bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of toxicities related to novel therapy in clinical trials for women with gynecologic cancer
Authors: Lee Yeh Chen , Wang Lisa , Kohn Elise C. , Rubinstein Lawrence , Ivy S. Percy , Harris Pamela J. , Lheureux Stephanie
Published: February 2020

Background

Women with gynecologic cancer may be at increased risk for adverse events (AEs) due to peritoneal disease burden and prior treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, and pelvic radiotherapy). This study compared the toxicity profiles of patients with and without gynecologic cancer enrolled in phase 1 trials.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of the National Cancer Institute phase 1 database for all trials enrolling 1 or more patients with gynecologic cancer over 2 decades (1995‐2015). Clinical parameters collected included demographics, cancer history, trial information, AEs, and responses. AEs (according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events) were documented for each patient during treatment, and they were counted once and analyzed on the basis of the highest grade and drug attribution. Multiple regression models were used to compare AEs at the baseline and during treatment.

Results

A total of 4269 patients enrolled in 150 trials were divided into 3 groups: 1) women with gynecologic cancer (n = 685), 2) women with nongynecologic cancer (n = 1698), and 3) men with cancer (n = 1886). The median age was 58 years. The mean number of total AEs reported during treatment was highest for women with gynecologic cancer (17.1 vs 14.7 vs 13.5; P < .001), even though they were similar at the baseline (7.0 vs 7.4 vs 7.0; P = .09). The mean number of drug‐related AEs was also highest for women with gynecologic cancer (8.3 vs 6.9 vs 6.2; P < .001). Grade 3 to 5 AEs were similar (2.3 vs 2.3 vs 2.1); however, grade 2 AEs were more frequent in women with gynecologic cancer (4.6 vs 3.9 vs 3.5). Treatment discontinuations due to AEs were similar (9% vs 9% vs 10%).

Conclusions

Women with gynecologic cancer experienced more frequent low‐grade AEs during treatment, and this warrants attention to support their symptom burden. Study dose management should be considered for recurrent grade 2 AEs, particularly during continuous therapy.
Do thyroid nodules that arise in the isthmus have a higher risk of malignancy?
Authors: Pastorello Ricardo , Valerio Ediel , Lobo Alberto , Maia Antonio , Saieg Mauro
Published: February 2020

Recently, the longitudinal location of a nodule within a thyroid lobe was found to be associated with distinct risks of malignancy, with isthmic and upper lobar lesions presenting the highest risk. In the large cohort presented in the current study, the authors input additional data into examining the association between localization of thyroid nodules and their risk of malignancy, with isthmic nodules found to be associated with a statistically significantly higher risk of cancer compared with those localized in the lateral lobes. The findings should bring even more attention to this portion of the thyroid gland, and nodules in this particular location should be followed more closely.
Mothulity Facilitates 16S/ITS Amplicon Diversity Analysis
Authors: Izak D. , Gromadka A. , Kaczanowski S.
Published: February 2020

We present Mothulity—a novel interface for Mothur, a well‐established tool for 16S/ITS biodiversity analysis. Although Mothur is a well‐documented and virtually complete software suite, its proper execution might be challenging for first‐time users, and editing the Mothur batch scripts is time consuming even for experienced users. Mothur produces little to no graphical output, leaving the generation of plots to the user. Mothulity minimizes the chance of human error through a minimalistic yet powerful interface, with most of the analysis parameters predefined or adjusted automatically. Time spent on running the analysis is drastically reduced, since Mothulity produces an HTML report with publication‐quality figures. Finally, Mothulity can be conveniently used with the SLURM workload manager, and is thereby suitable for a range of computing facilities. © 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Basic Protocol 1: Standard operational procedure (SOP)

Basic Protocol 2: Generating report on pre‐processed data
Fused Tetrathiafulvalene and Benzoquinone Triads: Organic Positive‐Electrode Materials Based on a Dual Redox System
Authors: Misaki Yohji , Noda Shigenobu , Kato Minami , Yamauchi Tomokazu , Oshima Toko , Yoshimura Aya , Shirahata Takashi , Yao Masaru
Published: February 2020

Fused donor–acceptor triads composed of two tetrathiafulvalenes (TTFs) and benzoquinone (BQ; 1) or naphthoquinone (NQ; 2) were successfully synthesized. X‐ray structure analysis of the bis(n‐butylthio) derivative revealed that the molecules are stacked in a head‐to‐tail manner. The bis(n‐hexylthio)‐1 exhibited six‐pairs of one‐electron transfer waves in the cyclic voltammogram, corresponding to the formation of both reduction and oxidation states from −2 to +4. The unsubstituted and bis(methylthio) derivatives of 1 and 2 were active materials in positive electrodes for rechargeable batteries, several of which displayed energy densities exceeding 800 mWh g−1. The bis(methylthio)‐2 also functions as a positive electrode material for a rechargeable sodium‐ion battery.
Lignin–Inorganic Interfaces: Chemistry and Applications from Adsorbents to Catalysts and Energy Storage Materials
Authors: Budnyak Tetyana M. , Slabon Adam , Sipponen Mika H.
Published: February 2020

Lignin is one the most fascinating natural polymers due to its complex aromatic‐aliphatic structure. Phenolic hydroxyl and carboxyl groups along with other functional groups provide technical lignins with reactivity and amphiphilic character. Many different lignins have been used as functional agents to facilitate the synthesis and stabilization of inorganic materials. Herein, the use of lignin in the synthesis and chemistry of inorganic materials in selected applications with relevance to sustainable energy and environmental fields is reviewed. In essence, the combination of lignin and inorganic materials creates an interface between soft and hard materials. In many cases it is either this interface or the external lignin surface that provides functionality to the hybrid and composite materials. This Minireview closes with an overview on future directions for this research field that bridges inorganic and lignin materials for a more sustainable future.
‘[It] isn’t designed to be assessed how we assess’: rethinking assessment for qualification in the context of the implementation of the Curriculum for Wales
Authors: Titley Elizabeth , Davies Andrew James , Atherton Stephen
Published: February 2020

This paper reports teacher and learner perspectives on how assessment and reform influences pedagogical practices and behaviours. The research was conducted in a context of policy reform, at a time when Wales’ revised General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) specifications had been implemented, and learners were preparing for their assessments; but, also during the period of debate on the development of Wales’ new curriculum, which has taken a distinct and contrasting position on assessment to the assumptions underlying the reform of Welsh GCSEs implemented from 2015. These data, therefore, offer unique insights into the affordances and limitations of two sharply contrasting systems at a time of considerable change, offering reflections on the current curriculum and its attendant assessment practices, and also a prospective analysis of how the principles embedded in the new curriculum could challenge these existing assumptions and conventions. Findings suggest that teachers and learners currently inhabit an assessment‐driven system, which encourages performative practices in pedagogy and is governed by external accountability; and that these practices are at odds with the principles of assessment articulated in Successful Futures. Consequently, teachers in this study expressed uncertainty about how assessment for certification purposes at GCSE could be compatible with the principles of the Curriculum for Wales.
Protected areas buffer against harvest selection and rebuild phenotypic complexity
Authors: Fernández‐Chacón Albert , Villegas‐Ríos David , Moland Even , Baskett Marissa L. , Olsen Esben M. , Carlson Stephanie M.
Published: February 2020

Harvest mortality typically truncates the harvested species' size structure, thereby reducing phenotypic complexity, which can lead to reduced population productivity, increased population variability, and selection on an array of life history traits that can further alter these demographic processes. Marine protected areas (MPAs) are a potential tool to protect older, larger individuals and therefore mitigate such ecological and evolutionary effects of harvest, depending on the degree of connectivity among areas. Such MPA protection relies on a shift in size‐dependent mortality, the measurement of which can therefore serve as an early indicator of whether MPAs might achieve the desired longer‐term ecological and evolutionary responses. We directly measured MPA effects on size‐selective mortality and associated size structure using mark–recapture data on European lobster (Homarus gammarus) collected at three MPA–control area pairs in southern Norway during one decade (n = 5,943). Mark–recapture modeling, accounting for variation in recapture probabilities, revealed (1) that annual mean survival was higher inside MPAs (0.592) vs. control areas (0.298) and (2) that significant negative relationships between survival and body size occurred at the control areas but not in the MPAs, where the effect of body size was predominantly positive. Additionally, we found (3) that mean and maximum body size increased over time inside MPAs but not in control areas. Overall, our results suggest that MPAs can rebuild phenotypic complexity (i.e., size structure) and provide protection from harvest selection.
Long‐term photo‐id and satellite tracking reveal sex‐biased survival linked to movements in an endangered species
Authors: Schofield Gail , Klaassen Marcel , Papafitsoros Kostas , Lilley Martin K. S. , Katselidis Kostas A. , Hays Graeme C.
Published: February 2020

Sex‐biased survival linked to anthropogenic threats places populations at risk. We show the utility of long‐term multidecadal photo‐identification (photo‐id) combined with long‐term high‐resolution (Fastloc‐GPS) satellite telemetry to investigate the links between mortality rates and patterns of movement for a wide‐ranging, endangered marine vertebrate. Using a photo‐identification database of 947 loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) compiled over 18 yr, we estimated greater annual survival rates of females (0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.87–0.90) compared to males (0.73; 95% CI 0.67–0.78). For males satellite‐tracked across multiple breeding seasons, 100% (26 of 26) returned to the same breeding site, suggesting the calculated lower male survival rate was likely not due to emigration to breed elsewhere. 10,111 and 2,524 tracking days for males (n = 39 individuals) and females (n = 18 individuals), respectively, revealed different habitat‐use patterns outside the breeding season: males tended to occupy foraging sites closer to shore and closer to breeding sites but, due to their generally annual breeding, compared to biennial breeding for females, males migrated further per year on average. These differences in movement patterns likely contribute to higher mortality in males through increased interaction with anthropogenic threats. Long‐term identification coupled with tracking offers great promise for estimating the survival rates of other wide‐ranging species.
YY1 control of mitochondrial‐related genes does not account for regulation of immunoglobulin class switch recombination in mice
Authors: Nandi Satabdi , Liang Guanxiang , Sindhava Vishal , Angireddy Rajesh , Basu Arindam , Banerjee Sarmistha , Hodawadekar Suchita , Zhang Yue , Avadhani Narayan G. , Sen Ranjan , Atchison Michael L.
Published: February 2020

Immunoglobulin class switch recombination (CSR) occurs in activated B cells with increased mitochondrial mass and membrane potential. Transcription factor Yin Yang 1 (YY1) is critical for CSR and for formation of the DNA loops involved in this process. We therefore sought to determine if YY1 knockout impacts mitochondrial gene expression and mitochondrial function in murine splenic B cells, providing a potential mechanism for regulating CSR. We identified numerous genes in splenic B cells differentially regulated when cells are induced to undergo CSR. YY1 conditional knockout caused differential expression of 1129 genes, with 59 being mitochondrial‐related genes. ChIP‐seq analyses showed YY1 was directly bound to nearly half of these mitochondrial‐related genes. Surprisingly, at the time when YY1 knockout dramatically reduces DNA loop formation and CSR, mitochondrial mass and membrane potential were not significantly impacted, nor was there a significant change in mitochondrial oxygen consumption, extracellular acidification rate, or mitochondrial complex I or IV activities. Our results indicate that YY1 regulates numerous mitochondrial‐related genes in splenic B cells, but this does not account for the impact of YY1 on CSR or long‐distance DNA loop formation.
Effect of pore structure on oil‐bearing property in the third member of Paleogene Funing Formation in Subei Basin, East China
Authors: Liu Xiaoping , Xie Yuqiang , Shu Honglin , Fan Xuechun , Wang Gaocheng , Luo Yufeng , Ma Xiaoqiang , Qin Ziqiang
Published: February 2020

Mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP) tests, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), (fluorescence) thin section, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses were used to describe the size and distribution of entire pore‐throat structures in the sandstones of the E1f3 (the third member of Paleogene Funing Formation) in the Subei Basin. The lithologies of E1f3 in the Subei Basin are mainly dark‐gray, very fine‐grained sandstones and siltstones, interbedded with dark mudstones. The pore systems predominantly feature secondary intergranular and intragranular dissolution pores, micropores coexisting with minor amounts of intergranular pores, and microfractures. The high threshold pressure and bulk volume of irreducible fluids values and the significant variation in the NMR and MICP parameters indicate that the E1f3 reservoirs are characterized by complex and heterogeneous microscopic pore structures. Microscopic pore‐throat parameters are linked with macroscopic properties through the reservoir quality index (RQI). The NMR T2 (transverse time relaxation) spectrum is unimodal or bimodal but with weak right peaks, indicating the rarity of large intergranular pores. However, large‐scale pore throats, though only account for a minor part of the total pore volume, significantly contribute to the total permeability. The abundance of small‐scale pore‐throat systems (short T2 components) results in high irreducible water content. Therefore, the oil saturation in E1f3 sandstones is low, and the pore structure, especially the number of micropores, determines the oil‐bearing property. Oil primarily occurs in the intragranular dissolution pores with minor amounts occurring in the large intergranular pores. Most of the micropores are bound by capillary water. The sandstones with chlorite clay minerals tend to be oil‐wet and have high oil‐bearing potential, while the abundance of detrital clay or illite contributes to a low oil‐bearing grade. The combination of core and microscopic observations and the MICP and NMR analyses have allowed the determination of the pore structure characteristics and their coupling effects on oil‐bearing property.
Recent immigrants alter the quantitative genetic architecture of paternity in song sparrows
Authors: Reid Jane M. , Arcese Peter
Published: February 2020

Quantifying additive genetic variances and cross-sex covariances in reproductive traits, and identifying processes that shape and maintain such (co)variances, is central to understanding the evolutionary dynamics of reproductive systems. Gene flow resulting from among-population dispersal could substantially alter additive genetic variances and covariances in key traits in recipient populations, thereby altering forms of sexual conflict, indirect selection, and evolutionary responses. However, the degree to which genes imported by immigrants do in fact affect quantitative genetic architectures of key reproductive traits and outcomes is rarely explicitly quantified. We applied structured quantitative genetic analyses to multiyear pedigree, pairing, and paternity data from free-living song sparrows (Melospiza melodia) to quantify the differences in mean breeding values for major sex-specific reproductive traits, specifically female extra-pair reproduction and male paternity loss, between recent immigrants and the previously existing population. We thereby quantify effects of natural immigration on the means, variances, and cross-sex covariance in total additive genetic values for extra-pair paternity arising within the complex socially monogamous but genetically polygynandrous reproductive system. Recent immigrants had lower mean breeding values for male paternity loss, and somewhat lower values for female extra-pair reproduction, than the local recipient population, and would therefore increase the emerging degree of reproductive fidelity of social pairings. Furthermore, immigration increased the variances in total additive genetic values for these traits, but decreased the magnitudes of the negative cross-sex genetic covariation and correlation below those evident in the existing population. Immigration thereby increased the total additive genetic variance but could decrease the magnitude of indirect selection acting on sex-specific contributions to paternity outcomes. These results demonstrate that dispersal and resulting immigration and gene flow can substantially affect quantitative genetic architectures of complex local reproductive systems, implying that comprehensive theoretical and empirical efforts to understand mating system dynamics will need to incorporate spatial population processes.
Increased oxidative stress, hyperphosphorylation of tau, and dystrophic microglia in the hippocampus of aged Tupaia belangeri
Authors: Rodriguez‐Callejas Juan D. , Fuchs Eberhard , Perez‐Cruz Claudia
Published: February 2020

Aging is a major risk factor for the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by abnormal and prominent protein aggregation in the brain, partially due to deficiency in protein clearance. It has been proposed that alterations in microglia phagocytosis and debris clearance hasten the onset of neurodegeneration. Dystrophic microglia are abundant in aged humans, and it has been associated with the onset of disease. Furthermore, alterations in microglia containing ferritin are associated with neurodegenerative conditions. To further understand the process of microglia dysfunction during the aging process, we used hippocampal sections from Tupaia belangeri (tree shrews). Adult (mean age 3.8 years), old (mean age 6 years), and aged (mean age 7.5 years) tree shrews were used for histochemical and immunostaining techniques to determine ferritin and Iba1 positive microglia, iron tissue content, tau hyperphosphorylation and oxidized‐RNA in dentate gyrus, subiculum, and CA1‐CA3 hippocampal regions. Our results indicated that aged tree shrews presented an increased number of activated microglia containing ferritin, but microglia labeled with Iba1 with a dystrophic phenotype was more abundant in aged individuals. With aging, oxidative damage to RNA (8OHG) increased significantly in all hippocampal regions, while tau hyperphosphorylation (AT100) was enhanced in DG, CA3, and SUB in aged animals. Phagocytic inclusions of 8OHG‐ and AT100‐damaged cells were observed in activated M2 microglia in old and aged animals. These data indicate that aged tree shrew may be a suitable model for translational research to study brain and microglia alterations during the aging process.
Cardiolipin Synthase 1 Ameliorates NASH Through Activating Transcription Factor 3 Transcriptional Inactivation
Authors: Tu Chuyue , Xiong Hui , Hu Yufeng , Wang Wen , Mei Gui , Wang Hua , Li Ya , Zhou Zelin , Meng Fengping , Zhang Peng , Mei Zhinan
Published: February 2020

Background and Aims

NASH is an increasingly prevalent disease that is the major cause of liver dysfunction. Previous research has indicated that adipose cardiolipin synthase 1 (CRLS1) levels are associated with insulin sensitivity; however, the precise roles of CRLS1 and underlying mechanisms involving CRLS1 in the pathological process of NASH have not been elucidated.

Approach and Results

Here, we discovered that CRLS1 was significantly down‐regulated in genetically obese and diet‐induced mice models. In vitro studies demonstrated that overexpression of CRLS1 markedly attenuated hepatic steatosis and inflammation in hepatocytes, whereas short hairpin RNA‐mediated CRLS1 knockdown aggravated these abnormalities. Moreover, high‐fat diet–induced insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis were significantly exacerbated in hepatocyte‐specific Crls1‐knockout (Crls1‐HKO) mice. It is worth noting that Crls1 depletion significantly aggravated high‐fat and high‐cholesterol diet‐induced inflammatory response and fibrosis during NASH development. RNA‐sequencing analysis systematically demonstrated a prominently aggravated lipid metabolism disorder in which inflammation and fibrosis resulted from Crls1 deficiency. Mechanically, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) was identified as the key differentially expressed gene in Crls1‐HKO mice through transcriptomic analysis, and our investigation further showed that CRLS1 suppresses ATF3 expression and inhibits its activity in palmitic acid‐stimulated hepatocytes, whereas ATF3 partially reverses lipid accumulation and inflammation inhibited by CRLS1 overexpression under metabolic stress.

Conclusions

In conclusion, CRLS1 ameliorates insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis during the pathological process of NASH by inhibiting the expression and activity of ATF3.
Make Deliberate Practice Part of Your Classroom Routine
Authors: Fisher Douglas , Frey Nancy
Published: February 2020

This forum highlights research that literacy teachers, students, and others can explore, use, or adapt as they provide literacy instruction and develop related programs and research agendas.
Call for Collaboration: A Review of the Handbook of College Reading and Study Strategy Research
Authors: Theriault Jennifer C.
Published: February 2020

This forum reviews a mix of resources to inform pedagogy and related educational practices that foreground representations of youths and their literacy practices within and outside of school.
Indoprofen prevents muscle wasting in aged mice through activation of PDK1/AKT pathway
Authors: Kim Hyebeen , Cho Sung Chun , Jeong Hyeon‐Ju , Lee Hye‐Young , Jeong Myong‐Ho , Pyun Jung‐Hoon , Ryu Dongryeol , Kim MinSeok , Lee Young‐Sam , Kim Minseok S. , Park Sang Chul , Lee Yun‐Il , Kang Jong‐Sun
Published: February 2020

Background

Muscle wasting, resulting from aging or pathological conditions, leads to reduced quality of life, increased morbidity, and increased mortality. Much research effort has been focused on the development of exercise mimetics to prevent muscle atrophy and weakness. In this study, we identified indoprofen from a screen for peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ coactivator α (PGC‐1α) inducers and report its potential as a drug for muscle wasting.

Methods

The effects of indoprofen treatment on dexamethasone‐induced atrophy in mice and in 3‐phosphoinositide‐dependent protein kinase‐1 (PDK1)‐deleted C2C12 myotubes were evaluated by immunoblotting to determine the expression levels of myosin heavy chain and anabolic‐related and oxidative metabolism‐related proteins. Young, old, and disuse‐induced muscle atrophic mice were administered indoprofen (2 mg/kg body weight) by gavage. Body weight, muscle weight, grip strength, isometric force, and muscle histology were assessed. The expression levels of muscle mass‐related and function‐related proteins were analysed by immunoblotting or immunostaining.

Results

In young (3‐month‐old) and aged (22‐month‐old) mice, indoprofen treatment activated oxidative metabolism‐related enzymes and led to increased muscle mass. Mechanistic analysis using animal models and muscle cells revealed that indoprofen treatment induced the sequential activation of AKT/p70S6 kinase (S6K) and AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), which in turn can augment protein synthesis and PGC‐1α induction, respectively. Structural prediction analysis identified PDK1 as a target of indoprofen and, indeed, short‐term treatment with indoprofen activated the PDK1/AKT/S6K pathway in muscle cells. Consistent with this finding, PDK1 inhibition abrogated indoprofen‐induced AKT/S6K activation and hypertrophic response.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate the effects of indoprofen in boosting skeletal muscle mass through the sequential activation of PDK1/AKT/S6K and AMPK/PGC‐1α. Taken together, our results suggest that indoprofen represents a potential drug to prevent muscle wasting and weakness related to aging or muscle diseases.
Hepatic glycogen synthase (GYS2) deficiency: seven novel patients and seven novel variants
Authors: Kamenets Elena A. , Gusarova Elena A. , Milovanova Natalia V. , Itkis Yulia S. , Strokova Tatiana V. , Melikyan Maria A. , Garyaeva Irina V. , Rybkina Irina G. , Nikitina Natalia V. , Zakharova Ekaterina Y.
Published: February 2020

Glycogen storage disease type 0 (GSD 0) is an autosomal recessive disorder of glycogen metabolism caused by mutations in the GYS2 gene manifesting in infancy or early childhood and characterized by ketotic hypoglycemia after prolonged fasting, and postprandial hyperglycemia and hyperlactatemia. GSD 0 is a rare form of hepatic glycogen storage disease with less than 30 reported patients in the literature so far.

DNA samples of 93 Russian patients with clinical diagnoses of hepatic GSDs were collected and analyzed by next‐generation sequencing custom target panel and by direct sequencing. Seven new GSD 0 patients with variable phenotypes were found showing 10 variants. Seven variants are novel.

We present seven new GSD 0 patients with variable phenotypes. Overall, 10 different mutant alleles of the GYS2 gene were found. Seven of them are novel: c.214delC, c.845delT, c.1644C>A, c.205T>A, c.929G>T, c.1169G>C and c.1703C>A. Three of the novel variants were annotated as pathogenic and likely pathogenic; four other variants have an uncertain significance.

The current results expand the spectrum of known mutations in GYS2 and suggest that phenotypes of GSD 0 are more variable and less specific than the reported ones.

Synopsis

Seven new patients with glycogen storage disease type 0 were found using next‐generation sequencing and seven novel variants of GYS2 gene were annotated.
Purinergic modulation of neuronal gap junction circuits in the CNS of the leech
Authors: Segura Oliva Mota , Abdulnoor Lina , Hua Vinh‐Vincent , Solano Martha J. , Macagno Eduardo R. , Baker Michael W.
Published: February 2020

Gap junctions (GJs) are widely distributed in brains across the animal kingdom. To visualize the GJ‐ coupled networks of two major mechanosensory neurons in the ganglia of medicinal leeches, we injected these cells with the GJ‐permeable tracer Neurobiotin. When diffusion time was limited to only 30 min, tracer coupling was highly variable for both cells, suggesting a possible modulation of GJ permeability. In invertebrates the innexins (homologs of vertebrate pannexins) form the GJs. Because extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) modulates pannexin and leech innexin hemichannel permeability and is released by leech glial cells following injury, we tested the effects of bath application of ATP after the injection of Neurobiotin and observed a significant increase in the number of neurons tracer coupled to the sensory neurons. This effect required the elevation of intracellular Ca2+ and could be produced by bath application of caffeine. Conversely, scavenging endogenous extracellular ATP with the ATPase apyrase decreased the number of coupled cells. ATP also increased electrical conductance and tracer permeability between the bilateral Retzius neurons. This modulatory effect of ATP on GJ coupling was blocked by siRNA knockdown of a P1‐like adenosine receptor. Finally, exposure of leech ganglia to extracellular ATP induced a characteristic low frequency (<0.3 Hz) rhythmic bursting activity that was roughly synchronous among multiple neurons, a behavior that was significantly attenuated by the GJ blocker octanol. These findings highlight the mediation by ATP of a robust physiological mechanism for modifying neuronal circuits by rapidly recruiting neurons into active networks and entraining synchronized bursting activity.
Characterization of Dispersion Systems Prepared with Mutton Tallow/Hemp Seed Oil‐Based Diacylglycerols Using Ultrasonic or Mechanical Homogenization
Authors: Woźniak Magdalena , Kowalska Małgorzata , Turek Paweł , Kudełka Wanda
Published: February 2020

The objective of this work was to compare the physical stability and physicochemical properties of emulsions, containing enzymatically modified fatty base and homogenized mechanically or by ultrasounds. In the study, lipase‐catalyzed interesterification of mutton tallow and hemp seed oil, in a ratio of 3:1, 3:3, and 1:3 w/w, was performed in order to produce fatty bases of the emulsions. Reaction conditions were selected to obtain increased amount of the by‐products (MAG and DAG), which were applied as the only emulsifiers in dispersion systems. The higher ratio of animal fat in the interesterified fatty basis of an emulsion had an impact on the greater stability of these systems. The correlation between thickening agent concentration in the prepared emulsions and stability was not observed. Smaller particle size was found in emulsions manufactured by ultrasonic homogenization, although it did not contribute to greater long‐term stability of these emulsions. It was concluded that emulsions containing enzymatically modified fats and homogenized mechanically revealed greater physical stability than their counterparts homogenized with ultrasounds.
Improved analysis of propamocarb and cymoxanil for the investigation of residue behavior in two vegetables with different cultivation conditions
Authors: Chen Xiaochu , Wang Wenzhuo , Liu Fengmao , Bian Yanli
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

A modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe (QuEChERS) method was developed for the simultaneous determination of highly water‐soluble propamocarb and hydrophobic cymoxanil in potato tuber and tomato fruit. Residue behaviors of the fungicides in open field or greenhouse were investigated for the safety evaluation of these two pesticides, and the effects of cultivation conditions, fungicide exposure and fruit size of tomato on residue level are discussed.

RESULTS

Vegetable samples were extracted with ammonia–acetonitrile, further purified with multiwall carbon nanotubes and analyzed using high‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The method was validated with fortified samples at different concentration levels (0.05–2.0 mg kg−1). Average recoveries ranged from 84 to 111% with relative standard deviations between 0.3 and 5.5%. Limits of quantification (LOQs) were set at the lowest spiking level of 0.05 mg kg−1. In tomato and cherry tomato, initial residue level of cymoxanil was below LOQ at recommended good agricultural practices. Propamocarb residues were affected by the cultivation conditions, with highest levels of 0.52 and 0.72 mg kg−1in open field and greenhouse, respectively. In addition, residues of propamocarb in cherry tomatoes were found to be present at 1.25 mg kg−1.

CONCLUSIONS

The field trial results showed that propamocarb and cymoxanil residues in potato tubers were below LOQ due to the tubers not being exposed to sprayed pesticides. The unexpected high residue levels in cherry tomato seem to indicate that cherry tomato with small size presents certain accumulative effects of propamocarb. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Time‐domain chemical vapour mass sensor using a functionalized subordinate array
Authors: Glean Aldo A. , Sonne Noah A. , Judge John A. , Vignola Joseph F. , Ryan Teresa J.
Published: February 2020

This work describes a chemical vapour detection scheme based on observing changes in the time‐domain impulse response of a single structure to which an array of smaller cantilevers is attached. The distribution of properties of the cantilevers in the array is chosen to transfer vibration energy to the array and confine it there for a specified duration . Accumulation of added mass on the cantilevers changes the array properties, altering the duration for which energy is confined. When every second cantilever is functionalized to adsorb mass, a portion of the vibration energy returns to the primary structure in half the original time. The amount of added mass can be estimated by comparing the vibration energy in the primary structure to the total energy in the array at the return time . Numerical analysis is used to investigate the performance of the proposed detection scheme. It is shown that increasing the number of sensing elements reduces errors in mass predictions due to mass adsorption variability and increases mass sensitivity. However, reducing the number of sensing elements improves the signal‐to‐noise ratio. These opposing effects require consideration for a specific sensing application. Experimental results using a centimetre scale prototype demonstrate feasibility of this interferometric approach for MEMS‐scale implementation.
Assessment of nutritional status in children with cancer: A narrative review
Authors: Viani Karina , Trehan Amita , Manzoli Bianca , Schoeman Judy
Published: February 2020

A child's appropriate development stems in large part from proper nutrition. Malnutrition is an adverse prognostic factor in children with cancer, and its prevalence is highly variable. Currently, there is no standardized definition and assessment method of nutritional status in pediatric oncology. A complete nutritional assessment includes anthropometry, biochemical, clinical, and dietary assessments. In this article, we explore these methods and suggest practical approaches for pediatric cancer units depending on the levels of care that these can provide. We also advise on the monitoring and follow‐up of children with cancer during and after treatment, and discuss potential areas for future research.
Piezoresistive characterization of epoxy based nanocomposites loaded with SWCNTs‐DWCNTs in tensile and fracture tests
Authors: Esmaeili Ali , Sbarufatti Claudio , Jiménez‐Suárez Alberto , Urena Alejandro , Hamouda Abdel Magid
Published: February 2020

Strain sensing capability of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) doped epoxy under tensile and flexural tests were broadly studied, while the piezoresistive behavior of nanocomposites in precracked specimen, that is, in fracture toughness tests, have not been addressed deeply in the literature. Therefore, in the current paper, both the strain and crack sensing capabilities of single wall carbon nanotubes‐double wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs‐DWCNTs) doped epoxy subjected to tensile and mode I fracture tests were investigated. Different CNT loadings including 0.5 and 0.75 wt% were used to compare the effect of various states of CNTs dispersion, including uniformly dispersed CNTs and aggregates, on electromechanical properties. Results showed that specimens loaded at 0.5 wt% of CNTs possessed proper tensile strength, fracture toughness, piezoresistivity, and sensitivity. A nonlinear trend in normalized resistance change with respect to strain was noticed under tensile test resulting from tunneling effect which induced nonlinearity in the electrical signals. During fracture tests, prior to crack propagation, different trends in piezoresistivity as a function of displacement were observed, depending on the CNT loading, that is, linear and nonlinear behavior at CNT content of 0.5 and 0.75 wt%, respectively. The nanocomposite could simultaneously monitor damage initiation and extension with the onset of crack growth by showing abrupt increase in normalized resistance, and two different failure modes can be distinguished including abrupt and crack extensions. It was concluded that any abrupt jump in normalized resistance could be used as an indicator for damage initiation in the specimen.
Spatio‐temporal stability analysis applied to monsoon anticyclone flow
Authors: Rupp Philip M. , Haynes Peter H.
Published: February 2020

Flow on a beta‐plane driven by a steady localised anticyclonic forcing of potential vorticity (or equivalently a mass source) is considered as a simple model of the Asian monsoon flow in the upper troposphere. Previous authors have noted that the response may be steady, or unsteady, according to the magnitude of the forcing, with the unsteadiness manifested as westward eddy shedding. A detailed study of the transition between steady and eddy‐shedding regimes reveals a third regime ('break up'), for intermediate forcing magnitude, where the flow is steady in the neighbourhood of the forcing, but the westward extending plume of low potential vorticity breaks up into isolated anticyclonic vortices some distance away from the forcing region. A related spatio‐temporal instability problem for flow on a beta plane is specified and analysed. The flow can be stable, convectively unstable or absolutely unstable. It is argued that these three stability regimes correspond to the steady, break‐up and eddy‐shedding regimes for the forced flow and good quantitative correspondence between the regimes is demonstrated by explicit solution of the spatio‐temporal stability problem.
A method to study the electric field distribution on sample surfaces in atom probe analysis
Authors: Chen Sunwei , Suzuki Takumi , Tomiyasu Bunbunoshin , Owari Masanori
Published: February 2020

We report the development of a nondestructive method to estimate the electric field (EF) distribution on a nano‐sized sample surface in atom probe (AP) analysis. The simulated EF distribution on an ideal hemisphere indicates that the largest EF exists on the geometrical top of the ideal hemisphere and that EF decreases as the emitting area getting away from the sample apex. To estimate the EF distribution on a real sample surface, the sample apex is determined via comparing the field ion microscopy (FIM) signal intensity of {113} planes on the symmetrical sample surface. A series of contour maps showing the intensity of the evaporated ions (eg, H+) was obtained by applying various EFs on the sample surface. A plot of relative EFs with respect to the emitting angle can thus be extracted.
Small‐scale plate tests with fine concrete in experiment and first simplified simulation
Authors: Hering Marcus , Kühn Tino , Curbach Manfred
Published: February 2020

In the following article impact experiments from experimental and numerical point of view will be described. In order to keep the number of parameters to be varied manageable, the focus was firstly on similar plain concrete plates. The experiments were carried out with the aim to collect reference values and to simulate these experiments as basis for further investigations. The only parameter that has been changed was the impact velocity. The experimental part of the publication deals with manufacturing of the specimens, the experimental setup, the execution of the experiments, the measured values, and a brief evaluation of the results. The numerical part of the publication deals with the computation of experimental results using the simulation program LS‐Dyna. In this context, it will be explained how the model was created and which boundary conditions and material models were used. Furthermore, the calibration of the materiel law is described. Subsequently, a comparison between the experimental and simulated results is carried out. The focus of the further investigations will be the consideration of concrete layers reinforced with textiles under impact load. The work presented here deals with the matrix material of the textile reinforced concrete and thus laid the foundation for these investigations.
Strategies to mitigate shrinkage in an intermediate strength self‐compacting concrete
Authors: Oliveira Miguel José , Bettencourt Ribeiro António , Branco Fernando G.
Published: February 2020

Self‐compacting concrete (SCC) is a concrete that does not require vibration for casting and consolidation. It is able to flow under its own weight, completely filling the formwork and achieving full consolidation, even in the presence of congested reinforcement. SCC possesses special technical features and properties that recommend its application in a considerable amount of applications. Nevertheless, an inadequate behavior of the material at early ages has been observed in some situations, due to shrinkage. Shrinkage has a significant importance in the design, construction and in‐service performance of concrete structures. The regulatory requirements were derived from experience with traditional concrete, which is not always suitable for SCC. In addition, the option of using new materials, such as binders with large amount of pozzolanic or latent hydraulic additions, strongly limits the validity of existing rules. In order to contribute for a better understanding of the major drawback of this material—its high potential shrinkage, experimental research was carried out using different commercial shrinkage‐compensating products. This study focuses on the use of a shrinkage reducing admixture and an expansive agent. The results obtained demonstrate the efficiency of the individual or combined use of these products and allowed identifying three different strategies to control the shrinkage, with distinct levels of efficiency.
Sphere correlation functions and Verma modules
Authors: Gaiotto Davide , Okazaki Tadashi
Published: February 2020

Abstract

We propose a universal IR formula for the protected three-sphere correlation functions of Higgs and Coulomb branch operators of N = 4 supersymmetric quantum field theories with massive, topologically trivial vacua.
Finite derivation of the one-loop sine-Gordon soliton mass
Authors: Guo Hengyuan , Evslin Jarah
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Calculations of quantum corrections to soliton masses generally require both the vacuum sector and the soliton sector to be regularized. The finite part of the quantum correction depends on the assumed relation between these regulators when both are taken to infinity. Recently, in the case of quantum kinks, a manifestly finite prescription for the calculation of the quantum corrections has been proposed, which uses the kink creation operator to relate the two sectors. In this note, we test this new prescription by calculating the one-loop correction to the sine-Gordon soliton mass, reproducing the well-known result which has been derived using integrability.
CFT sewing as the dual of AdS cut-and-paste
Authors: Marolf Donald
Published: February 2020

Abstract

The CPT map allows two states of a quantum field theory to be sewn together over CPT-conjugate partial Cauchy surfaces R1, R2 to make a state on a new spacetime. We study the holographic dual of this operation in the case where the original states are CPT-conjugate within R1, R2 to leading order in the bulk Newton constant G, and where the bulk duals are dominated by classical bulk geometries g1, g2. For states of fixed area on the R1, R2 HRT-surfaces, we argue that the bulk geometry g1#g2 dual to the newly sewn state is given by deleting the entanglement wedges of R1, R2 from g1, g2, gluing the remaining complementary entanglement wedges of $$ {\overline{R}}_1,{\overline{R}}_2 $$

R
¯

1

,

R
¯

2

together across the HRT surface, and solving the equations of motion to the past and future. The argument uses the bulk path integral and assumes it to be dominated by a certain natural saddle. For states where the HRT area is not fixed, the same bulk cut-and-paste is dual to a modified sewing that produces a generalization of the canonical purification state $$ \sqrt{\rho } $$

ρ

discussed recently by Dutta and Faulkner. Either form of the construction can be used to build CFT states dual to bulk geometries associated with multipartite reflected entropy.
Efficacy of Microwave Ablation in the Treatment of Large (≥3 cm) Benign Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Khanh Huynh Quang , Hung Ngo Quoc , Vinh Vu Huu , Khoi Nguyen Van , Vuong Nguyen Lam
Published: February 2020

Background

Large (≥3 cm) benign thyroid nodules usually cause clinical symptoms or cosmetic concerns and therefore require treatment. Microwave ablation (MWA) is a potential valid non‐surgical treatment alternative, but there is a lack of evidence. Thus, this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of MWA in the treatment of large benign thyroid nodules.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on 42 large benign thyroid nodules in 40 patients treated with MWA. We used the trans‐isthmic approach and moving‐shot technique to perform the procedure under ultrasound (US) guidance. Patients were followed by clinical and US examinations at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the MWA. Study outcomes were complications, volume reduction ratio (VRR), symptom and cosmetic scores, and the requirement of multiple MWA sessions.

Results

There were 31 females and 9 males, with a median age of 46 years. The medians of largest diameter and volume of the nodules were 40 mm and 22 ml. Four (10%) minor complications were observed. The mean VRR was 75.1, 85.2, and 96.4% after 3, 6, and 12 months. The mean symptom and cosmetic scores dropped from 8.0 and 3.8 (before treatment) to 2.8 and 2.3 (at 12 months), respectively. Thirteen nodules (31%) required two MWA sessions.

Conclusions

MWA is safe, effective, and can be a good option to treat large benign thyroid nodules. More studies with large dataset and long follow‐up are required to improve its safety and efficacy.
The immunology of other mycobacteria: M. ulcerans, M. leprae
Authors: Röltgen Katharina , Pluschke Gerd , Spencer John Stewart , Brennan Patrick Joseph , Avanzi Charlotte
Published: February 2020

Mycobacterial pathogens can be categorized into three broad groups:Mycobacterium tuberculosiscomplex causing tuberculosis,M. lepraeandM. lepromatosiscausing leprosy, and atypical mycobacteria, or non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), responsible for a wide range of diseases. Among the NTMs,M. ulceransis responsible for the neglected tropical skin disease Buruli ulcer (BU). Most pathogenic mycobacteria, includingM. leprae, evade effector mechanisms of the humoral immune system by hiding and replicating inside host cells and are furthermore excellent modulators of host immune responses. In contrast,M. ulceransreplicates predominantly extracellularly, sheltered from host immune responses through the cytotoxic and immunosuppressive effects of mycolactone, a macrolide produced by the bacteria. In the year 2018, 208,613 new cases of leprosy and 2713 new cases of BU were reported to WHO, figures which are notoriously skewed by vast underreporting of these diseases.