bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrative genomic profiling of RCC treated with second-line nivolumab.
Authors: Vats Pankaj , Dhanasekaran Saravana , Malik Rohit , Zhang Yupin , Cao Xuhong , Su Fengyun , Wang Rui , Ali Alicia , Erickson Stephanie , Dahl Megan , Voliva Charles , Mehra Rohit , Chinnaiyan Arul , Alva Ajjai Shivaram
Published: February 2020

720

Background: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common subtype of kidney cancer comprising up to 80% of RCC. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) is a common therapy. Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy with anti-PD1 antibody Nivolumab is a standard second line option in mccRCC. Overall response rate with Nivolumab however is only 25%. Since there is a critical need to develop and refine predictive biomarkers for anti-PD1 checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy, we undertook a genomics based approach to gain further insights. Methods: Archival pre-treatment tissues from 37 metastatic mccRCC patients who had received anti-VEGFR first and then Nivolumab were collected and profiled by integrated next generation sequencing (NGS) including whole exome sequencing and RNA sequencing. Integrative NGS analysis was used to discover somatic mutations, indels, copy-number alterations and gene expression changes among the samples in this cohort. In-addition, we characterized the T-Cell clone type by adaptive immunoSEQ TCR sequencing on the matched tumor/benign adjacent tissue samples. Clinical outcome data was correlated with high throughput sequencing results to delineate the characteristics of responders and non-responders. Results: Integrative NGS profiling and analysis of ccRCC tumors revealed 1) the characteristic copy number alteration including frequent loss at 3p, 8p21.3 and 9p21.3 as well as gain at 5q, and 12p12.1. 2) a low mutational burden 3) tumors with PBRM1 mutation were relatively enriched in the “No Clinical Benefit Category”. 4) CD8 immunohistochemistry showed significant enrichment of CD8+ cells ( pval-0.05) in the clinical benefit group compared to patients with no-clinical benefit. The clinical benefit group tended to have higher number of TCR clones. Conclusions: Integrative genomic sequencing analysis of ccRCC tumors in Nivolumab treated patients revealed CD8 expression as a putative biomarker. Greater T-cell clonotypes & clonal expansion correlated with clinical benefit. PBRM1 mutant status did not select for clinical benefit. A model combining CD8 expression with T-cell characteristics was developed.
Circulating immune cell populations and cytokines in patients with metastatic variant histology renal cell carcinoma (vRCC) treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (AB): Dynamic changes on therapy and association with outcomes from a phase II trial.
Authors: Flippot Ronan , Bakouny Ziad , Wei Xiao X. , Braun David A. , McGregor Bradley Alexander , Steinharter John A. , Harshman Lauren Christine , Vaishampayan Ulka N. , Severgnini Mariano , McDermott David F. , Hodi F. Stephen , Lee Gwo-Shu Mary , Van Allen Eliezer Mendel , Signoretti Sabina , Choueiri Toni K. , McKay Rana R.
Published: February 2020

740

Background: Metastatic vRCC are aggressive tumors with poor prognosis. Our phase 2 trial of AB in vRCC showed a response rate of 33%. We investigated on-therapy changes in circulating immune cells and cytokines and their association with outcomes. Methods: Blood was collected at baseline (C1D1) and on-therapy (C3D1). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were analyzed for cell type, expression of immune checkpoints, markers of activation, proliferation and function using flow cytometry; circulating cytokines by multiplex immunoassay. Relationship with progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was assessed by cox regression models. Results: Baseline and on-therapy samples were collected from all 60 patients. High baseline levels of immunosuppressive cytokines IL1α, IL6, CCL4 and IL13, as well as high baseline levels of CD4+ lymphocytes expressing CD69, were associated with inferior PFS and OS (Table). However, a decline in these markers on-therapy was not predictive of outcomes. On-therapy assessments showed an increase in the IFN-γ inducible cytokine CXCL10 (p<0.0001) as well as an increase in VEGF-A (p<0.0001) consistent with induction of antitumor immunity and inhibition of angiogenesis. A decrease in PD-L1 expression on circulating CD8+ lymphocytes was associated with shorter PFS and OS (Table), suggesting a potential resistance mechanism. Conclusions: High baseline levels of immunosuppressive cytokines and CD4+ CD69+ lymphocytes portended worse survival in patients treated with AB. Early changes in PD-L1 expression on circulating CD8+ lymphocytes may inform resistance to therapy. Correlation of circulating and tissue-based biomarkers is ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT02724878. [Table: see text]
Comparative circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) genomic profiling in 110 patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma.
Authors: Kotecha Ritesh , Gedvilaite Erika , Murray Samuel J. , Foster Ashley , Motzer Robert J. , Tsui Dana , Voss Martin H
Published: February 2020

743

Background: Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) profiling is a non-invasive method to genomically assess solid tumors. Key benchmarks are required to assess applications in RCC management. To evaluate this tool broadly, we performed a large cohort analysis using a comparative approach to correlate clinical characteristics and matched oncogenomics of primary tumor and ctDNA. Methods: Pts with prior NGS sequenced mutational profiles from tumor (nephrectomy or metastatic tissues) underwent a single-time point plasma collection for ctDNA extraction. ctDNA targeted NGS sequencing was performed using MSK-IMPACT, with bi-directional cross genotype comparison using Waltz 2.0. Liberal (1-2 reads) and stringent (≥3 reads) filters were applied, with a cut-off of <30% allele frequency to remove germline alterations. Relevant clinical parameters were analyzed for correlation with ctDNA alteration frequency and load. Results: 110 metastatic clear-cell RCC pts, of whom available IMDC-risk was favorable (25%), intermediate (45%), or poor (4%) were included. 96% of pts had a nephrectomy prior to ctDNA collection, and most were heavily pre-treated (mean: 3 therapies, R: 0-8). The median time from diagnosis to ctDNA collection was 22.1 months (R: 2.3-215), and the median time from site specific tissue sequencing was 23.8 months (R: 1-177). 587 alterations were identified across the entire cohort in primary tissues, and 65% of pts had ≥1 alteration in ctDNA by liberal criteria. Detection rates for VHL and PBRM1 alterations were different in primary tissue and ctDNA (both liberal and stringent) with VHL altered in 92%, 43% and 50%, respectively; and PBRM1 altered in 50%, 25%, 21%, respectively. Conclusions: This large cohort analysis shows comparable mutational profiles of RCC-specific alterations in primary tissue and ctDNA, and highlights challenges of liquid biopsy approaches in RCC. Future efforts to correlate clinical outcomes with algorithm-based metrics will enhance the utility of this tool.[Table: see text]
Baseline and early change of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (bNLR and ΔNLR) as prognostic factors in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients treated with nivolumab: Preliminary results of the Meet-URO 15 (I-BIO-REC) study.
Authors: Rebuzzi Sara Elena , Buti Sebastiano , Galli Luca , Procopio Giuseppe , De Giorgi Ugo , Baldessari Cinzia , Massari Francesco , Santini Daniele , Cavo Alessia , Banna Giuseppe Luigi , Soraru' Mariella , Cortellini Alessio , Messina Marco , Martelli Valentino , Damassi Alessandra , Sbrana Andrea , Apollonio Giulia , Casadei Chiara , Signori Alessio , Fornarini Giuseppe
Published: February 2020

752

Background: Biomarkers to select mRCC patients most likely to benefit to immune-checkpoint inhibitors are still needed. The ongoing retrospective multicentre Meet-URO 15 (I-BIO-REC) study evaluates the prognostic role of peripheral blood cells in mRCC patients treated with nivolumab. Methods:The primary endpoint of the study was median overall survival (mOS) according to bNLR. Complete blood count was collected at the first four cycles of nivolumab. NLR was defined as the ratio of neutrophil to lymphocyte (cutoff = 3) and ΔNLR the difference between NLR at 2nd cycle and bNLR (median used as cutoff = 0.3). Here we reported preliminary analyses on bNLR and DNLR. Results: From May 2016 to January 2019 189 patients started nivolumab as 2nd (62%), 3rd (25%) and > 3rd (13%) line. Median age was 69 years, 67% were male and 87% had clear cell histology. Baseline IMDC group was favorable in 26%, intermediate in 63% and poor in 11%. Lymph-nodes, visceral and bone metastases were present in 55%, 92% and 37%. mOS and progression-free survival (PFS) were 30.5 months and 9.5 months. Overall response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were 28% and 57%. bNLR was available in 162 patients: bNLR < 3 (52%) correlated with statistically significant longer PFS [11.5 vs 5.6 months; HR 1.61 (1.09-2.39), p = 0.017] and OS [NR vs 22.4 months; HR 2.61 (1.53-4.46), p < 0.001], with similar ORR (32% vs 32%) but higher DCR (66% vs 55%) compared to NLR ≥ 3. ΔNLR was available in 136 patients: ΔNLR < 0.3 (50%) correlated with statistically significant longer PFS [17.1 vs 8.5 months; HR 1.57 (1.02-2.43) p = 0.04] and OS [medians not reached; HR 1.91 (1.04-3.51) p = 0.038], with similar ORR (39% vs 32%) but higher DCR (73% vs 56%) compared to ΔNLR ≥ 0.3. Univariate and multivariate analyses adjusted for IMDC group, line of therapy and metastatic sites, confirmed the statistically significant correlation between ΔNLR with PFS and OS and NLR with OS but not with PFS. Conclusions: Preliminary analyses of our study showed a prognostic role of bNLR and early ΔNLR in mRCC patients treated with nivolumab.
Inflammatory markers to predict prognosis in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).
Authors: Carril Lucia , Gomez De Liano Lista Alfonso , Pozas Javier , Alonso Gordoa Teresa , Bernardini Alejandra , Carretero-González Alberto , Martin Soberón Maria Cruz , Sepulveda Sanchez Juan Manuel Manuel , Paramio Jesus , Castellano Daniel , De Velasco Guillermo
Published: February 2020

757

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors have increased survival in mRCC across all risk groups. In this new treatment paradigm, inflammatory markers could add prognostic information to the International metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium (IMDC) model in patients treated with ICI. Methods: We conducted a multicenter retrospective analysis of mRCC patients treated with ICI from 2013 to 2019. Clinical, pathological and laboratory data including blood cell counts were collected. Multivariate Cox-regression models were performed to evaluate the independent prognostic significance of the IMDC score, the derived neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (dNLR) and LDH at baseline, as well as the inflammatory prognostic index (IPI). Results: A total of 104 patients were included. Of these, 19% were treatment-naïve, 34% had received one previous line of treatment and 47% had received two or more previous lines of treatment. Distribution of IMDC model for favorable, intermediate and poor risk was 23%,57% and 20%. Median OS was 15 months and the disease control rate (DCR) was 51%. The multivariate analysis identified the IMDC risk score, the dNLR and the IPI as independent predictors of OS. In addition, both inflammatory markers, the IPI and the dNLR, were able to improve the prognostic value of the IMDC risk score (p = 0.01 and p = 0.006, respectively). Specifically, in patients with 0 or 1 IMDC risk factors, both the IPI and the dNLR were able to subclassify additional prognostic subgroups (i.e. dNLR > 3 vs ≤3 HR = 3,16; 95% CI; 1.71-5.76). Conclusions: Adding IPI and/or dNLR may add further information about the benefit of ICIs in mRCC patients with 0 or 1 IMDC risk factors. Inflammatory systemic markers may improve the prognostic performance of the IMDC model.[Table: see text]
Phase II study of the oral hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF-2 α) inhibitor MK-6482 in combination with cabozantinib in patients with advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).
Authors: Tykodi Scott S. , Bauer Todd Michael , McDermott David F. , Arrowsmith Edward , Zojwalla Naseem J. , Choueiri Toni K.
Published: February 2020

TPS766

Background: Although targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway is a valuable therapeutic option for treating advanced ccRCC, response rates are modest and patients eventually progress. The HIF-2α transcription factor is a key oncogenic driver for ccRCC. HIF-2α heterodimerizes with HIF-1β and activates the transcription of genes associated with tumor progression, including VEGFA. Targeting HIF-2α and VEGF may inhibit multiple oncogenic signaling pathways in ccRCC and improve response. MK-6482 is a potent and selective small molecule inhibitor of HIF-2α that has been found to have activity in heavily pretreated patients with ccRCC. An open-label, phase 2 study (NCT03634540) will evaluate efficacy and safety of MK-6482 in combination with the VEGF receptor inhibitor cabozantinib in patients with ccRCC. Methods: Approximately 118 patients will be enrolled to receive MK-6482 120 mg orally once daily and cabozantinib 60 mg orally once daily. Dose evaluation will be performed to find a tolerable dose. Once a recommended phase 2 dose is established, patients will be enrolled in 1 of 2 cohorts (~50 patients each): cohort 1 will comprise patients who have not received prior systemic therapy for locally advanced/metastatic RCC; cohort 2 will comprise patients who have received prior immunotherapy and no more than 2 prior regimens for locally advanced/metastatic RCC. Patients must be ≥18 years of age with a diagnosis of ccRCC, have measurable disease per RECIST v1.1, and have an ECOG PS of 0/1. Patients who stop 1 of the 2 study drugs for reasons other disease progression can continue on single-agent treatment with the other drug. Antitumor activity will be assessed by CT/MRI at baseline, week 9, every 8 weeks until year 1, and every 12 weeks thereafter. Adverse event severity will be graded per CTCAE v5.0. The primary end point is ORR per RECIST v1.1. Secondary end points are DOR, PFS, OS, and safety. Clinical trial information: NCT03634540.
UNISON: Nivolumab then ipilimumab + nivolumab in advanced nonclear cell renal cell carcinoma (ANZUP 1602).
Authors: Gedye Craig , Pook David William , Krieger Laurence Eliot Miles , Harris Carole A. , Goh Jeffrey C. , Kichenadasse Ganessan , Gurney Howard , Underhill Craig , Parnis Francis , Joshua Anthony M. , Ferguson Thomas , Roncolato Felicia , Harrison Michelle L. , Morris Michelle Frances , Begbie Stephen , Hovey Elizabeth J. , George Mathew , Prithviraj Prashanth , Liow Elizabeth Chien Hern , Davis Ian D. ,   The Australian and New Zealand Urogenital and Prostate Cancer Trials Group (ANZUP)
Published: February 2020

TPS768

Background: Renal cell carcinomas (RCC) are predominantly the clear cell (cc) subtype, with a unique biology, characterized by sensitivity to angiogenesis inhibition. However vascular endothelial growth factor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors elicit modest responses in people with rare variant non-clear cell (ncc) RCC. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are active against many cancers, but people with rare variant nccRCC have been excluded from frontline trials despite experiencing a more aggressive disease course and poorer prognosis compared to those with ccRCC. UNISON (NCT03177239) aims to test 2 ideas; the activity of ICI in nccRCC, and the novel sequencing strategy of anti-programmed cell death protein (PD)1 immunotherapy, followed by the combination of anti-PD1 and anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein (CTLA)4 blockade, in people failed by single agent treatment. Methods: This single-arm, two-part trial recruits people of good performance status suffering metastatic or locally advanced unresectable rare variant nccRCC, including but not limited to papillary (type 1/2), chromophobe, sarcomatoid, Xp11 translocation, collecting duct, and unclassified histological subtypes. Participants are offered fixed dose nivolumab at 240mg every two weeks in Part 1 of the trial. If they experience progressive disease, eligible participants may proceed to Part 2 consisting of nivolumab (3mg/kg) plus ipilimumab (1mg/kg) every 3 weeks for up to 4 doses. People experiencing disease control after single-agent or combined ICI are eligible to continue treatment for up to 1 year. UNISON is powered to distinguish a clinically non-relevant objective tumor response rate (OTRR) of 15% in people taking combination ICI whose cancers are refractory to single-agent PD1, versus a clinically-relevant OTRR of 30% at 5% level of significance with 80% power. 85 participants were recruited in Part 1, on the assumption that 55% of those entering Part 1 will be eligible for inclusion in Part 2. Enrolment commenced in November 2017 and was completed ahead of schedule in September 2019. Of the 48 participants projected to experience progression on anti-PD1 immunotherapy, 36 have so far commenced combination ICI in Part 2. Clinical trial information: NCT03177239.
The impact of post PCNL tube type on blood loss and postoperative pain
Authors: Jamil Salman , Ather M Hammad
Published: February 2020

Objective: To evaluate the impact of nephrostomy tube type on postoperative pain and blood loss following percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).

Methods: This is a prospective non-randomized study performed at Aga Khan University Hospital from July 2017 to June 2018. In this study we prospectively studied adult patients (16 to 65 years) who underwent unilateral PCNL. Patients who had nephrostomy with balloon (12Fr Foley’s catheter) were compared with patients who had nephrostomy without balloon (12Fr Nelaton™ catheter). STONE Nephrolithometry score was used to assess the stone complexity. Mean pain score at six and 24 hours and mean hemoglobin drop at 24 hours was compared between two groups using independent sample t-test, p-value of <0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Over one year, 198 PCNL were performed out of which 119 were included for analysis. Sixty-six had nephrostomy tube with balloon and 53 had nephrostomy tube without balloon. Mean STONE score (9.66±1.4 vs. 9.64±1.24) and operative time (72.84±28.34 vs. 86.05±32.1 minutes) was comparable. Mean postoperative pain score at 6 hours and 24 hours postoperative was significantly lower in balloon group as compared to without balloon group. Mean Hemoglobin drop was similar in both groups (p=0.60).

Conclusion: The use of nephrostomy tube with balloon after PCNL as this is associated with less pain and comparable hemoglobin drop as compare to nephrostomy tube without balloon.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.3.1558

How to cite this:Jamil S, Ather MH. The impact of post PCNL tube type on blood loss and postoperative pain. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(3):402-406.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.3.1558

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Shell model calculations in the A=80-100 mass region and study of double β transitions
Authors: Sinatkas J. , Skouras L. D. , Strottman D. , Vergados J. D.
Published: February 2020

The structure of the Ζ,Ν < 50 nuclei is examined in a model space consisting of the 0g9/2, 1p1/2, 1p3/2 and the 0f5/2 hole orbitals outside the doubly closed 100Sn core. The effective interaction for this model space is derived by introducing second order corrections to the Sussex matrix elements, while the one-hole energies are deduced by a least square fit to the observed levels. The results of the calculation are found to be in very satisfactory agreement with experiment for all nuclei with 38<Ζ<46 but for Ζ<38 this agreement begins to deteriorate. Such a feature possibly indicates the appearance of deformation and the breaking of the Ν=50 core. The wavefunctions of the calculation are used to determine double β matrix elements in the Ge, Se, Sr and Kr isotopes.
Testing the effect of PAR1 inhibitors on Plasmodium falciparum-induced loss of endothelial cell barrier function
Authors: Storm Janet , Wu Yang , Davies Jill , Moxon Christopher A. , Craig Alister G.
Published: February 2020

Background: Sequestration and cytoadherence of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes (IE) to microvascular endothelium alters endothelial barrier function and plays a role in the pathogenesis of severe malaria. Binding of IE is mediated by P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) and the PfEMP1 variants that binds to endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) have, in particular, been associated with the dysregulation of the coagulation/inflammation pathways in endothelial cells. This has prompted speculation about the role of protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR1) activation and signalling in causing endothelial activation and loss of barrier function in cerebral malaria.

Methods: We used a co-culture of primary human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC) with P. falciparum material, recombinant PfEMP1 or lysates from IE, and measured barrier function by trans endothelial electrical resistance (TEER).  A selection of PAR1 inhibitors was tested for their ability to reverse the P. falciparum and thrombin induced decrease in barrier function.

Results: An initial screen in the presence of recombinant PfEMP1 identified a few inhibitors that were able to reduce the rapid thrombin-induced barrier disruption even when activated protein C (aPC) was unable to do so. However, in the IE lysate co-culture system we identified a mechanism that slowly reduces barrier function and which is insensitive to PAR1 inhibitors.

Conclusions: The selected PAR1 inhibitors were able to reverse the disruption of barrier function by thrombin but did not reverse the IE lysate induced disruption of barrier function, implicating a different PAR1-independent mechanism.  These findings have implications for the design of adjunct therapies to reduce brain swelling in cerebral malaria.
Point-of-care troponin testing and management of patients with acute coronary syndrome: a systematic review
Authors: Du Huiyun , Chan So Ting , Wonggom Parichat , Newman Peter , Tirimacco Rosy , Clark Robyn A.
Published: February 2020

Background

Early identification of acute coronary syndrome is crucial for a patient's likelihood of survival. Point-of-care testing of cardiac troponin is a rapid test of cardiac troponin that can be conducted closer to where clinical care is delivered, with a significant shorter turnaround time. Point-of-care testing of troponin may improve timely diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome.

Aim

To examine existing evidence on the effectiveness of point-of-care testing of troponin for acute coronary syndrome management in the emergency department.

Methods

A systematic review of randomised controlled trials was conducted across databases, and grey literature.

Results

No study evaluated adherence to acute coronary syndrome management guidelines. One of the five studies that assessed length of stay showed a statistically significant reduction (P=0.035). Two of the three studies that measured time to disposition in emergency department demonstrated statistically significant effects (P=0.04 vs P=0.05) favouring point-of-care testing of troponin. One study demonstrated statistically significant effects on successful discharge to home from emergency department (P=0.001). No significant effects were reported for mortality or accuracy.

Conclusion

Point-of-care testing of troponin can significantly reduce time to disposition in emergency department and successful discharge home. Translation of this evidence into clinical practice is recommended.
Alfred Adler: eminent psychiatrist
Authors: Ellis Harold
Published: February 2020

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Alfred Adler, a psychotherapist who is remembered as probably second only to Sigmund Freud in terms of his reputation and influence in the field of psychotherapy.
QUALITY OF NAPOLI CV. EGGPLANT COATED WITH CARNAUBA WAX
Authors: Furtado Diogo Cunha , Fernandes Dayane Stéphanie , Plácido Geovana Rocha , De Oliveira Kenia Borges , Donadon Juliana Rodrigues
Published: February 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of eggplant Napoli cv. coated with Carnauba wax and stored for seven days at room temperature. Treatments consisted of immersion of fruits in two concentrations of two types of commercial wax, totaling four treatments: Meghwax ECF 124 to 9% concentrations (Megh 9%); Meghwax ECF 124 to 18% (Megh 18%), Arua BR 18% (Pomacea canaliculata) Tropical 9% (Arua 9%), and Arua BR 18% Tropical 18% (Arua 18%). The control treatment consisted of fruit without coating with wax and immersed in water. Fruits were analyzed at 0, 3, 6, and 7 days for the outer appearance, weight loss, turgor pressure, titratable acidity (TA), soluble solids (SS), SS/TA ratio, ascorbic acid, and pH. The waxes were effective in reducing weight loss. The turgor pressure showed a decrease during storage, which was more pronounced in the control treatment. The treatments did not differ among themselves for the levels of soluble solids. Fruits immersed in Arua wax at 18% concentration showed higher titratable acidity. The levels were reduced during storage. The control fruits showed higher pH. The ascorbic acid contents decreased by 15.0%, 16.4%, 16.5%, 16.9%, and 34%, considering the control treatments. Fruits subjected to Arua wax at 18% had longer shelf-life; the control fruits showed shorter shelf-life. Thus, it is concluded that 18% Aruá wax was the most effective to increase the shelf life of eggplants when stored at room temperature.
Determination of the nonradiative conversion efficiency of lead
mixed-halide perovskites using optical and photothermal
spectroscopy
Authors: Ramirez-Rincon J. A. , Castro-Chong A. M. , Forero-Sandoval I. Y. , Gomez-Heredia C. L. , Peralta-Dominguez D. , Fernandez-Olaya M. G. , Becerril-González J. J. , Oskam G. , Alvarado-Gil J. J.
Published: February 2020

Mixed-halide organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites are considered
promising light-absorbing materials in the development of solar cells
related to the obtained high-power conversion efficiency. Current
efforts are focused on the study of the energy-conversion mechanisms,
where the nonradiative recombination pathway is the least explored. In
this work, a combination of optical and photoacoustic spectroscopies
is used to determine the visible spectral light-into-heat conversion
efficiency of lead-based mixed-halide organic–inorganic hybrid
perovskites in a semicomplete n-i-p mesoscopic perovskite solar cell
(PSC). A remarkable average conversion efficiency of about 87% has
been found for the nonradiative combination in the perovskite, with the
estimated composition

F
A

0.71

M
A

0.29

P
b
I

2.9

B
r

0.1

in the wavelength range of 400 to
800 nm. As a result, 13% of the incident light is transformed in
radiative recombination processes and/or photodegradation of the
material. Furthermore, the extinction coefficient and refractive index
of the material are reported, and it was found that the optical
constants and the optical absorption in the short-wavelength range are
significantly smaller than previously reported for

M
A
P
b
I

3

.
Numerical simulations on narrow-linewidth photonic microwave generation based on a QD laser simultaneously subject to optical injection and optical feedback
Authors: Jiang Zaifu , Wu Zhengmao , Yang Wenyan , Hu Chunxia , Lin Xiaodong , Jin Yanhong , Dai Ming , Cui Bin , Yue Dianzuo , Xia Guangqiong
Published: February 2020

Based on a three-level model for quantum dot (QD) lasers, the characteristics of the photonic microwave generated by a QD laser simultaneously subject to optical injection and optical feedback are numerically investigated. First, the performance of the microwave signal generated by an optical injected QD laser operating at period one state are analyzed, and the mappings of the frequency and intensity of the generated microwave in the parameter space of the frequency detuning and injection strength are given, which are roughly similar to those reported experimentally. Next, an optical feedback loop is further introduced to the optically injected QD laser for compressing the linewidth of the microwave signal, and the results demonstrate that the linewidth of the generated microwave can be reduced by at least 1 order of magnitude under suitable feedback parameters. Finally, the effect of the linewidth enhancement factor on the generated microwave signal is analyzed.
Solutioin of Poisson's Equation in Electrostatic Particle-on-cell Simulation
Authors: Kahnfeld D. , Schneider R. , Matyash K. , Kalentev O. , Kemnitz S. , Duras J. , Lüskow K. , Bandelow G.
Published: February 2020

In electrostatic Particle-in-Cell simulations of the HEMP-DM3a ion thruster the role of different solution strategies for Poisson?s equation was investigated. The direct solution method of LU decomposition is compared to a stationary iterative method, the successive over-relaxation solver. Results and runtime of solvers were compared, and an outlook on further improvements and developments is presented.
Karakteristik Endapan Tsunami Berdasarkan Bukti Palinologi dan Sedimentologi di Bagian Timur Pulau Simeulue, Aceh, Indonesia
Authors: Winarni Winarni , Kurniasih Anis , Nugroho Septriono Hari , Marin Jenian , Setyawan Reddy , Putra Purna Sulastya , Yulianto Eko
Published: February 2020

Simeulue Island was located in an active tectonic zone that causes earthquakes followed by tsunamis. This research was conducted to get a detail explanation of tsunami deposits found in eastern Simeulue Island. The methods used in this study include granulometry analysis, Loss on Ignition (LOI), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), and palynology. Based on analyzed, it was known that tsunami deposits in the studied area have non-uniform grain size characteristics and are dominated by gravel to boulder. The results of the LOI analysis show that the concentration of organic and carbonate material was very high, which is thought to be caused by a mixture of marine and terrestrial materials due to a tsunami. XRF analysis showed high content of Ca and Sr which indicated the influence of seawater on sediments. The palynological analysis showed that taxa from the lowlands and mangroves palynofacies dominate the presence of pollen, indicating that the possibility of depositional environments is the area around the mangrove coast. The presence of high lowland taxa is thought to originate from the tsunami backwash that brought material from the lowlands to the surrounding coast.  Pulau Simeulue terletak pada zona tektonik aktif yang menyebabkan terjadinya banyak gempa yang diikuti tsunami. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui karakteristik detil endapan tsunami yang terdapat di Pulau Simeulue bagian timur. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini meliputi analisis palinologi, granulometri, Loss on Ignition (LOI), dan XRay Flourescence (XRF). Berdasarkan analisis tersebut diketahui bahwa endapan tsunami di daerah penelitian memiliki karakteristik ukuran butir yang tidak seragam dan didominasi oleh ukuran butir kerikil hingga bongkah. Hasil analisis LOI menunjukkan konsentrasi material organik dan karbonat sangat tinggi, yang diduga disebabkan oleh percampuran material asal laut dan darat karena tsunami. Analisis XRF menunjukkan tingginya kandungan unsur Ca dan Sr yang mengindikasikan adanya pengaruh air laut pada endapan. Analisis palinologi menunjukkan taksa dari palinofasies dataran rendah dan mangrove mendominasi kehadiran polen. Hal ini mengindikasikan bahwa kemungkinan lingkungan pengendapan adalah area sekitar pantai mangrove. Kehadiran taksa dataran rendah yang tinggi diduga berasal dari gelombang balik tsunami yang membawa material dari dataran rendah ke sekitar pantai tersebut.
Antimicrobial Activity of Fungal Extract of The Aspergillus flavus from Hiri Island, North Maluku to Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Sedjati Sri , Ambariyanto Ambariyanto , Trianto Agus , Supriyantini Endang , Ridlo Ali , Bahry Muhammad S. , Jezzi Rizky Rifatma , Sany Mahadika Fanindhita
Published: February 2020

Antibacterial compounds from sponge association fungi are one of the alternatives to search for new antibiotics against resistant bacteria. This study aims to explore the secondary metabolites potential from sponge association fungi as MDR pathogens antibacterial and to cultivate these fungi using a variety of cultivation media. TE-BO-09.1. Isolate can inhibit 3 bacteria, K. pneumoniae, B subtilis, and S. aureus, but is not able to inhibit E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Cultivation using standard media of Malt Extract Agar (MEA) and media modified from fish broth (M1, M2) and cassava infusion (M3, M4) produce secondary metabolites with varying quantities and antimicrobial activity. The inhibition zone of the produced extract with 500 μg/disc concentration ranged from 7.14 to 10.32 mm. The strongest potential was shown by ethyl acetate extract from isolates cultured with M2 (9 days cultivation), of which is able to produce 10.32 mm inhibition zones against S. aureus and methanol extracts from isolates cultured with M4 (6 days cultivation), and able to produce 10.05 mm inhibition zones against K. pneumoniae. In conclusion, the fungus  Aspergillus flavus can be culture using fish broth added glucose and cassava infusion water added peptone media to potentially produce antibacterial compounds against MDR pathogens.
Is a ‘Bad Individual’ more Condemnable than Several ‘Bad Individuals’? Examining the Scope-severity Paradox
Authors: Grolleau Gilles , Ibanez Lisette , Mzoughi Naoufel
Published: February 2020

Previous literature found empirical evidence to the scope-severity paradox (SSP), corresponding to situations where the perceived harm of a wrongdoing or crime decreases with the number of victims. We examine this phenomenon for the perpetrators’ side. Using a survey experiment, we examine whether increasing the number of perpetrators of a crime, namely a fraud, decreases its perceived severity (and subsequent punishment) at the individual level. Two scenarios are examined corresponding to two kinds of fraud: a fraud committed by a financial adviser against his/her own employer (scenario 1) and a tax evasion by an executive (scenario 2). Overall, our results do not offer a clear-cut support for the scope-severity paradox for the perpetrators’ side, even if some secondary results can be indicative of a possible SSP in some circumstances. More precisely, in the case of a financial fraud, the stated severity increases when the number of perpetrators is low. We discuss the implications of our results and raise important issues for future research.
Prime Coloring of Crossing Number Zero Graphs
Authors: P. Murugarajan  , R. Aruldoss
Published: February 2020

In this paper, prime coloring and its chromatic number of some crossing number zero graphs are depicted and its results are vali-dated with few theorems. Prime Coloring is defined as G be a loop less and Without multiple edges with n distinct Vertices on Color class C={c1,c2,c3,…..cn} a bijection ψ:V {c1,c2,c3,…..cn} if for each edge e = cicj ,i≠j , gcd{ ψ (ci), ψ (cj)}=1, ψ (ci) and ψ (cj) receive distinct Colors. The Chromatic number of Prime coloring is minimum cardinality taken by all the Prime colors. It is denoted by η (G).
A vértranszfúzió gyakorisága primer csípőprotézis-beültetés után
Authors: Skaliczki Gábor , Szatmári Attila , Sallai Imre , Antal Imre , Kiss Balázs , Bejek Zoltán , Holnapy Gergely , Major Tibor , Czirók Gábor , Terebessy Tamás
Published: February 2020

Absztrakt:

Bevezetés: Csípőprotézis-beültetés után gyakran van szükség
vértranszfúzióra, mely esetenként komoly mellékhatásokkal járhat, nehezen
hozzáférhető és költséges. Célkitűzés: Munkánk célja az volt,
hogy megvizsgáljuk, saját gyakorlatunkban milyen gyakran van szükség primer
csípőprotézis-beültetés során vérátömlesztésre, és ennek gyakoriságát mely
tényezők befolyásolják. Módszer: Vizsgálatunkban 210,
csípőprotézis-beültetésen átesett beteg anyagát dolgoztuk fel. Feljegyeztük a
műtét előtti hemoglobin- és hematokritértékeket, a betegek életkorát, nemét,
testtömegindexét, a beültetett protézis típusát, a drénhasználatot, valamint a
perioperatív időszakban használt véralvadásgátló és a műtét során alkalmazott
vérzéscsökkentő szereket. Az adatokat összevetettük az alkalmazott transzfúzió
mennyiségével és típusával. Eredmények: Összesen a betegek
41%-a kapott vérkészítményt, az allogén transzfúzió aránya 8,6% volt. Az
autotranszfúziós betegek nem igényeltek allogénvér-átömlesztést. A transzfúziós
igény függött a preoperatív hemoglobin- és hematokritértékektől, a protézis
típusától, a drénhasználattól és a vérzéscsillapító szerek használatától. A
vérátömlesztés mennyisége nem mutatott összefüggést a betegek nemével és
testtömegindexével. Következtetés: Vizsgálatunk alapján allogén
vér transzfúziójára az esetek kevesebb mint 10%-ában van szükség primer
csípőprotézis-beültetés során. A vérátömlesztést a leginkább a preoperatív
hemoglobin- és hematokritértékek, valamint az alkalmazott, fibrinolízist gátló
szerek befolyásolják. Az autotranszfúzió alkalmas módszer az
allogénvér-átömlesztés elkerülésére. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(8): 290–294.
First report of the rare morid Laemonema robustum (Gadiformes) from the Southwestern Atlantic
Authors: Carvalho-Filho Alfredo , Marcovaldi Guy , Maclaine James , Paiva Maria Isabel
Published: February 2020

The poorly known morid Laemonema robustum Johnson, 1862, is reported for the first time from Brazilian marine waters. Morphometric characters are compared with published works and selected vouchers. The known Atlantic Ocean range of the species is extended to the Southwestern Atlantic, thousands of kilometers from previous records.
New record and range extension of Bradybaena similaris (Férussac, 1822) (Gastropoda, Camaenidae) in Argentina
Authors: Serniotti Enzo N. , Guzmán Leila B. , Vogler Roberto E. , Rumi Alejandra , Peso Juana G. , Beltramino Ariel A.
Published: February 2020

The Asian tramp snail Bradybaena similaris (Férussac, 1822) is an exotic mollusk native to Southeast Asia. The species has been catalogued as invasive in several countries and is important to human health, animal health, and agriculture. We report for the first time the presence of B. similaris in Córdoba Province, Argentina, extending the southern distribution of the species in this country and in South America. Anatomical, conchological, and molecular information obtained here represent the second contribution for this species in Argentina.
Dimorfismo sexual em estudo do crânio, sacro e pelve de brasileiros
Authors: Dib Nunes Silva Graciele , Martins Schmidt Cristhiane , Ulbricht Viviane , Groppo Francisco Carlos , Daruge Junior Eduardo , Francesquini Junior Luiz , Barbieri Bedran de Castro João Cesar
Published: February 2020

O presente estudo analítico observacional tem a finalidade de verificar a presença de dimorfismo sexual em ossadas brasileiras por meio de medidas lineares realizadas no crânio (o losango formado pelo forame incisivo – forame palatino maior (direito e esquerdo) e forame palatino maior – básio (direito e esquerdo)), pelve (diâmetro vertical do acetábulo, comprimento e largura do forame obturado, incisura isquiática maior-medida da corda e medida da profundidade, distância ilíaca ântero-superior do tubérculo púbico) e sacro (largura superior do sacro e comprimento e largura da primeira vértebra sacra) de 191 ossadas de brasileiros, existentes no Biobanco osteológico e tomográfico Prof. Dr. Eduardo Daruge da FOP/UNICAMP. Foi realizada a análise estatística dos dados pelo teste de Kolmogorov-Smirnov e Levene para avaliar, respectivamente, a normalidade e a homogeneidade das variâncias. Também foram submetidas ao teste t de Student não pareado, tendo sido observado dimorfismo sexual nestes ossos. Com as variáveis diâmetro vertical do acetábulo, comprimento do forame obturado, corda da incisura isquiática maior e Básio até o forame palatino maior, obteve-se fórmula em regressão logística que permite índice 85,7% de identificação do sexo, ressaltando-se a  importância do crânio, do sacro e da pelve no processo de identificação post mortem em ossadas brasileiras.
Tchibamba, Stanley and Conrad: postcolonial intertextuality in Central African fiction
Authors: Reddick Yvonne
Published: February 2020

Paul Lomami Tchibamba (1914–85) is often described as the Congo’s first novelist. Previous research in French and English has depicted Tchibamba’s work as a straightforward example of ‘writing back’ to the colonial canon. However, this article advances scholarship on Tchibamba’s work by demonstrating that his later writing responds not only to Henry Morton Stanley’s account of the imperial subjugation of the Congo, but to Joseph Conrad’s questioning of colonialist narratives of ‘progress’. Drawing on recent theoretical work that examines intertextuality in postcolonial fiction, this article demonstrates that while Tchibamba is highly critical of Stanley, he enters into dialogue with Conrad’s exposure of colonial brutality. Bringing together comparative research insights from Congolese and European literatures, this article also employs literary translation. This is the first time that excerpts from two of Tchibamba’s most important responses to colonial authors have been translated into English. Also for the first time, Tchibamba’s novella Ngemena is shown to be a crucial postcolonial Congolese response to Heart of Darkness. Through close textual analysis of Tchibamba’s use of irony and imagery, this article’s key findings are that, while Tchibamba nuances Conrad’s disparaging portrait of a chief, he develops the ironic mode of Conrad’s An Outpost of Progress, and updates the journey upriver into the interior in Heart of Darkness. This article illustrates the complex and nuanced way in which Tchibamba interacts with his European intertexts, deploying close analyses of his responses to Conradian imagery.
A Critical Review of the Unaccusative Trap Hypothesis: Theoretical, Conceptual and Empirical Issues
Authors: Mo Junhua
Published: February 2020

The Unaccusative Hypothesis (Perlmutter 1978; Burzio 1986) posits that intransitive verbs are not homogenous, but can be further divided into unaccusative verbs and unergative verbs. This distinction has ever since become a topic of heated discussion not only in the field of theoretical linguistics, but also in applied linguistics. Oshita (1997, 2001) proposes the Unaccusative Trap Hypothesis to delineate the mental representation and developmental path of L2 acquisition of unaccusatives. This hypothesis suggests that unaccusatives are first misanalysed by L2 learners as unergatives and L2 learners have to undergo a three-stage process before they can truly acquire the distinction between unaccusatives and unergatives. This hypothesis also predicts a U-shaped pattern in the non-target passivization and avoidance of unaccusatives by L2 learners of different levels. This study is focused on the Unaccusative Trap Hypothesis with L2 English as its main example. It first of all gives a lengthy account of this hypothesis by introducing its framework, foundations, content and predictions. Then it points out that the Unaccusative Trap Hypothesis is theoretically innovative, but conceptually inadequate and empirically controversial. Finally, this study calls for more studies to test and improve the Unaccusative Trap Hypothesis.
A Study of the Attitudinal Resources in the Movie Reviews of The Wandering Earth—From the Perspective of Appraisal Theory
Authors: Gong Yumin
Published: February 2020

With the flourishing development of mass media, the industry of movie is now encountering a brand-new time. Meanwhile, as a special category of evaluation discourse which is closely related with movie, movie review is worthy of further study and appealing more and more attention. Movie reviewers tend to adopt a lot of appraisal resources especially attitudinal resources in their movie reviews, and it is of great value to study the appraisal resources in movie reviews under the framework of Appraisal Theory. Therefore, this thesis aims to analyze the attitudinal resource in movie reviews based on a corpus of 10 movie reviews of the Wandering Earth.
Development of the Sub-Ethnic Group of the Yessei Yakuts: Landscape, History, Memory
Authors: Romanova Ekaterina N. , Kuznetsova Ekaterina M.
Published: February 2020

The article presents the development of the sub-ethnic group of the Yessei Yakuts in the aspects of landscape, history, and memory. The research is dedicated to the studies of the peripheral ethno-local group of the Yessei Yakuts, resident in the compact area by Yessei lake of the Krasnoyarsk Territory (Krai) since the 18th century. Based on the field research data, the methods of survey, mapping, and deep interview are implemented; the previously unpublished archive materials and narrative materials are introduced into the research discourse
Minimal Proper Quasifields with Additional Conditions
Authors: Kravtsova Olga V.
Published: February 2020

We investigate the finite semifields which are distributive quasifields, and finite near-fields which are associative quasifields. A quasifield Q is said to be a minimal proper quasifield if any of its sub-quasifield H ̸= Q is a subfield. It turns out that there exists a minimal proper near-field such that its multiplicative group is a Miller–Moreno group. We obtain an algorithm for constructing a minimal proper near-field with the number of maximal subfields greater than fixed natural number. Thus, we find the answer to the question: Does there exist an integer N such that the number of maximal subfields in arbitrary finite near-field is less than N? We prove that any semifield of order p4 (p be prime) is a minimal proper semifield
Comércio e serviço na cidade pequena: estudo de caso sobre Olho d’Água das Flores-Alagoas.
Authors: Santos Joana Vitória Agra , Vieira Lhawenne Santana , Abreu Nathália Shayane Ferreira , Silva Samara Conceição Ferreira da , Oliveira Williany Amorim de , Oliveira Matteus Freitas de
Published: February 2020

RESUMO: A cidade de Olho d’Água das Flores, localizada no sertão alagoano, assim como muitas cidades do Brasil, é classificada como cidade pequena, e sua população se utiliza e necessita dos mais variados serviços e comércio oferecidos na cidade. Isto posto, este trabalho teve por finalidade analisar o processo de diversificação de comércio na cidade de Olho d’Água das Flores por meio da análise dos fixos espaciais, para, assim, oportunizar a aproximação da compreensão de outra escala de análise, observando-se desigualdades, processos e agentes que contribuem para a formação de espaços singulares e articulados em lógicas globais. Para tanto, foi coletada uma série de dados/informações através de observações de campo, aplicação de questionários com relação ao comércio e seu desenvolvimento e entrevistas, junto à revisão de literatura acerca da importância das cidades pequenas, do comércio e da cidade local. A partir disso, foi possível obter como resultados gráficos relacionados à visão dos comerciantes e dos consumidores acerca das cidades pequenas e do comércio de maneira geral, e, além disso, houve a comparação, por meio de uma lista de verificação, dos dados de serviços bancários, alimentícios e de comunicação das cidades de Olho d’Água das Flores e Santana do Ipanema.

PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Desenvolvimento, Diversificação, Dinâmica Comercial.