSD plus MM group compared with the MM‐only group (37.3 ± 24.4 [n = 26] vs 21.8 ± 29.0 [n = 27]; p = 0.0424).

Conclusion

BSD plus MM proved superior to MM alone in enhancing QOL for RARS patients. BSD plus MM should be considered as a viable treatment option for properly diagnosed RARS patients.
A Highly Active Ylide‐Functionalized Phosphine for Palladium‐Catalyzed Aminations of Aryl Chlorides
Authors: Weber Philip , Scherpf Thorsten , Rodstein Ilja , Lichte Dominik , Scharf Lennart T. , Gooßen Lukas J. , Gessner Viktoria H.
Published: November 2018

Ylide‐functionalized phosphine ligands (YPhos) were rationally designed to fit the requirements of Buchwald–Hartwig aminations at room temperature. This ligand class combines a strong electron‐donating ability comparable to NHC ligands with high steric demand similar to biaryl phosphines. The active Pd species are stabilized by agostic C−H⋅⋅⋅Pd rather than by Pd–arene interactions. The practical advantage of YPhos ligands arises from their easy and scalable synthesis from widely available, inexpensive starting materials. Benchmark studies showed that YPhos‐Pd complexes are superior to the best‐known phosphine ligands in room‐temperature aminations of aryl chlorides. The utility of the catalysts was demonstrated by the synthesis of various arylamines in high yields within short reaction times.
The Use of Augmented Reality Technology in Medical Specimen Museum Tours
Authors: Sugiura Atsushi , Kitama Toshihiro , Toyoura Masahiro , Mao Xiaoyang
Published: November 2018

Human anatomical specimen museums are commonly used by medical, nursing, and paramedical students. Through dissection and prosection, the specimens housed in these museums allow students to appreciate the complex relationships of organs and structures in more detail than textbooks could provide. However, it may be difficult for students, particularly novices, to identify the various parts of these anatomical structures without additional explanations from a docent or supplemental illustrations. Recently, augmented reality (AR) has been used in many museum exhibits to display virtual objects in videos captured from the real world. This technology can significantly enhance the learning experience. In this study, three AR‐based support systems for tours in medical specimen museums were developed, and their usability and effectiveness for learning were examined. The first system was constructed using an AR marker. This system could display virtual label information for specimens by capturing AR markers using a tablet camera. Individual AR markers were required for all specimens, but their presence in and on the prosected specimens could also be obtrusive. The second system was developed to set the specimen image itself as an image marker, as most specimens were displayed in cross section. Visitors could then obtain the label information presented by AR without any markers intruding on the display or anatomical specimens. The third system was comprised of a head‐mounted display combined with a natural click interface. The system could provide visitors with an environment for the natural manipulation of virtual objects with future scalability.
Effects of Alternating Dissection with Peer Teaching and Faculty Prosected Cadaver Demonstrations in a Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Gross Anatomy Course
Authors: Kinirons Stacy A. , Reddin Vanessa M. , Maguffin Jeanann
Published: November 2018

The most effective method to teach gross anatomy is largely unknown. This study examined two teaching methods utilized in a physical therapy and occupational therapy gross anatomy course, (1) alternating dissection with peer teaching every other laboratory session and (2) faculty demonstrations during laboratory sessions. Student (n = 57) subgroup (A or B) academic performance was determined using written, laboratory practical, and palpation practical examinations. Subgroup A performed significantly better on laboratory practical examination questions pertaining to dissected, in comparison to peer‐taught structures (67.1% vs. 60.2%, P = 0.008). Subgroup B performed significantly better on laboratory practical examination questions pertaining to peer‐taught, in comparison to dissected structures (64.1% vs. 57.9%, P = 0.001). When Subgroup A was compared to Subgroup B, there were no statistically significant differences on laboratory practical examination question types, whether the subgroup learned the structure through dissection or peer teaching. Based on within and between subgroup comparisons, faculty demonstrations had no effect on written, laboratory practical, or palpation practical examination scores. Although limited, data suggest that the student roles when alternating dissection with peer teaching every other laboratory session appear to be equally effective for learning gross anatomy. The benefits of this method include decreased student/faculty ratio in laboratory sessions and increased time for independent study. Faculty demonstrations during laboratory sessions do not seem to improve student academic performance.
Algorithmic risk assessments and the double‐edged sword of youth
Authors: Stevenson Megan T. , Slobogin Christopher
Published: November 2018

At sentencing, youth can be considered both a mitigating circumstance because of its association with diminished culpability, and an aggravating circumstance because of its association with crime risk. In theory, judges and parole boards can recognize this double‐edged sword phenomenon and balance the mitigating and aggravating effects of youth. But when sentencing authorities rely on algorithmic risk assessments, a practice that is becoming increasingly common, this balancing process may never take place. Algorithmic risk assessments often place heavy weights on age in a manner that is not fully transparent – or, in the case of proprietary “black box” algorithms, not transparent at all. For instance, our analysis of one of the leading black‐box tools, the COMPAS Violent Recidivism Risk Score, shows that roughly 60% of the risk score it produces is attributable to age. We argue that this type of fact must be disclosed to sentencing authorities in an easily interpretable manner so that they understand the role an offender's age plays in the risk calculation. Failing to reveal that a stigmatic label such as “high risk of violent crime” is due primarily to a defendant's young age could lead to improper condemnation of a youthful offender, especially given the close association between risk labels and perceptions of character and moral blameworthiness.
Device design methodology and formulation of a protein therapeutic for sustained release intraocular delivery
Authors: Schlesinger Erica B. , Bernards Daniel A. , Chen Hunter H. , Feindt James , Cao Jingtai , Dix Daniel , Romano Carmelo , Bhisitkul Robert B. , Desai Tejal A.
Published: November 2018

Despite years of effort, sustained delivery of protein therapeutics remains an unmet need due to three primary challenges – dose, duration, and stability. The work presented here provides a design methodology for polycaprolactone reservoir‐based thin film devices suitable for long‐acting protein delivery to the back of the eye. First, the challenge of formulating highly concentrated protein in a device reservoir was addressed by improving stability with solubility‐reducing excipients. Next, predictive correlations between design parameters and device performance were developed to provide a methodology to achieve a target product profile. Prototype devices were designed using this methodology to achieve desired device size, release rate, therapeutic payload, and protein stability, assessed by in vitro studies. Finally, prototype tolerability was established in a non‐human primate model. The design methodology presented here is widely applicable to reservoir‐based sustained delivery devices for proteins and provides a general device design framework.
Hypothyroidism is associated with worse outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma patients after liver transplantation
Authors: Zhang Ning , Jin Weidong , Zhou Shuangnan , Yang Ju Dong , Harmsen William S. , Giama Nasra H. , Wongjarupong Nicha , Heimbach Julie K. , Watt Kymberly D. , Malhi Harmeet , Therneau Terry M. , Roberts Lewis R.
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims

Hypothyroidism has been associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence; however, the relationship between hypothyroidism and HCC patient outcomes is unclear. We investigated the impact of hypothyroidism on outcomes after liver transplantation for HCC.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively studied HCC patients transplanted between January 2000 and December 2015. Hypothyroidism was defined as a thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) level continuously greater than 5 mIU/L, a documented history of hypothyroidism, or treatment with thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Multivariate Cox regression was used to assess the impact of hypothyroidism on overall survival (OS) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) adjusting for potential confounders. Subgroup analyses and interaction tests were conducted to compare the impact of hypothyroidism in different subgroups and assess for possible synergistic effects. Sensitivity analyses were performed among different cohorts to verify the stability of the results.

Results

A total of 343 HCC patients who underwent liver transplantation were included in the analysis. The primary analysis was conducted among 288 patients diagnosed with HCC prior to transplantation. Hypothyroidism was independently associated with worse OS and RFS, as was elevated TSH. The adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) of hypothyroidism was 2.45 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.44‐4.18) for OS and 5.54 (2.36, 13.01) for RFS. The AHR of TSH for OS was 1.05 (1.02, 1.09) and 1.08 (1.03, 1.13) for RFS. No interaction was found among different subgroups categorized by etiology and comorbidity. The results were stable to sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

Hypothyroidism is associated with poorer overall and recurrence‐free survival of HCC patients receiving liver transplantation. These results require validation.
Tracking Conformational Changes in Phosvitin throughout a Crowding‐Agent‐Based Titration
Authors: Van de Vondel Evelien , Herrebout Wouter , Johannessen Christian
Published: November 2018

The sensitivity of Raman optical activity (ROA) towards small conformational changes is explored by tracking the structural changes in an intrinsically disordered protein—phosvitin—induced by different concentrations of crowding agent. It is shown that ROA is capable of tracking small conformational changes involving β‐sheet and α‐helical secondary structural properties of the protein. Furthermore, it is indicated that the influences of the crowding agents employed, Ficoll 70 and dextran 70, on the structural properties of phosvitin differ significantly, with the structural changes induced by the presence of Ficoll 70 being more pronounced and already being visible at a lower concentration. The data also suggest that some spectral changes do not arise from a change in the secondary structure of the protein, but are related to differences in interaction between the phosphorylated residues of the protein and the sugar‐based crowding agent.
Transfemoral PCI skill: Use it or lose it.….But #RadialFirst
Authors: Barman Nitin , Dangas George D.
Published: November 2018

Key Points

Despite, earlier concerns, is the article by Badri et al., there was no apparent increase in the rate of vascular complications with transfemoral percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) associated with increasing levels of adoption of transradial PCI by individuals initially identified as primarily femoral operators (> 90% of PCI's via the femoral artery).

Compared with the 2010–2011 period, patients undergoing PCI in the United States in 2014–2015 tended to be generally sicker. This fact, coupled with a liberalization in bleeding definition, likely led to an overall increase in the observed rate of vascular complications post‐transfemoral PCI (from 1.3 to 1.64%) across the study time period.

Despite the extensive body of evidence supporting the use of transradial over transfemoral PCI access, the vast majority (>80%) of primarily femoral operators in the United States have remained low radial adopters and the overall proportion of PCIs performed transradially across this time period by primarily transfemoral operators increased significantly, yet modestly (from 1.3 to 17.8%).
Residual damage in previously instrumented radial arteries
Authors: Mazur Matylda M. , Gilchrist Ian C.
Published: November 2018

Key Points

Pre‐procedural radial artery ultrasound may reduce both vascular access time and total procedure time in patients who previously had radial artery procedures.

Many radial arteries that were previously instrumented appear to have chronic changes that may make them unfavorable for future use.

Attention to best practice for radial artery catheterization and measurements of long‐term radial artery damage may be important metrics for sustainable, long‐term use of transradial access.
Pillar[5]‐bis‐thiacrown: An Adaptive Tricyclic Host Selectively Recognizing an Organic Guest by Dimetalation
Authors: Lee Eunji , Ryu Hyunsoo , Ju Huiyeong , Kim Seulgi , Lee Ji‐Eun , Jung Jong Hwa , Kuwahara Shunsuke , Ikeda Mari , Habata Yoichi , Lee Shim Sung
Published: November 2018

Some biological receptors change their shapes and rigidity by metalation to recognize substrates precisely via adaptive guest binding process. Herein we present a semi‐flexible tricyclic host molecule whose conformation is rigidified by dimetalation to uptake organic guests selectively. Considering two metal binding sites and an empty space between them, pillar[5]‐bis‐thiacrown (L) was synthesized. The tricyclic host L forms a disilver(I) complex [Ag2L(NO3)2], with an Ag⋅⋅⋅Ag separation of 9.976 Å. Binding studies based on 1H NMR including 2D NOESY and DOSY experiments towards α,ω‐dicyanoalkanes [CN(CH2)nCN, n=2–6, shortly C2–C6] demonstrated that the dimetalated L, Ag2L preferentially recognizes C2 over other guests than that of free L. Furthermore, the dimetalated the host only uptakes C2 in the presence of other guests. Crystal structures support the idea that the space between two silver(I) centers plays a decisive role on the selective guest binding forming an Ag‐C2‐Ag@L arrangement via the length‐selective recognition. This work demonstrates the chemical example of the adaptive guest binding and presents a new perspective on the metallosupramolecules of pillararenes.
A Comprehensive Review on Emulsions and Emulsion Stability in Chemical and Energy Industries
Authors: Goodarzi Fatemeh , Zendehboudi Sohrab
Published: November 2018

Emulsion refers to a mixture that includes two or more liquid phases. The uses of emulsions are found in several chemical, energy, and environmental industries such as the food, health care, chemical synthesis, and firefighting sectors. Water‐in‐oil emulsions are formed spontaneously during oil production when oil and water are mixed together and in the presence of asphaltene as a naturally occurring surfactant. For operational and economic reasons, oil emulsions need to be treated to recover both oil and water phases. To develop more efficient emulsion treatments, it is essential to have a better understanding of the factors that affect emulsion formation and stability. The droplet size variation is an important parameter that influences the stability and rheological characteristics of the emulsions. In addition, the available interfacial area for any possible chemical reactions might affect the behaviours and properties of the emulsions in various transport phenomena systems. The adequate knowledge of the factors and mechanisms affecting the droplet size and emulsion stability still needs further engineering and research activities. This study is aimed to provide a comprehensive literature review on the formation of water/oil emulsions and their stability in various physical systems (e.g., pipeline networks and porous media). In this review, fundamental aspects of emulsions, emulsion formation mechanisms, analytical models, and numerical solutions for the description and characterization of the behaviours of emulsions in porous media and/or separators are discussed. The effects of different fluid properties, physical model characteristics, and operational conditions on emulsion behaviours are studied. This paper also summarizes the previous experimental and modelling studies and methodologies with a focus on reliable laboratory equipment/tools and simulation and modelling packages/strategies for the investigation of emulsion stability and droplet size distribution where a systematic parametric sensitivity analysis to study various effects of important thermodynamic, process, and medium properties on the targeted variables is conducted. This review manuscript provides useful guidelines to characterize and model emulsions and their behaviours in different industrial sectors, which will considerably help to conduct better design and optimal operation of corresponding equipment.
Shedding light on the colours of medieval alabaster sculptures: Scientific analysis and digital reconstruction of their original polychromy
Authors: Pereira‐Pardo Lucía , Tamburini Diego , Dyer Joanne
Published: November 2018

Although medieval alabaster sculptures might appear white at present, they were colourful once, because painting and gilding the stone was an integral part of their production. This work presents the study of polychrome remnants on a selection of fourteenth century English alabasters, using multiple scientific methods (microscopy, spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques). The range of pigments identified include vermilion, red ochre, red lead, kermes, verdigris, copper resinate, azurite, lead white and carbon black. Some sophisticated decorative techniques were also observed, namely the application of translucent glazes on top of raised gilded motifs. The analysis was useful in understanding the degradation processes undergone by some materials, such as verdigris. The use of oil as binding medium for the application of the paint layers and a mordant gilding technique were determined. These findings yielded important clues towards the digital reconstruction of the original appearance of the polychrome surface, which is also presented here.
A new improved FSVM algorithm based on SVDD
Authors: Xie Wenhao , Liang Gongqian , Guo Qiao
Published: November 2018

SVM (Support Vector Machine) is a popular machine‐based learning method, with wide applicability and excellent generalization performance in a large number of real‐time classification problems. However, SVM is sensitive to the noise and outliers. As an improved algorithm based on SVM, FSVM (Fuzzy Support Vector Machine) gives the training samples different fuzzy membership values in order to reduce the interference of the noise and outliers. However, like the normal SVM algorithm, the FSVM algorithm still needs to solve the problems such as how to improve the accuracy of classification and how to accurately recognize the noise and outliers. In this paper, an improved FSVM of data classification algorithm (IFSVM) has been proposed. Firstly, this algorithm deletes the outliers or noise based on the average density algorithm and removes them from the samples, thus avoiding the influence of the noise to the classification accuracy. Secondly, the centers and radiuses of the two minimum hyperspheres are extracted based on the SVDD algorithm. Finally, this algorithm sets the membership function values by comparing the distance between each sample and the center of the sample's hypersphere, the distance between the sample and the opposite hypersphere center, and the distance between the two hypersphere centers. In this way, this algorithm highlights the importance of the boundary vectors, which could be support vectors for classification, and improves the classification accuracy. The experimental results show that this algorithm has improved the anti‐noise ability and the accuracy of classification when compared with the normal SVM algorithm and three other FSVM algorithms.
A novel design of multiplexer based on nano‐scale quantum‐dot cellular automata
Authors: Mosleh Mohammad
Published: November 2018

Quantum‐dot Cellular Automata (QCA) is known as one of best alternative technologies for CMOS, on nano‐scale dimensions, which allows digital circuits to be designed with high speed and density. In this paper, a novel 2:1 multiplexer in QCA technology is proposed. This proposed QCA multiplexer uses a new formulation based on an introduced MV32 gate. The MV32 gate has three inputs and two outputs and operates based on cell interactions. A multi‐layer design for proposed 2:1 QCA multiplexer is provided. The simulation results obtained by the software, QCADesigner 2.0.3, confirm that the proposed multiplexer works well and can be applied as a high performance design, in QCA technology. Moreover, the 2:1 QCA multiplexer is used to create 4:1 and 8:1 QCA multiplexers. The results of comparisons show that the proposed structures have so better performance than many previous designs.
Fast and Quantitative Evaluation of Human Leukocyte Interaction with Aspergillus fumigatus Conidia by Flow Cytometry
Authors: Hartung Susann , Rauh Christopher , Hoang Thi Ngoc Mai , Jahreis Susanne , Wagner Kathleen , Macheleidt Juliane , Brakhage Axel A. , Rummler Silke , Hochhaus Andreas , von Lilienfeld‐Toal Marie
Published: November 2018

Systemic infections with the opportunistic mold Aspergillus fumigatus are a great threat to immunocompromised patients such as transplant recipients. Immunological research on A. fumigatus involves the measurement of phagocytosis of fungal conidia (spores) by human phagocytes. Here, we present a fast and flexible way to analyze phagocytosis by flow cytometry using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeling of conidia prior to co‐incubation with human leukocytes and an anti‐FITC counterstaining step postincubation to allow the discrimination of internalized and adherent conidia. In contrast to many other protocols, this method can be combined with further surface marker analyses. We sought to determine phagocytosis rates of A. fumigatus conidia in different stages and after several incubation times using this method. Moreover, we provide an example of application by comparing phagocytosis of A. fumigatus mutants to the wild type. © 2018 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
A Flow Cytometric Study of ER Stress and Autophagy
Authors: Popat A , Patel AA , Warnes G
Published: November 2018

The mechanistic link between ER stress, autophagy, and resultant cell death was investigated by the use of drugs Thapsigargin (Tg) and Chloroquine (CQ) with prior induction and or blockade of autophagy and apoptosis which modulated the ER stress response and resultant form of cell death. All these biological processes can be measured flow cytometrically allowing the determination of the type of cell death, G1 cell cycle arrest, cell cycle dependent measurement of ER stress transducer PERK, misfolded proteins, reticulophagy, and autophagy marker LC3B. Jurkat cells after Tg or CQ treatment became necrotic and apoptotic, showed G1 cell cycle arrest, autophagy, and ER stress. Prior induction of autophagy before ER stress increased levels of necrotic and apoptotic cell death. Autophagy was further up‐regulated, while PERK was reduced or abrogated. CQ showed reduced levels of misfolded proteins and reticulophagy, while Tg showed no change in misfolded protein levels but increased reticulophagy and thus displayed more ER stress. Prior blockade of apoptosis before induction of ER stress resulted in cell survival except with high Tg levels which induced necrosis. Autophagy was up‐regulated with modulation of PERK and reticulophagy levels with an abrogation of the misfolded protein response. Blockade of apoptosis with induction of autophagy before ER stress showed death by necrosis with high dose drugs and cell survival with low doses of drugs. CQ induced reduced levels G1 cell cycle arrest while it was maintained with Tg. Autophagy was also maintained with reduced levels of ER stress. These data demonstrates a profound link between the processes of ER stress, autophagy, and the resultant form of cell death all of which can be modulated depending upon the sequence and concentration of drugs employed. © 2018 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Adult Bone Marrow Three‐Dimensional Phenotypic Landscape of B‐Cell Differentiation
Authors: Carrion Claire , Guérin Estelle , Gachard Nathalie , le Guyader Alexandre , Giraut Stéphane , Feuillard Jean
Published: November 2018

Background

The different B‐cell subsets in human bone marrow result from a dynamic equilibrium between endogenous production, B‐cell bone marrow reentry and terminal plasma cell differentiation. Our aim was to define and quantify the different medullary B‐cell subsets.

Methods

A series of 32 normal adult bone marrows plus 15 normal adult blood samples was studied by nine color flow cytometry (CD10, CD19, CD24, CD27, CD34, CD38, CD45, IgM, and IgD). With the Kaluza software radar plots, two 2D triple parametric histograms (CD10/CD34/CD45 and CD27/IgM/IgD) were set‐up to identify six progenitor and five mature B‐cell subsets.

Results

Very early B‐cell progenitors were CD19neg/CD10pos/CD34pos. B‐cell progenitors were split into five subsets on the CD10/CD34/CD45 triple parametric histogram, sequentially ordered according to the loss of CD34 and CD10 and acquisition of surface IgM and IgD. CD19pos/CD38low mature B‐cells were divided into four subsets on the CD27/IgM/IgD triple parametric histogram, with two stages of naïve B‐cells and two CD27hi marginal zone and switched memory B‐cell compartments. CD19pos/CD34neg/CD10low immature B‐cells were the main bone marrow B‐cell subset, accounting for one third of bone marrow B‐cells. Transitional B‐cells were the only immature bone marrow stage found in the blood. Compared to blood, the bone marrow was enriched in both marginal zone and switched B‐cells.

Conclusion

We provide the first analysis of 3D B‐cell differentiation by multicolor flow cytometry leading to propose reference values for each bone marrow and blood B‐cell compartment. This warrants further exploration of normal and pathological human B‐cell maturation. © 2018 International Clinical Cytometry Society