bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic and Molecular Analysis of Essential Genes in Centromeric Heterochromatin of the Left Arm of Chromosome 3 inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Syrzycka Monika , Hallson Graham , Fitzpatrick Kathleen A , Kim Inho , Cotsworth Shawn , Hollebakken Rob E , Simonetto Kevin , Yang Linda , Luongo Stephanie , Beja Kevin , Coulthard Alistair B , Hilliker Arthur J , Sinclair Donald A , Honda Barry M
Published: April 2019

A large portion of the Drosophila melanogaster genome is contained within heterochromatic regions of chromosomes, predominantly at centromeres and telomeres. The remaining euchromatic portions of the genome have been extensively characterized with respect to gene organization, function and regulation. However, it has been difficult to derive similar data for sequences within centromeric (centric) heterochromatin because these regions have not been as amenable to analysis by standard genetic and molecular tools. Here we present an updated genetic and molecular analysis of chromosome 3L centric heterochromatin (3L Het). We have generated and characterized a number of new, overlapping deficiencies (Dfs) which remove regions of 3L Het. These Dfs were critically important reagents in our subsequent genetic analysis for the isolation and characterization of lethal point mutations in the region. The assignment of these mutations to genetically-defined essential loci was followed by matching them to gene models derived from genome sequence data: this was done by using molecular mapping plus sequence analysis of mutant alleles, thereby aligning genetic and physical maps of the region. We also identified putative essential gene sequences in 3L Het by using RNA interference to target candidate gene sequences. We report that at least 25, or just under 2/3 of loci in 3L Het, are essential for viability and/or fertility. This work contributes to the functional annotation of centric heterochromatin in Drosophila, and the genetic and molecular tools generated should help to provide important insights into the organization and functions of gene sequences in 3L Het.
High-Efficiency CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Gene Editing in Honeybee (Apis mellifera) Embryos
Authors: Hu Xiao Fen , Zhang Bo , Liao Chun Hua , Zeng Zhi Jiang
Published: April 2019

The honeybee (Apis mellifera) is an important insect pollinator of wild flowers and crops, playing critical roles in the global ecosystem. Additionally, the honeybee serves as an ideal social insect model. Therefore, functional studies on honeybee genes are of great interest. However, until now, effective gene manipulation methods have not been available in honeybees. Here, we reported an improved CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing method by microinjecting sgRNA and Cas9 protein into the region of zygote formation within 2 hr after queen oviposition, which allows one-step generation of biallelic knockout mutants in honeybee with high efficiency. We first targeted the Mrjp1 gene. Two batches of honeybee embryos were collected and injected with Mrjp1 sgRNA and Cas9 protein at the ventral cephalic side and the dorsal posterior side of the embryos, respectively. The gene-editing rate at the ventral cephalic side was 93.3%, which was much higher than that (11.8%) of the dorsal-posterior-side injection. To validate the high efficiency of our honeybee gene-editing system, we targeted another gene, Pax6, and injected Pax6 sgRNA and Cas9 protein at the ventral cephalic side in the third batch. A 100% editing rate was obtained. Sanger sequencing of the TA clones showed that 73.3% (for Mrjp1) and 76.9% (for Pax6) of the edited current-generation embryos were biallelic knockout mutants. These results suggest that the CRISPR/Cas9 method we established permits one-step biallelic knockout of target genes in honeybee embryos, thereby demonstrating an efficient application to functional studies of honeybee genes. It also provides a useful reference to gene editing in other insects with elongated eggs.
A Healthy Toddler With Fever and Lethargy
Authors: Suri Neha A. , Meehan Colleen W. , Melwani Anjna
Published: April 2019

A 21-month-old previously healthy girl presented to the emergency department initially with fever, rhinorrhea, and poor oral intake. She was subsequently discharged from the hospital on amoxicillin for treatment of acute otitis media but presented hours later on the same day with continued poor oral intake, decreased urine output, and lethargy. The patient was afebrile on examination without a focal source of infection or evidence of meningismus, but she was lethargic and minimally responsive to pain and had reduced strength in the upper and lower extremities. Initial laboratory analysis revealed leukocytosis with a neutrophil predominance and bandemia, hyponatremia, mild hyperkalemia, hyperglycemia, elevated transaminases, a mild metabolic acidosis, glucosuria, ketonuria, and hematuria. Follow-up tests, based on the history and results of the initial tests, were sent and led to a surprising diagnosis.
Organic fertilizers as mitigating effects of water salinity on Passiflora cincinnata seedlings
Authors: Melo Filho José Sebastião de , Véras Mário Leno Martins , Da Silva Toshik Larley , Alves Lunara De Sousa , Dias Thiago Jardelino
Published: April 2019

Maracujá-do-mato (Passiflora cincinnata) is a species adapted to the climatic conditions of the Brazilian semi-arid region and widely used as rootstock, however, studies related to the production of seedlings and their resistance to abiotic stresses are scarce in literature. The objective was to study the production of maracujá-do-mato seedlings under the effect of the electrical conductivity on the irrigation water as a function of the application of organic fertilizers. The experiment was developed at the State University of Paraíba, Catolé do Rocha-PB, in a completely randomized experimental design, in a 5 x 3 factorial scheme, with 6 replicates. The factors evaluated were five electrical conductivities of irrigation water (ECw: 1; 2; 3; 4 and 5 dS m-1) and application of three organic fertilizers (bovine urine, bovine biofertilizer and liquid earthworm humus). It was verified that the increase of ECw affected the morphology and the quality of the seedlings negatively, while the bovine biofertilizer presented better efficiency in comparison to the others. It is inferred that the use of organic fertilizers as mitigating effects of salinity may be a strategy for production of maracujá-do-mato seedlings in saline conditions.
Karyotype of native Zea mays ssp. mays Proto-Confite morocho
Authors: López-Medina Segundo Eloy , Mostacero León José , Quijano-Jara Carlos Heli , Gil-Rivero Armando Efraín , Rabanal-Che-León Maria Fernanda
Published: April 2019

Corn is a crop of great importance in the world since it constitutes a basic component of the diet of the population; a production of 1026.61 million tons was estimated during the present year. Currently, there are many theories about the wild ancestors of corn, being Proto-Confite Morocho one of the primitive races in Peru, which is attributedas the ancestor of numerous native varieties. Therefore, knowledge of its genetic constitution is important since it gives us the possibility of finding phylogenetic affinities and indicators of systematic classification. The present study was carried out with the purpose of elaborating the karyotype of Zea mays ssp. mays ‘native corn’ Proto-Confite morocho and determine the number and morphology of the chromosomes. Corn seeds from the province of Virú, La Libertad, Peru, were used, while the experimental phase was developed in the Laboratory of Geneticsand Molecular Biology at the National University of Trujillo, where metaphase plaques were obtained, selecting the best to perform the karyotype. It was concluded that the Zea mays ssp. mays ‘native corn’ Proto-Confite morocho presents 3 pairs of chromosomes ( 4, 4’, 8, 8’, 10, 10’) submetacentric and 7 pairs of chromosomes (1, 1’, 2, 2’,3, 3’, 5, 5’, 6, 6’, 7, 7’, 9, 9’) metacentric, which average size are between 4.16 and 1.88 μm.
Antioxidants properties of chocolates sold in Peru
Authors: Orihuela-Rivera Carmen Adela , Chire Gabriela Cristina , Calixto-Cotos María Rosario
Published: April 2019

The goals of this paper were to evaluate total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), anti-oxidant capacity (AC) and reducing power (RP) of eight dark chocolates that are sold in Peru. Imported and domestic chocolate samples containing between 50% and 74% cacao were defatted. Defatted chocolate (DCh) was separated and treated to extract phenolic compounds. The TPC and AC were determined by using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and two in vitro models based on the free-radical capturing capacity DPPH and ABTS. The RP was evaluated by using the potassium pherricyanide method; in the TFCs assessments, catechin was used as the standard. Chocolate TPC varied between 1.69 ± 0.02 and 5.39 ± 0.17 mg gallic acid/g chocolate and AC (DPPH-IC50) varied between 52.97 ± 1.77 and 158.67 ± 2.04 μg/ml extract, and by means of ABTS the values were between 12.01 ± 0.18 and 32.74 ± 0.49 μmol TEAC/g chocolate. Chocolates with 71% and 72% cacao showed a greater antioxidant capacity, which was confirmed by the RP test. Chocolates showed different levels of TPC, TFC, AC and RP, depended on a large degree of the cacao percentage. However, in some cases, there was no direct relationship among results, most likely due to different technological and thermal processes as well as different biological nature of cacao beans.
Mirmecofauna asociada a cafetales bajo sombra en Quipile, Cundinamarca, Colombia
Authors: Martínez Gamba Ricardo
Published: April 2019

La abundancia y variedad de microhábitats en los cultivos de café bajo sombra favorecen las poblaciones de hormigas. En cuatro fincas de la vereda Guadalupe alto del municipio de Quipile, Cundinamarca (Colombia) se determinaron la diversidad, la composición y los gremios de hormigas asociadas con el cultivo de café (Coffea arábiga) bajo sombra de Inga sp., Tabebuia rosea, Musa sp. y Citrus sp. Los muestreos se realizaron utilizando trampas de ‘caída y captura manual’ en épocas seca y de lluvia. En total, se registraron 82 morfoespecies distribuidas en 30 géneros y nueve subfamilias. Las eficiencias de muestreo variaron entre 78 y 82% con los estimadores CHAO2 e ICE; además, se encontró una baja similitud (< 60%) entre las fincas y entre los estratos suelo y tronco de árbol. Se identificaron especies exclusivas en las fincas como Heteroponera microps, Heteroponera inca, Odontomachus erytrocephalus y se registran por primera vez para Cundinamarca el género Proceratium y la especie Neoponera chyseri que incrementa la gran riqueza de especies de hormigas conocidas. Por otro lado, se encontró un total de nueve gremios presentes en todas las fincas del estudio y fueron reportados género como Azteca, Crematogaster, Linephitema, Pheidole y Solenopsis catalogados como potenciales controladores biológicos, lo que evidencia una forma de equilibrios ecosistémicos benéficos para el café bajo sombra en la zona.
Influencia de tratamientos pregerminativos en semillas de chile manzano (Capsicum pubescens Ruiz & Pav.)
Authors: Merino-Valdés Miguel , Andrés-Meza Pablo , Leyva-Ovalle Otto Raúl , López- Sánchez Higinio , Murguía-González Joaquín , Núñez-Pastrana Rosalía , Cebada-Merino Miguel , Serna- Lagunes Ricardo , Espinosa-Calderón Alejandro , Tadeo-Robledo Margarita , Sierra- Macías Mauro , Del Rosario-Arellano José Luis
Published: April 2019

El chile Manzano o Cera (Capsicum pubescens), es una planta perenne originaria de las tierras altas de América del Sur. Durante su almacenamiento, el principal problema que presenta es su testa, lo cual ocasiona una disminución de la germinación en condiciones naturales. Debido a que existe poca información sobre la germinación, es necesario implementar alternativas que garanticen el recurso dentro de un programa de mejoramiento genético. El objetivo fue evaluar el efecto de ácido sulfúrico (H2SO4), peróxido de hidrógeno (H2O2) y ácido giberélico-3 (C19H22O6) sobre el porcentaje de emergencia y características de plántulas de semillas de C. pubescens. El experimento se realizó en la Unidad de Manejo y Conservación de Recursos Genéticos de la Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias de la Universidad Veracruzana. Se utilizaron semillas de C. pubescens provenientes de la localidad de Huatusco, Veracruz, México, almacenadas a temperatura ambiente durante un año. Los tratamientos estudiados fueron: inmersión en H2SO4 (100, 75, 60 %; 30 min); inmersión en H2O2 (20, 10, 15 %; 15 min), inmersión en C19H22O6 (25, 20, 15 mg; 24 h) y el tratamiento testigo. Los resultados en el presente estudio revelan diferencias estadísticas significativas (P ≤ 0,01) para todas las variables evaluadas. El mejor porcentaje de germinación se provocó con inmersión en C19H22O6 (15 mg; 24 h) y H2O2 (20 %; 15 min). El tratamiento con H2SO4 fue perjudicial ya que no hubo emergencia.
Research characteristics of interactive education In higher education
Authors: Neminska Rumyana
Published: April 2019

The quality of tertiary education is one of the main objectives of the common European space. As an element of quality, the development of innovative teaching methodologies in higher education is perceived. That is why innovative practices, student-centered training and their results remain a priority in the process of higher education. It is precisely this that, in procedural terms, requires higher education to have an adaptive research character, so that teaching methods create the conditions for the development of students' research skills. This perspective is the core of this report. It outlines the adaptive nature of interactive methods and their research characteristics. In the contemporary reading of interactive learning two main trends are considered - the scientific theoretical enrichment and the content-technological extension of the notion of interactivity.
In the theoretical perspective, interactive education in higher education is seen as a pedagogical model that encourages students to be an active part of the learning interaction. In this sense, interactive methods are understood as integrative complexes in which a dialogue-oriented research environment for the development of scientific and research potential is constructed. The interactive methodological complex organizes such academic learning environment, which is permanently dynamic, research-focused, creative and effective. The grading of this interactive methodological complex consists in the fact that the students use the methodical supports, but they build their scientific theoretical links so that they mutually develop their cognitive, emotional and other type of potential. In content - technology terms, the concept is explored through action - oriented and interdisciplinary approaches. The methodical interactive complex is also built on simulation-based pedagogical training. It has designed a learning environment in which students can make mistakes, exercise and explore the cognitive space, apply various ideas several times to achieve the most satisfactory and pedagogically acceptable result. The research technology in the methodical interactive learning model is constructed in three stages: community work, assessment reflection and a self-reflection questionnaire. In the three technological stages, the student enters different roles: constructor, evaluator, personal reflection. In each of the stages, the research feature enables influence on a particular element of the model so as to enhance/slow down, postpone/hurry an action, result or process. The research features of interactive learning relate to self-reflection at several levels: - teaching; - learning; -constructs of pedagogical communication, - assessment/self-assessment. The application of a research interactive learning model enhances the research culture of the students and the level of their personal and professional communication.
A Tellegen Abszorpciós Skála részletes pszichometriai elemzése
Authors: Rózsa Sándor , Hupuczi Ernő , Martin László , Birkás Béla , Hartung István , Hargitai Rita , Varga József , Láng András , Tiringer István , Kállai János
Published: April 2019

Háttér

Az abszorpció mérésére a leggyakrabban a 34 tételes Tellegen Abszorpció Skálátalkalmazzák. Az önjellemző mérőeszköz széles körű elterjedtségének ellenére viszonylag‍csekély azon közlemények száma, amelyek a mérőeszköz részletes pszichometriai jellemzőinekfeltárására (pl. faktorszerkezet, skálák belső konzisztenciája) irányulnak.

Célkitűzés

Vizsgálatunk fő kérdésfeltevése az, hogy az abszorpció mennyire tekinthető önálló, látensdimenziónak, bontható-e további alfaktorokra, illetve az alfaktorokból képzett skálák milyen‍megbízhatóságúak, és mennyivel árnyalják a főskálán szerzett eredményeket. Kíváncsiakvoltunk arra is, hogy az 5-fokozatú Likert-skálás és a dichotóm válaszformátumok‍mennyire befolyásolják a mérőeszköz strukturális validitását és skáláinak belső homogenitását.

Módszerek

Az 5-fokozatú Likert-skálás válaszformátumú TAS-t összesen 1935hallgató töltötte ki, a dichotóm válaszformátumút pedig 399 személy. A mérőeszköz‍strukturális validitását feltáró és megerősítő faktorelemzések (pl. egyfaktoros modell, modellmásodrendű faktorral, bifaktoros modell), valamint parallel-elemzés segítségével‍vizsgáltuk. A kapott alksálák reliabilitását nemcsak a hagyományos módon (Cronbachalfa),hanem az általános faktor kontrollálása mellett is kiszámoltuk (hierarchikus omega,‍magyarázott közös variancia).

Eredmények

Az eredeti 34 tételes változatok (Likert-skálásés dichotóm válaszformátumú), illetve a feltáró faktorelemzések eredményei alapján rövidített‍23 tételes változat megerősítő faktorelemzései során egyértelműen a bifaktoroselrendezések adták a legjobb illeszkedési mutatókat és az általános faktor (főskála) megbízhatósága‍kiváló volt. Ezzel szemben az alkálák reliabilitása, az általános faktor kontrollálásamellett, már nem volt megfelelő. Az alkalmazható faktorok számának meghatározására‍a parallel-elemzés kiváló becslést adott, mind az 5-fokozatú Likert-skálás, mind adichotóm válaszformátum esetében az egydimenziós szerkezetet valószínűsítette.

Következtetések

A kapott eredményeink egyrészről alátámasztják azt, hogy az abszorpció egy látens pszichológiai változónak tekinthető, másrészről pedig a hagyományos statisztikaimódszerek korlátaira hívják fel a figyelmet, és a többféle módszer kombinált alkalmazásának‍hatékonyságát támasztják alá.
On the integrability problem for systems of partial differential equations in one unknown function, I
Authors: Kumpera Antonio
Published: April 2019

We discuss the integration problem for systems of partial differential equations in one unknown function and special attention is given to the first order systems. The Grassmannian contact structures are the basic setting for our discussion and the major part of our considerations inquires on the nature of the Cauchy characteristics in view of obtaining the necessary criteria that assure the existence of solutions. In all the practical applications of partial differential equations, what is mostly needed and what in fact is hardest to obtains are the solutions of the system or, occasionally, some specific solutions. This work is based on four most enlightening Mémoires written by Élie Cartan in the beginning of the last century.
Automorphisms of Kronrod-Reeb graphs of Morse functions on 2-sphere
Authors: Kravchenko Anna , Maksymenko Sergiy
Published: April 2019

Let $M$ be a compact two-dimensional manifold and, $f \in C^{\infty}(M, R)$ be a Morse function, and $\Gamma$ be its Kronrod-Reeb graph.Denote by $O(f)={f o h | h \in D(M)}$ the orbit of $f$ with respect to the natural right action of the group of diffeomorphisms $D(M)$ onC^{\infty}$, and by $S(f)={h\in D(M) | f o h = f }$ the coresponding stabilizer of this function.It is easy to show that each $h\in S(f)$ induces an automorphism of the graph $\Gamma$.Let $D_{id}(M)$ be the identity path component of $D(M)$, $S'(f) = S(f) \cap D_{id}(M)$ be the subgroup of $D_{id}(M)$ consisting of diffeomorphisms preserving $f$ and isotopic to identity map, and $G$ be the group of automorphisms of the Kronrod-Reeb graph induced by diffeomorphisms belonging to $S'(f)$. This group is one of key ingredients for calculating the homotopy type of the orbit $O(f)$.
In the previous article the authors described the structure of groups $G$ for Morse functions on all orientable surfacesdistinct from $2$-torus and $2$-sphere. 
The present paper is devoted to the case $M = S^2$. In this situation $\Gamma$ is always a tree, and therefore all elements of the group $G$ have a common fixed subtree $Fix(G)$, which may even consist of a unique vertex. Our main result calculates the groups $G$ for all Morse functions $f: S^2 \to R$ whose fixed subtree $Fix(G)$ consists of more than one point.
Artificial Intelligence and Game Theory Models for Defending Critical Networks with Cyber Deception
Authors: Fugate Sunny , Ferguson‐Walter Kimberly
Published: April 2019

Traditional cyber security techniques have led to an asymmetric disadvantage for defenders. The defender must detect all possible threats at all times from all attackers and defend all systems against all possible exploitation. In contrast, an attacker needs only to find a single path to the defender's critical information. In this article, we discuss how this asymmetry can be rebalanced using cyber deception to change the attacker's perception of the network environment, and lead attackers to false beliefs about which systems contain critical information or are critical to a defender's computing infrastructure. We introduce game theory concepts and models to represent and reason over the use of cyber deception by the defender and the effect it has on attacker perception. Finally, we discuss techniques for combining artificial intelligence algorithms with game theory models to estimate hidden states of the attacker using feedback through payoffs to learn how best to defend the system using cyber deception. It is our opinion that adaptive cyber deception is a necessary component of future information systems and networks. The techniques we present can simultaneously decrease the risks and impacts suffered by defenders and dramatically increase the costs and risks of detection for attackers. Such techniques are likely to play a pivotal role in defending national and international security concerns.
Prognostic Nomogram for Overall Survival in Patients with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Han Ying , Yang Jianliang , Liu Peng , He Xiaohui , Zhang Changgong , Zhou Shengyu , Zhou Liqiang , Qin Yan , Song Yongwen , Sun Yan , Shi Yuankai
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This study aimed to develop a prognostic nomogram in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and compare it with traditional prognostic systems.

Materials and methods

We included 1,070 consecutive and nonselected patients with DLBCL in the National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, between 2006 and 2012. A nomogram based on the Cox proportional hazards model was developed.

Results

The entire group were divided into the primary (n = 748) and validation (n = 322) cohorts. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 64.1% for the entire group. Based on a multivariate analysis of the primary cohort, seven independent prognostic factors including age, Ann Arbor stage, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score, lactate dehydrogenase, β2-microglobulin, CD5 expression, and Ki-67 index were identified and entered the nomogram. The calibration curve showed the optimal agreement between nomogram prediction and actual observation. In addition, the concordance index (C-index) of the nomogram for OS prediction was 0.77 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73–0.81) in the primary cohort and 0.76 (95% CI, 0.70–0.81) in the validation, superior to that of the international prognostic index (IPI), revised IPI (R-IPI), and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)-IPI (range, 0.69–0.74, p<.0001). Moreover, in patients receiving rituximab plus CHOP (R-CHOP) or R-CHOP-like regimens, compared with IPI (C-index, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.69–0.77), R-IPI (C-index, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.66–0.74), or NCCN-IPI (C-index, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.66–0.75), the DLBCL-specific nomogram showed a better discrimination capability (p < .0001).

Conclusions

The proposed nomogram provided an accurate estimate of survival of patients with DLBCL, especially for those receiving R-CHOP or R-CHOP-like regimens, allowing clinicians to optimized treatment plan based on individualized risk prediction.

Implications for Practice

A diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)-specific prognostic nomogram was developed based on Chinese patients with DLBCL. As a tertiary hospital, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences is the number 1 ranked cancer center in China, with more than 800,000 outpatients in 2018. Patients included in this study were nonselected and came from 29 different provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in China. Thus, the data is believed to be representative to an extent.
Pantoprazole Affecting Docetaxel Resistance Pathways via Autophagy (PANDORA): Phase II Trial of High Dose Pantoprazole (Autophagy Inhibitor) with Docetaxel in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC)
Authors: Hansen Aaron R. , Tannock Ian F. , Templeton Arnoud , Chen Eric , Evans Andrew , Knox Jennifer , Prawira Amy , Sridhar Srikala S. , Tan Susie , Vera-Badillo Francisco , Wang Lisa , Wouters Bradly G. , Joshua Anthony M.
Published: April 2019

Background

Enhancing the effectiveness of docetaxel for men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is an unmet clinical need. Preclinical studies demonstrated that high-dose pantoprazole can prevent or delay resistance to docetaxel via the inhibition of autophagy in several solid tumor xenografts.

Materials and Methods

Men with chemotherapy-naive mCRPC with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) >10 ng/mL were eligible for enrolment. Men received intravenous pantoprazole (240 mg) prior to docetaxel (75 mg/m2) every 21 days, with continuous prednisone 5 mg twice daily. Primary endpoint was a confirmed ≥50% decline of PSA. The trial used a Simon's two-stage design.

Results

Between November 2012 and March 2015, 21 men with a median age of 70 years (range, 58–81) were treated (median, 6 cycles; range, 2–11). Men had received prior systemic therapies (median, 1; range, 0–3), and 14 had received abiraterone and/or enzalutamide. PSA response rate was 52% (11/21), which did not meet the prespecified criterion (≥13/21 responders) to proceed to stage 2 of the study. At interim analysis with a median follow-up of 17 months, 18 (86%) men were deceased (15 castration-resistant prostate cancer, 2 unknown, 1 radiation complication). Of the men with RECIST measurable disease, the radiographic partial response rate was 31% (4/13). The estimated median overall survival was 15.7 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.3–19.6) and median PFS was 5.3 months (95% CI, 2.6–12.9). There were no toxic deaths, and all adverse events were attributed to docetaxel.

Conclusion

The combination of docetaxel and pantoprazole was tolerable, but the resultant clinical activity was not sufficient to meet the ambitious predefined target to warrant further testing.

Implications for Practice

To date, no docetaxel combination regimen has reported superior efficacy over docetaxel alone in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). The PANDORA trial has demonstrated that the combination of high dose pantoprazole with docetaxel is tolerable, but the clinical activity was not sufficient to warrant further testing. The chemotherapy standard of care for men with mCRPC remains docetaxel with prednisone. Future studies of autophagy inhibitors will need to measure autophagy inhibition accurately and determine the degree of autophagy inhibition required to produce a meaningful clinical response.
Complete Blood Count Score Model Integrating Reduced Lymphocyte-Monocyte Ratio, Elevated Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio, and Elevated Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Inferior Clinical Outcomes in Adult T-Lymphoblastic Lymphoma
Authors: Feng Xiaoyan , Li Ling , Wu Jingjing , Zhang Lei , Sun Zhenchang , Li Xin , Wang Xinhua , Yu Hui , Chang Yu , Wu Xiaolong , Zhou Zhiyuan , Wang Guannan , Li Wencai , Li Zhaoming , Zhang Xudong , Zhang Mingzhi
Published: April 2019

Background

T-lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) is a highly aggressive neoplasm of lymphoblasts of T-cell origin. Although promising improvements have been recently achieved, one third of patients experience relapse or refractory T-LBL. Therefore, optimal strategies for identifying high-risk patients are urgently needed.

Materials and Methods

In the present study, 75 newly diagnosed adult patients (aged ≥15 years) with T-LBL were identified and the predictive value of complete blood count (CBC) abnormalities, including lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) on clinical outcomes, was analyzed.

Results

Using the receiver operating characteristic curve to determine the best cutoff values based on survival, it was found that patients with T-LBL with LMR ≤2.8, NLR ≥3.3, and PLR ≥200 had both inferior progression-free survival (PFS) and inferior overall survival (OS), in which the differences were much more remarkable in the international prognostic index score 0–2 subgroup. In the multivariable analysis, NLR ≥3.3 together with age >40 years and central nervous system (CNS) involvement were identified to be independently associated with shortened PFS, whereas PLR ≥200 and CNS involvement were identified to be independent risk factors for OS. LMR, NLR, and PLR were integrated to generate a “CBC score” model, which well separated adult patients with T-LBL into three risk groups, and the 3-year OS was 84%, 53%, and 30% for low-, intermediate-, and high-risk patients, respectively.

Conclusion

Overall, a “CBC score” model was initially promoted for stratification in adult patients with T-LBL using simple, widely available, and easy to interpret parameters in the largest adult T-LBL cohort to date.

Implications for Practice

Optimal strategies for identifying high-risk patients with T-lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) are urgently needed. In the largest adult T-LBL cohort to date, simple, inexpensive, widely available parameters were applied and revealed that patients with lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR) ≤2.8, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) ≥3.3, and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) ≥200 had both inferior progression-free survival and inferior overall survival (OS), in which the differences were much more remarkable in the international prognostic index score 0–2 subgroup. LMR, NLR, and PLR were integrated to generate a “complete blood count score” model, in which the 3-year OS was 84%, 53%, and 30% for low-, intermediate-, and high-risk patients, respectively.
Evaluation of elastic modulus of cement paste in sodium sulfate solution by an advanced X-CT–hydration–deterioration model with SC method
Authors: Li Yue , Guan Zhongzheng , Wang Zigeng , Zhang Guosheng , Ding Qingjun
Published: April 2019

The compositions and contents of phases in cement paste soaked in sodium sulfate solution changing with time were investigated in this study. First of all, the porosities in cement paste specimens over time were measured by an in situ X-ray computed tomography (X-ray CT) test. Cement hydration and sulfate erosion occur simultaneously during the soaking process of cement paste specimens in sodium sulfate solution. Therefore, the hydration behaviour and the erosion of sulfates in cement paste were combined in a new way to establish an X-CT–hydration–deterioration model, which was used to calculate the variations of the volume fractions of the phases in cement paste. Subsequently, the volume fractions of each phase were used to calculate the elastic moduli of cement paste specimens with the bulk modulus, shear modulus of each phase and a self-consistent (SC) method. Afterward, the calculated elastic moduli were compared with the experimental results obtained by uniaxial compression test and the error values were 1% for 28 d, 2·5% for 88 d and 5% for 148 d, which were all within 5%, indicating that the advanced X-CT–hydration–deterioration model combined with the SC method can successfully predict the elastic modulus of cement paste eroded in sodium sulfate solution.
Novel biodegradable application of chitosan/lysine compounds for delivery of ligustrazine
Authors: Liu Yude , Cen Yanyou , Cheng Kaili , Li Jiarui , Wu Wei , Li Rong , Wu Hui
Published: April 2019

Ligustrazine (Lig) is one of the main effective components of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort and possesses a variety of biological activities against cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. However, its volatility and poor bioavailability limit its clinical application to some degree. It is challenging to deliver Lig effectively to the disease location with optimized exposure and long-term effects when treating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. In this study, the authors developed a novel biodegradable and long-acting carrier to improve the delivery of Lig, combining the benefits of chitosan (CS) and lysine (l-Lys) to obtain CS/l-Lys as a drug delivery system for carrying Lig, which could improve the delivery of Lig and increase the drug-loading capacity efficiently. The physicochemical properties of the carrier were characterized. The cytotoxicity of CS/l-Lys and CS/l-Lys/Lig was evaluated by using Cell Counting Kit-8. Furthermore, the in vitro drug release profile and blood compatibility were evaluated. The results showed that the CS/l-Lys nanoparticle (NP) delivery system was suitable for carrying Lig and release the drug effectively and CS/l-Lys/Lig NPs could be a potential platform for improving the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
Study of hydraulic fracturing for gas drainage in a coal mine in Iran
Authors: Mahdavian Davood , Javadi Akbar
Published: April 2019

Hydraulic fracturing (HF) is one of the methods for making the coal mining operation safer and more economical. The most important parameters affecting the HF process of a coal seam are dip, thickness, uniformity, roof and floor conditions, reserve and strength. This paper presents the development and application of a fuzzy model for predicting the efficiency of HF, considering the aforementioned factors. In the developed model, the efficiency of HF of coal seams is calculated as a dimensionless numerical index within the range 0–100. The suggested numerical scale categorises the efficiency of HF of seams to very low, low, medium, high and very high, each one being specified by a numerical range as a subset of the mentioned range (0–100). The model is used to study the potential of HF in Parvadeh 4 coal mine in Iran. The mine consists of five different seams C1, C2, B1, B2 and D. The results show that seams C1 and B2, with predicted 94·6 and 81·2% efficiency, have high potential for gas drainage. The B1 seam, with 31·8% efficiency, has low potential for gas drainage by HF. HF would not be appropriate for both C2 and D seams, with 7·5% efficiency.
Centrifuge modelling on soft soil subjected to underwater vacuum preloading
Authors: Hu Liwen , Wang Yongping , Liu Zhijun
Published: April 2019

The performance of soft soil subjected to underwater vacuum preloading was explored using geotechnical centrifuge model tests at different g-levels. A vacuum generator system was developed in a centrifuge to model the behaviour of underwater soft soil subjected to vacuum preloading. Sand drains were partially penetrated in soft soil. Vacuum gauges, pore-water pressure transducers and pressure transducers were used to measure the response of pressures and total stresses in the soil, while linear variable differential transformers and particle image velocimetry analysis techniques were employed to measure and analyse the deformation behaviour of underwater soft soil. Observations showed that the magnitude of reduction of pore-water pressure increased in the soil with an increase in water depth on the membrane. Meanwhile, on application of vacuum, the measured pore-water pressure below the membrane may be larger with an increase in the depth of water above the membrane due to a larger vacuum loss. Inward lateral displacement can be induced by underwater vacuum preloading to a limited extent in the treated and untreated zones. The lateral displacement in the treated zone may be negligible when the distance from the edge is larger than the thickness of clay.
Effect of granular piles with geotextile encasement on strength tests of expansive clays
Authors: Phanikumar B. R. , Etukuri Raju Ramanjaneya
Published: April 2019

This paper presents experimental data on unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and California bearing ratio (CBR) tests of expansive clay reinforced with granular piles (GPs) with and without geotextile encasement. One set of test samples were compacted at optimum moisture content and maximum dry density and were centrally reinforced with GPs  of varying diameters and lengths. In another series of tests, the GP reinforcement was encased with a tensile geotextile. Both UCS and CBR test results increased with increasing length and diameter of the GPs. The test values further increased when the GPs were provided with geotextile encasement.
Improved underground utilities asset management – assessing the impact of the UK utility survey standard (PAS128)
Authors: Metje Nicole , Hojjati Aryan , Beck Anthony , Rogers Christopher D. F.
Published: April 2019

Buried utilities (e.g. gas, water, electricity, drainage), many installed decades ago, are vital urban support systems. Their locations are often not well documented, yet accurate location greatly helps replacement, rehabilitation and maintenance of existing services and is crucial for installation of new utilities: it minimises utility strikes / third party damage and the huge associated costs of delayed / additional streetworks. Several international standards and specifications aim to provide guidance on utility surveys to increase client confidence in their accuracy and repeatability. The most recent specification is PAS (Publicly Available Specification) 128 in the UK for underground utility detection, verification and location. This paper investigates the impact of PAS128 by comparing trial site survey results from different utility survey specialists with each other and with the vertical and horizontal accuracies at trial excavations. While the overall detection level was very good for all companies, the research revealed that the definition of quality level QLB1 needs to be reconsidered as it was not achieved in many places with respect to the vertical accuracy. It is recommended that future revisions of PAS128 differentiate between accuracy and confidence since detection by multiple sensing technologies increases the confidence, but not the accuracy as suggested by PAS128.
Effect of perceived novelty on aesthetic preference
Authors: Wang Ronghua , Xu Xiaolin , Li Yue , Zhou Chenchen , Zhao Jingwei
Published: April 2019

Despite the fact that perceived novelty plays an important role in aesthetic preference and is an essential force driving people to visit a place, the literature has paid a little attention to this topic. The relationship between perceived novelty and aesthetic preference is poorly known. To address this gap, this paper explores the effects of perceived novelty on aesthetic preference after 105 participants who evaluated 16 photographs of nature-based landscapes. These photographs were taken in China and North America. The results indicate that: (a) there is a strong positive relationship between perceived novelty and aesthetic preference, also, perceived novelty has a close association with complexity or mystery; (b) two landscape characteristics, sky colour and a natural river bank, contribute to an increase of the perceived novelty of a landscape; and (c) a natural river bank and fewer elements in a landscape enhance preference.
ЭМИССИЯ ОБЛИГАЦИЙ – СОВРЕМЕННЫЙ ИНСТРУМЕНТ ДОЛГОВОГО ФИНАНСИРОВАНИЯ РАЗВИТИЯ КОМПАНИЙ
Authors: Rakitina I S , Guskov A A
Published: April 2019

Статья посвящена возможностям привлечения долгового финансирования для компаний через эмиссию облигаций на рынке ценных бумаг с учетом последних тенденций роста корпоративных займов в структуре российского корпоративного долга в форме различных типов корпоративных облигаций. Обсуждение: В предположении, что эмиссия облигаций может стать альтернативой или дополнением банковскому кредитованию среднего и крупного бизнеса как на краткосрочный, так и на среднесрочный и долгосрочный период, авторы предлагают изучить преимущества займов на рынке ценных бумаг, порядок их размещения, виды и роль кредитных рейтингов в процессе эмиссии. Результаты: Авторами предложены тезисы по преимуществам привлечения долгового финансирования через эмиссию облигаций различного типа на рынке ценных бумаг, а также определена схема размещения и роль кредитного рейтинга в успехе привлечения заемного финансирования на открытом рынке.
RNA extraction and precipitation for 47 mm PES and polycarbonate filters v1
Authors: Ferrer-Gonzalez Frank , Smith Christa
Published: April 2019

This protocol is a modified version of Bryn Durham et al., 2015 for extracting RNA from filters. This protocol has been tested with 0.22 μm pore size Durapore filters and 2.0 μm polycarbonate filters. Custom synthesized RNA transcript standards are added at the time of extraction and are recovered post-sequencing for quantitative metatranscriptome analysis (Satinsky et al., 2013). To prevent RNA degradation, work in a clean environment with asceptic practices and avoid possible introduction of RNases to samples and reagents.
Colonic epithelial cell isolation for Single Cell RNA-sequencing v1
Authors: Fawkner-Corbett David
Published: April 2019

Protocol for isolation of single colonic epithelial cells from human endoscopic biopsies. Reference - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-019-0992-y
Multiplicação da planta medicinal Brossimum gaudichaudii Trécul (Moraceae) em meio de cultura
Authors: Carneiro Maurízia Fátima , Duarte Edson Ferreira , Nogueira João Carlos Mohn , Vargas Laureano Magno , Sibov Sergio Tadeu , Conceição Edemilson Cardoso
Published: April 2019

Este trabalho teve como objetivo aprimorar técnicas de micropropagação para a produção in vitro com sementes e segmentos nodais de mama-cadela, planta importante no tratamento do vitiligo. Plant Preservative Mixture (PPM) e Hipoclorito de Sódio, em diferentes concentrações, foram usados para desinfestação de segmentos nodais e sementes. Sementes com tegumento, sem tegumento e eixo epicótilo-radícula foram testadas em meio 1/2 Murashige e Skoog (MS) para determinar a germinação. E para a multiplicação e enraizamento foram usados segmentos nodais axênicos jovens e, ou lignificados, em meio 1/2 MS contendo diferentes concentrações de citocininas e auxinas. Constatou-se que o PPM a 4,0 e 5,0 mL.L-1 proporcionou os menores graus de contaminação, contudo o hipoclorito não se mostrou efetivo. As sementes sem tegumento apresentaram 100% de germinação, IVG 2,0 e maior número de brotos. Plântulas jovens cultivadas em meio 1/2 MS com 1,0 mg.L-1 BAP produziram maior número de brotos, mas estes não apresentaram um crescimento adequado. O melhor crescimento de brotos e raízes foi obtido quando se usou segmentos nodais lignificados em meio 1/2 MS com BAP, 1,0 mg.L-1 e 2,0 mg.L-1 de AIA. O maior potencial de multiplicação ocorre para sementes sem tegumento e com segmentos nodais lignificados.
Intensificação de processos e química verde: importância para as indústrias farmacêutica, cosméticos, alimentícia e biorrefinarias
Authors: Bastos João Bruno Valentim , Goulart Adriana Karla , Coutinho Paulo Luiz de Andrade , Alijó Pedro Henrique Rodrigues
Published: April 2019

O conceito de intensificação de processos (PI) foi inicialmente colocado visando minimizar os custos operacionais e de capital sem comprometer as metas de produção, através apenas da redução na escala. Os benefícios associados incluem alguns princípios da Química Verde, como a segurança intrínseca, baixo impacto ambiental e o menor consumo material, energético e hídrico. Entretanto, para alcançar drásticas reduções de tamanho são necessárias novas abordagens para o projeto dos equipamentos e processos. Os riscos associados à falta de regulamentação e de um histórico que comprove a eficácia e baixos índices de falhas têm comprometido a aceitação destas tecnologias pelo mercado. Ademais, muitas soluções em infraestrutura e no modelo conceitual dos processos intensivos ainda são necessárias para torná-los mais eficientes, flexíveis e verdes. A superação dessas barreiras permitirá que o Brasil estruture um modelo econômico altamente competitivo, baseado na comercialização de produtos de origem biológica. Dessa forma, o principal objetivo do artigo é descrever a importância da inclusão da PI na política de pesquisa, desenvolvimento e inovação nacional. Com isso, espera-se favorecer a diversificação da indústria farmacêutica, de química fina, de alimentos, e de outras indústrias de base biológica, bem como a estruturação das biorrefinarias a longo prazo.
Hastanelerde Kullanılan Tekstillerin Antibakteriyel ve Antimantar Etkinliklerinin Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: ORHAN Mehmet , KOÇ Serpil , ÖZAKIN Cüneyt , HOCEKENBERGER Asli , SINIRTAŞ Melda
Published: April 2019

Bu çalışmada pamuk
ve pamuk/poliester karışımı yüzeylerin
antibakteriyel ve antimantar etkinlikleri, hem laboratuvar ortamında ISO 20645,
ASTM 2149 ve AATCC 30 standartları
kullanıldıktan sonra hem de Uludağ Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Enfeksiyon
Hastalıkları Kliniği’nde hem doktorlar hem de hastalar üzerinde ortalama 7 gün
kullanıldıktan sonra araştırılmıştır. SEM görüntüleri incelendiğinde, antibakteriyel işlem
uygulanmış yüzeylerde gümüş içerikli kimyasalın lif yüzeyinde ince bir
film tabakası oluşturduğu açıkça görülmektedir. Antibakteriyel ve antimantar
testleri sonrası işlem uygulanmamış
yüzeylerin herhangi bir etkinliğe sahip olmadığı görülürken, işlem uygulanmış yüzeylerin kalitatif ve
kantitatif testler sonrası hem Staphylococcus
aureus’a hem de Escherichia coli’ye
karşı ve antimantar test sonuçlarına göre ise Aspergillus niger’e karşı oldukça
etkili olduğu tespit
edilmiştir. Klinik uygulamaların sonuçlarına göre, antibakteriyel işlem
uygulanmış doktor önlükleri ve hastalar için kullanılan çarşafların her iki
bakteriye karşı oldukça iyi antibakteriyel etkinliğe sahip olduğu
belirlenmiştir. Sonuç olarak antibakteriyel işlem görmüş tekstiller, bakterilerin
ve mantarların üremesini engellerken özellikle hastane, otel gibi insan
yoğunluğunun fazla olduğu yerlerde kullanımının önemli avantajlar sağlayacağı
net olarak görülmektedir.