bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment of children with relapsed and refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia with mitoxantrone, vincristine, pegaspargase, dexamethasone, and bortezomib
Authors: August Keith J. , Guest Erin M. , Lewing Karen , Hays J. Allyson , Gamis Alan S.
Published: November 2019

Background

The treatment of relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children is challenging and new treatment options are needed. Bortezomib is a proteasome inhibitor with activity in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Adding bortezomib to standard reinduction chemotherapy in relapsed and refractory pediatric ALL has produced very good response rates in prior studies.

Methods

We evaluated bortezomib in combination with reinduction therapy (ALL R3) in 10 children with relapsed or refractory ALL. Bortezomib (1.3 mg/m2/dose) was administered to patients on days 1, 4, 8, and 11. In addition, patients received mitoxantrone, dexamethasone, pegaspargase, vincristine, and intrathecal methotrexate over 4 weeks.

Results

Of the 10 patients, eight (80%) achieved a complete remission (CR) or complete remission with incomplete recovery (CRi). Of the patients in CR, two had undetectable minimal residual disease by flow cytometry (<0.01%). Five patients were subsequently treated with a stem cell transplant. All eight patients that achieved CR or CRi eventually relapsed. One patient remains alive following treatment with tisagenlecleucel after relapse. Grade 3 or higher infections occurred in four out of 10 patients, and other toxicities commonly associated with bortezomib were not seen.

Conclusions

In children with relapsed or refractory ALL, the addition of bortezomib to reinduction chemotherapy that includes mitoxantrone produces a complete response in the majority of cases and does not lead to excessive toxicity.
Biochemical testing for neuroblastoma using plasma free 3‐O‐methyldopa, 3‐methoxytyramine, and normetanephrine
Authors: Peitzsch Mirko , Butch Elizabeth R. , Lovorn Elizabeth , Mangelis Anastasios , Furman Wayne L. , Santana Victor M. , Hero Barbara , Berthold Frank , Shulkin Barry L. , Huebner Angela , Eisenhofer Graeme
Published: November 2019

Background

Neuroblastoma, the most common extracranial solid tumor of childhood, produces catecholamines that are metabolized within tumor cells. Homovanillic acid (HVA) and vanillylmandelic acid (VMA), the end products of catecholamine metabolism, have limited accuracy for testing of the tumors. This study assessed whether metabolites produced in earlier steps of catecholamine metabolism might offer improved diagnostic accuracy over urinary HVA and VMA.

Procedure

Plasma concentrations of 3‐methoxytyramine, normetanephrine, and metanephrine were measured in two pediatric cohorts: (i) 96 children with confirmed neuroblastoma and (ii) 41 children with signs and symptoms of a catecholamine‐producing tumor or other neoplasms and in whom neuroblastoma was excluded. Additional measurements of plasma 3‐O‐methyldopa and relationships of metabolites to MYCN amplification were examined in patient subgroups.

Results

Overall, 94 of the 96 patients with neuroblastoma had concentrations of 3‐methoxytyramine or normetanephrine above age‐specific upper limits of reference intervals, providing a diagnostic sensitivity of 97.9% that was higher (P < 0.0001) than that of 82.2% for HVA and VMA. One of the two patients with normal plasma results showed an elevation of plasma 3‐O‐methyldopa. Diagnostic specificities were, respectively, 95.1% and 84.8%. Areas under receiver‐operating characteristic curves confirmed the superior diagnostic power of the plasma than the urinary test (0.994 vs 0.945; P = 0.0095). Ratios of plasma 3‐methoxytyramine to normetanephrine were 7.2‐fold higher (P < 0.0001) for patients who had neuroblastomas with MYCN amplification than without MYCN amplification.

Conclusions

Measurements of plasma 3‐methoxytyramine and normetanephrine provide a highly accurate diagnostic test for neuroblastoma and also offer potential for prognostic risk stratification.
Gemcitabine, paclitaxel, and oxaliplatin (GEMPOX) in the treatment of relapsed/refractory intracranial nongerminomatous germ cell tumors
Authors: Perez‐Somarriba Marta , Moreno‐Tejero Maria Luisa , Rozas Maria Isabel , Pelaez Irene , Madero Luis , Lassaletta Alvaro
Published: November 2019

Intracranial germ cell tumors (GCT) account for less than 5% of all central nervous system tumors in children in Western countries. Approximately 40% are nongerminomatous GCT (NGGCT). Despite correct treatment, 16% to 47% of the patients will relapse. There are no standard approaches in case of recurrence, and treatment in this situation remains a challenge.

We report three patients diagnosed with relapsed intracranial NGGCT treated with gemcitabine, paclitaxel, and oxaliplatin, in whom the tumor showed a remarkable response with normalization of tumor markers.
Impact of academic psychological capital on academic achievement among university undergraduates: Roles of flow and self‐handicapping behavior
Authors: Adil Adnan , Ameer Sadaf , Ghayas Saba
Published: November 2019

The present research explored the mediating roles of flow and self‐handicapping behaviors in the relationship between academic psychological capital (PsyCap) and academic achievement in a purposive sample of university undergraduates (N = 300). Components of academic PsyCap were measured with the Perceived Self‐efficacy subscale of the Student Approaches to Learning Scale, the Life Orientation Test – Academics, the Academic Hope Scale, and the Academic Resilience Scale. Flow and self‐handicapping behaviors were measured with the Flow Short Scale and the Self‐handicapping Scale Revised, respectively. Students' cumulative grade point averages (CGPAs) in the previous semester were taken as an index of their academic achievement. The measurement model of the study revealed a good fit to the data and the structural model indicated the positive direct effects of academic PsyCap and flow and the negative effect of self‐handicapping behaviors on academic achievement. Both flow and self‐handicapping behaviors demonstrated a parallel mediation between academic PsyCap and CGPA such that academic PsyCap decreased self‐handicapping behaviors, which in turn resulted in improved CGPA; on the other hand, academic PsyCap enhanced the flow experience, which led to improved academic achievement. Implications of the study and recommendations for future research are reflected upon.
“Sensors Everywhere!”
Authors: Pozo Jose
Published: November 2019

In this article, Jose Pozo, EPIC's CTO talks to Remco Nieuwland. Remco is the mind and soul behind the development of the NORIA system: the first world‐wide tool to manufacture fiber Bragg gratings. Remco is now CTO of Somni Solutions, a Dutch company that designs, develops and manufactures high‐end fiber optic sensors and sensor systems.
Feasibility and acceptability of i‐Restoring Body Image after Cancer (i‐ReBIC): A pilot trial for female cancer survivors
Authors: Trachtenberg Lianne , Wong Jiahui , Rennie Heather , McLeod Deborah , Leung Yvonne , Warner Ellen , Esplen Mary Jane
Published: November 2019

Objective

This pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and psychosocial outcomes of a text‐based online group therapy intervention, i‐Restoring Body Image after Cancer (i‐ReBIC). i‐ReBIC was developed to reduce body image distress and psychosexual dysfunction among women diagnosed and treated for breast or gynecological cancer.

Methods

i‐ReBIC was adapted from an empirically tested face‐to‐face group therapy intervention, ReBIC. Over the 8‐week intervention, participants engaged in 90‐minute weekly text‐based online discussions. Each week, a new topic associated with reconnecting to the body, adjusting to a postcancer identity, and improving psychosexual functioning was addressed. Homework assignments included readings, guided imagery exercises, and journaling.

Results

Sixty women with cancer enrolled in the pilot study. Among them, 47 completed the intervention, and 44 filled out all prestudy and poststudy questionnaires. Ninety‐three percent of participants (n = 41) were satisfied and reported that it met their expectations. Eighty percent of participants (n = 35) reported no technical difficulties during the intervention. Preoutcome and postoutcome measures on body image distress and experience of embodiment showed statistically significant improvements. Psychosexual distress and quality of life also showed improvements but were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

This study suggests that i‐ReBIC is feasible, well accepted, and effective in addressing persistent body image concerns experienced by women treated for breast or gynecological cancer. As an online group therapy, i‐ReBIC can expand the reach of its original face‐to‐face intervention by mitigating barriers and improving access to care in a cost‐effective manner.
Resistance of European ash (Fraxinus excelsior) saplings to larval feeding by the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis)
Authors: Showalter David N. , Saville Robert J. , Orton Elizabeth S. , Buggs Richard J. A. , Bonello Pierluigi , Brown James K. M.
Published: November 2019

Societal Impact Statement

European ash is a significant tree commercially, ecologically, and culturally. It is currently threatened by two invasive species, the fungus that causes ash dieback and the emerald ash borer (EAB) beetle. We show that saplings of European ash are much less susceptible to EAB than black ash, which has suffered severe damage in North America, but have similar resistance to Manchurian ash, which coexists with EAB in East Asia. Selecting ash with stronger resistance to dieback is unlikely to decrease its resistance to EAB. As we do not know what the combined effect of ash dieback and EAB will be on European ash, biosecurity measures are needed to exclude EAB from Western Europe.
The impact of parental labour migration on left‐behind children's educational and psychosocial outcomes: Evidence from Romania
Authors: Botezat Alina , Pfeiffer Friedhelm
Published: November 2019

Many children grow up with parents working abroad. Social scientists are interested in the scholastic achievement and health of these left‐behind children, in order to better understand the positive and negative aspects of migration for the families in the sending countries. This paper examines the causal effects of parents' migration on the education, physical, and mental health of left‐behind children aged 11 to 15 years in Romania, a country where increasingly more children have parents working abroad. Using data from a unique representative survey carried out in 2007, instrumental variable and bivariate probit estimates have been performed. The paper finds evidence for a significant positive effect of parental migration on children's school performance (reflected in higher grades) and a higher probability of suffering from depression and having health problems more frequently. The study furthermore demonstrates that living in transnational families is more harmful for girls and for those from rural areas.
Perfect Monolayers of the BaTiO3‐Derived 2D Oxide Quasicrystals Investigated by Scanning Tunneling Microscopy and Noncontact Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Zollner Eva Maria , Schenk Sebastian , Setvin Martin , Förster Stefan
Published: November 2019

The atomic structure of the BaTiO3‐derived 2D oxide quasicrystals (OQCs) is investigated using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and noncontact atomic force microscopy (nc‐AFM). It is demonstrated that these extraordinary films can easily be prepared as single‐phase monolayers on a Pt(111) support. From analyzing almost 20 000 atomic vertices, an extended statistical dataset of the OQC tiling is collected. It manifests that the OQC obeys the statistics of the Niizeki–Gähler tiling, which is a dodecagonal triangle–square–rhomb model system. The atomic structure shown by nc‐AFM is identical to the contrast obtained in STM images. The results are discussed with respect to the existing structural models.
A survey of deep learning techniques for autonomous driving
Authors: Grigorescu Sorin , Trasnea Bogdan , Cocias Tiberiu , Macesanu Gigel
Published: November 2019

The last decade witnessed increasingly rapid progress in self‐driving vehicle technology, mainly backed up by advances in the area of deep learning and artificial intelligence (AI). The objective of this paper is to survey the current state‐of‐the‐art on deep learning technologies used in autonomous driving. We start by presenting AI‐based self‐driving architectures, convolutional and recurrent neural networks, as well as the deep reinforcement learning paradigm. These methodologies form a base for the surveyed driving scene perception, path planning, behavior arbitration, and motion control algorithms. We investigate both the modular perception‐planning‐action pipeline, where each module is built using deep learning methods, as well as End2End systems, which directly map sensory information to steering commands. Additionally, we tackle current challenges encountered in designing AI architectures for autonomous driving, such as their safety, training data sources, and computational hardware. The comparison presented in this survey helps gain insight into the strengths and limitations of deep learning and AI approaches for autonomous driving and assist with design choices.
A roadmap for survey designs in terrestrial acoustic monitoring
Authors: Sugai Larissa Sayuri Moreira , Desjonquères Camille , Silva Thiago Sanna Freire , Llusia Diego
Published: November 2019

Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) is increasingly popular in ecological research and conservation programs, with high‐volume and long‐term data collection provided by automatized acoustic sensors offering unprecedented opportunities for faunal and ecosystem surveys. Practitioners and newcomers interested in PAM can easily find technical specifications for acoustic sensors and microphones, but guidelines on how to plan survey designs are largely scattered over the literature. Here, we (i) review spatial and temporal sampling designs used in passive acoustic monitoring, (ii) provide a synthesis of the crucial aspects of PAM survey design and (iii) propose a workflow to optimize recording autonomy and recording schedules. From 1992 to 2018, most of the 460 studies applying PAM in terrestrial environments have used a single recorder per site, covered broad spatial scales and rotated recorders between sites to optimize sampling effort. Continuous recording of specific diel periods was the main recording procedure used. When recording schedules were applied, a larger number of recordings per hour was generally associated with a smaller recording length. For PAM survey design, we proposed to (i) estimate memory/battery autonomy and associated costs, (ii) assess signal detectability to optimize recording schedules in order to recover maximum biological information and (iii) evaluate cost‐benefit scenarios between sampling effort and budget to address potential biases from a given PAM survey design. Establishing standards for PAM data collection will improve the quality of inferences over the broad scope of PAM research and promote essential standardization for cross‐scale research to understand long‐term biodiversity trends in a changing world.
A discussion on mass resolution in secondary ion mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Zhanping , Zhao Lixia , Xiong Bing , Fan Runlong , Liu Dunyi , Cha Liangzhen
Published: November 2019

Mass resolution is a very important parameter for mass spectrometry. It is necessary to compare the mass resolution between the newly developed TOF‐SIMS and the conventionally high‐performance magnetic SIMS. However, the definitions of mass resolution for these two types of instruments are quite different. Whether it is possible to compare mass resolution and how to do such comparison is a challenge. This problem was raised officially during the 2012 ISO/TC 201 meeting at Tampa, Florida, the United States and the long‐term cooperation with ISO started afterwards. The definition of mass resolution is one of the most important and fundamental problems for mass spectrometry and should attract significant attention. Here, some detail discussions on mass resolution as well as the related experimental studies in the past few years, including the collaborations with ISO/TC 201/SC6 and SC1 are summarized. This summary covers the common problem for almost all the current existing and still used definitions of mass resolution. A reasonable new definition for mass resolution considering the peak shape or resolution function has been proposed, which has also been confirmed by using experimental studies of the mass resolution comparison between TOF and magnetic SIMS. This study lays a foundation for the future mass resolution comparisons between different mass spectrometry.
White Electroluminescence from Aluminum Zinc Oxide Embedded in Poly(9‐vinylcarbazole)
Authors: Oide Mariane Y. T. , K. Onmori Roberto> , Oppenheim Ivette F. C. , Wang Shu H.
Published: November 2019

Simple methods for manufacturing white light‐emitting diodes (WLEDs) based on ZnO are still challenging researchers. Solution processed WLEDs based on Al doped ZnO (AZO) nanoparticles embedded in PVK (hybrid system) are demonstrated here, and PL studies of the hybrid system suggest that defects in AZO and PVK/AZO interface are likely to be the origin of white EL. Besides electrical conductivity increment, AZO provided the emissive layer with a more balanced charge injection; thus, the threshold voltage reduced from 8.1 V to 7.5 V and EL enhanced from 4.47 cd/m2 to 18.69 cd/m2 at 10 V, for the pure PVK compared to the hybrid system, respectively.
Synthesis, Study of the Biological Activity of New 1,2,4‐Triazole Derivatives and Characteristics of the Relationship of the Structure and Biological Activity in a Series of the Latter
Authors: Galstyan Armen S. , Ghochikyan Tariel V. , Samvelyan Melanya A. , Frangyan Vardges R. , Sarfraz Muhammad
Published: November 2019

Screening in a series of 1,2,4‐triazole derivatives has revealed an antinematode property in relation to positive nematodes. A certain relationship has been established between the structure and biological activity of the proposed compounds. It has been experimentally proved, that if the sulfur is present in molecules in the thionic form only, it leads to an increase in the viability of nematodes by 3–4%, and if compounds contain only the thiol form, it decreases the viability of nematodes by 20–40% depending on the concentration of the compounds used. It was also found that bis‐triazoles containing only the thiol form demonstrated antifungal activity, inhibiting the growth of C. albicans by 35–40%.
Entrapping Instantly‐Cleaved CPT Prodrugs in Polymeric Micelles for CPT Delivery
Authors: Liu Fuyue , Li Anqin , Li Fu , Li Jin , Yan Lu , Li Feng , Luo Jing , Huang Zhao , Zheng Yaxin
Published: November 2019

As the direct entrapment of camptothecin (CPT) into conventionally used polymeric materials is extremely difficult due to its high crystallization property, CPT‐derived prodrugs are widely used to increase drug‐polymer compatibility. However, the rapid CPT conversion from prodrugs is still a challenge due to the high steric hindrance around the hydroxyl of CPT. To address this, we reported here a fragile lactyl carbonate (LC) linker, which could be instantly cleaved to release CPT from LC‐linked lipophilic prodrugs under physiological conditions. Furthermore, such instantly‐cleaved CPT prodrugs could be stably encapsulated in methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)‐block‐poly(actic acid) (mPEG‐PLA) micelles, thus to achieve indirect CPT entrapment with a potent in vitro cytotoxicity as a result of the rapid CPT conversion. The strategy of entrapping instantly‐cleaved prodrugs in polymeric micelles displayed an excellent potential to broaden the scope of application of polymeric materials in drug delivery.
Nitrogen‐Doped Graphene‐Buffered Mn2O3 Nanocomposite Anodes for Fast Charging and High Discharge Capacity Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yuan Shuang , Chen Weibin , Zhang Lina , Liu Zekun , Liu Jiaqi , Liu Tie , Li Guojian , Wang Qiang
Published: November 2019

Mn2O3 is a promising anode material for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) because of its high theoretical capacity and low discharge potential. However, low electronic conductivity and capacity fading limits its practical application. In this work, Mn2O3 with 1D nanowire geometry is synthesized in neutral aqueous solutions by a facile and effective hydrothermal strategy for the first time, and then Mn2O3 nanoparticle and nitrogen‐doped reduced graphene oxide (N‐rGO) are composited with Mn2O3 nanowires (Mn2O3‐GNCs) to enhance its volume utilization and conductivity. When used as an anode material for LIBs, the Mn2O3‐GNCs exhibit high reversible capacity (1350 mAh g−1), stable cycling stability, and good rate capability. Surprisingly, the Mn2O3‐GNC electrodes can also show fast charging capability; even after 200 cycles (charge: 10 A g−1; discharge: 0.5 A g−1), its discharge capacity can also keep at ≈500 mAh g−1. In addition, the Mn2O3‐GNCs also have considerable full cell and supercapacitor performance. The excellent electrochemical performances can be ascribed to the N‐rGO network structure and 1D nanowire structure, which can ensure fast ion and electron transportation.
Modulating Ion Diffusivity and Electrode Conductivity of Carbon Nanotube@Mesoporous Carbon Fibers for High Performance Aluminum–Selenium Batteries
Authors: Kong Yueqi , Nanjundan Ashok Kumar , Liu Yang , Song Hao , Huang Xiaodan , Yu Chengzhong
Published: November 2019

Selenium (Se)‐based rechargeable aluminum batteries (RABs), known as aluminum–selenium (Al–Se) batteries, are an appealing new battery design that holds great promise for addressing the low‐capacity problem of current RAB technology. However, their applications are hindered by mediocre high‐rate capacity (≈100 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1) and insufficient cycling life (50 cycles). Herein, the synthesis of mesoporous carbon fibers (MCFs) by coating mesoporous carbon with short‐length mesopores and tunable mesopore sizes (2.7 to 8.9 nm) coaxially on carbon nanotubes (CNT) is reported. When compositing MCFs with Se for Al–Se batteries, a positive correlation between mesopore size and electrolyte ion diffusivity is observed, however when pore size is increased to 8.9 nm, large voids are created at the interface of CNT core and mesoporous carbon shell, leading to decreased electrode conductivity. The trade‐off between ion diffusivity and interfacial connectivity/conductivity determines MCF with pore size of 7.1 nm as the best host material for Al–Se batteries. The composite cathode delivers high specific capacities (366 and 230 mAh g−1 at 0.5 and 1 A g−1), good rate performance, and excellent cycling stability (152 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 2 A g−1), superior over previously reported Se cathodes and other cathodes for RABs.
Boosting Cell Performance of LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 via Surface Structure Design
Authors: Zheng Junchao , Yang Zhuo , Dai Alvin , Tang Linbo , Wei Hanxin , Li Yunjiao , He Zhenjiang , Lu Jun
Published: November 2019

Although the high energy density and environmental benignancy of LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 (NCA) holds promise for use as cathode material in Li‐ion batteries, present low rate capabilities, and fast capacity fade limit its broad commercial applications. Here, it is reported that surface modification of NCA cathode (R‐3m) with 5 nm‐thick nanopillar layers and Fm‐3m structures significantly improves electrode structure, morphology, and electrochemical performance. The formation of nanopillar layers increases cycling and working voltage stability of NCA by shielding the host material from hydrofluoric acid and improves structural stability with the electrolyte. The modified NCA cathode exhibits an enhanced 89% capacity retention at a rate of 1 C over that of pristine NCA (75.2%) after 150 cycles and effectively suppresses working voltage fade (a drop of 0.025 V after 300 cycles) during repeated charge–discharge cycles. In addition, the diffusion barrier of Li ions in NCA crystals at 0.80 V is noticeably smaller than that of Li ions in pristine NCA (0.87 eV). These findings demonstrate that this unique surface structure design considerably enhances cycle and rate performance of NCA, which has potential applications in other Ni‐rich layered cathode materials.
Ti3+ Self‐Doped Li4Ti5O12 Anchored on N‐Doped Carbon Nanofiber Arrays for Ultrafast Lithium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Yao Zhujun , Yin Haoyu , Zhou Linming , Pan Guoxiang , Wang Yadong , Xia Xinhui , Wu Jianbo , Wang Xiuli , Tu Jiangping
Published: November 2019

Omnibearing acceleration of charge/ion transfer in Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) electrodes is of great significance to achieve advanced high‐rate anodes in lithium‐ion batteries. Here, a synergistic combination of hydrogenated LTO nanoparticles (H‐LTO) and N‐doped carbon fibers (NCFs) prepared by an electrodeposition‐atomic layer deposition method is reported. Binder‐free conductive NCFs skeletons are used as strong support for H‐LTO, in which Ti3+ is self‐doped along with oxygen vacancies in LTO lattice to realize enhanced intrinsic conductivity. Positive advantages including large surface area, boosted conductivity, and structural stability are obtained in the designed H‐LTO@NCF electrode, which is demonstrated with preeminent high‐rate capability (128 mAh g−1 at 50 C) and long cycling life up to 10 000 cycles. The full battery assembled by H‐LTO@NCFs anode and LiFePO4 cathode also exhibits outstanding electrochemical performance revealing an encouraging application prospect. This work further demonstrates the effectiveness of self‐doping of metal ions on reinforcing the high‐rate charge/discharge capability of batteries.
BRD4 promotes glioma cell stemness via enhancing miR‐142‐5p‐mediated activation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling
Authors: Wang Jubo , Quan Yu , Lv Jian , Gong Shouping , Dong Danfeng
Published: November 2019

The bromodomain protein BRD4 exerts carcinogenic effects in many cancers. However, its roles in glioma occurrence are still confused. Here, it is found that BRD4 expression is increased in glioma tissues and negatively correlated with the overall survival of glioma patients. We construct cellular experiments indicating that BRD4 promotes glioma cell stemness by analyzing ALDH1 activity, master stemness regulator expression, and sphere formation ability. Mechanistically, BRD4 knockdown triggers a switch of miR‐142‐5p promoter methylation, which targets Wnt3a and thus further inactivates Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. Importantly, inhibition of miR‐142‐5p or reactivation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling rescues the inhibition of BRD4 knockdown on glioma cell stemness. As a result, these results not only indicate an unforeseen connection between BRD4, miR‐142‐5p, and Wnt/β‐catenin signaling, but also reveal a promising epigenetic‐based therapeutic strategy that might be explored for glioma patients.
Biosorption of zinc from aqueous solution using leaves of Corchorus olitorius as a low‐cost biosorbent
Authors: Ali Md Motakabber , Bhakta Jatindra Nath
Published: November 2019

Zinc (Zn) is one of the hazardous metal pollutants commonly found in industrial effluents and poses severe environmental and human health impacts. The present study chosen the leaves of Corchorus olitorius as a potential biosorbent among four different types of leaves employed for removing Zn from aqueous solution. The process parameters—contact time, pH, biosorbent dose, and initial Zn concentration were optimized for maximum removal of Zn using standard protocols. The Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy study was performed to identify the functional groups involved in Zn biosorption mechanism. The biosorption equilibrium was achieved at 120 min of contact time. The biosorption of Zn was highest at pH 6 and biosorbent dose of 2 g/L. The sorption equilibrium data were well fitted with the Freundlich isotherm model (R2 = 0.995). Highest adsorption capacity of C. olitorius leaves was 11.63 mg/g. It is concluded that the leaves of C. olitorius could be used as a potentially low‐cost novel biosorbent to remove Zn from contaminated water.

Practitioner points

Optimum Zn sorption process parameters of Corchorus olitorius leaf biosorbent were determined.

Zn sorption kinetic data of C. olitorius leaf were well fitted by Freundlich isotherm model.

C. olitorius leaf biosorbent showed excellent Zn sorption capacity (11.63 mg/g) from water.

Leaves of C. olitorius could be used as a potentially low‐cost novel biosorbent.
Protein‐protected metal nanoclusters: An emerging ultra‐small nanozyme
Authors: Meng Xiangqin , Zare Iman , Yan Xiyun , Fan Kelong
Published: November 2019

Protein‐protected metal nanoclusters (MNCs), typically consisting of several to a hundred metal atoms with a protein outer layer used for protecting clusters from aggregation, are excellent fluorescent labels for biomedical applications due to their extraordinary photoluminescence, facile synthesis and good biocompatibility. Interestingly, many protein‐protected MNCs have also been reported to exhibit intrinsic enzyme‐like activities, namely peroxidase, oxidase and catalase activities, and are consequently used for biological analysis and environmental treatment. These findings have extended the horizon of protein‐protected MNCs' properties as well as their application in various fields. Furthermore, in the field of nanozymes, protein‐protected MNCs have emerged as an outstanding new addition. Due to their ultra‐small size (<2 nm), they usually have higher catalytic activity, more suitable size for in vivo application, better biocompatibility and photoluminescence in comparison with large size nanozymes. In this review, we will systematically introduce the significant advances in this field and critically discuss the challenges that lie ahead. Ultra‐small nanozymes based on protein‐protected MNCs are on the verge of attracting great interest across various disciplines and will stimulate research in the fields of nanotechnology and biology.

This article is characterized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Biology‐Inspired Nanomaterials > Protein and Virus‐Based Structures
The Yarrowia lipolytica PAH1 homologue contributes but is not required for triacylglycerol biosynthesis during growth on glucose
Authors: Ukey Rahul , Carmon Taylor , Hardman Derell , Hill Na'Taja , Fakas Stylianos
Published: November 2019

The PAH1‐encoded phosphatidate phosphatase (PAP) catalyzes the Mg2+‐dependent dephosphorylation of phosphatidate to produce diacylglycerol, which can be acylated to form triacylglycerol (TAG). In the model oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica, TAG is the major lipid produced, and its biosynthesis requires a continuous supply of diacylglycerol, which can be provided by the PAP reaction. However, the regulation of Pah1 has not been studied in detail in Y. lipolytica, and thus its contribution to the biosynthesis of TAG in this yeast is not well understood. In this work, we examined the regulation of the PAH1‐mediated PAP activity and Pah1 abundance and localization in cells growing on glucose. We found that Pah1 abundance and localization were regulated in a growth‐dependent manner, yet the loss of Pah1 did not have a major effect on PAP activity. We also examined the effects of the Y. lipolytica pah1Δ mutation on cell physiology and lipid biosynthesis. The lack of Pah1 in the pah1Δ mutant resulted in a moderate decrease in TAG levels and an increase in phospholipid levels. These results showed that Pah1 contributed to TAG biosynthesis in Y. lipolytica but also suggested the presence of other activities in the pah1Δ mutant that compensate for the loss of Pah1. Also, the levels of linoleic acid were elevated in pah1Δ cells with a concomitant decrease in the oleic acid levels suggesting that the pah1Δ mutation affected the biosynthesis of fatty acids.
Diagrammatic resummation of leading-logarithmic threshold effects at next-to-leading power
Authors: Bahjat-Abbas N. , Bonocore D. , Sinninghe Damsté J. , Laenen E. , Magnea L. , Vernazza L. , White C. D.
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Perturbative cross-sections in QCD are beset by logarithms of kinematic invariants, whose arguments vanish when heavy particles are produced near threshold. Contributions of this type often need to be summed to all orders in the coupling, in order to improve the behaviour of the perturbative expansion, and it has long been known how to do this at leading power in the threshold variable, using a variety of approaches. Recently, the problem of extending this resummation to logarithms suppressed by a single power of the threshold variable has received considerable attention. In this paper, we show that such next-to-leading power (NLP) contributions can indeed be resummed, to leading logarithmic (LL) accuracy, for any QCD process with a colour-singlet final state, using a direct generalisation of the diagrammatic methods available at leading power. We compare our results with other approaches, and comment on the implications for further generalisations beyond leading-logarithmic accuracy.
Benchmarking simplified template cross sections in W H production
Authors: Brehmer Johann , Dawson Sally , Homiller Samuel , Kling Felix , Plehn Tilman
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Simplified template cross sections define a framework for the measurement and dissemination of kinematic information in Higgs measurements. We benchmark the currently proposed setup in an analysis of dimension-6 effective field theory operators for W H production. Calculating the Fisher information allows us to quantify the sensitivity of this framework to new physics and study its dependence on phase space. New machine- learning techniques let us compare the simplified template cross section framework to the full, high-dimensional kinematic information. We show that the way in which we truncate the effective theory has a sizable impact on the definition of the optimal simplified template cross sections.
Jackiw-Teitelboim gravity and rotating black holes
Authors: Moitra Upamanyu , Sake Sunil Kumar , Trivedi Sandip P. , Vishal V.
Published: November 2019

Abstract

We show that the free energy at low temperatures for near-extremal black holes is correctly obtained from the Jackiw-Teitelboim (JT) model of gravity. Our arguments apply to all black holes, including rotating ones, whose metric has a near-horizon AdS2factor and the associated SL (2,ℝ) symmetry. We verify these arguments by explicit calculations for rotating black holes in 4 and 5 dimensions. Our results suggest that the JT model could prove useful in analysing the dynamics of near-extremal Kerr black holes found in nature.
Gene co-regulation and co-expression in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated transcriptional regulatory network in the mouse liver
Authors: Josyula Navya , Andersen Melvin E. , Kaminski Norbert E. , Dere Edward , Zacharewski Timothy R. , Bhattacharya Sudin
Published: November 2019

Four decades after its discovery, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a ligand-inducible transcription factor (TF) activated by the persistent environmental contaminant 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), remains an enigmatic molecule with a controversial endogenous role. Here, we have assembled a global map of the AHR gene regulatory network in female C57BL/6 mice orally gavaged with 30 µg/kg of TCDD from a combination of previously published gene expression and genome-wide TF-binding data sets. Using Kohonen self-organizing maps and subspace clustering, we show that genes co-regulated by common upstream TFs in the AHR network exhibit a pattern of co-expression. Directly bound, indirectly bound, and non-genomic AHR target genes exhibit distinct expression patterns, with the directly bound targets associated with highest median expression. Interestingly, among the directly bound AHR target genes, the expression level increases with the number of AHR-binding sites in the proximal promoter regions. Finally, we show that co-regulated genes in the AHR network activate distinct groups of downstream biological processes. Although the specific findings described here are restricted to hepatic effects under short-term TCDD exposure, this work describes a generalizable approach to the reconstruction and analysis of transcriptional regulatory cascades underlying cellular stress response, revealing network hierarchy and the nature of information flow from the initial signaling events to phenotypic outcomes. Such reconstructed networks can form the basis of a new generation of quantitative adverse outcome pathways.
Trace-element geochemistry of diamond-hosted olivine inclusions from the Akwatia Mine, West African Craton: implications for diamond paragenesis and geothermobarometry
Authors: De Hoog J. C. M. , Stachel T. , Harris J. W.
Published: November 2019

Trace-element concentrations in olivine and coexisting garnets included in diamonds from the Akwatia Mine (Ghana, West African Craton) were measured to show that olivine can provide similar information about equilibration temperature, diamond paragenesis and mantle processes as garnet. Trace-element systematics can be used to distinguish harzburgitic olivines from lherzolite ones: if Ca/Al ratios of olivine are below the mantle lherzolite trend (Ca/Al < 2.2), they are derived from a harzburgitic mantle source, and syngenetic garnets are without exception subcalcic G10 garnets. For harzburgitic olivines that cannot be identified this way, Na and Ca contents can be used: olivine inclusions with < 60 µg/g Na and Na/Al < 0.7 are all harzburgitic, whereas those with > 300 µg/g Ca or > 60 µg/g Na are lherzolitic. Conventional geothermobarometry indicates that Akwatia diamonds formed and resided close to a 39 mW/m2 conductive geotherm. A similar value can be derived from Al in olivine geothermometry, with TAl-ol ranging from 1020 to 1325 °C. Ni in garnet temperatures is on average somewhat higher (TNi-grt = 1115–1335 °C) and the correlation between the two thermometers is weak, which may be not only due to the large uncertainties in the calibrations, but also due to disequilibrium between inclusions from the same diamond. Calcium in olivine should not be used as a geothermobarometer for harzburgitic olivines, and often gives unrealistic P–T estimates for lherzolitic olivine as well. Diamond-hosted olivine inclusions indicate growth in an extremely depleted (low Ti, Ca, Na, high Cr#) environment with no residual clinopyroxene. They are distinct from olivines from mantle xenoliths which show higher, more variable Ti contents and lower Cr#. Hence, most olivine inclusions in Akwatia diamonds escaped the refertilisation processes that have affected most mantle xenoliths. Lherzolitic inclusions are probably the result of refertilisation after undergoing high-degree melting first. Trivalent cations appear to behave differently in harzburgitic diamond-hosted olivine inclusions than lherzolitic inclusions and olivine from mantle xenoliths. Some divalent chromium is predicted to be present in most olivine inclusions, which may explain high concentrations up to 0.16 wt% Cr2O3 observed in some diamond inclusions. Strong heterogeneity of Cr, V and Al in several inclusions may also result in apparent high Cr contents, and is probably due to late-stage processes during exhumation. However, in general, diamond-hosted olivine inclusions have lower Cr and V than expected compared to mantle xenoliths. Reduced Na activity in depleted harzburgites limits the uptake of Cr, V and Sc via Na–M3+ exchange. In contrast, Al partitioning in harzburgites is not significantly reduced compared to lherzolites, presumably due to uptake of Al in olivine by Al–Al exchange.
Video-assisted neck surgery (VANS) using a gasless lifting procedure for thyroid and parathyroid diseases: “The VANS method from A to Z”
Authors: Shimizu Kazuo , Shimizu Kazuhide , Okamura Ritsuko , Igarashi Takehito , Nagaoka Ryuta , Sanada Marie , Sugitani Iwao , Fukumori Tatsuya , Yamada Tetsu
Published: November 2019

Purpose

To describe and evaluate our video-assisted neck surgery (VANS) method for thyroid and parathyroid diseases.

Methods

We describe in detail the VANS method for enucleation, lobectomy, total (nearly total) thyroidectomy, and lymph node dissection for malignancy and Graves’ disease. In collaboration with the Japan Society of Endoscopic Surgery (JSES), we evaluated several aspects of this method. The JSES evaluated the method for working-space formation and surgical complications, whereas we examined the learning curve of the surgeons, and the cosmetic satisfaction of the patients and the degree of numbness and pain they experienced. We also asked patients who underwent conventional surgery whether they would have selected VANS had it been available.

Results

The working space for 81.5% of the procedures in Japan was created using the gasless lifting method. The learning curve, considering both blood loss and operating time, decreased after 30 cases. Both factors improved for tumors smaller than 5 cm in diameter. Over 60% of the patients who underwent conventional surgery stated that they would have selected VANS, had it been available. Postoperative pain was worse after conventional surgery than after VANS, but neck numbness after VANS was more frequent than expected.

Conclusions

The VANS method is a feasible, safe, and cost-effective procedure with clear cosmetic advantages over conventional surgery.
Digitization and profitability
Authors: Masuda Yasushi , Whang Seungjin
Published: November 2019

Consider a monopolistic vendor who faces a known demand curve. By setting a price that equates marginal revenue with marginal cost, the vendor will maximize his profit. This logic holds true of both physical and digital goods. But since digitization will lower the variable production cost, it will strictly increase the profit to the vendor. Then, can we conclude that digitization always improves the vendor’s profitability? Not necessarily. Now consider what will happen on the next day of the sales. Facing deterministic demand, the physical goods vendor must have prepared the exact quantity of the product to sell, and thus all products are sold out. By contrast, the digital goods vendor will have no stock out, thanks to the nature of the digital good. Therefore, the rational vendor will try to sell more and achieve a higher profit after the sales date. To this end, the vendor will now lower the price to attract additional customers with lower reservation prices. The process will indefinitely continue. Knowing this would happen, customers will wait for the price reduction. Even the customers who would have purchased on the first day would defer the purchase until price gets lower. The digital goods vendor will anticipate this and accordingly lower the price on the first day and later, thereby compromising his profitability. Note that this downward spiral takes place as a result of digitization. Thus, digitization may not necessarily improve the profitability to the vendor. We develop an economic model to formally analyze the impact of digitization on the profitability to the vendor.
The Emotional Facet of Subjective and Neural Indices of Similarity
Authors: Riberto Martina , Pobric Gorana , Talmi Deborah
Published: November 2019

Emotional similarity refers to the tendency to group stimuli together because they evoke the same feelings in us. The majority of research on similarity perception that has been conducted to date has focused on non-emotional stimuli. Different models have been proposed to explain how we represent semantic concepts, and judge the similarity among them. They are supported from behavioural and neural evidence, often combined by using Multivariate Pattern Analyses. By contrast, less is known about the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying the judgement of similarity between real-life emotional experiences. This review summarizes the major findings, debates and limitations in the semantic similarity literature. They will serve as background to the emotional facet of similarity that will be the focus of this review. A multi-modal and overarching approach, which relates different levels of neuroscientific explanation (i.e., computational, algorithmic and implementation), would be the key to further unveil what makes emotional experiences similar to each other.
Sorting living mesenchymal stem cells using a TWIST1 RNA-based probe depends on incubation time and uptake capacity
Authors: Voskamp Chantal , van de Peppel Jeroen , Gasparini Simona , Giannoni Paolo , van Leeuwen Johannes P. T. M. , van Osch Gerjo J. V. M. , Narcisi Roberto
Published: November 2019

Bone marrow derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) are multipotent progenitors of particular interest for cell-based tissue engineering therapies. However, one disadvantage that limit their clinical use is their heterogeneity. In the last decades a great effort was made to select BMSC subpopulations based on cell surface markers, however there is still no general consensus on which markers to use to obtain the best BMSCs for tissue regeneration. Looking for alternatives we decided to focus on a probe-based method to detect intracellular mRNA in living cells, the SmartFlare technology. This technology does not require fixation of the cells and allows us to sort living cells based on gene expression into functionally different populations. However, since the technology is available it is debated whether the probes specifically recognize their target mRNAs. We validated the TWIST1 probe and demonstrated that it specifically recognizes TWIST1 in BMSCs. However, differences in probe concentration, incubation time and cellular uptake can strongly influence signal specificity. In addition we found that TWIST1high expressing cells have an increased expansion rate compared to TWIST1low expressing cells derived
from the same initial population of BMSCs. The SmartFlare probes recognize their target gene, however for each probe and cell type validation of the protocol is necessary.
Cinnamon powder: an in vitro and in vivo evaluation of antifungal and plant growth promoting activity
Authors: Kowalska Jolanta , Tyburski Józef , Krzymińska Joanna , Jakubowska Magdalena
Published: November 2019

In this study, the effects of organic powder ofCinnamomum zeylanicumon the development ofBotrytis cinereaand its influence on tomato plants were evaluated. The cinnamon bark powder and its water suspensions and filtrates were used at 0.5 and 1% rates. After 6 days of the start of an in vitro experiment the mycelium growth was inhibited by both 0.5 and 1% cinnamon water filtrates - to a greater degree in the case of the higher concentration, by 54.4 and 81.4%, respectively. Spraying with cinnamon water filtrates positively influenced the growth of plants both in the greenhouse and the field. Antifungal activity of cinnamon was proved in the greenhouse tests - the disease symptoms of grey mould on infected tomato plants decreased. The fresh weight of non-inoculated tomato plants treated with cinnamon filtrates was significantly higher than control plants (17.17 g compared to 12.83 g) showing a stimulating effect of cinnamon filtrates. In the case of inoculated plants due to treatment, their weight increased from 7.83 to 10.50 g. In the field experiment, tomato plants sprayed six times with cinnamon were better developed than the control plants. The most significant effect was observed for Hamlet variety - the mean number of leaves was higher by 27.3% and the mean number of branches by 19.7% compared to the untreated control plants. Thus it was proved that cinnamon powder has potential to inhibitB. cinereagrowth and also has a stimulating effect for tomato plants.