bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective inhibition of Zophobas morio (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) luciferase‐like enzyme luminescence by diclofenac and potential suitability for light‐off biosensing
Authors: Carvalho Mariele C. , Tomazini Atílio , Prado Rogilene A. , Viviani Vadim R.
Published: September 2020

The accumulation of toxic carboxylic compounds may cause severe effects on the environment and living organisms. A luciferase‐like enzyme, previously cloned from the Malpighian tubules of the non‐luminescent Zophobas morio mealworm, displays thioesterification activity with a wide range of carboxylic substrates, and produces weak red luminescence in the presence of ATP and firefly d‐luciferin, a xenobiotic for this organism. To better investigate the function of this enzyme in carboxylic xenobiotic detoxification, we analyzed the inhibitory effect of different xenobiotic carboxylic acids on the luminescence activity of this enzyme, including environmental pollutants and pharmaceutical compounds. Noteworthy, the anti‐inflammatory drug diclofenac severely inhibited this luciferase‐like enzyme luminescence activity, both in in vitro (IC50 20 μM) and in vivo in bacterial cells assays, when compared with other beetle luciferases. Similar results were obtained with its brighter I327S mutant. Kinetic analysis of diclofenac's effect on luminescence activity indicated mixed‐type inhibition for both ATP and d‐luciferin. Modelling studies showed five potential binding sites for diclofenac, including the coenzyme A binding site, which showed one of the highest binding constant. Taken together, these results raise the possibility of using this luciferase‐like enzyme for the development of novel whole‐cell luminescent biosensors for diclofenac and similar drugs.
The influence of Ni2+ and other ions on the trigonal structure of DNA
Authors: Acosta‐Reyes Francisco J. , Pagan Mireia , Fonfría‐Subirós Elsa , Saperas Núria , Subirana Juan A. , Campos J. Lourdes
Published: September 2020

We present a new structure of a DNA dodecamer obtained in the presence of Ni2+ ions. The DNA forms Ni‐guanine cross‐links between neighboring molecules. Our results show that an adequate dosage of Ni2+ may help to form well‐defined DNA nanostructures. We also compare our structure with other dodecamers which present unique features and also crystallize in trigonal unit cells, strongly influenced by the counterions associated with DNA. In all cases, the DNA duplexes form parallel pseudo‐helical columns in the crystal, similar to DNA‐protamine and native DNA fibers.
Validated LC–MS/MS method for quantitation of total and free mycophenolic acid concentration and its application to a pharmacokinetic study in pediatric renal transplant recipients
Authors: Liu Yan , Liu Longshan , Li Jingjie , Fu Qian , Zhang Huanxi , Wu Chenglin , Li Jun , Zhong Guoping , Zheng Yifan , Chen Xiao , Wang Changxi , Chen Pan
Published: September 2020

A simple and sensitive LC–MS/MS method was established to quantify total and free mycophenolic acid (MPA) plasma concentrations during immunosuppressive medication for pediatric renal transplantation. The chromatographic separation was performed with the Hypersil GOLD C18 column, using a mobile phase consisting of 0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile (60:40, v/v) at an isocratic flow rate of 0.4 ml/min. An Agilent 6420 triple quadrupole mass spectrometer was operated via a positive electrospray ionization interface using the transitions m/z 321.14 → 206.9 for MPA and m/z 324.15 → 209.9 for MPA‐d3 (internal standard). The linearity was 0.1–50 μg/ml for total MPA and 0.0025–0.5 μg/ml for free MPA. The within‐run and between‐run precisions were all <5% and accuracy was within 96.23–107.63%. The validated method was successfully aspplied to a pharmacokinetic study in 28 pediatric renal recipients. The mean free fraction of MPA in our patients was 0.89% (ranging from 0.62 to 1.25%) and albumin level played a major role in the variability of free fraction of MPA, thus, in pediatric patients with hypoproteinemia, close free drug monitoring and dose adjustments should be considered to prevent toxicity.
Assessment and application of Marfey’s reagent and analogs in enantioseparation: a decade’s perspective
Authors: Sethi Sonika , Martens Jürgen , Bhushan Ravi
Published: September 2020

Of the various methods available for high‐performance liquid chromatography separation of enantiomers (of e.g. amino acids and amino group containing compounds) by the pre‐column derivatization approach, use of Marfey’s reagent has been most successful with continued application since its introduction in 1984. The reagent is prepared from difluoro dinitro benzene by nucleophilic substitution of one of its F atoms by l‐alanine amide. There is flexibility to prepare several chiral variants (by substituting the F atom with different chiral auxiliaries) and to tailor the hydrophobicity and resolution, ultimately, of the diastereomeric derivatives. The present paper assesses and reviews applications of Marfey’s reagent and its chiral variants (i.e. other FDNP reagents) for enantioseparation of certain amino group containing drugs/amino acids, and to provide some case studies on enantiomeric separations that are important for the pharmaceutical industry. Various explanations for separation mechanism and elution order using FDNP reagents are included and the question of the configuration of the corresponding enantiomer using an indirect approach has also been addressed.
Transfer of event stigma: Reactions of Japanese regional governments to criticism on bid rigging
Authors: Nakanishi Yoshinobu
Published: September 2020

An organization may be stigmatized for the nature of its activities (core stigma), or for misconduct (event stigma). Stigma damages an organization's legitimacy and threatens its survival. Therefore, organizations respond by taking actions to mitigate stigma and restore legitimacy. However, there has been insufficient empirical analysis of responses to transferred event stigma resulting from other organizations' misconduct. This study quantitatively analyzes Japanese regional government entities' responses to criticism from mass media and political directives issued by the central government, after they had been stigmatized for a series of bid‐rigging events. This study's major theoretical contribution is its finding that organizations are sensitive to event stigma that results from others' misconduct. Additionally, this study is among the first to examine the effects stigma has on government organizations, in contrast to prior research that has focused on private companies.
LncRNA LINC00857 regulates the progression and glycolysis in ovarian cancer by modulating the Hippo signaling pathway
Authors: Lin Xueke , Feng Dilu , Li Ping , Lv Yuchun
Published: September 2020

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common gynecological cancers with high morbidity and mortality, which seriously endangers women's health and quality of life. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) can regulate the progression of cancers, including ovarian cancer. LINC00857 (long intergenic non‐protein coding RNA 857) has been discovered to be a crucial factor in the regulation of cancer development. Nevertheless, the specific functions and mechanisms of LINC00857 in ovarian cancer remain unclear. The Hippo signaling pathway can involve in cancer progression. In our research, we aimed to investigate the correlation of LINC00857 and Hippo pathway. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay was utilized to test the expression of LINC00857 in ovarian cancer tissues and cells. Functional experiments revealed that LINC00857 silencing led to the inhibition on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and glycolysis but accelerated cell apoptosis in ovarian cancer. Mechanism experiments, including RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA pull‐down, and luciferase reporter experiments demonstrated that LINC00857 could regulate YAP1 (Yes1 associated transcriptional regulator) by competitively binding to miR‐486‐5p in ovarian cancer. In a word, this study unveiled that LINC00857 regulates YAP1 by competitively binding to miR‐486‐5p and accelerates ovarian cancer progression.
Evaluation of mortality following paclitaxel drug‐coated stent angioplasty of femoropopliteal lesions in real world
Authors: Böhme Tanja , Noory Elias , Beschorner Ulrich , Jacques Börries , Bürgelin Karlheinz , Macharzina Roland , Nührenberg Thomas , Cheung Florian , Neumann Franz‐Josef , Zeller Thomas
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the long‐term mortality after paclitaxel‐coated drug‐eluting stent (DES) angioplasty and use of uncoated devices of femoropopliteal lesions in real world practice.

Background

A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials reported an increased risk of long‐term mortality after femoropopliteal angioplasty with paclitaxel‐coated devices.

Methods

Retrospective mortality analysis of claudicants Rutherford‐Becker class (RBC) 1–4 who underwent DES angioplasty or uncoated balloon or stent angioplasty of femoropopliteal lesions with a follow‐up of 3–7 years.

Results

From 2010 to 2016 8,377 patients were treated with femoropopliteal lesions. This analysis included 599 patients. Three‐hundred‐three patients were treated with an uncoated device and 296 patients with a DES. The mean follow‐up period was 51.80 ± 23.40 months (range 0–84). For the entire cohort mortality incidence was 32.3% after uncoated treatment and 22.6% after DES (p < .033). For the entire cohort multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed age (p < .001), diabetes mellitus (p = .010), renal insufficiency (p = .001) and RBC 4 (p < .001) as independent predictors for mortality. After propensity score matching mortality incidence was 32.5% after uncoated treatment and 24.1% after DES (p = .264). After propensity score matching, independent mortality predictors were age (p < .001), hyperlipidemia (p = .035), diabetes mellitus (p = .018) and RBC 4 (p < .001). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that higher paclitaxel dosage was associated with lower mortality.

Conclusion

In real world, long‐term mortality rate was lower after DES angioplasty than after treatment with uncoated devices. Mortality predictors were co‐morbidities, risk factors, and disease severity.
Enhanced Photocurrent Generation From a Single‐Mediated Photo‐Bioelectrochemical Cell Using Wild‐Type Anabaena Variabilis Dispersed in Solution
Authors: Lee Jinhwan , Cho Hyejun , Kim Sunghyun
Published: September 2020

There is a growing interest in photosynthetic microorganisms for converting solar energy to electricity aiming at practical application. Despite extensive research, existing methods are suffered from limited photocurrent. Here we report that appreciable photocurrent can be generated in a photo‐bioelectrochemical cell (PBEC) where reduced graphene oxide‐coated ITO electrode is used as an anode and wild type cyanobacterium Anabaena variabilis as photo‐biocatalyst that oxidizes water by solar light. With A. variabilis dispersed in buffer and 1,4‐benzoquinone as a redox mediator, our PBEC produced photocurrent of 223 μA cm−2 at an applied voltage of 0.4 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Incident photon to current efficiencies of 0.50 % and 5.2 % were obtained with white and monochromatic light at 660 nm, respectively. A complete PBEC with Pt/C cathode produced Pmax of 13 μW cm−2 at 115 μA cm−2. Methodology in this study can be extended to cover other cyanobacteria, electrode materials, and mediators to further enhance photocurrent and power density. Our results demonstrate the possibility of utilizing cyanobacteria that are ubiquitous in the environment as alternative energy sources.
A Scalable Approach to Na2FeP2O7@Carbon/Expanded Graphite as a Low‐Cost and High‐Performance Cathode for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zeng Liyan , Li Fangkun , Xu Xijun , Liu Zhengbo , Shen Jiadong , Zhang Dechao , Li Yu , Liu Jun
Published: September 2020

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are the most promising candidates as alternatives to lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), owing to the natural abundance of sodium salt and the low cost. However, the commercial application of SIBs is principally hampered by the absence of suitable cathode materials. Herein, a novel Na2FeP2O7@carbon/expanded graphite (NFPO@C/EG) composite with a unique microstructure was developed through a scalable sol‐gel process followed by a ball‐milling procedure with expanded graphite. Benefiting from the multiscale carbon‐modified structure, the NFPO@C/EG effectively improves the electronic conductivity and, at the same time, shortens the path of sodium ion transmission. As a consequence, the NFPO@C/EG cathode presents a much higher specific capacity and more stable cycling stability than NFPO@C and NFPO. The unique design of NFPO@C/EG endows a high ratio of pseudocapacitance contribution and a large Na+ diffusion coefficient. As a consequence, the NFPO@C/EG cathode displays stable cycle performance (82 mAh g−1 over 400 cycles at 232 mA g−1) and superior rate capability (60 mAh g−1 at a high charge/discharge density of 2320 mA g−1). This multiscale carbon‐modified design concept builds an avenue for the practical application of polyanionic cathode materials and promotes the development of low‐cost SIBs.
Recent Progress of Two‐Dimensional Metal‐Organic Frameworks and Their Derivatives for Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysis
Authors: Huang Wei , Tang Jing , Diao Fangyuan , Engelbrekt Christian , Ulstrup Jens , Xiao Xinxin , Mølhave Kristian
Published: September 2020

The development of high‐performance transition metal−based electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is paramount for electrochemical secondary metal‐air batteries and water splitting. Two‐dimensional (2D) metal‐organic framework (MOF) nanosheets have recently emerged as a novel class of efficient electrocatalysts for OER, due to a high specific surface area, ultrasmall thickness and abundance of active sites. Here, we summarize recent progress in the preparation and characterization of 2D transition metal−based MOFs (e. g. Ni, Co and Cu), as well as their composites and derivatives, including metals/alloys, metal oxides/chalcogenides and metal phosphides/hydroxides, as OER electrocatalysts reported over the past several years. Design principles and preparation routes are presented. The performance of the electrocatalysts is directly compared in terms of overpotential (η) (thermodynamics) and electrocatalytic current density (kinetics), as well as operational stability (economics). Many of these materials exhibit superior catalytic activity compared to the noble metal−based catalysts such as RuO2 (η<300 mV at 10 mA cm−2), and considerable stability with negligible decay with operation over several hours to days. Challenges and perspectives of applying 2D MOFs and their derivatives for OER electrocatalysis are also discussed.
Controlling the Surface Functionalization of Ultrasmall Gold Nanoparticles by Sequence‐Defined Macromolecules
Authors: van der Meer Selina Beatrice , Seiler Theresa , Buchmann Christin , Partalidou Georgia , Boden Sophia , Loza Kateryna , Heggen Marc , Linders Jürgen , Prymak Oleg , Oliveira Cristiano L. P. , Hartmann Laura , Epple Matthias
Published: September 2020

Ultrasmall gold nanoparticles (diameter about 2 nm) were surface‐functionalized with cysteine‐carrying precision macromolecules. These consisted of sequence‐defined oligo(amidoamine)s (OAAs) with either two or six cysteine molecules for binding to the gold surface and either with or without a PEG chain (3400 Da). They were characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy, 1H NMR diffusion‐ordered spectroscopy (DOSY), small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS), and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. The number of precision macromolecules per nanoparticle was determined after fluorescent labeling by UV spectroscopy and also by quantitative 1H NMR spectroscopy. Each nanoparticle carried between 40 and 100 OAA ligands, depending on the number of cysteine units per OAA. The footprint of each ligand was about 0.074 nm2 per cysteine molecule. OAAs are well suited to stabilize ultrasmall gold nanoparticles by selective surface conjugation and can be used to selectively cover their surface. The presence of the PEG chain considerably increased the hydrodynamic diameter of both dissolved macromolecules and macromolecule‐conjugated gold nanoparticles.
PhI(OTf)2 Does Not Exist (Yet)**
Authors: Tania  , Houston Sevan D. , Sharp‐Bucknall Lachlan , Poynder Tiffany B. , Albayer Mohammad , Dutton Jason L.
Published: September 2020

PhI(OTf)2 has been used for the past 30 years as a strong I(III) oxidant for organic and inorganic transformations. It has been reported to be generated in situ from the reactions of either PhI(OAc)2 or PhI=O with two equivalents of trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate (TMS‐OTf). In this report it is shown that neither of these reactions generate a solution with spectroscopic data consistent with PhI(OTf)2, with supporting theoretical calculations, and thus this compound should not be invoked as the species acting as the oxidant for transformations that have been associated with its use.
Efficient Palladium‐Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidative Carbocyclization to Seven‐Membered Heterocycles
Authors: Liu Jie , Bäckvall Jan‐E.
Published: September 2020

The use of molecular oxygen in palladium‐catalyzed oxidation reactions is highly widespread in organic chemistry. However, the direct reoxidation of palladium by O2 is often kinetically unfavored, thus leading the deactivation of the palladium catalyst during the catalytic cycle. In the present work, we report a highly selective palladium‐catalyzed carbocyclization of bisallenes to seven‐membered heterocycles under atmospheric pressure of O2. The use of a homogenous hybrid catalyst (Co(salophen)‐HQ, HQ=hydroquinone) significantly promotes efficient electron transfer between the palladium catalyst and O2 through a low‐energy pathway. This aerobic oxidative transformation shows broad substrate scope and functional group compatibility and allowed the preparation of O‐containing seven‐membered rings in good yields in most cases.
Response rate and local recurrence after concurrent immune checkpoint therapy and radiotherapy for non–small cell lung cancer and melanoma brain metastases
Authors: Qian Jack M. , Martin Allison M. , Martin Kate , Hammoudeh Lubna , Catalano Paul J. , Hodi F. Stephen , Cagney Daniel N. , Haas‐Kogan Daphne A. , Schoenfeld Jonathan D. , Aizer Ayal A.
Published: September 2020

Background

Prior literature has suggested synergy between immune checkpoint therapy (ICT) and radiotherapy (RT) for the treatment of brain metastases (BrM), but to the authors' knowledge the optimal timing of therapy to maximize this synergy is unclear.

Methods

A total of 199 patients with melanoma and non–small cell lung cancer with BrM received ICT and RT between 2007 and 2016 at the study institution. To reduce selection biases, individual metastases were included only if they were treated with RT within 90 days of ICT. Concurrent treatment was defined as RT delivered on the same day as or in between doses of an ICT course; all other treatment was considered to be nonconcurrent. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess time to response and local disease recurrence on a per‐metastasis basis, using a sandwich estimator to account for intrapatient correlation.

Results

The final cohort included 110 patients with 340 BrM, with 102 BrM treated concurrently and 238 BrM treated nonconcurrently. Response rates were higher with the use of concurrent treatment (70% vs 47%; P < .001), with correspondingly lower rates of progressive disease (5% vs 26%; P < .001). On multivariable analysis, concurrent treatment was found to be associated with improved time to response (hazard ratio, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.18‐2.63 [P = .006]) and decreased local recurrence (hazard ratio, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.23‐0.78 [P = .006]). This effect appeared to be greater for melanoma than for non–small cell lung cancer, although interaction tests were not statistically significant. Only 1 of 103 metastases which had a complete response later developed disease progression.

Conclusions

Concurrent RT and ICT may improve response rates and decrease local recurrence of brain metastases compared with treatment that was nonconcurrent but delivered within 90 days. Further study of this combination in prospective, randomized trials is warranted.
Study of the color characteristics of residential buildings in Shanghai
Authors: Wang Jiangbo , Zhang Lingyun , Gou Aiping
Published: September 2020

In 2018, Shanghai launched a campaign to renovate the façade of old residential areas. With the renovation of the façade of these residential buildings, problems such as chaotic colors, dull colors, and strongly conflicting colors of walls have increasingly occurred. In this article, the color data of building samples were obtained by field investigation and the color attribute grading evaluation of residential buildings was carried out by introducing evaluation factors; thus, the evaluation results of these buildings were finally obtained. Based on the analysis of the quantity and proportion of each color attribute at different evaluation levels, the color characteristics of residential buildings in Shanghai were finally summarized. Overall, Shanghai residential buildings are “warm colored” in hue, “bright” in lightness, and “partial white” in chromaticness. The research results provide theoretical support for the forward‐looking and scientific nature of color planning for residential buildings in the future and can serve as a reference for the selection of the main colors of building walls.
Complementary colors: A literature review
Authors: Pridmore Ralph W.
Published: September 2020

Articles from a broad search of the literature dating from 1704 are cited and described briefly in order to provide an overview of complementary colors and associated research areas, especially chromatic induction (ie, complementary afterimages) as the principal research area. The literature shows that complementary colors have roles in all aspects of color appearance and color vision. Forty specific roles are described, which can be divided into three general roles of complementary color: color mixture, color constancy (or chromatic adaptation), and color perception (or appearance).
Photocaged Nanobodies Delivered into Cells for Light Activation of Biological Processes
Authors: Jedlitzke Benedikt , Mootz Henning D.
Published: September 2020

We have recently reported photocaged nanobodies, termed photobodies, that can be light‐activated in their antigen binding properties due to the removal of the photolabile protection group. We aimed to establish the delivery and activation of photobodies inside mammalian cells, because intracellular protein manipulation and detection by using antibodies and antibody fragments like nanobodies is highly attractive, however, the spatial and temporal control of their application in cells is extremely limited. AntiGFP photobodies with ortho‐nitrobenzyltyrosine in the paratope region were delivered into HeLa cells using the bead‐loading technique. Light‐activation was carried out with spatial control in single cells to trigger binding to a GFP tag fused to endogenously expressed target proteins. By means of its fused nuclear localization sequence, an activated photobody dragged the GFP fusion protein into the nucleus, the kinetics of which could be monitored using live cell microscopy. These results show the potential of photobodies for intracellular applications.
Organic Ionic Plastic Crystal‐Based Composite Membranes for Light Gas Separation: The Impact of Varying Ion Type and Casting Method
Authors: Ramos Fernando , Forsyth Maria , Pringle Jennifer M.
Published: September 2020

The promise of organic ionic plastic crystals (OIPCs) for development of a novel type of gas separation membrane with competitive gas selectivity for CO2/N2 was recently demonstrated. This work aimed to design more selective membranes by investigating a different type of OIPC and a new membrane preparation method. Two different OIPCs were solvent‐cast or co‐cast with poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF), and their gas transport properties were compared. The first OIPC, methyl(diethyl)isobutylphosphonium hexafluorophosphate ([P122i4][PF6]), was previously studied using the co‐cast method, and this was used as a benchmark. The second, N‐methyl‐N‐ethylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide ([C2mpyr][FSI]), was investigated for the first time for gas separation applications, achieving high selectivities (α
>40). The thermophysical properties of the composites indicated that the co‐casting method is a good way to fabricate solid, mechanically stable and durable membranes. Additionally, the enhanced molecular interactions indicated in OIPC/PVDF co‐cast composites point to a new approach for synthesis of other highly selective OIPC‐based membranes.
Building N‐Heterocyclic Carbene into Triazine‐Linked Polymer for Multiple CO2 Utilization
Authors: Yue Chengtao , Wang Wenlong , Li Fuwei
Published: September 2020

The development of new CO2 detection technologies and CO2 “capture‐conversion” materials is of great significance due to the growing environmental crisis. Here, multifunctional triazine‐linked polymers with built‐in N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) sites (designated as NHC‐triazine@polymer) are presented for simultaneous CO2 detection, capture, activation, and catalytic conversion. NHC‐triazine@polymer were readily obtained through polymerization of cyanophenyl‐substituted NHC. The obtained film‐like polymers exhibited interesting CO2‐triggered fluorescence “turn‐on” response and CO2‐sensitive reversible color change. Both NHC and triazine sites could act as efficient binding sites for CO2, and the CO2 uptake of NHC and triazine reached 1.52 and 1.36 mmol g−1, respectively. Notably, after being captured by NHC, CO2 was activated into a zwitterionic adduct NHC−CO2 that could be easily transformed into cyclic carbonate in the presence of epoxides. Moreover, NHC‐triazine@polymer were stable and active catalysts for the conversion of low‐concentration CO2 in a gas mixture (7 vol %) into cyclic carbonates as well as for hydrosilylation of CO2 to formamides.
A Novel Flow Cytometric Method to Study Cytotoxic Activity in Whole Blood Samples
Authors: Rico Laura G. , Ward Michael D. , Bradford Jolene A. , Petriz Jordi
Published: September 2020

For several decades, cell‐mediated cytotoxicity has been measured using the 51Cr release assay. This assay, however, has several drawbacks and flow cytometry has been used as an alternative to measure cytotoxic activity. Here, we present a quantitative method for cell‐mediated cytotoxicity studies, preserving cellular function with minimal sample manipulation. Cytotoxic activity is simply and reproducibly measured as the ability of cytotoxic cells to lyse K562 target cells previously loaded with Calcein‐AM vital stain. After spiking a known number of fluorescent viable K562 target cells into whole blood, cell mixtures are incubated for 2 h in a cell incubator and the remaining spiked cells are counted by flow cytometry. In order to discriminate nucleated cells, erythrocytes, and debris, unlysed whole blood is stained with a cell permeable DNA vital fluorescent dye. Cell‐mediated lysis is measured by comparing target counts for different effector‐to‐target ratios. Since the cytotoxicity of these dyes is relatively low, this method can be broadly applied to studies of innate immune response to tumors and infections, especially where target‐killing activity might be compromised by small volume samples or low frequency of cytotoxic cells. © 2020 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Leukocyte immunoglobulin‐like receptor B1 and B4 (LILRB1 and LILRB4): Highly sensitive and specific markers of acute myeloid leukemia with monocytic differentiation
Authors: Churchill Hywyn R. O. , Fuda Franklin S. , Xu Jing , Deng Mi , Zhang Cheng Cheng , An Zhiqiang , Zhang Ningyan , Chen Pu , Bergstrom Colin , Kansagra Ankit , Collins Robert , John Samuel , Koduru Prasad , Chen Weina
Published: September 2020

Background

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with monocytic differentiation (M‐AML) remains a diagnostic challenge largely due to lack of sensitive and specific markers for immature monocytes. The immunoglobulin‐like inhibitory receptors, LILRB1 and LILRB4, are expressed on monocytes but have not yet been systematically evaluated in the clinical setting.

Methods

We evaluated the diagnostic performance of LILRB1 and LILRB4 as monocytic markers for both immature and mature monocytes in comparison to other myelomonocytic markers including CD14, CD15, CD33, CD36, and CD64 in eight cases of control bone marrow (BM, 5) and peripheral blood (PB, 3), 64 cases of (M‐AML), and 57 cases of AML without monocytic differentiation (NM‐AML) by flow cytometric immunophenotyping.

Results

In control BM, LILRB1 and LILRB4 were consistently expressed on monocytes at all stages of maturation, from CD34+/CD14− monocytic precursors to CD14−/dim+ maturing and CD14+ mature monocytes. In M‐AML, LILRB1 and LILRB4 were consistently expressed on monocytes, regardless of the degree of maturity, from CD14−/dim+ monoblasts/promonocytes to CD14+ mature monocytes but were not expressed on myeloblasts. The diagnostic performances as a monocytic marker assessed by sensitivity/specificity were 100%/100% for LILRB1/LILRB4, 100%/82% for CD11b, 80%/100% for CD14, 100%/81% for CD64, 100%/58% for CD15/CD33, and 89%/97% for CD36/CD64.

Conclusion

The co‐expression of LILRB1/LILRB4 outperformed other myelomonocytic markers as a highly sensitive and specific marker for monocytes at all stages of maturation and could reliably distinguish M‐AML from NM‐AML. LILRB4 additionally represents a novel therapeutic target for treating M‐AML.
A second endoscopic ultrasound with fine‐needle aspiration for cytology identifies high‐risk pancreatic cysts overlooked by current guidelines
Authors: Faias Sandra , Pereira Luisa , Fonseca Ricardo , Chaves Paula , Dias Pereira António , Cravo Marília
Published: September 2020

Background

Endoscopic ultrasound with fine‐needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) is recommended for diagnosis of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs). Its role in surveillance is unclear. Our goal was to determine if a second EUS‐FNA changes diagnosis or management of PCLs.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of an EUS database, searching for EUS‐FNAs in PCLs from 2007 to 2017 was performed. Demographics, cyst characteristics, and FNA results were compared in patients under surveillance, performing a single or two consecutive EUS‐FNAs.

Results

Of 203 PCLs referred for EUS‐FNA, surveillance was decided in 128 (63%). Data of 105 (82%) patients with a single EUS‐FNA were compared with 23 (18%) with two EUS‐FNAs during surveillance. Patients were younger in this latter group (P = .055), whereas CEA levels were marginally higher (P = .078) and a mass/nodule were more frequent (P = .006). The mean time between EUS‐FNAs was 38 months (4.7‐118.8) for 18 patients maintaining surveillance vs 18 months (2.9‐56.9) in the four referred for surgery (P = NS) after two EUS‐FNAs (two NETs, one IPMN‐HGD, and one MCN‐LG). A high correlation in CEA level between consecutive EUS‐FNAs (r2 = 0.945, P < .01) was present, with a change of category observed (cut‐off level = 192 ng/mL) in two patients only. Of four patients with a second EUS‐FNA with conclusive cytology, two had NETs confirmed on resection.

Conclusions

Repeating EUS‐FNA in surveillance of PCLs with clinical suspicion of malignancy increased neoplasm diagnoses, changing decision toward surgery in almost 20% of patients while excluding IPMNs with mucin nodules from unnecessary resections. A second EUS‐FNA for cytology appears justified in some PCLs, particularly for diagnosing NETs.
White matter but not grey matter predicts change in reading skills after intervention
Authors: Partanen Marita , Kim Danny H. C. , Rauscher Alexander , Siegel Linda S. , Giaschi Deborah E.
Published: September 2020

This study examined changes in white matter microstructure and grey matter volume, cortical thickness, and cortical surface area before and after reading intervention. Participants included 22 average readers and 13 dyslexic readers (8–9 years old in third grade); the dyslexic readers were enrolled in reading intervention programs at their elementary school. Participants completed scans of diffusion tensor imaging and T1‐weighted MRI before and after 3 months of instruction. An a priori region of interest (ROI) analysis was used. Dyslexic readers, compared to average readers, showed higher mean diffusivity in white matter ROIs including bilateral inferior frontal, bilateral insula, left superior temporal, and right supramarginal gyri across time points. Dyslexic readers also had thicker cortex in left fusiform and bilateral supramarginal gyri; whereas, average readers had greater surface area in right fusiform across time. There were no significant changes in white or grey matter following intervention; however, mean diffusivity in the right hemisphere was associated with reading gains over time. White matter organization in the right hemisphere predicts reading changes, and dyslexic readers may have persistent differences in white and grey matter due to ongoing reading deficits.
Separation of realized ecological niche axes among sympatric tilefishes provides insight into potential drivers of co‐occurrence in the NW Atlantic
Authors: Olin Jill A. , Shipley Oliver N. , Cerrato Robert M. , Nitschke Paul , Magen Cédric , Frisk Michael G.
Published: September 2020

Golden and Blueline Tilefish (Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps and Caulolatilus microps) are keystone taxa in northwest (NW) Atlantic continental shelf‐edge environments due to their biotic (trophic‐mediated) and abiotic (ecosystem engineering) functional roles combined with high‐value fisheries. Despite this importance, the ecological niche dynamics (i.e., those relating to trophic behavior and food‐web interactions) of these sympatric species are poorly understood, knowledge of which may be consequential for maintaining both ecosystem function and fishery sustainability. We used stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) to build realized ecological niche hypervolumes to serve as proxies for diet and production use patterns of L. chamaeleonticeps and C. microps. We hypothesized that: (a) species exhibit ontogenetic shifts in diet and use of production sources; (b) species acquire energy from spatially distinct resource pools that reflect a sedentary life‐history and differential use of the continental shelf‐edge; and (c) species exhibit differentiation in one or more measured niche axes. We found evidence for ontogenetic shifts in diet (δ15N) but not production source (δ13C) in both species, suggesting a subtle expansion of measured ecological niche axes. Spatial interpolation of stable isotope ratios showed distinct latitudinal gradients; for example, individuals were 13C enriched in northern and 15N enriched in southern regions, supporting the assertion that tilefish species acquire energy from regional resource pools. High isotopic overlap was observed among species (≥82%); however, when hypervolumes included depth and region of capture, overlap among species substantially decreased to overlap estimates of 15%–77%. This suggests that spatial segregation could alleviate potential competition for resources among tilefish species inhabiting continental shelf‐edge environments. Importantly, our results question the consensus interpretation of isotopic overlap estimates as representative of direct competition among species for shared resources or habitats, instead identifying habitat segregation as a possible mechanism for coexistence of tilefish species in the NW Atlantic.
Can science diplomacy address the global climate change challenge?
Authors: Özkaragöz Doğan Elif , Uygun Zafer , Akçomak İbrahim Semih
Published: September 2020

Science diplomacy has been used for the broad purpose of international knowledge management. Countries engage in science diplomacy to access and promote knowledge, as well as influence public opinion. Despite the rising interest in science diplomacy, there is very little research on how science diplomacy can be utilized to tackle global challenges such as climate change. This paper aims to bring developing countries in front and show how science and technology cooperation among developing countries and between developing and developed countries can address climate change problems. Looking from a science and technology policy lens and highlighting the difference between science diplomacy and epistemic communities, we investigate structured government attempts in initiating cooperation toward specific ends. This paper looks at five cases: Partnerships for Enhanced Engagement in Research (PEER), Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC) Program, bilateral cooperation between Germany and China on electromobility, Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Reverse Linkage program, and The China South–South Climate Cooperation Fund. Then it builds a taxonomy on how science diplomacy is used in climate change mitigation and adaptation and attempts to make a synthesis of the cases. We argue that there is room for developing countries in international knowledge management if science diplomacy tools are properly designed and managed to take context‐specific nature of countries into account.
Plasma D‐dimer concentrations predicting stroke risk and rivaroxaban benefit in patients with heart failure and sinus rhythm: an analysis from the COMMANDER‐HF trial
Authors: Ferreira João Pedro , Lam Carolyn S.P. , Anker Stefan D. , Mehra Mandeep R. , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Byra William M. , La Police David A. , Cleland John G.F. , Greenberg Barry , Zannad Faiez
Published: September 2020

Aims

D‐dimer is a marker of fibrin degradation that reflects intravascular coagulation. Therefore, plasma concentrations of D‐dimer might predict thromboembolic risk and rivaroxaban treatment effect. The aims of this study were to investigate the association between D‐dimer levels and the risk of stroke and other thrombotic, bleeding and fatal events, and whether D‐dimer concentrations could predict rivaroxaban 2.5 mg twice daily (vs. placebo) effect in patients enrolled in the COMMANDER‐HF trial who were in sinus rhythm, had heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and coronary artery disease.

Methods and results

Survival models with treatment‐by‐plasma D‐dimer interaction. Baseline measurement of D‐dimer was available in 4107 (82%) of 5022 patients enrolled. Median (percentile25–75) follow‐up was 21 (12.9–32.8) months. The median (percentile25–75) plasma concentration of D‐dimer was 360 (215–665) ng/mL. The D‐dimer tertiles were: (i) ≤255 ng/mL; (ii) 256–515 ng/mL; and (iii) >515 ng/mL. Patients within the tertile 3 were older, and had lower body mass index, blood pressure, haemoglobin, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and left ventricular ejection fraction. Higher plasma D‐dimer concentrations were independently associated with higher rates of death, stroke, and venous thromboembolism. For example, the all‐cause death adjusted hazard ratio (HR) (95%CI) of tertile 3 vs. tertile 1 was 1.77 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.48–2.11; P < 0.001]. The effect of rivaroxaban was similar in each tertile of D‐dimer for all outcomes except stroke. Patients within the tertile 3 had the greatest absolute and relative stroke reduction (tertile 1: HR 1.16, 95% CI 0.49–2.74; tertile 2: HR 1.45, 95% CI 0.77–2.73; tertile 3: HR 0.36, 95% CI 0.18–0.70; P for interaction = 0.008). The number‐needed‐to‐treat to prevent one stroke in tertile 3 was 36.

Conclusions

In COMMANDER‐HF, rivaroxaban reduced the risk of stroke but the benefit may be confined to patients with D‐dimer concentrations above 515 ng/mL. Prospective trials are warranted to confirm these findings.
Sentiment classification of skewed shoppers' reviews using machine learning techniques, examining the textual features
Authors: Rezapour Mahdi
Published: September 2020

With the speedy growth of online shopping, it has become of crucial importance for product makers to analyze, and handle a wealth of products' reviews. However, such a high volume of reviews, along with a wide variety of opinions, makes it hard for manufacturers to know exactly how they can improve their products without having an efficient approach. For this purpose, the results of sentiment classification would help the customers to retrieve the necessary information to choose an appropriate product, and the sellers to effectively collect customer feedback in order to improve their products. Like most of the read‐world problems, the shopping review data being used in this study were imbalanced, being predominately composed of positive with only a small percentage of negative reviews. Machine learning (ML) algorithms do not perform well when data are imbalanced, as they tend to get biased toward the overrepresented data category. The synthetic minority over‐sampling technique (SMOTE) was used to address this class imbalance problem. In this study, three different ML‐based algorithms, namely the Naïve Bayes (NB), Support Vector Machine, and decision tree (DT) were employed. An extensive preprocessing procedure was taken to prepare the text datasets, and details are discussed in the manuscript. The performance analysis indicated that the DT algorithm outperforms the other two methods. As positive reviews account for the majority of the reviews, sparse words removal for the data resulted in the removal of almost all negative reviews' sentiments. Hence, the model training process is here performed on positive and negative reviews separately. A combination of the review titles with their contents, separate tokenization process, applications of various N‐gram, and maintaining stops words (e.g. “not” or “but”) were some other steps considered to improve the performance of the model.
Measuring Dynamic Energy Efficiency in Africa: A Slack‐Based DEA Approach
Authors: Amowine Nelson , Ma Zhiqiang , Li Mingxing , Zhou Zhixiang , Yaw Naminse Eric , Amowine James
Published: September 2020

In the quest for economic and social prosperity, countries all over the world are constantly engaged in energy consumption to propel development. The utilization of energy emits dangerous greenhouse gases which have adverse impact on human health and the entire ecosystem. Finding the trade‐off that exists between economic growth and environmental protection is essential nowadays. Previous energy efficiency studies in Africa have focused on static efficiency and ignoring dynamic implications of crossover factors in productivity. Those studies in Africa have also failed to capture energy efficiency trends and patterns over time. Therefore, the current study applies the dynamic slack‐based measure (DSBM) in a data envelopment analysis (DEA) framework to assess the dynamic energy efficiency of 25 sampled African economies from 2007 to 2014 by adopting energy stock as carryover factors. Further, the study investigates the inputs, output, and carryover factors inefficiency in the model to identify the potential areas where inefficiencies occurred. The empirical results suggest that these selected African countries are far from being energy efficient (0.519). Therefore, both adjustments and projections on the inputs, output, and carryover variables should be taken into account, to improve efficiency. Finally, useful suggestions for energy efficiency improvement are further discussed based on the empirical results.
New artiodactyla fossils from Middle Miocene deposits of Chakwal, Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Samiullah Khizar , Yasin Riffat , Bano Naheed , Rasool Bilal , Mubarik Muhammad Samee , Fazal Rana Mehroz , Mahboob Shahid , Draz Omer , Al‐Ghanim Khalid A. , Raza Tehreem , Javed Zeeshan , Al‐Misned Fahad , Nazish Mamoona , Sarfraz Humaira
Published: September 2020

The fossil site Dhok Bun Ameer Khatoon (DBAK) is located 35 km southeast from Chakwal district, Punjab, Pakistan. It has yielded a significant amount of fossil artiodactyls including five families: Bovidae, Tragulidae, Suidae, Giraffidae, and Anthracotheriidae. This site principally exposes Middle Miocene strata that have been dated approximately as 14.2–11.63 Mya. A detailed study was carried out on the fossils found at DBAK and 29 specimens have been described herein. The collection comprises isolated upper and lower teeth and fragments of mandibular ramii. Gazella lydekkeri, Elachistoceras khauristanensis, Dorcatherium majus, Listriodon pentapotamiae, Giraffokeryx punjabiensis, Giraffa priscilla, and Merycopotamus nanus have been described in this article. The newly discovered material is productive to understand the fauna of this Middle Miocene locality and it enhances our knowledge about the described species. Merycopotamus nanus have been reported for the first time from this locality. Palaeoenvironmental data indicates that the Miocene climate of Pakistan was most likely to be monsoonal. All the feeding habits and distribution of those animals suggested the presence of abundant forests, herbaceous, grassy, and bushy vegetation in the DBAK and its surroundings.
A gene expression signature for predicting response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Nishiwada Satoshi , Sho Masayuki , Cui Ya , Yamamura Kensuke , Akahori Takahiro , Nakagawa Kenji , Nagai Minako , Nakamura Kota , Takagi Tadataka , Ikeda Naoya , Li Wei , Baba Hideo , Goel Ajay
Published: September 2020

In patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), optimal treatment selection, including multimodality regimens such as neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT), can be clinically transformative. Unfortunately, currently no predictive biomarkers are available that can guide the use of NACRT in PDAC patients. Accordingly, herein we developed a novel gene signature that can preoperatively predict NACRT‐sensitivity in PDAC patients. Herein, we evaluated the performance of a 10‐gene panel in 749 PDAC cases, which included two public datasets (The Cancer Genome Atlas and International Cancer Genome Consortium; n = 276), and three clinical specimen cohorts (n = 417), and a pre‐NACRT endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) biopsy cohort (n = 56). The potential predictive performance of this signature was evaluated and compared to CA‐19‐9 levels and key clinicopathological factors. We first evaluated the prognostic potential of a 10‐gene panel which significantly predicted overall survival in both public datasets (P < .01, P < .01), and two in‐house patient cohorts (P < .01, P = .04). In the pre‐NACRT EUS‐FNA cohort, we established a radio‐sensitivity gene panel (RSGP) which yielded highly robust (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.91; 95% CI: 0.81‐0.97) for predicting response to gemcitabine‐based NACRT. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that RSGP was an independent predictor for response to NACRT (OR = 2.70; 95% CI: 1.25‐5.85), and this response‐prediction was even more robust when CA‐19‐9 levels were included into the model. In conclusion, we have validated and developed a novel gene signature that is highly robust in predicting response to NACRT, even in preoperative settings, highlighting its clinical significance for optimizing and personalizing treatment strategies in PDAC patients.