bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of a high‐power (50 W), ablation index‐guided protocol for ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus
Authors: Tscholl Verena , Kamieniarz Paul , Nagel Patrick , Landmesser Ulf , Attanasio Philipp , Huemer Martin
Published: October 2020

Background

High‐power (HP) ablation protocols are increasingly used for ablation procedures to shorten procedural times and improve short‐ and long‐term success. The ablation index (AI) combines contact force, power settings, and ablation time. It can be used in combination with HP protocols to guide operators toward standardized lesions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate both a HP and AI‐guided strategy for ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) in patients with typical atrial flutter (AFL).

Methods

In this single‐center study, consecutive patients with typical AFL (n = 52, mean age 68.7 ± 8.3 years, 21/52 [40.4%] female) underwent AI‐guided HP radiofrequency (RF) ablation of the CTI. Ablation was performed with 50 W and AI target values of 550 with a maximum ablation duration of 25 seconds per lesion. Target interlesion distance was ≤6 mm. Ablation was performed with a 3.5 mm porous tip Smarttouch SF catheter.

Results

Acute CTI block was achieved in 52 of 52 patients (100%), and first‐pass conduction block was achieved in 41 of 52 patients (80.4%). Spontaneous reconduction after 30 minutes waiting time occurred in 1 of 52 (1.9%) patient. Average ablation time until CTI block was 3:51 ± 1:40; 2:33 ± 1:01 minutes of bonus ablation pulses were applied after CTI block. An audible steam pop was noted in one patient (1.9%). No major complications occurred. After a mean follow‐up of 193.7 ± 152.2 days, no patient showed recurrence of typical AFL.

Conclusion

In this pilot study, AI‐guided HP ablation of the CTI was fast, safe, and effective.
Exploring supplier–supplier innovations within the Toyota supply network: A supply network perspective
Authors: Potter Antony , Wilhelm Miriam
Published: October 2020

This article investigates the development of supplier–supplier innovations that occur when two firms that are part of the same supply network co‐patent a new product. This study unravels how the structure of the supply network influences each firm's ability to form supplier–supplier innovations with other network members. Specifically, we investigate how supplier degree centrality influences the generation of supplier–supplier innovations, and the extent to which this relationship is moderated by the structural embeddedness of firms in the supply network. Using data from the Toyota supply network, the results reveal that a firm's ability to co‐develop supplier–supplier innovations with other network members depends on its number of ties and their direction within the supply network. Although betweenness centrality has no significant moderating effect, closeness centrality, and embeddedness in small world clusters negatively moderate the relationship between supplier degree centrality and supplier–supplier innovations. Additionally, the number of manufacturing plants a firm operates in Japan strengthens the positive effect supplier degree centrality has on the development of supplier–supplier innovations.
Biomechanical evaluation of total ankle arthroplasty. Part II: Influence of loading and fixation design on tibial bone–implant interaction
Authors: Quevedo González Fernando J. , Steineman Brett D. , Sturnick Daniel R. , Deland Jonathan T. , Demetracopoulos Constantine A. , Wright Timothy M.
Published: October 2020

Finite element (FE) models to evaluate the burden placed on the interaction between total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) implants and the bone often rely on peak axial forces. However, the loading environment of the ankle is complex, and it is unclear whether peak axial forces represent a challenging scenario for the interaction between the implant and the bone. Our goal was to determine how the loads and the design of the fixation of the tibial component of TAA impact the interaction between the implant and the bone. To this end, we developed a framework that integrated robotic cadaveric simulations to determine the ankle kinematics, musculoskeletal models to determine the ankle joint loads, and FE models to evaluate the interaction between TAA and the bone. We compared the bone–implant micromotion and the risk of bone failure of three common fixation designs for the tibial component of TAA: spikes, a stem, and a keel. We found that the most critical conditions for the interaction between the implant and the bone were dependent on the specimen and the fixation design, but always involved submaximal forces and large moments. We also found that while the fixation design influenced the distribution and the peak value of bone–implant micromotion, the amount of bone at risk of failure was specimen dependent. To account for the most critical conditions for the interaction between the implant and the bone, our results support simulating multiple specimens under complex loading profiles that include multiaxial moments and span entire activity cycles.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging–Guided Focused Ultrasound Positioning System for Preclinical Studies in Small Animals
Authors: Drakos Theoharis , Giannakou Marinos , Menikou Georgios , Damianou Christakis
Published: October 2020

Objectives

A positioning device compatible with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) used for preclinical studies in small animals was developed that fits in MRI scanners up to 7 T. The positioning device was designed with two computer‐controlled linear stages.

Methods

The positioning device was evaluated in an agar‐based phantom, which mimics soft tissues, and in a rabbit. Experiments with this positioning device were performed in an MRI system using the agar‐based phantom. The transducer used had a diameter of 50 mm, operated at 0.5 MHz, and focused energy at 60 mm.

Results

Magnetic resonance thermometry was used to assess the functionality of the device, which showed adequate deposition of thermal energy and sufficient positional accuracy in all axes.

Conclusions

The proposed system fits in MRI scanners up to 7 T. Because of the size of the positioning device, at the moment, it can be used to perform preclinical studies on small animals such as mice, rats, and rabbits.
Clinical Characteristics of Patients With Papilloma in the External Auditory Canal
Authors: Luo Wenwei , Wu Jingfang , Peng Kevin A. , Li Qingzhong , Du Qiang , Xu Jianghong , Dai Chunfu , Chi Fanglu , Shu Yilai
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To determine the clinical characteristics of papilloma involving the external auditory canal (PEAC) in a region of China.

Study design

A retrospective study.

Methods

Demographics, manifestations, imaging results, histopathology, and treatment of 67 patients diagnosed with PEAC in a period of 6 years were analyzed at Shanghai Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital in China.

Results

PEAC were encountered in patients between the ages of 12 and 82 years (mean 53.8 years). It was more prevalent in men (82%) than in women (18%) (P < .05). The clinical presentation was usually a mass in EAC, aural fullness, and hearing loss. Otoscopic and radiological examination were used together for initial diagnosis and pretreatment planning. Unilateral involvement was more common than bilateral involvement (P < .05). The average time between onset of first symptom and surgical resection and/or biopsy was 6.5 months (range, 0.25–60 months). All patients underwent gross total resection. In 5 patients, (7.5%) carcinoma was detected in the specimen. Fifteen patients (22%) had recurrence; recurrent tumors were detected after an average period of 10 months after surgery (range, 4–24 months).

Conclusion

PEAC is largely a benign lesion with a low risk of malignancy. Optimal management is via gross total resection. However, the risk of recurrence is high, which motivates a need for long‐term monitoring.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:1132–1137, 2021
External Auditory Canal Cholesteatoma Causing Simultaneous Bezold Abscess and Sinus Thrombosis
Authors: Polony Gabor , Tamás László , Kecskeméti Nóra
Published: October 2020

Extra‐ and intracranial complications of cholesteatoma are rare in the new era of antibiotics. The rarity of the severe complications and the atypical symptoms cause difficulties to set up proper diagnosis and treatment. We report about a 76‐year old patient with external auditory canal cholesteatoma causing Bezold abscess and sigmoid sinus thrombosis. The patient underwent canal wall up mastoidectomy and mastoid obliteration with abdominal fat and Bezold abscess drainage. Systemic antibiotic and anticoagulant therapy were applied. The treatment resulted in fast improvement in the general condition of the patient, and the control magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed no recurrence of the disease. Laryngoscope, 131:E1282–E1285, 2021
Water temperature control on CO2 flux and evaporation over a subtropical seagrass meadow revealed by atmospheric eddy covariance
Authors: Van Dam Bryce R. , Lopes Christian C. , Polsenaere Pierre , Price René M. , Rutgersson Anna , Fourqurean James W.
Published: October 2020

Subtropical seagrass meadows play a major role in the coastal carbon cycle, but the nature of air–water CO2 exchanges over these ecosystems is still poorly understood. The complex physical forcing of air–water exchange in coastal waters challenges our ability to quantify bulk exchanges of CO2 and water (evaporation), emphasizing the need for direct measurements. We describe the first direct measurements of evaporation and CO2 flux over a calcifying seagrass meadow near Bob Allen Keys, Florida. Over the 78‐d study, CO2 emissions were 36% greater during the day than at night, and the site was a net CO2 source to the atmosphere of 0.27 ± 0.17 μmol m−2 s−1 (x̅ ± standard deviation). A quarter (23%) of the diurnal variability in CO2 flux was caused by the effect of changing water temperature on gas solubility. Furthermore, evaporation rates were ~ 10 times greater than precipitation, causing a 14% increase in salinity, a potential precursor of seagrass die‐offs. Evaporation rates were not correlated with solar radiation, but instead with air–water temperature gradient and wind shear. We also confirm the role of convective forcing on night‐time enhancement and day‐time suppression of gas transfer. At this site, temperature trends are regulated by solar heating, combined with shallow water depth and relatively consistent air temperature. Our findings indicate that evaporation and air–water CO2 exchange over shallow, tropical, and subtropical seagrass ecosystems may be fundamentally different than in submerged vegetated environments elsewhere, in part due to the complex physical forcing of coastal air–sea gas transfer.
Lignin‐Based Solid Polymer Electrolytes: Lignin‐Graft‐Poly(ethylene glycol)
Authors: Liu Hailing , Mulderrig Logan , Hallinan Daniel , Chung Hoyong
Published: October 2020

Lignin is an aromatic‐rich biomass polymer that is cheap, abundant, and sustainable. However, its application in the solid electrolyte field is rare due to challenges in well‐defined polymer synthesis. Herein, the synthesis of lignin‐graft‐poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and its conductivity test for a solid electrolyte application are demonstrated. The main steps of synthesis include functionalization of natural lignin's hydroxyl to alkene, followed by graft‐copolymerization of PEG thiol to the lignin via photoredox thiol‐ene reaction. Two lignin‐graft‐PEGs are prepared having 22 wt% lignin (lignin‐graft‐PEG 550) and 34 wt% lignin (lignin‐graft‐PEG 2000). Then, new polymer electrolytes for conductivity tests are prepared via addition of lithium bis‐trifluoromethanesulfonimide. The polymer graft electrolytes exhibit ionic conductivity up to 1.4 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 35 °C. The presence of lignin moderately impacts conductivity at elevated temperature compared to homopolymer PEG. Furthermore, the ionic conductivity of lignin‐graft‐PEG at ambient temperature is significantly higher than homopolymer PEG precedents.
Burden of Parkinson's Disease by Severity: Health Care Costs in the U.S. Medicare Population
Authors: Dahodwala Nabila , Li Pengxiang , Jahnke Jordan , Ladage Vrushabh P. , Pettit Amy R. , Kandukuri Prasanna L. , Bao Yanjun , Zamudio Jorge , Jalundhwala Yash J. , Doshi Jalpa A.
Published: October 2020

Background

Current understanding of the health care costs of Parkinson's disease (PD) and the incremental burden of advanced disease is incomplete.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the direct economic burden associated with advanced versus mild/moderate PD in a prevalent national sample of elderly U.S. Medicare beneficiaries with a PD diagnosis.

Methods

Analyzing 100% fee‐for‐service Medicare claims from 2013, we defined advanced PD with a medication‐based algorithm and calculated all‐cause and PD‐related costs for the overall sample and by disease severity. We measured primary PD‐related costs (based on claims with a primary diagnosis of PD) and any PD‐related costs (based on claims with PD in any diagnostic field). Generalized linear models were used to estimate risk‐adjusted mean cost differences between the advanced and mild/moderate PD groups for the calendar year.

Results

The final sample (N = 144,703) had mean observed all‐cause, primary PD‐related, and any PD‐related costs of $23,041 (SD, $34,045), $3429 (SD, $7431), and $9924 (SD, $22,140), respectively. Twenty percent of patients were classified as advanced PD. Costs varied substantially; any PD‐related mean costs were $483 for the lowest patient decile (which included 1% of the advanced group) and $48,145 for the highest decile (which included 15% of the advanced group). Incremental risk‐adjusted costs of advanced PD were $5818 (95% confidence interval [CI]: $5411–$6225) for all‐cause costs, $3644 (95% CI: $3484–$3806) for primary PD‐related costs, and $6088 (95% CI: $5779–$6398) for any PD‐related costs.

Conclusions

Elderly Medicare beneficiaries with PD had substantial variation in PD‐related costs. Advanced PD was associated with a larger economic burden than mild/moderate PD. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Wide posterior gluteal‐thigh propeller flap for reconstruction of perineal defects
Authors: Ordenana Carlos , Dalla Pozza Edoardo , Rampazzo Antonio , Said Sayf , McBride Jennifer , Kessler Hermann , Bassiri Gharb Bahar
Published: October 2020

Introduction

With increasing popularity of minimally invasive approaches to abdominoperineal resection (APR), thigh‐based flaps are becoming the preferred option for reconstruction. The gluteal‐thigh flap provides sufficient bulk, albeit with a high complication rate. We reevaluated the vascularization and design of the gluteal‐thigh flap. The purpose of this study is to highlight the importance of the vascularization of the posterior thigh skin by the descending branch of the inferior gluteal artery (IGA) and the profunda femoris artery (PFA) perforators to design a more reliable and versatile gluteal thigh flap. This flap is indicated in selected cases in which use of vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap is not feasible.

Methods

Eleven fresh cadavers were used. The course, distribution, and diameter of IGA and PFA perforators were recorded. A wide posterior gluteal‐thigh propeller flap (WPGTPF) was designed including the distance between the ischiatic tuberosity and greater trochanter; and extending it to within 8 cm of the popliteal fossa to improve flap reliability. Ten patients (mean age of 58.7 ± 10.6 years) underwent APR due to anal cancer (2) and rectal cancer (8); the approach was open in 3, laparoscopic in 6, and robotic in 1. All 10 patients received unilateral flap with a width of 12 ± 3.3 cm and surface of 405.5 ± 175.9 cm2.

Results

The descending branch of the IGA was dominant in 72.7% of the specimens. In 22.7% of the specimens, the pedicle of the flap derived from the first or second PFA perforators. In one case, there was a double vascularization. Descending branch of the IGA was mapped at 46 ± 7.96 mm on the X‐axis (horizontal line from the ischial tuberosity [IT] to the greater trochanter) and −12.1 ± 17.9 mm on the Y‐axis (vertical line from the IT to the Medial Femoral condyle). Its average caliber measured 2.18 ± 0.3 mm. The first and second PFA perforators were located at 101.6 ± 17.9 mm and 104.5 ± 15.5 mm on the X‐axis; 35.9 ± 27.1 mm and 89.2 ± 37.6 mm on the Y‐axis. Their average diameters were 1.84 ± 0.41 mm and 1.48 ± 0.3 mm. In two cases, the flap was based on the first PFA perforator, the rest were on the descending branch of the IGA. Neither complete nor partial flap necrosis was observed. One patient developed coccyx osteomyelitis treated and resolved with bone debridement and one patient developed a seroma of the lateral thigh that was treated conservatively. Three patients underwent a debulking procedure by a combination of liposuction and resection to improve the gluteal symmetry. All ten flaps survived completely.

Conclusions

Harvest of a wide flap that includes the PFA perforators and implementation of the propeller design increase the survival and versatility of the flap.
Impact of Primary Tumor Location on Survival After Curative Resection in Patients with Colon Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of Propensity Score-Matching Studies
Authors: Ishizuka Mitsuru , Shimizu Takayuki , Shibuya Norisuke , Takagi Kazutoshi , Hachiya Hiroyuki , Nishi Yusuke , Suda Kotaro , Aoki Taku , Kubota Keiichi
Published: October 2020

Background

Recent retrospective subgroup analyses of patients with unresectable colon cancer (CC) receiving systemic chemotherapy have demonstrated that there is a significant difference in treatment outcome between patients with right-sided CC (RSCC) and those with left-sided CC (LSCC). However, it is impossible to divide patients with CC randomly into RSCC and LSCC groups before surgery. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the impact of primary tumor location (PTL) on survival after curative surgery for patients with CC using propensity score-matching (PSM) studies instead of randomization.

Materials and Methods

We performed a comprehensive electronic search of the literature up to January 2019 to identify studies that had used databases allowing comparison of postoperative survival between patients with RSCC and those with LSCC. To integrate the impact of PTL on 5-year overall survival (OS) after curative surgery, a meta-analysis was performed using random-effects models to calculate the risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the selected PSM studies.

Results

Five studies involving a total of 398,687 patients with CC were included in this meta-analysis. Among 205,641 patients with RSCC, 69,091 (33.6%) died during the observation period, whereas among 193,046 patients with LSCC, 63,380 (32.8%) died during the same period. These results revealed that patients with RSCC and those with LSCC had almost the same 5-year OS (RR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.89–1.07; p = .64; I2 = 97%).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis has demonstrated that there was no significant difference in 5-year OS between patients with RSCC and those with LSCC after curative resection.

Implications for Practice

To integrate the impact of primary tumor location (PTL) on 5-year overall survival (OS) after curative surgery, five propensity score-matching (PSM) studies involving a total of 398,687 patients with colon cancer (CC) were included in this meta-analysis. Among 205,641 patients with right-sided CC (RSCC), 69,091 (33.6%) died during the observation period, whereas among 193,046 patients with left-sided CC (LSCC), 63,380 (32.8%) died during the same period. These results revealed that patients with RSCC and those with LSCC had almost the same 5-year OS (risk ratio, 0.98; 95% confidence interval, 0.89–1.07; p = .64; I2 = 97%).
Rationale and design of the Baylor Infant Twin Study—A study assessing obesity‐related risk factors from infancy
Authors: Momin Shabnam R. , Senn Mackenzie K. , Buckley Scott , Buist Neil R.M. , Gandhi Manisha , Hair Amy B. , Hughes Sheryl O. , Hodges Kelly R. , Lange William C. , Papaioannou Maria A. , Phan Mimi , Waterland Robert A. , Wood Alexis C.
Published: October 2020

Background

Early childhood (0–3 years) is a critical period for obesity prevention, when tendencies in eating behaviors and physical activity are established. Yet, little is understood about how the environment shapes children's genetic predisposition for these behaviors during this time. The Baylor Infant Twin Study (BITS) is a two phase study, initiated to study obesity risk factors from infancy. Data collection has been completed for Phase 1 in which three sub‐studies pilot central measures for Phase 2. A novel infant temperament assessment, based on observations made by trained researchers was piloted in Behavior Observation Pilot Protocol (BOPP) study, a new device for measuring infant feeding parameters (the “orometer”) in the Baylor Infant Orometer (BIO), and methods for analyzing DNA methylation in twins of unknown chorionicity in EpiTwin.

Methods

EpiTwin was a cross‐sectional study of neonatal twins, while up to three study visits occurred for the other studies, at 4‐ (BOPP, BIO), 6‐ (BOPP), and 12‐ (BOPP, BIO) of age. Measurements for BOPP and BIO included temperament observations, feeding observations, and body composition assessments while EpiTwin focused on collecting samples of hair, urine, nails, and blood for quantifying methylation levels at 10 metastable epialleles. Additional data collected include demographic information, zygosity, chorionicity, and questionnaire‐based measures of infant behaviors.

Results

Recruitment for all three studies was completed in early 2020. EpiTwin recruited 80 twin pairs (50% monochorionic), 31 twin pairs completed the BOPP protocol, and 68 singleton infants participated in BIO.

Conclusions

The psychometric properties of the data from all three studies are being analyzed currently. The resulting findings will inform the development of the full BITS protocol, with the goal of completing assessments at 4‐, 6‐, 12‐, and 14‐month of age for 400 twin pairs.
Mechanisms for enhancing public engagement with citizen science results
Authors: MacLeod Catriona J. , Scott Karen
Published: October 2020

Citizen science is frequently cited as a successful approach for increasing public engagement with environmental issues, but this requires a purposeful design that is inclusive of, and responsive to, diverse interests. This paper explores the mechanisms for improving participant and public engagement with citizen science results, using the New Zealand Garden Bird Survey (NZGBS) as a case study. It investigates how citizen science can apply democratic processes to be more responsive, while drawing on insights from behaviour change frameworks to facilitate a purposeful design.

By inviting NZGBS participants to select, inform and peer review the design and promotion of new resources, our goal was to embed their values, opinions and perspectives into the developments. This not only empowered 15,844 respondents to contribute directly to the citizen science initiative's governance over 6 years, but also made it more engaging and useful to them and the wider public.

New resources were designed to create a sense of collective action, making them attractive, easy to understand and promote on multiple media channels, aiming to reach a wider range of audiences. By diversifying and refining our communication strategy, we successfully enhanced the level and nature of engagement with the resources. The number and diversity of NZGBS participants also increased to involve people from a wider range of backgrounds and roles, ethnicities and ages.

By applying a democratic process, we demonstrate how citizen scientist perspectives were elevated, to offset and mitigate the influence of institutional powers, which can dominate and shape engagement processes. We also highlight the value of behaviour change frameworks for understanding how choice architecture, social networks and key influencers, and their complex interactions can create the enabling environment required for engagement.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Patterns and compound specific stable carbon isotope analysis (δ13C) of capsaicinoids in Cayenne chilli fruits of different ripening stages
Authors: Krauß Stephanie , Becker Laura , Vetter Walter
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Capsaicinoids are alkaloids of high pungency which are exclusively formed by fruits of the genus Capsicum. Capsaicinoid content and composition of Capsicum fruits are influenced by ripening.

Objective

Determination of changes in content and pattern of individual capsaicinoids in chilli pods with fruit ripening. Compound specific stable carbon isotope analysis (δ13C values (‰), CSIA) was used for a better understanding of capsaicinoid development during fruit ripening.

Methodology

Cayenne chillies (Capsicum annuum) were grown in a glasshouse and harvested from different plants at four ripening stages (unripe, semi‐ripe, ripe, overripe). Nine capsaicinoids (one verified by synthesis) were quantified by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC–MS). For CSIA, an acetylation method for derivatising capsaicinoids was developed.

Results

Variations in the patterns of the nine capsaicinoids were not relatable to a distinct ripening stage and also total contents varied extensively from plant to plant. However, changes in total capsaicinoid concentrations were systematic. In almost all plants, maximum values were reached in unripe fruits, then decreased to semi‐ripe samples and increased again in the following ripening process. Likewise, δ13C values of individual capsaicinoids were always by ~2‰ heavier in unripe than in semi‐ripe or ripe fruits. However, direction of changes in sum‐δ13C values (‰) (taking contributions of all capsaicinoids together) could not be explained by corresponding variations in capsaicinoid concentrations.

Conclusions

Both quantification and δ13C values (‰) verified the presence of ripening‐related changes in the capsaicinoid content which may be caused by simultaneously proceeding reactions like synthesis, storage and degradation of capsaicinoids.
DNA‐Barcoded Fluorescence Microscopy for Spatial Omics
Authors: Schueder Florian , Unterauer Eduard M. , Ganji Mahipal , Jungmann Ralf
Published: October 2020

Innovation in genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics research has created a plethora of state‐of‐the‐art techniques such as nucleic acid sequencing and mass‐spectrometry‐based proteomics with paramount impact in the life sciences. While current approaches yield quantitative abundance analysis of biomolecules on an almost routine basis, coupling this high content to spatial information in a single cell and tissue context is challenging. Here, current implementations of spatial omics are discussed and recent developments in the field of DNA‐barcoded fluorescence microscopy are reviewed. Light is shed on the potential of DNA‐based imaging techniques to provide a comprehensive toolbox for spatial genomics and transcriptomics and discuss current challenges, which need to be overcome on the way to spatial proteomics using high‐resolution fluorescence microscopy.
Leginon: New features and applications
Authors: Cheng Anchi , Negro Carl , Bruhn Jessica F. , Rice William J. , Dallakyan Sargis , Eng Edward T. , Waterman David G. , Potter Clinton S. , Carragher Bridget
Published: October 2020

Leginon is a system for automated data acquisition from a transmission electron microscope. Here we provide an updated summary of the overall Leginon architecture and an update of the current state of the package. We also highlight a few recent developments to provide some concrete examples and use cases.
A kinetic coupling between protein unfolding and aggregation controls time‐dependent solubility of the human myeloma antibody light chain
Authors: Džupponová Veronika , Huntošová Veronika , Žoldák Gabriel
Published: October 2020

Protein aggregation is one of the most critical processes affecting protein solubility in various contexts—from protein therapeutics formulation to protein diseases. In general, time‐dependent changes in protein solubility are complex kinetically driven processes that often involve a triggering event that consists of a protein unfolding/misfolding followed by the assembling of aggregation‐competent protein species. In this study, we have examined the relation between stability and time‐dependent solubility of the recombinant human antibody light chain, hLC, which was found to form renal tubular casts in the multiple myeloma patient. To analyze the aggregation quantitatively, the hLC stability and protein solubility assays were performed in vitro at elevated temperatures. A differential acceleration of the processes at high temperatures enabled us to dissect observed kinetics of irreversible hLC unfolding and aggregation. We find that for hLC these processes have different molecularity and activation energy barriers. While the irreversible unfolding of hLC is a unimolecular step with a substantial activation energy barrier of 260 kJ/mol, the aggregation is rate‐limited by the bimolecular reaction, which is characterized by a lower activation energy barrier of 40 kJ/mol. By the combination of experimental assays at different temperatures, different protein concentrations and kinetic modeling using ordinary differential equations, we were able to extrapolate time‐dependent protein solubility to temperatures where both unfolding and aggregation processes are strongly kinetically coupled. Our study enables mechanism‐based evaluation and interpretation of different physico‐chemical factors contributing to the hLC unfolding and aggregation and their effect on the formation of extracellular protein deposits.
Regulations in the era of new‐type urbanisation and migrant workers' settlement intentions: The case of Beijing
Authors: Sheng Yinan , Zhao Menghan
Published: October 2020

The most important determinant of migration decisions across the globe is economic gain, and attempts to regulate access to a better life have been met with contention. Most previous studies debate on whether regulations successfully restrict the numbers of migrants. However, more recent work points to their focus on migrant selection. Because the New‐type Urbanisation Plan was introduced in 2014, China's mega‐cities (populations of 10 million or more) have begun limiting migrants by job skills. For example, cities with upgraded industrial structures are adopting regulations that support the attraction and retention of high‐skilled migrants while allowing them to refuse an influx of low‐skilled workers. What impact have such regulations had on migration? This article explores how these targeted regulations shape migrant workers' long‐term (i.e., 5 years or more) settlement intentions in the mega‐city of Beijing. Drawing on the China Migrants Dynamic Survey data—commissioned by the National Health Commission and collected in 2012, 2014 and 2017—we find that the proportion of migrants planning to remain in Beijing long term has dropped substantially. While migrants continue to leave small hometowns assuming they will be paid more for their work in mega‐cities such as Beijing, new regulations have lessened the effects of the income differentials between hometowns and the host city. Such a decline in influence is most pronounced among migrant workers in traditional industries (e.g., manufacturing, construction and retail) who are targeted by the regulations.
Discrete‐time sliding mode output tracking control for a class of nonlinear perturbed systems
Authors: Zapata‐Zuluaga Cristian C. , Loukianov Alexander G.
Published: October 2020

The output tracking problem for a class of sampled‐data nonlinear systems exposed in nonlinear block controllable form is faced. This article considers both matched and unmatched perturbations. To formulate a desired sliding manifold on which the impact of unmatched perturbation is attenuated, the block control technique combined with the perturbation estimation, is implemented. A discrete‐time sliding mode nonswitching controller is synthesized such that the closed‐loop system state is driven toward a vicinity of the designed sliding manifold and stays there for all sampled time instants, avoiding chattering, and reducing the matched perturbation effect. The effectiveness of the proposed technique is confirmed by simulation.
Polar Metal Phase Induced by Oxygen Octahedral Network Relaxation in Oxide Thin Films
Authors: Roh Chang Jae , Jung Myung‐Chul , Kim Jeong Rae , Go Kyoung‐June , Kim Jinkwon , Oh Ho Jun , Jo Yong‐Ryun , Shin Yeong Jae , Choi Jeong Gi , Kim Bong‐Joong , Noh Do Young , Choi Si‐Young , Noh Tae Won , Han Myung Joon , Lee Jong Seok
Published: October 2020

ABO3 perovskite materials and their derivatives have inherent structural flexibility due to the corner sharing network of the BO6 octahedron, and the large variety of possible structural distortions and strong coupling between lattice and charge/spin degrees of freedom have led to the emergence of intriguing properties, such as high‐temperature superconductivity, colossal magnetoresistance, and improper ferroelectricity. Here, an unprecedented polar ferromagnetic metal phase in SrRuO3 (SRO) thin films is presented, arising from the strain‐controlled oxygen octahedral rotation (OOR) pattern. For compressively strained SRO films grown on SrTiO3 substrate, oxygen octahedral network relaxation is accompanied by structural phase separation into strained tetragonal and bulk‐like orthorhombic phases, and the asymmetric OOR evolution across the phase boundary allows formation of the polar phase, while bulk metallic and ferromagnetic properties are maintained. From the results, it is expected that other oxide perovskite thin films will also yield similar structural environments with variation of OOR patterns, and thereby provide promising opportunities for atomic scale control of material properties through strain engineering.
Galvanic Replacement Reaction Involving Core–Shell Magnetic Chains and Orientation‐Tunable Microwave Absorption Properties
Authors: Zhao Biao , Li Yang , Zeng Qingwen , Wang Lei , Ding Jingjun , Zhang Rui , Che Renchao
Published: October 2020

Electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption materials have attracted considerable attention because of EM wave pollution caused by the proliferation of electronic communication devices. One‐dimentional (1D) structural magnetic metals have potential as EM absorption materials. However, fabricating 1D core–shell bimetallic magnetic species is a significant challenge. Herein, 1D core–shell bimetallic magnetic chains are successfully prepared through a modified galvanic replacement reaction under an external magnetic field, which could facilitate the preparation of 1D core–shell noble magnetic chains. By delicately designing the orientation of bimetallic magnetic chains in polyvinylidene fluoride, the composites reveal the decreased complex permittivity and increased permeability compared with random counterparts. Thus, elevated EM wave absorption perfromances including an optimal reflection loss of −43.5 dB and an effective bandwidth of 7.3 GHz could be achieved for the oriented Cu@Co sample. Off‐axis electron holograms indicate that the augmented magnetic coupling and remarkable polarization loss primarily contribute to EM absorption in addition to the antenna effect of the 1D structure to scatter microwaves and ohmic loss of the metallic attribute. This work can serve a guide to construct 1D core–shell bimetallic magnetic nanostructures and design magnetic configuration in polymer to tune EM parameters and strengthen EM absorption properties.
Utility of Hepatic Transporters as Multimodal Gene Reporters for Cell‐Based Medicine
Authors: Padhiar Arshad Ahmed , Faqeer Abdullah , Sun Shimin , Hamid Md Rana , Liao Jinqi , Zhou Yan , Ahmmed Bulbul , Qin Xialing , Changjun Tie , Gao Shuping , Yu Shan , Song Ming , Wang Jiachuan , Chai Zhen , Tianzi Jiang , Zhang Chen , Zhou Guangqian
Published: October 2020

Hepatic transporters facilitate the uptake of xenobiotic compounds and confer immense potential as multimodality reporters, as they can uptake multitude of bioluminescent, fluorescence, near Infra‐red (NIR), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compounds. Here, it is aimed to identify the prospects of three human hepatocyte membrane proteins, organic anion transporters (OATP) 1B1, OATP1B3, and sodium‐taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide in tracing the transplanted cells dynamics, by the uptake of clinically approved MRI compound, gadolinium ethoxybenzyl‐diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (GD‐EOB DTPA) or NIR fluorescent dye, Indocyanine Green (ICG). First, OATP1B1 is introduced as new MRI reporter which is the human orthologue of previously established rodent (Oatp1a1) reporter. Comparative sequential assays by assimilating MR image parameters reveal OATP1B3 as superior reporter on T1‐weighted images and display highest contrast enhancement reported to‐date when using a clinical 3T MR scanner (≈21‐fold in vitro; ≈8‐fold in vivo). Stably expressing these hepatic transporters have no effect on human adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs) characteristics. However, only OATP1B3 able to trace as few as 2 × 105 hADSCs intramuscular xenograft survival time on NIR and 3T MRI. These data suggest that OATP1B3 is relatively a robust Gd‐EOB‐DTPA/ICG‐dependent multimodality reporter in visualizing dynamic processes for cell‐based therapies.
Elective labor induction vs expectant management of pregnant women at term and children's educational outcomes at 8 years of age
Authors: Yisma E. , Mol B. W. , Lynch J. W. , Mittinty M. N. , Smithers L. G.
Published: October 2020

Objective

To estimate the effect of elective induction of labor at 39 weeks' gestation on children's educational outcomes as measured using the Australian National Assessment Program—Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests in school year 3 (∼8 years of age), compared with expectant management.

Methods

We merged perinatal data on all infants born in South Australia from 1999 to 2008 with children's school assessment data from NAPLAN. The study population included all singleton infants born without a malformation at 39–42 weeks in vertex presentation. Children who had undertaken the NAPLAN test in school year 3 were included. We excluded births to women who had a contraindication to vaginal delivery and those with a condition possibly justifying elective delivery before 39 weeks. The outcome of interest was children's educational outcome as measured using NAPLAN, which includes five learning domains (reading, writing, spelling, grammar and numeracy). Each domain was categorized according to performance at or below vs above the national minimum standard (NMS). Average treatment effects (ATEs) of elective induction of labor at 39 weeks compared with expectant management on the proportion of children performing at/below the NMS for each domain were estimated using the augmented inverse‐propensity‐weighted estimator, accounting for potential confounders.

Results

Of 53 843 children born at 39–42 weeks in vertex presentation from 1999 to 2008 and who were expected to participate in the year‐3 NAPLAN from 2008 to 2015, a total of 31 120 had at least one year‐3 NAPLAN domain. Of these, 1353 children were delivered after elective induction of labor at 39 weeks while 29 767 children were born following expectant management. The ATEs (mean differences) of elective induction of labor at 39 weeks compared with expectant management on the proportion of children scoring at/below the NMS on each domain were 0.01 (95% CI, –0.02 to 0.03) for reading, 0.02 (95% CI, 0.00–0.04) for writing, 0.01 (95% CI, –0.01 to 0.04) for spelling, 0.02 (95% CI, –0.01 to 0.04) for grammar and 0.03 (95% CI, 0.00–0.05) for numeracy.

Conclusion

Elective induction of labor at 39 weeks did not affect children's standardized literacy and numeracy testing outcomes at 8 years of age when compared with expectant management. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Prediction of pre‐eclampsia‐related complications in women with suspected or confirmed pre‐eclampsia: development and internal validation of clinical prediction model
Authors: Saleh L. , Alblas M. M. , Nieboer D. , Neuman R. I. , Vergouwe Y. , Brussé I. A. , Duvekot J. J. , Steyerberg E. W. , Versendaal H. J. , Danser A. H. J. , Meiracker A. H. van den , Verdonk K. , Visser W.
Published: October 2020

Objective

A model that can predict reliably the risk of pre‐eclampsia (PE)‐related pregnancy complications does not exist. The aim of this study was to develop and validate internally a clinical prediction model to predict the risk of a composite outcome of PE‐related maternal and fetal complications within 7, 14 and 30 days of testing in women with suspected or confirmed PE.

Methods

The data for this study were derived from a prospective, multicenter, observational cohort study on women with a singleton pregnancy and suspected or confirmed PE at 20 to < 37 weeks' gestation. For the development of the prediction model, the possible contribution of clinical and standard laboratory variables, as well as the biomarkers soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1), placental growth factor (PlGF) and their ratio, in the prediction of a composite outcome of PE‐related complications, consisting of maternal and fetal adverse events within 7, 14 and 30 days, was explored using multivariable competing‐risks regression analysis. The discriminative ability of the model was assessed using the concordance (c‐) statistic. A bootstrap validation procedure with 500 replications was used to correct the estimate of the prediction model performance for optimism and to compute a shrinkage factor for the regression coefficients to correct for overfitting.

Results

Among 384 women with suspected or confirmed PE, 96 (25%) had an adverse PE‐related outcome at any time after hospital admission. Important predictors of adverse PE‐related outcome included sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio, gestational age at the time of biomarker measurement and protein‐to‐creatinine ratio as continuous variables. The c‐statistics (corrected for optimism) for developing a PE‐related complication within 7, 14 and 30 days were 0.89, 0.88 and 0.87, respectively. There was limited overfitting, as indicated by a shrinkage factor of 0.91.

Conclusions

We propose a simple clinical prediction model with good discriminative performance to predict PE‐related complications. Determination of its usefulness in clinical practice awaits further investigation and external validation. © 2020 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Wirkungsvoller Elektronentransfer
Authors: Patera Laerte L.
Published: October 2020

Eine neue Methode der Einzel‐Elektronen Wechselstrom Rastertunnelmikroskopie ermöglicht das Abbilden von Molekülorbitalen in unterschiedlichen Ladungszuständen von einzelnen, elektronisch isolierten Molekülen. Da damit auch Nicht‐Gleichgewichtszustände zugänglich werden, kann das Wechselspiel zwischen Elektronentransfer, struktureller Relaxation und Orbitalstruktur auf atomarem Maßstab untersucht werden.
Photokatalytische Reduktion von Stickoxiden
Authors: Ziemer Inga , Neumann Frank
Published: October 2020

Mit Hilfe von photokatalytisch aktiven Oberflächen werden Stickoxide in Ni trat umgewandelt. Um die Wirksamkeit der unterschiedlichen Oberflächen differenzieren zu können, wird im Labor die photokatalytische Depositionsgeschwindigkeit der einzelnen Materialien bestimmt. Daraus lassen sich dann erste Rückschlüsse über die Effektivität des photokatalytischen Abbaus ziehen. Für die Überprüfung, ob die vermessenen Materialien in der Realität erkennbare Stickoxidreduktionen erzielen, kann die Computersimulation verwendet werden. Durch die Ausbreitungsrechnung können durch die Verwendung von realen Daten Aussagen über die Reduktion von Stickoxiden ermöglicht werden. In dieser Arbeit wurde ein Straßencanyon mit stark photokatalytisch aktiven Materialien ausgestattet. Im Jahresmittel ergaben sich Stickoxidreduktionen von 10–12 %, so dass die Photokatalyse in diesem Fall ein effektives Werkzeug darstellt, um die Konzentration an Stickoxiden zu senken.
Prehospital management of patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Eckle V.-S. , Lehmann S. , Drexler B.
Published: October 2020

Background

In case of suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS), international guidelines recommend to obtain a 12-lead ECG as soon as possible after first medical contact, to administrate platelet aggregation inhibitors and antithrombins, and to transfer the patient as quickly as possible to an emergency department.

Methods

A German emergency care service database was retrospectively analysed from 2014 to 2016. Data were tested for normal distribution and the Mann–Whitney test was used for statistical analysis. Results are presented as medians (IQR).

Results

A total of 1424 patients with suspected ACS were included in the present analysis. A 12-lead ECG was documented in 96% of patients (n = 1369). The prehospital incidence of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) was 18% (n = 250). In 981 patients (69%), acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), unfractionated heparin (UFH), or ASA and UFH was given. Time in prehospital care differed significantly between non-STEMI (NSTEMI) ACS (37 [IQR 30, 44] min) and STEMI patients (33 [IQR 26, 40] min, n = 1395, p < 0.0001). Most of NSTEMI ACS and STEMI patients were brought to the emergency care unit, while 30% of STEMI patients were directly handed over to a cardiac catheterization laboratory.

Conclusions

Prehospital ECG helps to identify patients with STEMI, which occurs in 18% of suspected ACS. Patients without ST-elevations suffered from longer prehospital care times. Thus, it is tempting to speculate that ST-elevations in patients prompt prehospital medical teams to act more efficiently while the absence of ST-elevations even in patients with suspected ACS might cause unintended delays. Moreover, this analysis suggests the need for further efforts to make the cardiac catheterization laboratory the standard hand-over location for all STEMI patients.
Genomic analysis of Caldalkalibacillus thermarum TA2.A1 reveals aerobic alkaliphilic metabolism and evolutionary hallmarks linking alkaliphilic bacteria and plant life
Authors: de Jong Samuel I. , van den Broek Marcel A. , Merkel Alexander Y. , de la Torre Cortes Pilar , Kalamorz Falk , Cook Gregory M. , van Loosdrecht Mark C. M. , McMillan Duncan G. G.
Published: October 2020

The aerobic thermoalkaliphile Caldalkalibacillus thermarum strain TA2.A1 is a member of a separate order of alkaliphilic bacteria closely related to the Bacillales order. Efforts to relate the genomic information of this evolutionary ancient organism to environmental adaptation have been thwarted by the inability to construct a complete genome. The existing draft genome is highly fragmented due to repetitive regions, and gaps between and over repetitive regions were unbridgeable. To address this, Oxford Nanopore Technology’s MinION allowed us to span these repeats through long reads, with over 6000-fold coverage. This resulted in a single 3.34 Mb circular chromosome. The profile of transporters and central metabolism gives insight into why the organism prefers glutamate over sucrose as carbon source. We propose that the deamination of glutamate allows alkalization of the immediate environment, an excellent example of how an extremophile modulates environmental conditions to suit its own requirements. Curiously, plant-like hallmark electron transfer enzymes and transporters are found throughout the genome, such as a cytochrome b6c1 complex and a CO2-concentrating transporter. In addition, multiple self-splicing group II intron-encoded proteins closely aligning to those of a telomerase reverse transcriptase in Arabidopsis thaliana were revealed. Collectively, these features suggest an evolutionary relationship to plant life.