Extended automated quantification algorithm (AQuA) for targeted 1H NMR metabolomics of highly complex samples: application to plant root exudates

Introduction The Automated Quantification Algorithm (AQuA) is a rapid and efficient method for targeted NMR-based metabolomics, currently optimised for blood plasma. AQuA quantifies metabolites from 1D-H-1 NMR spectra based on the height of only one signal per metabolite, which minimises the computational time and workload of the method without compromising the quantification accuracy.Objectives To develop a fast and computationally efficient extension of AQuA for quantification of selected metabolites in highly complex samples, with minimal prior sample preparation. In particular, the method should be capable of handling interferences caused by broad background signals.Methods An automatic baseline correction function was combined with AQuA into an automated workflow, the extended AQuA, for quantification of metabolites in plant root exudate NMR spectra that contained broad background signals and baseline distortions. The approach was evaluated using simulations as well as a spike-in experiment in which known metabolite amounts were added to a complex sample matrix.Results The extended AQuA enables accurate quantification of metabolites in 1D-H-1 NMR spectra with varying complexity. The method is very fast (< 1 s per spectrum) and can be fully automated.Conclusions The extended AQuA is an automated quantification method intended for 1D-H-1 NMR spectra containing broad background signals and baseline distortions. Although the method was developed for plant root exudates, it should be readily applicable to any NMR spectra displaying similar issues as it is purely computational and applied to NMR spectra post-acquisition

Effects of Information Content in Work Instructions for Operator Performance

Operators remain as important resources in complex final assembly. To sustain a multi-variant production, it is necessary for operators to manage high demands from a cognitive workload perspective. In such situations, work instructions can support operators cognitively. However, work instructions are often insufficient or unused in final assembly. In this paper, results from testbed experiments are presented where assembly work was supported by different types of work instructions with differing information content. Results indicate that operator performance in terms of perceived cognitive workload and information quality are affected by the presented content of information in work instructions

The effects of out-of-home care on the development of social competence in Sweden: A longitudinal study

In this study, 140 Swedish preschoolers and their parents were first contacted, observed, and interviewed when the children averaged 16 months of age. Subsequently, 53 children entered day-care centers, and 33 were enrolled in family day-care facilities. Further assessments of the children, their families, and their care facilities took place 3, 12, and 24 months after the initial assessment. As predicted, type of child care had no apparent impact on the children's sociability or personality maturity, as measured 24 months after the study began. However, the quality of care received both at home and in the out-of-home care facilities, reported family social support, and child gender helped predict personality maturity (as reported by the mothers using the Block CCQ) and observed social skills with familiar peers and unfamiliar adults.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/27042/1/0000031.pd

Integrin β₁, osmosensing, and chemoresistance in mouse ehrlich carcinoma cells

Background/Aims: Altered expression of the integrin family of cell adhesion receptors has been associated with initiation, progression, and metastasis of solid tumors as well as in the development of chemoresistance. Here, we investigated the role of integrins, in particular integrin β1, in cell volume regulation and drug-induced apoptosis in adherent and non-adherent Ehrlich ascites cell lines. Methods: Adhesion phenotypes were verified by colorimetric cell-adhesion-assay. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blot were used to compare expression levels of integrin subunits. Small interfering RNA was used to silence integrin β1 expression. Regulatory volume decrease (RVD) after cell swelling was studied with calcein-fluorescence-self-quenching and Coulter counter analysis. Taurine efflux was estimated with tracer technique. Caspase assay was used to determine apoptosis. Results: We show that adherent cells have stronger fibronectin binding and a significantly increased expression of integrin α5, αv, and β1 at mRNA and protein level, compared to non-adherent cells. Knockdown of integrin β1 reduced RVD of the adherent but not of the non-adherent cells. Efflux of taurine was unaffected. In contrast to non-adherent, adherent cells exhibited chemoresistance to chemotherapeutic drugs (cisplatin and gemcitabine). However, knockdown of integrin β1 promoted cisplatin-induced caspase activity in adherent cells. Conclusion: Our data identifies integrin β1 as a part of the osmosensing machinery and regulator of cisplatin resistance in adherent Ehrlich cells

Long-term outcome of displaced radial neck fractures in adulthood: 16–21 year follow-up of 5 patients treated with radial head excision

Background There have been no reports on the long-term outcome of radial neck Mason type IIIb fractures in adults