bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When “decoy effect” meets gender bias: The role of choice set composition in hiring decisions
Authors: Keck Steffen , Tang Wenjie
Published: November 2019

A large body of research has found evidence that hiring decisions are frequently subject to strong gender bias and has explored factors that help to predict and prevent such a bias from occurring. In this paper, we explore a novel factor that has received only little attention: the composition of the choice set. Drawing on prior research on the attraction effect of decoys in consumer choice and personnel decisions, we posit that when decision makers need to decide whether to hire a male or a female applicant for a stereotypically male position, the presence of a third applicant whose profile is asymmetrically dominated by one of the two applicants can in many circumstances strongly increase the odds that the male applicant will be selected, but will not be beneficial for the female applicant. We test our hypotheses in five experimental studies with different designs, experimental settings, and participant pools—including managers with professional experience in hiring decisions. Our results provide robust evidence demonstrating the strong effects of choice set composition on the emergence of gender bias. In addition, we found that the presence of asymmetrically dominated applicants makes decision makers more confident in their biased decisions and more likely to implement them immediately without searching for further information. Finally, our results also provide some initial evidence that our results for stereotypically male positions will be reversed when hiring decisions are made for stereotypically female positions where the presence of decoys instead gives an advantage to female over male applicants.
Microbial Secretion Platform for 3‐Hydroxybutyrate Oligomer and Its End‐Capped Forms Using Chain Transfer Reaction‐Mediated Polyhydroxyalkanoate Synthases
Authors: Miyahara Yuki , Hiroe Ayaka , Tsuge Takeharu , Taguchi Seiichi
Published: November 2019

The biodegradable polyester 3‐hydroxybutyrate (3HB) polymer [P(3HB)] is intracellularly synthesized and accumulated in recombinant Escherichia coli. In this study, native polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) synthases are used to attempt to microbially secrete 3HB homo‐oligomers (3HBOs), which are widely distributed in nature as physiologically active substances. High secretory production is observed, especially for the two PHA synthases from Aeromonas caviae and Bacillus cereus YB4. Surprisingly, an ethyl ester at the carboxy terminus (ethyl ester form) of 3HBOs is identified for most of the PHA synthases tested. Next, 3HBOs with a functional carboxyl group (carboxyl form of 3HBO) are obtained by using the alcohol dehydrogenase gene (adhE)‐deficient mutant strain, suggesting that the endogenous ethanol produced in E. coli acts as a chain transfer (CT) agent in the generation of 3HBOs. Furthermore, an in vitro polymerization assay reveals that CT agents such as ethanol and free 3HB are involved in the generation of ethyl ester and carboxyl form of 3HBO, respectively. The microbial platform established herein allows the secretion of 3HBOs with desirable end structures by supplementation with various CT agents. The obtained 3HBOs and their end‐capped forms may be used as physiologically active substances and building blocks for polymeric materials.
Harnessing Human Capital to Achieve Big‐Picture Goals
Authors: Brubaker Matt
Published: November 2019

Dr. Matt Brubaker is CEO of human capital advisory firm FMG Leading. He is an expert in sustainable transformation, and his client work focuses on enterprisewide change initiatives, C‐level development, and building high‐performing, strategically aligned executive teams. This article aims to help boards greenlight, suggest, and/or advance thoughtful human capital plans poised to generate sustainable, long‐term performance and measurable return on investment.
Connect MM Registry as a national reference for United States multiple myeloma patients
Authors: Ailawadhi Sikander , Jagannath Sundar , Narang Mohit , Rifkin Robert M. , Terebelo Howard R. , Toomey Kathleen , Durie Brian G. M. , Hardin James W. , Gasparetto Cristina J. , Wagner Lynne , Omel James L. , Kumar Vivek , Yue Lihua , Kitali Amani , Agarwal Amit , Abonour Rafat ,   on behalf of Connect MM Registry Investigators
Published: November 2019

Background

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and National Cancer Database (NCDB) show improved overall survival (OS) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) over the last 15 years. This analysis evaluated the validity of the largely community‐based Connect MM Registry as a national reference for MM.

Methods

Baseline disease characteristics and survival in US newly diagnosed MM patients were examined using the Connect MM Registry as well as SEER and NCDB databases. Baseline characteristics predictive of longer survival in Connect MM were also identified.

Results

As of February 2017, 3011 patients were enrolled in the Connect MM Registry; 2912 were treated. Median age at time of MM diagnosis and age range were numerically similar from 2010 to 2015 across all 3 registries; SEER had a higher representation of nonwhite racial groups than that in the other 2 registries. OS rates suggest proportionate improvement with year of diagnosis among the 3 registries. A Cox proportional hazards model suggests that younger age (<65 years) is associated with longer survival (vs ≥75; HR, 0.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.34‐0.46) in the Connect MM Registry. However, sex (HR, 0.91; P = .15) and race (black vs white; HR, 0.88; P = .21) were not associated with longer OS.

Conclusions

Data from the Connect MM Registry appear to be largely representative of national trends, comprehensive, and reliable representations of the national MM population. Baseline characteristics were comparable, and survival similarly improved over time among the 3 registries.

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier

NCT01081028.
Long noncoding RNA CERS6‐AS1 functions as a malignancy promoter in breast cancer by binding to IGF2BP3 to enhance the stability of CERS6 mRNA
Authors: Bao Gang , Huang Jianjun , Pan Wei , Li Xing , Zhou Tian
Published: November 2019

Breast cancer (BC) leads to the highest mortality in women worldwide, characterized by inevitable proliferation and metastasis of BC cells. Mounting evidence confirm that lncRNAs play a significant role in the tumorigenesis and development of BC. lncRNA CERS6‐AS1 is a novel discovery, and its role and molecular mechanism in BC has not been studied. In this study, it was discovered that CERS6‐AS1 was overexpressed in BC tissues and cells. CERS6‐AS1 accelerated cell proliferation and suppressed cell apoptosis in BC. Moreover, molecular mechanism exploration uncovered that there was a positive association between CERS6 and CERS6‐AS1 (or IGF2BP3) expression in BC. Furthermore, IGF2BP3 serves as a RNA‐binding protein for CERS6‐AS1 and CERS6‐AS1 promoted CERS6 mRNA stability by binding to IGF2BP3. In the end, rescue experiments verified that overexpression of CERS6 rescues the inhibition of CERS6‐AS1 deficiency on BC progression in vitro and vivo. Taken together, these evidences suggested that CERS6‐AS1 promoted the progression of BC by binding to IGF2BP3 and thus enhancing the stability of CERS6 mRNA, providing a new underlying therapeutic target for BC to improve prognosis.
The prognostic role of soluble TGF‐beta and its dynamics in unresectable pancreatic cancer treated with chemotherapy
Authors: Park Hyunkyung , Bang Ju‐Hee , Nam Ah‐Rong , Park Ji Eun , Jin Mei Hua , Bang Yung‐Jue , Oh Do‐Youn
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β) is a multifunctional regulatory factor. Here we measured serum soluble TGF‐β (sTGF‐β) levels and evaluated its dynamics and prognostic capabilities during chemotherapy in unresectable pancreatic cancer patients.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 60 patients treated with FOLFIRINOX as the first‐line palliative chemotherapy. We collected blood samples at the time of diagnosis, first response assessment, and disease progression and measured serum sTGF‐β using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The patients’ median overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) were 10.3 (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.5‐12.1) and 6.5 (95% CI, 4.9‐8.1) months, respectively. Patients with low sTGF‐β at diagnosis (<31.2 ng/mL) had better OS and PFS than patients with high sTGF‐β, respectively, (OS, 13.7 vs 9.2 months; hazard ratio [HR], 2.602; P = .004; PFS, 9.0 vs 5.8 months; HR, 2.010; P = .034). At the time of disease progression, sTGF‐β was increased compared with that of diagnosis (mean, 26.4 vs 23.9 ng/mL). In particular, sTGF‐β was significantly increased at disease progression in patients with a partial response (mean, 25.7 vs 31.0 ng/mL; P = .049).

Conclusions

Pretreatment sTGF‐β levels can serve as a prognostic indicator in unresectable pancreatic cancer patients treated with FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy. Likewise, the dynamics of sTGF‐β during chemotherapy have prognostic value.
Regulation of Immune Activation by Optical Control of TLR1/2 Heterodimerization
Authors: Hu Hong‐Guo , Chen Pu‐Guang , Wang Guanyu , Wu Jun‐Jun , Zhang Bo‐Dou , Li Wen‐Hao , Davis Rebecca L. , Li Yan‐Mei
Published: November 2019

The activation of toll‐like receptors (TLRs) plays important roles in the immune response. The ability to control the activities of TLRs could be usable as a switch for immune response. Here we have rationally designed and synthesized a photoswitchable Pam3CSK4 derivative—P10—to control the activation of TLR1/2. The ground‐state trans‐P10 was able to stimulate and activate antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) by promoting TLR1/2 heterodimerization. However, cis‐P10, derived from UV irradiation of trans‐P10, reduced the activities of APCs by impeding the TLR1/2 heterodimerization. In the absence of UV radiation, the cis‐P10 slowly returned to its ground trans state, restoring the activities of the APCs stimulation. Our results indicated that optical control of TLR1/2 heterodimerization mediated by the photoswitchable P10 offers the potential to regulate immune activation and inflammation.
Strategies to help identify and treat pregnant women with OUD
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: November 2019

Untreated opioid use disorder (OUD) contributes to adverse maternal and infant outcomes, and states are taking various approaches to improving these outcomes. A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified successful strategies, which included increasing access to care and improving provider awareness, and recommended a focus on increasing surveillance while reducing stigma for women and infants.
Eating disorders and obesity during the holiday season: A family matter
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: November 2019

For many of us — young and old alike — the holidays are a time to celebrate. Maybe a bit too much, with every shelf in the pantry full of different goodies, the stores overflowing with temptations, and important family, social, and even religious occasions revolving around food. For overeaters, it's almost impossible to survive the season without putting on more pounds. For children with anorexia nervosa, it seems like a good excuse to shut down the gates completely — no food at all.
Viscoelastic behavior of wheat dough with salt and a salt substitute studied by means of GlutoPeak®
Authors: Amoriello Tiziana , Carcea Marina
Published: November 2019

Background and objectives

The effect of salt (NaCl) and a salt substitute (Pansalt®) on gluten network formation in the dough of 45 soft wheat cvs was studied by means of the GlutoPeak® device. Different salt levels (0%, 1.5%, and 2.5% NaCl and Pansalt®) were considered.

Findings

The presence of salts changes the dough viscoelastic behaviors. Two parameters, the maximum recorded torque occurring as gluten aggregates (BEM) and the peak maximum time (PMT), characterized the different cultivars, showing an increase of torque for doughs with salt (both salts) greater for weak flours than for strong flours, and a development time higher for strong flours. Moreover, the presence of salts showed a more significant effect on gluten structure in flours with high protein than with low protein content.

Conclusions

The GlutoPeak® curves well described the effect of salt on dough development. The salt effect on the flour mixing profile was found to be cv‐dependent and correlated to dough strength.

Significance and novelty

The GlutoPeak® viscometer has been used for the first time to study the effects of salts (sodium chloride and Pansalt) on dough performance in different soft wheat cvs. Data of GlutoPeak® parameters were statistically analyzed.
3D Hierarchical CNT‐Based Host with High Sulfur Loading for Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Qiu Yue , Wu Xian , Wang Maoxu , Fan Lishuang , Tian Da , Guan Bin , Tang Dongyan , Zhang Naiqing
Published: November 2019

A host material capable of efficiently transporting electrons, uniformly impregnating sulfur and effectively anchoring lithium polysulfide, is the key to realizing high‐loading lithium‐sulfur batteries. In this paper, we construct a three‐dimensional hierarchical host formed by one‐dimensional nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotubes(NCNTs) grown in situ on both sides of two‐dimensional oxides nanosheets. The uniformly grown NCNTs not only provide excellent overall conductivity, but also prevent stacking between two‐dimensional nanosheets, providing hierarchical pores for diffusion of molten sulfur, which is beneficial to the uniform impregnating of sulfur. Meanwhile, the two‐dimensional oxides nanosheets(NS) and cobalt nanoparticles have a strong chemical affinity with polysulfide, promoting the polysulfides adsorption and redox kinetics. Benefiting from the synergistic effects, Li−S batteries based on Co‐NCNTs/NS@S cathode delivers a high discharge capability of 1552 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C with a high sulfur content of 80 %, excellent rate capability of 860 mAh g−1 at 2 C and outstanding cycle life with a low capacity decay rate of 0.04 % per cycle over 550 cycles. Even at high sulfur loading of 4.8 mg cm−2, the cathode still exhibits an areal capacity of 4.6 mAh cm−2 after 100 cycles at 0.2 C.
Wer hat bei der Digitalisierung die Nase vorn?
Authors: Wolters Antje
Published: November 2019

Deutschland hat bei der Digitalisierung weltweit die zweitbesten Rahmenbedingungen – bei der Umsetzung allerdings teilweise noch Luft nach oben. Zu diesem Schluss kommt die aktuelle Studie „Enabling Digitalization Index 2019“ (EDI)* des Kreditversicherers
Engmaschige Produktionsüberwachung
Authors: Dreblow Kerstin
Published: November 2019

Nur mit Online‐ oder Inline‐Analysentechnik können kritische Parameter bei kontinuierlichen Prozessen zuverlässig und engmaschig überwacht werden.
Der Zwilling bleibt auf dem Laufenden
Authors: Imbusch Martin
Published: November 2019

Der Engineering‐Software‐Entwickler Aucotec zeigt auf der SPS, wie Bestandsanlagen automatisch ihren digitalen Zwilling über jede änderung auf dem Laufenden halten können.
Reduzierter Kalibrieraufwand
Authors: Vormoor Michaela
Published: November 2019

Clariant bietet ein Beispiel, wie durch intelligente Nutzung von Daten und einer innovativen Technologie Prozessverbesserungen erreicht werden können. Befüllen von Bahnkesselwagen, Verwiegen und Entleeren – diese Arbeitsschritte für das Kalibrieren gehöre
Risikominimierung
Authors: Benneck Werner
Published: November 2019

In der Prozesstechnik sind automatisierte Anlagen für einen langjährigen und sicheren Betrieb ausgelegt. Gefragt sind Lösungen, die dem individuellen Sicherheitsbedürfnis der jeweiligen Anwendung gerecht werden. Dafür kombinieren der Fluidikexperte Bürker
Risikobetrachtung
Authors: Sülük Hasan
Published: November 2019

Maschinen in verfahrenstechnischen Anlagen dienen normalerweise einem bestimmten Verwendungszweck und sind durch Druckgeräte wie Druckbehälter oder Rohrleitungen voneinander getrennt. Hinsichtlich der funktionalen Sicherheit sind Druckgeräte in Prozessanl
Trocknen im geschlossenen System
Authors: Schumacher Jochen
Published: November 2019

Die Trocknung ist in vielen Prozessen fester Bestandteil, wird aber bei der Planung allzu oft stiefkindlich behandelt. Stellt sie sich dann als Engpass im Herstellungsprozess heraus, entsteht für die Betreiber Handlungsbedarf. Auf die Lösung von Trocknung
Energiespeicher Kalk
Authors: Sonnen Ralf
Published: November 2019

Beim Forschungsprojekt „Twist“ (Thermochemischer Energiespeicher im Wirbelschichtverfahren für Industrieanwendungen und Stromerzeugung) kooperiert Schwing Technologies mit der Technischen Universität München.
7‐keto‐DHEAmetabolism in humans. Pitfalls in interpreting the analytical results in the antidoping field
Authors: Martinez‐Brito Dayamin , de la Torre Xavier , Colamonici Cristiana , Curcio Davide , Botrè Francesco
Published: November 2019

7‐keto‐DHEA (3β‐hydroxy‐androst‐5‐ene‐7,17‐dione) is included in section S1 of the World Antidoping Agency (WADA) List of Prohibited Substances. The detection of its misuse in sports needs special attention, since it is naturally present in urine samples. The main goal of this study is to investigate the in vivo metabolism of 7‐keto‐DHEA after a single administration to healthy volunteers and to better describe the relationship between arimistane (androst‐5‐ene‐7,17‐dione) and 7‐keto‐DHEA after the application of the common routine procedures to detect anabolic steroids in WADA accredited antidoping laboratories. Free, glucuro‐, and sulpho‐conjugated steroids extracted from urine samples obtained before and after the administration of 7‐keto‐DHEA were analyzed by different gas chromatographic (GC)–mass spectrometric (MS) techniques. Gas chromatography coupled to tandem MS to study the effect on the endogenous steroid profile, coupled to isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) to investigate the potential formation of androgens derived from DHEA and coupled to high resolution accurate mass spectrometry (HRMS) to investigate new diagnostic metabolites. The analysis by IRMS confirmed that there is no formation of DHEA from 7‐keto‐DHEA. Ten proposed metabolites, not previously reported, were described. These include reduced and hydroxylated structures that are not considered part of the steroid profile in antidoping analyses. They showed considerable responses in all fractions analyzed. Some deoxidation reactions (including arimistane formation) were found and most probably can be linked to the sample preparation or instrumental analysis. This is important when interpreting the results after the application of procedures to detect steroids in urine currently used in antidoping laboratories. 7‐keto‐DHEA metabolism in humans for antidoping purposes was studied and unexpected results were found. This could lead to a misinterpretation of the data, depending on the procedure applied and the analytical instrumentation used.
Gender diversity of editorial boards and gender differences in the peer review process at six journals of ecology and evolution
Authors: Fox Charles W. , Duffy Meghan A. , Fairbairn Daphne J. , Meyer Jennifer A.
Published: November 2019

Despite substantial progress for women in science, women remain underrepresented in many aspects of the scholarly publication process. We examined how the gender diversity of editors and reviewers changed over time for six journals in ecology and evolution (2003–2015 for four journals, 2007–2015 or 2009–2015 for the other two), and how several aspects of the peer review process differed between female and male editors and reviewers. We found that for five of the six journals, women were either absent or very poorly represented as handling editors at the beginning of our dataset. The representation of women increased gradually and consistently, with women making up 29% of the handling editors (averaged across journals) in 2015, similar to the representation of women as last authors on ecology papers (23% in 2015) but lower than the proportion of women among all authors (31%) and among members of the societies that own the journals (37%–40%). The proportion of women among reviewers has also gradually but consistently increased over time, reaching 27% by 2015. Female editors invited more female reviewers than did male editors, and this difference increased with age of the editor. Men and women who were invited to review did not differ in whether they responded to the review invitation, but, of those that responded, women were slightly more likely to agree to review. In contrast, women were less likely than men to accept invitations to serve on journal editorial boards. Our analyses indicate that there has been progress in the representation of women as reviewers and editors in ecology and evolutionary biology, but women are still underrepresented among the gatekeepers of scholarly publishing relative to their representation among researchers.
Possibility of reducing the on‐resistance in 1 kV‐class lateral superjunction power devices based on III‐V semiconductors
Authors: Kushida Tomoyoshi , Sakaki Hiroyuki
Published: November 2019

Potentials of lateral hetero superjunction (HSJ) power devices, that are based on III‐V semiconductors such as GaN and GaAs, are analyzed theoretically to clarify how the product RON·A of their on‐resistance RON and device area A depends on the breakdown voltage. By focusing on power devices having the breakdown voltage of about 1 kV, we clarify to which level the specific on‐resistance RON·A of various devices can be reduced by the selection of the device structures and materials. It has been found out that the lowest limit of RON·A for HSJ devices can be lower than that of Si‐insulated gate bipolar transistors, and also than that of vertical power FETs based on SiC and/or GaN. We note in particular that not only GaN‐based HSJ devices but also GaAs‐based HSJ devices possess outstanding potential because of the high electron mobility nature of these heterojunction structures.
Loss of foundation species revisited: conceptual framework with lessons learned from eastern hemlock and whitebark pine
Authors: Degrassi Allyson L. , Brantley Steven , Levine Carrie R. , Mohan Jacqueline , Record Sydne , Tomback Diana F. , Ellison Aaron M.
Published: November 2019

Ecologists and conservation biologists often prioritize the study of species that are declining, threatened, or endangered over species that are abundant and ecologically important, such as foundation species (FS). Because entire ecosystems and their biodiversity depend on FS, we argue that they have high conservation priority. A citation analysis reveals that FS are studied, but often are characterized ambiguously. More effort is needed to identify FS before they, and the ecosystems they define, are at risk of decline or loss. We suggest a new conceptual framework that includes: informed identification of FS in ecosystems; documentation of ecosystem services provided by FS; a long‐term monitoring strategy to detect threats to FS within specified ecosystems; and, if threats are identified, a comprehensive conservation and adaptive management strategy for FS. We use two widely distributed, rapidly declining North American foundation tree species (Tsuga canadensis [eastern hemlock] and Pinus albicaulis [whitebark pine]) to illustrate this framework. These species exemplify the importance of identifying FS early and conserving or restoring them when they are threatened.
CNS myelin protein 36K regulates oligodendrocyte differentiation through Notch
Authors: Nagarajan Bhuvaneswari , Harder Alexander , Japp Anna , Häberlein Felix , Mingardo Enrico , Kleinert Henning , Yilmaz Öznur , Zoons Angelika , Rau Birgit , Christ Andrea , Kubitscheck Ulrich , Eiberger Britta , Sandhoff Roger , Eckhardt Matthias , Hartmann Dieter , Odermatt Benjamin
Published: November 2019

In contrast to humans and other mammals, zebrafish can successfully regenerate and remyelinate central nervous system (CNS) axons following injury. In addition to common myelin proteins found in mammalian myelin, 36K protein is a major component of teleost fish CNS myelin. Although 36K is one of the most abundant proteins in zebrafish brain, its function remains unknown. Here we investigate the function of 36K using translation‐blocking Morpholinos. Morphant larvae showed fewer dorsally migrated oligodendrocyte precursor cells as well as upregulation of Notch ligand. A gamma secretase inhibitor, which prevents activation of Notch, could rescue oligodendrocyte precursor cell numbers in 36K morphants, suggesting that 36K regulates initial myelination through inhibition of Notch signaling. Since 36K like other short chain dehydrogenases might act on lipids, we performed thin layer chromatography and mass spectrometry of lipids and found changes in lipid composition in 36K morphant larvae. Altogether, we suggest that during early development 36K regulates membrane lipid composition, thereby altering the amount of transmembrane Notch ligands and the efficiency of intramembrane gamma secretase processing of Notch and thereby influencing oligodendrocyte precursor cell differentiation and further myelination. Further studies on the role of 36K short chain dehydrogenase in oligodendrocyte precursor cell differentiation during remyelination might open up new strategies for remyelination therapies in human patients.
Upgrading strategies for the digital economy
Authors: Sturgeon Timothy J.
Published: November 2019

Research Summary

Although computerization has been enabling changes in the structure and economic geography of industries for decades, recent public discourse has become focused on a set of “new” advanced digital technologies and technology applications that appear poised to dramatically reduce demand for routine tasks and transform the organization and content of work. How are these changes shaping the strategic options for companies and policy‐makers in less‐developed economies? This paper disentangles the old and new features of the digital economy; distills three key business strategies underpinning its organization: modularity, open innovation, and platforms; and summarizes some of the benefits and risks for society. It explores the strategy and policy options available for firms and policy‐makers in less developed places, with a focus on innovation and market positioning.

Managerial Summary

How is the digital economy shaping strategic options for managers in less‐developed economies? This paper disentangles the old and new features of the digital economy and distills three key business strategies underpinning its organization: modularity, open innovation, and platforms. It then explores strategic options available for firms in less developed places, with a focus on innovation and market positioning. While core platform owners will have the capability and authority to accumulate, access, and analyze large pools of data, access to all of the world's relevant data is not required to speed innovation or carve out new market space in the digital economy. The opportunities may be greatest in industrial applications, where the continued importance of physical systems and industry‐specific domain knowledge drives adaptation and customization.
Farnesoid X Receptor Agonism, Acetyl‐Coenzyme A Carboxylase Inhibition, and Back Translation of Clinically Observed Endpoints of De Novo Lipogenesis in a Murine NASH Model
Authors: Gapp Berangere , Jourdain Marie , Bringer Pauline , Kueng Benjamin , Weber Delphine , Osmont Arnaud , Zurbruegg Stefan , Knehr Judith , Falchetto Rocco , Roma Guglielmo , Dietrich William , Valdez Reginald , Beckmann Nicolau , Nigsch Florian , Sanyal Arun J. , Ksiazek Iwona
Published: November 2019

A promising approach for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the inhibition of enhanced hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL), which is the synthesis of fatty acids from nonlipid sources. This study assesses three approaches to DNL suppression in a newly developed dietary NASH mouse model: i) dietary intervention (switch from NASH‐inducing diet to normal diet); ii) inhibition of acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC), the enzyme catalyzing the rate‐limiting step in DNL; and iii) activation of farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a major transcriptional regulator of DNL. C57BL/6J mice on a high‐fat diet combined with ad libitum consumption of a fructose–sucrose solution developed several of the liver histologic features seen in human disease, including steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis, accompanied by elevated fibrosis biomarkers and liver injury enzymes. Obesity and metabolic impairments were associated with increased intestinal permeability and progression to adenoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. All three approaches led to resolution of established NASH with fibrosis in mice; however, some differences were noted, e.g., with respect to the degree of hepatic steatosis attenuation. While ACC inhibition resulted in elevated blood triglycerides and peripheral obesity, FXR activation prevented peripheral obesity in NASH mice. Comparative transcriptome analysis underlined the translatability of the mouse model to human NASH and revealed novel mechanistic insights into differential regulation of lipid, inflammatory, and extracellular matrix pathways by FXR agonism and ACC inhibition. Conclusion: Novel insights are provided on back translation of clinically observed endpoints of DNL inhibition by targeting ACC or FXR, which are promising therapeutic options for the treatment of NASH, in a newly developed diet‐induced NASH mouse model.
Event free survival at 24 months is a strong surrogate prognostic endpoint of peripheral T cell lymphoma
Authors: Wudhikarn Kitsada , Bunworasate Udomsak , Julamanee Jakrawadee , Lekhakula Arnuparp , Ekwattanakit Supachai , Khuhapinant Archrob , Niparuck Pimjai , Chuncharunee Suporn , Numbenjapon Tontanai , Prayongratana Kannadit , Kanitsap Nonglak , Wongkhantee Somchai , Makruasri Nisa , Wong Peerapon , Norasetthada Lalita , Nawarawong Weerasak , Sirijerachai Chittima , Chansung Kanchana , Suwanban Tawatchai , Praditsuktavorn Pannee , Intragumtornchai Tanin ,   on behalf of Thai Lymphoma Study Group
Published: November 2019

Event free survival at 24 months (EFS24) has been described as a powerful predictor for outcome in several subtypes of B cell lymphoma. However, it was limitedly described in T cell lymphoma. We explored the implication of EFS24 as a predictor marker for peripheral T cell lymphoma (PTCL). We reviewed 293 systemic PTCL patients at 13 nationwide major university hospitals in Thailand from 2007 to 2014. The median event free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) of PTCL patients in our cohort was 16.3 and 27.7 months with corresponding 2‐year EFS and 2‐year OS of 45.8% and 51.9%, respectively. A total of 118 patients achieved EFS24 (no events during the first 24 mo). Patients who achieved EFS24 had better OS than patients who did not (2‐y OS 92% vs 18.8%; HR, 0.1; P < .001). The standardized mortality ratio of patients achieving EFS24 was 18.7 (95% CI, 14.6‐22.8). Multivariable analysis demonstrated performance status, histologic subtype, remission status, and EFS24 achievement as independent predictors for OS. Our study affirmed the value of EFS24 as a powerful prognostic factor for PTCL. Further validation in prospective study setting is warranted.
Credit information sharing and the shift in bank lending towards households
Authors: Bahadir Berrak , Valev Neven
Published: November 2019

The disproportionate increase of bank lending to households relative to businesses is a central trend in the financial sector of many countries. In this paper, we provide evidence that credit information sharing has strongly contributed to this trend. Specifically, using a sample of 25 European countries, we show that credit information sharing is associated with a significant tilt in private bank lending towards household debt. That result is robust to various estimation techniques and control variable sets, as well as to instrumental variable estimations.
Read between the lines: Board gender diversity, family ownership, and risk‐taking in Indian high‐tech firms
Authors: Saeed Abubakr , Mukarram Syed Shafqat , Belghitar Yacine
Published: November 2019

This article examines the effect of board gender diversity on firm risk‐taking level. Drawing on the contingency framework, we contend that the influence of women executives on firm risk‐taking depends largely on the organizational context of the firm such as the industry in which it operates. To investigate this proposition, we compare the influence of board gender diversity on firm risk‐taking level in Indian high‐tech and in non‐high‐tech sectors. Our findings indicate that female executives operating in high‐tech sectors take more risk than their counterparts female executives who operate in non‐high sector. Interestingly, our analysis also reveals that family ownership negatively moderates the impact of female executives on risk‐taking in high‐tech firms. In additional analysis, we find that female executives exert a positive impact on firm performance only in high‐tech sector. This suggests that the influence of female executives on firm outcomes is not always straightforward.
Expanding the pharmacist's scope of practice at the state level: Support for board certification within the credentialing process
Authors: Lee Mary , Saseen Joseph J. , Beckman Elizabeth , Coon Scott , Gabay Michael , Japs Kelsey , Mangan Brendan , McBane Sarah , See Sharon
Published: November 2019

The practice of pharmacy continues to evolve as more pharmacists complete the education, training, and credentialing necessary to provide direct patient care. Ongoing advocacy of legal and regulatory changes at the state level is essential to support an expanded scope of practice for these qualified pharmacists. Determining the eligibility requirements for pharmacists in advanced practice roles is an important component of this advocacy. Board certification through the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) is an appropriate qualifying credential. This commentary will overview board certification through BPS, differentiate board certification from a certificate program, and provide examples of state pharmacy practice act language that includes board certification as a qualifying credential. The commentary will include a recommendation and rationale for board certification to be included in state pharmacy practice acts as the credential required for pharmacists to practice in direct patient care roles. This commentary will serve as a resource for advocates working at the state level to revise pharmacy practice acts.
Local application of alendronate controls bone formation and β‐tricalcium phosphate resorption induced by recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2
Authors: Kitasato Seiichiro , Tanaka Takaaki , Chazono Masaaki , Komaki Hirokazu , Kakuta Atsuhito , Inagaki Naoya , Akiyama Shoshi , Marumo Keishi
Published: November 2019

This study examined the ability of local alendronate (ALN) administration to control β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) resorption as well as the induction of bone formation by recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2). A 15‐mm critical‐sized bone defect was created in the diaphysis of rabbit ulnae. Nine female rabbits (4 to 5 months‐old) were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 (n= 6 ulnae) animals received implants consisting of β‐TCP granules and 25 μg of rhBMP‐2 in 6.5% collagen gel. Group 2 (6 ulnae) and Group 3 (6 ulnae) animals received the same implants, but with 10−6M and 10−3M ALN‐treated TCP granules, respectively. Two weeks postsurgery, tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase‐positive cell counts, new bone formation, and residual β‐TCP were evaluated. This study showed that a high dose of ALN strongly reduced osteoclastic resorption of β‐TCP induced by rhBMP‐2, resulting in decreased bone formation. In contrast, a low dose of ALN slightly reduced the bone resorptive effect but increased bone formation. These results suggest that osteoclast‐mediated resorption plays an important role in bone formation and a coupling‐like phenomenon could occur in the β‐TCP‐implanted area, and that administration of a low dose of ALN may solve clinical bone resorptive problems induced by rhBMP‐2.
Synthesis of selenium‐containing biindolyls and their Diels–Alder reaction toward the synthesis of heteroannulated [a]‐ and [c]‐carbazoles
Authors: Wang Ruei‐Yu , Kao Wei‐Ting , Shih Tzenge‐Lien
Published: November 2019

We reported the first syntheses of 2‐ and 3‐(2‐(benzo[b]selenophen‐2‐yl)‐indoles and their Diels–Alder reactions to furnish six unique annulated benzoselenphene carbazoles. This facile route can be used to synthesize selenium‐containing biindolyl derivatives that possessed potential pharmaceutical activities.
Changes in future rainfall extremes over Northeast Bangladesh: A Bayesian model averaging approach
Authors: Basher Abul , Islam A. K. M. Saiful , Stiller‐Reeve Mathew A. , Chu Pao‐Shin
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we used a Bayesian model averaging (BMA) approach to analyse the changes in rainfall extremes in the periods 2041–2070 and 2071–2099 over northeast Bangladesh as a consequence of climate change. Climate change over this region could potentially impact agricultural production, water resources management, and the overall economy of the country. We used six regional climate models (RCMs) over the Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment South Asia domain. We used one medium stabilization scenario (RCP4.5) and one high‐emission scenario (RCP8.5) for projecting the extreme rainfall indices. A multi‐model ensemble mean was generated using the BMA approach. The BMA mean is a weighted average related to each RCM's predictive skill during the training period. Most of the rainfall extremes are expected to increase in both pre‐monsoon (March–May) and monsoon (June–September) seasons in the future compared with baseline (1976–2005). The average pre‐monsoon rainfall of the study area is projected to increase by 12.93 and 18.42% under RCP4.5 and 18.18 and 23.85% under RCP8.5 for the periods 2041–2070 and 2071–2099, respectively. The average monsoon rainfall of the study area is projected to increase by 4.96 and 2.27% under RCP4.5 and 6.56 and 6.40% under RCP8.5 for the periods 2041–2070 and 2071–2099, respectively. All the extreme indices except consecutive wet day are expected to change significantly at the 95% confidence level during the pre‐monsoon season. The study area will potentially be subjected to more frequent floods in the future both in pre‐monsoon and monsoon seasons as a consequence of climate change. Notably, the intensity and the magnitude of flash flooding in the pre‐monsoon season are expected to increase more in the future because the increase in extreme indices is more significant during that season.
Vertical variation and temporal trends of extreme precipitation indices in a complex topographical watershed in the Hengduan Mountain Region, China
Authors: Guo Qiankun , Cheng Shiyue , Qin Wei , Ning Duihu , Shan Zhijie , Yin Zhe
Published: November 2019

Spatial–temporal trends of extreme precipitation have great impacts on disaster risks, and relevant studies usually receive much attention. In China, spatial–temporal trends have been analysed in numerous studies based on daily rainfall data; however, the densities of rain gauges in many studies were relatively low, and the effects of complex topography on extreme precipitation were usually not considered, which have lowered the reliability and accuracy of the reported results. In this study, several widely used extreme precipitation indices were chosen, and the spatial–temporal trends of a typical watershed in the Hengduan Mountain Region in Southwest China, the Longchuanjiang watershed, were analysed using the Mann–Kendall trend analysis based on daily rainfall data. The effect of elevation on the extreme precipitation indices based on the high‐intensity rain gauges and the effect of elevation on the temporal trends of extreme precipitation indices were analysed, which have rarely been reported. The results indicated that: (a) significant positive correlations with elevation were reported for annual precipitation and most of the extreme precipitation indices, including PRCPTOT, Rx5day, R95P, R99P, RD, SDII, and CWD, while significant negative correlations were reported for CDD; the relationships between SDII and Rx1day were not significant with elevation; (b) the density of rain gauges in the regions with complex topography can have great impacts on the results; and (c) no significant correlation between the elevation and the temporal trends of extreme precipitation indices were reported. This study highlights the effects of the density of rain gauges and elevation, or topographical factors on the spatial distribution and temporal trends of extreme precipitation indices, which has rarely been reported in previous studies, implying that such effects should be fully taken into consideration in the relevant studies in the future.
Quantitative analysis on the microstructure of molten binary KF‐AlF3 system by in situ Raman spectroscopy assisted with first principles method
Authors: Ma Nan , You Jinglin , Lu Liming , Xie Yingfang , Wan Songming
Published: November 2019

In order to help predict the properties of molten salts electrolytes and aluminium brazing flux used in the Hall–Héroult process and in aluminium brazing, the microstructure of binary KF‐AlF3 system from 298 K to its molten states was explored by in situ high‐temperature Raman spectroscopy in argon atmosphere. Comparing with experimental Raman spectra in molten system, quantum chemistry ab initio simulations were used to calculate the symmetric stretching vibrational modes of probable clusters in the melts. The molten KF‐AlF3 system was found to comprise monomer [AlF6]3−, [AlF5]2−, [AlF4]−, and dimer [Al2F7]− clusters. With the increase of KF content in the melts, the major species changes from [AlF4]− tetrahedra to [AlF6]3− octahedra. From the deconvoluted measured Raman spectra, the mole fractions of varied clusters in the system were also calculated. As the KF:AlF3 ratio was increased from 1 to 3, the content of [AlF6]3− in the melt increased from 22.30 to 98.83 mol%, whereas the [AlF4]− content decreased from 68.92 to 0.33 mol%. [AlF5]2− and [Al2F7]− clusters were also found in small amounts in the melts.
Simultaneous quantification of atractyloside and carboxyatractyloside in rat plasma by LC‐MS/MS: Application to a pharmacokinetic study after oral administration of Xanthii Fructus extract
Authors: Pan Hong , Yang Feng , Xiang Daiyuan , Shi Fuguo
Published: November 2019

Xanthii Fructus is extensively used as an herbal medicine. Ingestion of this herb is associated with severe hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Atractyloside and carboxyatractyloside are two dominative toxic constituents in Xanthii Fructus. However, their pharmacokinetic study is lacking. In this study, a novel high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method was developed to simultaneously quantify the rat plasma concentrations of atractyloside and carboxyatractyloside. After protein precipitation, the analytes were chromatographic separated on a ZORBAX Eclipse Plus column (2.1 × 150 mm id, 5 µm) under gradient elute. In the negative electrospray ionization mode, the transitions at m/z 725.3→645.4 for atractyloside, m/z 769.3→689.4 for carboxyatractyloside, and m/z 479.2→121.1 for paeoniflorin (the internal standard) were acquired by multiple reaction monitoring. This analytical method showed good linearity over 1–500 ng/mL for atractyloside and 2–500 ng/mL for carboxyatractyloside with acceptable precision and accuracy. No matrix effect, instability and carryover occurred in the analysis procedure. The extraction recoveries were greater than 85.0%. This method was applied to a preliminary pharmacokinetic study by orally administering Xanthii Fructus extract (9 g/kg) to rats, which was useful to evaluate the role of these two compounds in Xanthii Fructus‐induced toxicity.
Fused Bithiophene Imide Oligomer and Diketopyrrolopyrrole Copolymers for n‐Type Thin‐Film Transistors
Authors: Zhang Yujie , Tang Linjing , Sun Huiliang , Ling Shaohua , Yang Kun , Uddin Mohammad Afsar , Guo Han , Tang Yumin , Wang Yang , Feng Kui , Shi Yongqiang , Liu Juqing , Zhang Shiming , Woo Han Young , Guo Xugang
Published: November 2019

Diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP)‐based copolymers have received considerable attention as promising semiconducting materials for high‐performance organic thin‐film transistors (OTFTs). However, these polymers typically exhibit p‐type or ambipolar charge‐transporting characteristics in OTFTs due to their high‐lying highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy levels. In this work, a new series of DPP‐based n‐type polymers have been developed by incorporating fused bithiophene imide oligomers (BTIn) into DPP polymers. The resulting copolymers BTIn‐DPP show narrow band gaps as low as 1.27 eV and gradually down‐shifted frontier molecular orbital energy levels upon the increment of imide group number. Benefiting from the coplanar backbone conformation, well‐delocalized π‐system, and favorable polymer chain packing, the optimal polymer in the series shows promising n‐type charge transport with an electron mobility up to 0.48 cm2 V−1 s−1 in OTFTs, which is among the highest values for the DPP‐based n‐type polymers reported to date. The results demonstrate that incorporating fused bithiophene imide oligomers into polymers can serve as a promising strategy for constructing high‐performance n‐type polymeric semiconductors.
MicroRNA‐576‐5p enhances the invasion ability of trophoblast cells in preeclampsia by targeting TFAP2A
Authors: Wang Xiaoning , Peng Shiyuan , Cui Kun , Hou Fangjuan , Ding Jie , li Ali , Wang Mingxia , Geng Li
Published: November 2019

Background

Preeclampsia (PE) is a common pregnancy‐related syndrome characterized by hypertension and proteinuria, and a major cause of maternal mortality. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify early biomarkers of PE. The aim of the present study was to identify the functions of miR‐576‐5p in PE.

Methods

Effects of miR‐576‐5p and transcription factor AP‐2α (TFAP2A) on invasion of human trophoblast HTR8/SVneo cells were investigated. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) and western blotting were used to assess the expression of miR‐576‐5p, TFAP2A, E‐cad, and Vimentin in PE tissues and cells. Additionally, immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of TFAP2A in PE trophoblastic tissue. Subsequently, constructed miR‐576‐5p mimics, miR‐576‐5p inhibitor, and siRNA‐TFAP2A plasmids were transfected into HTR8/SVneo cells for further experiments, including a CCK‐8 assay for cell proliferation, Transwell assay for cell invasion and the luciferase reporter gene system was employed for target verification.

Results

A lower expression of miR‐576‐5p and a higher expression of TFAP2A were identified in PE rats. E‐cadherin was highly expressed while Vimentin was downregulated. Further statistical analysis indicated that cell proliferation of HTR8/SVneo cells decreased in the miR‐576‐5p inhibitor group and increased in the miR‐576‐5p mimics and siRNA‐TFAP2A groups. miR‐576‐5p inhibitor suppressed cell invasion, and miR‐576‐5p mimics and siRNA‐TFAP2A improved cell invasion. The analysis of luciferase reporter demonstrated a decreased luciferase activity in miR‐576‐5p mimics group compared with control group, which indicates that TFAP2A may be a target of miR‐576‐5p. Interference of TFAP2A could downregulate E‐cadherin and upregulate Vimentin expression.

Conclusion

Overexpression of miR‐576‐5p and knockdown of TFAP2A may elevate cell proliferation and invasion of human trophoblast cells in vitro. Therefore, miR‐576‐5p may be used as a notable biomarker for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of PE. miR‐576‐5p targeting TFAP2A deserve further investigation in order to explore their potential role in PE.