bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anatomical study of the descending genicular artery and implications for image‐guided interventions for knee pain
Authors: Fonkoue Loïc , Behets Catherine , Steyaert Arnaud , Kouassi Jean‐Eric K. , Detrembleur Christine , Cornu Olivier
Published: September 2020

Introduction

The descending genicular artery (DGA) has recently been mentioned as accompanying some nerves in the medial aspect of the knee joint. This could be clinically relevant as the arteries could serve as landmarks for accurate nerve capture during ultrasound‐guided nerve blockade or ablation. The aim of this cadaveric study was to investigate the anatomical distribution of the DGA, assess the nerves running alongside its branches, and discuss the implications for regional anesthesia and knee pain interventions.

Methods

We dissected the femoral artery (FA) all along its course to identify the origin of the DGA, from which we carefully dissected all branches, in 27 fresh‐frozen human specimens. Simultaneously, we systematically dissected the nerves supplying the medial aspect of the knee from proximally to distally and identified those running alongside the branches of the DGA. The surrounding anatomical landmarks were identified and measurements were recorded.

Results

The DGA was found in all specimens, arising from the FA 130.5 ± 17.5 mm (mean ± SD) proximally to the knee joint line. Seven distribution patterns of the DGA were observed. We found three consistent branches from the DGA running alongside their corresponding nerves at the level of the medial aspect of the knee: the artery of the superior‐medial genicular nerve, the artery of the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve, and the saphenous branch of the DGA.

Conclusion

The consistent arteries and surrounding landmarks found in this study could help to improve the capture of the targeted nerves during ultrasound‐guided interventions.
Correlation between hematological parameters and outcome in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer treated by concomitant chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Gennigens Christine , De Cuypere Marjolein , Seidel Laurence , Hermesse Johanne , Barbeaux Annelore , Forget Frédéric , Albert Adelin , Jerusalem Guy , Kridelka Frédéric
Published: September 2020

Background

Hemoglobin (Hb), white blood cell (WBC), and polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) blood counts may be correlated with outcomes in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer.

Methods

Hb, WBC, and PMN counts were measured at diagnosis and during concomitant cisplatin‐based chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in a retrospective sample of 103 patients between 2010 and 2017. Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions were also recorded. The associations between hematological variables and patient overall survival (OS) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) were assessed by Cox regression models.

Results

The 3‐year OS and RFS rates were 81.4% and 76.8%, respectively. In addition to tumor size and smoking, OS and RFS were found to be significantly associated with changes in WBC and PMN counts from the first to the last cisplatin cycle. Hb count throughout the treatment and RBC transfusions were not predictive of outcome.

Conclusions

This study found no association between Hb count or RBC transfusions and outcome. The daily practice of maintaining the Hb count above 12 g/dL during CCRT should be weighed against the potential risks of transfusions. Drops in WBC and PMN counts during treatment positively impacted OS and RFS and could, therefore, serve as biomarkers during CCRT to adapt the follow‐up and consider the need for adjuvant systemic treatments.
In Silico and In Vivo Toxicological Evaluation of Paeonol
Authors: Adki Kaveri M. , Murugesan S. , Kulkarni Yogesh A.
Published: September 2020

Paeonol is a phenolic compound reported for its various pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and antidiabetic activity. There are no systematic scientific reports on the in vivo toxicity of paeonol. So, the present work was designed to study in silico and in vivo toxicity of paeonol. In silico toxicity predictions were carried out using pkCSM, ProTox‐II, pre‐ADMET server and OSIRIS property explorer. Acute oral toxicity study of paeonol was carried out in female Sprague Dawley rats at a single dose of 300 mg/kg, 2000 mg/kg and 5000 mg/kg. Animals were observed for toxicity signs and mortality for 14 days. Repeated dose oral toxicity study of paeonol was carried out in female and male Sprague Dawley rats at a dose of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight for 28 days. At the end of the study, hematological, biochemical and urine parameters were assessed. Histopathology of vital organs was also carried out. In silico toxicity study predicted that paeonol is non‐toxic. The maximally tolerated dose of paeonol was found to be 5000 mg/kg in acute toxicity study in female rats. Paeonol was found to be safe at a dose of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg in repeated dose toxicity study in male and female rats.
Polyketides and Terpenoids with Potent Antibacterial Activities from theArtemisia argyi‐Derived FungusTrichoderma koningiopsisQA‐3
Authors: Shi Xiao‐Shan , Meng Ling‐Hong , Li Xin , Wang Dun‐Jia , Zhou Xing‐Wang , Du Feng‐Yu , Wang Bin‐Gui , Li Xiao‐Ming
Published: September 2020

The AcOEt extract ofArtemisia argyi‐derived fungusTrichoderma koningiopsisQA‐3 showed potent inhibitory activity against pathogenic bacteria. Fractionation of the extract resulted in the isolation of three new polyketides (1–3) and two new terpenoids (4and5), together with three known metabolites (6–8). Their chemical structures were analyzed by NMR spectra, ECD, HR‐ESI‐MS or HR‐EI‐MS, optical rotation, and X‐ray crystallographic data, as well as by comparison with literature reports. In the antibacterial assays, 3‐hydroxyharziandione (4) showed potent activity against human pathogenEscherichia coliwith an MIC value of 0.5 μg/mL, while 6‐(3‐hydroxypent‐1‐en‐1‐yl)‐2H‐pyran‐2‐one exhibited strong activity against marine‐derived aquatic pathogenMicrococcus luteuswith an MIC value of 1.0 μg/mL.
Mutation detection and inhibitor risk in Iranian patients with Hemophilia A: Six novel mutations
Authors: Nasirnejad Sola Farzaneh , Morovvati Saeid , Sabetghadam Moghadam Mitra , Entezari Malihe
Published: September 2020

This investigation facilitates a better understanding of inhibitor development, the critical treatment morbidity in HA patients. Furthermore, six novel mutations are reported, which would expand the mutation spectrum of the F8 gene.
Spontaneous pneumothorax as a complication in COVID‐19 male patient: A case report
Authors: Fahad Ahmed Muhi , Mohammad Ayam Ali , Al‐Khalidi Hasanain A. , Alshewered Ahmed Salih
Published: September 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 infection may be later complicated with pneumothorax after primarily symptoms. We must be aware about pneumothorax, which may be increased in cases of COVID‐19.
Niobium‐Doped Titanium Dioxide with High Dopant Contents for Enhanced Lithium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Xu Wenlei , Russo Patrícia A. , Schultz Thorsten , Koch Norbert , Pinna Nicola
Published: September 2020

Titanium dioxide is a promising anode for efficient lithium‐ion storage in terms of low cost, good structural stability, and inherent safety. However, its performance in Li‐ion storage is hindered by poor electronic conductivity. In this work, a solvothermal approach was applied for the synthesis of Nb‐doped TiO2 nanocrystals with Nb content up to 33 at. %. The enhanced electronic conductivity and favorable electrochemical kinetics led to superior specific capacity, rate capability, and cycling stability compared to pristine TiO2. For the optimum dopant content of 21 at. %, a specific capacity of 58 mAh g−1 was reached at 10 A g−1 compared to just 28 mAh g−1 for pure TiO2, in addition to almost 20 % higher capacity retention after prolonged cycling. The strategy in the current work can be easily extended to the design of other high‐performance electrode materials for energy storage.
Rapid quantification of constituents in tobacco by NIR fiber‐optic probe
Authors: Zimmer Gabrielle Fernanda , Santos Roberta Oliveira , Teixeira Iberê Damé , Schneider Rosana de Cassia de Souza , Helfer Gilson Augusto , da Costa Adilson Ben
Published: September 2020

This study aims to develop, evaluate, and optimize the application of near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIR) autosampler device equipped with a fiber‐optic probe associated with chemometric methods for the fast quantification of routine chemical constituents such as total alkaloids, reducing sugars, nitrate, and ammonia in tobacco. For this purpose, an NIR autosampler device with capacity for 40 samples was used. The spectra were collected in the range of 950 to 2,500 nm, with three spins on the sample, a 3.0‐cm2 sample scanning area, and 2.0 ± 0.2 mm distance between the fiber‐optic probe and the sample. Four partial least‐squares (PLS) models were developed, and different preprocessing methods were investigated. The predicted results were compared with those obtained from the reference method (continuous‐flow analysis), and root mean square error of prediction values of 0.31%, 1.27%, 0.47%, and 0.026% were obtained for total alkaloids, reducing sugars, nitrate, and ammonia, respectively. The proposed method performed well for the analysis of total alkaloids and reducing sugars with an appropriate goodness‐of‐fit and fair precision. In conclusion, considering the performance of the regression models and the associated environmental and economic advantages, the application of NIR spectrometer autosampler device equipped with a fiber‐optic probe associated with a PLS and synergy interval PLS algorithms cannot replace the reference method, but it is a promising tool for tobacco monitoring.
Identifying everyday decision situations of students in Chemistry Education
Authors: Schmitz Laurence , Reiners Christiane S.
Published: September 2020

Im Sinne der naturwissenschaftlichen Grundbildung sollen Lernende dazu befähigt werden, Entscheidungen mit naturwissenschaftlicher Fragestellung zu erkennen und reflektiert zu treffen. Allerdings nutzen Lernende beim Treffen von persönlichen Entscheidungen in ihrem Alltag selten chemisches Fachwissen. Demnach müssen sie unterstützt werden, um Entscheidungssituationen mit entsprechenden Inhalten des Chemieunterrichts zu verknüpfen. Zu diesem Zweck wurde das Instrument „Entscheidungstagebuch“ entwickelt. Die Lernenden sollen mit dessen Hilfe in die Lage versetzt werden, alltägliche Entscheidungssituationen zu identifizieren, in denen sie bereit sind, neue naturwissenschaftliche Informationen in ihren Entscheidungsprozess zu übernehmen. So wird im Rahmen der Studie der Frage nachgegangen, inwiefern das Entscheidungstagebuch ein adäquates Instrument ist, um schülerrelevante Entscheidungssituationen zu identifizieren.
Kinetic reaction processes in alginate beads
Authors: Ducci Matthias
Published: September 2020

Die Landolt‐Reaktion fehlt in kaum einem Chemiebuch, in dem Showexperimente vorgestellt werden. Ihr Potenzial ist jedoch wesentlich größer: Im Chemieunterricht kann sie genutzt werden, um die Abhängigkeit der Reaktionsgeschwindigkeit von den Konzentrationen der beteiligten Edukte sowie von der Temperatur zu veranschaulichen. In der Hochschule kann das Experiment zur Betrachtung komplexer kinetischer Vorgänge dienen. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird das Landolt‐Reaktionssystem in das Innere von Alginatbällchen verlagert. Dort entwickelt es eine überraschende Dynamik. Darüber hinaus werden modifizierte Experimente für die Schule vorgestellt, bei denen auf das hinsichtlich der Schwefeldioxid‐Freisetzung problematische Natriumsulfit verzichtet wird.
BODIPY‐Based Photosensitizers as Potential Anticancer and Antibacterial Agents: Role of the Positive Charge and the Heavy Atom Effect
Authors: Piskorz Jaroslaw , Porolnik Weronika , Kucinska Malgorzata , Dlugaszewska Jolanta , Murias Marek , Mielcarek Jadwiga
Published: September 2020

Boron‐dipyrromethene derivatives, including cationic and iodinated analogs, were obtained and subjected to physicochemical and in vitro photodynamic activity studies. Iodinated derivatives revealed a substantial heavy atom effect manifested by a bathochromic shift of the absorption band by about 30 nm and fluorescence intensity reduced by about 30–35 times, compared to that obtained for non‐iodinated ones. In consequence, singlet oxygen generation significantly increased with ΦΔ values in the range 0.69–0.97. The in vitro photodynamic activity was evaluated on Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus, Gram‐negative Escherichia coli, and on human androgen‐sensitive prostate adenocarcinoma cells (LNCaP). The novel cationic, iodinated BODIPY, demonstrated the highest activity toward all studied cells. An excellent cytotoxic effect was found against LNCaP cells with an IC50 value of 19.3 nM, whereas the viability of S. aureus was reduced by >5.6 log10 at 0.25 μM concentration and by >5.3 log10 in the case of E. coli at 5 μM. Thus, this analog seems to be a very promising candidate for the application in both anticancer and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy.
A new fast k‐nearest neighbor classification algorithm in cognitive radio networks based on parallel computing
Authors: Benmammar Badr
Published: September 2020

The field of telecommunication has undergone a very rapid technological evolution, which has forced researchers to find techniques that allow better exploitation of hardware and software. Among the proposed technologies, cognitive radio, a concept that was designed after several technologies such as software radio. Cognitive radio has been widely used for opportunistic access of the shared spectrum and has defined the cognitive nodes by their ability to intelligently adapt the environment to achieve specific objectives through advanced techniques. In this context, clustering techniques were adopted in cognitive radio networks (CRNs) due to their great advantages especially for routing. In this article, we propose a parallel mode of the k‐NN algorithm. The aim is to make a fast assignment of radio nodes in CRNs organized in the form of clusters. The obtained results are very satisfactory because we have been able to reduce to about 50% the execution time of the basic algorithm (sequential).
Differentiation Protocol for 3D Retinal Organoids, Immunostaining and Signal Quantitation
Authors: Döpper Hannah , Menges Julia , Bozet Morgane , Brenzel Alexandra , Lohmann Dietmar , Steenpass Laura , Kanber Deniz
Published: September 2020

Structures resembling whole organs, called organoids, are generated using pluripotent stem cells and 3D culturing methods. This relies on the ability of cells to self‐reorganize after dissociation. In combination with certain supplemented factors, differentiation can be directed toward the formation of several organ‐like structures. Here, a protocol for the generation of retinal organoids containing all seven retinal cell types is described. This protocol does not depend on Matrigel, and by keeping the organoids single and independent at all times, fusion is prevented and monitoring of differentiation is improved. Comprehensive phenotypic characterization of the in vitro–generated retinal organoids is achieved by the protocol for immunostaining outlined here. By comparing different stages of retinal organoids, the decrease and increase of certain cell populations can be determined. In order to be able to detect even small differences, it is necessary to quantify the immunofluorescent signals, for which we have provided a detailed protocol describing signal quantitation using the image‐processing program Fiji. © 2020 The Authors.

Basic Protocol 1: Differentiation protocol for 3D retinal organoids

Basic Protocol 2: Immunostaining protocol for cryosections of retinal organoids

Support Protocol: Embedding and sectioning protocol for 3D retinal organoids

Basic Protocol 3: Quantitation protocol using Fiji
From Hair to iPSCs—A Guide on How to Reprogram Keratinocytes and Why
Authors: Klingenstein Stefanie , Klingenstein Moritz , Kleger Alexander , Liebau Stefan
Published: September 2020

Keratinocytes, as a primary somatic cell source, offer exceptional advantages compared to fibroblasts, which are commonly used for reprogramming. Keratinocytes can beat fibroblasts in reprogramming efficiency and reprogramming time and, in addition, can be easily and non‐invasively harvested from human hair roots. However, there is still much to know about acquiring keratinocytes and maintaining them in cell culture. In this article, we want to offer readers the profound knowledge that we have gained since our initial use of keratinocytes for reprogramming more than 10 years ago. Here, all hints and tricks, from plucking the hair roots to growing and maintaining keratinocytes, are described in detail. Additionally, an overview of the currently used reprogramming methods, viral and non‐viral, is included, with a special focus on their applicability to keratinocytes. This overview is intended to provide a brief but comprehensive insight into the field of keratinocytes and their use for reprogramming into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). © 2020 The Authors.
Cell Banking of hiPSCs: A Practical Guide to Cryopreservation and Quality Control in Basic Research
Authors: Shibamiya Aya , Schulze Elisabeth , Krauß Dana , Augustin Christa , Reinsch Marina , Schulze Mirja Loreen , Steuck Simone , Mearini Giulia , Mannhardt Ingra , Schulze Thomas , Klampe Birgit , Werner Tessa , Saleem Umber , Knaust Anika , Laufer Sandra D. , Neuber Christiane , Lemme Marta , Behrens Charlotta Sophie , Loos Malte , Weinberger Florian , Fuchs Sigrid , Eschenhagen Thomas , Hansen Arne , Ulmer Bärbel Maria
Published: September 2020

The reproducibility of stem cell research relies on the constant availability of quality‐controlled cells. As the quality of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can deteriorate in the course of a few passages, cell banking is key to achieve consistent results and low batch‐to‐batch variation. Here, we provide a cost‐efficient route to generate master and working cell banks for basic research projects. In addition, we describe minimal protocols for quality assurance including tests for sterility, viability, pluripotency, and genetic integrity. © 2020 The Authors.

Basic Protocol 1: Expansion of hiPSCs

Basic Protocol 2: Cell banking of hiPSCs

Support Protocol 1: Pluripotency assessment by flow cytometry

Support Protocol 2: Thawing control: Viability and sterility

Support Protocol 3: Potency, viral clearance, and pluripotency: Spontaneous differentiation and qRT‐PCR

Support Protocol 4: Identity: Short tandem repeat analysis
The Certainty Framework for Assessing Real‐World Data in Studies of Medical Product Safety and Effectiveness
Authors: Cocoros Noelle M. , Arlett Peter , Dreyer Nancy A. , Ishiguro Chieko , Iyasu Solomon , Sturkenboom Miriam , Zhou Wei , Toh Sengwee
Published: September 2020

A fundamental question in using real‐world data for clinical and regulatory decision making is: How certain must we be that the algorithm used to capture an exposure, outcome, cohort‐defining characteristic, or confounder is what we intend it to be? We provide a practical framework to help researchers and regulators assess and classify the fit‐for‐purposefulness of real‐world data by study variable for a range of data sources. The three levels of certainty (optimal, sufficient, and probable) must be considered in the context of each study variable, the specific question being studied, the study design, and the decision at hand.
Patients undergoing periodontal procedures commonly use dietary supplements: A consideration in the design of intervention trials
Authors: Beaudette Jennifer R. , Fritz Peter C. , Sullivan Philip J. , Piccini Assunta , Ward Wendy E.
Published: September 2020

Objective

Diet and dietary supplement use are associated with periodontal health while a cause and effect relationship is less clear. Although associations with specific nutrients and supplements suggest a potential benefit to healing of periodontal tissues after periodontal procedures, this study determined if patients undergoing periodontal surgery currently take dietary supplements to gage whether patients may accept use of such supplements as a potential intervention.

Materials and methods

Patients who were undergoing implant placement or soft tissue graft surgery completed a questionnaire indicating any dietary supplements they consumed. Patient demographics, such as age, sex, and smoking status, were gathered from patients' charting records.

Results

Data on dietary supplement usage were collected from 221 patients. More than half (64.7%) the population surveyed reported using one or more dietary supplements. The most commonly used dietary supplements were vitamin D (31%), multivitamin (28%), and B‐complex (17.2%). Females were more likely to be taking calcium, vitamin B12, and magnesium than males. Adults, aged 51 years and older, were more likely to be taking dietary supplements than their younger counterparts. They were also more likely to be taking four or more supplements than those under the age of 50 years. There was no association between supplement use and sex, but when the number of different supplements being used was assessed, females were more likely than males to be taking four or more different supplements.

Conclusions

The majority of the study population is already taking dietary supplements as part of their routine. Based on this study, future studies to determine if supplement usage, potentially at levels higher than current levels of intake, can be used to maintain or promote periodontal health seem highly feasible.
Gender diversity and corporate performance: Emphasis on sustainability performance
Authors: Provasi Roberta , Harasheh Murad
Published: September 2020

In this research, we empirically investigate the impact of the board's female representation on corporate financial and sustainability performance after the introduction of the minimum gender quotas in Italy in 2011 (Golfo‐Mosca Law). We studied the 40 companies of the FTSE‐MIB index for 3 years 2016–2018. Using yearly regression analysis, pooled analysis, and differential analysis, we find that the female involvement on both boards has almost no significant effect on the financial performance; however, a significant association is found with the corporate sustainability performance. The robustness checks using differential analysis confirm the later relationship in which firms that improved female representation had also an ethical score upgrade. Interestingly, we also provide that there is an optimal level of gender quotas that maximizes sustainability performance and beyond that, a negative impact on performance might be detected.
(Re)Thinking diversity within sustainable development: A systematic mapping study
Authors: Sinicropi Silvia , Cortese Damiano
Published: September 2020

This systematic mapping study aims to identify and systematize the existing theoretical contributions on workforce diversity in the private sector in order to provide a different approach to study diversity management. Diversity management is a process intended to create and maintain a favorable working environment in which all the similarities and differences among people are considered, thus enhancing their potential and maximizing their contribution to the achievement of an organization's strategic goals, ultimately guaranteeing sustainable development. Diversity aims to build an inclusive culture that promotes and enhances the talent of all of an organization's members. Therefore, sustainable human resource management is a challenge in many organizations. In this systematic mapping study, 80 primary studies were identified in the Scopus database, then the selected publications were classified according to their typology, focus, and contribution. This article proposes a different approach based on the cross‐sectional analysis of the different dimensions of diversity with the use of cluster analysis. This intersectionality encourages a continuous change of standpoints among different theories, concepts, and categories.
Cultural rule orientation, legal institutions, and the credibility of corporate social responsibility reports
Authors: Steindl Tobias
Published: September 2020

Culture matters forcrediblecorporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting. I show that firms located in countries with stronger cultural rule orientation are more likely to (a) receive assurance on their CSR report, (b) receive assurance from an accounting firm, (c) receive assurance in accordance with an assurance standard, and (d) receive assurance on theirentireCSR report. Path analysis reveals that thedirecteffect of cultural rule orientation is much stronger than itsindirecteffect via legal institutions. I confirm the dominance of the direct effect in a qualitative comparative analysis. The economic significance of the direct effect is identified using probit regression analysis. Endogeneity concerns are addressed in a battery of robustness checks. Overall, the findings of this study provide a nuanced understanding ofhowculture affects credible CSR reporting, which, in turn, has important implications for managers, stakeholders, and policy makers.
Investigation of brain computer interface for rich multimedia environment
Authors: Krishnan Aswinseshadri , Bai Vijayan Thulasi
Published: September 2020

The brain computer interface (BCI) can provide a direct channel of communication between an external device and the brain without including any type of muscular activity. Various applications of BCI have been stated in literature, and one of the most exciting areas which have not been extensively investigated is the field of multimedia. BCI can find huge potential in the area of command and control of video games. Video games have found huge potential for improving the gait and balance of people struggling with Parkinson's disease. Such systems make use of the brain signals which are captured through electrodes on scalp as electroencephalogram (EEG) or through implanted electrodes as electrocorticography (ECoG). The signals are then used as input commands to get desired output in an external device. To address the memory management issue arising due to the huge volume of ECoG data and to achieve distributed computation for improving the efficiency of BCI, the computations are implemented in Cloud. In this work, ECoG signals are pre‐processed, and all features are extracted by using the wavelet packet transform (WPT), common spatial patterns (CSPs), Laplacian filter, and the Kalman filter. The Adaboost classifier was employed for ECoG signal classification.
What drives grassland‐forest boundaries? Assessing fire and frost effects on tree seedling survival and architecture
Authors: Botha Monique , Archibald Sally , Greve Michelle
Published: September 2020

Fire and frost represent two major hurdles for the persistence of trees in open grassy biomes and have both been proposed as drivers of grassland‐forest boundaries in Africa.

We assess the response of young tree seedlings, which represent a vulnerable stage in tree recruitment, to traumatic fire and frost disturbances.

In a greenhouse experiment, we investigated how seedling traits predicted survival and resprouting ability in response to fire versus frost; we characterized survival strategies of seedlings in response to the two disturbances, and we documented how the architecture of surviving seedlings is affected by fire versus frost injury.

Survival rates were similar under both treatments. However, different species displayed different levels of sensitivity to fire and frost. Seedling survival was higher for older seedlings and seedlings with more basal leaves. Survivors of a fire event lost more biomass than the survivors of a frost event. However, the architecture of recovered fire‐ and frost‐treated seedlings was mostly similar. Seedlings that recovered from fire and frost treatments were often shorter than those that had not been exposed to any disturbance, with multiple thin branches, which may increase vulnerability to the next frost or fire event.

Synthesis. Fire caused more severe aboveground damage compared with a single frost event, suggesting that fire is an important driver of tree distribution in these open grassland systems. However, the impact of repeated frost events may be equally severe and needs to be investigated. Also, woody species composition may be influenced by phenomena that affect the timing and frequency of seedling exposure to damage, as mortality was found to be dependent on seedling age. Therefore, changes in fire regime and climate are likely to result in changes in the composition and the structure of the woody components of these systems.
Seasonal change of flower sex ratio and pollinator dynamics in three reproductive ecotypes of protandrous plant
Authors: Toji Tsubasa , Ishimoto Natsumi , Itino Takao
Published: September 2020

Cimicifuga simplexhas three genetically and ecologically distinct pollination morphs with different flowering phenology, flower sex expressions, and selfing rates. A previous study showed that strong protandry in hermaphroditic flowers ofC. simplexcauses there to be seasonal minority sexes; for example, unisexual female ramets are advantageous in the first half of the flowering season and bloom then (minority sex hypothesis). That study, however, did not distinguish among the three pollination morphs ofC. simplex. We investigated seasonal sex ratio changes and pollinator environments of the three morphs to verify and expand the minority sex hypothesis. We investigated flowering phenology, pollinator quantity and quality, seasonal population sex ratio dynamics, and stamen/ovule ratios in hermaphroditic flowers. We also examined the seasonal female reproductive success of hermaphroditic flowers, and the effect of male flower excision on fruit set by morph II hermaphroditic flowers. Morph I (mainly hermaphroditic and female ramets) had high pollinator quality and quantity. Fruit set of hermaphroditic ramets was high throughout the flowering season. Morph II (hermaphroditic and andromonoecious ramets) had low pollinator quality, and few pollinators visited near the beginning and end of the season. Removal of male flowers led to a pollen limitation. Morph III (hermaphroditic ramets and a high selfing rate) had very low pollinator abundance throughout the flowering season, and male and female phases largely overlapped. The scarcity of male flowers in morph I is likely a result of the high pollinator quantity and quality. The high fruit set suggests that no pollen limitation existed. The low pollinator quality and quantity of the morph II population caused it to suffer from pollen limitation and may explain the absence of unisexual female ramets in this morph. The high selfing rate of morph III may be due to the extremely low pollinator abundance. Theoretical studies have indicated that the optimal investment allocation to male and female functions depends on whether a pollen limitation exists. InC. simplex, the observed relationships between pollinator environment and reproductive systems are consistent with these theoretical models.
Rain‐shadow forest margins resilient to low‐severity fire and climate change but not high‐severity fire
Authors: Harris Lucas B. , Taylor Alan H.
Published: September 2020

At semi‐arid forest margins, increasing climatic stress combined with disturbances like wildfire threatens to cause widespread forest loss. However, forest resilience is likely to vary over gradients of topoclimate and vegetation characteristics, and the influences of local climate and tree species on tree regeneration remain key uncertainties in assessing forest recovery from wildfire. We surveyed tree regeneration 9–15 yr post‐fire at 397 gridded field plots across four sites at a lower montane forest‐steppe ecotone in the eastern Sierra Nevada, California, USA, and then used statistical modeling to characterize how the probability of tree regeneration presence for different species varied along gradients of fire severity, topoclimate, and post‐fire vegetation structure and composition. Tree regeneration was absent in half the field plots, and only 19% of plots contained >250 seedlings and saplings per ha, suggesting potential for regeneration failure and forest loss. Tree regeneration composition was consistent with shifts away from Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi) and toward drought‐tolerant pinyon pine (P. monophylla) and mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius). Tree regeneration was strongly associated with trees that survived fire indicating tree cover is crucial to buffer establishment against climatic stress. Based on projected future water balance, the likelihood of tree regeneration at these sites does not decline substantially by the end of the century. Consequently, these forests appear to be resilient to climate change under a low‐severity fire regime, but large patches of high‐severity fire are likely to shift vegetation away from forest. Our results highlight the importance of facilitation and future water balance in maintaining semi‐arid forest margins that burn at low severity while high‐severity fire threatens to convert forest to steppe or invasive grasslands.
The Malleability of Workplace‐Relevant Noncognitive Constructs: Empirical Evidence From 39 Meta‐Analyses and Reviews
Authors: Martin‐Raugh Michelle P. , Williams Kevin M. , Lentini Jennifer
Published: September 2020

We reviewed the current state of the literature on the intervention‐based development of interpersonal skills (e.g., teamwork, leadership) and intrapersonal skills (e.g., personality, motivation, etc.) relevant to success in workplace contexts. We adopted a multidisciplinary approach to our review, evaluating research from 39 reviews and meta‐analyses from several fields such as educational psychology, industrial/organizational (I/O) psychology, medicine, and personality psychology, among others, to examine the extent to which noncognitive constructs change as a result of intervention. We discuss key findings and trends and conclude by identifying gaps in the literature and directions for future research. Overall, findings suggest optimism regarding the malleability of noncognitive constructs.
Geochemical evidence of mixing between A‐type rhyolites and basalts from Southern Lebombo, South Africa: Implications for evolution of the Northern Karoo Igneous Province
Authors: Misra Saumitra , Smith Alan , Ray Dwijesh , Hastie Warwick W.
Published: September 2020

The ~183 Ma Karoo Continental Flood Basalt (CFB), southern Africa, formed during a period of major crustal extension prior to Gondwana breakup. To explain the ‘lithospheric contamination’ observed in its whole‐rock chemical and isotopic data various models have been proposed, such as different subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) sources or interaction between a mantle plume and SCLM or subducted material. A re‐assessment of data in the literature from the Northern Karoo Province, combined with new petrographic, whole‐rock chemical and Sr‐Nd isotopic data of basaltic and dacite/trachydacite samples from the southern Lebombo suggest that chemical diffusion between low‐Ti basaltic/picritic magmas and high‐SiO2 rhyolite parent melt may have caused this ‘lithospheric contamination’. Such slow chemical diffusion, which is posited to have developed during formation of this CFB, can explain the bimodal Karoo basalt‐rhyolite association, the wide variation in SiO2 content (~62–78 wt%) in the dacite/rhyolites, and variable 87Sr/86Sr (183 Ma) and ɛNd (183 Ma) isotope ratios of the Karoo picrites and basalts (0.7037 to 0.7102; 3.58 to −33.52, respectively) and dacites/rhyolites (0.7032 to 0.7152; 0.44 to −17.19). The intermediate incompatible trace element and isotopic compositions of the Karoo high‐Ti basalt/picrite suggest that these rocks could have evolved by magma mixing through chemical diffusion. Our geochemical model for the northern Karoo CFB province involves existence of a voluminous hot (>1,000°C) low‐Ti basaltic magma chamber with remnant picritic melts at shallow crustal depth (~4 km) during major crustal extension. Magma storage was relatively protracted, resulting in significant volumes of partial melt of the surrounding granitoids of the Kaapvaal Craton under relatively anhydrous condition, leading to generation of A‐type high‐SiO2 rhyolite parent magma at pressure of ~1.5 kbar and temperature of ~930°C. This was followed by chemical diffusion of selected elements [LREE, HFSE, and some LILE (K, Rb, Ba, Pb)] and self‐diffusion of Sr and Nd isotopes in these two melts, which generated the observed litho‐type variations in Karoo CFB.
Δ9‐Tetrahydrocannabinol promotes oligodendrocyte development and CNS myelination in vivo
Authors: Huerga‐Gómez Alba , Aguado Tania , Sánchez‐de la Torre Aníbal , Bernal‐Chico Ana , Matute Carlos , Mato Susana , Guzmán Manuel , Galve‐Roperh Ismael , Palazuelos Javier
Published: September 2020

Δ9‐Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main bioactive compound found in the plant Cannabis sativa, exerts its effects by activating cannabinoid receptors present in many neural cells. Cannabinoid receptors are also physiologically engaged by endogenous cannabinoid compounds, the so‐called endocannabinoids. Specifically, the endocannabinoid 2‐arachidonoylglycerol has been highlighted as an important modulator of oligodendrocyte (OL) development at embryonic stages and in animal models of demyelination. However, the potential impact of THC exposure on OL lineage progression during the critical periods of postnatal myelination has never been explored. Here, we show that acute THC administration at early postnatal ages in mice enhanced OL development and CNS myelination in the subcortical white matter by promoting oligodendrocyte precursor cell cycle exit and differentiation. Mechanistically, THC‐induced‐myelination was mediated by CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, as demonstrated by the blockade of THC actions by selective receptor antagonists. Moreover, the THC‐mediated modulation of oligodendroglial differentiation relied on the activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway, as mTORC1 pharmacological inhibition prevented the THC effects. Our study identifies THC as an effective pharmacological strategy to enhance oligodendrogenesis and CNS myelination in vivo.
DNA Methylation of Cannabinoid Receptor Interacting Protein 1 Promotes Pathogenesis of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Through Suppressing Parkin‐Dependent Pyruvate Kinase M2 Ubiquitination
Authors: Chen Diyu , Wu Hao , Feng Xiaode , Chen Yunhao , Lv Zhen , Kota Vishnu Goutham , Chen Junru , Wu Wenxuan , Lu Yuejie , Liu Hua , Zhang Yanpeng , Zheng Shusen , Wu Jian
Published: September 2020

Background and Aims

Methylation landscape is important for maintaining the silence of cannabinoid receptor–interacting protein 1 (CNRIP1) in some tumors. However, the role of CNRIP1 in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) remains poorly defined.

Approach and Results

In our study, we showed that CNRIP1 was down‐regulated in ICC tissues, and low expression of CNRIP1 was significantly associated with poor prognosis of patients with ICC in 3‐year overall survival and tumor‐free survival. Investigating the genomic DNA methylation profile, we disclosed a CpG island site named CNRIP1 MS‐2 (CNRIP1 methylation site‐2) that contributes to the down‐regulation of CNRIP1. In addition, the methylation level of CNRIP1 MS‐2 was correlated to the pathological grade, metastasis, and tumor–node–metastasis classification in ICC. Notably, we observed that CNRIP1 suppressed tumor cell migration, invasion, and proliferation by inhibiting the activity of pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2). Sustained overexpression of CNRIP1 suppressed the in vivo tumor growth in a mouse xenograft model. It was also found that CNRIP1 overexpression activated Parkin (an E3 ubiquitin ligase), which resulted in the protein degradation of PKM2 in ICC cells.

Conclusions

We identified that CNRIP1 acted as a putative tumor suppressor in ICC, which suggested that CNRIP1 could be a candidate biomarker for predicting tumor recurrence in patients with ICC. Furthermore, these findings highlight a potential therapeutic approach in targeting the CNRIP1/Parkin/PKM2 pathway for the treatment of ICC.
Exploring the social conditions of physical activity participation amongst rural South Australian women: A qualitative study
Authors: Muller Jessica , Siefken Katja , Parfitt Gaynor , Dollman James
Published: September 2020

Issue addressed

Australian women are less likely to participate in recommended levels of weekly physical activity compared with men. Physical activity participation rates decrease with geographical remoteness. Research suggests that a lack of social support mechanisms within the home environment may act as a barrier for rural women to engage in physical activity, along with discomfort experienced within exercise environments. The purpose of this study was to explore the social conditions that facilitate or inhibit physical activity participation amongst women from two rural South Australian communities.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive approach underpinned by a phenomenological methodological orientation was applied. Participants were recruited using a purposive sampling strategy before semi‐structured interviews (N = 16) were conducted and prepared for thematic analysis.

Results

Four inter‐related themes were identified: support from others, time, expectations and available opportunities. Further contextual analysis revealed interwoven notions of physical activity spaces, time and social context within the themes.

Conclusions

Multiple types of regulators interact to shape the motivational pattern of an individual. The themes identified align with self‐determination, transactional and structuration theory, suggesting a need to consider human behaviour both pragmatically and conceptually.

So what?

Results provide insight into social barriers and facilitators for physical activity participation and concomitantly provide the initial development of a framework for local strategic planning of health‐promoting activities, and individual reflection to increase physical activity participation amongst rural women.
Changes in knowledge and use of clinical coordination mechanisms between care levels in healthcare networks of Colombia
Authors: León‐Arce Heisel Gloria , Mogollón‐Pérez Amparo‐Susana , Vargas Ingrid , Vázquez María‐Luisa
Published: September 2020

Clinical coordination mechanisms (CCMs) have become key tools in healthcare networks for improving coordination between primary care (PC) and secondary care (SC) and are particularly relevant in health systems with highly fragmented healthcare provision. However, their implementation has been little studied to date in Latin America and particularly in Colombia. This study analyses the level of knowledge and use of CCMs between care levels and their changes between 2015 and 2017 in two public healthcare networks in Bogotá, Colombia. Comparison of two cross‐sectional studies based on surveys among PC and SC doctors working in their networks (174 doctors per network/year). The COORDENA questionnaire was used for measuring knowledge concerning CCMs and the frequency of use and difficulties involved in using referral/reply letters (R/RLs) and hospital discharge reports (HDRs). Descriptive bivariate analysis and Poisson regression models with robust variance were used for analysing differences between networks and years. The results for both networks and years revealed greater knowledge and use of information coordination mechanisms than those regarding clinical management coordination (though their knowledge increased in 2017). Although widely known and used, significant problems regarding infrequent and late receipt of RLs and HDRs in PC as well as the poor quality of their contents limits their effective use, which may affect the quality of care. Strategies are required to improve CCMs use.
Associations of general obesity and central obesity with the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in a Korean population: A national population‐based cohort study
Authors: Hwang Seawon , Park Yong‐Moon , Han Kyung‐Do , Yun Jae‐Seung , Ko Seung‐Hyun , Ahn Yu‐Bae , Han Jae Hyun
Published: September 2020

Numerous previous studies have shown an association between general obesity and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, relatively few reports on the association of central obesity and HCC are available in Asian populations. Therefore, we investigated the association between WC representing central obesity and the risk of HCC in addition to BMI representing general obesity and the risk of HCC in Korea. A total of 10 505 818 participants who received the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) health checkups in 2009 were screened for study eligibility, and 26 979 cases of HCC occurred during the 7.3 years of mean follow‐up. General obesity increased the risk of HCC with hazard ratios (HRs) of 1.14 (95% CI, 1.11‐1.18) for BMI 25.0‐<30.0 kg/m2 and 1.52 (95% CI, 1.43‐1.61) for BMI ≥30 kg/m2 compared to those whose BMI is within the normal range. Central obesity was also associated with a higher risk of HCC. For the participants with a WC ≥105 cm in men and WC ≥100 cm in women, the risk of HCC was higher than that of the reference group (HR = 1.69, 95% CI, 1.54‐1.85). The HRs were 1.13 (95% CI, 1.07‐1.19) for nonobese participants with central obesity, and 1.34 (95% CI, 1.30‐1.38) for obese participants with central obesity compared to those without both conditions. Our findings suggest that the risk of HCC increases even more when general obesity is combined with central obesity. Moreover, central obesity is associated with the risk of HCC, regardless of general obesity.
Distribution of teaching surveillance video via edge computing
Authors: Wu Zhengxiu , Song Echo
Published: September 2020

The generation, processing and distribution of multimedia data from video are increasingly toward the edge of the network with the development of mobile and industrial network. The uncertainty of user behavior and limited system resources have become a major challenge for network video services, for example, the distribution of teaching surveillance video. It is a hot spot to support network video services and content distribution with lower latency and higher bandwidth requirements by using the computing, storage, and network resources at the edge of network. In this paper, we first analyze the challenges which are faced in video distribution based on edge computing; then propose a framework for teaching surveillance video content distribution through the network, storage, and computing capabilities of edge computing; lastly provide an edge caching architecture and a cache update strategy by using a LSTM network. The experimental results demonstrate the proposed framework is more efficient than previous ones.