bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The blue economy: Identifying geographic concepts and sensitivities
Authors: Garland Michaela , Axon Stephen , Graziano Marcello , Morrissey John , Heidkamp C. Patrick
Published: July 2019

There is currently no generally accepted definition for the “blue economy,” despite the term becoming common parlance over the past decade. The concept and practice have spawned a rich, and diverse, body of scholarly activity. Yet despite this emerging body of literature, there is ambiguity around what the blue economy is, what it encapsulates, and its practices. Thus far, the existing literature has failed to theorise key geographical concepts such as space, place, scale, and power relations, all of which have the potential to lead to uneven development processes and regional differentiation. Previous research has sought to clarify the ontological separation of land and sea or has conceptualised the blue economy as a complex governmental project that opens up new governable spaces and rationalises particular ways of managing marine and coastal regions. More recently, geographers have called for a critical—and practical—engagement with the blue economy. This paper critically examines the existing literature of the geographies of the blue economy through a structured meta‐analysis of published work, specifically its conceptualisations and applications to debates in the field. Results offer the potential to ground a bottom‐up definition of the blue economy. In so doing, this paper provides a clearly identifiable rubric of the key geographical concepts that are often overlooked by researchers, policymakers, and practitioners when promoting economic development and technological innovation in coastal and marine environments.
Microstructural evolution and fracture toughness of plasma sprayed CNT reinforced Yttria‐stabilized Hafnia coating
Authors: Pathak Abhishek , Mathiyalagam Sribalaji , Pandey Krishna Kant , Bijalwan Pavan , Dutta Monojit , Keshri Anup Kumar
Published: July 2019

Yttria (8 wt%)‐stabilized hafnia (YSH) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) (1 wt%) reinforced yttria‐stabilized hafnia (YSHC) coatings were fabricated on alumina substrate using atmospheric plasma spray technique. Raman spectra confirmed the survival of CNTs in plasma sprayed YSHC coating and indicated about graphitization of CNTs. Whereas, the FE‐SEM micrograph infers the presence of few 2‐D graphene platelet‐like structure in plasma sprayed YSHC coating. Addition of 1 wt% CNTs has significantly increased the densification of YSH coating from 86% to 92%, whereas average hardness and elastic modulus increased by ~57% and ~16%, respectively. A phenomenal increase of ~125% in relative fracture toughness was observed in YSHC coating, which is attributed to three major factors viz. (a) Enhanced densification (b) High fraction of fully melted regions and (c) Various toughening mechanisms, like CNTs pull out, CNTs braiding, graphene splat wrapping, CNTs anchoring.
Bitter‐tasting hydrophobic peptides prepared from soy sauce using aqueous ethanol solutions influence taste sensation
Authors: Zhu Xiping , Sun‐Waterhouse Dongxiao , Chen Jiahui , Cui Chun , Wang Wei
Published: July 2019

In this study, bitter‐tasting hydrophobic peptides were prepared and purified from soy sauce using aqueous ethanol solutions and ion exchange resin, and analysed using RP‐HPLC and UPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS/MS. Most of bitter fraction from soy sauce was obtained by treatments involving 80% ethanol and subsequent chromatographic separation. This fraction contained sixteen small peptides (molecular weight < 1000 Da; rich in hydrophobic amino acids with Lys‐Pro (KP), Glu‐Phe (EF), Glu‐Val (EV), Asp‐Leu (DL), Leu‐Trp (LW) and Asp‐Pro (DP)) capable of enhancing significantly (P < 0.05) umaminess and/or imparting kokumi effect in taste reconstitution experiments. Thus, the bitter peptides affected bitterness as well as other taste sensations like umaminess, kokuminess and saltiness. This was the first study to report the impacts of the bitter‐tasting hydrophobic peptides on soy sauce and solutions of salt, monosodium l‐glutamate.
Dye use in fresh meat preparations and meat products: a survey by a validated method based on HPLC‐UV‐diode array detection as a contribution to risk assessment
Authors: Iammarino Marco , Mentana Annalisa , Centonze Diego , Palermo Carmen , Mangiacotti Michele , Chiaravalle Antonio Eugenio
Published: July 2019

The use of dyes in meats has to be monitored, due to food safety concerns. The presence of twelve dyes (Amaranth, Ponceau 4R, Carmine, Ponceau SX, Ponceau 3R, Allura Red AC, Carmoisine, Erythrosine, Sudan I, Sudan II, Sudan III and Sudan IV) in meat was investigated in 130 meat product and fresh meat preparation samples, and the dietary exposure was estimated. Carmine and Ponceau 4R were the identified dyes. Except for one sample of salami, they were regularly indicated on the label, and their concentrations were in the range 1.3–8.1 and 6.2–86.4 mg kg−1 for Ponceau 4R and Carmine, respectively. Concerning fresh meat preparations, Carmine was detected in three samples, confirming that this dye is still used, although it is no longer authorised in these products. Regarding dietary exposure estimate, the daily intake from meat product consumption resulted lower than 1% of the ADI, both for Carmine and Ponceau 4R.
Full blood count and white cell differential count reference ranges obtained from a healthy urban South African population residing in the Western Cape of South Africa
Authors: Smit Francois C. , Davison Glenda M. , Hoffmann Mariza , Erasmus Rajiv T. , Davids Saarah , Matsha Tandi E.
Published: July 2019

Background

Research has suggested that individuals of African descent have lower white cell and neutrophil counts than Caucasians. These differences could lead to incorrect clinical decisions, and therefore, ethnic‐specific reference ranges are required. The Western Cape region of South Africa is uniquely diverse, comprising Caucasian, Mixed Ancestry and those of African descent. The aim of this study was to compare the full blood count and differential counts across the three major ethnic groups residing in this area and to propose appropriate RIs.

Methods

The study formed part of the international project led by the Committee on Reference Intervals and Decision Limits (C‐RIDL), and therefore, the strict guidelines laid out by the committee were followed. Full blood count and differential counts were performed on a Beckman Coulter ACT 5 diff AL analyser within 2‐4 hours of collection and were reported as mean (standard deviation), 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles. Comparisons were analysed using Spss v25 and Statistica v13, and a P value of < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Reference ranges for Caucasian and Mixed Ancestry individuals were similar while white cell (P = 0.016), monocyte (P < 0.001), neutrophil (P = 0.034) and red cell indices were significantly different amongst the three population groups. There were however no statistical and clinical significant differences between the eosinophil, lymphocyte, red cell and platelet counts across the three groups.

Conclusion

In conclusion, subjects of Mixed Ancestry, in this region, have similar reference intervals to those of European descent, while lower white cell and neutrophil counts in Africans have been confirmed.
Circular RNA circABCC4 as the ceRNA of miR‐1182 facilitates prostate cancer progression by promoting FOXP4 expression
Authors: Huang Changkun , Deng Huanghao , Wang Yinhuai , Jiang Hongyi , Xu Ran , Zhu Xuan , Huang Zhichao , Zhao Xiaokun
Published: July 2019

In recent years, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified to be essential regulators of various human cancers. However, knowledge of the functions of circRNAs in prostate cancer remains very limited. The correlation between circABCC4 and human cancer is largely unknown. This study aims to investigate the biological functions of circABCC4 in prostate cancer progression and illustrate the underlying mechanism. We found that circABCC4 was remarkably up‐regulated in prostate cancer tissues and cell lines and promoted FOXP4 expression by sponging miR‐1182 in prostate cancer cells. CircABCC4 knockdown markedly suppressed prostate cancer cell proliferation, cell‐cycle progression, migration and invasion in vitro. Furthermore, silencing of the circRNA also delayed tumor growth in vivo. Taken together, our findings indicated that circABCC4 facilitates the malignant behaviour of prostate cancer by promoting FOXP4 expression through sponging of miR‐1182. The circABCC4–miR‐1182‐FOXP4 regulatory loop may be a promising therapeutic target for prostate cancer intervention.
Enzymatic activity of palmitoyl‐protein thioesterase‐1 in serum from schizophrenia significantly associates with schizophrenia diagnosis scales
Authors: Wu Yaoyao , Zhang Qianqian , Qi Yawei , Gao Jingjing , Li Wenqiang , Lv Luxiang , Chen Guanjie , Zhang Zhongjian , Yue Xuyi , Peng Shiyong
Published: July 2019

Genome‐wide association studies have confirmed that schizophrenia is an inheritable multiple‐gene mental disorder. Longitudinal studies about depression, first episode psychosis (FEP) and acute psychotic relapse have mostly searched for brain imaging biomarkers and inflammatory markers from the blood. However, to the best of our knowledge, the association between enzymatic activities with diagnosis or prediction of treatment response in people with schizophrenia has barely been validated. Under the Longitudinal Study of National Mental Health Work Plan (2015‐2020), we have studied a subsample of approximately 36 individuals from the cohort with data on palmitoyl‐protein thioesterase‐1 enzymatic activity from FEP and performed a bivariate correlation analysis with psychiatric assessment scores. After adjusting for sex, age, body mass index (BMI) and total serum protein, our data demonstrated that PPT1 enzymatic activity is significantly associated with schizophrenia and its Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores. This longitudinal study compared the PPT1 enzymatic activity in FEP schizophrenia patients and healthy volunteers, and the former exhibited a significant 1.5‐fold increase in PPT1 enzymatic levels (1.79 mmol/L/h/mL, and 1.18 mmol/L/h/mL; P < 0.05; 95% CI, 2.3‐2.9 and 1.4‐1.8). The higher PPT1 enzymatic levels in FEP schizophrenia patients were positively associated with larger PANSS scaling scores (r = 0.32, P = 0.0079 for positive scaling; r = 0.41, P = 0.0006 for negative scaling; r = 0.45, P = 0.0001 for general scaling; and r = 0.34, P = 0.0048 for PNASS‐S scaling). Higher enzymatic PPT1 in FEP schizophrenia patients is significantly associated with increased PANSS scaling values, indicating more serious rates of developing psychosis. Enzymatic activity of PPT1 may provide an important new view for schizophrenia disorders.
The Akt/FoxO/p27Kip1 axis contributes to the anti‐proliferation of pentoxifylline in hypertrophic scars
Authors: Yang Fangfang , Chen Erfei , Yang Yunshu , Han Fu , Han Shichao , Wu Gaofeng , Zhang Min , Zhang Jian , Han Juntao , Su Linlin , Hu Dahai
Published: July 2019

Hypertrophic scars (HS) are characterized by the excessive production and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Pentoxifylline (PTX), a xanthine derived antioxidant, inhibits the proliferation, inflammation and ECM accumulation of HS. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of PTX on HS and further clarify the mechanism of PTX‐induced anti‐proliferation. We found that PTX could significantly attenuate proliferation of HS fibroblasts and fibrosis in an animal HS model. PTX inhibited the proliferation of HSFs in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner, and this growth inhibition was mainly mediated by cell cycle arrest. Transcriptome sequencing showed that PTX affects HS formation through the PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 signalling pathway to activate p27Kip1. PTX down‐regulated p‐Akt and up‐regulated p‐FoxO1 in TGF‐β1 stimulated fibroblasts at the protein level, and simultaneously, the expression of p27Kip1 was activated. In a mouse model of HS, PTX treatment resulted in the ordering of collagen fibres. The results revealed that PTX regulates TGFβ1‐induced fibroblast activation and inhibits excessive scar formation. Therefore, PTX is a promising agent for the treatment of HS formation.
Protection against diabetic cardiomyopathy is achieved using a combination of sulforaphane and zinc in type 1 diabetic OVE26 mice
Authors: Wang Jiqun , Wang Shudong , Wang Wanning , Chen Jing , Zhang Zhiguo , Zheng Qi , Liu Quan , Cai Lu
Published: July 2019

Sulforaphane (SFN) can effectively induce nuclear factor E2–related factor 2 (Nrf2), and zinc (Zn) can effectively induce metallothionein (MT), both of which have been shown to protect against diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). However, it is unclear whether combined treatment with SFN and Zn offers better cardiac protection than either one alone. Here, we treated 5‐week‐old OVE mice that spontaneously develop type 1 diabetes with SFN and/or Zn for 18 weeks. Cardiac dysfunction, by echocardiography, and pathological alterations and remodelling, shown by cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, inflammation and oxidative damage, examined by histopathology, Western blotting and real‐time PCR, were observed in OVE mice. All these dysfunction and pathological abnormalities seen in OVE mice were attenuated in OVE mice with treatment of either SFN, Zn or SFN/Zn, and the combined treatment with SFN/Zn was better than single treatments at ameliorating DCM. In addition, combined SFN and Zn treatment increased Nrf2 function and MT expression in the heart of OVE mice to a greater extent than SFN or Zn alone. This indicates that the dual activation of Nrf2 and MT by combined treatment with SFN and Zn may be more effective than monotherapy at preventing the development of DCM via complementary, additive mechanisms.
Risk factors for recurrence of periodontal disease in patients in maintenance care in a private practice
Authors: Müller Campanile Véronique , Megally Andrew , Campanile Gaetano , Gayet‐Ageron Angèle , Giannopoulou Catherine , Mombelli Andrea
Published: July 2019

Aim

To assess periodontal and dental conditions in individuals in maintenance care after periodontal therapy in private practice, and to identify risk factors for recurrence of disease and tooth loss.

Materials and Methods

One hundred patients attending a routine recall visit were included. All had been treated for periodontal disease and were in maintenance since ≥ 2 years.

Results

Examinations took place 18.0 (±8.71) years after the start of periodontal therapy. A total of 40.1 ± 22.5 recall visits were registered during this time. 91% of the participants had an initial diagnosis of chronic, 9% of aggressive periodontitis. The average participant was 46 years old and had 26 teeth. 283 of 2,549 initially present teeth were lost, half of them being molars. Periodontal and endo‐periodontal complications accounted for only 16 lost teeth. The prevalence of all probing depth (PD) categories decreased significantly. The longer the time, the more frequent the recall visits, and the more was spent during the maintenance phase, the greater was the reduction. Multivariate analysis rendered BMI and smoking as factors influencing number of sites with PD ≥ 4 mm and bleeding on probing.

Conclusion

Tooth loss and periodontal tissue damage can be contained over prolonged periods if periodontal disease is treated and patients attend regular maintenance care.
Transmission, relatedness, and the evolution of cooperative symbionts
Authors: Leeks Asher , dos Santos Miguel , West Stuart A.
Published: July 2019

Cooperative interactions between species, termed mutualisms, play a key role in shaping natural ecosystems, economically important agricultural systems, and in influencing human health. Across different mutualisms, there is significant variation in the benefit that hosts receive from their symbionts. Empirical data suggest that transmission mode can help explain this variation: vertical transmission, where symbionts infect their host's offspring, leads to symbionts that provide greater benefits to their hosts than horizontal transmission, where symbionts leave their host and infect other hosts in the population. However, two different theoretical explanations have been given for this pattern: firstly, vertical transmission aligns the fitness interests of hosts and their symbionts; secondly, vertical transmission leads to increased relatedness between symbionts sharing a host, favouring cooperation between symbionts. We used a combination of analytical models and dynamic simulations to tease these factors apart, in order to compare their separate influences and see how they interact. We found that relatedness between symbionts sharing a host, rather than transmission mode per se, was the most important factor driving symbiont cooperation. Transmission mode mattered mainly because it determined relatedness. We also found evolutionary branching throughout much of our simulation, suggesting that a combination of transmission mode and multiplicity of infections could lead to the stable coexistence of different symbiont strategies.
Intragastric and intracoelomic injection challenge models of tilapia lake virus infection in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) fingerlings
Authors: Pierezan Felipe , Yun Susan , Surachetpong Win , Soto Esteban
Published: July 2019

To gain a better understanding of the pathogenesis of tilapia lake virus (TiLV) infections in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), fingerlings were challenged with a single dose of 1 × 104 TCID50/fish of TiLV utilizing intracoelomic/intraperitoneal (ICch) or intragastric (IGch) routes. Acute mortalities were present in both groups, reaching 70 and 40% in ICch and IGch after 10 days, respectively. Challenged fish presented erratic swimming, lethargy, anorexia, exophthalmia and cutaneous petechiae and ecchymoses. Histological changes in challenged groups included syncytial formation, intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies and multifocal hepatocellular degeneration and necrosis. In addition, multifocal areas of mild proliferation of glial cells and lymphocytic perivascular cuffing were observed in the brain of exposed challenged groups. TiLV RNA was detected in gills and faeces of challenged fish using quantitative reverse transcriptase–PCR, as well as in the tank water holding challenged fish. Moreover, TiLV RNA was detected in scrolls obtained from formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue blocks from challenged fish. Results from this study suggest that IG methods represent an additional method to study the pathogenesis of the disease in this species, as it results in infection and diseases as in naturally occurring cases and does not bypass important mucosal immune responses as injectable routes do.
Association between advanced fibrosis in fatty liver disease and overall mortality based on body fat distribution
Authors: Chung Goh Eun , Heo Nam Ju , Kim Donghee , Kwak Min‐Sun , Yim Jeong Yoon , Kim Joo Sung , Ahmed Aijaz
Published: July 2019

Background

Studies on association between fatty liver disease and overall mortality have yielded conflicting results. We evaluated the impact of fatty liver disease and advanced fibrosis on overall morality with a focus on body size and abdominal fat distribution measured by computed tomography.

Methods

We performed a prospective cohort study including 34 080 subjects (mean age, 51.4 years; 58.6% men) who underwent abdominal ultrasonography and fat computed tomography, from 2007 to 2015. Fatty liver was diagnosed by ultrasonography, and advanced fibrosis was defined as high probability of advanced fibrosis based on three noninvasive methods, aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐platelet ratio index, non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score, and fibrosis‐4 score. Body size was categorized by body mass index into obese (≥ 25 kg/m2) or nonobese (< 25 kg/m2). Multivariate proportional Cox hazard regression analyses were performed.

Results

The prevalence of fatty liver disease was 37.5%, while the prevalence of advanced fibrosis in fatty liver disease was 1.8%. During a median follow‐up of 87 months (interquartile range, 62–110), 296 deaths occurred. Fatty liver disease was not associated with higher overall mortality (multivariate‐adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77–1.34), while increased subcutaneous adiposity was associated with decreased mortality (HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.60–0.88). Advanced fibrosis resulted in a 3.5‐fold increase in overall mortality (adjusted HR 3.52, 95% CI 1.86–6.65), which was more pronounced in the nonobese.

Conclusions

While fatty liver disease did not impact overall mortality, subcutaneous adiposity was associated with reduced overall mortality. Advanced fibrosis was an independent predictor of increase in overall mortality.
Impact of different exercise training modalities on energy and nutrient intake and food consumption in sedentary middle‐aged adults: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Jurado‐Fasoli L. , Amaro‐Gahete F. J. , De‐la‐O A. , Castillo M. J.
Published: July 2019

Background

Exercise could influence energy and macronutrient intake, which could have an important role on body composition changes in response to exercise. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of different training modalities in energy and macronutrient intake, and whether changes in energy and macronutrient intake influences changes in body composition in response to different training modalities.

Methods

A 12‐week randomised controlled trial was conducted. Eighty middle‐aged sedentary adults were randomised to: (i) a control group; (ii) physical activity recommendation from the World Health Organization; (iii) high‐intensity interval training; and (iv) whole‐body electromyostimulation training. Dietary intake was assessed using the average of three 24‐h recalls.

Results

High‐intensity interval training and whole‐body electromyostimulation training groups showed lower fibre intake and higher dietary energy density. Our results showed a negative association was found between changes in energy intake and changes in lean mass index. No association was found between changes in protein intake and changes in lean mass index.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we observed a higher dietary energy density and lower fibre intake in high‐intensity training groups.
A laboratory‐based evaluation of tube blocking and microbial risks associated with one blended enteral feed recipe
Authors: Madden A. M. , Baines S. , Bothwell S. , Chen E. , Goh S. , Jerome L. , Sommariva‐Nagle C. , Szychta M.
Published: July 2019

Background

Concerns associated with blended enteral feeds include the risk of blocked tubes and microbial contamination, although the available evidence is limited. The present laboratory‐based investigation aimed to examine these risks in a blended feed providing a nutritionally adequate intake for a hypothetical patient.

Methods

A one‐blended feed recipe was made using three different methods (professional, jug and stick blenders) and three storage procedures. Feed samples were syringed via 10‐, 12‐ and 14‐French (Fr) enteral feeding tubes and both blockages and the time taken were recorded. Feed samples were diluted, plated on agars, incubated and bacterial colony‐forming units (CFU) counted. After storage at −80 °C, identification was undertaken using 16S rRNA polymerase chain reaction sequencing.

Results

Two blockages occurred during 27 administrations of feed made using a professional blender, although they were resolved with a water flush. No blockages occurred with the 14‐Fr tube and administration was quicker with wider tubes (P < 0.00001). There was no significant difference between the total bacterial CFU of feeds prepared using different methods (P = 0.771) or stored differently. The genus of bacteria identified included Enterococcus, Bacillus, lactose‐fermenting Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus. Pathogens, such as Clostridium spp., Salmonella spp. and Vibrio spp., were not identified by phenotypic tests used. Sequencing identified Escherichia coli, Shigella spp., Streptococcus lutetiensis and Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Conclusions

The present study found no risk of tube blockages when one blended feed recipe made using three methods was delivered via a 14‐Fr tube. There is concern about bacterial contamination, although this was not influenced by the methods of preparation or storage used in the present study.
Pledgeability, Industry Liquidity, and Financing Cycles
Authors: DIAMOND DOUGLAS W. , HU YUNZHI , RAJAN RAGHURAM G.
Published: July 2019

Why do firms choose high debt when they anticipate high valuations, and underperform subsequently? We propose a theory of financing cycles where the importance of creditors’ control rights over cash flows (“pledgeability”) varies with industry liquidity. The market allows firms take on more debt when they anticipate higher future liquidity. However, both high anticipated liquidity and the resulting high debt limit their incentives to enhance pledgeability. This has prolonged adverse effects in a downturn. Because these effects are hard to contract upon, higher anticipated liquidity can also reduce a firm's current access to finance.
‘Rational use of high‐flow therapy in infants with bronchiolitis. What do the latest trials tell us?’ A Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative perspective
Authors: O'Brien Sharon , Craig Simon , Babl Franz E , Borland Meredith L , Oakley Ed , Dalziel Stuart R ,   on behalf of the Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT) Network, Australasia
Published: July 2019

Bronchiolitis is the most common reason for infants to be hospitalised. Over the past decade, the use of high‐flow nasal cannulae (HFNC) therapy has increased markedly and it is now utilised not only in the intensive care unit setting but in general paediatric wards and emergency departments. The aim of this systematic review was to summarise and critique the current evidence‐base for the use of HFNC in infants with bronchiolitis. We searched Ovid Medline, OvidEmbase, PubMed, Cinahl, Cochrane Library, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for systematic reviews and randomised controlled trials of HFNC therapy in infants with bronchiolitis from 1 January 2000 to 27 June 2018. We identified four randomised controlled trials (n = 1891) of HFNC in infants with bronchiolitis: three of these studies involved infants treated in emergency departments and inpatient paediatric wards in Spain, Australia and New Zealand, and one study involved infants treated in paediatric intensive care units in France. The findings of this review suggest that HFNC should be used as a rescue treatment for hypoxaemic infants who have not responded to standard sub nasal oxygen therapy. The use of HFNC for work of breathing in the absence of hypoxaemia, and severe disease, is not currently supported by the evidence, and should only be considered in the context of an appropriate research trial.
Vertical size structure is associated with productivity and species diversity in a short‐stature grassland: Evidence for the importance of height variability within herbaceous communities
Authors: Brown Charlotte , Cahill James F.
Published: July 2019

Questions

Local size structure is frequently measured in plant populations and forested systems due to its association with population‐ and community‐level processes. In contrast, size structure is rarely examined within herbaceous communities despite evidence for size‐dependent processes in these systems, suggesting an important functional vegetation property may be widely overlooked. Here, we test whether vertical size structure (a) varies within a short‐stature grassland, (b) varies along a productivity gradient, and (c) enhances the understanding of a foundational ecological pattern: the diversity–productivity relationship.

Location

Rough fescue grassland in Alberta, Canada.

Methods

We measured the heights of individuals within 32 plots and used average height, the Gini coefficient, and a two‐parameter Weibull distribution to estimate community‐level vertical size structure. Linear mixed models were used to test whether size structure parameters were significantly associated with productivity, species richness, and species evenness.

Results

Vertical size structure varied significantly among local communities, such that some were dominated by short individuals while others were comprised of a more equal number of taller individuals. With increasing productivity, there was an increase in average plant height and a decrease in height inequality. Decreased height inequality was associated with reduced species richness with evidence that loss was not size‐dependent. The inclusion of vertical size structure parameters increased the explained variance of the diversity–productivity relationship by ~35% while also increasing its parsimony.

Conclusions

Even within a short‐stature grassland, there is substantial functional variation in vertical size structure. Productivity is strongly associated with size structure patterns, and the inclusion of height inequalities greatly enhances productivity–diversity relationships, likely because they are the product of assembly mechanisms such as size‐asymmetric competition, assemblage‐level thinning, and niche complementarity. Overall, this demonstrates that vertical size structure has been a missing mechanism in most community assembly theories and models and should be included in the future.
Fungal infection models: Current progress ofex vivomethods
Authors: Maciel Quatrin Priscilla , Flores Dalla Lana Daiane , Andrzejewski Kaminski Taís Fernanda , Meneghello Fuentefria Alexandre
Published: July 2019

Experimental alternativeex vivomodels that simulate infectious processesin vivoare of fundamental importance for the evaluation of new drugs, since in some cases, their execution does not depend on the approval of an ethics committee in research. Although studies using alternative infectious models to evaluate the efficacy of antifungal molecules have been increasingly described and reported, there is no critical consensus that establishes the most appropriate ones regarding the type of infection. Numerous studies contemplateex vivoprotocols of fungal infections on nails, corneas, dentinal tubules and skin and reveal counterpoints and concordances not yet finely confronted. In this minireview, we propose a critical analysis of the mainex vivomodels of fungal infections for the evaluation of new antifungal candidates for both topical and systemic use, as opposed to the advantages and disadvantages of the traditional in vivo models employed in preclinical research.
Impatiens maculifera sp. nov. (Balsaminaceae) Yunnan, China
Authors: Xia Chang‐Ying , Sudhindra R. Gadagkar , Zhao Xin‐Lei , Do Truong Van , Zhu Xiang‐Yun , Qin Ying , Deng Hong‐Ping , Yu Sheng‐Xiang
Published: July 2019

Impatiens (Balsaminaceae) is a notoriously difficult genus to study for reasons that include small, remote and endemic areas of occurrence, and difficulty in obtaining well‐dried herbarium specimens and separating and reconstructing floral parts from available dried specimens. Impatiens has also been notoriously difficult when it comes to phylogenetic resolution at the infrageneric level, but a new system with two subgenera (Impatiens and Clavicarpa) was recently proposed by Yu et al. and it has made it easier to classify newly discovered species.

Impatiens maculifera, a new species of Balsaminaceae from Malipo County, Yunnan, China described here, is similar to I. parvisepala S.X. Yu & Y.T. Hou in having racemose inflorescences, four lateral sepals, clavate capsules and ellipsoid seeds, but differs in having leaves narrowly oval or with elliptic–lanceolate blades (versus obovate or obovate–lanceolate), obvious petioles (versus leaves subsessile), racemose inflorescence with 8–12 flowers (versus 6–8 flowers), flowers greenish yellow (versus yellow), lateral united petals and lower sepal with dense red spots (versus red spots absent), and dorsal petal with apparent stalk at base (versus unapparent stalk). Morphological characters and molecular phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequences from both nuclear ribosomal and plastid genes show that the new species differs distinctively from I. parvisepala. Furthermore, I. maculifera is distinguished from other Impatiens species based on morphological, micromorphological and palynological evidence, and molecular data.
Outcome predictors of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children with relapsed and refractory Hodgkin lymphoma: Single‐center experience in a lower‐middle‐income country
Authors: Abdalla Amr , Hammad Mahmoud , Hafez Hanafy , Zaghloul Mohamed Saad , Taha Hala , El‐Hennawy Gihan , El‐Wakeel Madeeha , Khaled Mohamed , Mohamed Yasmin , El‐Haddad Alaa
Published: July 2019

Background

Children and adolescents with HL have excellent long‐term survival exceeding 95% after combined modality treatment. However, about 20% will either relapse or have PRF. Salvage HDCT followed by AHSCT is considered to be the preferential treatment.

Objective

To describe the outcome (OS and EFS) and prognostic factors in pediatric patients with relapsed or refractory HL (r/rHL) who underwent AHSCT.

Methods

We retrospectively included 43 pediatric patients with r/rHL who underwent AHSCT from July 1, 2007, till December 31, 2016, at the Children's Cancer Hospital of Egypt. MAC regimen given was CMV.

Results

Of the whole cohort, 88.4% of patients achieved CR, while 11.6% had a positive PET scan prior to transplantation. The 3‐year OS and EFS were 85% and 70.6%, respectively. The 3‐year OS for patients > 10 years was 94% versus 65.5% for patients 10 years of age or younger (P = 0.046). There is strong tendency toward better 3‐year OS for patients with negative PET scan as compared to those with positive PET scan before AHSCT, 89.4% vs 60%, respectively (P = 0.059). This tendency is also applicable when looking at the 3‐year EFS for the two groups, 78.3% vs 40%, respectively (P = 0.069).

Conclusion

Poor predictors of OS were younger age and positive PET scan before AHSCT. The latter, along with single modality treatment before AHSCT, were poor predictors of EFS.
Apical membrane protein 1‐specific antibody profile and temporal changes in peripheral blood B‐cell populations in Plasmodium vivax malaria
Authors: Soares Roberta Reis , Cunha Clarissa F. , Ferraz‐Nogueira Raquel , Marins‐dos‐Santos Alessandro , Rodrigues‐da‐Silva Rodrigo Nunes , da Silva Soares Irene , da Costa Lima‐Junior Josué , Bertho Alvaro Luiz , Ferreira Marcelo Urbano , Scopel Kézia Katiani Gorza
Published: July 2019

Plasmodium falciparum‐specific antibodies tend to be short‐lived, but their cognate memory B cells (MBCs) circulate in the peripheral blood of exposed subjects for several months or years after the last infection. However, the time course of antigen‐specific antibodies and B‐cell responses to the relatively neglected parasite Plasmodium vivax remains largely unexplored. Here, we showed that uncomplicated vivax malaria elicits short‐lived antibodies but long‐lived MBC responses to a major blood‐stage P vivax antigen, apical membrane protein 1 (PvAMA‐1), in subjects exposed to declining malaria transmission in the Amazon Basin of Brazil. We found that atypical (CD19+CD10−CD21−CD27−) MBCs, which appear to share a common precursor with classical MBCs but are unable to differentiate into antibody‐secreting cells, significantly outnumbered classical MBCs by 5:1 in the peripheral blood of adult subjects currently or recently infected with P vivax and by 3:1 in healthy residents in the same endemic communities. We concluded that malaria can drive classical MBCs to differentiate into functionally impaired MBCs not only in subjects repeatedly exposed to P falciparum, but also in subjects living in areas with low levels of P vivax transmission in the Amazon, leading to an impaired B‐cell memory that may affect both naturally acquired and vaccine‐induced immunity.
Variety in the innovation process of UK research and development service firms
Authors: Li Xiuqin , Gagliardi Dimitri , Miles Ian
Published: July 2019

Research and development service firms (RDSFs) are a particular type of technology‐based knowledge‐intensive business services (KIBS). RDSFs provide clients with R&D services on a contract basis, and operate as knowledge intermediaries linking research and market. They are innovative in their own right, as well as supporting innovation efforts by their clients; they rely on their own innovation efforts to be competitive and to develop new value propositions for their clients. The present paper explores the innovation process in RDSFs, drawing on semi‐structured interviews with founders and senior managers of 32 companies in the United Kingdom. Our findings suggest that RDSFs vary considerably in terms of their primary innovation drivers (i.e. whether they are mainly driven by market demands or by technological opportunities) and the outcomes they pursue (i.e. whether their outputs are mainly services to clients or a mixture of services and products and/or intellectual property). Four major orientations of RDSFs were identified: (i) technology‐based innovation exploiters; (ii) science‐focused innovation explorers; (iii) client‐driven innovation integrators; and (iv) open innovation translators. This variety among firms normally belonging to the same, small subsector of KIBS, suggests the need for caution in generalising about behaviour in terms of such statistical groupings.
Naturalness constraints on best systems accounts of laws
Authors: Hildebrand Tyler
Published: July 2019

According to best systems accounts, laws of nature are generalizations in the best systematization of particular matters of fact. Metrics such as simplicity and strength determine which systematization is best, but these are notoriously language relative. For this reason, David Lewis proposed a constraint on languages of inquiry: all predicates must be natural. This constraint is sometimes interpreted as requiring us to know which natural properties are instantiated in our world prior to scientific theorizing. I argue that this interpretation is incorrect. I provide a better interpretation and show how it undercuts an influential epistemological objection to Lewis's best systems account of laws due to Bas van Fraassen.
Strategies to augment adherence in the management of sleep‐disordered breathing
Authors: Sunwoo Bernie Y. , Light Matthew , Malhotra Atul
Published: July 2019

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is highly effective in treating sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB). However, unlike surgical interventions, this treatment modality relies heavily on patient acceptance and adherence. The current definition of adherence is largely arbitrary and is mainly used by third‐party payers to determine CPAP reimbursement but CPAP adherence remains sub‐optimal. Strategies to augment adherence, especially early in the course of a CPAP trial, are needed in the management of SDB. An understanding of the basis for observed differences in CPAP and oral appliance (OA) use is necessary in developing these strategies, but to date no single factor has been consistently identified. Consequently, a multidimensional approach using educational, behavioural, technological and potentially pharmacological strategies to target (i) disease characteristics, (ii) patient characteristics including psychosocial factors, (iii) treatment protocols and (iv) technological devices and side effects that may influence adherence, is likely required to augment the complex behaviour of CPAP and OA use. In the near future, we envision a personalized medicine approach to determine the risk of non‐adherence and set individualized adherence goals aimed at treating specific symptoms (e.g. excessive daytime sleepiness) and reducing the risk of patient‐specific SDB consequences (e.g. atherosclerosis). Resources for interventions to improve adherence such as educational programmes and telemedicine encounters could then be more efficiently allocated.
Identification of the novel HLA‐B allele, HLA‐B*15:539, in a South‐Sudanese individual
Authors: Benedek Gil , Abed El‐Latif Mahmoud , Miller Keren , Galun Eithan , Levite Mia
Published: July 2019

HLA‐B*15:539 differs from HLA‐B*15:151 by two nucleotide substitutions.
Description of two new HLA alleles: HLA‐A*30:118 and HLA‐C*03:02:17
Authors: Wang Wei , Wang Fang , Zhang Wei , He Ji , Zhu Faming
Published: July 2019

Novel HLA alleles HLA‐A*30:118 and HLA‐C*03:02:17 are identified in two Chinese individuals, respectively.
A provenance metadata model integrating ISO geospatial lineage and the OGC WPS: Conceptual model and implementation
Authors: Closa Guillem , Masó Joan , Zabala Alaitz , Pesquer Lluís , Pons Xavier
Published: July 2019

Nowadays, there are still some gaps in the description of provenance metadata. These gaps prevent the capture of comprehensive provenance, useful for reuse and reproducibility. In addition, the lack of automated tools for capturing provenance hinders the broad generation and compilation of provenance information. This work presents a provenance engine (PE) that captures and represents provenance information using a combination of the Web Processing Service (WPS) standard and the ISO 19115 geospatial lineage model. The PE, developed within the MiraMon GIS & RS software, automatically records detailed information about sources and processes. The PE also includes a metadata editor that shows a graphical representation of the provenance and allows users to complement provenance information by adding missing processes or deleting redundant process steps or sources, thus building a consistent geospatial workflow. One use case is presented to demonstrate the usefulness and effectiveness of the PE: the generation of a radiometric pseudo‐invariant areas bench for the Iberian Peninsula. This remote‐sensing use case shows how provenance can be automatically captured, also in a non‐sequential complex flow, and its essential role in the automation and replication tasks in work with very large amounts of geospatial data.
GmWRKY54 improves drought tolerance through activating genes in abscisic acid and Ca2+ signaling pathways in transgenic soybean
Authors: Wei Wei , Liang Da‐Wei , Bian Xiao‐Hua , Shen Ming , Xiao Jian‐Hui , Zhang Wan‐Ke , Ma Biao , Lin Qing , Lv Jian , Chen Xi , Chen Shou‐Yi , Zhang Jin‐Song
Published: July 2019

WRKY transcription factors play important roles in response to various abiotic stresses. Previous study have proved that soybean GmWRKY54 can improve stress tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis. Here, we generated soybean transgenic plants and further investigated roles and biological mechanisms of GmWRKY54 in response to drought stress. We demonstrated that expression of GmWRKY54, driven by either a constitutive promoter (pCm) or a drought‐induced promoter (RD29a), confers drought tolerance. GmWRKY54 is a transcriptional activator and affects a large number of stress‐related genes as revealed by RNA sequencing. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment and co‐expression network analysis, together with measurement of physiological parameters, supported the idea that GmWRKY54 enhances stomatal closure to reduce water loss, and therefore confers drought tolerance in soybean. GmWRKY54 directly binds to the promoter regions of genes including PYL8, SRK2A, CIPK11 and CPK3 and activates them. Therefore GmWRKY54 achieves its function through abscisic acid (ABA) and Ca2+ signaling pathways. It is valuable that GmWRKY54 activates an ABA receptor and an SnRK2 kinase in the upstream position, unlike other WRKY proteins that regulate downstream genes in the ABA pathway. Our study revealed the role of GmWRKY54 in drought tolerance and further manipulation of this gene should improve growth and production in soybean and other legumes/crops under unfavorable conditions.
Reevaluating immunization delays after red blood cell transfusion
Authors: Zabeida Alexandra , Lebel Marc H. , Renaud Christian , Cloutier Marc , Robitaille Nancy
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

Current American and Canadian guidelines recommend delaying live vaccine immunization by 5 to 6 months after transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs) due to potential interference by serum antibodies. Due to lack of data, the recommendations may be unfounded and prevent valuable vaccination opportunities for children with frequent blood transfusions. The primary aim of this study was to determine measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine immunogenicity in patients chronically transfused with RBCs. A secondary aim was to quantify vaccine antibodies in RBC donations.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

MMR‐specific antibodies were quantified in 25 pediatric patients who received both doses of MMR vaccine while on a chronic RBC transfusion program (median, 6.6 years after vaccination). MMR antibodies were also quantified in 30 samples of supernatants from RBC donations.

RESULTS

Immunity to each of the MMR components was 68% to 76%. In blood donors born before 1976 (pre‐MMR vaccine), 67% of MMR serologies in the supernatants of RBC donations were at the immune level versus 7% in blood donors born after 1976.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study of the impact of RBC transfusions on MMR vaccine immunogenicity. Although lower than in the literature (immunity rates, ≥90%), the results show a high rate of immunogenicity of the MMR vaccine in chronically transfused patients. Additionally, results suggest that MMR antibody content in transfusions will continue to decrease with time. Weighing the risks and benefits of disease prevention in a vulnerable population, a reevaluation of immunization delays after RBC transfusions is called for.
Ex vivo comparison of intradermal closures with conventional monofilament suture vs unidirectional barbed suture in dogs
Authors: Regier Penny J. , Smeak Daniel D. , McGilvray Kirk C.
Published: July 2019

Objective

To evaluate the mechanical properties, strength, and quality of seal provided by continuous intradermal suture lines closed with barbed suture vs monofilament suture.

Study design

Experimental study.

Sample population

Forty‐eight full‐thickness wounds in canine cadavers.

Methods

Four‐centimeter‐long parasagittal cutaneous wounds were created in canine cadavers. Each intradermal closure was closed with smooth monofilament suture and terminated with a 2 + 1 Aberdeen knot (n = 24) or a unidirectional barbed suture terminated with a single end pass (n = 24). Wounds (n = 12/group) were harvested, and a servohydraulic machine applied tensile load perpendicular to the long axis of the suture line. A load–displacement curve was generated; maximum load, displacement, stiffness, and mode of construct failure were recorded. Harvested wounds were placed in a watertight construct to measure the volume of fluid leaking over 3 minutes at 1.0 ± 0.1 psi.

Results

Stiffness did not differ between constructs (P > .05). Incisions closed with monofilament sutures sustained higher maximum load (311.21 N ± 87.40) and displacement at failure (21.19 mm ± 4.51) compared with those with barbed sutures (116.38 N ± 42.82 and 15.03 mm ± 2.32, respectively, P < .05). Closures with monofilament sutures leaked more (4.38 mL ± 7.90) compared with those with barbed sutures (0.15 mL ± 0.43, P < .05).

Conclusion

Monofilament sutures resulted in stronger constructs, whereas barbed suture constructs provided a better watertight seal.

Clinical significance

While unidirectional barbed sutures may improve watertight skin closure, surgeons should consider using conventional monofilament sutures when mechanical strength of the closure is of primary concern.