bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mergers, Merger Control, and Remedies
Authors: Kwoka John
Published: December 2018

A comprehensive analysis of merger outcomes based on all empirical studies, with an assessment of the effectiveness of antitrust policy toward mergers.

In recent decades, antitrust investigations and cases targeting mergers—including those involving Google, Ticketmaster, and much of the domestic airline industry—have reshaped industries and changed business practices profoundly. And yet there has been a relative dearth of detailed evaluations of the effects of mergers and the effectiveness of merger policy. In this book, John Kwoka, a noted authority on industrial organization, examines all reliable empirical studies of the effect of specific mergers and develops entirely new information about the policies and remedies of antitrust agencies regarding these mergers. Combined with data on outcomes, this policy information enables analysis of, and creates new insights into, mergers, merger policies, and the effectiveness of remedies in preventing anticompetitive outcomes.

After an overview of mergers, merger policy, and a common approach to merger analysis, Kwoka offers a detailed analysis of the studied mergers, relevant policies, and chosen remedies. Kwoka finds, first and foremost, that most of the studied mergers resulted in competitive harm, usually in the form of higher product prices but also with respect to various non-price outcomes. Other important findings include the fact that joint ventures and code sharing arrangements do not result in such harm and that policies intended to remedy mergers—especially conduct remedies—are not generally effective in restraining price increases. The book's uniquely comprehensive analysis advances our understanding of merger decisions and policies, suggests policy improvements for competition agencies and remedies, and points the way to future research.
Lessons from the Lobster
Authors: Nassim Charlotte
Published: December 2018

How forty years of research on thirty neurons in the stomach of a lobster has yielded valuable insights for the study of the human brain.

Neuroscientist Eve Marder has spent forty years studying thirty neurons on the stomach of a lobster. Her focus on this tiny network of cells has yielded valuable insights into the much more complex workings of the human brain; she has become a leading voice in neuroscience. In Lessons from the Lobster, Charlotte Nassim describes Marder's work and its significance accessibly and engagingly, tracing the evolution of a supremely gifted scientist's ideas.

From the lobster's digestion to human thought is very big leap indeed. Our brains selectively recruit networks from about ninety billion available neurons; the connections are extremely complex. Nevertheless, as Nassim explains, Marder's study of a microscopic knot of stomatogastric neurons in lobsters and crabs, a small network with a countable number of neurons, has laid vital foundations for current brain research projects.

Marder's approach is as intuitive as it is analytic, but always firmly anchored to data. Every scrap of information is a pointer for Marder; her discoveries depend on her own creative thinking as much as her laboratory's findings. Nassim describes Marder's important findings on neuromodulation, the secrets of neuronal networks, and homeostasis. Her recognition of the importance of animal-to-animal variability has influenced research methods everywhere.

Marder has run her laboratory at Brandeis University since 1978. She was President of the Society for Neuroscience in 2008 and she is the recipient of numerous awards, including the 2016 Kavli Award in Neuroscience and the 2013 Gruber Prize in Neuroscience. Research that reaches the headlines often depends on technical fireworks, and especially on spectacular images. Marder's work seldom fits that pattern, but this book demonstrates that a brilliant scientist working carefully and thoughtfully can produce groundbreaking results.
Detection of bacterial endosymbionts in freshwater crustaceans: the applicability of non-degenerate primers to amplify the bacterial 16S rRNA gene
Authors: Mioduchowska Monika , Czyż Michał Jan , Gołdyn Bartłomiej , Kilikowska Adrianna , Namiotko Tadeusz , Pinceel Tom , Łaciak Małgorzata , Sell Jerzy
Published: December 2018

Bacterial endosymbionts of aquatic invertebrates remain poorly studied. This is at least partly due to a lack of suitable techniques and primers for their identification. We designed a pair of non-degenerate primers which enabled us to amplify a fragment of ca. 500 bp of the 16S rRNA gene from various known bacterial endosymbiont species. By using this approach, we identified four bacterial endosymbionts, two endoparasites and one uncultured bacterium in seven, taxonomically diverse, freshwater crustacean hosts from temporary waters across a wide geographical area. The overall efficiency of our new WOLBSL and WOLBSR primers for amplification of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene was 100%. However, if different bacterial species from one sample were amplified simultaneously, sequences were illegible, despite a good quality of PCR products. Therefore, we suggest using our primers at the first stage of bacterial endosymbiont identification. Subsequently, genus specific primers are recommended. Overall, in the era of next-generation sequencing our method can be used as a first simple and low-cost approach to identify potential microbial symbionts associated with freshwater crustaceans using simple Sanger sequencing. The potential to detected bacterial symbionts in various invertebrate hosts in such a way will facilitate studies on host-symbiont interactions and coevolution.
Shaping ability of the profile 25/0.06 and protaper F2 in rotary motion, and reciproc in simulated canals
Authors: Çelik Gül , Maden Murat , Savgat Ahmet , Orhan Hikmet
Published: December 2018

Background

Since the introduction of nickel–titanium (Ni–Ti) instruments to dentistry, a wide variety of Ni–Ti instruments have become commercially available. These Ni–Ti instruments are expensive, which limits their usage in developing countries and forces practitioners to use instruments repeatedly. Another problem is the possible prion cross-contamination associated with the multiple usage of endodontic instruments. In addition, the use of these instruments requires new skills and experience. In this article, the shaping capacities of two conventional rotary file systems, ProFile 25/0.06 and ProTaper F2, were reviewed and compared with the Reciproc single-file system.

Methods

A total of 45 simulated canals with 40° curvature, in clear resin blocks, were prepared using conventional rotary systems consisting of ProFile orifice shaping (OS) #3 and final flaring #25/.06, Reciproc R25, and ProTaper shaping file SX and finishing file F2. Pre-and post-instrumentation images were analyzed at ten different levels, using AutoCAD 2007 software. The measurement positions were defined in 1-mm intervals: positions 0–3 established the apical part, positions 4–6 constituted the middle part, and positions 7–10 established the coronal part of the canal. The amount of removed resin, the transportation, instrumentation time, change in working length (WL), instrumentation fractures, and the presence of ledge were evaluated. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis and independent t-test (p < 0.001).

Results

ProFile removed the least resin (p < 0.001) and caused less transportation than Reciproc and ProTaper, in total (p < 0.001). ProTaper caused more transportation ProFile and Reciproc in the apical part (p < 0.000). Reciproc caused more transportation than ProTaper and ProFile (p < 0.001), and the transportation tendency toward the inner aspect of the curvature in the middle part. Reciproc caused the less transportation than ProFile and ProTaper in the coronal part. The transportations tended to occur toward the outside of the curvature, except the middle part with Reciproc and at points 5 and 6 with ProTaper. There were no significant differences among the groups in terms of maintaining the original WL. Reciproc was significantly faster than the others group (p < 0.001). Only one instrument fracture (25/0.06 ProFile) was noted. All groups showed one ledge each.

Discussion

The results of the present study showed that both ProFile 25/06 and ProTaper F2, combined with a file used for coronal enlargement (OS3 and SX), have the potential to create satisfactory canal shape in the curved root canals. Further studies using real human teeth are needed to confirm our results.
Recurrent activations of transient receptor potential vanilloid‐1 and vanilloid‐4 promote cellular proliferation and migration in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells
Authors: Huang Rongqi , Wang Fei , Yang Yuchen , Ma Wenbo , Lin Zuoxian , Cheng Na , Long Yan , Deng Sihao , Li Zhiyuan
Published: December 2018

Some members of the transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) subfamily of cation channels are thermosensitive. Earlier studies have revealed the distribution and functions of these thermo‐TRPVs (TRPV1–4) in various organs, but their expression and function in the human esophagus are not fully understood. Here, we probed for the expression of the thermo‐TRPVs in one nontumor human esophageal squamous cell line and two esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cell lines. TRPV1, TRPV2, and TRPV4 proteins were found to be upregulated in ESCC cells, while TRPV3 was not detectable in any of these cell lines. Subsequently, channel function was evaluated via monitoring of Ca2+ transients by Ca2+ imaging and nonselective cation channel currents were recorded by whole‐cell patch clamp. We found that TRPV4 was activated by heat at 28 °C–35 °C, whereas TRPV1 and TRPV2 were activated by higher, noxious temperatures (44 °C and 53 °C, respectively). Furthermore, TRPV1 was activated by capsaicin (EC50 = 20.32 μm), and this effect was antagonized by AMG9810; TRPV2 was activated by a newly developed cannabinoid compound, O1821, and inhibited by tranilast. In addition, TRPV4 was activated by hypotonic solutions (220 m Osm), and this effect was abolished by ruthenium red. The effects of TRPV1 and TRPV4 on ESCC were also explored. Our data, for the first time, showed that the overactivation of TRPV1 and TRPV4 promoted the proliferation and/or migration of ESCC cells. In summary, TRPV1, TRPV2, and TRPV4 were functionally expressed in human esophageal squamous cells, and thermo‐TRPVs might play an important role in the development of ESCC.
Cross‐Cultural Pragmatics
Authors: Stadler Stefanie
Published: December 2018

Cross‐cultural pragmatics denotes a field of study that concerns itself with how language acquires meaning through context and through its sociocultural embedding. Because meaning is not inherent in the utterances we produce, messages have to be interpreted drawing on contextual information, the dynamics between the speaker and his/her interactional partner(s), and the common knowledge that we share with our interlocutors. What is pertinent to the study of cross‐cultural pragmatics is, therefore, the notion of speaker intention and the inferences interlocutors draw from them. Speaker intention and listener interpretation are rarely fully aligned and the chances of deriving meaning in line with what was intended decreases with the increase in cultural disparities. To enhance our ability to understand cultural differences and better enable sojourners and learners of foreign languages to deal appropriately with communication in their target languages, cross‐cultural pragmatics explores culturally motivated patterns of interactional preferences in certain contextual settings.
English for Business
Authors: Nickerson Catherine
Published: December 2018

There are many millions of business people across the globe who speak or write English on a daily basis, and hundreds and thousands of business transactions are initiated, negotiated, and completed using English. Outside of contexts where English is used as a first language, it is often also used in business within national borders in countries where it is one of the language choices available because of a country's colonial past, and it may also be chosen for pragmatic reasons because there is an extensive expatriate business community who are unfamiliar with the local language. Because of its widespread use, English has been analyzed more than any other business language. Researchers interested in English for business have looked at a variety of different forms of workplace communication, including business meetings, negotiations, presentations, sales letters, application letters, e‐mail, annual reports, audit reports, advertising texts, various forms of computer‐mediated communication, and corporate home pages. They have also studied the consequences of using business English across the globe, particularly for those people who do not speak it as a first language, and they have looked at the response of readers to promotional texts in English when they are used in contexts outside of the English‐speaking world. Research into English for business has largely been data driven. As a result, it has been characterized by reference to a variety of different research approaches, including sociolinguistics, intercultural communication, discourse analysis, business communication, management studies, English as a lingua franca, and English for specific purposes.
Positivism and Postpositivism
Authors: Weideman Albert
Published: December 2018

Positivism/postpositivism is one of several kinds of categorization that can be used to describe applied linguistic designs. Designs in applied linguistics include language policies, language tests, or language courses, for example. The different styles of working professionally within the discipline provide theoretical rationales for these three kinds of artifacts. Seven such paradigms or styles of doing applied linguistics can be distinguished in the short history of the discipline: the first four are modernist in orientation, though the third (a multidisciplinary approach) and the fourth already foreshadow the 180° degree turnabout that postmodernism brought about. Postmodernism harbors a variety of orientations: ethnography, critical applied linguistics, poststructuralism, narrative enquiry, and even posthumanism. Its most serious challenger, which harks back to modernist starting points, is to be found in complexity theory, and its dynamic systems approach. While many styles of applied linguistics exist side by side, there are now calls for integrating methodologies in a theoretically deliberate rather than a merely pragmatic or eclectic manner.
Theses and Dissertations in English for Specific Purposes
Authors: Paltridge Brian
Published: December 2018

This entry reviews research into second language thesis and dissertation writing and issues that students face in this process. Topics covered include factors that influence the decisions a student makes while writing their thesis or dissertation, thesis and dissertation types, the teaching of thesis and dissertation writing, and students' experiences of the thesis and dissertation writing process. Suggestions are made for further research in the area of thesis and dissertation writing and further readings on the topic are provided.
Cell‐Templated Silica Microparticles with Supported Lipid Bilayers as Artificial Antigen‐Presenting Cells for T Cell Activation
Authors: Olden Brynn R. , Perez Caleb R. , Wilson Ashley L. , Cardle Ian I. , Lin Yu‐Shen , Kaehr Bryan , Gustafson Joshua A. , Jensen Michael C. , Pun Suzie H.
Published: December 2018

Biomaterial properties that modulate T cell activation, growth, and differentiation are of significant interest in the field of cellular immunotherapy manufacturing. In this work, a new platform technology that allows for the modulation of various activation particle design parameters important for polyclonal T cell activation is presented. Artificial antigen presenting cells (aAPCs) are successfully created using supported lipid bilayers on various cell‐templated silica microparticles with defined membrane fluidity and stimulating antibody density. This panel of aAPCs is used to probe the importance of activation particle shape, size, membrane fluidity, and stimulation antibody density on T cell outgrowth and differentiation. All aAPC formulations are able to stimulate T cell growth, and preferentially promote CD8+ T cell growth over CD4+ T cell growth when compared to commercially available pendant antibody‐conjugated particles. T cells cultured with HeLa‐ and red blood cell–templated aAPCs have a less‐differentiated and less‐exhausted phenotype than those cultured with spherical aAPCs with matched membrane coatings when cultured for 14 days. These results support continued exploration of silica‐supported lipid bilayers as an aAPC platform.
Imaging Spatial Variations of Optical Bandgaps in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Boyi , Peng Jun , Shen Heping , Duong The , Walter Daniel , Johnston Steve , Al‐Jassim Mowafak M. , Weber Klaus J. , White Thomas P. , Catchpole Kylie R. , Macdonald Daniel , Nguyen Hieu T.
Published: December 2018

A fast, nondestructive, camera‐based method to capture optical bandgap images of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with micrometer‐scale spatial resolution is developed. This imaging technique utilizes well‐defined and relatively symmetrical band‐to‐band luminescence spectra emitted from perovskite materials, whose spectral peak locations coincide with absorption thresholds and thus represent their optical bandgaps. The technique is employed to capture relative variations in optical bandgaps across various PSCs, and to resolve optical bandgap inhomogeneity within the same device due to material degradation and impurities. Degradation and impurities are found to both cause optical bandgap shifts inside the materials. The results are confirmed with micro‐photoluminescence spectroscopy scans. The excellent agreement between the two techniques opens opportunities for this imaging concept to become a quantified, high spatial resolution, large‐area characterization tool of PSCs. This development continues to strengthen the high value of luminescence imaging for the research and development of this photovoltaic technology.
Dysfunctional endothelial progenitor cells in patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in complete remission
Authors: Wiessman Maya , Leshem Dorit , Yeshurun Moshe , Yavin Hagai , Iakobishvilli Zaza , Raanani Pia , Kornowski Ran , Lev Eli I. , Vaturi Mordehay
Published: December 2018

Background

Patients with a history of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) are at increased long‐term risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Studies report an association between the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease (CAD) and levels of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPC), which play an essential role in vascular injury repair. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential involvement of abnormal EPC level or function in the CAD risk of survivors of HL in remission.

Methods

EPCs were isolated from peripheral blood samples drawn from 4 groups of patients aged 20‐50 years with no history of CAD: 17 patients with HL who had been in complete remission for at least 2 years, four newly diagnosed patients with HL before treatment, 28 patients with diabetes all attending a tertiary medical center, and 16 healthy individuals. Levels of EPC surface markers were measured by flow cytometry, and EPC function was evaluated by the number of colony‐forming units (CFUs) and MTT assay.

Results

Levels of circulating CD34(+)/VEGFR2(+) and CD133(+)/VEGFR2(+) were significantly higher in the newly diagnosed untreated patients with HL compared to the patients with HL in remission (P = 0.03 and P = 0.005, respectively), in the patients in remission compared to the patients with diabetes (P = 0.011 and P < 0.001, respectively), and in the patients in remission compared to the healthy individuals (P = 0.08 and P = 0.003, respectively). The analysis of cell viability and the number of colony‐forming units in the patients with HL in remission yielded significant differences from the healthy group (P = 0.005 and P < 0.001, respectively) but not from either the newly diagnosed patients with HL or the diabetic patients.

Conclusions

These results suggest that patients in complete remission of HL for at least 2 years have an abnormal EPC profile characterized by high circulating levels but attenuated function.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of a Novel Double‐Sided Nanobrush Co3O4 Catalyst and Its Catalytic Performance for Benzene Oxidation
Authors: Ma Xiuyun , Yu Xiaolin , Yang Xueqin , Lin Mengya , Ge Maofa
Published: December 2018

A double‐sided nanobrush Co3O4 (Co3O4−B) catalyst was successfully prepared by a hydrothermal method for the first time, and Co3O4 rods (Co3O4−R), Co3O4 hexagonal plates (Co3O4−H) and Co3O4 double‐sided helianthus discs (Co3O4−D) were also synthesized through tuning the water/ethanol ratio. Among all of the as‐prepared catalysts, the Co3O4−B catalyst exhibited the best catalytic activity for benzene oxidation. The excellent catalytic performance could be attributed to the surface abundance Co3+ species, good low‐temperature reducibility and high number of lattice defects with substantial active oxygen species, which resulted from the unique structure of the double‐sided nanobrush. The stability and water tolerance tests demonstrated that the Co3O4−B catalyst displays excellent stability for benzene combustion, and the deactivation caused by water vapor is also reversible. It is concluded that the unique structure of the catalysts plays a crucial role in determining its catalytic oxidation performance.
Exploring the relationships between impatience, savings automation, and financial welfare
Authors: Middlewood Brianna L. , Chin Alycia , Johnson Heidi , Knoll Melissa A. Z.
Published: December 2018

The Behavioral Life‐Cycle hypothesis (Thaler & Shefrin, ) models consumers as having both impatient “doer” preferences, representing their desire to spend now, and patient “planner” preferences, representing long‐run welfare considerations. The Behavioral Life‐Cycle hypothesis suggests that those with doer preferences may benefit from strategies that constrain their present behavior and promote saving for the future, like automating deposits into savings accounts. We analyze over 4,000 responses from the nationally representative National Financial Well‐Being Survey to (a) describe consumer characteristics associated with the decision to automate savings deposits, and (b) explore whether automation is related to improved financial welfare, especially for impatient consumers. We find that savings automation is positively associated with financial socialization (whether the respondent's family discussed financial matters growing up) and financial skill (the ability to act on financial knowledge). We also find that impatient consumers—relative to those with stronger planner preferences—have fewer liquid savings, lower financial well‐being, less confidence in their ability to raise $2,000, and more difficulty paying bills. However, as predicted, these differences between consumers with doer and planner preferences largely disappear for those who automate savings deposits. We discuss implications of this research for financial planners in helping clients improve financial welfare.
Black Phosphorus Cytotoxicity Assessments Pitfalls: Advantages and Disadvantages of Metabolic and Morphological Assays
Authors: Fojtů Michaela , Balvan Jan , Raudenská Martina , Vičar Tomáš , Bouša Daniel , Sofer Zdeněk , Masařík Michal , Pumera Martin
Published: December 2018

Black phosphorus (BP) belongs to a group of 2D nanomaterials and nowadays attracts constantly increasing attention. Parallel to the growing utilization of BP nanomaterial increase also the requirements for the thorough comprehension of its potential impact on human and animal health. The aim of this study was to compare and discuss five assays commonly used for the cytotoxicity assessments of nanomaterials with a special focus on BP nanoparticles. A comprehensive survey of factors and pitfalls is provided that should be accounted for when assessing their toxicity and pointed to their inconsistency. BP might introduce various levels of interference during toxicity assessments depending on its concentration applied. More importantly, the BP toxicity evaluation was found to be influenced by the nature of assay chosen. These are based on different principles and do not have to assess all the cellular events equally. A commercial assay based on the measurement of protease activity was identified to be the most suitable for the BP toxicity assessment. Further, the benefit of time‐lapse quantitative phase imaging for nanomaterial toxicity evaluation was highlighted. Unlike the conventional assessments it provides real‐time analysis of the processes accompanying BP administration and enables to understand them deeper and in the context.
A Metal‐Organic‐Framework‐Derived g‐C3N4/α‐Fe2O3 Hybrid for Enhanced Visible‐Light‐Driven Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Liu Jing , Zhao Xiuxia , Jing Peng , Shi Wei , Cheng Peng
Published: December 2018

As one of the most efficient systems for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, the Z‐Scheme system, consisting of different semiconductors with a reversible donor–acceptor pair, has attracted great attention. Considering the non‐toxicity and low cost of photocatalysts, a series of g‐C3N4/α‐Fe2O3 hybrids were rationally constructed based on the Z‐Scheme mechanism for the first time, using a metal‐organic framework template approach that can fine tune the compositions and properties of the hybrids. An optimized hybrid, g‐C3N4/α‐Fe2O3‐2, exhibited prominent photocatalytic water splitting performance with a visible light response. Under irradiation of visible light (λ>420 nm), the hybrid shows a high durability and superior hydrogen production rate of 2066.2 μmol g−1 h−1 from water splitting, which is approximately three times greater than that of bulk g‐C3N4 because of the effective separation of photo‐excited charge carriers by two narrow band gap semiconductors, tightly coupled with the Z‐Scheme structural feature.
Competing Crystallization between Lanthanide and Actinide in Acidic Solution Leading to Their Efficient Separation
Authors: Yin Xuemiao , Wang Yaxing , Li Xiaoyan , Xie Jian , Silver Mark A. , Chen Lanhua , Sheng Daopeng , Ji Guoxun , Chai Zhifang , Wang Shuao
Published: December 2018

Summary of main observation and conclusion

We present a new method for generating europium oxalate compounds by decomposing of N‐methyl 2‐pyrrolidone in HNO3 media. The reaction exhibits high selectivity towards Eu3+ over UO22+, which suggests that these conditions could be applied to a selective crystallization based separation system for trivalent lanthanides and hexavalent actinides.
Enabling internal methods in passive optical network architecture for next generation OFDM‐PON supporting radio‐over‐fiber
Authors: Kishanlal M. Samayaraj Murali , Jawahar A.
Published: December 2018

In this study, it is focused on designing a novel architecture for Next Generation Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (NG‐OFDM), for Passive Optical Networks (PON). This is called as NGOF‐ROFPON (Next generation Optical Fiber – Radio over Fiber PON). In order to improve the efficiency in providing a seamless data transmission and to extend it to all terrains, the Radio‐Over‐Fiber (ROF) transmissions is applied among base stations and remote antennas. For a better decision making on the NGOF‐ROFPON, a simulation‐based experiment is carried out on both OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) and its RF (Radio Frequency) output signals quality performance at receiver side is compared. By analyzing the system parameters in the simulation results collaboratively in optical broadband OFDM and RF OFDM over PON the best performance for a PON architecture is decided as a optimum method to the PON for next generation and referred as NGOF‐ROFPON. Moreover, from the simulation results, by selecting the best modulation technique, the spreading of the signal due to the downstream and upstream process is controlled and such signals are used in various frequency‐based RF signals over various distances in single mode fiber PON.
Room‐Temperature Synthesis of Germanium Oxide Nanofilaments and Their Potential Use as Luminescent Self‐Cleaning Surfaces
Authors: Saddiqi Naeem‐ul‐Hasan , Patra Debabrata , Seeger Stefan
Published: December 2018

Germanium oxide nanofilaments (GNFs) have been synthesized under ambient conditions from the gas phase using germanium tetrachloride as a precursor. Non‐crystalline GNFs synthesized by this procedure are 1–10 μm in length and 80–110 nm in diameter applying Droplet Assisted Growth and Shaping (DAGS) Chemistry. The relative humidity has been adjusted at various values in order to demonstrate the crucial role of humidity in the gas phase for the nanofilament synthesis. The novel GNFs show a strong luminescence emission in the ultra‐violet and light blue region. In addition, a self‐cleaning and superhydrophobic properties could be introduced in the luminescent GNF nanofilaments by simple treatment with silane molecules.
3D Mapping of Gas Physisorption for the Spatial Characterisation of Nanoporous Materials
Authors: Joss Lisa , Pini Ronny
Published: December 2018

Nanoporous materials used in industrial applications (e. g., catalysis and separations) draw their functionality from properties at the nanoscale (1–10 Å). When shaped into a technical form these solids reveal spatial variations in the same properties over much larger length scales (1 μm–1 cm). The multiscale characterization of these systems is impaired by the trade‐off between sample size and image resolution that is bound to the use of most imaging techniques. We show here the application of X‐ray computed tomography for the non‐invasive spatial characterization of a zeolite/activated carbon adsorbent bed across three orders of magnitude in scale. Through the unique combination of gas adsorption isotherms measured locally and their interpretation by physisorption analysis, we determine three‐dimensional maps of the specific surface area and micropore volume. We further use machine learning to identify and locate the materials within the packed bed. This novel ability to reveal the extent of heterogeneity in technical porous solids will enable a deeper understanding of their function in industrial reactors. Such developments are essential towards bridging the gap between material research and process design.
Minimal residual disease and log‐reduction of plasma cells are associated with superior response after double autologous stem cell transplant in younger patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Rossi Giovanni , Falcone Antonietta Pia , Minervini Maria Marta , De Cillis Giovanni Pio , De Waure Chiara , Sisti Leuconoe Grazia , Giambra Vincenzo , Valente Daniela , Chiello Vincenzo , Scalzulli Potito Rosario , Carella Angelo Michele , Cascavilla Nicola
Published: December 2018

Background

Optimization of chemotherapy regimens in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) has led to increase the frequency of cases with complete response (CR). Nonetheless, many MM patients still experience relapse, suggesting that CR represents a suboptimal response criteria, and that new therapeutic strategies are needed after single transplant. However, the role of double autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) as new adjunctive strategy remains to be elucidated. Indeed, we investigated the role of minimal residual disease (MRD) and log‐reduction of plasma cells (PCs) as predictors of outcome and in quantifying the degree of tumor reduction after any ASCT.

Methods

MRD and log‐reduction were assessed by a six‐color flow cytometry (FC) at different time‐points: post induction, post first‐, and post‐second ASCT.

Results

A significant difference was evidenced among the three time points for both log‐reduction (P < 0.001) and MRD (P = 0.005). MRD levels after double ASCT were lower than MRD levels achieved after single ASCT (P = 0.005) and after induction (P < 0.001). Frequency of MRD positive patients after double ASCT was significantly lower rather than after the first ASCT (P = 0.008) and after induction (P = 0.004). Interestingly, a significant reduction of PFS was observed in patients with an unfavorable‐risk cytogenetic (P < 0.001) and patients with MRD over 0.01% (P = 0.001) as well as log‐reduction lower than 2.57 (P = 0.018) after double ASCT.

Conclusions

Our results show that a better clearance of myeloma cells is observed after the double ASCT, and a longer PFS is associated with a lower MRD. © 2018 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Valence matters: An electrophysiological study on how emotions influence cognitive performance in children
Authors: Abdul Rahman Aishah , Wiebe Sandra A.
Published: December 2018

Emotional stimuli have been found to influence cognitive performance in children, but it is not clear whether this effect varies with the cognitive demands of the task. In this study, we examined how emotional expressions influenced cognitive performance and event‐related potentials (ERPs) in early and middle childhood under varying cognitive control demands. Two groups of children (4.5–6.0 and 7.0–8.5 years) completed a modified flanker task where the stimuli were faces displaying task‐irrelevant emotional expressions. Emotional influence varied depending on emotional valence: Accuracy was greater for happy targets, while response time and N2 latency were longer for angry targets. In younger children only, angry targets elicited a larger late frontal negativity. Cognitive control demands did not modulate the effect of emotions on behavioral performance or ERPs, contrasting with findings in adults. Findings are discussed in relation to the dual competition model and previous work demonstrating a positivity bias in children.
Identification of the parasitoid community associated with an outbreaking gall wasp,Zapatella davisae, and their relative abundances in New England and Long Island, New York
Authors: Davis Monica J. , Andersen Jeremy C. , Elkinton Joseph
Published: December 2018

Gall wasps (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) are phytophagous insects that often go unnoticed; however, when they are introduced to a new area or released from their natural enemies, they have the capacity to outbreak and cause extensive foliar damage. One such outbreaking pest,Zapatella davisae(Cynipidae: Cynipini), causes significant damage and mortality to black oak,Quercus velutina, in the northeastern United States. In this study, we aimed to identify the parasitoid community associated withZ. davisae, compare differences in percent parasitism ofZ. davisaein Cape Cod and Long Island, and determine which parasitoid species contribute most to parasitism in each region. From both locations, we reared parasitoids, identified morphological groups, analyzed percent parasitism rates for each group, and used DNA barcoding to provide species‐level identifications. On Long Island, there was nearly 100% parasitism in 2015 followed by a near total collapse of the population in 2016. In contrast, parasitism rates were lower and remained consistent on Cape Cod between 2015 and 2016, which may explain the greater canopy damage observed in that region. Species of Sycophila were the dominant parasitoids, with one speciesSycophilanr.novascotiaerepresenting ~65% of reared parasitoids from Long Island, and two species ofSycophila(S. nr. novascotiaeandS. foliatae) with near equal representations on Cape Cod. In order to manage an insect pest, it is important to understand factors that influence its mortality and survival. An understanding of how these infestations progress overtime can help predict the impact that newer infestations in Nantucket, MA, and coastal Rhode Island will have on black oak populations and will aid in the management of this rapidly spreading gall wasp pest.
Analytical characterization of the Aegle marmelos pyrolysis products and investigation on the suitability of bio‐oil as a third generation bio‐fuel for C.I engine
Authors: Baranitharan P. , Ramesh K. , Sakthivel R.
Published: December 2018

The present investigation emphasis on characteristics of pyrolysis products was obtained by intermediate pyrolysis of Aegle marmelos (AM) deoiled seed cake and appropriateness of engine adaptation. The superior volatile matter (73.69%) contented AM biomass was elected as the feed stock in this study. Pyrolysis experiment was done by a fixed bed reactor at 600°C and obtained 42–55% bio‐oil yield. Investigation of bio‐oil by GC/MS and FTIR established the occurrence of methyl, ester, alkanes, ketones and oxygenated chemicals have been alternates for fossil fuels. SEM and EDX analysis of bio‐char exposes activated carbon and ensured that biochar can be used in the waste water treatment plant, solid fuel, organic fertilizer, and natural mosquito destroyer. According to GC analysis, the presence of CH4, H2, and C2H6 evolved syngas in AM pyrolysis process can be used C.I engines at dual fuel mode operation. An engine test reveals that adding of the pyrolysis oil diminished BTE (%) and increasing BSEC (MJ/kWhr). However, increasing bio‐oil ratio blend with diesel reduces hazardous emissions like CO, HC, NOx, and smoke in the exhaust. Based on engine results, it was proposed that equal to 20% of AM bio‐oil can be used as a fuel substitute for diesel engines. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13116, 2019
Genesis of the Zhunsujihua porphyry Mo deposit in the Erenhot‐East Ujimqin metallogenic belt, Inner Mongolia, China: Evidence from geology, fluid inclusions, and isotope systematics
Authors: He Lin‐Yang , Wang Yin‐Hong , Liu Jia‐Jun , He Ming‐Yue , Yao Yuan , Xian Xue‐Chen
Published: December 2018

The newly discovered Zhunsujihua porphyry Mo deposit is located in the south‐western part of the Great Hingan Range, north‐east China. Molybdenum mineralization generally presents as veins or disseminations hosted in granitic intrusions, and multiple‐stage hydrothermal activity has resulted in potassic, phyllic, and sericitic alteration. The mineralization process can be divided into four stages, that is, quartz–K‐feldspar ± pyrite veinlets in stage I, quartz–molybdenite veinlets in stage II, quartz–polymetallic sulfide veinlets in stage III, and barren quartz–calcite veins in stage IV. Four types of fluid inclusions can be distinguished by petrography in hydrothermal quartz, including liquid‐rich two‐phase, vapour‐rich two‐phase, pure gaseous, and pure liquid inclusions, but quartz in stage I contains all types of fluid inclusions. The homogenization temperatures in quartz of stages I, II, III, and IV vary from 300°C to 520°C, 230°C to 410°C, 170°C to 260°C, and 136°C to 227°C, with salinities of 4.18–13.30 wt.% NaCl equiv., 2.07–11.10 wt.% NaCl equiv., 1.74–8.95 wt.% NaCl equiv., and 0.70–5.71 wt.% NaCl equiv., respectively. The ore‐forming fluids in this deposit are characterized by high temperature and intermediate to low salinity belonging to an H2O–NaCl system. δ18Oquartz values of quartz from stages I to IV range from +5.5‰ to +10.1‰, with the calculated δ18Ofluid values ranging from –6.7‰ to +6.3‰, and the δD values of fluid inclusion waters in quartz ranging from –118‰ to –102‰. The δ34S values of pyrite and molybdenite from different ore stages range from 3.8‰ to 6.8‰ with an average of 5.1‰. Pyrite and molybdenite samples in the deposit have 206Pb/204Pb ratios of 18.394 to 18.766, 207Pb/204Pb ratios of 15.580 to 15.694, and 208Pb/204Pb ratios of 38.309 to 38.942. All these observations reveal that the hydrothermal fluids of the Zhunsujihua porphyry Mo deposit have a dominantly magmatic signature with an input of meteoric water during the carbonate stage, and the ore‐forming components (metal and sulfur) were sourced from a greater magmatic source and some upper crustal materials.
Clinical significance and peculiarities of succinate dehydrogenase B and hypoxia inducible factor 1α expression in parasympathetic versus sympathetic paragangliomas
Authors: Bernardo‐Castiñeira Cristóbal , Sáenz‐de‐Santa‐María Inés , Valdés Nuria , Astudillo Aurora , Balbín Milagros , Pitiot Ana S. , Jiménez‐Fonseca Paula , Scola Bartolomé , Tena Isabel , Molina‐Garrido María‐José , Sevilla María‐Agustina , Beristein Elena , Forga Lluís , Villabona Carles , Oriola Josep , Halperin Irene , Suarez Carlos , Chiara María‐Dolores
Published: December 2018

Background

Succinate dehydrogenase subunit B (SDHB) immunohistochemistry was considered a valuable tool to identify patients with inherited paraganglioma/pheochromocytoma (PGL/PCC). However, previous studies jointly analyzed 2 related but clinically distinct entities, parasympathetic head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGLs) and sympathetic PCCs/PGLs. Additionally, a role for hypoxia inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) as a biomarker for succinate dehydrogenase (SDHx)‐mutated tumors has not been studied. Here, we evaluated the utility of SDHB/HIF‐1α proteins in HNPGLs and PCCs/PGLs as clinically useful biomarkers.

Methods

The SDHB/succinate dehydrogenase subunit A (SDHA)/HIF‐1α immunohistochemistry analysis was performed in 158 genetically defined patients.

Results

Similarly to PCCs/PGLs, SDHB immune‐negativity correlated with SDHx‐mutations in HNPGLs (P < .0001). The HIF‐1α stabilization was associated with SDHx‐mutations in HNPGLs (P = .020), not in PCCs/PGLs (P = .319). However, 25% of SDHx‐HNPGLs lacked HIF‐1α positive cells.

Conclusion

As in PCCs/PGLs, SDHB immunohistochemistry in HNPGLs is a valuable method for identification of candidates for SDHx‐genetic testing. On the contrary, although SDHx mutations may favor HIF‐1α stabilization in HNPGLs, this is not a clinically useful biomarker.
Serum matrix metalloproteinase 8 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1: Potential markers for malignant transformation of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis and for prognosis of laryngeal cancer
Authors: Pakkanen Pihla P. , Aaltonen Leena‐Maija , Sorsa Timo A. , Tervahartiala Taina I. , Hagström Jaana K. , Ilmarinen Taru T.
Published: December 2018

Background

Biomarkers that could predict malignant transformation of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) would be useful in patient follow‐up. We investigated whether serum matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP‐8) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP‐1) could predict malignant transformation of RRP and whether they associate with survival in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) without preexisting RRP.

Methods

We analyzed serum MMP‐8 (S‐MMP‐8) and serum TIMP‐1 (s‐TIMP‐1) in 114 patients: 55 were treated for RRP and 59 for LSCC without preexisting RRP. Five patients with RRP developed LSCC during follow‐up.

Results

Elevated S‐MMP‐8 level in RRP was associated with malignant transformation (P = .01). Compared to patients with RRP, S‐MMP‐8 in patients with LSCC was significantly higher (P < .001). Increased S‐TIMP‐1 level in LSCC was associated with poor overall survival (P = .02) and recurrence‐free survival (P = .05).

Conclusion

In RRP, high S‐MMP‐8 may predict malignant transformation. In LSCC, elevated S‐TIMP‐1 is connected to poor survival.
Nonmelanoma skin cancer of the head and neck region in solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Ritter Amit , Bachar Gideon , Feinmesser Raphael , Shpitzer Thomas , Popovtzer Aron , Rabinovics Naomi
Published: December 2018

Background

Nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSC) are the most common malignancies in solid organ recipients. We investigated the incidence, clinical features, and outcome of solid organ recipients with NMSC of the head and neck.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted for solid organ recipients who were treated from 1992 to 2015 and who developed NMSC of the head and neck.

Results

Of 3339 organ recipients, 259 patients developed 697 head and neck NMSC. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common malignancy (55%). The overall 5‐year and 10‐year survival was 68% and 45%. Kidney recipients had better survival outcome than other organ recipients (10 vs 7 years). Advanced‐stage cancers (10%), aggressive patterns of tumors (21%), and treatment with Prograf and Cellcept were associated with increased disease‐specific mortality.

Conclusion

Solid organ transplant increases the risk of NMSC of the head and neck. Aggressive tumors decrease patient survival and warrant more decisive and multidisciplinary approach.
Impact of cancer service centralisation on the radical treatment of men with high‐risk and locally advanced prostate cancer: A national cross‐sectional analysis in England
Authors: Parry Matthew G , Sujenthiran Arunan , Cowling Thomas E , Nossiter Julie , Cathcart Paul , Clarke Noel W , Payne Heather , Aggarwal Ajay , van der Meulen Jan
Published: December 2018

In many countries, specialist cancer services are centralised to improve outcomes. We explored how centralisation affects the radical treatment of high‐risk and locally advanced prostate cancer in the English NHS. 79,085 patients diagnosed with high‐risk and locally advanced prostate cancer in England (April 2014 to March 2016) were identified in the National Prostate Cancer Audit database. Poisson models were used to estimate risk ratios (RR) for undergoing radical treatment by whether men were diagnosed at a regional co‐ordinating centre (‘hub’), for having surgery by the presence of surgical services on‐site, and for receiving high dose‐rate brachytherapy (HDR‐BT) in addition to external beam radiotherapy by its regional availability. Men were equally likely to receive radical treatment, irrespective of whether they were diagnosed in a hub (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.91–1.08). Men were more likely to have surgery if they were diagnosed at a hospital with surgical services on site (RR 1.24, 1.10–1.40), and more likely to receive additional HDR‐BT if they were diagnosed at a hospital with direct regional access to this service (RR 6.16, 2.94–12.92). Centralisation of specialist cancer services does not affect whether men receive radical treatment, but it does affect treatment modality. Centralisation may have a negative impact on access to specific treatment modalities.
Transient increase in lactate dehydrogenase after granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor administration during chemotherapy in a patient with advanced seminoma
Authors: Takeda Shinako , Kawamura Sadafumi , Tanaka Takaki , Tochigi Tatsuo
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor is often reported to induce increases in lactate dehydrogenase, complicating the evaluation of treatment effects on germ cell tumors.

Case presentation

A 30‐year‐old patient was diagnosed with left testicular seminoma showing enlarged para‐aortic lymph nodes and a retroperitoneal tumor. Serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase were elevated. Three cycles of bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin were administered. After chemotherapy, computed tomography showed marked reduction in the metastatic sites. However, serum lactate dehydrogenase levels increased transiently at the end of each course of chemotherapy. In consideration of the residual tumors, one cycle of another chemotherapy was added. Five months after final chemotherapy, lactate dehydrogenase remained within normal limits with no evidence of tumor recurrence.

Conclusion

In our case, transient elevation of lactate dehydrogenase was considered relevant to granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor use. Examination of lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes may be helpful to estimate the cause of serum lactate dehydrogenase elevation.