bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Agro-morphological Traits of 21 F5 Lines of Aus Rice
Authors: Islam Md. Kamrul , Bhuiyan Md. Shahidur Rashid , Hossain Md. Sarowar , Sarker Md. Sadiquzzaman , Shamsuzzoha Md. , Mostofa Maruf
Published: June 2019

The investigation was carried out under field conditions to characterize agro-morphological traits of twenty-one (21) advanced Aus rice lines (F5). The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The ﬁeld was divided into three blocks; each block was sub-divided into 21 plots (lines) where genotypes were randomly assigned. The experiment was conducted during the period of Transplanting Aus season (April 2015 to August 2015) at the genetics and plant breeding experimental field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Bangladesh. All the genotypes were characterized and categorized as per the descriptors developed by Biodiversity International, IRRI and WARDA-2007 for DUS test of inbred rice. All the genotypes were grouped and classified as well as described based on morphological characters as per descriptors so that all the observed genotypes containing described characters can be easily evaluated and identified at a glance for further studies.
Development and validation of grade‐based prediction models for postoperative morbidity in gastric cancer resection using a Japanese web‐based nationwide registry
Authors: Haga Yoshio , Miyata Hiroaki , Tsuburaya Akira , Gotoh Mitsukazu , Yoshida Kazuhiro , Konno Hiroyuki , Seto Yasuyuki , Fujiwara Yoshiyuki , Baba Hideo
Published: June 2019

Aim

Gastric cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Surgery is the mainstay treatment for gastric cancer. There are no prediction models that examine the severity of postoperative morbidity. Herein, we constructed prediction models that analyze the risk for postoperative morbidity based on severity.

Methods

Perioperative data were retrieved from the National Clinical Database in patients who underwent elective gastric cancer resection between 2011 and 2012 in Japan. Severity of postoperative complications was determined by Clavien‐Dindo classification. Patients were randomly divided into two groups, the development set and the validation set. Logistic regression analysis was used to build prediction models. Calibration powers of the models were assessed by a calibration plot in which linearity between the observed and predicted event rates in 10 risk bands was assessed by the Pearson R2 statistic.

Results

We obtained 154 278 patients for the analysis. Prediction models were constructed for grade ≥2, grade ≥3, grade ≥4, and grade 5 in the development set (n = 77 423). Calibration plots of these models showed significant linearity in the validation set (n = 76 855): R2 = 0.995 for grade ≥2, R2 = 0.997 for grade ≥3, R2 = 0.998 for grade ≥4, and R2 = 0.997 for grade 5 (all: P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Prediction models for postoperative morbidity based on grade will provide a comprehensive risk of surgery. These models may be useful for informed consent and surgical decision‐making.
Nonstandard workers and differential occupational safety and health vulnerabilities
Authors: Park Jungsun , Han Boyoung , Park Jong‐shik , Park Eun Ji , Kim Yangho
Published: June 2019

Background

Permanent jobs are in decline world‐wide, and are being replaced with temporary, casual, part‐time, and contract jobs. We investigated the characteristics and occupational safety and health (OSH) vulnerabilities of workers with nonstandard and standard employment.

Methods

We used the Korean Working Conditions Survey of 2017 to compare working conditions and OSH vulnerabilities of workers with standard and nonstandard employment in five major job categories.

Results

Workers with nonstandard employment were older, less educated, had lower monthly incomes, were employed in smaller businesses, worked fewer hours per week, had shorter work durations, and were more likely to report exposure to physical/chemical and ergonomic hazards, and musculoskeletal and mental symptoms. Among nonstandard workers, the rates of occupational hazards and work‐related health problems depended on the type of work performed. In particular, nonstandard male workers who were unskilled manual workers, older, had less education, and earned low wages had a greater risk of working in unstable occupations, greater exposures to occupational hazards, and more musculoskeletal pain (back pain: odds ratio [OR], 2.4; upper extremity pain: OR, 2.1; and lower extremity pain: OR, 1.7) than those performing other types of work.

Conclusion

Male unskilled manual workers with nonstandard employment were most vulnerable to OSH problems. Our findings suggest the need for OSH programs that specifically target nonstandard workers especially those in manual unskilled occupations.
Multicentric osteolytic syndromes represent a phenotypic spectrum defined by defective collagen remodeling
Authors: de Vos Ivo J. H. M. , Wong Arnette Shi Wei , Welting Tim J. M. , Coull Barry J. , van Steensel Maurice A. M.
Published: June 2019

Frank‐Ter Haar syndrome (FTHS), Winchester syndrome (WS), and multicentric osteolysis, nodulosis, and arthropathy (MONA) are ultra‐rare multisystem disorders characterized by craniofacial malformations, reduced bone density, skeletal and cardiac anomalies, and dermal fibrosis. These autosomal recessive syndromes are caused by homozygous mutation or deletion of respectivelySH3PXD2B(SH3 and PX Domains 2B),MMP14(matrix metalloproteinase 14), orMMP2. Here, we give an overview of the clinical features of 63 previously reported patients with anSH3PXD2B,MMP14, orMMP2mutation, demonstrating considerable clinical overlap between FTHS, WS, and MONA. Interestingly, the protein products ofSH3PXD2B,MMP14, andMMP2directly cooperate in collagen remodeling. We review animal models for these three disorders that accurately reflect the major clinical features and likewise show significant phenotypical similarity with each other. Furthermore, they demonstrate that defective collagen remodeling is central in the underlying pathology. As such, we propose a nosological revision, placing theseSH3PXD2B,MMP14, andMMP2related syndromes in a novel “defective collagen‐remodelling spectrum (DECORS)”. In our opinion, this revised nosology better reflects the central role for impaired collagen remodeling, a potential target for pharmaceutical intervention.
Rapid Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction catalyzed by zirconium carboxyphosphonate supported mixed valent Pd(0)/Pd(II) catalyst
Authors: Bhattacharyya Bagmita , Biswas Jyoti Prasad , Mishra Shashank , Gogoi Nayanmoni
Published: June 2019

Mixed valent Pd(0)/Pd(II) nano‐sized aggregates supported onto a chemically robust layered zirconium carboxyphosphonate framework is prepared and its catalytic activity in Suzuki‐Miyaura cross coupling reaction is explored. The exceptionally high catalytic efficacy of the heterogeneous catalyst in Suzuki‐Miyaura cross coupling reaction is signified by remarkably short reaction time 2 minutes and high turnover frequency of 1.3 x 104 hr−1. The catalyst can be recycled several times without significant loss of catalytic efficacy, while spectroscopic, structural and microscopic investigations suggest the integrity of the catalyst even after fifth catalytic cycle. The unique ability of the zirconium carboxyphosphonate framework to interact strongly with palladium in dual Pd(0)/Pd(II) oxidation states has been attributed to this remarkable augmentation of catalytic efficacy.
3D hierarchical MnO2 aerogels with superhydrophobicity for selective oil–water separation
Authors: Qiu Zhiwei , Zhang Tao , Yue Xuejie , Fang Yuanyuan , Yang Dongya , Qiu Fengxian
Published: June 2019

Inorganic nanowire aerogel with low density, high specific surface area and high porosity has received increasing attention in the field of materials physics and chemistry because of not only the unique structural and physical features of metallic oxide but also low cost, environmental friendliness and earth abundant of precursor materials. In this work, MnO2 nanowire aerogels (MNA) with ultralow density, and stable 3D hierarchical structures was successfully fabricated by freeze‐drying processes using MnO2 nanowire as building blocks. The length of MnO2 nanowires exceeds 100 μm, making it easier to cross‐link and self‐assemble into a 3D network of aerogels, and the acid and alkali resistance of MnO2 enables it to adapt to extreme environments. Simultaneously, the monodispersed MnO2 nanowire was prepared by the hydrothermal method, followed by acid treatment. To obtain superhydrophobic properties and achieve selective oil adsorption, the surfaces of nanowire aerogels were grafted the hydrophobic groups with low surface energy via vapor deposition. It is indicated that the obtained 3D hierarchical MNA show both superhydrophobic and super‐lipophilic properties simultaneously with a high‐water contact angle of 156° ± 2° and an oil contact angle of 0°. And the MNA exhibited a high oil adsorption capacity of 85–140 g/g, thereby indicating its potential applications in oil/water separation. More importantly, the resulting MNA can be recycled ten cycles without loss of oil absorption capacity (more than 120 g/g). The results presented in this work demonstrate that the as‐prepared nanowire aerogel may find applications in chemical separation and environmental remediation for large‐scale absorption of oils from water.
Preparation of superhydrophilic nanosilica/polyacrylate hard coatings on plastic substrate for antifogging and frost‐resistant applications
Authors: Chang Chao‐Ching , Lin Zi‐Min , Cheng Liao‐Ping
Published: June 2019

A series of photosensitive hydrophilic agents (T20) comprising Tween‐20, isophorone diisocyanate, and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate moieties were synthesized and used in the preparation of antifog/frost resistant (AFF) hard coatings on plastic substrates. By means of a hydrophilic/hydrophobic bilayer design, the prepared coatings demonstrated not only AFF property but also water resistibility. The bottom layer is an organic–inorganic composite consisting of SiO2 nanoparticles embedded in a polymeric network of crosslinked dipentaethritol hexaacrylate. The AFF layer incorporates T20 in the formulations and links covalently with the bottom layer through a UV‐curing polymerization process. Various methods, for example, FTIR, SEM, contact angle, and steam/defrosting tests, were employed to characterize the prepared coatings. Optimally, the coatings were found to be transparent, strong (4H, pencil hardness), adhering perfectly (level 5B) to the poly(methyl methacrylate) substrate, and could be soaked in water for 24 h at 25 °C without losing hydrophilicity (contact angle ~0°) or antifogging capability. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48144.
Monitoring effect of transparency: How does government environmental disclosure facilitate corporate environmentalism?
Authors: Sun Daxin , Zeng Saixing , Chen Hongquan , Meng Xiaohua , Jin Zhizhou
Published: June 2019

Environmental information transparency is a key policy instrument in environmental governance, which has been emphasized in most of the literature. Although a large body of research has focused on its role at the national or industrial level in the developed countries, few studies have extended it to emerging economies and tested its role in the subnational context. In this paper, we have empirically examined how government environmental disclosure shapes corporate environmentalism in the context of China. It is argued that the information transparency of government environmental disclosure can promote corporate environmentalism by providing supports for governments' decision‐making of environmental governance, the activeness of environmental nongovernment organizations, and the participation of general public in environmental issues. Especially, we have highlighted two kinds of influences on focal relationship: booster role of bureaucratic capability in the diffusion of environmental institutional pressure and receiver role of organization slack and industrial competition in the perception of environmental institutional pressure. Using a panel dataset of Chinese publicly listed firms from 2008 to 2015, a positive relationship between government's environmental information transparency and corporate environmentalism is found. In addition, our result has shown that this relationship will be stronger for regions where government bureaucracy capabilities are stronger. This study contributes to understanding of the process of firms' strategic choice facing environmental and institutional changes in emerging economies.
Understanding optical reflectance contrast for real‐time characterization of epithelial precursor lesions
Authors: Chen Si , Ge Xin , Liu Xinyu , Ding Qianshan , Wang Nanshuo , Wang Xianghong , Chen Shufen , Liang Haitao , Deng Yunchao , Xiong Qiaozhou , Ni Guangming , Bo En , Xu Chenjie , Yu Honggang , Liu Linbo
Published: June 2019

Detecting early‐stage epithelial cancers and their precursor lesions are challenging as lesions could be subtle and focally or heterogeneously distributed over large mucosal areas. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) that enables wide‐field imaging of subsurface microstructures in vivo is a promising screening tool for epithelial diseases. However, its diagnostic capability has not been fully appreciated since the optical reflectance contrast is poorly understood. We investigated the back‐scattered intensities from clustered or packed nanometer scale intracellular scatterers using finite‐difference time‐domain method and 1‐μm resolution form of OCT, and uncovered that there existed correlations between the reflectance contrasts and the ultrastructural clustering or packing states of these scatterers, which allows us to interpret the physiological state of the cells. Specifically, both polarized goblet cells and foveolar cells exhibited asymmetric reflectance contrast, but they could be differentiated by the optical intensity of the mucin cup due to the different ultrastructural make‐ups of the mucin granules; keratinocytes could demonstrate varied cytoplasmic intensity and their cytoplasmic contrast was closely correlated with the packing state of keratin filaments. Further preliminary study demonstrated that these new understandings of OCT image contrast enables the characterization of precancerous lesions, which could complement the current morphology‐based criteria in realizing “virtual histology” and would have a profound impact for the screening and surveillance of epithelial cancers.
Leader cell PLCγ1 activation during keratinocyte collective migration is induced by EGFR localization and clustering
Authors: Kim Chloe S. , Yang Xinhai , Jacobsen Sarah , Masters Kristyn S. , Kreeger Pamela K.
Published: June 2019

Re‐epithelialization is a critical step in wound healing and results from the collective migration of keratinocytes. Previous work demonstrated that immobilized, but not soluble, epidermal growth factor (EGF) resulted in leader cell‐specific activation of phospholipase C gamma 1 (PLCγ1) in HaCaT keratinocytes, and that this PLCγ1 activation was necessary to drive persistent cell migration. To determine the mechanism responsible for wound edge‐localized PLCγ1 activation, we examined differences in cell area, cell–cell interactions, and EGF receptor (EGFR) localization between wound edge and bulk cells treated with vehicle, soluble EGF, or immobilized EGF. Our results support a multistep mechanism where EGFR translocation from the lateral membrane to the basolateral/basal membrane allows clustering in response to immobilized EGF. This analysis of factors regulating PLCγ1 activation is a crucial step toward developing therapies or wound dressings capable of modulating this signal and, consequently, cell migration.
Diagnostic value of CA‐153 and CYFRA 21‐1 in predicting intraocular metastasis in patients with metastatic lung cancer
Authors: Lin Qi , Chen Xuan‐Yin , Liu Wen‐Feng , Zhu Pei‐Wen , Shi Wen‐Qing , Li Biao , Yuan Qing , Min You‐Lan , Liu Jia‐Ming , Shao Yi
Published: June 2019

Lung cancer is prone to metastasis to various organs. Although intraocular metastasis (IOM) occurs at a later stage than metastasis to other organs, it often adversely affects the quality of life and suggests a poor prognosis. In this study, we selected 1608 patients with lung cancer who had metastasis to at least one site and explored clinical differences between those with IOM and non‐IOM (NIOM). An independent t test and chi‐squared test were used to analyze the clinical features of the patients. The statistically significant parameters were analyzed by binary logistic regression to determine the risk factors for IOM. A receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed to assess their diagnostic value in IOM. The results showed that no significant differences were noted in age, gender, and pathological type between the IOM and NIOM groups. However, the IOM group had higher levels of alpha‐fetoprotein, carcinoembryonic antigen, cancer antigen (CA)‐125, CA‐153, cytokeratin fragment 19 (CYFRA 21‐1), and total prostate‐specific antigen, compared with the NIOM group. Binary logistic regression indicated that CA‐153 and CYFRA 21‐1 were risk factors for IOM in patients with MLC (P < 0.05). Area under the curve of CA‐153, CYFRA 21‐1 and their combination were 0.791, 0.860, and 0.872 respectively. The cutoff values for CA‐153 and CYFRA 21‐1 were 22.2 U/mL and 6.785 ng/mL. In conclusion, both CA‐153 and CYFRA 21‐1 were independent risk factors for IOM in patients with metastatic lung cancer (MLC), whereas the combination of CA‐153 and CYFRA 21‐1 assessment yields the most value in the detection of IOM in patients with MLC.
Early death in Munchausen syndrome: A case report
Authors: Di Lorenzo Rosaria , Lannocca Ludovica , Burattini Maritea , Vasta Andrea , Galletti Martina , Minarini Alessandro , Mongelli Francesca , Sportiello Salvatore , Rovesti Sergio , Ferri Paola
Published: June 2019

This case contributes to raising awareness and understanding of the complex clinical presentations of Munchausen syndrome (MS). Education of staff to the seriousness and genuineness of this disorder should be implemented, especially in hospital units, in order to detect such complex clinical situations quickly and accurately, preventing iatrogenic risks.
A Diethyleneglycol‐Pyrene‐Modified Ru(II) Catalyst for the Design of Buckypaper Bioelectrodes and the Wiring of Glucose Dehydrogenases
Authors: Fritea Luminita , Gross Andrew J. , Reuillard Bertrand , Gorgy Karine , Cosnier Serge , Le Goff Alan
Published: June 2019

A novel water‐soluble Ru complex bearing phenanthrolinequinone ligands, diethyleneglycol linkers and pyrene anchoring groups was synthesized. Electrical wiring of NAD‐ and FAD‐dehydrogenases is demonstrated via NADH oxidation and mediated electron transfer respectively. Bioelectrocatalysis is facilitated by the flexible and hydrophilic diethyleneglycol groups, and strong binding of pyrene groups with the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) of the electrodes. Furthermore, owing to the surfactant properties of the PEG‐modified complex, high quality CNT dispersions were obtained for homogeneous buckypaper preparation.
Rationally Designed Heterojunction on a CuBi2O4 Photocathode for Improved Activity and Stability during Photoelectrochemical Water Reduction
Authors: Wei Shenqi , Xu Na , Li Feng , Long Xuefeng , Hu Yiping , Gao Lili , Wang Chenglong , Li Shuwen , Ma Jiantai , Jin Jun
Published: June 2019

CuBi2O4 (CBO) is a promising photocathode for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water reduction, whereas the disadvantages of poor stability and severe charge recombination still hinder its application. In response, we designed a stabilized, efficient CBO/ZnSe/P25 (CBO/ZS/P25) photocathode with the CBO film modified by ZS and P25. As a result, this novel photocathode exhibited an outstanding current density of 0.43 mA/cm2, more than twice that of CBO. Systematic studies reveal that the high performance is attributed to heterojunction formation between ZS and P25, high electron mobility of ZS and hole extraction capacity of CBO. Besides, P25 protective layer can effectively blocks contact with the electrolyte and enhance the stability (retained nearly 90 % of the photocurrent after testing 5000s). Therefore, our results can provide an efficient strategy to design high performance CBO‐based photocathode material.
Dyads of G‐Quadruplex Ligands Triggering DNA Damage Response and Tumour Cell Growth Inhibition at Subnanomolar Concentration
Authors: Doria Filippo , Salvati Erica , Pompili Luca , Pirota Valentina , D'Angelo Carmen , Manoli Francesco , Nadai Matteo , Richter Sara N. , Biroccio Annamaria , Manet Ilse , Freccero Mauro
Published: June 2019

Naphthalene diimide (NDI) dyads exhibiting a different substitution pattern and linker length have been synthesised and evaluated as G‐quadruplex (G4) ligands, by investigating their cytotoxicity in selected cell lines. The dyads with the long C7 linker exhibit extremely low IC50 values, below 10 nm, on different cancer cell lines. Contrary, the dyads with the shorter C4 linker were much less effective, with IC values increasing up to 1 μm. Among the three dyads with the longest linker, small differences in the IC50 values emerge, suggesting that the linker length plays a more important role than the substitution pattern. We have further shown that the dyads are able to induce cellular DNA damage response, which is not limited to the telomeric regions and is likely the origin of their cytotoxicity. Both absorption titration and dynamic light scattering of the most cytotoxic dyads in the presence of hTel22 highlight their ability to induce effective G4 aggregation, acting as non‐covalent cross‐linking agents.
Fluid model of the positive column in argon‐oxygen direct current glow discharge
Authors: Laca Marek , Kaňka Adolf , Schmiedt Lukáš , Hrachová Věra , Morávek Matěj Jan
Published: June 2019

The positive column of argon‐oxygen direct current (DC) glow discharge was investigated using a fluid model at pressures of around 410 Pa and discharge currents from 10 to 40 mA. The model was used to study the influence of an oxygen admixture on the properties of argon discharge. The simulated intensity of the electric field strength was compared with measured values at 5% and 100% of oxygen concentration. The one‐dimensional model in a cylindrical tube is based on the drift‐diffusion approximation of particle flux and the mean‐electron‐energy approximation is used to describe the electron interaction. The model takes into account the radial profile of particle concentration, the neutral gas kinetic temperature profile, and interactions with the wall in the cylindrical glass discharge tube. It was shown that 2% of the oxygen admixture causes a significant increase in longitudinal electric field strength and gas heating.
Heart rate variability and anxious arousal: Unique relations with sleep‐related problems in stress‐exposed adolescents
Authors: Scott Brandon G. , Alfano Candice A. , Russell Justin D. , Weems Carl F.
Published: June 2019

Sleep‐related problems (SRPs) among adolescents are a growing concern. Theory and research suggest that emotional arousal may have cyclical relation with SRPs, but whether emotional dysregulation plays a role is not clear. We investigated associations between two physiological indices of emotion regulation (video baseline heart rate variability and change in heart rate variability to a stressor) and SRPs in a sample of 80 adolescents (ages 11–17 years; 51% female; 37.5% African American). The findings showed a negative relation between video baseline heart rate variability and SRPs, controlling for non‐sleep‐related anxiety disorder symptoms (β = −0.29) and general manifest anxiety (β = −0.25). We found no relation between change in heart rate variability to a stressor and SRPs when non‐sleep‐related anxious arousal was controlled. If replicated, findings illustrate the importance of physiological regulation of emotion influencing (or influenced by) SRPs during adolescence.
Cdc42 activation by endothelin regulates neural crest cell migration in the cardiac outflow tract
Authors: Fritz Katrina R. , Zhang Yanping , Ruest L. Bruno
Published: June 2019

Background

Congenital cardiovascular malformations are the most common birth defects affecting children. Several of these defects occur in structures developing from neural crest cells. One of the key signaling pathways regulating cardiac neural crest cell (CNCC) development involves the endothelin‐A receptor (Ednra). However, the exact function of Ednra signaling in CNCC is unknown.

Results

The fate mapping of CNCC in Ednra embryos indicated that the migration of these cells is aberrant in the cardiac outflow tract (OFT), but not in the pharyngeal arches. This premature arrest of CNCC migration occurs independently of CNCC proliferation and apoptosis changes and major gene expression changes. Analysis of the Rho family of small GTPases in the mutant embryos revealed that Cdc42 failed to localize normally in the CNCC migrating in the OFT. The inhibition of Cdc42 activity in cultured embryos recapitulated the migratory phenotype observed in Ednra mice. Further analyses revealed that Cdc42 is part of the signaling pathway activated by endothelin specifically in OFT CNCC to control their migration.

Conclusions

These results indicated that the activation of Cdc42 by endothelin signaling is important for CNCC migration in the OFT but this pathway is not involved in mandibular or pharyngeal arch artery patterning.
A nonnative habitat‐former mitigates native habitat loss for endemic reef fishes
Authors: Barrett Luke T. , Dempster Tim , Swearer Stephen E.
Published: June 2019

Animals that select the best available habitats are most likely to succeed in degraded environments, but ecological change can create evolutionarily unfamiliar habitats that may be under‐ or over‐utilized by native fauna. In temperate coastal waters, eutrophication and grazing have driven a global decline in native seaweeds and facilitated the establishment of nonnative seaweeds that provide novel macrophyte habitat. We tested whether a nonnative kelp canopy (wakame Undaria pinnatifida) functions as a viable habitat or ecological trap for several endemic reef fishes on urchin‐grazed reefs in southern Australia. We assessed the willingness of fish to utilize native vs. wakame kelp canopy via a laboratory habitat choice experiment and by recording natural recruitment to specially constructed boulder reefs with manipulated kelp canopy. We also compared fish communities on natural reefs using a before‐after‐control‐impact survey of wakame patches, and to assess the quality of wakame habitat for resident fish, compared fitness metrics for fish collected from habitats with native vs. wakame kelp canopy. Endemic fishes did not distinguish between the native or wakame canopy but preferred both to barren reef habitats. On urchin‐grazed natural reefs, fish occurred in higher abundance and diversity where seasonal wakame canopy was present. Fitness metrics in fish collected from wakame patches were comparable to those in fish from adjacent native kelp patches. These findings indicate that the nonnative canopy provides a viable habitat for endemic fish and may play a role in sustaining native fauna populations in this degraded ecosystem. More broadly, we recommend that managers consider the role of nonnative habitats within the context of environmental change, as endemic fauna may benefit from nonnative habitat‐formers in areas where their native counterparts cannot persist.
Long‐term variation in environmental conditions influences host–parasite fitness
Authors: Musgrave Karen , Bartlow Andrew W. , Fair Jeanne M.
Published: June 2019

Long‐term data on host and parasite fitness are important for predicting how host–parasite interactions will be altered in an era of global change. Here, we use data collected from 1997 to 2013 to explore effects of changing environmental conditions on bird–blowfly interactions in northern New Mexico. The objectives of this study were to examine what climate variables influence blowfly prevalence and intensity and to determine whether blowflies and climate variables affect bird fledging success. We examined how temperature, precipitation, and drought affect two parasitic blowflies and their hosts, Western Bluebirds (Sialia mexicana) and Ash‐throated Flycatchers (Myiarchus cinerascens). We found that blowfly prevalence did not change over time. Blowfly intensity increased over time in bluebird nests, but not in flycatcher nests. More blowflies result in slightly higher fledging success in bluebirds, but not flycatchers. There was a significant interaction between blowflies and precipitation on bluebird fledging success. For flycatchers, there was a significant interaction between blowflies and temperature and between blowflies and drought severity on fledging success. Given that the southwest is projected to be hotter and have more frequent and prolonged droughts, we predict that flycatchers may be negatively impacted by blowflies if these trends continue. Future work should focus on investigating the role of both blowflies and climate on fledging success. Climate patterns may negatively impact host fitness through altered parasite pressure.
Nitrogen doping of carbon nanoballoons by radiofrequency magnetron plasma and evaluation of their oxygen reduction reaction activity
Authors: Takahashi Ryota , Harigai Toru , Tanimoto Tsuyoshi , Takikawa Hirofumi , Setaka Toshiya , Nakamura Junji , Suda Yoshiyuki
Published: June 2019

Nitrogen‐doped carbon materials exhibit a catalytic activity, such as an oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). In this study, we performed nitrogen doping on a carbon nanoballoon (CNB), which is a nanometer‐sized carbon particle in the form of a hollow sphere made of graphite by radiofrequency (RF) magnetron plasma in a gas mixture of nitrogen and helium. Nitrogen‐doped CNBs (N‐doped CNBs) were prepared by different plasma irradiation conditions: the sample installation positions, input powers, and irradiation times. The samples were examined for chemical state by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Hydrodynamic voltammetry was used for the evaluation of the catalytic activity of a N‐doped CNB with a pyridinic N concentration of 0.4‐1.0 at.%. As a result, the onset potential was measured to be 0.13 V versus RHE (reversible hydrogen electrode), which was close to the previously reported data of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) with a pyridinic N concentration of 0.57 at.%, which was prepared by annealing under NH3.
High‐resolution biomonitoring of plant pathogens and plant species using metabarcoding of pollen pellet contents collected from a honey bee hive
Authors: Tremblay Émilie D. , Duceppe Marc‐Olivier , Thurston Graham B. , Gagnon Marie‐Claude , Côté Marie‐José , Bilodeau Guillaume J.
Published: June 2019

The Canadian beekeeping industry is spread across the country, with the greatest proportion of managed honey bee colonies occurring in the Prairie Provinces. Nationally, the number of beekeepers has recently been trending upwards. Simultaneously, agronomic and environmental plant pest incidents are increasing due to a number of factors, including the introduction of exotic organisms through international trade, which is a major pathway for the introduction of potentially invasive alien species and quarantine pests. Therefore, regulatory agencies are interested in developing high‐throughput tools to achieve earlier detection of unwanted species in order to expedite application of mitigating measures to limit the impacts of their introduction. This study evaluates the potential of pollen pellet contents collected by honey bees to monitor plant pests using metabarcoding, a high‐throughput sequencing (HTS) approach for monitoring complex environmental samples. The study used the ITS1 intergenic region to target oomycetes and fungi, the ATP9‐NAD9 spacer to specifically target Phytophthora species, and the ITS2 region to target plant species. From the HTS results, a number of plants that were detected corresponded to known hosts of certain pathogens or species closely related to potentially invasive plant species. Genera including phytopathogenic species found in the pollen samples comprised Fusarium sp., Ophiostoma sp., Peronospora sp., Phytophthora sp., and Pythium sp. Correlations, high entropy, and co‐occurrences between certain plants and oomycetes or fungi were observed. The potential for using honey bee‐collected pollen pellets to study phytopathogens in a given environment is demonstrated here, and this concept could represent a promising complementary tool for the surveillance of phytopathogens or unwanted plants with previously described air and insect sampling methods if the protocol was applied with additional genetic markers.
Expert consensus document: Reporting checklist for quantification of pulmonary congestion by lung ultrasound in heart failure
Authors: Platz Elke , Jhund Pardeep S. , Girerd Nicolas , Pivetta Emanuele , McMurray John J.V. , Peacock W. Frank , Masip Josep , Martin‐Sanchez Francisco Javier , Miró Òscar , Price Susanna , Cullen Louise , Maisel Alan S. , Vrints Christiaan , Cowie Martin R. , DiSomma Salvatore , Bueno Hector , Mebazaa Alexandre , Gualandro Danielle M. , Tavares Mucio , Metra Marco , Coats Andrew J.S. , Ruschitzka Frank , Seferovic Petar M. , Mueller Christian ,   on behalf of the Study Group on Acute Heart Failure of the Acute Cardiovascular Care Association and the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology
Published: June 2019

Lung ultrasound is a useful tool for the assessment of patients with both acute and chronic heart failure, but the use of different image acquisition methods, inconsistent reporting of the technique employed and variable quantification of ‘B‐lines,’ have all made it difficult to compare published reports. We therefore need to ensure that future studies utilizing lung ultrasound in the assessment of heart failure adopt a standardized approach to reporting the quantification of pulmonary congestion. Strategies to improve patient care by use of lung ultrasound in the assessment of heart failure have been difficult to develop. In the present document, key aspects of standardization are discussed, including equipment used, number of chest zones assessed, the method of quantifying B‐lines, the presence and timing of additional investigations (e.g. natriuretic peptides and echocardiography) and the impact of therapy. This consensus report includes a checklist to provide standardization in the preparation, review and analysis of manuscripts. This will serve as a guide for investigators and clinicians and enhance the quality and transparency of lung ultrasound research.
On the use of correction factors for the mathematical modeling of insulator based dielectrophoretic devices
Authors: Hill Nicole , Lapizco‐Encinas Blanca H.
Published: June 2019

Mathematical modeling is a fundamental component in the development of new microfluidics techniques and devices. Modeling allows for the rapid testing of new system configurations while saving resources. Microscale electrokinetic (EK) techniques have significantly benefited by the advances in modeling programs and software packages. However, EK phenomena are complex to model, as they dynamically affect system characteristics, including the physical properties of the particles and fluid within the system. Insulator‐based dielectrophoresis (iDEP) is an EK technique that has received important attention during the last two decades. In particular, numerous research groups that study iDEP systems employ a combination of modeling and experimentation for developing new iDEP systems. An important fraction of these research groups has adopted the practice of employing “correction factors” to account for EK phenomena that cannot be accurately predicted in their models due to model complexity and limitations in computing resources. The present review article aims to provide the reader with an overview of the most common approaches in the use of correction factors for the modeling of iDEP systems.
Near‐fault acceleration pulses and non‐acceleration pulses: Effects on the inelastic displacement ratio
Authors: Chang Zhiwang , De Luca Flavia , Goda Katsuichiro
Published: June 2019

Near‐fault ground motions can impose particularly high seismic demands on the structures due to the pulses that are typically observed in the velocity time‐histories. The velocity pulses can be further categorized into either a distinct acceleration pulse (acc‐pulse) or a succession of high‐frequency, one‐sided acceleration spikes (non‐acc‐pulse). The different characteristics of velocity pulses imply different frequency content of the ground motions, potentially causing different seismic effects on the structures. This study aims to investigate the characteristics of the two types of velocity pulses and their impacts on the inelastic displacement ratio (CR) of single‐degree‐of‐freedom systems. First, a new method that enables an automated classification of velocity pulses is used to compile a ground motion dataset which consists of 74 acc‐pulses and 45 non‐acc‐pulses. Several intensity measures characterizing different seismological features are then compared using the two groups of records. Finally, the influences of acc‐pulses and non‐acc‐pulses on the CR spectra are studied; the effects of pulse period and hysteretic behavior are also considered. Results indicate that the characteristics of the two types of velocity pulses differ significantly, resulting in clearly distinct CR spectral properties between acc‐pulses and non‐acc‐pulses. Interestingly, mixing acc‐pulses and non‐acc‐pulses can lead to local “bumps” that were found in the CR spectral shape by previous studies. The findings of this study highlight the importance of distinguishing velocity pulses of different types when selecting near‐fault ground motions for assessing the nonlinear dynamic response of structures.
Latest Permian–early Triassic arc amalgamation of the Eastern Tianshan (NW China): Constraints from detrital zircons and Hf isotopes of Devonian–Triassic sediments
Authors: Chen Zhenyu , Xiao Wenjiao , Windley Brian F. , Schulmann Karel , Mao Qigui , Zhang Zhiyong , Zhang Ji'en , Li Yongchen , Song Shuaihua
Published: June 2019

The temporal–spatial framework of arc amalgamation is an important key for understanding the anatomy of orogenic collages, present and past. The Junggar‐Balkhash Ocean was a major branch of the southern Paleo‐Asian Ocean where several arcs were amalgamated. Among them, the Dananhu arc with its characteristic juvenile magmatism and lack of Precambrian basement is an efficient recorder of the evolutional history. From our U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopic analyses of Devonian to Triassic sediments in the Dananhu arc and Permian sediments in the Yamansu‐Central Tianshan arc, we discovered two major changes in detrital zircon provenance of the Dananhu arc: (a) An increasing input of Precambrian ages from the Mongolia collage at 850, 1,850, and 2,500 Ma, together with Phanerozoic zircons ranging from 420 to 480 Ma with negative εHf(t) value since ca. 288 Ma; (b) the presence of the Yamansu‐Central Tianshan arclike Precambrian age cluster of 1,400–1,600 Ma around 243 Ma. In combination with regional tectonothermal events, these two changes correspond to the formation of the Harlik‐Dananhu composite arc in the latest Carboniferous–early Permian followed by its collision with the Yamansu‐Central Tianshan arc in the latest Permian–early Triassic, which marks the termination of the eastern Junggar‐Balkash Ocean. Analysis of the sedimentary successions within the intraoceanic arcs sheds light on the amalgamation history of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt.
On the relevance of EEG resting theta activity for the neurophysiological dynamics underlying motor inhibitory control
Authors: Pscherer Charlotte , Mückschel Moritz , Summerer Lena , Bluschke Annet , Beste Christian
Published: June 2019

The modulation of theta frequency activity plays a major role in inhibitory control processes. However, the relevance of resting theta band activity and of the ability to spontaneously modulate this resting theta activity for neural mechanisms underlying inhibitory control is elusive. Various theoretical conceptions suggest to take these aspects into consideration. In the current study, we examine whether the strength of resting theta band activity or the ability to modulate the resting state theta activity affects response inhibition. We combined EEG‐time frequency decomposition and beamforming in a conflict‐modulated Go/Nogo task. A sample of N = 66 healthy subjects was investigated. We show that the strength of resting state theta activity modulates the effects of conflicts during motor inhibitory control. Especially when resting theta activity was low, conflicts strongly affected response inhibition performance and total theta band activity during Nogo trials. These effects were associated with theta‐related activity differences in the superior (BA7) and inferior parietal cortex (BA40). The results were very specific for total theta band activity since evoked theta activity and measures of intertrial phase coherency (phase‐locking factor) were not affected. The data suggest that the strength of resting state theta activity modulates processing of a theta‐related alarm or surprise signal during inhibitory control. The ability to voluntarily modulate theta band activity did not affect conflict‐modulated inhibitory control. These findings have important implications for approaches aiming to optimize human cognitive control.
Evaluating Noninvasive Markers to Identify Advanced Fibrosis by Liver Biopsy in HBV/HIV Co‐infected Adults
Authors: Sterling Richard K. , King Wendy C. , Wahed Abdus S. , Kleiner David E. , Khalili Mandana , Sulkowski Mark , Chung Raymond T. , Jain Mamta K. , Lisker‐Melman Mauricio , Wong David K. , Ghany Marc G. ,   the HIV‐HBV Cohort Study of the Hepatitis B Research Network
Published: June 2019

Noninvasive biomarkers are used increasingly to assess fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease. We determined the utility of dual cutoffs for noninvasive biomarkers to exclude and confirm advanced fibrosis in hepatitis B virus (HBV)–human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co‐infected patients receiving combined antiretroviral therapy. Participants were anti‐HIV/hepatitis B surface antigen–positive adults from eight clinical sites in the United States and Canada of the Hepatitis B Research Network. Fibrosis was staged by a central pathology committee using the Ishak fibrosis score (F). Clinical, laboratory, and vibration‐controlled transient elastography (VCTE) data were collected at each site. Dual cutoffs for three noninvasive biomarkers (aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐platelet ratio index, Fibrosis‐4 index [FIB‐4], and liver stiffness by VCTE) with the best accuracy to exclude or confirm advanced fibrosis (F ≥ 3) were determined using established methodology. Of the 139 enrolled participants, 108 with a liver biopsy and having at least one noninvasive biomarker were included: 22% had advanced fibrosis and 54% had normal alanine aminotransferase. The median (interquartile range) of APRI (n = 106), FIB‐4 (n = 106), and VCTE (n = 63) were 0.34 (0.26‐0.56), 1.35 (0.99‐1.89), and 4.9 (3.8‐6.8) kPa, respectively. The area under the curve for advanced fibrosis was 0.69 for APRI, 0.66 for FIB‐4, and 0.87 for VCTE. VCTE cutoffs of 5.0 kPa or less (to exclude) and 8.8 kPa or greater (to confirm) advanced fibrosis had a sensitivity of 92.3% and specificity of 96.0%, respectively, and accounted for 65.1% of participants. Among the 34.9% with values between the cutoffs, 26.1% had advanced fibrosis. Considering APRI or FIB‐4 jointly with VCTE did not improve the discriminatory capacity. Conclusion: VCTE is a better biomarker of advanced fibrosis compared with APRI or FIB‐4 in HBV/HIV co‐infected adults on combined antiretroviral therapy. Using VCTE dual cutoffs, approximately two‐thirds of patients could avoid biopsy to determine advanced fibrosis.
GLI1‐induced mammary gland tumours are transplantable and maintain major molecular features
Authors: Norum Jens Henrik , Frings Oliver , Kasper Maria , Bergholtz Helga , Zell Thime Helene , Bergström Åsa , Andersson Agneta , Kuiper Raoul , Fredlund Erik , Sørlie Therese , Toftgård Rune
Published: June 2019

Increased expression of GLI1, the main Hedgehog signalling pathway effector, is related to unfavourable prognosis and progressive disease of certain breast cancer subtypes. We used conditional transgenic mice induced to overexpress GLI1 in the mammary epithelium either alone or in combination with deletion of one Trp53 allele to address the role of elevated GLI1 expression in breast tumour initiation and progression. Induced GLI1 expression facilitates mammary gland tumour formation and this was further increased upon heterozygous deletion of Trp53. The GLI1‐induced primary tumours were of different murine molecular subtypes, including Normal‐likeEx, Class8Ex, Claudin‐LowEx and Erbb2‐likeEx. The gene expression profiles of some of the tumours correlated well with the PAM50 subtypes for human breast cancer. Whole‐exome sequencing revealed somatic mutation profiles with only little overlap between the primary tumours. Orthotopically serially transplanted GLI1‐induced tumours maintained the main morphological characteristics of the primary tumours for ≥10 generations. Independent of Trp53 status and molecular subtype, the serially transplanted GLI1‐induced tumours were able to grow both in the absence of transgenic GLI1 expression and in the presence of the GLI1 inhibitor GANT61. These data suggest that elevated GLI1 expression has a determinant role in tumour initiation; however, additional genetic events are required for tumour progression.
Renal cell carcinoma treatment during pregnancy: Histopathological findings suggestive of rapid tumor growth
Authors: Ohyama Takehiro , Shimbo Masaki , Endo Fumiyasu , Kyono Yoko , Akitani Fumi , Hayashi Tokuhito , Komatsu Kenji , Matsushita Kazuhito , Suzuki Kosuke , Hattori Kazunori
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma during pregnancy is rare. We report a case of renal cell carcinoma during pregnancy with rapid growth.

Case presentation

A 39‐year‐old woman presented to our hospital for treatment of renal tumor at 22 weeks gestation. The tumor had a cystic lesion with a partition and showed rapid growth from 28 mm to 32 mm over a period of 4 weeks. The tumor was diagnosed as renal cell carcinoma and an open partial nephrectomy was scheduled at 26 weeks gestation. The operation and perioperative course were successful. Pathological findings confirmed the tumor to be clear cell renal cell carcinoma with G2 > G3, Fuhrman grade 2, pT1a, negative surgical margin, and positive detection of progesterone receptor.

Conclusion

We reported the successful management of a patient who was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma during pregnancy. We also had a suggested association between rapid growth tumor and progesterone based on histopathological analysis of the tumor.