bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of a 1.5 T MR‐Linac full accelerator head and cryostat model for Monte Carlo dose simulations
Authors: Friedel M. , Nachbar M. , Mönnich D. , Dohm O. , Thorwarth D. 
Published: September 2019

PurposeTo develop, implement, and validate a full 1.5 T/7 MV magnetic resonance (MR)‐Linac accelerator head and cryostat model in EGSnrc for high precision dose calculations accounting for magnetic field effects that are independent from the vendor treatment planning system.MethodsPrimary electron beam parameters for the implemented model were adapted to be in accordance with measured dose profiles of the Elekta Unity (Elekta AB, Stockholm, Sweden). Parameters to be investigated were the mean electron energy as well as the Gaussian radial intensity and energy distributions. Energy tuning was done comparing depth dose profiles simulated with monoenergetic beams of varying energies to measurements. The optimum radial intensity distribution was found by varying the radial full width at half maximum (FWHM) and comparing simulated and measured lateral profiles. The influence of the energy distribution was investigated by comparing simulated lateral and depth dose profiles with varying energy spreads to measured data. Comparison of simulations and measurements was performed by calculating average and maximum local dose deviations. The model was validated recalculating a clinical intensity‐modulated radiation therapy plan for the MR‐Linac and comparing the resulting dose distribution with simulations from the commercial treatment planning system Monaco using the gamma criterion.ResultsComparison of simulated and measured data showed that the optimum initial electron beam for MR‐Linac simulations was monoenergetic with an electron energy of (7.4 ± 0.2) MeV. The optimum Gaussian radial intensity distribution has a FWHM of (2.2 ± 0.3) mm. The average relative deviations were smaller than 1% for all simulated profiles with optimum electron parameters, whereas the largest maximum deviation of 2.07% was found for the 22 × 22 cm cross‐plane profile. Profiles were insensitive to energy spread variations. The IMRT plan recalculated with the final MR‐Linac model with optimized initial electron beam parameters showed a gamma pass rate of 99.83 % using a gamma criterion of 3%/3 mm.ConclusionsThe EGSnrc MR‐Linac model developed in this study showed good accordance with measurements and was successfully used to recalculate a first full clinical IMRT treatment plan. Thus, it shows the general possibility for future secondary dose calculations of full IMRT plans with EGSnrc, which needs further detailed investigations before clinical use.
Prognostic factors for the sequelae and severity of Guillain‐Barré syndrome in children
Authors: Estrade Sophie , Guiomard Clara , Fabry Vincent , Baudou Eloise , Cances Claude , Chaix Yves , Cintas Pascal , Meyer Pierre , Cheuret Emmanuel 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIntroductionGuillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) is an inflammatory polyradiculoneuritis. Our aim in this study was to describe the clinical characteristics and the long‐term sequelae of GBS in a French pediatric population.MethodsIn this multicenter, retrospective study we evaluated clinical signs, radiological examinations, laboratory tests, treatments, and outcomes.ResultsOne hundred ten children were included in this investigation. These children presented with walking difficulties, muscle weakness, and cranial nerve impairment. Electrodiagnostic testing revealed 70% with acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP) and 16% with acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN). One hundred children received immunoglobulins. At follow‐up, 77% were cured, whereas 9% had sequelae, associated with an axonal form (P < .01) and a short interval between symptom onset and hospitalization (P < .01). The need for intubation was correlated with peripheral facial paralysis (P < .01) and dysautonomia (P < .01).DiscussionAlthough AIDP and AMAN present in a similar way, the axonal form is associated with a worse outcome.
The Arabidopsis thaliana gene annotated by the locus tag At3g08860 encodes alanine aminotransferase
Authors: Parthasarathy Anutthaman , Adams Lily E. , Savka Francisco C. , Hudson André O. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe aminotransferase gene family in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana consists of 44 genes, eight of which are suggested to be alanine aminotransferases. One of the putative alanine aminotransferases genes, At3g08860, was attributed the function of alanine:glyoxylate aminotransferase/β‐alanine:pyruvate aminotransferase based on the analysis of gene expression networks and homology to other β‐alanine aminotransferases in plants. It was earlier demonstrated that At3g08860 is specifically upregulated in response to osmotic stress, but not other stresses (β‐alanine is an osmoprotectant in plants). Furthermore, it was shown that the expression of At3g08860 is highly coordinated with the genes of the uracil degradation pathway leading to the non‐proteinogenic amino acid β‐alanine. These evidence were suggestive of the involvement of At3g08860 in β‐alanine metabolism. However, direct experimental evidence for the function of At3g08860 was lacking, and therefore, the goal of this study was to elucidate the function of the uncharacterized aminotransferase annotated by the locus tag At3g08860. The cDNA of At3g08860 was demonstrated to functionally complement two E. coli mutants auxotrophic for the amino acids, L‐alanine (proteinogenic) and β‐alanine (non‐proteinogenic). Enzyme activity using purified recombinant At3g08860 further demonstrated that the enzyme is endowed with L‐alanine:glyoxylate aminotransferase activity.
Human Endometrial Extracellular Vesicles Functionally Prepare Human Trophectoderm Model for Implantation: Understanding Bidirectional Maternal‐Embryo Communication
Authors: Evans Jemma , Rai Alin , Nguyen Hong P. T. , Poh Qi Hui , Elglass Kirstin , Simpson Richard J. , Salamonsen Lois A. , Greening David W. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractEmbryo implantation into maternal endometrium is critical for initiation and establishment of pregnancy, requiring developmental synchrony between endometrium and blastocyst. However, factors regulating human endometrial–embryo cross talk and facilitate implantation remain largely unknown. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as important mediators of this process. Here, a trophectoderm spheroid‐based in vitro model mimicking the pre‐implantation human embryo is used to recapitulate important functional aspects of blastocyst implantation. Functionally, human endometrial EVs, derived from hormonally treated cells synchronous with implantation, are readily internalized by trophectoderm cells, regulating adhesive and invasive capacity of human trophectoderm spheroids. To gain molecular insights into mechanisms underpinning endometrial EV‐mediated enhancement of implantation, quantitative proteomics reveal critical alterations in trophectoderm cellular adhesion networks (cell adhesion molecule binding, cell–cell adhesion mediator activity, and cell adherens junctions) and metabolic and gene expression networks, and the soluble secretome from human trophectodermal spheroids. Importantly, transfer of endometrial EV cargo proteins to trophectoderm to mediate changes in trophectoderm function is demonstrated. This is highlighted by correlation among endometrial EVs, the trophectodermal proteome following EV uptake, and EV‐mediated trophectodermal cellular proteome, important for implantation. This work provides an understanding into molecular mechanisms of endometrial EV‐mediated regulation of human trophectoderm functions—fundamental in understanding human endometrium–embryo signaling during implantation.
Pyruvate as a cell‐protective agent during cold atmospheric plasma treatment in vitro: Impact on basic research for selective killing of tumor cells
Authors: Bergemann Claudia , Rebl Henrike , Otto Anik , Matschke Svenja , Nebe Barbara 
Published: September 2019

AbstractPromising investigations on the selective killing of tumor cells were reported using cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP) in vitro. Pyruvate, a supplement in cell culture media, could protect cells against the action of reactive oxygen species. Here, we provide an overview of the in vitro studies concerning the selective killing of tumor cells by CAP with special emphasis on pyruvate concentration in the cell culture media. Several former studies were performed in media with different pyruvate content. Our cell experiments confirmed that pyruvate mitigates the action of the plasma‐activated medium on cells. Therefore, future in vitro studies should be done in media with similar pyruvate content.
Photoswitchable Fluorescent Liquid Crystal Nanoparticles and Their Inkjet‐Printed Patterns for Information Encrypting and Anti‐Counterfeiting
Authors: Li Jie , Tian Meng , Xu Haifeng , Ding Xiaokang , Guo Jinbao 
Published: September 2019

AbstractLiquid crystal nanoparticles (LCNPs) with desirable multifunctionality are catching increasing attention due to their promising applications in various fields. However, reversible photoswitchable fluorescent LCNPs are not reported until now. Here, the first example of water‐dispersible, reversibly phototunable fluorescent LCNPs prepared through a miniemulsion polymerization technique is presented. The LCNPs mainly consist of an aggregation‐induced emission enhancement (AIEE)‐active dicyanodistyrylbenzene‐based monomer, a LC cross‐linking monomer, and a dithienylethene (DAE) derivative as a photochromic molecular switch. The fluorescence of the resultant LCNPs can be switched reversibly between bright (ON) and dark (OFF) states with a high contrast and excellent repeatability upon alternating irradiation of 365 nm UV light and visible light (λ > 450 nm). This observation could be attributed to ring‐opening/ring‐closing photoisomerization of the DAE structure on the basis of an intraparticle fluorescence resonance energy transfer process between the AIEE‐active monomer and DAE derivative. More importantly, the potential for aqueous dispersion of the photoswitchable fluorescent LCNPs as a security ink for information encryption and anti‐counterfeiting is further demonstrated. The results demonstrate that the reversible photoswitchable fluorescent LCNPs as multifunctional nanomaterials exhibit promising applications in photonic fields.
Studies and Theoretical Optimization of CL‐20 : RDX Cocrystal
Authors: Viswanath Jalla Venkata , Shanigaram Balaiah , Vijayadarshan Panga , Chowadary T. Venkaiah , Gupta Amarnath , Bhanuprakash Kotamarthi , Niranjana Siddapura Ramachandrappa , Venkataraman Abbaraju 
Published: September 2019

AbstractCL‐20 among other nitramines is highly energetic along with the high positive heat of formation, and is a green energetic material employed as solid propellant [1–3]. However, it suffers basically from mechanical sensitivity and cost of synthesis. Cocrystallization of CL‐20 with other suitable HEMs and LEMs is considered as the best crystal engineering technique to reduce its sensitivity [2, 4–6] as it masks crystal defects which in turn are responsible for mechanical sensitivity. The present investigation reports on the scale up process for the synthesis of Energy‐Energy Cocrystallization (EECC) of ϵ‐CL‐20 and RDX and focus on the process to optimize the structure and energetics of thus formed cocrystal (CRCC) through DFT study. In our study CL‐20 and RDX are taken in 1 : 1 molar ratio as suggested by Gui‐yun Hang [7]. We claim successful scale up of cocrystallization to the earlier report [4] employing a more user friendly solvent (acetone) in the present study and the cocrystal formed was through ultra centrifugation. During the course of the cocrystal formation a phase transition from ϵ‐ to α took place. The Trauzl lead block tests on CRCC support the better performance of the synthesised EECC. Introducing shock tube test as the parameter to claim the strength of HEMs enhances the comparability [8]. The present report envisages and collaborates the synthesised CRCC through the theoretical study in arriving at the spatial conformation leading to optimization in structure and energy of the synthesized EECC.
Experimental Two‐Way Communication with One Photon
Authors: Massa Francesco , Moqanaki Amir , Baumeler Ämin , Del Santo Flavio , Kettlewell Joshua A. , Dakić Borivoje , Walther Philip 
Published: September 2019

AbstractSuperposition of two or more states is one of the most fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics and provides a basis for several advantages offered by quantum information processing. This work reports the experimental demonstration of two‐way communication between two distant parties that can exchange only a single particle once, an impossible task in classical physics. This is achieved through preparation of a single photon in a coherent superposition of the two parties' locations. Furthermore, it is shown that this concept allows the parties to perform secure and anonymous quantum communication employing one particle per transmitted bit. These important features can lead to the realization of new quantum communication schemes, which are simultaneously anonymous, secure, and resource‐efficient.
Evaluation of N‐Mustard Analogues of S‐Adenosyl‐L‐methionine with Eukaryotic DNA Methyltransferase 1
Authors: Sirasunthorn Nichanun , Jailwala Anuj , Gerber Anna , Comstock Lindsay R. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractDNA methylation, which requires the universal methyl donor S‐adenosyl‐L‐methionine (SAM), plays a pivotal role in eukaryotic gene regulation and when dysregulated, can result in severe alterations in cellular function. An emerging approach to further understand DNA methylation utilizes azide‐ and alkyne‐functionalized N‐mustard SAM analogues as biochemical tools to probe sites of DNA methylation. While the successful utility of these substituted analogues has been demonstrated with prokaryotic DNA methyltransferases, their utility with physiologically‐relevant eukaryotic DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) is examined for the first time here. A fluorescence‐based magnetic bead assay was validated in initial experiments to measure the extent of DNA modification by the N‐mustard analogues using Spiroplasma methylase, M.SssI, a prokaryotic model of DNMT1. Subsequent analysis with DNMT1 revealed limited utility of the analogues, as added azide‐ and alkyne‐functionality appears to directly impact binding to DNMT1.
Solvent‐Exchange Strategy toward Aqueous Dispersible MoS2 Nanosheets and Their Nitrogen‐Rich Carbon Sphere Nanocomposites for Efficient Lithium/Sodium Ion Storage
Authors: Wang Yufeng , Wang Kai , Zhang Chao , Zhu Jixin , Xu Jingsan , Liu Tianxi 
Published: September 2019

AbstractMajor challenges in developing 2D transition‐metal disulfides (TMDs) as anode materials for lithium/sodium ion batteries (LIBs/SIBs) lie in rational design and targeted synthesis of TMD‐based nanocomposite structures with precisely controlled ion and electron transport. Herein, a general and scalable solvent‐exchange strategy is presented for uniform dispersion of few‐layer MoS2 (f‐MoS2) from high‐boiling‐point solvents (N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP), N,N‐dimethyl formaldehyde (DMF), etc.) into low‐boiling‐point solvents (water, ethanol, etc.). The solvent‐exchange strategy dramatically simplifies high‐yield production of dispersible MoS2 nanosheets as well as facilitates subsequent decoration of MoS2 for various applications. As a demonstration, MoS2‐decorated nitrogen‐rich carbon spheres (MoS2‐NCS) are prepared via in situ growth of polypyrrole and subsequent pyrolysis. Benefiting from its ultrathin feature, largely exposed active surface, highly conductive framework and excellent structural integrity, the 2D core–shell architecture of MoS2‐NCS exhibits an outstanding reversible capacity and excellent cycling performance, achieving high initial discharge capacity of 1087.5 and 508.6 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, capacity retentions of 95.6% and 94.2% after 500 and 250 charge/discharge cycles at 1 A g−1, for lithium/sodium ion storages, respectively.
Ultrahigh Energy Absorption Multifunctional Spinodal Nanoarchitectures
Authors: Guell Izard Anna , Bauer Jens , Crook Cameron , Turlo Vladyslav , Valdevit Lorenzo 
Published: September 2019

AbstractNanolattices are promoted as next‐generation multifunctional high‐performance materials, but their mechanical response is limited to extreme strength yet brittleness, or extreme deformability but low strength and stiffness. Ideal impact protection systems require high‐stress plateaus over long deformation ranges to maximize energy absorption. Here, glassy carbon nanospinodals, i.e., nanoarchitectures with spinodal shell topology, combining ultrahigh energy absorption and exceptional strength and stiffness at low weight are presented. Noncatastrophic deformation up to 80% strain, and energy absorption up to one order of magnitude higher than for other nano‐, micro‐, macro‐architectures and solids, and state‐of‐the‐art impact protection structures are shown. At the same time, the strength and stiffness are on par with the most advanced yet brittle nanolattices, demonstrating true multifunctionality. Finite element simulations show that optimized shell thickness‐to‐curvature‐radius ratios suppress catastrophic failure by impeding propagation of dangerously oriented cracks. In contrast to most micro‐ and nano‐architected materials, spinodal architectures may be easily manufacturable on an industrial scale, and may become the next generation of superior cellular materials for structural applications.
Quantity determination analysis of etodolac and thiocolchicoside combination with inverse phase‐liquid chromatography method in human plasma
Authors: Kucuk Tunca Aysel , Sirin Nese 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIn this study, an Inverse Phase‐High Performance Liquid Chromatography method was developed for the determination of the quantities of Etodolac and Thiocolchicoside active ingredients contained in the same tablet form (Etotio tablet). For this purpose; Etodolac and Thiocolchicoside in the pharmaceutical combination were determined simultaneously using Inverse Phase‐High Performance Liquid Chromatography method. This developed high‐performance liquid chromatography method was also used for the simultaneous in vitro quantity determination of Etodolac and Thiocolchicoside in human plasma. Plasma samples were analyzed with the Inverse Phase‐High Performance Liquid Chromatography method without any need for extraction process and very high recoveries were obtained with this chromatographic method. Method validity was tested by applying all the validation parameters for the data obtained from both studies (in solvent and plasma media). Results obtained in plasma media and solvent media were compared statistically with Anova test and it was found that there is no significant difference (at 95% possibility level) between the two methods from average and standard deviation aspects.
Single and multiple detections of foodborne pathogens by gold nanoparticle assays
Authors: Pissuwan Dakrong , Gazzana Camilla , Mongkolsuk Skorn , Cortie Michael B. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractA late detection of pathogenic microorganisms in food and drinking water has a high potential to cause adverse health impacts in those who have ingested the pathogens. For this reason there is intense interest in developing precise, rapid and sensitive assays that can detect multiple foodborne pathogens. Such assays would be valuable components in the campaign to minimize foodborne illness. Here, we discuss the emerging types of assays based on gold nanoparticles (GNPs) for rapidly diagnosing single or multiple foodborne pathogen infections. Colorimetric and lateral flow assays based on GNPs may be read by the human eye. Refractometric sensors based on a shift in the position of a plasmon resonance absorption peak can be read by the new generation of inexpensive optical spectrometers. Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy and the quartz microbalance require slightly more sophisticated equipment but can be very sensitive. A wide range of electrochemical techniques are also under development. Given the range of options provided by GNPs, we confidently expect that some, or all, of these technologies will eventually enter routine use for detecting pathogens in food.This article is categorized under:
Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing
Seasonal changes in basking shark vertical space use in the north-east Atlantic
Authors: Doherty P. D. , Baxter J. M. , Godley B. J. , Graham R. T. , Hall G. , Hall J. , Hawkes L. A. , Henderson S. M. , Johnson L. , Speedie C. , Witt M. J. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Mobile marine species can exhibit vast movements both horizontally and vertically. Spatial analysis of vertical movements may help improve an understanding of the processes that influence space use. Previously, vertical space use of basking sharks (Cetorhinus maximus) in the north-east Atlantic described movements largely within waters of the continental shelf during summer and autumn months, with few records of detailed vertical behaviour during winter. We use archival satellite telemetry data from 32 basking sharks (12 females, 6 males, and 14 of unknown sex measuring 4–5 m (n = 6), 5–6 m (n = 10), 6–7 m (n = 7), 7–8 m (n = 8), and 8–9 m (n = 1) estimated total length) tracked over 4 years (2012–2015). The satellite tags provided depth and temperature data for a cumulative 4489 days (mean 140 ± 97 days per shark, range 10–292 days) to describe vertical space use and thermal range of basking sharks in the north-east Atlantic. Basking sharks exhibit seasonality in vertical space use, revealing repeated ‘yo-yo’ movement behaviour with periods of occupancy at depths greater than 1000 m in late winter/early spring. Describing seasonal vertical space use in marine megavertebrates can increase knowledge of movements throughout their environment including physiological and morphological constraints to movement, nutrient transfer, and overlap with anthropogenic threats to inform future conservation strategies.
The intra-tumoural stroma in patients with breast cancer increases with age
Authors: Vangangelt Kiki M. H. , Kramer Claire J. H. , Bastiaannet Esther , Putter Hein , Cohen Danielle , van Pelt Gabi W. , Rakha Emad A. , Green Andrew R. , Tollenaar Rob A. E. M. , Mesker Wilma E. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Purpose
The tumour microenvironment in older patients is subject to changes. The tumour–stroma ratio (TSR) was evaluated in order to estimate the amount of intra-tumoural stroma and to evaluate the prognostic value of the TSR in older patients with breast cancer (≥ 70 years).

Methods
Two retrospective cohorts, the FOCUS study (N = 619) and the Nottingham Breast Cancer series (N = 1793), were used for assessment of the TSR on haematoxylin and eosin stained tissue slides.

Results
The intra-tumoural stroma increases with age in the FOCUS study and the Nottingham Breast Cancer series (B 0.031, 95% CI 0.006–0.057, p = 0.016 and B 0.034, 95% CI 0.015–0.054, p < 0.001, respectively). Fifty-one per cent of the patients from the Nottingham Breast Cancer series < 40 years had a stroma-high tumour compared to 73% of the patients of ≥ 90 years from the FOCUS study. The TSR did not validate as an independent prognostic parameter in patients ≥ 70 years.

Conclusions
The intra-tumoural stroma increases with age. This might be the result of an activated tumour microenvironment. The TSR did not validate as an independent prognostic parameter in patients ≥ 70 years in contrast to young women with breast cancer as published previously.