bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronology of Practice: Chinese Practice in Private International Law in 2018
Authors: He Qisheng
Published: January 2020

This paper contains materials reflecting the practice of Chinese practice in private international law in 2018. First, the statistics of the foreign-related civil or commercial cases decided by Chinese courts is extracted from the Report on the Work of the Supreme People’s Court (SPC) in 2018. Second, the SPC judicial interpretation concerning the enforcement of arbitral awards is translated, and the interpretation reflects a pro-arbitration tendency in Chinese courts. Third, six cases, on the validity of a choice of court clause, the conflict of laws issues regarding personal injury on the high seas, visitation rights and uncontested divorces, as well as the recognition of foreign judgments, are noted. Fourth, the paper introduces a case embodying the “one-stop” international commercial dispute resolution mechanism in Chinese courts. Finally, the paper also covers six representative decisions regarding the parties’ status, the presumption of the parties’ intention as to choice of law, and the validity of arbitration agreements.
Evidence of multifaceted functions of codon usage in translation within the model beetle Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Whittle Carrie A , Kulkarni Arpita , Extavour Cassandra G
Published: January 2020

Synonymous codon use is non-random. Codons most used in highly transcribed genes, often called optimal codons, typically have high gene counts of matching tRNA genes (tRNA abundance) and promote accurate and/or efficient translation. Non-optimal codons, those least used in highly expressed genes, may also affect translation. In multicellular organisms, codon optimality may vary among tissues. At present, however, tissue specificity of codon use remains poorly understood. Here, we studied codon usage of genes highly transcribed in germ line (testis and ovary) and somatic tissues (gonadectomized males and females) of the beetle Tribolium castaneum. The results demonstrate that: (i) the majority of optimal codons were organism-wide, the same in all tissues, and had numerous matching tRNA gene copies (Opt-codon↑tRNAs), consistent with translational selection; (ii) some optimal codons varied among tissues, suggesting tissue-specific tRNA populations; (iii) wobble tRNA were required for translation of certain optimal codons (Opt-codonwobble), possibly allowing precise translation and/or protein folding; and (iv) remarkably, some non-optimal codons had abundant tRNA genes (Nonopt-codon↑tRNAs), and genes using those codons were tightly linked to ribosomal and stress-response functions. Thus, Nonopt-codon↑tRNAs codons may regulate translation of specific genes. Together, the evidence suggests that codon use and tRNA genes regulate multiple translational processes in T. castaneum.
Reproductive Site Selection: Evidence of an Oviposition Cue in a Highly Adaptive Dipteran, Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae)
Authors: Tait Gabriella , Park Kyoo , Nieri Rachele , Crava M Cristina , Mermer Serhan , Clappa Elena , Boyer Gabriella , Dalton Daniel T , Carlin Silvia , Brewer Linda , Walton Vaughn M , Anfora Gianfranco , Rossi-Stacconi M Valerio
Published: January 2020

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) is a vinegar fly species that originates from Eastern Asia and has spread throughout Europe and the Americas since its initial detection in United States in 2008. Its relatively large, sclerotized, and serrated ovipositor enables the ability to penetrate ripening fruits, providing a protected environment for its egg and larval stages. Because the mechanism of oviposition site selection of D. suzukii is a matter of hypothesis, the aim of the present study was to elucidate behavioral and chemical aspects of short-range ovipositional site selection within the context of D. suzukii reproductive biology. The preference of D. suzukii to lay eggs on artificially pierced, previously infested, or intact fruits was tested. Video recordings and photographic evidence documented the release of an anal secretion over the fruit surface near the oviposition sites. Gas chromatographic analysis revealed the presence of 11 compounds detected only on the skin of egg-infested berries. Electroantennographic experiments with both sexes of D. suzukii highlighted the importance of six volatile compounds: methyl myristate, methyl palmitate, myristic acid, lauric acid, palmitic acid, and palmitoleic acid. Finally, a synthetic blend composed of the six compounds in a ratio similar to that found on the skin of egg-infested berries increased the oviposition rate of conspecific females. Data from our work suggest that the identified volatiles are cues for reproductive site selection. We discuss how these oviposition cues may affect the fitness of D. suzukii. The knowledge gained from this study may accelerate establishment of control strategies based on the interference and disruption of D. suzukii communication during the oviposition processes.
Outcomes of bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt in patients younger than 4 months of age
Authors: Ota Noritaka , Tachibana Tsuyoshi , Asai Hidetsugu , Ikarashi Jin , Asou Toshihide , Izutani Hironori
Published: January 2020

OBJECTIVES

Bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt (BCPS) has played an important role in the staged Fontan approach; however, the timing remains controversial, especially in younger patients. Therefore, we examined the outcomes of BCPS in infants younger than 3 months of age.

METHODS

From 2004 to 2018, 120 patients underwent BCPS at <4 months of age (younger group). For reference, we also reviewed the data from 204 patients who had undergone the BCPS procedure during the same period at more than 4 months of age (older group).

RESULTS

The median age and body weight at the time of the BCPS were 102 days and 4.2 kg for the younger group versus 196 days and 6.3 kg for the older group, respectively. Forty-eight patients (14.8%, 48 of 324; 16 in the younger group, 32 in the older group) had primary BCPS; the remaining 276 (104 in younger group, 172 in older group) had various forms of single-ventricle palliation before the BCPS procedure. Although preoperatively, 7 patients required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support due to haemodynamic instability, they were successfully weaned from ECMO through haemodynamic benefits after BCPS. The 10-year actual survival rate (Kaplan–Meier) was 89% in the younger group and 86% in the older group (P = 0.55). Atrioventricular valve regurgitation (AVVR) was identified as a factor associated with hospital deaths in the younger group (P = 0.009), and much older age at BCPS was associated with late deaths in the older group (P = 0.027).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study population, early performance of BCPS is applicable for patients who have undergone prior palliation and for those in whom primary BCPS is the first surgical intervention, even for patients with haemodynamic instabilities.
Effects of geographic location and water quality on bacterial communities in full-scale biofilters across North America
Authors: Ma Ben , LaPara Timothy M , N. Evans Ashley , Hozalski Raymond M
Published: January 2020

Spatial patterns of bacterial community composition often follow a distance–decay relationship in which community dissimilarity increases with geographic distance. Such a relationship has been commonly observed in natural environments, but less so in engineered environments. In this study, bacterial abundance and community composition in filter media samples (n = 57) from full-scale rapid biofilters at 14 water treatment facilities across North America were determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Illumina HiSeq high-throughput sequencing targeting the 16S rRNA gene, respectively. Bacteria were abundant on the filter media (108.8±0.3 to 1010.7±0.2 16S rRNA gene copies/cm3 bed volume) and the bacterial communities were highly diverse (Shannon index: 5.3 ± 0.1 to 8.4 ± 0.0). Significant inter-filter variations in bacterial community composition were observed, with weighted UniFrac dissimilarity values following a weak but highly significant distance–decay relationship (z = 0.0057 ± 0.0006; P = 1.8 × 10−22). Approximately 50% of the variance in bacterial community composition was explained by the water quality parameters measured at the time of media sample collection (i.e. pH, temperature and dissolved organic carbon concentration). Overall, this study suggested that the microbiomes of biofilters are primarily shaped by geographic location and local water quality conditions but the influence of these factors on the microbiomes is tempered by filter design and operating conditions.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae Population Genomics: Use of the Gonococcal Core Genome to Improve Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Harrison Odile B , Cehovin Ana , Skett Jessica , Jolley Keith A , Massari Paola , Genco Caroline Attardo , Tang Christoph M , Maiden Martin C J
Published: January 2020

Background

Gonorrhea, caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, is a globally prevalent sexually transmitted infection. The dynamics of gonococcal population biology have been poorly defined due to a lack of resolution in strain typing methods.

Methods

In this study, we assess how the core genome can be used to improve our understanding of gonococcal population structure compared with current typing schemes.

Results

A total of 1668 loci were identified as core to the gonococcal genome. These were organized into a core genome multilocus sequence typing scheme (N gonorrhoeae cgMLST v1.0). A clustering algorithm using a threshold of 400 allelic differences between isolates resolved gonococci into discrete and stable core genome groups, some of which persisted for multiple decades. These groups were associated with antimicrobial genotypes and non-overlapping NG-STAR and NG-MAST sequence types. The MLST-STs were more widely distributed among core genome groups.

Conclusions

Clustering with cgMLST identified globally distributed, persistent, gonococcal lineages improving understanding of the population biology of gonococci and revealing its population structure. These findings have implications for the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in gonococci and how this is associated with lineages, some of which are more predisposed to developing antimicrobial resistance than others.
Validation Study of LuciPacTM A3 Surface for Hygiene Monitoring through Detection of ATP, ADP, and AMP from Stainless Steel Surfaces: AOAC Performance Tested MethodSM 051901
Authors: Bakke Mikio , Sakurai Kenta , Tanaka Natsumi , Saito Wataru , Nishimoto Kazunori
Published: January 2020

Background

The LuciPac A3 Surface Hygiene Monitoring System based on the detection of total adenylate, ATP+ADP+AMP (A3), has been developed by Kikkoman Biochemifa.

Objective

This A3 swabbing assay kit was validated for Performance Tested MethodsSM (PTM) certification.

Methods

The LuciPac A3 Surface Hygiene Monitoring System was evaluated for limit of detection (LOD) for each adenylate with pure analyte solutions, detection of food residues and microbial residues on stainless steel surfaces, interference by disinfectants, and selectivity of the method response.

Results

Pure analyte studies performed by the method developer and the independent laboratory showed good linearity (R2 > 0.9854) and repeatability precision (RSDr < 20% for ≥2.5 fmol/assay). The LOD values for each adenylate were around 10 relative light units or 2.5 fmol/assay. The repeatability precision in the method developer laboratory for the matrix study (raw chicken breast, sliced deli ham, orange juice, yogurt, and apple pie) and the microbial study (Cronobacter sakazakii, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) were 8-30% and 10-35%, respectively. The repeatability precision of independent laboratory testing was 13-27% for orange juice and 16-43% for ham. Interference by several disinfectants indicate that rinsing is recommended to be performed after the use of sanitizing agents and before testing with LuciPac A3 Surface. Selectivity testing revealed that no positive interference and no inhibition were caused by adenylate analogues. Instrument variation, lot-to-lot consistency, accelerated stability (30°C, 5 weeks) were confirmed, and the method was shown to be robust against shaking time.

Conclusions

The LuciPac A3 Surface has been successfully validated.

Highlights

This A3 swabbing assay kit was qualified for PTM certification No. 051901.
Phytogenic actives supplemented in hyperprolific sows: effects on maternal transfer of phytogenic compounds, colostrum and milk features, performance and antioxidant status of sows and their offspring, and piglet intestinal gene expression
Authors: Reyes-Camacho David , Vinyeta Ester , Pérez Jose Francisco , Aumiller Tobias , Criado Lourdes , Palade Laurentiu Mihai , Taranu Ionelia , Folch Josep M , Calvo M Angels , Van der Klis Jan Dirk , Solà-Oriol David
Published: January 2020

Phytogenic actives (PA) are plant-derived natural bioactive compounds that may promote livestock health and well-being, as well as improve growth performance and production efficiency. The current study aims to evaluate their effects on sows and their offspring. Eighty-one hyperprolific sows (up to parity 7) were assigned to 3 experimental treatments. Control sows were offered a nonsupplemented diet during gestation and lactation, and treated sows were fed the control diet supplemented with 1 g/kg of a blend of PA (BPA) in lactation (L) or during gestation and lactation (GL). An evaluation was made of placental and milk maternal transfer of these BPA and colostrum–milk features, sows and piglets antioxidant status, reproductive performance (litter size), body weight (BW) changes, weaning-estrus interval, and litter performance. Finally, piglet´s jejunum gene expression was measured. The BPA supplementation during gestation (GL) increased the number of piglets born alive (P = 0.020) and reduced (P < 0.05) the newborn piglets BW, while there were no differences among treatments on the suckling (day 20) and weaned (day 7) piglets BW (P > 0.05). Dietary phytogenic volatile compounds reached GL placental fluid, and milk of L and GL sows (P < 0.05). Moreover, colostrum protein in GL and milk fat content in L and GL were increased (P < 0.05). Milk of GL showed inhibitory activity against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus (P < 0.05). Antioxidant status of GL sows showed an enhanced (P < 0.05) of catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant capacity levels at early gestation (day 35), whereas higher levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) enzymes at late gestation (day 110). Likewise, GL newborn piglets showed higher CAT levels, whereas both CAT and SOD levels in suckling piglets, as well as CAT, SOD, and GSH-Px in weaned piglets, were increased in L and GL (P < 0.05). Jejunum messenger ribonucleic acid abundance of suckling piglets in L and GL groups showed overexpression of barrier function MUC2, digestive enzyme IDO, and immune response PPARGC-α, TNF-α, TGF-β1, and IL-10 genes (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary BPA supplementation in hyperprolific sows increased the litter size (born alive) and improved the composition and bioactivity of colostrum and milk, besides, modified the antioxidant status of sows and their offspring, as well as the suckling piglets gut health gene expression. Several BPA volatile compounds were prenatal and postnatal maternally transferred (placental fluid and milk).
Differential Effect of Genetic Burden on Disease Phenotypes in Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis in a Canadian Cohort
Authors: Pang Jack X Q , Kheirkhahrahimabadi Hengameh , Bindra Sunint , Bindra Gurmeet , Panaccione Remo , Eksteen Bertus , Kaplan Gilaad G , Nasser Yasmin , Beck Paul L , Jijon Humberto B
Published: January 2020

Background and Aims

Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) demonstrate considerable phenotypic heterogeneity and course. Accurate predictors of disease behaviour are lacking. The contribution of genetics and specific polymorphisms is widely appreciated; however, their cumulative effect(s) upon disease behaviour remains poorly understood. Here, we investigate the relationship between genetic burden and disease phenotype in a Canadian inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Cohort.

Methods

We retrospectively examined a cohort of CD and UC patients recruited from a single tertiary referral center genotyped using a Goldengate Illumina platform. A genetic risk score (GRS) incorporating strength of association (log odds ratio) and allele dose for 151 IBD-risk loci was calculated and evaluated for phenotypic associations.

Results

Among CD patients, higher GRS was associated with earlier onset of disease (regression coefficient −2.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] −3.77 to −0.61, P = 0.007), ileal disease (odds ratio [OR] 1.45), stricturing/penetrating disease (OR 1.72), perianal disease (OR 1.57) and bowel resection (OR 1.66). Higher GRS was associated with use of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) (P < 0.05) but not immunomodulators. Interestingly, we could not demonstrate an association between higher GRS and family history of IBD (OR 1.27, P = 0.07). Onset of disease remained statistically significant for never smokers (P = 0.03) but not ever smokers (P = 0.13). For UC, having a higher GRS did not predict the age of diagnosis nor was it predictive of UC disease extent (P = 0.18), the need for surgery (P = 0.74), nor medication use (immunomodulators P = 0.53, anti-TNF P = 0.49). We could not demonstrate an association between increased GRS and having a family history of IBD in the UC group.

Conclusions

Increasing genetic burden is associated with early age of diagnosis in CD and may be useful in predicting disease behaviour in CD but not UC.
Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)–ligand positron emission tomography and radioligand therapy (RLT) of prostate cancer
Authors: Tateishi Ukihide
Published: January 2020

From a clinical perspective, prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a valuable target for both diagnosis and radioligand therapy (RLT) of prostate cancer. The term ‘specific’ has been used to characterize a histologic hallmark of overexpression in the membrane of most prostate cancer. Many PSMA ligands have been developed since the previous decade and have been used in several clinical trials and clinical studies. However, procedure, specification, protocol, interpretation criteria, radiation dose, and cost-effectiveness of PSMA ligands have not been fully explained. Regardless of worldwide use of promising PSMA-ligand PET and RLT, it has not been approved in Japan. Expedited introduction of PSMA-ligand PET and RLT to Japan and implementation of clinical study are eager for many patients with prostate cancer.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Dosimetry Used in Studies of Low-Dose Radiation Exposure and Cancer
Authors: Daniels Robert D , Kendall Gerald M , Thierry-Chef Isabelle , Linet Martha S , Cullings Harry M
Published: January 2020

Background

A monograph systematically evaluating recent evidence on the dose-response relationship between low-dose ionizing radiation exposure and cancer risk required a critical appraisal of dosimetry methods in 26 potentially informative studies.

Methods

The relevant literature included studies published in 2006–2017. Studies comprised case-control and cohort designs examining populations predominantly exposed to sparsely ionizing radiation, mostly from external sources, resulting in average doses of no more than 100 mGy. At least two dosimetrists reviewed each study and appraised the strengths and weaknesses of the dosimetry systems used, including assessment of sources and effects of dose estimation error. An overarching concern was whether dose error might cause the spurious appearance of a dose-response where none was present.

Results

The review included 8 environmental, 4 medical, and 14 occupational studies that varied in properties relative to evaluation criteria. Treatment of dose estimation error also varied among studies, although few conducted a comprehensive evaluation. Six studies appeared to have known or suspected biases in dose estimates. The potential for these biases to cause a spurious dose-response association was constrained to three case-control studies that relied extensively on information gathered in interviews conducted after case ascertainment.

Conclusions

The potential for spurious dose-response associations from dose information appeared limited to case-control studies vulnerable to recall errors that may be differential by case status. Otherwise, risk estimates appeared reasonably free of a substantial bias from dose estimation error. Future studies would benefit from a comprehensive evaluation of dose estimation errors, including methods accounting for their potential effects on dose-response associations.
A cut-free labelled sequent calculus for dynamic epistemic logic
Authors: Nomura Shoshin , Ono Hiroakira , Sano Katsuhiko
Published: January 2020

Dynamic epistemic logic is a logic that is aimed at formally expressing how a person’s knowledge changes. We provide a cut-free labelled sequent calculus ($\textbf{GDEL}$) on the background of existing studies of Hilbert-style axiomatization $\textbf{HDEL}$ of dynamic epistemic logic and labelled calculi for public announcement logic. We first show that the $cut$ rule is admissible in $\textbf{GDEL}$ and show that $\textbf{GDEL}$ is sound and complete for Kripke semantics. Moreover, we show that the basis of $\textbf{GDEL}$ is extended from modal logic K to other familiar modal logics including S5 with keeping the admissibility of cut, soundness and completeness.
Comprehensive study of a neglected contact binary TYC 5532-1333-1
Authors: Devarapalli S P , Jagirdar R , Prasad R M , Thomas V S , Ahmed S A , Gralapally R , Das J P
Published: January 2020

A comprehensive photometric and spectroscopic analysis of the variable TYC 5532-1333-1 (TYC) along with an investigation of its orbital period variation is presented for the first time. The B- and V-band photometric study indicates that TYC is an intermediate contact binary with degree of contact and mass ratio of 34 per cent and ∼0.24, respectively. The derived equivalent widths from the spectroscopic study of Hα and   Na-I lines reveal phase-dependent variation and mutual correlation. Using the available times of minimum light, an investigation of orbital period variation shows a long-term decrease at a rate of 3.98 × 10 −6 d yr−1. Expected causes for such decline in the orbital period could be angular momentum loss and a quasi-sinusoidal variation due to light-time effect probably caused by a third-body companion. The minimum mass of the third body (M3) was derived to be $0.65 \, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$. Our presented study is an attempt to evaluate and understand the evolutionary state of above-mentioned neglected contact binary.
Reconstructive vs Deconstructive Endovascular Approach to Intradural Vertebral Artery Aneurysms: A Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Kumar Ashish , Dmytriw Adam A , Salem Mohamed M , Kuhn Anna L , Phan Kevin , Bharatha Aditya , Spears Julian , Thomas Ajith , Puri Ajit , Marotta Thomas R
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Parent vessel sacrifice (PVS) has been a traditional way of treating complex aneurysms of the intradural vertebral artery (VA). Flow diversion (FD) has emerged as an alternative reconstructive option.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of intradural VA aneurysms following PVS or FD.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed and evaluated 43 consecutive patients between 2009 and 2018 with ruptured and unruptured intradural VA aneurysms treated by PVS or FD. Medical records including clinical and radiological details were reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 43 intradural VA aneurysms were treated during this period. In the 14 PVS patients, the mean follow-up was 19.5 mo, and 71.4% of cases achieved modified Rankin scale (mRS) ≤2 at the last follow-up. A total of 86.5% of cases achieved complete occlusion. There was a 14.3% (2 cases) mortality rate, 14.3% (2 cases) postoperative ischemic complication rate, and 0% postoperative hemorrhaging rate. Retreatment was required in 1 case (7.1%). In the 29 FD patients, the mean follow-up was 21.8 mo, and 89.7% of cases achieved mRS ≤2 at the final follow-up. There was a 3.2% (1 case) mortality rate, 19.4% (6 cases) of postoperative ischemic complications, and 6.5% (2 cases) of postoperative hemorrhagic complications. Complete occlusion was seen in 86.5% patients. No cases required retreatment. Mortality and complication rates were not significantly different between PVS and PED (Pipeline Embolization Device) groups.

CONCLUSION

PVS was associated with comparable intraprocedural complications for VA aneurysms as compared to FD in the largest multicenter study to date. Both procedures have good long-term clinical and radiological outcomes.
Investigating regional variation of respiratory infections in a general practice syndromic surveillance system
Authors: Smith Sue , Morbey Roger , de Lusignan Simon , Pebody Richard G , Smith Gillian E , Elliot Alex J
Published: January 2020

Background

Established surveillance systems can follow trends in community disease and illness over many years. However, within England there are known regional differences in healthcare utilisation, which can affect interpretation of trends. Here, we explore regional differences for a range of respiratory conditions using general practitioner (GP) consultation data.

Methods

Daily data for respiratory conditions were extracted from a national GP surveillance system. Average daily GP consultation rates per 100 000 registered patient population were calculated by each region of England and for each study year (2013–17). Consultation rates and incidence rate ratios were also calculated for each condition by deprivation quintile and by rural, urban, and conurbation groups.

Results

Upper and lower respiratory tract infections and asthma were higher in the North and the Midlands than in London and the South, were highest in the most deprived groups and tended to be higher in more urban areas. Influenza-like illness was highest in the least deprived and rural areas.

Conclusions

There are consistent differences in GP consultation rates across the English regions. This work has improved our understanding and interpretation of GP surveillance data at regional level and will guide more accurate public health messages.
A Bias Bound Approach to Non-parametric Inference
Authors: Schennach Susanne M
Published: January 2020

The traditional approach to obtain valid confidence intervals for non-parametric quantities is to select a smoothing parameter such that the bias of the estimator is negligible relative to its standard deviation. While this approach is apparently simple, it has two drawbacks: first, the question of optimal bandwidth selection is no longer well-defined, as it is not clear what ratio of bias to standard deviation should be considered negligible. Second, since the bandwidth choice necessarily deviates from the optimal (mean squares-minimizing) bandwidth, such a confidence interval is very inefficient. To address these issues, we construct valid confidence intervals that account for the presence of a non-negligible bias and thus make it possible to perform inference with optimal mean squared error minimizing bandwidths. The key difficulty in achieving this involves finding a strict, yet feasible, bound on the bias of a non-parametric estimator. It is well-known that it is not possible to consistently estimate the pointwise bias of an optimal non-parametric estimator (for otherwise, one could subtract it and obtain a faster convergence rate violating Stone’s bounds on the optimal convergence rates). Nevertheless, we find that, under minimal primitive assumptions, it is possible to consistently estimate an upper bound on the magnitude of the bias, which is sufficient to deliver a valid confidence interval whose length decreases at the optimal rate and which does not contradict Stone’s results.
I Won’t See You in Court! Mediation, arbitration and the nonjudicial resolution of estate and trust disputes
Authors: Eyal Lyat , von Bassewitz Susanna
Published: January 2020

This article will summarize the provisions of the Arbitration Law 1968 (the “Arbitration Law”), the Courts Regulations (Mediation) 1993 (the “Mediation Regulations”) and a few court cases involving prominent families for which information is publicly available. In addition, the article will discuss the availability of out-of-court proceedings in trust disputes.
Out-of-Pocket Expenditures on Health: A Global Stocktake
Authors: Wagstaff Adam , Eozenou Patrick , Smitz Marc
Published: January 2020

This paper provides an overview of research on out-of-pocket health expenditures by reviewing the various summary measures and the results of multi-country studies using these measures. The paper presents estimates for 146 countries from all World Bank income groups for all summary measures, along with correlations between the summary measures and macroeconomic and health system indicators. Large differences emerge across countries in per capita out-of-pocket expenditures in 2011 international dollars, driven in large part by differences in per capita income and the share of GDP spent on health. The two measures of dispersion or risk—the coefficient of variation and Q90/Q50—are only weakly correlated across countries and not explained by our macroeconomic and health system indicators. Considerable variation emerges in the out-of-pocket health expenditure budget share, which is highly correlated with the incidence of “catastrophic expenditures”. Out-of-pocket expenditures tend to be regressive and catastrophic expenditures tend to be concentrated among the poor when expenditures are assessed relative to income, while expenditures tend to be progressive and catastrophic expenditures tend to be concentrated among the rich when expenditures are assessed relative to consumption. At the extreme poverty line of $1.90-a-day, most impoverishment due to out-of-pocket expenditures occurs among low-income countries.
Broad Specificity of Amino Acid Chemoreceptor CtaA of Pseudomonas fluorescens Is Afforded by Plasticity of Its Amphipathic Ligand-Binding Pocket
Authors: Ud-Din Abu I. M. S. , Khan Mohammad F. , Roujeinikova Anna
Published: January 2020

Motile bacteria follow gradients of nutrients or other environmental cues. Many bacterial chemoreceptors that sense exogenous amino acids contain a double Cache (dCache; calcium channels and chemotaxis receptors) ligand-binding domain (LBD). A growing number of studies suggest that broad-specificity dCache-type receptors that sense more than one amino acid are common. Here, we present an investigation into the mechanism by which the dCache LBD of the chemoreceptor CtaA from a plant growth–promoting rhizobacterium, Pseudomonas fluorescens, recognizes several chemically distinct amino acids. We established that amino acids that signal by directly binding to the CtaA LBD include ones with aliphatic (l-alanine, l-proline, l-leucine, l-isoleucine, l-valine), small polar (l-serine), and large charged (l-arginine) side chains. We determined the structure of CtaA LBD in complex with different amino acids, revealing that its ability to recognize a range of structurally and chemically distinct amino acids is afforded by its easily accessible plastic pocket, which can expand or contract according to the size of the ligand side chain. The amphipathic character of the pocket enables promiscuous interactions with both polar and nonpolar amino acids. The results not only clarify the means by which various amino acids are recognized by CtaA but also reveal that a conserved mobile lid over the ligand-binding pocket adopts the same conformation in all complexes, consistent with this being an important and invariant part of the signaling mechanism.
Development and Validation of KASP Markers for the Identification of Pea seedborne mosaic virus Pathotype P1 Resistance in Pisum sativum
Authors: Swisher Grimm Kylie D. , Porter Lyndon D.
Published: January 2020

As pesticides have become heavily relied on for management of insect pests vectoring economically important pathogens of vegetable crops, development of pathogen-resistant germplasm remains a promising alternative to reduce or eliminate costly and timely chemical inputs. Molecular markers can be used to rapidly identify resistant genotypes to aid breeders in advancing germplasm. This study developed two kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) genotyping markers for rapid screening of Pisum sativum genotypes for resistance to Pea seedborne mosaic virus pathotype P1 (PSbMV-P1), the most economically devastating strain worldwide. The KASP markers differentiate two eIF4E PSbMV-P1-resistant allelic variants from susceptible eIF4E variants. A single nucleotide polymorphism (Resistant 1) and a 3-basepair deletion (Resistant 2) present in either of the two resistant alleles were used for marker design. Forty-four P. sativum lines previously characterized for resistance to PSbMV were inoculated with PSbMV-P1 in a greenhouse, observed for visual symptoms, assayed for virus susceptibility by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and genotyped by KASP marker analysis. The KASP markers were 100% accurate in characterizing PSbMV-P1-susceptible and PSbMV-P1-resistant genotypes when correlated with the ELISA results. The Resistant 1 marker also correlated with resistance to PSbMV pathotypes P2 and P4 completely, making this marker a new advanced tool for P. sativum breeding programs.
Sensitivity of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum to Prothioconazole and Pydiflumetofen In Vitro and Efficacy for Fusarium Wilt Management in Watermelon
Authors: Miller Nathan F. , Standish Jeffrey R. , Quesada-Ocampo Lina M.
Published: January 2020

Field experiments were conducted in 2015 and 2016 to determine the effects of drench or drench-plus-foliar applications of prothioconazole and pydiflumetofen on Fusarium wilt (caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum; FON) of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus). In both years, all fungicide treatments reduced final disease incidence, final severity, and area under the disease progress curve, regardless of application rate or method. Yield data were collected in 2016, and both number and weight of marketable fruit were greatest in plots treated with pydiflumetofen as a drench-plus-foliar application at either application rate. Additional experiments were conducted to characterize sensitivity distributions of 48 isolates of FON from North Carolina to prothioconazole and pydiflumetofen. Mean prothioconazole EC50 values ranged from 0.10 to 0.55 µg/ml, and mean pydiflumetofen EC50 values ranged from 0.34 to 1.88 µg/ml. The results presented here validate pydiflumetofen as an effective management option for Fusarium wilt of watermelon, confirm previously observed efficacy of prothioconazole, and provide current evidence of pathogen sensitivity to these fungicides in North Carolina.
Fundamental Aspects of Plant Viruses−An Overview on Focus Issue Articles
Authors: Tatineni Satyanarayana , Stewart Lucy R. , Sanfaçon Hélène , Wang Xiaofeng , Navas-Castillo Jesús , Hajimorad M. Reza
Published: January 2020

Given the importance of and rapid research progress in plant virology in recent years, this Focus Issue broadly emphasizes advances in fundamental aspects of virus infection cycles and epidemiology. This Focus Issue comprises three review articles and 18 research articles. The research articles cover broad research areas on the identification of novel viruses, the development of detection methods, reverse genetics systems and functional genomics for plant viruses, vector and seed transmission studies, viral population studies, virus–virus interactions and their effect on vector transmission, and management strategies of viral diseases. The three review articles discuss recent developments in application of prokaryotic clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated genes (CRISPR/Cas) technology for plant virus resistance, mixed viral infections and their role in disease synergism and cross-protection, and viral transmission by whiteflies. The following briefly summarizes the articles appearing in this Focus Issue .
Association of Food Insecurity with Children's Behavioral, Emotional, and Academic Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Shankar Priya , Chung Rainjade , Frank Deborah A.
Published: January 2020

Objective:

Food Insecurity (FI) occurs in 21% of families with children and adolescents in the United States, but the potential developmental and behavioral implications of this prevalent social determinant of health have not been comprehensively elucidated. This systematic review aims to examine the association between FI and childhood developmental and behavioral outcomes in western industrialized countries.

Method:

This review provides a critical summary of 23 peer reviewed articles from developed countries on the associations between FI and adverse childhood developmental behavioral outcomes including early cognitive development, academic performance, inattention, externalizing behaviors, and depression in 4 groups–infants and toddlers, preschoolers, school age, and adolescents. Various approaches to measuring food insecurity are delineated. Potential confounding and mediating variables of this association are compared across studies. Alternate explanatory mechanisms of observed effects and need for further research are discussed.

Results:

This review demonstrates that household FI, even at marginal levels, is associated with children's behavioral, academic, and emotional problems from infancy to adolescence across western industrialized countries - even after controlling for confounders.

Conclusions:

While the American Academy of Pediatrics already recommends routine screening for food insecurity during health maintenance visits, the evidence summarized here should encourage developmental behavioral health providers to screen for food insecurity in their practices and intervene when possible. Conversely, children whose families are identified as food insecure in primary care settings warrant enhanced developmental behavioral assessment and possible intervention.
A Rare Ocular Presentation of Metastatic Lung Cancer: Unilateral Anterior Chamber Angle, Bilateral Choroidal, and Multiple Intracranial Metastases
Authors: Hoang Amber , Khine Kay T. , Knight O’Rese J. , Tesser Rachel A. , Chesnutt David A.
Published: January 2020

A 64-year-old man who presented with photopsia was found to have elevated intraocular pressure in one eye and optic disc swelling in the other eye. He was initially diagnosed with neurocysticercosis and later metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. The purpose of this paper is to report a rare case of bilateral glare as the first sign of diffusely metastatic cancer and to raise clinical suspicion for systemic malignancy in the presence of multiple ocular manifestations.
Sphingobium paulinellae and Sphingobium algicola Lee and Jeon 2017 are two later heterotypic synonyms of Sphingobium limneticum Chen et al. 2013 and emended description of the species
Authors: Feng Guang-Da , Wang Qing-Bai , Zhang Xian-Jiao , Chen Wen-Di , Li Jia-Li , Zhu Hong-Hui
Published: January 2020

Phylogenetic analysis of the genus

Sphingobium

had shown that the type strains of

Sphingobium paulinellae

,

Sphingobium algicola

and

Sphingobium limneticum

shared a very close relationship between each other. The 16S rRNA gene sequences similarity values between each other ranged from 99.65 to 99.93 %. Whole genome sequencing was performed and genomic relatedness values between each pair of the species were 97.49–100 % (ANI) and 79.3–100 % (dDDH), respectively, all higher than the threshold values of 95–96 % ANI and 70 % dDDH suggested for species discrimination, and implicated that the type strains should belong to the same species of the genus

Sphingobium

. The phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characterizations performed in the original descriptions of

S. paulinellae

and

S. algicola

also supported the same conclusion. Due to priority of publication

Sphingobium paulinellae

and

Sphingobium algicola

Lee and Jeon 2017, should be taken as two later heterotypic synonyms of

Sphingobium limneticum

Chen et al. 2013. Correspondingly, the species description of

Sphingobium limneticum

was emended based on this study.
Pleiotropic effect of ABCG2 in gout: involvement in serum urate levels and progression from hyperuricemia to gout
Authors: Wrigley Rebekah , Phipps-Green Amanda J , Topless Ruth K , Major Tanya J , Cadzow Murray , Riches Philip , Tausche Anne-Kathrin , Janssen Matthijs , Joosten Leo AB , Jansen Tim L , So Alexander , Hindmarsh Jennie Harré , Stamp Lisa K , Dalbeth Nicola , Merriman Tony R
Published: January 2020

Background

The ABCG2 Q141K (rs2231142) andrs10011796variants associate with hyperuricaemia (HU). The effect size ofABCG2 rs2231142on urate is ∼60% that ofSLC2A9, yet the effect size on gout is greater. We tested the hypothesis that ABCG2 plays a role in the progression from HU to gout by testing for association ofABCG2 rs2231142andrs10011796with gout using HU controls.

Methods

We analysed 1,699 European gout cases and 14,350 normourciemic (NU) and HU controls, and 912 New Zealand (NZ) Polynesian (divided into Eastern and Western Polynesian) gout cases and 696 controls. Association testing was performed using logistic and linear regression with multivariate adjusting for confounding variables.

Results

In Europeans and Polynesians, theABCG2141K (T) allele was associated with gout using HU controls (OR=1.85,P=3.8E-21and ORmeta=1.85,P=1.3E-03, respectively). There was evidence for an effect of 141K in determining HU in European (OR=1.56,P=1.7E-18) but not in Polynesian (ORmeta=1.49,P=0.057). ForSLC2A9 rs11942223, the T allele associated with gout in the presence of HU in European (OR=1.37,P=4.7E-06), however significantly weaker thanABCG2 rs2231142141K (PHet=0.0023). In Western Polynesian and European, there was epistatic interaction betweenABCG2 rs2231142and the genetically-independentrs10011796. Combining the presence of the 141K allele with thers10011796CC-genotype increased gout risk, in the presence of HU, 21.5-fold in Western Polynesian (P=0.009) and 2.6-fold in European (P=9.9E-06). The 141K allele positively associated with flare frequency in Polynesian (Pmeta=2.5E-03).

Conclusion

These data are consistent with a role forABCG2141K in gout in the presence of established HU.
Parkinson’s Disease-linked LRRK2 structure and model for microtubule interaction
Authors: Deniston Colin K. , Salogiannis John , Mathea Sebastian , Snead David M. , Lahiri Indarjit , Donosa Oscar , Watanabe Reika , Böhning Jan , Shiau Andrew K. , Knapp Stefan , Villa Elizabeth , Reck-Peterson Samara L. , Leschziner Andres E.
Published: January 2020

LeucineRichRepeatKinase2(LRRK2) is the most commonly mutated gene in familial Parkinson’s disease. LRRK2 is proposed to function in membrane trafficking and co-localizes with microtubules. We report the 3.5Å structure of the catalytic half of LRRK2, and an atomic model of microtubule-associated LRRK2 built using a reported 14Å cryo-electron tomographyin situstructure. We propose that the conformation of LRRK2’s kinase domain regulates its microtubule interaction, with a closed conformation favoring binding. We show that the catalytic half of LRRK2 is sufficient for microtubule binding and blocks the motility of the microtubule-based motors kinesin and dyneinin vitro. Kinase inhibitors that stabilize an open conformation relieve this interference and reduce LRRK2 filament formation in cells, while those that stabilize a closed conformation do not. Our findings suggest that LRRK2 is a roadblock for microtubule-based motors and have implications for the design of therapeutic LRRK2 kinase inhibitors.
A flexible microfluidic system for single-cell transcriptome profiling elucidates phased transcriptional regulators of cell cycle
Authors: Davey Karen , Wong Daniel , Konopacki Filip , Kwa Eugene , Fiegler Heike , Sibley Christopher R.
Published: January 2020

Single cell transcriptome profiling has emerged as a breakthrough technology for the high-resolution understanding of complex cellular systems. Here we report a flexible, cost-effective and user-friendly droplet-based microfluidics system, called the Nadia Instrument, that can allow 3’ mRNA capture of ∼50,000 single cells or individual nuclei in a single run. The precise pressure-based system demonstrates highly reproducible droplet size, low doublet rates and high mRNA capture efficiencies that compare favorably in the field. Moreover, when combined with the Nadia Innovate, the system can be transformed into an adaptable setup that enables use of different buffers and barcoded bead configurations to facilitate diverse applications. Finally, by 3’ mRNA profiling asynchronous human and mouse cells at different phases of the cell cycle, we demonstrate the system’s ability to readily distinguish distinct cell populations and infer underlying transcriptional regulatory networks. Notably this identified multiple transcription factors that had little or no known link to the cell cycle (e.g. DRAP1, ZKSCAN1 and CEBPZ). In summary, the Nadia platform represents a promising and flexible technology for future transcriptomic studies, and other related applications, at cell resolution.
ILC1-derived IFN-γ mediates cDC1-dependent host resistance againstToxoplasma gondii
Authors: López-Yglesias Américo H. , Burger Elise , Camanzo Ellie , Martin Andrew T. , Araujo Alessandra M. , Kwok Samantha F. , Yarovinsky Felix
Published: January 2020

Host resistance against intracellular pathogens requires a rapid IFN-γ mediated immune response. We reveal that T-bet-dependent production of IFN-γ is essential for the maintenance of inflammatory DCs at the site of infection with a common protozoan parasite,Toxoplasma gondii. A detailed analysis of the cellular sources for T-bet-dependent IFN-γ identified that ILC1s, but not NK or TH1 cells, were involved in the regulation of inflammatory DCs via IFN-γ. Mechanistically, we established that T-bet dependent ILC1-derived IFN-γ is critical for the induction of IRF8, an essential transcription factor for cDC1s. Failure to upregulate IRF8 in DCs resulted in acute susceptibility toT. gondiiinfection. Our data identifies that ILC1-derived IFN-γ is indispensable for host resistance against intracellular infection via maintaining IRF8+ inflammatory DCs at the site of infection.

Author Summary

Mounting a robust type I innate immune response is essential for resistance against numerous intracellular pathogens. The type I immune response is characterized by the production of IFN-γ, a central cytokine required for multiple non-redundant effector functions against bacterial, viral, and parasitic pathogens. Previous work has shown that group 1 innate lymphocyte cells (ILC1s) together with NK and CD4+ T cells play an indispensable IFN-γ mediated protective role againstToxoplasma gondiiinfection; yet, the pathway of how IFN-γ produced by ILC1s defend againstT. gondiiremains unknown. In this work we identified that early production of IFN-γ by ILC1 is essential for maintaining dendritic cells (DCs) during infection. Mechanistically, we reveal that ILC1-derived IFN-γ is indispensable for inducing the transcription factor IRF8 that is critical for sustaining inflammatory DCs. Finally, we demonstrate that IRF8+ DCs are critical for parasite elimination.