bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leukemia Cell of Origin Influences Apoptotic Priming and Sensitivity to LSD1 Inhibition
Authors: Cai Sheng F. , Chu S. Haihua , Goldberg Aaron D. , Parvin Salma , Koche Richard P. , Glass Jacob L. , Stein Eytan M. , Tallman Martin S. , Sen Filiz , Famulare Christopher A. , Cusan Monica , Huang Chun-Hao , Chen Chun-Wei , Zou Lihua , Cordner Keith B. , DelGaudio Nicole L. , Durani Vidushi , Kini Mitali , Rex Madison , Tian Helen S. , Zuber Johannes , Baslan Timour , Lowe Scott W. , Rienhoff Hugh Y. , Letai Anthony , Levine Ross L. , Armstrong Scott A.
Published: June 2020

The cell of origin of oncogenic transformation is a determinant of therapeutic sensitivity, but the mechanisms governing cell-of-origin–driven differences in therapeutic response have not been delineated. Leukemias initiating in hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) are less sensitive to chemotherapy and highly express the transcription factor MECOM (EVI1) compared with leukemias derived from myeloid progenitors. Here, we compared leukemias initiated in either HSCs or myeloid progenitors to reveal a novel function for EVI1 in modulating p53 protein abundance and activity. HSC-derived leukemias exhibit decreased apoptotic priming, attenuated p53 transcriptional output, and resistance to lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) inhibitors in addition to classical genotoxic stresses. p53 loss of function in Evi1lo progenitor-derived leukemias induces resistance to LSD1 inhibition, and EVI1hi leukemias are sensitized to LSD1 inhibition by venetoclax. Our findings demonstrate a role for EVI1 in p53 wild-type cancers in reducing p53 function and provide a strategy to circumvent drug resistance in chemoresistant EVI1hi acute myeloid leukemia.

Significance:

We demonstrate that the cell of origin of leukemia initiation influences p53 activity and dictates therapeutic sensitivity to pharmacologic LSD1 inhibitors via the transcription factor EVI1. We show that drug resistance could be overcome in HSC-derived leukemias by combining LSD1 inhibition with venetoclax.

See related commentary by Gu et al., p. 1445.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1426
Cytogenetics and Blast Count Determine Transplant Outcomes in Patients with Active Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Olson Amanda L. , Saliba Rima M. , Oran Betul , Chen Julianne , Alousi Amin , Ahmed Sairah , Bashir Qaiser , Ciurea Stefan O. , Hosing Chitra , Seon Im Jin , Kebriaei Partow , Khouri Issa F. , Mehta Rohtesh , Nieto Yago , Parmar Simrit , Rezvani Katy , Shah Nina , Shpall Elizabeth , Srour Samer A. , Qazilbash Muzaffar , Andersson Borje S. , Champlin Richard  , Popat Uday R.
Published: June 2020

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients not in remission and beyond first or second complete remission are considered allogeneic stem cell transplant (SCT) candidates. We present 361 patients who underwent SCT from matched related or unrelated donors between 2005 and 2013. The purpose was to identify a subgroup of patients with active disease at the time of transplant that benefit. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used for univariate and multivariate analyses to predict overall survival (OS). Variables considered were age, sex, SWOG cytogenetic risk group, bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood (PB) blast percentage, regimen intensity, and type of AML. At a median of 26 months after transplantation, OS, progression-free survival (PFS), non-relapse mortality, and relapse rates were 26, 24, 23, and 48%, respectively. In a univariate analysis, risk cytogenetics (p < 0.001) and BM blasts >4% (p = 0.006) or any blasts in PB (p < 0.001) indicated worse OS. In a multivariate analysis, patients with <5% BM blasts or absence of circulating blasts and good or intermediate risk cytogenetics had significantly superior OS (46%), PFS (44%), and disease progression at 3 years. Based on these findings, patients not in remission with good or intermediate risk cytogenetics and low blast counts should be considered for SCT.
Real-Life Multimarker Monitoring in Patients with Heart Failure: Continuous Remote Monitoring of Mobility and Patient-Reported Outcomes as Digital End Points in Future Heart-Failure Trials
Authors: Kramer Frank , Butler Javed , Shah Sanjiv J. , Jung Christian , Nodari Savina , Rosenkranz Stephan , Senni Michele , Bamber Luke , Cichos Stephan , Dori Chrysanthi , Karakoyun Toeresin , Köhler Gabriele Jenny , Patel Kinjal , Piraino Paolo , Viethen Thomas , Chennuru Praneeth , Paydar Ayse , Sims Jason , Clark Richard , van Lummel Rob , Müller Alexandra , Gwaltney Chad , Smajlovic Salko , Düngen Hans-Dirk , Dinh Wilfried
Published: June 2020

Aims: Heart failure (HF) affects approximately 26 million people worldwide. With an aging global population, innovative approaches to HF evaluation and management are needed to cope with the worsening HF epidemic. The aim of the Real-Life Multimarker Monitoring in Patients with Heart Failure (REALIsM-HF) study (NCT03507439) is to evaluate a composite instrument comprising remote, real-time, activity-monitoring devices combined with daily electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) items in patients who have been hospitalized for HF and are undergoing standard HF assessment (e.g., 6-min walking distance [6MWD], blood biomarkers, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire [KCCQ], and echocardiography). Methods: REALIsM-HF is an ongoing, 12-week, observational study enrolling 80–100 patients aged ≥45 years with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF; EF ≥45%) or reduced EF (HFrEF; EF ≤35%). Statistical analyses will include examining the association between data from wearables (the AVIVO© mobile patient management patch or VitalPatch© biosensor, and the DynaPort MoveMonitor©), daily ePROs, and conventional HF metrics (e.g., serum/plasma biomarkers, 6MWD, KCCQ, and echocardiographic parameters). The feasibility of and patient compliance with at-home devices will be documented, and the data captured for the purpose of establishing reference values in patients with HFpEF or HFrEF will be summarized. Conclusions: The REALIsM-HF study is to evaluate the longitudinal daily activity profiles of patients with HF and correlate these with changes in serum/plasma biomarker profiles, symptoms, quality of life, and cardiac function and morphology to inform the use of wearable activity monitors for developing novel therapies and managing patients.
Weight Stigma Experiences and Physical (In)activity: A Biographical Analysis
Authors: Thiel Ansgar , John Jannika M. , Carl Johannes , Thedinga Hendrik K.
Published: June 2020

Introduction: People with obesity often report experiences of weight-related discrimination. In order to find out how such experiences throughout the life course are related to physical activity behavior, we exploratively studied activity-related biographies of people with obesity from a social constructivist perspective. Methods: We collected biographical data of 30 adults (mean age 37.66 years; 14 males and 16 females) with obesity (average BMI 40.64, including a range from 33 to 58) using a biography visualization tool that allows participants to map developmental courses and critical life experiences over their life course. Results: Participants remembered a continuous decrease of physical activity from childhood to mid-adulthood. Weight-related discrimination, both in sport and non-sport settings, was especially experienced in adolescence and mid-adulthood. Against the background of our findings, we assume that the degree of felt stigma rather than the stigmatizing behavior itself influences physical activity behavior over the life course. Conclusion: The results of our exploratory study reiterate the detrimental effect weight stigma can have on health behaviors. Initiatives are needed to reduce weight stigma in exercise contexts; additionally, initiatives to promote physical activity should focus on helping individuals with obesity to establish coping strategies to reduce the experienced burden from weight stigma.
A Fragile Balance: The Important Role of the Intestinal Microbiota in the Prevention and Management of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Toumazi Daniela , Constantinou Constantina
Published: June 2020

Background: Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. In recent years, researchers have focussed on the role of the intestinal microbiota in both the prevention and the treatment of colorectal cancer. Summary: The evidence in the literature supports that there is a fragile balance between different species of bacteria in the human gut. A disturbance of this balance towards increased levels of the bacteria Fusobacterium nucleatum and Bacteroides fragilis is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. The mechanisms involved include the release of toxins which activate inflammation and the regulation of specific miRNAs (with an increase in the expression of oncogenic miRNAs and a decrease in the expression of tumour suppressor miRNAs), thereby increasing cell proliferation and leading to tumorigenesis. On the other hand, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium have a protective effect against the development of colorectal cancer through mechanisms that involve an increase in the levels of anticarcinogenic metabolites such as butyrate and a decrease in the activity of proinflammatory pathways. Even though preliminary studies support that the use of probiotics in the prevention and management of colorectal cancer is promising, more research is needed in this field. Key Message: The association between the intestinal microbiota, diet and colorectal cancer remains an active area of research with expected future applications in the use of probiotics for the prevention and management of this significant disease.
Pausing and Sentence Stress in Children with Dysarthria due to Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Kuschmann Anja , Lowit Anja
Published: June 2020

Introduction: Children with dysarthria due to cerebral palsy (CP) can experience problems manipulating intensity, fundamental frequency, and duration to signal sentence stress in an utterance. Pauses have been identified as a potential additional cue for stress-marking, which could compensate for this deficit. Objective: This study aimed to determine whether children use pauses to signal stress placement, and whether this differs between typically developing children and those with CP. Methods: Six children with CP and 8 typically developing children produced utterances with stresses on target words in 2 different positions. Pauses before and after the stressed target words were analyzed in terms of number, location, and duration. Results: Both groups inserted pauses into their utterances. However, neither group used pause location or duration in a systematic manner to signal the position of the words stressed. Conclusions: The results suggest that pausing was not used strategically by either group to signal sentence stress. Further research is necessary to explore the value of pausing as a cue to stress-marking in general and as a potential compensatory strategy for speakers with dysarthria.
Archaeoserphites engeli sp. nov., the first archaeoserphitid wasp in Burmese amber and first known archaeoserphitid female (Hymenoptera, Archaeoserphitidae)

Authors: RASNITSYN ALEXANDR P. , ÖHM-KÜHNLE CHRISTOPH
Published: June 2020

Burmese amber is currently the most popular and prolific source of fossil Hymenoptera, yielding a plethora of diverse and often unique fossils (Ross, 2020), and so vastly broadens and deepens our understanding of the mid-Cretaceous insect diversity in tropics in the midst of Tethys Ocean (Rasnitsyn & Öhm-Kühnle, 2018a; Zhang et al., 2018a). Parasitic wasps of the extinct superfamily Serphitoidea are a common, yet very unusual component of the Cretaceous microhymenopterans (Gibson et al., 2007; Engel, 2016; Rasnitsyn & Öhm-Kühnle, 2018a, b, 2020). Of them, Archaeoserphitidae represent a most basal and least explored branch known from a single find of two males in a piece of a comparatively ancient (Barremian) Lebanese amber (Engel, 2016). We identified the first female of Archaeoserphites Engel, 2016 in the comparatively younger, mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber and present its description in the publication on hand.
Allium schisticola, a new species with peculiar morphological characters and an unexpected phylogenetic position

Authors: DOLATYARI ALIREZA , MOAZZENI HAMID , HOSSEINI SAEIDE , BLATTNER FRANK R. , FRITSCH REINHARD M.
Published: June 2020

Allium schisticola is described from West Azarbaijan (Iran) as a new species. It is closely related to A. sabalense and A. sahandicum in having a similar flower color but differs by leaf, filament, and tepal characters. We investigated the phylogenetic relationship of the new species based on sequences of the chloroplast trnL-trnF and nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions in A. subg. Melanocrommyum compared with 109 accessions of this subgenus. Our results confirm its placement in A. subg. Melanocrommyum. However, the ITS tree showed that the new species should belong to A. sect. Melanocrommyum despite the fact that it represents many morphological characters of A. sect. Acanthoprason. Most peculiar for the new species are obtuse tepals broadest near the tip (vs. very narrowly lanceolate up to triangular tepals in A. sect. Acanthoprason), with adaxially inconspicuous median vein (vs. conspicuous median vein in sect. Acanthoprason). The new species is diploid with a chromosome number of 2n = 2x = 16. Karyotype features and meiotic chromosomes behavior are presented for the new taxon. A detailed morphological description, illustrations, and a distribution map of the new species are given.
New records of little known pyraloid moths (Lepidoptera: Pyraloidea) from Ukraine
Authors: YEPISHIN VIKTOR , BIDZILYA OLEKSIY , BUDASHKIN YURIY , ZHAKOV OLEKSANDR , MUSHYNSKYI VADYM , NOVYTSKYI SERGIY
Published: June 2020

A list of seventeen rare and little known species of Crambidae and Pyralidae from Ukraine is given. Hyperlais claralis (Caradja, 1916) stat. rev., comb. nov. is recorded for the first time for Europe. Five species are found in Ukraine for the first time: H. claralis, Titanio ledereri (Staudinger, 1870), Lambaesia pistrinariella (Ragonot, 1887), Gymnancyla gilvella (Ragonot, 1887) and Sciota lucipetella (Jalava, 1978). Two neglected European species—Lambaesia pistrinariella and Ancylosis monella (Roesler, 1973), are confirmed to occur in Europe. The lectotype of L. pistrinariella is designated and the species is recorded for the first time from Russia. The hitherto unknown females of H. claralis and L. pistrinariella are described. The differences between H. claralis and other related Hyperlais-species are briefly discussed. The adults and the genitalia of H. claralis, H. dulcinalis (Treitschke, 1835), Udea institalis (Hübner, 1819), A. monella, L. pistrinariella, Bradyrrhoa confiniella (Zeller, 1848), B. imperialella (Ragonot, 1887) and G. gilvella are illustrated. The biology of Loxostege clathralis (Hübner, 1813), Epischidia fulvostrigella (Eversmann, 1844), B. imperialella and Pempeliella bulgarica Slamka & Plant, 2016 is described based on observation by the third author in Crimea. Salicornia perenanns Willd. is recorded as a new host plant for G. gilvella and Halocnemum strobilaceum (Pall.) M. Bieb.—as a new host plant for E. fulvostrigella. Epischidia caesariella (Hampson in Ragonot & Hampson, 1901) and Pempeliella sororiella (Zeller, 1839) are removed from the list of Pyralidae of Ukraine due to misidentification.
Electrical Characteristics Analysis of Bonded Cells for Shingled Modules
Authors: Park Jeong Eun , Park So Mang , Choi Won Seok , Jang Jae Joon , Lim Donggun
Published: June 2020

A shingled module fabricated using electrically conductive adhesive (ECA) can increase the light-receiving area and provide greater power than a conventional module fabricated using solder-coated copper ribbons. However, several issues such as damage from laser cutting and poor contact
by the conductive paste may arise. In this study, a 15.675 × 3.1 cm2 c-Si cut cell was fabricated using a nanosecond green laser, and cell bonding was performed using ECA to fabricate shingled modules. If the laser process was performed with high speed and low power, there
was insufficient depth for cut cell fabrication. This was because the laser only had a thermal effect on the surface. The cell was processed to a depth of approximately 46 μm by the laser, and it could be seen that the laser cutting proceeded smoothly when the laser process affected
more than 25% of the wafer thickness. The cut cell was bonded by ECA, and the process conditions were changed. The highest efficiency of 20.27% was obtained for a cell bonded under the conditions of a curing time of 60 s and curing temperature of 150°C. As a result, the efficiency of the
bonded cell was increased by approximately 2.67% compared to the efficiency of the conventional cut cell. This was because the shadow loss due to the busbar was reduced, increasing the active area of the module by eliminating the busbar from the illuminated area.
Reduced Efficiency Roll-Off in Phosphorescent Organic Light-Emitting Diodes with a Double Dopant
Authors: Choi Geun Su , Kang Byunghyun , Choi Jinnil , Ju Byeong-Kwon , Park Young Wook
Published: June 2020

The phenomenon by which the efficiency decreases rapidly with the increase in luminance or current density in organic light-emitting diodes is termed efficiency roll-off. In particular, phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes are known to have higher efficiency, but tend to exhibit
higher efficiency roll-off compared with fluorescent organic light-emitting diodes. In this study, we report the efficiency roll-off characteristics of double-dopant phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes. The double-dopant phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes showed significantly
lower efficiency roll-off compared with single-dopant phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes. (The double-dopant device showed a 2.5-fold decrease in efficiency roll-off compared with the single-dopant device at 50 mA/cm2, and a 1.6-fold decrease in efficiency roll-off at
100 mA/cm2).
Pruning for Hardware-Based Deep Spiking Neural Networks Using Gated Schottky Diode as Synaptic Devices
Authors: Lee Sung-Tae , Lim Suhwan , Bae Jong-Ho , Kwon Dongseok , Kim Hyeong-Su , Park Byung-Gook , Lee Jong-Ho
Published: June 2020

Deep learning represents state-of-the-art results in various machine learning tasks, but for applications that require real-time inference, the high computational cost of deep neural networks becomes a bottleneck for the efficiency. To overcome the high computational cost of deep neural
networks, spiking neural networks (SNN) have been proposed. Herein, we propose a hardware implementation of the SNN with gated Schottky diodes as synaptic devices. In addition, we apply L1 regularization for connection pruning of the deep spiking neural networks using gated Schottky diodes
as synap-tic devices. Applying L1 regularization eliminates the need for a re-training procedure because it prunes the weights based on the cost function. The compressed hardware-based SNN is energy efficient while achieving a classification accuracy of 97.85% which is comparable to 98.13%
of the software deep neural networks (DNN).
Crystallization Mechanism and Photoluminescence Properties of CaF2–Al2O3–SiO2: Eu Glass-Ceramics Based on Nano-Scale Phase Separation Phenomenon
Authors: Ha Taewan , Kang Seunggu
Published: June 2020

In this paper, CaF2–Al2O3–SiO2 glass containing nano-sized CaF2 crystals were fabricated using phase separation phenomenon and the effects of rare earth ion (Eu) addition on the optical properties were investigated. The formation
conditions for nano-sized CaF2 crystal phase were confirmed using non-isothermal analysis and X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement, while inhibiting anorthite or wollastonite crystal formation. The phase separation phenomenon in the mother glass and the nano-sized crystals generated
by heat treatment were observed through the microstructure analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, photoluminescence (PL) spectra and decay time analysis were performed to confirm the emission characteristics of Eu-doped glass-ceramics. The Eu-doped glass-ceramics produced
in this study showed strong red light. The overall luminescence properties according to the heat treatment temperatures were found to shift from red to blue as indicated in the Commission International de l’Eclairage (CIE) color coordinate system.
GeTe-Based Alloy Films Prepared by a Room Temperature Solution Process
Authors: Yoon Hye Ryeon , Jo Yoon Ee , Lee Eun Kyu , Kim Eun Ji , Lee Seung-Yun
Published: June 2020

This article describes the preparation of GeTe-based alloy films using a solution-based technique. The dissolution behavior of GeTe was initially examined by comparing the weight loss of GeTe powder in different solvents, and it was found that, unlike in the cases of n-butylamine
and NH4OH, KOH fully dissolved GeTe to form an agglomerate-free solution. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the reaction between GeTe and KOH resulted in the formation of rhombohedral GeTe, cubic GeTe4, and hexagonal Te structures after drying. GeTe-based alloy
films were then prepared by the spin coating of the GeTe-containing solutions on a silicon substrate. The surface morphology and reflectance properties of the prepared films were found to be highly dependent on the spin speed, with optimization of the spin coating parameter resulting in the
deposition of a continuous and smooth film.
Defect Analysis and Reliability Characteristics of (HfZrO4)1−x(SiO2)x High-κ Dielectrics
Authors: Park Areum , Choi Pyungho , Jeon Woojin , Lee Donghyeon , Choi Donghee , Choi Byoungdeog
Published: June 2020

Hafnium zirconium silicon oxide ((HfZrO4)1−x(SiO2)x) materials were investigated through the defect analysis and reliability characterization for next generation high-κ dielectric. Silicate doped hafnium zirconium oxide (HfZrO4)
films showed a reduction of negative flat-band voltage (Vfb) shift compared to pure HfZrO4. This result was caused by a decrease in donor-like interface traps (Dit) and positive border traps (Nbt). As the silicon oxide (SiO2) content
increased, the Vfb was shifted in the positive direction from −1.23 to −1.10 to −0.91 V and the slope of the capacitance–voltage (C–V) curve increased. The nonparallel shift of the C–V characteristics was affected by the Dit,
while the Nbt was responsible for the parallel C–V curve shift. The values of Dit reduced from 4.3 × 1011, 3.5 × 1011, and 3.0 × 1011 cm−2eV−1, as well as the values
of Nbt were decreased from 5.24, 3.90 to 2.26 × 1012 cm−2. Finally, reduction of defects in the HfZrO4-base film with an addition of SiO2 affected the gate oxide reliability characteristics, such as gate leakage current
(JG), bias temperature stress instability (BTSI), and time dependent gate dielectric breakdown (TDDB).
Fabrication of Silica Microspheres Containing TiO2 or Aluminum Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles via Self-Assembly: Application in Water Purification
Authors: Cho Young-Sang , Lee Yeonghyun , Park Jun Kyu
Published: June 2020

In this study, silica micro-particles containing titania (TiO2) or aluminum zinc oxide (AZO) nanopar-ticles were synthesized using emulsion droplets as micro-reactors, for water purification application via photocatalytic decomposition of organic dyes. Towards this end, aqueous
silicic acid solution has been emulsified with aqueous dispersion of TiO2 or AZO nanoparticles in a continuous oil phase to form tiny droplets, followed by subsequent self-assembly of the droplets via evaporation. The resulting composite microparticles were controlled to obtain
a spherical or porous morphology by adjusting the concentration of the nanoparticle dispersion. As a demonstrative application, the resulting composite micro-particles have been used as photocatalysts for the removal of methylene blue under UV irradiation. In the case of silica microparticles
containing AZO nanoparticles, the adsorption of organic pollutants combined with photocatalytic decomposition was found to be effective, and trace amounts of the pollutant remained after the removal process.
Influence of Spark Plasma Sintering Conditions on the Optical and Mechanical Properties of Spinel
Authors: Ko Seok-Young , Lee Kisu , Choi Doo Hyun , Yong Seok-Min , Cheong Dong-Ik
Published: June 2020

The influence of spark plasma sintering (SPS) conditions on the optical and mechanical properties of MgAl2O4 spinel was investigated for application to infrared windows as parts of military systems. The thermal conditions of SPS, including the temperature and heating
rate, have a significant impact on optical and mechanical properties. This study shows that the formation and growth of abnormal grains cause mechanical degradation with an increasing SPS temperature. In-line transmittance (Tin) was affected by the heating rate due to changes
in oxygen vacancy and carbon contamination in SPSed samples. The fabricated spinel exhibited excellent flexural strength of 401 MPa and an average mid-infrared transmittance of 84.8% in the range of 3–5 μm.
Light-Activated Polymer-Coated Mesoporous Silica with Azobenzene Moiety for the Controlled Delivery of Guest Molecules
Authors: Chu Sang-Wook , Park Sung Soo , Ha Chang-Sik
Published: June 2020

In this study, we have synthesized a light-activated polymer-coated mesoporous silica nanovalve with poly(trans-4-methacryloyloxyazobenzene-co-methylmethacrylic acid-co-vinyltrimethoxysilane) (PMMV) (MSNs/PMMV) for the controlled delivery of guest molecules. The hydrophobicity of azobenzene
varies depending on the structure of each isomer. Typically, trans isomers are hydrophobic due to the aromatic ring, but they become more hydrophilic when they are changed to the cis confirmation. Using this concept, we introduced PMMV as a light active nanovalve on the mesoporous silica.
To optimize the coating of the light-activated polymer on mesoporous silica, we investigated the conformational change of PMMV in solutions at various pHs. PMMV has a dot-like morphology in acidic solutions under pH 4, but sheet-like morphology in solutions at pH over 4. We investigated the
nanovalve behavior of MSNs/PMMV by introducing propidium iodide (PI) as guest molecules. Time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy showed the excellent light activity of PMMV for open pores. The new PMMV-coated mesoporous silica could be applied in the smart nanovalve system for the controlled
delivery of various guest molecules.
Hydrothermal Synthesis and Electrochemical Behavior of the SnO2/rGO as Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Premasudha Mookala , Reddy Bhumi Reddy Srinivasulu , Kim Ki-Won , Gari Subba Reddy Nagireddy , Ahn Jou-Hyeon , Cho Kwon-Koo
Published: June 2020

In this work, the hydrothermal method was employed to produce SnO2/rGO as anode material. Nanostructured SnO2 was prepared to enhance reversibility and to deal with the undesirable volume changes during cycling. The SnO2/rGO hybrid exhibits long cycle
life in lithium-ion storage capacity and rate capability with an initial discharge capacity of 1327 mAh/g at 0.1 C rate. These results demonstrate that a fabricated SnO2/rGO matrix will be a possible way to obtain high rate performance.
Investigation of Formation for Poly(vinylidene fluoride) Membrane Using Thermally Induced Phase Separation
Authors: Lee Jeong Woo , Im Kwang Seop , Nam Sang Yong
Published: June 2020

In this study, thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) was used to fabricate a water treatment membrane composed of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and silica. Dioctyl phthalate (DOP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) were used as diluents. Crystallization temperature, cloud point, and
morphology were observed to investigate the conditions of PVDF/silica/diluent membrane preparation. SEM revealed that the porosity of the membranes was increased with an increase in silica content. Phase diagram and morphology results revealed that 50 wt% PVDF+silica with a PVDF:silica weight
ratio of 4.5:1 is the best composition for manufacturing a porous membrane.
Electrochemical Properties of Silicon-Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) Composite Anodes for Flexible Batteries
Authors: Park Sang-Hui , Lee Han-Gyeol , Ju Jin-Hoon , Park Sang-Hee , Cho Gyu-Bong , Kim Ki-Won
Published: June 2020

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/Si composite fibers (electrodes) with flexibility were fabricated using an elec-trospinning method and then Si-embedded carbon (Si/C) fibers were prepared by carbonizing the composite fibers at 800, 900, and 1000°C. Si particles were distributed in the interior
and exterior of entangled PAN fibers. After carbonization, the structure of electrodes was preserved but the diameter of fibers was decreased owing to the release of component elements constituting PAN such as nitrogen and oxygen. Crystalline Si particles existed in carbon fibers with both
amorphous and crystalline phases. As carbonization temperature increased, the carbon content and the crys-tallinity of carbon increased. The electrode carbonized at 1000°C with the lowest charge transfer resistance exhibited the best electrochemical properties in terms of capacity, coulombic
efficiency and cycle life.
Amelioration of Hydrogen Uptake and Release Features of Magnesium Adding a Polymer Polyvinylidene Fluoride via Milling in Hydrogen in a Planetary Ball Mill
Authors: Kwak Young Jun , Song Myoung Youp
Published: June 2020

In the present study, a polymer polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) was chosen as an adding material to ameliorate hydrogen uptake and release features of Mg. Samples with a composition of 95 wt.% Mg+5 wt.% PVDF (called 95Mg + 5PVDF) were made via milling in hydrogen atmosphere in a planetary
ball mill (reactive planetary ball milling). The hydrogen release reaction of magnesium hydride formed in the as-prepared 95Mg+5PVDF during reactive planetary ball milling started at 681 K. In the third cycle (CN = 3), the amount of hydrogen absorbed for 60 min, A (60 min), was 3.44 wt.% hydrogen
at 573 K in 12 bar hydrogen. The PVDF is believed to have melted during reactive planetary ball milling, and the sliding or lubrication between Mg particles and hardened steel balls was avoided, leading to a good contact between them and a highly effective milling. The milling in hydrogen
atmosphere in a planetary ball mill of Mg with PVDF is believed to have generated defects and cracks. The Mg2C3 produced from PVDF during hydrogen uptake-release cycling is believed to have been spread among particles and to have kept particles from coalescing. To the
best of our knowledge, this is the first study to use a polymer PVDF as an additive material for the amelioration of hydrogen uptake and release features of Mg.
Preparation and Characterization of Amine-Functionalized Mesoporous Hollow Silica for CO2 Capture
Authors: Bae Jae Young , Jang Su Guan
Published: June 2020

Mesoporous hollow silica material (MHS) was synthesized using polystyrene as a template. Later, it was modified by wet impregnation with tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) as a solid adsorbent for CO2 capture. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), IR,
and TGA were used to characterize the average diameter, shell thickness, crystalline structure, and TEPA load of the prepared adsorbents. An increase in the amount of loaded TEPA, improved the CO2 adsorption capacity of the prepared adsorbents. The highest CO2 adsorption
capacity was obtained using a 50 wt% TEPA load (AMHS-50).
Deactivation of Ni–Al-Based Catalysts for Autothermal Reforming of Diesel Surrogate Fuel in the Presence of an Aromatic Hydrocarbon
Authors: Ju Dong-Geon , Jo Seong-Bin , Ha Dong-Su , Kim Tae-Young , Jung Suk-Yong , Chae Ho-Jin , Lee Soo-Chool , Kim Jae-Chang
Published: June 2020

Diesel fuel can produce higher concentrations of H2 and CO gases than other types of hydrocarbon fuels via a reforming reaction for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). However, in addition to sulfur compounds and aromatic hydrocarbons in diesel fuel are a major cause of catalyst
deactivation. To elucidate the phenomenon of catalyst deactivation in the presence of an aromatic hydrocarbon, dodecane (C12H26) and hexadecane (C16H34) were blended with an aromatic hydrocarbon such as 1-methylnaphthalene (C11H10)
to obtain a diesel surrogate fuel. The experiments were performed for autothermal reforming of the diesel surrogate fuel under conditions of S/C = 1.17, O2/C = 0.24, 750°C and GHSV= 12,000 h−1. Three Ni–Al-based catalysts with 10 wt% (N10A), 30 wt% (N30A)
and 50 wt% (N50A) of NiO were prepared via the polymer modified incipient method. Whereas all of the Ni–Al-based catalysts were deactivated with increasing reaction time, the catalysts with greater Ni contents tended to maintain their catalytic performance for a longer time. Correlation
between the catalytic performances and Ni content were analyzed by temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller(BET) analysis, X-ray diffraction
(XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Also, we concluded that ethylene (C2H4), which was detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), was the fundamental cause of deactivation of the Ni–Al-based catalysts by accelerating the deposition of
wire-type carbon on the catalytic surface.
Effects of Thin-Film Thickness on Sensing Properties of SnO2-Based Gas Sensors for the Detection of H2S Gas at ppm Levels
Authors: Jo Seong Bin , Kim Hyun Ji , Ahn Joong Hee , Hwang Byung Wook , Huh Jeung Soo , Ragupathy Dhanusuraman , Lee Soo Chool , Kim Jae Chang
Published: June 2020

SnO2 thin-film gas sensors were easily created using the ion sputtering technique. The as-deposited SnO2 thin films consist of a tetragonal SnO2 phase and densely packed nanosized grains with diameters of approximately 20−80 nm, which are separated
by microcracks. The as-deposited SnO2 thin film is well crystallized, with a dense columnar nanostructure grown directly onto the alumina material and the Pt electrodes. The grain size and thickness of SnO2 thin films are easily controlled by varying the sputtering time
of the ion coater. The responses of the SnO2 thin-film sensors decrease as the SnO2 film thickness is increased, indicating that a negative association exists between the sensor response and the SnO2 film thickness due to gas diffusion from the surface. The
SnO2 thin-film sensor, which was created by ion sputtering for 10 min, shows an excellent sensor response (Ra/Rg where Ra is the electric resistance under air and Rg is the electric resistance under the test gas) for detecting 1 ppm
H2S at 350°C.
Determinants of Relevant Constraints Inhibiting Farmers’ Adoption of Climate Change Adaptation Strategies in South Africa
Authors: Thinda KT , Ogundeji AA , Belle JA , Ojo TO
Published: June 2020

The adverse effects of climate change on agricultural productivity are on the increase. This study employed both descriptive statistics and the multivariate probit model to estimate factors constraining the adoption of climate change adaptation strategies among smallholder farmers in the study area. The empirical results of the multivariate probit model showed that a lack of knowledge of climate change constraints was influenced by smallholder farmers’ age, gender, off-farm activity, susceptibility and membership in farmer-based organizations. Thus, to improve the adaptive capacity of farmers, government and development partners should work together to improve the conditions under which farmers can gain access to climate change information and suitable agricultural credit as well as policy incentives aimed at lowering the stringent conditions of borrowing in the agricultural sector.
Improving Caries Risk Prediction Modeling: A Call for Action
Authors: Fontana M. , Carrasco-Labra A. , Spallek H. , Eckert G. , Katz B.
Published: June 2020

Dentistry has entered an era of personalized/precision care in which targeting care to groups, individuals, or even tooth surfaces based on their caries risk has become a reality to address the skewed distribution of the disease. The best approach to determine a patient’s prognosis relies on the development of caries risk prediction models (CRPMs). A desirable model should be derived and validated to appropriately discriminate between patients who will develop disease from those who will not, and it should provide an accurate estimation of the patient’s absolute risk (i.e., calibration). However, evidence suggests there is a need to improve the methodological standards and increase consistency in the way CRPMs are developed and evaluated. In fact, although numerous caries risk assessment tools are available, most are not routinely used in practice or used to influence treatment decisions, and choice is not commonly based on high-quality evidence. Research will propose models that will become more complex, incorporating new factors with high prognostic value (e.g., human genetic markers, microbial biomarkers). Big data and predictive analytic methods will be part of the new approaches for the identification of promising predictors with the ability to monitor patients’ risk in real time. Eventually, the implementation of validated, accurate CRPMs will have to follow a user-centered design respecting the patient-clinician dynamic, with no disruption to the clinical workflow, and needs to operate at low cost. The resulting predictive risk estimate needs to be presented to the patient in an understandable way so that it triggers behavior change and effectively informs health care decision making, to ultimately improve caries outcomes. However, research on these later aspects is largely missing and increasingly needed in dentistry.
The Significance of Staging in the Treatment of Congenital Cholesteatoma in Children
Authors: Hao Jinsheng , Chen Min , Liu Bing , Yang Yang , Liu Wei , Zhang Jie , Ni Xin
Published: June 2020

Objectives:

To analyze the clinical characteristics of congenital cholesteatoma (CC), to explore the risk factors related to recurrence of the disease, and to clarify the importance of staging for treatment.

Methods:

A total of 87 patients were followed up for more than 5 years, who had undergone surgical procedures for CC from September 2010 to January 2017 in Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University. Patients with CC were identified in accordance with the following Levenson’s criteria. The clinical characteristics of CC on different stage and risk factors related to recurrence of the disease were analyzed.

Results:

Canal wall up mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty (n = 45), transcanal endoscopic approach (n = 29), and canal wall down mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty (n = 13) was, respectively, performed depending on cholesteatoma extension. Between 2010 and 2013, 20.93% of patients had stage I-II disease, whereas 61.26% had stage I-II disease from 2014 to 2017. Meanwhile, the proportion with stage III-IV disease decreased from 79.07% to 38.64% between these 2 time periods. The preoperative air conduction threshold in patients with stage I, II, III, and IV was, respectively, 23.36 ± 8.20, 45.40 ± 12.82, 47.49 ± 12.03, and 50.37 ± 11.80 dB. The stage of disease was a significant risk factor regarding recurrence ( P = .02). Surgery on patients with stage III-IV disease was performed with the aid of a microscope from 2010 to 2013 and with a microscope and endoscope from 2014 to 2017, which reduced the recurrence rate from 26.92% in the former period to 8.33% in the latter period.

Conclusion:

Early detection of CC is crucial regarding the facilitation of minimally invasive surgery and reducing complication and recurrence rates. The stage of the disease is a significant risk factor regarding recurrence. The surgery shows us the possibility of reducing the recurrence rate of CC, which is performed under a microscope and an endoscope.
Glycoprotein Nonmetastatic Melanoma Protein B as Potential Imaging Marker in Posttherapeutic Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: van Schaik Jeroen E. , Hanemaaijer Saskia H. , Halmos György B. , Witjes Max J. H. , van der Laan Bernard F. A. M. , van der Vegt Bert , Plaat Boudewijn E. C.
Published: June 2020

Objective

To evaluate expression of potential molecular imaging targets epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), glycoprotein nonmetastatic melanoma protein B (GPNMB), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in lymph nodes (LNs) with or without head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) metastases after (chemo)radiation.

Study Design

Retrospective study comparing receptor expression in paired lymph nodes after initial treatment.

Setting

A tertiary referral hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Salvage neck dissection specimens of 40 patients treated with (chemo)radiation were selected. LNs that contained viable tumor, reactive changes after initial treatment, and normal LNs were analyzed using immunohistochemically determined H‐scores and by calculating sensitivity and specificity rates and positive/negative predictive values (PPVs/NPVs).

Results

EGFR expression was found in 86% and GPNMB expression in 100% of the LNs with viable tumor. VEGF expression was present in all lymph node types. For EGFR, the sensitivity rate was 86%, and specificity rate was 81%. For GPNMB, these were 100% and 75%, respectively. PPV of EGFR was 61.8% and NPV was 98.2%. These were 56.4% and 100% for GPNMB, respectively.

Conclusion

In residual or recurrent HNSCC lymph node metastases, both EGFR and GPNMB show tumor‐specific expression in immunohistochemistry, which may prove useful in future molecular imaging in salvage neck dissections. Immunohistochemically detected VEGF expression indicates that this target is not feasible for imaging purposes in salvage surgery. Therefore, GPNMB could be a new potential imaging target showing comparable results to EGFR in immunohistochemistry.
Effect of Bumetanide on Facial Nerve Regeneration in Rat Model
Authors: Longur Ecem Sevim , Yiğit Özgür , Kalaycık Ertugay Çiğdem , Araz Server Ela , Adatepe Turgut , Akakın Dilek , Orun Oya , Karagöz Köroğlu Ayça
Published: June 2020

Objective

We investigated the effects of bumetanide alone and in combination with dexamethasone on facial nerve regeneration in rats with facial paralysis.

Study Design

A prospective controlled animal study.

Setting

An animal laboratory.

Subjects and Methods

Facial paralysis was induced in 32 Wistar rats that we then divided into 4 groups: group 1, control; group 2, bumetanide; group 3, dexamethasone; group 4, bumetanide and dexamethasone. Electroneurography was performed 1, 2, and 4 weeks later, and nerve regeneration was evaluated by electron and light microscopy and Western blotting in week 4.

Results

Regarding the comparison between preoperative values and week 4, the latency difference in group 1 (1.25 milliseconds) was significantly higher than those of groups 2 to 4 (0.56, 0.34, and 0.10 milliseconds, respectively; P =. 001). The latency increment in groups 2 and 3 was higher than that of group 4 (P =. 002 and P =. 046) in week 4, whereas groups 2 and 3 did not differ significantly (P =. 291). Amplitude difference was not statistically significant from week 4 among all groups (all P >. 05). The number of myelinated axons was significantly higher in all treatment groups than in the control group (P =. 001). Axon number and intensity were significantly higher in group 4 as compared with groups 2 and 3 (P =. 009, P =. 005).

Conclusion

After primary neurorrhaphy, dexamethasone and bumetanide alone promoted nerve recovery based on electrophysiologic and histologic measures. Combination therapy was, however, superior.
In Vivo Accuracy of Ultrasound for Sizing Salivary Ductal Calculi
Authors: Badger Christopher D. , Patel Sahil , Romero Nahir J. , Fuson Andrew , Joshi Arjun S.
Published: June 2020

Objectives

The present study was developed to evaluate the accuracy of in vivo ultrasound sizing for parotid and submandibular salivary gland calculi, as compared with ex vivo pathology sizing with a standard plastic ruler after extraction.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Setting

Ultrasound is frequently used to size salivary calculi and make treatment decisions, but the accuracy of measurements from this modality has not been validated.

Subjects and Methods

We evaluated and reviewed the charts and ultrasound examinations of 167 patients who underwent procedures for the treatment of sialolithiasis involving the parotid and submandibular glands. US examinations were performed between 2009 and 2016 in a tertiary‐level hospital setting by the senior author. Measurements were collected from ultrasound evaluation before sialolithotomy, and pathology measurements were taken after removal. Ultrasound measurements in millimeters were compared with the measurements collected with a ruler. The differences were calculated and compared.

Results

A total of 167 calculi measurements were compared. Good concurrent validity between pathology and ultrasound measurements was suggested by a Pearson correlation of 0.92 (95% CI, 0.887‐0.937). On Bland‐Altman plot, correlation of the difference between US and pathology measurements showed a mean difference of 0.095 mm (95% CI, –0.19 to 0.38 mm) with a limit of agreement ranging from –3.59 mm (95% CI, –3.84 to –3.34 mm) to +3.78 mm (95% CI, +3.53 to +4.03 mm).

Conclusions

Ultrasound is an accurate, relatively precise, and minimally invasive imaging tool for salivary gland sialolithiasis. Preoperative size of calculi can be used to guide management and clinical decision making.

Level of Evidence

2C.
Efficacy of an innovative smartphone application for office workers with chronic non-specific low back pain: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Almhdawi Khader A , Obeidat Donia Saleh , Kanaan Saddam F , Oteir Alaa O , Mansour Zaid Modhi , Alrabbaei Hassan
Published: June 2020

Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy of a newly developed evidence-based low back pain (LBP) management smartphone application.

Design:

A double-blinded randomized controlled trial where participants randomly assigned to either an experimental group (EG) or a control group (CG).

Setting:

Governmental and private institutions.

Participants:

About 40 office workers, aged 30 to 55 years, had pain due to non-specific LBP > 3 on Visual Analogue Scale, and with pain chronicity > 3 months.

Interventions:

The EG received full version of the application ‘Relieve my back’ included evidence-based instructions and therapeutic exercises for LBP management, whereas the CG received placebo version included instructions about nutrition.

Main measures:

Primary outcome measures included pain measured by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), disability measured by Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and quality of life measured by Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12).

Results:

Following six weeks of using the application, compared to CG, the EG group demonstrated significant decrease in pain intensity (−3.45 (2.21) vs −0.11 (1.66), P < 0.001), in ODI score (−11.05 (10.40) vs −0.58 (9.0), P = 0.002), and significant increase in physical component of SF-12 (12.85 (17.20) vs −4.63 (12.04), P = 0.001).

Conclusion:

‘Relieve my back’ application might be efficacious in reducing pain and disability and improving the quality of life of office workers with non-specific LBP.