bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seemingly Negligible Amounts of Platinum Nanoparticles Mislead Electrochemical Oxygen Reduction Reaction Pathway on Platinum Single‐Atom Catalysts
Authors: Shin Sangyong , Kim Hee‐Eun , Kim Beom‐Sik , Jeon Sun Seo , Jeong Hojin , Lee Hyunjoo
Published: August 2020

A few studies have claimed that Pt single‐atom catalysts (SACs) can catalyze the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) following a four‐electron pathway (O2+4H++4e−→2H2O). Here, we show that, in the presence of a seemingly negligible amount of Pt nanoparticles, the ORR can mistakenly be thought to occur via a four‐electron pathway on Pt SACs. Various weight percentages (1, 2, 4, 8 wt%) of Pt SACs were prepared on C3N4 layers deposited on a carbon support (C@C3N4). Through a combination of H2/CO uptakes and high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF‐STEM) results, the amount of Pt nanoparticles could be estimated when they were mixed with Pt single atoms. Particularly, most of Pt in the 4 wt% Pt catalyst existed as single atoms, but a small number of Pt nanoparticles co‐existed. Although this catalyst seemed to follow the four‐electron pathway, the reaction actually occurred on Pt nanoparticles, not Pt single‐atoms.
Function–Topology Relationship in the Catalytic Hydrolysis of a Chemical Warfare Simulant in Two Zr‐MOFs
Authors: Ghasempour Hosein , Morsali Ali
Published: August 2020

Owing to their high surface area, high concentration of active metal sites, and water stability, zirconium(VI)‐based metal–organic frameworks (Zr‐MOFs) have shown excellent activity in the hydrolysis of organophosphorus nerve agents (OPNs). In this regard, for the first time, two topologically different Zr‐MOFs (Zr‐fcu‐tmuc and Zr‐bcu‐tmuc, constructed from the same organic and inorganic building blocks; fcu=face‐centered cubic, bcu=body‐centered cubic) have been rationally chosen to investigate the effect of network topology on the catalytic hydrolysis of the nerve agent simulant, dimethyl 4‐nitrophenyl phosphate (DMNP). A remarkable enhancement in the hydrolysis rate of DMNP was observed with Zr‐bcu‐tmuc, reducing the half‐life more than three‐fold compared with Zr‐fcu‐tmuc. Greater accessibility of the active ZrVI sites in the 8‐connected bcu net compared with the 12‐connected fcu leads to a faster hydrolysis of DMNP on Zr‐bcu‐tmuc. Interestingly, the higher activity of Zr‐bcu‐tmuc was also confirmed by its higher fluorescence sensitivity towards DMNP (limit of detection (LOD)=0.557 μm) compared with Zr‐fcu‐tmuc (LOD=1.09 μm). The results show that controlling the desired topology of Zr‐MOFs is a useful strategy for improving their performance in the detection and catalytic detoxification of OPNs.
A randomized phase 2 trial of pembrolizumab versus pembrolizumab and acalabrutinib in patients with platinum‐resistant metastatic urothelial cancer
Authors: Zhang Tian , Harrison Michael R. , O'Donnell Peter H. , Alva Ajjai S. , Hahn Noah M. , Appleman Leonard J. , Cetnar Jeremy , Burke John M. , Fleming Mark T. , Milowsky Matthew I. , Mortazavi Amir , Shore Neal , Sonpavde Guru P. , Schmidt Emmett V. , Bitman Bojena , Munugalavadla Veerendra , Izumi Raquel , Patel Priti , Staats Janet , Chan Cliburn , Weinhold Kent J. , George Daniel J.
Published: August 2020

Background

Inhibition of the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) pathway has demonstrated clinical benefit in metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC); however, response rates of 15% to 26% highlight the need for more effective therapies. Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibition may suppress myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and improve T‐cell activation.

Methods

The Randomized Phase 2 Trial of Acalabrutinib and Pembrolizumab Immunotherapy Dual Checkpoint Inhibition in Platinum‐Resistant Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma (RAPID CHECK; also known as ACE‐ST‐005) was a randomized phase 2 trial evaluating the PD‐1 inhibitor pembrolizumab with or without the BTK inhibitor acalabrutinib for patients with platinum‐refractory mUC. The primary objectives were safety and objective response rates (ORRs) according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, version 1.1. Secondary endpoints included progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Immune profiling was performed to analyze circulating monocytic MDSCs and T cells.

Results

Seventy‐five patients were treated with pembrolizumab (n = 35) or pembrolizumab plus acalabrutinib (n = 40). The ORR was 26% with pembrolizumab (9% with a complete response [CR]) and 20% with pembrolizumab plus acalabrutinib (10% with a CR). The grade 3/4 adverse events (AEs) that occurred in ≥15% of the patients were anemia (20%) with pembrolizumab and fatigue (23%), increased alanine aminotransferase (23%), urinary tract infections (18%), and anemia (18%) with pembrolizumab plus acalabrutinib. One patient treated with pembrolizumab plus acalabrutinib had high MDSCs at the baseline, which significantly decreased at week 7. Overall, MDSCs were not correlated with a clinical response, but some subsets of CD8+ T cells did increase during the combination treatment.

Conclusions

Both treatments were generally well tolerated, although serious AE rates were higher with the combination. Acalabrutinib plus pembrolizumab did not improve the ORR, PFS, or OS in comparison with pembrolizumab alone in mUC. Baseline and on‐treatment peripheral monocytic MDSCs were not different in the treatment cohorts. Proliferating CD8+ T‐cell subsets increased during treatment, particularly in the combination cohort. Ongoing studies are correlating these peripheral immunome findings with tissue‐based immune cell infiltration.
Regulatory CDH4 Genetic Variants Associate With Risk to Develop Capecitabine‐Induced Hand‐Foot Syndrome
Authors: Ruiz‐Pinto Sara , Pita Guillermo , Martín Miguel , Nuñez‐Torres Rocío , Cuadrado Ana , Shahbazi Marta N. , Caronia Daniela , Kojic Alexander , Moreno Leticia T. , de la Torre‐Montero Julio C. , Lozano María , López‐Fernández Luis A. , Ribelles Nuria , García‐Saenz Jose A. , Alba Emilio , Milne Roger L. , Losada Ana , Pérez‐Moreno Mirna , Benítez Javier , González‐Neira Anna
Published: August 2020

Capecitabine‐induced hand‐foot syndrome (CiHFS) is a common dermatological adverse reaction affecting around 30% of patients with capecitabine‐treated cancer, and the main cause of dose reductions and chemotherapy delays. To identify novel genetic factors associated with CiHFS in patients with cancer, we carried out an extreme‐phenotype genomewide association study in 166 patients with breast and colorectal capecitabine‐treated cancer with replication in a second cohort of 85 patients. We discovered and replicated a cluster of four highly correlated single‐nucleotide polymorphisms associated with susceptibility to CiHFS at 20q13.33 locus (top hit = rs6129058, hazard ratio = 2.40, 95% confidence interval = 1.78–3.20; P = 1.2 × 10−8). Using circular chromosome conformation capture sequencing, we identified a chromatin contact between the locus containing the risk alleles and the promoter of CDH4, located 90 kilobases away. The risk haplotype was associated with decreased levels of CDH4 mRNA and the protein it encodes, R‐cadherin (RCAD), which mainly localizes in the granular layer of the epidermis. In human keratinocytes, CDH4 downregulation resulted in reduced expression of involucrin, a protein of the cornified envelope, an essential structure for skin barrier function. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that skin from patients with severe CiHFS exhibited low levels of RCAD and involucrin before capecitabine treatment. Our results uncover a novel mechanism underlying individual genetic susceptibility to CiHFS with implications for clinically relevant risk prediction.
Mineral authigenesis within chemosynthetic microbial mats: Coated grain formation and phosphogenesis at a Cretaceous hydrocarbon seep, New Zealand
Authors: Zwicker Jennifer , Smrzka Daniel , Steindl Florian , Böttcher Michael E. , Libowitzky Eugen , Kiel Steffen , Peckmann Jörn
Published: August 2020

Marine hydrocarbon seeps are sites of chemosynthetic microbial activity and authigenic carbonate formation. Seep limestones are typified by a range of geochemical signatures of microbial hydrocarbon oxidation, but only few seep deposits reveal mesofabrics that can be regarded as evidence of microbial activity. A Cretaceous methane‐seep limestone from Waipiro Bay, New Zealand, exhibits a fabric composed of cryptocrystalline carbonate fluorapatite between carbonate coated grains and spheroidal calcite. To understand the unusual Waipiro deposit, a paragenetic sequence has been derived for coated grains, spheroidal calcite and carbonate fluorapatite using thin section petrography, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and stable isotope geochemistry. The formation of 13C‐depleted coated grains (δ13C values as low as −15.8‰ Vienna‐Pee Dee Belemnite) and spheroidal calcite (δ13C values as low as −21.3‰) was favoured by hydrocarbon oxidation. Fibrous banded and botryoidal cement, a typical early diagenetic phase of hydrocarbon‐seep deposits, features δ13C values as low as −22.9‰. Coated grains and spheroidal calcite grew by displacive growth in a gel‐like medium, probably a microbial mat. Phosphorus is a mobile element and marine pore waters are typically undersaturated with respect to carbonate fluorapatite. Specific conditions are consequently required to retain sufficient concentrations to precipitate carbonate fluorapatite. Possible sources of phosphorus for the formation of the 13C‐depleted Waipiro carbonate fluorapatite (mean δ13C value of −15.4‰) include (a) the oxidation of sedimentary organic matter by organoclastic sulphate reduction, (b) the degradation of the microbial mat itself and (c) the active release of polyphosphate by sulphide‐oxidizing bacteria. This study suggests that the formation of the Cretaceous Waipiro seep limestone involved an interplay of biogeochemical processes including sulphate‐driven anaerobic oxidation of methane, organoclastic sulphate reduction and possibly nitrate‐dependent sulphide oxidation. It further demonstrates that coated grains resembling oncoids are not restricted to shallow water, photosynthesis‐dependent ecosystems.
Insectivorous birds can see and smell systemically herbivore‐induced pines
Authors: Mäntylä Elina , Kipper Silke , Hilker Monika
Published: August 2020

Several studies have shown that insectivorous birds are attracted to herbivore‐damaged trees even when they cannot see or smell the actual herbivores or their feces. However, it often remained an open question whether birds are attracted by herbivore‐induced changes in leaf odor or in leaf light reflectance or by both types of changes. Our study addressed this question by investigating the response of great tits (Parus major) and blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) to Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) damaged by pine sawfly larvae (Diprion pini). We released the birds individually to a study booth, where they were simultaneously offered a systemically herbivore‐induced and a noninfested control pine branch. In the first experiment, the birds could see the branches, but could not smell them, because each branch was kept inside a transparent, airtight cylinder. In the second experiment, the birds could smell the branches, but could not see them, because each branch was placed inside a nontransparent cylinder with a mesh lid. The results show that the birds were more attracted to the herbivore‐induced branch in both experiments. Hence, either type of the tested cues, the herbivore‐induced visual plant cue alone as well as the olfactory cues per se, is attractive to the birds.
Comparing eating behaviours, and symptoms of depression and anxiety between Spain and Greece during theCOVID‐19 outbreak: Cross‐sectional analysis of two different confinement strategies
Authors: Papandreou Christopher , Arija Victoria , Aretouli Eleni , Tsilidis Konstantinos K. , Bulló Mònica
Published: August 2020

Objective

We compared eating behaviours, and depressive and anxiety symptoms in two countries with different confinement strictness strategies and different levels of COVID‐19 pandemic.

Method

A web‐based cross‐sectional survey was administered during and shortly after the COVID‐19 related lockdown in Spain and Greece. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to identify country differences associated with eating behaviour, and symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Results

This study included 1,002 responders in Spain and 839 in Greece. The mean ± SD of restraint, emotional and external eating was 2.5 ± 0.79, 2.1 ± 0.81 and 2.6 ± 0.65 in Spain, whereas 2.7 ± 0.85, 2.3 ± 0.99 and 2.9 ± 0.74 in Greece. Spanish participants had lower average scores of restraint and external eating compared to Greek participants (p < .001), but no difference was seen for emotional eating. In Spain, 13.6%, and 12.3% of the survey respondents reported moderate to severe depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively, whereas in Greece the respective values were 18.8 and 13.2%. After adjusting for several risk factors, a higher prevalence of anxiety symptoms was observed in Spain compared to Greece (p= .001), but no difference was seen for depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated high scores of inappropriate eating behaviours and a high frequency of depressive and anxiety symptoms in two Mediterranean countries during the COVID‐19 outbreak. Our findings revealed that compared to Greek participants, Spanish participants, that faced more severe COVID‐19 pandemic and stricter lockdown measures, were associated with lower restraint and external eating and increased anxiety symptoms, but not with depressive symptoms or emotional eating.
Kinetic analysis about the CO2 capture capacity of lime mud from paper mill in calcium looping process
Authors: Sun Rongyue , Xiao Rui , Ye Jiangming
Published: August 2020

Lime mud, a kind of industrial waste that produced in paper mill, was proposed as CO2 sorbent in calcium looping process. The carbonation performance of the lime mud was investigated in a dual‐fixed bed reactor (DFR) and a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). The carbonation kinetics of the lime mud in the chemical reaction controlled stage was analyzed by a surface reaction‐controlled kinetic model. The results show that the lime mud presents much poorer carbonation performance during the chemical reaction controlled stage compared with the limestone, mainly due to the high content of chlorine in the lime mud. A prewash treatment process was used to decrease the chlorine content to mitigate the sintering of the lime mud when calcined at high temperature. After prewash treatment, the prewashed lime mud shows much higher CO2 capture capacity during the chemical reaction controlled stage compared with the lime mud. A prolonged carbonation process successfully further enhances the microstructure and improves the carbonation performance of the prewashed lime mud in the chemical reaction controlled stage. The lime mud can be effectively used as CO2 sorbent in calcium looping process after prewash treatment and the following prolonged carbonation treatment.
Erstellung einer Baugrube unter dem Amsterdamer Hauptbahnhof mithilfe der Bodengefriertechnik
Authors: Nellessen Charlotte , Müller Benno , Sauer Frederic , van den Bosch Tim
Published: August 2020

Die Erstellung einer Baugrube unterhalb eines der verkehrsreichsten Bahnhöfe der Niederlande, mit möglichst geringer Beeinträchtigung der Reisenden, erfordert technisch innovative Lösungen. In diesem Bericht wird die Planung und Ausführung der „Cuyperstrap“, eines Treppenabgangs aus der historischen Halle des Bahnhofs Amsterdam Centraal in die darunter gelegene Verteilerebene der Metro, erläutert. Aufgrund der komplexen Randbedingungen, insbesondere des begrenzten Arbeitsraums, des hohen Grundwasserspiegels und der historischen Bausubstanz, waren übliche Verbaumethoden nicht anwendbar. Mithilfe der Bodengefriertechnik wurde eine Schwergewichtswand als alleiniger Baugrubenverbau erstellt. Die Bodengefriertechnik ist eine vor allem aus dem Tunnel‐ und Bergbau bekannte Technik, die auch im Ingenieurbau angewendet wird. Das Einfrieren des Porenwassers im Boden erhöht die Tragfähigkeit und macht den gefrorenen Bereich wasserundurchlässig. Der iterativ verfeinerte Entwurf umfasste statische und thermische Berechnungen. Beginnend mit dem Bohren der Gefrierrohre und der Installation der Baustelleneinrichtung begann die Ausführung Anfang 2019. Die Gefrierarbeiten dauerten von April bis November 2019 und endeten mit der Fertigstellung der äußeren Betonstruktur. Die Cuyperstrap wurde im Juli 2020 für die Öffentlichkeit freigegeben.
Nonfasted Liver Stiffness Correlates with Liver Disease Parameters and Portal Hypertension in Pediatric Cholestatic Liver Disease
Authors: Shneider Benjamin L. , Goodrich Nathan P. , Ye Wen , Sawyers Cindy , Molleston Jean P. , Merion Robert M. , Leung Daniel H. , Karpen Saul J. , Kamath Binita M. , Cavallo Laurel , Wang Kasper , Teckman Jeffrey H. , Squires James E. , Sundaram Shikha S. , Rosenthal Philip , Romero Rene , Murray Karen F. , Loomes Kathleen M. , Jensen M. Kyle , Bezerra Jorge A. , Bass Lee M. , Sokol Ronald J. , Magee John C. ,   For the Childhood Liver Disease Research Network (ChiLDReN)
Published: August 2020

Elastographic measurement of liver stiffness is of growing importance in the assessment of liver disease. Pediatric experiences with this technique are primarily single center and limited in scope. The Childhood Liver Disease Research Network provided a unique opportunity to assess elastography in a well‐characterized multi‐institutional cohort. Children with biliary atresia (BA), alpha‐1 antitrypsin deficiency (A1ATD), or Alagille syndrome (ALGS) followed in a prospective longitudinal network study were eligible for enrollment in a prospective investigation of transient elastography (FibroScan). Studies were performed in participants who were nonfasted and nonsedated. Liver stiffness measurements (LSMs) were correlated with standard clinical and biochemical parameters of liver disease along with a research definition of clinically evident portal hypertension (CEPH) graded as absent, possible, or definite. Between November 2016 and August 2019, 550 participants with a mean age of 8.8 years were enrolled, 458 of whom had valid LSMs (BA, n = 254; A1ATD, n = 104; ALGS, n = 100). Invalid scans were more common in participants <2 years old. There was a positive correlation between LSM and total bilirubin, international normalized ratio (INR), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), GGT to platelet ratio (GPR), pediatric end‐stage liver disease score, AST to platelet ratio index, and spleen size, and a negative correlation with albumin and platelet count in BA, with similar correlations for A1ATD (except AST, ALT, and albumin) and ALGS (except for INR, GGT, GPR, and ALT). Possible or definite CEPH was more common in BA compared to ALGS and A1ATD. LSM was greater in definite versus absent CEPH in all three diseases. Disease‐specific clinical and biochemical characteristics of the different CEPH grades were observed. Conclusion: It is feasible to obtain LSMs in children, especially over the age of 2 years. LSM correlates with liver parameters and portal hypertension, although disease‐specific patterns exist.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma–Circulating Tumor Cells Expressing PD‐L1 Are Prognostic and Potentially Associated With Response to Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Winograd Paul , Hou Shuang , Court Colin M. , Lee Yi‐Te , Chen Pin‐Jung , Zhu Yazhen , Sadeghi Saeed , Finn Richard S. , Teng Pai‐Chi , Wang Jasmin J. , Zhang Zhicheng , Liu Hongtao , Busuttil Ronald W. , Tomlinson James S , Tseng Hsian‐Rong , Agopian Vatche G.
Published: August 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of mortality. Checkpoint inhibitors of programmed cell death protein‐1 (PD‐1) and programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) have shown great efficacy, but lack biomarkers that predict response. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have promise as a liquid‐biopsy biomarker; however, data on HCC CTCs expressing PD‐L1 have not been reported. We sought to detect PD‐L1‐expressing HCC‐CTCs and investigated their role as a prognostic and predictive biomarker. Using an antibody‐based platform, CTCs were enumerated/phenotyped from a prospective cohort of 87 patients with HCC (49 early‐stage, 22 locally advanced, and 16 metastatic), 7 patients with cirrhosis, and 8 healthy controls. Immunocytochemistry identified total HCC CTCs (4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole–positive [DAPI+]/cytokeratin‐positive [CK+]/clusters of differentiation 45–negative [CD45−]) and a subpopulation expressing PD‐L1 (DAPI+/CK+/PD‐L1+/CD45−). PD‐L1+ CTCs were identified in 4 of 49 (8.2%) early‐stage patients, but 12 of 22 (54.5%) locally advanced and 15 of 16 (93.8%) metastatic patients, accurately discriminating early from locally advanced/metastatic HCC (sensitivity = 71.1%, specificity = 91.8%, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.807; P < 0.001). Compared to patients without PD‐L1+ CTCs, patients with PD‐L1+ CTCs had significantly inferior overall survival (OS) (median OS = 14.0 months vs. not reached, hazard ratio [HR] = 4.0, P = 0.001). PD‐L1+ CTCs remained an independent predictor of OS (HR = 3.22, P = 0.010) even after controlling for Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score (HR = 1.14, P < 0.001), alpha‐fetoprotein (HR = 1.55, P < 0.001), and overall stage/tumor burden (beyond University of California, San Francisco, HR = 7.19, P < 0.001). In the subset of 10 patients with HCC receiving PD‐1 blockade, all 5 responders demonstrated PD‐L1+ CTCs at baseline, compared with only 1 of 5 nonresponders, all of whom progressed within 4 months of starting treatment. Conclusion: We report a CTC assay for the phenotypic profiling of HCC CTCs expressing PD‐L1. PD‐L1+ CTCs are predominantly found in advanced‐stage HCC, and independently prognosticate OS after controlling for Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease, alpha‐fetoprotein, and tumor stage. In patients with HCC receiving anti‐PD‐1 therapy, there was a strong association with the presence of PD‐L1+ CTCs and favorable treatment response. Prospective validation in a larger cohort will better define the utility of PD‐L1+ CTCs as a prognostic and predictive biomarker in HCC.
On time‐varying amplitude HGARCH model
Authors: Valizadeh Toktam , Rezakhah Saeid , Mohammadi Basatini Ferdous
Published: August 2020

The HGARCH model allows long‐memory dependence in volatilities. A new HGARCH model with time‐varying amplitude is presented in this paper. Moment properties of the model are discussed. A score test is derived to check the time‐varying behaviour of the amplitude. Value‐at‐risk testings are done to evaluate the forecasting capability. Simulation and empirical results provide further support to the proposed model.
An extension of a construction of covering arrays
Authors: Panario Daniel , Saaltink Mark , Stevens Brett , Wevrick Daniel
Published: August 2020

By Raaphorst et al, for a prime power , covering arrays (CAs) with strength 3 and index 1, defined over the alphabet , were constructed using the output of linear feedback shift registers defined by cubic primitive polynomials in . These arrays have rows and columns. We generalize this construction to apply to all polynomials; provide a new proof that CAs are indeed produced; and analyze the parameters of the generated arrays. Besides arrays that match the parameters of those of Raaphorst et al, we obtain arrays matching some constructions that use Chateauneuf‐Kreher doubling; in both cases these are some of the best arrays currently known for certain parameters.
Applicability of bedside ultrasonography for the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis in patients with COVID‐19 and treatment with low molecular weight heparin
Authors: Zhang Pu , Qu Yali , Tu Jie , Cao Wen , Hai Ning , Li Shuo , Qu Peng , Lv Chaoyang , Guo Ruijun
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of bedside ultrasonography for the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in patients infected with corona virus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) with and without treatment with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the records of deceased and surviving patients in whom ultrasonography detected or not a DVT, and in whom LMWH was or not prescribed.

Results

The incidence of DVT is higher in the deceased (33/35) than in the surviving (22/46) patients. LMWH was administered in a larger proportion of surviving (18/22) than of deceased (18/33) patients. D‐dimer concentrations decreased in patients who received LMWH in both groups.

Conclusions

There was a high incidence of DVT in patients who succumbed to COVID‐19. Bedside ultrasonography can detect the presence of DVT as early as possible and help assessing the risk of venous thromboembolism, allowing early and reasonable use of LMWH.
Melatonin alters neuronal architecture and increases cysteine‐rich protein 1 signaling in the male mouse hippocampus
Authors: Ang Mary Jasmin , Kang Sohi , Moon Changjong
Published: August 2020

Neuronal plasticity describes changes in structure, function, and connections of neurons. The hippocampus, in particular, has been shown to exhibit considerable plasticity regarding both physiological and morphological functions. Melatonin, a hormone released by the pineal gland, promotes cell survival and dendrite maturation of neurons in the newborn brain and protects against neurological disorders. In this study, we investigated the effect of exogenous melatonin on neuronal architecture and its possible mechanism in the hippocampus of adult male C57BL/6 mice. Melatonin treatment significantly increased the total length and complexity of dendrites in the apical and basalcornu ammonis(CA) 1 and in the dentate gyrus in mouse hippocampi. Spine density in CA1 apical dendrites was increased, but no significant differences in other subregions were observed. In primary cultured hippocampal neurons, the length and arborization of neurites were significantly augmented by melatonin treatment. Additionally, western blot and immunohistochemical analyses in bothin vivoandin vitrosystems revealed significant increases in the level of cysteine‐rich protein 1 (crp‐1) protein, which is known to be involved in dendritic branching in mouse hippocampal neurons after melatonin treatment. Our results suggest that exogenous melatonin leads to significant alterations of neuronal micromorphometry in the adult hippocampus, possibly via crp‐1 signaling.
Raman spectroscopy in experimental rock art: Improving the study of ancient paintings
Authors: Ozán Ivana Laura , Oriolo Sebastián , Castro María Ana , Latorre Andrés
Published: August 2020

The present work analyzes Raman spectra of red, white, and black experimental paintings manufactured according to archeological and ethnographical data from Patagonia (South America), in order to provide reference patterns to better understand ancient signatures of rock art. Methodological insights are also presented, evaluating pitfalls and advantages of Raman spectroscopy. For this purpose, different pigments (hematite, gypsum, charcoal) mixed with binders and additives (Lama guanicoe fat, blood, urine, saliva, gypsum) were combined. Results show that, despite its high‐spatial resolution, Raman analysis shows painting spectra often reflecting multicomponent signals at micrometer‐scale. Results also indicate that fat and blood show well‐defined spectra in paintings, whereas saliva and urine have negligible signatures, so a relatively high and low archeological preservation is expected, respectively. On the other hand, laser‐related thermoalteration processes of fat and blood binders are triggered by the presence of hematite. This thermoalteration promotes conspicuous signatures in fat and blood binders related to disordered CC bonds (ca. 1,330 and 1,566 cm−1), which are also found in charcoal. Therefore, disordered carbon in the Raman spectra of rock art may not necessarily imply the presence of charcoal‐bearing pigments but may also result from thermoalteration of organic materials. Evidence of blood migration through rock porosity is registered as well, with significant implications for rock art preservation, composition, and dating.
Proposal for an index to measure creativity in urban‐cultural destinations
Authors: Pulido‐Fernández Juan I. , García‐Suárez José A. , Rodríguez‐Díaz Beatriz
Published: August 2020

Creativity has been engaged as a new way of developing tourism destinations, and this brings consequences for tourists and for the destinations themselves. Hence the need to measure the levels of creativity displayed by a specific tourist destination. To this end, an aggregate composite index is proposed, labelled Creacity, capable of evaluating spatial, environmental and institutional creativity in Spain's urban‐cultural destinations, taken as an example. The findings and methodology proposed pave the way to apply creativity as a key element in tourism competitiveness, in a clear bid to promote the Economics of Creativity, moving beyond the concept of Creative Economics.
Survival of Immature Gopher Tortoises Recruited into a Translocated Population
Authors: Tuberville Tracey D. , McKee Rebecca K. , Gaya Heather E. , Norton Terry M.
Published: August 2020

Population manipulations such as translocation and head‐starting are increasingly used as recovery tools for chelonians. But evaluating success of individual projects can require decades of monitoring to detect population trends in these long‐lived species. Furthermore, there are often few benchmarks from stable, unmanipulated populations against which to compare demographic rates, particularly for the immature stages. We used 8 years of mark‐recapture data to estimate apparent survival of immature gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) recruited into an introduced population of gopher tortoises first established on St. Catherines Island, Georgia, USA, in 1987. During 2006–2013, we conducted targeted trapping of immature gopher tortoises and compared survival of the hatchling, juvenile and subadult stages among treatments: individuals released shortly after hatching from eggs obtained from gravid female founders (direct releases), individuals reared in captivity for 6–9 months following hatching (head‐starts), and individuals first encountered as free‐ranging, wild‐recruited offspring (wild recruits). Among the candidate models we examined, the best fit model included additive effects of tortoise stage and treatment; however, overlapping 95% credible intervals among treatments (CrI) suggested that survival did not vary significantly among treatments. Annual apparent survival increased over the immature period, highlighting the importance of calculating separate estimates for the different immature stages. Across all treatments, the additive model estimated annual apparent survival probability to be 0.37 (CrI = 0.25–0.48) for hatchlings, 0.71 (CrI = 0.61–0.81) for juveniles, and 0.83 (CrI = 0.74–0.94) for subadults. Our study, in combination with previous monitoring efforts at St. Catherines Island, provides strong evidence that the translocation and subsequent population augmentation efforts have been successful in establishing a robust population of gopher tortoises. Additionally, our results provide estimates of demographic rates for life stages that are poorly understood but critical to understanding population dynamics of this imperiled species. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Oxidation of methylamine
Authors: Glarborg Peter , Andreasen Charlotte S. , Hashemi Hamid , Qian Rachel , Marshall Paul
Published: August 2020

A detailed chemical kinetic model for oxidation of methylamine has been developed, based on theoretical work and a critical evaluation of data from the literature. The rate coefficients for the reactions of CHNH + O CHNH / CHNH + HO, CHNH + H CH + NH, CHNH CHNH, and CHNH + O CHNH + HO were calculated from ab initio theory. The mechanism was validated against experimental results from batch reactors, flow reactors, shock tubes, and premixed flames. The model predicts satisfactorily explosion limits for CHNH and its oxidation in a flow reactor. However, oxidation in the presence of nitric oxide, which strongly promotes reaction at lower temperatures, is only described qualitatively. Furthermore, calculated flame speeds are higher than reported experimental values; the model does not capture the inhibiting effect of the NH group in CHNH compared to CH. More work is desirable to confirm the products of the CHNH + NO reaction and to look into possible pathways to NH in methylamine oxidation.
MicroRNA‐324‐5p affects the radiotherapy response of cervical cancer via targeting ELAV‐like RNA binding protein 1
Authors: Fan Ming‐Jun , He Peng‐Juan , Lin Xue‐Yan , Yang Chun‐Run , Li Chang‐Zhong , Xing Li‐Gang
Published: August 2020

Cervical cancer (CC) seriously threatens the health of women. Radiation therapy (RT) is the major treatment for CC. However, the recurrent CC can acquire resistance to RT. Thus, it is necessary to find a new method for reversing RT resistance in CC. It has been reported that miR‐324‐5p can suppress the progression of multiple cancers. However, whether it can reverse resistance to RT in CC remains unclear. qRT‐PCR and Western blotting were used to detect gene and protein expression in CC cells, respectively. Cell proliferation was tested by CCK‐8 assay and colony formation assay. In addition, cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Transwell assays were performed to detect cell migration. Dual luciferase reporter assay and TargetScan were used to explore the targets of microRNA‐324‐5p (miR‐324‐5p). MiR‐324‐5p was downregulated in CC cells. Overexpression of miR‐324‐5p sensitized CC cells to RT. In addition, miR‐324‐5p mimics significantly induced apoptosis and inhibits the migration of CC cells in the presence of 137Cs ionizing radiation. Furthermore, miR‐324‐5p sensitized CC cells to ionizing radiation by targeting ELAV‐like RNA binding protein 1 (ELAVL1). MiR‐324‐5p overexpression affects the radiotherapy response of CC by targeting ELAVL1, which may serve as a new target for the treatment of CC.
Predicting Functional Outcomes and Length of Stay Following Acoustic Neuroma Resection
Authors: Moshtaghi Omid , Saliba Joe , Gupta Mihir , Mehranpour Pasha , Tawfik Kareem O. , Ren Yin , Schwartz Marc S. , Friedman Rick A.
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To examine whether simple mobility assessments can predict functional limitations and length of hospitalization after acoustic neuroma (AN) resection.

Study design

Prospective case series.

Methods

A prospective clinical study of adult patients undergoing AN resection by either the translabyrinthine, retrosigmoid, or middle fossa approach was conducted at a tertiary center. Preoperative mobility assessments included the functional gait assessment (FGA) and the 10‐m walk (10 MW). Postoperatively, the Activity Measure for Post‐Acute Care (AMPAC, at 48 hours), FGA, and 10 MW (at 1 week) were obtained. Demographic and medical data were collected.

Results

One hundred and thirty‐eight patients were analyzed (mean age: 48.3 years, 68.8% female). Mean length of stay (LOS) was 3.1 days. The translabyrinthine approach was most commonly performed (48.6%). On regression analyses, preoperative FGA (P = 0.03) and 48‐hour postoperative AM‐PAC (P < 0.001) independently predicted LOS, even after accounting for age, gender, body mass index, and tumor size. On receiver operating characteristic analysis, a preoperative FGA cut score of 25.5 predicted a protracted hospital stay (>4 days) with a sensitivity of 77% and specificity of 50% (area under curve: 68.5).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that preoperative mobility assessments can predict functional limitations and LOS after AN resection. These objective tools can be used by clinicians to manage expectations and guide preoperative counseling in patients considering surgery.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:644–648, 2021
Diet, Plasma, Erythrocytes, and Spermatozoa Fatty Acid Composition Changes in Young Vegan Men
Authors: Chamorro Rodrigo , Gonzalez María F. , Aliaga Rocío , Gengler Valentina , Balladares Constanza , Barrera Cynthia , Bascuñan Karla A. , Bazinet Richard P. , Valenzuela Rodrigo
Published: August 2020

There has been increasing interest in vegan diets, but how this dietary pattern regulates tissue fatty acids (FA), especially in men, is unclear. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of a vegan diet on plasma, erythrocyte, and spermatozoa FA composition in young men. Two groups consisting of 67 young (18–25 years old) men were studied. One group following an omnivore diet but did not consume fish, shellfish or other marine foods (control, n = 33), and another group following a vegan diet (vegan, n = 34) for at least 12 months were compared. Dietary intake was assessed via a food frequency questionnaire and a 24‐h recall. FA composition was measured in plasma, erythrocyte phospholipids, and spermatozoa by gas–liquid chromatography. Compared to controls, the vegan group had higher reported intakes of carbohydrate, dietary fiber, vitamins (C, E, K, and folate), and minerals (copper, potassium) but lower intakes of cholesterol, trans FA, vitamins B6, D, and B12, and minerals (calcium, iron, and zinc). Vegan's reported a lower saturated FA and not arachidonic acid intake, both groups did not intake eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), but vegan's showed a higher alpha linolenic acid ALA intake. Vegans had higher plasma, erythrocyte phospholipid, and spermatozoa ALA, but lower levels of other n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), especially DHA. Vegans were characterized by higher ALA, but lower levels of other n‐3 PUFA, especially DHA in plasma, erythrocytes, and spermatozoids. The biological significance of these findings requires further study.
Involvement of Aquaporins in the Intense Pulsed Light‐Enhanced Wound Healing in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Huang Po‐Wei , Jeng Seng‐Feng , Liu Chi‐Ming , Chen Chien‐Chung , Chang Li‐Ren , Shih Hsiang‐Shun , Chen Hsing‐Fu , Yang Chih‐Hui , Chen Jian‐An , Feng Guan‐Ming
Published: August 2020

Background and Objectives

We previously demonstrated that intense pulsed light (IPL) irradiation prior to wounding improved the wound healing in rats with diabetes mellitus (DM). Also, we found that IPL upregulated the expression of aquaporin 3 (AQP3), a protein that is crucial for wound healing, in normal rats. This present study aimed to examine the involvement of AQPs in the IPL‐enhanced wound healing in diabetic rats.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Streptozotocin was used to induce diabetes in Sprague–Dawley rats. Animals were divided into four groups: normal group, DM only group, DM rats with IPL treatment 2 weeks before wounding (DM + IPL‐Pre group), and DM rats with concurrent IPL irradiation and wounding (DM + IPL‐Con group). Wounds were created on the dorsal skin of rats. The expressions of AQP1, 3, 4, 7, and 9 in the pre‐injured skin, periwound, and wound were determined.

Results

Among all the AQPs analyzed, only the expressions of AQP3 and AQP7 were significantly altered. Unirradiated diabetic rats showed much higher expression level of AQP3 in the regenerating skin compared with normal rats. IPL pretreatment, but not concurrent treatment, attenuated the expression toward the level detected in the normal wounds. In contrast, a lower expression level of AQP7 was noted in the regenerating skin of DM only rats and IPL pretreatment upregulated the expression to a level similar to that in the normal rats.

Conclusion

The beneficial effect of IPL pretreatment on the wound healing in diabetic rats might involve a mechanism by which the expression of AQPs is regulated. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Multiplicity of solutions for fractional equation involving the Bessel operator in RN
Authors: Van Thin Nguyen
Published: August 2020

The aim of this paper is to study the existence of solution to an equation involving the Bessel operator in where are real positive parameters, is a continuous function, with , f is a continuous function on which does not satisfy the Ambrosetti–Rabinowitz condition. By using the Fountain theorem and Morse theory, we obtain the existence of solutions of the above equation. In our best knowledge, it is the first time that this problem is considered.
Laryngeal Movement Disorders in Multiple System Atrophy: A Diagnostic Biomarker?
Authors: Gandor Florin , Vogel Annemarie , Claus Inga , Ahring Sigrid , Gruber Doreen , Heinze Hans‐Jochen , Dziewas Rainer , Ebersbach Georg , Warnecke Tobias
Published: August 2020

Background

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder, and its parkinsonian variant can be difficult to delineate from Parkinson's disease (PD). Despite laryngeal dysfunction being associated with decreased life expectancy and quality of life, systematic assessments of laryngeal dysfunction in large cohorts are missing.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to systematically assess laryngeal dysfunction in MSA and PD and identify laryngeal symptoms that allow for differentiating MSA from PD.

Methods

Patients with probable or possible MSA underwent flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing performing a systematic task protocol. Findings were compared with an age‐matched PD cohort.

Results

A total of 57 patients with MSA (64 [59–71] years; 35 women) were included, and task assessments during endoscopic examination compared with 57 patients with PD (67 [60–73]; 28 women). Patients with MSA had a shorter disease duration (4 [3–5] years vs 7 [5–10]; P < 0.0001) and higher disease severity (Hoehn & Yahr stage 4 [3–4] vs 3 [2–4]; P < 0.0001). Of the patients with MSA, 43.9% showed clinically overt laryngeal dysfunction with inspiratory stridor. During endoscopic task assessment, however, 93% of patients with MSA demonstrated laryngeal dysfunction in contrast with only 1.8% of patients with PD (P < 0.0001). Irregular arytenoid cartilages movements were present in 91.2% of patients with MSA, but in no patients with PD (P < 0.0001). Further findings included vocal fold motion impairment (75.4%), paradoxical vocal fold motion (33.3%), and vocal fold fixation (19.3%). One patient with PD showed vocal fold motion impairment.

Conclusion

Laryngeal movement disorders are highly prevalent in patients with MSA when assessed by a specific task protocol despite the lack of overt clinical symptoms. Our data suggest that irregular arytenoid cartilage movements could be used as a clinical marker to delineate MSA from PD with a specificity of 1.0 and sensitivity 0.9. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
An approach based on Haar wavelet for the approximation of fractional calculus with application to initial and boundary value problems
Authors: Mehandiratta Vaibhav , Mehra Mani , Leugering Günter
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we propose the numerical approximation of fractional initial and boundary value problems using Haar wavelets. In contrast to the Haar wavelet methods available in literature, where the fractional derivative of the function is approximated using the Haar basis, we approximate the function and its classical derivatives using Haar basis functions. Moreover, error bounds in the approximation of fractional integrals and the fractional derivatives are derived, which depend on the index J of the approximation space VJ and the fractional order α. A neural network problem modeled by a system of nonlinear fractional differential equations is also solved using the proposed method. The numerical results show that the proposed numerical approach is efficient.
Guidelines for the use of diagnostic imaging in musculoskeletal pain conditions affecting the lower back, knee and shoulder: A scoping review
Authors: Cuff Andrew , Parton Stephen , Tyer Robert , Dikomitis Lisa , Foster Nadine , Littlewood Chris
Published: August 2020

Background

Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is one of the most common reasons for primary care consultation, particularly pain in the lower back (LBP), knee and shoulder. The use of diagnostic imaging for MSK pain is increasing, but it is unclear whether this increase is justified on the basis of clinical practice guideline (CPG) recommendations.

Aim

To identify and map the content of CPGs that informs the use of diagnostic imaging in those with nontraumatic LBP, knee and shoulder pain in primary and intermediate care in the UK.

Design and Setting

A scoping review of CPGs.

Methods

This scoping review was conducted and is reported in accordance with PRISMA guidance. A broad search strategy included electronic searches of MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsychINFO and SPORTDiscus from 2009 to 17 April 2019. This was conducted alongside a search of guideline repositories and was combined with a snowball search of Google, relevant professional bodies and use of social media.

Results

31 relevant CPGs were included. Routine use of diagnostic imaging for those with nontraumatic LBP, knee or shoulder pain is generally discouraged in primary care or intermediate care. Diagnostic imaging should be reserved for when specific or serious pathology is suspected or where the person is not responding to initial nonsurgical management and the imaging result is expected to change clinical management decisions.

Conclusion

Diagnostic imaging should not be routinely requested in primary or intermediate care for nontraumatic LBP, knee or shoulder pain. CPGs do not justify the increasing imaging rates in the UK for MSK pain.
Efficient Krylov subspace methods for uncertainty quantification in large Bayesian linear inverse problems
Authors: Saibaba Arvind K. , Chung Julianne , Petroske Katrina
Published: August 2020

Uncertainty quantification for linear inverse problems remains a challenging task, especially for problems with a very large number of unknown parameters (e.g., dynamic inverse problems) and for problems where computation of the square root and inverse of the prior covariance matrix are not feasible. This work exploits Krylov subspace methods to develop and analyze new techniques for large‐scale uncertainty quantification in inverse problems. In this work, we assume that generalized Golub‐Kahan‐based methods have been used to compute an estimate of the solution, and we describe efficient methods to explore the posterior distribution. In particular, we use the generalized Golub‐Kahan bidiagonalization to derive an approximation of the posterior covariance matrix, and we provide theoretical results that quantify the accuracy of the approximate posterior covariance matrix and of the resulting posterior distribution. Then, we describe efficient methods that use the approximation to compute measures of uncertainty, including the Kullback‐Liebler divergence. We present two methods that use the preconditioned Lanczos algorithm to efficiently generate samples from the posterior distribution. Numerical examples from dynamic photoacoustic tomography demonstrate the effectiveness of the described approaches.