bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of Arsenic in Pesticide Formulations
Authors: Carey William F
Published: February 2020

An ion exchange method for the determination of arsenic in pesticide formulations was compared with the official distillation method. Data submitted by 16 collaborators showed that the ion exchange method was superior in accuracy and precision to the distillation methods. The ion exchange method for determining arsenic in pesticide formulations is recommended as official, first action.
Ion Exchange Resin Separation of Calcium and Strontium
Authors: Breault Eugene A
Published: February 2020

Calcium and strontium were separated on an Amberlite IR-120 resin column with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and calcium was determined spectrophotometrically in the presence of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Calcium recovery from the CaEDTA complex was 85% at 100 μg level. Recoveries of calcium from the CaEDTA complex in the presence of large quantities of EDTA were improved with the addition of copper chloride. Calcium and strontium were separated on the Amberlite IR-120 column; ammonium EDTA was used to elute the calcium. Recovery of calcium contaminated with 40% strontium was 100%. The remainder of the strontium, approximately 47%, was recovered free of calcium. A total of 86% of the strontium added was found.
Tuberculocidal Testing Methods
Authors: Ortenzio L F
Published: February 2020

Collaborative data are presented and evaluated on a combined in vitro and in vivo procedure for testing the effectiveness of chemical germicides in disinfecting inanimate articles and surfaces. A major consideration is the destruction caused by M. tuberculosis.
Extraneous Material in Egg Products
Authors: Thrasher Joel J
Published: February 2020

Methods 36.039 (a)-36.039 (d) have been combined and condensed. Changes include a pancreatin digestion of dried egg whites rather than the current Protease F® method. A collaboratively tested method for the chemical identification of avian excrement is being proposed to replace method 36.041, which lacks the desired specificity.
Urine in Grain
Authors: Keppel George E
Published: February 2020

The method for urine in grain was studied collaboratively. In this method the grain is sprayed with a magnesium uranyl acetate reagent and examined under a short-wave ultraviolet lamp. If a grain kernel has come in contact with anything containing a sodium compound, such as rodent urine, a greenish fluorescence is visible on the kernel. These suspect kernels are tested for urea by both the ureasebromthymol blue paper test, and the xanthydrol test. Results from the eight collaborators were considered satisfactory. Recoveries varied from 67 to 100% for wheat, 0 to 100% for field corn, 60 to 100% for popcorn, and 33 to 100% for oats. It was recommended that the method be adopted as official, first action and that studies be continued.
Filth in Fruit Paste
Authors: Wheeler Helen H
Published: February 2020

Development of a method for recovering all types of filth encountered in fruit paste has been initiated. A number of people were consulted about their experiences in examinations of fig paste by method 36.053 and their efforts to improve recovery of rodent hairs, fly eggs, and maggots by supplementary or substitute procedures. Their answers indicate that a method incorporating extensive digestion of the fruit tissue to liberate filth elements, followed by sieving on a No. 140 screen and washing forcibly with a spray of water to reduce the amount of fruit tissue, then examining the sieve residue microscopically for insects and hairs, appears feasible. Application of this procedure to a commercial straight Calimyrna fig paste resulted in improved filth recovery compared to the AOAC method but proved time-consuming due to the amount of residual fig tissue on the sieve. Kerosene-water flotation treatment of the washed residue on the screen expedited the counting of filth elements, giving recoveries intermediate to those obtained by the AOAC method and direct microscopic examination of digested and sieved residues. It is recommended that the study be continued.
Horsemeat in Cooked Meat Food Products
Authors: Cook H R
Published: February 2020

Collaborative data were obtained on the absorptivities of isomerized fats from mixtures of horsemeat and meat products. Erratic deviations were obtained. Study of this subject will be continued.
Peroxidase in Frozen Vegetables
Authors: Joslyn M A , Neumann H J
Published: February 2020

A collaborative study was made of ascorbic acid oxidation assay and the Morris test paper procedure for determining the amount of peroxidase in frozen vegetables. Uniform samples of ground, frozen peas and spinach were each blanched to 2 levels of activity. The ascorbic acid oxidation values were computed; 3 of 6 collaborators on the ascorbic acid oxidation test agreed fairly closely. The ascorbic acid oxidation procedure is recommended as first action. Results with the Morris test paper, reported by 8 collaborators, revealed considerable range in color reaction time in repeated observations by individual collaborators and between collaborators. Variations in test papers and in subjective judgment of individuals using these test papers indicate that each batch of papers prepared should be tested against standardized samples or against a standard peroxidase test. The test paper is useful for rapid but only semi-quantitative assay.
Fatty Acid Composition of Oil from Roasted and Unroasted Peanuts by Gas-Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Iverson John L , Firestone David , Horwitz William
Published: February 2020

The fatty acid composition of oil extracted from 22 samples of roasted peanuts was examined by gas chromatography. The major components (> 1%) were palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, arachidic, cis-11-eicosenoic (20:1), behenic (22:0), and lignoceric acids (24:0) . The identity of cis-11-eicosenoic acid was established by gas chromatography of its reduction products after ozonolysis of a sample collected from the gas chromatograph. Approximately 0.4% hexacosanoic (26:0) was present in the oils as well as trace amounts of odd chain-length saturated fatty acids (13—27 carbon atoms). Roasting the peanuts did not change the fatty acid composition of the extracted oil. The fatty acid composition of commercial peanut oils is similar to the composition of oils from roasted peanuts.
A Short Method of Testing Petroleum Waxes for the Presence of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Lijinsky William , Domsky Irving , Raha Chitta R
Published: February 2020

A method for determining the possible presence of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in petroleum waxes is based o n the maximum absorbance within four wavelength ranges of an extract prepared by chromatography. The procedure involves chromatography on silica gel and partition of the adsorbate between cyclohexane and nitromethane, followed, if necessary, by a second chromatography on silica gel impregnated with nitromethane.
Total Solids in Oysters
Authors: Durrant Norman W
Published: February 2020

Preliminary work is underway on studies of two methods for determining total solids in oysters: (a) the Radarange in conjunction with the forced draft oven, and (b) the Ohaus moisture determination balance. The results obtained by each method are compared directly with the official AOAC procedure. A 10 g sample is weighed into a Pyrex petri dish, exposed in the Radarange 4 minutes, and then placed in a forced draft oven set at 100°C for 20 minutes at full draft. The Ohaus moisture determination balance was calibrated to utilize a 9 cm diameter aluminum dish. The sample is weighed directly on the balance, and the heater is lowered over the sample long enough to dry the sample. This method is rapid (approximately 10 minutes), but only one sample may be determined at one time. Studies will be continued.
Total Solids and Ether Extract in Fish and Other Marine Products
Authors: Risley H M
Published: February 2020

The first action modified Babcock method for crude fat in canned fish, 18.013, was studied collaboratively on 2 samples of canned fish and 2 samples of frozen fish. The results were compared with those by the official acid hydrolysis method, 18.012. Nine analysts, representing 5 different laboratories, cooperated in the study. The results show that the modified Babcock method has about the same degree of reliability as the acid hydrolysis method. It was recommended that the method be made official, after some slight changes in the wording.
Rapid Spectrophotometric Method for Determination of Chlorogenic Acid in Leaf Tobacco
Authors: Oakley Elizabeth T , Millham John O
Published: February 2020

A simple, rapid, quantitative procedure has been devised to measure chlorogenic acid in a 75% aqueous ethanolic extract of ground tobacco. The absorbance of the extract at 330 mμ is directly proportional to the concentration of chlorogenic acid, provided a suitable background line is drawn to correct for interfering nonpolyphenolic substances. Analysis of a series of eight bright tobacco samples has shown large variations among leaves from different stalk positions, with a very definite trend toward higher chlorogenic acid content nearer the top of the stalk. The chlorogenic acid content of burley tobaccos appears to be extremely low. The precision of replicate analyses has been found to be ± 3%, relative, for virtually all samples analyzed. Many vary less than 1% between duplicate determinations.
Comparison of Methods for Recovery of Insect Fragments From Date and Fig Paste
Authors: Faen G
Published: February 2020

Comparison of two flotation methods for the recovery of insect heads and other insect fragments from both date and fig paste indicated no significant differences between the two methods, although the gasoline flotation method was found preferable. There was also no significant difference between the participating analysts or laboratories. Three trappings were found necessary for complete recovery, irrespective of the method. The use of insect heads was found to be a sufficiently reliable criterion of the number of whole insects.
Solid Sampling Device for Direct Gas Chromatographic Analysis of Spices
Authors: Stahl W H , Sullivan J H , Voelker W A
Published: February 2020

In developing gas chromatographic methods for spice analysis, a solid sampling device was used to eliminate the tedious and time-consuming preparation of samples by steam distillation. The device can be used only with the ionization detector. Analyses compare favorably with those on steam-distilled samples.
Use of Detergents in the Analysis of Fibrous Feeds. II. A Rapid Method for the Determination of Fiber and Lignin
Authors: Soest P J Vax
Published: February 2020

The capacity of cetyl trimethylammonium bromide to dissolve proteins in acid solution has been utilized in development of a method, called acid-detergent fiber method (ADF), which is not only a fiber determination in itself but also the major preparatory step in the determination of lignin. The entire procedure for determining fiber and lignin is considerably more rapid than presently published methods. Compositional studies show ADF to consist chiefly of lignin and polysaccharides. Correlations with the new fiber method and digestibility of 18 forages (r = —0.79) showed it to be somewhat superior to crude fiber (r = —0.73) in estimating nutritive value. The correlation of the new lignin method and digestibility was -0.90 when grass and legume species were separated.
Evaluation of the Molybdovanadate Photometric Determination of Phosphorus in Mixed Feeds and Mineral Supplements
Authors: Parks Paul F , Dunn Dorothy E
Published: February 2020

The molybdovanadate method was compared to AOAC method 22.061 and a molybdenum blue method for analysis of phosphorus in mixed feeds and mineral supplements. Six mixed feeds and four mineral supplements ranging from 0.7 to 12.5% P were each analyzed 6-9 times by each of the methods. Average coefficients of variation for the three methods over the phosphorus range studied were: AOAC, 2.74%; molybdovanadate, 3.07%; molybdenum blue, 6.93%. The molybdovanadate method was superior to the molybdenum blue method for samples containing more than 2.5% P and the reagents used in the former method were more stable. The molybdovanadate method was found to be as accurate as the AOAC method and requires less time for analysis.
A Comparison of the Relative Amounts of Tissue Esterases in Liver and Kidney Homogenates
Authors: Read Sheila I , Mckinley W P
Published: February 2020

The relative amounts of the ali-esterases in beef and rabbit kidney and liver homogenates have been evaluated quantitatively, after resolution of the esterases by starch-gel electrophoresis. The relative amounts of total ali-esterases in livers and kidneys of a number of animals and fowl have been determined. The data presented and other unpublished data show that the ali-esterase content of tissues increases with age and that there is a sex difference.
A Method for the Analysis of Chlorinated Benzenes in Clams (Mercenaria mercenaria) and Oysters (Crassostrea virginica)
Authors: Schwartz N , Gaffney H E , Schmutzer M S , Stefano F D
Published: February 2020

A method of analysis for mixtures of chlorinated benzenes in clam (Mercenaria mercenaria) and oyster (Crassostrea virginica) samples is reported. The method involves Soxhlet extraction with n-hexane-isopropanol (1:1) for 6 hours followed by gas chromatographic separation on a Silicone gum column with an electron affinity detector. Quantities as small as 10-10 g are detectable. Average recovery of added Polystream (a mixture of chlorinated benzenes) was 99% for clam samples and 104% for oyster samples. Recoveries were based on reading the 1,2,3,4-tetrachlorobenzene peak. The relative precision for triplicate chromatograms, averaged over all levels, was ± 5%.
The Quantitative Determination of Mixed Sulfonamides by Paper Chromatography
Authors: Kunze Frieda M , Espinoza B Luis
Published: February 2020

A simplified quantitative procedure for the determination of mixed sulfonamides in pharmaceuticals is presented. The components are resolved by paper chromatography and located by their fluorescence under short wavelength ultraviolet light. They are then eluted and determined colorimetrically by a revised Bratton-Marshall technique. Total time of analysis is less than 4 hours. Recoveries averaged 98.8% with a range of 95.7 to 103.4%. Mean deviation from the average was 1.4%.
Determination of Ergotamine Tartrate in Tablets Containing Cyclizine Hydrochloride
Authors: Alexander Thomas G
Published: February 2020

The official AOAC methods for the analysis of ergotamine tartrate tablets have been modified to permit analysis of samples containing cyclizine. The effect on the assay color reaction of benzhydrol, a breakdown product of cyclizine, was studied. The identity and purity tests have been modified to remove interferences due to cyclizine.
Rapid Field Method for Determination of Fluoride in Plants
Authors: Ross James M , Wade Robert H , Benedict Harris M
Published: February 2020

A colorimetric reaction, involving the cerium III-alizarin complexan reagent, is described for the simple, semiquantitative determination of excess amounts of fluoride. A method is outlined that may be used in the field for the determination of fluoride in plants in excess of 40 ppm.
Evaluation of Protein in Foods. X. Effects of Source and Concentration of Dietary Fat on Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) Values
Authors: Morrison A B
Published: February 2020

Studies were conducted on the effects of the concentration and source of dietary fat on PER values. At the 20% level, degummed rapeseed oil depressed PER of isolated soybean protein or casein, whereas corn oil, lard, or margarine had no effect. In contrast to results with these proteins, 20% rapeseed oil had no effect on PER of fish flour. Covariance analysis and paired feeding studies showed that the effects of rapeseed oil on PER could be explained by its influence in reducing food consumption. The high level of rapeseed oil had no effect on efficiency of nitrogen retention, as measured by net protein utilization.

Substitution of 10% rapeseed oil for 10% corn oil in standardized PER assays had no significant effect on PER values of peas, casein, or whole wheat flour. This finding provides assurance that in standardized assays, in which the level of dietary fat is set at 10%, PER values are not influenced by the composition of the dietary fat.
Yeast Resynthesis of Thiamine: A Modified Procedure Utilizing Ultrasonic-Treated Yeast
Authors: Weeks Cora E , Deutsch Mike J
Published: February 2020

A modified procedure for the yeast resynthesis of thiamine from its thiazole and pyrimidine moieties has been developed. The method utilizes ultrasonic exposure of the yeast prior to a twohour incubation period. Samples were sub-potent when received in the laboratory or were subjected to conditions which induced degradation of the vitamin. Following incubation, the vitamin was recoverable to varying degrees depending on the nature of the degradation treatment, the amount of decomposition, and sample characteristics.
Variables Affecting the Determination of Crude Fiber
Authors: Hallab Abdul H , Epps Ernest A
Published: February 2020

The effects of time, concentration, and volume on determination of crude fiber have been studied on 12 materials. Results for crude protein and lignin content of crude fiber residues, determined by use of an acid detergent solution, hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, were compared with the AOAC crude fiber method. Variation in volume does not affect crude fiber. Most of the acid and soda digestion occurs in the first 15 minutes; thereafter solubilization is slow. Small variations in concentration have little effect on the results obtained. Precision in crude fiber determination demands rigid adherence to procedural details. Crude fiber contains some residual crude proteins and approximately onehalf of the original lignins. Crude fiber should be replaced by a more nutritionally significant determination.
Column Chromatographic Determination of Certifiable Colors in Lipsticks
Authors: Silk Rachel Sclar
Published: February 2020

Column partition chromatography on Celite is used to separate the colors present in lipsticks. In the proposed procedure the immobile phase is aqueous alcohol plus ammonium hydroxide. A small portion of lipstick is ground with a portion of Celite containing the aqueous immobile phase and packed on top of a prepared colrate umn. Solvents of increasing polarity are used to elute individual colors except for one binary mixture. D&C Red No. 19 and D&C Red No. 36 and/or D&C Orange No. 17 elute together.
Determination of Submicrogram Amounts of Mercury in Inorganic Pigments by the Photometric Mercury Vapor Procedure
Authors: Wenninger John A , Jones John H
Published: February 2020

A rapid method has been developed for the determination of submicrogram quantities of mercury in inorganic pigments. The method is based on the ultraviolet photometric mercury vapor procedure and utilizes a commercially available instrument designed for the detection of mercury vapor in the atmosphere. The method requires no pretreatment of the sample such as digestion and isolation of the mercury. Samples are heated directly and the amount of mercury liberated is estimated from the response of the mercury vapor meter. The method will detect 0.01 μg of mercury. A precision of ± 0.005 μg of mercury is attained at the level of 0.03 μg.
The Effect of Handling and Processing on the Freezing Point of Milk
Authors: Henderson J Lloyd
Published: February 2020

certain amount of dilution of milk with water is difficult to prevent because of current handling and processing techniques. Some of the factors that may cause changes in freezing point are vacuum pasteurization, operation of vacuum pasteurizers so that the temperature does not drop more than 20°F, variations in sterilization, and holding milk frozen. High-temperature short-time pasteurization does not change the freezing point materially if proper sampling procedures are used; the same applies to homogenization. The effect of handling and processing is due largely to carbon dioxide removal or changes in the solubility of solutes.
The Variability of the Freezing Point of Fresh Raw Milk
Authors: Henningson R W
Published: February 2020

The freezing point value is generally recognized as the least variable property of milk and the best single index of "added water." The lactose and chloride concentration of milk account for about 75% of the freezing point depression, and one tends to compensate for the changes in concentration of the other. Most of the variability in the freezing point value has been attributed to changes in the concentration of the non-chloride ash fraction of milk. The official upper limit in the United States is —0.530°C. Evidence exists that the freezing point value of milk varies with season, feed, ambient temperature, grazing, carbohydrate content of the ration, breed, time of milking, access to water, weather, morning or evening milking, and the time interval between feeding and milking. Many of these factors are interrelated. Until recently all published values for United States herd milk samples ranged from —0.510 to —0.585°C, and for individual cows from —0.513 to —0.583°C. The greatest difference reported in the United States between morning and evening milk samples is —0.013°C. The reported range for United States authentic samples is -0.532 to -0.578°C.
Naturally Occurring Bromides in Nonfat Dry Milk: Determination and Levels
Authors: Pedraja Rafael
Published: February 2020

A modified method has been developed for the determination of inorganic bromide in nonfat dry milk. It is based on the method of Shrader, et al. (treatment of the sample with alcoholic KOH and ashing in the presence of NaOH and sodium peroxide) but uses a larger amount of NaOH to produce a semifusion state under ashing. Data indicate substantial recovery of added inorganic bromide. Average recovery for all levels studied was 97.12%, and reproducibility was excellent. Sixty-six samples of nonfat dry milk, representing production from various states, were analyzed for natural bromide content by the modified method. Results varied from 12 to 110 ppm.
The Extraction and Determination of Polynuclear Hydrocarbons in Paraffin Waxes
Authors: Howard John W , Haenni Edward O
Published: February 2020

A method for the isolation and determination of polynuclear hydrocarbons in paraffin wax has been developed in which polynuclear compounds are extracted from the wax by diluting a melted wax solution with an aliphatic solvent and extracting the resulting solution with dimethyl sulfoxide. Paper chromatographic techniques are used to separate the compounds from the background material extracted from the wax. The hydrocarbons are rechromatographed until their ultraviolet absorption spectra are comparable to those obtained for pure compounds.

Recoveries of 19 polynuclear hydrocarbons added to 100 g samples of paraffin wax at levels of 0.1 ppm or less ranged from 62 to 96%. Recoveries of benzo(a)pyrene and dibenz(a, h) anthracene added to 100 g or 500 g of wax at levels as low as 0.02 ppm or 0.005 ppm, respectively, were in the range 90—100%. The variations in the recoveries are apparently caused by differences in the partition coefficients of the hydrocarbons between the aliphatic solvent and dimethyl sulfoxide and at lower levels by the tendency of some of the compounds to be oxidized. The method has been utilized for the determination of polynuclear hydrocarbons in commercial waxes.
Gamma-Emitting Nuclides in Fallout Associated with Atmospheric Testing During the Autumn of 1961
Authors: Yakabe H M , Dimitroff J M , Laug E P
Published: February 2020

Type of emission and energy of emission of fission products have been investigated to determine the radioisotopes, detectable by gamma spectroscopy, that were due to fallout from atmospheric testing during the autumn of 1961. Gamma spectra made from a sample of lawn grass collected in the Washington, D.C. area demonstrate the decay of characteristic photopeaks.
Evaluation of an Improved Sublimation Apparatus Utilizing Carbon-14 Labeled Methyl Esters of Fatty Acids
Authors: Sheppard A J , Ford L A
Published: February 2020

An improved sublimation appparatus has been designed and tested. The unit was tested with carbon-14 labeled methyl esters of fatty acids up through 22 carbon chain length. Samples of 40 mg or less of mixed fatty acid methyl esters can be sublimed routinely with recoveries of approximately 100%.
Infrared Spectra of Pesticides
Authors: Morris Walter W , Haenni Edward O
Published: February 2020

Infrared spectra (2-35 microns) of twenty-four pesticides and of the metabolites, DDE and heptachlor epoxide, are presented. Pure p,p'- and o,p'-isomers of DDT are included, as well as four technical grade samples of p,p'- DDT. Pure alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-isomers of BHC, together with five commercial preparations of the insecticide, were studied. Absorption maxima of analytical significance are noted and their structural assignments are indicated based on published spectra-structure correlations.
Sensitivity Tests for 22 Different Chlorinated Organic Pesticides by Paper Chromatography
Authors: Mitchell Lloyd C
Published: February 2020

This paper reports minimum quantities, in micrograms, of 22 organic chlorinated pesticides that can be detected by the silver nitrate/2-phenoxyethanol chromogenic agent, both before and after chromatographing, and after the papers have been washed with water to remove excess silver nitrate.
Gas Chromatographic Columns for Optimum Recovery of Chlorinated Pesticides
Authors: Shuman Harry , Collie James R
Published: February 2020

Operating conditions and treatment of gas chromatographic columns for chlorinated pesticide analysis have been determined by which optimum performance can be achieved. The chief criterion is the emergence of endrin as essentially a single peak. Preparation of packing is described in detail.
An Oregon Cranberry Bog Study for 3-Amino-l,2,4-triazole Residues, 1961-1962
Authors: Onley John H , Storherr R W , Culver A J
Published: February 2020

Food and Drug Administration and Agricultural Research Service cooperated in a 19-month field and laboratory study of 3-amino-l,2,4-triazole (amitrole) residues from two experimentally treated cranberry bogs. Samples of the cranberry vines, fruits, soil, and plant materials in the soil were collected monthly from the treated and untreated plots, and were analyzed for residues by the modified Storherr-Burke method. It was found that 3-amino- 1,2,4-triazole and/or metabolites of amitrole were present in bushes, roots, and harvested fruits 12 months after application.
Laryngeal Thermal Injury Model
Authors: Dion Gregory R , Pingree Christian S , Rico Pedro J , Christensen Christine L
Published: February 2020

A lack of reliable laryngeal thermal injury models precludes laryngeal burn wound healing studies and investigation of novel therapeutics. We hypothesize that a swine laryngeal burn model can allow for laryngeal burn evaluation over time. Twelve Yorkshire crossbreed swine underwent tracheostomy and endoscopically directed laryngeal burns using heated air (150–160°C). Swine larynges were evaluated and sectioned/stained at 12 hours, 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days. A board-certified veterinary pathologist assessed anatomic regions (left and right: epiglottis, true/false vocal folds, and subglottis) using a nine criteria histological injury scoring scale. Six swine were euthanized at scheduled endpoints, three prematurely (airway concerns), and three succumbed to airway complications after 16 to 36 hours. Endoscopic and gross examination from scheduled endpoints revealed massive supraglottic edema and tissue damage, particularly around the arytenoids, extending transglottically. Swine from premature endpoints had comparatively increased edema throughout. Microscopic evaluation documented an inverse relationship between injury severity score and time from injury. Inflammation severity decreased over time, nearly resolving by 14 days. Neutrophils predominated early with histiocytes appearing at 3 days. Granulation tissue appeared at 3 days, and early epiglottic and/or subglottic fibrosis appeared by 7 days and matured by 14 days. Edema, abundant initially, decreased by day 3 and resolved by day 7. This approach is the first to provide longitudinal analysis of laryngeal thermal injuries, reflecting some of the first temporal wound healing characteristic data in laryngeal thermal injuries and providing a platform for future therapeutic studies.
Esophageal Stricture as a Complication After Scald Injury in Children
Authors: Boscarelli Alessandro , Fiorenza Venusia , Chiaro Andrea , Incerti Filippo , Mattioli Girolamo , Gandullia Paolo
Published: February 2020

Burn injuries are distressful and shocking events, which can lead to noteworthy sequelae on metabolic markers and organs. Such traumatic accidents do occur every so often in both adult and pediatric populations, requiring prompt and adequate treatments. Notably, scald injuries occur due to direct contact with hot liquids and these are the most common cause of burns in early childhood. Herein, we report on an 18-month-old boy admitted to our pediatric surgery unit for an extensive scald injury, who has experienced an unusual esophageal stricture following the traumatic event.
A mass threshold for galactic gas discs by spin flips
Authors: Dekel Avishai , Ginzburg Omri , Jiang Fangzhou , Freundlich Jonathan , Lapiner Sharon , Ceverino Daniel , Primack Joel
Published: February 2020

We predict, analytically and by simulations, that gas discs tend to survive only in haloes above a threshold mass ∼2 × 1011 M⊙ (stellar mass ∼109 M⊙), with only a weak redshift dependence. At lower masses, the disc spins typically flip in less than an orbital time due to mergers associated with a change in the pattern of the feeding cosmic-web streams. This threshold arises from the halo merger rate when accounting for the mass dependence of the ratio of galactic baryons and halo mass. Above the threshold, wet compactions lead to massive central nuggets that allow the longevity of extended clumpy gas rings. Supernova feedback has a major role in disrupting discs below the critical mass, by driving the stellar-to-halo mass ratio that affects the merger rate, by stirring up turbulence and suppressing high-angular-momentum gas supply, and by confining major compactions to the critical mass. Our predictions seem consistent with current observed fractions of gas discs, to be explored by future observations that will resolve galaxies below 109 M⊙ at high redshifts, e.g. by JWST.
Readthrough Errors Purge Deleterious Cryptic Sequences, Facilitating the Birth of Coding Sequences
Authors: Kosinski Luke J , Masel Joanna
Published: February 2020

De novo protein-coding innovations sometimes emerge from ancestrally noncoding DNA, despite the expectation that translating random sequences is overwhelmingly likely to be deleterious. The “preadapting selection” hypothesis claims that emergence is facilitated by prior, low-level translation of noncoding sequences via molecular errors. It predicts that selection on polypeptides translated only in error is strong enough to matter and is strongest when erroneous expression is high. To test this hypothesis, we examined noncoding sequences located downstream of stop codons (i.e., those potentially translated by readthrough errors) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae genes. We identified a class of “fragile” proteins under strong selection to reduce readthrough, which are unlikely substrates for co-option. Among the remainder, sequences showing evidence of readthrough translation, as assessed by ribosome profiling, encoded C-terminal extensions with higher intrinsic structural disorder, supporting the preadapting selection hypothesis. The cryptic sequences beyond the stop codon, rather than spillover effects from the regular C-termini, are primarily responsible for the higher disorder. Results are robust to controlling for the fact that stronger selection also reduces the length of C-terminal extensions. These findings indicate that selection acts on 3′ UTRs in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to purge potentially deleterious variants of cryptic polypeptides, acting more strongly in genes that experience more readthrough errors.
Translational read-through promotes aggregation and shapes stop codon identity
Authors: Kramarski Lior , Arbely Eyal
Published: February 2020

Faithful translation of genetic information depends on the ability of the translational machinery to decode stop codons as termination signals. Although termination of protein synthesis is highly efficient, errors in decoding of stop codons may lead to the synthesis of C-terminally extended proteins. It was found that in eukaryotes such elongated proteins do not accumulate in cells. However, the mechanism for sequestration of C-terminally extended proteins is still unknown. Here we show that 3′-UTR-encoded polypeptides promote aggregation of the C-terminally extended proteins, and targeting to lysosomes. We demonstrate that 3′-UTR-encoded polypeptides can promote different levels of protein aggregation, similar to random sequences. We also show that aggregation of endogenous proteins can be induced by aminoglycoside antibiotics that promote stop codon read-through, by UAG suppressor tRNA, or by knokcdown of release factor 1. Furthermore, we find correlation between the fidelity of termination signals, and the predicted propensity of downstream 3′-UTR-encoded polypeptides to form intrinsically disordered regions. Our data highlight a new quality control mechanism for elimination of C-terminally elongated proteins.
The CREB-binding protein inhibitor ICG-001: a promising therapeutic strategy in sporadic meningioma with NF2 mutations
Authors: Deng Jiaojiao , Hua Lingyang , Han Tao , Tian Mi , Wang Daijun , Tang Hailiang , Sun Shuchen , Chen Hong , Cheng Haixia , Zhang Tao , Xie Qing , Wan Lixin , Zhu Hongda , Gong Ye
Published: February 2020

Background

Meningiomas with Neurofibromin 2 gene mutations (NF2-mutant meningiomas) account for ~40% of the sporadic meningiomas. However, there is still no effective drug treatment for the disease.

Methods

Expression profile of Merlin protein was explored through immunohistochemistry in a meningioma patient cohort (n = 346). A 20-agent library covering a wide range of meningioma relevant targets was tested using meningioma cell lines IOMM-Lee (NF2 wildtype) and CH157-MN (NF2 deficient). Therapeutic effects and biological mechanisms of the identified compound, ICG-001, in NF2-mutant meningiomas were further characterized in vitro and in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models.

Results

Low Merlin expression was associated with meningioma proliferation and poor clinical outcomes in a large patient series. ICG-001, a cAMP-responsive element binding (CREB)-binding protein (CBP) inhibitor, selectively suppressed tumor growth of cells with low Merlin expression. Besides, ICG-001 mediated CH157-MN and IOMM-Lee growth inhibition primarily through robust induction of the G1 cell-cycle arrest. Treatment with ICG-001 alone significantly reduced the growth of NF2-mutant xenografts in mice, as well. We also provide further evidence that ICG-001 inhibits proliferation of NF2-mutant meningioma cells at least partly through attenuating the FOXM1-mediated Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

Conclusions

This study highlights the importance of ligand-mediated Wnt/β-catenin signaling as well as its drugable potency in NF2-mutant meningioma.
The importance of cuticular permeance in assessing plant water–use strategies
Authors: Lanning Matthew , Wang Lixin , Novick Kimberly A
Published: February 2020

Accurate understanding of plant responses to water stress is increasingly important for quantification of ecosystem carbon and water cycling under future climates. Plant water-use strategies can be characterized across a spectrum of water stress responses, from tight stomatal control (isohydric) to distinctly less stomatal control (anisohydric). A recent and popular classification method of plant water-use strategies utilizes the regression slope of predawn and midday leaf water potentials, σ, to reflect the coupling of soil water availability (predawn leaf water potential) and stomatal dynamics (daily decline in leaf water potential). This type of classification is important in predicting ecosystem drought response and resiliency. However, it fails to explain the relative stomatal responses to drought of Acer sacharrum and Quercus alba, improperly ranking them on the spectrum of isohydricity. We argue this inconsistency may be in part due to the cuticular conductance of different species. We used empirical and modeling evidence to show that plants with more permeable cuticles are more often classified as anisohydric; the σ values of those species were very well correlated with measured cuticular permeance. Furthermore, we found that midday leaf water potential in species with more permeable cuticles would continue to decrease as soils become drier, but not in those with less permeable cuticles. We devised a diagnostic parameter, Γ, to identify circumstances where the impact of cuticular conductance could cause species misclassification. The results suggest that cuticular conductance needs to be considered to better understand plant water-use strategies and to accurately predict forest responses to water stress under future climate scenarios.
Functional pangenome analysis suggests inhibition of the protein E as a readily available therapy for COVID-2019
Authors: alam Intikhab , Kamau Allan , Kulmanov Maxat , Arold Stefan T. , Pain Arnab , Gojobori Takashi , Duarte Carlos M.
Published: February 2020

The spread of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has triggered a global emergency, that demands urgent solutions for detection and therapy to prevent escalating health, social and economic impacts. The spike protein (S) of this virus enables binding to the human receptor ACE2, and hence presents a prime target for vaccines preventing viral entry into host cells1. The S proteins from SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 are similar2, but structural differences in the receptor binding domain (RBD) preclude the use of SARS-CoV-1–specific neutralizing antibodies to inhibit SARS-CoV-23. Here we used comparative pangenomic analysis of all sequencedBetacoronavirusesto reveal that, among all core gene clusters present in these viruses, the envelope protein E shows a variant shared by SARS and SARS-Cov2 with two completely-conserved key functional features, an ion-channel and a PDZ-binding Motif (PBM). These features trigger a cytokine storm that activates the inflammasome, leading to increased edema in lungs causing the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)4-6, the leading cause of death in SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 infection7,8. However, three drugs approved for human use may inhibit SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 Protein E, either acting upon the ion channel (Amantadine and Hexamethylene amiloride9,10) or the PBM (SB2035805), thereby potentially increasing the survival of the host, as already demonstrated for SARS-CoV-1in animal models. Hence, blocking the SARS protein E inhibits development of ARDSin vivo. Given that our results demonstrate that the protein E subcluster for the SARS clade isquasi-identical for the key functional regions of SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2, we conclude that use of approved drugs shown to act as SARS E protein inhibitors can help prevent further casualties from COVID-2019 while vaccines and other preventive measures are being developed.
Fibroblastic reticular cells predict response to immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Biasci Daniele , Thaventhiran James , Tavaré Simon
Published: February 2020

While the role of CD8+ T cells in mediating response to cancer immunotherapy is well established, the role of B cells remains more controversial (1–3). By conducting a large gene expression study of response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), we show that pre-treatment expression of B cell genes is associated with ICI response independently of CD8+ T cells. However, we discovered that such association can be completely explained by a single gene (FDCSP) expressed outside of the B cell compartment, in fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs), which form the reticular network that facilitates interactions between B cells, T cells and cognate antigens (4–6) and are required to initiate efficient adaptive immune responses in secondary lymphoid organs (SLO) and tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) (4, 7). We validated this finding in three independent cohorts of patients treated with ICI in melanoma and renal cell carcinoma. Taken together, these results suggest thatFDCSPis an independent predictor of ICI response, thus opening new avenues to explain the mechanisms of resistance to cancer immunotherapy.
Changing pollinator communities along a disturbance gradient in the Sundarbans mangrove forest: a case study onAcanthus ilicifoliusandAvicennia officinalis
Authors: Akter Asma , Biella Paolo , Batáry Péter , Klečka Jan
Published: February 2020

The Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world and a UNESCO world heritage site has been facing an increasing pressure of habitat destruction. Yet, no study has been conducted to test how human disturbances are affecting plant-pollinator interactions in this unique ecosystem. Hence, we aimed to provide the first insight of the impact of habitat loss and human disturbances on the pollinator communities in the Sundarbans. We selected 12 sites in the North-Western region of the Sundarbans, along a gradient of decreasing habitat loss and human activities from forest fragments near human settlements to continuous pristine forest, where we studied insect pollinators of two mangrove plant species,Acanthus ilicifoliusandAvicennia officinalis. Our results show that different pollinator groups responded to the disturbance gradient differently. For example, the abundance ofApis dorsata, one of the three local species of honey bees, increased gradually from the village area towards the deep pristine forest. On the other hand,A. ceranaandA. floreawere found in the village sites and completely absent in the deep forest. Although pollinator community composition changed along the disturbance gradient, their efficacy in pollination did not seem to be significantly affected. However, lower plant diversity and low understory plant cover in the forest patches nearby the village indicated that human disturbances not only affected pollinator community composition but also played a major negative role in the regeneration of the forest. Our study provides first insights into plant-pollinator interactions in the Sundarbans and demonstrates that more research is needed to inform conservation of this unique habitat.
DNA methylation is a key mechanism for maintaining monoallelic expression on autosomes
Authors: Gupta Saumya , Lafontaine Denis L. , Vigneau Sebastien , Vinogradova Svetlana , Mendelevich Asia , Igarashi Kyomi J. , Bortvin Andrew , Alves-Pereira Clara F. , Clement Kendell , Pinello Luca , Gnirke Andreas , Long Henry , Gusev Alexander , Nag Anwesha , Gimelbrant Alexander A.
Published: February 2020

In diploid cells, maternal and paternal copies of genes usually have similar transcriptional activity. Mammalian allele-specific epigenetic mechanisms such as X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) and imprinting were historically viewed as rare exceptions to this rule. The discovery of mitotically stable monoallelic autosomal expression (MAE) a decade ago revealed an additional allele-specific mode regulating thousands of mammalian genes. However, despite its prevalence, the mechanistic basis of MAE remains unknown. To uncover the mechanism of MAE maintenance, we devised a small-molecule screen for reactivation of silenced alleles across multiple loci using targeted RNA sequencing. Contrary to previous reports, we identified DNA methylation as a key mechanism of MAE mitotic maintenance. In contrast with the binary choice of the active allele in XCI, stringent transcriptome-wide analysis revealed MAE as a regulatory mode with tunable control of allele-specific expression, dependent on the extent of DNA methylation. In a subset of MAE genes, allelic imbalance was insensitive to changes in DNA methylation, implicating additional mechanisms in MAE maintenance in these loci. Our findings identify a key mechanism of MAE maintenance, reveal tunability of this mode of gene regulation, and provide the essential platform for probing the biological role of MAE in development and disease.
Identification of H3N2 NA and PB1-F2 genetic variants and their association with disease symptoms during the 2014-15 influenza season
Authors: Blumenkrantz Deena R. , Mehoke Thomas , Shaw-Saliba Kathryn , Powell Harrison , Wohlgemuth Nicholas , Liu Hsuan , Macias Elizabeth , Evans Jared , Lewis Mitra , Medina Rebecca , Hardick Justin , Sauer Lauren M. , Dugas Andrea , DuVal Anna , Lane Andrew P , Gaydos Charlotte , Rothman Richard , Thielen Peter , Pekosz Andrew
Published: February 2020

The 2014-15 influenza season saw the emergence of an H3N2 antigenic drift variant that formed the 3C.2a HA clade. Whole viral genomes were sequenced from nasopharyngeal swabs of 94 patients with confirmed influenza A virus infection and primary human nasal epithelial cell cultures used to efficiently isolate H3N2 viruses. The isolates were classified by HA clade and the presence of a new set of co-selected mutations in NA (a glycosylation site, NAg+) and PB1-F2 (H75P). The NA and PB1-F2 mutations were present in a subset of clade 3C.2a viruses (NAg+F2P) which dominated during the subsequent influenza seasons. In human nasal epithelial cell cultures, a virus with the novel NAg+F2P genotype replicated less well compared to a virus with the parental genotype. Retrospective analyses of clinical data showed that NAg+F2P genotype viruses were associated with increased cough and shortness of breath in infected patients.
MULTIMAP: Multilingual picture naming test for mapping eloquent areas during awake surgeries
Authors: Gisbert-Muñoz Sandra , Quiñones Ileana , Amoruso Lucia , Timofeeva Polina , Geng Shuang , Boudelaa Sami , Pomposo Iñigo , Gil-Robles Santiago , Carreiras Manuel
Published: February 2020

Picture naming tasks are currently the gold standard for identifying and preserving language-related areas during awake brain surgery. With multilingual populations increasing worldwide, patients frequently need to be tested in more than one language. There is still no reliable testing instrument, as the available batteries have been developed for specific languages. Heterogeneity in the selection criteria for stimuli leads to differences, for example, in the size, color, image quality, and even names associated with pictures, making direct cross-linguistic comparisons difficult. Here we present MULTIMAP, a new multilingual picture naming test for mapping eloquent areas during awake brain surgery. Recognizing that the distinction between nouns and verbs is necessary for detailed and precise language mapping, MULTIMAP consists of a database of 218 standardized color pictures representing both objects and actions. These images have been tested for name agreement with speakers of Spanish, Basque, Catalan, Italian, French, English, Mandarin Chinese, and Arabic, and have been controlled for relevant linguistic features in cross-language combinations. The MULTIMAP test for objects and verbs represents an alternative to the DO 80 monolingual pictorial set currently used in language mapping, providing an open-source, standardized set of up-to-date pictures, where relevant linguistic variables across several languages have been taken into account in picture creation and selection.