The development of insecticide resistance in Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, populations is a serious threat to the citrus industry. As a contribution to a resistance management ...strategy, we developed a glass vial technique to monitor field populations of Asian citrus psyllid for insecticide resistance. Diagnostic concentrations needed to separate susceptible genotypes from resistant individuals were determined for cypermethrin (0.5 µg per vial), malathion (1.0 µg per vial), diazinon (1.0 µg per vial), carbaryl (1.0 µg per vial), carbofuran (0.1 µg per vial), methomyl (1.0 µg per vial), propoxur (1.0 µg per vial), endosulfan (1.0 µg per vial), imidacloprid (0.5 µg per vial), acetamiprid (5.0 µg per vial), chlorfenapyr (2.5 µg per vial), and fenpyroximate (2.5 µg per vial). In 2014, resistance to two carbamate insecticides (carbaryl and carbofuran), one organophosphate (malathion), one pyrethroid (cypermethrin), and one pyrazole (fenpyroximate) was detected in field populations of Asian citrus psyllid in Immokalee, FL. There was no resistance detected to diazinon, methomyl, propoxur, endosulfan, imidacloprid, and chlorfenapyr. The levels of insecticide resistance were variable and unstable, suggesting that resistance could be successfully managed. The results validate the use of the glass vial bioassay to monitor for resistance in Asian citrus psyllid populations and provide the basis for the development of a resistance management strategy designed to extend the efficacy of all classes of insecticides used for control of the Asian citrus psyllid.
Cement production involves high amounts of energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Pakistan is facing a serious energy crisis and cement’s cost is increasing. In addition, landfilling of ...potential concrete components can lead to environmental degradation. The use of waste as cement replacement not only reduces cement production cost by reducing energy consumption, but it is also environmentally friendly. The purpose of this study is to analyze the characteristics of concrete by partially replacing cement with Rice Husk Ash (RHA) and Fly Ash (FA). This study is mainly focused on the performance of concrete conducting a slump test, and investigating indirect tensile and compressive strength. Cement was replaced with RHA and FA by 5% (2.5% RHA + 2.5% FA), 10% (5% RHA + 5% FA), 15% (7.5% RHA + 7.5% FA) and 20% (10% RHA+10% FA) by weight. Ninety concrete samples were cast with mix proportions of 1:2:4 and 0.55 water/cement ratio. Cube and cylindrical samples were used for measuring compressive and split tensile strength respectively, after 7 and 28 days. The results showed that after 28 days, the 5% RHA+5% FA sample’s compressive strength was enhanced by 16.14% and its indirect tensile strength was improved by 15.20% compared to the conventional sample. Moreover, the sample’s slump value dropped as the content of RHA and FA increased.
The role of adjuvant treatment in high-risk muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma after radical surgery is not clear.
In a phase 3, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial, we assigned ...patients with muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma who had undergone radical surgery to receive, in a 1:1 ratio, either nivolumab (240 mg intravenously) or placebo every 2 weeks for up to 1 year. Neoadjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy before trial entry was allowed. The primary end points were disease-free survival among all the patients (intention-to-treat population) and among patients with a tumor programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression level of 1% or more. Survival free from recurrence outside the urothelial tract was a secondary end point.
A total of 353 patients were assigned to receive nivolumab and 356 to receive placebo. The median disease-free survival in the intention-to-treat population was 20.8 months (95% confidence interval CI, 16.5 to 27.6) with nivolumab and 10.8 months (95% CI, 8.3 to 13.9) with placebo. The percentage of patients who were alive and disease-free at 6 months was 74.9% with nivolumab and 60.3% with placebo (hazard ratio for disease recurrence or death, 0.70; 98.22% CI, 0.55 to 0.90; P<0.001). Among patients with a PD-L1 expression level of 1% or more, the percentage of patients was 74.5% and 55.7%, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.55; 98.72% CI, 0.35 to 0.85; P<0.001). The median survival free from recurrence outside the urothelial tract in the intention-to-treat population was 22.9 months (95% CI, 19.2 to 33.4) with nivolumab and 13.7 months (95% CI, 8.4 to 20.3) with placebo. The percentage of patients who were alive and free from recurrence outside the urothelial tract at 6 months was 77.0% with nivolumab and 62.7% with placebo (hazard ratio for recurrence outside the urothelial tract or death, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.59 to 0.89). Among patients with a PD-L1 expression level of 1% or more, the percentage of patients was 75.3% and 56.7%, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.79). Treatment-related adverse events of grade 3 or higher occurred in 17.9% of the nivolumab group and 7.2% of the placebo group. Two treatment-related deaths due to pneumonitis were noted in the nivolumab group.
In this trial involving patients with high-risk muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma who had undergone radical surgery, disease-free survival was longer with adjuvant nivolumab than with placebo in the intention-to-treat population and among patients with a PD-L1 expression level of 1% or more. (Funded by Bristol Myers Squibb and Ono Pharmaceutical; CheckMate 274 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02632409.).
Atherosclerotic plaque composition and structure contribute to the risk of plaque rupture and embolization. Virtual histology by intravascular ultrasonography and high-resolution MR imaging are new ...imaging modalities that have been used to characterize plaque morphology and composition in peripheral arteries.
The objectives of this study were 1) to determine the correlation between virtual histology-intravascular ultrasonography and histopathologic analysis (reference standard) and 2) to explore the comparative results of 7T MR imaging (versus histopathologic analysis), both to be performed in vitro by use of intracranial arterial segments with atherosclerotic plaques. Thirty sets of postmortem samples of intracranial circulation were prepared for the study. These samples included the middle cerebral artery (n = 20), basilar artery (n = 8), and anterior cerebral artery (n = 2). Virtual histology-intravascular ultrasonography and 7T MR imaging were performed in 34 and 10 points of interest, respectively. The formalin-fixed arteries underwent tissue processing and hematoxylin-eosin staining. The plaques were independently categorized according to revised Stary classification after review of plaque morphology and characteristics obtained from 3 modalities. The proportion of fibrous, fibrofatty, attenuated calcium, and necrotic components in the plaques were determined in histology slides and compared with virtual histology-intravascular ultrasonography and MR imaging.
Of 34 points of interest in the vessels, 32 had atherosclerotic plaques under direct visualization. Plaques were visualized in gray-scale intravascular ultrasonography as increased wall thickness, outer wall irregularity, and protrusion. The positive predictive value of virtual histology-intravascular ultrasonography for identifying fibroatheroma was 80%. Overall, virtual histology-intravascular ultrasonography accurately diagnosed the type of the plaque in 25 of 34 samples, and κ agreement was 0.58 (moderate agreement). The sensitivity and specificity of virtual histology-intravascular ultrasonography readings for fibroatheroma were 78.9% and 73.3%, respectively. The overall sensitivity and specificity for virtual histology-intravascular ultrasonography were 73.5% and 96.6%, respectively. Plaques were identified in 7T MR imaging as increased wall thickness, luminal stenosis, or outer wall protrusion. The positive predictive value of 7T MR imaging for detecting fibrous and attenuated calcium deposits was 88% and 93%, respectively.
This in vitro study demonstrated that virtual histology-intravascular ultrasonography and high-resolution MR imaging are reliable imaging tools to detect atherosclerotic plaques within the intracranial arterial wall, though both imaging modalities have some limitations in accurate characterization of the plaque components. Further clinical studies are needed to determine the clinical utility of plaque morphology and composition assessment by noninvasive tests.
First 10 Months of TGF Observations by ASIM Østgaard, N.; Neubert, T.; Reglero, V. ...
Journal of geophysical research. Atmospheres,
27 December 2019, Letnik:
124, Številka:
24
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
The Atmosphere‐Space Interactions Monitor (ASIM) was launched to the International Space Station on 2 April 2018. The ASIM payload consists of two main instruments, the Modular X‐ray and Gamma‐ray ...Sensor (MXGS) for imaging and spectral analysis of Terrestrial Gamma‐ray Flashes (TGFs) and the Modular Multi‐spectral Imaging Array for detection, imaging, and spectral analysis of Transient Luminous Events and lightning. ASIM is the first space mission designed for simultaneous observations of Transient Luminous Events, TGFs, and optical lightning. During the first 10 months of operation (2 June 2018 to 1 April 2019) the MXGS has observed 217 TGFs. In this paper we report several unprecedented measurements and new scientific results obtained by ASIM during this period: (1) simultaneous TGF observations by Fermi Gamma‐ray Burst Monitor and ASIM MXGS revealing the very good detection capability of ASIM MXGS and showing substructures in the TGF, (2) TGFs and Elves produced during the same lightning flash and even simultaneously have been observed, (3) first imaging of TGFs giving a unique source location, (4) strong statistical support for TGFs being produced during the upward propagation of a leader just before a large current pulse heats up the channel and emits a strong optical pulse, and (5) the t50 duration of TGFs observed from space is shorter than previously reported.
Key Points
Simultaneous measurements of TGF by two spacecraft are presented
Simultaneous measurements of TGF and Elve are not rare coincidence
Imaging of TGF is presented
The sequence of TGF and main optical lightning pulse is resolved
TGFs observed from space have shorter duration than previously reported
We report the first Terrestrial Electron Beam detected by the Atmosphere‐Space Interactions Monitor. It happened on 16 September 2018. The Atmosphere‐Space Interactions Monitor Modular X and Gamma ...ray Sensor recorded a 2 ms long event, with a softer spectrum than typically recorded for Terrestrial Gamma ray Flashes (TGFs). The lightning discharge associated to this event was found in the World Wide Lightning Location Network data, close to the northern footpoint of the magnetic field line that intercepts the International Space Station location. Imaging from a GOES‐R geostationary satellite shows that the source TGF was produced close to an overshooting top of a thunderstorm. Monte‐Carlo simulations were performed to reproduce the observed light curve and energy spectrum. The event can be explained by the secondary electrons and positrons produced by the TGF (i.e., the Terrestrial Electron Beam), even if about 3.5% to 10% of the detected counts may be due to direct TGF photons. A source TGF with a Gaussian angular distribution with standard deviation between 20.6° and 29.8° was found to reproduce the measurement. Assuming an isotropic angular distribution within a cone, compatible half angles are between 30.6° and 41.9°, in agreement with previous studies. The number of required photons for the source TGF could be estimated for various assumption of the source (altitude of production and angular distribution) and is estimated between 1017.2 and 1018.9 photons, that is, compatible with the current consensus.
Plain Language Summary
Terrestrial Gamma Ray Flashes (TGFs) are the highest energy natural particle acceleration phenomena occurring on Earth. They are burst of energetic photons associated with thunderstorms and have a poorly understood production mechanism. When interacting with the atmosphere, TGFs produce secondary electrons and positrons of high energy. A fraction of them can reach space and forms a beam under the effect of Earth's magnetic field, so called Terrestrial Electron Beam (TEB). They can be detected over geographical location with no lightning activity. In the past, most of the TEBs have been detected by the Fermi space telescope and the Compton Gamma ray Observatory. In this article, we report the first detection of a TEB by the Atmosphere‐Space Interactions Monitor, docked on the International Space Station since April 2018. During this event, no lightning activity was detected below the instrument. The TEB's source lightning was actually found to be located 650 km away from detector, very close to an overshooting top of a thundercloud. The comparison of the observation with simulated data made it possible to constrain the geometry of the parent TGF. Our results point toward a relatively wide angular distribution and an intensity of 1017.2 to 1018.9 photons, in agreement with previous studies.
Key Points
Flying over an area with no nearby lightning activity, the ASIM‐MXGS instrument detected a 4 ms long event with a soft spectrum
Observations coupled with simulations suggest that more than 90% of the counts come from a TEB and the rest from the associated TGF
A source TGF with a broad angular distribution and 1017 to 1019 photons can explain the observation
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•Hydrochars and their derived activated carbons as adsorbents have been reviewed.•Emerging contaminants and endocrine disrupting compounds as adsorbates were identified.•Adsorption ...behavior and regeneration of studied adsorbate-adsorbent systems were evaluated.•Future perspectives in this area have been proposed.•High adsorption capacity was reported on porous ACs from hydrochars relative to other adsorbents.
Hydrochars from lignocellulose biomass have received an upsurge of interest in different fields, especially in the area of adsorption. Hydrothermally produced hydrochars are effective adsorbents for removing different pollutants, and they serve as a cheap and sustainable raw material for subsequent activation to achieve porous activated carbons (ACs) with large surface areas. In this review, recent studies on preparation and characteristics of adsorbents in terms of hydrochars from lignocellulose biomass and their derived ACs are presented and discussed. The application of these adsorbents for the removal of endocrine disrupting chemicals and other emerging pollutants is included. The sources and classification, adsorption isotherm, kinetics, and mechanism of these pollutants and the capability of regenerating and reusing cheap and efficient adsorbents such as hydrochar and ACs are also discussed. This review identifies knowledge gaps and proposes insights into new directions for improving the applications of hydrochar and ACs as adsorbents.
This paper advances the concept of the entrepreneurial mindset for women entrepreneurs in a developing country. This paper conceptualizes entrepreneurial mindset from a female perspective and ...explores its impact on individual life, family, and community. We present the Women Entrepreneurship Plus Model (WE-PLUS) framework embedded in the socio-religious context of a developing country and the effectuation theory of entrepreneurship. This culturally sensitive framework helps women develop an entrepreneurial mindset while leveraging their social capital and religious beliefs. This model is applied in a mother’s entrepreneurship course designed for Pakistani mothers. Results indicate that the participants were able to significantly increase their level of entrepreneurial mindset while contributing to the development of their family and the community.
Benzamide derivatives were screened for their anti-alzheimer, anti-fatigue, anti-urease and anti-oxidant activity and their results were calculated in the form of %age inhibition and IC50 value. ...Compounds 3a and 3g exhibited the highest anti alzheimer activity. Group of mice's treated by compounds 3f and 3g showed significantly longer swimming times than those of the treated with caffeine. The prominent urease inhibitory activity was shown by only one compound among seven benzamide derivatives. Controlled experiments suggest that benzamide derivatives (3a-3g) can be serve as the therapeutic agents
Most genetic susceptibility to cutaneous melanoma remains to be discovered. Meta-analysis genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 36,760 cases of melanoma (67% newly genotyped) and 375,188 controls ...identified 54 significant (P < 5 × 10
) loci with 68 independent single nucleotide polymorphisms. Analysis of risk estimates across geographical regions and host factors suggests the acral melanoma subtype is uniquely unrelated to pigmentation. Combining this meta-analysis with GWAS of nevus count and hair color, and transcriptome association approaches, uncovered 31 potential secondary loci for a total of 85 cutaneous melanoma susceptibility loci. These findings provide insights into cutaneous melanoma genetic architecture, reinforcing the importance of nevogenesis, pigmentation and telomere maintenance, together with identifying potential new pathways for cutaneous melanoma pathogenesis.
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