bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secondary Subcutaneous Rhizopus Infection in a Posttransplant Recipient with Calcific Uremic Arteriolopathy
Authors: Anandh Urmila , Kumar Rakesh , Rao Vishnu
Published: June 2020

Calcific uremic arteriolopathy is a rare condition affecting chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients on long-term dialysis. The clinical manifestations include subcutaneous skin necrosis and ulcers secondary to calcification of the subcutaneous blood vessels. The necrotic tissue often becomes a nidus of infection. The prognosis is often poor. We present a case of a renal allograft recipient who developed a subcutaneous necrotic lesion which was subsequently infected by Rhizopus spp. The patient underwent surgical debridement and antifungal therapy. The infection resolved completely. Our case represents agrave underlying condition predisposing a rare and serious posttransplant infection. The outcome was favourable because of early identification and treatment of the infection.
Investigation on the Effects of Prefabricated Crack and Strain Rate on Uniaxial Compressive Properties of Frozen Silty Soil
Authors: Ma Dongdong , Kaunda Ezra Esanju , Huang Kun
Published: June 2020

To investigate the uniaxial compressive strength and deformation properties of frozen silty soil with prefabricated crack under various strain rates, the static uniaxial compressive tests were conducted for frozen silty soil using three kinds of binder materials to select the suitable prefabricated crack manufacturing method. Afterward, the static and dynamic stress‐strain curves of frozen silty soil with different prefabricated crack numbers were obtained based on static and splitting Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) tests. In addition, the high‐speed camera was employed to record the fracturing process of frozen silty soil under impact loads. Results indicated that the frozen silty soil specimens with no binder showed higher static strength compared with other two binder materials (plaster and Vaseline). The strength growth rate of frozen silty soil showed three‐stage (fast‐slow‐rapid) change characteristics. The peak strain of frozen silty soil under static loads scope was higher compared with that under dynamic loads, while its dynamic peak strain with various prefabricated crack numbers was remarkably rate‐dependent. The absorbed energy density of frozen silty soil was subject to a negative (positive) relationship with the prefabricated crack numbers (strain rate). The dominated crack of intact frozen silty soil specimen finally presented Y‐shaped shear failure. However, tensile cracks parallel to stress wave propagation direction were observed for the frozen silty soil specimen with prefabricated crack.
Ambient Seismic Noise Analysis Associated with the 2010 Eruption of Merapi Volcano Using Temporal Variations of Randomness and Background Noise
Authors: Rakhman Afif , Wahyudi  , Budi Santoso Agus , Humaida Hanik , Suryanto Wiwit
Published: June 2020

We present the combination of permutation entropy (PE) and power spectral density (PSD) analysis on continuous seismic data recorded by short-period seismic stations during the 2010 Merapi volcano eruption. The calculation of PE aims at characterizing the randomness level in seismic noise, while the PSD parameters use to detect the background noise level in various frequency bands. It was previously observed that a significant reduction of randomness before the volcano eruption could be indicated as one of the short-term precursors due to the lack of high frequencies (>1 Hz) in the noise wave-field caused by high absorption losses as the hot magma uprises to the upper crust. The results show no significant reduction in signal randomness before the eruption series. The characteristic of events during the preeruptive period and the crisis tends to be chaotic (PE in the range 0.9 to 1). Further calculations show that the standard deviation in PE decreased in four days before the first eruption onset on 26 October. PE was stable at the highest values (very close to 1) and gradually returned to the previous fluctuation after the eruption onset. The level of background noise in the low- and high-frequency bands appeared to have the same tendency. The two main eruptions correspond to the two highest peaks of noise levels.
A Net with Applications for Continuity in a Fuzzy Soft Topological Space
Authors: Gao Rui , Wu Jianrong
Published: June 2020

In this paper, the concept of a fuzzy soft point is redefined, and the definition of a fuzzy soft net in a fuzzy soft topological space is given. On this basis, the convergence of a fuzzy soft net is defined by using the Q-neighborhood theory, and the continuity of fuzzy soft mappings is characterized by the net. The obtained results demonstrate that the concepts proposed in this paper are very suitable and will provide powerful research tools for further research in this field.
Cancer-Associated Point Mutations in theDLC1Tumor Suppressor and OtherRho-GAPsOccur Frequently and Are Associated with Decreased Function
Authors: Wang Dunrui , Qian Xiaolan , Sanchez-Solana Beatriz , Tripathi Brajendra K. , Durkin Marian E. , Lowy Douglas R.
Published: June 2020

In advanced cancer, the RHOA GTPase is often active together with reduced expression of genes encoding Rho-specific GTPase-accelerating proteins (Rho-GAP), which negatively regulate RHOA and related GTPases. Here we used the The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset to examine 12 tumor types (including colon, breast, prostate, pancreas, lung adenocarcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma) for the frequency of codon mutations of 10 Rho-GAP and experimentally tested biochemical and biological consequences for cancer-associated mutants that arose in the DLC1 tumor suppressor gene. DLC1 was the Rho-GAP gene mutated most frequently, with 5%–8% of tumors in five of the tumor types evaluated having DLC1 missense mutations. Furthermore, 20%–26% of the tumors in four of these five tumor types harbored missense mutations in at least one of the 10 Rho-GAPs. Experimental analysis of the DLC1 mutants indicated 7 of 9 mutants whose lesions were located in the Rho-GAP domain were deficient for Rho-GAP activity and for suppressing cell migration and anchorage-independent growth. Analysis of a DLC1 linker region mutant and a START domain mutant showed each was deficient for suppressing migration and growth in agar, but their Rho-GAP activity was similar to that of wild-type DLC1. Compared with the wild-type, the linker region mutant bound 14-3-3 proteins less efficiently, while the START domain mutant displayed reduced binding to Caveolin-1. Thus, mutation of Rho-GAP genes occurs frequently in some cancer types and the majority of cancer-associated DLC1 mutants evaluated were deficient biologically, with various mechanisms contributing to their reduced activity.

Significance:

These findings indicate that point mutation of Rho-GAP genes is unexpectedly frequent in several cancer types, with DLC1 mutants exhibiting reduced function by various mechanisms.
Palmitoylated Proteins on AML-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Promote Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell Differentiation via TLR2/Akt/mTOR Signaling
Authors: Tohumeken Sehmus , Baur Rebecca , Böttcher Martin , Stoll Andrej , Loschinski Romy , Panagiotidis Konstantinos , Braun Martina , Saul Domenica , Völkl Simon , Baur Andreas S. , Bruns Heiko , Mackensen Andreas , Jitschin Regina , Mougiakakos Dimitrios
Published: June 2020

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) represents the most common acute leukemia among adults. Despite recent progress in diagnosis and treatment, long-term outcome remains unsatisfactory. The success of allogeneic stem cell transplantation underscores the immunoresponsive nature of AML, creating the basis for further exploiting immunotherapies. However, emerging evidence suggests that AML, similar to other malignant entities, employs a variety of mechanisms to evade immunosurveillance. In light of this, T-cell inhibitory myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are gaining interest as key facilitators of immunoescape. Accumulation of CD14+HLA-DRlow monocytic MDSCs has been described in newly diagnosed AML patients, and deciphering the underlying mechanisms could help to improve anti-AML immunity. Here, we report that conventional monocytes readily take-up AML-derived extracellular vesicles (EV) and subsequently undergo MDSC differentiation. They acquired an CD14+HLA-DRlow phenotype, expressed the immunomodulatory indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase, and upregulated expression of genes characteristic for MDSCs, such as S100A8/9 and cEBPβ. The Akt/mTOR pathway played a critical role in the AML-EV–induced phenotypical and functional transition of monocytes. Generated MDSCs displayed a glycolytic switch, which rendered them more susceptible toward glycolytic inhibitors. Furthermore, palmitoylated proteins on the AML-EV surface activated Toll-like receptor 2 as the initiating event of Akt/mTOR-dependent induction of MDSC. Therefore, targeting protein palmitoylation in AML blasts could block MDSC accumulation to improve immune responses.

Significance:

These findings indicate that targeting protein palmitoylation in AML could interfere with the leukemogenic potential and block MDSC accumulation to improve immunity.
Chemerin Reactivates PTEN and Suppresses PD-L1 in Tumor Cells via Modulation of a Novel CMKLR1-mediated Signaling Cascade
Authors: Rennier Keith , Shin Woo Jae , Krug Ethan , Virdi Gurpal , Pachynski Russell K.
Published: June 2020

Purpose:

Chemerin (retinoic acid receptor responder 2, RARRES2) is an endogenous leukocyte chemoattractant that recruits innate immune cells through its receptor, ChemR23. RARRES2 is widely expressed in nonhematopoietic tissues and often downregulated across multiple tumor types compared with normal tissue. Recent studies show that augmenting chemerin in the tumor microenvironment significantly suppresses tumor growth, in part, by immune effector cells recruitment. However, as tumor cells express functional chemokine/chemoattractant receptors that impact their phenotype, we hypothesized that chemerin may have additional, tumor-intrinsic effects.

Experimental Design:

We investigated the effect of exogenous chemerin on human prostate and sarcoma tumor lines. Key signaling pathway components were elucidated using qPCR, Western blotting, siRNA knockdown, and specific inhibitors. Functional consequences of chemerin treatment were evaluated using in vitro and in vivo studies.

Results:

We show for the first time that human tumors exposed to exogenous chemerin significantly upregulate PTEN expression/activity, and concomitantly suppress programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression. CMKLR1 knockdown abrogated chemerin-induced PTEN and PD-L1 modulation, exposing a novel CMKLR1/PTEN/PD-L1 signaling cascade. Targeted inhibitors suggested signaling was occurring through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Chemerin treatment significantly reduced tumor migration, while significantly increasing T-cell–mediated cytotoxicity. Chemerin treatment was as effective as both PD-L1 knockdown and the anti–PD-L1 antibody, atezolizumab, in augmenting T-cell–mediated tumor lysis. Forced expression of chemerin in human DU145 tumors significantly suppressed in vivo tumor growth, and significantly increased PTEN and decreased PD-L1 expression.

Conclusions:

Collectively, our data show a novel link between chemerin, PTEN, and PD-L1 in human tumor lines, which may have a role in improving T-cell–mediated immunotherapies.
Comparison of Panitumumab-IRDye800CW and 5-Aminolevulinic Acid to Provide Optical Contrast in a Model of Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Napier Tiara S. , Udayakumar Neha , Jani Aditi H. , Hartman Yolanda E. , Houson Hailey A. , Moore Lindsay , Amm Hope M. , van den Berg Nynke S. , Sorace Anna G. , Warram Jason M.
Published: June 2020

Maximal safe resection of malignant tissue is associated with improved progression-free survival and better response to radiation and chemotherapy for patients with glioblastoma (GBM). 5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is the current FDA-approved standard for intraoperative brain tumor visualization. Unfortunately, autofluorescence in diffuse areas and high fluorescence in dense tissues significantly limit discrimination at tumor margins. This study is the first to compare 5-ALA to an investigational new drug, panitumumab-IRDye800CW, in the same animal model. A patient-derived GBM xenograft model was established in 16 nude mice, which later received injections of 5-ALA, panitumumab-IRDye800CW, IRDye800CW, 5-ALA and IRDye800CW, or 5-ALA and panitumumab-IRDye800CW. Brains were prepared for multi-instrument fluorescence imaging, IHC, and quantitative analysis of tumor-to-background ratio (TBR) and tumor margin accuracy. Statistical analysis was compared with Wilcoxon rank-sum or paired t test. Panitumumab-IRDye800CW had a 30% higher comprehensive TBR compared with 5-ALA (P = 0.0079). SDs for core and margin regions of interest in 5-ALA–treated tissues were significantly higher than those found in panitumumab-IRDye800CW–treated tissues (P = 0.0240 and P = 0.0284, respectively). Panitumumab-IRDye800CW specificities for tumor core and margin were more than 10% higher than those of 5-ALA. Higher AUC for panitumumab-IRDye800CW indicated strong capability to discriminate between normal and malignant brain tissue when compared with 5-ALA. This work demonstrates that panitumumab-IRDye800CW shows potential as a targeting agent for fluorescence intraoperative detection of GBM. Improved margin definition and surgical resection using panitumumab-IRDye800 has the potential to improve surgical outcomes and survival in patients with GBM compared with 5-ALA.
Allosteric Inhibition of ABL Kinases: Therapeutic Potential in Cancer
Authors: Jones Jill K. , Thompson Eric M.
Published: June 2020

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors have revolutionized the world of cancer treatment in recent years, profoundly improving survival of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and beyond. However, off-target toxicities of these inhibitors are well-described, and resistance has become a paramount concern. Novel allosteric inhibitors of the Abelson (ABL) family of tyrosine kinases, including GNF-2, GNF-5, and ABL-001, are equipped to overcome these issues. Several contemporary studies have demonstrated their potential efficacy in three key areas: primary hematologic and solid malignancies, metastasis, and combination with other small molecules. Further, ongoing clinical trials are investigating the efficacy of ABL-001 for the treatment of CML and recurrent solid tumors. This work reviews the current literature of the preclinical testing of GNF-2 and GNF-5 and the preclinical and clinical testing of ABL-001. Future research will continue to evaluate these promising inhibitors as both first-line therapy for solid tumors and salvage therapy when more traditional drugs such as imatinib fail.
Poly(ADP-ribose) Glycohydrolase Inhibition Sequesters NAD+ to Potentiate the Metabolic Lethality of Alkylating Chemotherapy in IDH-Mutant Tumor Cells
Authors: Nagashima Hiroaki , Lee Christine K. , Tateishi Kensuke , Higuchi Fumi , Subramanian Megha , Rafferty Seamus , Melamed Lisa , Miller Julie J. , Wakimoto Hiroaki , Cahill Daniel P.
Published: June 2020

NAD+ is an essential cofactor metabolite and is the currency of metabolic transactions critical for cell survival. Depending on tissue context and genotype, cancer cells have unique dependencies on NAD+ metabolic pathways. PARPs catalyze oligomerization of NAD+ monomers into PAR chains during cellular response to alkylating chemotherapeutics, including procarbazine or temozolomide. Here we find that, in endogenous IDH1-mutant tumor models, alkylator-induced cytotoxicity is markedly augmented by pharmacologic inhibition or genetic knockout of the PAR breakdown enzyme PAR glycohydrolase (PARG). Both in vitro and in vivo, we observe that concurrent alkylator and PARG inhibition depletes freely available NAD+ by preventing PAR breakdown, resulting in NAD+ sequestration and collapse of metabolic homeostasis. This effect reversed with NAD+ rescue supplementation, confirming the mechanistic basis of cytotoxicity. Thus, alkylating chemotherapy exposes a genotype-specific metabolic weakness in tumor cells that can be exploited by PARG inactivation.

Significance:

Oncogenic mutations in the isocitrate dehydrogenase genes IDH1 or IDH2 initiate diffuse gliomas of younger adulthood. Strategies to maximize the effectiveness of chemotherapy in these tumors are needed. We discover alkylating chemotherapy and concurrent PARG inhibition exploits an intrinsic metabolic weakness within these cancer cells to provide genotype-specific benefit.

See related commentary by Pirozzi and Yan, p. 1629.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1611
The oldest water scorpion discovered in the Early Cretaceous Crato Formation (Hemiptera: Nepidae)

Authors: NEL ANDRÉ , PELLA CRISTIAN
Published: June 2020

Araripenepa vetussiphonis gen. et sp. nov., the oldest representative of the family Nepidae is described from the Early Cretaceous Crato Formation in Brazil. It is considered as the sister group of all the extant Nepidae, having retained tarsi with three tarsomeres and a transverse pronotum. The general habitus, elongate siphon, and strong grasping legs strongly suggest that its biology was very similar to that of the extant Nepa spp., viz. a predaceous bug living in the mud and/or the abundant aquatic vegetation of the Crato palaeolake. Possibly, the Triassic—Jurassic representatives of the stem group of Nepidae had no elongate siphon and were similar to Cratonepa, an enigmatic Nepoidea previously described from the Crato Formation. The development of the siphon was possibly favoured by the diversification of the lacustrine plants that occurred during the Early Cretaceous.
Pleuroceratos jiewenae sp. nov.: A new Cretaceous phloeostichid beetle (Coleoptera: Cucujoidea: Phloeostichidae)

Authors: TIHELKA ERIK , HUANG DIYING , CAI CHENYANG
Published: June 2020

Elucidating the phylogenetic affinities of enigmatic fossils is crucial for resolving the early diversification of the superfamily Cucujoidea, a diverse group of polyphagan beetles whose relationships remain contentious. The systematic position of the Cretaceous genus Pleuroceratos known from Burmese amber has been uncertain; the genus was previously placed into Silvanidae, Sphindidae, and Cucujoidea incertae sedis. Here we describe a new species, Pleuroceratos jiewenae sp. nov., from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber and conduct a formal phylogenetic analysis to elucidate the position of the genus. We recover Pleuroceratos as nested within the family Phloeostichidae, represented in the modern fauna by four genera of fungivorous subcortical beetles with a highly disjunct distribution range. Pleuroceratos beetles are the sole fossil members of Phloeostichidae known to date and indicate that the family begun to diversify by the mid-Cretaceous.
Deep Blue Organic Light-Emitting Diodes Based on [7,7-Dimethyl-9-(10-phenylanthracen-9-yl)-7H-Indeno[1,2-f] Isoquinoline] Derivatives
Authors: Park Jinho , Jang Beomsu , Moon Yu Ji , Lee Hakjun , Kim Young Kwan , Yoon Seung Soo
Published: June 2020

In this study, we synthesized and characterized two novel deep blue emitting materials based on indenoquinoline-substituted phenylanthracene derivatives. Multilayer organic light-emitting diodes were fabricated with the following sequence: indium-tin-oxide (ITO)/4,4′,4″-tris[2-naphthyl(phenyl)amino
(2-TNATA)/4,4′-bis(N-N-naphthyl)-N-phenylamino) biphenyl (NPB)/Blue emitting material (1 or 2)/Bathophenanthroline (Bphen)/lithium quinolate (Liq)/Al. A device B using ‘7,7-dimethyl-9-(10-phenylanthracen-9-yl)-7H-indeno[1,2-f] isoquinoline
(2)’ as an emitter showed the efficient emission with the luminous efficiency, power efficiency, and external quantum efficiency of 2.30 cd/A, 1.02 lm/W, 2.94% at 20 mA/cm2, respectively. This device exhibited deep-blue emission with the Commission Internationale De
LÉnclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.16, 0.08) and λmax = 436 nm at 8.0 V.
Hafnium Incorporation in InZnO Thin Film Transistors as a Carrier Suppressor
Authors: Lee Donghyeon , Choi Pyungho , Park Areum , Jeon Woojin , Choi Donghee , Lee Sangmin , Choi Byoungdeog
Published: June 2020

In this study, we fabricated Hf-doped indium zinc oxide thin-film transistors (HIZO TFTs) using a solution process. Channel layers of the TFTs were optimized by varying the molar ratio of Hf in the channel layers. The electrical properties of the fabricated devices were compared to
gallium indium zinc oxide (GIZO). HIZO TFTs showed 0.12 V threshold voltage, 0.45 V/decade subthreshold swing and 1.24 × 106 on–off current ratio, which were excellent compared to that of GIZO. In particular, when a positive gate bias stress of 10 V was applied for 103
s, the HIZO TFT exhibited a lower threshold voltage shift of 1.11 V than the GIZO TFT (1.88 V). These results originate from the higher oxygen bonding with Hf in IZO compared to Ga atoms. We confirmed that Hf acts as an excellent carrier suppressor whose properties exceed those of Ga.
Growing Properties of Carbon Nanowalls According to the Hydrogen Gas Ratio
Authors: Choi Hyeokjoo , Kang Hyunil , Park Young , Kim Jung Hyun , Choi Wonseok
Published: June 2020

In this study, the growth characteristics of carbon nanowalls (CNWs), which are applied to many devices because of their high aspect ratio and excellent electrical characteristics thanks to their two-dimensional structure, were confirmed by changing the ratio of methane (CH4)
and hydrogen (H2) therein. In many studies, CNWs were grown using various chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or sputtering methods, with a mixture of CH4 and H2 or argon (Ar) gas. To find the suitable rate, 25 sccm CH4, which is used as the source gas,
was first injected into the chamber, and the characteristics were confirmed by changing the amount of H2 gas from 0 to 50 sccm. Ultrasonically cleaned Si wafer was used as the substrate, and the CNW was grown for 10 minutes at microwave power (1300 W, 600°C) using microwave-plasma-enhanced
CVD (MPECVD).
Fabrication of Nickel Sulfide/Nitrogen-Doped Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite as Anode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries and Its Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Lee Yeon-Ju , Ha Tae-Hyun , Cho Gyu-Bong , Kim Ki-Won , Ahn Jou-Hyeon , Cho Kwon-Koo
Published: June 2020

In this study, NiS/graphene nanocomposites were synthesized by simple heat treatment method of three graphene materials (graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and nitrogen-doped graphene oxide (N-rGO)) and NiS precursor. The morphology and crystal structure of NiS/graphene
nanocomposites were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy. Electrochemical properties were also investigated. NiS/graphene nanocomposites homogeneously wrapped by graphene
materials have been successfully manufactured. Among the three nanocomposites, NiS/N-rGO nanocomposite exhibited the highest initial and retention capacity in discharge, respectively, of 1240 mAh/g and 467 mAh/g up to 100 cycles at 0.5 C.
Electrochemical Performance Evaluation of Bipolar Membrane Using Poly(phenylene oxide) for Water Treatment System
Authors: Son Tae Yang , Yun Jun Seong , Kim Kihyun , Nam Sang Yong
Published: June 2020

This study describes the use of poly(phenylene oxide) polymer-based ion-exchange polymers, polystyrene-based ion-exchange particles and a porous support for fabricating bipolar membranes and the results of an assessment of the applicability of these materials to water splitting. In
order to achieve good mechanical as well as good ion-exchange properties, bipolar membranes were prepared by laminating poly(phenylene oxide) and polystyrene based ion-exchange membranes with a sulfonated polystyrene-block-(ethylene-ran-butylene)-block-polystyrene) (S-SEBS) modified interface.
PE pore-supported ion-exchange membranes were also used as bipolar membranes. The tensile strength was 13.21 MPa for the bipolar membrane which utilized only a cation/anion-exchange membrane. When ion-exchange nanoparticles were introduced for high efficiency, a reduction in the tensile strength
to 6.81 MPa was observed. At the same time, bipolar membrane in the form of a composite membrane using PE support exhibited the best tensile strength of 32.41 MPa. To confirm the water-splitting performance, an important factor for a bipolar membrane, pH changes over a period of 20 min were
also studied. During water slitting using CA-P-PE-BPM, the pH at the CEM part and the AEM part changed from 5.4 to 4.18 and from 5.4 to 5.63, respectively.
Quantitative Determination of Triiodothyronine by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopic Biosensor Using Gold Nanoparticle-Modified Electrode
Authors: Nguyen Huynh Vu , Go Anna , Lee Min-Ho
Published: June 2020

A label-free electrochemical impedimetric immunosensor for the detection of Triiodothyronine—a thyroid hormone that functions as the biomarker for monitoring for thyroid dysfunction was developed. The gold nanoparticle-modified electrode was employed to achieve the sensitive determination
of Triiodothyronine at a low concentration level. The gold nanoparticle layer on the gold electrode was generated by chronoamperometry method and its resulting characteristics were investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Redox probe [Fe(CN)6]3−/4− and
electrochemical impedance spec-troscopy was used for both evaluation of the immobilization of anti-Triiodothyronine antibody on the electrode surface and quantitative determination of target Triiodothyronine in different concentrations. The electrode with absorbed antibodies showed significant
changes in charge transfer resistance upon binding the antigen, which resulted in an increase in normalized impedance change as the addition of antigen concentrations over a dynamic linear range of 0.01–100 ng/ml. These results indicated that the proposed immunosensor could be a potential
alternative method for determination of Triiodothyronine in clinics with the advantage of low cost and less time-consuming.
Noble Dibenzothiophene-Based Bipolar Hosts for Blue Organic Light-Emitting Diodes Using Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence
Authors: Lee JaMin , Lee Sae Won , Kim Young Sik
Published: June 2020

Novel thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) host materials for blue electrophosphores-cence were designed by combining the electron acceptor dibenzothiophene (DBT) unit and the electron donor acridine derivatives into a single molecular unit by density functional theory (DFT).
Depending on the optimal charge transfer, DFT and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) calculations for the ground state were performed to obtain the energy of the singlet (S1) and triplet (T1) excited states of the TADF material for Hartree-Fock percentage of TD-DFT.
The sufficiently large separation between the HOMO and LUMO resulted in a small difference in energy (ΔEST) between the S1 and T1 states using DFT and TD-DFT calculations. The host molecules retained high triplet energy and showed great potential for use in blue organic
light-emitting diodes (OLED). The results showed that these molecules are a good TADF host materials because they have a low barrier to hole and electron injection with a balanced charge transporting property for both holes and electrons, and a small ΔEST.
The Many Faces of Stress: Three Factors that Predict Physical Illness in Young Adults
Authors: Barron Rebecca , Gore Jonathan S.
Published: June 2020

Three studies examined how various forms of stress uniquely contribute to physical illness. We compared negative affect and perceived stress in Study 1, neuroticism and perceived stress in Study 2, and negative affect, neuroticism, and perceived stress in Study 3. We also controlled for health-related covariates (i.e., exercise, nutrition, substance use, and BMI). In all three studies ( ns = 271, 577, and 300), participants completed online surveys for course credit. The results of Study 1 demonstrated that both negative affect and perceived stress predicted physical illness. In Study 2, neuroticism and perceived stress each predicted illness symptoms, and an additional interaction between neuroticism and perceived stress, were found. In Study 3, where all three stress factors were included, only negative affect predicted illness symptoms. Taken together, these results suggest that negative affect uniquely explains most of the variance in physical illness symptoms while controlling for other forms of stress.
Is Capitalism Facing a Philosophical Crisis?
Authors: Thakur Manindra Nath
Published: June 2020

The contemporary crisis of capitalism is more fundamental in the sense that it is indicating an ontic mutation of the system. The resolution of the earlier crisis of capitalism gradually deviated it from the philosophy of its founding fathers. The primary justification of capitalism was its commitment to the ‘common good’, which was replaced by the ‘idea of freedom’ during the resolution of the crisis in the 1970s. The present crisis of capitalism, which started in 2008, is deeper and does not have either the idea of ‘common good’ or the ‘idea of freedom’ as a legitimising philosophy. The resolution of the current crisis is not dependent on human labour as it can be replaced by technology based on Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. There is no sign of developing any new philosophical justification for the newly emerging form of capitalism. The article argues that if this does not happen, then the capitalist state in the future will be more exploitative and oppressive.
Book review: Carl W. Ernst, It’s Not Just Academic! Essays on Sufism and Islamic Studies
Authors: Srivastava Kumkum
Published: June 2020

Carl W. Ernst, It’s Not Just Academic! Essays on Sufism and Islamic Studies, Los Angeles, CA: SAGE Publications and Yoda Press, 2018, 490 pp., ₹976, ISBN: 9352800087
The impact of Covid-19 on Turkey’s non-recoverable economic sectors compensating with falling crude oil prices: A computable general equilibrium analysis
Authors: Aydın Levent , Ari Izzet
Published: June 2020

Human beings face unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic outbreak since the beginning of 2020. This disease started to change economic, social, and individual conventional behaviors. Several economic activities have sharply declined, and demand for commodities is decreasing, such as oil. This commodity has also suffered from disagreement among Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)+ members to deal with the amount of cutting oil production. This situation adds a supply-side problem into declining demand due to Covid-19. Turkey, as an emerging economy, highly depends on imported oil and suffers from this pandemic disease. This study aims to analyze the compensating role of falling oil prices for impacts of Covid-19 on non-recoverable sectors in Turkey, e.g. tourism, travel, and transportation. The main argument in the study, that is falling prices in oil can contribute to compensation for losing revenue from tourism, travel, and transport. Throughout the study, ORANI-G as a multisectoral computable general equilibrium model is employed. Three scenarios, namely Scenario-1, 2A, and 2B, are set to analyze the effects of falling oil prices as compensation for Covid-19 in the selected sectors. Results show that Covid-19 decreases gross domestic product by 1.16 but falling oil prices as 25 and 50% compensate for this decrease by 0.72 and 1.56% gross domestic product increases, respectively. It is concluded that through the falling oil prices, Turkey’s dependence on crude oil imports might provide a new reparation to overcome non-recoverable impacts. This study is scoped with selected sectors and falling oil prices. Other economic and social sectors need to be investigated in terms of challenges of Covid-19 and opportunities for declining crude oil prices. Besides, competitiveness based on the scale of firms and the ability to access business finance should be analyzed within the changing business model in the post-coronavirus period.
The Use of Lasers in Stapes Surgery
Authors: Srivastava Rishi , Cho Waisum , Fergie Neil
Published: June 2020

Objectives:

Otosclerosis is a disease process that usually starts around the oval window, causing fixation of the stapes, resulting in conductive hearing loss. Treatment of the conductive hearing loss caused by otosclerosis consists of either rehabilitation with hearing aids or performing surgery. Given the risks of hearing impairment and vertigo associated with the surgery, there has been a desire to advance the practice to minimize the complications. The so-called “non-contact” or “no touch” techniques with the use of various lasers are in current practice. This review article will cover the surgical aspects, the theory behind laser and the various types used in stapes surgery. It will also review the evidence of laser versus conventional stapes surgery and the comparison of different laser types.

Methods:

A literature search up to December 2019 was performed using Pubmed and a nonsystematic review of appropriate articles was undertaken. Keywords used were stapes, surgery, laser, stapedectomy, and stapedotomy.

Results:

Overall, there is no evidence to say laser fenestration is better than conventional fenestration techniques; however, with the micro drill, there is an increased risk of footplate fracture and sensorineural hearing loss. There is an increased risk of tinnitus with the laser compared to conventional techniques. Studies have favored the CO2 laser over potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) and erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Erbium-YAG) lasers for postoperative closure of the air-bone gap; and KTP laser has less thermal, mechanical, and sound effects compared with the thulium and carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers. There is an increased risk if inner ear complications with the thulium laser.

Conclusions:

It can be deduced that theoretically and practically, the thulium laser is less safe compared to the KTP and CO2 lasers. The choice of laser used depends on the surgeon’s preference, as well as availability, cost, side effects profile, as well as ease of use.
The Differential Informativeness of Positive and Negative Stock Returns
Authors: Amir Eli , Levi Shai , Zuckerman Roy
Published: June 2020

We show negative stock returns reverse more and contain less information on the long-term changes in share prices than positive stock returns mostly on nondisclosure days, and these information differences between negative and positive returns decrease substantially on disclosure days. The results suggest investors are more likely to acquire positive information on nondisclosure days and to obtain both negative and positive information on disclosure days. Accounting conservatism and litigation exposure compels managers to reveal their negative information in disclosures, and if managers withhold negative information, they do it when investors are less likely to find the information on nondisclosure days. Moreover, we use the exogenous imposition of Regulation Fair Disclosure (Reg. FD) to demonstrate that positive information leakage from firms during the quarter is driving the positive slant in investors’ information. Taken together, our results suggest that disclosure plays an important role in the differential informativeness and reversals of positive and negative returns.
Which Axial Age, whose rituals? Habermas and Jaspers on the ‘spiritual’ situation of the present age
Authors: Matuštík Martin Beck
Published: June 2020

Can we keep relying on sources of values dating back to the Axial Age, or do cognitive changes in the present age require a completely new foundation? An uncertainty arises with the crisis of values that can support the human in the age of artificial intelligence. Should we seek contemporary access points to the archaic origins of the species? Or must we also imagine new Anthropocenic-Axial values to reground the human event? In his most recent work, Habermas affirms the continuing importance of the contemporary access to the First Axial values, but before him Jaspers anticipates that a second cognitive revolution opens areas that may be receptive to new value foundations. Habermas’ justification of the postsecular turn may not be thinkable without Jaspers’ discovery of the postaxial imaginary.
Quantitative Assessment of Surgical Ergonomics in Otolaryngology
Authors: Rodman Cole , Kelly Natalie , Niermeyer Weston , Banks Laura , Onwuka Amanda , Mason Eric , Chiang Tendy
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Objective evaluation of the ergonomic risk of common otolaryngology procedures and assessment of work‐related musculoskeletal pain and injury.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional intraoperative assessment and survey.

Setting

Department of Otolaryngology at a tertiary children’s hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Sixteen otolaryngology attendings, fellows, and residents participated in a blinded study. Intraoperative ergonomics was assessed for tonsillectomies, adenoidectomies, and tympanostomy tube insertions using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). Follow‐up surveys were sent to all participating surgeons to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and formal ergonomic training.

Results

Zero percent (N = 0/275) of intraoperative observations were found to have a negligible level of ergonomic risk, with 47% low risk, 37% high risk, and 16% very high risk. Tympanostomy tube insertions conferred less risk than tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, while the use of headlamp or loupes conferred increased risk. Eighty percent of respondents reported having musculoskeletal pain and 40% reported experiencing pain while operating within the past year. The most common area of pain was the cervical spine. No surgeons reported formal ergonomic training.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates an unacceptable level of ergonomic risk for common procedures in otolaryngology. Furthermore, most participants reported experiencing musculoskeletal pain despite the duration of examined procedures being relatively short. The high prevalence of work‐related musculoskeletal pain and the lack of ergonomic training in our cohort highlight the need for increased awareness of ergonomics as well as the development of formal ergonomic curricula.
Familial Aggregation in Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis
Authors: Drake Virginia E. , Gelbard Alexander , Sobriera Nara , Wohler Elizabeth , Berry Lynne L. , Hussain Lena L. , Hillel Alexander
Published: June 2020

Objective

To evaluate inheritance patterns and define the familial clustering rate of idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS).

Study Design

Retrospective observational study.

Setting

International multicenter collaborative of >30 tertiary care centers.

Methods

Patients with a clinically confirmed iSGS diagnosis within the North American Airway Collaborative’s iSGS1000 cohort consented between 2014 and 2018 were eligible for enrollment. Patient demographics and disease severity were abstracted from the collaborative’s iSGS longitudinal registry. Pedigrees of affected families were created.

Results

A total of 810 patients with iSGS were identified. Positive family history for iSGS was reported in 44 patients in 20 families. The rate of familial clustering in iSGS is 2.5%. Mean age of disease onset is 42.6 years. Of the 44 patients with familial aggregation of iSGS, 42 were female and 2 were male; 13 were mother‐daughter pairs and 2 were father‐daughter pairs. There were 3 sister‐sister pairs. There was 1 niece‐aunt pair and 2 groups of 3 family members. One pedigree demonstrated 2 affected mother‐daughter pairs, with the mothers being first‐degree paternal cousins. Inheritance is non‐Mendelian, and anticipation is present in 11 of 13 (84%) parent‐offspring pairs. The mean age of onset between parents (48.4 years) and offspring (36.1 years) was significantly different (P =. 016).

Conclusion

This study quantifies the rate of familial clustering of iSGS at 2.5%. Inheritance is non‐Mendelian, and disease demonstrates anticipation. These data suggest that there may be a genetic contribution in iSGS.
Machine Learning Prediction of Extracapsular Extension in Human Papillomavirus–Associated Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Hatten Kyle M. , Amin Julian , Isaiah Amal
Published: June 2020

Objective

To determine whether machine learning (ML) can predict the presence of extracapsular extension (ECE) prior to treatment, using common oncologic variables, in patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)–associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).

Study Design

Retrospective database review.

Setting

National Cancer Database study.

Methods

All patients with HPV‐associated OPSCC treated surgically between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2015, were selected from the National Cancer Database. Patients were excluded if surgical pathology reports did not include information regarding primary tumor stage, number of metastatic regional lymph nodes, size of largest metastatic regional lymph node, and tumor grade. The data were split into a random distribution of 80% for training and 20% for testing with ML methods.

Results

A total of 3753 adults with surgically treated HPV‐associated OPSCC met criteria for inclusion in the study. Approximately 38% of these patients treated with surgical management demonstrated ECE. ML models demonstrated modest accuracy in predicting ECE, with the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves ranging from 0.58 to 0.68. The conditional inference tree model (0.66) predicted the metastatic lymph node number to be the most important predictor of ECE.

Conclusion

Despite a large cohort and the use of ML algorithms, the power of clinical and oncologic variables to predict ECE in HPV‐associated OPSCC remains limited.
Sleep problems worsen health-related quality of life and participation during the first 12 months of stroke rehabilitation
Authors: Fulk George , Duncan Pamela , Klingman Karen J
Published: June 2020

Objective:

Evaluate the impact of self-reported sleep problems on post-stroke recovery.

Design:

Cross-sectional secondary analysis of longitudinal data from the Locomotor Experience Applied Post-Stroke (LEAPS) rehabilitation and recovery study (phase-III single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial). Group medians were compared for three sleep problem groups across three time points.

Setting:

Outpatient and in-home physical therapy.

Subjects:

Adults during the first year following stroke ( n = 408, 380, 360 at 2, 6, 12 months, respectively).

Interventions:

The original study compared effects of locomotor training with body weight support in the year post-stroke. This analysis evaluated function in three sleep/functional-impact groups: no sleep problems, sleep problems with no-to-minimal-impact and sleep problems with moderate-to-quite-a-bit of impact.

Main measures:

Participants’ responses regarding if they had “a sleep problem, such as insomnia” and, if so, what the impact was on their function. Stroke Impact Scale subscales for strength, hand function, mobility, ADLs, memory, communication, emotion, participation, and percent recovery.

Results:

About 25% of people with stroke reported sleep difficulty, 10% perceived sleep problems negatively impact function. Groups self-reporting worse sleep performed worse in all functional subscales (except self-perceived percent recovery) during the first year post-stroke.

Conclusion:

Self-reported poor sleep adversely effects post-stroke functional recovery.
Morphological and functional assessment of the uterus: “one-stop shop imaging” using a compressed-sensing accelerated, free-breathing T1-VIBE sequence
Authors: Hausmann Daniel , Kreul Diana , Klarhöfer Markus , Nickel Dominik , Grimm Robert , Kiefer Berthold , Riffel Philipp , Attenberger Ulrike I , Zöllner Frank G , Kubik-Huch Rahel A
Published: June 2020

Background

The combination of motion-insensitive, high-temporal, and spatial resolution imaging with evaluation of quantitative perfusion has the potential to increase the diagnostic capabilities of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the female pelvis.

Purpose

To compare a free-breathing compressed-sensing VIBE (fbVIBE) with flexible temporal resolution (range = 4.6–13.8 s) with breath-hold VIBE (bhVIBE) and to evaluate the potential value of quantifying uterine perfusion.

Material and Methods

A total of 70 datasets from 60 patients (bhVIBE: n = 30; fbVIBE: n = 40) were evaluated by two radiologists. Only temporally resolved reconstruction (fbVIBE) was performed on 30 of the fbVIBE datasets. For a subset (n = 10) of the fbVIBE acquisitions, a time- and motion-resolved reconstruction (mrVIBE) was evaluated. Image quality (IQ), artifacts, diagnostic confidence (DC), and delineation of uterine structures (DoS) were graded on Likert scales (IQ/DC/DoS: 1 (non-diagnostic) to 5 (perfect); artifacts: 1 (no artifacts) to 5 (severe artifacts)). A Tofts model was applied for perfusion analysis. Ktrans was obtained in the myometrium (Mm), junctional zone (Jz), and cervix (Cx).

Results

The median IQ/DoS/DC scores of fbVIBE (4/5/5 κ >0.7–0.9) and bhVIBE (4/4/4; κ = 0.5–0.7; P > 0.05) were high, but Artifacts were graded low (fbVIBE/bhVIBE: 2/2; κ = 0.6/0.5; P > 0.05). Artifacts were only slightly improved by the additional motion-resolved reconstruction (fbVIBE/mrVIBE: 2/1.5; P = 0.08); fbVIBE was preferred in most cases (7/10). Significant differences of Ktrans values were found between Cx, Jz, and Mm (0.12/0.21/0.19; P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The fbVIBE sequence allows functional and morphological assessment of the uterus at comparable IQ to bhVIBE.
Mid-term outcomes of uncemented or cemented arthroplasty revision following metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty failure: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Chen Zhao , Chen Wenli , Yu Weiguang , Zhao Mingdong , lin Jinluan , Zhou Chaoming , Chen Hui , Ye Junxing , Zeng Xianshang , Zhuang Jintao
Published: June 2020

Objective

To retrospectively compare the mid-term outcomes of uncemented or cemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) revision for prior primary metal-on-metal (MoM) THA failure.

Methods

Data from 278 patients (278 hips) who underwent uncemented THA (UTHA) or cemented THA (CTHA) for prior primary MoM-THA failure from 2006 to 2016 were retrospectively analysed. Follow-up was performed 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and then every 2 years after conversion. The mean follow-up time was 96 months (range, 64–128 months). The primary endpoint was the modified Harris hip score (HHS). The secondary endpoint was the major orthopaedic complication rate.

Results

The HHS showed significantly greater differences in the CTHA than UTHA group 12 months after conversion. From the 12th month after conversion to the final follow-up, CTHA yielded better functional outcomes than UTHA. There were significant differences between the UTHA and CTHA groups in the rates of re-revision (14.4% vs. 4.9%, respectively), aseptic loosening (17.3% vs. 6.8%, respectively), and periprosthetic fracture (11.5% vs. 3.9%, respectively).

Conclusion

CTHA has more advantages than UTHA in terms of improving functional outcomes and decreasing the major orthopaedic complication rate.
I See My Future!: Linking Mentoring, Future Work Selves, Achievement Orientation to Job Search Behaviors
Authors: Kao Kuo-Yang , Hsu Hao-Hsin , Rogers Altovise , Lin Mi-Ting , Lee Hui-Ting , Lian Ruirui
Published: June 2020

Mentoring is related to young adults’ career planning. The present study attempts to examine whether the perception of future work selves could be a critical mediating mechanism underlying the relationship between the reception of mentoring functions and job search behaviors. Moreover, we also investigated the moderating role of achievement orientation on this relationship. We tested our hypotheses with a time-lagged research design. Results indicated that psychosocial mentoring was related to future work selves, and future work selves were associated with job search behaviors. Future work selves mediated the relationship between psychosocial mentoring and job search behaviors. Moreover, achievement orientation moderated the direct and indirect effects of psychosocial function on job search behaviors. Specifically, the aforementioned relationships were stronger when achievement orientation was high compared to when achievement orientation was low. Important theoretical and practical implications for mentoring and career research are discussed in the current study.