bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimal policies for stochastic clearing systems with time‐dependent delay penalties
Authors: He Qi‐Ming , Bookbinder James H. , Cai Qishu 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWe study stochastic clearing systems with a discrete‐time Markovian input process, and an output mechanism that intermittently and instantaneously clears the system partially or completely. The decision to clear the system depends on both quantities and delays of outstanding inputs. Clearing the system incurs a fixed cost, and outstanding inputs are charged a delay penalty, which is a general increasing function of the quantities and delays of individual inputs. By recording the quantities and delays of outstanding inputs in a sequence, we model the clearing system as a tree‐structured Markov decision process over both a finite and infinite horizon. We show that the optimal clearing policies, under realistic conditions, are of the on‐off type or the threshold type. Based on the characterization of the optimal policies, we develop efficient algorithms to compute parameters of the optimal policies for such complex clearing systems for the first time. We conduct a numerical analysis on the impact of the nonlinear delay penalty cost function, the comparison of the optimal policy and the classical hybrid policy (ie, quantity and age thresholds), and the impact of the state of the input process. Our experiments demonstrate that (a) the classical linear approximation of the cost function can lead to significant performance differences; (b) the classical hybrid policy may perform poorly (as compared to the optimal policies); and (c) the consideration of the state of the input process makes significant improvement in system performance.
The choroid plexus stroma constitutes a sanctuary for paediatric B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in the central nervous system
Authors: Fernández‐Sevilla Lidia M , Valencia Jaris , Flores‐Villalobos Miguel A , Gonzalez‐Murillo África , Sacedón Rosa , Jiménez Eva , Ramírez Manuel , Varas Alberto , Vicente Ángeles 
Published: July 2020

AbstractDespite current central nervous system‐directed therapies for childhood B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, relapse at this anatomical site still remains a challenging issue. Few reports have addressed the study of the specific cellular microenvironments which can promote the survival, quiescence, and therefore chemoresistance of B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia cells in the central nervous system. Herein, we showed by immunofluorescence and electron microscopy that in xenotransplanted mice, leukaemic cells infiltrate the connective tissue stroma of the choroid plexus, the brain structure responsible for the production of cerebrospinal fluid. The ultrastructural study also showed that leukaemia cells are able to migrate through blood vessels located in the choroid plexus stroma. In short‐term co‐cultures, leukaemic cells established strong interactions with human choroid plexus fibroblasts, mediated by an increased expression of ITGA4 (VLA‐4)/ITGAL (LFA‐1) and their ligands VCAM1/ICAM1. Upon contact with leukaemia cells, human choroid plexus fibroblasts acquired a cancer‐associated fibroblast phenotype, with an increased expression of α‐SMA and vimentin as well as pro‐inflammatory factors. Human choroid plexus fibroblasts also have the capacity to reduce the proliferative index of leukaemic blasts and promote their survival and chemoresistance to methotrexate and cytarabine. The inhibition of VLA‐4/VCAM‐1 interactions using anti‐VLA‐4 antibodies, and the blockade of Notch signalling pathway by using a γ‐secretase inhibitor partially restored chemotherapy sensitivity of leukaemia cells. We propose that the choroid plexus stroma constitutes a sanctuary for B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia cells in the central nervous system. © 2020 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
“Living life as if I never had cancer”: A study of the meaning of living well in adolescents and young adults who have experienced cancer
Authors: Schreiner Katherine , Grossoehme Daniel H. , Friebert Sarah , Baker Justin N. , Needle Jennifer , Lyon Maureen E. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundCancer diagnoses pose challenges to adolescents’ and young adults’ (AYA) physical, mental, and emotional health, and developmental tasks. In order for AYAs, caregivers, clinicians, and other collaborators to optimize health outcomes (coproduction of health), understanding what living well means for AYAs who have experienced cancer is necessary. The objective was to develop an empirical definition of “living well” for AYAs who have experienced cancer to broadly understand AYA values and priorities. This definition may ultimately guide future conversations between caregivers and AYAs, eliciting thorough, personal definitions of living well from individual AYAs. Such conversations may enhance AYA participation in coproducing their health.ProcedureQualitative analysis using a phenomenological approach of N = 30 structured Respecting Choices interviews conducted with AYAs (14‐21 years; mean 84.2 [SD 69] months postcancer diagnosis with 21% on active treatment) from four tertiary pediatric hospitals in the context of a primary study of a pediatric advance care planning intervention trial.ResultsAYAs who have experienced cancer conceptualized “living well” as maintaining physical, mental, and emotional health, as well as engaging in purposeful, age‐appropriate activities with people important to them. Living well had three components: living mindfully, living an identity as a healthy AYA, and spending time with friends and family.ConclusionsConversations with AYAs who have experienced cancer elicited rich, complex concepts of “living well.” Provider initiation of discussions about living well may facilitate personalized goals of care conversations. This study may serve as the basis to design and prototype future clinical interventions to enhance AYA engagement.
Preparation and characterization of viscose composites fiber and its enhancing effect in photothermal conversion property
Authors: Jiang Yunjing , Li Changlei , Jiang Peiqing , Li Wenbin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractEnvironmental concerns, such as global warming caused by fossil burning, have drawn attention from people and make it necessary to develop photothermal conversion materials that can utilize clean and renewable solar energy. In this study, a novel viscose fiber with photothermal conversion ability was prepared by adding graphene oxide (GO) to viscose solution before wet spinning process. The light‐to‐heat conversion property of modified fibers was measured by a self‐assembly structure. The results indicate that compared with pure viscose sample (ΔT = ~30.8°C), the viscose fabric with 4 wt% GO showed larger temperature rise (ΔT = ~112°C) within the same exposure time under infrared light. Moreover, it can be verified from ultraviolet‐visible‐near‐infrared spectroscopy and heat conduction property measurements that both optical absorption and thermal conductivity of GO‐viscose fibers were enhanced significantly. Additionally, scanning electron microscope, energy disperse spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, and thermogravimetric were used to characterize basic features of the composite fiber. Furthermore, It was observed that the doping of low concentration of GO has little effect on fiber strength and stretchability. Consequently, the modified GO‐viscose composite is a promising photothermal conversion material for various applications involving solar energy collection and heat supply for architecture.
Tautomeric and E‐Z equilibria of the herbicide clethodim in water and organic solvents: A nuclear magnetic resonance and theoretical study
Authors: Caputo Maricel , Colasurdo Diego D. , Allegretti Patricia E. , Laurella Sergio L. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe herbicide clethodim can exist as different tautomeric forms and also as E‐Z isomers. Previous works have made some approach to the matter of tautomerization and have always stated that the E form was the only one stable. In this work, the investigation on the tautomeric equilibrium of clethodim is carried out in solution by means of proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), carbon‐13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR), and correlation spectroscopy (COSY) experiments in four solvents (CDCl3, acetone‐d6, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)‐d6, and D2O). Major tautomeric species have been identified, and equilibrium constants have been calculated from the integration of hydrogens of the chloroallyl radical of clethodim. E‐ketoenolimine is the only detectable tautomer in CDCl3. Mixtures of E‐ketoenolimine and E‐diketoenamine tautomers are observed in acetone‐d6 and DMSO‐d6 (in ratios of 8:92 and 53:47, respectively). In water, the most abundant neutral tautomers are E‐ketoenolimine, E‐diketoenamine, and Z‐ketoenolimine (with a tautomeric ratio of 66:20:14). Identification of the E and Z tautomers is reported. Thermodynamic parameters (obtained by analysis of the effect of temperature) and theoretical calculations (energies and chemical shifts) support the assignations and tautomeric ratios when considering specific clethodim‐solvent hydrogen bonds. In the case of water, calculations suggest double bonded complexes that would be the cause of stability of the tautomers. These new observations on the structure of clethodim in solution open a new series of questions on its absorption mechanism, and they are also a tool for further chemical modification of this herbicide.
Thermal transport and chemical effects of fillers on free‐radical frontal polymerization
Authors: Gary Daniel P. , Bynum Samuel , Thompson Baylen D. , Groce Brecklyn R. , Sagona Anthony , Hoffman Imogen M. , Morejon‐Garcia Catherine , Weber Corey , Pojman John A. 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTFrontal polymerization (FP) is a process in which a front propagates in a localized reaction zone, converting monomer into polymer through the coupling of thermal diffusion with the Arrhenius kinetics of an exothermic reaction. Fillers are added to control the rheological properties of the formulation and to enhance the mechanical properties of the product. However, the thermal and chemical effects of these fillers on the front propagation have not been thoroughly explored. Herein we report the thermal and chemical effects of fillers on free‐radical frontal polymerization. It was found that fillers with high thermal diffusivities, such as milled carbon fiber and boron nitride increased the front velocity. Despite their high thermal diffusivities, fillers such as aluminum and alumina decreased the front velocity. This is likely due to the radical‐scavenging ability of aluminum oxide, which was explored with clay minerals. It was found that the presence of water within clay fillers can also decrease the front velocity. To probe the chemical effects, acid‐activated clay minerals were utilized. The results demonstrate that some fillers can increase front velocity through their high thermal diffusivities while others decrease it by acting as radical scavengers.
Identifying and treating ROBO1−ve/DOCK1+ve prostate cancer: An aggressive cancer subtype prevalent in African American patients
Authors: Ferrari Marina G. , Ganaie Arsheed A. , Shabenah Ashraf , Mansini Adrian P. , Wang Li , Murugan Paari , Davicioni Elai , Wang Jinhua , Deng Yibin , Hoeppner Luke H. , Warlick Christopher A. , Konety Badrinath R. , Saleem Mohammad 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundThere is a need to develop novel therapies which could be beneficial to patients with prostate cancer (CaP) including those who are predisposed to poor outcome, such as African‐Americans. This study investigates the role of ROBO1‐pathway in predicting outcome and race‐based disparity in patients with CaP.Methods and ResultsAided by RNA sequencing‐based DECIPHER‐testing and immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of tumors we show that ROBO1 is lost during the progressive stages of CaP, a prevalent feature in African‐Americans. We show that the loss of ROBO1 predicts high‐risk of recurrence, metastasis and poor outcome of androgen‐deprivation therapy in radical prostatectomy‐treated patients. These data identified an aggressive ROBO1deficient/DOCK1+ve sub‐class of CaP. Combined genetic and IHC data showed that ROBO1 loss is accompanied by DOCK1/Rac1 elevation in grade‐III/IV primary‐tumors and Mets. We observed that the hypermethylation of ROBO1‐promoter contributes to loss of expression that is highly prevalent in African‐Americans. Because of limitations in restoring ROBO1 function, we asked if targeting the DOCK1 could be an ideal strategy to inhibit progression or treat ROBO1deficient metastatic‐CaP. We tested the pharmacological efficacy of CPYPP, a selective inhibitor of DOCK1 under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Using ROBO1−ve and ROBO1+ve CaP models, we determined the median effective concentration of CPYPP for growth. DOCK1‐inhibitor treatment significantly decreased the (a) Rac1‐GTP/β‐catenin activity, (b) transmigration of ROBO1deficient cells across endothelial lining, and (c) metastatic spread of ROBO1deficient cells through the vasculature of transgenicfl Zebrafish model.ConclusionWe suggest that ROBO1 status forms as predictive biomarker of outcome in high‐risk populations such as African‐Americans and DOCK1‐targeting therapy has a clinical potential for treating metastatic‐CaP.
Host searching and host preference of resident pupal parasitoids of Drosophila suzukii in the invaded regions
Authors: Wolf Sarah , Barmettler Elias , Eisenring Michael , Romeis Jörg , Collatz Jana 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn its invaded regions, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) is a novel host for the community of resident parasitoids of Drosophila. To attain a high parasitization rate on the novel host, the parasitoids have to locate it and accept it in the presence of other Drosophila hosts. We conducted a laboratory choice experiment and a semifield trial to investigate host searching and host preference of the three pupal parasitoid species Trichopria drosophilae (Perkins), Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae (Rondani) and Spalangia erythromera Förster.RESULTSAll three parasitoid species preferred D. suzukii over two common native hosts in the choice experiment. In field cages, most parasitoid offspring emerged from D. suzukii hosts. While P. vindemmiae mainly parasitized hosts in the foliage, most T. drosophilae offspring emerged from pupae presented on the ground.CONCLUSIONSBoth P. vindemmiae and T. drosophilae have the potential to find and parasitize D. suzukii in the field. If released early in the season, possible nontarget effects on native Drosophila should be minimal.
Mesenchymal stem cells for restoring endometrial function: An infertility perspective
Authors: Rungsiwiwut Ruttachuk , Virutamasen Pramuan , Pruksananonda Kamthorn 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be derived from several tissues such as bone marrow, placenta, adipose tissue, or endometrial tissue. MSCs gain a lot of attention for cell‐based therapy due to their characteristics including differentiation ability and immunomodulatory effect. Preclinical and clinical studies demonstrated that MSCs can be applied to treat female infertility by improving of the functions of ovary and uterus. This mini‐ review focuses on the current study of treatment of endometrial infertility by using MSCs.MethodsThe present study performed a literature review focusing on the effect of MSCs for treatment of women infertility caused by endometrial dysfunction.ResultsBone marrow‐, umbilical cord‐, adipose‐, amniotic‐, and menstruation‐derived MSCs enhance endometrial cell proliferation, injury repairs as well as reducing scar formation. The beneficial mechanism probably via immunomodulatory, cell differentiation, stimulates endometrial cell proliferation and down‐regulation of fibrosis genes. The major advantage of using MSCs is to improve endometrial functions resulting in increased implantation and pregnancy.ConclusionsMSCs exhibit a potential for endometrial infertility treatment. Adipose‐ and menstruation‐derived stem cells show advantages over other sources because the cells can be derived easily and do not causes graft rejection after autologous transplantation.
High stretch cycling inhibits the morphological and biological decidual process in human endometrial stromal cells
Authors: Saito Ryohei , Kajihara Takeshi , Takamura Masashi , Tochigi Hideno , Sato Tsuyoshi , Ishihara Osamu 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPurposeSubendometrial myometrium exerts wave‐like activity throughout the menstrual cycle, and uterine peristalsis is markedly reduced during the implantation phase. We hypothesized that abnormal uterine peristalsis has an adverse effect on the endometrial decidualization process. We conducted an in vitro culture experiment to investigate the effect of cyclic stretch on the morphological and biological endometrial decidual process.MethodsPrimary human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) were isolated from hysterectomy specimens and incubated with or without 8‐bromo‐cyclic adenosine monophosphate (8‐br‐cAMP) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) for 3 days. After decidualization, cultures were continued for 24 hours with or without cyclic stretch using a computer‐operated cell tension system.ResultsCyclic stretch significantly repressed expression of decidual markers including insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 1 (IGFBP1), prolactin (PRL), forkhead box O1 (FOXO1), and WNT4 on decidualized HESCs. In addition, cyclic stretch of decidualized HESCs affected the decidual morphological phenotype to an elongated shape. The alternation of F‐actin localization in decidualized HESCs was not observed in response to cyclic stretch.ConclusionsThese data suggest that cyclic stretch inhibits the morphological and biological decidual process of HESCs. Our findings imply that uterine abnormal contractions during the implantation period impair endometrial decidualization and contribute to infertility.
Systematic Study of Alkali Cations Intercalated Titanium Dioxide Effect on Sodium and Lithium Storage
Authors: Huang Man , Xi Baojuan , Shi Nianxiang , Wei Ruchao , Li Haibo , Feng Jinkui , Xiong Shenglin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe fast development of electrochemical energy storage devices necessitates rational design of the high‐performance electrode materials and systematic and deep understanding of the intrinsic energy storage processes. Herein, the preintercalation general strategy of alkali ions (A = Li+, Na+, K+) into titanium dioxide (A‐TO, LTO, NTO, KTO) is proposed to improve the structural stability of anode materials for sodium and lithium storage. The different optimization effects of preintercalated alkali ions on electrochemical properties are studied systematically. Impressively, the three electrode materials manifest totally different capacities and capacity retention. The efficiency of the energy storage process is affected not only by the distinctive structure but also by the suitable interlayer spacing of Ti‐O, as well as by the interaction effect between the host Ti‐O layer and alien cations with proper size, demonstrating the pivotal role of the sodium ions. The greatly enhanced electrochemical performance confirms the importance of rational engineering and synthesis of advanced electrode materials with the preintercalation of proper alkali cations.
Hydrogen‐Etched Bifunctional Sulfur‐Defect‐Rich ReS2/CC Electrocatalyst for Highly Efficient HER and OER
Authors: Pang Qing‐Qing , Niu Zhu‐Lin , Yi Sha‐Sha , Zhang Shuo , Liu Zhong‐Yi , Yue Xin‐Zheng 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe design on synthesizing a sturdy, low‐cost, clean, and sustainable electrocatalyst, as well as achieving high performance with low overpotential and good durability toward water splitting, is fairly vital in environmental and energy‐related subject. Herein, for the first time the growth of sulfur (S) defect engineered self‐supporting array electrode composed of metallic Re and ReS2 nanosheets on carbon cloth (referred as Re/ReS2/CC) via a facile hydrothermal method and the following thermal treatment with H2/N2 flow is reported. It is expected that, for example, the as‐prepared Re/ReS2‐7H/CC for the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) under acidic medium affords a quite low overpotential of 42 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and a very small Tafel slope of 36 mV decade−1, which are comparable to some of the promising HER catalysts. Furthermore, in the two‐electrode system, a small cell voltage of 1.30 V is recorded under alkaline condition. Characterizations and density functional theory results expound that the introduced S defects in Re/ReS2‐7H/CC can offer abundant active sites to advantageously capture electron, enhance the electron transport capacity, and weaken the adsorption free energy of H* at the active sites, being responsible for its superior electrocatalytic performance.
Swietenine extracted from Swietenia relieves myocardial hypertrophy induced by isoprenaline in mice
Authors: Ding Jingjing , Liu Shoubai , Qian Weichun , Wang Jiacheng , Chu Chunyan , Wang Juejin , Li Kai , Yu Youjia , Xu Guanhong , Mao Zhengsheng , Xiao Pingxi , Yu Yanfang , Chen Feng 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAs a traditional plant medicine in tropical areas, Swietenia macrophylla seeds are usually applied for some chronic diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, and so on. Few studies have been carried out to identify the effective elements in seed extract and their indications. In this study, we first investigated the functions of the swietenine, an extract from S. macrophylla seeds, using a model of myocardial hypertrophy induced by isoprenaline (ISO). At cellular level, H9c2 cell hypertrophy was also established through the treatment with ISO. The cardiac pathological remodeling was evaluated by echocardiography and histological analysis. Western blot and RT‐qPCR were used to detect the expression of possible hypertrophy‐promoting genes. Here, our results indicated that swietenine remarkably attenuated ISO‐induced myocardial hypertrophy in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, Akt phosphorylation, ANP and BNP mRNA expression were efficiently decreased. Based on these findings, we concluded that swietenine might be a promising anti‐hypertrophic agent against cardiac hypertrophy.
Mechanisms of nanoparticle radiosensitization
Authors: Kempson Ivan 
Published: July 2020

AbstractMetal‐based nanoparticles applied to potentiating the effects of radiotherapy have drawn significant attention from the research community and are now available clinically. By improving our mechanistic understanding, nanoparticles are likely to evolve to provide very significant improvements in radiotherapy outcomes with only incremental increase in cost. This review critically assesses the inconsistent observations surrounding physical, physicochemical, chemical and biological mechanisms of radiosensitization. In doing so, a number of needs are identified for continuing research and are highlighted. The large degree of variability from one nanoparticle to another emphasizes that it is a mistake to generalize nanoparticle radiosensitizer mechanisms. Nanoparticle formulations should be considered in an analogous way as pharmacological agents and as a broad class of therapeutic agents, needing to be considered with a high degree of individuality with respect to their interactions and ultimate impact on radiobiological response. In the same way that no universal anti‐cancer drug exists, it is unlikely that a single nanoparticle formulation will lead to the best therapeutic outcomes for all cancers. The high degree of complexity and variability in mechanistic action provides notable opportunities for nanoparticle formulations to be optimized for specific indications.This article is categorized under:
Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies
Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology